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1.What is your current appointment and what do you find most satisfying about it?  My current appointment is Corps Officer at the Noarlunga Salvos, in the outer southern suburbs of Adelaide. There are many things I love about my corps. Firstly, it was the corps where I came to faith almost 23 years ago, and, as such, it has always held a very special place in my heart. I love the people within our faith community; they are so loving and embrace everyone, making them feel so valued and welcome. I love the community that surrounds us because they are messy and real! What a beautiful opportunity God gives us daily to show the love of Jesus to them all.    One of my greatest passions is the Christ-centred 12-step program that we run every Wednesday night. It is one of the most authentic places that I have ever had the privilege of serving in. This is an amazing space where the most vulnerable and broken can come and find acceptance, love, and, most importantly, healing as they journey through the 12 steps.   2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind?   I have a large family that includes four married children and 13 grandchildren. I love to connect with them all! On a quieter note, however, I find much joy and peace in taking my two dogs, a mini Schnauzer (Jasper) and a Schnoodle (Pebbles), on long walks, usually to the beach, where I find solace and peace.   3. What’s a favourite Christian song and why do you like it?   I have many favourite songs, including the ‘Goodness of God’. This was released around the time I was suffering from excruciating chronic back pain. The mornings were the hardest for me as I tried to manoeuvre myself out of bed and take the weight of my body onto my feet. I would open up Spotify and play the song. The lyrics gave me such hope ... All my life you have been faithful, all my life you have been so, so good. With every breath that I am able I will sing of the goodness of God. I chose to worship and believe that God would bring healing to me and continued to put my faith and hope in His goodness and faithfulness. Every time I hear this song, I think of that difficult season and praise Him for the physical healing he has brought to me.   4. If you could have a good talk with a biblical character apart from Jesus, who would it be and what would you talk about?   This is a difficult question because I find great inspiration in so many of the Biblical characters. They were an ordinary bunch of people who put their hope in an extraordinary God. I guess Jeremiah would be a key one for me. Known as the weeping prophet, I, too, connected with His heart and have always felt a burden for the wayward children of God. Many years ago, God spoke to me through Jeremiah chapter one: “ I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born, I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations .” Then Jeremiah cried out to the Lord, “ I can’t speak, I am too young!” But the Lord’s reply is what I have held on to over and over again: “Look, I have put words in your mouth.” I connect very much with Jeremiah’s feeling of inadequacy. I am sure if we got together, we would have an awesome conversation about trusting the Lord to work through us and our journey to that place of complete trust and faith in the Lord.   5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? I believe that if you are called to officership, then it is a calling that you can never shake, and you won’t settle until you answer the call of God on your life. I love it!! With a passion! It’s hard, tiring, but always rewarding. It brings diversity, it stretches you, challenges you, but there is absolutely no other place I would rather be than serving the Lord through The Salvation Army and fulfilling His purposes and plans for my life. It is rewarding and life-giving!! I feel honoured and blessed that He called me to serve Him in this way!

MORE Conference  is an annual event hosted by The Salvation Army, dedicated to strengthening and advancing our ministry to young people. This gathering equips attendees with the knowledge, skills, and practical tools necessary to effectively engage with emerging generations. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from leading practitioners and speakers who will address key issues facing youth and those serving in youth ministry.  Beyond training and development, MORE Conference  is a powerful opportunity to connect with other leaders from across the country, engage with new ideas, and be encouraged in your ministry. Attendees will also experience meaningful times of prayer and worship, creating space for spiritual refreshment and a renewed sense of purpose. We invite all individuals involved in youth ministry within The Salvation Army to join us for this transformative and inspiring event.  For 2025, we have invited special guests to speak on the topics of  MORE Leaders, MORE Ministries, MORE Young People , and  MORE Jesus .  We’re thrilled to be hearing from:  Danielle Strickland  Shelley Johnson  Pastor Nathan Bean  Commissioner Miriam Gluyas   Revolution Worship will lead us in worship throughout the conference, and various workshops are also part of the schedule.  DETAILS:   Begins: Wednesday 23rd July at 4pm  Concludes: Saturday 26th July at 1pm  Location: Presence Church, Gold Coast  COST:   Conference registration fee: $75 (transport and accommodation to be arranged by attendee).  REGISTRATION:   Registrations are open from now until 16th July  GUEST SPEAKERS:   Danielle Strickland   (awaiting bio and headshot)   Shelley Johnson Meet Shelley Johnson. Her mission: to build leaders they’ll want to follow and teams they’ll never want to leave. Shell is the founder at Boldside – the leadership & HR agency for bold businesses.   Shell has led large HR teams for over a decade, coaching executives to become stand-out leaders, and build a culture that has people talking — and applying.  She’s the host of This Is Work where she’s helped thousands of people lead teams and build a career they love. Her work as an HR professional has been featured in many major publications and news outlets across Australia and internationally.  Pastor Nathan Bean Pastor Nathan Bean is the Senior Pastor of Nexus Church. He and his wife Rebecca and their two sons, Cooper and Emerson, joined the Nexus Church family in June 2018.  Ps Nathan has a genuine love for God, His word and the local Church. He is an ordained minister and has been in ministry for over 16 years in thriving churches in both Australia and the US.   He communicates with passion and humour as he seeks to unpack the truth of the Bible and the power of the Gospel each time he preaches and in his everyday life.  Commissioner Miriam Gluyas My favourite roles have been being a corps planter, corps officer, and Chief Secretary in PNG. I love the people of the nations! I have also loved my time as a DYS, and Divisional and Territorial roles. The people that I have met along the journey have made it an amazing experience.  The rallying cry in these days will be … Jesus centred, Spirit led, Hope revealed. Believing big!! In a post covid, post Christian, postmodern world, I have watched God do some amazing things, in my last appointment. The days have changed. We must be the church. Jesus centred, Spirit led, Hope revealed will be key in these days. God is up to something very good. Let's join Him in that. As Catherine Booth said, "There is no improving the future, without disturbing the present". ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS:   There are a few accommodation options for attending MORE Conference  Hotels & Airbnb - There are plenty of local hotels and Airbnb's within walking distance of Presence Church.

The Green Light Project team in the red-light district of Athens is fighting against human trafficking and modern slavery and is seeing a positive impact on victim-survivors. The Salvation Army’s International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council has released its annual impact report, Embolden Hope . The digital report shines a light on The Salvation Army’s commitment to dismantling and responding to modern slavery and human trafficking and celebrates those at the heart of its response who, through their unwavering dedication, embolden hope in countless lives. “This report highlights the vastness of the work that is being done around the world and the incredible difference that is being made to bring freedom and hope to precious individuals,” writes Commissioner Kelvin Pethybridge, International Secretary for Administration and Personnel, International Headquarters, in the foreword. EMBOLDEN HOPE REPORT: To read the report click here The Salvation Army DNA The report shares that The Salvation Army’s first documented response to human trafficking was in 1885, long before the terms ‘modern slavery’ or ‘human trafficking’ were defined, when Salvation Army officers in London led a bold and successful campaign to change the age of consent from 13 to 16. The report also states how this early crusade “is a powerful reminder of how responding to modern slavery and human trafficking is woven into our DNA as a global church and charity”. It continues: “What began 139 years ago as a local response to the sexual exploitation of women and girls – restoring their God-given dignity – has since evolved into a global strategy committed to dismantling modern slavery and human trafficking holistically. Since ... 2020, we have journeyed alongside over 40,000 survivors and supported more than 100,000 vulnerable individuals across 134 countries. Each of these lives represents a story of resilience, courage and hope rekindled.” Figures representing the meaningful change happening in communities around the world are also included. In 2024, more than 165,500 people were vulnerable to modern slavery and human trafficking, and 14,552 survivors received support from The Salvation Army. Additionally, more than 12,000 community awareness events were organised. Stories of impact The report shares stories of global and local impact, showcasing the resilience of survivors, the strength in collaborating with other organisations and the steadfast dedication of those actively engaged in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. Here, we share G’s story, one of many inspiring accounts from Embolden Hope: G experienced much loss throughout her life. As a child, she became displaced during the genocide in Rwanda and lost her support network and family. As an adult, she followed prospects of a job overseas, but was exploited and became very unwell. She was supported by a non-governmental organisation (NGO) that helped her to return home and be reunited with her daughter. The NGO contacted The Salvation Army’s national contact person (NCP) for modern slavery and human trafficking in Rwanda to identify support for G. G was referred to a specialist shelter to meet some of her basic needs on arrival and to access counselling. However, the shelter could only assist her for one month. The NCP developed a reintegration plan with G to meet some of her ongoing needs, and supported her in her ambition to set up a hair salon, in which she had previous experience. G shares: “The Salvation Army was incredibly helpful in providing me with the materials to start my salon. They provided me with a grant to rent a house for three months and paid for my health insurance. They continued to offer support and guidance throughout the process of starting and running my salon. They encouraged me and helped me to stay focused and motivated.” The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory’s Beyond Programme provided funds for G to set up the salon. G has been successfully running the salon for more than six months, and her customer base is growing, giving her enough income to pay the rent and meet her basic needs. To help with ongoing future requirements, G is also saving through a local savings group. G has access to free health care now and peer support. The Salvation Army continues to encourage her in her journey of reintegration as she dreams of getting a bigger salon to meet the demand. The NCP reflects: You cannot believe the G we met initially with the G we see now – she is a different person." The Salvation Army observes her resilience and determination in this challenging and ongoing process of reintegration, and has welcomed working in partnership with different organisations across borders seeking to support her. A global problem More than 65 million people are enslaved across the world today. The Salvation Army adopts a holistic approach to modern slavery and human trafficking that addresses the underlying social, economic and environmental factors that contribute to vulnerability and exploitation and drives community-led efforts to counter modern slavery and human trafficking in the 134 countries in which it serves. The International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council comprises global Salvation Army representatives. It releases an impact report annually. The 2023 report and more information are available here . Further enquiries can be addressed to Priscilla Santos, International Coordinator, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response, IHQ ( priscilla.santos@salvationarmy.org ).

Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans participating in the International Women’s Day march in Honiara in 2024. Image: Supplied BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE  Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans have been working in Honiara, capital of the Solomon Islands, as District Offers for The Salvation Army for seven years. The Salvation Army was only established in The Solomon Islands 13 years ago, so the Evanses have been some of the foundational workers in the region.    I recently caught up with them while they were in Melbourne to find out how this time has been, and what they are planning next. When we spoke, Vanessa was recovering from an illness, so Robert did most of the talking. But their shared love of the Solomon Islands, their passion for seeing communities transformed and their drive to learn and grow in their roles was obvious.  “Our three mission priorities [are] to raise up Indigenous leaders, structure financial sustainability and expand mission,” Robert said. “The mission’s expanding all by itself. It’s hard to keep up with that because [of] word of mouth. We’ve gone from 70 soldiers to 310 soldiers, two churches to 13 churches. I mean, things are just taking off. “We’re trying to keep up with that.” During their time in the country, the number of corps has increased from just Honiara Corps and a small mission in East Are’are, on the island of Malaita, to now 13 churches spread across the division.  Additionally, Vanessa is a national contact person for modern slavery and human trafficking, a job that regularly drives her to research and upskill. Robert has also undertaken a Master of Transformational Development during their time in the country.   Robert at the graduation ceremony from his Master of Transformational Development. Image: Supplied The pair said they were very grateful for the ‘extraordinary generosity’ of The Salvation Army Australia, with the initial five-year pledge to support continuing into its 13th year.    “We’re immeasurably grateful to the Salvation Army Australia for their belief and their ongoing funding,” Robert said.  The recent Making it Happen project was just one example. Through a partnership with World Vision, Robert and Vanessa have delivered a holistic training program called ‘Channels of Hope for Gender’ to address issues of gender-based violence in the Islands. Sadly, a national study from 2009 revealed nearly two in three women between the ages of 15 and 49 reported physical or sexual violence, or both, at the hands of an intimate partner.   Robert and Vanessa said that while many similar programs sought to address the impacts on women alone, the World Vision training held a key difference. They said the program had changed the attitudes of entire villages regarding the value of safeguarding women and children.   READ MORE: A history of God at work in the Solomon Islands “The approach of World Vision is working with the men as well as the women, together, so that the men in the village are wrestling with the same issues about what their role should be in healthy relationships,” Robert said. “So, it becomes more of a mutual space.”   Robert and Vanessa at an event to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with World Vision to combat gender-based violence and sexual abuse in the Solomon Islands. Image: Supplied Throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence , a yearly global push to raise awareness and garner support for ending violence against women and girls, Robert and Vanessa have, over the past two years, rolled out child-safe training using material from  A21 , an anti-human trafficking organisation established by Australian evangelist Christine Caine. The program teaches about the difference between safe and unsafe touch, how to recognise unsafe situations and be alert to danger. Last year, they also worked alongside translators from the Summer Institute of Linguistics (SIL) to develop the materials into Pijin. The plan for the Storybooks, as they are called, is now to distribute them in schools and churches.  “It made a huge difference,” Vanessa said. “The first year we reached just shy of 600 people, and this year [more than] 900.”  Robert said teaching these fundamental safe behaviours was both powerful and disturbing, as it exposed the prevalence of child abuse.  “The Solomon Islands is a very broad and open environment where there’s very few boundaries and fences and safeguards,” he said. “Kids wander everywhere, and parents half the time have no idea where their kids are. So [we are] opening their eyes to be mindful of where the kids are and who they're interacting with.”   Vanessa with Auxiliary-Captain Wency from Honiara at an IOM Trainers Workshop on Case Management for Victims of Trafficking. Image: Supplied Robert and Vanessa are now looking to continue working alongside SIL to translate the facilitator’s manual into Pijin as well.  One woman, a leader in the program who had only a grade three level of education, has already experienced the benefits of reading the materials in her own language. The couple said that after this woman read the manual in Pijin, she commented that she understood it far more deeply and felt able to put it into practice. Robert said when he first met this woman, the wife of a Salvation Army worker, she would hide away, afraid of white people and unable to meet his eyes or talk to him. Thanks to the work of Vanessa and an education specialist, this woman has now preached her first sermon and is a great candidate for attending The Salvation Army training college in Papua New Guinea.  “She not only looks at me and engages with me, she’s cheeky,” Robert said. “She’s emerged, she’s come out of her shell. You watch her work a room – she’s mindful of what’s happening around her, and she’s engaging. Her husband’s one of our key team members, and he would've been in college a couple of years ago, but we need to bring them on that journey together because our culture in The Salvation Army is that husbands and wives train together.”   Robert and Vanessa with Jolly Phonics supplies for improved literacy and supporters from the Solomon Submarine Company. Image: Supplied Robert and Vanessa said the education gap between men and women in the country was so large that, while they would love to have sent students to the training college much earlier, the need to educate the women first was crucial. They said this was a big reason why they were continuing on for a third term – to provide much-needed continuity and longevity.   “We want to set these women up for success,” Robert said. “We don't want to push them beyond where they’re ready to go. That means we need to be patient, we need to journey with them.”  Along the way, Robert and Vanessa have built partnerships with various organisations in the district. In addition to World Vision and SIL, they have partnered with Rotary, the International Organisation for Migration, The Solomon Cable Company, the Australian Defence Force, the Australian and New Zealand High Commissioners and multiple businesspeople.  But despite the successes of island life, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.   They said there were deeply-held prejudices against women in the Solomon Islands, who were seen as property and described as “pencil-breaks”, a derogatory term which identified women as unable to lead or take authority in the community because often, their education was only at a year-three level. Vanessa with a former TSA youth leader during International Women's Day celebrations. Image: Supplied Robert and Vanessa said the school system offered a year-six test to allocate the very limited spaces available in high school but that the chance of a girl being given the same opportunity as a boy to be educated was low. Robert and Vanessa said these issues were not due to the original culture of the islands but because somewhere along the way, something went very wrong.  “At some point, alcoholism drives it or fuels it,” Robert said. “But there’s something deeper going on there about the attitude towards women. Part of that [is] driven culturally through bride price. “Bride price was originally about one community losing a productive member, and that bride price was actually compensating the village for the release of that member. It was reciprocal between communities. It’s now become almost like this ownership. So, [the] ability to escape culturally from an abusive marriage is very, very difficult because that money been paid over, and so you would then have to pay that back.”  For Robert and Vanessa, day-to-day life is also full of challenges.  “Honiara is one of those places that just really wears you down,” Robert said. “The infrastructure’s very, very poor, so getting around anywhere takes a massive effort.”  Robert and Vanessa said early on, they made it a goal to be in the public eye as much as possible to make their presence known, so they took all their meetings in cafes. But now, because of deteriorating infrastructure combined with an influx of expatriates and those from nearby islands relocating to Honiara, it takes 1.5 hours to drive to a cafe just a few kilometres away.   Robert and Vanessa with Salvationists at the dedication of a new vehicle for District Officers purchased through Mission Support funds. Image: Supplied “The road conditions are so bad,” Robert said. “Driving behaviour is so bad. You have rural people trying to live in a city, and it just doesn’t work. "Honiara represents everything that's broken politically, development-wise, economically [in the Solomon Islands]. You get outside into villages, [and] there’s a rhythm of life that actually makes sense and actually works, and while there’s poverty and hardship in other areas, there is a degree of abundance in the villages. The village life is self-sustaining.” However, Robert and Vanessa did say that they never feel unsafe at the hands of others in Honiara.  “Solomon Islanders are very friendly by nature,” Robert said. “They’re curious, and they love to share their story. The freedom of movement we have from the personal safety point of view is phenomenal.”  But despite the safety of the city, the couple have experienced some significant low points.  Robert with a team of young Salvationists on a clean up walk for World Environment Day. Image: Supplied As a keen adventure walker, Robert has explored much of Honiara and the broader island of Guadalcanal. As part of this, he has led groups of expatriates on 8km and 10km walks through hills, valleys and jungles on the island. On most occasions, this is a kind of break from the stressors of everyday life.  “It’s an escape from all the dirtiness and brokenness of Honiara,” Robert said. “It’s actually exposing people to some of the beauty that’s still there. It clears their heads.”  Two years ago, however, Robert encountered a pack of five dogs that attacked him, badly tearing the skin and tissues of his leg. Robert says he received proper treatment after the attack in a ‘serendipitous moment’. Robert and Vanessa aren’t usually entitled to treatment by the Australian High Commission doctor as they are not part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade delegation. But while seeking a tetanus shot, Robert managed to see the High Commission doctor and receive treatment from a visiting surgeon, with ketamine as the anaesthetic on offer.  Robert describes this as the ‘trippiest thing of his life’ and Vanessa as the ‘most hilarious thing ever’, but the reality is also that Robert’s wounds required ongoing treatment to heal properly.    Robert with the couple's adult twins at his graduation. Image: Supplied “It was brutal, nasty and scary,” Robert said.   Another aspect of their lives that frightens them a little is the prospect of the next transition – that of coming home to Australia in approximately 18 months. While Robert and Vanessa are thrilled that soon they will be back home for good with their twin adult children and new granddaughter, they are honest about their fears of leaving behind deep and lasting friendships in the Solomon Islands, work that is still ongoing and then, also settling back into a culture that now feels in some ways, foreign.   “Even when we come home on furlough, we feel culturally displaced,” Robert said. “We are coming back into the environment where we have options. We’re coming back into an environment where there’s an abundance, where there’s waste, where there’s triviality.   “Coming back full-time as Salvation Army officers into a culture that is so far removed from where we ’ ve been for the last nine years, I expect that's going to be a real challenge.”  However, the additional training both Robert and Vanessa have undertaken during their time in the Solomon Islands and the invaluable experience their service in the country has offered them, is something they look forward to implementing in an Australian context.  “While we are tired and we are ready to move on, it’s not going to be easy,” Robert said. “We’ve put our heart and soul into the Solomons. We absolutely love our people. Honiara may be a tough place to be, but the Solomon Islands is a beautiful place that we have grown to love. The ministry that we've been involved with [and] the opportunities [for] leadership have been unparalleled to anything we’ve had before.”  “And we’re always up for the adventure,” added Vanessa. “We know God’s got us.”

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers the following officers who will reach the retirement milestone: Effective 30 April 2025 Major Christine Ellis Effective 28 February 2025 Major Kirsten Elliott                        Lieut-Colonel Winsome Mason Major David Terracini Major Michele Terracini Effective 31 January 2025 Territorial Envoy Rosemary Richardson Lieutenant Colonel Neil Venables Major Craig Walker Effective 31 March 2025 Major Christine Ivers   Major Colin Maxwell

Salvation Army officers and other personnel who have suffered the recent loss of a loved one: Major Denise Milkins  was bereaved of her mother, Coral Haynes, of Townsville, aged 88 years, who passed away on Monday 31 March 2025. Our love and prayers surround Majors Denise and Alan Milkins, Captain Jeff Milkins and the whole family at this sad time.    Captain Steve Spencer  was bereaved of his father, Keith Spencer, a Soldier of Nambucca River Corps, who was Promoted to Glory on Monday 7 April 2025 in Princess Alexander Hospital, Brisbane. Our love and prayers surround Steve and Lydia and the whole family at this sad time. Messages of support can be sent to steve.spencer@salvationarmy.org.au  ‌ ‌ Captain Perry Lithgow was bereaved of his father, (Lawrence) Ray Lithgow aged 89 years, who passed peacefully into his Saviour’s presence on Tuesday 8 April 2025. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at the Charters Towers Uniting Church on Tuesday 15 April at 10am. Our love and prayers surround Perry, Joshua, Rebecca and Zachary and the whole family at this sad time.   ‌ Major Julie Schofield was bereaved of her brother, Richard Orchard, aged 77 who passed away on Friday 14 March after a long illness with cancer. Our love and prayers surround Julie and Andrew and their family with this terrible loss.     Majors David and Joan Tong are bereaved of  their son-in-law, Ken Wassell, who was Promoted to Glory on Monday 17 March. Ken was married to their daughter, Michelle. Our love and prayers surround David and Joan, Michelle, Blake and Jay, Jenna and Kenan, and Tayla at this sad time.    Major Gaye Day was bereaved of her twin brother Stephen, son of Soldiers Howard and Joycelyn McLachlan on Sunday 23 March 2025.   We pray God’s love and peace will surround Gaye, Richardand the extended family as they remember and celebrate his life, particularly in the days and months ahead.  Majors Glenn and Lynn Whittaker are bereaved of their daughter, Melanie who passed away on Monday 3 March after a battle with aggressive breast cancer. Melanie was the sister of Major Kate Young. Our love and prayers surround the whole family with this tragic loss.     Major Carole Smith  was bereaved of her Dad, Keith ‘Gov’ Smith who was recently Promoted to Glory. A celebration of Keith’s life was held on Monday 10 March. Our love and prayers surround Carole and her family at this sad time.  Our love and prayers are with Major Paula Glover on the recent passing of her Mum, Mrs Dulcie Drury, after a long period of illness. The Celebration of Life was held at Stafford Corps conducted by Majors Bronwyn and Ashley Barkmeyer on Tuesday 11 February.  We pray that the strength, joy and peace of God which ‘passes all understanding’ might continue to hold Paula, her Dad Alan, sister Kylie and extended family and friends, in the days ahead. Major Mark Soeters  was bereaved of his brother Michael who recently passed away unexpectedly in New Zealand. Please keep him in your prayers at this sad time.   Major Erica Kollmorgen  is bereaved of her father, Mr Eckhart Ernst, who passed away after a long time of sickness on Tuesday 24 December 2024. The funeral service was held at Ivan Butler Funerals in Adelaide on 31 December and conducted by Erica. Our love surrounds Erica and her mother Beryl, and we pray that the peace of God, which passes ‘all understanding,’ might sustain the family at this time.    Captain Melissa Marsh  is bereaved of her mother, Shirley Seller, who passed away on Friday 27 December 2024, aged 89 years. A funeral was held on Sunday 6 January in Ararat, Victoria. Please keep Melissa and the family in your thoughts and prayers.    Captains Alana and Aaron Reid  and Captains Daniel and Andrea Wayman are bereaved of their uncle, Luke Walford, who passed away on Saturday 28 December 2024 after a shark attack in central Queensland. Luke was assistant pastor at Cathedral of Praise in Rockhampton.  Kayelene Walford (Wayman), his wife, previously worked at DHQ in Central Queensland as a long serving DC secretary and DYS for 2 years. The funeral was held at Cathedral of Praise in Rockhampton on Tuesday 7 January. The family asks for prayers as they navigate this tragic loss.

To read the Promoted to Glory notice for Lorraine, click here

Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans with the Solomon Islands leadership team in 2023. Image: File BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE  A Salvation Army fundraising program dedicated to equipping territories outside Australia has completed as a resounding success.  The 2023–2024 Salvation Army Making it Happen project was begun with the aim of raising enough money to build a single quarters for corps officers in the Solomon Islands.  While the campaign was originally designed with the goal of raising $120,000 AUD, which is just shy of $600,000 Solomon Islands Dollars, the eventual total surpassed $200,000 AUD, reaching more than $1 million Solomon Islands Dollars.  Australian Majors Robert and Vanessa Evans, Solomon Islands District Officers, said not only can the district team now afford to build a quarters for corps officers at Moscom, a village church on the island of Malaita, they can also purchase a quarters for officers in Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal as well.  Robert and Vanessa said now they have capacity to send the corps officers at Honiara Corps to The Salvation Army Officers Training College in Papua New Guinea, as they can replace them with other officers who will stay in the new accommodation.   “The overwhelming generosity of the Australian public has been phenomenal,” Vanessa said. “It’s very humbling for us because we are just two people doing our thing, doing what God wants us to do and yet we are being blessed abundantly. The Solomon Islands is being blessed abundantly, and I don't think we could ever truly convey our thanks.”  “It's literally a game changer,” Robert said.  Both the new quarters are set to be purchased and construction completed by the close of 2025.

(From left): Aux-Lieut Bryan Bartlett, then-Area Officer Major Dean Clarke, Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Councillor Chris Hanna and Aux-Lieut Debbie Bartlett in front of the new Cooma Community of Hope. BY LAUREN MARTIN   When Auxiliary-Lieutenants Bryan and Debbie Bartlett were appointed to the NSW Snowy Mountains town of Cooma in January 2024, they arrived at a location without a building. Since then, God has been directing their hearts towards an unmet need.   When the Bartletts moved to town, the Salvation Army was celebrating its 70th anniversary since Major and Mrs. Gordon Fletcher arrived in Cooma to begin operations in the district with the Snowy Mountains Field Unit.   The Army did have an earlier flurry of ministry way back in 1887 when Captain H.B. Steven rolled The Salvation Army Cavalry Fort ‘Aggressive’ into town, with ‘converts rapidly increasing in number’, according to the then Salvation Army publication Full Salvation . But the fire didn’t last, and the Bartletts took on a ministry that really got underway in the 1950s, with the first corps building opening in 1959.   Over the past five years, it has been identified that the physical distance between the Cooma Corps building and the main areas of Salvation Army mission and ministry was creating a barrier to effective ministry.   The former corps leaders, Auxiliary-Lieutenants Anthony Barford and Sandra Mortimer, took on the project of relocating The Salvation Army’s presence from an outer suburban property into the heart of Cooma township – in a building right next door to the newly relocated Salvos Store.   The Cooma Community of Hope is located right next door to the town’s Salvos Store. COVID-19 lockdowns and building delays meant that the new Cooma Community of Hope wasn’t yet complete when they received farewell orders to Katherine in the Northern Territory.   Enter the Bartletts.   “The fact that the building wasn’t yet open gave us time to build some really good foundational contacts within the community,” said Bryan. “Which I don’t think we would have had if we were running programs straight up.” “We want Cooma Salvos to be a safe space, no matter your background, beliefs or life journey – if you are in crisis, then this is a safe place for you and a listening ear.”   It also gave them space to pray, dream and ask God to give them a vision for what he was planning for Cooma Salvation Army.   “Debbie and I believe that we are called to the marginalised,” said Bryan. “If it’s good enough for Jesus, it’s good enough for us.” But what did that calling look like in Cooma?   During a strategy day, the Bartletts’ then-Area Officer, Major Dean Clarke, mentioned ‘Empowered Faith Communities’ – an organisation passionate about assisting churches in developing faith communities with people on the margins. The Empowered Faith Communities website says these communities are centred on “community gatherings in and amongst people living in poverty. Empowerment is central to the model, underpinned by proven principles for sustainable, long-term human flourishing.”   This spoke directly to Bryan and Debbie’s hearts, and they contacted the organisation and attended an information session. They have since had an opportunity to visit a practising Empowered Faith Community at Rosebud in Victoria, which runs in partnership with the local Baptist Church.   “We want Cooma Salvos to be a safe space, no matter your background, beliefs or life journey – if you are in crisis, then this is a safe place for you and a listening ear.” Auxiliary-Lieutenant Debbie Bartlett speaks at the opening of the Cooma Community of Hope. Fast-forward a few months, and Bryan and Debbie are in full swing with their Empowered Faith Community Training, and the new Cooma Salvos Community of Hope building has opened its doors! The opening, in December 2024, was attended by community members, people from other local services, staff and volunteers from Salvos Stores and Employment Plus. The Cooma Community of Hope is now open four days per week, offering financial assistance through SAL Connect, referrals, and a welcoming place where people can chat, relax, play games and have a cuppa. “We have a lot of community support workers here in Cooma and there are not a lot of places to take their clients. We have one worker coming in regularly with his client just for coffee and a chat,” says Bryan. “Other people are just walking in off the street wanting to know what we’re doing. We are having some great conversations.”   At this stage, Bryan and Debbie believe the Empowered Faith Community, to be launched next year, will be held on a weeknight and centre around a meal and what Bryan calls “couch church”. Former Cooma Corps Officer, retired Major Louise Nicholson, attended the official opening of the new Cooma Community of Hope in December 2024. Several people within the community and members of other churches have expressed a desire to be involved. The Bartletts would love to see members from all of the different churches in the town of 7500 people come together to support the Empowered Faith Community, which will be held on a day different to the traditional Sunday worship and positioned towards people in the community who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional church setting.   “We are wanting to create a safe, healthy place for people to belong,” said Bryan. “Everyone can be part of that.”

The 10 adherents enrolled at Kwinana on Sunday 6 April alongside Colonel Winsome Merrett (far left), Captain Dean Hill (holding flag), Major Andrew Jarvey (Southern WA Area Officer) and Major Scott Ellery (Kwinana Corps Officer) . BY DEAN SIMPSON Kwinana Salvos have welcomed 10 new adherents into membership of the thriving corps in southern Perth (WA). Corps Officer Major Scott Ellery conducted the enrolment ceremony while Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett presented the certificates and congratulated the corps’ newest members.   Adherents are Christians who pledge to support their local Salvation Army corps, declare their belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, and seek to follow him. They participate in worship, fellowship, and service at a local Salvation Army corps, identifying with the mission of the Salvation Army. The new adherents at Kwinana are Rosie Teasdale, Angela Jackson, Suzie Stan-Bishop,  Joan Barrett, Debbie Whale, Kathy Crombie, Julian Crombie, Marlene Humphreys, Vern Owen and Carol Russell. “Colonel Winsome Merrett was across from Victoria and requested to special at a corps here in WA,” Scott said. “Kwinana was blessed to be chosen, and we took the opportunity to enrol the adherents.   “During a Sunday meeting a few weeks previously, I had opened the opportunity for anyone interested in exploring membership within The Salvation Army Kwinana to attend a Membership Afternoon.   “At the afternoon, we discussed the two avenues of membership – Adherency and Soldiership – and explored the wonderful missional organisation that they were considering officially joining.   “Several of the people who became adherents are considering exploring soldiership and will take part in a five-week discovery series in the coming weeks. Another two people are intending on becoming adherents but were unable to attend on the day.” “It was incredibly moving to hear from new members about the divine guidance that brought them to the church.”   Among those who shared their stories with the congregation were Rosie and Julian.   Rosie spoke about how proud her father would have been of her joining the Salvation Army. Although he wasn’t a Christian, Rosie said, he highly respected The Salvation Army's support and engagement with soldiers during the war.   Julian spoke about the powerful leading of the Holy Spirit, which guided him and his family to move from Tasmania to WA and engage with The Salvation Army “just up the street from his new home”. He never thought that he’d be a Salvo, he said, but loves the Christ-centred, Spirit-led, missional heart of the Army. Area Officer Major Andrew Jarvey and Faith Communities Development Secretary Major Dianne Jarvey also attended the service. During the enrolment ceremony, Andrew prayed a prayer of blessing, echoing the reassuring words of Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” “It was incredibly moving to hear from new members about the divine guidance that brought them to the church,” Dianne said. “They shared their excitement about how they believe God has a unique plan for them through the Salvos. Great days ahead here at Kwinana.”

In this beautiful reflection from 2 Timothy 1:7, Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett reminds us that “the Spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline”. God’s Spirit gives us the strength to face challenges, the love to connect with others, and the self-discipline to make wise choices. These divine gifts are from God, and by embracing them, we can live boldly and purposefully.

Salvos support worker Brooke Wren and fellow Salvos staff (second from left and far right) with three of the girls who took part in the Gals’ Op Shop Tour. BY ANTHONY CASTLE   Salvo youth workers in Western Australia recently hosted an op shop tour to help young people find some old bargains while also learning new life skills.   Run by Youth Services’ Transitional Support Service (TSS), the Gals’ Op Shop Tour explored a variety of second-hand retailers across Perth.   Young women from Salvos’ TSS and Homestretch services were invited to shop for great deals and discover even more along the way.   ‘The Gals’ Op Shop Tour was more than just a fun day out,” says support worker Brooke Wren. “It was a chance to empower young women transitioning from Child Protection to discover new skills, confidence and independence.”   The concept of the op shop tour originated from a girls’ camp in Busselton, where young people exchanged ideas about how to develop life skills and foster community.   One of the standout suggestions from the campers was a group experience designed to demonstrate independent living skills while shopping. The op shop tour was planned based on this feedback to help young people learn about cost-effective purchasing decisions while exploring the community with new friends.   “It was a day of growth, friendship, and learning how to truly be savvy,” says Brooke. “From learning to budget and socialising with peers, to embracing the art of charity shopping and finding treasures. It was heartwarming to watch them explore new possibilities, make meaningful connections, and view The Salvation Army in a fresh light.   The tour aimed not only to help young people gain confidence in navigating daily life but also to encourage creativity in discovering unique and affordable fashion and household items. The feedback from the group of young people was positive and enthusiastic.   “The trip was amazing,” said one of the young women on the tour. “I had a great time, and everyone was so friendly. I really enjoyed shopping around and having other people to help look out for cool stuff and give feedback on what we tried on.”   Youth Services remains focused on fostering independent living skills, providing meaningful opportunities for young people to grow, connect, and thrive.   Young people left the op shop tour with more than just old bargains – they found new ways to be resourceful and to support their peers.   “This experience meant even more to us as youth workers, as it was the young people’s idea to bring this event to life,” Brooke says. “After a week-long camp that sparked their love of op-shopping, they wanted to share that experience with others who hadn’t attended the camp. Their enthusiasm and vision made this event a reality, and we couldn’t be prouder to see them take the lead in creating something so impactful.”