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Many readers would be aware that the Bible we read today includes 66 books written by more than 40 authors over more than 1600 years.   The Bible includes more than 700,000 words, and, as a former editor myself, I can’t help but wonder how the Bible text was edited before publication and some of these words were changed, shuffled or swapped. Perhaps whole passages were deleted …   Pope Damasus: Jerome, I’m thinking this passage in Matthew could be a bit long and, well, largely unnecessary. Perhaps we could get to the point a little quicker.   Jerome: Which passage, your Holiness?   Pope: In Matthew 14, we have the account of Jesus walking on water and the ensuing action; I’m just wondering if we need it all. It’s always struck me as something of a diversion and even a little distracting from the main tenor of the story. Read it through, see what you think.   Jerome: ‘Shortly before dawn, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”   “Lord, if it’s you,” Bartholomew replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.   Bartholomew stepped out from the boat and immediately drowned. He couldn’t swim.   Thaddeus stood and said, “Lord, call me to you, and I will come.” “Come,” said the Lord. Thaddeus stepped out and, miraculously, took three steps on the water. Then a whopping big shark took him by the ankles and dragged him down, never to be seen again.   James and John cried out to the Lord, “Call us, Lord, we will come to you.” “Come,” said the Lord.   The sons of thunder departed the boat and made their way towards the Lord atop the waves. And then they were gone. The whale had struck with open mouth, and now its tail was all that could be seen, descending into the murky deep.   Philip, Andrew, Thomas, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Cananaean and Judas Iscariot all put their heads down and got busy repairing nets. So, Peter said, “Lord, if it’s you, tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.   Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”   Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”’   Pope: ‘You see? I think we could just cut straight to the Peter effort, that may save some time.   Jerome: Yes, your Holiness, I agree. Consider it done.   Pope: Next, let’s talk about the feeding of the 5000. I think we could somehow make it more miraculous. Let’s focus on this boy and his loaves and fishes, the one who followed the arrival of the 50 kebab caravans.     Major Mal Davies is the Assistant Divisional Commander for the Victoria Division

‘Remembering experiences of Easter is good, but Paul reminds us to “Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead” (2 Timothy 2:8). Jesus is raised from the dead and so I can write, the Spirit can speak and God will raise us up in our faith!’  – Major Brenda Allen Reflect on the wonder of Easter with this two-week devotional series by Major Brenda Allen, a Salvation Army officer from Canada.  Starting on Monday 7 April, each day we will explore a different perspective on the concept of 'Raise!' Set aside a few minutes in your daily routine to be still and prepare your heart in the lead up to Holy Week and Easter Sunday. Read the series on the IHQ website , on the Bible App or in the January-April edition of  Words of Life .

Salvation Army emergency response teams assisting with supplies during the recent fires in South Korea. The Salvation Army in Korea is engaged in emergency relief efforts following the single biggest wildfire ever recorded in South Korea, beginning on 22 March.   More than 320 buildings and houses have been damaged, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis. Eight homes of Salvation Army soldiers were affected by the fires, and the Goe-jeong Corps was also destroyed.   Australian officer Captain Star Conliffe, who is the Assistant Corps Officer at Daejeon Central Corps in South Korea (with her husband Captain Charlie Conliffe), went with a group of Salvation Army volunteers to assist at one of the evacuation centres. “During our break, we took a trip to the local Salvos (Goe-jeong Corps), which unfortunately burned down a couple of days ago,” she said. “Heartbreaking scenes, but the good news is that all fires are now out or under control. ”   At least 27 people have died, and 37,000 people have been displaced by fires spanning 36,000 hectares in the south-east of the country. The fires started on 22 March.   Emergency response The Salvation Army quickly activated its emergency relief operations, dispatching teams to the impacted areas and providing essential aid to those in need. Relief efforts focused on delivering food, water, blankets, tents and other vital supplies. Local emergency shelters, including gymnasiums and temporary evacuation centres, received continuous support from The Salvation Army.  Relief teams used three mobile kitchens to supply daily meals in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. These kitchens served not only evacuees but also fire suppression teams, who worked tirelessly to control the fires. To date, more than 19,000 people have benefited from these services, with more than 18,800 meals prepared. The affected areas are home to many elderly residents, and there is an urgent need for continued support to help them maintain a stable and safe living environment. The Korea Territory remains committed to providing continuous assistance, with ongoing prayer and support from the international Salvation Army community. For more photos from the response, click on the arrow below.

EFFECTIVE 1 JUNE 2025   ‌ COMMISSIONERS YUSAK AND WIDIAWATI TAMPAI,  officers of the Indonesia Territory currently serving respectively as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Indonesia Territory, are appointed as International Secretaries for the South Pacific and East Asia Zone, International Headquarters. They will succeed Australian officers Commissioners Wayne and Robyn Maxwell , who will retire from active service on 31 May 2025.  ‌ Please pray for all those involved in this transition, giving thanks to God for His faithfulness and guidance during this time.

Salvation Army officers who have concluded their service in 2025: Effective 19 March Major Brad Watson Effective 6 February 2025 Major Jennifer Reeves Effective 28 January 2025 Major Naava Brooks                     Effective 31 January 2025 Captain Rachel Knight        Please keep these people in your thoughts and prayers. We thank God for their service and ministry and pray that as they step out in faith to new beginnings, plans will go smoothly, God’s blessing and peace abound, and fulfilment in new ventures will be a source of great joy.

The Salvation Army is providing emergency relief in the Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia and Thailand Territory. A powerful 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck central Myanmar yesterday afternoon (28 March) around 5pm AEDT (about 1pm local time), with tremors felt across both Myanmar and Thailand. An aftershock of 6.4 magnitude soon followed, adding to the devastation. The Salvation Army is present in both countries, assessing the situation and preparing to provide much-needed relief and support. In Myanmar, the death toll has surpassed 1000 and more than 2300 people have been injured across the country. Major Florence Shein, Under Secretary for The Salvation Army’s South Pacific and East Asia Zone, who is originally from Myanmar, shares: “This is the worst earthquake that has hit Myanmar in many years. My heart goes out to the many people who are affected by this. Amid all this tragedy, it is good to know that The Salvation Army has a presence in the country and will be able to provide relief support.” Now, more than ever, we need the power of community to help rebuild and recover. The Salvation Army is grateful for the global financial and prayerful support for this tragic situation. For some initial images from the Myanmar Region, see below. Myanmar Region Myanmar is part of the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory. It is a country already experiencing political unrest and economic challenges, which will be exacerbated by the earthquake and its devastating impacts. Many buildings have been damaged, the power grid has been knocked out, and people have been forced to flee their homes. In several areas – especially rural areas – access to clean water, food, and healthcare is limited. The Salvation Army in Myanmar is present in up to 50 locations across the country and has provided rapid response and emergency aid during previous natural disasters. Its operations have also served as refuges for people affected by the country's political conflicts. The Salvation Army in Myanmar runs several social centres, including three health centres, three orphanages for boys and girls, two daycare centres for children and livelihood programs in 57 different communities.

The new building that the newly named Casey Cardinia Salvos will utilise after fire destroyed the old Cranbourne Corps building (right). BY KIRRALEE NICOLLE Following a fire that gutted the Cranbourne Corps building in Victoria in July 2023, the congregation has finally found a new home. The congregation will meet in their new building for the first time this Sunday, 30 March. The Cranbourne Corps, which has now become part of a hub known as the Casey Cardinia Salvos, which also includes the Pakenham Corps and former Berwick Corps, will begin meeting in the new rental property, originally purpose-built as a medical centre. Casey Cardinia Team Leader Captain Katie Ryan. Team Leader Captain Katie Ryan said the new building meant more than just a place to gather for those who had been using temporary locations for almost two years. “There was a feeling of being stuck, whereas now there’s a feeling of ‘we can move forward, we can start dreaming again’,” she said. “There is so much safety in knowing you belong somewhere.” Katie also said that with all programs now coming back under the one roof, the corps could get back to doing what was needed for the community throughout the week, not just on Sundays. READ MORE: Cranbourne Corps fire Until now, the Cranbourne congregation has been meeting in a chapel within a retirement village, with community assistance programs, including Doorways, operating from a council community building. An official opening will be held on 4 May, to be officiated by Victoria Divisional Commander Colonel Kelvin Merrett. The wider community has been coming alongside the Casey Cardia=nia team, with Bunnings Pakenham recently donating furniture from their showroom, which will be utilised in the new building. For anyone who would like to attend this Sunday, the new location is 19S Fathom Way, Clyde North.

Dr Martyn Jolly (left) and The Salvation Army Australia Museum Assistant Manager Barry Gittins with the recognition certificate. A collection of Magic Lantern slides and documents from The Salvation Army’s historic Limelight Department , now held at the Salvation Army Australia Museum in Melbourne, have been recognised by UNESCO in an inscription ceremony. The slides were entered in the Memory of the World Register, which recognises items of “significant documentary heritage” for the purpose of “preserving and promoting humanity’s documentary heritage for future generations”. The Register includes manuscripts, items of oral tradition, library and archive holdings and audio-visual materials, such as the Limelight slides. The ceremony, held in The Menzies Library at the Australian National University in Canberra on Thursday 28 March, was attended by The Salvation Army Australia Museum Assistant Manager Barry Gittins. The Magic Lantern slides on display at The Salvation Army Australia Museum in Melbourne, all of which are recognised by UNESCO. Images: Kirralee Nicolle Museum Manager Lindsay Cox and Dr Martyn Jolly, Associate Professor from the School of Art and Design at Australian National University, put together a 55-page submission for consideration by the panel . The collection includes 357 of the total of about 2000 slides produced by the Limelight Department, some more than 120 years ago. Each one was a size of 80mm x 80mm, and the slides were hand-coloured after being produced using costumed actors on sets designed by the studio staff. When projected for audiences across Australia, the slides were accompanied by live music, singing and narration, and told stories of martyrdom and sacrifice for the sake of the Christian faith. Image: The Salvation Army Australia Museum An additional set of slides numbering about 100 from ‘Soldiers of the Cross’, a multi-media production produced by the Department, also resides in the National Film and Sound Archives in Canberra. – Kirralee Nicolle Read more: ‘It’s a job’: Lindsay Cox and the work that never stops

In Week 5 of Self Denial, Serhii, a Ukrainian refugee, shares his powerful story of finding Jesus, hope, and purpose through The Salvation Army in Bulgaria. Discover how refugee support programs are changing lives and building communities of faith and hope. Each week throughout the Self Denial Appeal season, we will hear inspirational stories from Salvation Army programs in Georgia, Bulgaria, Tanzania and India. To find out more and donate, visit selfdenial.info

1. What is your current appointment, and what do you find most satisfying about it? I am the Corps Officer at Fassifern Corps in Queensland. It’s a small country region situated a little over an hour south-west of Brisbane. It’s such a beautiful area with stunning mountain views and farmland. We often have kangaroos bouncing around just outside our back fence. (They also confront me when I’m out on my run, which can be a little interesting as they can be fairly unpredictable creatures.) In the appointment itself, I enjoy the connections I am able to make with many of the community folk. It’s such a close-knit town, and people are so generous and caring. The corps is active in running many programs, including Kids in the Kitchen, ladies and men’s groups, and crafting groups. We also take part in local community events that see a lot of people drawn to the area. It’s satisfying to know that within these opportunities, we are able to share the love of Jesus and have conversations about who we are and why we do what we do. 2. Away from the appointment – if that’s possible! – what do you do to relax or unwind? I feel that it is important in officership to have a space where you can focus on yourself and your family in order to ‘fill your cup’, so to speak. I have a wife, an 18-month-old son, and another child on the way, as well as a three-year-old Border Collie. I do my best to prioritise time with them, which always helps to put a smile on my face. They mean the absolute world to me. In recent years, I have taken up running. It helps me to get out and explore the local area as well as look after my own physical and mental health. I also love my sport. I play touch football once a week, love my cricket and follow the mighty Manly Sea Eagles in the NRL pretty closely. 3. What’s a favourite Christian song, and why do you like it? My all-time top two favourites that I can’t split are ‘Be Still (for the Presence of the Lord)’, and ‘How Great Thou Art’ . Beautiful songs, beautiful words with wonderful meaning that never fail to help me centre myself again on God’s love and care for me. Currently, I’m really enjoying the song, ‘Holy Forever’. Chris Tomlin has a wonderful way of creating and writing that enables you to connect with God and just sit in His presence and worship. The song is just powerful in that it helps me to acknowledge the Holiness and Majesty of God, how He wants me to live my life, and that I have so much to be thankful for. I was recently able to play Sam Creamer’s brass arrangement of this chart, too, which was wonderfully done and perfectly captures the reverence and power of the song that keeps you wanting to praise. (There are so many more worship songs, I could go on forever!). 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? Generally, my go-to would be the Apostle Paul. Such an incredible story and life and grateful for his transformation and his God-inspired writings that we have today. But for now, I’m going to go with someone a little different. In preaching recently, I have come across a lot of the story of the Israelites. I feel I would love to sit and pick Moses’ brain about that whole ‘ordeal’ and his role in it – how he felt in that leadership position with so much riding on it and the responsibilities he was given. How he managed so many people and dealt with all that would have come his way. And then amidst it all, what it was like to have those divine moments of connection hearing from God and being face to face with Him. 5. If you were talking to a group of Salvationists and they asked if you recommended officership or not, what would you say? Officership is certainly not for the faint-hearted. It can take an emotional, physical and mental toll on you if you are not careful. However, I only start with this to highlight that it is a role that draws deep on your calling. The benefits of answering this call on your life from God are incredibly rewarding. It is such an amazing privilege to journey with someone on their walk with the Lord. To be able to meet people at so many differing stages of life and provide encouragement and support is an opportunity like no other. It fills me with so much joy and happiness to see God at work in someone’s life and the positive changes that that elicits. You also get to become part of a unique group of people who also share in similar circumstances. There is plenty of support around, and it’s great to be able to share your highs and lows, your joys and your struggles with other officers and ministry workers who face similar situations each day. READ MORE: My testimony, by Cadet Peter Hardy

Victor Harbor Corps Officers Captains Nathan and Kylie Hodges (left) on the barbeque at the ‘Eat Together, Pray Together’ event at Encounter Lutheran College where participants formed a people cross on the oval. Churches from across the Fleurieu Peninsula have gathered for ‘Eat Together, Pray Together’, a new event on South Australia’s south coast.   Victor Harbor Salvos participated in the unprecedented initiative that saw over 400 Christians meet for the first time.   Hosted by Christian Churches of the South Coast, the time of prayer brought together different traditions and congregations for prayer, worship, intergenerational activities and a meal at Encounter Lutheran College on 2 February. The Encounter Lutheran College hall was packed for the combined churches service. “God is doing something pretty amazing in this area in bringing the churches together,” said Captain Nathan Hodges, Victor Harbor Corps Officer.   “We are seeing amazing unity amongst the Christian churches. The churches are working for the kingdom of God and really wanting to reach out into the community together.”   Prayer flags from the Eat Together, Pray Together gathering were hung in Victor Harbor Salvos's worship space earlier this month. Each flag bore a handwritten prayer.   The prayers celebrate the unity and shared outreach being experienced in the region. – Anthony Castle To view more photos of the event, click through the slideshow below:

Anthony Cianflone with Merri-bek Salvos volunteers. Image: Merri-bek City Salvos Facebook page Anthony Cianflone MP, State Member for Pascoe Vale, recently visited Salvos Community Connect at Merri-bek City Salvos in the inner suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria. Merri-bek Salvos Community Connect runs a twice-weekly breakfast for the local community, who gather at the centre from 10am-2pm on Tuesdays and 10am-1pm on Fridays for food and games, craft and a chat. During his visit on 25 March, Anthony made scrambled eggs and spoke with community members, staff and volunteers. Merri-bek Salvation Army is a corps that embraces the diversity of faiths, cultures and perspectives in the Merri-bek region, with recent Harmony Day and Interfaith Harmony Week  events marking the efforts of the corps to build an inclusive and welcoming community. – Kirralee Nicolle