Ablett Testifies To Transforming Faith

Ex-sports star, Gary Ablett, boldy shares his testimony in this article that appeared in today's Herald Sun and reminds us all that holiness is an ongoing process.

"It's only because of my relationship with Jesus, and God's unconditional love and acceptance of me in Christ, that I'm still here today - and I don't say that lightly. Sometimes it's through the most difficult and painful times that we learn the most valuable lessons. There is nothing like failure to force you to examine the foundations of your life.

"The Lord has taught me that the battle to feel good about myself can't be won by simply trying harder. I had to completely change the basis of my self-worth and security. I used to worry about what people thought, until one day Jesus spoke to me and said, 'Gary, most people don't even know who they are, let alone who you are, so why should you worry about what they think?'

"The Lord began to take me on a journey concerning the true basis of my self-worth and security, and I'm learning that the true basis of my self-worth is based on what God says is true of me in His Word. He created me. He alone knows my true worth and value. This is setting me free from the fear of failure and rejection that comes from basing your worth and security on performance and other's opinions.

"In (Matthew 7:24-27), Jesus said: 'Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.

"But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
The rain came down, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.'

"I'm learning to build my life on the sure foundation of God's eternal truth, and not on the sands of worldly success and approval, fame, wealth, etc, which are so uncertain and destined to perish.

"Jesus said: 'What good is it for a man to gain the whole world and lose or forfeit his soul in hell? (Luke 9:25)

"I realise I have a long way to go, but at least I know I'm heading in the right direction. I've repented and thankfully God has forgiven me, but I think the hardest thing for us to do at times is to forgive ourselves. Thankfully with God, no matter how bad things may seem, he always has a future and a hope for us, and he can take the worst of circumstances and work them for good and his glory.

"I acknowledge my failure was extreme. However, I believe I responded with honesty and integrity. I still struggle with bouts of depression but I'm much better than I was. In terms of my own use of illicit drugs, I feel I'm pretty much on top of it now. There has been the odd relapse here and there, but thank God I'm getting to the place where I can finally put the past behind me and move forward.

"Changing your life is a process and it doesn't happen overnight. I'm learning the importance of making right choices and decisions. Our lives will be shaped by the choices we make and it can sometimes be the seemingly insignificant choices that can turn out to be life changing and even destiny altering."

Reinstatement Of Lieutenant Rank

On Thursday morning, Commissioner James Knaggs announced the following decision relating to lieutenancy received from the office of the General on 14 November 2007.

Following a long period of consideration and much discussion, the General has decided that, effective 1 March 2008, the rank of lieutenant will be reinstated into the officer rank structure of The Salvation Army, as the first commissioned officer rank. Thus, on and from that date, all cadets - including those who are currently in training - will be commissioned with the rank of lieutenant.

The use of an officer rank to describe the position of a non-officer worker in The Salvation Army has long been felt by many to be confusing. Reintroducing the rank of lieutenant as a commissioned officer rank will eliminate that confusion. It will also bring other benefits in terms of clearly identifying those officers who are newly commissioned or within their initial years of service, and will also assist in enabling a clearly defined target date to be set for the completion of post-commissioning studies.

The rank of lieutenant will be held for five years from the date of commissioning, thus facilitating once again the linking of a satisfactory five-year review with the possibility of promotion to the rank of captain. The insignia for an officer holding the rank of lieutenant will be as it was prior to the elimination of the rank from the rank structure - i.e. silver 'S' on a red patch on each lapel, and one star on a red background on each epaulet.

Chief of Staff's Minutes will be issued in due course, which will establish the changes to various Orders & Regulations that reflect this decision.

Commissioner Knaggs also stated that each territory/command is to come up with a suitable title for its non-commissioned personnel, offering his assurance that our territorial leadership would ensure the lieutenants' best interests would be at the heart of any decision.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (MSG) ~ "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the one who will keep you on track."

New Captains Appointed

The following appointments were announced yesterday afternoon, effective January 2008.

CAPTS PHIL & CATHERINE ABRAM ~ Corps Officers (CO), Torquay Corps Plant, VIC
CAPTS DARREN & MEGAN AITKEN ~ CO, Kings Meadows Corps, TAS
CAPT RACHEL CASTLE ~ Chaplain, Prison Ministry, SA
CAPT ROWAN CASTLE ~ Divisonal Youth Secretary, SA
CAPTS GRACE CHOI & JOSEPH PARK ~ CO, Box Hill Korean Corps
CAPT DAVID COLLINSON ~ Territorial Youth Secretary, THQ
CAPT KYLIE COLLINSON ~ Assistant CO, Box Hill Corps, VIC
CAPT JASON DANNOCK ~ CO, Kingborough Corps, TAS (with Captain Sharon Dannock)
CAPTS MICHELLE & JASON DAVIES-KILDEA ~ CO, Brunswick Corps, VIC
CAPT DAVID DAVIS ~ Corps Officer, Sunbury Corps, VIC (with Captain Belinda Davis)
CAPTS CHRISTOPHER FOOTER ~ Assistant CO, Waverley Temple Corps, VIC
CAPTS ANNE & LANCE JEFFREY ~ CO, Rockingham Corps, WA
CAPTS ERICA & PETER JONES ~ Associate CO, Brunswick Corps, VIC
CAPT JUNE KNOP ~ CO, Box Hill Corps, VIC
CAPT PETER MCMASTER ~ CO, Beechworth Corps, VIC (following marriage to Captain Ainsley Fry)
CAPT GRANT PALMER ~ CO, Murray Bridge Corps, SA (with Captain Mel Palmer)
CAPTS HEATHER & MARTYN SCRIMSHAW ~ CO, Leongatha Corps, VIC
CAPTS KEN & LEANNE SMITH ~ Managers, Harry Hunter Rehabiliation Centre, WA
CAPTS JOHNMARK & NICOLE SNEAD ~ CO, Ararat Corps, VIC
CAPT HELEN ZHOU ~ CO, Richmond Corps, VIC

Move, Holy Spirit

More than 3,000 Salvationists and friends shared in spiritual connections at the Melbourne Convention Centre today for the Ordination and Commissioning of TSA's 29 new captains.

In a morning spirit of sacred contemplation, we witnessed the new officers being ordained as ministers of the gospel and commissioned to a lifetime of ministry and service. The afternoon meeting was one of praise and celebration as their new ministry roles were announced and we were each challenged and 'sent out' to carry the message of the gospel to the whosoever.

The whole day was evidence of God's Holy Spirit at work in the lives of Salvationists, urging us to live in His awesome and providential love.

Yes, "move, Holy Spirit, move in my life; make me like Christ"...

Social Justice C07

The Salvation Army's Social Justice Parade today could be summed up with Micah's words ~ "act justly... love mercy ...walk humbly with your God." A huge crowd gather at Federation Square to promote awareness of and foster action to cease contemporary social justice issues, such as human trafficking and sex slavery. The heat was on, in more ways than one!

The parade was also a great 'visual' opportunity for Salvos to not only voice their social justice concerns to the local community, but to actively promote our allegiance to Christ and witness to God's love at work in the wider world and our individual lives.

Micah 6:8 (MSG) ~ "It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love,And don't take yourself too seriously ~ take God seriously."

Friendship Connections

The opportunity to 'reconnect' with friends is always a valued one, especially when we share a common faith and hope. To offer support and show appreciation to others is a privilege of friendship, as is experiencing the support and appreciation from others along our journey.

While connecting with friends is great, connecting with Christ is far greater. Joseph C Ludgate wrote these words about the ultimate friendship.

A friend when other friendships cease,
A friend when others fail,
A friend who gives me joy and peace,
A friend who will prevail.

Friendship with Jesus, fellowship divine,
O what blessed sweet communion,
Jesus is a friend of mine!

Officer Connections

Today's spiritual meetings marked the commencement of CONNECTIONS 07 ~ and what a blessing it was! Throughout the morning and afternoon sessions of Officers Councils there was a real sense of the presence of God moving in the lives of His people. Commissioner Knaggs invited us all to "relax in God's presence and soak in His blessing and grace, as though we were in the lounge room." I came away from connecting with God convinced we were in His 'Love' room.

Tonight we were invited guests of Lieuts Martyn and Heather Scrimshaw and had the opportunity to connect with the cadets and lieutenants of the Heralds of the Good News session for their Recognition and Valedictory service. Being there to personally witness them receiving their ministry certificates in preparation for their ordination was "soul-inspiring".

What greater blessing does God have in store? Ask Him for something, and then come along and find out for yourself.

Matthew 6:14a (MSG) ~ "In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do."

Heralds Of The Good News

The Training Principal, Major Frank Daniels, shares his strong conviction of ministry non-negotiables with the Heralds of the Good News cadets.

• Christ must be the focus
• Prayer must be central to life and ministry
• Christian character must be the foundation

Pray God's continued equipping and encouragement on their respective lives and service!

Lieutenants Phil and Catherine Abram

Cadets Darren and Megan Aitken

Lieutenants Rachel and Rowan Castle

Cadets Grace Choi and Joseph Park

Lieutenants David and Kylie Collinson

Cadet Jason Dannock

Lieutenants Jason and Michelle Davies-Kildea

Cadet David Davis

Cadet Chris Footer

Lieutenants Anne and Lance Jeffrey

Cadets Erica and Peter Jones

Cadet June Knop

Cadet Pete McMaster

Lieutenant Grant Palmer

Lieutenants Heather and Martyn Scrimshaw

Lieutenants Ken and Leanne Smith

Cadets Johnmark and Nicole Snead

Lieutenant Helen Zhou

Isaiah 61:1 (NIV) ~ "The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners."

"Our Corps" ~ A Tribute To Inala Chapel's 40th Anniversary

Written by Major Joy Coleman

The Corps at Inala is thriving and true
With good congregation and many folks new
For thiry-nine years and soon to add more
A good Anniversary will then be two score!
TIM AND DABAK are our leaders who care
They spread wide the words of the Gospel to share
A church is made up of the people within
There’s HUGHIE AND JAN, who assist Captains Lynn

Some MARGARETS, one CEDRIC and more than one JOY
With Johns, Jim and Shirleys, their skills to employ
Our choir superb by ANITA is led
She wields a mean baton, or so it is said!
LYNNE, EDITH and MAVIS, who has a fine touch,
JEAN, NORMAN and KAY, who we all love so much.
So many fine members who all do their part
And give of their best with kind, caring heart

LAURIE’S the man, for the Bible he knows
To share of its study each Tuesday he goes
ERN, GEORGE, and one LEON, so skilled at his trade
We’ve seen at our sales fine goods he has made
HORRIE stands tall and his welcome is true
WIN hastens around to welcome folk too
Our GRACE, PHYLLIS, RUBY, PEARL, HEATHER and NELL
In years past whose busy hands laboured so well
A smile from NOREEN sure brightens our day
So many good people, what further to say?

Whether Captain or Colonel, true Soldiers or Friend
EACH ONE is included, on that please depend.
The families, the singles, they all play their part
With JOY in GOD’S SERVICE and cheerful heart!
We remember with love, the ones laid aside
And some who once shared, now in Heaven abide
But the fellowship grows as we worship and pray
For the CORPS AT INALA is thriving today!

United Front

This morning Dabak and I, together with our President of the Rotary Club of Box Hill, met with members of the Victoria Police, Neighborhood Watch and the City of Whitehorse as Assistant Commissioner Bob Hastings launched the Handbag Theft Prevention programme at Forest Hill Chase.

While the event was a success and will hopefully achieve its aim of decreasing the occurrences of handbag theft incidences, I believe the most valuable part of the launch was the united front that was evident to the community. Many passers-by commented on the positive spirit of cooperation between local community groups. As a Rotarian, The Salvation Army was involved by default, but noticed nevertheless!

This Saturday, as a part of our CONNECTIONS 07 event, The Salvation Army has a unique opportunity to present a "united front" together with members of the local community to make a public stand on issues of social justice. It is our prayer that the Community Social Justice Parade will do more than merely raise media attention, but have a rippling effect in causing others to make proactive changes for the better of all people, everywhere.

Deuteronomy 16:20 (NIV) ~ "Follow justice and justice alone, so that you may live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you."

40th Anniversary Celebrations

"To God Be The Glory" was not only the anniversary theme for Inala Chapel's celebration weekend but, more importantly, the heart attitude and worship response of all who attended. Under the leadership of General Eva Burrows, some 240 people enjoyed the Saturday evening variety concert presented by the musically-talented Classic Brass ensemble and the superb vocal efforts of the Inala Chapel Choir. A special feature was the confident presentation of Ray Steadman-Allen's extended vocal work, "A Childhood Suite" featuring our accomplished pianist, Mavis Sanders.

On Sunday morning, a capacity crowd of worshippers gathered in a genuine spirit of thanksgiving to praise God for Inala Chapel's rich spiritual heritage and be inspired with hope and courage for a further fruitful future of "love in action" ~ Heart to God; Hand to Man.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NLT) ~ "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."

Army Advances Into New Countries

INTERNATIONAL Headquarters announces that The Salvation Army has recently 'opened fire' in new countries in Africa and Europe. Work has begun quietly in Burundi and Greece with the appointing of officers to these countries for the first time ~ by decision of the General in consultation with senior leaders at International Headquarters, in the respective zones and in the neighbouring commands. The work in Burundi, which began officially in Bujumbura under the leadership of Aux-Captains Lusomobo Museses Justin and Fatuma Kalema Justine on 5 August 2007, is attached to the Rwanda Command. The work in Greece, which began officially in Thessalonika under Captains Polis Pantelidis and Maria Konti-Galinou on 1 October 2007, is attached to the nearby Italy Command.

Salvationists and friends are asked to pray for these new openings which are made in response to the 'great commission' to take the gospel to all nations. Also, please pray for the officers carrying out this pioneering work. The total number of countries in which The Salvation Army is officially present is now 113. Please pray also for divine guidance as several other countries in the five zones (Africa, Americas & Caribbean, Europe, South Asia and South Pacific & East Asia) are being evaluated for the commencement of Salvation Army witness and service.

Report by Lieut-Colonel Miriam Frederiksen

Glimpsing Eternity

Faithworks author, Bryan Patterson, wrote the following in his article entitled "Seeing small miracles" (Sunday Herald Sun, 19/8/07)
'...it is often the downtrodden, the poor and the disenfranchised who have the most trust in God, even when... their lives are stretched to breaking point. They are able, at times, to move beyond the ordinary, everyday sort of consciousness to glimpse eternity.
The ancient Jewish rabbis used to say: God is like a mirror. The mirror never changes, but everyone who looks at it sees a different face.'

Lord, give us each a faith in You that is deeper and wider than we can ever imagine.
Allow us to experience the height and breadth of Your love as our present reality.
Grow us in Your grace that we might glimpse etenity everyday.
May we witness, and be participants in, the small miracles you do each day in people's lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (MSG) ~ "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men..."

Being There

Here's a true saying. "Actions speak louder than words." Consider this ~ What do you remember most: the things people say to you or the things people have done for you?

The most eloquent and challenging sermon pales into insignificance in the light of someone who acts compassionately toward us with God's love.
The best politicial speech is worthless, unless it is back up with affirmative action.
The assurance of a promise means nothing until it is followed through and acted on.
When it comes to the crunch, what matters most is 'being there' and delivering.

Sydney Carter's song lyrics focus on the importance of 'being there' ~ "When I needed a neighbour...when I needed a shelter...when I needed a healer...were you there?"

Be there for someone this week ~ it will speak volumes!

Launch of CD "Young Courage"

Captain Debbie Messenger shares this invitation ~

Everyone is welcome to the launch of this exciting project. Come along on Sunday, 18th November at 6pm @ Waverley Salvation Army, and hear Mezz Coleman sing the song she has written specifically for the children of Joyville Children's Home called 'Young Courage'.

All proceeds from this CD go to help the ongoing work of Joyville Children's Home in the Philippines.

Sharing Our Learning

Cadets Pete & Jo Brookshaw gave good leadership to our worship service this morning and shared their passion for Jesus in the process. Basing her Bible message on Psalm 78, Cadet Jo reminded us of the importance of not only growing in our faith, but living it out every day to the honour and glory of God.

Here's a couple of notable quotables I wrote down as Cadet Jo spoke.

"You can't photocopy the Christian faith of others and live it as your own!"

"Life experience is the greatest teacher"

Hebrews 13:7 (MSG) ~ "Appreciate your pastoral leaders who gave you the Word of God. Take a good look at the way they live, and let their faithfulness instruct you, as well as their truthfulness. There should be a consistency that runs through us all."

According To Plan?

It's days like today, when nothing seems to go "according to plan", that I often find myself questioning the Divine.
"Lord, why does there have to be a traffic jam on this road when I need a free thoroughfare to get to my appointment on time? And God, why did you bring this person into contact with me when You knew I was in a hurry? These things weren't part of my plan today!"

As I sat down this evening and reflected on my eventful day, I could hear Frank Sinatra's self-centred lyrics running through my mind, "I Did It My Way!" And then came the realization, this is not what life is about. It's not about me, it's all about Jesus. And didn't the traffic jam allow you the opportunity for some quality extended conversation with your wife? Wasn't it beneficial to spend a little time catching up with someone you hadn't seen in a while and leave them encouraged in their personal journey?

"Well yes it was, but..." Stop there. A life lived trusting in Jesus and His love has no regrets. Life may not always go in the direction that we had planned, but we can be certain that God will always lead us in a better, unpredicted pathway.

Ephesians 1:11 (MSG) ~ "It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone."

Preparing To Celebrate

The countdown is on!
It is now 16 days until we meet under the leadership of General Eva Burrows (Rtd) to celebrate 40 years of Salvation Army ministry through the Inala Chapel.

Pray that our celebrations will be inspirational and motivational as we give God the glory!

Psalm 145:7 (NIV) ~ "They will celebrate your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of your righteousness."