AUS General Change 2015

Today marked the release of the Australia Southern Territory's annual General Change for 2015.

Prayer For Today

I awoke this morning with Commissioner Stanley Ditmer's words running through my mind, which are a very well suited prayer for today - General Change Notification Day.

O take my life today, tomorrow;

Take Thou my will, in joy or sorrow;

If I must go or stay, O teach my heart to say,

'Without complaint, I'll follow Thee!'

("O Take My Life" - Musical Salvationist, 1976)

Her Name Is BOND - GENERAL-ELECT BOND!

Commissioner Linda Bond
Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Australia Eastern Territory

Date of Birth: 22 June 1946
Nationality: Canadian
Home Corps: St James, Winnipeg, Canada and Bermuda Territory
Commissioned: 21 June 1969

Appointments: Canada and Bermuda Territory Corps (June 1969), Training (June 1978), THQ (August 1982), Corps (February 1987), Training (October 1989), DHQ (July 1991) Divisional Commander (July 1993)

International Headquarters
Under Secretary for Personnel (July 1995)

United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland
Divisional Commander (August 1998)

Canada and Bermuda Territory
Chief Secretary (November 1999)

USA Western Territory
Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries (July 2002)

International Headquarters
Secretary for Spiritual Life Development and International External Relations (July 2005)

Australia Eastern Territory
Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries (May 2008)

May God bless more richly still GENERAL-ELECT LINDA BOND as she prepares to take international command of The Salvation Army from 2 April 2011!


Psalm 86:5 ~ "You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you."

High Council Reflections

I've just finished reading Retired General John Gowans' autobiography, "There's a boy here..." - all in a day!

I particularly enjoyed his personal reflection on the High Council and include a noteworthy excerpt here for your reflection.

"The High Council of The Salvation Army is unique. Comparisons with the papal election would be ridiculous. Our council is not seeking to elect an infallible leader, nor even hoping for one. Sixteen Generals have occupied the office and none of them has been perfect!

Members of the High Council might usefully pray that the Holy Spirit will help them select the person who will be his best possible collaborator; the one who will do the least harm and achieve the most good; the one who, when he or she cannot for some reason discern God's will, will do nothing to prevent it.

The trust which is laid upon the shoulders of a leader of The Salvation Army is a massive opportunity to do good, and a terrible treasure. Generals, and those who salute them, need to be reminded that they have this treasure in earthen vessels."

I'm earnestly echoing these words of General Gowans as I pray daily for members of the 17th High Council!

2 Corinthians 4:7

"If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That's to prevent anyone from confusing God's incomparable power with us." (MSG)

High Council 2011

As I write, The Salvation Army's 17th High Council has now convened for the sacred task of electing our next International Leader - the Army's 19th General.

This is an historic gathering for two reasons:

1. There are be 109 members present - the largest ever gathering of its kind!

2. Composed of 57 women and 52 men - the first time that women outnumber men at such an event!

As I commit myself to a focussed time of intercessory prayer for this most sacred task that is theirs to fulfill, I sincerely seek God's empowerment upon each of the High Council members claiming this scriptural promise from Numbers 16:7, "... The (wo)man the LORD chooses will be the one who is holy..."

GOD BLESS THE SALVATION ARMY!

What If Our Bible Were Just As Important As Our Mobile Phone?

I was greatly challenged by a video clip that Major Brian Pratt used during his sermon this morning based on the theme "How To Get The Most Out Of Life: Equipment List - The Bible!"

WHAT IF OUR BIBLE WERE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS OUR CELL PHONE?

Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it?
What if when we forgot it, we went back to get it?
What if we had lots of gadgets to keep us connected to it?
What if we always had it close by in case of an emergency?
What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets?
What if we checked it throughout the day for new messages?
What if we were constantly going over our minutes every month?
What if we made sure our battery never ran low?

Hmmm, and... "What if we used to it to get messages from the text?"
Imagine how powerfully the grace of God could be at work through each of us!

WHAT IF?... Well, this year I've made a personal commitment to complete a Daily Bible Reading Plan of the entire Bible in a year - to really READ, STUDY, MEDITATE and LIVE OUT THE WORD OF THE GOD?

How about you?

Here's a link to the video clip - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cw45_wh05Wg&feature=youtube_gdata_player

CHECK IT OUT!

Godly Insights

Job 33:29-30 (MSG)

"This is the way God works.
Over and over again He pulls our souls back from certain destruction
so we'll see the light - and live in the light!"

Holy Is His Name

"He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name." (Luke 1:49)

We must never forget that when we celebrate Christmas - Christ and His birth - we are celebrating the God of heaven and earth.

Some may not submit to His lordship, but that don't change the fact that the Father has given His Son. Jesus is Lord whether recognized or not, and He longs to be Lord of your life. He is holy and wants us to be wholly His!

Today is the Ordination and Commissioning service of the Ambassadors Of Holiness session in Melbourne. They each have submitted to the lordship of Christ and have personally chosen to serve their holy God in full time ministry as Salvation Army Officers. Today we meet together to formally recognize that they are "blessed to be a blessing", having given Christ central place in their lives.

The Good News is that our Holy God reaches out to us longing to personally bless us abundantly. He wants us to give Christ His rightful place in our lives, so we can be fully blessed. As Christ's followers, we can all be worthy Ambassadors of God's Holiness.

Immanuel - God with us

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14)

The Christmas season is eagerly anticipated by some and completely loathed by others. And while it is a time to celebrate hope and joy, many find Christmas a time of increased loneliness and isolation despite the seasonal "hustle and bustle".

Christmas is God's reminder that we are not alone. Immanuel - GOD with us! For God revealed in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus a reconciling love that rescues us from separation and isolation. We are not alone; God has come down from Heaven personally to tell us He loves us!

This Christmas season you can be personally assured that Jesus Christ is here. He is here to give hope, forgive sins, bring joy, impart faith and heal spiritual wounds. All you need is to welcome Christ into your life. Accept God's personal gift of love, joy, peace and hope - and know His Presence with you...every step of the way!

TRANSIENT - A Timely Reminder!

It's happened yet again! I have no work space to call my own.

Please don't get me wrong. I'm not complaining! I'm merely reflecting upon my personal circumstances and praising God for the opportunity to move around and minister freely. Ministry without walls is indeed a blessing! A wise chaplain colleague once advised me to always remember that chaplaincy at its best and most effective is Incarnational in nature. Being 'the visible presence of the invisible Christ' - on the front lines!

In this day and age of information technology, it is too easy to stake claim to a desk and computer and find that we are, more often than not, connecting with others 'virtually', instead of virtually connecting with others. Think about it! I much prefer the personal approach when it comes to building relationships and ministry style. So, the experience of finding one's self as a transient desk dweller is not negative. In fact, it's a personal challenge to "keep the main thing the main thing"!

Then again, it's also a timely reminder! Jesus came to earth to carry out His divine mission and ministry of reconciliation 'without walls'. As God's Ambassador He moved about freely and made an impact as He encountered people right where they were, and in just the way they needed. Jesus was a missional nomad with a intimately personal ministry!

Commissioner George Scott Railton was inspired by this theme - and indeed the words of Jesus, "Foxes have holes and birds have nests; but the Son of Man has no where to lay down his head and rest" - when he wrote these words:

1.
No home on earth have I,
No nation owns my soul,
My dwelling place is the Most High,
I'm under his control.
O'er all the earth alike,
My Father's grand domain,
Each land and sea with him alike
O'er all he yet shall reign.

2.
No place on earth I own,
No field, no house be mine;
Myself, my all I still disown,
My God, let all be thine.
Into thy gracious hands
My life is ever placed;
To die fulfilling thy commands,
I march with bounding haste.

3.
With thee, my God, is home;
With thee is endless joy;
With thee in ceaseless rest I roam;
With thee, can death destroy?
With thee, the east, the west,
The north, the south are one;
The battle's front I love the best,
And yet: thy will be done.


George Scott Railton (1849-1913)

Here Is Love

Today is the first Sunday in Advent. Even though we didn't focus on it particularly during worship at Camberwell this morning, we did focus on Advent-related themes - GRACE and LOVE. Concluding a 10-week preaching series entitled "Ten Faces Of Grace", Major Brian Pratt (CO) addressed ways in which we, as Christians, can live out grace everyday.

I was deeply challenged by the words of our final song. Inspired words, written by William Rees, that I have never encountered before. Words that reminded me of the central focus of Advent - "God moving into our neighborhood" (as Eugene Petersen so succinctly phrases it!)

HERE IS LOVE [words: William Rees]

Here is love vast as the ocean, loving kindness as the flood.
When the Prince of Life, our Ransom, shed for us His precious blood.
Who His love will not remember?
Who can cease His praise to sing?
He can never be forgotten, throughout heaven's eternal days.

On the mount of crucifixion fountains opened deep and wide;
Through the floodgates of God's mercy flowed a vast and gracious tide.
GRACE AND LOVE, like mighty rivers, poured incessant from above,
And HEAVEN'S PEACE AND PERFECT JUSTICE KISSED A GUILTY WORLD IN LOVE.

Through Jesus Christ, God indeed moved into our neighborhood with a personal measure of His grace, love, peace and joy for us all.

JOHN 1:14 ~ "So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son." (NLT)

MSS UK Tour (Cradley Heath, North Shields, Southwick)

Here's the next update...a link to the official MSS UK blog site!

http://mssuk2010.wordpress.com/2010/09/28/cradley-heath-north-shields-southwick-primary-school/

Time is precious, so thought that I'd be resourceful in preference to being creative. Just arrived in Bonnie Scotland, awaiting the commencement of our ceilidh.

MSS - UK Tour (Felixstowe - Peterborough)

On Thursday 16 September, I departed Melbourne with the Melbourne Staff Songsters (MSS) for their UK Tour. An (un)eventful departure to London via Hong Kong saw us arrive at sunny Heathrow some 23 hours later - ready, but not quite refreshed, for our first weekend in Felixstowe.

The group was warmly received and made to feel at home from the moment we arrived. Our billets were fantastic, which made the experience so much more enjoyable. The MSS sang at an Open Air in the mall, attended a Civic Reception hosted by the Mayor and then enjoyed giving an evening concert with a difference! Sundays worship services were a memorable time to connect both with God and the local corps folk.

Moving onto Norwich, we enjoyed sightseeing the town prior to sharing lunch at the local corps. We then gave a mini concert to senior citizens featuring some Australian folk songs, such as "Waltzing Matilda" and "Tie me kangaroo down". Boarding the coach again, we then made our way to Sheringham, where we setup for our evening concert at St Peter's Church. The opportunity to wander around hid delightful seaside town was appreciated, as was the fresh fish and chip dinner provided by one of the local Salvationist fish shop owners. As was our routine, the Saturday night concert was given to a packed audience - though this occasion was made more memorable by the collapsing keyboard and one very persistent pianist!

The next day we journeyed to Peterborough, a place that had literally bathed our visit in prayer! I had the opportunity to meet with the Msyor and local councillors at a reception before the evening's concert, and thoroughly enjoyed staying at the Bright household following. Though too short, our stay was most memorable in every way.

Stayed tuned for the next update...

The Reward Of Ministry

Everyday ministry doesn't often "bear fruit" right before our eyes. The time and energy we invest in the lives of others hoping, praying and working toward their betterment is, more often than not, a matter of "sow now, reap later". How much more blessed we are, then, to be able to see the change and transformation take place as we journey together with others!

Over the past 10 weeks, I've been privileged to share the personal "Positive Lifestyle" journey with a guy who has committed himself wholeheartedly to work toward intentional change for his own betterment. It's been an exciting and challenging time! It's been a time of self discovery and searching for better outcomes! It's been a time of encouragement and learning! But most of all, it's been a fruitful and rewarding time of ministry!

I'm pleased to share the good news: my friend has completed the PLP course, transformed his thoughts and actions for his own personal betterment and - perhaps most fruitful of all - has now commenced employment. His past was not so bright, but now his future is!

Life transformation brings hope, healing and wholeness. Life transformation in Jesus brings eternal reward!

Galatians 6:15b (NLT) ~ "What counts is that we have been transformed into a new creation."

Adelaide Congress Hall 130th

The Melbourne Staff Songsters spent the weekend in South Australia visiting the Adelaide Congress Hall Corps (Australia Southern Territory's #1 corps) to launch their 130th anniversary celebrations.

From the moment we arrived and were greeted by Major Sue Wallace (CO) and Captains Matt & Clare Reeve (Asst COs), it was evident that there was an air of excitement and expectation for a God-glorifying time of praise and celebration.

The Saturday evening concert entitled "GOD IS..." was a great opportunity to present a fresh and relevant challenge to everyone present - a challenge that proved to be life-changing in more ways than one.

After a time of worship on Sunday morning we shared in lunch fellowship, before heading down to the Rundle Mall for an 'open air' concert with the corps' brass ensemble, where we were again able to "connect through song".

Click here to view some footage of our opening number.

Praise God for His faithfulness, yesterday, today...and forever!

RSVP...ASAP

This was the theme of today's Chapel Service, attended by 30 staff, volunteers, clients and friends of Doveton CSS. Focussing on Matthew 6, we explored together the importance of prayer. An important feature was the introduction and dedication of our both of new Chapel Cross and Mercy Seat (place of prayer).

The shared 'Faith Thought' can be summed up as follows:

• RSVP = God's 'Please Respond' Invitation to us to commune with Him regularly through prayer
• ASAP = Always Say A Prayer!

Praise God, we had two first time attendees - one from our Men's Breakfast and another who 'walked in' off the street seeking assistance. In speaking with them both at the conclusion, I discovered that they had both enjoyed the worship service - adding that they hadn't been to church for many years.

Despite my own preconceived notions, I was vividly reminded today of the fact that while we don't know the ins and outs regarding the backgrounds of everyone we meet, we can be sure that God does. He knows our needs and what it is we need. His timing is unquestionably right - in every way!

Our worship focus on prayer was timely for so many - and mine was the privilege to share with folk in both corporate public and private prayer for expressed concerns and needs. The worship was nice; the fellowship was encouraging; but, most of all, the prayer time was 'powerful and effective'!

Thank You, Lord, for confirming once again that Doveton's FaithWorks Chapel is an integral mission imperative of our integrated mission centre!

Always Say A Prayer (ASAP)

There's work to do, deadlines to meet

You've got no time to spare

But as you hurry and scurry

ASAP - always say a prayer

In the midst of family chaos

"Quality time" is rare

Do your best; let God do the rest:

ASAP - always say a prayer

It may seem like your worries

Are more than you can bear

Slow down and take a breather -

ASAP - always say a prayer

God knows how stressful life is

He wants to ease our cares

And He'll respond ASAP -

ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER!

Author: Lisa Engelhardt

One Of Life's Certainties

Our circumstances and experiences of life are not always predictable. And neither are they always fair. One day is momentously memorable and the next is terribly tragic. We constantly ride a roller coaster of emotion and response, reacting to all that takes place around us in our everyday routines.

However, despite life's many uncertainties, one thing alway inspires me to hope - to look for a better outcome - a new possibility. That certainty is my faith in God. My personal belief and knowledge that assures me that there is a 'Greater Divine Being' in control. Not necessarily to
fix and mend', but to suppport and strengthen me. For I am certain that my Great God is powerfully present in my every circumstance and situation - intimately involved by equipping me with His 'more than sufficent' grace for my every need.

During this morning's worship, the band shared a message that encouraged my heart and inspired me to 'go deeper with God'. Here are the words:

"I can think of Him in my happy hours, when my heart is gay, glad my way;

Knowing He walks with me, I can always think of Him.

I can think of Him in prayer, for I know He will be there;

In my brightest day or my darkest way, I can think of Him in prayer.

I can think of Him in my darkest hours, when I cannot see what will be;

And despair stifles prayer. I can always think of Him."

Joy Webb

NAIDOC Week

On Friday 9 July, forty people from all walks of life gathered together united in a spirit of worship to "Celebrate Our Heritage" for our chapel service in honour of NAIDOC week.

Our special guest, Lloyd Hollingsworth (Aboriginal Programme & Ministry Consultant, THQ) commenced by sharing the Welcome To Country.

A time of enthusiastic singing was followed by the Presentation Of Flags (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Island and Australian) to the Doveton Community Support Services Manager, Vina Fernandes - thanks to the generous donation of a local MP.

Lloyd then shared about his territorial role to identify and develop opportunities for The Salvation Army to work effectively with Aboriginal & Indigenous people groups. His ministry passion to share Christ with indigenous people groups was inspiring.

A time of 'creative worship' followed where those present had the opportunity of creating their own Aboriginal artworks. This was very much a profitable and enriching experience for all!

To conclude this celebration service, our faith community joined together in honouring another Guest of Honour, Mina, who was turned 90th that day - singing "May the Good Lord, bless you!" (to the tune of Happy Birthday to you). Refreshment fellowship was a fitting conclusion to a richly rewarding worship experience.

Click here to view the photos of this memorable day of community celebration!

New Leadership Team

Attending the Welcome & Installation of Commissioners Aylene & Raymond Finger and Colonels Jenny & Peter Walker this evening was a sacred privilege. It was a godly time of confirmation and challenge not only for our new territorial leaders, but for the congregation and individuals present. This Divinely-inspired occasion was evidence that God uses ordinary people to achieve His extraordinary purposes.

We were encouraged to live courageously in the knowledge that our faith is centred in a God who continues to make the impossible possible, and challenged to 'reach the unreachable star' in our own pursuit of personal holiness and spiritual mission.

Today you, too, can know this personal sacred privilege of experiencing the everyday miracle of trusting in a 'life-transforming' God of im-possibilities. God longs for you to team up with Him and walk daily in step with His Spirit. Believe me, that's the best leadership team you could ever hope to experience!

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can't tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible

For He can do just what no other power can do

Lavished In Love

Today marks another personal milestone! Fifteen years ago we stood together before God, and in the presence of family and friends, as we were wed in holy matrimony. During this significant moment, we both experienced the blessing of unity as we made our solemn vows and expressed the faithfulness of our love to God and each other.

Today, too, is a reminder that God never gives up on us and always offers us His best for our betterment. We live life to the fullest when we live it to God's glory. We get the most out of life, when we are fully aware of the love that God lavishes on us unconditionally and choose to love others extravagantly.

On this first day of this new financial year, I challenge you to bank on the love that God lavishes on you. His love never fails!

1 John 3:1 ~ "How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"