A 'Major' Day

Today marks a milestone in our ministry, for we have now completed 15 years service since our Commissioning & Ordination on 8 January 1995. This significant achievement, thanks to the grace of God, is accompanied by our promotion to the rank of major. A thought that doesn't necessarily thrill us, as it suggests we are growing 'old'.

However, as we reflect over the many years of our ministry partnership, we agree on some key factors:

• People always matter more than programmes!
• Testimony is always greater than titles!
• Spiritual influence is more powerful than spiritual instruction!

Today, especially, we are reminded of the words of one wise retired officer we had the privilege to know and look up to. "Rank has no recognition in eternity - for we are all the same at the foot of the Cross"
A personal message to us offered another challenging perspective: "Congratulations on your promotion to Major. Wear the distinction well for it highlights the years of fruitful and faithful service you have both given in ministry to God and The Salvation Army..."
How grateful we are for these 'timeless' and 'timely' words of advice on this major day!

Day Of Prayer & Thanksgiving

To coincide with our POWERHOUSE Prayer Room commitment, we held a Day of Prayer & Thanksgiving today on this 1st Sunday in January, with the main feature being the Opening of the Time Capsule. This capsule was sealed into the chapel wall at the Watchnight Service held on 31 December 2000, with the instruction that it be opened in the year 2010.

How privileged we were to celebrate this special occasion with our former chaplaincy team of Majors Kevin and Lynne Grigsbey and Major Major McMillin, together with Mr Bruce Maunder (former Director of Administration). A unique opportunity to celebrate the past, present and future minstry of the Inala Chapel as we stand at the threshold of new beginnings.

It was a God-glorifying and soul-inspiring time of thanksgiving as the contents of the time capsule were unpacked and share with the congregation - book by Brigadier Horrie Wishart launched 10 years ago, commemorative mug and pen, and various publications from the time of its installment.

However, most encouraging of all were the personal messages written by the residents who were present all those years ago (many of whom are now in the eternal presence of God)! Here are a few noteworthy messages.

I hope you folk who have just come to live at Inala, and those who have been here for the last few years, are as happy as we are in 2001.
“In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”

This is my message to you all and it is timeless! [Margaret Hillman, PTG]

May my life always grow in God’s love and help others. [Nola Morris, current resident and newest soldier transfer]

Greetings from Heaven! I expect to be there when the capsule is opened.
Psalm 62:5 – “My soul waits silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him” - He never fails – Hallelujah! [Brigadier Eileen Johnston, PTG]

As part of the Fellowship of Inala Chapel, I wish God’s richest blessing on all of you who are in this chapel 10 years from now.Remember God’s promise to all of you – “Lo, I am with you always!” [Mavis Wilcox, PTG]

We thank God for the peace and contentment we have at “Inala” [Marjorie & Gordon (dec.) Thomas, current resident]

...and finally, a prayer from one of Inala's faithful witnesses, Major Gwenda Watkinson.

May God be pleased to bless the ministry of all who serve in His name at Inala. May all who enter Inala be aware of God’s presence and be blessed and drawn closer to Him.

POWERHOUSE Beginnings

At 9am on New Year's Day, we opened our POWERHOUSE Prayer Room at the Inala Chapel. This was our contribution to the territory's 24/7 prayer initiative and was a great way to greet the first days of 2010.

The power of prayer is truly amazing! Those who attended the prayer room testified to a deep personal empowerment as they shared in silent, reflective prayer and encountered God in a powerful way. Faith was deepened through intercession, and hope was heightened as God's grace was at work in and through our prayers.

I couldn't think of a better way to commence the New Year - on our knees before our great and glorious God!

God's Gift To Me

The commonly-quoted phrase, "Jesus is the Reason for the Season", is helpful in directing focus to the real purpose of why we celebrate Christmas. But what is it about Christmas that makes it especially meaningful to you?

For me, it is about expressing my heartfelt praise to God for the spiritual blessings that are mine as I celebrate my faith in Jesus Christ - my Saviour, Redeemer and King - who came to save me and illuminate the love of God into my life experience. It's a seasonal time to reflect on the impact of the Incarnation - not only for humanity - but for me as an individual. In a very real sense, God gifting Himself to me.

On arriving home this evening I found a Christmas card in my letterbox that was particularly encouraging.

What We Find In Jesus (by Roy Lessin).

We find peace, and the PRINCE OF PEACE
We find righteousness, and the RIGHTEOUS ONE
We find counsel, and the COUNSELLOR
We find wonders, and the WONDERFUL ONE
We find salvation, and the SAVIOUR
We find the Kingdom, and the KING.

In Jesus, we find more gifts than our hearts can ever imagine.

WHAT DO YOU FIND HIM TO BE?

Gowans on Christmas

Retired General John Gowans has a unique literary skill that always captures my attention. Here's one such gem that powerfully transforms profound theological truth into basic human understanding. May the words impact you as deeply as they do me!

There's nothing new about unwanted gifts. The first Christmas gift had a mixed reception, though it was blindingly beautiful. Wrapped in swaddling clothes, and lying in a manger, God had made a gift of himself to a world which badly needed him, but didn't know it.

In the first chapter of John's Gospel we find a stunning statement. Speaking of the Son of God it says: "He came unto his own ... ." He came to the human creatures that he had made and joined them. He came to the vulnerability, which is part of being human; the limitations, the hurts, the disappointments, the suffering and the distress. Christ was God incarnate, totally sharing the human experience, including the messy business of coming into the world and getting out of it. God identified himself with humanity. He made the gift of himself.

But the most wonderful phrase is followed by the most sad. "He came unto his own -- and his own received him not!" They showed him the door! God was not welcome. He was an unwanted gift.

Christmas is part of the world's history, but it is also a contemporary event. God is forever coming into the world, your world and mine. He is always offering the gift of himself as a counselor, a protector, a companion, a comforter, a healer, a Saviour.

"Connecting Forward" Commissioning Weekend

Salvos united in faith worship and and mission purpose is a most powerful and inspiring force!

Such was this past weekend as we met together with international special guests, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Robin Dunster - a fellow Australian officer and the Army's first woman officer to hold this 2IC international office - accompanied by Lieut-Colonel Edna Williams (Support Officer).

On Friday morning, Officers Councils provided an opportunity for spiritual reflection and renewal as we considered that our calling to full-time ministry demands a "Whatever It Costs" personal response. In the afternoon, we were reminded that God the Holy Spirit continues to work in our lives and the lives of others as the Army expands it global ministry in response to the Great Commission. The annual Overseas Missionary Offering collected in excess of $5,000.

A Valedictory Service, featuring the cadets of the Prayer Warriors session, was a great cause for rejoicing as they each received their International Certificates of Officership in preparation for their Commissioning & Ordination. The Graduation Address delivered by the Chief of the Staff was a vital challenge to 'Be Diligent' for God and The Salvation Army.

On Saturday afternoon, Victorian Salvationists took part in a Rally through the CBD to Federation Square for the "Salvos Out There" exhibition and worship event. Stirring music and inspiring stories were the basic means of sharing with the Melbourne community the five mission values of The Salvation Army: Justice, Community, Human Dignity, Compassion and Hope. Praise God, 14 people were saved as a result of this PR initiative!

In the evening, we had opportunity to publicly celebrate the life and ministry of General Eva Burrows with a musical & dramatic tribute event in honour of her 80th birthday. A highlight of the night was the presentation of "The Three Bonnets" by Carol Jaudes and Karen Krinjak (both from USA) - a three act, one woman play focussing on three well-known Army leaders: Catherine Booth, Evangline Booth and Eva Burrows.

[Weblink: http://apac.vividas.com/6005_connections/web/]

The cadets' Commissioning & Ordination Service took place on Sunday morning in what was a most sacred and spiritually affirming occasion. The Chief of the Staff reminded all present that we experience 'The Full Extent of God's Love' as we trust Him implicitly and obediently. A full response was made as people came forward seeking holiness, salvation, and responding to the Holy Spirit's leading to full-time ministry. Hallelujah!

Personal spiritual reflection then continued on into a time of corporate praise as we met for the Appointment Service of the new Lieutenants, who were challenged again by the Chief of the Staff to go out with the assurance, and in the confidence, of God's Power and Authority. Following this, many responded again to the Call to Service as Commissioner James Knaggs shared the territory's vision for 210 mission centres in Australia Southern by 2010 - an increase of 36 mission centres in the new year.

How we praise God for a full weekend spent enjoying the fullness of His rich blessings!

Remembrance Day Focus

Gathering together in worship with members of the RSL Red Shield sub branch yesterday morning was both a privilege and an inspiration. Our worship experience focussed on the theme 'Sacrifice - the greatest gift', and caused us to give glory to God for all He has done for us through Jesus. On the other hand, sacrificing ourselves to God's will and purpose is also the greatest gift that we can offer Him.

The choir contributed a most fitting vocal reflection entitled 'Above All with My Saviour's love' - "...Like a rose trampled on the ground, He took the fall and thought of me, above all."

In keeping with the dignity and solemn reflection of this worship occasion, I came across the following words penned by Doreen Lankshear-Smith which we used as a final congregational song.

REMEMBRANCE HYMN

O God of endless ages,whose will is still that we

Should live in peace and freedom, with love of liberty

In prayer we now remember the death and dignity

Of those who sought to rescueThis precious legacy

They gave themselves for others whose names they did not know

For God and for their country they vowed to overthrow

The infamous oppressor, their lives prepared to give

With selflessness and courage they died that we might live

The wars that now we're waging on crime and poverty

Disease and much injustice absorb our energy

Yet often with indiff'rence we, in these latter days

Forget the poppy's symbol their sacrifice portrays

With each new generation the memory further fades

Deep into history's pages, with tales of bygone days

So may our children's children, as rich inheritors

With us, o God, remember why freedom still endures

© 1982 Doreen M. Lankshear-Smith

(Tune: Aurelia)

The benediction, too, was both exhortative and encouraging.

Let us leave this place in remembrance, rejoicing that...
From the rising of the sun until its setting
From the bleakness of war to the lavish warmth of peace
From the peace of eternity to the pain of the present moment
OUR GOD OF PEACE, JUSTICE & INFINITE MERCY -
ALWAYS REMEMBERS HIS PEOPLE.
Go in the knowledge that God holds you in the palm of His hand.