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."