Hunger By the Numbers

In the United States in 2007:

37.3 million people (12.5%) were in poverty.
13.3 million children under the age of 18 (18%) were in poverty.
3.6 million seniors ages 65 and older (9.7%) were in poverty.
36.2 million Americans (23.8 million adults and 12.4 million children) lived in food-insecure households.
3.9 million of all U.S. households (3.4%) accessed emergency food from a food pantry one or more times.
Source: Feeding America (feedingamerica.org/faces-of-hunger/hunger-101/hunger-and-poverty-statistics.aspx) Also from Christianity Today

2 Corinthians 8:9 (NIV)
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.

Ready for Work

How do you know if you're ready for work? Have you the proper training? Is your experience commensurate with your requirements? Are you physically prepared? Are your emotions in balance? Are your hopes consistent with the job before you?

For many things in life, I've discovered that I'll never be ready. If I wait for the perfect moment, I may very well miss the opportunity.

Regrettably, for most of us, ready comes before set and go. If we never get past ready, we'll never be set to go. Here's where Nike philosophy is helpful: "just do it."

1 John 3:3 (MSG)
3 All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own. it."

Re-alignment

Even the best plans can require adjustments as you go along. Persistence in a plan is generally good, but there are times that a fresh perspective is helpful. We need to clarify and define our plans in such a way that we will know when a re-alignment is necessary. When we wait too long to give this consideration, we risk unretractable failure.

We need to measure our success, pay attention, and be ready to make adjustments. Success in our endeavors is rarely automatic. God deserves our best attention and strategic plans. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 4:11 (MSG)
11 So let's keep at it and eventually arrive at the place of rest, not drop out through some sort of disobedience.

True Colours

How about the expression, true colours? When a person is put into a difficult situation, we sometimes remark that we've seen their true colours. It must relate to a reality that many people are masked, at least partially. At the point of tension, one's mask is difficult to maintain and the truth is revealed. Generally, the true colours are different than their mask.

Wearing a mask? What are your true colours? The Bible says that God made you for truth and rightness. It might actually be that you have yet to recognise your true colours, that is the truth of why you're here. Seeking God will bring you closer to your true colours.

Psalm 15:2 (NIV)
2 He whose walk is blameless and who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from his heart

Anniversaries

In the remembering of a day every year, we highlight the significance of the event itself. If the annual event is a birthday, the person and the family are celebrated often with gifts and all. A wedding anniversary can be very positive as well.

There are anniversaries of difficult days too. These days can bring sorrow or even depression. In some ways, this is not altogether bad as we need to recollect certain losses or calamities in our lives to give us perspective.

Whichever type of anniversary you will be facing this week or so, make the best of it and share in the constructive journey of your life.

Leviticus 23:44 (MSG)
44 Moses posted the calendar for the annual appointed feasts of God which Israel was to celebrate.

ANZAC Day

Anzac Day runs deeper than nationalism or military pride, The Weekend Australian says in its editorial on Saturday.

Today's Anzacs are defending our nation against global terrorism with all the distinction of their forerunners who scaled the Gallipoli cliffs 94 years ago, and stopped the Japanese at Milne Bay in 1942.

The nation also honour our 102,000 war dead, including 61,000 in World War I, 39,000 in World War II, 340 in Korea, 521 in Vietnam and smaller numbers in other conflicts.

Anzac Day honours those who sacrificed all to allow Australians to live in peace. the newspaper says.

"It acknowledges our prisoners of war, and the debilitating wounds endured by thousands of survivors, and the loneliness and suffering of families whose loved ones were lost or maimed.

"A sombre, reflective commemoration of past campaigns, it has evolved to embrace new generations, renewing itself at the grassroots, and ensuring the fallen live on in the national pantheon...

"Australians need Anzac Day. Our mateship, gleaned from the early Diggers, makes it vital to salute our armed forces, past and present, for their brave service, loyalty and sacrifice. Lest we forget."

(This is copied from NZTV.com.nz)

Deuteronomy 32:7 (NIV)
7 Remember the days of old; consider the generations long past. Ask your father and he will tell you, your elders, and they will explain to you.

Bless the Lord

What would you do with a programme that has linked 908 families in one year with the corps? How about 20 new soldiers as a result? $182,318.04 was raised and given for projects local and international. Both the membership and attendance statistics are increasing.

Is it possible? Sure. It's called Women's Ministries. Considering their ministry, I'm proud to be a Salvo.

Luke 24:1 (NIV)
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

sstv

Salvo Studios TV launched tonight with a live internet feed of the Revolution Youth Camp in South Australia. I watched it with the Cabinet of Territorial Headquarters and as you have guessed, I'm impressed and blessed. Hallelujah!

Now I know that we have produced simulcasts before as have others. We are now in a position to make that process much easier and way less expensive. I think it's a new day. The great distances in this territory just got closer. I'm expecting that people from all across the territory and outside of Australia have been online with me in the process.

Psalm 46:4 (NIV)
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.

Margaret Jackson

The ANZ Bank celebrated the service of Margaret Jackson as a member of their board last night. It was at this occasion that she retired from that particular role. If you listen to her accomplishments, you will know the historic facts of her leadership and influence upon Australian life and business.

Even more convincing were the many incredible people in attendance at this retirement program. Their presence speaks to Margaret's extraordinary character and attractive spirit.

In the past two years she has chaired our capital campaign for two major property projects in Melbourne. We salute Margaret on the successful accomplishment of 15 years of service on the ANZ Bank board.

1 Thessalonians 5:13 (MSG)
13 Overwhelm them with appreciation and love! Get along among yourselves, each of you doing your part.

Cliff Breeze

As a leader of The Salvation Army in Australia, it has been my distinct privilege and honour to meet and value Cliff Breeze. He has been a leading force in our Red Shield appeal for over 16 years and has been an active member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board for more than 15 years.

At each meeting, he would appear with his famous smile and positive demeanour that we all found encouraging. He demonstrated a grace of character in the process of the agenda, especially when he found it necessary to ask the hard questions, that need to be asked these critical meetings.

Before he moved quickly to another commitment on that same day, he always made sure to give that affirming word to assure us we were on the right track and that he was with us.

I’m given to understand that in a single-handed manner, established the property committee of our Advisory Board. As Lt. Colonel Brian Hood tells it, not only did Cliff organise the group, he personally recruited each member including the chairman. Once set up, Cliff moved on to the next opportunity.

Perhaps that is where we will find Cliff today. Finished with his frame, which served him well all these years, he has moved on to the next opportunity … heaven.

Once there, he would be in the healthy company of many loved ones who have gone on before. The Bible teaches that Jesus has prepared a place for all of us there.

Psalm 1:3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers."

Kowloon Central Corps

We worshipped God here at the Kowloon Central Corps in Hong Kong. After the photo was taken, all seats were filled. This is a corps that expects visitors. We were greeted at the door with English materials including an English copy programme. Next we were asked if we wanted to use their translation headsets. The meeting was primarily in Mandarin, but materials and simultaneous translation was available in both Cantonese and English. They're showing us the right way here.

Carolyn and I were blessed to be in their company. Hallelujah!

1 John 3:3 (MSG)
3 All of us who look forward to his Coming stay ready, with the glistening purity of Jesus' life as a model for our own.

Building Korean SA

The photo is of the Korean TC and TPWM with principal agents in the construction of an extraordinary SA facility in Seoul. They are stepping out in faith and God will honour them as a result.

I see the Korea Territory in the same light. They are stepping out in deep faith for the growth of the Kingdom of God in Korea. he is answering their faith with great supply for their objectives. Note that their objectives are His objectives.

Philippians 3:18 (MSG)
18 There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. I've warned you of them many times; sadly, I'm having to do it again. All they want is easy street. They hate Christ's Cross.

More Korea Visit

This is the exterior of the Kwachun Corps. The Army is quite advanced in Korea as this structure reveals.



These are the Cadets and Staff of the Korean Officers Training College. They are a beautifully commited group with great hope to win the world for Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:7 (NIV)
7 For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.

Korean Visit

This is the Korea First Corps on Easter Sunday. It's a very large corps with a beautiful spirit. On this morning the Hallelujah Songsters presented an Easter Cantata to the glory of God.


This is an inadequate photo of the Korean Territorial Women's Conference. There were over 1,000 in attendance. The two days with them was filled with the joy of Jesus.


2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

Happy Easter

Luke 24:5-6 (NIV)
5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?
6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

Special Sabbath

John 19:31-37 (NIV)
31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.
32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other.
33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.
34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus' side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water.
35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.
36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: "Not one of his bones will be broken,"
37 and, as another scripture says, "They will look on the one they have pierced."

Good Friday

John 19:18 (NIV)
18 Here they crucified him, and with him two others--one on each side and Jesus in the middle.

Maundy Thursday

This is a great day in the celebration of the believers.

Thank you Jesus for loving us so much and for teaching us how to live right lives. We worship you today in spirit and in truth. You are the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for being the way to the Father. Thank you for the resurrection and the life.

John 16:20 (NIV)
20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

Spiritual Day

It's really a good concept, setting aside a special day for spiritual renewal. The community or fellowship understands the importance of the day and give it particular attention in order to meet with God.

So what about Sunday? At the Training College, a week day is chosen so as to transform a "regular" day to being marked by this holy ambition. It has merit. Is there an application for the rest of us? There could be. Maybe you might take a personal day from work to have a spiritual day where you totally focus on the Lord, purposely limiting any and all distractions. I think it would be worth it. Why not do it with a couple of friends?

2 Peter 1:5 (MSG)
5 So don't lose a minute in building on what you've been given, complementing your basic faith with good character, spiritual understanding,

Predictability

One of the enduring aspects of traditionalism is predictability. It's precisely this part of change that will annoy a conservative who finds it so painful to adjust to new things. Predictability can bring comfort to those whose elasticity in life is stretched to its limits or whose energy is beginning to wane. In itself I don't see it as a problem.

The difficulty emerges when it becomes a dominant force on the journey. It means we have traveled this way before or that the perspective is so similar that we recognise the position. Some things in life will always be predictable. When it dominates our lives, we aren't moving forward.

Joel 3:9 (MSG)
9 Announce this to the godless nations: Prepare for battle! Soldiers at attention! Present arms! Advance!

OWSOMS

The acronym above stands for One Weeks Salary On Missionary Service. This represents our practise of giving one weeks salary for the support of Salvation Army overseas service. We have been learning throughout the Lenten Season via DVD infomercials of the continuing needs of those who are serving in what we used to call missionary service. The needs relate more specifically to those with whom our people are working and serving.

Carolyn and I participated with many friends at our home corps in the ingathering on Palm Sunday. It was thrilling to see the strong support of so many to help so many people they don't know. They only know that they need help and that the help will be given as a result of their giving. Hallelujah!

Colossians 1:27 (MSG)
27 God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, therefore you can look forward to sharing in God's glory. It's that simple. That is the substance of our Message.

Palm Sunday

Mark 11:9 (NIV)
9 Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"

Always connected

Most everyone who reads this will have had connection complications at one time or another. I haven't had this problem in a while, but when it does happen it can be a real pain. Right in the middle of something important or after you've filled out a lengthy form that will now need to be redone there can be a disconnect.

Today I'm celebrating a good connection with the Lord. In some seasons in life, it's easy to feel that we've disconnected from Him and despair about a failing relationship. Be reminded that He never disconnects. His pursuit of our love is everlasting and ever present. He is with you, even if you don't feel His presence. Hallelujah!

Hebrews 13:5 (MSG)
5 Don't be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, "I'll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,"

Welcome Home

For the first time in many years, all major THQ Departments are under one roof. Public Relations, Planned Giving and Audit have finally moved into our Blackburn building. It will become apparent how valuable it will be to be working side by side, sharing in weekly devotions, coffee breaks and lunch time. I believe it will unite us better and afford a solidarity we have been missing.

Welcome, friends to the office. We've been missing you and will be much better off together.

Jude 1:2 (MSG)
2 Relax, everything's going to be all right; rest, everything's coming together; open your hearts, love is on the way!

God has a way

No matter the complication, problem or issue, God has a way through. He leads in brilliance through the darkest possible corridors of our lives and will satisfy our deepest need for clarity, purpose and possibility.

God has a way. You can rely upon Him and gain His perspective with only a little faith. Remember the passage in Scripture that talks about moving mountains? You also will recall that it only takes faith the size of a mustard seed.

Give Him a try. Trust Him. Look to Him and believe. The way forward will become apparent. Oh yeah, then you'll need to do something like follow His lead.

John 14:6 (NIV)
6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Red Shield Defence Service

In the Book titled “The Strength of a Nation” by Michael McKernan you'll find the first instance of the what we know now as the RSDS Mobile Hop In. It was the 3rd May 1941 at Mersa Matruh Egypt, 290 Klm west of Alexandria. The 2/14th of course was the Infantry Battalion Mud & Blood. Working with the Battalion was Albert Moore, Salvation Army welfare officer, but wondering what more he could do.

On 29th March he had opened a ‘Hop In’ hut and there was a party on the first night. Albert had cut some tomato sandwiches and served hot tea and biscuits. Mud & Blood was the 2/23rd’s response to the isolation of the battalion; Albert Moore came up with a new plan of his own because he realised he was not doing the job that was needed, and this made him feel ‘wretched, tired and disconsolate’.

If the men could not come to him, he would have to go to them by establishing a mobile canteen. A moving ‘Hop In’, if you like. Armed with a truck, Albert went to Alexandria to buy his supplies: a primus stove, a couple of urns, and lots more.

On 3 May 1941 Albert Moore, welfare officer, started his first battalion coffee run. He was out along the lines from 7.45pm to 10pm ‘and were the men thrilled. A hot cup of coffee and a slice of cake, and they were all loud in their praise’. And why not? The cold of the desert at night, the boredom, the monotony of their food and drink. And here comes Albert, cheerful, a hot drink for all, and a bit of news, real news of other blokes along the line, what was happening at Tobruk, what he knew of the world war and what else was happening around the place.

‘Perspiration rolled off’, Albert wrote, but he served at least 200 cups of coffee that first night. Three nights later Albert served 18 gallons of coffee and 16 pounds of cake—nearly 400 cups of coffee. The battalion truck was no good, Albert soon realised, and by 16 May he was back in Alexandria to buy a station wagon that would be much better for the work. He found one for 300 pounds, knocked the price down by 10 pounds, and also bought a radio for 28 pounds, another 10 pounds knocked off. ‘The bus was lovely to drive’, Albert reported to his diary. He named the station wagon, a Willys, ‘Vikel’, remembering his wife and son—Vi and Kelvin –back home in Melbourne.

Doing whatever it takes; This is our Heritage. Let's make it our Goal too.

This historic account was taken from the RSDS newsletter.

Colossians 3:17 (MSG)
17 Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.