Major Winsome Mason

We have a new Divisional Commander in South Australia. Following the good work of Majors Dennis and Pat Rowe, Major Winsome Mason was installed tonight in a public meeting to the glory of God. She is the first woman Divisional Commander in the history of the division.

The South Australia Division continues to be fertile soil for the redemption of the lost and the sanctification of the believers. It is a great place to serve the Lord by helping mankind. Hallelujah!

Romans 3:26 (MSG)
26 This is not only clear, but it's now—this is current history! God sets things right. He also makes it possible for us to live in his rightness.

Qantas

Here's a dependable airlines. When I board a Qantas flight, I have every confidence that I will reach my destination, be treated like a guest, and have a satisfying experience. Actually, I trust them. I think many people trust them.

The Creator of the universe extends His love indiscriminately through His Son and people choose not to trust Him. It's very sad and heart breaking. Let's do the right thing and demonstrate God's love convincingly.


Proverbs 3:5 (NLT)
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.

International Appointments

EFFECTIVE 1 MAY 2009

LT. COLONELS KEITH AND BERYL BURRIDGE, officers of the United Kingdom Territory (with the Republic of Ireland) currently serving respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in the Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar Territory, are appointed territorial leaders in that territory. Lt. Colonel Keith Burridge is appointed as Territorial Commander, Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar Territory, and Lt. Colonel Beryl Burridge as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. They take up their new appointment responsibilities with the rank of colonel.

MAJORS LEE, KONG CHEW AND LEE, TEOH GIM LENG, officers of the Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar Territory currently serving respectively as Director, William Booth College of Mission/Principal, SFOT and Home Officer/Cadet Counsellor in that territory, are appointed respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar Territory. They take up their new appointment responsibilities with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.

MAJORS RONALD AND ROBYN CLINCH, officers of the Australia Southern Territory currently serving as divisional leaders of the Eastern Victoria Division of that territory, are appointed to the Philippines Territory. Major Ronald Clinch is appointed as Chief Secretary, the Philippines Territory, and Major Robyn Clinch as Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. They will take up their new appointment responsibilities with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. They succeed Lt. Colonels Graham and Rhondda Durston who will be retiring from active service.

EFFECTIVE 1 JUNE 2009

MAJORS SAMUEL AND DONNI PHO, officers of the Australia Southern Territory currently serving respectively as Territorial Liaison Officer for Asian Ministries and Chaplain, Chinese Ministry, Inala Village in that territory, are appointed to the Hong Kong and Macau Command. Major Samuel Pho is appointed as Officer Commanding, Hong Kong & Macau Command, and Major Donni Pho as Command President of Women’s Ministries. They take up their new appointment responsibilities with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. They succeed Lt. Colonels Mervyn and Elaine Rowland who will be retiring from active service.

EFFECTIVE 1 JULY 2009

COMMISSIONERS DAVID AND GRACE BRINGANS, officers of the New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory, currently serving as territorial leaders of the Singapore, Malaysia & Myanmar Territory, are appointed as territorial leaders of the Mexico Territory. Commissioner David Bringans is appointed as Territorial Commander, Mexico Territory, and Commissioner Grace Bringans as Territorial President of Women’s Ministries. They succeed Colonels Olin and Dianne Hogan who will be retiring from active service.

1Sa 12:14
14 If you fear God, worship and obey him, and don't rebel against what he tells you. If both you and your king follow God, no problem. God will be sure to save you.

Leongatha Corps

We have witnessed the presence of God throughout the celebration of 21 years as a corps in Leongatha, Victoria. Captains Heather and Martin Scrimshaw and their team have a sensational expression of The Salvation Army that includes the entire spectrum from the smallest children to the eldest among us. Together, they share the joy of Jesus in practical, faithful ways.

Want to stop in on a country corps with the works? Go to Leongatha.

James 2:22 (MSG)
22 Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"?

Victorian Bushfire Activity

Herewith a brief report of activity to date.

The State team supported by Western Victorian Teams provided significant support at the Woodend Fires. Over 700 meals were provided over a 24 hour period.
Western Victorian teams also provided some support at the Malmsbury Fire.

Leongatha Team has provided significant support at the Mirboo North Fire initially in support of Red Cross catering teams but then taking responsibility for providing breakfast on Thursday morning for several hundred fire-fighters. Final figures yet to be received.

Bedding, toiletries and other personal items for 200 persons displaced/affected by the fires have been made available at evacuation centres at Mirboo North.

On Friday,members of the state team responded to a request to provide support at the South Morang power transformer explosion and overnight attended the fire at Endeavour Hills providing meals for in excess of 170 fire-fighters. The team will continue on site providing both breakfast and lunch at this fire.

This morning members of the state team are on route to the fire at Mirboo North where they will assume responsibility for providing lunch and an evening meal for in excess of 400 firefighters.

Isaiah 58:11 (NIV)
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

Salvo Fellowship

One of the great things about being a Salvo is the eternal fellowship to which we belong. Purely, the body of Christ is a glorious fellowship. In addition, those who step out of the regular fellowship of TSA, generally, continue to enjoy the fellowship when they want.

While I come to some frustration when our brothers and sisters go another direction, I am learning to trust God in the process. Many people come to us from other journeys as well. One of the great aspects of heaven will be the unity of all believers. Hallelujah!

John 13:35 (MSG)
35 This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other."

Heat Wave

You think it's hot here at 45C?

Romans 6:23 (MSG)
23 Work hard for sin your whole life and your pension is death. But God's gift is real life, eternal life, delivered by Jesus, our Master.

Winning Children for Christ

The Winning Children or Christ Zonal Conference began tonight at the Geelong Conference Centre. Delegates have arrived from all over the SPEA Zone to consider the subject and make recommendations to the General. Lt. Colonel Raymond Finger is the conference organiser and leader.

I was saved as a child and have never turned back. Perfect? No, forgiven.

Truly the best opportunity to minister a person towards salvation in Christ is when they're a child. Children are more willing to exercise faith. The power of God in them holds them in grace and God is glorified.

Matthew 18:4 (MSG)
4 Whoever becomes simple and elemental again, like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom.

New Faces

In the past week we experienced the general change in the territory. Any faces change near you?

If so, just know that they need your encouragement and support. Along with the move for them comes the insecurity of being the "new guy" and the one who has to ask a lot of questions from strangers. It isn't an easy thing to do.

Carolyn and I are praying for each person in the appointment changes. If that includes you, know of our gratitude for your faithfulness and for every hope that is growing in you at this new address. Hallelujah!

1 Thessalonians 3:10 (MSG)
10 We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.

Australian Honours

As is the practice of the Australian Commonwealth Government on Australia Day, Australian Honours are announced. Today is Australia Day and one of the honours was given to Robyn Anne Hobbs. She received the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community as the founder of Carols in the Domain, to the Salvation Army through fundraising, and to the Anglican Church of Australia.

We celebrate this worthy honour upon Ms. Hobbs as we celebrate her support of TSA through Carols in the Domain. It's a winning combination. We all enjoy the programme and the work is advanced as a result.

2 Thessalonians 1:12 (MSG)
12 If your life honors the name of Jesus, he will honor you. Grace is behind and through all of this, our God giving himself freely, the Master, Jesus Christ, giving himself freely.

Western Victoria Division

Majors Winsome and Kelvin Merrett were installed today as leaders of the Western Victoria Division. The Ballarat Corps was filled with supporters for this, the farewell to the Accepted Candidates, and recognition of long service for two terrific officers.

Both Majors Merrett come well qualified and prepared for the roles and the division, most recently led by Majors Peter and Jenny Walker welcomed them with grace and great expectation. May God bless this important division in our territory to His glory.

2 Peter 3:9 (MSG)
9 God isn't late with his promise as some measure lateness. He is restraining himself on account of you, holding back the End because he doesn't want anyone lost. He's giving everyone space and time to change.

On the Road

We're discovering that the faith journey involves,for us, a bit of time on the road. We attempt to use the time wisely, sharing the gospel as we go and trusting God for every conversation along the way.

Whether your journey takes you to the ends of the earth or fixed in a permanent setting, know that God is with you. Your challenges are the makings of faith and your impact need not be minimal. With God the possibilities are endless. Happy travelin'.

Psalm 37:23 (NIV)
23 If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

Unity in Diversity

It may be over used, but we have in TSA this extraordinary unity in diversity. Our unity is in Christ. Hallelujah!

The diversity is essential to reach the diverse populations of the world.

Won't it be fantastic when we are able to just communicate in one accord in heaven?

Plan to be there. It is the Creators plan for you.

John 3:16 (NLT)
16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

Women in ministry

Our utilisation of all people in TSA speaks of our conviction that God intends equality among gender. We have much room for improvement. God is leading us and better evidence of this hope is forthcoming. Hallelujah!

Galatians 3:28 (NIV)
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

Differences

Different cultures, different perspectives. Not every idea for ministry is applicable across the cultures. Not only are the societies intrinsically different, they are at different places in their development.

We have so much to learn from each other. Basic theological understanding is the same, but the application is best served with the nuances of culture. It's not only interesting to identify the differences, but it's also a thrill to gain from the unique and valid experiences. Hallelujah!

2 Corinthians 5:20 (MSG)
20 We're Christ's representatives. God uses us to persuade men and women to drop their differences and enter into God's work of making things right between them. We're speaking for Christ himself now: Become friends with God; he's already a friend with you.

A Growing Army

Around the world and in neighbourhoods of deepest need The Salvation Army is serving God by reaching out to people in His name. Where the Army is increasing, Jesus is being glorified and sincere soldiers are being obedient to His will.

I am spending time with sisters and brothers who intimately know the Saviour and who serve Him with their every effort and intention. They're reminding me of God's incredible provision and faithfulness. Hallelujah!

Acts 1:8 (NIV)
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Denpasar No. 2 Corps

The meeting this morning at the Denpasar No. 2 Corps was a blessing of God. Under the ministry of the Chief of the Staff, we enjoyed the presence of God and the challenge of the Holy Spirit. Many seekers sought the grace of God in their lives.

The corps is extraordinary with music today from a THQ ensemble (look out Kenny G) and a xylophone ensemble from the Boy's home. Both groups were sensational and inspiring. Just before the meeting, we were favoured with native musicians and dancers in full costume. They were amazing and brought glory to God.

Thank you for your prayers.

1 Corinthians 12:13 (MSG)
13 By means of his one Spirit, we all said good-bye to our partial and piecemeal lives. We each used to independently call our own shots, but then we entered into a large and integrated life in which he has the final say in everything. (This is what we proclaimed in word and action when we were baptized.) Each of us is now a part of his resurrection body, refreshed and sustained at one fountain—his Spirit—where we all come to drink. The old labels we once used to identify ourselves—labels like Jew or Greek, slave or free—are no longer useful. We need something larger, more comprehensive.

SPEA Zonal Conference

TSA is organised by zones in the world. The Australia Southern Territory is in the South Pacific East Asia Zone where Commissioners Pobjie are the Zonal Leaders. Every three years, there is a meeting of the leaders of these territories in the zone for many good reasons.

This conference began today under the leadership of the Chief of the Staff Commissioner Robin Dunster. Already we sense the presence of God and are encouraged by the affirmation of what God is doing through the ministry of TSA in this Zone. Hallelujah!

Please pray for us as we meet.

Zechariah 8:21 (MSG)
21 The leaders will confer with one another: 'Shouldn't we try to get in on this? Get in on God's blessings? Pray to God-of-the-Angel-Armies? What's keeping us? Let's go!'

Youth Tick Walk

Intended to show support for youth who are a credit to Melbourne, this march was organised to take place today with the delegates of the Insane event. I couldn't make it, but wonder how it went. Let me know.

God bless our young people.

Psalm 71:17 (MSG)
17 You got me when I was an unformed youth, God, and taught me everything I know. Now I'm telling the world your wonders;

Creative Genius

Some days I enjoy the company of creative genius. God plants these people in our lives to inspire us and encourage us in the journey.

Who would you say is a creative genius?

Luke 12:57 (MSG)
57 "You don't have to be a genius to understand these things. Just use your common sense,