Victoria Bush Fires 8

We witnessed the faithfulness of volunteers and supporters in the hundreds today by visiting Yarra Glen, Healsville, Toolangi, Yea, and Alexander, all in Victoria. Actually, we helped set up the office in Toolangi. The minute the road opened, Major Ron Clinch and company moved to take the service to the people.

At one of the sites, we arrived at the moment at which a senior couple was given the keys and official papers for ownership of a camper which they will drive to their property and begin the process of rebuilding their lives. The owner of the camper had driven it six hours to make the donation and without drama, left to make his own way back home.

Deep gratitude in the midst of near disbelief swelled in the hearts of the bushfire victims. They drove home with great hope.

There are many more stories and many of these will not be told. God is at work among the healing. Hallelujah!

Romans 12:3 (MSG)
3 I'm speaking to you out of deep gratitude for all that God has given me, and especially as I have responsibilities in relation to you. Living then, as every one of you does, in pure grace, it's important that you not misinterpret yourselves as people who are bringing this goodness to God. No, God brings it all to you. The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him.

Victoria Bush Fires 7

We journeyed to Bendigo and Eaglehawk today and saw furthet evidence of these devastating fires upon the lives of Australians. Last Saturday morning in this part of the state, life was comparably normal. The weather forcast was hot and windy. It turned out to be the hotest day on record in the Melbourne area and the winds were fierce.

Between Bendigo and Eaglehawk, more than 40 homes were destroyed and lives were lost. It happened so quickly and it was hard to tell where the fire was going. It was indefensible.

Salvos have joined many other dedicated people in this area to help as best they can. It continues to be an impressive team effort. People are being helped. The pain continues.

Revelation 21:4 (MSG)
4 He'll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good—tears gone, crying gone, pain gone—all the first order of things gone."

Victoria Bush Fires 6

Matthew 25:40 (MSG)
40 Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'

Victoria Bush Fires 5

More people helped and more coming for help. We're now serving from 14 different sites in Victoria. We continue to give support where it is needed.

Tomorrow morning we will open up a permanent location in Whittlesea, revealing our intention to be there for the long haul. We want people to know that we plan to remain and keep working as long as necessary.

Have I mentioned that our people are doing a great job? They are. Salt and light are being dispensed. Hallelujah!

1 Corinthians 13:7 (MSG)
Love...7 Puts up with anything, Trusts God always, Always looks for the best, Never looks back, But keeps going to the end.

Victoria Bush Fires 4

The fires continue in certain areas. Firefighters continue to work long hours. They are doing a great job and making a real difference in these fire battles. They are heroes.

The relief workers are amazing too. Untiring, faithful and deliberate, these workers prove the grace of God with their willingness to give themselves to others unequivocally. It would be preposterous for them to select who to help on any basis and they do not.

God's love is indiscriminate and unconditional. Avail yourself to His grace and be set free from the selectivity and discrimination that this world promises.

2 Peter 1:4 (MSG)
4 We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you—your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust.

Victoria Bush Fires 3

The death count continues to rise. Experts are thinking we may soon reach the 200 mark. As some of you have commented, God is crying with us. The natural conditions which set the stage for this disaster are indescriminate. The fires continue to burn at different levels in different places. We are broken hearted over the loss of lives.

The response throughout the country continues to be miraculous. Individuals and corporations are joining together to do their part, even in tough economic times. The governments too are full on engaged in relief work. These are powerful combinations.

As of this morning, we have given in excess of $800,000 in direct support to victims of the bush fires. Salvos are working hard for these people who have it tough. We have 12 support stations throughout the state, involving three divisions and their teams.

Thank you each for your prayers and support. On Sunday, we will be doing an appeal throughout our corps. We can all help.

2 Corinthians 6:4 (MSG)
4 Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times;

More Victorian Bush Fires

I spent the day with giants in the field. Moving among our workers in Whittlesea today, I witnessed first hand the powerful grace of God through our people on the job. Each one giving themselves unselfishly, they are preparing and serving food, meeting victims and offering financial support, and crisis counseling as needed. Amazing.

The stories that people are sharing about their escapes and those that didn't make it are reminders that these people are in need of understanding, hope and grace. We are there for them as best we can. Many other good people too are there. It is an extraordinary moment of beautiful people helping others simply because they are in need.

Lord, help us.

Job 16:21 (MSG)
21 I appeal to the One who represents mortals before God as a neighbor stands up for a neighbor.

Victorian Bush Fires

The worst bush fires in the history of Victoria continue to blaze while more than 600 homes have been destroyed and at the moment, 65 known deaths. There are many reasons to expect that number to climb even higher.

Our teams have been in place from the beginning of the response and have already served thousands of meals to workers and victims alike. Our counselors too have been pressed into service throughout the night and day with different relief teams meeting those who have lost loved ones, their homes and those who have been injured.

We have initiated a Victorian Bush Fire Relief fund to support the thousands of people affected. They are going to need continuing and longer term support going forward. People can help by calling 13SALVOS or donating through our website at https://www.salvationarmy.com.au or click here.

More tomorrow.

Psalm 44:26 (NIV)
26 Rise up and help us; redeem us because of your unfailing love.

Grace

In all that we do as believers, grace must be present. Sometimes we're too quick to judgement on our brothers and sisters, when we're not really in touch with all the facts and intentions. Here's where grace should surface. In place of criticism, we need to consider prayer in the matter. Sometimes personal matters cloud our understanding as well.

Now before this sounds judgemental, let us reach into our souls and consider the beauty of Jesus in our brothers and sisters. Our relationship then should be marked by love.

John 13:35 (AMP)
35 By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].

Ambassadors of Holiness

We met with the Ambassadors of Holiness Session at the Training College today. This is a terrific session. There are 26 and they represent some of the finest Salvationists in the territory.

God has chosen each of them and they are where they belong. Hallelujah! With the support of families, corps, mentors and many friends, they have begun their training to become officers in TSA. We need to continue in our support and pray for them with diligence.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (AMP)
20 So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making His appeal as it were through us. We [as Christ’s personal representatives] beg you for His sake to lay hold of the divine favor [now offered you] and be reconciled to God.

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.