Today was spent in deep immersion. The reality of camp life here is frightening. At our main camp site, Santmartin, we have between 16, 000 and 20, 000 people living in a soccer stadium... not as big as Hindmarsh. Next to it is the old DHQ building which is uninhabitable, our clinic, which is thankfully operational and one of our primary schools - also still running, but mostly outdoors.
Most of the people are living under tarpaulins. When the rains arrive, many 'homes' will wash away... that's if we can get the water moving. Reality is that drainage is very poor and there is a lot of stagnant water. Where there is stagnant water - there is disease. The camp committee were telling me today about TB and diahrroea (if that's how it's spelt at this time of night) but tomorrow we will visit the clinic to see what diseases are actually presenting for treatment.
We have prioritised sanitation and drianage and after dinner tonight were in discussion about where we can pool resources from. We have good partnerships with two other agencies that are helping in our main camp - Concern Worldwide, a big NGO with a big budget, and Viva Rio, a local NGO with no budget. We want to see more health education, too. I am also pushing for a move away from imported food toward micro credit to support local enterprise and stimulate the local economy where people buy there own food with money raised from their own enterprise. Of course, it is day 2 and I can't do much except float ideas at the moment.
The lady I am taking over from, Major Pat Kidoo, from the US, is a legend. She has been brilliant in her management of the camp despite little assistance. I am concerned that we have a top-heavy operation here (i.e. a lot of admin and no ops staff) but again, I am new, so I can't criticise until I know what the real deal is.
Going off to read reports now, and get rest before another day in the Haitian pre-monsoon (very humid and somewhere in the low 30s Celcius).
Friday, 30 April 2010
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Day 1
Well it has taken almost three days to get here, but I am finally sitting and writing to you from Port-au-Prince, Haiti. There has already been adventure: surviving four flights, transfers in both LAX and Miami, Visa fun and plane delays (e.g. sitting on the tarmac in Miami for over 2 hours).
When I finally got here I was almost refused entry because I didn't know the address of where I am staying!
Today I went to DHQ here where I saw the office and met with the rest of the International Emergency Services and SAWSO (US group - Salvation Army World Service Organisation) staff who are working here. I also spent a bit of time chatting with my team leader, a swiss officer named Robert (who is only here for two more weeks) and with the camp manager, an american officer, Pat Kidoo. I will be taking over from Pat on Sunday.
The verbal briefing was pretty intense, and I'm told that there's a whole written brief also to try and digest. Tomorrow we will go to the camp first thing in the morning so that I actually get to see what I am working with and what is expected of me.
My first impression of Haiti is that while you know that many people (over 100 non government organisations) have been working very hard, it looks like there has been little done in the last few months. The infrastructure is non-existent and there is rubble everywhere. I have a collapsed building across from my room. I guess it will take years to rebuild the city.
When I finally got here I was almost refused entry because I didn't know the address of where I am staying!
Today I went to DHQ here where I saw the office and met with the rest of the International Emergency Services and SAWSO (US group - Salvation Army World Service Organisation) staff who are working here. I also spent a bit of time chatting with my team leader, a swiss officer named Robert (who is only here for two more weeks) and with the camp manager, an american officer, Pat Kidoo. I will be taking over from Pat on Sunday.
The verbal briefing was pretty intense, and I'm told that there's a whole written brief also to try and digest. Tomorrow we will go to the camp first thing in the morning so that I actually get to see what I am working with and what is expected of me.
My first impression of Haiti is that while you know that many people (over 100 non government organisations) have been working very hard, it looks like there has been little done in the last few months. The infrastructure is non-existent and there is rubble everywhere. I have a collapsed building across from my room. I guess it will take years to rebuild the city.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
ANZAC Services
This morning I had the privilege of leading an (early) ANZAC service at Alwyndor. Many of the residents are veterans and ex-servicemen and women, and they were joined by staff and friends from Holdfast Council and the RSL. We even had a bugler (well, cornetist) from Marion City Band to help us.
It truly was an honour to serve this group by helping with their memorial service, given the service that they have given us. It was also good to have a BBQ with them afterward and here some of the WW2 diggers tell their stories. When you think that WW2 ended 65 years ago, and they were in their teens or twenties when they enlisted, none of them are a day under 80 now. Yet, they remember the war as if it were yesterday - and why wouldn't they when you consider what they experienced. Any viewers that saw the first week of "The Pacific" last week got a bit of a glimpse into the horror of the Pacific War.
I encourage everyone to participate in ANZAC Day. Use it as a day of thanksgiving and a day of prayer for peace. Pray for the Austrlian and foreign soldiers who still serve in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Solomons, Egypt, Malaysia, Timor and in many other diplomatic missions. Pray for the UN peacekeepers that are in so many countries at the moment (including Haiti!). Pray that we will never see the horrors of the World Wars again. Give thanks for our nation and the security and freedom that we have. Thank God for the confidence in movement we have here, the relative prosperity (which is really for us to use in service of the rest of the world) and the freedom of choice and worship. Thank those that served our country, and still do so.
We will have a time of remembrance in our worship here at Marion Salvation Army, during the 10am service. The band will also participate in the Dawn Service at Brighton Jetty at 6:30 am (Get there if you can - it's a great experience). I will be leading the dawn service for the officers, soldiers, staff, cadets and recruits and their neighbours at Hampstead Barracks. We will not glorify the horror or evil of war, but we will remember those of all nationalities that fought.
Peace be with you.
It truly was an honour to serve this group by helping with their memorial service, given the service that they have given us. It was also good to have a BBQ with them afterward and here some of the WW2 diggers tell their stories. When you think that WW2 ended 65 years ago, and they were in their teens or twenties when they enlisted, none of them are a day under 80 now. Yet, they remember the war as if it were yesterday - and why wouldn't they when you consider what they experienced. Any viewers that saw the first week of "The Pacific" last week got a bit of a glimpse into the horror of the Pacific War.
I encourage everyone to participate in ANZAC Day. Use it as a day of thanksgiving and a day of prayer for peace. Pray for the Austrlian and foreign soldiers who still serve in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Solomons, Egypt, Malaysia, Timor and in many other diplomatic missions. Pray for the UN peacekeepers that are in so many countries at the moment (including Haiti!). Pray that we will never see the horrors of the World Wars again. Give thanks for our nation and the security and freedom that we have. Thank God for the confidence in movement we have here, the relative prosperity (which is really for us to use in service of the rest of the world) and the freedom of choice and worship. Thank those that served our country, and still do so.
We will have a time of remembrance in our worship here at Marion Salvation Army, during the 10am service. The band will also participate in the Dawn Service at Brighton Jetty at 6:30 am (Get there if you can - it's a great experience). I will be leading the dawn service for the officers, soldiers, staff, cadets and recruits and their neighbours at Hampstead Barracks. We will not glorify the horror or evil of war, but we will remember those of all nationalities that fought.
Peace be with you.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
Brigadier Norah Yarnold
Brigadier Norah Yarnold was Promoted to Glory from Resthaven, Marion, South Australia on Saturday 17 April 2010 at the age of 96 years.
Norah entered the Training Garrison to train as a Salvation Army officer on 10 March, 1937 to join the Guardians of the Covenant session of cadets. Following commissioning in January of the following year, Norah was appointed to the Bayswater Boys Home in Melbourne. After three years there, she was appointed to the People’s Palace in Adelaide where she served for 19 years being appointed as Matron on 6 May, 1948. In October 1960, she became the Matron of the No. 2 Home, Bayswater (the Bayswater Boys Home) where she remained until appointed as Matron to the Melbourne People’s Palace. She retired from this appointment in January 1974.
She served 73 years as a Salvation Army officer.
Her tribute reads:
"Norah was better known to disadvantaged public than she was to many Salvationists. She was a keen Bible student and very quietly and successfully introduced many people to her Lord."
Well done, good and faithful servant.
The funeral service will be conducted by Major Laurie Venables Rtd on Friday 23 April at 11am, Florey Chapel, Centennial Park Cemetery, Adelaide.
Norah entered the Training Garrison to train as a Salvation Army officer on 10 March, 1937 to join the Guardians of the Covenant session of cadets. Following commissioning in January of the following year, Norah was appointed to the Bayswater Boys Home in Melbourne. After three years there, she was appointed to the People’s Palace in Adelaide where she served for 19 years being appointed as Matron on 6 May, 1948. In October 1960, she became the Matron of the No. 2 Home, Bayswater (the Bayswater Boys Home) where she remained until appointed as Matron to the Melbourne People’s Palace. She retired from this appointment in January 1974.
She served 73 years as a Salvation Army officer.
Her tribute reads:
"Norah was better known to disadvantaged public than she was to many Salvationists. She was a keen Bible student and very quietly and successfully introduced many people to her Lord."
Well done, good and faithful servant.
The funeral service will be conducted by Major Laurie Venables Rtd on Friday 23 April at 11am, Florey Chapel, Centennial Park Cemetery, Adelaide.
New life
It was great to see Zoe's school class perform the Easter Story. Zoe made a great "Mary Magdelene" and remembered her words so well. The emphasis of the story as they told it was the new life we have through Jesus.
Someone else in our church found new life on Monday, giving her heart to Jesus during a small group activity. People are being saved and transformed through the ministries here! Praise God.
Someone else in our church found new life on Monday, giving her heart to Jesus during a small group activity. People are being saved and transformed through the ministries here! Praise God.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Mulch
Around the hall you will find that the gardens have had a healthy facelift with the spread of eucaplypt and mulch. Tons of mulch were donated to us by the works department at Marion City Council.
Also, thanks to Daryl, David, Winton, Holly, Angela, Mary, Dominic and Zoe who all helped to move the mulch and spread it out on Saturday. Without help we'd still be shovelling. Thanks also to Ken who has been keeping the lawns in good nick.
Also, thanks to Daryl, David, Winton, Holly, Angela, Mary, Dominic and Zoe who all helped to move the mulch and spread it out on Saturday. Without help we'd still be shovelling. Thanks also to Ken who has been keeping the lawns in good nick.
Haiti
For those not around for the announcement yesterday, we informed the congregation that I will be deplyoing with The Salvation Army's international emergency services team to Haiti. I will be heading off sometime in the next fortnight and will be away for around 6 weeks.
It was good for us to see the work being done in Haiti via the you tube clip in worship yesterday. As I go to work in this area, I ask for prayers for wellbeing and protection and the ability to pick up the role as quickly as possible.
In the meantime I thank you for the support that I know will be afforded Angela.
It was good for us to see the work being done in Haiti via the you tube clip in worship yesterday. As I go to work in this area, I ask for prayers for wellbeing and protection and the ability to pick up the role as quickly as possible.
In the meantime I thank you for the support that I know will be afforded Angela.
Major Winsome Mason
It was great to have Winsome with us yesterday. She shared with the morning congregation about the vision for the Division and also shared with the Sundays @ 4 congregation.
We appreciate the leadership that Winsome is giving The Salvation Army in South Australia. Please pray for her as she undertakes this massive undertaking.
We appreciate the leadership that Winsome is giving The Salvation Army in South Australia. Please pray for her as she undertakes this massive undertaking.
Thursday, 15 April 2010
Lauren Raymond
It was good to welcome Lauren Raymond to the centre yesterday. Lauren is a school teacher and ministry student who has just joined the South Australia Division as the Divisional Children's Ministry Coordinator. She came to Marion yesterday to visit with Angela and Paul and spent time with both of them discussing training and cirriculum options, as well as seeing our centre and finding out what we do.
Students
As you would be aware, from time to time we have social work, community services, financial counselling and youth work students undertake their practical placements at our centre.
Uma has been with us for a few years as an emergency relief worker. She started a new era with us this week, working an extra day as part of her financial counselling course. She will be doing her placement with us, supervised by Gail. For those that don't normally see Uma on a Monday or Friday, you'll meet her on a Tuesday now.
Harriet is in her second placement as a social work student at Flinders. She is with us undertaking a block placement for a fortnight.
Welcome ladies.
Uma has been with us for a few years as an emergency relief worker. She started a new era with us this week, working an extra day as part of her financial counselling course. She will be doing her placement with us, supervised by Gail. For those that don't normally see Uma on a Monday or Friday, you'll meet her on a Tuesday now.
Harriet is in her second placement as a social work student at Flinders. She is with us undertaking a block placement for a fortnight.
Welcome ladies.
Margery Hodgen
The influence of Margery lives on. A few months after she was promoted to glory we have recieved the news of the finalisation of her estate.
Margery continues to influence the world for the sake of the Kingdom. She has bequeathed part of her estate to help blind people overseas, and part to assist the local church here through Marion Salvation Army. We will be processing the bequest through our headquarters and it is probable that Margery's gift will make a payment off our building loan.
Thank you Margery.
Margery continues to influence the world for the sake of the Kingdom. She has bequeathed part of her estate to help blind people overseas, and part to assist the local church here through Marion Salvation Army. We will be processing the bequest through our headquarters and it is probable that Margery's gift will make a payment off our building loan.
Thank you Margery.
Southern Edge
This week is the last week we have the Southern Edge Youth Career/ Employment program running out of our centre. Sadly the contract with the government's office for youth has come to an end.
This has been a highly successful program, with many young people entering the workforce and many more finding the confidence to try. This is primarily due to the efforts of Monica Magann who has worked tirelessly with the young people. There will be a special celebration with Monica and the youth in a week or two.
In the meantime Monica shared a special lunch with our staff and volunteers as a chance for everyone to say thank you for a great year with this program. We wish Monica all the best as she moves on to her new job as a career councillor at Prince Alfred College.
This has been a highly successful program, with many young people entering the workforce and many more finding the confidence to try. This is primarily due to the efforts of Monica Magann who has worked tirelessly with the young people. There will be a special celebration with Monica and the youth in a week or two.
In the meantime Monica shared a special lunch with our staff and volunteers as a chance for everyone to say thank you for a great year with this program. We wish Monica all the best as she moves on to her new job as a career councillor at Prince Alfred College.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Senior Pastoral Care Council
Tonight is the annual meeting of the senior pastoral care council. They actually meet quarterly, but once a year (in theory) they meet with the Divisional Commander to review the rolls and talk about discipleship and pastoral care within the Corps.
The membership of the SPCC is the DC or her representative, both Corps Officers, CSM Neil Stokoe, CS Lynette Ritter, our recruiting sergeant (currently a vacant position but a role being fulfilled by Judith Lear), and other soldiers appointed with the approval of the DC. In our case this includes Judith, Dorothy Russell, June Steer and Les Shute. It is hoped that we will soon be able to include a soldier from the 4pm congregation.
Their job is to:
The membership of the SPCC is the DC or her representative, both Corps Officers, CSM Neil Stokoe, CS Lynette Ritter, our recruiting sergeant (currently a vacant position but a role being fulfilled by Judith Lear), and other soldiers appointed with the approval of the DC. In our case this includes Judith, Dorothy Russell, June Steer and Les Shute. It is hoped that we will soon be able to include a soldier from the 4pm congregation.
Their job is to:
- Track the progress of newcomers to the Corps
- Track the progress of new converts
- Approve new members, both adherents and soldiers to be enrolled
- Accept membership transfers or transfer members to other Corps
- Propose pastoral follow up of missing members or members to be removed from the roll
- Make efforts to help members that have been away from church
- Assist Junior Soldiers who wish to become senior members
- Advise and support the Corps Officers in pastoral efforts
Please pray for this group as they meet.
Hallett Cove
Frustration continues with the Hallett Cove outpost project. Today we discovered that the development application with council was never lodged by our developer. This has set us back a few months, and certainly explains why we were getting no written acknowledgement from Marion City Council.
While we have started steps today to rectify the situation, we ask prayer for this whole process. It may well be that we are back to the stage of seeking alternative forms of reaching this community. Or, God is delaying the process so that things all happen in his time, not ours.
We will keep you posted.
While we have started steps today to rectify the situation, we ask prayer for this whole process. It may well be that we are back to the stage of seeking alternative forms of reaching this community. Or, God is delaying the process so that things all happen in his time, not ours.
We will keep you posted.
Wacky Wednesdays
In the past we've made much of the children's school holiday programs.
Well, this holidays the youth team are running a combined school holiday program with the team from Marion Church of Christ and the Christian Pastoral Support Worker from Hamilton Secondary College.
Entitled "Wacky Wednesdays" it includes PS3 and Wii gaming, sports and other activities. It is aimed at high school age (years 7-12 or 12-17 y.o.).
Pray for Mark, Justin and the team as they reach out to the kids in our area.
Well, this holidays the youth team are running a combined school holiday program with the team from Marion Church of Christ and the Christian Pastoral Support Worker from Hamilton Secondary College.
Entitled "Wacky Wednesdays" it includes PS3 and Wii gaming, sports and other activities. It is aimed at high school age (years 7-12 or 12-17 y.o.).
Pray for Mark, Justin and the team as they reach out to the kids in our area.
Monday, 12 April 2010
Church Parades
One of the blessings of this weekend was coming home to Adelaide to conduct a church parade at Hampstead Barracks last night. The parade was a non-compulsory church service offered to participants in the General Service Officer (Reserve) First Appointment Course on their second live-in training block (out of 5).
77 officer cadets and 3 staff attended - almost 100% of the current course cohort. It was amazing to hear them recite the Lord's Prayer together from memory, something you don't expect young people to be able to do in 2010.
I appreciate the opportunity to minister in this setting and spoke to the officer cadets about how a strong faith, strong belief system, strong hope and strong character can be the best tool they can have for resilience in life.
The students move to the field phase of their course today. I will catch up with them in the field this Saturday.
77 officer cadets and 3 staff attended - almost 100% of the current course cohort. It was amazing to hear them recite the Lord's Prayer together from memory, something you don't expect young people to be able to do in 2010.
I appreciate the opportunity to minister in this setting and spoke to the officer cadets about how a strong faith, strong belief system, strong hope and strong character can be the best tool they can have for resilience in life.
The students move to the field phase of their course today. I will catch up with them in the field this Saturday.
Badge Day
Badge Day, or "Salvation Army Appreciation Day" is an annual gift to The Salvation Army by the Adelaide City Council. On this day we are able to collect funds from city visitors and commuters.
Our Corps had a great stand on the corner of Pulteney Street and Rundle Mall. I have to admit we are a bit disappointed by the result - $273 for a days efforts (with one tin still to be counted). Having said that - there's $273 for little effort.
Thanks to Paul, Mark, David, Judith and Kym who helped me in the city on Friday.
Our Corps had a great stand on the corner of Pulteney Street and Rundle Mall. I have to admit we are a bit disappointed by the result - $273 for a days efforts (with one tin still to be counted). Having said that - there's $273 for little effort.
Thanks to Paul, Mark, David, Judith and Kym who helped me in the city on Friday.
Weekend
Thanks to everyone that helped over the weekend to facilitate our worship times at Marion. Thanks also to those that have been praying for our family.
We drove to Melbourne Friday afternoon so that we could attend my grandparent's 60th Wedding Anniversary celebrations on Saturday. Unfortunately my Grandmother was readmitted to hospital that morning, so, after taking "Pa" out to lunch we took it in turns to visit the hospital.
Angela and I appreciate the gift from our Corps in allowing us to go and see our family in these circumstances, out of normal leave. Thanks. We hear only good things from the meetings that were held in our absence.
We drove to Melbourne Friday afternoon so that we could attend my grandparent's 60th Wedding Anniversary celebrations on Saturday. Unfortunately my Grandmother was readmitted to hospital that morning, so, after taking "Pa" out to lunch we took it in turns to visit the hospital.
Angela and I appreciate the gift from our Corps in allowing us to go and see our family in these circumstances, out of normal leave. Thanks. We hear only good things from the meetings that were held in our absence.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Lloyd Hollingsworth
Lloyd is a new employee of The Salvation Army, based at Territorial Headquarters. He is our new Aborignal Program and Ministry Consultant and is working alongside the Corps Programme and Social Programme teams.
Next week he will be on an orientation visit to South Australia visiting a number of our larger Corps and social programmes. He will be at Marion on Monday afternoon, accompanied by Major John Farquharson. Please make him feel welcome.
Next week he will be on an orientation visit to South Australia visiting a number of our larger Corps and social programmes. He will be at Marion on Monday afternoon, accompanied by Major John Farquharson. Please make him feel welcome.
Staff Leave
Hi everyone
A brief note to let you know that many of our staff are taking holidays to coincide with school breaks.
Lucy is on her way to Thailand with her family and will be back in the shop after Anzac Day.
Kerryn is spending today with her daughter, Amelia, who is having surgery. She'll then be home for the next two weeks, returning after Anzac Day.
Iris is off to Mount Gambier and Portland for the next two weeks, returning (you guessed it) just after Anzac Day.
Judith will be out of the office just for next week.
Please pray for refreshment for our team leaders so that they are prepared for the next stage of the ministry journey when they return.
A brief note to let you know that many of our staff are taking holidays to coincide with school breaks.
Lucy is on her way to Thailand with her family and will be back in the shop after Anzac Day.
Kerryn is spending today with her daughter, Amelia, who is having surgery. She'll then be home for the next two weeks, returning after Anzac Day.
Iris is off to Mount Gambier and Portland for the next two weeks, returning (you guessed it) just after Anzac Day.
Judith will be out of the office just for next week.
Please pray for refreshment for our team leaders so that they are prepared for the next stage of the ministry journey when they return.
Tuesday, 6 April 2010
Open Groups
Over the last few weeks we have heard rumblings around the traps about who participates in our musical sections and other groups.
Corps in the past have been very strict on who could participate in worship groups. It was the case for many years that you could only be a bandsman, for example, if you were a soldier, paid your cartridge and wore the (correct) uniform. Invariably this led to four problems:
* Young teenagers would sign up to soldiership just to participate with their friends, not because they believed what the were signing or thought they could live up to the standards of soldiership
* A culture of hypocrisy developed among some who would sign up and then do what they wanted Monday - Saturday. Many a time a hungover person would still don the uniform on Sunday
* People would leave the Corps when they felt they couldn't deal with their own hypocrisy, or they would leave when they were caught out, and
* People who knew Salvationists in these situations wouldn't want to join the Corps
On the other hand, open groups, that allow anyone to participate can be great tools for evangelism. Our bands and sporting teams are groups that reflect broadly-held interests in the community. They are great opportunities for us to bring people along to be a part of our worship and community life.
These days were playing it smarter. We know that people need to feel that they belong somewhere. Using a basketball team or a brass band or a singing group can make people feel at home. If they hang around long enough they might even come to share our beliefs, and then their lives and behaviours may be transformed.
At Marion we will continue to use an open group policy understanding the potential that these groups hold. If you needed further evidence of the benefit of this approach, you should have seen Ingle Farm band on Friday afternoon at the Divisional Good Friday meeting. Over 40 in the band - mostly Salvationists, but some not even yet Christians. All of them hearing the gospel, though.
Corps in the past have been very strict on who could participate in worship groups. It was the case for many years that you could only be a bandsman, for example, if you were a soldier, paid your cartridge and wore the (correct) uniform. Invariably this led to four problems:
* Young teenagers would sign up to soldiership just to participate with their friends, not because they believed what the were signing or thought they could live up to the standards of soldiership
* A culture of hypocrisy developed among some who would sign up and then do what they wanted Monday - Saturday. Many a time a hungover person would still don the uniform on Sunday
* People would leave the Corps when they felt they couldn't deal with their own hypocrisy, or they would leave when they were caught out, and
* People who knew Salvationists in these situations wouldn't want to join the Corps
On the other hand, open groups, that allow anyone to participate can be great tools for evangelism. Our bands and sporting teams are groups that reflect broadly-held interests in the community. They are great opportunities for us to bring people along to be a part of our worship and community life.
These days were playing it smarter. We know that people need to feel that they belong somewhere. Using a basketball team or a brass band or a singing group can make people feel at home. If they hang around long enough they might even come to share our beliefs, and then their lives and behaviours may be transformed.
At Marion we will continue to use an open group policy understanding the potential that these groups hold. If you needed further evidence of the benefit of this approach, you should have seen Ingle Farm band on Friday afternoon at the Divisional Good Friday meeting. Over 40 in the band - mostly Salvationists, but some not even yet Christians. All of them hearing the gospel, though.
Shining your light
This weekend highlighted to me how easy it is to shine God's light in our area, and also how easy it is for us to dim the light.
On Saturday I was at the gym talking to Simon and Lyndon - two other guys that attend the same time I do. Simon was asking what I was doing on the weekend, and I told him about our services and my 'job'. This led to questions about my tattoo and whether it was related to my faith or otherwise. A conversation I didn't need to start - it just happened.
Then on Sunday morning the opposite happened. Margaret D and I were standing on the edge the of the footpath when a lady approached from behind me with a young man in a wheelchair. I heard him say something, looked and then turned back thinking they had plenty of room on the footpath. The lady disagreed and told me off for 'just staring and not moving'. She then told me that it was a disgrace and a 'salvation army man' should know better (I was in uniform). Margaret graciously wished her a happy Easter.
We are always seen. Uniforms make us more obvious. Let's make sure we are shining as best we can at all times.
On Saturday I was at the gym talking to Simon and Lyndon - two other guys that attend the same time I do. Simon was asking what I was doing on the weekend, and I told him about our services and my 'job'. This led to questions about my tattoo and whether it was related to my faith or otherwise. A conversation I didn't need to start - it just happened.
Then on Sunday morning the opposite happened. Margaret D and I were standing on the edge the of the footpath when a lady approached from behind me with a young man in a wheelchair. I heard him say something, looked and then turned back thinking they had plenty of room on the footpath. The lady disagreed and told me off for 'just staring and not moving'. She then told me that it was a disgrace and a 'salvation army man' should know better (I was in uniform). Margaret graciously wished her a happy Easter.
We are always seen. Uniforms make us more obvious. Let's make sure we are shining as best we can at all times.
Easter Services
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Easter commemorations. A special thanks to Neil for facilitating so much of the music and Brenton for the road signs etc.
Friday morning seems to have struck a chord with so many. I have to admit to really enjoying Friday afternoon's combined meeting also. Those that travelled into ACH had a feast for the senses. Sunday's dawn service is always specialy, although I don't think I'll ever join the young guys for a swim. And Both Sunday services were great times of celebration. I especially enjoyed Mark's message Sunday afternoon, speaking about the specific doctrine of the resurrection being so crucial to our faith.
Thanks everyone. A great Easter.
Friday morning seems to have struck a chord with so many. I have to admit to really enjoying Friday afternoon's combined meeting also. Those that travelled into ACH had a feast for the senses. Sunday's dawn service is always specialy, although I don't think I'll ever join the young guys for a swim. And Both Sunday services were great times of celebration. I especially enjoyed Mark's message Sunday afternoon, speaking about the specific doctrine of the resurrection being so crucial to our faith.
Thanks everyone. A great Easter.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
Happy Easter
Happy Easter, everyone.
Please join us this weekend for a great celebration and remembrance of Christ and what he has done for us. Our service times are:
Friday 9:30 am - Good Friday observance at Marion Salvos
Friday 2:30 pm - Good Friday combined gathering for all Adelaide Salvos at Adelaide Congress Hall (Pirie Street, City)
Sunday 6:30 am - Dawn Service at Seacliff Beach (opposite Angus Neill Reserve) with the combined churches of the Marion/ Brighton area. Breakfast at the reserve afterward.
Sunday 10 am - Easter Morning Service at Marion Salvos
Sunday 4 pm - Sundays@4 Easter Celebration.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Please join us this weekend for a great celebration and remembrance of Christ and what he has done for us. Our service times are:
Friday 9:30 am - Good Friday observance at Marion Salvos
Friday 2:30 pm - Good Friday combined gathering for all Adelaide Salvos at Adelaide Congress Hall (Pirie Street, City)
Sunday 6:30 am - Dawn Service at Seacliff Beach (opposite Angus Neill Reserve) with the combined churches of the Marion/ Brighton area. Breakfast at the reserve afterward.
Sunday 10 am - Easter Morning Service at Marion Salvos
Sunday 4 pm - Sundays@4 Easter Celebration.
We look forward to seeing you there.
April Fools Day
I have a confession to make. I was duped by some of the volunteers today who convinced me that an external group were moving into the hall instead of our Kidzone group. Not only was I duped, but I thumped Dave Roberts with the appointment book. Sorry, Dave.
April Fools Day can be fun. Were any of you caught out with the nude Marion walkers anniversary advertised on SAFM? Hope not!
Paul spoke about being a "Fool for Christ". He also said that the cross is foolishness to those that don't understand, but it is salvation to those that do. This weekend, rather than being fooled by pranks, let's get an new understanding of the cross and the resurrection and be fools for the sake of Christ and the gospel.
April Fools Day can be fun. Were any of you caught out with the nude Marion walkers anniversary advertised on SAFM? Hope not!
Paul spoke about being a "Fool for Christ". He also said that the cross is foolishness to those that don't understand, but it is salvation to those that do. This weekend, rather than being fooled by pranks, let's get an new understanding of the cross and the resurrection and be fools for the sake of Christ and the gospel.
Bequests
This week we have received a significant answer to prayer through the generous support of our Divisional Headquarters and also the very generous gifts of people in the Australian community. Specifically, through a bequest we have had $300,000 wiped off our building loan in one hit!
Not only does this reduce our long term debt by around 1/3, it reduces our repayments immediately, freeing more money to continue the missional work in our part of Adelaide.
We thank God for our Divisional support, for the generous people in the community and for those responsible for the administration of these funds. Let's continue to be wise in our stewardship of our resources and see how God continues to move among us.
Not only does this reduce our long term debt by around 1/3, it reduces our repayments immediately, freeing more money to continue the missional work in our part of Adelaide.
We thank God for our Divisional support, for the generous people in the community and for those responsible for the administration of these funds. Let's continue to be wise in our stewardship of our resources and see how God continues to move among us.
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