Stories of Hope

Graeme Golding is from rich Salvation Army heritage here in Australia, trained as a professional musician and was a Salvo officer for a while.  We were great mates at that time and even shared a near death experience together.   25 years ago he met Wendy, the love of his life and has lived and served in the USA ever since.  

Winning and being the best isn't all it's cracked up to be.  Not to say we don't try our best, but we will almost always be out done in some way, by someone.  For example, Nigella may be a better cook than the lovely Sue, but Sue will almost always come first in my book.  

The rich young ruler who asked Jesus how to inherit eternal life was really asking how to live here on earth with passion, purpose and love.  Turns out that being an uncomplicated version of yourself is all that is required.  

Ruth Kohe is a Salvation Army Officer in Papua New Guinea.  She and her husband Ramson are responsible for children and youth activities in the highlands.  Her story is dotted with drama and tragedy but her joyful spirit and positivity is a delight.   

The breakdown of families and tensions in households can be a dreadful thing to cope with.  Hardheartedness can cause a lot of damage.  So how do we stay kindhearted and committed to the relationships we hold dear?  Zucchini slices help!

Colin and I grew up together at Camberwell Salvos and were best mates as teenagers.  The richness of this friendship is evident as we share even after many years of no contact.  Colin is the senior psychologist at Growth Psychology in Geelong and as he shares about his life you can tell he has thought deeply and honestly about himself and has wisdom both from study and personal experience.  

The bug-a-salt fly killer gun has great potential for the development of men's groups.  But salt is also a descriptor of a useful and interesting life.  This podcast deals with both aspects of this wonderful element.  

Michelle is a transgender woman who has two daughters and lives in Melbourne.  She works as an advocate for transgender and diversity issues within the transport department.  I am friends with her partner Cara and we shared a meal together recently where I met her for the first time.  She is warm, open and well humored.  I liked her a lot.  

For the power of community to be fully realized, we cannot stay safe and comfortable.  We need to learn how to suffer a bit and give ourselves away in healthy and sustainable ways.  

Kevin Beach grew up in stable and loving family and was a Rugby player in Queensland and also in the UK.  Life took a tragic turn when, mid career, he was struck by a car and had both his legs smashed up.  Drinking got out of control and he ended up at a Salvo Rehab, which is where we met.  His courage and resilience to reinvent himself and find a rewarding and stable life is inspirational.

People fulfill the loving purposes of God in all sorts of ways and Jesus didn't seem to mind what their background was of even what they believed.  He valued their hearts and their service.  I once took three guys fresh out of recovery to help me serve at an evacuation centre in Rockhampton after a flood.  They did an awesome job and shone brightly with love and dedication. They came home to a her...

Matt Reeve is a husband to Clare, Father to Sadie, Matisse and Darby and a Salvo officer.  His Mum and Dad fostered babies for 25 years and his sister died tragically at just 43 year of age.  He knows about grief and service and the sort of practical spirituality that is so highly valued in the Salvos.  Listening to his story and his practical wisdom will do you good.   

Profound moments of the divine happen every now and then, often when we are in the midst of suffering.  I am experiencing the grief of losing my mother just before Christmas and although this is really sad and emotional, there have been wonderful unexpected moments of love and hope.  

I met Nadine at a parkrun a few months ago and we chatted for about 15 minutes, but knew we could chat forever if we had the chance.  We became linked on Strava and ended up running together the other week.  Her experiences with parkrun, the church and Africa makes for an interesting story. 

Wez Koni was born in PNG and rolled into a fire when he was just three years old suffering dreadful burns. Even after 33 major operations, a move to another country and the challenge of finding the confidence to be himself, he sees his life as blessed. And he does amazing coffee art!

Even magical genies find some things impossible to understand. So it stands to reason that we will need the humility to shift our views on life and God from time to time.

Amaru is a ten year old young lady who lives in Brisbane on Yugambeh land and is of Aboriginal and South Sea Islander decent.  I know her Mum Lucy.  We have a chat about her life and what she is interested in and it will make you smile, make you think and make you hopeful for the future.  She is delightful.

G'day.  This episode is a recap of the year that was and an update on what is on the cards for 2023. I want to thank you for listening in and being supportive and to wish you all a terrific Christmas.  

Emma grew up with the love and support of a devoted mother who raised her and her two siblings alone.  Her family was helped by the Salvos at Christmas one year and from there she connected and is still a Salvo today.  Her journey of faith started at age 7 when she encountered the secure and comforting love of God in a powerful way.  The courage to be truthful and faithful from then on has helped...

Trusting people is important for any financial or relational interaction and scammers and tricksters abound.  Jesus wanted His disciples to know who he was and he asked them about this directly.  They thought he was the Messiah, but their idea of Messiah was very different to His and he wanted to clarify and not mislead them.   

Alison Hawley is one of the most enthusiastic and colorful people I know.  She has been helping people get fit and stay fit for most of her working life and is part of the Helensburgh salvos crew.  She has the unique ability to get me running long distances, up hills wearing a tutu.   

Fred Hollows was an irreverent and bombastic sort of fellow who had no time for cumbersome institutions.  He just wanted people all over the world with eye disease to get healed.  

John Dalziel has 4 generations of Salvo officer leaders in his family.  But he decided at an early age, not to become a salvo officer and instead to live in community with a secular job and serve in the local corps.  His influence and legacy is significant and his example and story is an important one for all people who have association with the salvos to hear.   

Rachel is 11 years old and lives with her mum and dad and two sisters in Melbourne.  She is a second cousin to me and I think she is terrific.  She has lots to share about her life and has a great little giggle that will brighten your day.  

Jesus warned the disciples against the yeast of the Pharisees; an arrogant form of spiritual pride and certainty that required signs from heaven and adherence to strict rules.   Jesus was teaching the disciples to be leaders who were curious, uncertain and reflective.  Open to be corrected and more dedicated to loving than to always being right.