Stories of Hope

Noela is an honorary member of my Rotary Club and has always been active in serving others, both here in Australia and in her beloved Tanzania.  Her life story is not without hardship and she has allowed these challenges to shape her compassionate and generous heart. 

There have been times when I have spoken before big crowds and been seen to do amazing work only come home to the lovely Sue who is cranky with me for being a jerk.  Integrity and character is found in the simple and the everyday goodness and kindness of our relationships and service.  

I trained as a Salvo officer with Kathryn back in 1994, but our lives have taken us in different directions and so catching up on her interesting and inspiring life story has been wonderful.  She is as kind and intelligent as I remember her from college days and add to that the courage and grace to take on the complexity of her role as the General Manager of the Salvos National D&A programs, she r...

Much of life is preparation for something that is yet to come.  Digging compost into a dry old garden bed is a good example.  This work requires a lot of effort and is not immediately effective.  We need a bit of faith and patience.  What is worth planting and what will grow in our souls is an important question, but more important is the work of humility and wisdom that enables new things to take...

Jesus tells us in Mark Ch 7 to honor our parents and to look after them.  Not all parents are easy and as they age, caring becomes more challenging.  So getting this right requires wisdom and sacrifice. 

Dave Fitness Grew up in the Salvos in New Zealand and his life has certainly had its ups and downs.  I met Dave on a cycling trip from Sydney to Brisbane and encountered one of the most friendly and  enthusiastic humans I' have ever known. His love and delight in others is infectious and born of his enduring love for God.   

It is possible to count the number of seeds in an apple. But impossible to count the number of apples in a single seed. Seeds grow in their own time frame and we do well to trust this process rather than to try to manipulate it.

Georgia lives in South Australia and is a delightful 11 year old young lady. Georgia and her Mum have a lovely chat with me on the podcast and it will brighten your day to listen in.

Divine love often finds us but sometimes we need to search for it like it is hidden treasure. The lovely Sue loves me and I love her and sometimes its just there and natural. Other times it takes a lot of work!

Paddy Moore has personal experience with abuse and trauma. His encounter with genuine community that felt like a loving family impacted him deeply and his journey of recovery and healing continues today. He is intelligent, warm and insightful.

Just like everyone has access to the sewer system, everyone has access to the love and blessing of God.  It’s not earned, it’s generously available to everyone!

It's fair to say Belinda is not your A-Typical Salvo officer. Her life has been both tragic and beautiful and her vibrant personality makes for a fabulous and inspiring story of Hope.

Jesus was scathing towards the religious leaders who pretended to love God but were not reflecting the love of God in their actions towards others.  In a similar way, I can appear to be devoted to the lovely Sue, but she has an acute radar on these things and is not shy about mentioning when I have drifted off course.   

Bernie Muendel had an encounter with the Salvation Army and God most powerfully when a Salvation Army Major hugged him when he was at his lowest point.  Her love and that moment, set in motion a life transformation that has impacted thousands of lives.  Bernie worked in the Salvos rehab program in NSW for 18 years and now with his wife Terri are the leaders of the salvos in Lake Macquarie.  

Spirituality is a bit mysterious and hard to understand, but it seems to come to everyone in some way or another and like Jesus waking on water to comfort his disciples, it is often unlikely, but very real when we are struggling.  Dr Lisa Miller in her book "The Awakened Brain" says we all have a beautiful innate spiritual life and that it's important to value it in ourselves and in others.

Graeme Mclimont passed away suddenly in September 2022.  I interviewed him on this podcast in May of 2022 and repost this today as a way to remember and honor this amazing man. Graeme was a lecturer at the Salvo training college the lovely Sue and I attended back in 1991. He has had a stellar career in the Salvos and has pioneered many impacting and important projects and initiatives. He is a crea...

My expert ten year old on the podcast today is Aaliyah who lives in Sydney. She has a lot to say and is a very interesting and delightful young lady!

There are too many big issues to resolve and I sometimes feel insignificant and powerless.  But if we love like Jesus did, we will do the small things that make the world beautiful and hopeful.  

Sandra and I have been friends for many years, but it went to a whole new level when I was on the support crew for a 50K Oxfam walk she did a few years ago and I needed to massage her feet.  Sandra and her husband Tony married late in life and now are the Salvo leaders in Cooma.  There is never a dull moment in her story and apart from being a mad keen Carlton supporter, she is a fabulous human be...

Being busy can be a badge of honor.  But there is great wisdom in slowing down at times and rediscovering the gently art of prayerful reflection.  Don't ever get into the space where today is just a pathetic continuation of yesterday.  

Jerry and I met at the Men's Walk and Talk group we both attend.  Jerry is into Munga animation, gaming and singing.  He has autism and as he shares his story, it is inspiring to hear the way he has pushed through so many of the challenges he has faced.  

When we love others we need to understand that we can only ever bring a small portion of the love they need to feel whole and complete. Reminds me of the six ribbons song from the TV series Against the Wind.

Bob is a Baptist pastor and has vast experience in many different aspects of ministry. His engagement with the military and a variety of different cultures is always earthy and practical. He loves Jesus, but nothing silly.

We all have an influence no matter how insignificant we may see ourselves to be. Every time we engage with others we bring things like hope, love, despair and hatred into the space. When we bring love, who knows what healing and hope this might bring into someone's day. Our puppy Maggie always brightens the room.

Tracy Iles has been a strong and loving support to people on the margins of society for many years. Her work with the Salvos has been powerful and a catalyst for many transformed lives. Tracy loves God and is now the leader of faith communities in the Newcastle area. She also knows how to lead a team of pumpkin cooks.