Stories of Hope

On November 16 2008, a ferocious storm devastated a suburb in Brisbane called "The Gap". Houses were destroyed and lives turned upside down. But in the aftermath, the Salvos got a coffee van and a litle girl fell in love with a puppy.

The hardest part of any new journey is the start.  It's here we have to learn new paths and push though our uncertainties and fears.  

When I first arrived in Sydney I met up with the Reverend Graham Long AM from the wayside chapel and I soon discovered that he is actually not all that Reverent at all, in the traditional sense. I like him.

At an Aussie kids camp, for a construction elective, kids made wooden kazoos for themselves and extras for kids in an orphanage in Nepal. How cool is that?

Winter is over and what a winter 2020 has been. Spring is here now and new hope and possibilities are blossoming. Not all seasons are easy, but they can often teach us something important if we are willing to learn.

Hannah Hathway is an absolutely fabulous young woman - always has been. To hear her share her journey through the ravages of bulimia and self harm and out the other side, is just breathtaking.

Each year 84 year John Allen puts on a Christmas lights display at his house and families come from all over the place to experience the beautiful nativity scene and to see Bella - the Santa dog. Its lovely! https://youtu.be/xZnCAz_mST4

The lovely Sue and I are moving to Queensland in the new year and there is great sadness at leaving Sydney and my Villawood and Helensburgh friends. I have loved them deeply and the inevitable suffering and separations of love, hurts a lot. But its OK!

Back in the day, Ross Coverdale was the quintessential Salvo. Despite being a terrible baritone player, his love and dedication to serve the poor and lonely was exemplary. Tragedy, years in Africa and a sincere soul, make this a fabulous life story.

Christmas gatherings are not perfect and there is often an uncle Eddie in the mix to make life interesting. But if we gather for a meal, even if we don't have a close family, we can still feel loved and joyful and an uncle Eddie will probably be there.

Robert Donaldson's father was a garbage collector and for a time so was Robert. He then went on to study micro biology and fell in love with Janine. He is a Kiwi and has served in the Salvos all over the world. Its an interesting story!

Every year young bandsmen from the salvos at Camberwell dress up in Santa suits and play carols on Christmas eve and Christmas morning at random peoples houses all over Melbourne. Its a fabulous Christmas tradition!

A friendly and supportive neighborhood is such a blessing. People who you trust nearby to love and support. What if the Spirit of Jesus was as close as a friendly supportive neighbor, present and available 24/7? That could make for love, joy and peace!

Bridget and Mikalea are two 18 year old young women from regional country towns who decided to do a gap year studying mission and theology in Sydney. The disruptions of 2020 impacted them both and they ended up boarding at our place. This is their story.

Each year the guys at the Salvos rehab in Brisbane decorate with Christmas lights and put on a massive street party. People see the property transform and also hear the stories of recovery from the participants. A Christmas miracle.

Toni Hoffman exposed Jayant Patel as a dodgy surgeon and was tormented and ridiculed for her trouble. Doing the right thing often results in shining a confronting light on the dodgy and they might get cranky, but lets do it anyway!

Paul Maunder runs a front line work for the salvos in a challenging inner city suburb in Brisbane. He has known personal tragedy, losing his sister at an early age, but loves his family and is a beacon of love and light for lots of hurting people.

Robbo is one of my heroes. He is the friendliest bloke I know. He came to a school with me one time and shared about the work of the Salvos. It went really well and the teacher gave us some money to go to Maccas afterwards. GOLD!!

Being peacemakers in a world of troubles is a challenge. Lets start with the small stuff and do our part to be at peace with our friends, colleagues and family. Remembering to put the rubbish bins out on time, helps.

Join Bryce as he has a chat with Major Sandra Mclean (His boss) and Lauren Martin (journalist with the Salvos) about the Podcast journey so far. (WARNING - there is some kazoo playing in this episode)

Gathering in small groups is a great way to build decent friendships and have stimulating discussions; And if you can find a way, buttering hundreds of cheese toasties together helps as well.

To have a pure heart is a lot more about single-minded purpose than a squeaky clean lifestyle that none of us can actually attain. Next Friday 20th Nov is the 100th episode of this podcast.  Please let us know where you listen from and how you found us. bryce.davies@salvationarmy.org.au

Overcoming shyness and a limited education as a child, Commissioner James Condon has been a Salvation Army officer for over 40 years and has had appointments in the UK, Papua New Guinea and a variety of senior leadership roles in Australia.

For most of my life I did not celebrate Australian indigenous culture or people in any meaningful way. But for the last five years or so, I have, on NAIDOC day, and it is one of my favorite days of the year!

Susan Boyle presented at Britain's Got talent as a somewhat dowdy and odd person; but then she sang. It was spectacular! I'm so glad she was given a chance to shine.