Stories of Hope

Nathan experienced significant challenges from a very early age and has has spent the majority of his life feeling frustrated and angry. Using drugs has been a way to cope. It was't until recently that he was just sick of the life he was living and found his way to the Salvo's Fairhaven rehab which he says, saved his life. He is now doing well and making positive life choices. #Addiction, #DV, #Me...

The early followers of Jesus had varying success in sharing the message. Not everyone was keen to join up. Likewise today, people hesitate to join Christian Churches, but I'm not sure they reject it completely and I reckon God is still working out His purposes through their lives. #Salvos, #SalvationArmy, #StoriesOfHope

Geanette Seymour is a retired Salvation Army officer who has held a number of top leadership appointments most recently heading up the Salvos International Social Justice Commission in New York. As a 16 year old, she left school and was the first woman ever to train as a chemist in an all male workforce of around 7000. She has learned the lessons suffering brings and has depth, humour and a kind s...

Two of the early followers of Jesus lied about how generous they were and were struck down dead for their trouble. Deceit and disingenuousness is a dreadful thing and destroys authentic community. Jamie Lee Curtis once posed without flash clothes or make up to confront the unreal body image culture of our time. By the way, disingenuousness is a big word I like to use so people might think I am mor...

Lyndal Barker has not had an easy life. Her first husband fell ill and died at the age of 27, her son was killed in a motor accident at the age of 19 and a few years ago her second husband died of cancer. But through it all she has stayed positive and with her deep trust in God has faithfully served as a Salvo officer impacting countless lives over many years. And at 74 - she is a keen park runner...

Most families and healthy community groups will share things like camping gear, tools and even cars. The first followers of Jesus shared like this too - even selling property to make sure their friends had enough to live on. This hallmark of trust and compassion marked the early church and in many ways continues to this day.

Danielle Strickland is a world renown speaker, author and founder of various charities. Her parents were both taken in by the salvos as children and they eventually became Salvo officers. Her story is inspiring, insightful and delightful and could help you move from cynicism to hope.  

Sometimes we need to speak our truth with confidence and boldness. The way of love can be corrupted, and strength is required to restore justice and love. The first followers of Jesus were like ancient whistle blowers against dodgy leadership and often paid the ultimate price for doing so. They got involved in the lives of the people who were suffering and it fired them up to speak out against inj...

Joseph Pinkard is the Disability Inclusion Lead for the Salvos across Australia. His journey to this role is really special and the caliber of his life experiences has contributed to him being just the right person at the right time for this important work within the church. One element of this work to educate the Salvos about disability is called "Pass the Mike". A chance for people with a disabi...

The early church leaders reported seeing signs and wonders, however these days we tend to explain everything like this through science. But almost every day we say things like, "that was amazing", or "I cant believe this". So we still live in a world where wonderful things happen that guide us towards wisdom and hope.

Bridget had a safe and happy childhood, but at age 14 life took a turn and she suffered from Anorexia Nervosa.  From here life spiralled into cycles of addiction and a struggle to stay stable.  She eventually found herself at the Salvos and today is a regular volunteer at Streetlevel.   She is a gifted harp player and a delightful person.  Her story is remarkable.  

The disciples of Jesus were largely uneducated and simple men. They had a vibe about them though, that came directly form the Love they had encountered through Jesus. Powerful, pure, humble sort of love. An undeniable force for good. It's so simple, even Bluey has it.  

Merv Collins grew up in a tiny town in the UK called Tavistock. His dad was a baker and at just 21 years of age he migrated to Australia and joined the air force as a bandsman. 60 or so year later, he is a father and grandfather and has had a tremendous life teaching, playing music and most recently authoring two books. He led the Salvos Solid Rock Big Band for many years and I really enjoyed hear...

The Love and grace of Christ are the cornerstones of faith. Peter and John demonstrated this when they helped a lame man. The lovely Sue demonstrates this when she signs me up to be kind to others. #Salvos, #SalvationArmy, #Faith, #Stories, #Bible, #Scripture, #Hope, #Reflection, #Acts, #EarlyChurch, #FaithCommunity, #StoriesOfHope

Danny and I met at the Salvos maybe 20 years ago and bumped into each other recently at a mutual friends memorial service. Danny's life story is peppered with hardship and tragedy, but also with determination and some good people who have loved and supported him. He has over 1000 sky dives to his name, but a brush with death at the salvos helping put up Christmas lights gave him more of a buzz tha...

Often the love we have to offer is inadequate and simple. Yet when offered in the right spirit it can be life giving and even healing for the people who receive it. Peter and John gave what they had to a lame man and it was not money, it was just the love and grace they had found in Jesus. #Salvos, #SalvationArmy, #Faith, #Stories, #Bible, #Scripture, #Hope, #Reflection, #Acts, #EarlyChurch, #Mode...

The early church was committed to evangelism. Spreading the message of Jesus wherever they went. In Australia the pulpit pounding fire and brimstone days are long gone. Friendship and genuine connection is the best way to share any love and hope we have found in faith. And more often than not, our friends teach us more than than we teach them! #Acts, #EarlyChurch, #ModelsOfChurch, #FaithCommunity,...

Greg Morgan is the Salvos secretary for Mission in Australia. His time in country Victoria, the Northern Territory and the UK has all shaped his theology and his understanding of diversity and multiculturalism. He is married to Priya and has two adult children. He is a deep thinker and doesn't mind questioning and wrestling. #salvos, #salvationarmy, #storiesofhope, #podcast, #Faith, #Testimonies,...

 The early church community praised God. They noticed what was a blessing and praised God for the gift that it was. Aussies worship sport more than God, I reckon but more and more they are appreciating nature and the value of a grateful spirit. #Salvo, #SalvationArmy,#Faith, #Stories, #Bible, #Scripture, #Hope, #Reflection, #Acts, #EarlyChurch, #ModelsOfChurch, #FaithCommunity    

Marcus Hutchins grew up on a farm in country Victoria. The solid Christian values and example of his family created a foundation that has lasted to this day. His work with the Salvos in articulating how our Theology intersects with our Social work has been fabulous. He lives in Brisbane with his wife Amanda and his three small children.  #Salvos, #StoriesOfHope, #SalvationArmy, #podcast, #Faith, #...

Christmas is a time when people often gather for parties, carol services and even attendance at church. The early church gathered regularly, not just on special occasions and so their community was rich and consistent. But gathering isn't easy. People can be difficult! #salvos, #SalvationArmy, #Faith, #Stories, #Bible, #Scripture, #Hope, #Reflection, #Acts, #EarlyChurch, #ModelsOfChurch, #Faith, #...

Erica Jones grew up in Western Australia in a very challenging family situation and found support and a sense of belonging in the Salvos when she was very young. Her story has depth and joy as she encounters the beauty of healthy family life, ministry opportunities and a growing participation in God's big story. #buildinghealthycommunity, #Officership, #MentalHealth, #salvos, #StoriesofHope, #Salv...

The early Christian community was marked by generosity. When people are generous, healthy relationships and community is almost inevitable. My friends Maryam and Sepher are two of the most generous people I know and they always make me feel special and valued.  #Salvos, #SalvationArmy, #Faith, #Stories, #Bible, #Scripture, #Hope, #Reflection, #Acts, #EarlyChurch, #ModelsOfChurch, #FaithCommunity,...

John Roundhill is a keen park runner, a husband and father of two adult children and is an Anglican Bishop responsible for 49 parishes in South Brisbane. John and I have a chat walking the Mansfield parkrun and cover everything from his amazing life story to puppy poo pickup and prayer.

Prayer is a mysterious thing but in essence it is all about love. I've been praying in my garden recently and have had helpful insights on how to love and value the lovely Sue as well as what needs pruning in the garden. #Acts, #EarlyChurch, #ModelsOfChurch, #Faith, #Community, #salvos, #StoriesOfHope, #salvationarmy, #podcast