Stories of Hope

Rich Tapestries is a new series within Stories Of Hope Podcast, celebrating the lives and contributions of Culturally and Linguisticly Diverse (CaLD) folks within the Salvos in Australia. My co host in this series is Nuria Gonsalves who is the Cald Community Engagement National Lead and our first guest is Frank Wang who heads up the Salvos work in Bankstown in Sydney.  Frank originates from China and his journey to Australia exudes courage and strength of character.  The way he and his wife Belinda found their way into the Salvos and eventually into leadership is both inspiring and surprising.  

Despite hundreds of years of democracy and education, people are still suffering discrimination and injustice depending on what colour their skin is or where they are from.  Riots and wars abound and even in the suburbs where I live there are sometimes cruel and unfair judgments made on people based on very superficial data.  Lets open our eyes and notice what biases we have in our own heart and what we see around us and lets be brave enough to make a stand sooner rather than later.

Rod is the Salvo leader in a Town in New South Wales called Young and he also looks after the surrounding area as a rural Chaplian visiting farms and remote communities.  He loves his big 1100CC Yamaha motorcycle, his cut throat Razors and is an earthy bloke who loves a chat and cares deeply about people and what the Salvos stand for.  I know Rod well, because we have worked shoulder to shoulder together providing financial aid to folks affected by floodwaters in Kempsey. Rod is married to Deb and I reckon he is the salt of the earth!

It is an absolute delight and honour to share on this podcast about how people have navigated thier lives.  The stories are very often rich and full of courage meaning and inspiration.  The lovely Sue has a great story too and finding love is a powerful part of this.  I am in the mix a little, but Maggie the Toy Cavoodle has also won her heart!

Bindy had a really tough childhood but has found a way to be mindful of the ways this impacts her life today. She works for the salvos in our emergency services department and helps people who have been devastated by things like floods and fires. She is married to Marco and has three children. She is a proud Novacastrian and her story will inspire and delight you.

Some Christians feel guilty because they do not measure up to what they believe the church is wanting from them. Making new converts, deep commitment to spiritual practices like prayer and scripture and consistent service to the poor seem to be the goal posts. However doing what God has placed in our path does not always align with church agendas, so we need to measure by that, more than things like bums on seats on a Sunday morning.

Amanda has a rich heritage within the Salvos and yet it took time for her to find her true self, both within the organisation and personally.  I met her on deployment in Townsville and Ingham delivering flood relief - and we got on like a house on fire.  She is great fun and a powerhouse of genuine honesty and warmth.  Her story resonates with me and I'm sure many listeners will relate and learn from her story.  

The lovely Sue works out at a gym and has a program that measures how much weight she lifts in animals.  Sometimes she lifts elephants.  Doing hard things is not always to be avoided.  We sometimes need to ditch our fears and head directly into the suffering if we are to live life to the full.  

Brad trained with me and the lovely Sue at the Salvos college for officers in Melbourne 30 odd years ago and he and his wife Katrina have always been the sort of friends we don't see much of but are close to when we do catch up.  Brad is now based in Perth and has two adult children.  He is a keen cyclist and we have an authentic sort of chat about life, faith and leadership. 

The role of women in society has been a controversial subject since ancient times. But it is undeniable that women have been vital leaders and even prophets - warning people and analysing strategically throughout history in significant ways. General Eva Burrows was an Aussie girl who became the international leader of the Salvos. She was awesome!

For the last 15 years or so Greg has been a vital cog in the leadership wheel to an innovative Salvo church expression in Brisbane called Gods Sport Arena.  Greg's family originates from India and from an early age Greg developed a strong work ethic.  He did not speak English when he arrived in Australia and his success story is inspiring and insightful.   He has worked for many years in management roles and in retirement still loves to be alongside people in helpful and encouraging ways. 

When we join organisations we often find support and encouragement emerging in surprising ways. I was in Norway recently and saw a Salvo shield on a building and went in to say g'day. The lady who worked there was very friendly and made a really nice connection. Community life can be challenging, but the strength of a team cannot be underestimated.

Leadership is a mixed bag.  Often rewarding, like the time I got this great poster at my farewell from Villawood Salvos in Sydney, but also devastating like the time a rehab I was running in Adelaide got closed unexpectedly.   It's important to count the cost and to get the support you need to compensate for your weaknesses, but not much happens if people are too scared to lead.  

Carmen is one of the nicest people you could meet and the lovely Sue and I have valued her friendship for many years.  But being nice comes at a cost and the journey to a more authentic place for Carmen involves having a baby and becoming a Jazzercise instructor.  We have an honest and important chat in this episode and it will do you good to tune in and have a listen.  

Its a fine line sometimes between being selfless and sacrificial to demonstrate our love or our commitment to a cause and being sensible stewards of our body, mind and spirit.     Rory McIlroys parents Gerry and Rosie saw Rorys potential as a golfer and took on extra jobs to support his career as they were not wealthy.  Their sacrifices have paid off big time, but for most of us selflessness does not result in lifelong riches or amazing achievements.  It's often the little things like getting a cup of tea for the lovely Sue when we are both comfortable on the couch, that demonstrates a life devoted to others.   

I once fell asleep at the Salvos in a church service and dreamed I was dodging a football - everyone noticed.  In todays reading in Acts Ch 20 another young guy dozed off during a boring sermon, fell out of a window and died.  His name was Eutychus which in Greek means lucky!  The lovely Sue and I watched Adolescence recently.  It was very confronting.  Engaging effectively with young boys is really important and we do well to find ways to be with them without harsh judgement and simplistic solutions.  

Brenton is my nephew and we often have great chats about life.  He is 32 years old and has a lot of experience and insight into the journey of faith and on this podcast episode we have a truthful conversation about his journey.  Brenton has a theology degree and has been a drummer in many of the big Hillsong productions and conferences.  His wrestle and eventual conclusions about faith display great thought and wisdom and we do well to be brave enough to hear what he has to say.  

Some ideas and practices are like Sacred Cows.  Too much is at stake to challenge them, so we just pretend we are OK with it when really we are not; we just couldn't be bothered with the fight.  The people of Ephesus were hugely invested in the Temple of Artemus (It was after all one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world) and when Paul challenged them they went berserk and rioted.  The hundreds of years of tradition, economic value and entrenched religious thinking made any new thinking impossible.  Lets try to stay open minded no matter how long we have been invested in our own particular point of view.    

Cath and her husband Mark have been friends with the lovely Sue and I for over 20 years.  Our kids have had holidays together and we are like one big family when we get together.  Cath was born - surprisingly and unexpectedly as a twin in the UK and immigrated to Australia with her family when she was just 10 years old. Cath is an educator and has just recently determined to barrack for Collingwood.  She even has a scarf and beanie, so of course we are besties.

Woody Allen is quoted as saying "80% of success is just showing up" But for many of us, we would prefer not to bother with the mundane boring aspects of living well and go straight to the good bits.  Holidays, parties and getting pats on the back from our colleagues.     To pretend to be authentic often results in humiliation so we do well to find ways to celebrate and enjoy the ordinary.  I came home with flowers for the lovely Sue the other day and she was so grateful, even lovy dovy, but this is because I usually come home with boring stuff, like almost everything she asked me to get from the shops.    

Marcus has been a part of my life for over 20 years.  His journey from Addiction to sobriety has had plenty of bumps along the way and his most recent slip has been dreadful.  The loss of his parents recently was like an anchor coming adrift in his soul and he has since suffered serious physical injury, despair and isolation.  Today he is back on track and building a solid recovery - which is remarkable.   

Having significant conversations is really important. The church has often done this well with regular gatherings like bible study groups and opportunities to listen to challenging speakers. But it is not the only place this happens. Often important conversations happen in universities or cafes or even on bush walks.  In todays reading in Acts 19, Paul leaves the Synagogue and goes to the lecture halll of Tyrannus, where people of all persuasions chatted about deep things.   

Sandy McLean is a wife to Andrew, a Mum, a granny, a friend to many, a Salvo officer and an avid dancer.  Her friendship and influence on many lives is remarkable.  Stories of Hope podcast would probably not exist without her encouragement and belief, as she was my boss during the early years.  Sandy is lots of fun and genuinely wonderful; hearing her story will do you the world of good!.  

The Bible often talks about baptism.  Being fully immersed into a new way of being.  This practice was normal in the ancient world to symbolise decisions or commitments to a new lifestyle or to belong to a new group.  Many of us take on new ideas, but if we are not wholehearted, we will soon drift away.  To be wholehearted about grace and being kind to ourselves, even when we make mistakes, is the foundation to a life of, boldness, love and authenticity. 

I have known Eunice for as long as I've been with the lovely Sue, as her daughter Gill is one of Sue's best friends.  Eunice is a straight shooting scot and a no nonsense sort of lady who I've always enjoyed.  She is like 100 years old and used slate and chalk to learn at school.  She is expert in dance, fitness, social work and was even a volleyball ref.  A down to earth Salvo who cares deeply about people and will fight for what she believes is right.  She is a cracker!!

For a long time, maybe 5 days, it seemed possible that all the talk about Cyclone Alfred hitting Brisbane with force was  - excuse the pun - a load of hot air.  The build up was constant and the lovely Sue and I hunkered down in our home waiting for it to arrive.  Nothing happened - until it did.  Our suburb copped torrential rain for days and was badly flooded.    People talk about the impact Jesus has had on their lives too, and for most people who hear this, their attitude is - I'll believe it when I see it! 

Matt is a wonderful entrepreneurial Salvo leader.  He is married to Jac and has 2 children.  Like a lot of creative and dynamic sorts of leaders, his schooling did not accomodate well for his learning style or gifting and for many years he struggled to believe in himself and flourish.   Today he is one of the shining lights in Salvo leadership and heads up a creative and effective work in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.  He and Jac are some of our closest friends and I loved hearing his story on the podcast. 

There are plenty of things to worry about and we can't fix everything.  We need a healthy balance of concern and relinquishment of concern.  What is within our control and what is not?  In todays reading Paul shakes his clothes to symbolise his decision to stop trying to influence the Jews in Corinth.  He had done all he could do and they were not his problem any more.   Sometimes we need to do this too and just leave what is not within our circle of control.

Anneke and I met on the Camino in Spain last year and walked and shared together like family for over three weeks. Her fun, positivity and openness was heartwarming. She currently works as a bus driver and represents something of the wonderful variety of people from all walks of life you meet along the way.

We read in Acts 18 that Paul was a tentmaker.  He did this to pay his own way, but also to model and demonstrate the values and culture of the new way of living he was on about.  The way of Jesus.  In my work with the Salvos it has often been when folks come alongside me in my everyday living - maybe working in a garden, cooking a meal or helping someone move into a new flat, that they get a glipse of what the Christian life is really like.   

Norm was cared for as a baby by the Salvation Army in Belfast as his parents were no longer able to look after him. He came to Australia when he was 5 and was again loved and supported by the Salvos in Sydney. He became an officer and has just retired after 44 years of service, Norm and his wife wife Isobel recently ran a study tour of Greece and Turkey for 30 salvo leaders that I attended. His life is a testimony of love, service and hope.

If I were to be persuaded to a new way of thinking, the best way is for someone I trust to model and explain things in a compelling way. For me it was my friend Marty who inspired me to lose weight (8.6 kilos - no kidding!) and Joan from the Salvos church I grew up in who inspired me to embrace Christian Faith.  Both lived out what they suggested!

Lisa Wright had a tough start to life and ended up living in a caravan with a friend when she was just 15. Her life has been touched by abuse and neglect and drugs became a way to cope. Her rock bottom came when she ended up in jail. But this was the jolt that pushed her towards recovery. The Salvos did their thing and today she is 3 years sober and employed by the Salvos to help others. Its an inspiring story.

Last week I was privileged to serve the flood ravaged communities of Ingham with the Salvos.  It's a devastating situation and people are really hurting and weary from the long hot and heartbreaking clean up and the reality of so much loss.  However, as in almost all dreadful circumstances there are lessons to learn and opportunities to grasp that we don't have in times of ease.   Seeing everyone work together to help was one of them. What a powerhouse of love and support this team of Salvos was able to provide.  

Demon possession is not necessarily the scary little red devil with horns and a tail we might imagine. It is anything that robs us of our true God given identity. People make a lot of money keeping us hooked into things like TV and social media. Lets be careful not to lose ourselves or we may need to go through the modern day equivalent of an exorcism and be brought back to our true selves.

David Godkin Is one of the nicest guys you could meet.  He exudes a kind and gentle strength that makes him a wonderful sort of Salvo.  He is married to Sandra and has 4 children and 15 grandchildren.  From humble beginnings in the Western suburbs of Sydney he has found himself in vital Salvo work ranging from small country towns to executive leadership roles.  He is a parkrunner, a trombone player and a fellow Camino pilgrim. Safe to say - we are mates!  

The lovely Sue and I recently led devotions with 30 Salvo leaders at the river in Philippi where Lydia was baptised in Act 16.  Not in a church - by a river!  Jesus did life significantly with folks on the road and in the marketplace as did Paul.  So can we!

Nathan Rowe is a brilliant musician and has a beautiful heart for people from all walks of life. He is a leader with the Salvos in Geelong and has a dynamic and interesting take on life and the challenges of being wired in a way that is a little out of the box. He is married to Jenny and he has two children.

We all have to make decisions and most of them are made based on logic. For example should we cross Northbrook Gorge on a rainy day. Probably not! But our decisions to prioritize sacrificial love come from the deeper more mysterious places of the Spirit.

In ancient times Circumcision was an important rite of passage for many cultures and religions.  Paul had Timothy circumcised so that the message he wanted to get across to his Jewish listeners would be without controversy.  He was prepared to do whatever it took.  Australians absorb information and find credible truth through authentic relationships and the modelling of a healthy and wholesome lifestyle.  They don't seem to care about circumcision at all! 

We all do well to re-assess every now and then.  In acts Chapter 15 the early church leaders made epic decisions about how to manage the new realities of the timnes they were living in.  The lovely Sue has been re-assessing how romantic I am and has initiated a new dating system.  I really hope I don't annoy her too much!  

My friend Kris Halliday takes over the mic and interviews me about my recent 800 kilometre pilgrimage accross Spain.  I walked the Camino Francis and we chat about the scenery, the people, the challenges and of course the many I times I found myself "Encountering Cheesus"! My jouney brought me to places of authenticity about myself, the church and of course the lovely Sue!  

The lovely Sue and I were delighted to visit Rachel and Paul in Greece recently and the camaraderie we felt was amazing. People always need encouragement and support, especially if they are a long way away and this was true for the early church and is still important for local community groups and even people in hospital today.

The Danes are the happiest people on earth according to many surveys.  They are dedicated to what they call Hygge.  Snuggling together on a comfortable couch on a cold winters night with candles, cholocate and an open fire.   It's being intentional about community and happiness.  Many of us try to create this experience at Christmas.  Many of us try to live out a theology or philosophy of love everyday, as this is the essence of the Christian story.  

We are all going to face changes that require us to make a decision, and when we do we need to trust that slowing down and listening for the nudges outside of our intelligence and emotions will help.  Things like sitting quietly, reading, going for a long walk in a forest and listening to trusted friends can make a huge difference.   

I'm a terrible gardener and am in awe of farmers who can grow things like olives and grapes. We are all gifted with certain skills and opportunities, but being too proud or too humble can spoil the gift.  King Herod was too proud and ended up being worm food before his time.

Olive Lucas is 82 years old. She is an Aussie Salvo officer who has served in India, Africa and the UK. Her life of vibrant faith is an ongoing bold adventure. She has known both heart wrenching tragedy and deep joy. This is her inspiring story. Note: In 2024 she was awarded the order of the Founder. The highest honour available to a Salvo anywhere in the world.

Few of us will leave a legacy like Walt Disney, but we all leave a legacy in some way. How we treat people and the way we make them feel leaves a mark on their personality and psyche, especially those we are closest to. If we design an amazing thing, it will probably be forgotten in a generation or so, but sowing love, lasts through the ages.

 A profound spiritual experience many people have, is when they feel really, really loved - by people and by the mysterious presence of the divine. John 13 says "Everyone will know you are my disciples, if you love one another" Lets shout this truth from the rooftops!

Vincent Lingiari led a seemingly insignificant strike in 1966 that was a stepping stone to Mabo, the High Court's Native Title decision in 1992.     If we let injustice slide by unchecked because if doesn't affect us - we set ourselves up to encounter the same injustice when we are in need ourselves. How we treat the most vulnerable in our society sets the standard for us all and often it is a small step that gets things going.

The lovely Sue and her very expensive wedding dress. Marriage trends have changed significantly over recent years and there are both positives and negatives in these changes. But being good at committed relationships doesn't just happen, however we organise it, we need genuine capacity to love and be loved.