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 injustice.

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 disability to tell their own stories. The Lovely Sue has featured in this project and her story is here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpwa7bOfT-8  

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 hearing his story as he is well humoured, articulate and just a terrific fellow.

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 that any of that!

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, #ModelsofChurch, #FaithCommunity, #StoriesOfHope  

Nuria came to Australia 19 years ago and managed to find ways to settle into the new culture and lifestyle. She now works for the Salvos assisting us to work with CaLD communities effectively. She is married and has two children. Interestingly her husband Rodney, is named after the famous Australian wicketkeeper Rod Marsh. #Salvos, #SalvationArmy, #StoriesOfHope, #Faith, #Testimonies, #LifeStories, #LivedExperiences,#Biography, #Interview, #Conversation