Beyond the black stump

When I first came to live in Australia I was intrigued by some characteristic sayings like'beyond the black stump' which I took to be a reference to somewhere remote. This week our prayers have followed Salvation Army leader, Commissioner Jim Knaggs and the Staff Songsters on their visit to various place in South Australia and the Northern Territory. The aim is to make people aware that although they may live in remote places they can be 'up close and personal' with God. In other words, there will be an attempt to proclaim the gospel with words and music. The effort should be well supported by prayer.

Ageism

There is evidence that ageism is alive and well in our society and it works both ways. I have had experience of people who have been ready to dismiss some as 'too young' and others as 'too old'.
Even in some church congregations there is a kind of apartheid based on age instead of recognition that age and youth can complement each other. The ability to contribute to a united whole doesn't depend on the date on a birth certificate but on the quality of heart and mind. There are no useless people. Everyone has something which they can contribute, regardless of age and what is more everyone is needed. This week in my hospital visitation I spoke to a lady who knows she may only have weeks to live but her positive attitude provided a fillip to my own faith. In the past God has used her ability. Now he is using her disability and her buoyant confidence that 'the best is yet to be'.

Following footsteps

A cynic claimed that if people failed in busness they became consultants. If that were true then the present proliferation of consultants would be scary! In fact there is a place for advisors but often people are more ready to follow footsteps than advice. People who can show us how we may succeed have more effect that the theorists who simply tell us. Practitioners challenge us to 'go and do likewise'. In one way or another we should all lead by example.

There's a war on

My ancient memory recalls that during the Second World War the question often asked was, 'Don't you know there's a war on?' It could still be asked for the war against evil is still on and its not a phony war either. It is a war against slavery, addiction, violence, corruption and selfishness of all kinds. To some extent the battle line runs through all our hearts and minds. Salvationists take this seriously which is why they are known as soldiers. More need to be mobilised for battle because for the triumph of evil all it takes is for many people to do nothing.

Salvation safari

It is good to hear that the leaders of Army The Salvation Army based in Melbourne will be going with the Staff songsters on what I would dub 'a salvation safari' in the northern territory. We can pray that the ministry with words and music may be much blessed. Influence flows downhill and no doubt the innovative example of leaders will inspire others to try new approaches to evangelism. Prayer support will be appreciated, I'm sure.

Old and new

I like new things. Some of the innovations of technology are fascinating. But I also value some things which are old. After all, wisdom was not born with this generation. There are treasures of creativity from the past and we would be crass to neglect them. Last night I was present for a programme of Salvation Army classics presented by the Camberwell and Box Hill Bands. I felt that the bandsmen prayed as well as played through their instruments and some of the music from the Army's rich musical heritage brought great inspiration to a packed congregation. By way of contrast. I also attended a men's breakfast yesterday morning when an Anglican vicar with a Salvationist background spoke of his dual role as a minister and a comedian. Some might find the mixture of worship and laughter strange but in principle it is alright by me because I think the Almighty has a sense of humour anyway.