Very much alive!

"Tasmania is a quiet little island south of the mainland. Nothing much happens there, and it is a good place to go for a holiday." That may (or may not) express the thoughts of many people, but my last week has challenged that sort of thinking.

For two days it was a privilege to travel north and visit Salvation Army centres in the north and north west. There's a lot happening there, and more to come.

At Burnie, Ulverstone and Devonport things are happening. With good leadership in Corps and social centres needs are being met and lives are being changed. New possibilities are being explored at the same time as ways are being found to overcome current difficulties.

In Launceston the Doorways program is being commenced, and under one roof most services will be accessed and people will be able to access physical, social, emotional and spiritual help. Communities are being reshaped. The Launceston Corps is in the process of a radical rebuilding program that will set the tone for the next generation. It is an exciting concept that is renovating the old and making room for the new. Nearby at Kings Meadows response to community needs is bringing change, challenges and life to an older congregation.

And back at DHQ there is always some new development as responses are made to opportunities that resource the Army in meeting human need.

One common factor in north and south is community. As the faith community meets the wider community at their point of need God works. It is great to see, and great to be involved.