Fair Go - Transforming Lives with Fair Trade

Here's a social justice idea for you evangelists and Christian activists out there...
A mate of mine (Mr. John Logan of Darwin Salvos) has got involved with helping a local Christian group whose main passion is for justice. A large part of their ministry is to run a "Fair Go" stall at the famous Mindill Beach Markets (a place well-known for applauding their sunsets) in Darwin, NT. They source fairly-traded products and sell them to tourists in the midst of a market filled with hippy-style New-Age stalls and a multicultural mix of ethnic foods (the classic was 'Road Kill Cafe' selling possum sausages... sorry Dibbie!). The stall raises some cash for Fair-Trade projects in needy areas and the team incarnationally 'infiltrates' the world of tourists, Hippies and night-lifers.

It's a great way to get the message of Fair Trade out there and connect with the unsaved in a genuine way (with a cause that they respect). What do you reckon?

Jo's News

Wow... time is flying by fast, seems like yesterday we were still on out-placement in Darwin (NT)! Since then we've had holidays, which was a week off (bludging) followed by a week at Hillsong Conference with the Werribee Corps Crew...

Hillsong was awesome, we had planned to take a guy with us from our time in Darwin, but that fell through, so we took Shauny from Altona Corps who had never been (one word - 'road-trip'!). By far the highlights of the conference was hearing Judah Smith and Joyce Meyer preach, also the awesome worship leadership of Joel Houston and seeing an increased focus on Social Justice throughout. God really worked in that place and it was a huge joy to see the hunger and response in the Werribee crew. Personally I felt God doing a new thing in me... a deep refreshing and a new empowerment of love (holiness) - a huge blessing to my personal spirituality and for facing this last long semester in college!

College has also started back classes, it actually took a while to get used to the old routine again! Some great news, is that we have two cadets from Indonesia staying here for the next couple of months, Olwin and Nilla are two special "Witnesses" who already feel like part of the family!

Baby news - I finally had my first ultrasound! It was awe-inspiring to actually see a tiny life on the screen, moving around and hiding from the 'camera' (to the the utter frustration of ultrasound technician!). I can't believe a baby can be so beautifully formed even at the 20-week mark - human life really is a miracle... I have a DVD and some photos, so for those who see me often, ask me for a look! (I promise I'll post them on my blog soon). Not feeling any kicks yet, but thats ok... I'm healthy, the baby's healthy and everything's 'normal'. The due date has changed to early December, which is a bit of a relief considering our commissioning/graduation is the 30th of Nov! I'm trying to figure out maternity uniforms now... the joys of pregnancy in college!

THIS MEANS WAR!!!

I was feeling pretty average the other day, so sat myself down to relax with some mid-morning TV (on ABC), I found myself enthralled by a documentary on war strategy (Dad would be proud)!

Here is some of what I learned about Defensive Battle Strategy (as used in World Wars I & II):

• OBJECTIVE - Have a clear mission and battle plan. Defend your lines and counter-attack in order to advance into enemy territory.
• INTELLIGENCE - Gain reliable information on the enemy's tactics, their capabilities, weapons, mission etc. to inform your own battle plans.
• TIME - Don't allow your enemy time to prepare their battle plan or gather their troops - it will work against you.
• CONCEALMENT - Effectively hide the troops you have, so your enemy is unaware of your true numbers; OR don't conceal your impressive numbers - in order to give them a scare!
• ABSORB ATTACK - Withstand and absorb enemy attack, even in the most intense part of battle. Slow down the enemy's advance, then counter-attack!
• REALISM - Be realistic about your objectives, don't over-stretch yourself in counter-attack or try to achieve too much too quickly. Be detailed and ambitious, but allow that your troops will need to regroup and resupply.

A couple of other points were made about this kind of strategy. The PSYCHOLOGY of your troops is important, they need to believe in the cause they are fighting for, in order for them to be willing to risk their very lives defending it! Making HIGH RISK decisions is also necessary and important, this is where you are able to turn the tide on your attackers...

We are in a battle for the souls of men & women, it is imperative that we don't allow our enemy, the devil, to gain ground because of our inability to be strategic about this war that we're in. Every aspect of this Defensive Battle Strategy can be used as a guide to launch our defense and prepare counter-attacks in this Salvation War (it can be used especially in organising a stretegic direction for your Corps or ministry!). Let's rediscover the strategic, fighting heart of this Salvation Army and launch another attack... let's take some ground in the name of Jesus!!!!

Images - painting by Hank Henke (top), illustration pinched from David Collinson's blog (bottom)

Some Fun News...

I feel like I've told everyone in the world, but I realised, hey there's stacks of ppl who check up on me on this blog that I might not have any contact with otherwise....
Well anyway, my awesome news is:
I'm having a baby!

It's truly awesome, not just because baby's are cute and its nice to have them around, what is most awesome is that Pete and I have been hoping and praying hard for this over three long years. So many times I gave up hope that God would grant us this miracle without some medical intervention.... But it seems that God's power is enough in our case! (who'd have thought! LOL).
Besides the excitement we feel about such a huge blessing, we are sure it is God's timing - right now it seems the baby is due on the day of our commissioning! (NO ONE would plan that!). Cue: jokes about birth on stage etc... ;o)

Well thats our news, we are both stoked at the journey ahead of us and look forward to introducing another Brookshaw into the world!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2 U!!!!!

It's Pete's birthday today! (the 7th)

Happy Birthday Petey, hope you have a wonderful day!!!!

It's also Mum's birthday on Friday, so Happy Birthday Mum!!!! and Happy Mothers' Day too!!!!

Times like these make you wish you were home again! Still we're having an 'enlightening' time here at Darwin Corps. This week we have 4 days of being the CO's and the 'parents' of 3 teenagers while the Woods' are off on a conference in Melbourne! We're coping pretty good, but can't wait to get a day to ourselves to spend some birthday time just Pete and I!

It turns out we're guns at Mainly Music, who'd have known!!!! "Hip, hip hip, hippopotamus!" (Those songs must be the most irritatingly catchy songs in history!). Having a great time connecting with the mum's and kids, some came to church on Sunday and a women's event the night before (come on God, bring them in!). What a ministry!

Recently we had a go at MASH (Mature Aged Social Hour - group for senior citizens), we spoke about Justice, Human Trafficking and Fairtrade. Full credit to the MASH bunch, they got on board and bought a bunch of chocolo chocolate and Jasper coffee, but more importantly, seemed to really connect with these Social Justice issues.

The African Service celebrated their one year anniversary last Sunday, complete with singing, dancing, testimonies and fervent prayer..... and a MASSIVE lunch! It was great to see the African's sticking around to share with each other and celebrate together with the Salvos!!! Exciting to see a new addition to the African service, a Salvo from Zimbabwe, who was healed from epilepsy as a boy and is now a doctor up here in Darwin - I can see God has big plans for this man of God - in the African Service and beyond! God bless the Africans!

Pete preached at the FUSE combined Youth church last Saturday, it went off! The theme was "Run" (from their "Stand, Run, Fight" series), check out Pete's blog soon, hopefully he'll post some of the footage of his preach that night. Darwin youth are beginning to connect in, hopefully they'll get into spending time with some of these young people at FUSE - they have a huge passion for God that only inspires you to go further and deeper for Him!

A friend of ours that has jumped into life following God, recently went on a night of outreach with us and some officers to connect with the homeless and offer a bit of food and drink to get them through the night. He eagerly changed into a Red Shield shirt and during the course of the night, gave his own shirt to a indigenous man who was shirtless - he's living a life of self-sacrifice! Awesome to see someone getting serious about their beliefs so quickly - lets all live out what we believe, a life of holiness - and yes, that means giving stuff away!

God is faithful!

Jamaica Blue - doing coffee Fairtrade Style!

I was really excited this past week to see a Cafe advertising the availability of fairtrade coffee!
Jamaica Blue at Casuarina Square Shopping Centre (directly above the food court) in NT - has posters all over the place letting consumers know that they can ask for their coffee to be made with fairtrade coffee beans. What an awesome step forward! Even the big names of coffee, Gloria Jean's and Starbucks haven't had the guts to go fairtrade publicly.

The only issue - I hate the taste of coffee! To all those who love it, drink up fairtrade like its going out of fashion!

Last day seeing the Sunrise...

Today's our last day on placement at Sunrise Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre... these 4 weeks have gone so fast. I've had an awesome time getting to know staff and 'clients', its been interesting seeing both side of the Rehab experience... Most of all I've loved the opportunity to share Jesus with the guys, not all are open to accepting it as truth, but many are searching on some level and its this Spiritual journey with them that I will hold onto as one of the most valuable experiences of my time here. The changes in their outlook on life is so inspiring and I hope we will see more as we come back to visit them!

This morning I shared the following with the guys:

"I'll never forget the trouble, the utter lostness, the taste of ashes, the poison I've swallowed.
I remember it all - oh, how well I remember - the feeling of hitting the bottom.
But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering, I keep a grip on hope:
God's loyal love couldn't have run out, his merciful love couldn't have dried up.
They're created new every morning. How great your faithfulness!
I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over). He's all I've got left."
Lamentations 3:19-24 MSG

I'm praying they'll each find an understanding of the extent of God's love for them!

BTW - Pete and I are disgustingly sicky at the moment (Pete has a really shocking cough and I've got bad tonsilitis), please pray for our healing! thanks ;o)

Is Bono a Salvo?

I admit, I stole this pic from Wikipedia, but it raises the question, how Salvo can someone get before they take the plunge and don the uniform!!!

And he thought that cutting-edge Justice mixed with a burning passion for Jesus was original.....

Easter - Jesus died for YOU! Get to know him!

Whew! What a whirlwind that Easter was! Pete & I had opportunity to share a Good Friday "preview" at Sunrise last Thursday (Chapel). Pete laid the "Jesus died for you" message right out there on the line, answered a bunch of questions the guys had and challenged them to take Jesus as their life-saver... The classic line used to preach the gospel was "God is like KFC, we can't just walk up and take the chicken, there is a person we need to go through to get to the chicken (Jesus as a check-out chick with a difference!). The guys really connected with that one!

That night (Thursday) we went to a Passover meal at Darwin Corps, more than a hundred people rocked up! It was awesome to explore that last meal Jesus had, which he celebrated as a Jew and we can now recognise as a way to celebrate Jesus himself as the promised Messiah! (Messiah=a saving leader the Jews have been expecting for thousands of years, many recognised it was Jesus, others are still waiting to this day!).

Friday saw the kick-off of the NT Youth Easter Camp, we went to church (the Drama was awesome! that couple who were acting... second to none! hehe), then stayed out at Howard Springs at "Camp Beazley" (really a big property where the Beazleys live, they were great hosts). Camping out in tents during the wet season was a huge experience - we had two ridiculous rain storms, one which blew a big marquee tumbling across the yard! Only one person's bed got wet in the storms (guess who! grrr).
I spun-out at the go-karts (going too fast), Pete looked hilarious in his full-face helmet and one of the girls crashed while she was too busy waving! The Beazley's pool was well-used by all, especially the Melbournians! (it was HOT!). During the camp we learnt about prayer, justice and were challenged in our understanding of Jesus death and ressurrection - what did that mean personally?
The Camp Leaders had a rocking prayer meeting where the power of the Holy Spirit fell - everyone was amazed by God as leaders knelt, faces to the floor in prayer for the campers. The last night we sat round a campfire and shared about what camp meant to each of us, talked about Jesus' impact on our lives and how life from now on could be different, we could feel the Holy Spirit was there and active!

Where to from camp? We've invited the kids to our Sunday night Revolution Group, an opportunity to go deeper in learning and experiencing what it means to be a Revolutionary for God.

Monday Pete and I hung out at home, caught up on some sleep and reading, then Tuesday slept in some more and after lunch spent some time praying with one of the Sunrise guys that God is really working on (*please pray for him*). Afterwards we did the afternoon shift at Sunrise Homeless Mens accommodation.

Only a week to go here at Sunrise, then on to Darwin Corps... time is really flying by!

A final thought (as shared at Sunrise devotions today):

We can know OF people, we can know ABOUT people and we can KNOW people.
Do you know OF Jesus? Know ABOUT Jesus? or KNOW Jesus?

Because Jesus KNOWS YOU!!! - see Psalm 139!

How much does your coffee cost?

Saturday night Darwin Corps held a showing of the movie "Black Gold". This movie highlights the plight of coffee growers in Ethiopia and the injustice of the current trading system with the Western world. Did you know that currently Ethiopian coffee farmers only get 3 cents from a cup of coffee that costs you $3? Considering this nation is one of the poorest in the world and receiving millions of dollars in aid, it is a shock to think that they are being ripped off to this degree!

I challenge you to educate yourself about issues facing third-world farmers today and how you can influence change.... start by educating yourself, then buy coffee and chocolate marked "fairtrade" wherever possible. It could mean life or death for them!



I choose life, it might cost me more and require more effort, but it is right and just to do so!

Back home in a flash!

Since my last post, we've had more fun here at Sunrise (Drug & Alcohol Rehab), spent a day out on an excursion with clients (to see the Wetlands, tour a fishing lure factory and BBQ at Howard Springs). We've 'shadowed' some different help groups, so now Pete has learnt to deal with his anger and I've learnt to be a better parent (!!). We're getting to know the guys here and they've started to warm up to us, so its set to become an interesting journey! I'm running a short chapel service this Friday and preaching a sermon for Palm Sunday at Palmerston Corps - busy, busy!

The last two Sundays have been way interesting! Week before last was the African service at Darwin Corps, the Spirit was moving in a new and exciting way (some demon butt was kicked!) - I maintain it is a direct result of the three and a bit days of '24/7 prayer' (a roster of constant prayer) the Corps participated in that weekend! God really does bless the ministry of those who commit to prayer in this way... I love to see what happens when God's people get serious about spending time with him. 24/7 all the way! (for college people - stick with prayer even if others fall off the wagon - its worth it!).

We spent five days back in Melbourne for Lisa's wedding last week (courtesy of Tiger Airways $9.95 one-way fare special!!!). It was awesome to be back with family and to see my little sister enjoying the wedding rollercoaster, a huge milestone in a difficult journey (Scott and Lisa having a intercontinental relationship!). Anyway, everything and everyone was gorgeous, especially Lisa and the boys in their kilts! High 5 to Sandy Crowden for her skilful "marrying" abilities! ;o)

Since getting back people have asked us if we miss people back home. Honestly I don't miss people yet (its not worth doing until they're actually 'missing'!), mainly because I know my friends and family will still be there when I return. Another reason is that I know we are meant to be here in Darwin, God has given me a heart for the people here and I know he will use me and Pete in a mighty big way if we are faithful to being where he wants us to be! I guess thats the key - I'm content because I'm able to finally live my calling... and I'm loving it.

Darwin continued - a life of bliss!

One week into our out-placement. I feel so lazy!

We've had a settle-in, spent a day and a half at Sunrise, hung out at Darwin Corps for a Scout Church Parade on Sunday (about 180 ppl!) and since then I've been on Officers' Fellowship in Katherine (for those who don't know, Officers' Fellowship is usually an annual get-together for all the Salvo Officers in a Division/Region -eg. all the Officers in NT - to share a time of networking, learning, support, vision and fun). Well anyway, we've been thoroughly spoilt by our awesome hosts!

It has been a great intro finding out what makes the Salvos up here 'tick' and I'm already finding myself sooooo inspired by each one of these people - I'd happily follow any NT officer in ministry! (actually I wish I had 3 months to spend in EVERY area of the Salvos ministry here!).

In Katherine (3hrs Sth of Darwin) we were blessed to go on a 'cruise' down Katherine Gorge (it wasn't as 'cruisy' as it was 'rapid'!), we had a blast! Interesting was the increase in Aboriginal population, it seemed to be 50/50 Aboriginal and Caucasian (+ others). I found it amazing how much more 'normal' it seemed for people to be sitting around in the grass - whereas even in Darwin you get the feeling their culture is still not fully accepted. I'm really looking forward to finding out more and sharing with different cultures face-to-face. I tell you what, the work some of the officers here do to reach Indigenous people is amazing!

Today Pete & I went to a Crocodile Farm on the way home from Katherine (yes, there are FARMS for crocodiles!!! For meat and for skins). It was very cool and a bit scary - one other Aussie tourist was charged from behind a wire-mesh fence - the fence was pretty mangled, but thankfully still intact! I was amazed at the number of eagles hanging around the farm, it was simply awesome (yes, I got photos, get ready for some nice powerpoint backgrounds for "Eagles Wings"!!).

I caught up with some ArmyBarmy blog-reading today (Capt. Stephen Court - Training Principal @ the College) and the following really caught me:

"Don't hold back your sons and daughters from becoming officers. Unless they are specifically called otherwise, there is nothing better they can do."

I believe it! If you're called to serve God, there is nothing in life that is worth your time more than following what God wants for you. For Pete and I, being officers in the Salvation Army is our calling, a deep desire of our hearts, we know what God wants for us to do - nothing else can satisfy us in life! I thank God so much that we both have parents who have not only allowed us to begin the journey, but so strongly supported, blessed and encouraged us so that we can continue to the end. The people around you can be such a huge blessing in your journey, make sure you keep your 'blessers' close (you'll need them!) and be a blessing to those who aren't ready to support your journey.

If you're not called to do anything else.... becoming an officer might be God's BEST for you! and if its the best... nothing else in life will compare!

HEY WE'RE IN DARWIN!!!! ;o)

Well we're here!!!! It took two flights with a short stopover in Alice Springs, but we've made it to Darwin (shorts'n'all!). We had two days to 'settle in', but as you might guess, we couldn't handle two days wasted! We've had a tour of the city, seen Darwin Corps' facilities, met most of the CO's and officer staff of the region and even spent a little time hanging out at the shops talking to locals.

So far we've had a 'cool' start to Darwinian weather, around 29-30 degrees with about 75-90% humidity (*pant!*). We're thankful for fans and Air Conditioning! I think I'm beginning to acclimatize (?), because I've reached the point where I'm turning off the A/C!!! Our unit is a one-room set-up with an additional bathroom on the side, it has everything we need and most of the stuff is new (its like Christmas!). Our unit is located under Captains David & Jennie Shrimpton's house (Flying Padre's), they're great! Check out our pics....

So far there's been 2 cockroach 'freak-outs', I think it'll take a bit of getting used to!! Other wildlife we've experienced so far are tiny lizards around the place, heaps of different ant species, on a walk through Mangroves we saw Crabs and mudskippers, down at the wharf we saw huge barra, moon fish and swimmer crabs (nice place for dinner when its not raining!). Otherwise I'm loving the lush greenness of Darwin, there are HEAPS of palm trees and lots of beautiful lawns everywhere, not many flowers though - its very tropical! (A bit like Singapore).

Anyway, we spent our first day in our Social Placement yesterday, the Sunrise centre includes Homeless Accommodation and a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Program. Our Supervisor is Major Geneen Wright (Manager); we'll also be working with new Captains, Julie and Greg Howard (Asst. Manager and Chaplain), we feel very welcomed into the team. Something funny to know, there are now four Joanne's at Sunrise! (Reception, Social Worker, cleaner & me!) It seems they're really into 'multiples' - currently having a few Gregs and in the past having several Steves!

Tonight we're off to mud-racing with Darwin Youth Group, then tomorrow is church at Darwin Corps, we're itching to get into some ministry to see what God might do through us!

Back in Melbourne for Lisa's wedding soon - we'll keep you updated! Bless ya!

STOKE IT UP! 24/7 Prayer @ College

Part of the college deal down here is that we all get a 'responsibility' to look after, like the media gear, the costume room, the junior youth group, music etc... Mine is with the Prayer Team, so we're right into it from the start of the year... 3 MONTHS of PRAYER!!!! I'm pretty excited at the sheer challenge of a community praying for that long, but a bit bummed that I'm going to miss most of it because I'm in Darwin then! Part of the vision for this prayer is to STOKE IT UP!!!!

If anyone is into prayer and geographically close to college, then give the college a call (or Amanda or I - if you have our numbers!), and come and pray at the "Armoury"!!! We'd welcome some integrating with the wider Salvo world and it would be a great encouragement for Cadets and staff to continue STRONG in 24/7!

"Don't burn out: keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder." Romans 12:11-12

Mission & Ministry Out-placement

OK, so its out! Announced since Sunday, Pete and I (from 20th Feb-2nd June), will be moving to......

We will spend one month in a social placement and two months at a Corps/Church.

Here's a look at Darwin Corps...

Nice hey! We're so pumped to get up there and throw ourselves into the community! Its been a long time coming, but we're SOOOOO looking forward to getting on the offensive, right out there on the frontlines of battle!!!! YEAH! God use us and use us good!

Stoke it up.... Keep it white-hot!

We're all just Bush-kids in a Plastic world!

I didn't drop off the planet, just 'unwired' myself and got close to nature. I spent a few days recently in a National Park camping area where there are no showers, no conveniences apart from a few spider-webby toilets (and I was SO thankful for them!). A brown creek ran along the camp site, feral bush kids got wonderfully dirty, mixing between families and catching taddies, the adults sat around talking about the heat and swimming in the coca-cola coloured creek with leeches (I wasn't that brave!).

It really gives you a bit of perspective to 'rough it' for a bit. Not only from the stinky, itchy, buggy gross-ness of the outdoors, but from realising that there are still stars in the sky, frogs aren't extinct yet, people are friendly and fires are the best conversation-starters ever! But the biggest revelation I had in the 'rough-as-guts' part of my trip (that was REAL camping on a 41 DEGREE CELSIUS day), ....without all the man-made stuff we have built around us, like houses with insulation, air-conditioning, fridges etc... we are still COMPLETELY at the mercy of the environment. That sense of vulnerability helped me to realise that the poorest, most undeveloped peoples of the world have an incredible gift - appreciating their true weakness and God's true strength.

Aren't we so smart that we can control our own finite environment, hot, cold, whatever we like it to be! But we've somehow lost our humility in that sense of power found in technology and 'advancement of the species'. Personally I enjoy the life of air-conditioned comfort, but it carries a sacrifice, disconnection from the environment (the outdoors) and how God is revealing himself through every part of it. Taking a walk on a bush-track finds you at the mercy of whatever animal trod the clearest line in the ground in front of you. The uniqueness of nature is breathtaking, no production line involved, no 'made in China' tags, just the unmistakable fingerprint of God.

The challenge? rediscover your vulnerability by getting back to nature and discarding the 'comfortable'. Then listen for the whisper, look for the fingerprint.