The forthcoming meetings in Melbourne under the title 'Connections' are an opportunity for Salvationists and friends to connect with each other and with God. They are also an opportunity to connect with the wider population and particularly with those in need. Army meetings take place for the sake of those who don't belong to our movement as well as for those who do. I am one of many who are praying for the good success of what is being arranged. Watch this space for further details.

Urgency

For many years I have had a David Shepherd picture on the wall of the lounge in my home. It depicts farm workers urgently gathering the harvest while storm clouds gather overhead. It speaks to me of the urgent need to make a difference while there is time. We should seize the day. We should take every opportunity. Sometime is no-time.

The sands of time are running out for everyone and for me as a senior that is a particularly pressing point. I will not pass this way again therefore if there is any good I can d0 it should be done NOW. Life is good but it won't last for ever. That is not being morbid, just realistic. Edward Young said, 'All men think all men mortal but themselves' but for us all, young or old, eternity is only a heart-beat away.

No discharge

The South Pacific Retired Officers Convention - a meeting of Salvation Army officers from Australia and New Zealand -commences in Adelaide this week. Thousands of years of service will be represented by those who gather. There will be lots of references to the past for many of us have entered our 'anecdotage'! But there will also be a lively interest is the challenges of today and a desire still to serve as opportunity arises. There is no discharge in the war against rampant evil in the world and even in old age we feel that we can still play our part.