Sending out the troops

Salvationists in Canberra have always been blessed with the original pioneering spirit that helped the Army spread across Australia like wildfire. From the Canberra City Corps, Salvationists such as Kelvin and Julie Alley took on the responsibility for a Sunday School outpost in Flynn, which grew to have 100 kids regularly in attendance during the 1970s. A team formed around the ministry and, after many years of fundraising and planning, The Salvation Army opened in Belconnen in 1982. A hall was built in 1984 in Scullin, where it remains today. From Belconnen, The Salvation Army’s Envoy and Mrs Ern Sly were challenged by God to recommence the Army’s work at Yass after an absence of 30 years. They began conducting monthly meetings in a private home and started regular street ministry and hospital visitations in the town. The Salvation Army in Belconnen continues to operate a community services centre and family store in Yass.