There’s no place like their new home for Caloundra Corps
Commission Jan Condon enrolling two new junior soldiers, Mia and Zeke, at Caloundra Corps on the weekend. (Photo by Kathy Hughes)
The Salvation Army’s Caloundra Corps, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, finally has a place to call home after officially opening a new complex last weekend.
The opening of the new corps building, conducted by the Army’s Australia Eastern Territorial Commander Commissioner James Condon, was held on Saturday. It was part of a Family Fun Day of activities that included a demonstration by the corps’ Mainly Music group, entertainment from the Nambour Corps Band, as well as a jumping castle, fairy floss, face painting and stalls displaying various Salvation Army services.
A thanksgiving service was held on Sunday morning, with previous corps officers and members invited. Commissioner Jan Condon enrolled two new junior soldiers, Mia and Zeke, during the service. They are the first junior soldiers to be enrolled at Caloundra in four years.
Junior Soldier Sergeant, Averyl Nero, is excited about what God is doing at the corps. “Our prayer is that Mia and Zeke will be the first of many children who make a commitment to God and our church,” she says.
Caloundra Corps Officer Lieutenant Stuart Glover hopes the new building will enable the corps realise its ministry potential.
“Our expectation is that we’ll be able to start to expand the different activities and ministries that we have,” Lieut Glover says. “We’re really hoping to be able to impact the community in a more effective way; to create an interaction that engages with the community.”
Previously, the corps had been operating out of a shop front. It had limited space, however, and required extra work setting up equipment each week.
The new corps complex has been partly refurbished from what was already on the property, with the addition of some new buildings. The complex will contain the church and the welfare, counselling and essential services offices.
The Caloundra Corps was planted almost 16 years ago, and it’s been a long journey to the opening of the new complex.
“This is the fourth property that we’ve tried to build something on,” says Lieut Glover. “It’s been a long journey and a frustrating one at times.
“There is rejoicing from that perspective and our people are very happy to finally be in a place. We’re also thankful for all the people who have gone before us in terms of actually making this a reality.”
Comments
Well done everyone and congratulations on being 'at home'.
I know that God is going to continue to do great things at Caloundra, and we want you to know that Hervey Bay Corps is praying for you today, as part of the 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting.
Congratulations on the opening of the facility. I'm sure that with the Glovers leading the way the building will not be used as a place to take refuge and hide from the world, but a place to be equipped to be sent into battle for sake of the Kingdom.