Stories of Hope

Major Bryce Davies from the salvos hosts the show. Stories of Hope captures thoughts and stories of everyday people who triumph over adversity. https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/storiesofhope/

From darkness to light. 10/01/2023

From darkness to light. We all have times when we get down and negative about our lives. We find it hard to believe that good will come. However many people believe that love and goodness are always around the corner for us all and that we need never give up hope. The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate darkness to light story and gives hope to lots of people who find themselves without a clear way forward. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/28175381

Anna Casey. 09/28/2023

Anna Casey. Anna and my daughter Eliza have been close friends since they met on the school bus in year 8 and discovered they were both a bit uncoordinated and unbalanced as the bus trundled along. Anna is now an adult and shares her amazing story of success, heartache, resilience and the courage and inner strength to find healing and hope for the future. She and I ran the Sunshine coast half marathon last year and raised money for the charity "Small Steps for Hannah" She is running the Melbourne full 42 K marathon later this year. She is articulate and intelligent and her story will inspire you and brighten your day. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/28111178

Eyes wide open 09/24/2023

Eyes wide open Every year the lovely Sue and her Mum Helen make home made biscuits and sticky date puddings for the Streetlevel Fraser Island (K'gari) fishing trip. The love and dedication of this kindness has become a beautiful tradition. We all have capacity to be kind if we have our eyes wide open to the opportunities right in front of us. The simple kindness of a Pharisee named Joseph to make sure Jesus has a proper burial had much more significance than he could have ever imagined. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/28089050

Paul Campbell. 09/21/2023

Paul Campbell. Paul's mum was just 15 years old when he was born and his brother was born when she was just 12. His mum passed away when he was 3. To say it was an unstable and challenging start to life, is an understatement. However he describes his Grandma, Aunty and Father as God's angels sent to look after him. They provided much needed love and stability. From the age of about 15, Pauls life has been marked by trouble and addiction. He entered the Salvos rehab at Moonyah 23 years ago, when I was the Captain there and he is now involved at Streetlevel in Fortitude Valley, where I bumped into him recently and recorded something of his story. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/28038630

Finding our ert 09/17/2023

Finding our ert I'm reading a book called phosphorescence by Julia Baird. She talks about finding our ert. The idea being that when we are inert we are stagnant. Inspiration to live our one and only lives with passion is sometimes hard to find. Christ on the cross typifies the capacity we all have to sacrifice self for others and for what we believe in. When we do this in balanced and healthy ways, we find our ert and will find what is worth living and dying for. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/28006629

Fraser Island (K'gari) with Paul and Jono. 09/14/2023

Fraser Island (K'gari) with Paul and Jono. Every year the Salvos at Brisbane Streetlevel Mission run a week long Fraser Island 4WD fishing trip for men. This year 17 of us ventured onto this spectacular sand Island and set up for camping, fishing and some authentic blokey community. I chat with Paul and Jono around the fire to get a bit of insight about how they came to be connected with the Salvos and what this event means to them. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27954396

Acceptance into the holy of holies. 09/10/2023

Acceptance into the holy of holies. When Jesus died on the cross the curtain of the temple tore from top to bottom, signifying that all are welcome into the presence of God and the old Levitical laws are superseded. Even women with a crippled foot. Lucky that, or the world would have missed the spectacular ministry of the lovely Sue. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27942213

Wayne Maloney - Re-posted. 09/07/2023

Wayne Maloney - Re-posted. It is with great sadness that I share that Wayne passed away recently. I spoke with his partner, Bea and she was happy for this podcast episode to be re-posed in his memory. Wayne had to lie about his name at school so his father could avoid the police finding him through the education department, because of his "freelance narcotics business" From dreadful beginnings, Wayne now has a family and a beautiful life in recovery. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27835977

Bad luck? 09/03/2023

Bad luck? We all experience hardship and unfortunate circumstances. However our response to this and our capacity to remain hopeful despite the random nature of good and bad luck can make a huge difference. Jesus on the cross cries out in despair my God, my God why have you forsaken me? We all feel like this at times, but as the movie "luck" so beautifully portrays, the richest love and hope can often rise from "bad luck" /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27926715

Joycelyn McIver. A journey of healing and service. 08/31/2023

Joycelyn McIver. A journey of healing and service. Joycelyn McIver had a challenging childhood, but in the midst of this, was beautifully loved and cared for by families within the Salvos. Her story is rich with the human experience. Courage in the face of hardship, gratitude for her many blessings and a deep and enduring faith and confidence in the goodness and provision of God. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27836190

Love - even when you don't really want to. 08/27/2023

Love - even when you don't really want to. When we position ourselves to love others, we often find ourselves compelled to behave in loving ways, when it might well be the last thing we really want to do. The lovely Sue is rarely inclined to love me but she has to, because we are married. Mark's gospel records a guy called Simon who was forced to carry Jesus' cross and although this wasn't his idea, his involvement has become a key part of the story of the cross and an example to us all of the sacrificial nature of love and service. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27827241

Katharine Brown. Ghanaian Occupational Therapist 08/24/2023

Katharine Brown. Ghanaian Occupational Therapist Katharine grew up in Sydney and says she was a bit of a party girl, but her life turned around when she wholeheartedly embraced Christian faith. She ended up serving at a Salvo rehabilitation centre in Ghana for 13 years before returning to Australia, marrying Russell and joining him as the officer at Fairfield Salvos in Western Sydney, where she continues to love and serve folks from other cultures. It's quite a story. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27505875

The cruel humour of a group. 08/20/2023

The cruel humour of a group. Jesus was ridiculed and hurt by the soldiers who dressed him up in a robe, put a crown of thorns on his head and bowed before him in mock worship. Humour that is cruel is particularly hurtful and people sometimes get caught up in the mob mentality of it all and just go along with it. Adam Goodes was an outspoken but brilliant aboriginal AFL footballer. His career was cut short by the dreadful weekly crowd of spectators who booed and jeered him every time he got the ball. Most had not idea of the issues, they just were swept along with the sick humour and the hatred. Links to podcasts mentioned in this episode. Francis Connolly. Paddy Moore. https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/21306416 Paul Brittenden. https://directory.libsyn.com/episode/index/id/15897188 /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27493551

Viv Callander. A life of love and adventure. 08/17/2023

Viv Callander. A life of love and adventure. Viv Callander has been beautiful friend to the lovely Sue and I for over 30 years. Not always in the same city, but always close. Viv and her husband Ian are retired Salvo officers and have three wonderful daughters and 6 grandchildren. They have served in the Salvos for over 42 years and even did a stint in Moldova. Viv shares her story in this episode and it will do you good to listen to her gentle wisdom and reflections on a life of faith. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27425280

Scapegoating 08/13/2023

Scapegoating Blaming others for our foolishness, laziness and troubles breaks friendships and does nothing to effect change. We continue to make mistakes and feel unhappy when we do this. The umpires have been responsible for Collingwood's lack of premierships over the years and finally they are starting to behave properly, as this year we are actually doing quite well and our obvious brilliance is no longer hamstrung by their incompetence. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27481908

Ashish Pawar. An international Salvo 08/10/2023

Ashish Pawar. An international Salvo Ashish was born in India to parents who were brought to a salvo orphanage as babies and who grew up to be salvo officers. He married an Aussie girl and now, an officer himself, has had appointments in the UK, Australia, USA and even exotic tropical islands. His love and confidence in God is real, as it was formed authentically through seasons of doubt and trouble. It's an inspiring story. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27454374

Silence can be persuasive. 08/06/2023

Silence can be persuasive. Apparently women use more words each day than men. And apparently it's because men don't listen. Being silent has its advantages. If you are accused unjustly like Jesus it can highlight the absurdity of the charges. If you are married, it can help calm down arguments and even be a way avoid being told what to do. In our family, I am a respected secret keeper - because I don't listen and have a terrible memory. It's one of my most endearing qualities. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27462414

Marty McKern. Mansfield Parkrun director. 08/03/2023

Marty McKern. Mansfield Parkrun director. Marty grew up in a religious family in Sydney and for the most part found this to be a positive experience. But later in life after a marriage breakdown and the general business of life he found himself disconnected to community, unfit and overweight. He and his wife Lisa wanted a change and attended the Wishart Parkrun to make some changes to their lifestyle. Who knew that within a few years they would start a whole new Parkrun at Mansfield and find community, fitness and purpose in a whole new way. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27442158

Listening to advice. 07/30/2023

Listening to advice. We all have an idea of what is the right thing to do. Sometimes we have people close to us who see a foolishness that we are blind to and they let us know. Sometimes the implications of not listening are small, but at other times, like when Pliate ignored his wife or when the Captain of the Titanic ignored his crew, really bad things can happen. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27441165

Julia Roper. Live at the Salvos Creative Arts Engagement Conference 07/27/2023

Julia Roper. Live at the Salvos Creative Arts Engagement Conference Recorded before a live audience at the Salvos Creative Arts Engagement Conference in Melbourne, Julia works full time for the Salvos encouraging and nurturing the arts amongst our people. She has over 20 years experience in community theatre along with work experience in TV and Radio. She is a delightful person and shares her story beautifully. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27539739

The power of team 07/23/2023

The power of team People will attempt great things when they are assured of the support and encouragement of others. My friends complete epic marathons and trail runs. The lovely Sue is by nature a little timid, but has been shark cage diving and involved in the lives of people suffering from addiction and homelessness. Peter denied Jesus and failed because he was alone and had no back up. But when he formed a team, he found courage and became part of a force for good that changed the world. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27430845

Greg Paul. From exclusive Brethren to a brother to all. 07/20/2023

Greg Paul. From exclusive Brethren to a brother to all. Greg is the founder of Sanctuary. A place of refuge and community in down town Toronto. I know Greg because he has come to Australia to teach and share his story with Arrow leadership. A great quality of this man is his courage to be honest and vulnerable and as he shares his story in this podcast, you cannot help but be warmed to the humble way of Jesus that has captured and guided his life. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27395760

Spiral Dynamics 07/16/2023

Spiral Dynamics Jesus - the kindest and most enlightened person you could imagine was brutally killed because he was a threat to people with a completely different world view. Spiral dynamics helps us understand world views and find ways to be less freaked out when we meet people who are not on the same page. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27394191

Wayne Chamberlin. The Bundaberg Radio man. 07/13/2023

Wayne Chamberlin. The Bundaberg Radio man. Wayne was a teacher and school principal and has enjoyed a fulfilling life as a husband, father and committed Salvo. He has worked for many years with the Salvos, mainly at the Tom Quinn centre and has served some of Bundaberg’s most vulnerable people. He has been the host of a community radio show for over 20 years. But life took a savage turn for Wayne, when a few years ago his 39 year old son died suddenly of a brain haemorrhage. His life story is one of faithfulness, service and the raw suffering and confusion of losing a son. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27340467

Thinking about death 07/09/2023

Thinking about death Thinking about death is not easy. Dwelling on it in prayer is even harder. But prayer is often about facing up to the things we would rather not deal with and seeking insight and wisdom. Jesus prayed in a garden before he went to the cross and agonised over it all. How we think and accept the realities of our fragile lives impacts how we live and there is strength, comfort and hope in the quietness of prayer, if we have the guts to go there. The lovely Sue has thought about her death and she is surprisingly up beat about it. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27243468

Chef Dominique Rizzo 07/06/2023

Chef Dominique Rizzo Dominique Rizzo is one of Queenslands most successful female chefs. She is dynamic and soulful and has featured on ready steady cook and runs cooking tours throughout Europe. She helped the Salvos cater for a massive Christmas lunch a few years ago and won our hearts with her generosity and kindness. Her motto is "Through the sharing of food we share life and one is never lonely or hungry" Her story is beautiful. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27242823

Betrayal. 07/02/2023

Betrayal. When we are betrayed by someone, it is really challenging to trust them again. Not impossible, but not easy. Grace and courage is required and there are always consequences for bad behaviour. But if we can't reconcile with people who have betrayed us when it is reasonable to do so, we will treat ourselves the same way. We know that with some grace and the courage to learn and grow we can improve and be more trustworthy, so lets give that courtesy to others when it is safe to do so. Everyone except president Logan from the TV series 24. He is just bad to the core!!! /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27219285

Leanne Rogers. Friend of refugees. 06/29/2023

Leanne Rogers. Friend of refugees. Leanne Rogers visits refugee camps all over the world to teach English and spread hope, love and music to some of the most desperate people on earth. Her journey to this, from life as a middle class church attender, mother and supporter to her husband Bob, is inspiring and challenging. Her enthusiasm and purposeful living is a testament to the value of following the way of Jesus. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27200556

The intimacy of a meal 06/25/2023

The intimacy of a meal Sharing a meal can be the consumption of food or the opportunity to really encounter other people. Eye contact, the inflection of a voice and body language is all on display around a table. Lets not miss our opportunities to really engage with each other over food. It could be your last supper. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27190851

John Viles. Get a surfboard!! 06/22/2023

John Viles. Get a surfboard!! John Viles is a Salvo officer in Tweed Heads. He is married to Nicole and they have two children. John was loved and valued beautifully as a kid by a lady called Mrs Knowels. He became a boiler maker, following in the steps of his Father at first, but soon realised he loved sharing about his Love of God more than welding and bolting things. He became a Salvo officer and at his ordination General Eva Burrows shared a profound truth that warmed his heart. /episode/index/show/brycedavies/id/27055617

Stories of Hope

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