I entered the Melbourne Training College in 1972 from the Hawthorn Corps, Victoria and Aylene in 1974 from the Maylands Corps, Western Australia.
Following our marriage in 1976, Aylene joined me at the Altona corps. A wide range of experiences and appointments followed, including Salvation Army Corps congregations in Victoria and Western Australia, Divisional and Territorial Headquarters, Training College, Women’s Ministries, as well as Social Services appointments.
We returned to Victoria in July 2006 and became Territorial Secretary for Personnel and Territorial Chaplain, Silver Star Secretary and Partners in Mission Co-ordinator respectively.
In December 2007 we were appointed Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries including Secretary for the Fellowship of the Silver Star.
In July 2010 we were appointed, by the General, as the Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries of the Australia Southern Territory respectively.
We have three children, two of whom are married.
We are both totally committed to The Salvation Army’s ministry of reconciliation and we have absolutely no intention of doing anything other than driving a mission agenda that seeks the transformation of people’s lives.
Congradulations , God bless both you and aylene and hope to to see you at Preston soon.
Lindsay and Paul, Thanks for your kind note. These past couple of weeks must have been horrible with the sudden death of Mrs Prior. God bless you both, be strong in Lord and in the power of His might.”
Good to find you having a blog Commissioner! Seems a little weird to call you that. Long time since the days of Bunbury.
Bronwen, great to hear from you, I hope the family is doing well. Regards always.
On Sun Jul 4th, 2010 1:11 AM EST
Ray, there were two specific things that I remember about you from our College days. 1) You had on your desk a quote from a Salvation Army song which said, “and where I cannot see, I’ll trust”. I believe that remembering this quote will get you through a lot of situations in future days. Sometimes it will be you not understanding the ways of God or others, and at other times, it will be others not understanding you. Trust, will then of course, become paramount in not getting bound up or waylaid by emotions and second-guessing and I will pray that on a daily basis God will keep you balanced emotionally and grounded in your trust of Him. 2) The other thing you said that I remember went something like “we must be the same person on one side of the door, as the other”. Ray, you will have people advise you on this or that, tempt you to do this or that, encourage you to do this or that. But at the end of the day, if you can walk through your door at night time to your beloved Aylene and look her in the eye, and know that you have tried your best to lead and live without compromising your own integrity or sense of mission, then I know God will be smiling. God bless you as you step into this role. It’s a big task that requires a man with a big heart, and God has chosen you. Do and be well, my friend.
Congratulations on your appointment. The Territory is in good hands with you and Aylene. An inspiring, challenging address at your Installation. Many thanks. You will both be in our regular prayers.
Jeffery,
How good to hear from you, thanks so much for your kind words and thoughtfulness.
Remembered with love.
Hi Ray,
I was genuinely pleased to hear that you and Ayleen were appointed the commissioners of the Southern Territory, we have very fond memories of college days even those very late nights doing assignments. I pray that God will bless you and The Salvation Army in your very capable hands, would love to catch up with you both one day
Pamela Thomas
Hi Pam, thanks so much for your kind thoughts and comment. I remember those days well. Life seemed so uncomplicated then didn’t it?
Still, every day we thank God for the joy of life and health and strength. We love the work we are doing and are greatly hopnoured by the opportunity to lead this territory.
Aylene said to say Hi, with love to Barry.
Commisioner we would love to see you at Altona. Also Janice sends he regarsd and best wishes, Hope to see you soon
John
I am trying to contact Rodney Barnard who performed the Marriage ceremony of my daughter Carroll Parker and James Selwood in Perth in 1994.
Have I the correct Rodney Barnard.
He was then Captain of the Perth Fortress.
Susan
Hello Susan, Lt-Colonel Rodney Barnard now works at our Territorial Headquarters in Blackburn Melbourne. Rodney is the Secretary for Business Administration. The telephone number at THQ is, 03 8878 4500. I’m sure he would love to hear from you. Regards.
paula was recently diagnosed with bone cancer , wich can be treated and is about to start radioation
treatment. Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Lindsay and Paula, this is horrible news, I am so sorry to hear about Pauls’s illness. I see radiation is to commence soon, a tough time ahead for you both. I am sure those who follow my blog and have read your comment will pray for you both, I sure will, so be strong dear friends, take a day at a time and leave the future in the hands of God. Thanks for letting us know, Aylene joins me in our prayer for healing.
Thank you both for your words and prayerfull support , paula as you would know is feeling very
confident and in knowledge that god is directing this process. I am currently listening to All that
I am – By William Himes
Paula’s cancer treatment is progressing well and is hopefully is to start radioation therapy sometime
in the next six weeks , also Rosemary is due to give birth around christmas – Paula is rapt as you
would expect , but just concerned and your continued prayers would be appreciated.
Paula’s therapy is going very well but slowly and appeciates your contineud payers , also Rosemary
unfortunately lost her baby last week – but is doing well , when are you both coming to preston ?.