'Still Standing'
5th December 2011
An open letter from Paul Moulds AM (Major), Director - Mission and Resources Social
5 December 2011
Dear Friend,
It has now been almost 12 months since the tragic events that enveloped Queensland in January 2011.
The Salvation Army has been privileged to meet many of those affected by the devastating floods and cyclone in places all around the great state of Queensland and in north NSW.
We acknowledge the courage, resilience and determination of these survivors. We have heard so many stories, met so many amazing people and have been privileged to stand beside many as they have fought back.
As we considered what more The Salvation Army could do to support people into the future, we were inspired to produce a film that we believe will help many. The DVD, known as ‘Still Standing’, tells the stories of three Australians, each of whom were caught up in natural disasters, experienced heart breaking loss as a result, but found a way to be still standing. None of them has had an easy journey. Their stories are difficult to hear, yet each inspires hope that recovery is possible.
In addition, one of Australia's leading trauma experts, psychologist Dr Rob Gordon, is featured on the DVD sharing his own warm, highly engaging wisdom and learnings from helping countless numbers of people find a path to recovery. His advice will be invaluable, and he shares tips not only for helping adults, but also teenagers and children.
It is our honour to share this gift with anyone who has been affected by a natural disaster. We do so at a time when people are approaching the 12 month anniversary of the 2011 events inQueensland, and many will be feeling particularly tender and possibly fearful. We trust that this small gift will be a reminder to those affected that they are never alone, others have shared similar experiences and found a way through, and most importantly that they are thought of and valued by their fellow Australians.
To supplement the DVD, The Salvation Army has established a dedicated website at stillstanding.org.au where the film can be viewed online or a copy ordered (or you may also call 13 SALVOS – 13 72 58 – to order a copy. On the website you will also find further resources, and a forum for people to share their own unique stories and insights with others.
Finally, The Salvation Army is grateful to the millions of Australians who entrusted us with resources to help those who have been so significantly affected by these natural disasters. We have been humbled by this outpouring of generosity and it has been our privilege to share these gifts with many Queenslanders. We are particularly grateful to the well known Australian company who fully funded this project, but who has asked to remain anonymous.
We send you our warmest Christmas greetings, our assurance of ongoing prayers and support. And we share our belief in the capacity of everyone to live every day, "still standing."
Please forward this email to anyone you know who may benefit, and help us to get the word out to people in flood or cyclone affected areas – or anyone else who has been affected by a disaster.
God bless
Paul Moulds AM (Major)
Director - Mission and Resources Social
The Salvation Army
Australian Eastern Territory
Copies of the 'Still Standing' DVD are available from all Brisbane Salvos Stores or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58).
Comments
Having recently been involved with the Floods in Moree Nsw, where thanks to God we didn't loose anyone but many in our community have lost there family possesions, some have had to be relocated with family, friends or crisis accomadation. A friend and I started to watch this video and found that what these people were saying was what we were feeling, or thinking and what others had shared with us. It gave us the oppurtunity to reflect that what we were feeling was real and normal for what we had experienced, I look forward to watching the rest of it and shareing it with others in my community.