All the World (April 2015)

Finding God in AUSTRALIA The Salvation Army at 150 REWIND to London in 1865 Highlights from CONGRESS

Adapt and survive APRIL–JUNE 2015

OCTOBER–DECEMBER 2010

VOL 48 NO 4

VOL 53 NO 2

Emergency training in Pakistan

CONTENTS

APRIL–JUNE 2015

Visit ALL THE WORLD at: www.salvationarmy.org/alltheworld

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UPFRONT From the Editor

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CONGRESS MEMORIES Highlights from the past

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HOME AND AWAY Reflections from here and there

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PAKISTAN Ready for anything

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FACTFILE Vital statistics from the EU

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EU OFFICE A continent in union

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REWIND How did the Army begin?

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AUSTRALIA Changed by God

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SNAPSHOTS News from around the world

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Broad-shouldered Kevin Sims, Editor

IN this, The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary year, I make no apologies for indulging in a little looking back. Actually, ‘indulging’ isn’t the right word. It makes it seem like an unnecessary task, something done purely for personal reasons.

Being aware of the past is vital on so many levels, otherwise we make the same mistakes over and over again. Even in our own lives, every experience changes us through the assimilation of new knowledge and understanding. Some of these are less important than others, of course, but our lives are mainly made up of the small changes, the little bits of learning.

Today’s Salvation Army is what it is because of the influence and actions of people who have gone before us. The most obvious is William Booth, the Army’s Founder, but he hasn’t had a personal effect on my life in the way that many of his successors have.

Sir Isaac Newton, the father of modern science, came up with a great phrase.

He was often asked where his brilliant, revolutionary discoveries came from. His answer? ‘If I have seen further, it is because I am standing on the shoulders of giants.’

Newton revolutionised science, putting in place building blocks that – 300 years on – still form the basis of a great deal of scientific understanding. But as innovative as he was, he recognised that nothing he did would have been possible without the ancient Greeks and other scientists who had gone before.

I see my life in the same way. Whatever I do or achieve, none of it is possible without people like my parents and grandparents, teachers, Sunday school leaders, corps officers and youth leaders.

I remember fondly the people I’ve worked with during my time at The Salvation Army,

UPFRONT

FROM THE EDITOR

potential – from the giants of Salvation right back to my first boss, the kind and Army history through to today. Without generous Colonel Michael Marvell, who William and Catherine Booth, whose was, sadly, promoted to Glory a few weeks ago. shoulders would Railton, Roberts and As Editor of All the World, I have some Cadman have stood on? pretty big giants under my feet! Probably It’s sometimes easy to look at these the broadest shoulders – figuratively great figures, with their deeds of bravery speaking – belong to Major William and innovation, while forgetting that they Nicholson, who edited the magazine for a weren’t always the icons they became. record 16 years, having already spent four They will have had bad days and doubts. years in Salvation Army editorial work.

We just know about when things went very I feel a particularly close bond to him right (or very wrong, in a lesson-learning this year, when some of our figures match style!). But these people’s time is gone – up. I, too, have been editing All the World now, it’s up to us. By standing on their for 16 years, having spent the previous four shoulders we can actually reach higher years in editorial at the United Kingdom than they ever could.

Territory with the Republic of Ireland.

I’m reminded of the apostle Paul’s I mentioned Major Nicholson (later words in Hebrews 12:1-2 (New Lieut-Colonel and then Colonel Nicholson) International Version): ‘Since we are in the October–December 2014 issue, surrounded by such a great cloud of which included the reproduction of a witnesses, let us throw off everything that 1914 editorial about the outbreak of the hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

First World War. Soon after, the major’s And let us run with perseverance the race granddaughter, Valerie Walford, marked out for us, fixing our ‘By standing eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and sent some more information about her grandfather. perfecter of faith.’ The Message on their A front-page feature in the paraphrase brings it even close Bandsman, Local Officer and shoulders we to home, talking about ‘these Songster – written to bid the who blazed the way, all can actually pioneers major farewell from editorial these veterans cheering us on’.

– revealed a brave, passionate The faithful greats of reach higher man. He had withstood Salvation Army history have than they got us to where we are today, physical attacks and even been imprisoned for bearing witness ever could’ but now they can only cheer to his faith. us on. How much higher we His are big shoulders to climb, how much further we see, stand on – but even bigger boots how many more pages of Godto fill! honouring, glorious history get The poster on the back of written – these things are all in this issue, beautifully created our own hands.

by All the World designer Berni Georges, tries to emphasise this passing of responsibility – and

Editor Kevin Sims

Founder William Booth

design and Artwork Berni Georges

General André Cox

Editorial Office The Salvation Army International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom

COMMUNICATIONS SECRETARY Major John Murray

© The General of The Salvation Army 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Martin Gossauer

Tel: [44] (0)20 7332 0101; fax: [44] (0)20 7332 8079

Published by André Cox, General of The Salvation Army

Email: IHQ-alltheworld@salvationarmy.org

Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd

OC TOBE R– DE C E M BE R 2012 | ALL THE WORLD |

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HISTORY

CONGRESS Right: Italian delegates to the 1886 international congress; right below: star-spangled American delegates to the 1894 international congress

Congress memories

In only a few months’s time, around 16,000 Salvationists and friends will gather for The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary international congress, Boundless – The Whole World Redeeming. They will experience an event that has taken place on only eight previous occasions.This will be the first international congress to take place since live-streaming became commonplace, meaning that a worldwide audience will be able to be part of the celebrations without travelling to London.

It almost goes without saying that the congress will be full of uplifting worship, thrilling music and some never-to-be-forgotten moments.

To get a taste of what to expect, All the World spoke to some of The Salvation Army’s retired international leaders to find out about their congress memories.

Retired General John Larsson (international leader of The Salvation Army from 2002-2006)

Having attended four international congresses I could write a book of highlight memories, but I will home in on just one. At the 1978 international congress one of my responsibilities was to plan the youth festival that was to be held in Wembley Arena. Hundreds of young people were to take part, but it was how to bring that event to a great final climax that was the challenge.

Some months before the congress, when I was rooting around in the basement of the former International Headquarters building, I discovered a huge white wooden cross, about 20 feet high. The cross was hollow, and the front and back consisted of white plastic panels so that it could be lit up from within. It must have been used for some previous event – but finding it was an ‘aha!’ moment for me. The idea for the climax was born there and then.

When the festival opened I sat on the platform behind General Arnold Brown who was presiding over the event. In front of me lay the empty rectangular

arena where the action would take place. Behind me on the tiered seating was grouped a singing company chorus of 500 young people aged between eight and 15. On the tiered seats on the other three sides of the arena sat an audience of 8,000 waiting expectantly. I stole a glance towards the ceiling of the vast hall. All was well. High up and hidden among the roof rafters hung the cross – directly over the centre of the arena.

The programme went like a dream, and it seemed no time before the final item was reached. As the young people who had participated in the festival gradually returned to the arena they became part of a drama of expectancy.

From the narration it was clear that they were waiting for something, something that would transform their lives. The house lights lowered. The young people looked up in longing prayer. Right on cue the cross high up in the ceiling lit up and, as gentle music and singing was heard, it began a slow descent towards the arena. The young people raised their arms towards it until it stopped just above their heads, and then poured out their hearts in a chorus of adoration.

1886 International Congress Held only six years after the first overseas extension of the Army’s work. A mile-long procession through London drew a crowd of around 100,000 people.

1894 the ‘Jubilee Congress’ Celebrating 50 years since the conversion of Salvation Army Founder William Booth. Attended by 500 representatives from all countries in which Army work

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It was a magic moment – a never-tobe-forgotten moment. Not only for me but for the audience as well. And it was to get even more powerful. The General took hold of the moment, and invited members of the congregation to come and stand with the young people around the cross in a moment of rededication.

As hundreds began their descent into the arena, I suddenly became aware of movement behind me. I looked round.

The 500 children on the platform had risen as a block and were preparing to make their way down. Health and safety is not a new invention, and I saw that the way down over the platform would be difficult for them to negotiate, so my first instinct as a responsible youth secretary was to stand and indicate to them to sit down again. But fortunately I realised in the twinkling of an eye that for the national youth secretary to stop young people coming to the cross was hardly the thing to do. So they streamed past me and became part of the great mass of people surrounding the cross in dedication. It was a deeply moving sight.

Many congress memories have begun to fade, but not that one.

1904 International Congress Most meetings held in a specially constructed ‘International Congress Hall’. During the congress, General William Booth was received by King Edward VII at Buckingham Palace.

CONGRESS

From left: the ‘Zulu’ contingent in 1914; the cover of the 1914 congress programme; a ‘West Indian Singing Party’ from 1914

Retired General Shaw Clifton

Commissioner Earle Maxwell

I have vivid memories of the 1965 centenary congress in London when I was 19 years of age. It opened my eyes to the internationalism of the Army as never before.

The 2000 congress in Atlanta created memories and aroused feelings that were even more poignant because by then we were part of the Pakistan Territory delegation and experienced the genuine warmth of the welcome and reception given to our party. The Pakistan Folk Dance Group was wonderfully received for its conveying of the message of Jesus in music and movement.

Although the Army today is a far-flung movement ministering in 126 countries it remains a close-knit spiritual community – one in the Spirit, for which we thank God. This truth met me with renewed blessing when at the 1990 international congress in London Major Yin Hungshun – a Chinese officer who had maintained his faith and commitment despite the Army’s expulsion from China by the Communist regime – was given the Order of the Founder (the movement’s highest honour) by General Eva Burrows. The spiritual and emotional impact of that occasion remains with me as, with faltering voice, the major responded by singing the chorus: All my days and all my hours, All my will and all my powers, All the passion of my soul, Not a fragment but the whole Shall be thine, dear Lord, Shall be thine, dear Lord.

(international leader of The Salvation Army from 2006-2011)

(Chief of the Staff from 1993-1999)

Commissioner Freda Larsson

(World President of Women’s Ministries from 2002-2006)

A highlight memory for me of the 1965 centenary congress was standing on the Royal Albert Hall platform with the London cast of the pageant written

by Leo Ward and Joy Webb. Through drama, dialogue and music this depicted the early days of The Christian Mission [the former name of The Salvation Army] and brought colourful stories of advances made around the world and looking to the future. There was even a Salvationist appearing from a space rocket as an example of the adventures still to come! The theme song ‘This is a Year to Remember’, while praising God for the past, concluded with the challenge that it was time to fasten our eyes on the future and go forward again.

This was my first experience of seeing the international Salvation Army at first hand and I will never forget the impact of seeing and hearing so much about advances in many other parts of the world.

Just two months earlier I had been on that same platform to be commissioned as a lieutenant, together with the other cadets of the Proclaimers of the Faith Session. The evening event had featured that same pageant presented by the cadets and newly commissioned officers. I had no idea that I would have the opportunity of presenting it again as a member of the London cast, having been appointed a corps officer in the East London Division.

The whole ten days of the centenary congress were exciting with events in the Royal Albert Hall, Westminster Central Hall, Crystal Palace and Trafalgar Square. I was privileged to be on duty throughout.

Now, as I celebrate 50 years as an officer in May, I marvel at all that I have seen, heard and experienced – more than I could ever have imagined in 1965. I look forward to this being another ‘year to remember’ as we celebrate 150 years of mission.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the 1965 International Centennial Celebration

1914 THE ‘Congress OF NATIONS’ The first international congress to be held after the Founder’s death in 1912, it started with tragedy after 167 Canadian Salvationists were killed when the Empress of Ireland sank after leaving for England. The 2,000 delegates from the USA included former President Theodore Roosevelt.

1965 INTERNATIONAL Centennial Celebration Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II spoke at the inaugural ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall. A march to Trafalgar Square ended with an open-air meeting led by the General and featuring the Salvation Army pop group, the Joy Strings.

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CONGRESS

From left: General Arnold Brown in Wembley Stadium for the 1978 international congress; Chinese officer Major Yin Hung-shun is admitted to the Order of the Founder by General Eva Burrows at the 1990 international congress

General Paul A. Rader

(international leader of The Salvation Army from 1994-1999)

International congresses have a unique value to our mission.

They focus Salvationists around the world, whether they are privileged to attend or not, on the exciting reality that every Salvationist is a part of something very much greater than they could have imagined. When they signed on as soldiers at their local corps, whether in Boston or Bangalore, San Francisco or Seoul, they were enlisting in a global missionary venture. They hold in common with fellow Salvationists in 126 countries of the world their covenant and commitment to the mission of the Army to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human need in his name without discrimination. Is there any other way in which one may grasp the exciting diversity and dynamism of this Army of salvation, ‘marching on with shield and banner bright’?

One cannot reflect on congresses past without remembering with sorrow the tragic loss of 167 Salvationists travelling from Canada to the 1914 congress aboard the ill-fated Empress of Ireland. The ship, enroute from Quebec to London, sank in the St Lawrence River before ever reaching the Atlantic, taking the lives of more than 1,000 passengers. It gives us good reason to pray for the safety of delegates who will be travelling to London this summer from all points around the globe.

We were in Korea during the 1965 Centennial Celebration and the 1978 international congress as well. We were involved in the 1990 international youth congress held on the campus of Western Illinois University in the USA. There were many memorable moments: a Joe and Doris Noland extravaganza for one. But perhaps no moment was more moving than when the Gowans and Larsson song of affirmation, ‘I’ll Not Turn Back, Whatever it may Cost’, was introduced and sung in the final moments of invitation as hundreds, perhaps thousands of the delegates streamed to the place of prayer. One thought of the lone delegate from the People’s Republic of China and what her courageous stand for Christ might cost her.

The music is always glorious in congress settings, with bands, songsters and indigenous music groups featured in concerts and 1978 International Congress Celebrated the 100th anniversary of the taking of the name ‘The Salvation Army’. Notable speakers included the Founder’s granddaughter, Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth.

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plenary sessions. It was true of the 1990 international congress, with its theme With Christ into the Future. But perhaps, the most moving musical moment for us (Commissioner Kay Rader and me), and we’re sure for many others, came when Major Yin Hungshun, upon receiving the Order of the Founder at the hands of General Eva Burrows, sang a chorus he often sang in English, all alone while tending pigs in a Chinese prison camp during his decade-long imprisonment: ‘All my Days and All my Hours’. Then in his 80s, his voice was unsteady, but its witness was unshakeable.

The 2000 international congress in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, had more than its share of memorable moments: not least the brilliant and passionate preaching of General John Gowans and the fervent eloquence of the minister daughter of Martin Luther King Jr, the Rev Bernice King, memorably asking: ‘You may have been appointed; but have you been anointed?’

There was the admission to the Order of the Founder of two heroic women missionary officers, Majors Emma Zimmerman and Rosa Maria Haefeli, who had served valiantly in Haiti, battling poverty, suffering, ignorance and sin, in the midst of violent political upheavals.

For us, however, the moment that elicited our most fervent ‘Hallelujah!’ was the announcement by the General that the goal of one million senior soldiers marching into the new millennium had been reached. It was an objective God had laid on my heart as I began my tenure as international leader in 1994.

And still the Army marches on as the Boundless 2015 international congress will dramatically display. We look forward to what the Spirit has in store as Salvationists gather in the O2 in London, with the ‘whole world praying’ for a mighty moving of the Spirit among us that will send us into the challenging days ahead with fresh power and purpose.

1990 International Congress Celebrated The Salvation Army’s 125th anniversary. The congress was attended by more than 3,500 overseas delegates and thousands more from the UK. Final meetings at the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena saw thousands sign commitment cards.

CONGRESS

Commissioner Israel Gaither (Chief of the Staff from 2002-2006)

Each international congress has left a strong personal impact on those who attended, as well as a telling result on the global mission of the Army. My recall of the International Millennial Congress in 2000 gives evidence of that fact. There were four primary elements that, to this day, remain deeply imbedded in my mind and heart.

Unity: While there were many elements of the congress that highlighted our international unity, the congress march of witness spoke volumes. Marching through downtown Atlanta, a city once known for its civil rights marches, was a powerful example of the unique unity of purpose gifted to the Army. It was an exhilarating experience.

Diversity: At the time of the congress Commissioner Eva and I were serving as territorial leaders in Southern Africa. So we were immersed in the richness of a diverse nation. But the congress exposed all of us to the beauty of our global family depicted in the pride of culture, race, ethnicity, and language. That congress fostered an unprecedented valuing and deepened respect within our global family.

Message: General John Gowans’s inspired use of a three-legged stool, masterfully illustrating our unique three-fold mission, was amazing. That anointed message still resounds in the heart of the Army.

Ministry: I recall many officers approaching Commissioner Eva and me to enquire about overseas ministry. There is no question that the 2000 congress brought a heightened awareness of the need for both laity and officers to consider – before God – the offering of themselves for service beyond their cultural boundary.

This and more will emerge from the Boundless congress!

Above: participants in the march of witness through London in 1990; below left: at the 2000 International Millennial Congress, General Gowans used a stool to show the importance of balancing The Salvation Army’scaptions tri-fold mission to save souls,here grow saints and serve suffering humanity Photo captions here Photo here Photo captions Photo Photo captions here Photo captions here Photo Photo captions here Photo

Commissioner Gisèle Gowans (World President of Women’s Ministries from 1999-2002)

The 1990 international congress lasted 10 days, from 29 June to 8 July. In that summer Londoners could read on the city’s red buses a poster featuring the Salvation Army Red Shield and the text: ‘Talk to us, London, we have you surrounded’!

The congregations were split between the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Arena.

In both venues there was a cruciform altar in the centre. On each Sunday thousands of delegates from different races knelt side by side in divine communion. I will never forget the power of the Holy Spirit descending upon us all in the dedication moments at Wembley. As we sang ‘Yes, to your will, Lord, and your will alone. Yes to your plans, Lord, and no to my own. Take all I have, Lord, I cannot give less. Here is my answer ... it’s yes’ a continual stream of people descended to kneel at the cross.

There were so many amazing moments – how can we forget Major Yin Hungshun of China and Brigadier Josef Korbel from Communist Czechoslovakia being admitted to the Order of the Founder.

What an ovation they received after General Eva Burrows had pinned the decoration on their tunic, and to see them embracing each other was so moving after all the sufferings they had endured.

A young French man, Philippe Schmitter of Strasbourg Corps, was sworn-in as a soldier by General Eva Burrows, and we – then territorial leaders of France – were praying hard for him. He married an Italian Salvationist and both of them are now majors serving in France.

The congress ended with a historymaking parade. It was reported to be the biggest Army march since the Founders’s funeral procession, with 6,000 delegates and UK Salvationists, including 70 bands.

It went through Westminster and down the Mall leading to Buckingham Palace.

One of the watchers, as officially reported, was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother who, realising she would not be able to see the parade from her regular residence, went to Buckingham Palace to view from a window.

2000 International Millennial Congress Held in Atlanta, Georgia – the first international congress away from London.

Attended by more than 20,000 delegates from around the world

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HO U MN E TARNYDOARWTAHYE M E C

A series looking at the thoughts and experiences of people working for The Salvation Army in their country of birth and others giving service abroad

Bo Christopher Brekke Norway

What is your role in The Salvation Army?

I work for Others, The Salvation Army’s Trade for Hope concept. I’m the General Manager of Others Norway and the Administrative Manager of Others Global. I’m also a soldier at the Temple Corps (church) in Oslo.

What would be your typical day?

In short: emails, phone calls, spreadsheets, products, prices, meetings, and more emails! I’m privileged that part of my job involves travelling to meet producers and colleagues in our partner countries Bangladesh, Pakistan, Kenya, Moldova, Denmark and the USA. But most days are spent in my office at territorial headquarters in Oslo.

How did you meet The Salvation Army?

With officer parents, The Salvation Army has been my extended family since birth. I’ve been fortunate to be able to get to know the Army first-hand while living in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, USA and my native Norway.

HOME

Do you have a ‘claim to fame’?

My main claim to fame is that I’m married to Ingvild Ofte Arntsen, who I’m sure will one day be Prime Minister of Norway and/or UN Secretary General! Other than that I’m the captain of Vålerenga Cricket Club, a multi-cultural team in the very competitive Division 3 of the Norwegian cricket league.

Do you have a ‘hero of the faith’?

As a Salvationist, I guess it’s mandatory to say the Army’s Founders, William and Catherine Booth – definitely role models in how they lived out their faith. Other than that, I would have to say my parents – my mother, Commissioner Birgitte BrekkeClifton, is International Secretary for Europe at International Headquarters, and my father, Bo Brekke, served as Territorial Commander in Pakistan before he was killed in 2007. Both have been role models in every way. Seeing their dedication and service has been significant in shaping my own faith and the choices I have made. Then there are people like Martin Luther King Jr and Nelson Mandela and, not least, many Salvationists I’ve been privileged to meet all around the world who have inspired me in many ways (too many to list).

What is your favourite Bible verse?

The Poverty and Justice Bible highlights more than 2,000 verses, revealing a God who cares passionately about justice and salvation for all people, and who calls us to a compassionate and practical faith. So it’s hard to pick just one verse ... but I do like 1 John 3:18: ‘Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth’ (New International Version).

What is your favourite Salvation Army song?

I’m mostly familiar with the Norwegian song book. If I had to choose one favourite from there it would probably be the song that goes ‘Jeg vil gjøre mitt liv til en lovsang til deg’ – translated as something like ‘I will make my life a song of praise to you’ (it sounds better in Norwegian!). It’s got a great (and challenging) message about making all aspects of our lives a witness to God, in good and bad days.

Bo Christopher Brekke in Pakistan with Major MacDonald Chandi

northern Norway in the summer (despite the Arctic temperature of the water). And of course the fact that we’re informal and egalitarian.

What aspects of another country’s culture do you wish were present in Norway?

The caricature of a Norwegian would be someone who’s reserved and individualistic. Having grown up in south Asia, I miss the vibrancy, the sense of community and the outgoing, friendly and hospitable nature of South Asian culture (and the food).

If you were elected General, what would be the first thing you would change?

I would encourage everyone to check out the Others website (www. tradeforhope.com)! On a more serious note, I might try to encourage more young people in leadership at all levels, and work to foster new expressions of worship and ministry. I would advocate a close integration of corps (church) work and social work – for me it’s so important that these are considered an integrated part of our mission (as they truly are already, in many places), not separate strands (where people start arguing that one is more important that the other). Then I think there are some remaining challenges related to ensuring gender equality in all levels of our organisation which I would try to work on. All easy things to say, of course, when one isn’t actually the General!

If you could choose to work for The Salvation Army anywhere else, where would you choose and why?

Bangladesh. I lived there for seven years growing up, so it’s my second home. I love the people, the culture, the food and the cricket team. Not to mention the Army’s great work.

What skills do you use most in your work?

Organisational skills, communication skills, the ability to problem solve. But mostly it’s learning by doing.

What skills do you have that you would like the opportunity to use more?

I guess I have an academic side that I don’t have much time to indulge. But if I were to do more academic work it would have to be work that could be of some practical use.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who made the most of all that he was privileged to receive, who used his time, resources and skills to serve others. I recognise how fortunate I am, even just to be born a Norwegian, which in itself has given me so much (education, good health, a sufficient income). So for me it’s important to make use of what I’ve been given to make a difference, both locally and globally.

How do you think that working in Norway differs from working elsewhere?

Norwegians are quite informal, and very egalitarian. We also love our free time – don’t expect anyone to answer the phone on a Friday afternoon or during the month of July!

In this, The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary year, what are you most looking forward to?

Seeing the Others bags and lanyards worn by delegates at the Boundless Congress in London, and meeting people who drop by the Others display at the O2.

What do you like most about Norway?

The nature, cross-country skiing in the winter, the beaches in

What’s so special about The Salvation Army?

The dedicated people and the focus, which William Booth is reported to have said could be summarised in one word: Others!

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&

away

What is your role in The Salvation Army?

I am the Divisional Music Director for the Southern California Division, based in Los Angeles.

How did you meet The Salvation Army?

I was born into The Salvation Army when my parents were corps officers at Bromley Temple in the UK. Do you have a ‘claim to fame’?

I’m part of a family that has helped ‘shape’ The Salvation Army in some way or another, going back a few generations.

Do you have a ‘hero of the faith’?

The musical we – my brother Karl, Commissioner Keith Banks and I – are currently writing contains eight short stories of Salvationists who have gone above and beyond what could be expected. They are all heroes to me. The one that stands out is Josef Korbel, well known to many but I have just started learning about him. This Czech Salvation Army officer was imprisoned for his beliefs but managed to stay true to his mission through some of the hardest and most horrific times. An amazing man.

&AWAY

What is your favourite Bible verse?

The very well-known Romans 8:31: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us?’

What is your favourite Salvation Army song?

‘He Giveth More Grace’ (to the tune of ‘Blacklands’, which makes it ‘Army’!). Otherwise, ‘They shall Come from the East’.

How do you think that working in the USA differs from working elsewhere?

The resources in the USA make it possible to do so much and give so many opportunities. However, I do think that much of the work around the world is far more volunteer based, which is something I do feel we miss out on, to a point. If there was some way of combining the two it would be the perfect scenario.

What do you like most about living in the USA? I have been here for 18 years, longer than I ever lived in England, so it really does feel like home. The weather in LA is fantastic, I go to a wonderful corps in Torrance and have great friends and family right here.

What do you miss most about the UK? Family, but I am fortunate that they are more than happy to come and visit!

What aspects of another country’s culture do you wish were present in the USA? LA is a real melting-pot of cultures from all around the world, and I love that. When I first moved here there were 10 languages used in

Originally from the UK, Kevin Larsson works for The Salvation Army in the USA Western Territory.

He is currently working on Covenant, a new musical for the international congress in July.

&AWAY

What would be your typical day?

Over the past year there has been a lot more composing than normal but generally speaking we have a couple of large music education programmes that require a lot of attention. We offer music lessons to any Salvationists who want them and utilise professionals to do the teaching, which is quite an undertaking. We have well over 200 students and keeping everything on track is very time-consuming. We are also just about to open an actual music school in Torrance – a two-year project. We will have four large and nine individual practice rooms that will be able to accommodate hundreds of students every week in a pilot scheme that we hope will be replicated throughout the division. Obviously, the goal is to bring these families into the fellowship of the attached corps (church). In addition to the practice rooms we are building a large coffee shop for the parents and a 3,000-squarefoot recording studio, with three isolation booths, big enough to accommodate 40 instrumentalists or 80 singers. We also plan for large events throughout the years like camps, Rose Parade, etc. In short, lots of administration, meetings and a bit of composing when I can.

kevin larsson

our division, which was amazing to me. Southern California is a culture all to itself, mixed up from all over the world, so we get the best of everything. Two of my favourite restaurants by my house are Vietnamese and Peruvian, located in Surf City, USA.

If you were elected General, what would be the first thing you would change?

Whether we are officers, soldiers, adherents or just attend, we are all members of The Salvation Army. Sometimes there is too much of a disconnect between each ‘rank’ and we should work harder to make sure that everyone feels connected and valued, no matter what colour is on their epaulettes or even if they don’t wear uniform at all.

If you could choose to work for The Salvation Army anywhere else, where would you choose and why?

I love South America. I spent four years in Chile as a kid and had an amazing time. I have had the opportunity of going back a few times and loved every moment. I feel my kids may have missed out a little, being in just one location.

What skills do you use most in your work?

Fortunately I work with my wife, Jacqui, who is a fantastic organiser.

The way it often happens is that I get to be creative and she is the one who puts it all together.

What skills do you have that you would like the opportunity to use more?

I think our most important skill as Salvationists should be building relationships with all we meet. I love our events as it gives us a chance to meet the musicians and get to know them.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone who worked hard to grow the Kingdom of God through music, whether it was through composition, music schools, lessons or at the corps.

In this, The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary year, what are you most looking forward to?

The congress is going to be amazing. I am so blessed to be involved with a musical and I can’t wait to see different expressions of worship from all around the world.

What’s so special about The Salvation Army?

It’s a church without discrimination that caters to everyone, from all walks of life, all over the world. No matter where you are in the world, you are made to feel welcome.

&AWAY

PRIRI–LLM JUN UN 2015 | | ALL M ON AAPTH ––JON TH EE2015 2012 ALLTHE THEWORLD WORLD | |

99

emergency

PAKISTAN

Able to cope how Salvation Army disaster preparedness training saved lives

by Damaris Frick with Ben Gilbert

I

met Faiz Mai travelling through Pakistan’s flood-affected areas in Hyderabad, Jhang, Khaneval and others. Together with her daughter and daughter-in-law she tells me that she and the other 15 to 20 family members (she isn’t too sure about the actual number) have lost everything in the recent floods. They managed to save their own lives and three of their six sheep but their mud houses were completely destroyed and they lost all their belongings.

A local non-governmental organisation (NGO) gave them some tents but other than that, she tells me, representatives from The Salvation Army Pakistan were the only ones who came to their homes. ‘We live far away from the big roads,’ explains Faiz, ‘but your 10 | ALL THE WORLD |

APRIL–JU N E 2015

colleagues came and waded through the water to help us carry some of our belongings to higher ground.’ Many families like hers have been left with nothing and have come to realise that, without proper identification papers (IDs) or ownership certificates, even receiving relief assistance might be difficult.

Pakistan is ranked 101st on the World Risk Index, which considers a country’s vulnerability and its exposure to natural hazards to determine the level of disaster risk. Although it isn’t the most disasterprone country in the world, the variety of types of disasters makes responding quite challenging. Every year it faces floods, and it is also located on a major earthquake fault line. In addition to these natural hazards the country faces regular so-called man-made disasters, such as

Above: Salvation Army goat distribution and training programmes ensure that farmers and other community members are not totally reliant on growing crops

conflict, terrorism and displacement.

According to figures from the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), Pakistan is also the country hosting the largest number of refugees, with an estimated 1.6 million refugees having fled conflict in neighbouring countries such as Afghanistan.

The reality of the situation in the country means that being prepared to deal with any disaster situation is important for The Salvation Army’s Pakistan Territory – and a matter of life and death for the communities it works in.

Together with my colleague Ben Gilbert, who coordinates community

PAKISTAN

Above: teaching women to sew while also raising literacy levels; left: trying out evacuation materials

development projects in Asia, I visited some communities where The Salvation Army has been working since major floods wreaked havoc in 2010.

In 2014 the region was hit by more major flooding – but this time the communities in which The Salvation Army had undertaken prior work were better prepared. One community leader told us: ‘The Salvation Army’s awareness programme saved our lives!’

After providing initial relief support back in 2010, The Salvation Army had continued with rehabilitation work in these communities and also supported some community-based disaster preparedness efforts.

The results have been striking.

Community members were trained to provide early warnings to everyone living nearby about potential floods or other disasters. When flooding came, families were assisted with evacuation, meaning that they didn’t need to race away, leaving even vital things behind.

Young volunteers have been selected for training courses which even included practical approaches like swimming lessons. Other simple steps included families securing and waterproofing their most important documents (IDs, birth or marriage certificates, land ownership certificates etc) ready to be grabbed in case they have to evacuate. One

‘The Salvation Army’s awareness programme saved our lives!’

community even built and reinforced a several-kilometres-long embankment wall to protect their homes from flooding.

This meant that in the 2014 floods no human lives were lost in these communities. All families managed to keep their important documents and even most of their livestock, and some other valuables or important items were rescued.

Another area in which The Salvation Army has assisted families is in their livelihoods. Many men in Pakistan’s rural communities work as daily labourers and depend on getting hired on a day-to-day basis on farms or in town. Due to the flood they have struggled to find work.

Since the 2010 floods, The Salvation Army has been running some women’s livelihood projects, including sewing workshops, in many communities across the country. At the end of 6-12 months’ training, each participant gets a certificate and a sewing machine. These women are now able to financially support their families and, in difficult times like these where work for the men disappears, they might actually be the only breadwinner.

Shalid Parveen, a single mother of two, was one of the women selected for the sewing classes. She tells us that she is CONTINUED ON PAGE 13 A P RI L – J UN E 2015 | ALL THE WORLD |

11

PAKISTAN

Territorial Commander Colonel Ivor Telfer writes: Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit.

The Salvation Army’s International Mission Statement Suspendisse tellus.human Nunc venenatis, lacus in convallis says it will ‘meet needs in [Jesus’] name without elementum, loremOur odioguiding rhoncus justo, in in Pakistan pharetra– a land discrimination’. thought lacus neque mauris.

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Army Pakistan exists nisi. to disciple believers cursus and develop Suspendisse molestie rutrumwithout nisi. Duis sollicitudin fringilla communities while serving discrimination.’ massa.InDonec sit amet enim The eu turpis consectetuer this Muslim country, Salvation Army has sagittis. good Duis nunc.

In quis sapien. Quisque malesuada libero. links in many communities with other faith leaders and is Mauris molestie condimentum turpis. Fusce urna mauris, a member of the Inter-faith Harmony Group.

In fact there pharetra facilisis quis, quis, justo. Nam metus was a a, need recently to malesuada let the Muslim community know leo,that molestie eu, lacinia quis, varius at, libero.

Vestibulum The Salvation Army was concerned about a wrong augue eleifendso ut,aornare gravida at, was mauris. donesem, to Muslims, senior non, Pakistani officer able to Vivamus lacinia quisMuslim est. Nullam placerat speak with thenisi senior cleric bibendum on the phone, who really pede.

Nulla a ante.

Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique appreciated the call. senectus et netus et fames turpis egestas.

In our responsemalesuada to the major floodsacthat have brought devastation across Pakistan in recent years, we knew that Quisque malesuada libero. Mauris molestie condimentum offering oururna assistance those in a, most needquis, meant that our turpis.

Fusce mauris,topharetra facilisis help would predominately given to molestie Muslims. eu, Thislacinia proved malesuada quis, justo. Nam be metus leo, to be the case, and Vestibulum we have hadaugue somesem, wonderful stories quis, varius at, libero. eleifend ut, backnon, fromgravida our teams about the warmthlacinia of welcome theyest. ornare at, mauris.

Vivamus nisi quis Nullam bibendum placerat pede. Nulla a ante. Pellentesque received. habitant morbi senectus netus etinmalesuada I went to tristique one of the delivery et locations November 2014, fames turpis egestas. between the Jhelum and Chenab to a ac village sandwiched Rivers, which were less than five kilometres away.

Lorem ipsum dolor sitboth amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Both these rivers burst their banks and the levees gave way Suspendisse tellus. Nunc venenatis, lacus in convallis so the area inlorem between severely flooded.

The Salvation elementum, odiowas rhoncus justo, in pharetra Army had first helpedVestibulum this community in the 2010 lacus neque at mauris. ac leo vitae nuncfloods.

In 2011 a team went Sed backainvelit to work on a tempus community condimentum ultricies. vel tellus rehabilitation programme. interdum.

Sed eros velit, porttitor non, consectetuer When I arrived, men were sitting down, eget, ultricies sit amet,more nisi.than Nulla300 faucibus cursus nulla. waiting on the distribution all with official papersfringilla showing Suspendisse molestie rutrum– nisi.

Duis sollicitudin their right to assistance which been checked by our massa.

Donec sit amet enim eu had turpis consectetuer sagittis. territorial headquarters and the local team we had trained.

I was asked to address the people who were waiting for the distribution so I told a story (with plenty of actions!). The villagers seemed to enjoy the story which ended with the moral that we need to speak together and work together to help those in need. I then prayed with them – with their permission – before the delivery started.

Meeting community leaders

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Duis nunc. In quis sapien. Quisque malesuada libero.

Mauris molestie condimentum turpis. Fusce urna mauris, pharetra a, facilisis quis, malesuada quis, justo. Nam metus leo, molestie eu, lacinia quis, varius at, libero. Vestibulum augue sem, eleifend ut, ornare non, gravida at, mauris.

Vivamus lacinia nisi quis est. Nullam bibendum placerat pede. Nulla a ante. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas.

Quisque malesuada libero. Mauris molestie condimentum turpis. Fusce urna mauris, pharetra a, facilisis quis, malesuada quis, justo. Nam metus leo, molestie eu, lacinia quis, varius at, libero. Vestibulum augue sem, eleifend ut, ornare non, gravida at, mauris. Vivamus lacinia nisi quis est.

Nullam bibendum placerat pede. Nulla a ante. Pellentesque habitant morbi tristique senectus et netus et malesuada fames ac turpis egestas.

Above: Colonel Ivor Telfer addresses community members before a distribution; left: an elderly man waits for his package of essentials

‘In this Muslim country, The Salvation Army has good links in many communities with other faith leaders’ In conversation with the team of local people, they clearly knew that The Salvation Army is part of the Christian Church. They had grown to trust us as they realised that we do what we say we will do and we will help those in need and serve suffering humanity. It was really encouraging to hear that the people in this community have taken The Salvation Army’s mission to ‘serve suffering humanity’ to heart and that they now do this to each other!

Other communities were also assisted by us for the first time. When our team arrived and got out of the vehicle, people gathered round, expecting some help. The team met with the local community leaders and conducted a needs assessment, on one occasion sitting on a bed in the floodwater with the community leaders! When the team returned with bedding and food, the community was surprised as others had come and taken photographs but had not returned.

The community members really started to appreciate The Salvation Army as it had identified with them in their need (sitting on a bed in the water in a community a long walk away from roads) and it had returned with appropriate help. They now trust this Christian organisation called The Salvation Army.

PAKISTAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

now able to sew items on order for other people and, as a result, even sends her two daughters to school.

Other community members received support in finding alternative livelihoods such as driving donkey carts or rikshaws and tending livestock in order for them not to solely rely on agriculture. One man shares with us that he was so grateful for the assistance given to his family that when his cow had the first calf he passed it on to another poorer family in his community.

Health and hygiene promotion was another area worked on by The Salvation Army. It was shocking to hear that in some communities prior to 2010 about 50 per cent of babies and 20 per cent of mothers died in childbirth. Since awarenessraising training by The Salvation Army, husbands are now happy for their wives to go to hospitals for ultrasound scans or when complications develop during deliveries. The local birth attendant also changed some of her practices and is now using sterile instruments which she buys from the local town.

According to the people in the communities we visited, these changes have resulted in a huge decrease in women and children dying during labour.

The number of deaths has been near zero in the past four years.

Before the 2014 floods, The Salvation Army had not done any work in Faiz Mai’s community – as had been the case for Shalid Parveen’s community before the 2010 disaster. The first contact came when Salvation Army disaster responders heard on the news about communities that were described as being most affected by the flooding, but in the hardest-to-reach places.

Initially the greatest needs were for food and bedding. Being there for the people in those challenging times and assisting them with some of those urgent items could well lead to more opportunities in the future similar to the ones in those other communities.

My hope is that one day Faiz Mai and her family will be in a much less vulnerable position when encountering any disaster situations.

In the communities that have benefited from Salvation Army assistance for four years, the recent floods were still hugely damaging to the main source of income, almost destroying the entire harvest, but fortunately no lives were lost, and most families managed to grab their important documents and save their livestock. The previously most vulnerable community members now also have other means of income which puts them in a much better situation than four years ago.

Our visit reinforced to me that you don’t always need highly sophisticated

Above: a donkey cart to carry provisions; below: Emergency Services Field Operations Officer Damaris Frick

interventions to achieve something significant. Quite often it’s the small, community-based changes in people’s mindsets and habits that achieve real and sustainable change.

Damaris Frick is Field Operations Officer for The Salvation Army’s International Emergency Services.

Ben Gilbert is Community Development Coordinator (Asia) at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters

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FACTFILE

N • There are 503 million

people living in EU member states. If it were a country, the EU would be the thirdlargest in the world (by population) behind China and India.

Countries indicated in the same colour belong to a combined territory or command. The countries in colour but not named are also part of The Salvation Army’s Europe Zone.

• The largest EU member by The European Union flag features 12 yellow/gold five-pointed stars (known in heraldic terms as mullets) on a dark blue background.

The flag was orginally designed in 1955 for the Council of Europe but was adopted by the EU in 1985.

When the flag was adopted by the EU there were 12 member nations, but this was simply a coincidence.

(The Council of Europe had 15 members when it first used the flag.) The stars represent all the peoples of Europe – including those who have yet to become members of the EU.

THE EU

• In 1950, just four years after

the end of the Second World War, the European Coal and Steel Community began to unite European countries economically and politically in order to secure lasting peace. The six founder countries of the European Union (EU) were Belgium, France, West Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and The Netherlands.

• The Treaty of Rome in 1957 created

the European Economic Community (EEC) – or ‘Common Market’.

• Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined the EU on 1 January 1973.

• From 1979, citizens of EU countries were able to vote directly for their EU representatives.

• Greece became the 10th member

of the EU in 1981, followed by Spain and Portugal five years later.

• The fall of the Berlin Wall in late 1989 led to the reunification of Germany in 1990.

• The fall of Communism brought

about new freedoms across Europe. The 1993 Maastricht Treaty created the basis for the completion of the Single Market, with its ‘four freedoms’ of movement of goods, services, people and money.

• In 1995 the EU gained three more new members – Austria, Finland and Sweden.

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• ‘Schengen’ agreements – named

after a small village in Luxembourg – gradually allowed people to travel throughout the mainland Europe part of the EU without having their passports checked at borders.

• In 1999 the common European

currency – the Euro – was introduced in 11 countries (Greece joined in 2001) for financial transactions. Denmark, Sweden and the United Kingdom decided to stay out for the time being. Notes and coins entered circulation in 2002.

• Each nation can produce its own versions of Euro notes and coins but, regardless of design, all are accepted in every eurozone country.

• On 1 May 2004, eastern and

western Europe joined together as never before when Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Poland, Slovenia and Slovakia became EU members. Later, Cyprus and Malta also joined.

• The most recent additions to the EU were Bulgaria and Romania (January 2007) and Croatia (July 2013), bringing the total membership to 28 countries.

Nineteen of these nations now use the Euro.

area is France. The largest by population is Germany.

• The EU is often confused

with the older Council of Europe, an international organisation promoting cooperation between European countries in the areas of legal standards, human rights, democratic development, the rule of law and cultural cooperation. The Council of Europe was founded in 1949 and has 47 member states with 820 million citizens. Its best-known body is the European Court of Human Rights.

The Salvation Army in COUNTRY The Salvation Army is officially at work in 21 out of the 28 EU member nations (see map): Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

From 1879, when The Salvation Army first began to spread beyond the UK, within 10 years it was established in eight countries that are now EU members.

The most recent EU member to become officially home to Salvation Army ministry was Greece, on 1 October 2007.

All 21 of the EU member states in which The Salvation Army is officially at work are part of the Europe Zone, along with a further 12 countries, independent political entities and dependent political units. The most confusion arises around Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, which are part of the EU due to their relationship with the UK, which is responsible for their international affairs and defense. Their inhabitants are British citizens but the three islands are not part of the UK. For Salvation Army purposes, the three are part of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland.

The Salvation Army in EU countries comprises a total of: 3,767 officers (active and retired) 38,377 senior soldiers 12,878 adherent members, 4,340 junior soldiers 1,276 corps, societies and outposts Taking into account worldwide figures, the EU is home to around one in every seven Salvation Army officers, but only one in every 31 soldiers!

THE EUROPEAN UNION

INFLUENCE

At the heart of the EU Having taken up a new appointment as one of The Salvation Army’s Officers for EU Affairs, Major Mike Stannett explains to All the World what the new role entails – and why it is important for the Army to have a presence at the very heart of the European Union.

I

N June 2014 The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) decided that a European Union (EU) Affairs Office should be established in Brussels, Belgium. This was a natural development from the foundations laid by previous EU Affairs officers. However, it was felt that the Army needed to become more engaged at the heart of Europe by having a permanent office in Brussels, which is host to the European Commission and sometimes to the sessions of the European Parliament. My wife, Major Ruth Stannett, and I were asked to set up this new office.

has involved networking and cooperation with many other EU countries and EUlevel organisations. But working and finding a ministry within the political corridors of the EU and European organisations was a new ‘ball game’ to us.

Daunting task

Supporter of the EU or Not?

On one level it is a daunting task to start with almost a blank sheet of paper and create something new. We wondered – were we qualified for the task? Are we bright enough?! Is The Salvation Army ready to meet the challenges which EU engagement requires, both at IHQ and on a national level?

For most of our officership we have been involved in Europe, with appointments in places such as The Netherlands, the Czech Republic and eastern Europe (including the Russian capital, Moscow). Much of our ministry

Whether you are a supporter of the EU and its ideals or not, The Salvation Army in Europe is represented in 21 of the 28 nation state members. Additionally, the Army works in countries bordering the EU, and is present in some countries who are in the throes of becoming members of the EU. Therefore we need to understand the EU, learning how to work within it and how to make better use of its structures and resources, especially to support our mission and values. We need to know how better to represent the people in A P RI L – J UN E 2015 | ALL THE WORLD |

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THE EUROPEAN UNION

our care but also to protect our Christian freedoms, rights and influence in society.

Growth

Since the collapse of communism in Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall, The Salvation Army has experienced a ‘growth spurt’, opening or reopening in countries within Europe at a faster rate than at any other time in its history.

It could be argued that the Army has grown in Europe as a direct result of the growth of the EU and its influences in wider Europe. Eastern European countries continue to be influenced by the EU in various ways – the present unrest in Ukraine, for instance, has its links to some people in the Ukraine wanting stronger ties to the EU. This leads to an interesting mix of old and new members of the EU and old and new Salvation Army territories. As many of the Army’s commands/territories within the EU celebrate 125, 130 and even 150 years of ministry, the younger ones are celebrating 20 or 25 years – and still new ones are being added.

Unique Role

The Army has a unique role to play as we span across the entire continent and beyond. We do have a valuable contribution. We represent hundreds of thousands of people. Just within the EU we have 20,000 employees, more than 65,000 volunteers, 757 social projects and 1,518 community centres, serving some of the poorest and most excluded members of society. When we speak, we represent all these people. Our voice needs to be heard, especially against policies that condemn people to poverty and exclusion.

Present EU Crises

The EU Office is in an ideal position to voice concerns on particular issues, such as severe cuts to public service finances due to the economic crisis, so as to help protect the most vulnerable. We can also highlight current EU priorities, such as youth training and unemployment, or quality of life issues faced by an aging population. Identifying these priorities helps the Army to plan its responses in a more cohesive way and identify the appropriate funding.

Partners

As EU Affairs Officers, we represent the Army on several leading EU-level platforms, such as the EAPN (European Anti-Poverty Network), Eurodiaconia (a network of Christian organisations serving people in need), FEANTSA (European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless). We also

‘How can we make an impact? How do we best represent those who have no voice, those whom we serve, those who come to us for help?’

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link in with many other organisations and EU bodies, including working with MEPs (Members of the European Parliament).

All of these bodies feed into the EU Parliament and its structures for dealing with EU policy.

It is part of the EU constitution that there is civic involvement in the process of making and commenting on EU policy. However, the EU has little understanding of how its policies affect people on the ground. We have to inform them.

Our partners are delighted that the Army is to be more involved. They want to hear our voice, discover our thoughts and learn about our practices. They want us to really contribute with hard evidence, concrete proposals and feedback. The effectiveness of The Salvation Army at EU level is going to be directly related to the quality of the information we are able to share.

We also work closely with several of the European networks overseen by the Europe Zone at IHQ – such as the Social Services network, anti-human trafficking network, Roma task force – seeking and providing information, offering advice, and identifying funding possibilities. The EU Office will also cooperate with the International Social Justice Commission – an IHQ office based in New

THE EUROPEAN UNION

Above: Majors Mike and Ruth Stannett in their office, standing in front ot the European Union, Salvation Army and Belgian flags; main image: examples of Salvation Army ministry across the EU

York, USA – and with other Salvation Army EU representatives.

The task ahead So how do we engage? How do we play our part? How can we make an impact? How do we best represent those who have no voice, those whom we serve, those who come to us for help? How do we move the Army from a fringe voice to a voice to be reckoned with? How do we ensure that the Army

is not just another subcontracted service provider but an integral part of the Christian fabric of civic involvement within the EU? Potential

The potential and the possibilities for the Army within the EU are there for us to make the most of. We need to build up a knowledge base and prepare people with the skills to take advantage to be effective at EU level. This should go hand in hand also with a clear Army strategy for a

cohesive engagement in the EU. This, then, is our primary role as we build this ministry – to find the answers!

And in this we need the prayers of Salvationists and friends from Europe and beyond.

As we read in The Message paraphrase of James 1:27, through the EU office we will endeavour to ‘reach out to the homeless and loveless in their plight, and guard against corruption from the godless world’.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church.

Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in his name without discrimination.

What is The Salvation Army?

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COUNTRY OR THEME

REWIND BACK TO the past

As we move through The Salvation Army’s 150th anniversary year, All the World is continuing to look back to the events of 1865, as recorded in Salvation Army historian Gordon Taylor’s William Booth – His Life and Legacy, Volume I (1829-1878 ), which will be published by Salvation Books in 2015. Gordon has worked for many years at The Salvation Army’s International Heritage Centre in London, UK, and his biography of William Booth uses previously unpublished correspondence and collects together many contemporary reports to produce what is as close as possible to a definitive version of the life of The Salvation Army’s Founder.

The humanity of William Booth comes across strongly, with his doubts and depression not hidden. By showing the real William, rather than the iconic figure he became, Gordon makes it clear that Booth’s life’s work would not have been possible without a full reliance on God. The excerpts included below show some of the difficulties faced by William and Catherine Booth in 1863-4, before springing forward to the summer of 1865, when William began to be drawn into the east London ministry which would go on to become The Salvation Army.

T

o ‘submit and hope for something better’ seems to sum up William and Catherine’s attitude to their life and work during 1863 and 1864. When William resigned from the Methodist New Connexion, they lost not only their regular income but also cut themselves off from the denominational support network, and to a large extent from the ministers who would have invited them.

As independent evangelists, they had to generate their own income and secure enough invitations to keep themselves fully employed.

They also had to find sufficient openings in an area close to their home [in Leeds, Yorkshire – they moved to London in early 1865], as it was difficult for them to move frequently with a growing family. They wanted to preach to the working classes, particularly to the people who did not normally go to church, but the poorer churches that invited them could not afford to pay them much.

Another problem was that some of the churches they visited were suffering from ‘revival fatigue’. They were ‘battle weary’. They had been visited by evangelists so often that a revival campaign was no longer an instant attraction, and it was harder to achieve significant results.

This was demoralising, even for an energetic and determined revivalist like William Booth, particularly if the ministers of the local church did not give him their wholehearted support.

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If he was away from his wife and family, the demoralising effects were increased.

To ‘get outside the churches’, as Catherine always wanted, so that William could ‘preach to the masses’, was easier said than done. There were costs involved, not only to hire suitable halls and advertise the meetings, but the work was also costly in the energy required to attract and hold a crowd. They might ‘find a sphere’ in which to work for a few months, but it was a constant search. Perhaps they would find ‘something better’ in 1865. They certainly hoped so, as they went into the new year ...

During the summer of 1865 members of the Christian Community, an evangelistic fellowship active in east London, held open-air meetings at various locations, including Mile End Road, near the toll gate, and Whitechapel Road, opposite The London Hospital. They invited other Christians to help them, either to preach in indoor and open-air meetings or to visit the sick in workhouses and lodging houses. At the beginning of May 1865 six street

preachers associated with the Committee for Special Services in East London were charged at the Thames Police Court with riotous proceedings during their open-air meetings in Philpot Street, Commercial Road East. They had to give up preaching there, but tried to hold open-air meetings on other vacant sites, so that they could continue their ministry.

One day in late June 1865 a group of evangelists, holding an open-air meeting in Whitechapel Road, somewhere near The Vine and The Blind Beggar public houses, saw William Booth passing and asked him to ‘have a word’.

Soon afterwards John Stabb and Samuel Chase invited him to speak at a series of meetings being held in a tent on a Quaker Burial Ground nearby, between Baker’s Row and Thomas Street, Whitechapel.

Next issue: William finds his destiny – and The Salvation Army is born!

AUSTRALIA

REHABILITATION

Set free for a purpose

by Bill Simpson Photos by Shairon Paterson A desperate prayer and a little Bible in a prison cell set a violent man on a course that led to salvation and service in The Salvation Army

G

RAEME Cropper is 51, yet he doesn’t know who was responsible for his arrival in this world and exactly what day he was born. He does know that on 7 September 1963 he was left on the steps of the women’s hospital in the Paddington suburb of Sydney, Australia.

There are no records of his birth. The best estimate authorities can supply is ‘probably’ 5 September 1963 – they think he was two days old when abandoned on the hospital steps.

Nurses gave him the name Graeme.

They kept him at the hospital for two years before he was placed with a family – which returned him after six months.

There were other placements with orphanages and families. They didn’t last long, either.

And there was abuse.

He has a memory of long rooms with lots of other children; of being punished with a belt and locked in a dark, cold room under stairs; of cold water being thrown over him under the stairs.

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AUSTRALIA

‘I was forever getting expelled for fighting and had no respect for authority. I was a very angry boy’

The Salvation Army became involved after abuse while he was with one of the families.

He was settled into an orphanage at five years of age. He was, he says, ‘black and blue and didn’t know love’.

He would have preferred to stay with the Salvation Army woman who assisted him.

He says he felt safe with her.

He recalls that he would not let go of the woman’s hand and he remembers her saying: ‘Jesus loves you.’

A few years later, he was adopted by another family and took their surname.

He became Graeme Cropper.

‘All I knew was to play football [rugby league] and fight to stick up for myself.

This was instilled in me from an early age,’ he says. ‘At high school, I was only good at one thing, and that was footy. I was forever getting expelled for fighting and had no respect for authority. I was a very angry boy.’

Graeme left home at 14, surviving wherever he could – often on the streets.

Drugs became a normal part of his life.

By 17, he was addicted. The drugs, he says, helped mask the pain of a troubled childhood. That’s how life was for the following 25 years.

He was shot twice, had guns pointed at his head, and was stabbed and beaten ‘to within an inch of my life’.

‘I was in and out of jail and rehabilitation centres. My life was out of control. Many times I tried to do the right thing, but violence and jail was all I knew.’

He spent a total of 11 years in jail on seven separate occasions. When not in jail, he worked occasionally as a truck driver and plant operator. But crime and drugs occupied most of his time.

He trusted nobody. He lost his trust of people because of the way he was treated as a child.

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The Salvation Army was alongside him during his life of violence, he recalls.

Its representatives were with him at court, in prison, at rehabilitation centres. ‘I pushed them away. I treated them as a get-out-of-jail card.’

Graeme had four children with three mothers. None of his relationships lasted, mainly because of his lifestyle and regular incarceration.

‘It was nothing for me to put on a balaclava and run into a business with a gun and take what I wanted.’ he says. ‘I was mixed up in drug dealing,

armed robberies and a lot of violence.

The people I associated with were bad people. Guns were our choice of defence and attack. Violence was how we took care of things. We used intimidation and stand-over tactics.’

In 2002, Graeme was back in jail. He had broken parole. But, somehow, it was different this time.

‘I promised my eldest daughter that I would stay out of jail so that I could see my granddaughter grow up,’ he recalls.

‘Here I was, however, back in jail. I had broken my promises and was hurting

AUSTRALIA

the people I cared for the most. I’d had enough of this life and wanted a change.

‘I had two choices, either end my life right there or hand it all over to the Lord, as Salvation Army officers had often told me. I chose to hand my life over to the Lord. For the first time, I put all my trust in the Lord and went down on my knees in my cell and prayed. I said, “If you are really there, please help me; give me a sign.”

‘When I finished praying, a [Gideon’s] Bible was the first thing I saw. I had been given a sign. I instantly knew that

Bible was God helping me. Tears started streaming down my face.

‘I opened the Bible to John 1: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Then my attention was drawn to verse five: “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

That was the start of my journey and I haven’t looked back.’

Psalm 23 became a favourite. He knows it by heart and says: ‘The Psalms brighten up my day.’ He started attending church services in jail.

He walked out of prison in late 2002.

All he had was the clothes he was wearing – and his little blue Bible. He still has it.

‘I have not used drugs since leaving jail,’ he says. ‘Praise the Lord!’

After two years out of prison, he was inspired to return – as a visitor – to talk with inmates and share his story of finding freedom.

He was employed to run a churchbased mentoring programme for ex-prisoners and completed a three-year course in drug and alcohol counselling.

Today, he is a drug and alcohol counsellor and case worker at The Salvation Army’s Hope Centre in Tamworth, New South Wales, where he helps to run the Bridge Programme he rejected as a patient years earlier.

He has diplomas in drug, alcohol and mental health counselling, train the trainer certificates and is a facilitator of the Positive Lifestyle Programme. He also works with courts and prisons to have offenders linked to The Salvation Army’s Hope Centre programmes.

‘I now have a great relationship with all of my children and my granddaughter,’ he adds. ‘A lot of damage had been done to the relationships. It has taken time to repair. They are now proud of their dad and poppy!

‘I am in a relationship with a wonderful Christian lady [Sandra].

She leads our worship team at church [Tamworth Corps] and is also employed

by The Salvation Army. We are planning to become Salvation Army soldiers and get married this year.

‘Even though I still don’t know who my parents are or even if I have any siblings, I can say that I do have a family – it’s my church. And I do know my heavenly Father. He is the King!

‘I tried everything to give up drugs and to run from the Lord. But look where I am today because of the Lord’s love and grace. I believe that God has plans for all of us and that he led me to The Salvation Army. My life was total darkness. Light and freedom are what I needed.

‘God has guided me to where I am today and he is now using me each day for his purpose.’

This article first appeared in Pipeline, published by the Australia Eastern Territory A P RI L – J UN E 2015 | ALL THE WORLD |

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COUNTRY OR THEME

SNAPSHOTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD

Saying something South Africa AN innovative Salvation Army campaign in South Africa to raise awareness of domestic abuse has taken social media by storm.

At the end of February 2015, millions of people passed their opinion on the colour of a strangely lit dress – quickly known simply as ‘the dress’ or #thedress – with a majority convinced it was white and gold and most of the rest recognising that it was actually blue and black. Scientists from around the world were called upon to explain the phenomenon and share their expertise on why people see colour differently.

Advertising agency Ireland Davenport took the worldwide interest and used it cleverly to highlight the issue of domestic violence in South Africa, while also publicising The Salvation Army’s work with abused and trafficked women. They photographed an image of a ‘bruised’ model wearing a copy of #thedress. The Army’s advert, published in the Cwape Times newspaper the headline ‘Why is it so hard to see black and blue’, along with text saying: ‘One in six women are victims of abuse. That’s no illusion.’

A phone number for anyone needing support is also included.

The Salvation Army operates two residential care centres in South Africa –

in Cape Town and Johannesburg – which provide for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of abused women. The programmes help them to recover from their abusers and leave as independent, confident women.

Major Carin Holmes, Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army’s Southern Africa Territory, told All the World: ‘The idea for the campaign came about in a conversation between the creative team at Ireland Davenport. They were discussing how “the dress” had become a massive talking point around the world but that it was not saying anything. They tried to figure out a way in which they could leverage off of the popularity of the dress and actually use it for good. The idea of using it in a campaign for abuse came about as, unfortunately, too many people have suffered abuse and it seemed that no one does or, more worryingly, no one wants to see it.’

The agency’s aim was to take something as insignificant as the dress and, through creative thinking, make it something more.

‘Too many people have suffered abuse and it seemed that no one wants to see it’

the International Bible Reading Challenge In 2015, the year of the Boundless Congress, Salvationists and Christian friends around the world are called to join together to read through the whole of the New Testament within one year – The Whole World Reading!

You are invited to journey with us as we reflect on God’s timeless message to his Church.

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They wanted to make it a discussion for good.

‘The main challenge was to get the ad done in a very short time-frame,’ says Major Holmes. ‘They wanted to capitalise on it while the dress was still a hot topic. By pulling a lot of favours they managed to get it to print within 24 hours of getting the idea.

‘Ireland Davenport has tremendous respect for organisations like The Salvation Army and as soon as they had put together all the pieces of what they needed to do they approached us, with the offer to get the ad made at no cost. For us it’s just amazing that together we can help create awareness for institutions that are doing fantastic work.’

As soon as the advert was published – and featured on social media – the response was incredible, she says. ‘It’s been absolutely overwhelming, crazy, hectic. I felt like I spoke to the world in three days, including through TV interviews. It was quite a humbling experience overall.

We never thought of it going viral,

SNAPSHOTS the idea was to get it into the Cape Times Newspaper the next morning, that was all.’ The image’s reach is known to be more than 30 million people, although it could actually be significantly more. Reaction to the campaign become a trending topic on Twitter and Facebook, with comments and retweets from almost every major media outlet, and TV and radio stations around the world running items about the campaign. International Headquarters web manager David Giles also started connecting the advert with International Women’s Day, helping to connect with an even wider audience.

Major Holmes hopes the campaign will have a long-term affect, ‘I think it puts The Salvation Army in South Africa on the map.

It was great for us, just what we needed.’

And this won’t be the end of the story, she reveals: ‘Apart from the publicity, the agency is launching a second phase to this and we just did a shoot for a documentary that will be on the Internet soon, directly seeking to raise funds for the Carehaven Centre in Cape Town.’

Moving on EBOLA CRISIS The Salvation Army’s response to the ebola crisis is making a difference to thousands of people in west Africa. Using only local capacity, the Army in Liberia,

Ghana and Sierra Leone – support by International Headquarters and worldwide donors – has implemented emergency projects including: an ebola awareness campaign and psycho-social counselling for survivors; food distribution; provision of emergency supplies; support to ebola victims; distribution of hygiene promotion and ebola prevention materials.

One health coordinator commented that The Salvation Army has been filling the gaps that other agencies haven’t been able to meet.

Schooling has been particularly badly hit, with the majority of schools in ebola areas having to close.

Now, as schools begin to reopen, The Salvation Army is providing yet more practical assistance, including hygiene and safety measures to ensure that ebola symptoms are picked up quickly.

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