Salvationist 18 May 2024

SALVATIONIST

FULLY CHARGED POWER TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

Worth waiting for

PENTECOST is arguably the most significant event in Church history. It is certainly the most impactful. The disciples were gathered together in Jerusalem and were waiting as Jesus had instructed them. Acts 1 tells us how they spent their time as they waited. We can almost feel the tension and uncertainty as they prepared to receive the promise of the Holy Spirit. What would this gift be like? How would they know that they had received it? What might it mean for them? What would change?

In Acts 2 we get a graphic description of how the Spirit came and the impact he had on the disciples and those around them.

In this week’s issue we have examples of how the Holy Spirit continues to impact his disciples around the territory. We read of people saying yes to the Spirit’s prompting, listening and responding as he leads.

All of us who have responded to Jesus’ call on our lives have a responsibility to allow the Spirit to direct our thoughts, words and actions. Just as he came with power to those early disciples, he wants to fill us and send us out to fulfil God’s mission. So what are you waiting for?

EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday

PROOFREADER Chris Horne

CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

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FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham

TERRITORIAL LEADERS

Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn

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MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

Love that transcends boundaries

Major Heather Grinsted reflects on the recent passing of the Rwanda Bill

HOW many of us would leave everything that’s familiar with family and friends, and travel miles to a place we know little or nothing about? People who leave their home and travel on journeys fraught with danger often do so because they are desperate, escaping violence, persecution or disasters, such as floods and famine.

Asylum seekers – people who seek international protection due to persecution or harm in their home country – are some of the most vulnerable people in the world, and caring for the vulnerable is at the core of our faith.

You won’t find the term ‘asylum seeker’ in the Bible, but Scripture has plenty to say about ‘strangers’, ‘sojourners’ and ‘foreigners’. God is clear that his heart is for the asylum seeker and calls us to emulate him.

‘[God] defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the

Reflect and respond

Pray for those affected by this legislation.

Pray for those supporting them and providing guidance and information.

Pray that policymakers will understand the impact such legislation has on people’s lives.

For extended prayer points, visit salvationist.org.uk/pray-forasylumseekers.

foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing’ (Deuteronomy 10:18).

‘When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God’ (Leviticus 19:33 and 34).

Let us think of this vulnerable group in our society in the middle of detention and deportation threats. The Salvation Army has expressed grave concern at the news that the UK government’s plans to remove asylum seekers to Rwanda passed into legislation through the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024.

‘As a church and charity with significant experience working with people fleeing dangerous situations, we’ve urged the government to concentrate on improving and speeding up the asylum decision-making process in the UK rather than removing people to Rwanda,’ the Army said in an official statement.

The combination of this legislation and the Illegal Migration Act 2023 will also have significant impact on victims of modern slavery who entered the UK irregularly – perhaps under duress or subsequently exploited because of their illegal status – and who now face being detained and possibly removed to Rwanda.

Most people can relate to feeling like an outsider in some way, whether it be due to their race, ethnicity, economic status, religion, nationality, gender or other factors. For Christians, this feeling can be an opportunity for solidarity with

asylum seekers and victims of modern slavery, especially when we recognise that we, too, were once strangers to God’s Kingdom and were welcomed in through the grace of God. In this way, the biblical commandment to welcome strangers becomes a powerful expression of our shared humanity and a reflection of the divine love that transcends all boundaries.

Lord God, in great concern we pray for all those seeking asylum in the UK and across the world today, people filled with desperation, fear and worry. We bring to you those in the UK who are at risk of removal to Rwanda. Some may have never heard of Rwanda and may not know how they will adjust to life there. Others may be frightened of what life may hold for them there. Some who are at risk of removal we may know personally, and it cuts our hearts as we feel their fear. Some have been, and are, at risk of being trafficked and exploited. Many are separated from their families and loved ones. Father, there are those still recovering from suffering, who are at risk of being retraumatised by these plans. Lord, work in the hearts of the officials who make decisions, the governments who make policies, and us, your people, as we engage in this situation to effect change and justice. Amen.

MAJOR HEATHER GRINSTED

Deputy Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery THQ

Captain Tracy Collis Carnforth and Morecambe seconds with...

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m a corps officer, divisional ecumenical officer for Lancashire and an Open Learning tutor.

How did you first get involved in the Army?

Following my marriage breakdown, I was searching for meaning to my life and was drawn to attending church. The Salvation Army initially appealed as I play the euphonium, but I discovered it was so much more about God. This is where I gave my life to Jesus and received my calling.

What’s your favourite hymn, band piece or worship song?

‘If Crosses Come, If It Should Cost Me

Dearly (I’ll Not Turn Back)’ (SASB 649). It reminds me of my calling and covenant as a follower of Jesus.

What’s your favourite Bible verse or passage?

Matthew 14:27–31. It speaks of stepping out in faith and trusting God.

Which emoji sums you up best?

If you had an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Peppermint tea.

What are you praying for at the moment?

That the Church will be more united in Christ.

‘Faith

has taken me out of my comfort zone’

Chris Honeyford (Bangor) shares how God has led her to volunteer and share the good news

IHAVE always been a quiet, shy person.

I married David, an outgoing Belfast boy, at the age of 59. I had first met him through work and been friends with him and his late wife for more than 20 years.

We moved from Peterborough in April 2016. Our move started as a possible caravan in Norfolk and somehow progressed to a bungalow in Bangor!

We were not churchgoers in England but, upon moving to Northern Ireland, had this feeling we needed a church. I had always liked the work of The Salvation Army and David always liked their bands so that was our first church visit. The welcome was so lovely, particularly from corps officers Majors Linda and Scott Cunliffe and Jim Clark. It has been our church ever since.

Major Alice Gabriel, now a close friend, took us under her wing. We assist her with the tea and coffee on Sundays. We were chatting with her in a local café one day, saying we were waiting for God to speak to us. She said: ‘He is speaking, you are just not listening.’

David and I talked at length at home that afternoon and knew we had to accept Jesus as our Saviour. We then became adherents.

In the past six years, David has suffered prostate cancer, bladder cancer and skin cancer, all thankfully discovered early. Being able to put everything in God’s hands really helped us to cope. We thank God every day for the lovely life we have, the wonderful friends we have in the Army and the sequence dancing we enjoy doing.

once again feel God brought us together as a group.

I was out of my comfort zone in hosting and even more so when I found myself volunteering to be the puppeteer for Sally Songs, our preschool music and movement group. We help on some Sundays at the Bible class, which Jim runs at the Croft Community care home. David is the storyteller and I am his ‘beautiful assistant’ with the pictures.

So many things that have happened in our lives are not coincidence but directed by God. While not natural evangelists, people seem drawn to us and like to chat –my blue hair is often a talking point – which is encouraging. My faith has taken me out of my comfort zone. Without it, I would not have the feeling of belonging we have now.

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

I am naturally quiet and like to stay in the background, so I was nervous when we were asked to host a home Bible study group. We have a lovely group of ‘newbies’ like us and lifelong Salvationists and

aviour. We then s, s to every we have, equence ng and like to d, so I was e to o udy f ‘newbies’ like onists and

The Army’s private eyes

Following the International Day of Families (15 May), George Tanton explores

the origins of the Army’s Family Tracing Service

SINCE 1990, the Family Tracing Service has provided reconciliation and closure for many people estranged from loved ones. This important work stretches back to the Army’s early days.

The modern-day service has its origins in 1882, when William Booth recognised the need to reunite families separated by the socio-economic upheavals of the late 19th century. In February 1882, the first announcement for a missing boy appeared in the War Cry

In July 1885, when the Army was campaigning against child prostitution, William Booth announced that a House of Help and Enquiry was to be established to assist in finding girls trapped in the sex trade. Recognising the need for this service, that same year Florence Booth took command of the investigative bureau at 259 Mare Street, Hackney, which became known as Mrs Booth’s Enquiry Bureau.

Shortly after, offices were established in the USA, Canada and Australia. In 1888, under the leadership of a professional detective called Clifford Harland, the bureau’s work expanded. Lines of enquiry were pursued to locate relatives and next of kin, including absent fathers, ‘deserted’ wives, kidnapped children, economic workers separated from their families and emigrants who had seemingly become lost in Britain’s vast colonial empire.

renamed the International Investigation Department, owing to the global scope of its work. Due to the worldwide reach of the Army, the bureau could call upon the services of officers to act as its agents in distant and remote parts of the world. An enquiry in London about a missing son who had run away to the merchant navy, for example, could theoretically be answered by the bureau’s network in Hong Kong!

Henry Rider Haggard commented on this phenomenon in 1910’s Regeneration: Being an Account of the Social Work of The Salvation Army in Great Britain: ‘A large percentage of individuals sought for are discovered, alive or dead, for in such work The Salvation Army has advantages denied to any other body, scarcely excepting the police. Its representatives are everywhere, and to whatever land they may belong or whatever tongue they may speak, all of them obey an order sent out from Headquarters wholeheartedly and uninfluenced by question of reward.’

In 1897, Percy L Parker described the bureau in The Young Man as putting to shame the finest detectives of the Metropolitan Police: ‘The average of finds is very large – one in three. Scotland Yard – which is supposed to be the best detective agency in the world –only averages one in ten.’

Around 1900, the bureau was

Indeed, by the turn of the century, the bureau was a fully operational and well-oiled machine. In 1903, the Daily Malta Chronicle reported: ‘It is a busy throng one sees at the Headquarters of the Salvation Army detectives. Smart, keen, alert officers are writing, pigeonholes present a well-filled appearance, typewriters are clicking, and throngs of enquirers keep the staff busy.’

During the First World War, another missing persons arm was added to the Army’s repertoire of services. Formed in 1915, the Strangers’ Bureau was created to assist families of servicemen who were missing owing to the war. The Social Gazette in March 1915 explained this new branch would ‘assist in getting news of friends and relatives … whether

in England, Germany or other countries’. The bureau sent its agents out to field hospitals, prisoner of war camps and battlefield cemeteries to attain the whereabouts or fate of missing servicemen.

Through the 20th century, the bureau continued to assist missing and vulnerable people. From 1926, there was a Reconciliation Bureau at International Headquarters, which continued until at least 1942. The work was formally incorporated into the Army’s wider social work in the early 1950s. In 1987, the bureau existed as the Social Services Investigation Department (Missing Persons Inquiries) before, in 1990, becoming the Family Tracing Service. Today, reconciliation is part of this territory’s mission priorities, and family tracing remains a powerful way the Army puts faith into action.

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

The Holy Spirit

Major Matt Butler invites us to receive and discover God’s amazing gift for each believer

ACTS 2:1–21

WHAT was the last thing you received? Was it expected or unexpected? We may remember waiting for our birthdays as children, wondering what we might receive and who it is from.

Our study passage takes us to Acts. Still in grief and bewilderment, the disciples are gathered in fearful obedience in Jerusalem. It has been 50 days since Jesus’ death and resurrection. During that time, their initial grief has been countered by their encounters with Jesus, who spoke peace, power and purpose over them.

Their time of waiting concludes at Pentecost with the birth of the Church. What the believers receive exceeds their expectations. They can speak other languages and boldly share the good news as they address crowds. By receiving, they are emboldened.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Think of a time when what you received exceeded your expectations.

Think of a time when you received something less than or different from what you expected.

Do our expectations depend upon who the giver is?

Jesus tells us that God will send the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26). Scripture tells us that God is a good giver (see Matthew 7:9–11 and Philippians 4:19). Therefore, the gift of the Holy Spirit is a

good gift. It is not something to be afraid of, or something we should feel unable to receive.

We can believe that the Holy Spirit is real and for us, as it was promised. Luke, the writer of Acts, records how Peter makes it clear that what happens to the disciples in front of the cosmopolitan crowd was prophesied long ago. He reminds us that the prophet Joel had said this would happen (see Joel 2:28–32). John the Baptist also spoke about one who would come and ‘baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire’ (Luke 3:16).

When do we receive the Holy Spirit? In Acts 2, we find God’s perfect timing. The disciples are together. They are in need of something beyond themselves. The city is full of people from throughout the Jewish world, so the message could be taken far and wide.

Have you ever been asked if you have received, or been baptised in, the Holy Spirit? There can be a danger that we think this happens at some point after our salvation – once we have sorted a few things out, or attended church long enough, or are holy or worthy enough. However, the Bible teaches us that coming to faith and receiving the Holy Spirit are not two separate events. We are taught that without the Holy Spirit we don’t belong to Christ (see Romans 8:9) and that ‘when you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit’ (Ephesians 1:13).

In addition, receiving the Holy Spirit is not just a once-for-all-time offer. Throughout our lives, we can continually receive a fresh infilling of the Holy Spirit – we just need to ask.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Have you ever felt ‘holy’ enough to receive the Holy Spirit?

When did you last ask to receive the Holy Spirit?

What examples do you have of God’s perfect timing in receiving the Holy Spirit?

The events of Acts 2 and beyond, and the testimony of believers to this day, highlight that receiving the Holy Spirit leads to transformation. Pentecost is recorded in Acts 2, but the whole of this book could be named ‘The Acts of the Holy Spirit’ as it captures the early Church being led and shaped by the Holy Spirit.

We recognise that the Holy Spirit has the ability to change lives. Peter is transformed from someone who denies knowing Jesus three times to being a bold leader. Saul is transformed from an ardent persecutor of early Christians to Paul, a messenger of Jesus.

We also see healings in Acts 3:1–8, noticeable generosity in Acts 4:32, Gentiles finding salvation in Jesus and receiving the Holy Spirit in Acts 10:44, and miracles such as the prison break in Acts 16:25 and 26. Through an initial small group of scared believers, who are transformed by receiving the Holy Spirit, churches are planted in multiple towns and cities across the surrounding region and countries.

We can be overwhelmed by the dramatic events of the Holy Spirit at work, as outlined above, and think that they are not for us. However, through our 20 years

in ministry as officers, my wife, Sarah, and I can testify to the impact of individuals receiving the Holy Spirit – physical acts in worship, tongues spoken in praise and prayer, healing, receiving peace in a moment of distress, a sense of calling, reconciliation and forgiveness, recovery from addiction. I could go on.

Once received, the Holy Spirit desires to be used. Think back to Christmases and birthdays gone by. How many gifts have you used well? How many remain in a drawer unused? A bit like a muscle, the more we allow him freedom to work, the stronger we get in recognising God working in and through us. We then experience more of him as Comforter, Counsellor and Advocate, and know the peace he brings. We become bolder in being witnesses just as Jesus promised in Acts 1:8. We become more attuned to his promptings. We become more aware of our own spiritual rebirth and transformation into Christlikeness.

This Pentecost, I pray that you will know what it is to ask and receive the Holy Spirit.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Where do you see the work of the Holy Spirit in your corps?

How might your corps look if every believer asked for a fresh outpouring of the Spirit?

MAJOR MATT BUTLER Corps Officer Bognor Regis

As of January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship

SATURDAY 18 MAY: CARE FOR CREATION – ECO CHURCH

Whether it is through A Rocha UK, Eco-Congregation Scotland or Eco Church Ireland, pray that more and more of our Salvation Army corps and centres will give serious thought to what it means to be an ‘eco church’ and will make the changes they need to make across the UKI Territory.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

SUNDAY 19 MAY: SABBATH PRAYER – PENTECOST

Today is often called the birthday of the Church. With great joy we celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit who filled the disciples with power and boldness to declare the gospel of Jesus Christ. God, we recognise on this day that you keep your promises to your people! May the flame of your Holy Spirit be kindled in our lives today.

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

MONDAY 20 MAY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS –CENTRAL, SOUTHERN AND CHANNEL ISLANDS DIVISION

One of our key initiatives as a division is to help local mission flourish by developing and investing in godly, spiritual, capable leaders. Pray for us as we partner God in discovering how best to implement this initiative.

by Major Mike Lloyd-Jones (Divisional Commander)

TUESDAY 21 MAY: SERVING AND CARING – YORKSHIRE AND HUMBER DIVISION

The division continues to reimagine its structure. The current reality is that a third of its corps are without officer leadership and rely heavily on the willingness and availability of leaders in other roles. Some of these leaders are travelling many miles to support these places. One of our strategies is to release people to work to their strengths across multiple corps, which enables local expressions to maximise their opportunities for ministry. Pray for continued vision and wisdom for all involved in sharing the gospel across our division.

by Major Alec Still (Assistant Divisional Commander)

WEDNESDAY 22 MAY: GROWING IN FAITH – GRADUATION DAY

On this day of celebration for those who have completed diplomas and degree courses, we pray that they will know the joy of a job well done, and that, in the midst of the relief and release, they will see the many ways in which God has worked in their lives throughout their period of study.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

THURSDAY 23 MAY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – RWANDA AND BURUNDI TERRITORY

Pray for Territorial Commander Lieut-Colonel Jean Laurore Clenat, Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Lieut-Colonel Elianise Clenat, Chief Secretary Major Emmanuel Ndagijimana, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Major Dancille Ndagijimana. As Salvationists sow love, joy and peace in Rwanda and Burundi, may their hearts be filled with the joyful knowledge that God delights in them.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

FRIDAY 24 MAY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – WALES 150

Pray for this milestone 150th year of The Salvation Army in Wales. Pray that each corps and centre around the nation will reach out to their community in a way that will best connect, sharing the good news of the transforming power of Christ.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.

A visible presence

Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant reminds us that telling The Salvation Army’s story needs all of us

I’VE been around The Salvation Army all my life. Down the years I’ve often heard comments such as: ‘People don’t know the Army is a church’; ‘Why don’t we see the Army on the streets much these days?’ As Ecclesiastes 1:9 puts it: ‘There is nothing new under the sun.’ Commissioner Samuel Brengle admitted in the 1930s that questions and doubts about the future of the Army are as old as the Army itself. Salvationists are easily tempted to express such ungodly fears. We must always remember we are part of God’s Army – it is not ours.

Having said that, there’s no room for complacency. We live in a rapidly changing world. The Army’s survived, and thrived, when it’s been agile and adaptable while remaining faithful to the gospel. To do this in the future, we must live out our identity, vision, mission priorities and values in ways that honour God and build relationships. In other words, people will only know about the Army when Salvation Army people share our message with authenticity and credibility.

I’m responsible, as secretary for

communications, for more than 150 people dedicated to telling the Army’s story. Our territory is blessed to have an amazing professional team who are passionate, innovative and creative. Collectively we are responsible for raising more than £120 million every year, as well as resourcing the territory with three papers each week (Salvationist, Kids Alive!, War Cry), two websites (salvationarmy.org.uk and salvationist. org.uk), territorial social media channels, an intranet (OurHub) for staff and volunteers, Salvationist Radio, book publications, public affairs resources and support, public relations and reputation management, ecumenical and interfaith relationship support, records management and the International Heritage Centre. Telling the Army’s story is our passion and priority.

Compared to UK charities of similar size, the THQ communications team is small. We are trying to tell our story and raise money for local mission delivery in a competitive environment. The Army has the lowest fundraising costs of any of the large charities. Many charities spend

twice or three times as much.

Ensuring the Army is better known and trusted therefore cannot be left to the Communications Service alone. The Army’s greatest marketing resource is not THQ – it is you!

People give to territorial appeals because we are visible and active in their community. I had the privilege of sitting next to Ken Clarke at a lunch just before he stood down as an MP at the 2019 general election. As a Nottingham MP, he knew a lot about the Army in his hometown, but was surprised when I told him our annual financial turnover. His knowledge of the Army was focused locally. I think that’s OK – the Army is essentially a local church and charity.

The public continue to have amazing trust in us, but we are far better known by people over 80 years old than those under 40. It dawned on me recently that the Army’s local marketing strategy has changed radically.

Twenty years ago, more than 55,000 War Cry and 22,000 Kids Alive! were printed each week, with Salvationists out on the streets and in pubs selling them.

SATCoL Donation Centre, Chesterfield

Now, less than 20,000 War Cry and 7,000 Kids Alive! are printed each week. Fewer Salvationists are out selling papers and getting to know the public.

Thirty years ago, house-to-house collecting for the Annual Appeal in February raised just under £3 million. Last year, house-to-house collecting raised £60,000 – although the Big Collection raised much more than that through different fundraising methods. Salvationists are not being seen as regularly on their neighbours’ doorsteps.

Fewer corps now hold regular open-air meetings. Bands playing on the street at Christmas have declined in number and frequency.

To some extent, we must accept times have changed. However, with fewer Salvationists visible in their communities, we need ways to tell our story locally. Every corps, Lifehouse, older people’s service and charity shop need to find ways to connect with their communities.

The digital team in the Communications Service has grown significantly in recent years and is keen to help every corps and centre have an effective, engaging digital presence.

BOLDNESS COMPASSION P NOISSA TCEPSER YTIRGETNI LAUTUM A C C OUNTABILITY

This article demonstrates The Salvation Army’s key value of boldness.

For more, visit salvationist. org.uk/ our-values or scan the QR code.

into action. They also give opportunities to build relationships with people who need our help as well as people who want to help their community through us.

A few corps and centres have invested in their external appearance. SATCoL has done a brilliant job of this. However, we have more than 1,000 Salvation Army locations across the territory. Each one is an opportunity to present the Army’s message with attractive, engaging signage. We are not a tired, old-fashioned organisation, so why allow our buildings to give that impression?

The Army’s reputation in many communities has been strengthened through programmes such as Employment Plus, debt counselling and food banks. These show the Army is a trusted, relevant, effective church that puts belief

So, here’s my challenge to each of you. The Communications Service at THQ will continue to do all it can to find new ways to share the gospel, tell the Army’s story nationally and raise much-needed funds for local mission delivery. Locally, how can your corps or centre increase its visibility? What are you doing to make sure people in your community know the Army? If you think we can help, please email communicationsserviceleadership@ salvationarmy.org.uk and one of the team will get back to you.

Of course, we’ve already adapted in some places. Thirty years ago, the internet was unknown. Now, many corps and centres have a digital presence. That is extremely important. ‘Find my local Salvation Army’ is one of the most visited pages on salvationarmy.org.uk n. Now, many corps and e

my’ is one of the most visited vationarmy.org.uk

As Commissioner Denis Hunter used to say, ‘If it’s not happening where you are, it’s not happening!’

its not happenin

LIEUT-COLONEL DEAN PALLANT Secretary for Communications THQ

Building faith-based relationships

Lyn Woods talks to Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe about sharing the good news in today’s society

SHARING the good news is one of The Salvation Army’s mission priorities in this territory. Gone are the days of William Booth’s era when the nation was more aware of the gospel, when people were more open to hearing and receiving the life-changing word of God on the street. That is not necessarily the situation today.

How can we fulfil the great commission to make disciples of all nations? How can we confidently share the good news of Jesus Christ on our front lines? Secretary for Mission LieutColonel Drew McCombe shares his thoughts on contemporary evangelism and how to empower, enable and equip Salvationists.

The world has changed since the days of traditional outreach. How do we share the gospel today? For me, it’s understanding the difference between the essence and method of the gospel. The essence of the gospel, its message, doesn’t change. We must be intentional and proactive about sharing it. However, the method by which we share it adapts and changes with every

Ways to live out the good news

Take an intentional interest in others.

Provide practical or emotional support to someone in need.

Invite someone to go with you to an activity at your corps.

Talk to them about the gospel.

Pray for specific people to come to know God – it works!

generation. Research from the Barna Group suggests that the most effective method today is through relationships.

Our Salvation Army buildings are a form of Christian presence and a starting point for all who enter them to build relationships. Open-air evangelism, for example, is presence and proclamation evangelism. In the Army’s early days that was particularly successful because when we went out into the streets, we were talking about something that people understood. People were much more familiar with the gospel story. It was taught at home and in schools as well as in churches. Today, that has lessened. The majority of people are starting much further back in a journey to faith than they once were. Our community work, providing assistance and being there for people in need, is one way of engaging them where they’re at.

How can we build faith relationships on the front line?

By equipping our people to build relationships to such a point where we can speak the gospel. Unless we build those intentionally, what we’ll end up with is almost a consumer approach from the people we support. By taking a genuine interest in the people we engage with in our daily activities and corps programmes, that leads to opportunities to proclaim the gospel and persuade people that its message of salvation is for them also.

Blaise Pascal said that we should be the gospel, we should be the good news that provokes those questions in people. Why are these people different? Why are these people doing what they’re doing? You can then build on that with the gospel. It’s understanding how you take people on the journey of faith. It’s things like bringing the individual to God in prayer. If you’re authentically building your relationship with them, that will provoke questions and asking for more prayer.

Is there a fear or lack of confidence when it comes to sharing the gospel?

I think people perhaps don’t feel they know how to do it and we need to strengthen that understanding. Bishop Graham Cray said that the best way to do evangelism is discipleship. The starting point is with our own people. Our church members need to be discipled and equipped with confidence in the gospel they believe and profess, so that we’re much more intentional about evangelism and being the people of God.

How can we encourage people to be more confident?

In our preaching and through our Bible studies and prayers. If people feel they’re lacking the necessary empowerment or the equipment, corps can put in place ways for people to go on the journey of different steps towards faith, such as a discipleship course. Things like the Alpha course, Christianity Explored, the Y Course and the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity’s (LICC) whole-life discipleship course. There is also value in inviting other people to be part of something like the Alpha course. That could be one way in which we encourage Salvationists to be more confident in sharing the gospel.

How do people come to faith today?

Salvationist looked at the 300-plus new commitments published in the past 14 months to discover some of the factors most frequently mentioned in the faith journeys of people who hadn’t necessarily grown up in a corps or weren’t already connected to the Army. This is not comprehensive and the reports analysed do not take into account people who have not made a formal commitment but are valued, active and loved members of our church family. If you would like to share your testimony, email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk – we’d love to hear your faith journey!

How does an individual know where their front line is?

Part of the LICC course does ask: ‘What is your front line?’ It’s as if the second and third generation of people who come to faith do not necessarily have relationships with people who don’t have any faith, because they spend most of their time coming to church and being involved in church activities. I would encourage joining the local tennis club, or whatever your interest is, so that you can be the salt and light, you can be the good news in that environment and build those relationships to the point where you can then share the gospel.

As part of the LICC course, they have a practice called This Time Tomorrow or TTT, where, for example in a Sunday service at 11am, church members are asked what they will be doing at this time tomorrow. That usually identifies their place of school, university, home or workplace and gets them to speak about that. Then the whole congregation pray for them, as this time tomorrow that’s where they’re going to be, that’s going to be their front line.

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

14% of the reports mentioned that people’s first step was simply being invited to a meeting or activity

14% of the reports specifically mentioned the warm welcome people had received at the corps

12% of the reports highlighted how people became connected through clubs and groups, including coffee mornings and study courses

10% of the reports mentioned how people searching had found a sense of belonging or their spiritual home

8% of the reports mentioned the support shown to people by corps members

5% of the reports mentioned volunteering as a key step in connecting with a corps

4% of the reports mentioned local outreach, for example a herald selling Kids Alive! or the War Cry

Storytelling together

CONNECTED, the Pioneering Gathering 2024, was a weekend of sharing stories of how God is working, reports Major Ruth Gray (Ilford)

When stories of deep encounters with Jesus are shared, we see and experience transformation. The phrase ‘a picture paints a thousand words’ is used often but, when you catch a glimpse of the picture, you experience so much more than a thousand words could describe. As you listen to a story, you become part of that story and then the story changes and grows and evolves. Suddenly there is connection, cohesiveness and challenge as the Holy Spirit changes the storyteller and the listener.

During the weekend, we were blessed to be given the beautiful space of the venue to encounter and connect with God and each other. It was a gift that revealed more of who God is and how he is working in the lives and communities of the delegates, who represented a connected global community.

The speakers – Mark Berry, the Rev Cham Kaur-Mann, the Rev Dr Kate Coleman, Rich Robinson and Cath Livesey – shared insights that spoke deeply into our lives. In the opening evening, based around the theme Disrupted Disruptors, the Rev Kate brought a challenge: ‘Can these bones live? Yes, they can when the disruptors disrupt by God’s grace.’

Five sessions followed the themes Pioneering Spirit, Discerning the Spirit, Prophetic Spirit, Pioneering Leadership, and Leading Team Through the Lens of APEST (Apostle, Prophet, Evangelist, Shepherd, Teacher). These brought rich teaching, connectedness and lightbulb moments as experts taught and we learnt together as a connected community.

Michael Alford, territorial community engagement lead, Rob Moye, sports mission specialist, and Territorial Director of Community Services Tony Daniels led worship, bringing us into the presence of Jesus. Assistant Territorial Director of Community Services Gill Bedford prayed for the delegates and shared pictures that God spoke into the conference.

Stories from local expressions gave glimpses of the work of God in today’s Salvation Army. From living faith out in Feltham, St Ives, Hadleigh Farm, Sheerness, Denmark and Australia, the diversity of stories was vast. The connectedness of it all was evident as glimpses of individual encounters with Jesus, community transformation and new communities of faith coming to life were discussed and shared with attendees.

The after-hours buzz in the lounge was intense and the conversations continued into the early hours as people shared, ate and prayed together. It was a time of deep connection with God

and each other. Relationships were created and grounded in who we are in God, with one worship song repeatedly reminding us that we are children of a King and Jesus connects us.

On Saturday evening, deep stories of how others had found Jesus were shared and life was truly lived out and shared together in a deep, inspiring, life-changing way. Major Caroline Heward (Yorkshire and Humber DHQ) opened God’s word on Sunday morning, speaking around Acts 2 and the community of believers, bringing us back to the truth of who we are in community and how we are called to share life in our local contexts.

As the final worship finished, people left tired but thankful that they had been part of the Connected gathering. God spoke, ministry happened, lives were changed, fun was had, sweets were eaten and new relationships were formed. It was good, but good is only really ‘good’ if the impact is felt in the days and weeks that follow.

There is a message from this gathering that everyone needs to hear. My attempt to sum it up is this: your ordinary stories are extraordinary, and someone needs to hear them. Not because of us, but because of Jesus. Be connected!

• For more information on pioneering and fresh expressions, go to salvationist.org.uk/pioneeringandfx

UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

Music with meaning

NORTHAMPTON

WITH quickened pulse I entered the doors of the King’s Park Conference Centre as a first-time delegate of the Easter Music Course, writes Andrea Porter (Oakengates)

Many questions passed through my mind. Would I be a good enough musician? Would I fit in? Would I know anyone there?

From perusing the itinerary, I instantly became aware that the course would itself become a musical composition.

The rhythm of activities such as singing, banding, Bible study and fellowship would form the motif, centred on the theme Go Back to the Old Wells.

Bible study helped to develop the theme, accented by laughter, friendship, blessings and shared meals.

The tempo of the week pulsed through the activities, as the rallentando of relaxation in quiz night and leisure time was punctuated by the occasional staccatos as a baritone player’s chair threatened to collapse!

The ad lib opportunities of the talent night, Dance Fit and timbrels led to self-expression, while the adagio of mealtimes blessed our bodies.

Everything enriched and developed the week’s theme as the composition took form.

Music leaders gave technical teaching to help us improve our singing and playing, but more than just to improve our performance or aim for perfection; we were led to a greater understanding of the soul and meaning of the music.

‘Encouragement’ and ‘reassurance’ were two buzzwords to help us improve our skills as musicians, and also to grow as Christians and effective witnesses to glorify God through our music and words.

• Easter Music Course is a week of music, Bible study, fun and fellowship for Salvationists and friends of The Salvation Army aged 30 or over. Interested in attending in 2025? For more information, email music@salvationarmy.org.uk

Time to reflect

Easter Music Course was significant, as it allowed real space to be still, writes Corps Sergeant-Major Jon Harris (Forest of Dean). To help you understand the depth of its impact, we need to start back in 2023 at my first Easter Music Course, in its ‘quiet afternoons’ when we were able to sketch, draw and take time to reflect.

The end result for me was a clear picture and vision for our corps. I’m not an artist but this time spent away with music, with God and with great friends provided a perfect window for God to reveal this garden picture to me.

The picture depicts many aspects of ministry in the Forest of Dean, and critical themes of love, unconditional acceptance, inclusion and openness of church. It speaks of offering refuge and protection but

also practical support. mentoring and building people up to be stronger, confident and knowing their worth and value.

At this year’s course, the Bible study and theme was around revisiting old wells and reconsidering the stories of Jesus’ encounters in a new light. The well in my picture is significant, as from this constant flow of water, we see the patchwork blanket where people find they belong, affirming that same vision I had one year on.

I shared the image with the corps the week after last year’s course, and we have kept revisiting it, looking for new ways to support our community with a pioneering spirit and drive.

At Easter Music Course 2024, I shared the picture and story behind this profound encounter with God and the exciting journey that has continued since. I have made lifelong friends through this special week and I have enjoyed all the music-making but, for two years running, this week has given me the space to breathe, be still and be inspired.

It will be great to see new faces at Easter Music Course in 2025, but in the meantime, what is God’s picture for your corps and community?

Portsmouth Citadel Growing God’s Kingdom

Sharing the good news

I’m approaching the end of my first year as the corps officer at Portsmouth Citadel. Historically this has been a traditional corps, but we are seeing many new folks joining us via our community outreach programme, led by our community centre manager, Rob Warburton.

When I arrived, Rob told me there were hundreds of people coming through our building every week. Our corps mission priorities are sharing the good news and making disciples through spiritual and practical support.

We are seeking to serve our community and discern how we can best meet their needs, while sharing the gospel and not hiding who we are. We don’t want to be just a community centre that’s doing good things, because there are lots of local community centres doing good things. We need to be different – and it’s our faith that makes us different.

Intentional invitations

There must be a real intentionality to share the gospel and to seek God. The

Fast Facts

DIVISION: Central, Southern and Channel Islands

CORPS OFFICER: Captain Sarah Ilsters

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ PortsmouthSA

more intentional you are, the more you’ll see the movement of the Holy Spirit in people’s lives.

Rob is great at personally inviting people who are working or volunteering in the building and developing good relationships. If we don’t take the opportunity to talk about Jesus, people never get to the real deal that will impact their life most – Jesus!

Attending Alpha

Somebody gave me a booklet called Try Praying and I thought it would be good to use with the parent-and-toddler group – to share a thought and a chat at each session. This led to some of the parents wanting to attend an Alpha course.

Our Alpha courses restarted in autumn 2022. At the time, Rob felt that God was saying this was something we ought to be doing. There was interest, which was confirmation from God it was the right thing to do.

We are currently running courses three and four with nine parents from our parent-and-toddler group attending our daytime session and eight people at our evening session. We always eat together. Attendees receive a booklet titled Why Am I Here? and one of the videos focuses on reading the Bible. We’ve been able to give Bibles to people who haven’t had

one before, including people coming in from the streets and asking for them.

Breaking down barriers

Rob heard God saying ‘take the wall of the church down’. Although we can’t physically do that, we regularly take God out to the streets by standing outside and offering free refreshments, Christian material and prayer at key times of the year.

A lot of people frequently pass the building. They’re our community and we’re getting to know them. By taking that wall down, we’re engaging with our community. It’s positive to see relationships developing, and not just on Sundays.

I really believe we’re going to see a lot more people coming to faith. If you’re willing to put Jesus first, and do all you can to promote his Kingdom, it will grow naturally, because that’s what God wants to happen.

People can feel more isolated and alienated today. If you’re ready to be real with them, walk with them and be Jesus to them, they will be interested in who Jesus is.

Everything we do is underpinned by prayer, so join us in praying for people to come to faith and grow in faith. The more people experience God in their lives, the more they will enter into the life God intends for them. How exciting is that!

Easter with the territorial leaders

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD

NO fewer than 10 events took place during Holy Week. Messy Church, following a Palm Sunday service, welcomed 68 children and adults. On Tuesday, the songsters hosted an evening of music and reflection, and Maundy Thursday included a night of meditation with prayer stations.

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main led a morning and evening service on Good Friday. Saturday included a walk, coffee fellowship and An Evening with the Commissioners, giving insight into their busy lives, journeys with God and their roles.

Easter Day was the perfect crescendo to Holy Week preparations. The day began with the commissioners joining the band in their ministry to staff and patients at Sunderland Royal Hospital, before returning to the hall for the service. The day was made even more special with Commissioner Paul enrolling three junior soldiers and a junior musician.

Commissioners Jenine and Paul are pictured with Alfie. – HD

CHATTERIS Members of a local school’s drama group did not have enough time to go home between the end of school and their production of Bugsy Malone. A junior soldier, who was in the cast, helped arrange for the corps to host roughly 40 of the students for the two evenings, providing space to relax and have something to eat. – IT

OUTREACH

YORK Charlie Malarkey, service manager at the York Early Intervention and Prevention Outreach Service, has been running free boxing and exercise classes to support people experiencing homelessness. The sessions have now opened up to anyone due to high demand. They are supported by Chocolate and Co, a local non-profit organisation and café that helps vulnerable people get into work. – AR

MUSIC

International Staff Bandsman Matthew Frost (Birmingham Citadel) led a band workshop. The evening was much more than just making a good sound, as Matthew gave tips to build togetherness as musicians and Christians. – EW

OUTREACH

An ecumenical open-air

corps officer

TEDDINGTON

SHERINGHAM

meeting, led by

Major Janet Bishop, attracted a large crowd of residents and holidaymakers in the town centre. – MG

Global gathering encourages communication

GHANA

ABOUT 250 people travelled to Accra for the Fourth Global Gathering of the Global Christian Forum (GCF), which included a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the GCF. Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations Commissioner Jane Paone (IHQ), Colonel Alfred Banda (Zambia Territory) and Dr Petra Brooke (Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory) attended to represent The Salvation Army.

The GCF operates as a space for dialogue, collaboration and mutual understanding among Christians from various backgrounds, bringing together diverse Christian traditions and denominations worldwide.

The theme – That the World May Know – reminded delegates that unity is not the end goal of the High Priestly Prayer. In a fractured world, Christians are living witnesses that opposites can attract. Those looking on become curious to know more about the One who reconciles.

For the first time, a two-day GCF youth gathering was held, before the younger participants joined the main GCF.

Sacred space was carefully created to share faith stories in small groups around tables in an atmosphere of mutual respect. As well as Bible studies, sermons and worship, prayers of lament and reconciliation were offered during a visit to a Cape Coast slave trade castle. The Rev Merlyn Riley challenged those gathered to act with integrity, aware that one day each person will be called to give an account to God.

A greeting from General Lyndon Buckingham to GCF Secretary the Rev Dr Casely Essamuah and all gathered was read on the final day. Sent into the world, the Army delegates, as part of the body of Christ, were conscious of the risen Christ in each encounter and witnessed his love without discrimination. – JP

COMMUNITY

HILL Deputy town mayor Councillor Tofojjul Hussain opened the new corps community café. As well as selling a selection of drinks and light snacks, the café will host free medical checks offered by

MUSIC

LEEK A visit from the International Staff Songsters began on Saturday with a workshop, before a festival full of contemplative and lively music, including a performance of ‘He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands’ from the workshop group. The ISS also led Sunday morning worship, supported by the band, songsters and young people before an afternoon festival concluded the blessed weekend. – RJ

COMMUNITY

celebrated the Regency era with song, costume and fun. For many members, The Salvation Army is their church. They meet for fellowship and share their hopes and fears in a safe and caring environment. Some are adept at making their costumes, some have something saved just in case and others make good use of the Care and Share Shop. Corps officer Major Susan Robinson and Community Manager Peter Jeffries ensure that coming to the Army is something to celebrate and remember. – PR

FUNDRAISING

LEADGATE Adherent Liz Bailey hosted a themed coffee morning with her motorcycle group the Biking Vikings North East. The motorcycle-riding group, who dress up as vikings, bring joy and happiness to the community while raising money for a good cause. The event raised raised £400 for Brain Tumour Research. The fun day included dressing up, cake stalls and axe throwing. – AR

BURGESS

Nuffield Health. – AR

NORWICH MILE CROSS The Luncheon Club

RONA Gibbins and Nathan Staniforth were welcomed as adherents by corps officers Majors Julia and Robert Jepson on Easter Day. Rona and Nathan came to the corps on Remembrance Sunday in 2022 and have been regularly attending since, including attending a corps Alpha course. Rona has renewed and affirmed her faith in Jesus, and Nathan has become a Christian, finding faith in Jesus through journeying with the Army over the past year. Their celebration ceremony was a great encouragement to the corps. – RJ

EDINBURGH CITY

Wilson was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Captains David and Jennifer Gosling on Palm Sunday. It was a delight to witness Hannah take the next step of faith in her spiritual journey. She testified to the influence and input of family and friends as she has grown up, and how this –along with a God moment at Territorial Music School last year – led her to want to make these promises. Hannah was supported by family and friends who came to witness her special day. – JG

CATHERINE Spurling was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Emma Heal on Easter Day. Catherine spoke of her childhood at Diss Corps and growing up in a Salvationist family. As an adult, she drifted away from the Army and, when the family moved to Scotland, did not join her parents, Arthur and Patricia, in regular worship but still considered herself a Salvationist. Catherine’s mother was promoted to Glory at the end of last year. Catherine recalled a special prayer the family shared with the corps officer, who asked the Lord to put his loving arms around the family to comfort and support them in their sad loss. It was at that moment she felt God’s presence and his love and knew that it was time to return home to the corps and to the Army. Catherine and Captain Emma are pictured with Catherine’s father and corps officer Captain Les Heal. – EH

CAROL Perry was enrolled as a soldier on Easter Day by corps officer Major Nigel Byrne. She became an adherent six months ago and felt the Lord leading her to become a soldier. Having looked for the right church for some time, Carol testified to feeling she had ‘come home’ when she started attending the Army. – NB

Fawn, Hazel Sheen, Mary Beck and Jill Harris were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Major Emanuele Carpagnano on Easter Day. Clive has attended the corps for some time, while Hazel, Mary and Jill joined recently through Tables!, the corps community group and at the invitation of friends. Jill heard from the Lord that she should go along to the Army. She knew she would stay from her very first visit. We give God the glory for these four new members. Also pictured is Liz Carpagnano – LC

KILMARNOCK

NEWTON ABBOT

RINGWOOD

CLIVE

HANNAH

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

International appointments

The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff

Effective 1 July

MAJORS GURNAM MASIH AND RAZIA GURNAM, officers of the India Northern Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, India South Western Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel

Appointed

Effective 12 July

MAJOR MELANIE SMITH, Regional Leader (Latvia), Sweden and Latvia Territory

MAJOR STEVEN SMITH, Regional Leader (Latvia), Sweden and Latvia Territory

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

COLONELS JOHN AND RUTH FLETT on 23 May

LIEUT-COLONELS JOHN AND MARTHA HALL on 23 May

ANN AND BRIAN MORGAN, Leighton Buzzard, on 30 May

Dedicated to God

ÉOWYN FAITH BROWN, daughter of Fiona and Scott Brown, at Bolton Citadel by Major Sue Betts

OLIVIA JOY LORRAINE BISHOP, daughter of Elaina and Sam Bishop, at Hereford by Major Pamela Johnson

Promoted to Glory

MARGARET LAWSON, Hereford, from Holmer Manor care home

RETIRED BANDMASTER HARRY FARR , Boscombe, on 23 February

MAJOR MARGARET MORGAN from Four Hills care home, Glasgow, on 6 May

MAJOR MARY BULLOCK from her home on 7 May

Bereaved

ANNE SOMERS, Hereford, of her mother Margaret Lawson

RICHARD BULLOCK , Hucknall, of his sister Major Mary Bullock

ENGAGEMENTS

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Mon 27 May – Mon 3 Jun Indonesia Territory

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

Sun 19 May Derby Central

Wed 22 May THQ (Procurement Supplier Conference)

Wed 22 May – Thu 23 May Salvation Army Homes Board of Directors*

Thu 23 May William Booth College (Graduation Ceremony)**

Tue 28 May – Fri 31 May Warwick (Territorial Leaders’ Conference)

Fri 31 May – Sun 2 Jun Warwick (Riverbank Women’s Conference)**

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader

Development Colonel Julie Forrest

Thu 23 May William Booth College (Graduation Day)

Tue 28 May – Fri 31 May Warwick (Territorial Leaders’ Conference)

Fri 31 May – Sun 2 Jun Warwick (Riverbank Women’s Conference)***

* Commissioner Paul Main only

** Commissioner Jenine Main only

*** Colonel Julie Forrest only

NOTICES

Interfaith

Week: Stay in touch

To keep in touch with plans for Interfaith Week (10–17 November) now the UK’s Interfaith Network has closed, please register your details with the Faith and Belief Forum at tinyurl. com/interfaithweekregister. Scottish Interfaith Week continues to be led by Interfaith Scotland.

Living Well Together Webinar: Same-Sex Relationships and The Salvation Army

Register for the latest webinar from the Moral and Social Issues Council, taking place at 7.30pm on 20 May. This panel conversation will seek to help Salvationists in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory think about how we can live with differing theological perspectives on same-sex relationships. Find out more and register at salvationist.org.uk/living-well-together

Website survey: Help improve your salvationist.org.uk experience

Please take five minutes to share your thoughts so that the salvationist.org.uk team can understand your needs and interests better. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and will help inform the development of the website. Please share the survey with friends and family, as well as with corps members via announcements and newsletters. Visit salvationist.org.uk/survey If you have any questions, please contact salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill leads Sunday Worship for Pentecost. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Me and My Playlist

This Salvationist Radio show sees a young person linked to The Salvation Army share five tracks they love. Listen to the podcast and Spotify playlist.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts

GLOUCESTER

PAUL Garwood was recognised for his many years of faithful service to the band. His retirement does not mean he will be taking it easy as he continues to assist evening minibus runs around the city, helping people who are in need or experiencing homelessness with food and donated goods. Paul will also be visiting corps to lead meetings. He is pictured with Bandmaster Phil Webb and corps officer Major Gareth Heward. – AB

CORPS officer Lieutenant Susan Shorland-Compton felt privileged to receive a community award from town mayor Councillor Anita Jones, for all that the corps contributes to the community, particularly via the food bank. Lieutenant Sue said: ‘It’s always encouraging to know that what we do, week in and week out, is appreciated by the community. We are blessed to have a church family who serve God diligently and unswervingly in our corps programme.’ – SS-C

DIVISIONAL Commander Major Alec Still presented Gary Pearson with a certificate in recognition of his commitment, service, loyalty and devotion in the role of young people’s sergeant-major at the corps for 27 years. Major Alec thanked Gary for all that he had achieved over his years of service and for the number of children and young people he had influenced for Christ. Gary continues to faithfully serve within the corps. – PW

ELLA was delighted to receive her gold award from Girlguiding Division Commissioner Carol Roberts. Brownie Leader Pam Murdoch said: ‘Ella joined in 2021 while we were meeting online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and I’m really pleased that she has enjoyed Brownies and worked so hard to achieve this award.’ – TP

CORPS officers Captains Ian and Ruth Hammond were presented with the Nick Cummins Community Group of the Year award in recognition of service the corps provides to the town. Mention was made of the corps community café, a non-judgemental safe place where everyone is welcome, and many other aspects of community engagement undertaken. The award was accepted on behalf of everyone involved – our amazing, wonderful volunteers make it all possible. The photo also shows volunteer Mavis receiving the David Britton Citizen of the Year award from town mayor Councillor Alan Spencer – a well-deserved award for her work with Girlguiding, church and young people over many years. – MR

HYTHE

RAYLEIGH

BATLEY

IVYBRIDGE