SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1802 Price 70p
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 10 April 2021
Blessings through brushes Creative arts in Japan
PLUS
UNPACKING HISTORY FROM 200 BOXES
SEE PAGES 12 AND 13
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
A BIBLE-BASED APPROACH TO HELP PEOPLE WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED TRAUMA The Bible Society has launched a new programme to help churches, faith groups and chaplains support their communities in working through trauma. Navigating Trauma is rooted in mental health best practice and uses contextual Bible reading to help people explore what Scripture has to say about suffering, and God’s relationship with those who have experienced trauma. It spans five core sessions with a further eight optional sessions ... within small groups led by trained volunteers. Bible Society Chief Executive Professor Paul Williams said it was a ‘significant’ time to be launching the initiative. ‘We’re only now beginning to understand the full impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our society,’ he said… Prof Williams went on to say that although the Bible ‘does not offer a quick fix for these wounds’, it has a lot to say about the reality of suffering... ‘There are many today who are in pain and crying out for help. Even though it may be inarticulate, there is an acknowledgement of their need of God.’ Christian Today
CAP URGES PRAYERS AS REPORT REVEALS UNDER-25s ACCOUNTED FOR THREE IN FIVE JOBS LOST DURING COVID
RISING NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN ENGLAND ELIGIBLE FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is urging Christians to ‘pray for people to not give up hope’ following a report on the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on youth unemployment. The new research by the Prince’s Trust and the Learning and Work Institute has revealed that under-25s accounted for three in five job losses during the pandemic… The research also highlights that 34 per cent of young people with no qualifications have experienced a reduction in hours compared to just 7 per cent of those who hold a degree-level qualification… Stephen Evans, chief executive of the Learning and Work Institute, said ... ‘The Learning and Work Institute believes the government must work with partners to urgently roll out a “Youth Guarantee” to support young people to access a job, an apprenticeship, education or a high-quality training opportunity.’
Nearly 200,000 more children were registered for free school meals in England as the early economic fallout from the pandemic hit household incomes, figures published by the government show… Between January and October last year, the proportion of children on free school meals in England shot up from 17 per cent to nearly 20 per cent, meaning that 1.63 million out of 8.2 million state school pupils are now in receipt of free lunches. In January 2020 the total was 1.44 million. The highest rates were in the northeast, where more than 26 per cent were eligible… More than 300,000 pupils now able to have free school meals became eligible after 23 March 2020, when the first national lockdown was announced… Campaigners believe the figures do not reflect the scale of food insecurity… The Food Foundation think tank estimates 2.3 million children experienced food insecurity over the past six months.
Premier
The Guardian
SCOTTISH CHURCH LEADERS OVERJOYED AS JUDGE RULES CHURCH BAN UNLAWFUL Church leaders in Scotland are celebrating after a judge ruled that the Scottish government acted unconstitutionally by making in-person services a criminal offence during the lockdown. Scotland imposed far tougher restrictions on churches than the rest of the UK, which allowed in-person services to continue during the current lockdown. Handing down judgement … Lord Braid said the Scottish rules were a disproportionate interference of Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights. ‘It is impossible to measure the effect ... on those who hold religious beliefs,’ he said. ‘It goes beyond mere loss of companionship and an inability to attend a lunch club… ‘Were the petitioners to insist on manifesting their beliefs, in accordance with their religion, they would be liable to be met with a fine of up to £10,000, a not insignificant penalty. ‘The above factors all point towards the conclusion that the regulations have a disproportionate effect.’ Christian Today
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Salvationist 10 April 2021
ISSN 2516-5909
THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies
CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK
CONTENTS
EMPLOYING CREATIVITY JUST before Easter I was given a booklet called Behind the [Face]Mask? that was produced by the South and Mid Wales Division. It’s described as ‘a self-reflection journal to help you think about how Covid-19 and lockdown have affected you’. With input from youth workers and young people, as well as educational psychologists, it contains a lot of helpful material and is an excellent resource for people of all ages. As I flicked through the booklet I came across these words: ‘Creative expression can provide a vital outlet when dealing with difficult situations.’ It goes on to suggest trying new things, such as learning a language, playing an instrument, photography or crafting. During the past year many people have started a new hobby or developed an interest to help them through difficult days. In this week’s news pages there’s a report from the Aston 614 youth centre, which gives young people opportunities to gain qualifications and learn creative skills, for example in music production, animation and comic book creation. Offering these online has helped them deal with mental health issues during lockdown. Creativity not only helps people cope with life, it can also play an important part in outreach, as shown in our news feature about a Salvation Army creative arts ministry in Tokyo, Japan. The aim is ‘to reach new people for Christ through innovative programmes of creative expression’. It has only recently started and is already connecting well with the community. In his feature article Major Mel Jones shares some insights from his work at the International Heritage Centre. One of his tasks was to catalogue the contents of 200 boxes of material from corps in the UK, which included many photos of corps bands. Although he suggests the people who took these pictures may not have shown much creativity, the bands they photographed are evidence of the Army making use of a popular form of music-making in its evangelism and worship. While that is not the main focus of his article, it does illustrate the creativity and innovation that were hallmarks of the early Salvation Army. Major Howard Webber writes about an incident in his ministry when a creative impulse led him to communicate in a fresh way with people while selling Army papers in a pub. He goes on to outline two important lessons he learnt from that experience. In his ‘More rear-mirror views’ article General John Larsson (Retired) highlights the work of Adjutant Catherine Hine who, unable to fulfil a calling to serve overseas, began an innovative ministry in London’s Chinatown in the early 20th century. Jesus himself had a creative ministry, communicating with people through parables that included familiar images to capture the imagination and challenge the heart. In the first of a series of reflections Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis takes a look at the parable of the good Samaritan and reveals what he calls ‘the hidden picture’. It’s no surprise that Jesus was creative – after all, he was the incarnate Word through whom God created the universe, and you can’t get more creative than that! As people made in the image of the creator God it’s only natural that we humans also exhibit creativity. We may not feel we are blessed with much of it, but let’s employ every creative impulse we have to glorify God and share the good news of Jesus.
Quotes from the media
2
News
4 to 6
Prayer matters
6
News feature Art opens hearts to new hope
7
Where there’s a need... Quality education
8
More rear-mirror views Little Teacher
9
by General John Larsson (Retired)
Reflection 10 and 11 Where is God in Covid-19? by Lyn Woods
Feature Two hundred boxes
12 and 13
by Major Mel Jones
On my bookshelf Exploring life’s journey
14
by Beth Gweshe
Interview Walk a mile in my shoes
15
Jasper Meda talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Bible study Resurrection people
16 and 17
by Major Graham Mizon
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Sheila Smith
Reflection God loves to surprise us
18
by Major Howard Webber
The Jericho road Part 1: The hidden picture
19
by Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis
Letters
20
Reviews Stories from the Streets
21
reviewed by Major Martin Hill
Mrs Lamb Wins Through reviewed by Major Martin Whybrow
Announcements
22 and 23
Advert
From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
24
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Salvationist 10 April 2021
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NEWS
COMMUNITY
MEETING
Army upskills young people BIRMINGHAM THE Salvation Army’s youth centre, Aston 614, is empowering and upskilling young people with Arts Award qualifications. The national qualifications, which are awarded by Trinity College London, include such areas as music production, game design, animation, digital illustration, sports coaching and comic book creation. In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Aston 614 has moved its services online so it can continue to support its young members remotely. Karac Boldick, a youth worker at the centre, said: ‘It’s been very difficult for young people and parents during this lockdown. Often, our young people live in small flats or houses with younger siblings and no garden and they cannot afford continuous wifi. When young people feel trapped, their mental health can suffer.’ Aston 614 helps to alleviate this by providing opportunities to learn new skills from home. Virtual group sessions cover relevant discussion topics such as mental health, racism, gang violence and social justice. The leaders, including a trained counsellor, also provide coping strategies for the lockdown. Kudzy, age 12, received a certificate for drawing and animation. ‘I’ve found lockdown hard because you can’t see friends or relatives and have to stay at home,’ she said. ‘Coming to the centre and doing the online stuff has been helpful.’ Sixteen-year-old Tierre added: ‘I enjoyed the online Arts Award – it kept me on my toes and gave me more stuff to do.’ – AR Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.
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Salvationist 10 April 2021
ARMÁDA SPÁSY GRAVESEND Young people and the YP ministry team led the Sunday morning meeting with prayers, Bible readings and testimonies. Junior soldiers who had been enrolled the week before read their promises and displayed a poster made with their names. Pictured from left to right are Karmen, Marika Slepcikova, Miriam, YP ministry leader Pauline Blowers, David, Bianka, Jaroslava, Hendrich, Marko, Aaron, Alexandra Makulova, Erik, Jessica and Kimberly. – KB
2m
meals given to people in need SEE PAGE 6
50
miles to deliver Mothering Sunday gifts PRESENTATION Wood Green corps officer Major Paula Knight and corps member Martina Reid receive Haringey Heroes certificates from the mayor in recognition of the community work done by the corps team during the coronavirus pandemic
CORPS
SEE PAGE 5
55
Army runners become world record holders SEE PAGE 5
2,542
people given employment advice SEE PAGE 6
BRISTON Corps Secretary Marilyn Reynolds and Liz Bennett delivered Mother’s Day posies, cards and cakes to corps members. It was a joy for people to meet up in this way, and prayers were offered in thanks to the Lord for his goodness through the past year. Liz is pictured with Andrea and Kevin Burrows. – AR
CORPS
ARMY NEWS
Army raises concerns over homelessness crisis SCOTLAND
NEWS IN BRIEF UKI Fifty-five Salvation Army runners have become Guinness World Record holders by taking part in the 2020 virtual London Marathon. After the marathon was called off in its traditional format due to the coronavirus pandemic, more than 37,000 people completed their own 26.2-mile courses. The race officially broke the record for the ‘most users to run a remote marathon in 24 hours’. – AR OPENSHAW Free coats were offered to struggling families in Manchester in partnership with St Clement’s Church and the charity Manchester Settlement as part of the Wrap Up Openshaw scheme. A clothing rail with coats suitable for children from the age of one right up to adult sizes was set up outside the hall every Thursday in March. Corps officer Captain Jane Bishton said: ‘We’ve given out 40 to 60 coats so far to people of all ages. We know a lot of people are struggling financially, so it is nice for us to be able to give something away for free. There’s been a good response. It’s been a great community project working alongside our friends at other churches and charities.’ – AR
Belfast North corps officers Majors Ian and Sally McBride deliver a Mothering Sunday gift to each woman connected to the corps
COMMUNITY NEWQUAY AND ST IVES The two corps teamed up to offer mental health support to teenage boys in the area. Running the Upbeat Course from the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit provided a great way of re-engaging with youth and enhancing relationships with other local services. Territorial Envoy Martyn Coles (Newquay) is pictured with some of the boys who attended. – NL
OUTREACH Cirencester corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard and Sunday club leader Corinne Walters prepare to deliver flowers and bookmarks for Mothering Sunday to corps members and friends, a round trip of more than 50 miles
THE Salvation Army has warned that thousands of people who are experiencing homelessness will be trapped in temporary accommodation unless the Scottish government helps local authorities clear the bottleneck. A new report by the Army found that there is insufficient ‘move on’ accommodation available to resource rapid rehousing plans. As the impact of the pandemic causes more people to lose their homes, local authorities are also facing huge temporary accommodation bills. ‘Without significant further funding in specialist housing-led provision and support services, we are concerned that thousands more will become trapped in a cycle of homelessness and unsuitable accommodation,’ said Assistant Director of Homelessness Services Malcolm Page (THQ). He added that living in temporary accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts, can start to eat away at people’s physical and mental health: ‘These are places that are meant to be a short-term fix, not long-term solutions.’ – AR
PRESENTATION Guildford corps officer Major Kevin Rand presents a retirement certificate to Morfydd Muir thanking her for 22 years’ service as recruiting sergeant Salvationist 10 April 2021
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NEWS
ARMY NEWS
Two million meals and counting UK THE Salvation Army has provided more than two million meals to people struggling to afford food in the past year. The Army warns that, as the UK moves out of lockdown, more people are going to struggle to cope as the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic starts to bite. New figures show that one in five people might need to seek charitable support for the first time in their lives. Territorial Emergency Response Officer Adrian Clee said: ‘There is no doubt that government interventions such as the universal credit uplift and the furlough scheme helped many keep their heads above water, but we still saw incredibly long queues of people looking for our help. ‘As the pandemic forced homelessness drop-in centres to close, we took to the streets to ensure people still got hot food and outreach support. We moved our employment support and debt advice online, and even fed lorry drivers stuck on the motorway when the Dover port closed. ‘Emergency food support is just one aspect of our work. Beyond that we seek to address the root causes of poverty. Our debt and employment advice services often play a key part in enabling individuals and families to move from a reliance on emergency food support to a situation where they can support and sustain themselves.’ Since the beginning of the first lockdown, Army support for vulnerable people has grown to meet demand: 3,367 beds were provided every night in 78 Lifehouses to people experiencing homelessness; 5,880 modern slavery survivors were supported; employment advice was given to 2,542 people; food and presents were provided to tens of thousands of struggling families at Christmas; tailored support was delivered by 640 corps; 18 incident response vans provided hot food and drink and a listening ear to NHS staff members and emergency responders across the country; and emergency teams attended about 200 major incidents. Mother-of-four Jodie, from Harwich, Essex, said: ‘Even though we’re still working, we’re in an awful situation right now. We have no idea where we would be without Victoria and Shawn, the corps officers from The Salvation Army.’ – AR
THE PERSECUTED CHURCH FOCUS
by Major Jill Miller (Prayer Network Support) SATURDAY 10 APRIL Father God, we reach out to you on behalf of the persecuted Church. We remember that many Christians have the desire to read your word but do not have a Bible. We realise that many Christians need courage to remain in their homeland rather than leave everything behind and flee for their lives. Bless them with Bibles to encourage every part of their lives. SUNDAY 11 APRIL Loving God, we mourn with the many Christians who have been rejected by their families because of converting to Christianity. O Lord, may they find a new family of love within your Church to help meet their physical and emotional needs. We also remember before you the mothers who have lost custody of their children because of converting to Christianity. Bless them, we pray, and give them courage.
OVERSEAS SERVICES FOCUS
by Major Simon Clampton (Overseas Services Unit) MONDAY 12 APRIL ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’ (Mark 16:15). Thank you, Lord, for calling us to follow you, to be your disciples and to serve you and others in your name. Be with our personnel who are on international service, and through your Spirit strengthen them and uplift their hearts in their appointments. Amen. TUESDAY 13 APRIL Lord, we recognise that serving in different parts of the world comes with challenges of language, culture, health, housing and climate. There are so many things to grasp and understand, but we know that you give your willing servants ‘full equipment for the task’ (SASB 34). Reassure our personnel who are abroad that you are with them in all things. Amen. WEDNESDAY 14 APRIL Lord, we know that we are all part of your family as brothers and sisters in Christ. Please bless the children living with parents who are on international service and be with them in their young lives. Bless the families who remain in the British Isles and are separated across the miles from their loved ones. Amen. THURSDAY 15 APRIL Transitions between the British Isles and places abroad are not always straightforward when personnel cross international borders. Covid-19 has added challenges to this process. Lord, be with those who are at the forefront of treating this virus, those who are suffering from its effects and those who are responsible for managing the transit of people across the globe in your service. Amen. FRIDAY 16 APRIL Jesus told his disciples that they would be his ‘witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth’ (Acts 1:8). Thank you, Lord, for those who have responded to your call to serve beyond their home country. May those you are calling for future service be attentive to your voice in their hearts and respond. Amen.
PRESENTATION Claire Russell from Morrisons presents Welling corps officer Captain Katy Shubotham with a gift for International Women’s Day in recognition of her commitment to supporting the community during the coronavirus pandemic 6
Salvationist 10 April 2021
SATURDAY 17 APRIL Lord, may Avalon continue to be an oasis and place of rest for body, mind and soul, a home from home for those preparing to go abroad and those returning for furlough or reappointment back to their home territory. Bless the Avalon officers and staff members as they support our personnel on international service. Amen. O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources
Salvationist 13 March 2021
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NEWS FEATURE
Art opens hearts to new hope JAPAN A WALL of glass windows so that locals can see into a new building in their neighbourhood, an artsy event that encourages people to try something different, a new type of Salvation Army ministry in a purpose-built hall – all are signs of new hope in a new place. The Salvation Army in Japan has launched a new community ministry in its recently constructed New Hope building in the Azabu district of Tokyo. Azabu is a busy and diverse part of the Japanese capital, known for its cosmopolitan, international vibe and popularity with families. Opened on Christmas Eve 2020, the building was intentionally designed with floor-to-ceiling glass windows along the front so that residents in the area could see inside, sparking curiosity and conversations. That is exactly what happened when New Hope Azabu held its first paint night. The Salvation Army in Japan has a goal to incorporate creative arts ministry into its events and programmes. ‘We hope to reach new people for Christ through innovative programmes of creative expression, something the community might not expect when they think about “church”,’ said Envoy Daniel LaBossiere, who is responsible for the initiative with his wife, Envoy Leann LaBossiere. ‘Let’s use the same message of the gospel and try something new with it.’ Although the event was a trial run for the team, the night was an enormous success. ‘God showed up in abundance!’ exclaimed Daniel. ‘We were shocked to see the number of people who stopped by during the event! There were people walking past
the glass windows discussing what was happening. Many stopped to talk with our staff and ask questions, several even asked to come inside and take photos.’ Participants received large, stretched canvases, palettes of paint, brushes and other materials to create their masterpieces. Everyone followed verbal and visual step-by-step instructions and no prior experience was necessary. They all painted the same image while adding their own style. The evening concluded with a short devotional thought on John 3:16, which was linked to the painted image. Associating the scriptural thought with the artwork means that participants will recall the Bible message whenever they admire their paintings in the future. ‘This is the first place [of its kind in the area] to work, learn, create and interact with people using art and music,’ said local Salvationist Shogo Takabatake, who is part of the New Hope Azabu team. ‘The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to live our daily lives in a whole new way. What used to be commonplace is no longer the norm. We cannot live without person-toperson connection, but as we live this new life, some people feel lonely or somehow constricted as they lose their connection with others. Through the work of New
Hope Azabu, I trust that it will be a source of comfort and connection for those who feel this way, and a place for people seeking new encounters and inspiration.’ The strategy is already working. ‘It was truly beautiful to see just how much God showed up for the evening! He presented so many opportunities for me and the staff to connect with members of the community,’ said Leann. New Hope Azabu also offers a children’s art club as well as junior English classes and parent-and-child activities. The enthusiastic team is keenly exploring other opportunities of connection. Leann added: ‘Our sanctuary does not have pews and a pulpit, but we believe that the Lord will bless us through paint and brushes as we continue to follow his leading in this way.’ ‘Isn’t that the goal?’ asked her husband. ‘Whether we are preaching on Sunday, meeting with people at our corps or painting in a classroom, our focus should be on sharing the love of Jesus with others. Making connections and building relationships are what we were created to do. Paint night has sparked an interest, it has started a conversation, and it has opened the door in Azabu for us to share the love of Christ.’ – AR Salvationist 10 April 2021
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WHERE THERE’S A NEED...
QUALITY EDUCATION
In the fourth of five articles Salvationist highlights The Salvation Army’s contribution to some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
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HE fourth SDG calls for inclusive and equitable quality education by 2030 and seeks to promote lifelong learning opportunities for everyone – ensuring that all girls and boys complete free primary and secondary schooling. It aims to provide equal access to vocational training and universal access to higher education, eliminate gender and wealth disparities, and ensure that all youth and a substantial proportion of adults achieve literacy and numeracy – including people with disabilities, indigenous peoples and children in vulnerable situations. About 265 million children, youth and adolescents are not in schools, more than 50 per cent of children are not meeting minimum reading and mathematics standards, and one in four girls in developing countries are not enrolled in a school. There has, however, been enormous progress in achieving the target of universal primary education. In 2015, the total enrolment rate in developing countries reached 91 per cent. Nevertheless, progress has been slow in some areas due to high levels of poverty and conflict, and 57 million primary school-aged children are not in schools. More than half of these are in sub-Saharan Africa. THE ARMY’S CONTRIBUTION Seventy-three per cent of territories report having implemented new strategies or programmes within the past five years to help ensure inclusive and quality education for all. Initiatives include educating parents around the importance of schooling, literacy programmes, community-based libraries, schools for children with visual and hearing impairments, anti-human trafficking education, building new schools, training for teachers and nutrition workshops, as well as Bible education, after-school, career development and mentoring programmes. It’s estimated that more than 250,000 people are assisted through these initiatives annually. Sixty-two per cent of territories partner other organisations – including government 8
Salvationist 10 April 2021
departments, schools and universities, non-governmental organisations, businesses, community centres and churches – while sixty per cent have plans in place for future initiatives. AROUND THE WORLD Indonesia In 2016 the corps in Wulai, a small village in Sulawesi, established a library using funds from the HelpingHand Appeal. Known as a Reading House, it provides fiction and non-fiction books for children and adults, assists with children’s education and helps them develop a love of reading. The long-term goal is to eradicate illiteracy in the village. Corps members and Sunday school and youth teachers help organise and maintain the library. Liberia With a 25-year heritage of providing primary and secondary education, The Salvation Army opened its first polytechnic in Monrovia in 2018. The building was constructed with financial support from the Indonesia Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory between 2004 and 2008, but it was only in 2017 that the country’s Commission of Higher Education accredited the polytechnic, giving it the right to award degrees and other tertiary qualifications. At the opening, 300 students were enrolled in a range of disciplines, such as building construction, electrical engineering, computer science and auto mechanics. Other courses on offer included teacher training, marketing, procurement, theology, nursing and human resources management. Guatemala About 600 primary school pupils are being educated at five Salvation Army-run schools. Most families do not have access to the internet or computer technology, so during the coronavirus pandemic the schools have been sending learning materials to parents’ smartphones,
along with links to online videos. Class group video calls have also been arranged where possible and teachers have delivered worksheets to those families without smartphones. To boost emotional wellbeing, teachers have offered a variety of activities, such as exercise videos, daily challenges and puppet shows. Where possible, the schools have also supported isolating or vulnerable families with food and other necessities. THE ARMY’S COMMITMENT Director of Salvation Army Schools International Howard Dalziel (IHQ) says: ‘The Salvation Army will continue to aim to provide quality access to education
for all children and focus in particular on ensuring that barriers are removed for vulnerable groups, be that because of special needs, economic hardship, faith, caste, people group or gender. ‘Salvation Army education seeks to develop compassionate people of integrity and character with the relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to achieve their full God-given potential in the community.’ O This article is based on the report Where There’s a Need..., published by the Army’s International Social Justice Commission and available to read at salvationarmy.org/isjc Next week Gender equality
MORE REAR-M MIR RRO OR
LITTLE TEACHER General John Larsson (Retired) shares fascinating glimpses of the early Army
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VEN before The Salvation Army reached China, the Army flag saved a village in its far interior from destruction and its villagers from death. It was all thanks to Adjutant Catherine Hine, a missionary to the Chinese who never left Britain. Hine served as a corps officer until, for health reasons, she was given a headquarters appointment. She was allocated quarters in Limehouse. This turned out to be an answer to prayer, for Catherine Hine felt called to work among the Chinese people, and in Limehouse she was to live in the heart of London’s Chinatown. In her spare time Catherine learnt her way around the labyrinth of streets where laundrymen, stewards, sea cooks and restaurant keepers dwelled. She increased her slender knowledge of the Chinese language through hard study, often late into the night. She started English language courses at Limehouse Corps hall, and soon was known to all as ‘Little Teacher’. She not only taught a language, she also shared her faith. Little Teacher held classes for her students at all hours, for they often worked at odd times. They sat at her
The Chinese corps in action, 1916
feet while she taught them to read, write, count and understand the essentials of the Christian gospel. She then began to hold meetings in Chinese, first for children, then for women, and then for everyone. As the work grew, a Chinese corps was launched. Open-air meetings were held where Chinese Salvationists could speak to their compatriots in their own language. In 1917 Hine was given early retirement so that she could devote herself full-time to her ministry among the Chinese community – a ministry lasting 20 years, which Christian author Hugh Redwood declared to be ‘one of the most exalting records of devoted service that the annals of The Salvation Army can produce’. The upstairs room that Little Teacher used for classes was decked with Chinese symbols, and to enter it was like passing into another world. But the symbol that attracted people the most was the Salvation Army flag. To them the colours were like the ideograms of their language and they never tired of reciting what the colours stood for. The Army flag was literally to prove a flag of salvation for one of her converts.
Hugh Redwood told the story in his 1930 book God in the Slums. ‘To one of her converts, on his departure for his native land, the adjutant gave an Army flag by way of a keepsake. They laughed at him when he returned to his village, in China’s far interior; laughed at his flag and at his strange new creed. But he was patient, as the Little Teacher had been patient with him, and in time he too began to gather followers. ‘Then came a wave of trouble. Civil war raged: murder and destruction stalked the land. Word was brought that a rebel army was marching on the village. Torture and death had been the lot of native Christians everywhere along the rebels’ path and fear laid hold upon the small community. They sought their leader with crumbling faith. Here was indeed a test. If prayer could move God’s arm, as Little Teacher had said... ‘He looked at her flag, hanging from the wall of his room, and he took it down and prayed. He made reply to his questioners that God would certainly protect them. Then, flag in hand, he went out to meet the raiders – alone. ‘He had no very clear idea afterwards of what it was he had hoped to do. It did not matter, in any case, because what happened was something he could not possibly have foreseen. The colours carried by the self-appointed envoy were recognised by the leader of the rebels. He also had lived in London; had known and reverenced the Little Teacher. ‘By curious question and excited answer the two men proved the bond between them, and the hand of death was stayed. The raiding column passed on its way, nor was the slightest hurt inflicted on any in that village.’ Salvationist 10 April 2021
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REFLECTION R RE EFL FLEC FLE ECTI TION TION ON
Where is God in Covid-19? Lyn Woods looks back over the past year and finds reassurance in the promise of God’s presence
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HE coronavirus pandemic appeared so suddenly and took hold so quickly that no one seemed prepared for its effects. The spread of the virus has claimed the lives of people of all ages. It has led to feelings of fear, worry and vulnerability for many, as well as feelings of abandonment and isolation. Western healthcare systems have been stretched beyond their limits, with frontline workers battling on – despite their own feelings – to help those most affected, and poorer countries left reeling without the funding and resources needed to help their citizens. Having passed the first anniversary of the initial lockdowns there are still no definitive answers as to the origins of the virus or why some people have symptoms and become unwell and others don’t. WHERE IS GOD? Three main views exist in relation to the presence of God in such times. Atheists continue to assert that there is no proven higher being and that any loving and just God would not allow such things to happen in our world. Darwinians hold on to theories of evolution, natural selection and survival of the fittest to explain such 10
Salvationist 10 April 2021
events. Some Darwinians, however, are open to the belief that a relationship exists between science and religion, and that the two are not always in direct conflict. Indeed, some Darwinians are Christians. Although still affected by the pandemic, Christians rely on their faith in Jesus and the teachings of the Bible in the firm belief that God has the situation in his hands. REAL EXPERIENCES Coronavirus is not a conspiracy as some people believe. As time passed and people began to be affected personally, hearing news of friends and family who were affected, the harsh reality dawned. More than nine months into the pandemic a robust and burly childhood friend of mine, aged 50, was taken by Covid-19, closely followed by his father. It was then that I was shocked and stunned into being just that extra bit more careful. The effects are not just physical, but practical, emotional and spiritual. There have been significant increases in job losses, economic crises, poverty and hunger, disrupted education, abuse and violence, fear and isolation – and, of course, illness and death. Without undermining the immensity
of these experiences, there have been some silver linings in that the things we normally take for granted have become more meaningful. There is definitely a greater appreciation of our frontline and voluntary services, and a greater sense of community in action with people pulling together and helping their neighbours. Many people have been able to spend more time at home and with family, and explore new ways of working, interacting, learning, moving and worshipping. REASSURANCE FROM THE WORD There is a wealth of comfort and hope to be found in God’s word at these times. ‘Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring’ (Proverbs 27:1 New Living Translation). The pandemic has brought us perspective on life: tomorrow is not promised to any of us. In the uncertainties of today’s world, it is wise not to take anything for granted but to live each day as though it were our last. ‘We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not
The rainbow, the symbol of God’s faithfulness, was chosen to show our appreciation of the health services
destroyed’ (2 Corinthians 4:8 and 9 NLT). God never promised that we would be free from harm and suffering but that our faith would give us strength and hope to carry on. ‘When I send clouds over the Earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds, and I will remember my covenant with you and with all living creatures. Never again will the floodwaters destroy all life’ (Genesis 9:14 and 15 NLT). God promised Noah that he would never again flood the Earth but did not exclude other major disasters. Last year the rainbow, the symbol of God’s faithfulness, was chosen to show our appreciation of the health services in the UK. ‘Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry, but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing’ (Psalm 34:10 NLT). The psalm speaks of the importance of trusting God in testing times and of God’s assured provision for those who do. ‘You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed’ (Psalm 139:16 NLT). The realisation that our days were known to God before we even came into the world means we should not worry. When he calls us Home, that is his will. This reassurance brings peace.
CRISIS OR REVIVAL? Has the pandemic caused us as a nation to have a crisis of faith or a revival of faith? Are non-believers now more curious about God and faith? The pandemic has certainly sparked a need for something to hold on to in testing and sad times. Some people have undoubtedly become more open to God’s word and may have more time to explore it. Whether there will be a revival of faith remains to be seen. People may return to their normal ways once this is all over and their memories may fade. Whatever the future holds, the psalmist provides words of counsel and reassurance to help us: ‘Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honoured by every nation. I will be honoured throughout the world’ (Psalm 46:10 NLT).
LYN IS AN ADHERENT AT GREAT YARMOUTH Salvationist 10 April 2021
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FEATURE I International Heritage Centre
Two hundred boxes Major Mel Jones unpacks findings at the International Heritage Centre that resonate today
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HE International Heritage Centre (IHC) has more than 200 boxes containing material from corps in the UK. The contents are arranged alphabetically, from Abbey Wood to York. The majority of the material comprises books, documents and photographs. Practically all the books are the official records of the corps in question: membership rolls, financial accounts and history books. The documents can be anything from legal papers – such as place of worship registration documents – to scribbled notes listing stalls at corps sales of work. The photographs provide a fascinating visual history of corps life. For instance, in the early years of the Movement it was commonplace for corps officers to provide picture postcards of themselves. I was given the task of going through this material to update our records, describe the content in greater detail and tidy up the overflowing boxes. This lengthy process allowed me to engage with these artefacts. Amid the history, three modern-day issues were to be
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found: freedom of information, religious tolerance and feminism. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION Records of Salvation Army officers are kept at the IHC, and we have a reasonably comprehensive set. Any gaps mainly relate to officers from the very early days of the Movement or to officers who resigned their commission. Records of soldiers are kept locally, and these are far from comprehensive. Old rolls often appear to have been misplaced or inadvertently destroyed. However, some were sent to the IHC and have been kept safe for future records. We receive a large number of enquiries covering a wide range of issues, from the details of a trombone made by the Army decades ago to information about long-lost family members. The IHC exists to make information available, even though the Freedom of Information Act itself only applies to public bodies. However, records and rolls can pose a challenge. They are an impressive source of personal information: names, family details, dates and addresses. At the same time, care has to be taken to ensure that we meet the important legal requirements of data protection. The excitement of finding an answer to someone’s enquiry can sometimes be quashed because we are unable to pass on the information.
FREEDOM OF THE STREETS Amid some rather humdrum paperwork, I came across a letter from Bramwell Booth to Winston Churchill (right). It was in very good condition. I can only assume that it was a copy of the actual letter that was sent to Churchill. The corps in Hastings had been subject to rioting. It was not alone – a number of corps, mainly in southern England, were subjected to some pretty rough and dangerous treatment during the Movement’s early years. Nigel Bovey’s book, Blood on the Flag, tells the story of this persecution. Rioting was not unusual in Victorian England. This included riots associated with religious matters, such as the reintegration of Roman Catholicism within British society or the growth of the Anglo-Catholic movement within the Church of England. It can be argued that the riots against the Army were counterproductive. Nothing unites a fledgling movement more than opposition. Added to which, Booth understood the importance of publicity. This was no minor issue, however. One officer, Captain Susannah Beatty, is regarded by some as the first Salvation Army martyr, as her death at the age of 39 ‘was at least accelerated by the rough treatment received at some of her stations’. Bramwell’s letter to Churchill – who had an appointment within the Home Office at that time – demanded protection under the law and the right to hold religious meetings in public: the freedom of the streets. In due course this was granted and rioting against The Salvation Army ceased. These rights, that were won so long ago, cannot be taken for granted. Indeed, in his autobiographical essays, Something Better…, General Shaw Clifton (Retired) refers to two occasions towards the end of the 20th century when action had to be taken to defend these rights.
Carlisle I Band, 1910
Captains Susannah and William Beatty with their daughter
FREEDOM FROM PREJUDICE The photographs were a joy to catalogue. I was transported back in time as I perused a wide range of subjects, all related to Army corps. I had not catalogued many boxes before a strong pattern began to emerge. One subject more than any other was the focus of the camera: photograph after photograph after photograph was of corps bands. The visual history of UK corps is awash with images of bands, which will not be a surprise to many people. Whenever the general public think of The Salvation Army, they usually think of uniforms, helping people and the ubiquitous brass band. The quantity of the images was not matched by the creativity of the cameramen. A large proportion of the photographs had been set up in exactly the same way: bass drum on its side in the centre, bandmaster and corps officers sat behind, bandsmen standing in three or four rows forming the backcloth. Occasionally someone had the forethought to place the date and the name of the band on a board leaning against the drum. The brass band, together with football, was one of the great working-class success stories of the 19th century. It was surprising to see that quite small communities were able to boast fairly large Army bands.
The photographs shared one major omission: women. Apart from female officers, there were no other women to be seen in most of the photographs. Banding was then an all-male activity, an all-male club. This was particularly surprising for a movement that was co-founded by Catherine Booth – a feminist before her time – and promoted gender equality in its founding document. Whatever the reasons, it wasn’t until the second half of the 20th century that this practice, this prejudice, began to be addressed. LESSONS FOR TODAY History shouldn’t be left in boxes. It needs to be unpacked and examined, because there is much that resonates with our own experiences. As we look back at our forebears’ stories – their successes and mistakes – we can learn valuable lessons for our lives and mission today. O Keep up with the International Heritage Centre blog by visiting salvationarmy.org.uk/internationalheritage-centre
MAJOR JONES WORKED IN RETIREMENT AS RESEARCH ASSISTANT AT THE IHC
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ON MY BOOKSHELF
Exploring life’s journey People have been revealing their bookshelves on video calls in recent months. Salvationist asked a number of people to tell us about books on their bookshelf – this week, Divisional Youth Specialist Beth Gweshe (Severn and Somerset)
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OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! GIVEN to me in my teenage years, this book by Dr Seuss explores the journey of life and its challenges. In particular it encourages the reader away from what Dr Seuss calls ‘the waiting place’. Life, as we know, has ups and downs and the waiting place he describes in the book is somewhere that we can find ourselves at any time. We can be comfortably seated in contentment or stuck not knowing where to turn. Either way, it is not desirable. The person who gave me this book also offered the words of Joshua 1:9: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go’ (Modern English Version). This is what makes Oh, the Places You’ll Go! so special to me: whether I feel on top of the world or that life is getting the better of me, I am encouraged out of the waiting place to go with the knowledge that, as I continue on my journey, God is with me.
the difference between a hero and a hero maker. A hero achieves great service with love and selflessness; a hero maker achieves great things through investing in people and helping them to become heroes too. This is not to say that we should not be active in selfless service but that we should also invest in building others up. Jesus had mass followings, served people who were poor, healed those who were sick and addressed injustice, but he also taught and mentored 12 disciples to become heroes and hero makers in their own right. To be a disciple is to spread the gospel, something every follower of Jesus is called to do. With discipleship comes responsibility to invest in others, to nurture the growth of young Christians, family members, colleagues and neighbours so that they can become heroes and hero makers too. This book helped me consider how I can encourage and disciple others.
HERO MAKER I AM sure that we all have a hero, someone whom we look up to, admire or consider to have achieved something amazing. Hero Maker is a humbling read that explores practical steps towards discipleship and growing leaders. It gives the reader an opportunity to ponder the potential impact of their service by considering
NATIVES and DISUNITY IN CHRIST THE past year has brought a season of immeasurable change. Not only has the world been united in a fight against the coronavirus pandemic, but once more against the injustice caused by racism. Individuals, communities and organisations have been taking action, raising awareness and
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developing their understanding of racism and diversity. These two books have helped me develop my understanding of them. Natives paints a picture of racism in Britain by exploring British history, statistics and personal experience, while Disunity in Christ explores the discord in the Church caused by prejudice. Unconscious bias and covert racism have worked to create an unhealthy culture of taboo around multiculturalism. As a white British woman married to a black Zimbabwean man, I cannot describe my sorrow upon realising the extent of my own privileged ignorance. Just to acknowledge racism is not enough; we must act. Humility is needed to fully comprehend its impact and, with the insights of these books and more, I have started a journey towards genuine action. Some people may have started this journey long ago, some may not have a choice, others may have had their eyes opened by the events of 2020 and others may not yet see the need for a journey. Wherever we are, it is important that we unite, making this a movement of change rather than just a moment. We must not allow the issue of racism to go back into the shadows of taboo. As followers of Christ we must put our light on a lamp stand for all to see and benefit from.
INTERVIEW
Walk a mile in my shoes Wa es Jasper Meda talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts as part of a series of articles in which black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) Salvationists share their experiences
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ASPER Meda, assistant corps sergeant-major at Croydon Citadel, was born in Zimbabwe, where he grew up in a Salvation Army family. In the 1980s Jasper settled in Harare, studying at the university, and is thought to have been the first black bandmaster of Harare City Corps Band. After university he worked for the Ministry of Justice. ‘Part of the job was ensuring that children were treated fairly,’ he recalls. ‘Common areas of concern were inheritance and child arrangements in families. The other part of the job involved co-ordinating sales of immovable properties on behalf of creditors.’ The political and economic situation in Zimbabwe led Jasper and his family to move to the UK in 1998. ‘I had started a small business, which was doing very well. However, when the currency went into free fall, no matter how hard I worked the gross takings either stagnated or dwindled. This, coupled with other pressures in the country, made me feel it was the right time to leave.’ Arriving in the UK Jasper, with his wife and son, linked up with Nunhead Corps. ‘The welcome was what I would have expected from our international
organisation,’ Jasper remembers. ‘On that first Sunday I met Alan Smith, who worked with the English Churches Housing Group. He soon found us a small flat.’ Jasper’s wife began training as a nurse and he became a carer at Rookstone, an Army care home in Sydenham, London. He progressed to senior carer in charge of a shift and trained as a social worker. After gaining a social work diploma he joined Greenwich social services. ‘I worked in the frontline safeguarding team,’ he says, ‘and while I was there completed a top-up year to turn my diploma into a degree. I then became part of a multidisciplinary team at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kidbrooke, which pioneered work with mental health challenges in pregnancy.’ Although Jasper progressed in his career, he describes how he was sidelined due to a failure to understand his background: ‘An issue arose within our office and a senior manager felt I should have acted as a whistle-blower. However, whistle-blowing is a difficult concept for me. In my younger years, Zimbabwe went through the War of Liberation and passing on information to either warring side had dire consequences, in most cases death. ‘Without seeking first to understand my actions, or lack thereof, I was sidelined for progression. My line manager a few years later asked why I had not progressed and, through her own investigation, uncovered this incident as the trigger behind my treatment. Frustrated, I asked my manager to convey this message, “Unless you have walked in my shoes, you need to be careful about the things you ask me to do.” If someone had taken the time to sit down and ask why I did not whistleblow we could have arrived at better outcomes.’ Jasper eventually moved into a senior position and is now a locum team leader. He also recalls experiences of being treated differently within the Army, such as
when he or the Zimbabwean young people he led were prevented from taking on key roles at important events. He is glad that steps are now being taken to address racism within the Army and is conscious that it will cause disruption for some individuals and the status quo. ‘When you deal with the issue of racism it’s going to shake certain people the wrong way,’ he says. ‘But you need to feel a certain level of discomfort in order to move forward. ‘I’ve been to many meetings on intercultural issues, but no change has followed. So when I’m invited now I ask what the impact will be. I recently spoke to the Territorial Advisory Council and I’m glad that most of my suggestions, along with those of others, were incorporated into the recommendations to leadership. ‘Last year’s statement by the territorial leaders was a good benchmark: it set out what the Army is going to stand for and gave the opportunity for meaningful dialogue about otherness. The journey has started, and the statement has given it much-needed impetus.’ One proposal Jasper made is for a ‘truth and reconciliation’ style intervention when allegations of racism arise. Such issues could then be dealt with in a timely manner, similar to the response when children’s safeguarding incidents occur. ‘Within corps we could introduce people who are responsible for addressing these issues,’ he suggests. ‘This would prevent drift in resolving cases or mediating among the parties.’ Many black Salvationists who moved to the UK no longer attend because of the attitudes they have encountered. Jasper hopes that by addressing concerns the Army will be able to attract them back. ‘Most of these people have left because they didn’t feel welcome or appreciated. I guess a time will come when we can tell them there is a protocol for addressing racism and the Army is going to be a different experience for them.’ Salvationist 10 April 2021
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BIBLE STUDY
Resurrection people Major Graham Mizon explores the hope of the believer’s resurrection
1 CORINTHIANS 15:12–28
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CHURCH-based children’s worker wanted to see if the young people understood the concept of Heaven. He asked them: ‘If I sold my house and car and gave all my money to the Church, would that get me into Heaven?’ ‘No,’ the children answered. ‘What if I gave all my spare time to service in the Church, would that get me into Heaven?’ Again, they answered, ‘No.’ Finally, he asked: ‘Then how can I get into Heaven?’ A five-year-old boy shouted out: ‘You gotta be dead!’ QUESTION O If you were asked how to get to Heaven, what would you say?
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Sheila Smith
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Scripture tells us that Jesus died, was buried and was raised to life on the third day. Consequently, all who believe in him – and are empowered by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit – become resurrection people. In verses 12 to 22 of our study passage, Paul addresses a sticky question. Can the same power that raised Jesus from the dead also raise the bodies of his followers? Paul replies that it can and warns them: ‘If our hope in Christ is for this life alone, we are to be pitied more than all men’ (v19 Berean Study Bible). Easter is not only about Jesus being raised from the dead, Paul argues, but it is also about the reality that followers of Jesus will be raised as well (see Ephesians 1:19 and 20). We live as resurrection people. We believe in Christ’s resurrection. We are
participants in this new creation. One day, we shall conquer death and rise to new life. QUESTIONS O Have you experienced the loss of a family member or friend? How did your faith in life after death play out in that situation? O During the pandemic there has been great loss of life on a daily basis. How can Christians share their hope in eternal life at this time? In verses 20 to 22, as Paul continues to outline his case, he makes two connections. First, he argues that there is a correlation between the resurrection of Christ and a believer’s assurance of eternal life. He says that Christ is ‘the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep’ (v20). This vivid image of the
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A light came out of darkness;/ No light, no hope had we,/ Till Jesus came from Heaven/ Our light and hope to be./ Oh, as I read the story/ From birth to dying cry,/ A longing fills my bosom/ To meet him by and by. (SASB 528)
At that moment the curtain of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:51–53)
In the days of peace and golden sunshine,/ In the days of joy, or days or woe,/ There is confidence in him who holds us;/ There is light to guide us here below./ And beyond await the heights of rapture/ Where all earthly joys, transcended, fade/ In the glory of the Saviour’s presence,/ In the home eternal he has made. (SASB 531)
‘firstfruits’ refers to the first sample of a crop. This sample gives an indication of the quality of the whole crop when harvested. In Surprised by Hope, Tom Wright explains that: ‘Passover was the time when the first crop of barley was presented before the Lord. Pentecost, seven weeks later, was the time when the first fruits of the wheat harvest were presented.’ Christ’s resurrection body gives a foretaste of what the bodies of believers will be like. Second, Paul adds Adam to this association: ‘For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive’ (v22). Through his disobedience, Adam’s relationship with God was severed (see Genesis 3). This act of sin separated Adam from God and planted a seed that has continued to be spread, sown and germinated in humankind ever since (see Isaiah 59:1 and 2).
Paul testified in Romans 7:7–24 to struggling with the fact that he had the Holy Spirit helping him to do good, but that the seed of evil was also at work. Sin leads to death. Hence ‘in Adam all die’. The resurrection of Christ, however, has defeated death, so that through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit the believer can experience fullness of life and look forward to life in eternity with God. ‘For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 6:23).
Psalm 8 to Jesus: ‘For he “has put everything under his feet”’ (v27). Ultimately, Christ is victorious and reigns, and all things are subject to him. Death does not have the last word. Christ has been resurrected and all believers will follow. The destruction of death will be complete when Christ returns and when believers are raised from the dead, and, like Jesus, will inhabit resurrection bodies. Resurgam. I shall rise again.
QUESTION O As resurrection people, how can we strive to live fruitful and victorious lives? In our study passage Paul writes: ‘The last enemy to be destroyed is death’ (v26). Paul then applies the words of
MAJOR MIZON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BURNTWOOD
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THURSDAY
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The priests and the captain of the Temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. (Acts 4:1 and 2)
There, at my Saviour’s side,/ Heaven is my home;/ I shall be glorified,/ Heaven is my home;/ There, with the good and blest,/ Those I loved most and best,/ I shall for ever rest,/ Heaven is my home. (SASB 538)
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (1 Peter 1:23)
Behold him there! the risen Lamb,/ My perfect, spotless righteousness;/ The great unchangeable I Am,/ The King of Glory and of grace!/ One with himself I cannot die,/ My soul is purchased with his blood;/ My life is hid with Christ on high,/ With Christ my Saviour and my God,/ With Christ my Saviour and my God. (SASB 243)
Prayer Lord, we thank you for the gift of resurrection power in our lives. May we live each day in this power, so that our lives are a witness to everyone we meet.
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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI ECTI EC TION ON ON REFLECTION
God loves to surprise us Major Howard Webber recalls an unexpected incident in a crowded pub
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OLLOWING the recent death of guitarist Hilton Valentine from the Animals, a memory came back to me. A karaoke night was taking place one New Year’s Eve in a pub I regularly visited with the Army papers. The place was packed and the landlord asked if I would be willing to take part. I refused, telling him I couldn’t sing. Quite a few of the customers then tried to persuade me as I made my way around the large bar. But I resisted the pressure and continued selling papers and chatting with people. However, when I reached the door, I felt a sudden compulsion to return and offer to sing. ‘Have you got “The House of the Rising Sun”?’ I asked the karaoke MC. ‘Yes,’ was the reply. ‘I’ll only sing if you don’t display the words on the screen.’ ‘OK,’ he agreed, handing me the microphone. Although I knew the song I intended to sing, I was frightened I’d forget a verse or get the five verses in the wrong order. But no sooner had I stepped on to the stage than Valentine’s guitar introduction began, and I sang ‘There is a Green Hill Far Away’ to the accompaniment of the Animals. The response when I finished was amazing, but I knew it had nothing to do with my voice. As I was leaving the stage I felt another compulsion and stepped back and asked for the microphone again. ‘The captain is going to sing again!’ the MC announced, and the crowded bar cheered. Somewhat embarrassed, I took the mic. ‘No I’m not,’ I said. ‘But what I’d like to do, if you would let me, is to pray for you all. Even if you think it’s rubbish, please give me just a couple of minutes.’ Only a few in that packed bar ignored me and continued their conversations. I poured my heart out for these dear people, so precious to God. With my concluding ‘Amen!’ the bar erupted into applause and cheers. I’d never known such a response to prayer before. Someone then took my hat and passed it round for an additional impromptu 18
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collection. Men and women wanted to shake my hand and a number were teary-eyed. When I got out into the cold night air, I was so aware that God himself had done something extraordinary in that pub and that many who didn’t even know him or believe in him were aware of it too. How God loves to surprise us. I think there are at least two lessons here. The first has to do with my reluctance to sing. As an eight-year-old lad I wanted to join the singing company. Taken along to my first practice, I was self-conscious, nervous and obviously didn’t know the songs. I struggled and, towards the end of the practice, made a mistake that everyone heard. My embarrassment grew when the leader joked about it and the other children laughed. I couldn’t wait for the practice to end. I never returned. Despite the singing company leader’s many efforts to discover the reason why, I never told her or anyone else. It left the indelible impression on me that my singing was no good. How careful we need to be with children and young people in their formative years, for we may never know the lasting effect of a careless word. Second, much is quite rightly made of discovering our spiritual gifts and using them. The problem arises when we limit what we are prepared to do with the gifts we have. In the Bible, God often called people to do things that they were not gifted or equipped for, as he did with Moses and Gideon. It’s almost as if God deliberately does it, before providing them with what they need for the task. Many prophets were reluctant, but they trusted and obeyed and discovered the wonderful surprises God had in store for them. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,’ says Proverbs 3:5. If we want to see God at work in our lives we must move our focus to God and what he wants to do and can do through even the least of us – rather than focus on ourselves, what we feel we are capable of or have to offer. There may be wonderful surprises in store if we do.
God often calls people to do things that they are not gifted or equipped for
MAJOR WEBBER LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BOURNEMOUTH
The Jericho Road ¢ βH
.+ ./**+4 6/):;8+ Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis begins a six-part reflection on the parable of the good Samaritan
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N Luke’s Gospel the parable of the good Samaritan is presented as Jesus’ direct answer to a question posed by an expert in the Law. Jesus had told him that he must love God and love his neighbour as himself. To test him, the man asked: ‘And who is my neighbour?’ (10:29). Apparently on the spur of the moment, Jesus related the parable. It is an amazing story containing so many significant details. All those who were privileged to be present on that occasion must have been captivated and enthralled by it. We can understand people being amazed after witnessing Jesus performing a miracle, but that the mind of Jesus could produce such a rich story on impulse must also have astonished them. Luke gives us this story, so simple yet so deep, to contemplate as a pattern and example for our own lives. People who never read the Bible, as well as those who do, are familiar with this gem from Jesus’ teaching. It is referred to constantly when describing people who take it upon themselves to step in and help a stranger in need or distress. For the most part the story of someone offering help to a person in need, while others pass by without caring, speaks to the heart of everyone who hears it. Countless artists have attempted to illustrate the scene, with the Samaritan bending over to help the stricken victim. The message is that we should not pass by people needing our help, but should be good neighbours
and offer assistance. That is what the parable, loved by so many, is all about. Or is it? There seems far more to this story than first meets the eye. Behind the picture known by so many there is another picture, one hidden from the casual observer, which should affect us all. I will call it ‘The Jericho Road’, because everyone mentioned in the story and all the events involved are located on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho. We too live out our lives on a kind of Jericho Road. The only significant difference between us is the direction in which we are travelling – up to Jerusalem or down to Jericho. Originally I only considered the obvious truth – that we should be like the Samaritan in the story, helping those we meet whatever their needs. The hidden truth came to me one day when the thought struck me: why did Jesus mention both Jerusalem and Jericho? It’s a parable told simply in answer to the question, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ So why place the story in a definite setting? Would it not have been enough simply to say that a man was on a journey when he was robbed? In Matthew 13 there are several parables told by Jesus. There is the parable of the sower who went out to sow his seed and the parable of the hidden treasure, but the locations for these stories are not mentioned. Again, in the same chapter, Jesus compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a merchant looking for fine pearls, but we are not told where the merchant found them.
But in this parable about a lone traveller, Jesus names the start and destination of the man’s journey. Questions about other details in the story soon occurred to me. Why mention what the robbers took? Why include a priest and a Levite? Why mention the wine and the oil? Last, but not least, why mention the inn and what happened there? One detail Jesus did not mention was the traveller’s name. Perhaps that is because he represents all humankind: ‘We all, like sheep, have gone astray’ (Isaiah 53:6). Often in a fictional detective story, small details are included early into the plot. Initially they seem to have no special significance. Later, however, as the mystery unfolds, these small details are recalled and come to play an important part in enabling the detective to solve the case. In this parable, looking closely at the small details, I became enthused by their deeper, hidden meanings. It is these elements that I would like to share with you over the coming weeks.
LIEUT-COLONEL ELLIS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN NORWAY Next week Part 2: A tale of two cities
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LETTERS
COUNT YOUR VIRTUAL BLESSINGS
UNSHRINKING VIOLET
IT’S been good to read that so many young people are engaging with The Salvation Army through digital networks (Salvationist 6 March), but I wonder if we are overlooking another encouraging aspect of our newfound confidence in connecting with others through digital platforms. I am hugely encouraged by our ability to corporately learn a new thing together during these challenging days. Many of our leaders have embraced the opportunity to stay connected through online ministry, but we have also seen within our existing fellowships people coming to the fore with skills that have been vital to enable outreach to continue. Maybe we need to recognise these gifts and continue exploring these avenues of connectivity. The Salvation Army was renowned in its foundational years as a movement that was not shy in using every possible avenue of technology and innovation to reach the public. Think of William Booth recording his own voice to reach a wider audience, his ambitious national motorcades, making the printed word available to masses and communicating with his leadership team using the telegram service. Are we recovering our pioneering boldness to become less risk-averse in using the opportunities God is showing us? In the parable of the sower Jesus described the seeds sown in differing circumstances and places of nurture. What an exciting prospect to think of all the seeds we are planting in digital fields. Martin Davison Captain Salisbury
THANK you for remembering the work and ministry of Brigadier Violet Merritt to the former Salvationists in Czechoslovakia (Salvationist 20 March). As your reprinted article confirmed, in 1950 the Army was banned, but for many years, initially at her own expense, Violet visited the officers and soldiers who still saw themselves as Salvationists but could not witness as such. In 1977 I was a cadet on my summer appointment when, during my furlough, I visited Czechoslovakia with a cadet friend, John Dyall. On behalf of Brigadier Merritt, we took with us some Bibles and other gifts. We travelled by train from Vienna to Prague and we managed to get our supplies through the border checkpoint, thanks to John diverting the officials with his stamp collection! As your article indicated, the remnant of Salvationists would secretly meet in a home with curtains closed, and it was a moving occasion when we joined them and sang the Founder’s Song in our own languages. I still possess a couple of Army books gifted to me on that occasion by Major Gustav Stranofsky, and in one of those books still lies a faded Czech tricoloured ribbon, like the one held by Violet in the picture you published. Thank God for the faith and resilience of such officers and soldiers during those dark years. Although the ribbon has faded, your article has helped to ensure that our memory of these good and godly folk will not. Graham Mizon Major Burntwood
A SENSE OF IDENTITY
BETWEEN THE LINES
IN January 2021 there were 4,000 Covid-impacted patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the UK. Receiving a high level of dependency care or being impacted by end-of-life issues can affect one’s sense of identity. In order to develop a Christian perspective on identity and health issues it may be helpful to look at how atheists have approached the subject. Jean-Paul Sartre in particular seems to have agonised over the subject of identity and authenticity. The theatre director Sir Jonathan Miller took a more pragmatic, hands-on approach to the issue: he presented a TV series on atheistic thinking in 2004 and finished the series deploying the so-called active listening approach with an end-of-life status patient – thus facilitating the recovery of the patient’s personal identity. At least two reports exploring the association between spiritual care and end-of-life care were released last year. One interestingly followed Miller’s example and recommended that pastoral care providers practise active listening with patients – again to facilitate restoration of personal identity. Another report stated that nurses are appropriately placed to provide spiritual care. It’s been heart-warming to hear Christian clinicians testify on social media in respect to how their faith has sustained them in these difficult days. Here, surely, is the identity and authenticity that Jean-Paul Sartre so earnestly sought after. Maybe if he had adopted the faith of Descartes, he might have resolved his issues with identity. Kevin Chubb Barry
WHAT a blessing that authors such as those included in Salvationist (27 February) commit their thoughts to paper for our enrichment and encouragement. As a teenage pub-boomer, officer and herald, I learnt firsthand the value of passing on the gospel in print. Two particular instances come to mind: a bartender, who took The Young Soldier for his daughter, was saved and became a bandsman; and a young man in a pub, who took the War Cry for his grandmother, was converted and became YPSM at the local corps. Sharing Commissioner Street’s desire for articles in more colloquial language, and embracing the ad-man’s axiom that ‘one in the eye is worth two in the ear’, early after commissioning, I was led to begin submitting to the War Cry, some of my contributions becoming front-page leaders. Later, I contributed to The Young Soldier, youth magazine Vanguard and The Musician. This was a blessed and satisfying means of achieving a much wider ministry. May the Lord inspire our writers to continue providing words for our spiritual edification and enlightenment. Len Roberts Hemel Hempstead
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Salvationist 10 April 2021
LETTERS Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.
REVIEWS
Glimpsing God at work on the streets Major Martin Hill (Central East DHQ) reviews Stories from the Streets by Dr Luke Randall and Sue Shaw
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ARING, listening and helping are the three words summarising the main role of street pastors. The Street Pastors movement has been doing all three since its tentative beginnings in 2003. Starting as a local initiative in Brixton, with 18 willing but inexperienced volunteers, it soon spread. By 2020 there were 270 active groups around the UK and Street Pastors had reached Australia, the Channel Islands, Gibraltar, Ireland, Nigeria, the USA and the Caribbean. In the UK alone the movement has trained about 12,000 volunteers. Stories from the Streets recounts practical experiences of street pastors in the UK and beyond. There are stories about engaging with people who are experiencing homelessness and living on the streets, and about providing a
listening ear and practical care such as water, food and clothing. You can read about a street pastor talking down a distraught man from the parapet of a bridge. If the police had approached, he might have let go and the fast-flowing river below would have swept him to his death, but when a street pastor talked to him he held on to the parapet, and his life. You can also read about a drug user angry at God for taking his father’s life through cancer, while in need of hospital care himself, who responded to a hug and a prayer. There are numerous accounts of night-time revellers, some too intoxicated for their own safety, others separated from their friends and vulnerable, others without money to get home. Street pastors provide a comforting and caring presence. But the stories are not only from the streets. Prayer pastors support their street-based colleagues by praying for them back at base, or from home. They keep contact during the evening, responding to prayer requests. School
pastors visit schools to talk with students and often patrol the routes home at the end of the day. Response pastors are a trained team who are ready to support in emergency situations, such as after the Manchester Arena bombing or Grenfell Tower fire. As Street Pastors founder the Rev Les lsaac comments in the foreword: ‘The stories … remind us that God is in the business of taking ordinary people and using them in powerful and practical ways.’ Stories from the Streets is available from aslanchristianbooks.com priced £8.99 (with free UK delivery) or as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £5.99
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Highlighting a trailblazing ministry Major Martin Whybrow (Wickford with Stanford-leHope) reviews Mrs Lamb Wins Through by Keith Mitchinson
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HIS is a continuation of the author’s earlier book The Making of Captain Clinton, and follows Minnie’s marriage to David Lamb in 1888. Minnie had a remarkable impact as a single officer in Scotland and London. Once married, she never received another long-term appointment. Yet when she died aged 75 in 1939, she had served as an officer for 57 years and still had not retired! A pivotal moment in her life was her husband’s appointment as governor of the Hadleigh Farm Colony (1898–1903). Minnie devoted herself to the welfare of those living there, and became a pioneer social worker. After Hadleigh the family moved to Southend. With David overseas for long periods of time, Minnie was largely left to
her own devices. Making full use of her rank, she involved herself in the domestic affairs of Southend. She became a Poor Law guardian, which meant seeking public election – something not encouraged by the Army. She opened and ran her own children’s home, which the Army took over as Millfield House 10 years later, and spent much time in the courts supporting poor people, ultimately becoming a probation officer. In one year alone 1,200 people visited the quarters seeking Minnie’s help. But helping others had its challenges; in 1919 one disgruntled woman invented a charge of assault and took Minnie to court. One hundred years ago she became one of the country’s first female JPs, and ironically went on to become a licensing magistrate. On a rare overseas visit Minnie became the first woman to lead prayers in a Commonwealth parliament, in British Columbia. After reading the book, I came to three
conclusions: i fifirst, t never waste t your (wo)manpower; second, do not cramp officers with too much programme; and third, much can be accomplished by leaving officers in the same place for a long time. Sadly, Bradbury Home, the care home built on the site of Minnie’s children’s home, has dropped the name ‘Lamb’ from its title. Perhaps this could be revisited, so that Minnie’s legacy can continue to be celebrated. In the meantime, this book highlights her remarkable ministry. Mrs Lamb Wins Through is available from amazon.co.uk priced £10.99 (free standard delivery)
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE
TRIBUTES
RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Mrs Major Elizabeth White (85 on 19 April) O Lieut-Colonel John Pearce-Haydon (85 on 22 April)
CHRISTINE WALKER, CROYDON CITADEL CHRISTINE Walker (née Pursglove) grew up in Wimbledon Corps. She moved to Caterham after her marriage to Malcolm in 1966, and later transferred to Sutton. As well as having roles there, she was the over-60 club leader at the reopened Carshalton Corps for several years. Her kind and caring interest in people continued after her retirement and transfer to Croydon Citadel. Those same qualities were evident throughout her working life as a nurse in a variety of specialisms, and most of all to her family. When Croydon hall was opened during the coronavirus pandemic for private prayer, she was the first person to use the opportunity in what turned out to be her final month. Being a cancer patient through 2020 was a challenge, but it did not diminish her gracious nature or her trust in God. – JS
PROMOTED TO GLORY O Bandsman Brian Allen, Bexleyheath O Terry Barrett, Farcet O Beulah Musariri, Newcastle City Temple, on 11 March O Bob Foster, Leighton Buzzard, on 27 March O Pauline Dixon, Leeds Central O Major Clifford Kew from Princess Royal University Hospital on 29 March BEREAVED O Sue Allen, Bexleyheath, of her husband Bandsman Brian Allen O Mrs Major Elizabeth White of her sister Mary O Bandsman Ian Templeton, Stockton, of his daughter Maxine O Belinda Barrett, Farcet, of her husband Terry O Major Jean Harris, Severn and Somerset DHQ, Rtd SL Robert Foster, Leighton Buzzard, and Stephen Foster of their father Bob Foster O Charles Dixon, Leeds Central, of his wife Pauline O Kath Chiverton, Leeds Central, of her father Donald Smith O Gill Croker, Leeds Central, Janice Goedecke, Bromley Temple, and Craig Kew of their father Major Clifford Kew, Joyce Holdsworth, Leeds Central, and Ken Kew, Reading Central, of their brother O Bandsman/Songster Reservist Tom Cable, Staple Hill, of his sister Mary McCrory
WHAT’S ON THE ALL TERRAIN PODCAST In the latest episode Matt White speaks to Gavin McKenna. Gavin is the founder and director of Reach Every Generation, an organisation that exists to shape a better future for tomorrow’s generation, winning back those caught up in gang culture. O Listen on Apple Podcasts, Podbean or Spotify 22
Salvationist 10 April 2021
MAJOR MARY WELLMAN FRANCES Mary Deakins was born in Redditch in 1934. Along with her family she attended Stratford-upon-Avon Corps until her call to officership. Mary entered the International Training College as a member of the Courageous session in 1957. In the years following commissioning in 1958, she was appointed to several corps, including Salford Cross Lane, Kilburn, Holmewood, Rossington, Thurnscoe, Hoyland Common, Kinsley, Midsomer Norton and Oldbury. In 1970 Mary married Captain Henry Wellman and together they served at Sheffield Park, Stocksbridge, Hounslow, Hayes, Greenford, Buckingham, Coventry Stoke, Bromsgrove and Stratford-upon-Avon, from where they retired in 1999. Coventry City Corps was blessed to have Majors Mary and Henry join the fellowship in their retirement, and is thankful for the years of care and encouragement they gave. Sadly, Henry was promoted to Glory in 2019.
In recent years Mary was in residential care. During this past year she shared her faith with residents by sharing the Sunday meeting DVDs provided by the corps. Her influence will continue as the care home has requested that the DVDs still be delivered. We thank God for Mary’s ministry through the years, knowing that many people have benefited and been richly blessed by her service given in the name of Christ. Having served for 62 years as a Salvation Army officer, Mary is now with her Lord and reunited with Henry. Well done, good and faithful servant! – VS MAJOR WESLEY DINSMORE WESLEY was born in Rochford in 1937 and began his early life at Hadleigh Temple. Bombed out of their home during the Second World War, the family moved to Loughborough. Wesley became fully involved at the corps there, including pub-booming. At the age of 19 he became the corps sergeant-major. He entered the International Training College in 1959 as a cadet in the Greathearts session. Following a year as cadet sergeant he was appointed to Birmingham Stirchley, then Warley. While stationed at Evesham he married Lieutenant Hazel Leggett. Further appointments included Tewkesbury, Darlaston, Bath Odd Down, Wollaston and Buckingham. Wesley fell ill while serving at Cambridge Heath and, after a period of convalescence, was appointed to the Cashiers Department at National Headquarters. He returned to corps work in 1975 with appointments at Morriston, Paignton, Gillingham, Hinckley and Tunbridge Wells with Wadhurst Society. During his time at Gillingham, Wesley was introduced to prison ministry. As his work in the prisons expanded, he experienced a deep longing to be fully involved. In 1996 he found fulfilment in being appointed to THQ as prison liaison officer, later to be renamed prison ministries officer. Wesley’s greatest delight was to sit in a prison
cell and tell a prisoner that God loved them. Wesley retired in 2003 at Maidstone but continued in various expressions of ministry as a local officer, prison chaplain and, for a time, as corps officer when active officer leadership was unavailable. Wesley is greatly missed by Adrian, Neil and Carolyn and their families, and everyone associated with The Salvation Army in Maidstone, but all take great assurance that he is with the Lord he served throughout his life and reunited with his beloved Hazel. – ND DAVID LUCKETT, OXFORD DAVID was born in 1946 and grew up in Abingdon, where he attended the Army regularly with his parents. In his late teens his family moved to Oxford, where David became a soldier. At Oxford he met and fell in love with Paula. They married in 1969 and completed the Luckett household with two children, Marcus and Kate. For most of his life David suffered from ill health, but he never allowed it to overcome him. He had a love for music, a love for people and a love for God. As bandmaster at the corps he brought together the fun and razzmatazz of big band music, the joys of sharing and being with one another, and what it meant to be a follower of Jesus. David was a great encourager wherever he was. David was promoted to Glory in January and is deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. – PL BRIAN HOPKINS, EXMOUTH BORN in 1943, Brian was dedicated at Stonesfield Corps. He became a senior soldier and was a keen pub-boomer for 25 years. He married his beloved Iris in 1984, gaining two stepdaughters. Iris and Brian soldiered at Stonesfield before transferring to Oxford. When Iris’s health deteriorated, they moved to Exmouth to be near family. Sadly, she was promoted to Glory in 2006. Brian immersed himself in doing all he could at Exmouth Corps. He also sold
Army papers for 11 years, whatever the weather, and was well known and loved. Due to ill health, Brian moved to Cranford residential home in 2020, where he was a real favourite with the staff. Brian was devoted to his stepdaughters and their families. He was a quiet, unassuming gentleman, loved by all and willing to help wherever he could. He was a committed and loving Christian until his heavenly Father called him Home. – SM/SC
Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Issued by Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant and correct as of 10am on 1 April Restrictions are easing across the UK, with a switch from ‘stay home’ to permitting limited social and sporting outdoor interactions. Risk assessments need to be approved by DHQ before any activities can restart. We must continue to work from home where possible and follow government advice to remain cautious. NATIONAL RESTRICTIONS In England the first step of the government’s road map out of lockdown began on 29 March. Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households are allowed. People who are clinically vulnerable can stop shielding from 1 April. In Scotland the ‘stay at home’ message will be replaced by ‘stay local’ from 2 April. Places of worship can reopen immediately, after Covid-19 regulations forcing their closure were deemed unlawful. In Wales the stay local restriction has been lifted. Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households are allowed. OUTDOOR PARENT-AND-CHILD GROUPS In England formally organised parentand-child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under five years will not be counted in this number. In Wales outdoor children’s activities can take place, with no limit on the number of children and young children that can attend, but organisers should be mindful of the space available.
MUSIC-MAKING Whatever the setting, all Salvation Army music groups and music groups on Salvation Army premises, both indoors and outdoors, are limited to a maximum of six people. Social distancing and a full risk assessment are required where activities are allowed to restart. In England a small group of singers or players can be used for recording for broadcasting, providing there is no congregation. These groups are to be as small as possible. For worship (indoors or outdoors) a single small group of singers or players (including brass and blown instruments) is permitted if this is essential to an act of communal worship. This should be kept to as few singers or players as possible. No congregational singing is allowed indoors but is allowed outdoors in the grounds of a place of worship only. A group of up to six singers or players (including brass and blown instruments) can rehearse outdoors. Music groups are not allowed to provide outside performances of any sort, aside from playing for outside worship in the grounds of a place of worship. For example, groups are not allowed to play or sing in the grounds of a care home. In Wales one fixed singing group of six is allowed in worship if the physical space allows for safe distancing. No brass and woodwind instruments are allowed indoors or outdoors. No outdoor worship is permitted. In Scotland one individual is allowed to sing behind plexiglass during worship. In Northern Ireland no brass and blown instruments are to be played.
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TO G E T H E R
WE CAN BEAT
C VID-19 Keep hands
Clean Wash thoroughly with soap and warm, clean water. Hand sanitiser should have a high alcohol content.
Mask for
Leave space
Between Apart from those you share a home with, you should avoid being any closer than two metres (six feet) from other people.
Get the
Hygiene Vaccine Face coverings or masks should be worn in indoor and crowded public spaces.
Getting the Covid-19 vaccine adds a layer of protection for you, your coworkers, patients and family.
To protect yourself and others from Covid-19, it all starts with YOU. Save lives by following these simple guidelines. Adhere to all national regulations and requirements, about the vaccine at sar.my/beatcovid19