Salvationist 11 February 2023

SALVATIONIST

YOU’RE WELCOME SHOWING GOD’S LOVE

IVAN RADFORD MANAGING EDITOR

Visit salvationist.org.uk

Issue No 1896

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

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

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips

PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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

ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS

Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org

FRONT PAGE PHOTO: Katherine Stephenson / salfordnow.co.uk

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Brian Peddle

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS

101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.

Being faithful

Continuing a new series of topical reflections, Ivan Radford considers the example set by The Traitors US

‘HE’S my best friend.’ ‘I don’t trust them as far as I can throw them.’ ‘Why would you do that? It makes zero sense.’ These are all lines you can hear in The Traitors US, which is currently airing on BBC One on Wednesdays.

The series is the American counterpart to the recent hit UK show, which has been streamed more than 28 million times on BBC iPlayer to date. It places a group of people in a lavish, remote castle and asks them to work together to build up a group prize pot. But among them are several people who are designated ‘traitors’ and challenged with evicting people from the game without being detected.

The result is a tense mix of teamwork and suspense – and, if you were to walk into such a situation in real life, would probably be one of the least welcoming environments you could imagine.

The American version of the series involves not only members of the public but also former reality TV contestants, who pride themselves on their experience in putting on a show. Each edition’s presenter, meanwhile, plays into the theatrics of proceedings with a smirk.

Reality TV – one of the most human inventions of all human inventions –

invites us to look at human failings in others and have a chuckle. That could never be us, we’re meant to tell ourselves, then laugh at the petty bickering that unfolds. Because, of course, it’s much easier to do that than look at ourselves and how we treat other people.

In both the UK and US incarnations of the show, there is one positive element: the group repeatedly pulls together to complete challenges and puzzles, putting aside their differences for a greater goal. All the while, the participants proclaim to each other, ‘I’m 100 per cent faithful!’

But the key reason the format works, and what draws so many viewers to it, is that this motley crew of castle inhabitants apparently can’t tell the difference between those who are faithful and those who aren’t.

As Christians, we pray for the exact opposite to be the case: for everything we say and do to reflect God’s love. The joy and peace that we know from walking with Jesus through whatever circumstances we face mark us out from the world around us. We are called to ‘let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven’ (Matthew 5:16).

We are invited to have life in all its fullness and to bring others to that same

REFLECT AND RESPOND

Revisit Matthew 5:13–16. Is your light visible or hidden to others? Why?

Read Philippians 4:8 and Romans 12. Do you hold fast to what is good? How can you show hospitality where you are?

Listen to ‘Lord, I Come Before Your Throne of Grace’ (SASB 378). How does God’s faithfulness encourage you in your faith?

beautiful sense of belonging – not by arguing with people, but by telling of Jesus’ love and then showing it in every fibre of our lives. That includes how we work together as a Church for the greater good, putting aside small differences and encouraging one another to keep our eyes on Jesus – a best friend who is 100 per cent faithful. Forget the elaborate castle, that kind of welcoming environment is one anyone would want to join. soeayoeoud

IVAN RADFORD Managing Editor Salvationist

Did you know…?

by

Garry D Reed

Test yourself on these surprising Bible facts

1 Which country produces the most copies of the Bible annually?

2 The Bible was written in three languages: Hebrew, Aramaic and which other language?

3 Which books in the Bible do not mention the word ‘God’?

4 After Nebuchadnezzar sentenced Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to be thrown into a raging furnace, how many men did he see in the inferno?

5 According to the Bible, which animals are apparently able to speak? (One is a mammal, the other is a reptile.)

6 Which person in the Bible had a vision of four unrelated beasts emerging from the ocean?

7 Who is said to have died at 969 years old, being the longest living of all Bible characters?

8 Which king ate grass like an ox, and had his body soaked with the dew of heaven until his hair grew like eagle feathers and his nails like claws?

9 What is the longest name in the Bible?

10 Who cut Samson’s hair?

11 What is the shortest verse in the Bible?

12 What are the first and last words in the Bible?

‘My God gives me all that I need’

Newly commissioned CSM Gilbert Chamunorwa (Bath Citadel) shares how he accepted Jesus as his Saviour

IWAS raised in a Catholic background in Zimbabwe. I would go to church on Sundays because Mum would have said so. Mum would say: ‘I lock my house and if you don’t go to church, you stay outside.’ So I continued going to church, though it never meant anything to me. It wasn’t until I met my wife, who is a Salvationist and whose parents were officers, that church began to mean something to me.

She introduced me to The Salvation Army and we would attend services, but God still did not speak to me.

I remember the corps officers on numerous occasions trying to talk about Jesus with me, but it still yielded

about Jesus with me, but it still no results. It was diff icult to accept Jesus as my Saviour and leave t he out side world I was used to.

But when God says it’s time, everything comes into fruit ion

It was at my father-in-law’s f funeral l h when G d od

first spoke to me. The officer who had preached at the funeral service compared our lives to that of a car. A car is insured and covered in the event of accidents or theft. Likewise, our lives are insured by Lord Jesus. The message touched me so much and I felt God asking me where I stood on it.

That was the turning point, and I was finally enrolled as a soldier. From Zimbabwe I came to Bath Citadel and, as years went by, I joined the band. After 17 years at the corps, I was commissioned corps sergeant-major.

I accepted the appointment as I felt I had a lot to do for the growth of God’s Kingdom. I might not have all that I want in life but do thank my God for he gives me all that I need.

Kingdom I not have all that I want in life but do thank my God that A s Noah and his and held securely in t he ark , so are we protected and held

family were protected securely by the Holy Spirit within the Church.

S Spiirit wit hin the Chur h ch

ANSWERS

1. China

2. Greek 3. Esther and Song of Songs

4. Four (Daniel 3:24 and 25)

5. Donkey (Numbers 22:28) and serpent (Genesis 3:1)

6. Daniel (Daniel 7:2 and 3)

7. Methuselah (Genesis 5:25–27) 8. Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 4:33)

9. Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (Isaiah 8:1)

10. Delilah’s servant (Judges 16:19)

11. ‘Jesus wept’ (John 11:35) 12. ‘In’ and ‘Amen’

(Genesis 1:1 and Revelation 22:21)

Honest but hopeful

Territorial Ecumenical Officer Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts reviews Race for Justice edited by Richard Reddie

THE contributors to this important book address issues of racial justice within the British and Irish churches they represent, including The Salvation Army. They reflect on successes and failures since the launch of Racial Justice Sunday in 1995 and outline their hopes for the future.

The bishop of Croydon, the Right Rev Rosemarie Mallett, takes a long, hard look at her denomination. Despite the persistent ‘un/conscious bias in church institutions’ she is hopeful that the steps being taken will help create an inclusive Church where diversity is recognised as a strength. Writers from other denominations, parachurch groups, ecumenical bodies and minority ethnic congregations also reflect on responses to racism within

the Church and wider society.

In his chapter Major Jonny Smith (THQ) celebrates the growth in racial diversity in the Army over the past 25 years. He also points to ‘far too many incidents of racism and institutional racism’ and gives disturbing examples.

Jonny mentions the work of Salvationist Linbert Spencer, who was a member of the Churches Commission for Racial Justice, which established Racial Justice Sunday, and who has been an important advocate of racial inclusion within the Army and the wider Church. Jonny also quotes the territorial leaders’ 2020 statement on racism, which was followed by a major report that led to the setting up of the Racial Inclusion Working Group.

Jonny acknowledges the need for

Rich and lavish

repentance and forgiveness, and concludes that ‘real racial justice can start to become a tangible reality within this Movement’.

Race for Justice is timely, with 22 April marking the 30th anniversary of the murder of Stephen Lawrence in south London – a tragic event that formed the backdrop for the establishing of Racial Justice Sunday.

Although parts of the book are disturbing, there are notes of hope, encouraging and calling us all to make equality and inclusion a reality.

Race for Justice is available from lionhudson.com priced £9.99 (plus delivery) or as an ebook for the same price

Major Adrian Maddern (Reading Central) reviews the album Love Song by Philip Cobb

WITH warmth and sensitivity, we are brought into the world of melody and song in Philip Cobb’s latest recording.

Philip is Principal Trumpet of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and an outstanding musician. The listener is treated to a collection of songs with his exquisite, lyrical cornet playing, accompanied with sumptuous sounds from the International Staff Band under the leadership of the soloist’s father, Stephen Cobb.

All the music presented is reflective in nature and, for this listener, is the perfect tonic after a busy, stressful day. It is cornet playing of the highest quality, superbly supported by the ISB.

There is much to enjoy. There are classic songster arrangements, such as ‘The Candle of the Lord’ by Joy

Webb, Mervyn Clarke’s ‘Precious Jesus’ and Alastair Taylor’s ‘I Need Thee’. Three works by the great songwriter Howard Davies are featured: ‘All the Ways God Has Shown’, ‘The Wonder of His Grace’ and ‘With All My Heart’. The latter was particularly enjoyed by this listener. Joy Webb is featured once more with the beautiful, evocative melody of ‘As I Pray’.

No collection of Salvation Army cornet melodies would be complete, however, without William Hammond’s ‘In the Love of Jesus’ and George Beverly Shea’s ‘I’d Rather Have Jesus’. Both are played with sensitivity and delivered with aplomb.

There is also the evergreen ‘Prayer of Childhood’ by Leslie Condon and Ernest Rance’s much-loved ‘Ochills’, which features paraphrased words

from Psalm 121: ‘To the hills I lift my eyes, the distant hills before me.’

We are treated to some rich and lavish sounds from the title track ‘Love Song’ by Kenneth Downie and Andrew Blyth’s ‘A Lyric of Hope’, as well as a beautiful setting of the familiar song ‘Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know’ from Paul Sharman in ‘The Sweetest Name’. Mozart’s classic ‘Laudate Dominum’ completes the set. It is a collection of unmatched quality with superb arrangements throughout.

Love Song is available to buy as a CD from sps-shop.com priced £13.95 (plus delivery) or as a download priced £9.99

Proving who Jesus is

Major Nigel Bovey examines Paul’s approach to sharing the gospel

ACTS 17:1–15

LIVE worms – for the manufacture of compost or for use as fish bait – come in biodegradable cartons. Opening a can of worms, therefore, is strictly metaphorical –and Paul is not averse to prising open the occasional contentious lid.

The can of worms Paul opens in Acts 17 is the expectations of the Messiah. He starts with ‘explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead’ (v3). This is a frustratingly rare venture. For, while Paul spends three days in Thessalonica doing so, he does not write three verses on the topic.

Paul has arrived in Thessalonica and – ‘as was his custom’ (v2) – he worships at the synagogue. While this verse describes Paul’s practice, little in Scripture betrays his personality. Some of Paul’s attitudes – towards women in church (see 1 Corinthians 14:34), gay people in the Kingdom (see 1 Corinthians 6:9) and slaves in society (see Ephesians 6:9), for example – are hard for many believers to accept 2,000 years later. However, the fact that he is allowed to speak on ‘three Sabbaths’ suggests that he must have had some measure of winsomeness about him.

Before looking at his message, let’s examine his method: ‘He reasoned with them from the Scriptures’ (v2).

The Greek word for ‘reasoned’, dialegomai, indicates dialogue. It does not mean monologue. Paul was as prepared to listen to others’ opinions as he was to give his own. Reasoning is not ranting. Reasoning requires being reasonable.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

When talking to other people about God, how reasonable are we?

To what extent, do we need to be more winsome so that we can win some for Jesus?

Paul then sets about ‘explaining’ (v3). In the King James Version, the word used is ‘opening’. The word ‘opening’ suggests not an opening statement but an ‘opening of the body’ – a dissection of the Scripture. From this holy body of work, Paul extracts and exposes the vital truths about Jesus. By so doing, he hopes to open his hearers’ minds and hearts to the reality of Jesus.

Paul then goes about ‘proving’ (v3). The Greek word used for ‘proving’ – paratithemi – literally means ‘beside (para) place (tithemi)’. Effectively, Paul makes a statement about Jesus and then supports it by quoting relevant Scripture.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How much better do you need to know what the Bible says about Jesus?

Verse 3 identifies Paul’s threefold message: ‘the Messiah had to suffer’, the Messiah had to ‘rise from the dead’, and Jesus ‘is the Messiah’.

In his letters, Paul mentions ‘Christ’ nearly 400 times. He writes about Jesus in relation to the Law. He talks about Christ’s role in the future but he never does on papyrus what he does in Thessalonica. He uses ‘Christ’ as a name and never, as Peter does, as ‘the Christ’

(Matthew 16:16 KJV). Surprisingly for a scholar, there is no recorded systematic exposition of Jesus as the Messiah in the way that fisherman Peter lays out at Pentecost (see Acts 2:2–36).

In my book Keys to the Kingdom, I identify four main expectations of the Messiah prevalent at the time of Jesus. The Sadducees do not expect a messiah. The ascetic Essenes believe they will co-lead an uncontaminated Kingdom with the Messiah. The Zealots are prepared to hasten the arrival of the Messiah by overthrowing the occupying Romans. The Law-promoting Pharisees – Paul’s heritage party – want a mighty Deliverer Messiah to rid Israel of blasphemous foreigners and restore the Davidic kingdom.

As the Sadducees were a priestly class based at the Temple, it is highly probable that most of Paul’s synagogue audience are Pharisees who believe in an allconquering restorer of Jewish pride. The idea that the Messiah should ‘suffer and rise from death’ is foreign – blasphemous – to them.

In his dialogue, Paul slices the Scriptures and then places prophecies beside the life of Jesus as ‘proof’ of their ultimate fulfilment. Perhaps he explains the identity of the Prophet (see Deuteronomy 18:18), the Suffering Servant (see Isaiah 53), the Sufferer (see Psalm 22) or the Holy One (see Psalm 16).

Not only must Paul get his audience to accept this new view of the Messiah, but he must also get them to recognise that this version of the Messiah is fulfilled in the crucified and risen Jesus of Nazareth.

Such a sea change in thinking is unlikely to happen in one conversation, which is perhaps why Paul makes return visits. Sharing the good news about Jesus takes time and commitment.

PAUSE AND

REFLECT

How much do we believe in Jesus as the Messiah?

Thessalonica is one of Paul’s three recorded synagogue discussions. In Corinth, ‘every Sabbath he reasoned [dialegomai again] in the synagogue’ (Acts 18:4). In Damascus, he was ‘proving that Jesus is Messiah’ (Acts 9:20–22). Here, again the word for ‘proving’ (sumbibazo – ‘together join’) suggests a logical placing and connecting of single pieces of evidence to complete a big picture.

Technically, ‘proof’ belongs only to the disciplines of mathematics and logic. Legal ‘proof’, for example, is based on the balance of probability and requires evidence ‘beyond reasonable doubt’. Scientists do not say a theory is ‘proof’ but prefer instead to talk in terms of the ‘best possible explanation’.

In matters of faith, there is no knockdown proof. We cannot prove the existence of God, the resurrection of Jesus or his return as the Messiah. We can, however, open up the evidence, piece it together and match it to what the Bible and our own experiences say. Then, being winsome and reasonable, we can engage in dialogue with those who have yet to decide about the Messiah.

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

THE LORD’S PRAYER FOCUS by

SATURDAY 11 FEBRUARY

Tendayi Mafemera (Southwark)

Lord, give me all that I need for this day, forgive my wrongdoings and lead me not into temptation, but deliver me from evil. Amen.

GENEROUS DISCIPLESHIP FOCUS by

SUNDAY 12 FEBRUARY

‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good’ (Genesis 1:31). Lord, open our eyes and ears so that we can wallow in the beauty and wonder of the world that you have provided as our home. Amen.

MONDAY 13 FEBRUARY

‘Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendour’ (1 Chronicles 29:11). It’s easy to assume ownership of things lent to us. We may think that they are ours and don’t belong to God. However, our lives are his, and we have opportunities to give back to him what is already his. Give back to God in prayer these things in your life: time, talent, treasure, work, relationships, dreams and ambitions.

TUESDAY 14 FEBRUARY

‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’ (John 6:9). A little becomes a lot in the hands of Jesus. God can do amazing things with what we have to offer if we are but willing to place it in his hands. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 15 FEBRUARY

‘I give best when I give from that deeper place; when I give simply, freely and generously … I give best when I give from my heart’ (Steve Goodier). Gracious Lord, help us to mirror your generosity in all the areas of our lives. Amen.

THURSDAY 16 FEBRUARY

Lord, you give to us so generously and we give our thanks. As we consider our giving, help us to trust you in these days of financial challenge. Enable us to be responsive and generous so that your work in our community prospers and grows. We pray for your blessing and presence as we become generous in our discipleship. Amen.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS: WALKING WITH GOD

by Karen Findlay (Wellingborough)

FRIDAY 17 FEBRUARY

‘I will walk among you; I will be your God, and you will be my people’ (Leviticus 26:12 New Living Translation). Father God, thank you for the promise of your presence. We rest in the truth of the promise that you are walking with us, that you are God and we are your people. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

MAJOR NIGEL BOVEY Retired Officer Exmouth

the Generous Discipleship Team

Show the Love

Major Heather Poxon introduces this year’s climate campaign

EACH February since 2015, people from across the UK have joined together to show they care about climate change and its impacts. The Show the Love campaign is organised by the Climate Coalition, which spans more than 130 organisations, including The Salvation Army.

With energy costs increasing, we are all more aware of the need to care for creation and to examine our use of the Earth’s resources. Across the territory, the Army is working in multiple ways to help tackle the climate, nature and cost of living crises – for the love of our families, our homes, our livelihoods and our planet.

NATURE WATFORD CORPS

‘We never planned to start a church allotment, but that’s how God works sometimes. A corps member signed up, expecting to wait years for a plot, but we received keys within a month. After lots of trial and error we developed a programme with the neighbouring primary school. Year 3 spend a morning a week from spring to autumn rotating through gardening, cooking sessions, reflection and forest school. Building relationships with a large and diverse group in one of the area’s most deprived neighbourhoods has been a joyful experience. The opportunities for mission keep coming.’

– Captain Mark Scoulding

AWARENESS HADLEIGH FARM ESTATE

CLIMATE HENDON CORPS

‘In November 2022, we opened the hall each Tuesday as a warm space with a commitment to continue until April, when hopefully the weather will be warmer. Providing a warm space achieves several outcomes. Providing heating in one community space reduces the energy being used by numerous individuals in their own homes, which is a good outcome in its own right. But we have seen the added opportunities of new relationships, laughter and meaningful conversations when we just seem to have been in the right place at the right time.’

– Elaine Cobb

‘We have found a growing interest and concern about environmental issues in young children, which we are pleased to encourage with free family half-term activities. On our nature day we will be thinking about bees. Bees are an important part of the biodiversity that we all depend on. One in three mouthfuls of food relies on pollinators such as bees and we want to encourage families to help their survival. There is an opportunity to sample honey produced on the estate and make a decorative bath that will help bees find water in hot conditions.’

– Captain Wendy Watkins

“ The impacts of climate change are felt all around the world.

REFLECTION

What’s your rating?

PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT UK

The impacts of climate change are felt all around the world, but people living in poverty are less equipped to rebuild in the wake of disaster. Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and inconsistent weather patterns make it difficult for farmers to grow sufficient crops. The Salvation Army is journeying with communities as they work to build their resilience. In Malawi, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Mali, the Army facilitates training in climate-conscious agricultural techniques. In Burkina Faso, training in producing organic liquid fertiliser – instead of buying expensive synthetic fertiliser – is helping farmers to enhance the health of their soil and resulting in improved harvests.

For more information, activities and resources, visit theclimatecoalition.org/ show-the-love

‘H

These questionnaires are aimed at finding out how we feel we have been dealt with and how we have been treated. How many stars out of 10 would we award? How could we suggest they improve? What impressed us most? Positive statements are usually followed by a request to say why we have been complimentary. Is there someone in particular we would like to name who was extra helpful?

What if we were to conduct a personal survey of our Christian behaviour, asking people we came into contact with how they viewed our actions and responses? What would we expect to hear? How many stars out of 10 would they give us? Could we have done better? How could we improve? Would any compliments – or other comments – be explained in more detail?

As Christians, our daily living must be exemplary – Christlike. One way to check up on our current spiritual state is to read Paul’s description of love found in 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 and replace the word ‘love’ with our name:

Territo

MAJOR HEATHER POXON Territorial Environmental Officer THQ

‘[ ] is patient, [ ] is kind. [ ] does not envy, [ ] does not boast, [ ] is not proud. [ ] does not dishonour others, [ ] is not self-seeking, [ ] is not easily angered, [ ] keeps no record of wrongs. [ ] does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. [ ] always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.’

Theologian Charles Harold Dodd wrote that this description of love is ‘a portrait for which Christ himself sat’. If it describes us, then we are living our life in the way God expects.

Our Heavenly Father’s response to our individual surveys is the ultimate evaluation. ‘The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7). He is the only one who can, and will, judge us, deciding if our lives and service have been satisfactory. He also knows those who have been helpful to keep us spiritually focused.

Clowne

Giving a warm welcome

SALVATION Army halls have always been places of welcome but, as the cost of living crisis bites, the practicalities of keeping warm in winter have come to the forefront of hearts and minds around the country.

The Warm Welcome Campaign is a multi-denominational initiative to provide more than 1,000 places of warm welcome in the winter months for people struggling to heat their homes or stay warm. The spaces are free, heated,

inclusive and non-judgemental.

This has given corps and centres opportunities to learn more about community engagement and thereby broaden the access to other elements of their programmes. More than 100 Salvation Army locations are now registered with the campaign.

With mission and purpose at the heart of any community activity, it’s not about how many people are coming through, but about the relationships nurtured along the way. As people are sharing stories of their warm spaces, it’s becoming clear that these are at the heart of fruitful growth.

FROM THE FRONT LINE

We’ve been running our warm space since November and we plan to keep it open until the end of March, writes Lieutenant Miriam Smith (Glenrothes). We provide a place to have a ‘blether’ or play games. We find that most just want to come for some company.

The corps have embraced this venture, with volunteers coming to enjoy the company of others and engage in conversation. One of my congregation is an Employment Plus worker. She has made herself known to people and is available to offer help and advice.

As far as we’re concerned, this is the sort of thing that William Booth would have done! We already had a group that met for lunch on Monday, and we had been thinking about how that could be more missional, so we expanded that session to provide something ‘more’ for the community to come to. I am now starting to think about how it could become even ‘more’ after the end of March, as we don’t have a midweek faith-based programme for adults.

One couple started attending Sunday worship and brought their granddaughter, so we’re excited about what God is doing!

This was something we could do simply by extending activities we were already providing, explains Major Steven Watson (Whitehaven). We open three days a week with hot drinks and toast during the morning and hot soup and a roll over lunchtime. Because of the activities that already exist, the building is already warm.

We were later approached by our local authority asking to rent the building one day a week to provide a warm space. We didn’t have the capacity to do this without compromising our own activities, but we managed to link into their social prescribing team, giving them the ability to signpost to us.

I signed up to help advance what we are doing in a small highland village, says Major Janet McIntyre (Kinlochleven). We try to encourage our villagers to get out of their houses and come and enjoy food and drink.

It gives us an opportunity to have meaningful discussions concerning what is happening around us. We play Christian music as well as secular music and sometimes have Army videos playing, which encourages discussion. Most of the people who come are in the older age bracket and live alone, so it’s important that we try to design it according to their needs.

I attended the launch event of the Warm Welcome UK initiative as I prepared for the impact winter was going to have on our community – one

STARTING POINTS

Is it already happening?

How do your current activities or groups already offer a warm space? Who else is doing it?

How could you work with nearby churches, faith groups, organisations or councils?

What’s the purpose?

How are you using your warm space to build relationships and share the good news?

What’s next?

How could you link people into other activities at the corps and nurture them as disciples of Jesus?

of the most deprived areas in Edinburgh, explains Lorraine Duncan (Edinburgh Granton)

It was inspiring to hear how everyone was immediately ready to help. There were some great ideas as to how to make a difference.

It’s important to us to work with the other churches in our area and we found they were on the same page, so we agreed that we would support each other to offer the community somewhere they could go every day. We advertise our days and times via warmgranton.info Each church has its own community programme so it’s also a great way of sharing and mapping what’s happening locally.

We offer free co-working space and free secure charging using our lockable charging station. Our visitors can use lockers while accessing other services, completing a training course, attending workshops or enjoying a coffee. We’re also ensuring that those we support are fully equipped with the advice and guidance they need to heat their homes effectively and manage their incomes.

Find your nearest warm welcome space or register a venue today at warmwelcome.uk

HOW CAN YOU TAKE PART?

Scan the QR code to find out more about ways to get involved, or visit salvationist.org.uk/warmwelcome

QUICK QUOTES

‘We made a conscious decision to avoid stigma around the space by not operating a headcount or any sign-in procedure. Our intention was for people to feel welcome, loved and valued. If the building is open, the warm space is available!’

Community Programme and Engagement Manager Kathryn Casserley (Southport)

‘Our warm space is set up café-style. About 15 to 20 people have come along. In the future, we hope to build upon it as a midweek fellowship.’

CSM Lynne Brill (Merthyr Tydfil)

‘The campaign has highlighted existing services and facilities, and that Church isn’t a place you just go to on Sundays, which has been beneficial in bringing new people into our building.’

Captain Martin Davison (Salisbury)

‘We registered to make the public aware of the space available and to work in partnership with other facilities, such as the library.’

Captain Mark Cozens (Batley)

‘It has become a real community space and every week we have amazing conversations. Building alongside things that were already running seems to be working.’

Captain Emma Heal (Kilmarnock)

‘The corps has had a breakfast club for decades but questioned if they could do more. Now, our Tuesday evenings increasingly attract Ukrainian families who live across the road.’

Captain Megan Kervin (Paisley Citadel)

‘We created our welcome hub from our band room and bookshop as part of the corps vision around making the theology of welcome a reality.’

Community Engagement Lead

Emma Neill (Regent Hall)

‘The hall is always open for people, so in some ways we’ve been doing this unofficially for a long time. We haven’t had the response we expected, but we’re working in conjunction with other agencies in the area and will continue to be open for people as long as it’s needed.’

Major Michael West (Swinton)

SELF-DENIAL 2023 JOYCE, PAKISTAN

THIS year’s Self-Denial Appeal runs from 5 February to 5 March with a focus on children and young people and how The Salvation Army is supporting, enabling, caring for and being changed by children and young people around the world.

About 230 million people live in Pakistan, making it the country with the fifth largest population. And it’s a young population –nearly two thirds are under 30, including Joyce.

‘My name is Joyce and I’m 15 years old. I live with my mother, Fozia, and my two younger sisters. Araunan is 13 years old, and she is in Grade 7 and Canisa is almost 10 years old, and she is in Grade 4. I spend my time doing baking. I like to bake cookies and sometimes snacks.

‘My mother is a Salvation Army officer. She is the social secretary in charge of The Salvation Army’s schools and hostels in Pakistan. My aunt, Nazia, taught me how to bake and the first thing we baked was a mud cake.’

Joyce’s dad was also an officer, but he died suddenly nearly 10 years ago.

Pakistan is an Islamic republic: 96 per cent of the population are Muslim, just over 1 per cent are Christian. Today, there are nearly 40,000 Salvationists here. Joyce and her family go to the corps on the headquarters compound in the city centre. During the meeting the choir sings songs and there are Bible readings.

Pakistan’s constitution gives its citizens the right to practise their own religion, but strict blasphemy laws can make it difficult for religious minorities.

‘There are seven to eight kids my age and my friends are many girls from the compound area,’ says Joyce. ‘In school I get to know and have Muslim friends. It’s interesting, you get to know about both religions side by side.’

This is not the first time Joyce has featured in a Self-Denial film. A few years back The Salvation Army filmed Joyce and her sister Araunan going to school.

‘At that time, I was 10 years old, so life was easy. There was no hard study pressure. Now you have some responsibility, you need good marks, good grades.’

Around the world, access to education, the amount you get paid and your chances of getting a decent job can vary depending on a lot of factors, but especially whether you are a

man or a woman. This gender gap has, in many countries, been slowly reducing but in Pakistan the gap is one of the widest. The Salvation Army’s mission is to serve without discrimination and it’s doing what it can to support all children and young people.

Mission support money from the UK is being used to build new classrooms. In this school in Karachi, it’s funded training for local officers who are working with children and a programme for young leaders. Throughout the territory, they’re doing their best to make sure all young people get the support they need to thrive. Still, in Pakistan being a woman and having a Christian faith can make things more difficult. Joyce isn’t put off.

‘I want to become a doctor. I’m really interested in how they help other people to save lives and I’m thankful for them that they saved many lives in the Covid-19 season. There’s discrimination in Pakistan between men and women. Many women are not allowed to go out for jobs due to family issues and family don’t allow it. I have been living in Pakistan for almost 15 years, so I’m now used to it. Sometimes I feel fed up, frustrated, but you need to live. My hopes for the future are less discrimination, more focus on education and health, and more progress for the next generation.’

Based on this week’s Self-Denial Appeal video, available to watch at salvationist.org. uk/selfdenial

HOW TO GIVE

Use the envelope or this year’s collection box.

Visit salvationist.org.uk/ selfdenial

Or, if you have a standing order set up already, you can make a payment that way.

“ I want to become a doctor. I’m really interested in how they help other people to save lives.

Sidmouth Restoration through innovation

FAST FACTS

DIVISION:

FRESH EXPRESSION LEADER: Angie Carney

(Community Development Manager)

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/sidmouthsalvos

INTEGRATED AND INNOVATIVE

I have led the Fresh Expression mission here in Sidmouth since 2016. We don’t have a building of our own; we hire local centres. We are embedded in the local community and show care for creation by using spaces that would otherwise be stood empty a lot of the time.

We are a bronze award Eco Church and we thank God for the unique ways we help to care for creation here through networking and linking up with other agencies, including Sid Valley Foodbank, Exeter Community Energy and Honiton Community Advice. We also collaborate with the United Reformed Church and Methodist churches under ‘The Collective’. URC minister the Rev Aiyana Gardner-Houghton completed modules in eco-theology as part of her theology degree, so she’s a really useful asset to the team, as is Methodist minister the Rev Steve Santry.

BREAD, BUMPS AND BABIES

On alternate Sundays we hold Bread Church. Freshly baked bread is enjoyed with soup before reflection time and our tables are all connected so we feel together. Our parent-and-toddler group revealed that there was little support in Sidmouth for breastfeeding mums. Three mums from our group then trained as

breastfeeding peer supporters to aid mums with this natural and beneficial method, although there is absolutely no judgement of bottle feeders at our Bumps and Babies group. In our parentand-toddler group we recycle and use natural materials for craft activities and use food items that are no longer consumable, such as old potatoes, for printing. We have a weekly community drop-in which is very well attended. Most folk walk to the drop-in where they can enjoy company, crafts and refreshments and also receive advice.

REPAIRING AND RESTORING

In 2018 I helped to start a monthly repair café, where people can take items that would have ended up in landfill if they weren’t fixed. They don’t just ‘drop and go’ – it’s a shared experience between the item bearer and repairer, who work together to fix and maintain

an item. It’s a learning opportunity that enables people to look at things in a different way and helps everyone feel useful and valued.

It’s an idea that originated in Amsterdam in 2009 and has become very popular. Sidmouth Repair Café is now part of a network of similar cafés –an amazing community of people. This café gives me hope for what church could look like in the future.

CHANGING CULTURE AND CHALLENGING IDEAS

Caring for creation in this setting is integrated into our everyday. It’s about a changing culture. I see it as connected with our understanding of what it means to be human within the wider lens of all that God has created: developing humility and respect and honouring the world that we are just one part of.

Devon and Cornwall

Angie Carney, the Rev Steve Santry and the Rev Aiyana Gardner-Houghton

Repair café

SATCoL named Outstanding Charity Retailer of the Year

UK

THE Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) has been presented with the Charity Retail Association’s Outstanding Charity Retailer of the Year award.

SATCoL operates more than 230 charity shops and donation centres on behalf of The Salvation Army.

SATCoL’s positive social and environmental impact on communities played a big part in why it won the top prize. Initiatives introduced by the company include eLearning platform The Learning Booth, which provides free training for volunteer colleagues as well as staff members. Other highlights include SATCoL’s investments in Fibresort, the only technology of its kind in the UK to sort non-wearable textiles for recycling, and its new-concept donation centre+ stores, of which it aims to open 20 across the UK this year.

Managing Director Trevor Caffull, pictured with members of the SATCoL retail team, said: ‘Without our donors, customers and colleagues, especially our army of volunteers, we could not directly help those in need and raise funds for the important work of our charity, which supports the most vulnerable in our society. It’s important for us to make sure our colleagues feel valued, rewarded and supported as much as we can.’ – AR

EVENT

PONTEFRACT Due to December being too busy, the Yorkshire Enabled group traditionally hold their Christmas Fellowship Day in January. This year 24 members and friends met for a day of carols, games, quizzes and food at Bradford Citadel. Members who were not present in person were sent a programme through the post so they could join in spirit on the day itself. – MT

COMMUNITY

BLACKPOOL A men’s football team, supported by the Army’s Refugee Resettlement Service, received a surprise video call from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. Pep’s humanitarian charity, the Guardiola Sala Foundation, arranged for each player to receive a personalised Manchester City shirt as a memento of their success in the recent Partnership Trophy. The annual five-a-side football tournament is run by the Army for people who are experiencing homelessness, including refugees and survivors of modern slavery. – AR

COMMUNITY

SWAN LODGE Sunderland AFC legend Julio Arca is to provide weekly football and fitness sessions to residents at Swan Lodge Lifehouse. The footballer will host sessions each Wednesday. Support worker Andy Smith said: ‘Julio is such an icon in the North East, not only for his football but also for what he gives back to the region. A lot of our residents are used to being dismissed in life, so to have someone like Julio give their time every week to help our clients is just amazing.’ – AR

Kim Leadbeater, MP, visits Batley Corps to see the Army’s community work

LIFEHOUSE

JAMES LEE HOUSE Residents picked up their paintbrushes and created a range of decorated shoes in a bid to boost their mental health, using art as therapy. Assistant Support Worker Debbie Lyon (pictured) said: ‘Every pair of shoes has a story to tell, they have changed people’s lives in some way and have been a part of someone’s story at one point. Some may have belonged to refugees, business workers, single parents or children, and might have been one step away from finding themselves in landfill, but we have stopped that, recycling them and using them as a positive outlet.’ – LD

ENVIRONMENT

STAFFORD The corps has teamed up with Stafford Library to open a donation point for the Plum Project, which helps families in Staffordshire by providing pre-loved school uniforms for free. Last year, the project supported more than 900 children. Children and Family Worker Amy Bayliss-Fox said: ‘By working together with Staffordshire Libraries, we have served local families by providing good quality, second-hand uniforms that would have otherwise ended up in landfill.’ Amy is pictured with Libraries Development Manager Kerry Hutchings and Councillor Mark Sutton. – AR

STEPNEY Following a straightforward survey reviewing the different aspects of church life, the corps achieved a bronze Eco Church award. The fellowship is committed to regular teaching on creation care, practical steps to reduce its carbon footprint, and engaging in local and national environmental campaigns. – HS

OUTREACH

CONSETT In September, the corps found itself in a familiar position where the demand for spaces at its parent-and-toddler group was too much to accommodate in the YP hall. It has now relocated to the main worship hall and, since the first week in this new space, the corps has welcomed more than 20 new families who attend on a regular basis and have become part of the fellowship. – NB

STAPLE HILL For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, the songsters visited Badminton Gardens residential complex to share the Christmas message. Songster Hilton Baker introduced items and the brigade gave a thank you to Songster Reservist Michael Dyer for his 41 years of service. Michael and his wife, Elsie, now live in the complex and are no longer able to attend meetings on Sundays. The songsters presented him with a gift and many words of appreciation. – VW

SHIREBROOK A local Sports Direct warehouse donated more than £1,260 to the corps following a series of fundraising events to support the food bank. ‘Most people working at the warehouse are local,’ said corps officer Captain Lorna White, ‘and it is a blessing to see local people helping local people.’ – AR

ECUMENICAL

BOURNE The corps hosted the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity for Churches Together in Bourne. Supported by the corps community band, corps officer Lieutenant Sarah O’Grady led the meeting with other church ministers of the town. Many blessings were received by the congregation from all denominations. – CG

YAQUB and Guri Masih were welcomed as adherents. In their testimonies, they shared about their love for Jesus and why they have enjoyed coming to the corps. – ST

CORPS officer Major Martin Whybrow enrolled Reece Bartholomew as a soldier. Reece invited many friends to witness the enrolment and testified to the work of God in his life. Reece is pictured with Majors Martin and Carol Whybrow and Major Brian Miller holding the flag. – BM

GOVAN

BECKY and her three children started attending the children’s club in September 2021, then accepted an invitation to a carol service. In recent months, Becky has testified to her newfound faith and the recognition that Jesus is her personal Saviour and decided to become an adherent. Becky was also conscious that only one of her children had been christened. So, at the corps anniversary weekend, Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel João Paulo Ramos conducted a thanksgiving service for the children as well as welcoming Becky as an adherent. – LH-N

AFTER many years attending the corps, Alison and George Watson were welcomed as adherents by Commissioner Keith Banks. Ill health had prevented the enrolments from taking place previously, so it was with thankful hearts that the corps gathered to support them. Alison, George and Commissioner Keith are pictured with corps officers Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft and Adherents Secretary Gerry Ranachan. The corps prays that God will bless them. – DG

FRIENDS and family were present to support Samuel as he was enrolled as a junior soldier. After spending many weeks in preparation classes with Junior Soldiers Sergeant Lauren Hay, he was very excited to be wearing his uniform and to make the junior soldier’s promise. Samuel and Lauren are pictured with corps officers Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft, Samuel’s mum, Charity, and his sisters, Chelsea and Blossom. – DG

WICKFORD

GEORGE HEATH KNOTTINGLEY

GEORGE was born in 1926 and showed musical ability at an early age, composing his first piece at the age of six. He continued composing for almost 90 years, although he was so modest that his compositions were for his own satisfaction and never intended for publication. Fortunately, he was persuaded to submit his march ‘Knottingley’, which was published in the early 1960s.

George spent some years at Castleford Corps, but after the death of his first wife and later re-marrying, he returned to Knottingley and assumed responsibility for the band again. George missed the Army so much during the Covid-19 lockdowns that he put on his uniform on Sundays and spent time with his Bible and songbook.

Knottingley Corps and his extended family believe George has taken his rightful place in the most glorious band in Heaven. – AR

MAJOR HAROLD JONES

HAROLD made a commitment to follow Jesus at an evangelical tent meeting when he was seven years old. Despite challenging health issues, he entered the training college from Plymouth Shaftesbury Hall as a member of the Courageous session in 1957.

Appointed to work in the East End of London with Commissioner Norman Howe, Harold loved the link with William Booth. In 1961 Harold married Alwyn, who was also working in the East End. Their son Nigel was born in Sleaford, while Martin, Ruth, Karl and Paul were born in Coventry, where they soldiered at Foleshill.

During a break from ministry, Harold worked in management for the UK office of Chrysler. Returning to corps officership in 1980 was a challenge with a growing family, but Harold often said, ‘We can worry, or we can trust. We can’t do both.’

Harold loved the opportunities he had as an officer. He studied and preached the word faithfully, and was an encourager, especially to those going into ministry. Harold’s former corps officer wrote recently, ‘Harold has shown outstanding leadership as a corps officer. Blessed by renewal in the Holy Spirit he brought release from the shackles of tradition and renewed confidence in the original mission of the Army.’

Harold never lost sight of that mission. He wanted people to know Jesus.

While at Nottingham New Basford, Harold challenged the corps to relocate to Arnold. Returning there in retirement he passionately believed in the cell system that had been introduced. Harold led many Alpha courses and headed up the healing ministry team.

Harold and Alwyn walked hundreds of miles together during their 61-year marriage, both in Europe and the Himalayas. In retirement they completed the 650-mile walk of the South West Coast Path. Harold loved photography and his albums will be treasured by the family. – AJ

Resource Centre has the tools you need.

Appointed

Effective 15 December 2022

CAPTAIN JONATHAN ROUFFET, additional appointment, Practitioner Tutor for Leader Development Programme (28 days per annum), WBC

Effective 12 January

MAJOR ALEX CADOGAN, Chaplain, HMP North Sea Camp

Effective 23 February

LIEUTENANT LIAM BEATTIE, Leicester West

MAJOR PAMELA RALPH-BARRATT, Oldham Roundthorn

MAJOR GRAHAM BARRATT, Safe Mission Adviser (North England)

Effective 1 March

MAJOR VIKKI BURR , Deputy Head of Regional Wellbeing Services

Effective 23 March

MAJOR JEAN LOXLEY, Senior Projects Officer (Leader Development Planning), WBC

MAJOR HILARIE WATCHORN, Project Officer to the Chief Secretary

Effective 13 July

TERRITORIAL ENVOY DAN SEARLE, Mid Cornwall Cluster – St Austell

Effective 1 August

MAJOR TRACEY PALMER , Co-ordinator (Vocational Development and Leader Development), WBC

Local officers appointed

CT STEPHEN GOMERSALL , Droitwich Spa

ASST CT HELEN FARMER , Droitwich Spa

Wedding anniversaries

Diamond (60 years)

MAJORS HELEN AND JAMES BRYDEN, 23 February

Dedicated to God

KOBI WILLIAM MARTIN EZEH, son of Laura and Modi Ezeh, at Bexleyheath by Major Richard Welch

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR DOROTHY HOLLOWAY, 90 on 25 February

MAJOR DAVID WHITTLES, 85 on 26 February

Promoted to Glory

JEAN JONES, Harlesden

RTD BM ROY TERRY, Upper Norwood

YVONNE WEBER , Southsea

MAJOR ROSINA BAKER from Jack Simpson House care home, Exeter, on 26 January

Bereaved

DEREK JONES, Hillingdon, of his wife Jean Jones, Julie Jones, Hillingdon, and Deborah Hope of their mother

MARLENE TERRY, Upper Norwood, of her husband Rtd BM Roy Terry, Christopher Terry and Paul Terry of their father

MARCIA GRIVELLE, Staple Hill, of her brother Alan Pincott

ANDY ELLIS, Southsea, of his brothers Derek Ellis and Graham Ellis

ENGAGEMENTS

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Sun 12 Feb – Mon 13 Feb

International College for Officers

Wed 15 Feb – Mon 20 Feb

Rwanda and Burundi Command

Chief of the Staff

Commissioner Lyndon

Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn

Buckingham

Fri 17 Feb ICO Farewell Meeting

Territorial Commander

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Sun 12 Feb Bristol Kingswood

Sun 12 Feb – Mon 13 Feb Forest of Dean

Fri 17 Feb Poole (TYB/TYC Final Festival)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Thur 16 Feb – Fri 17 Feb Raven Hill (Going Deeper)*

Fri 17 Feb Poole (TYB/TYC

Final Festival)

*Colonel Jenine Main only

SOUNDS

Salvationist Radio

Update for Fortress Radio listeners

Salvationist Radio will launch at the end of February. As part of our preparations for launch, we are redeveloping some of the Fortress Radio services. This means that, currently, people can only listen to the station via the Fortress Radio website (fortressradio.online) – they can’t listen via the apps, podcasts or Amazon Alexa devices while we get them ready to switch to the new station.

Saturday 18 February, 4pm

FUNDRAISING CONCERT

with Swineshead Silver Band Director of Music John Lyon

Sing along with the band

Free entry – proceeds of retiring collection for the work of The Salvation Army in Skegness

Sunday 5 March, 3.30pm

TEMPLE PRAISE

Exeter Temple Band, Songsters and soloists, followed by refreshments Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’ EX1 1DE, exit at the top and turn right

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion.

For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

ADVERTISING RATES

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

TYPESIZE1 ISSUE3 ISSUES

Classified listing Up to 25 words£9£20

Classified listing Up to 50 words£18£40

Small box (1/32nd page) 30mm x 43mm£15£40

Medium box (1/16th page) 30mm x 89mm£35£85

Large box (1/8th page) 62mm x 89mm£65£170

Quarter page 89mm x 127mm£170£440

Half page 127mm x 181mm£340£850

Full back page 181mm x 258mm£675£1,650

ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

CHATHAM

Saturday 11 March, 5.30pm

150 YEARS IN CHATHAM SERVICE OF CELEBRATION

Rochester Cathedral

with local Salvation Army bands and songsters and guests:

General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill

Mayor of Medway, Lord Lieutenant Kent, Kent High Sheriff, members of parliament, church representatives and the community

All welcome, free admission with ticket

HARPENDEN

Saturday 22 April, 7pm

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND IN CONCERT

High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden AL5 2RU

Ticket contact: The Salvation Army on 01582 46939

Ticket price: £10 (with concessions at £8)

£25 family ticket

Sunday worship

The Salvation Army, Leyton Green, Harpenden AL5 2TG

Sunday morning meeting: 10.15am

Sunday afternoon praise festival: 2pm

Dates worth remembering.

Salvationist.org.uk’s events hub is the go-to place for upcoming events and gatherings.

• Online discussions

• Music and creative arts

• Inspiring conferences

• Territorial networks

salvationist.org.uk/events

EXETER TEMPLE, FRIARS WALK EX2 4AZ

SKEGNESS, 42 HIGH STREET PE25 3NW

Hebrews 13:2

English Standard Version