SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1824 Price 70p
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 11 September 2021
Coming to terms with school
PLUS
CHAPLAINCY IN EDUCATION
SEE PAGES 12 TO 14
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
MORE MARRIED COUPLES ARE USING PRENUPS, STUDY FINDS More couples in the UK are signing a prenuptial agreement than ever before, according to a new study. Prenuptial agreements – or ‘prenups’ – are legal agreements signed before marriage that stipulate how assets should be divided in the event of a divorce. Commonly perceived as the preserve of the super rich, the Savanta ComRes poll for the Marriage Foundation found that they are surprisingly common. In the survey of 2,000 adults who were or are married, one in five answered ‘yes’ when asked if they had used a prenuptial agreement or knew someone who had. According to the Marriage Foundation, just 1.5 per cent of married couples in the 1970s had a prenup. Employment was a key factor in the decision, with 44 per cent of those in higher managerial, administrative or professional employment saying they had signed a prenup or knew someone who had... The study also found that those who took part in a marriage preparation class were more likely to sign a prenup (64 per cent) than those who had talked to a vicar (8 per cent) and those who did no marriage preparation at all (4 per cent). Christian Today
SALVATIONIST
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND APPOINTS FIRST EVER DEDICATED MINISTER FOR THE VETERINARY COMMUNITY The Church of Scotland has appointed its first ever dedicated minister for the veterinary community. [The] Rev Allan Wright, who is ... a vet himself, will carry out pastoral support duties and visit all vet practices within 30 minutes of Newcastle. ‘It’s about being available and being present – with vets, with nurses, receptionists, practice managers, all those people who work in veterinary surgeries and our belt in the north, working with and as vets, just letting them know that there is a caring and loving Christian ministry before them,’ [the] Rev Allan told Premier. The 33-year-old brought a proposal for a dedicated vet minister before the Church of Scotland after seeing and experiencing a real need in the veterinary community. Mental health issues, isolation and staff shortages are among some of the issues [the] Rev Allan observed.
Prayer and spirituality best helped prisoners manage stress and anxiety during the pandemic, a new survey of Irish prisoners in overseas jails has revealed. The survey was carried out by the Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas among the 1,100 Irish citizens who are imprisoned in 30 countries abroad. The organisation has supported Irish prisoners overseas and their families for over 35 years. A significant proportion of survey respondents reported feelings of isolation and having little time outside of their cell due to 23-hour lockdowns during the pandemic, as well as delays in legal hearings and an inability to access educational and offender behaviour courses. Restrictions imposed during the pandemic contributed to mental health difficulties in up to 60 per cent of Irish prisoners.
Premier
The Tablet
ANNUAL REPORT SHOWS DECLINE IN BRITISH CHILDREN’S HAPPINESS OVER PAST DECADE More British children are becoming unhappy, the annual Good Childhood report from the Children’s Society says: 300,000 children described themselves as unhappy, compared with 173,000 in 2011. The society calls on the government to set out a bold and ambitious vision for childhood in the UK, which could start by measuring children’s wellbeing in the same way as adults’, and setting out an action plan to tackle the likely drivers of low wellbeing. Children worry about school, appearance and friends; and many more boys – one in twelve – are unhappy with their looks than 10 years ago. The new findings also reveal that children who are unhappy with their lives at 14 are much more likely to have symptoms of mental health conditions by the time they are 17... The chief executive at the Children’s Society, Mark Russell, said: ‘It’s deeply distressing to see that children’s wellbeing is on a 10-year downward trend.’ Church Times
ADVERTISING 020 7367 4883 advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891
DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) subscriptions@satcol.org
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 020 7367 4500 0845 634 0101
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
2
Salvationist 11 September 2021
PRAYER HELPS PRISONERS DURING PANDEMIC
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
LIFE-CHANGING WORDS TWO news items about young people caught my attention recently. The first, which is quoted on page 2, highlighted a Children’s Society report showing an increase in the number of British children describing themselves as unhappy – an estimated 306,000 now, compared with 173,000 a decade ago. The report also found that three out of five parents said the coronavirus pandemic had a negative effect on their children’s education. In contrast to that was a news item about a school in London that has adapted its teaching environment after realising that some pupils have thrived during lockdown. The head teacher told The Times: ‘The move to online learning enhanced the experiences for some students who might otherwise get lost in the noise and energy of normal school life.’ So the school has created quiet zones and breakout spaces and set up extra-curricular activities more suited to introverts than extroverts. These two reports confirm what we already knew: each child is unique and responds in an individual way to the world around them. That thought sets the scene for this year’s Education Sunday (12 September), which has the theme A Word in Season. It’s taken from Isaiah 50:4, which says that God’s servant would speak the right word at the right time to the weary. Commenting on this, the Rev Dr Hugh Osgood, a president of Churches Together in England, says, ‘A word in season at a time such as this must bring encouragement and hope, as well as understanding and support, to student and teacher alike… The right word delivered in the right way at the right time can change lives.’ In this week’s Salvationist we hear from two teachers and a student, and discover how the words they have spoken and received have had life-changing effects. Caitlin Chappell began her teaching career in a primary school last September and describes how she and her pupils have coped with online learning during the pandemic. The words of her school’s motto, echoing the Bible, helped her through: ‘With God, all things are possible.’ Beverley Oldfield, who was inspired as a child by the words and actions of her junior school teacher, looks back over her 40 years of teaching religious studies and shows how she has been able to capture students’ imagination and open their minds to the world of faith. She suggests that this would also be a good way of developing learning within the Army. In her testimony, Hannah Carr reveals some of her struggles at university during the past year, but also says God spoke to her through the words of a Bible passage, assuring her of his love and his strengthening presence. Speaking a word in season, as well as listening and learning, is part of the role of a chaplain. Several Salvationists involved in education chaplaincy share their varied experiences. Education Sunday is an opportunity to pray and give thanks for teachers, students and everyone else involved in the world of education. It is also a reminder that we can all benefit from a word in season, from God and from others. There are times when we need to hear words of encouragement, inspiration, challenge, correction, forgiveness or hope. And there are times when we need to offer these life-changing words to others. May our ears be open to hear such words and our mouths be ready to speak them.
From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Quotes from the media
2 4 to 6
News Prayer matters
6
Reflection Fulfilling a childhood dream
7
by Caitlin Chappell
Viewpoint Making ripples
8 and 9
by Beverley Oldfield
Testimony Learning to rely on God
10 and 11
by Hannah Carr
Chaplains in... education 12 to 14 Listening and loving by Melita Day-Lewis
Viewpoint The Old Testament: What was the writers’ purpose?
15
by Major John Waters
Bible study Joy
16 and 17
by Captain Naomi Kelly
Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist by Major Lynda Levis
From the archive 9/11 changed my life
18 and 19
Joseph Phillips remembers the events of 11 September 2001
Letters
20
Adverts
21 and 23
Announcements
22 and 23
The Salvation Army and me
24
featuring Robert Molloy
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Salvationist 11 September 2021
3
NEWS
ARMY NEWS
MEETING
Listen to slavery survivors, the Army urges UK THE Salvation Army has called for the voices of slavery survivors to be central in the parliamentary debate around the Nationality and Borders Bill. The UK is a global leader in the battle against modern slavery and the Army wants to ensure that the new bill builds on this work, which includes the support introduced with the Modern Slavery Act in 2015. The Army is committed to working collaboratively with parliamentarians and other organisations to ensure the voices of slavery survivors are heard within the debates surrounding the bill, and that any legislative changes work towards genuinely raising the level of support it offers survivors. Major Kathy Betteridge, director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, explained: ‘Our 10 years of experience supporting survivors of modern slavery have taught us that it can be almost impossible to immediately understand the true background of someone seeking help. Often, we are dealing with frightened and traumatised individuals who have endured months of forced slave labour and other exploitative situations. ‘Criminal gangs have lied to them and threatened their families, so it’s understandable if they have doubts and find it difficult to explain their story. It can take time and skill to gain trust and unpick the circumstances that brought them to the UK so they can receive the support and protection they need and deserve. ‘Over the coming months it is important that the true nature of modern slavery and human trafficking and their impact on survivors is understood and factored into decisions around the new legislation. This is key to protecting people and gaining information needed to combat slavery traffickers.’ – AR 4
Salvationist 11 September 2021
Ipswich Citadel moves closer to normal Sunday meetings after several weeks of limited attendance
COMMUNITY
£270
raised for Willow House Lifehouse SEE PAGE 4
£350
raised for the Big Collection SEE PAGE 5
YOUELL COURT Residents at the Army’s care home were given television passes by Coventry Building Society to watch the Coventry v Nottingham Forest game in August, the first Football League match in the city for two years. Living rooms were transformed with balloons and flags, and players Liam Kelly and Matty Godden sent special video messages to residents. Chaplain Hayley Peaple said: ‘Football is a passion for many of our residents and staff members and we enjoyed being able to create the big match atmosphere. We want to thank Coventry Building Society for putting a smile on the faces of our residents.’ – AR
EVENT
150
snack bags given to NHS staff members SEE PAGE 5
6,000
meals provided during Canadian wildfires SEE PAGE 6
READING WEST Fundraising for the Big Collection began with an auction. The corps was blessed by a large donation of items from a nearby Tesco, which also advertised the event. Refreshments were served by soldier Peggy, including during a God Spot interval. Many people from the community attended alongside corps folk. Fresh vegetables and homemade jam provided by Bandmaster Elaine and her husband, Derek, were also on sale. In total, just over £270 was raised for Willow House Lifehouse. – PS-M
EVENT
NEWS IN BRIEF UKI Salvation Army officers and employees featured in the Hour of Prayer series broadcast as part of Christian radio station UCB1’s current affairs programme, Talking Point. The show aims to encourage listeners to reflect on faith and how it relates to news and what is happening in the world. The lunchtime broadcast included five prayers to reflect different Army ministries. Major Mark Rose (Hendon), who co-ordinates the Army’s emergency response to major incidents in London, prayed for compassion and for God to be at the centre of all situations. – AR STRAWBERRY FIELD Strawberry Field is one of two buildings in Merseyside shortlisted for the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) national Building of the Year award. The centre, along with The Gables in Crosby, won at the RIBA North West awards. The RIBA jury praised Strawberry Field for its simple, elegant building, intelligent land use, excellent biodiversity, high levels of social sustainability and community engagement. – AR
FUNDRAISING Divisional Commander Major Ray Brown (West Scotland) and Captain Emma Heal (Kilmarnock) ran the 10km Roon the Toon race in Kilmarnock; to date, Emma has raised £350 for the Big Collection
CORPS
WHITBY Major Pat Charlesworth has officially retired after 53 years of service, having postponed her initial retirement by 15 years to continue supporting the community in Whitby. Major Pat moved to the town in 1992 with Major Norma Richardson. They restarted The Salvation Army’s work after 46 years of absence. Major Norma was promoted to Glory in 1998 and Major Pat continued the work solo for the next eight years. She organised meals and activities for isolated older people and started a children’s club. Major Pat also battled her own ill health, overcoming cancer twice during her ministry. She is pictured with Divisional Commander Major Jane Cowell. – AR
BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL Corps Community Programme Co-ordinator Lyn Back organised a celebratory afternoon for the retirement of Major Elizabeth Lloyd and the farewell of Major Mike Lloyd. This was the first time the corps fellowship had met at the hall since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, so precautions were taken to keep people safe. The majors’ corps appointments were mentioned and many messages of thanks were received. A special rendition of the Messengers of Hope sessional song was arranged by a friend of the corps, Father Jerome. As a farewell gift the majors were presented with a bench to be placed in the newly redesigned garden at the front of the hall. The afternoon concluded with light refreshments. Major Mike continues his ministry within the division until his retirement at the end of the year. – BW
COMMUNITY NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS The corps folk packed and delivered 150 snack bags to the Forest recreation ground vaccination centre in Nottingham as a thank you to NHS staff and volunteers. The packs included cold drinks and snacks to keep up energy levels. Also included was a message that read: ‘The Salvation Army would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who are working at this vaccination centre. Your work is making history in the fight against Covid-19 and we want you to know with this small gift that you are appreciated and valued by us.’ – AR
Is your corps resuming its weekly programme? Corps press representatives can send news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.
Salvationist 11 September 2021
5
NEWS
EMERGENCY AID
Salvation Army meets needs arising from wildfires CANADA AND GREECE SALVATION Army staff members and volunteers helped evacuees and first responders as more than 260 wildfires swept across Canada’s British Columbia province. Thousands of miles away, the Army also responded to similar wildfires in Greece. As of mid-August, more than 800,000 hectares of land in British Columbia had been engulfed by flames and nearly 8,300 households ordered to evacuate. A further 22,700 households were on evacuation alert. Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) workers were initially deployed after a fire destroyed the village of Lytton at the end of June. The Salvation Army’s Kelowna Community Church was transformed into an evacuation centre for Lytton residents fleeing the flames. In partnership with Food Banks BC, the Army has an ongoing operation in the area, delivering food and supplies to more than 500 people in six indigenous communities located around Lytton. Four hours east of Lytton, The Salvation Army fed evacuees at a reception centre in Vernon. It also supplied drinks and snacks to staff members and volunteers at the provincial donations warehouse, as well as staff and volunteers from the Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team. In Kamloops, The Salvation Army provided weekly feeding relief to the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation as they hosted wildfire evacuees and indigenous firefighters. The Army’s EDS fed up to 100 evacuees at an Emergency Support Services group lodging site in the city. EDS crews were also deployed to provide food to hundreds of firefighters battling blazes near Logan Lake and West Kelowna. By mid-August, the Army had provided 6,000 meals, 10,000 drinks and 5,500 snacks, and helped 27 people with emotional and spiritual care. Meanwhile, the fires raging just north of the Greek capital, Athens, triggered numerous evacuation orders for villages in the predicted path of the blaze, as firefighters struggled to contain it. Evacuees were temporarily housed in hotels in a safe area of Varympompi, in the northern suburbs. Salvation Army officers were in dialogue with accommodation providers to ensure that evacuees were not left on their own. Support, a listening ear and the provision of care packages were offered. Lieutenant Leveniotis, leader of The Salvation Army in Athens, headed a team of volunteers in dispensing cold drinks and personal hygiene items. – KO/BR-P
THE PROMISES OF GOD FOCUS
by Major Christine Kingscott, assistant secretary for spiritual life development (THQ) SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER – I WILL GIVE YOU PEACE ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ ( John 14:27). Almighty God, we thank you that real peace comes from knowing and loving you and is not dependent on our circumstances. We pray today for all those who are struggling to find peace, that you would calm their anxious thoughts and take away their fears, and that they would put their trust in you. Amen. SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER – I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU ‘The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness”’ ( Jeremiah 31:3). ‘His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,/ His power no boundary known unto men;/ For out of his infinite riches in Jesus/ He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again’ (SASB 30).
HARVEST FOCUS
by Prayer Network Support Major Jill Miller MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER – MATTHEW 6:11 AND JOHN 6:35 Loving Jesus, we rejoice in the truth that you are the bread of life. As we pray ‘give us today our daily bread’ we remember your faithfulness. We acknowledge that everything we have comes from your gracious hand. TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER – JOHN 4:14 Dear Lord, we give you praise for life-giving water and especially for the spiritual refreshment we find in spending time with you, be it talking, listening, quietly meditating, reading your word, listening to Christian music, praising, thanking or being creative. WEDNESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER – MATTHEW 5:13 AND 14 Just as salt flavours, you encourage us always to flavour the world around us with goodness and so honour our Father God. As we are called to shine out our faith and positively glow, help us not to hide our love for you or lose our desire to share our beliefs. THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER – ACTS 1:8 We stand in awe of your Holy Spirit power at work in us. Lord, burn in our hearts and keep our fire for you alive. We thank you for power to witness to your love and care for all humankind.
COMMUNITY NORWICH MILE CROSS The corps took part in a community project, which sought to connect local organisations with young people during the summer holidays. Corps officers Majors Paul and Susan Robinson and the team provided information about the work of The Salvation Army and answered questions. – PR 6
Salvationist 11 September 2021
FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER – LUKE 10:2 Father, we ask you, our Lord of the Harvest, to send us out into the world to gather in all who are waiting to be called into your Kingdom. We realise this is not a solitary work but one we do together. Thank you for the joy of working with each other in gathering in the harvest of souls. O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources
REFL RE FLEC ECT TIION ON REFLECTION
Fulfilling a childhood dream Caitlin Chappell reflects on her first year as a primary school teacher
‘I
BELIEVE the children are our future,/ Teach them well and let them lead the way.’ These lyrics from the song ‘The Greatest Love of All’, covered by Whitney Houston on her 1985 debut album, are wise words that leave me wondering two things. How can I use my vocation to influence children when they are stepping out into the future? And should Whitney Houston have been a teacher? In any case, I know that teaching has always been a passion of mine. When I was young I spent hours teaching the teddy bears in my bedroom. Many years later, now a fully qualified teacher, I am fulfilling that childhood dream. In my experience, becoming a primary school teacher requires a hard-working, positive attitude, the ability to be calm when faced with daily challenges and a confident mindset – and what better time to use these qualities than the 2020–21 academic year? I started my first teaching job in September 2020 at an inner-London Church of England school. My interview took place online and I had not visited the school prior to that due to Covid-19 restrictions. The children in my first class, year 1 (ages 5 and 6), were a challenging bunch. The lockdowns had clearly had an effect on their social skills, and their emotional needs were greater than I had ever seen in a class before. My colleagues and I taught in school
for four months before the Christmas holidays, then on on 4 January we were informed ed d that our school was in a borough of London that would not be reopening and nd d would transfer all lessons online. Year 1 online? Five-year-olds at a computer? Surely not! My faith supported me through this unpredictable first year of teaching. On some days I was excited to go into school for another day of fulfilling my dream job. But on others I would rather have stayed in bed. Sometimes I came home with exciting and funny stories to tell my family. At other times I came home crying. Never on any of these days, however, did I feel alone. I knew that God was on my side. Even though I knew each day would be hard, I had a powerful feeling that I would get through it. With that knowledge, I could do anything. Our school motto gave me a constant reminder of this mindset: ‘With God, all things are possible.’ Throughout the year, my class and I had several discussions about the pandemic. While they did have some wild ideas about how we should solve this worldwide crisis, including throwing a massive ball of hand sanitiser over the entire Earth, their main takeaway from all the different stories they had heard was that they needed to work together to make each other smile again. They knew that they missed their friends. frie fr end nds. s. They did not s. understand un u nde ers rsta ta all the facts but did the pain of diid understand d unde un nd de e being being be ing apart in ap from people they ap care and how they did care ca e about ab not not want no wa an that to happen again. agai ag a ain. ai n. Online Onlilin On in learning was a challenge. We were ch cchal hal alle alle len len receiving messages and rre ece ceivv emails em ema e mai ailss about how the ails children chil ch hili dr dre e actually missed coming c mi co min into school and min seeing se seei eei e ng their teachers! One
When I was young I spent hours teaching the teddy bears in my bedroom of our PSHE (personal, social, health and economic) lessons was about how we could stay positive and support each other through the lockdowns. Our key question was: ‘How does being positive make us feel?’ Here are some of the children’s responses: ‘It makes you feel like you can do it.’ ‘Bad times do not last for ever.’ ‘It makes you change your thinking from missing your friends.’ ‘Nothing is impossible and the sky is the limit.’ ‘We can always have a bright side.’ ‘It means we can look forward to coronavirus going.’ I have come to the conclusion that teaching is not easy. Young children are unpredictable and can present with very different levels of ability. The world itself is also unpredictable and now presents different challenges too. I still have more to learn but I will always do my very best, adapt to the challenges of each day and embrace the opportunity to lead my class with kindness, calmness and courage – always remembering that, with God, all things are possible.
CAITLIN IS AN ADHERENT AT SWINDON CITADEL Salvationist 11 September 2021
7
VIEW POINT
Making ripples Beverley Oldfield (Tenby) draws lessons from teaching religious studies
I
HAVE always likened REP (religion, ethics, philosophy) to a tree, especially for year 7 children. They are the youngest in secondary school, beginning their experience of the subject, learning about and learning from religion. REP is explicit and implicit, with the roots often more far-reaching than the height of the tree. The analogy has served me well since starting my career in a large Bristol comprehensive school of 2,000 students in 1980. Understanding why 8
Salvationist 11 September 2021
people follow a faith and what it is like to take it seriously was part of the syllabus back then and is still relevant today. My aim has been to enthuse, inspire and excite – starting with current affairs, being philosophical and encouraging the students to ask critical and ethical questions. We as teachers often never know the effects of our teaching – they are like ripples on a pond – but over the years my stories have been remembered and that is gratifying.
I was drawn to Bath’s wonderful Georgian architecture on the interview day for my degree in 1976 and decided to decline interview days elsewhere. I found my Bath professors and the opportunities I had to be superb – one being a placement in my first year to a Buddhist community in Cambridge, giving me an excellent insight into one of the world’s major religions. There is no god in Buddhism but people follow the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, who
eventually became known as the Buddha. Whether of faith or none, lapsed or agnostic, I have found that students are interested in learning about and learning from such an interesting religion. GCSE and A-level religious studies have seen a huge rise of interest since I first started teaching. In those days it was frequently just Christianity, often poorly taught and seen as a subject that simply had to be somewhere on the curriculum. Students possibly saw their own families rejecting church, or only the older people they knew attending, so religion became a turn-off. Resources were often ancient, but when I became head of department at my school I was able to bin those! When we add other faiths and a different approach to the subject, and teach Christianity as part of those faiths, we see students begin to peel back the layers and learn to ask more questions. Young people can then begin to learn that faith matters to people and has an impact on behaviour and lifestyle choices in multiple ways. It has been inspiring to be able to teach ‘off piste’ as I’ve done, diverting a little from the curriculum and using local, national or international events to engage with students through newspaper headlines. I remember a horrible racial attack on an Indian restaurant. My year 11 students, normally slow to settle, were transfixed as we unpicked the story and asked the wider questions, with me reminding them of racial stereotypes and prejudice. The restaurant’s lovely staff members were second-generation immigrants, having been born in the UK, and had moved to the area from Birmingham years before. The attacks had started with name-calling, escalated to bottle-throwing and finally to a brutal attack on one of the staff members, with the police informed each time. My students were rightly horrified. I have many examples from over the years of dipping into wonderful REP resources – some free, for example on YouTube, and especially films such as The Island and The Matrix, which help us unpick philosophical questions of identity. The brilliant TV show The Handmaid’s Tale can also be used with older students in unlocking the issues it presents on religion and life in a dystopian future. These are often the burning questions for young people: what is the purpose of life and what might I be here for? The secret of teaching religious themes is in the presentation, probably in the same way
that some students won’t like maths if it’s taught in a dull way. Between 2012 and 2014 I had the opportunity to teach social studies in the United Arab Emirates at an International Baccalaureate school north of Dubai. Teaching theory of knowledge gave me an insight into how pupils and post-16 students could be complete thinkers out of the box. They showed me that I could be a facilitator, which was truly inspiring and reminded me of a Chinese proverb:
Easton Corps, where we tackled many issues, from ethnic cleansing to the philosophical problem of evil. As in that analogy of a tree that I used when teaching REP to those beginning their secondary education, I still start with the here and now. I enjoy telling a story to grip attention. Wearing a mask during the pandemic, and having to glance down at notes, I would lose their attention. So I’ve sometimes had a newspaper to hand and asked, ‘Have you heard this?’ The
Beverley with students in the United Arab Emirates ‘Tell me and I will forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I will understand.’ Within The Salvation Army, education and understanding can best come through well-led discussion of issues. We need to strive to be educated, glean from well-read scholars from all walks of life and aim for our centres to become places where well-ordered discussions on issues of the day, sensitively handled, are commonplace. Education doesn’t end in a school, college or university setting. If discernment is encouraged, with open and searching questioning, then those participating might even begin to enjoy it. That was the experience of our Dilemma and Debate group at Bristol
students then remember the teaching points around the story and are ready for whatever exams or end-of-term assessment may occur later. The lovely experiences of feedback I’ve had over the years are the ripples on the pond. I was inspired to be a teacher at the age of 10 at my junior school in Stockton-on-Tees by Miss Morgan, a young and inspirational teacher. Bounding around as she did, telling us wonderful stories and teaching us modern maths, seemed an amazing feat. Passing the 11-plus exam I went on to a new school and further into education. I never regretted it and have always loved the experience. Thank you, Miss Morgan! Salvationist 11 September 2021
9
TESTIMONY
Learning to rely on God Hannah Carr (Norwich Citadel) takes an honest look at her university experiences during the past year and explains how God has given her fresh hope for the future
F
OR the whole world, this past year has been incredibly difficult. I would argue that it has been especially tough on university students, as we were left to navigate our studies and place everything on hold with what felt like significantly less guidance than the rest of the world. I would further argue that it has been even harder on Christian university students, as many of us who already had our faith shaken by university faced it being shaken once more. Because of this, I cannot lie and say that my experiences as a student in this past year have been easy, even with God by my side. I am studying history at Royal Holloway University. When the pandemic hit I was stranded in my halls of residence for two weeks, suffering with what I thought was tonsillitis but was very likely to have been Covid-19. By that point my studies were up in the air, and there were seemingly no plans for online church or the Christian Union. Uncertainty surrounded me and, as someone who despises change, that scared me. As the months progressed I inevitably struggled. My exams were held online and my tutors were unable to give sufficient support. After adjusting to living independently, I was forced to re-adjust to living at home. And, like many, my 10
Salvationist 11 September 2021
mental health took a real turn for the worse. Church was also based online, and I was so blessed to have both Norwich Citadel and Staines Corps provide an abundance of online resources. Yet I struggled to engage in a way that wasn’t purely social. In September, just before the start of my second year, new guidance was released for students and schools, but universities were forgotten. Schools and colleges received extra support and funding and children were praised to high heaven for powering on and continuing with school. While all this was undoubtedly deserved, it was happening at the same time that universities were being ignored and students were being unjustly blamed for spreading coronavirus, all while continuing to pay their tuition fees of £9,500! Nevertheless, my second year progressed in the form of pre-recorded lectures – during which distractions were all too tempting – and seminars in the form of video meetings on Microsoft Teams, where it was hard to maintain focus. Like many of my peers, I spent the year moving between my university accommodation and my family home, eventually choosing to spend the whole of the second term at home. It was an impossible choice: deciding whether to sacrifice my independence by isolating with my family back home, or to stay in my student house where I could be more focused but felt extremely lonely, despite living with four housemates. If you had asked me in February last year how my faith was, I would have answered with confidence that it was strong. I loved going to church, I loved worshipping God, I was heavily involved in the Christian Union at university and I had a real passion for The Salvation Army. Music and summer schools, both regional and territorial, were the highlights of my year. I would reach a spiritual high afterwards, even though that would die down after a few weeks.
Looking back, after a year when everything I relied on was impossible, I realise I was thriving through my church life but lacked a relationship with God. Even throughout all this past year’s struggles I did not turn to God for help, which was testament to my distance from him. This wasn’t necessarily because I didn’t want to reach out to him – more that I didn’t know how. Part of me thought that my problems were insignificant – that there was too much going on in the world for God to worry about how I couldn’t concentrate in lectures. Or I felt lonely and worried about the future. But this summer, during a summer school that I was so blessed to be able to attend, God spoke to me clearly. He reminded me of his deep love for me and that he does care, for I have been chosen by him and placed where I am for a reason. He has not just put me where I need to be and left me to get on with it; he is walking with me. I am frequently reminded of Isaiah 40. It speaks into my experiences so closely, which suggests that God has placed this chapter on my heart. It reminds us that the God who determines our lives and loves us so deeply is the same God who hung the stars in the sky, yet that does not mean he has no time for us. Instead, he gives strength to the weary and power to the weak at the exact moment they need them. Now, as I look towards my third and final year of university, I feel confident in God’s plan for me. Undoubtedly, this is because God has used this year as a wake-up call of sorts for me. I have become aware of the flaws in my faith and of how much I need him. Even though it was incredibly difficult for me in the moment, God was patient, knowing what the outcome would be. He carried me towards the end goal, without my knowledge and despite my distance from him. I intend to start this academic year afresh, with the knowledge of what it really means to depend on God. He will give me the strength that I will no doubt need and will support me as I learn to rely on him.
Many of us who already had our faith shaken by university faced it being shaken once more
Salvationist 11 September 2021
11
FEATURE I Chaplains in... education
Listening and loving In the first of a series on Salvation Army chaplaincy in diverse settings, six chaplains speak to Melita Day-Lewis about pastoral support and spiritual care in schools and universities
C
HAPLAINS are available for everyone, to share in the joys and sorrows of life and offer a loving, confidential and independent listening ear to people in all kinds of contexts. Salvation Army chaplaincy in Lifehouses, care homes and prisons is well known, but there are corps officers, employees and volunteers serving as chaplains in several diverse, even unusual, settings – including hospitals, airports, armed forces and the police force. There are also waterway, rural, shopping centre, city centre and even sports team chaplains. One vital area of Salvation Army chaplaincy is education – caring for and supporting students and educators in schools, colleges and universities. Emilie Trotter is a full-time community youth worker who serves as a chaplain at Immanuel College, a secondary school in Bradford. ‘I absolutely love journeying with young people and students, particularly in an unchurched environment with those who don’t often know the gospel,’ she enthuses. ‘Sometimes it’s messy and chaotic, but it’s really fun! Teenagers are so inquisitive and interesting to talk to.’ ‘The role and value of a chaplain in education is vast,’ she continues. ‘It encompasses pastoral care, a listening ear, lunchtime activities, faith-based groups, assemblies, collective worship – the list goes on. Emilie Trotter
12
Salvationist 11 September 2021
Major James McCluskey
‘School is where young people do their everyday – where their friendships operate and change, where their ideas are formed and challenged, where they fall to pieces and are put back together again. As Christians we are called to be present in these spaces. In a digital age where young people have so much demanding their attention and mental health issues are on the rise, they need more than ever to feel heard, loved and significant. A chaplain can do that!’ Emilie’s role includes responding to crises and helping students struggling with mental health, social anxiety or the loss of a loved one. It ranges from ‘wiping the tears of a bereaved student’ to ‘cleaning out a yoghurt explosion in someone’s school bag’. In short, it’s ‘whatever love looks like on that day’.
This requires a flexible timetable but there are regular activities, such as lunchtime clubs, RE lessons and after-school groups where faith and ethics are discussed. Emilie also provides a weekly lunch for members of staff, which helps her maintain a positive bridge between teachers and students. Major James McCluskey is a part-time community chaplain in Forfar, carrying out his role in retirement. He has been involved with schools in the town for about 20 years. ‘School chaplaincy is challenging but so rewarding!’ he says. ‘My role is simply to be there, be available to the whole school community and share in the ongoing life of the school. I’m a listening ear, not just for students but also for staff. If I can’t help, I probably
Picture: COURTESY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH’S SCHOOL
Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne
know someone who can.’ A typical day involves visiting the school, staffroom and student café, and speaking to the head teacher. ‘It’s very important to cultivate that relationship,’ he adds. Minster corps officer Captain Luke Johnson has been the chaplain at St George’s Secondary School in Broadstairs for four years. ‘I have always felt chaplaincy is not complicated, it’s just being there,’ he says. ‘Having the opportunity to engage with students is a huge privilege.’ His role includes leading collective worship once or twice a term with his year group, being available at Captain Luke Johnson
Major Carole Gadsden
lunchtimes and attending regular Christian ethos meetings with other staff and clergy. Asked about the value of chaplaincy in education, Captain Luke observes: ‘The role is people-focused – simply being available to the needs of staff and students is valuable.’ Wimborne corps officer Major Carole Gadsden has been working in schools for many years, conducting assemblies or classes and organising events for Harvest or Christmas. Previously, as the corps officer at Pokesdown in Bournemouth, she went into a primary school once a week as part of an ecumenical group linked to the national Open the Book group. They shared Bible stories with the children, providing a drama that included questions at the end. She is now one of five chaplains from different denominations serving at
Queen Elizabeth’s School, which has around 1,600 children aged between 13 and 18. Each chaplain is assigned to a ‘house’ and works closely with the head of house to provide pastoral support for students who have been referred by teachers, tutors or parents. During the pandemic Major Carole came alongside key workers’ children who felt overwhelmed when other students returned, as well as those who struggled with home schooling – and provided opportunities for students to unpack how they were feeling and raise suggestions. ‘It’s lovely to see the confidence of youngsters growing and those who regularly had appointments finding their feet and their place,’ she affirms. ‘It’s a privilege to share in the lives of people who perhaps wouldn’t automatically come into a church building.’ Wetherby corps officer Lieutenant Yvonne West is passionate about her chaplaincy work, which she describes as ‘unique’. She oversees the Wetherby Salvation Army Learning Centre, which is a partnership with Wetherby High School. At the learning centre, Lieutenant Yvonne and two Army employees provide educational, emotional and practical support for students and their families. ‘The ethos of the school is that no child will leave it without a qualification, CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 X Salvationist 11 September 2021
13
FEATURE I Chaplains in... education
W CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 so we work with those children who, in other schools, would perhaps fall through the gaps because they can’t achieve GCSE qualifications,’ says Lieutenant Yvonne. ‘We do sessions in maths and English and offer BTECs (practical vocational qualifications) in cooking, work skills and animal care. I think I’m probably the only officer in the country who shares her office with rabbits and guinea pigs – we even have a snake that comes in, and a dog!’ The animals are also used for therapy with some of the children who are experiencing anxiety or not engaging. The centre uses Lego therapy as a way of engaging with the children as well. ‘It’s a case of looking at a child holistically. It’s not just about their education, it’s about their mental health and offering emotional and practical support,’ she explains. ‘We only have six to eight children in the classroom at a time and we see the same children throughout the week. We sit alongside them, they talk to us about what’s going on at home and we pick up pastoral issues. ‘It’s an incredible privilege to be part of the children’s lives, to get to know them, to see them grow. I don’t ever take it for granted that the school invites me in as a corps officer. I can go anywhere in the school, chat to staff and provide mental health support for the children.’ The work gives the team opportunities to speak about faith and the work of The Salvation Army. ‘It’s incarnational ministry. We’re able to talk very naturally about what we believe as Christians,’ she adds. ‘We’re only here because God has Canterbury Christ Church University chaplaincy team (Major Chris Sands far left)
Lieutenant Yvonne West
placed us here, but I would encourage any corps in whatever capacity it can to get involved with local schools – they are the hub of the community!’ Major Chris Sands is a support officer in the South East Division. Before moving to East Sussex in July with his wife, who is the corps officer at Hove, Major Chris served for three years as a chaplain at Canterbury Christ Church University in Kent. ‘I worked with a small team of four chaplains,’ he explains. ‘We held services and prayers during the day in the university chapel, and an evensong service once a week. Our Bible studies and worship were supported by the Christian Union, which was quite large. We also had very good connections with churches in the area, because we encouraged students not to stay on campus on a Sunday but to go to a church.’ Major Chris spent most of his time with students, building relationships with them. ‘I think I’ve spent a fortune on coffee,’ he laughs. ‘There’s nothing much better
I think I’m probably the only officer in the country who shares her office with rabbits and guinea pigs than engaging with students. Many of those who come, come with tears. I’ve also talked to many Muslim students, who would “meet the major” to talk about relationships. For them, I was a peacemaker.’ He recalls that the most enjoyable aspect of university chaplaincy was leading worship with students, hearing them testify and pray and helping them discover the truth of the gospel. ‘It was an important and valuable part of my ministry as an officer,’ he affirms. The role also included counselling sessions, providing food parcels and working with the Suicide Safe Communities Group to support vulnerable students and their families. ‘Student support services could call me at any time to talk to somebody. Challenges included depression, stress, money or relationship issues and homesickness. We helped the university develop a number of things to help prevent suicides. There was a good communication system so we could be informed about an issue and go along to support a student,’ says Major Chris. He feels strongly about the importance of The Salvation Army investing in university chaplaincy: ‘University chaplains are quite a rarity these days and most of them are part-time and voluntary. This is a generation of young people at an important stage in their lives. If we don’t get to know them and they don’t get to know who we are as a church, we’re going to miss a whole generation. We can’t wait until they are back home from university – that’s sometimes too late!’
MELITA IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST 14
Salvationist 11 September 2021
VIEW W POINT
The Old Testament What was the writers’ purpose? Major John Waters continues a series exploring how to understand the Old Testament from a Christian perspective
T
O help us properly understand the Old Testament we need to recognise that its stories reflect the development of human understanding of the divine nature – a development from immature to more mature ideas. It will also help our understanding if we consider the purpose for which the Old Testament was recorded. We will then not be tempted to ascribe purposes far from the writers’ intention. Although there are chronicles and historical narratives, the writers were not historians in the modern sense. We understand that there are various points of view in relation to a period of history, but we expect the facts being interpreted to be generally accepted as valid. The Old Testament writers were not so concerned about this. They employed historical narrative not to give a precise account of Israel’s past but to illustrate a theological truth. This is not to say that the events are fictional – some, indeed, are verified by other sources – but that the writers were less concerned with the minutiae of historical detail than with its broad canvas, which demonstrated something about the dealings between God and creation. Because these ideas were still developing, and because the writers had different emphases, the stories they used were sometimes adapted to suit their theological stance, irrespective of their historical integrity. One example will illustrate this process. In 2 Samuel 24 David is incited by the Lord to conduct a census but, by a seemingly capricious judgement, he is punished for doing so (see vv11 to 13). The same event is also recorded in 1 Chronicles 21. The
chronicler, however, is unable to reconcile the apparent contradiction in God’s divine nature, so he amends the story by saying that it was Satan who moved David to command the numbering of the people. The writers would not have considered themselves lacking in honesty – they simply used history as a means of demonstrating their perception of the divine nature and behaviour, and adapted the stories to that end. The story of Israel is not so much a matter of interest in itself, but essentially a means of learning about God. These authors were not scientists either. Generally, in fact, they had little interest in scientific enquiry. The Victorian debate between science and theology as expressed in the Bible ought never to have happened and we should not, on biblical grounds, quarrel with scientific explanations of the natural world. When fossils are produced to show the great age of the world, a school colleague of mine suggested that God had simply made the fossils appear to be ancient, but he was unable to explain why God would go to that trouble! The accounts of Creation in Genesis and Psalms differ from each other, and the first two chapters of the Bible are clearly not compatible in their order of Creation. But those authors were not writing a scientific treatise, not even based on the limited scientific knowledge of their time. Their purpose was theological, and they were at pains to teach that the beginning, the
maintenance and the end of the physical creation were subject to God’s will. Not so troublesome, perhaps, but we may note that the Hebrews were not much interested in philosophy either. The nearest the Old Testament comes to such theorising is in Ecclesiastes and, sublimely, in the book of Job. On the whole, however, they were not interested in analysing or defining life and its circumstance. The main interest was the covenant relationship that Israel had with God and the obedience to that covenant, which was a fundamental requirement. The concern of all the Old Testament contributors was to explore and proclaim those matters that touch on humankind’s relationship with the divine. They were content to allow other nations to produce historians, scientists and philosophers. We, in turn, must read the Old Testament with this in mind.
MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR Next week Does it apply to us?
Salvationist 11 September 2021
15
BIBLE STUDY
Joy Captain Naomi Kelly reminds us that living in step with the Spirit is where we truly experience joy
ROMANS 15:13 AND JAMES 1:2
O
NE of the things that bring great joy to my heart is to spend time with a toddler. They are so full of wonder. They find joy in the most peculiar of places, for example when a child is fascinated by the packaging rather than the expensive toy it contained. I find it refreshing to visualise the world through those eyes and try to find joy in the unexpected. QUESTION O In what unexpected places do you find joy? One dictionary’s definition of ‘joy’ is ‘a feeling of great pleasure and satisfaction’.
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Lynda Levis
16
When we think about joy, we often think about the smile that it puts on a person’s face. Sometimes, joy might mean the absence of anything negative. Many of us think of times of joy as when things are going well. When we think about a joyful situation, we are likely to think of something such as the birth of a child, a wedding celebration, a glorious sunset at the end of a warm, sunny day or finding a special bargain in a shop. It is not something we describe often, but it is something that many of us have felt. QUESTIONS O How would you describe joy? O Where would you say that it comes from?
So, what does the Bible say about joy? A quick Google search suggests ‘joy’ is spoken of in the Bible some 250 times. In James 1:2, we read these words: ‘Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.’ When we consider what gives us joy, I wonder how many of those things are fleeting. The birthday celebration that comes to an end, the bargain that eventually gets broken and binned… Perhaps this is the difference between ‘pure joy’ – a joy that comes from the Lord – and earthly joy. When we read about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:13–26, we see that living ‘in step with the Spirit’ (v25) is where we will truly experience joy.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest./ Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest./ Lord we lift up your name,/ With hearts full of praise,/ Be exalted, O Lord, my God,/ Hosanna in the highest. (SASB 366)
And those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will f lee away. (Isaiah 35:10)
And I will praise you, Lord,/ Yes, I will praise you, Lord,/ And I will sing of all that you have done./ A joy that knows no limit,/ A lightness in my spirit,/ Here in the grace of God I stand. (SASB 367)
Salvationist 11 September 2021
QUESTIONS O When have you walked in step with the Spirit and felt pure joy? O What examples do you see around you of the Spirit bringing joy? Writing to believers in Rome, Paul says: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope’ (Romans 15:13 English Standard Version). Sometimes I look at a situation in my life and it feels so utterly hopeless that I can’t find any joy in it. When joy truly becomes a part of our being, we can be filled with a sense of hope that the trials in our lives fall firmly within God’s plan. It is in understanding this hope that we can find true joy. But notice the word ‘find’. Sometimes
joy isn’t something we automatically possess. Joy needs to be sought in fruitful places. All too often people seek joy in things such as alcohol, drugs, food or fast living. Both of our Scripture readings remind us that pure joy can be found only in the Holy Spirit. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, joy is available to all of us. However, it is a choice. We have to choose to walk in step with the Spirit. God gave us free will and it is up to us to choose joy. QUESTIONS O When have you struggled to find joy? O In what unhelpful places have you tried to find it? O What does walking in step with the Spirit look like for you?
As Christians, we know there is more to life than this earthly world. We can take joy in that. We can be joyful because we know that, despite the trials of this world, there is something better coming. With many people around us who do not know the reality of pure joy, we need to allow God to shine his light through us so that they can recognise and seek this joy for themselves. Today, I choose joy. Will you?
CAPTAIN KELLY IS CORPS OFFICER, MIDDLESBROUGH CITADEL
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you for ever. (Psalm 30:11 and 12)
Jesus put this song into our hearts,/ Jesus put this song into our hearts,/ It’s a song of joy no one can take away,/ Jesus put this song into our hearts. (SASB 875)
You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. (Isaiah 55:12)
Let us go out into the world with joy in our hearts./ Let us go out into the world with joy in our hearts./ Joy for ever will remain/ From the day we’re born again;/ Let us go out into the world with joy in our hearts. (SASB 925)
Prayer
Lord, help us to remember that your joy is deeper than anything the world can give to us. It is the bedrock that can withstand the darkest circumstances. Help us to see the light of your presence in it all.
Salvationist 11 September 2021
17
FROM THE
ARCHIVE
9/11 CHANGED MY LIFE Joseph Phillips talks to Captain Andrew Stone
A
S Joseph Phillips switched on the television at the hotel in New York where he worked as a management executive, he wondered why his wife had phoned him to tell him to watch a horrible disaster movie. The scene featured the twin towers of the World Trade Centre as two passenger aeroplanes were flown into them. But this was 11 September 2001. ‘I looked again at the screen and saw the graphic that said “live” and realised something was going on just 50 blocks away,’ Joseph vividly recalls. 18
Salvationist 11 September 2021
‘Everybody knew about it within moments. If you went out to the street from where I worked and looked south after the buildings fell, you could see a wall of smoke coming through Manhattan and for most of the day when you went outside it was as if there was fog all around you. ‘There was no transportation in the city and throughout the day I saw people walking past my hotel. They were covered in dust – some of them had faces you couldn’t see apart from their eyes and a little bit of their mouths.’ Memories of that day still have an emotional impact on Joseph, and many other New Yorkers, even 15 years on. It was an event that was to have huge and wide-ranging implications for just about everybody in the city at that time. ‘JFK airport was closed for about
three weeks, the tunnels into the city were closed and nobody wanted to come to New York,’ Joseph remembers. ‘My hotel used to run at an average of 90 per cent occupancy. Right after 9/11 we were at about 4 per cent – you can’t pay bills at that sort of level. All the staff were laid off and costs cut dramatically. Then the owners came to me and said I had to go because I was the highest paid executive on the staff. ‘It was the first time in my life I had been unemployed and my wife said to me that I wasn’t going to stay at home and told me to go out and do something.’ Up until that time Joseph had only a passing awareness of The Salvation Army, but that was about to change. ‘While I lived in Boston I lived across the street from the DHQ there, so I knew
‘‘
As Joseph worked through his own altered situation a new beginning was suddenly offered to him
’’
about the Army and took a lot of things to their thrift shop, but I didn’t have any real connection,’ he explains. But because of that slight awareness Joseph decided to approach the Army to see if there was anything he could do to help and he was accepted as a volunteer. ‘The Army was contracted to provide food at the tent in the red zone around the 9/11 site. We served more than 10,000 meals a day. They were provided to anyone who was doing rescue work there and any other volunteers. It was open 24 hours a day and we served meals all through the day and night.’ Needing food in order to provide this service enabled the Army to help some of the many restaurants in the area which, just like Joseph’s hotel, were struggling to find any business in the wake of the attack. ‘We bought the food from the restaurants rather than our normal provider,’ Joseph remembers. ‘We spent $8 million on that programme from October 2001 to October 2002. It saved about 100 restaurants from going out of business. ‘We also ran a special programme just for limousine drivers. Five thousand people had worked in the World Trade Centre and almost all of them went to work in a limousine. So the drivers were out of work; there was no one going to Wall Street. ‘We set up a special programme for them. We helped them to pay their rent and bills, we gave them food cards so they could go to supermarkets and buy food.’ It was not only restaurant staff and drivers who faced difficult financial struggles at this time. Joseph recalls that people from the other end of the financial spectrum also needed help. ‘There were people who had been
One World Trade Centre making $200,000 who were now unemployed and so we were helping them with mortgages of $5,000 a month. They needed our help as well. ‘We had 135 caseworkers in five different locations who dealt with the general public. They came in for prayer, a mortgage payment – you name it! ‘For the first three or four months when you travelled around New York it was very, very bad. The faces of everybody were different, it was a tough time.’ As Joseph worked through his own altered situation a new beginning was suddenly offered to him. ‘After I had volunteered for three months, the Army asked if I wanted a paid job with them. I said yes and it changed my life again,’ he says. Today Joseph oversees the Greater New York Division’s $5 million food project, which provides 2.3 million meals every year from 39 centres. However, the impact of the Army’s work after the FWFOUT PG IBT OPU CFFO GPSHPUUFO CZ
people in the city. ‘I still hear from people who came to us during that time and they tell me they will for ever remember the Army’s help and assistance in turning their lives around,’ Joseph reveals. ‘We spent millions of dollars helping people as well as providing incredible spiritual support. ‘People would just walk into our centres and ask for someone to pray with them and that’s what we did – it’s impossible to put a price on that.’ Providing that support and working for the Army have also impacted Joseph’s life, as he explains: ‘Working for the Army I’ve become more spiritual – when I came to work here I couldn’t believe we prayed before our meetings. ‘I’ve also become less greedy. I’d have to work five years to make the money I made each year in the hotel business. Working for the Army has made me realise I don’t need so many things – and I couldn’t be happier!’ O This article was first published in the 20 September 2016 Salvationist
Salvationist 11 September 2021
19
LETTERS
LOVING GOD, LOVING OTHERS I READ with interest the article by John Coutts (Salvationist 3 July) and found many of the points he made very thought-provoking. Sadly, many people associate our Movement only with the excellent practical help we give in so many ways. It is likely there is less understanding that these things have come about because we are Christians who believe in, and are guided by, the teachings of the Bible and the example of Jesus. It would be interesting (perhaps it has already been done) to show members of the public the red shield and ask them what it means to them. How many would say ‘church’ as opposed to ‘charity shop’ or ‘people who do good works’? Perhaps it is time to consider adding the phrase ‘heart to God, hand to man’ under the red shield, which might help redress the balance a little. It may not mean a lot to everyone but I feel there is the potential for individuals to want to know more about our motivation and The Salvation Army as a church that wants all humankind to know the love of God. Jean Wilson Northampton
BUILDING FOR MISSION I WAS fortunate enough to be resident in Bournemouth when General Albert Orsborn was living there in retirement. Some of the flamboyant phrases he used in his preaching I can recall, almost word for word: ‘The skies were full of steeples when God called William Booth to form The Christian Mission, which became The Salvation Army. God did not want another church, but a mission to the unconverted.’ These words came to me upon reading the letter from Major David Groves, headed ‘Church or corps?’ (Salvationist 24 July). This raises the question: what is wrong with being an ‘Army’? But lest that offend the pacifists, can we not change to ‘The Salvation Army Mission’? I accept that ‘mission hall’ instead of ‘corps’ or ‘church’ might seem to imply something modest, but not necessarily insignificant. Michael Bennett Thame 20
Salvationist 11 September 2021
The then Lieut-Colonel John Larsson leads a song at the opening of the training college
A TRAINING COLLEGE IN AN ENVELOPE I WAS fascinated to read General John Larsson’s article (Salvationist 14 August) and to know the full story. The original contact at the open-air meeting with Mr Walter Vis was my father, Derek Jones, who at the time was corps sergeant-major at Maidenhead. He was able to put Walter in contact with The Salvation Army in the South America West Territory, and the result was the new training college and the above article. Susan Heward Major Gloucester
STILL INSPIRING I WOULD like to thank the Salvationist team for such good service. I enjoyed reading all the news in the 7 August issue and particularly reading Major Alistair Dawson’s article, ‘Grace abounding’. Many moons ago we were junior soldiers at Birmingham Hockley, when his parents were the corps officers. I remember them being happy days. Now I share his encouraging thoughts. God bless our retired officers, who are always so encouraging. Mary Randell Winton
REFLE REFLECTI EC CTI TIO ON N REFLECTION
Grace abounding Major Alistair Dawso awson n reflec reflects t on the wonde er off God God’s ’s grace g ce
M
Y family will always be grateful to the many kind friends who looked after our dog when we went on holiday. One such lady, living in the Norfolk countryside and deciding our dog needed more than his usual three-mile walk, took him for six before giving him his freedom. It was just what the poor lad needed. But then a gun went off and so did he, running out of her sight. You can imagine the lady’s feelings when, after two days of special care, she went and lost him. Fortunately, she had underestimated our dog. Come meal time, there he was, standing by his dish and waiting. Someone once imagined the scene when God created humankind. One angel said, ‘You’re giving these creatures freedom, but they will never be wise enough to handle it. They will think themselves gods. They will boast in their self-sufficiency. How can you know they will remember to return to you?’ God replied to the angel, ‘I have left them unfinished within. I have left in them deep needs that only I can truly satisfy, so that out of their desire, their homesickness of soul, they will remember to return to me.’ ‘I have left them unfinished within.’ I like that phrase, especially when I think of humankind in a sinful, fallen state. When describing our condition, I prefer the idea of separation – that we are unfinished within and that we were created with deep needs that only God can satisfy. The fact is that being sinful and separated is a most painful state. We can be separated from ourselves, from those around us and from God,
the ground of our being – and in that condition our deepest needs remain unmet. But those deep needs give us a connection with one another. In the song ‘Only People’ from the musical Hosea, John Gowans wrote: Underneath the surface, folk are much the same, They all need hope and faith, these people passing by; They all need love, they all need God. In other words, we all have the same foundation and the same need, which is God. Being separated from him, how can we then be dependent on and accepted by the God who truly loves us? The apostle Paul wrote: ‘Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound’ (Romans 5:20 King James Version). Grace abounding! What a message for a sinful world. We need not stay separated from God. We can be accepted and need never be separated again. ‘None of this fazes us,’ continues Paul, ‘because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing – nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable – absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us’ (Romans 8:37–39 The Message). We are all loved by God – and on the cross, Jesus expressed that love in order that we might know it. He showed his willingness to forgive and accept us. We can put our sins and our past behind us, for God loves us for who we
are despite what we have done – and especially because of what our future means to him. The Atonement and Resurrection are not simply the righting of past wrongs, but the creation of a new humanity – we are encouraged to take a step forward by overcoming our self-centredness and working towards living in closer communion with God. Again, words from General John Gowans: ‘Jesus didn’t just die to give you your sins forgiven; he died to release in you his Holy Spirit and develop you into such a beautiful person that you look something like him.’ On a coach holiday travelling through Germany, we briefly stopped in Münster. There, in a derelict shop doorway, was an opera singer singing ‘Hark! the Gospel News Is Sounding’ in German to the tune of ‘Mariners’. It was one of those ‘wow’ moments. Grace is flowing like a river, Millions there have been supplied; Still it flows as fresh as ever From the Saviour’s wounded side; None need perish, none need perish, All may live for Christ hath died. (SASB 168) Grace is flowing, grace is abounding. And we can be among the millions who have been supplied.
MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL Salvation lvationist ist 7 August August 2021
19 9
LETTERS Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.
ADVERTS
REGENT HALL BRASS ARTS FESTIVAL 2021 Thursday 30 September at 7.30pm RAF Central Band Brass Ensemble and Seraphim Consort Free admission – collection – no tickets required Friday 1 October at 1pm Fulham Band – John Ward conductor Chris Avison trumpet (principal Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra) Bruce Broughton special guest A programme featuring the music of Bruce Broughton Free admission – collection – no tickets required Friday 1 October at 3pm Royal Academy of Music presents Bone-afide Trombone Quartet Free admission – collection – no tickets required
Friday 1 October at 7.45pm Foden’s Band – Russell Gray conductor Tickets £18 from priorbooking. com/u/fodensband Saturday 2 October at 7.30pm Guards Brass Mike McGowan conductor Musicians from the Bands of the Household Division Free admission – collection – no tickets required Sunday 3 October at 3pm Regent Hall Band of The Salvation Army Paul Sharman bandmaster Free admission – collection – no tickets required
Regent Hall (The Salvation Army) 275 Oxford Street, London W1C 2DJ For further details – stephenmaw@aol.com 07973 173 583
Prayer Network The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick 21–23 January 2022
Encounter
Prayer Gathering ‘What is the Spirit saying to the Church?’ As we navigate turbulent, changing times, God invites us to a deeper kind of listening. Prayer and worship will be the main emphases of this event. We will be listening and discerning together to tune into God’s ‘now’ word for us and for The Salvation Army. Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill will be with us for this weekend of prayerful listening. ‘Early bird’ discount (full payment before 1 October): £165 per person From 1 October full price applies: £180 per person
Online booking only: To book this event, please go to form-eu.123formbuilder.com/43200/prayer-gathering-2022 Booking queries: events@salvationarmy.org.uk Other queries: saprayernetwork@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army is a Christian Church and a Registered Charity No 214779, and in Scotland SC009359
Salvationist 11 September 2021
21
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O SL Duncan Starbuck, Market Rasen O YPSM Mike Webb, Gloucester RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Mike Jones (85 on 18 September) O Major Maureen Smith (80 on 18 September) O Aux-Captain Wendy Lamb (85 on 20 September) O Major Grace Arnott (80 on 22 September) O Major Alistair Dawson (80 on 23 September) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Patricia Jones, Southampton Sholing O Ruby Hendry, Aylsham O Kevin Garratt, Hinckley O Bobby McCormick, Edinburgh Gorgie O John Hales, Newton Abbot O S/Reservist Davina Ayre, Plymouth Congress Hall, on 24 August O Major Brian Edwards from Wrexham Maelor Hospital on 25 August O Major Josephine Davies from her home on 2 September BEREAVED O Rtd BM Brian Jones, Southampton Sholing, of his wife Patricia Jones, SL Stephen Jones, Southampton Sholing, of his mother
ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Denmark Hill (new THQ groundbreaking ceremony), Wed 22 Sep O Manchester (HSU Partnership Trophy), Thu 23* O WBC (welcome weekend), Sat 25 – Sun 26 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Kirkcaldy (opening of new hall), Sat 18 – Sun 19 Sep O Denmark Hill (new THQ groundbreaking ceremony), Wed 22 O WBC (welcome weekend), Sat 25 – Sun 26 *TC only
22
Salvationist 11 September 2021
Robert Hendry, Aylsham, of his wife Ruby Hendry O Jean Garratt, Hinckley, of her husband Kevin Garratt, David Garratt and Linda Smith of their father O Betty McCormick, Edinburgh Gorgie, of her husband, Bobby McCormick O Sandra Hales, Newton Abbot, of her husband John Hales, Diane Ridley, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, of her father, Tim Collings, Newton Abbot, and Nicola Collings, Croydon Citadel, of their stepfather O Major Pamela Edwards of her husband Major Brian Edwards O
OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 September O Major Joan Gibson out of Rutherglen in 1982 and last appointment IHQ ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander
TRIBUTES MAJOR RUTH GOODRIDGE RUTH’S first connection with The Salvation Army was in 1952 when training as a midwife at the Mothers’ Hospital in Hackney, London. At that time she was not a Christian, but God was working in her life. Not only did she become a follower of Christ but she also offered herself to serve as an officer. She entered the International Training College in 1955 as a member of the Swordbearers session from Wealdstone, her home corps. Following commissioning in 1956 Lieutenant Ruth was appointed to Social Services to use her nursing skills at Belfast Thorndale House, then Glasgow Homelands, Newcastle and Manchester Crossley. In 1964 Ruth and her friend, Elsie, who introduced her to the Lord and The Salvation Army, sailed to India together.
Ruth served in the Central and Western Territories as a staff nurse, then as midwifery superintendent and matron. Ruth made people laugh with her wit and wisdom. She helped those in need and her patients loved and respected her. The people in Gujarat could not pronounce her family name so called her ‘Sister Goldie’, because she had a heart of gold. She returned to the United Kingdom in 1986 and took up various appointments before retiring in June 1988, having served for more than 20 years in a tropical climate. Retiring to Bedford Congress Hall, Ruth was an ardent member of the home league. She loved singing and visited many churches and women’s groups with the home league singers. She was the life and soul of the ladies’ knitting group. Ruth was promoted to Glory in February. She is missed by her friends in Bedford and around the world. We are thankful for her years of ministry and give thanks for the many people who were richly blessed by her service given in the name of Christ. Major Ruth, we salute you and say: ‘Servant of God, well done!’ – MS MIRIAM KIRSOPP, EDINBURGH GORGIE MIRIAM was born in South Africa, where her parents were missionary officers. She returned to the UK aged 10 and, after various appointments, the family moved to Dundee, where she met Gordon. They married in 1961 and moved to Southport, where Cheryl and Roy were born. The family then moved to Stockport Citadel, where Miriam served as singing company leader for more than 30 years. She had a significant and long-lasting positive influence on the young people under her care. In 2006 Miriam and Gordon retired and moved back to Scotland, serving at Edinburgh Gorgie. Miriam continued to be an encouragement and support to many people. She dedicated her life to serving God and people in the Army. She loved her family and cherished time spent with them. – GK
ADVERTS MAJOR PAUL HOLIFIELD PAUL became a soldier at Bargoed Corps in south Wales at 16 years of age. He served as a Royal Air Force Police officer while waiting to be accepted into Salvation Army officer training. He met Glenda at Linton Corps, Cambridgeshire. They married in 1975 and, in 1976, entered the International Training College in the Disciples of Jesus session. After serving at Gloucester Highworth House, Liverpool Arden House and East Ham with Manor Park Corps, Paul became a Baptist minister for 19 years. Through his work with Feba Radio, Paul reconnected with The Salvation Army. In 1999 he was reaccepted as an officer at Stapleford Corps, after which he served as regional officer at Isle of Wight Corps and corps officer at Tadley and later Harlow, from which he had to retire because of continued health issues. Paul never wavered in supporting his wife and yearned to continue serving the Lord. He knew he served a faithful God, no matter what, and he never hesitated in sharing that truth with others. – GH
STUDYING IN YORK? Are you coming to study in this great city? Be sure to link up to the corps, where a warm welcome awaits you. Meals arranged and student / young adult fellowship (Covid-19 allowing!) For further details: Cynthia Smith 07961 586465
Did you know Salvationist is online? WE UPDATE OUR WEBSITE WEEKLY, GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO O Read through the latest issue from 3pm on Thursdays O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the editor’s comment and our article of the week O Share archived issues
MGS works professionally providing O
COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION
MGS works with relationships and other life experiences MGS is confidential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com
Adverts in Salvationist are subject to house style and are carried at the discretion of the editor
(Based in Worthing – MGS works
throughout the UK)
Referenced more than 100 times in the New Testament, the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven played a key part in Jesus’ ministry. He spoke about the subject more than forgiveness, faith or worship. Major Nigel Bovey unlocks the topic in his latest book Keys of the Kingdom. Drawing on 40 years’ experience of ministry, he distils the essential message of 52 occasions where Jesus – or occasionally John the Baptist – talks about the Kingdom. With prayer points and helpful discussion questions, the book is great for generating individual discussion or group study. Buy your copy for £5 at sps-shop.com/books or by calling 01933 445 445. Alternatively, purchase a Kindle ebook on amazon. co.uk for £4.
Salvationist 11 September 2021
23
‘‘‘ All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week… ROBERT MOLLOY Maidenhead How did you first come in contact with The Salvation Army? I first came in contact with the Army through open-air meetings when I was seven years old. What made you want to become a soldier? When I became a soldier at the age of 16 I think it was more about belonging than anything deeply spiritual. What is your day job? I’m the UK country manager for a supply chain management/logistics company. What is the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating? I get to meet some amazing people from all over the world and love the diversity of cultures and traditions. I also work alongside some amazing people, many of whom are good friends. The most frustrating thing is when something in the supply chain fails beyond my control and I miss deadlines.
Your majesty, I can but bow I lay my all before you now
’’’
(SASB B 376)
What one thing would you change about the Army? I’d make the uniform less formal. What is your favourite food? Liver and bacon with onions on the side. If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? The Lethal Weapon film series. I’d be Roger Murtaugh, played by Danny Glover. If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? Martin Luther King Jr, to hear that powerful ‘I have a dream’ speech in person. If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Be the one who made a difference. What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? Volleyball. If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Knowledge. What is your favourite kind of holiday? Family holidays on the beach with a sunlounger and a good book. What do you do in your spare time? Walking or cycling. What is your favourite Bible verse? ‘But now, this is what the Lord says – he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine”’ (Isaiah 43:1). The verse is a reminder of who I belong to. I am redeemed and called by name by God who simply says, ‘I love you!’
Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Abraham. I’d ask, ‘What was the topic of conversation between you and Isaac when you were walking down from the mountain in Moriah?’ That’s after Abraham had been prepared to sacrifice his son as a burnt offering. What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘King of Kings, Majesty’ (SASB 376). If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be? Hatred. Did you have a nickname growing up? Molly. If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? My wife, Sarah. If you could invent a gadget, what would it be? A time machine. Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island? My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell. If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘Always Look on the Bright Side of Life’ by Monty Python. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t be afraid of failure – be afraid not to try. What is the most valuable thing you possess? The ability to love unconditionally.