SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No 1811 Price 70p
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 12 June 2021
Hitting the right notes in the Finland and Estonia Territory PLUS
WHOLE-LIFE DISCIPLESHIP DNA
SEE PAGES 10 AND 11
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
GENDER STEREOTYPES: PRIMARY SCHOOLS URGED TO TACKLE ISSUE
‘EAT LOTS OF CAKE’ – TIPS OFFERED FOR A SUCCESSFUL MESSY CHURCH
CHURCHES IN SCOTLAND TO BENEFIT FROM HATE CRIME SECURITY FUND
Calling girls ‘sweetie’ or boys ‘mate’ in primary school perpetuates gender stereotypes, campaigners say. In a letter to the education secretary in England, various groups are calling on the government to address the language and ideas used in schools. Stereotypes limit children’s aspirations and create inequalities that help fuel gender-based violence, they say. The government says [that] challenging stereotypes is in its guidance. The letter to Education Secretary Gavin Williamson … says the curriculum, books and language used in schools reinforce ideas of how girls and boys should look and behave. It suggests schools should ‘actively challenge gender stereotypes’ from an early age before they become ingrained... The letter … urges the government to ensure more specialist resources and training are made available to nurseries and primary schools. It suggests this could lead to an improvement in other areas such as encouraging more girls to study science, technology and maths, helping to improve boys’ reading skills and increasing children’s wellbeing.
Plenty of cake is a significant part of ensuring that Messy Church works, a two-year survey ... suggests. The report, A Voyage of Discovery ... has produced a list of ‘clear actions’ that churches should consider if they want to ... ‘make disciples and grow deeper in discipleship’. It concludes with the tonguein-cheek injunction... ‘Eat lots of cake.’ More serious suggestions include: Decide to be a community of reflective practice... Notice God at work... Decide to be church all month... Value quality as well as quantity… Give up something – even something you enjoy – to prioritise Messy Church and make it a deeper, richer experience… Journey together... Enjoy it... [And] more than anything, decide to be disciples and to make disciples.
Christian campaigners have welcomed plans to protect places of worship from religiously motivated attacks. The Scottish government’s £500,000 Hate Crime Security Fund provides grants to install security measures to help protect places of worship. Places of worship deemed particularly at risk of attacks are eligible for 100 per cent grants. This is higher than in England, where buildings are only able to receive 80 per cent funding. Individual places of worship can receive up to £20,000 in funding to install up to three separate security measures. The fund ... will run for two months. Grants are expected to be paid out by the end of September this year.
Church Times
Premier
Church of England Newspaper
CofE INVEST £1.25M IN CONTACTLESS GIVING TO BOOST TITHING The Church of England has announced it will invest £1.25 million in enabling digital payments to half of all its churches by 2023. The funding will be used to provide contactless devices, helping to set up online giving, training and one-to-one support. Speaking to Premier, Grace Emmet, the national digital giving manager, said they want to see as many parishes as possible embracing different kinds of digital giving. ‘For some churches I think that will look like having a contactless unit and online giving, making good use of QR codes and sources… For other churches, it might be one or the other, particularly if you’ve got a church that say, got really high visitor footfall, but actually hasn’t got many people coming on a Sunday, then a really good contactless donation unit might be the right fit for them.’ Rural congregations, where connectivity might be a problem, will be offered units that are able to take offline donations or devices that can run off a mobile sim... ‘[We are] trying to work with churches to find good solutions and connectivity is a big part of that as well,’ Emmet continued. A first pilot has already begun in the Diocese of Carlisle with more than 100 churches taking part. Premier
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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
2
Salvationist 12 June 2021
ISSN 2516-5909
THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies
CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK
CONTENTS
WHERE THERE’S A NEED JUST recently I was reminded of Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs – a theory in psychology that identifies five levels of human need, usually depicted as a pyramid. At the bottom of the pyramid are physical needs, such as food and shelter, and on the next level up are safety and security. Further up are the need for love and a sense of belonging, then for esteem. Finally, at the top of the pyramid, is the need for selfactualisation, the fulfilling of potential – which in spiritual terms would mean coming into a relationship with God. Maslow stressed that the needs lower down in the hierarchy have to be satisfied before the needs higher up can be met. That reminds me of William Booth’s statement: ‘No one gets a blessing if they have cold feet and nobody ever got saved while they had toothache!’ Hence the Army’s holistic ministry, which is featured in this week’s issue in a number of ways. Refugees can be deprived of the most basic needs – food, shelter and safety – and are the focus of Refugee Week (14–20 June). To mark that, Bethany Gibson previews an online event called Welcoming the Stranger: The Ethics of Migration, and interviews Captain Callum McKenna about the involvement of Hythe Corps in the UK’s community sponsorship scheme. While many of us are not able to respond so directly, there are other things we can do. The accompanying resources article points to eight simple acts that can raise our awareness and help us stand in solidarity with refugees. In this month’s ‘In the Zone’ feature Major Saga Lippo gives an overview of the Finland and Estonia Territory. She describes the Army’s response during the pandemic, but also outlines work carried out in normal times. This includes housing services, which meet people’s needs through a ‘housing first’ approach. And, in line with the Army’s holistic strategy, she also points to the spiritual support provided in these situations, while the territorial leaders outline their hope that Salvationists in Finland and Estonia ‘will be ready to share the joyful message of Jesus’. The UK government has identified the need for ‘levelling up’ communities. ‘Each community and each person’s needs are different,’ says Annie Dell in her article, which shows how the Army is ready to play its part through research and action. Major Rosemary Dawson begins a series in which she recalls ‘inspirational people’ she met during her time working on the War Cry. Angie Taylor is one of them, a person who was experiencing homelessness and addiction issues. Angie’s life was transformed when she encountered Jesus, and she set out to witness to God’s power in her life. Winston Churchill is thought to have said, ‘Where there’s a need, there’s The Salvation Army.’ Wherever people find themselves on Maslow’s pyramid, you and I have something to offer. It might be a listening ear, a helping hand or a word of witness, but God can use us – and he needs us – just where we are. What can I do to ease life’s heavy burdens? What can I do to help mankind in need? Just where I am I’ll share my neighbour’s hardship, Lighten his load, and prove a friend indeed. Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me, Just where he needs me, there would I be! And since he found me, by love he’s bound me To serve him joyfully. (SASB 944)
From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Quotes from the media
2
Message from the territorial leaders
4
5 and 6
News Prayer matters
6
Viewpoint Levelling up the UK
7
by Annie Dell
Preview 8 Refugee Week: Welcoming the stranger by Bethany Gibson
Resources Refugee Week: 8 simple acts
9
Interview 10 and 11 Meeting God where you are Tim Yearsley talks to Shanelle Manderson
In the zone 12 to 14 Finland and Estonia Territory by Major Saga Lippo
Stories of transformation 15 Angie Taylor: Encountering the King of kings by Major Rosemary Dawson
Bible study Right on the inside
16 and 17
by Major Lynne Clifton
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley
Viewpoint Wanted: Imaginators
18
by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane
Letters
19
New commitments
20
Interview 21 ‘I don’t approach people – they come to me’ Graham Warburton talks to Emily Bright
Announcements
22 and 23
Adverts
23
The Salvation Army and me
24
featuring Caitlin Hedley
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Salvationist 12 June 2021
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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Going forward Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill conclude their series of weekly messages Anthony Gill and I have been sharing weekly messages on YouTube and in Salvationist for 58 weeks. When it was suggested that we did a video at the start of last year’s lockdown I naively thought it might be just for two or three weeks. Gill We had no idea what we would all be living through as the pandemic took hold. Anthony When we started, the purpose of the messages was to encourage people to trust God and to take hold of opportunities. They also allowed us to thank people at the front line of ministry and service, such as those in our older people’s services, homelessness units, nurseries and anti-human trafficking and modern slavery work, as well as administrative staff members. Gill Not forgetting corps and community centres, and all who have adapted their ways of working and been really innovative. Anthony And not just people in Salvation Army programmes, but also those finding the courage to be salt and light and love in their neighbourhood, doing the shopping, looking out for people and so on. Even some brass players have had the courage to play on their drives by themselves rather than in a band, blessing the people in their streets. Gill Thank God that we seem to be moving into a new phase of the pandemic in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, especially with the vaccination rollout. There will still be challenging days ahead, and we’re mindful that many countries are really suffering and need our prayers. Anthony Over the past few weeks especially, Gill and I have been encouraging people to grasp hold of opportunities – not talking about going back to things but having a mindset of always going forward. We’ve encouraged people to take time out to reflect, reassess and plan, and not to assume that we’re 4
Salvationist 12 June 2021
going back to how things were 18 months ago. Gill So we decided we need to do the same. We’re going to stop the weekly video messages, for a time at least. And we’re going to pray, reflect and reassess where we are. In time we might come back in a new format, and maybe even a new line-up. But now that we’re able to, we will be leading our first face-to-face meetings for some time. Anthony The last time we stood on a corps platform to lead worship was in February 2020, when we went to Poole with the International Staff Band. So it will be great to be back doing Sunday ministry in that way. We had a taste of that last week at William Booth College, leading worship for the lieutenants of the Messengers of the Kingdom session as they met together after their first year as officers, thrown in at the deep end in the middle of a pandemic. It was great to be with them in person. Like other people, we’ve been involved in conferences, seminars and meetings on screen, but to be together was wonderful. We thank God for that and look forward to being with more people in person once again. Gill We shared words from Isaiah 43 with the lieutenants: ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’ (vv18 and 19). That’s what God is doing, and we need to be reminded of it. But let us not forget what the opening of that
chapter says – words that have been so helpful in these past months: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour… Do not be afraid, for I am with you’ (vv1–5). They are wonderful words that we can take to heart once again. As we go forward we give thanks to God. And we thank you so much for your prayers and encouragement. We also want to say a massive thank you to the video production team who have produced the weekly video messages. Anthony To Bridget, Neil, Ben and Sheron, we say thank you. They have done marvellous work, not only on these videos but also on all the other things they’ve been asked to do to make sure that the message of salvation, the message of love and the work of the Army could be known. Gill Please, everyone, continue to take great care. A sincere and grateful thanks again for all that you are doing in the name of Jesus and for The Salvation Army and the people we serve. God bless you. O This
message is based on a video that can be viewed at facebook.com/ SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo
NEWS
COMMUNITY
INTERNATIONAL
Army demonstrates love to asylum seekers USA WESTERN
Salvation Army students win learning awards SWAN LODGE THE Salvation Army’s Lifehouse in Sunderland won multiple prizes at the One Awards Celebration of Learning 2021. Sonia Ritchie-Park (pictured), a support worker and tutor who leads classes at the Lifehouse, received a Learners Choice for Tutor award. One student said: ‘From the very start, Sonia put me at ease… I have gained so much confidence from the courses available and the way they are delivered. Sonia creates a very safe environment to learn and is extremely encouraging and supportive. I have not only grown educationally but also as a person, allowing me to re-engage socially. I cannot thank and praise her enough.’ The Lifehouse Tenancy Achievement Group received a Learning Group award. Many of the students have overcome substantial personal challenges and this is the first learning experience they have completed in a number of years. For some, this was the first qualification they had ever completed. Sonia said: ‘The quality of work they produced was fantastic and it was a joy to teach them. To be honest, in some ways they have helped me get through the past few months with their laughter and dedication.’
As the Lifehouse is considered a single bubble under Covid-19 restrictions, learners chose face-to-face teaching – adapting to remote learning when necessary. Covid-safe measures ensured students kept themselves and each other safe. Swan Lodge resident Gillian, who found herself homeless a year ago, also received a Personal Progress award. Sonia said: ‘Gillian was very shy and lacked confidence. To try and encourage her out of her room I asked her if she would like to come and do some cooking. This seemed to act as a switch as she began to enjoy learning so much that she signed up for any course that she could in her time at Swan Lodge.’ Gillian has completed a career preparation unit, functional skills maths entry 3, skills for employment, training and personal development, and is currently awaiting results of her English entry 3 and maths level 1 functional skills. She has tackled several personal challenges in the past year, including the death of her partner. Sonia added: ‘Gillian’s confidence has grown and now it would be out of place if she were in her room on her own. She has not only been a pleasure to teach but it has also been an honour to watch her grow academically and as a person. She really deserves recognition for how far she has come and her dedication to learning.’ – AR
ST HELENS Two disused flats are being remodelled to serve as homes for rough sleepers as part of a £1 million project backed by funding from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. At the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, 108 people experiencing homelessness in St Helens were moved into temporary accommodation. Since then, the council and its partners, Torus and The Salvation Army, have worked closely to provide essential help for them to overcome barriers and lead new, more independent lives. The new flats will be fully staffed and benefit from 24-hour security. Residents will be supported by the Army until they are ready to move into a home they can sustain on their own. – AR
EVERY day, more people cross the border from Mexico to the USA seeking asylum. And every day, The Salvation Army’s emergency response teams do what they can to feed, clothe and safely transfer these vulnerable people to new homes. The number of migrants entering the USA has risen steadily in 2021. Border towns such as Yuma, Arizona, are overwhelmed as customs and border protection officials drop off asylum seekers who have completed exhausting journeys and still need to connect with their sponsors, who are likely to be a bus journey or flight away. The increase in people seeking help has placed major strains on these small communities. ‘Local, state and federal governments are turning to The Salvation Army and asking us to help,’ said Emergency and Disaster Services Director John Berglund. ‘They’re looking to us because we have a history of providing these resources effectively.’ Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services teams have provided more than 1,600 packaged meals and nearly 4,000 snacks in the California South Division alone. Five different migrant shelters offer about 175 rooms for migrant families and individuals. Typically, people are at the shelters and in the care of service providers for 24 to 72 hours before the next stage in their journey. ‘Love is kind,’ said Jeannette Aird, director of Emergency Disaster Services for the Southwest Division. ‘Whoever it may be, we don’t discriminate. These individuals find themselves in a location here, and they’re unaware of where exactly they are, the culture, how our system works, everything. We can come alongside them and provide hope and a hot meal.’ – CJ
Did you know Salvationist is online? O Read through archived issues O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the editor’s comment and
our article of the week salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
Salvationist 12 June 2021
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NEWS
COMMUNITY
New homelessness hub opens ISLE OF WIGHT A NEW homelessness centre has opened in Newport. The centre, which is run from a former converted emergency night shelter, offers a place for people to take showers, wash their clothes and receive hot refreshments. It is jointly funded by the Isle of Wight council and UK government and can accommodate up to 17 people at any point. It operates with a ‘housing first’ approach. This means people are offered accommodation with wrap-around support to tackle the complex reasons for their homelessness, such as mental ill health, childhood trauma, addiction or fleeing domestic violence. Matthew Smith, assistant regional manager for homelessness services, said: ‘The Salvation Army has worked with the Isle of Wight local authority and other agencies over many years to support those who face homelessness on the island. ‘We are pleased to be the provider of the innovative new Isle of Wight assessment hub, which will work with people to prevent rough sleeping and reduce homelessness. ‘We look forward to continuing to meet people’s individual needs so they can realise their potential and break the cycle of homelessness.’ – AR
OUTREACH SALISBURY Faced with the challenge of clearing a huge surplus of donated items accumulated during lockdown, the corps has created a ‘pop up’ market-style stall on the hall forecourt. The new initiative coincides with the city centre street market, which is held close to the hall and attracts many people to the area. Customers are invited to inspect the items and make a donation for any goods taken as they feel appropriate. ‘Early signs are showing that this is going to be a very popular event,’ said corps officer Captain Martin Davison. ‘This new idea allows us to keep in touch with the community and perhaps support people with items they may need. We have received lots of encouraging comments and the stall is helping reduce the backlog of goods we have struggled to store during the past year’s various lockdowns.’ – AR OLDHAM FITTON HILL Family worker Kim Rogers and community worker Graham Rogers spoke to BBC Radio Manchester about the support they are providing to families in need. Fitton Hill is one of the most deprived areas of Oldham, and the Army and local community interest group Reel CIC work together to help those in need, including those impacted by furlough and job losses. As well as sourcing items such as prams and clothes, the corps offers a food club on Fridays and interacts online with families who show what they’ve cooked with their items. – AR 6
Salvationist 12 June 2021
WORLDWIDE PRAYERS
by Prayer Network Support Major Jill Miller SATURDAY 12 JUNE – ‘LET US GO OUT INTO THE WORLD WITH LOVE IN OUR HEARTS’ (SASB 925) Father God, we pray that your Spirit of love, joy and faith will fill our hearts so that everyone we meet will be encouraged and feel valued. Our world needs us to be ambassadors of the gospel, not in words only but in deeds of love and compassion. Fill us up every day as we live for you. SUNDAY 13 JUNE – ‘WE’RE AN ARMY FIGHTING FOR A GLORIOUS KING’ (SASB 940) O Lord, there is a world that needs to understand how much you love each individual and that you have prepared Eternity for all who love you. One day, every knee will bow before you as you return to this world but, until that day, we want to share the message of your salvation and your unconditional love.
FATHER GOD FOCUS by Major Pauline Milner
MONDAY 14 JUNE – JEHOVAH: THE SELF-COMPLETE (EXODUS 3:14) Our Father God is the great ‘I am’, the Holy One, a name once held so sacred that it was often only written in Hebrew with four letters and no vowels (YHWH). Surely our only proper response is to bow down in awe and to worship him. Pause a moment now in silent prayer and worship ‘I am’. TUESDAY 15 JUNE – JEHOVAH-JIREH: THE GOD WHO PROVIDES (GENESIS 22:14) Heavenly Father, thank you that you see our every need and that, just as you provided yesterday, you will provide today and tomorrow. You have lavished upon us your love, grace and salvation. Create in us your character of generosity that we may bless others as you bless us. WEDNESDAY 16 JUNE – JEHOVAH-M’KADDESH: THE GOD WHO SANCTIFIES (EXODUS 31:13) Father God, Jehovah-M’Kaddesh, the one who sanctifies me, cleanse and purify me that I may live a holy life, consecrated to you in every area: thought, word, behaviour, work, home, finance, relationships, recreation, ministry and in all that you have entrusted to me. THURSDAY 17 JUNE – JEHOVAH-SHALOM: ‘THE LORD IS PEACE’ (JUDGES 6:24; 1 CORINTHIANS 14:33) Heavenly Father, you are Jehovah-Shalom. Thank you that we can know the fullness of your perfect peace in Jesus. Help us to receive your peace, let it invade our hearts and minds and reign over us amid every challenge, worry, place of chaos and uncertainty. FRIDAY 18 JUNE – JEHOVAH-RAPHA: THE LORD WHO HEALS (EXODUS 15:26) Father God, the Great Physician, we declare that you are our healer! Ultimately you alone provide the remedy for all humankind’s brokenness through your son, Jesus Christ. We thank you that your healing extends to every area of our lives – physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Let us pray for someone in need of healing today. O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources
Salvationist Salvationist1310March April 2021
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VIEW POINT
Annie Dell presents a Salvation Army perspective on the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda S part of my role I speak to a lot of people who feel left behind. They feel that way because of a la ack of after-school activities,, men e ta t l heal he alth al th acc cces esss, s job bs th hat exc xcititite e th them em,, em accessible buses during the morning rush, local affordable nurseries or accessible training. As part of its response to Covid-19, the th e go gove ve ernme rn nme ment n has ann n ounced a new fu und n in ing pl pled ed dge for ‘le leve v llllin ve ing in g up up’’ th the e UK U . The exact definition and scope of th this is policy is still being decided, but the general aim is to dramatically increase investment in areas outside London that have been neglected. For The Salvation Army, the le leve vellllllin ve in ng up agenda isn’t rhetoric. It is set to be one of the largest and most crucial levers that the government has to successfully rebuild communities – those impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as well as those suffering from historical regional inequalities. Every day the Army sees first-hand the Ev work that is needed to rebuild. It is heartening to know that this work is being taken so serio ously by national and local governments. PRIORITIES The Salvation Army, in partnership with the Institute for Employment Studies, is conducting research into where and what should be prioritised by the levelling up agenda. Civil service calculations that determine the priority areas consider three correct, but unduly limited indicators: O Local labour pools: Local gross value added, unemployment and post-16 skills O Transport infrastructure: Travel to work areas and ease of transport O Local infrastructure: The percentage of viable home and commercial property These calculations are not enough for policymakers to truly understand what being ‘left behind’ means. And they present a limited picture of the barriers our communities faced pre-pandemic
as well as those they will face postpandemic. We have worked with the Institute of Employyme m nt Ser ervi v ce vi cess to t fililll in the gap a s on ide dent ntif nt ifyi if ying n are ng reas a tha h t sh hou o ld d be prioritised. First, we have expanded the focus around local labour marketts to create a clearer picture of what local economies truly look like. Com ommu muni n tyy gro r wt wth h po ote tenttia iall is muc u h mo morre re nuanc nced ed tha han n unem un empl em ploy pl oyment rates. Therefore this oy expanded focus should also include sector growth, employment durations and an d fu f ll labour pools, including those who wh o ar are e ec e onomically inactive or un nde ere remp mplo mp loye lo yed. ye d. More Mo re eov o er er, a de deeper understanding of the social fabric of these communities is
Organisations such as The Salvation Army are ready to play their part required. To date there has been no real discussion around social indicators for areas that feel left behind – a topic that we believe has been missing from the debate almost entirely. As a result our upcoming research also considers a range of social indicators, including crime, income, health and access to public services. If we don’t capture the experiences of communities, national policy will lack the nuance required to bring about effective local outcomes. To avoid this we must expand our definition of what it means to ‘level up’. INVESTMENT Every day, in every centre, the Army is working and speaking with people whose lives have been turned upside down, who have given up and feel there isn’t much left for them. Each community and each person’s needs are different. If the government wants to level up the country it needs to connect to
these voices. It must create a mechanism for communities to directl tly decide how funding can create the grea gr eate ea test te st cha hang ng ge an and d th t e most positive grow gr o th ow th.. Ou Ourr re rese sear se arch ar c int ch n o th the e le leve v lling ve up agenda is worki king ng han and d in han a d with communities and loc ocal al dec e issio on makers to ensure that each pound spent has true value. Fina Fi nalllly, y in n order for the e le eve elllin ing g up agen ag enda en da a to be e a suc ucce cess ce ss, th ss he go g vernme entt has to rethink how it uses taxpayers’ money. Although physical structure is important, if spending is limited to this it will fall some way short of achieving the ambitious aims the government has set out. If we want to see communities develop, investment must be made in the social infrastructure that props up labour markets. We can’t ask people to work if they can’t access good childcare. We can’t expect young people to move on to high levels of qualification if they don’t have access to sustainable careers services. And we can’t expect those who have been beaten down time after time by the impact of the pandemic to return to work without ready access to good mental health support where required. Organisations such as The Salvation Army are ready to play their part in levelling up society. This agenda was important before, but it is even more vital now as we begin to move out of the restrictions placed upon us as a result of the pandemic. To achieve this shared aim we must work together – but we must also begin the process of expanding our understanding of how we define levelling up and, even more importantly, of who has a say in deciding what that looks like.
ANNIE IS POLICY ANALYST IN THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL POLICY UNIT, THQ Salvationist 12 June 2021
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PREVIEW
Welcoming the stranger MASIC member Bethany Gibson asks Captain Callum McKenna about a webinar taking place during Refugee Week and the issue of migration Part of MASIC’s role is to encourage Salvationists to think thoughtfully and theologically about the ethical issues of our day, and we’ve seen in recent years that the subject of migration is a complex one with which Salvationists are wrestling in their communities. Migration has caused division and, when I think about my own corps family, I know that there is a wide range of sincerely held beliefs about how Christians should faithfully respond.
T
O mark Refugee Week (14–20 June) the Moral and Social Issues Council (MASIC) is organising a webinar at 7.30pm on 16 June exploring migration, refugee settlement and asylum seeking. MASIC includes officers and soldiers from around the territory appointed by the chief secretary. Its role is to provide an ethical perspective and advice to territorial leadership, and to help Salvationists engage in moral and social issues in their communities. I asked Captain Callum McKenna (Hythe), a fellow MASIC member, about the complexities of migration. HOW DID SUPPORTING REFUGEES COME TO BE PART OF YOUR MINISTRY AT HYTHE? Many Salvationist readers will remember the dramatic newspaper front pages on 3 September 2015. They displayed the photo of Alan Kurdi, the lifeless toddler who had drowned in the Mediterranean as his family joined swathes of people fleeing the Syrian civil war and seeking safety in Europe. This was a key moment for us in Hythe. Living on the shores of the English Channel felt like being on the frontier of the UK’s borders. Calais, and its infamous Jungle migrant camp, was just a stone’s throw away. Alan’s body was a catalyst for action as all kinds of people felt stirred to respond. An ecumenical prayer vigil began. Our phone kept ringing with people offering clothes and blankets, some of which we 8
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were able to direct to northern France. We even took our band and songsters for a weekend of ministry in Calais and Dunkirk and held an open-air meeting in the Grande-Synthe migrant camp. All this, while making some difference, felt futile. We wanted to make a lasting impact, at least for one family. As such, in 2017, our corps led a project to welcome a Syrian refugee family to Hythe under the Home Office’s community sponsorship scheme. It was a mammoth task. We had to acquire, decorate and furnish a house, raise quite a substantial amount of money and then put together the support team to help the family with various aspects of rebuilding their lives in the UK. The family arrived in 2019 and have done incredibly well. The investment of time, energy and money was definitely worth it. IS IT AS STRAIGHTFORWARD AS LOVING GOD AND LOVING YOUR NEIGHBOUR? I’m not so sure that it is straightforward anymore! On the one hand, seeing the photo of Alan was enough for me to know that I wanted to do something. In one sense, that’s simple. At the same time, issues of migration and asylum can be quite emotive too. We got some criticism and comments about us taking housing away from local families who were struggling and in desperate need as well. It’s complex. I don’t think that it’s an either/or response; we can do both, but we need to be thoughtful too.
HOW DO WE WORK THROUGH THE COMPLEXITIES OF MIGRATION AS INDIVIDUALS, CORPS AND A TERRITORY? Dialogue. Some people may be a bit frustrated by that answer, but it is a key starting point. Dialogue is more than just talking about an issue or a topic. It’s about being open to encountering the issue, hearing from others and then thinking and acting about it in different ways. WHAT IS THE WEBINAR ON 16 JUNE? It is an online event organised by MASIC for Refugee Week called Welcoming the Stranger: The Ethics of Migration. It will be a brilliant opportunity to listen in on a conversation between a panel of incredible guests who will explore the nuances and complexities of migration. Our hope for the evening is that, wherever you sit on the spectrum of responses, you will come away feeling challenged and inspired.
BETHANY IS ONLINE CONTENT MANAGER, THQ
SAVE THE DATE WHEN: 16 June, 7.30pm WHERE: Online webinar REGISTER: salvationarmy.org.uk/ welcomingthestranger
RESOURCES
8 The organisers of Refugee Week (14–20 June) are inviting people to do one or more acts inspired by the theme We Cannot Walk Alone
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HERE are eight simple everyday actions we can all do to stand in solidarity with refugees and make new connections in our communities. Whether you build your own event or activity around a simple act or simply take part during the week itself, you will be part of a movement of people taking small steps to create a big change. 1. SING A SONG Hear Me Out – a charity that takes music-making into UK immigration detention centres – is inviting choirs everywhere to learn and sing ‘Never Give Up’, a powerful track written in Dover Immigration Removal Centre. Hear Me Out can provide backing tracks, sheet music and lyrics. More information is available by emailing emma@hearmeoutmusic.org.uk. 2. WATCH A FILM Taking a walk in someone else’s shoes can start with just pressing ‘play’. Moving Worlds is a selection of features and short films available to watch at home during Refugee Week. They include stories of unexpected alliances and unlikely friendships, exploring the many ways we can walk alongside each other. Resources to help post-viewing discussion are also available. Visit movingworlds.info. For even more films, take a look at the British Film Institute’s Refugee Week collection at player.bfi.org.uk/free/collection/ refugee-week. 3. HAVE A CHAT Begin a conversation with a friend, family member or colleague, or weave it into the programme of your Refugee Week event or activity. Here are some possible conversation starters:
O What
have you missed most this year? O What small acts of kindness have made a difference? O If you had to leave your home in a hurry, what would you take with you? O What makes somewhere feel like home? O Think about a time you were new somewhere. What was it like, and what made you feel welcome? O Think about a community that you are part of, such as your workplace, neighbourhood, school or faith community. If you could create it again from scratch, what would it look like? How would people welcome and support each other? 4. READ A BOOK Wherever you are, and whether or not you’re able to travel, books are passports to other worlds. Pick a book or short story to journey through alone, with friends or at a book club. If you like where it takes you, pass it on or recommend it to a friend. Find suggested books at refugeeweek.org.uk/simple-acts/ read-a-book. 5. SAY IT LOUD Share a message of hope, unity or welcome for others to see. You could draw, paint or crochet something and put it in your window or on the walls of your school, workplace or a space used by your community. You could also take a photo of what you have created and share it on social media using the hashtags #SimpleActs and #SayitLoud.
6. PLAY A GAME Many video games have themes of movement, borders and searching for home. There’s Bury Me, My Love (burymemylove.arte.tv), where you use text messages to advise your wife, Nour, as she tries to flee Syria for Europe, Papers, Please (papersplea.se), which puts you in the shoes of a border guard, The Night Fisherman (farfewgiants.itch. io/night-fisherman), which brings you face-to-face with a tense encounter in the English Channel, and many more. Whether you’re an avid gamer or open to trying something new, experience the world from a different perspective. 7. WALK TOGETHER The Refugee Week organisers and the Jo Cox Foundation have teamed up to launch the Great Walk Together in celebration of Refugee Week and the Great Get Together 2021. On 20 June – or whenever you can – you are invited to walk and share Great Get Together’s #MoreInCommon message. Wherever you walk and whoever you walk with, you’ll be joining people up and down the country to create new connections and reflect on the journeys that refugees face. Download a toolkit to help plan and register your walk at greatgettogether. org/2021. 8. JOIN THE MOVEMENT Refugee Week lasts for seven days, but the movement for a kinder, fairer and more connected world continues all year round. From campaigning to volunteering, you can show your support during Refugee Week 2021 and beyond. O For
more information, visit refugeeweek.org.uk Salvationist 12 June 2021
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INTERVIEW
Meeting God where you are Tim Yearsley talks to Shanelle Manderson about how the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity is helping young Christians practise whole-life discipleship
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S God a fan of thrash metal? The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity (LICC) would likely argue yes. In fact, Tim Yearsley, programme lead for emerging generations, became passionate about whole-life discipleship through his love for the music genre. ‘When I started my university studies in Nottingham I wanted to see if Christianity would work,’ he explains. ‘Although I would have called myself a Christian, I kept what I lived on a Sunday very separate from what I lived Monday to Saturday. University was an opportunity to try again. ‘I ended up in a Bible study group and one of the exercises to do in preparation was to take a passage of Philippians, divide it up into sections and label each section with a song title. Liking to think of myself as a musician of a certain ilk, with a love for 1980s thrash metal, I labelled my Philippians sections with such song titles.
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‘At the Bible study I nervously offered some of my selection and lo and behold, the leader of the group started listing off his song titles that were also thrash metal. I thought, if it’s possible to be in a Bible study talking about thrash metal, then maybe it’s possible God is interested in not only that part of my life, but every part of my life. This moment started to break down the divide between sacred and secular, between Christian stuff and other stuff. ‘I realised there is delight to be taken in the seemingly ordinary things of life. You don’t have to be a super Christian to join in with what God is doing in your world. It’s as simple as noticing his presence and joining in with his mission right where you are: on your street, on your course, in your house, in your job – even in your thrash metal band.’ This is what the LICC is all about: helping Christians in all walks of life live out the gospel and all its implications where they are. ‘We call this whole-life discipleship DNA,’ explains Tim. ‘The LICC was founded by John Stott in 1982. Stott’s vision was to help churches see they are the Church when they are gathered on a Sunday, but also when scattered in the week. If we’re serious about reaching the UK with the good news, then thinking about the scattered Church needs to be a significant part of our strategy.’ One of the ways whole-life discipleship is encouraged is through the Work Forum, where Tim sits. ‘My role is to help Christian young professionals – anyone who’s on the verge of graduating, through to stepping up into their first management or leadership role – to think about what it means to live as fruitful disciples in their workplace contexts,’ he says. ‘In the Christian world there’s a lack of airtime given to daily frontline contexts where Christians spend most of the time, especially the workplace.’ There are two other streams that the LICC champions. First, working with churches and church leaders to help them think about embedding whole-life discipleship DNA. Second, through their centre for culture and discipleship. ‘That’s about paying attention to what’s going on in the country, the news, the media, on
Netflix – that sort of thing – and helping Christians practise what John Stott called “double listening”, which is listening to what God says in his word, but also listening to what kind of conversations are happening in the world, thinking about how they fit together and then inviting God’s people into those conversations,’ says Tim. There are several training days, courses, events and blog posts produced by the LICC – from an event titled Why You’re Stressed About Work and What to Do About It, to Open Book: At the Movies, a film club that weaves together film-watching with liturgy, lively discussion and practical advice for life on the frontline, with the purpose of helping people become more empathetic missionaries. ‘Our online events are a bit of a smorgasbord of activity and content,’ enthuses Tim. ‘I think, like everyone, the coronavirus pandemic has taught us that online events are another way of doing things. It’s allowed us to expand our offering even more. It doesn’t really matter who you are, if you visit the LICC page you’ll probably be able to find something that you like!’ Tim, however, is the first to admit that the different streams can often overlap. Conversations with young people go broader than work as people are discovering a lot about themselves during the first decade of working life. ‘John Stott said our job is not to make Christianity relevant, but to demonstrate its relevance,’ says Tim. ‘I’m really trying to consider what it looks like to demonstrate the relevance of the gospel to millennials and Gen Z in a way that makes sense of all of life, whether you would call yourself a Christian or not.’ That’s the primary reason why the LICC has launched a new Instagram account. As with much of the wider Church, it wanted to show up where emerging generations already are. ‘Social media is huge and now that parents have flooded Facebook,’ Tim jokes, ‘we needed to find the place where emerging generations were leading, and that was clearly Instagram.’
‘One of the biggest challenges for me and my role is that when I tell people my age and that I work for the LICC their first question is, “What is the LICC?” Having an Instagram platform is an easy way to say, “Hey, check us out here.” People quickly get a sense of what kind of organisation we are and the things that we think are important. ‘We also would like to use Instagram as a platform to offer some content that you won’t find elsewhere. For example, we’ve just finished our first season of a little campaign called #Frontliners, where we had some friends film short videos of themselves talking about what a difference the gospel makes to them in their workplaces. ‘We’re experimenting, learning a lot, and having fun doing it,’ smiles Tim. ‘We know we’re only going to reach the UK when we help all God’s people discover all of the gospel for all of life. That’s a cause we’re really excited about.’ O To
find out more about the LICC visit licc.org.uk or @liccltd on Instagram
SHANELLE IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST Salvationist 12 June 2021
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IN THE
ZONE Serving all genera Finland and Estonia Territory
How well do you know The Salvation Army’s Europe Z Chief Secretary Major Saga Lippo gives an overview
Covid-safe band at Helsinki Temple
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HE work of The Salvation Army in Finland was begun on 8 November 1889 in Siltasaari Riding School, Helsinki, by four aristocratic Finns: Captain and Mrs Constantin Boije with Lieutenants Alva Forsius and Hedvig von Haartman. Within six months Hedvig von Haartman was appointed leader of the work in the country. Work in Estonia commenced in 1927 and continued until 1940 when it was closed due to the Second World War. It recommenced in the autumn of 1995, when three Finnish officers were assigned to start the work in Tallinn. SERVING IN A PANDEMIC Pandemics such as Covid-19 had been heard of, but they were thought to happen elsewhere – not in the Nordic or Baltic nations. After the initial confusion, it was realised that this was one of those battles in which The Salvation Army was needed. 12
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The Movement has 23 corps in Finland and 5 in Estonia. At the beginning of the pandemic, worship services were allowed to continue. Gradually, the restrictions tightened and the number of participants began to be limited, first to 50, then to 20 and then 10. Finally only six people were allowed to gather. In March this year the doors of churches and corps were completely closed in both Finland and Estonia. In the past year many officers have developed into media personalities. Through the internet and social media they have been able to reach many times the number of people who would normally visit corps, with many new viewers among them. The first virtual soldier’s enrolment happened as early as April 2020, and the commissioning of two new officers took place in the autumn, attended by 10 participants who were allowed in the
hall but witnessed by hundreds more via the internet. Some officers have opened the doors of their homes and aired sofa devotions for the whole family from their own living rooms. Many older people have also developed into skilled computer users as they attend seniors meetings online. People were banned from entering corps buildings, but officers were not banned from going out. On Valentine’s Day, when it was -20C in Finland, some officers packed warm wool socks and copies of Sotahuuto (War Cry) in a cart and shared them with people they met on the street. The pandemic caused unemployment in both Finland and Estonia. Financial aid and food packages have been distributed by each corps, and the number of applicants has increased considerably. In difficult times Finns have always shown heart-warming solidarity with the disadvantaged. Last
ations
Zone? of the Finland and Estonia Territory*
* Photos and events described on these pages may have occurred before the coronavirus lockdown and safety guidelines
New soldiers at Narva, Estonia
Online ministry
Summer sports camp One important part of this programme is versatile job coaching, which teaches new skills and creates a rhythm for the day. The Salvation Army also provides mobile housing support, which has been found to be a highly successful way to HOUSING SERVICES help people with housing problems. Finland is the only EU country in which the Some cities locate those experiencing number of people who are experiencing homelessness is decreasing. This is due to substance abuse or mental health problems in normal rental housing. With long-term and innovative programmes the strong support of a Salvation Army supported by the government. The Salvation Army plays a key role in providing team, even multi-problem residents will be able to maintain their homes and ‘housing first’ services to the men and avoid evictions. Cities that use the women who are the most difficult to settle. service also appreciate the spiritual The Finnish government started to support provided by the Army. implement the ‘housing first’ concept in At the beginning of the pandemic 2008, which means that people there were dreadful moments in The experiencing homelessness receive a Salvation Army’s housing services and small apartment and counselling without the older people’s nursing home. There any preconditions. They become tenants were fears that the coronavirus would with a tenancy agreement, paying rent and operating costs. Housing is seen as a put residents and staff members at risk. With the heroic struggle of professional human right rather than a reward for a staff and strong prayer support, the virus well-lived life. year the Christmas Kettle boiled more than ever, as the public responded generously to the annual fundraising campaign.
Cadets in 2020, two of whom were commissioned in November has been kept out of the units for the time being and no Salvation Army resident has yet suffered from it. In Estonia, The Salvation Army’s Lootuse Maja (Hope House) rehabilitation centre in Tallinn has continued its normal service throughout the pandemic. The centre is open to all men from the age of 18 who want to deal with their alcohol or drug addiction. The men participate in a nine-month rehabilitation programme that includes accommodation plus personal and spiritual counselling and therapy. In early 2021 two new soldiers were enrolled at the centre. FAMILIES AND CHILDREN The territory’s vision statement for 2019 to 2024 says that it is committed to serving all generations but wants to put children and families first in its work. Many joint events were not organised due to the pandemic, but small Salvationist 12 June 2021
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THE TERRITORY AT A GLANCE
28 corps 6 outposts 714 soldiers 182 adherents 26 junior soldiers 121 officers (38 active, 83 retired)
Work therapy at Hope House, Tallinn encounters – such as trips to a sledging hill or the zoo and deliveries of Easter packages to people’s homes – became all the more significant. The traditional summer camps, where hundreds of children would normally gather, could not take place last year, but camp leaders drove to the suburbs where the children live and organised a day programme for them in small groups. The pandemic hardly affected Salvation Army daycare centres and pre-schools, which continued to operate normally. Kindergartens provide early childhood education based on Christian values and support families in their educational role. Salvation Army daycare centres have a long tradition and many families queue up for them, even if there are places available elsewhere. FOCUSING ON MISSION Territorial leaders Colonels Patrick and Anne-Dore Naud comment on the work in Finland and Estonia and outline their hopes for the future: ‘As we plan for when pandemic restrictions are lifted, it is time to get prepared for a full restart of our corps mission and activities. Territorial Quiet Days for spiritual resourcing and prayer are being organised with all officers in order to be united and strong through the Spirit of God and to be focused on the mission. ‘We pray that passion and courage will be at the heart of our mission, and that each Salvationist will be ready to share the joyful message of Jesus, have a powerful Kingdom impact on the 14
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people around them and invite them into a loving relationship with Jesus, becoming his disciples. ‘Creative and innovative expressions of faith are encouraged, so that we can meet, welcome and give a place to new families, children and youth. The goal is to develop new outreach activities in Finland and Estonia. ‘Salvationists pray for the six priorities of our strategic action plan: increasing
4 envoys 4 cadets 316 employees children, youth and adult and family ministries; strengthening faith, spiritual maturity and holiness; encouraging creativity, innovation and dialogue; developing a service of quality and respect; persevering in our process of good governance; and increasing employees’ competences and wellbeing at work. ‘Dreams must be turned into realities – and with God nothing is impossible!’
Giving out wool socks and Army papers on the street
FEATURE I Stories of transformation
Angie Taylor: Encountering the King of kings In a new series, Major Rosemary Dawson remembers some of the inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry
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OW’s this for a life-transforming story? I owe it to my then corps officer at Sutton, Major Neil Webb (now Colonel). He said, ‘I think you should hear the lady who’s coming to speak on Sunday morning. She wants to tell us how our jumble sale changed her life.’ Intriguing! That story remains one of my all-time favourites. The lady was Angie Taylor – a former prostitute who had a heroin and alcohol addiction. After 16 years of addiction and sleeping rough, her liver was swelling from self-neglect and abuse. She was ridden with lice, ate from dustbins and willingly sold her body for a can of lager. One day in 1986 – in an alcoholic haze – Angie wandered into a Salvation Army jumble sale at Sutton. Someone gave her a cup of tea and she sat on a bench drinking it, looking at a tatty copy of the Book of Common Prayer. A piece of paper fell out, and she recognised a picture of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns. He seemed to have tears in his eyes. Angie couldn’t take her eyes off that face; she heard a voice saying, ‘Angie, if you drink again, you’re going to make him cry.’ From that moment she never took heroin or alcohol again. ‘The King of kings came and sat next to that dirty, smelly prostitute on the bench,’ she later said. Walking away, clutching that picture of Jesus, Angie knew she had discovered God’s friendship. Her life had completely changed – and all because of that book at an Army jumble sale. She asked the Department of Health and Social Security for money to clean herself up and get a job. The distinct change in her life and attitude later convinced the authorities to find her accommodation. Angie grew up in a violent family setting, what she called ‘the typical
dysfunctional family’. She left home at the age of 17, enjoyed a hippie lifestyle, and married a roadie from a rock band. Only two of their five children survived; one had Down’s syndrome and died soon after birth. ‘My husband left me the same week without even seeing him,’ she said. Angie suffered panic attacks, a possible result of her childhood. ‘My father-in-law brought us some groceries, including a bottle of sherry,’ she recalled. ‘It helped me sleep for the first time in months. Two bottles a night became a solution to my problems. I kept refilling a medicine bottle with sherry; the label said “Take three times a day”, so I did! I lived in a permanent state of blackout.’ A new relationship introduced her to a heroin substitute, which helped lessen the panic attacks but made her a registered addict. ‘I saw another addict die in front of me after injecting sub-standard heroin, but even that didn’t stop me,’ Angie said. ‘I started throwing bricks at jewellers’ shop windows and stealing old ladies’ handbags from public toilets to get money for drugs. ‘When the police caught up with me, it took them three days to count all the pills in my house. The magistrate called me “a menace to society”, and sentenced me to two years in HMP Holloway – later commuted to rehabilitation at Cane Hill Hospital, where I spent four-and-a-half years in a locked ward trying to beat my addiction. It was a terrible time.’ Following her release, Angie was given a small bedsit in Sutton. Forbidden to see her children, she started drinking again; subsequent eviction led to prostitution. It was then that she found the picture of Jesus at the jumble sale. Now her life has turned full circle. Angie married the widowed pastor of her
church fellowship and became stepmother to his children. This greatly compensated for the loss of her own family. Angie travels the country, telling those living with addictions in prisons and rehab centres about God’s power to change lives. One journey involved walking from John o’ Groats to Land’s End, carrying an 11-foot cross to attract attention. Why does she do it? ‘Because the same Jesus who held, loved and cared for the filthy, degraded person that was me can do the same for someone else with a broken heart. It’s amazing that God could turn someone who had sunk so low into a means of blessing and helping other people. Only God could do that.’
MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL O Based on an article first published in the War Cry, 22 September 2001
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BIBLE STUDY
Right on the inside Major Lynne Clifton explores the continuing work of the Holy Spirit as Samaritans believe the gospel
ACTS 8:9–25
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AVE you ever picked up a tastylooking apple only to find out it’s all mushy when you take a bite? It’s a real disappointment. From the outside it looks good, but inside it’s just not what it should be. After Stephen has been martyred, Philip leaves Jerusalem because ‘a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem’ (Acts 8:1). He journeys to Samaria to preach about Jesus. Perhaps he remembers Jesus’ command to be ‘witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth’ (Acts 1:8). Despite religious tensions between the Jews and the Samaritans, Philip knows that it is where God wants him. The Holy Spirit confirms Philip’s message with miracles – people are healed, demons are driven out – and there is great joy.
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley
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In Samaria, Philip meets Simon, a man who practises sorcery and amazes people with his magic. Simon boasts that he is someone great (see v9) and his hearers put him on the same level as God, believing that he is ‘rightly called the Great Power of God’ (v10). In contrast to this man with the big ego, Philip points the crowd to Jesus. QUESTIONS O Is the focus of your conversation with others about who you are, or is it about Jesus? O From where do you get validation concerning who you are and what you do? Simon’s spell on the people is broken when the Samaritans hear the good news about Jesus. Philip’s ministry in the power of the Holy Spirit is so effective that many men and women,
including Simon, believe and are baptised. Simon then follows Philip ‘everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles’ he sees (v13). Simon is changed and stops practising sorcery. This is the powerful work of God. This encouraging news reaches the apostles in Jerusalem who send Peter and John to Samaria. When they discover that the new converts in Samaria have not yet received the Holy Spirit, Peter and John lay their hands on them and pray for them to receive the Holy Spirit. Simon witnesses this baptism by the Holy Spirit and offers money saying: ‘Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit’ (v19). Before this point, everything looked fine, just like that apple I mentioned earlier – Simon believed, was baptised,
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptised, both men and women. (Acts 8:12)
Tell me the stories of Jesus/ I love to hear;/ Things I would ask him to tell me/ If he were here:/ Scenes by the wayside,/ Tales of the sea,/ Stories of Jesus,/ Tell them to me. (SASB 151)
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. (Acts 8:14)
stopped his old life, and was following Philip around, looking like a genuine Christian. However, doing the right thing on the outside doesn’t make us right on the inside. QUESTION O Is your heart right before God? When Samuel is seeking King Saul’s successor, God tells him that: ‘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). God sees everything. He not only knows what we’ve done, but also why we’ve done it. Likewise, Simon’s words reveal what is going on in his heart. Even though Simon believes, sin is deeply rooted in his heart and his old lifestyle begins to creep back in. Peter’s response to this is direct:
‘May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord in the hope that he may forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin’ (vv20–23). The way for Simon to be rid of sin’s captivity and bitterness is to repent.
life and so rebukes him and tells him to repent. God is always concerned about our hearts. The psalmist writes: ‘Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart’ (Psalm 24:3 and 4). QUESTION O How can we ensure that our inner and outer lives are consistent?
QUESTION O What do you need to bring before God in repentant prayer in order to be free from sin and bitterness? While Simon recognises the wonder of people being filled with the Spirit, he is not yet ready to receive him. His heart first needs to be right before God. Peter realises this is a crucial point in Simon’s
MAJOR CLIFTON IS FRESH EXPRESSIONS LEADER, SHEERNESS
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
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SATURDAY
And this word it reaches nations;/ Not the rich or learned or clever/ Only shall by him be rescued,/ O praise God! ’tis whosoever. (SASB 405)
They prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. (Acts 8:15–17)
Spirit of the living God,/ Fall afresh on me./ Spirit of the living God,/ Fall afresh on me./ Break me, melt me, mould me, fill me;/ Spirit of the living God,/ Fall afresh on me. (SASB 312)
After they had further proclaimed the word of the Lord and testified about Jesus, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages. (Acts 8:25)
Prayer Lord, we thank you that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is available to everyone who has an open mind and a heart willing to accept the truth, seek forgiveness for their sins and surrender their lives to you.
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VI W POINT VIEW
by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane
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AM an incorrigible drama queen, exaggerating everything that happens to me. However, for my moments of crisis and confusion I do have a solution: I create a mind map. I tape two A3 pieces of paper together – but only on one side – so that my fountain pen glides over the surface. For me, the physical contact of a pen on paper is itself part of the healing process. I am always amazed at the clarity this exercise brings. In these days of Covid-19, seeing the effect it is having upon the Church, I wonder if the same principle of mindmapping might be applicable to worship communities. While I was mulling this over, the word ‘imaginator’ kept popping up. Imaginators are essential to any creative process. I knew of one company director who regularly spent time with his colleagues just imagining. They literally put their feet up on the coffee table, relaxed and dreamt up their next move. There is an Academy of Ideas in the UK, and an Institute for Ideas and Imagination at Columbia University. So why shouldn’t there be a Salvation Army department for ideas and imagination? A department in which, unhindered, people dream dreams, see visions and answer the question, ‘What now?’ Spiritual imagination or vision is not the sole prerogative of lonely leadership: God speaks to people of all ages and position. The problem is: where in organised Christian structures do the imaginators find their voices? I remember a discussion at the training college about whether the Army always manages to insulate its prophets. Where are the Salvationist imaginators today, Jim? How can and will the churches encourage, facilitate and listen to Spiritinspired imaginators? 18
Salvationist 12 June 2021
‘Ron, yes, at every level the church needs imaginators, individuals with creative vision. This has always been part of the biblical tradition from prophetic geniuses through to the spiritual explosion encapsulated in the New Testament. All through Church history we see the same pattern of courageous innovators, and the Army is not without its own examples. Think of George Scott Railton. Having pioneered Army work in the USA, on his return journey he also held the first Army meeting in Canada – he’d missed a boat connection and decided to do something useful! ‘Closer to our own time and from a different tradition we could cite Holy Trinity Brompton. Their study courses at a local church level developed into the Alpha course, used extensively by many congregations as a useful tool of development and evangelism. This is a prime example of imaginator skills in action. ‘Let me add a word of caution though. Imaginator techniques drawn from management training are, nonetheless, morally and spiritually neutral. They can be used either positively or negatively. The brilliant and imaginative Sherlock Holmes has his opposite in Professor Moriarty, a prince of darkness if ever there were one. Moriarty is also an imaginator, but of the wrong kind. God’s foot soldiers – that’s most of us – need imaginators of the right kind who can show compassion, goodness and enduring faithfulness as well as cleverness. ‘When he was a middle-aged priest, Joseph Ratzinger wrote somewhat downheartedly in his 1977 book, Eschatology: Death and Eternal Life: “However did we arrive at that tedious and tedium-laden Christianity which we
Why shouldn’t there be a Salvation Army department for ideas and imagination? moderns observe and, indeed, know from our own experience?” His immediate imaginator response to this tedium was through his books – full of ideas, learning and challenge. ‘Almost 30 years later, more in footsoldier mode, he was made CEO of the largest Christian denomination on planet Earth: he was elected Pope Benedict XVI. The truth is that imaginators and foot soldiers need each other. ‘You mention the Covid-19 crisis as an example of an external event hammering the activities of congregations everywhere. True, such a crisis needs instant innovation. Panic is the first response to a crisis. But we also need to see the big picture. It is not easy to do that. To the battered nation of Judah, on the verge of historical extinction, one of the greatest of his people’s visionaries said this – as from the mouth of God himself: “Now I will tell you of new things to come… Only now am I making them happen… That is why you never heard of this at all, why no word of it ever came to your ears” (Isaiah 48:6–8 Good News Bible). ‘There is a divine imaginator who is the supreme factor in the creative spiritual life. That divine dialogue is essential if our own creative imagination is to work for the good.’ RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL
LETTERS
VIRTUAL VISITS
ZOOMING FROM THE BACK
I WAS interested to read reports of leaders using Zoom facilities to ‘special’ over the Easter period. It occurred to me that perhaps in the longer term, where corps are financially unable to invite ‘specials’ due to the cost of travelling, officers might be prepared to make this type of virtual corps visit. To have a change of face and voice at the rostrum occasionally on a Sunday can be good both for the corps and the corps officers. For some small corps, especially in remote locations, it is many years since they have been able to have guest leaders. While online meetings do not have the same fellowship, they help folk to feel that they are not forgotten and cut off from the rest of the Army world. Perhaps something to keep in mind when things get back to some form of normality.
I THANK God for Zoom. When I asked folk at my home corps whether they would be interested in a bit of simple online hymn singing together, not only did I get a very positive result but I was also asked to contact corps family members who were designated carers to provide connection details, so auntie or grandma could join in the Sunday meeting while their respective families were cooking or cleaning. It was an encouragement that some folk were interested in taking part, but were unsure if their devices would work. I was able to talk them through it and they were surprised by how easy it is. We have now managed to come back into our corps hall on Sunday mornings, but I have continued the Zoom session from the back as not everyone can attend in person for various health reasons. Zoom is not a replacement for in-person worship, but another tool that can be used when necessary.
David Garrad Major Littlegarth
SPLITTING THE WORKLOAD OUR corps has been unofficered for the past 11 months and we are not getting any officers in the next annual change. There is an acute shortage of officers and so they are being asked to take on additional responsibilities to fill the gaps. We are in a division that currently has a number of corps without officers and the burden of keeping the doors open has fallen to the local officers, where there are any. Some of the bigger corps elsewhere have a full, or near full, complement of local officers who could be quite capable of taking responsibility for the running of their corps while freeing up officers to go to corps who are trying to cope with no one to help them. On the subject of officers, a married couple running a corps seems to be a wasted resource. All officers, male and female, undergo the same training, so is it not feasible that one could oversee a struggling neighbouring corps? Alan Bowd Abertillery
Morvyn Finch Woodbridge
LOGIC IN FAITH THE Resurrection – a cornerstone of our faith – is an example of how spirituality and logic can complement each other. Philosophers have devised a technique called the hypothesis, which has three parts. First, a universal statement. Second, a specific – often a challenge to the original universal or assumption. Third, a conclusion. One of the objections to the Resurrection is the Swoon or Resuscitation Model. A possible example of a hypothesis application to this would be as follows. The universal statement would be that Jesus survived his crucifixion and was restored back to health by his followers. He then relocated to create a resurrection myth. The hoax was then perpetuated by the disciples. The challenge statement might be that people do not perpetuate hoaxes at risk to themselves of capital and corporal punishment and imprisonment. The apostles’ motivation for perpetuating the Resurrection was based on authentic belief – a belief based upon personal experience and eyewitness. The conclusion could surely only be that the Resurrection is a real event, rooted in history. It is possible to pursue a post-graduate diploma in religious education and indeed work as a teacher with a philosophy degree. It would be so encouraging to hear of a philosophy graduate coming to know the Lord because of studying RE. Kevin Chubb Barry
COLLEGE MEMORIES SEVENTY years ago I worked as an office junior in the General’s Department at IHQ. The office was at the training college, and I can see the window in the photo printed in Salvationist (15 May). The General at the time was Albert Orsborn and the Chief of the Staff was John J Allan. True Christian gentlemen. We also had a female officer, Colonel Ida Russell. I would like to share something she wrote in my autograph book. I remember it word for word. I was 15 years old, a school leaver. How fortunate to work with such wonderful saints. ‘You are waiting for me in your book to write, pray dear maid, what shall I indite? Words can say little or very much, lightly pass or the heart chords touch, Mine I would wish to bear to you, a thought, a prayer, a message true. Life can be beauteous if you seek beauty within your heart to keep. With the fruit of the Spirit dwelling there, you can be gracious maiden fair.’
Margaret Garland Basingstoke Salvationist 12 June 2021
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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment and approval from divisional leaders.
LINCOLN Corps officer Captain Huw Dutfield welcomed Alan Perkins as an adherent on Palm Sunday in front of family and friends. – HD
LLANELLI In February last year Robert Giffard, Carole and Ken Rees, George Morgan, Christine Dark and Lynne W completed applications to become adherents. The plan was to acknowledge this publicly that Easter, but the event could not take place due to coronavirus restrictions. A year later corps officer Major Denise Cooper was pleased to welcome the individuals. The corps looks forward to when this can be celebrated together in the hall. – DC 20
Salvationist 12 June 2021
WARRINGTON Corps members, family and friends from as far afield as Cambridge and Steyning joined the online ceremony on Zoom to witness the enrolment of Chris Lynas as a soldier by corps officer Major Vaughan Bovan. – VB
HUDDERSFIELD One Sunday morning before lockdown, Mawish Kumar walked into the hall with her two boys. She had been attending another church but began to feel disillusioned and found this was affecting her faith. Her sister, who had linked up with The Salvation Army in America, suggested she try the corps in Huddersfield. Mawish wanted to find a church that lived out its faith in action and where Christians were full of the Holy Spirit seven days a week. She fitted in straight away and wanted to commit to the Army. Mawish completed soldiership classes but chose to wait until her enrolment could take place in person so as many people as allowed could witness it. Mawish was enrolled as a soldier during the Easter Sunday meeting. In her testimony she said: ‘Jesus is a living hope. If you have problems, think about Jesus because we are all disciples and I love to be his disciple!’ – CL
STAPLE HILL Helen Lyons was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Nicola HyltonJones. She was supported by as many corps members and family as allowed under the Covid-19 restrictions. Helen chose to sing her testimony, ‘Lord, I Give You My Heart’, and this was included in both the online and in-person meetings, allowing hundreds of people to share in the occasion. – VW
INTERVIEW
‘I don’t approach people – they come to me’ Ahead of the Herald’s Challenge starting on 10 July, Graham Warburton (Swanage) tells Emily Bright how selling the papers is an outworking of his faith
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FTER months of shop closures during the coronavirus pandemic, high streets have started to reopen. So what better way to celebrate than getting back out into the summer sun as part of the Herald’s Challenge? Starting on 10 July and running throughout the month, the challenge offers an opportunity to consolidate links with your community, share your faith and raise money for your corps. Why not volunteer as a herald one hour a week or more throughout July? To give you an idea of what being a herald involves, Graham Warburton shares his experience of selling the papers and how it’s been a springboard for evangelism and community outreach.
Graham delivers papers to Ann Davis
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A HERALD? Many years ago I used to take the Army papers around the pubs in my home corps in Bolton. About 12 years ago I was asked if I would like to become a herald here in Swanage and agreed to do this for a while – and I’m still serving in this way, having added another stand in Wareham to my outreach in Swanage.
TAKING UP THE HERALD’S CHALLENGE?
WHY IS SELLING THE PAPERS SO IMPORTANT? I enjoy raising funds for our corps, but more important is the outreach into the community with the love of Jesus.
O The deadline for ordering the 10 July issue is 18 June
HOW HAVE YOU BEEN SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY DURING THE LOCKDOWN? I have delivered the Army papers to the doors of all the corps folk, as well as many of the regular customers I used to meet in town. Each delivery round was a six-mile walk – I have even had customers from town knock on my front door to ask for their copies of the papers and leave a donation. WHAT DO YOU FIND THE MOST REWARDING THING ABOUT BEING A HERALD? I enjoy representing The Salvation Army, and being available to people for a chat, especially when people share something of their stories and ask for prayers. WHAT HAS THE RESPONSE FROM YOUR COMMUNITY BEEN LIKE? Very positive. I am told people missed me from the street during the lockdown periods and it is good to be back out there. In days of uncertainty people are saying how good it is that I am out there again as it brings a little bit of normality back to life.
O Corps can receive 20 free additional copies of War Cry and Kids Alive! for each new herald O Order extra copies by emailing subscriptions@satcol.org or calling 01933 445 445
HOW DO THE PAPERS OPEN UP CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE CHRISTIAN FAITH? I know my customers and friends enjoy reading the War Cry and Kids Alive! and that there are many articles with which they connect. Just recently a lady asked me if she would go to Heaven when she died. I have to be ready for unexpected questions. I see this ministry as an outworking of my faith in Jesus. WHY SHOULD PEOPLE TAKE PART IN THE HERALD’S CHALLENGE? It is a great opportunity to meet people in the community and build relationships, have conversations and witness in a visible way. I don’t approach people – they come to me, which I feel is important. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PROSPECTIVE HERALDS? I was nervous when I first started. I think that is normal, so please do not worry or let anything put you off, not even the rain! Enjoy the experience! EMILY IS PROMOTIONS AND MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR, PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT, THQ Salvationist 12 June 2021
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CT Barbara Sarginson, Longton WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Freda and Terry Wray, Blackpool Citadel (24 June) Golden O Kevin and Maureen Bromage, Boscombe (17 June) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Alexander Morrice (85 on 23 June) PROMOTED TO GLORY Mary Darnes, Bourne O Pat Weeks, Redruth O Miriam Kirsopp, Edinburgh Gorgie O Norman Short, Sheffield Citadel O Songster Pauline Cairncross, Sutton, on 24 May O Colonel John Jones from his home in Lancing on 26 May O
BEREAVED O Bob Cairncross, Sutton, of his wife Songster Pauline Cairncross O Colonel Pearl Jones of her husband Colonel John Jones, Nicola Smith, Bognor Regis, of her father
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 Jul O WBC (Commissioning), Sat 10 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Cumbernauld, Sat 12 Jun – Sun 13 O IHQ (Called to Be a Soldier launch)*, Thu 1 Jul O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 O WBC (Commissioning), Sat 10 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Carshalton (150th corps anniversary), Sun 13 Jun O WBC (Into Officership and TE Seminars), Mon 21 O Croydon Citadel (online meeting), Sun 27 O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 Jul O WBC (Commissioning), Sat 10 *Commissioner Gillian Cotterill only
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Salvationist 12 June 2021
OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 June O Major David Jackson out of Romford in 1976 and last appointment Personnel Service, THQ ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander
WHAT’S ON ALL TERRAIN PODCAST In this episode, Matt White interviews Selina Stone, a tutor and lecturer in political theology at St Mellitus College. Alongside her work, Selina is studying for a PhD at the University of Birmingham exploring Pentecostalism and social and political engagement. O Listen via Podbean, Apple Podcasts or Spotify DEVELOP PODCAST Violet Ruria, the International Project Office technical adviser on sustainable livelihood, talks about sand dams – a sustainable and affordable method of rainwater harvesting. Drought and erratic rainfall can threaten people’s access to water, but sand dams can provide year-round safe water and, when they are managed well, last up to 100 years. O Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud or Google Podcasts
TRIBUTES MAJOR CLIFFORD KEW CLIFFORD was born of Salvationist parents and grew up in Clydebank Corps. He met Maureen at the Salvation Army Instructional Institute in Glasgow and married her during his national service. They entered the International Training College as members of the Faithful session in 1956. For more than 10 years they served as corps officers in Scotland and England during which time Gillian, Alison (who died at 17 months of cystic fibrosis) and Janice were born. In 1968
they went to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) to Mazoe Secondary School as part of the teaching staff. Clifford later became vice-principal. Craig was born while they were there and completed the family. The family returned to the UK after a breakdown in Clifford’s health. He was appointed to the literary department at International Headquarters and spent many happy years there. During his time, he authored Living and Believing, The Soldier’s Armoury and was the editor of The Officer. He wrote other books relating to the Army and holiness and also published a collection of essays about Catherine Booth. Over the years he spoke on holiness at the Brengle Institute. Clifford and Maureen’s final appointments were at William Booth College. They retired in 1996. In retirement Clifford and Maureen wrote a Lent book, Question Time. They enjoyed travel, walking, the countryside and gardening. Clifford’s big interest was his ancestry and he spent many hours tracing his family tree. When mobility became more difficult, he still enjoyed planning and driving on roads in the countryside. Clifford was an unassuming man despite his intellect. He was a loving dad, grandad and great-grandad, and his love and wit are missed greatly by his family. The written and spoken word sustained him to the end and there are many who will have been influenced for good by his words, through which he showed the God that he loved and served. – GC CATHERINE BROWN, STAPLE HILL CATHERINE was born in Luton in 1950 into a Salvationist family with two older siblings and a younger twin brother. She met Marcus while they worked as tailors at SP&S, managing teams responsible for making uniforms, and they married in 1972 in Luton. She later became head of design development for uniforms at the Ministry of Defence. Catherine was a loving mother of two children, Shona and Haydn, and
grandmother to Katie, Hannah, Sophie and Luke. A lifelong Salvationist, she held commissions as a songster, young people’s treasurer, singing company sergeant and youth club leader. In 2009 the family transferred to Staple Hill where Catherine became involved with the parent-and-toddler group, helping with food preparation. She also helped with the Saturday coffee morning, bringing along her lovely cakes. In retirement, Catherine devoted her time to family and hobbies, including gardening, art and baking cakes.
She remains with corps folk in their hearts, thoughts and memories. – VW LILY BUDDING, NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE LILY was brought up and christened in the Brethren Church, but in her teens she left to join The Salvation Army at Byker Corps. Lily became a songster and served as songster sergeant and home league secretary during her time at the corps.
In 1963, Lily and her family transferred to Newcastle City Temple. Throughout the years Lily sought to reflect her love for God in service for others. She continued to take an active part in the corps as a songster and also served as young people’s treasurer for a period. Despite being unable to attend in later years due to ill health and frailty, Lily maintained a strong faith. Although she is sadly missed by family and friends, they thank God for her shining example and for the many people whose lives she touched. – BI
ADVERTS HULL ICEHOUSE
80 Adelaide Street, Hull HU3 2EY
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR MAJORS HILARY AND STEPHEN NAYLOR Sunday 27 June 2pm led by Majors John and Teresa Carmichael
FAIRHAVEN CHRISTIAN HOTEL (LLANDUDNO) Andrew and Paula offer you a warm Christian welcome, a relaxed atmosphere, good home-cooked food and a high standard of cleanliness overlooking Llandudno bay.
Messages can be sent to the corps secretary:
All bedrooms are en suite. For colour brochure and information phone 01492 878447 or email fairhavenchristianhotel@gmail.com.
susanpriday@hotmail.com
fairhavenhotel.com
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 (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)
Herald’s Challenge
ADVERTS
RECRUITING NOW CHAPLAIN HASSOCKS, WEST SUSSEX
The Herald’s Challenge returns on 10 July. Don’t miss out! Volunteer an hour a week (or more) as a herald and you can share your faith, meet members of the public and raise funds for your corps. You’re investing in your corps and community’s future. Best of all, each new herald qualifies for 20 free copies of Kids Alive! and/or War Cry.
Job summary The Salvation Army believes that all people have unique and absolute value regardless of their age, cognitive or physical ability. Spiritual care is an important part of the care provided at Villa Adastra residential care home where we improve the quality of the lives of older people by providing excellent person-centred services. The chaplain is a key member of the team – supporting residents, relatives and staff, embodying the ethos and values of The Salvation Army. Key responsibilities With training and support, you will be responsible for the delivery of the spiritual programme. This includes, but is not limited to, arranging and leading meaningful, relevant and dementia-friendly weekday and Sunday worship and ensuring Christian festivals are celebrated. You will work alongside the home manager to ensure that the Christian ethos is maintained throughout the general management of the home.
The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate: O An understanding and empathy for older people and their needs O Be an active Salvationist O A good communicator and experienced at leading public worship O Willing to engage in training
SALARY £26,249 per annum WORKING HOURS 40 hours per week – will consider part-time for the right candidate; may include unsocial hours CONTRACT Permanent DETAILS 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme CLOSING DATE 13 June INTERVIEW DATE 24 June
This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate must be a committed and practising uniformed Salvationist
For more information, contact subscriptions@satcol.org or call SP&S on 01933 445 445
For further details and to apply please visit salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK and PVG Disclosure. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.
Salvationist 12 June 2021
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‘‘‘ 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… CAITLIN HEDLEY Chester-le-Street How did you first come into contact with the Army? As a fourth-generation Salvationist, I was born into an Army family and first attended meetings as a baby. What made you want to become a soldier? I wanted to take the next step in my Christian journey. What is your day job? I’m currently studying for a degree in music. What is the most interesting thing about studying – and the most frustrating? I enjoy being involved with music all the time but frustrated that I can’t share it by performing in public due to current restrictions. What one thing would you change about the Army? I sometimes wish we could start Sunday morning meetings a bit later. What is your favourite kind of holiday? Anything Disney-related. If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? I’d like to be the narrator in the film version of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoatt because she gets to sing some good songs while telling the story. What other languages do you know? I studied French at school and have an A-level in Spanish.
I was a member of the BBC Proms Youth Choir and got to sing at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018
’’’
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? I would like to meet Beethoven and find out about his symphonies first-hand. He could also help me with my degree assignments!
What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘Rock Eternal’. It is the most listened-to song on our International Staff Songster playlist that we sing along with in the car.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Chocolate, especially Cadbury Easter eggs.
Did you have a nickname growing up? My close family call me Taitlin because my brother couldn’t pronounce ‘C’ when he was younger.
What is your favourite food? Anything made from potatoes. What do you do in your spare time? Prior to Covid-19 my spare time was filled with choirs and bands in and out of the Army. During lockdown I have spent a lot of time walking and doing crafts, especially painting.
If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? Andrew Lloyd Webber. I would ask him questions constantly. Do you have any hidden talents? I like to paint and make handmade gifts.
What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? A personalised wake-up CD from Harrods.
Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island? The score for Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony so I’d have something to keep me occupied.
What is your favourite Bible passage? ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight’ (Proverbs 3:5 and 6). It reminds me to live my life through faith in God.
If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘Life’s a Happy Song’ from the 2011 film The Muppets. One of the lines says: ‘Life’s a happy song, when there’s someone by your side to sing along.’
Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? I would like to meet Joseph, the son of Jacob, because I’ve always wondered what his favourite colour was.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think. What is the most valuable thing you possess? My family. Something interesting that people might want to know about you is… I was a member of the BBC Proms Youth Choir and got to sing at the Royal Albert Hall in 2018.
