Salvationist 12 November 2022

NUMBER OF

PEOPLE SLEEPING

ROUGH IN LONDON UP 24% IN A YEAR

The number of people sleeping rough in London has jumped 24 per cent in the past year, according to an official count, meaning more than 3,600 people slept on the capital’s streets between June and September.

More than half were found sleeping rough for the first time by outreach teams – 35 per cent more than the same time last year –as street homelessness in London heads back towards pre-pandemic levels, with mattresses, tents and cardboard shelters again filling doorways and alleys.

Rising private rents, increasing evictions and a reluctance to leave temporary shelters and move into permanent housing because of fears of unaffordable energy bills have been cited as driving factors by homelessness campaigners…

A total of 481 people are now deemed to be living on the streets full-time – up from 264 at the start of the pandemic, when hotels were used as hostels, and an increase of 17 per cent on the previous three months…

‘We are starting to see the serious effects of the deepening cost of living crisis on the streets and in our services, and as we head into the winter it’s very likely that, without help, many people who are just about scraping by will no longer be able to manage,’ said Petra Salva, the director of rough sleeping at St Mungo’s…

Half of London’s rough sleepers are UK citizens, while the largest foreign populations are from Romania and Poland. The majority are between 36 and 55 years old; half have mental health problems; and a third need help with drugs and drinking.

The Guardian

PROTESTANT PASTOR IS FIRST CHRISTIAN CLERGY IMPRISONED ON CHARGES OF SEDITION IN HONG KONG

A judge in Hong Kong sentenced a 59-year-old Protestant pastor to more than one year in prison for sedition, making him the first Christian clergy in the city to be convicted under the … national security law that mainland China imposed two years ago…

The pastor’s sentencing came days after the Roman Catholic Church renewed a scrutinised agreement with the People’s Republic of China over the appointment of bishops despite the Communist government’s continued restrictions on religious freedom…

In 1997, China had agreed to a ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement to allow certain freedoms for Hong Kong… Critics contend the security law undercuts the promised autonomy.

Christian Today

WARNING 50,000 UKRAINIAN REFUGEES COULD BE HOMELESS BY NEXT YEAR, ESTIMATES SHOW

Thousands of Ukrainian refugees who fled to the UK for safety … may find themselves homeless by next year.

The government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, which provides Ukrainian refugees with a host home for a minimum of six months, is about to run out – leaving many refugees without a place to stay.

One estimate predicts that 50,000 Ukrainian refugees will be homeless by next year, with many already living in temporary accommodation for up to six months as [they] wait for social housing to become available.

The Local Government Association said it is ‘deeply concerned’ about the growing number of Ukrainians presenting as homeless to their council…

More than 83,000 refugees have arrived on the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

ITV News

CHRISTIANS URGED TO PRAY FOR THE MEDIA AS 59 JOURNALISTS KILLED IN 2022 ALONE AND 524 IMPRISONED

Christians are being urged to pray for the media and those who work in it.

The call, by Christians in Media, comes as 49 journalists and media workers have been killed this year alone and 524 are currently in prison.

A global index compiled by Reporters without Borders shows North Korea, Eritrea and Iran as having the worst records on press freedom, with China also near the foot of the table.

The call for prayer also comes at a time when trust in many news sources is at historically low levels, and fake news and disinformation are major concerns worldwide.

Premier

All you need is…

I RECALL an anecdote about a man who boasted that he’d used the same axe for 24 years … and he’d only ever had to change the handle twice and the axe head three times! So many things just don’t seem to last as long as they used to. We live in a disposable society – buy cheap and, if it breaks, just throw it away and buy a new one.

How many kettles have you owned? How many toasters? How many lawnmowers? How many irons? How many hairdryers? How many tennis rackets?

Things break, rust, age, stretch, lose colour, collapse, get stuck and fail. What are the things you’ve owned the longest? We can hold on to books or paintings or even some furniture for decades, but when it comes to items we use regularly, very little lasts.

Maybe that’s why this week’s Bible study, on pages 14 and 15, hit me like a breath of fresh air. Captain Rob Westwood-Payne reflects on Psalm 143 and the unfailing love of God. In light of all I’ve said above, just think about that for a moment: the unfailing love of God. Unfailing.

Captain Rob writes: ‘We discover that God’s unfailing love transforms us. As we live in relationship with our unfailing, loving God, we slowly realise he hears our prayers, takes our concerns seriously and provides for our needs.’

Other articles in this issue show how God loves us and how we – as a Salvation Army – have attempted to show that love to others. On pages 10 and 11, George Tanton uncovers some Army history as he explores how British Salvationists assisted German prisoners of war during the Second World War. He quotes the Dover Express, which reported in 1947: ‘The Salvation Army all over the country, have taken upon themselves the job of brightening the lives of these prisoners of war.’

Also on a military theme, on page 9, Colonels Martha and Michael Pressland tell Lyn Woods about their work supporting British military forces in Germany in the 1980s, offering practical, emotional and spiritual support.

After talking about their roles and duties, Colonel Michael says: ‘The appointment was so mixed and varied and yet so fulfilling.’

Showing love to others doesn’t have to involve the military or overseas service, it can happen right here in our corps and programmes.

On pages 12 and 13, four members of Enabled talk about the importance of making Christmas an inclusive time for all. Diane Gorman says something as simple as making font sizes bigger on PowerPoint presentations can help some people with poor eyesight to sing along, while Divisional Envoys Mandy and Tristan Lanceley mention that being prepared to move seats can make wheelchair users feel more welcome.

Unfailing love was clearly evident in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32) and that is the focus of the book Watching the Wayward, reviewed on page 16. Wendy Gorton Hill provides us with a collection of poems and psalms – all prayers, in a way – on the experience of having a child turn away from faith. It’s a book many readers may find helpful.

Throughout this issue, if you look closely enough, you will see reflections, glimpses and even bright spotlights on God’s unfailing love. A love we can – if we choose – reflect in our world.

Let’s all try to love God and love others with an unfailing love. It may be aspirational but, with the Spirit’s help, it’s attainable.

CONTENTS

Quotes from the media 2

News 4 to 6

Prayer matters 6

News feature 7 Together in unity at the Intercultural Mission Conference by Major Jonny Smith

Preview 8 Shalom by Austen Hardwick

Interview 9 ‘It was enriching’ Colonels Martha and Michael Pressland talk to Lyn Woods

Feature 10 and 11 Ambassadors of goodwill by George Tanton

Feature 12 and 13 Celebrating Christmas together by Lyn Woods

Bible study 14 and 15 Unfailing love by Captain Rob Westwood-Payne

Through the week with Salvationist 14 and 15 by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

Reviews 16 Watching the Wayward reviewed by Rebecca Goldsmith

Sacred Risk reviewed by Major Mal Davies

New commitments 17

Announcements 18 Adverts 19

The Salvation Army and me 20 featuring Di Bennett

MAJOR MAL DAVIES Editor Salvationist

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

MODERN SLAVERY

Royal guest visits music therapy session

UK

PRINCESS Eugenie of York and Julia de Boinville, co-founders of The Anti-Slavery Collective, joined survivors of modern slavery supported by The Salvation Army at a music therapy session.

After taking part in a warm-up, the guests enjoyed an informal performance of songs by the group of men and women who have been sharing together through music weekly, under the leadership of specialist support worker Nigel Long.

Princess Eugenie and Julia chatted to survivors and support workers and heard about the positive impact the sessions were having. Two of the singers introduced their favourite song, Abba’s ‘I Have a Dream’, and explained why it was so important to them.

The Army and its partners have helped more than 18,000 survivors to rebuild their lives in the past 11 years across England and Wales, as part of the government’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract. Jenny Thompson oversees the Army’s London Outreach Service and its team of specialist support workers who work with survivors of modern slavery.

She said: ‘This particular corps has been hosting this music session for almost a year now. These sessions are about so much more than music and singing skills. They are about building confidence and giving survivors space to have fun and share with each other, at the same time as getting support from our team.’

The group plan to share their musical talents by performing at care homes and to other groups in the community. – AR

MUSIC

COMMUNITY

WOODBRIDGE Four colleagues from the East of England Co-op spent time at the food bank, assisting volunteers with unpacking donations, filling shelves and supporting service users. Their visit helped them gain an insight into the important role the food bank plays in the community. They are pictured with food bank manager Tanya Hill. – AH

INTERNATIONAL

EVENT

sary,

Hadleigh Farm Yarncrafters crochet and knit more than 40 hats for young refugees in Calais

HENDON The Knit and Natter group celebrated its fifth anniversary. The group meets twice a month and welcomes everyone. They knit for charitable concerns including hats and vests for African babies, knee blankets for residents in care homes, twiddlemuffs for people living with dementia, bonding squares for mums and their newborns in incubators and hats for premature babies. Numbers are picking up since the Covid-19 lockdowns and 30 people attended the anniver-

along with the manager of Lansdowne care home, two additional carers and three residents. The group is grateful to John Lewis and Partners for the use of its facilities. – MS

The bandmasters of Eccleston Brass Band and Blackburn Band add a personal item to a concert that raised over £1,000 for children in Ukraine

ANNIVERSARY

COMMUNITY

ANNIVERSARY

DARLINGTON The corps celebrated 143 years of witness and worship. Celebrations began on Saturday with an afternoon tea, followed by a music festival with North Shields Songsters and a combined band of North Shields, Darlington and friends. On Sunday afternoon, 75 people shared in singing, crafting, Bible message and food in Messy Church, with the theme of Salt and Light. It was a great weekend celebrating the faithfulness of God. – SM

EVENT

‘scattered

explored the topic of prayer. Some shared conversation and prayer over a breakfast on the beach at sunrise, while others gathered at a coffee shop and another group enjoyed a seaside brunch and discussion. Some members carried out litter-picking in a park before sharing in the prepared conversation starters. Scattered church encourages the corps to consider how to ‘be in church’ but away from the hall, while giving them the tools to hold faith conversations with people they meet in their daily lives. Other scattered church activities this year have included dog walking, paddle boarding, countryside walks and helping to clear gardens for those struggling. – AH

MUSIC

CHIPPENHAM Former band members and friends from Cirencester, Trowbridge and Swindon Gorse Hill joined the corps for a band reunion weekend. Musical Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ) led an afternoon of teaching and, after their music-making, the band were joined by corps members and friends for a buffet tea, where many acquaintances were renewed. The afternoon concluded with band performances of ‘The Front Line’, ‘Jubilee Day’ and ‘To Seek and Know’. On Sunday morning Andrew led worship, challenging the congregation

LIFEHOUSE

think about community. – JD

SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH Swan Lodge Lifehouse chaplain Julie Judson collected a donation of 33 new sleeping bags and more than a dozen bags full of tinned food from the corps as part of its commitment to supporting partnership in local mission. The Lifehouse provides food supplies and sleeping bags for people unable or unwilling to access emergency hostel accommodation in the city. – DM-A

COMMUNITY

SOUTHPORT The corps is providing energy top-ups on pre-payment cards to vulnerable members of the community in a bid to help people ride out the cost of living crisis over the winter months. Corps officer Captain Alison Hutchings said: ‘We can’t fix everything, but our hope is that we can make a difference. Handing out top-ups isn’t going to help in the long run, and it is important that we also work with clients and partner organisations to get people the help they need, including debt, benefits, employment or budgeting advice.’ – AR

KILMARNOCK Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main led a weekend celebrating 140 years of The Salvation Army in the town. Provost of East Ayrshire council Jim Todd attended Saturday evening’s music celebration event, where Colonel Paul recalled the happy time he spent in the singing company as a child, when his parents were the corps officers. – EF

BOGNOR REGIS As part of the Sunday programme, corps folk met in four locations away from the hall as a

church’. Each group

MERTHYR TYDFIL The young and not so young gathered for a Light Party themed He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands. They enjoyed craft tables, chorus singing and a Bible message from Cadet Paul Sass. – LB

to

EVENT

REMEMBRANCE FOCUS

by Major Jill Miller (Prayer Network)

SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER – REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY

Loving Lord, as we pause to remember past and present conflicts and the price of war in human sacrifice, we seek your comfort and courage. We bring to you all who mourn those who gave their lives in times of conflict. We give thanks for all who seek to keep peace between nations and pray they will be given wisdom as they negotiate terms of agreement. We pray that evil will always be defeated by goodness. Amen.

RUTHERGLEN Children from the parent-and-toddler group and Jam club enjoyed a fantastic day of games, with a visit from the fire services and Patch the Dog. It was encouraging to see new faces attending the open day. – DM

MUSIC

SNETTISHAM Chatteris corps folk visited to share in worship, led by corps officer Lieutenant Emily Hague on the theme of Reconciliation. In the afternoon the congregations enjoyed a joint Songs of Fellowship with the combined bands and songsters. A fellowship tea ended a good day of worship and friendship. – IT

LOCKERBIE Entertainer Papa Tuke Tuke shared a night of song, poetry and jokes. Also recognising World Mental Health Day, he shared the story of the loss of his son and how thankful he was for the prayers of corps members. Refreshments were enjoyed and £153 was raised for the charity Samaritans. – AD

COMMUNITY

WEST SCOTLAND Twenty-four delegates from thirteen corps across the division met at Clydebank for the launch of the Divisional Community Mission Forum. The day, which was facilitated by Divisional Mission Enabler Major Dean Logan, explored the biblical basis for community mission, with an emphasis on authenticity and relevance. Direct teaching from Territorial Community Engagement Lead Michael Alford led into animated discussion, with many delegates sharing their conviction for and commitment to sharing the gospel through community activities. A common theme of praying for boldness and the courage to make Jesus known emerged as a take-away from the day. The forum will meet quarterly and provide opportunities for delegates to resource and support each other in delivering mission through community work. – DL

MONDAY 14 NOVEMBER – TREASURED MEMORIES

‘Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart’ (Luke 2:19). Father God, things happen in our lives that often surface from our treasured memories and cause us to pause and reflect. Thank you for such times that bless us and encourage us. Amen.

TUESDAY 15 NOVEMBER – REMEMBER GOD’S GOODNESS ‘Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them’ (Psalm 111:2). O Lord, we have the reassurance of your goodness to us as we ponder on the way your Holy Spirit changes our lives when we respond to your touch on our hearts. We pray we will continually keep our eyes on Jesus. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 16 NOVEMBER – REMEMBER GOD’S FAITHFULNESS

‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever’ (Hebrews 13:8). Almighty God, your faithfulness never changes. Lord Jesus, your constant love and forgiveness humble us. Holy Spirit, your guiding presence blesses us. Thank you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for being with us, always. Amen.

THURSDAY 17 NOVEMBER – REMEMBERING OTHERS IN PRAYER

‘I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy’ (Philippians 1: 3 and 4). Loving Lord, how precious is our communion with you in prayer and how blessed we are when we pray for those we love: family, friends and church family. Give us joy as we pray, even when situations are tough. Amen.

FRIDAY 18 NOVEMBER – PAINFUL

MEMORIES

‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28). Father God, you know the sadness we have been through and the pain we bear. You know our fears and loneliness, our disappointments and exhaustion. We praise you for the rest and peace we find when we turn to you for comfort and strength. Amen.

SATURDAY 19 NOVEMBER – HE REMEMBERS SINS NO MORE ‘As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us’ (Psalm 103:12). O Lord, how wonderful to know the depth of your unfailing forgiveness and amazing love for us! We celebrate your amazing goodness and faithfulness to us. Keep reminding us that our sins have been buried in the deepest ocean and we are banned from fishing. Amen.

A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

Together in unity at the Intercultural Mission Conference

MORE than 100 Salvationists from across the territory gathered in Northampton for the annual Intercultural Mission Conference, reports Intercultural Mission Enabler Major Jonny Smith

Leading the sung worship for the weekend were Majors Emma and Matt Spencer (New Addington). Their children beautifully provided the main sessions with a fantastic repertoire of songs. Hosting the main events were Captains Lizette and Paul Williams (Felixstowe), who began by saying their own marriage was an intercultural experience, with Lizette from Angola and Paul from Scotland.

Speakers included Bishop Mike Royal, the general secretary of Churches Together in England, who shared his experiences of seeing Kingdom growth in communities where churches come together in unity.

The main session on Sunday saw Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf (Stockport Heaton Norris) speak powerfully about her experiences of life in this territory. One of the areas of rich diversity that Nazia has experienced is food. With this in mind she powerfully stated: ‘I have a vision for the day the UKI Salvation Army reflects the young British person who has tasted and can enjoy all different flavours and cuisines. Just as they own the diversity, all these different flavours of worship will be accepted and celebrated in the British Church one day. One body in Christ, different parts, one body in Christ with different flavours, all equally important.’

With Nazia’s message in mind, one of the beautiful experiences over the weekend was seeing a richly diverse body gather together for a deep worship experience, in every sense of the word. Indeed, Marie Holmokova (Gravesend) said: ‘Being a part of the intercultural conference was a huge privilege. One thing I’ve taken from it is something that another delegate declared: “I grew up to know The Salvation Army as red, yellow

and blue, but from this weekend I realised it’s actually many more colours.”’

Outside the main sessions, learning experiences including Bible study discussions, a panel question time and a range of seminars. These included: bereavement in a cross-cultural setting, led by the Rev Cassius Francis; mission in a central European context, led by Captains Miroslava Janouskova and Petr Janousek (William Booth College); children and youth discipleship, led by Austen Hardwick and Jo Taylor (Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit); and refugee response, led by Refugee Response Manager Ben Still and Territorial Co-ordinator for Justice and Reconciliation Major Nick Coke. A listening space was led by Assistant CSM Jasper Meda (Croydon Citadel), Captain

Lizette and Recruitment Manager

Sarah Ladipo.

There was an incredible sense of unity across the weekend, with people meeting others from all different backgrounds and cultural groups. As delegates ate, chatted, sang and journeyed together, they started to see something of the Kingdom of God here on Earth. The hope is that this experience travels back to where they each live and they all continue to play their part in building God’s Kingdom.

This seems to be happening already. Lieutenant Tony Kakande (Gateshead) brought a number of people from his corps, including several from the Roma community. He said: ‘Barriers were removed and walls came down. This will feed into local mission and ministry. They were able to network with other Roma fellowships and with the wider Salvation Army.’

Pictures: Reg Vellem

Austen Hardwick introduces a weekend for anyone working with young people

SAVE THE DATE

WHEN: 24 – 26 March

WHERE: University of Warwick BOOK YOUR PLACE: salvationist.org.uk/youth-andchildrens-leaders-conference

THE2023 Youth and Children’s Leaders Conference will take place from 24 to 26 March 2023 at The Slate Conference Centre, University of Warwick. This year’s theme is Shalom and we invite anyone involved in working with young people to join us for a weekend of learning, discussion and challenge.

The word shalom is translated as ‘peace’ within the Christian tradition but this conference will explore shalom as a way of life. It is more than an absence of conflict and violence, which is only temporary. It is neither love at a distance nor in the abstract. It is an animated love intent on seeing every child and young person find wholeness, justice and salvation. Children and young people today desire community in many senses – a connectedness with others, with creation and with God.

Why this theme for this year? Where change is required, as we’ve seen in cases of environmental and racial justice, it is young people who lead the rest of us. In a rapidly changing world where war makes peace appear far off, young people are resilient in finding ways to care for one another.

As youth and children’s leaders enjoy the opportunity to share local stories, this event may well not be about bringing shalom to young people as

much as receiving it from them and learning to share in it.

The conference will break the theme down into six main sessions, during which delegates will engage in worship and listen to conversations with visiting speakers. In addition to theological reflection upon wholeness, justice and salvation, there will be seminars addressing the questions that young people are asking and the release of new resources from the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit.

Tickets and further details are available at salvationist.org.uk/ youth-and-childrens-leadersconference. To reduce the event’s carbon footprint, £1 from the sale of each ticket will go towards Salvation Army International Development projects working to support those on the front line of the climate crisis.

We look forward to seeing you there.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Andrew Grinnell

Andrew has been involved with developing responses to poverty for more than 20 years. After working nationally with The Salvation Army, he spent 10 years living in a low-income estate in Leeds seeking to develop places of hospitality with local people. He is a facilitator for the Leeds Poverty Truth Commission, codirector of the Poverty Truth Network and a core team member of Urban Life. Andrew will lead an exploration of shalom in the Old and New Testaments.

Lee Ball

Lee has worked for The Salvation Army for more than 20 years and is currently the Territorial Addictions Services Officer. He advises all expressions of Salvation Army mission, giving guidance on how to work with the causes and consequences of addictive behaviours. Lee worked for 23 years as a residential social worker with young people with emotional and behavioural disorders, then with young people with autism and people leaving care with addictions. Also a qualified Play therapist, Lee will deliver a keynote speech on trauma-informed practice.

AUSTEN HARDWICK

Children’s Specialist (Discipleship) Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit

Chil

Dr Selina Stone

Selina learns and shares knowledge with others in classrooms, podcasts and talks. She now enjoys a research job at Durham University where she explores how teaching about God can embrace the perspectives of all kinds of people, especially those often overlooked. She will lead Saturday evening’s theme of Shalom Wholeness and focus on resources for community sufficiency.

‘It was enriching’

HOW DID YOUR APPOINTMENT AS LEADERS OF THE RED SHIELD DIVISION IN GERMANY COME ABOUT?

Michael We had returned from New Zealand and were appointed to the national Candidates Department, me as national candidates secretary with Martha assisting. The British Commissioner at the time, Francy Cachelin, had decided that the ‘clubs’ that were working under the British Salvation Army throughout the military areas in Germany should become ‘more spiritually orientated’.

He sent for me and said: ‘I’m going to appoint you to look after the Red Shield work in Germany. I’m going to make it a division, so you’ll be the divisional commanders.’

It was a roving commission because we covered a vast area. Wherever the UK forces were in Germany, from the south right up to a place called Rheindahlen, where the training grounds for the tank regiments were. We were there from 1985 to 1989, a period when the IRA were carrying out attacks on British institutions in Germany and targeting cars and lorries.

HOW DID YOU SUPPORT MILITARY AND SALVATIONIST PERSONNEL?

Michael British military base buildings that were on German soil were used as clubs by the Army and run by Salvation Army officers. We had about 20 clubs that we supported, not only in Germany but in Cyprus and the UK too. I used to come to the UK regularly and meet up with the other members of the Council

of Volunteer Welfare Work, which was responsible for all the non-military personnel who were serving the military in one way or another. Quite a lot of people who were both Salvationists and services personnel kept links with us; we supported them as well.

WHAT WAS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF YOUR ROLES?

Michael Encouraging Salvation Army officers to keep the spiritual emphasis at the forefront of their work with the military personnel and with the wives and children on the bases.

Martha For me it was the privilege of being able to sit at the coffee tables and chat with the military wives, particularly when their husbands were away serving in other countries.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MINISTRY AND EXPERIENCES?

Michael Challenging and enriching. When we were called up, we had no preconceptions whatsoever. I had spent time serving in the Royal Navy but knew little about the British military.

WHERE DID GOD LEAD YOU IN YOUR MINISTRY IN THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED?

Michael We returned to the West London Division as the divisional commander and divisional home league secretary and spent five years there. From there I was appointed to IHQ as the under secretary for Europe and Martha to the administrative commissioner’s department as secretary to the administration secretary. Our last

appointment took us back to Germany as territorial leaders. Martha was president of the National Women’s Organisation and I was territorial commander. We retired from Germany in January 1998.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MEMORIES THAT STAND OUT?

Michael There are all sorts of strange and funny memories. The best thing was to see the way that our own Salvation Army club leaders mingled and interacted with the people who came to them. We were rated as military officers and as such attended many of their functions. Of course, we always wore our full Salvation Army uniforms. We attended military summer shows with Red Shield marquees and got involved there. We assisted in escorting a lady from the UK to identify her father’s military grave in a German cemetery.

Martha Attending the garrison church every Sunday morning was very important. On one occasion, I was privileged to be invited to preach the word of God, as women rarely had that opportunity.

Michael The appointment was so mixed and varied and yet so fulfilling. We’d do it all again!

Colonels Martha and Michael Pressland tell Lyn Woods about supporting British military forces in the 1980s

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Martha and Michael as territorial leaders in Germany

Chief Sec Colonel John Hounsell visits one of the barracks

Martha and Michael in retirement

Ambassadors of

HE Salvationist is first and foremost … an ambassador of goodwill,’ wrote All the World editor Brigadier Reginald Woods in 1945 on the subject of The Salvation Army’s post-war relief work. ‘Without goodwill, nothing useful can be accomplished among peoples who have suffered so deeply from racial and ideological antagonisms.’

At the end of the Second World War, it was estimated that there were 400,000 German prisoners of war (PoWs) in Britain who were awaiting repatriation. Abiding by The Salvation Army’s commitment to political neutrality, British Salvationists from the beginning of the conflict had extended a hand of peace and friendship to captured German soldiers. By 1947, hundreds of German PoWs had been included in many communities across Britain thanks to the spirit of goodwill shown by Salvationists.

‘The Salvation Army all over the country, have taken upon themselves the job of brightening the lives of these prisoners of war,’ the Dover Express reported on 14 March that year. The Gloucestershire Echo reported on 21 April 1947 that Cheltenham Citadel had hosted a classical music performance by the PoW camp orchestra from Leckhampton Court for 500 people. Afterwards, ‘over 150 PoWs were entertained to tea’, the report added, explaining that the corps had been regularly reaching out to camps in the area. ‘The Citadel band has been on three occasions to PoW camps in the district, and on the last occasion took with them the Young People’s Percussion Band.’

Salvation Army corps also used sport to show goodwill to German prisoners of war. The Lynn News and Advertiser in June 1947 reported that a youth football team from Downham

Market Corps had played a return match against the Shouldham German PoW camp second XI and had drawn 2-2.

Evangelism was also key to The Salvation Army extending the hand of friendship to prisoners of war. The Daily Mirror ran a short column on 1 July 1947 titled ‘PoWs join ranks of Salvation Army’. It was reported that at Canterbury Temple 11 had been enrolled as soldiers. Three of these men had even declared that their conversion was the result of an open-air meeting.

Major Ingham, the corps officer at Canterbury Temple at the time, spoke to the newspaper and explained that the PoWs were ‘very sincere’ in their enrolment. He said: ‘I meet them privately once a week and talk to them through an interpreter.’ The report concluded: ‘At meetings of the Temple one young prisoner, known to other members of the congregation

George Tanton explores how British Salvationists offered fellowship to German prisoners of war during the Second World War

‘T

as Willie, sings hymns in English and another prays in German.’

The Dundee Courier in December 1947 ran a similar column titled ‘German PoW chooses Salvation Army’. It reported that, at Perth Citadel, 27-year-old prisoner of war Eric Fuhlrott had offered to play the piano for 150 children. The report explained he had ‘come to this country in 1944, having been captured while serving in the [German] army’ and that ‘he thought so much of Scotland he decided The Salvation Army was a means of expressing his gratitude’.

Upon a visit made by Dover Corps Band to 250 German PoWs at Langdon in 1946, the Dover Express reported that: ‘[Through] the German translator, Major Goldsmith, of The Salvation Army, spoke a few words to the PoWs, saying that nationality did not matter in God’s sight [and] all were brothers in Christ.’ Major

Goldsmith’s message of serving others without discrimination remains central to the Army’s mission today.

As Salvationists commemorate those who have fought and died in conflicts around the world, it is also important to remember that prisoners of war, as well as civilians, are victims of human suffering too. In the past year the experiences of PoWs in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have been seen and heard on the news, inspiring many to pray for their safety and for mercy and decency to be shown by their captors.

This year also marks 40 years since the end of the Falklands conflict. Archive footage of young Argentine soldiers – nearly all of them conscripted – huddled together to stay warm with fear etched into their faces, has come to encapsulate that conflict in modern memory.

JRR Tolkien, a Catholic and a

veteran of the First World War, wrote in The Lord of the Rings of one character looking upon the face of an enemy: ‘He wondered what the man’s name was and where he came from; and if he was really evil of heart, or what lies or threats had led him on the long march from his home; and if he would rather have stayed there in peace.’

This quote could be applied to the Russian soldiers being conscripted into the conflict in Ukraine. From relief work in Eastern Europe to supporting people displaced by the conflict elsewhere, Salvationists remain first and foremost ambassadors of goodwill.

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Celebrating Christmas together

h out ns sive

MANY

tmas as a time rist with a

s

people look forward to Christmas as a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ with a spirit of togetherness. But it can also be a difficult and lonely time for some, especially for people who live alone or have a disability. It is therefore crucial that Salvation Army practices and activities are accessible and welcoming to everyone. To help corps and centres achieve this, Enabled members share suggestions of ways that Christmas celebrations can be made as inclusive as possible.

For more tips around accessibility, download the Be a Star Christmas toolkit at salvationist.org.uk/resources/christmas/christmas-present-appeal

JOY POCOCK (WAKEFIELD)

Christmas as-present-appeal

There are many ways to ensure that everyone feels welcomed and included.

Look out for people who live on their own and those with disabilities. Ask people how they plan to spend Christmas and, if there are corps activities, offer them a lift if you have a car and space. Go out of your way if you can. Many people don’t have transport to go to worship on Christmas Day because buses are not running. Show interest in others all year around, not just at Christmas. People can be overly cautious in getting to know others. Take time to engage with members of your fellowship. Extend a helping hand. It can often be very difficult for people to ask for help.

Make activities integrated not segregated. Church is meant to be a family with everyone joining together so that there is no feeling of ‘these are for people with disabilities’ or ‘those who do not have families’. Being integrated means making everyone feel loved and included, and not out of sympathy. Help everyone feel part of the family Corps could arrange for people who will be alone to have dinner together and, if possible, book a table for Christmas meals at a restaurant and help people meet the costs.

Give people responsibilities and find opportunities for them to be fully included So much can be done to make people with disabilities feel included, not just by helping them, but by empowering them to be active participants and contributors.

Lyn Woods catches up with Enabled members to find out how Christmas celebrations and activities can be inclusive for everyone

DIANE GORMAN (SWINDON GORSE HILL)

I have a learning disability and have been helping with Sunday school activities. At Christmas our corps hosts Christmas meals and carols. I have helped the children with the Nativity play for a couple of years now and really enjoy it. We have a very inclusive and supportive team, and we learn songs and practise the actions together. There are two of us with learning disabilities and when we need a break to rest, the team are very understanding.

Respect our views and support our participation so that we feel valued, and our disability is not seen as a problem If you ask people, most will tell you what they like or need.

Invite and include everyone. Not just those with a disability If I want to volunteer and help, support me to do that and give me tasks that I can do.

Consider visual challenges. Provide programmes and songs in large fonts or in braille. My disability affects my eyesight. Sometimes when PowerPoint presentations are used, I struggle to see them because of the font sizes.

DIVISIONAL ENVOYS TRISTAN AND MANDY LANCELEY (SOUTH LONDON)

We are lifelong Salvationists and we both live with a disability. Our corps is extremely inclusive, supportive and encouraging in all our endeavours, including our ministry.

Offer a warm welcome and be accessible It’s important that seats can be removed to accommodate wheelchair users and to have members on hand to help people find seats and facilities. Provide a ramp or level access to main entrance doors and halls and accessible toilets.

Consider audible challenges Installing a hearing loop system, adjusting volume levels or having someone to sign for those with hearing difficulties are just some of the options that you could consider.

Help in other ways A person may not be able to sort toys or food for parcels, but could they make refreshments, wrap gifts or write labels? Just providing them with a chair to sit on so that they don’t need to stand all the time and are able to rest every now and then can make a big difference. Provide open doors, hearts and arms to welcome people and make everyone feel worthwhile and wanted. Joining with others at Christmas can bring great comfort to people and help them not to feel isolated or lonely. When we find that inclusiveness and we succeed at something, however small, it really helps with our mental health and wellbeing and increases our confidence, which helps us in other areas of our lives.

Unfailing

PSALM 143

HAVE

you ever used a redundant phrase? Something like ‘an unexpected surprise’, without stopping to realise that all surprises are unexpected.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Can you think of any other redundant phrases?

In Psalm 143 the psalmist speaks of the Lord’s ‘unfailing love’. Isn’t that another redundant phrase? Surely true love can only ever be unfailing?

Perhaps the psalmist chooses the phrase because only God can love with unfailing love. Our love fails too often. It is just as well our loving relationship with God does not depend on our love as much as on God’s unfailing love.

The opening lines of Psalm 143 examine our love for God compared

Through the week with Salvationist

– a devotional thought for each day

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

SUNDAY

with his love for us, and point to the fact that God’s love is the decisive one: ‘Lord hear my prayer, listen to my cry for mercy; in your faithfulness and righteousness come to my relief. Do not bring your servant into judgement, for no one living is righteous before you’ (vv1 and 2).

The fact that we are in relationship with God at all is a testament to God’s unfailing love – his faithfulness and righteousness – not to ours. It is God’s unfailing love that ensures he always does the right thing and is always faithful. The supreme expression of God’s unfailing love is him sending his one and only Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us. All we can do in response is to give him our sin and show our willingness to trust in Jesus.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How would you describe God’s unfailing love?

O worship the King, all glorious above;/ O gratefully sing his power and his love;/ Our shield and defender, the Ancient of Days,/ Pavilioned in splendour and girded with praise.

(SASB 52)

MONDAY

It’s difficult, isn’t it? Elsewhere, the psalmist describes it like this: ‘God’s love is meteoric, his loyalty astronomic, his purpose titanic, his verdicts oceanic. Yet in his largeness nothing gets lost; not a man, not a mouse, slips through the cracks’ (Psalm 36:5 and 6 The Message).

Much later, in his letter to the church at Ephesus, Paul prays his readers would experience and understand God’s love, unique in its width, length, height and depth (see Ephesians 3:18). It’s incredible! It’s beyond description that we are recipients of an unfailing love.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Do we find it difficult to sustain our confidence in God? Why?

In response to this unfailing love, the psalmist wants to hear God’s word: ‘Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in

I remember the days of long ago; I meditate on all your works and consider what your hands have done.

(Psalm 143:5)

TUESDAY

When around me all your work I see,/ Made in the likeness of God,/ What am I that you should notice me,/ Made in the likeness of God?

(SASB 381)

Captain Rob Westwood-Payne describes the extent of God’s love

you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life’ (v8).

God’s word reminds him of God’s unfailing love. It strengthens his faith. It gives him guidance on the dangerous path he is taking.

The psalmist also longs for God’s protection: ‘Rescue me from my enemies, Lord, for I hide myself in you’ (v9). He recognises God is his Rock. He can hide in God and be safe from his enemy.

Knowing that God loves him with unfailing love gives him confidence to ask for knowledge of God’s will: ‘Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground’ (v10).

He trusts that God’s good Spirit – what a wonderfully warm, loving phrase! – will teach him from the word and show him the path he should take. This is what gives him confidence in the difficulties he faces.

WEDNESDAY

I spread out my hands to you; I thirst for you like a parched land.

(Psalm 143:6)

Prayer

Father God, with each new day, we are made aware of your unfailing love. We pray for strength, guidance and wisdom in all we do. May we walk close to you and feel the power of your sustaining love.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How do we respond when God reminds us that we are still sinners dependent on his unfailing love?

Like the psalmist, we discover that God’s unfailing love transforms us. As we live in relationship with our unfailing, loving God, we slowly realise that he hears our prayers, takes our concerns seriously and provides for our needs. It gives us the ‘covenant confidence’ we need to begin to love others in ways that more closely resemble God’s unfailing love towards us.

Paul describes what that looks like: ‘Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and

THURSDAY

As the deer pants for the water,/ So my soul longs after you./ You alone are my heart’s desire/ And I long to worship you. (SASB 571)

FRIDAY

endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last for ever!’ (1 Corinthians 13:4–8 New Living Translation).

This is unfailing love. It’s amazing love, it comes from God, and it transforms us moment by moment and day by day.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

In what ways does our love for others reflect God’s unfailing love to us?

CAPTAIN ROB WESTWOOD-PAYNE Corps Officer Maidenhead

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.

(Psalm 143:8)

SATURDAY

New every morning is the love/ Our wakening and uprising prove,/ Through sleep and darkness safely brought,/ Restored to life and power and thought. (SASB 664)

Touching and heart-breaking

Book Editor Rebecca Goldsmith reviews Wendy Gorton Hill’s

book of prayer-poems

SUBTITLED as a book of ‘psalms for parents of prodigals’, Watching the Wayward is a book of prayer-poems on the experience of having a teenage child turn away from their Christian journey and struggle with addiction.

It might seem safe to assume that the topics covered are quite straightforward and that this is a book filled nicely, but simply, with prayers lamenting the child’s turning from God and praying for their return. But I was surprised, pleasantly so, by the range of issues and emotions covered in these psalms, from drug-taking and theft to stubbornness and pride – not always on the side of the one who is adrift. This is a book of psalms seeking forgiveness,

as well as a lament for someone who at present seems lost.

The words of these poems recognise the pain that encompasses a whole family when a child loses their way and the honesty of a mother and wife who doesn’t know what to do – an honesty that touched me deeply. ‘Why, Lord?’ ‘What should I do?’ ‘What could I have done?’ Although each poem is very personal, the emotions and questions that arise are ones that I imagine would be universal to parents of prodigal children, or relatives of those who have left the Church or struggled with similar addiction issues.

Each psalm is supported by a Bible verse, and some by a quote from a Christian writer or theologian. There is also a further section of supplemental Scripture and journaling questions, which offer multiple Bible references and points for prayer or reflection.

Wendy Gorton Hill’s words are touching, heart-breaking and prayerfully

written. This is a book I would recommend to those who are parents of prodigals, or to anyone who wants to have a deeper empathy for those who are.

Watching the Wayward is available as a Kindle ebook priced £2.29 or as a paperback from bookdepository.com priced £9.99

A Christmas feast – in bite-sized chunks

Major Mal Davies reviews Sacred Risk

by

General Shaw Clifton (Retired)

AS Advent and Christmas approach, you may be looking for something to read that will not only put you in the right spirit for the season but also offer some spiritual food for thought. The writing of General Shaw Clifton (Retired) never fails to provide such nourishment, and this has been particularly true of his Twenty Talks series, in which Sacred Risk: Twenty Talks for Advent and Christmas sits comfortably alongside his collections of talks on Holy Week, the Psalms, the Old Testament, the Gospels, and the epistle to the Romans.

Bravely, perhaps, his opening talk in Sacred Risk is based on the genealogy

of Jesus recorded in Matthew 1:1–17 – a passage he admits might be ‘the least read in public worship settings’. And yet the talk is a good example of his writing throughout the book.

We are given good insights into Scripture. We see evidence of good research. There is solid doctrinal teaching – in this instance, about the nature of salvation and the role of the Saviour. There are touches of humour and, importantly, it is written in a light, almost conversational style. In short, it is complex truth revealed in an accessible form.

As the book explores the many characters, events, and themes around that first Christmas and the coming of Christ, we gain – bit by bit, talk by talk –a complete picture of the significance of the Incarnation.

Each talk concludes with questions that can be used to initiate group

discussion or for personal reflection, making the book not just a good read but also a helpful and highly recommended seasonal resource.

Sacred Risk is available from sps-shop. com priced £5 (plus postage and packing) and as a Kindle or Kobo ebook

LONG EATON Christine Watson was welcomed as an adherent after coming back to The Salvation Army through an encounter at a Parkrun. Christine is pictured with corps officers Captain Jan and Major Keith Sebbage and Elaine Huddlestone, who led the meeting. All four were cadets in the Guardians of the Truth session, so it was a great occasion to be together again. – KS

CANTERBURY

Alison and Gavin Friday welcomed four adherents. Alex Ewing started volunteering with the food parcel deliveries during the Covid-19 pandemic and continued helping with the weekly drop-in centre. He began attending meetings and decided to make the Army his church. Susie Hurley, Carol Croucher and Gemma Williams all publicly declared their faith, with their friends and family supporting them in the congregation. – KC

HOUNSLOW Vahid Alvandi and Jalal Ghobadi-Ozma were welcomed as adherents as part of the 140th corps anniversary celebrations. They linked up with the corps during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Vahid shared a moving and powerful testimony of how, after fleeing his home country and arriving in the UK, a pastor friend told him that he could trust The Salvation Army and encouraged him to make contact. Vahid reached out to Divisional Envoy David Walker, who visited him as soon as possible. Vahid invited friends to attend meetings with him, including Jalal, who found a spiritual home at the corps. Vahid and Jalal expressed how the Army has provided them with a community to be part of and a family to belong to. They are both pictured with Divisional Envoy David. – IW

REDDITCH The corps welcomed Sandi Greatbatch and Josh Roberts as adherents. Sandi has had links with the corps for many years and felt it was time to recommit herself to God. Josh’s grandmother, Margaret, was a soldier and prayed for him regularly until her promotion to Glory two years ago. Until recently Josh had lived a troubled life, but now has felt the warmth and acceptance of the corps and found Jesus to be his Saviour. He joins his grandad at the corps, his grandmother’s prayers having been answered. – DE

Corps officers Captains

HARLESDEN Lydia Abbey, Tsige and Nathan Berhane, Carlos Da Costa, Marcia Soares and Sandra Phillips were welcomed as adherents. They are pictured with corps officers Captains Kook Hwan Rho and Hean Suk Choi, with CSM Myra Perry holding the flag. Isabel, Beatrice and Mary were enrolled as junior soldiers and are pictured with Captains Kook and Hean, Sunday school leader Jean Buckley, CSM Myra and Corps Mission Secretary Jonathan Christian. – MP

ARMY PEOPLE

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

B/Sec Carol Binder, Bourne CSM Shorayi Nyamupanda, Catford

CSM Vicky Welch, Atherton

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond

David and Mary Parker, Hednesford (24 November) Golden

Stuart and Sylvia Harvey, Reading Lower Earley (25 November)

DEDICATED TO GOD

Liliosa, daughter of Naome and Robert, at Willenhall by Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls Phoebe Patricia Anne Shanks, daughter of YP Band Leader Chris and Bandswoman Emma Shanks, at Bellshill by Majors Ann and Donald Montgomery David Matthew Ivor Gillmore, son of Elizabeth and Matthew Gillmore, at Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh by Major Ian Urmston

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS

Major Margaret Tipping (90 on 21 November)

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Rtd RS Brenda Downey, Waterbeach

Lieut-Colonel Mary Smith from Eagle Lodge care home on 24 October

Derrick Weston, Trowbridge, on 26 October

BEREAVED

Majors Norman and Susan Waddington of their son Andrew Waddington

WHAT’S ON

THE ALL TERRAIN PODCAST

The latest episode features Ruth Valerio, who is the Global Advocacy and Influencing Director for Tearfund.

Listen on Podbean, Apple Podcasts or Spotify or at salvationist.org.uk/media/ all-terrain-podcast

TRIBUTES

KENNETH DARYL ELLIOTT, COVENTRY CITY

KEN was born in Coventry in 1946 into a Salvationist family and grew up in Coventry City Corps. His love of music led him to playing first in the YP band and later in the senior band and singing with the songsters. Ken influenced many young people in his roles as Sunday school teacher and corps cadet guardian. Ken’s interest in history led him to write about the history of the band and a book about Eliza Shirley, who left Coventry City Corps at a young age to begin the Army’s work in Philadelphia.

Ken had suffered ill health for many years, but throughout it all always remained strong in faith and in his witness of God’s grace. Ken is now reunited with his wife, Jennifer, and leaves a son, Kelvin (Coventry City), and daughter, Rachel (Nuneaton). He will be missed by family, friends and the corps family. – VS

THOMAS REID, EDINBURGH GORGIE BORN in Edinburgh in 1942, Thomas was taken by his mother to McDonald Road Corps before making his spiritual home at Edinburgh Gorgie at the age of seven. He was a member of the YP band and Scouts before joining the senior band. He was married to Fiona in 1965 and had two children, Sonja and Kevin. Due to the health of his wife, he left the band in 1970 to look after her.

Thomas served as a Christian by helping people practically. He was often seen washing dishes or clearing up after corps events, assisting in the food bank or during emergency situations.

It wasn’t until 40 years later he picked up his cornet and played with the Scottish Fellowship Band, where he found great pleasure in playing again. He will be sadly missed by his family and especially his grandchildren, Fraser and Cara. – KR

ENGAGEMENTS

GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE Brazil Territory, Thu 10 – Tue 15 Nov Japan Territory, Wed 16 – Mon 21 Sale, Sat 26 – Sun 27

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM

International College for Officers (farewell meeting), Fri 18 Nov IHQ Councils and Senior Leaders Day, Thu 24 – Fri 25

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL Whitehall (National Service of Remembrance), Sun 13 Nov* Whitehall (Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph march past), Sun 13** Methodist Central Hall (ChurchWorks Summit), Wed 16* Penarth, Sat 19 – Sun 20

Bromley Temple (South London Divisional Advent Day), Fri 25

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN Whitehall (Remembrance Sunday Cenotaph march past), Sun 13 Nov Ripley (corps anniversary), Sun 20 WBC (spiritual day), Wed 23

THE WORLD IS BROKEN – WHAT WOULD JESUS DO?

Hymn writer and activist the Rev John Bell will talk about war, poverty and the climate crisis in a free Zoom webinar. Part of the popular Questions of Our Times series, presented by Christian Evidence, it is hosted by the society’s vice-chair and former War Cry editor Major Nigel Bovey. The webinar is at 8pm on Tuesday 15 November. Register for your ticket at bit.ly/qoot-nov-22

*Commissioner Anthony Cotterill only **Commissioner Gillian Cotterill only

Reading Central

Wednesday 16 November, 1.45pm

THE BIG 90

for Retired Corps Treasurer Michael Bennett

This will include songs and music that have blessed and inspired Michael over years of service on the Isle of Wight, Winton, Bournemouth and Reading Central.

This will be followed by a period of refreshment and fellowship. Free transport from Winton Salvation Army Hall to Reading Central, leaving at 11.30am

For reservation phone Debra Staples in the corps office on 01202 535615 by 2pm on Friday 11 November. Availability not unlimited so it is advisable not to delay.

Paignton

Saturday 19 November, 5pm Sunday 20 November, 10.30am

.30am

140TH CORPS ANNIVERSARY

IVERSARY

led by Major Phil Garnham and Captain Annette Wicks Further details / greetings: paignton@salvationarmy.org.uk

ain Annette Wicks salvationarmy.org.uk

Southbour ne, Bour nemouthSouthbourne, Bournemouth

SOUTHERN BREEZE LODGE (adults only)

Salvationist-owned guest house close to shops and beaches For more information please call 01202 427459 Email enquiries@southernbreezelodge.co.uk or visit southernbreezelodge.co.uk

Reading Central Anstey Road RG1 7QB Saturday 10 December, 6pm

COMMUNITY CAROL CONCERT

Guest compère: Major John Martin

Guests: The Five Trombones from Black Dyke Mills Band Tickets £5 (unreserved) Accessible/wheelchair (reserved) Email: valeriegardiner65@gmail.com Phone: 01189 543 707

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Sacred Risk, by General Shaw Clifton (Retired), is a collection of short talks accompanied by Scripture references and questionsfordiscussionorpersonalreflectionThetalks

questions for discussion or personal reflection. The talks can be studied and discussed by small groups, or used for individual reflection during the Advent season.

Sacred Risk can be purchased from SP&S at sps-shop.com/101154 along with other books from General Clifton’s series of talks.

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS

visit to Bexleyheath

Saturday 19 November, 7pm

Christ Church, Broadway, Bexleyheath DA6 7BT

Ticket price: £10, Under-18s: FREE

Tickets available: ISS-atbexleyheath.eventbrite.co.uk or call: 07779 057911

Sunday 20 November, 11am and 3pm

Lion Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8NR

Luton LU1 3HZ

Sunday 27 November, 6pm

A MUSICAL CELEBRATION

Celebrating the life of Dawn Twist

Friends Brass Band led by David Daws

Guest soloists: Isobel Daws and Bramwell Cross Free entry and refreshments

(SASB 623)

some to tell us about themselves. This week…

DI BENNETT HULL ICEHOUSE

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

During the Second World War my foreman at the pickle factory was also the corps sergeant-major at Hull Icehouse. He invited officers to come and speak to the girls in the factory. I initially only went the first time to tell them that we weren’t coming. However, it looked exciting and I ended up attending the torchbearer youth club. Through that I attended a Sunday meeting.

What made you want to become a soldier?

The Holy Spirit compelled me to be penitent and then after soldiership training I became a soldier.

What one thing would you change about the Army? Nothing. Everything changes. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it falls flat, but if we didn’t bother we wouldn’t get anywhere.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

I would be a runner. I nearly represented Yorkshire when I was at school but I struggled with my joints.

What do you do in your spare time?

Even though I am 96 years old I still like to get on my exercise bike!

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

It was two records of Laurence Olivier reading some of the Old Testament.

What is your favourite Bible passage and why?

Psalm 139 means a lot to me. I read it at my mum’s funeral.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

I have two: ‘Take My Life and Let It Be’ (SASB 623) and ‘All Through the Years His Providence Has Led Me’ (SASB 826).

All through the years his providence has led me, His abounding goodness has been all my song; All through the years I tell his love and mercy, Singing Ebenezer as the years roll on.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be? It’s not for me to say really because God is in charge.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

If I get myself a bit upset, the Lord says to me, ‘Shut up and get on your bike!’ I do what he says and get on my exercise bike and begin to feel much better.

What is the most valuable thing you possess? My Bible.

Something interesting that people might want to know about you is…

I’ve been a soldier for 80 years this year.

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked

‘‘Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to thee; Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise ’’