Salvationist 13 February 2021

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

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Turning strangers into friends The community sponsorship scheme PLUS

RACIAL JUSTICE – TELLING THE CHURCHES’ STORY PAGES 10 AND 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

TACKLE COVID, POVERTY, AND CLIMATE CHANGE TOGETHER, GOVERNMENT IS URGED The UK government should demonstrate global moral leadership on the triple emergencies of Covid-19, poverty, and climate change, says a new ‘Crack the Crises’ coalition of organisations representing 10 million people in the UK. It was launched … after a YouGov/ Save the Children poll showed that 83 per cent of respondents believed that the coronavirus outbreak was better dealt with by countries working together to find a solution. Eighty-six per cent and 61 per cent respectively believed that the same was true in relation to climate change and poverty.

The coalition has been formed in advance of the UK’s hosting of the G7 nations in Cornwall in June, and the COP26 climate conference in Glasgow in November. It embraces international development agencies…

Head of campaigns and UK advocacy at Christian Aid, Pete Moorey, said… ‘This year must be a historic moment when we come together to tackle systemic injustices and set the world on a better path…

‘The Church has a vital role to play in this. Throughout history, Christians have been at the forefront of campaigns for change… That’s why we want Christians to get involved this year and … to ensure these summits deliver for our sisters and brothers on the front line of these terrible crises.’

Church Times

SALVATIONIST

1 IN 10 BRITS THINK COVID PANDEMIC HAS STRENGTHENED THEIR FAITH, NEW POLL SHOWS

CHURCH OF ENGLAND INVESTMENT FUND DITCHES STAKE IN BP

A new study shows that just one in ten Brits believe the Covid-19 crisis has strengthened their faith. The poll, conducted by Pew Research, asked 14,276 adults across 14 developed countries about the impact that the pandemic has had on their beliefs. Just 14 per cent of Britons said that the situation had strengthened their faith, compared to 28 per cent of Americans…

Countries with the lowest rates of those who felt like the pandemic had positively strengthened their faith include Sweden at 3 per cent and Denmark at just 2 per cent.

In Spain and Italy, classed as two of Western Europe’s more religious countries, approximately one in six people said their own religious faith has grown due to the pandemic.

‘In some countries, significantly more people say their country has experienced religious renewal than say they themselves have greater religious faith,’ Pew noted.

The Church of England has sold its stake in BP, even as the oil giant moves to end its reliance on fossil fuels under new boss Bernard Looney.

The Church Commissioners, which manages the Church’s £8.7 billion fund, is understood to have offloaded its stake in the FTSE 100 stalwart last year.

It is a significant move because the Church is the country’s most high-profile ethical investor and has been pushing BP to commit to cutting its carbon footprint to net zero by 2050.

The Church welcomed Looney’s bold plan last February when BP became the first of the ‘super majors’ to make the commitment…

Sources said the sale was a commercial decision made by an external fund manager and was not related to BP’s green credentials.

The Commissioners is chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, a former oil executive at Enterprise Oil.

Premier

The Sunday Times

POPE ANNOUNCES ‘WORLD DAY OF GRANDPARENTS’ Pope Francis has announced a new ‘world day of grandparents and the elderly’ to recognise often-forgotten older generations…

He praised the ‘precious voice’ and ‘wisdom’ of the elderly, and said it was important that children are allowed to meet and learn from their grandparents…

‘The Holy Spirit still arouses thoughts and words of wisdom in the elderly today: their voice is precious because it sings the praises of God and guards the roots of peoples,’ Pope Francis said. ‘They remind us that old age is a gift and that grandparents are the link between generations, to transmit to young people an experience of life and faith…’

The new celebration of older people will be held throughout the Church every year on the fourth Sunday of July, near the feast of Saints Joachim and Anna, the ‘grandparents’ of Jesus.

The Tablet

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Salvationist 13 February 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

A LOT TO THINK ABOUT I’VE spent the past few months slowly working my way through the DVD box set of M*A*S*H, the American TV series about a mobile army surgical hospital in the Korean War. When the show aired in the UK between 1973 and 1984 I only managed to catch the later episodes, so I’ve been able to enjoy all the ones I missed back then.

The main character is Benjamin Franklin ‘Hawkeye’ Pierce, a surgeon who, with his colleagues, patches up wounded soldiers a few miles from the front line. Although it is a comedy, M*A*S*H tackles some serious issues. In an early episode a soldier who needs a transfusion tells Hawkeye and a black nurse, Ginger, to give him ‘the right colour blood’. Hawkeye and a fellow surgeon decide to teach him a lesson on racism.

While the soldier sleeps they daub his face and hands with light brown dye. He gets a shock when he wakes up and asks if they gave him the wrong colour blood. They tell him that all blood is the same colour and mention Charles Drew, the AfricanAmerican surgeon whose pioneering work on blood storage saved thousands of lives in the Second World War. Later, as the soldier prepares to rejoin his unit, he thanks Hawkeye for giving him ‘a lot to think about’ – and he salutes Ginger on the way out.

If only overcoming ignorance and racism were that easy.

For the past 25 years the churches have been given a lot to think about on Racial Justice Sunday, which this year is 14 February. Richard Reddie, director of justice and inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, tells us how it came about and what it has achieved. To mark the 25th anniversary he highlights a book to be published later this year tracing the progress made on racial issues by major denominations during that period. Although there is much to celebrate, the book will identify areas that still need addressing. The Salvation Army is included, and Major Jonny Smith tells us a bit about the chapter he has contributed. He also urges everyone to ‘think through their own attitudes’.

In his ‘Viewpoint’ article Major Peter Mylechreest suggests that being open to people who are different from us can be a positive experience. Racial justice and inclusion mean not just tolerating differences but actively embracing them, which can be ‘life-enhancing’.

That is the experience of churches responding to the refugee crisis through the community sponsorship scheme, says Major Nick Coke. He gives some insights into how it works and says it has been ‘life-changing for corps and refugees alike’.

Lieutenant Sam Tomlin and Captain Callum McKenna illustrate that by showing how rewarding it has been for their two corps to welcome and support refugee families.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday next week. It is a time to reflect on our lives, repent of our failings and renew our relationship with God as we move towards Easter. Among the many things we might need to consider, we could take time to think about our attitudes and responses to other people – especially those whose ethnicity and experiences are different from our own.

All that kills abundant living, Let it from the Earth be banned: Pride of status, race or schooling, Dogmas that obscure your plan.

In our common quest for justice May we hallow life’s brief span.

(SASB 1000)

Quotes from the media

2

Message from the territorial commander

4

News

5 and 6

Prayer matters

6

Self-Denial 2021 Burkina Faso

7

Captain Nana Togo talks to Captain Ben Cotterill

Reflection A reminder of his covenant

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by Nicola Walmsley

Viewpoint Embracing diversity

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by Major Peter Mylechreest

Interview 10 and 11 Telling the churches’ story Richard Reddie talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Feature 12 and 13 Committed to something great

by Simon Hope

Reflection 14 Shaping us and shaking the world

by Joanna Taylor

Viewpoint A sin is a sin

15

by Brian Colley

Bible study Peter speaks out

16 and 17

by Major Steven Turner

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Jane Kimberley

Viewpoint 18 and 19 Reading the Old Testament by the Rev Dr Gerald Paisey

Review The Poet’s Gospel

20

reviewed by John Coutts

Preview Key to Intercultural Ministries

20

by Daniel N Diakanwa

Preview Questions of our times Announcements

21 22 and 23

Adverts

23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Nigel Smith

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Salvationist 13 February 2021

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Crossing the water

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N my 30 January Salvationist article I mentioned the advertisement that Gill and I came across in Rotherhithe asking for donations to help the Brunel Museum at the Thames Tunnel. The sign said, ‘Be the light at the end of the tunnel’, and I was challenged to think that also we need to be light in the tunnel as we go through the challenges of these days.

Just a few metres away from that very first tunnel to go beneath the Thames there is another historic landmark – the Mayflower public house, which marks the place from which the Mayflower set sail in the summer of 1620 to pick up a group of Christian people on the south coast. These people were heading across the Atlantic towards the so-called new world where they felt they would be able to practise their faith without hindrance. Those passengers are known as the Pilgrim Fathers, although they weren’t the first settlers to make it across from Europe to America. They went through gruelling weeks of an ocean crossing – many were sick, some died and one was even washed overboard and subsequently rescued.

After an accompanying ship had to be abandoned,130 passengers and crew crammed into that very small boat.

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The second governor of what became the Plymouth Colony later recorded that when they landed in what is now the United States of America they ‘fell upon their knees and blessed the God of Heaven, who had brought them over the vast and furious ocean’. It was an amazing feat all those centuries ago. In the USA their successful voyage is remembered every year on Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November.

Joshua 3 records another dramatic crossing – the crossing of the River Jordan by Joshua and the Israelites. Under the leadership of Moses, the Israelites had been through so much as they headed from their captivity in Egypt towards the Promised Land. But now, having emerged from their wandering in the wilderness, they needed to cross the waters of the Jordan.

Joshua encouraged his people: ‘Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you’ (Joshua 3:5). He told the priests to take the Ark of the Covenant ahead of the people. Then the Lord told Joshua to tell the priests to carry it into the river and the waters would back up. And that’s what happened. Even though that vast river was in flood, the Israelites were able to cross on dry land in a similar way to Moses and the Israelites crossing the Red Sea decades earlier.

Joshua commanded 12 men, one from each tribe, to take 12 stones from where the priests were standing in the middle of the riverbed to serve as a sign.

Joshua 4:6 says: ‘When your children ask you, “What do these stones mean?” tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the Ark of the Covenant of the Lord... These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel for ever.’

There were three critical things for the Israelites as they came to cross what seemed to be uncrossable waters –

things that are also challenges for us today.

First, they consecrated themselves afresh to the Lord. I feel that’s a real challenge for us all – to keep consecrating ourselves to the Lord, saying, ‘Lord, you shall have all there is of me, all for your glory and for your praise. Time and talents here on your altar I lay.’

Second, in covenant, they crossed the river, knowing that God was with them, symbolised by the priests stepping into the waters and holding up the Ark of the Covenant. We also need to keep holding on to God through our covenant, especially those who dare to step into the waters at cost and sacrifice, and I dare say with some uncertainty. May God protect you, especially as you uphold the covenant God has made with you. You are enabling others to cross through these waters that are before us.

By the power of your example, and the working of his Holy Spirit within you, holding on to God’s promise in Isaiah 43:2: ‘When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.’

Finally, when the people had crossed they were careful, not unlike the Pilgrim Fathers many centuries later, to pray, give thanks and keep a memorial of what God had done. Let us also bring thanksgiving, even now – not waiting until this is all over but thanking God even in the darkness, even in the sadness of lives affected and lost – because there is such strength and joy in counting our blessings and being thankful that God is with us.

He imparts strength, courage and comfort – and most certainly bright hope for tomorrow. What do you think? I believe it to be so. May God bless you.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

message is based on a video that can be viewed at facebook.com/ SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

Editor’s note Some of these events took place before the current coronavirus lockdowns

INTERNATIONAL

After-school club releases music video POLAND YOUNG people attending the Army’s after-school club in Warsaw have released a hip-hop song in an exclusive collaboration with professional musician Mateusz Wilkoń.

The creative arts project, based in the Praga-Północ district, was supported and funded by the capital’s city hall, as part of an initiative to develop children’s passions and give them a voice.

Praga-Północ after-school club supports around 20 school students in the area by providing a safe place for them to go and a range of homework support and fun activities. Prevailing Covid-19 regulations meant that the participants worked on the project in small groups of up to five at a time.

The first phase of the project was for the young people to meet and develop lyrics with Mateusz, who was keen to incorporate their own experiences, hopes and dreams. The lyrics devised by the young people are based loosely on the Salvation Army motto ‘heart to God and hand to man’, and the piece is entitled ‘Nawiedzone Ulice’ (‘Haunted Streets’).

The young people performed the song in a recording studio, with Mateusz mixing and processing the vocals and instrumentation. The music video was filmed and produced in December.

One of the participants, Angelika, said: ‘I love that I can take part in this project. We want to share with people how important everybody’s life is, and to value it accordingly.’

– AR O To watch the music video visit vimeo.com/salvationarmyihq/ nawiedzoneulice

EMERGENCY AID SHOEBURYNESS The corps is working with the NHS and the council to act as a vaccination centre for the area. In the first week they provided 4,000 vaccinations. Corps officers Captains Clare and Robert Davis and CSM John Wilcockson are pictured with representatives from the NHS. – RD/CD

PRESENTATIONS

EMERGENCY AID

Army distributes supplies following fire CAPE TOWN

WELLING CSM Sandra Bale was awarded the Borough Commander’s Letter of Congratulations from the London Fire Brigade for her actions in response to a fire in 2019. Sandra discovered the fire at her neighbour’s property and not only raised the alarm but also made multiple efforts to alert neighbours. Without Sandra’s intervention the incident could have become fatal. The award was presented by Sandra’s son who is a firefighter. The corps is delighted that more people are aware of Sandra’s kind, selfless and Christlike nature. Sandra is pictured with Borough Commander for Greenwich James Morford and Mark Deane. – KS

COMMUNITY DROITWICH SPA Less than a week after an initial chat with community champions the first donation of cleaned and serviced digital equipment was delivered to nearby schools. So far 40 laptops have been configured with relevant school software and given to local families to support home learning, thanks to support from the community and a local IT company. Pictured is a school representative receiving laptops from Carolyn Gomersall. – MM

THE Salvation Army in South Africa is helping individuals affected by a fire, which destroyed hundreds of homes in the Masiphumelele settlement. The blaze struck just before Christmas and forced more than 5,000 people to leave their homes. The housing is informally constructed, densely packed and poorly resourced.

Working with authorities and non-governmental organisations, the Army identified 1,400 individuals in need of food, hygiene packs and household equipment. In collaboration with Living Hope, the Army has distributed food hampers and nutritious meals to those in need. Plastic basins, cooking pots and stoves have been given to 350 families, with a similar number receiving hygiene packs, including soap, face cloths and dental care items.

Mindful of the fact that the township’s name, Masiphumelele, is a Xhosa word meaning ‘let us succeed’, the Army is keen to help the community do just that. – AR Send your news reports to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good quality pictures will be included.

Salvationist 13 February 2021

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NEWS

Prayer DIVISIONAL PRAYER FOCUS (CENTRAL NORTH)

by Captain Gary Lacey (Manchester Central and divisional prayer co-ordinator)

COMMUNITY

Community kindness eases lockdown food pressure SALISBURY ONE Stop convenience stores have teamed up with The Salvation Army to give their customers the opportunity to support others in need during lockdown by donating food items.

One Stop shops in Laverstock, Wilton, Bishopdown and Salisbury districts have installed collection bins in store to provide much-needed supplies of non-perishable food to families and isolated individuals.

The donated items of food are collected by the Army to supplement the city food bank as well as the emergency supplies at Salt Lane Centre, which people in difficulty can visit outside the food bank’s opening hours.

‘We are delighted to partner our friends at One Stop in making it easier for people to donate food in this convenient way,’ said corps officer Captain Martin Davison. ‘There is a real need at present for this kind of short-term help as the coronavirus pandemic is pushing people’s ability to provide for themselves to the limit. It’s wonderful when charities and community-minded organisations can work together to fulfil a local need.’

The scheme will run until the end of February. – AR

EMERGENCY AID

Army provides flood relief REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO SCORES of villages in the north of the country have been flooded during the rainy season. The Salvation Army has provided relief to the populations of Motokomba and Mossaka, as well as hard-to-access surrounding villages, amid a government-imposed state of emergency.

In partnership with local authorities, the United Nations World Food Programme and non-governmental agencies, the Army has distributed emergency food supplies to more than 1,500 people in each location – including staples such as beans, rice, cooking oil and salt. Blankets, clothing and mattresses will also be provided, as well as soap and mosquito nets.

Mindful that the number of Covid-19 infections is increasing, the Army is adhering to all government guidelines. Territorial Projects Administrator and Natural Disasters Co-ordinator Sergeant Edy Kanda said that the response aimed to ensure that beneficiaries were ‘more prepared, more resilient and less at risk’ with respect to the coronavirus. – AR 6

Salvationist 13 February 2021

SATURDAY 13 FEBRUARY – EZEKIEL 37 Pray for The Salvation Army’s input to God’s mission in Salford.

Father, we pray for Mick and Verity and family as they undertake this new project in Salford. Lord, breathe vision into them and breathe life into people who do not know you in that area through the outcomes of this mission. Bless the project, Lord, with your holy fire. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY – PROVERBS 2:6 Pray for the divisional leadership team. Lord, we simply ask for wisdom, guidance, energy, discernment and spiritual vitality to be showered on all members of the divisional team. Give them real clarity on the direction that you would have the mission take in the Central North Division. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

MONDAY 15 FEBRUARY – EXODUS 25:8 AND 9 Pray for the new prayer unit and project at Manchester Central Corps. Lord, raise up your Army in the city centre of Manchester.

Guide and equip Dawn, Gary and their team to raise the mission of prayer across the division and the city of Manchester. We pray for the people already at Manchester Central, that they would be receptive and challenged to join in the mission of transformation through the power of prayer. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

TUESDAY 16 FEBRUARY – DEUTERONOMY 5:24 Pray for every corps in the Central North Division. Lord, bless every person of every corps and centre in the Central North Division.

May we receive your fire and catch your voice in it. Help us to listen to you and follow your direction. Help us not to be fearful of change, and always look to join Jesus in his mission to this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

INTO THE WILD: WEEK 1 – PACKING UP

by Lyndall Bywater (territorial prayer consultant) WEDNESDAY 17 FEBRUARY We begin our Lent journey in deep gratitude for all that God has done for us over the years of our lives so far. Sit in silence for a few minutes today, allowing your thoughts to roam over the many ways you’ve experienced the goodness of God. Take delight in remembering.

THURSDAY 18 FEBRUARY Jesus didn’t set foot in the wilderness until he knew who he was. ‘You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased’ (Luke 3:22).

Those were the words the Father spoke over him at his baptism, and they must have become even more precious as he trudged through the wilderness. Meditate on a Bible verse today – one that has meant a lot to you in the past. Carry it around in your mind (and even in your pocket), calling it to mind in each situation you face.

FRIDAY 19 FEBRUARY Luke chose this moment in Jesus’ story to tell us his family line (Luke 3:23-37). It’s as though he imagined Jesus stepping out into uncharted territory, consoled and inspired by the earthly family God had placed him in. Connect with some of your family today – whether blood relations or ‘chosen family’. As you pray for them, send each a message thanking them for the blessings they’ve brought into your life.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist 5 December 2020

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Burkina Faso

In the second of five articles, Captain Ben Cotterill catches up with Captain Nana Togo to find out how people are coping during the coronavirus pandemic

L

AST year Captain Nana Togo presented Self-Denial videos from Burkina Faso. She and her husband, Captain André (pictured above), started The Salvation Army’s work there in 2016. They began as a small group but when the film crew visited there were 182 senior soldiers and 36 junior soldiers from two corps and two outposts.

In last year’s video, we saw 20 senior soldiers and 9 junior soldiers being enrolled. We saw how the Army has been helping people who are struggling, how women from the local community have learnt to read and write, to sew and to dye cloth. Micro-enterprise projects mean these women are now earning enough money to send their children to school, while outreach projects mean some of the local men have started to attend on Sundays.

HOW ARE YOU AND CAPTAIN ANDRÉ?

We are doing well – my husband and

our two kids. Life in 2020 was not easy.

It has been challenging, but still we thank God for his grace which has been sufficient through this difficult time.

I UNDERSTAND YOU AND ANDRÉ HAVE NEW APPOINTMENTS. HAVE YOU MOVED FROM BURKINA FASO? Yes, we are in Mali. I’m the regional secretary for women’s ministries and André is the regional secretary, but we have additional appointments as corps officers at Hamdallaye Corps.

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC AFFECTED THE ARMY’S MINISTRY? The death count for Burkina Faso and Mali is relatively low, but the economic impact is quite large. The situation is not easy in Africa, particularly in Burkina Faso, where we’ve seen extreme poverty. However, the situation became worse in Mali as well when the Covid-19 pandemic arose. People don’t have access to elementary needs, and it is very difficult. Churches have also been affected, and even schools in all areas. Everybody is affected by this pandemic.

HAVE COMMUNITY PROJECTS BEEN IMPACTED? We have had to stop many community projects that the ladies in Burkina Faso have been part of, such as juice production and soap-making. But we thank God that through The Salvation Army we are still able to meet people’s needs.

OUR TERRITORY HAS PARTNERED THE MALI REGION ON THE VEHICLE PROJECT. WHAT IMPACT HAS THIS PROJECT HAD? We have so many remote areas in Mali that it wasn’t easy at all. Now we are relieved from that burden of not being able to visit our community at any time.

The vehicle even travels from Mali to Burkina Faso for community work. We are really grateful for that.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM 2020 IN YOUR OWN LIFE? People always thought that to show love to each other we have to be together, sit together and fellowship together. And through this coronavirus pandemic I have learnt that it is not necessary to be physically present to demonstrate your love. Even though we may be absent physically, in mind and through practical actions, still we keep that bond of humanity and we can share together.

O This article is based on a video that can be viewed at youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

CAPTAIN COTTERILL IS CORPS OFFICER, CLAPTON WITH STOKE NEWINGTON AND DALSTON PLANTS

Next week Captain Richard Bradbury in Bangladesh

Salvationist 13 February 2021

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

A reminder of his covenant Nicola Walmsley encourages us to look for rainbows

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HE experiences of 2020 were like being on a stormy sea, with waves cresting overhead followed by troughs way down low – it was a year of immense highs and depths of grief. Even the time in between those two extremes was uncertain and testing.

At the end of the year, just after we heard the news that our part of England had entered Tier 3 again, my husband, Colin, and I were out walking on a nearby grassy common called Birkrigg when we spotted tted a small rainbow in the sky. I later drew a picture of Noah’s ark in my journal. At first it was just the ark on the stormy sea, depicting my 2020. Later, as I pondered ed things, I added the rainbow, depicting the hope that I have in 2021, according g to God’s promises in his word.

God’s rainbows always remind me of the promise of his covenant with mankind: ‘And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the e sign of the covenant between me and the Earth’ (Genesis 9:12 and 13).

Noah was locked in the ark with his wife, family and wild animals of every kind, safe f from harm and destruction during the great flood. I thought of our lockdown, where the world seems out of control, uncertain and unsure of what’s next. I know that God knows, and he is in control. He is still on his throne.

There was an outbreak of bird flu near the end of 2020, so my three hens have been in lockdown too. They can be messy eaters and are not toilet trained, so thankfully they are not in my lockdown ‘ark’ – they are sheltering in my garden shade house for the time being. They will enjoy some free-ranging again, once the 8

Salvationist 13 February 2021

danger is past. When that will be is a mystery, as there’s no vaccine offered to domestic birds for this strain of bird flu. They don’t have the sense of despair that we humans might have, but neither do they have our sense of hope.

Isaiah 43:1–3 in the Message paraphrase says: ‘Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you. I’ve called your name.

You’re mine. When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you. When you’re in

rough waters, you will not go down. When you’re between a rock and a hard place, it won’t be a dead end – because I am God.’ What a promise!

We’ve had a lot of rain in the Lake District, and the garden was sodden before the hard frost arrived. But I have a little plaque with an Oscar Wilde quote on it: ‘When it rains look for rainbows, when it’s dark look for stars.’ With the rain comes the prospect of rainbows. Look out for them. God put the first one in the sky to be a sign of his promise. It is a promise for all generations.

God is faithful, and I trust in him.

Noah remained locked in the ark until the flood waters subsided and it was safe to disembark.

Then God placed his rainbow rainbo sign in the sky. We, however, howev are blessed with rainbows rainbo amid the lockdowns – even eve while still within his ‘ark’ of safety. I am thankful that, just as the great flood waters eventually subsided and Noah and company could leave the ark safely, we will not have to remain confined in lockdown indefinitely. I believe this pandemic will not overwhelm us and that it will subside.

God speaks to us through his word, but I also find he speaks through even the smallest things in his creation. While in lockdown, with many people not rushing about as they usually would, I encourage you to take time to look for God’s covenant reminders in the everyday beauty that surrounds us. You will be surprised at how many there are daily, if you only take a moment to look.

God’s reminders of his promises are closer than you think. May 2021 be a year of his covenant revelations for you.

NICOLA IS THE COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-IN-FURNESS

VIEW POINT

Embracing diversity Major Peter Mylechreest suggests that differences in background and culture can be life-enhancing

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S most of us know, the early Salvation Army was not the widely respected organisation it is today. While it had generous supporters, the Movement also had its detractors. These ranged from local publicans to prominent churchmen. One particular critic questioned William Booth’s motives, suggesting he was a Fagin-like character. A cartoon in an issue of the Entr’acte newspaper in 1882 (pictured) even depicted him as such. Fagin in Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist was a Jewish miser who, despite the wealth that he had acquired through receiving stolen goods, did little to improve the squalid lives of the children that he guarded and taught to pickpocket.

Time was to prove Booth’s detractors to be wrong on every count. He was quite the reverse of Fagin – thousands of lives were improved, and Booth had a very modest bank account – but the criticism stung in a society where the ‘villain Jew’ stereotype was widespread.

Jewish people have had mixed experiences in this country over the centuries – at times welcomed, at other times expelled, sometimes prospering, sometimes exploited and often maligned.

Shylock, the Jewish moneylender in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, suffered abuse, but he is remembered chiefly for wanting his ‘pound of flesh’. Yet Shakespeare writes that Shylock has this in common with all humanity, when he says: ‘If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not

die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.’

In so many ways, we are all the same. We all have hopes and fears, laughter and tears. No one person is superior to any other. It is time we all realised that and treated each other with respect and dignity, regardless of any labels that people use.

Paul encouraged his readers to

recognise people’s worth and to seek reconciliation when he wrote: ‘Christ is our living peace. He has made a unity of the conflicting elements of Jew and Gentile by breaking down the barrier which lay between us’ (Ephesians 2:14 JB Phillips).

Jesus tore down the wall of prejudice and hostility that kept others at a distance. Perhaps Paul was thinking

metaphorically of the dividing wall in the Temple that partitioned the non-Jewish Court of Gentiles from the rest of the Temple. How we need Paul’s attitude and approach of openness among people in today’s diverse world!

We need to not just be tolerant of diversity, but actively embrace it.

Without sweeping aside sincerely held principles, we can recognise that differences in background and culture are not necessarily unhelpful – they can be lifeenhancing. The coronavirus pandemic has shown that all of us are susceptible to unseen dangers. To paraphrase Shakespeare: ‘If we are infected, do we not become ill or even die?’

Of course, there are ethnic, cultural, socio-economic, linguistic, racial, political, ideological and theological variations between us, but isn’t it part of our responsibility as Christians to deliberately seek reconciliation and unity? As individuals we may feel there is little chance of influencing the society in which we live, but together with other Christians of all denominations, God helping, we can call for change, demonstrate Christian love and even transform attitudes.

The truth is that in Jesus there is a wonderful reconciliation with God, and consequently with people the world over. It’s up to us to do our part.

MAJOR MYLECHREEST IS THQ CHAPLAIN Salvationist 13 February 2021

9

INTERVIEW

Telling the churches’ story

R

ACIAL Justice Sunday (14 February) was first observed in 1995, and to mark its 25th anniversary a book project has been undertaken by Richard Reddie, director of justice and inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). The book, Race for Justice, will show how churches have dealt with racial justice issues over the past 25 years.

‘I came into this role in 2018 and soon realised it would be 25 years since the first Racial Justice Sunday,’ recalls Richard. ‘I convened a group to discuss possible activities and events to mark the anniversary. The group felt it would be useful to have a publication that gathered together the journeys the denominations had been on over the 25 years. I also felt it was important to include overviews of the nations represented in CTBI, so we have chapters reflecting those as well.’

Race for Justice was due to be released last year, but its publication was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Richard is editing it and writing an introduction, and the foreword is by Bob 10

Salvationist 13 February 2021

Fyffe, CTBI’s general secretary. The rest of the book includes a wide range of contributors.

‘There will be contributions from major Christian denominations, which include The Salvation Army. The book also covers the involvement of Black-majority churches and the experience of Asian Christians. Some chapters have been written in collaboration, so for example a black writer and a white writer working together to cover the experiences of their particular denomination. The idea is to capture all that has taken place within the churches over the past 25 years.’

While editing the chapters, Richard noticed that key events have often concentrated minds and encouraged churches to engage with the issue of racism.

‘In 1993 we had the terrible, racially motivated killing of 18-year-old Stephen Lawrence in south London. The Lawrence family attended a Methodist church, and that denomination was the prime mover for Racial Justice Sunday. CTBI then came on board and sought to mainstream

it by producing resources to enable denominations to engage with the issue.

‘The 1999 Macpherson Report, which set out the findings of the inquiry into Stephen Lawrence’s murder, coined the term “institutional racism” and was a spur for churches to engage with the issue.

Many churches appointed racial justice or equality officers.

‘Other events, such as race riots, 9/11, the 7/7 London bombings in 2005, the 2012 Home Office hostile environment policy and the refugee crisis have very much concentrated minds and led churches to respond. More recently there’s been the Windrush scandal and the killing of George Floyd, which led to the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement.

‘So, if you look over these 25 years, there have been significant moments that have brought the issue of racial justice to the forefront. People asked what these events meant for the churches and how they should respond.’

Richard points out that there has been encouraging progress over the past 25

Richard Reddie talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about a new book showing how churches have responded to racism over the past 25 years

Intercultural Mission Enabler Major Jonny Smith (THQ) highlights his contribution to Race for Justice

years but doesn’t want Race for Justice to give a false impression.

‘I would say it’s an honest story, warts and all. And the fact that churches have been willing to take that journey and engage with the issue is something to celebrate. The real questions concern how much change has taken place – whether there are substantive differences. The writers explore that history in a candid way, including the challenges they’ve faced, where they’ve been successful and where they haven’t.

‘It’s important for churches to recognise that inequality exists within their structures and address it. We want senior leaders to engage with the issues raised by the book and commit or recommit their churches to be more inclusive and equitable. I hope the book will stir consciences and concentrate minds.

‘I also hope it will be a line in the sand or a marker, so that in five or ten years’ time we can see that the book mentioned this, this and this, and we can look at what has changed in the meantime.’

Racial Justice Sunday has been an important part of the churches’ story over the past quarter of a century, Richard emphasises: ‘CTBI’s Racial Justice Sunday material has always been of the highest quality. We are making the resources from the past 25 years available on our website so folk can see what has been done over that time. They are good resources – theologically rich and ecumenical.

‘I always say Racial Justice Sunday is about remembering, reflecting and responding: remembering that racism is a real issue, reflecting on the fact that all of us are made in God’s image and responding through prayer and action to end racism.

‘This is a significant anniversary and I hope Race for Justice will be an honest reflection of all that has happened during these 25 years.’

O Race for Justice is due to be published in October O For more information about Racial Justice Sunday go to ctbi.org.uk/racial-justicesunday-2021

When Richard Reddie asked me to write a chapter about the journey the Army has been on over the past 25 years, he was clear he didn’t want just the good news stories but the struggles and tensions as well. So I have tried to be honest about where we’re at. I have gathered stories from around the territory and included the words of various people.

The chapter looks at significant moments in our history over those years, highlighting good models of racial diversity but also mistakes we have made and things we could have done better.

The chapter ends by explaining that we have created a task force to look at racial diversity and how we move forward.

I would like everyone, not just those who read the chapter, to think through their own attitudes – to ask where they have seen unconscious bias in themselves, where they have experienced institutional racism and where they have displayed a bad attitude towards people from other backgrounds. I would love people to continually evaluate where they are on their journey with God, because that will naturally bring up questions about inclusion.

The key thing is that we’re all included in this story. Everyone has to take a long, hard look and think through the challenges that this book will bring up.

I long for all of us to go on this journey and start bringing a Revelation 7 vision of Heaven into God’s Kingdom here on Earth.

Salvationist 13 February 2021

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FEATURE I Community sponsorship of refugees

Committed to something great Simon Hope catches up with the growing community sponsorship movement

C

ONSIDER for a moment what Salvation Army corps are known for. Aside from aesthetics such as music and dress code, avid readers of Salvationist’s ‘New commitments’ pages will notice a trend of warm, encompassing welcome. Since 2017, several corps have been casting this welcoming embrace wider through community sponsorship.

Community sponsorship is a local resettlement programme empowering ordinary people to open doors to refugees across the world. By forming sponsorship groups, communities help some of the most vulnerable people rebuild their lives in the neighbourhood.

So far, 449 refugees have been sponsored by 91 sponsorship groups from across every region of the UK. These community groups provide safe, legal routes to the UK for some of the most vulnerable and desperate refugees, many of whom have been displaced by the Syrian conflict.

A number of corps have seized the opportunity to set up or join sponsorship groups. There are now ten corps-led groups in the territory, two of which started during the pandemic.

The flexibility of sponsorship makes the scheme highly accessible. So far, each participating corps has taken to the programme in a way that represents its ministry style and community needs.

Some of them work with other churches and groups in tandem, while others take leading roles. Still others are working independently. The programme fits any size or shape of corps and community.

Throughout the process, each group has access to coaching and guidance from the Reset learning hub.

‘We train and support sponsors to welcome refugee families into their 12

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communities,’ explains Dr Monika Kruesmann, co-director of Reset. ‘Our training is based on best practice observed through regular contact with sponsors and sponsored families.

‘We’re constantly adapting as we learn more about how sponsorship can be most transformational for them.

Behind the scenes, we also research how to improve the programme. We work with the Home Office to implement these changes.’

In addition to Reset training, Refugee Response Co-ordinator Major Nick Coke (Raynes Park) provides in-house support. He started the first Salvation Army community sponsorship group in the UK in 2017. He is passionate about the difference the programme makes to attitudes of tolerance and acceptance.

‘There are so many negative narratives towards outsiders – towards different ethnic and cultural groups,’ he says. ‘Sponsorship overturns this. Jesus calls us to love our neighbour, including the neighbour stuck in a refugee camp on the other side of the world. Our responsibility to help people comes from an understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.’

Moreover, Nick has come to notice this love is not one-directional. A common factor of sponsorship groups is reciprocal transformation. Sponsorship has been life-changing for corps and refugees alike.

‘Community sponsorship has brought corps alive in following Jesus,’ he enthuses. ‘Scripturally speaking, we know that when we welcome the stranger, we encounter Jesus. In some ways, he becomes present in that moment. By offering the opportunity of a new life to a family, sponsors have found they are meeting God.

Manchester airport ‘Even through the pandemic, it’s been amazing to see how everybody’s adapting. As we support our refugee families, they are helping their neighbours and corps. Some have helped with food distribution and community work. Sponsorship should never be paternalistic, with sponsorship groups doing everything for the family.

It’s all about relationships.

‘The Salvation Army is in a place to do something great with this – we already

have everything we need in our corps to make it work. There is a lot of support available from outside, but it is driven by the local expression. And I believe that Army corps have everything it takes.’

LIEUTENANT SAM TOMLIN (LIVERPOOL STONEYCROFT) In February 2018, on a snowy night, 40 people came to the corps to hear about the community sponsorship scheme.

We formed a team of 20 from five local

churches, other faiths and no faith to work towards welcoming a Syrian refugee family. It took 18 months of hard work but, in June 2019, a wonderful family arrived at Manchester airport.

After settling them into their new house, we helped them open bank accounts, register with a GP and everything else involved in making a new life in Liverpool.

Neither our group nor the family were expecting a global pandemic to hit.

Covid-19 has certainly brought some challenges, but the family and team have adapted brilliantly. The children are settling in school. The parents are learning English. Their father is currently looking to get a driving licence.

It has been much hard work, but community sponsorship has been really rewarding. I would recommend it to anyone considering it!

CAPTAIN CALLUM MCKENNA (HYTHE) It was an ordinary, drizzly Sunday afternoon in August 2019. The dining room was buzzing with chatter as we shared stories about our families and aspirations. Empty plates cluttered the table – the only remaining evidence of

the Sunday lunch we had devoured.

Our kids were running around the house playing hide-and-seek. A copious amount of coffee was flowing.

It was all completely normal but, as we sat together, the extraordinary nature of the situation came alive to me: five days earlier, my family and I were complete strangers to the family in whose home we sat. And yet, on that Sunday afternoon, I realised the incredible privilege that comes from being a welcomed stranger!

This sums up Hythe’s sponsorship journey, as members of the corps and community worked together to welcome a Syrian refugee family. We set out to make a difference in the lives of one family. Our testimony is that the family we welcomed have made an enormous difference in our lives and the wider community. Whether it’s been making cakes for the Children in Need bake sale, volunteering to teach English and mentor young refugees, or cooking meals for key worker neighbours, our community is better for the arrival of ‘our family’.

O For

more information visit reset.org or email nick.coke@salvationarmy.org.uk Salvationist 13 February 2021

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC ECTI CTI TIO ON ON

SHAPING US AND SHAKING THE WORLD

Joanna Taylor continues the series in which people reflect on a favourite prayer

W

HEN I was growing up, the standing joke in my family was that our parents didn’t mind what my sister and I ended up doing as long as we were happy and one of us became an air steward or pilot. The dream of subsidised world travel was destined to be unrealised as it was quite clear that neither of us had the skills or temperament for either profession. But they always hoped that we would discover what was best for us and get to live that out.

As a parent myself, with children who ask similar questions, I can identify with my mum and dad in that longing. A fervent hope, since the moment I knew of my children’s existence, was that they would have long lives of fulfilment and joy. Finding out you are going to become a parent is a moment filled with wonder, anxiety, hope and doubt. If I were Mary, hearing the news from an angel in 1st-century Nazareth that I would be mother to the Son of God as an unwed teenager, I’m not sure my response 14

Salvationist 13 February 2021

would have been to pray the Magnificat (see Luke 1:46–55).

The Magnificat is a prayer that’s both intimate and grand, a song that is personal and for all people of all times.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer described it as ‘the most passionate, the wildest, one might even say the most revolutionary Advent hymn ever sung’. It is a prayer that is rarely spoken in non-liturgical churches outside Advent but, like a dog, it is for life, not just for Christmas.

When Mary was given the news, she knew what it would mean. Having been soaked in the words of the psalms and prophets, she knew that her son’s arrival would herald fulfilment, revolution and hope – and, within that glory, uncertainty, pain and unimaginable grief for her.

TRUE FOR ME, NOW We are living in new, strange and different times. We are experiencing a shared uncertainty, a shared grief. It is absolutely right that we take time to name and feel our own pain and that of others. But

Mary’s prayer reminds us that this doesn’t have to be the end of the story.

In Youth and Children’s Ministries we have been exploring four questions that theologian Alexander Shaia suggests the Gospels are written to answer: How do we face change? How do we move through suffering? How do we receive joy? How do we mature in service?* Mary’s extraordinary response to a personal tragedy gives her answer. She cannot avoid or dismiss the painful reality of her present or future, but she can still find God in it, glorify God in it and hope for a future that is different for her and the world.

As Shaia reminds us, ‘suffering cannot prescribe the boundaries of our joy’.

In our present shared suffering the Magnificat reveals to us that tragedy does not exclude joy, anxiety does not exclude hope, fear does not exclude peace and grief does not exclude service. All these things exist alongside one another with the promise of God’s presence in it all.

TRUE FOR US, FOR EVER There is also the promise of what the coming of the Messiah means for the world. Even now, there are countries where the Magnificat is banned from public liturgy, such is the potency of its call to revolution. For those traditions that hold Mary in high regard and use the Magnificat in liturgy all year round, the result is a call to justice and mercy at the heart of their worship.

Catherine Booth challenged us: ‘If we are to better the future, we must disturb the present.’ What better future can be imagined than one where the humble are lifted, the hungry are filled and mercy reigns? What would our lives, homes, corps and communities look like if, as we prayed, we lived out this prayer and brought this Kingdom into being with our faith-fuelled actions?

The coming of Jesus changed Mary and it changes us today. It shook the world then and offers to do the same thing now. By echoing Mary’s cry for justice in our prayers and lives we can trust God to do what Catherine Booth envisioned and shake the world through us!

JOANNA IS YOUTH SPECIALIST (DISCIPLESHIP), THQ * These questions are explored in The All Terrain Podcast (see p22)

VIEW POINT

A sin is a sin

Brian Colley (Clowne) urges us to take sin seriously

ORDS OR DS can ha avve d diiff ifffer eren entt en m an me anin in ngs gs,, wh whic hic i h oc occa asi s on onal allly ally lead le adss to mis ad isun u de un ers rsta t nd ta ndin ing. g g.

Some So me yea e rss ago a rep epor o tw or wa as su ubm bmitittte ted d to th he Mu Musi s ci si cian a edito an oriial a team m sa sayi ying yi n a ba and ndma mast ma ster st er just ust ou outt of hos ospi pita pi al af afte te ter er ma ajo jorr surg su rger rg er y ha had d co ond duc u te t d th he ba band n in ‘ttwo nd w piec pi e es ec es’.’. An adv ad dve vert in a lo loca call ne ewspa p pe pa perr on nce c off ffer ered a V W P er ered Po olo in ‘m min i t’t con ondi ditition di on.. on The wo Th The word ord d ‘si s n’ n’, ho n, oweve we eve v r, r sho houl uld ul d me mean a only on lyy one e thi h ng g: to o go ag agai a ns ai nstt Go od’ d’s comm co mman mm andm andm an dmen ents, en ent ts, di diso sobe sobe so beyi y ng yi g his is willl.l. It woulld se seem m to od dayy tha at thos th hos ose e wh ho si sn– sin si nnerss – ca can’ n t be n’ e ope penl enl nlyy cr crititic crit tic icis ised ed by ed Ch hri rist stiia st ians ians ns. Th T eref erref efor o e th or the e wo word rd d ‘si sin’ in is ra rare rely lyy used us ed d to pi pinp npoi oint nt wha hatt Go God d co onsid nssid der erss to be wron wr on ngd gdoi o ng oi ng. A llo ot of o siin nfu nfu full acctiton ns arre e cu ex use ed wi with th th ha at we wellll-w -wor orn ph hra rase se e ‘in i thi hs day an and d ag age’ e’ or wi with th h tal alk lk of ‘al a te tern rn nat ativ tive ivve lilife fe est styl y ess’ sso o as no nott to off f end d an nyo one e.

Brram mwe w ll Boo oth said thatt you can chang hang ha nge e th the he la abe bell o on n a bot o tlle o off poi oiso oiso s n, but it st s ililll cont co ntai ains ns poi oiso son. so n.

Some So m Chr me hris istititan is anss se seem em m to th hin inkk th t at peop pe o le op le wilil be e alile en nat nat ated ed if sin sin is si is vig igor oro ouslly cond ndem emne ned d and d th that att chu hurcch at att ttend ndan nce an and nd me memb memb ber ersh sh ship hip ipss wi willll fal a l as as a res esul ult. ul t. So,, what wh what at is ha happ penin en nin ing ng to to th he e opp p os osin ing in ng of o sin n?

JJo ohn h Gow wan a s wr wrote: e ‘In I a wor orld d of sh hifitiing g val a ue ues, s,// Th Ther ere e ar are stan nda dard rd ds that th hat at rema re main n’ (SA SASB SB 34) SB 4).. Th The ese da ays sin in is open op enly en lyy fla l un unte ted te d. Man d. anyy pe p op ple le kno ow th the e Ten Commandm men ents t but use se e wha h t th they eyy cons co nsid si er goo od ex excu cu use s s to o bre reak ak the em. m. ‘You ou sh hall no n t’’ bec ecom omes om es ‘you sh shal all not al all not un unle nle lesss ss you yo ou ha have ve a goo ood d re reas ason as on n’. ‘Re R me emb mber the e S bb Sa batth da day by by keepi p ng g it ho holyy’ (E ( xo odu d s 20:8 8) is app ppe ende ende ded dw wiith t the he wor ords ds ‘un unless th her ere iiss som ere omet ething n mor ng ore e im impo port rtantt to to do’’ – and an nd th t in ings gs suc uch h as sho hopp ppin pp ng, g ple leas eas asur u eur sse seek eek ekin ing in g or spo port rtin ing ev even ents tss are e given ivven en prio pr iori ritity t y ove verr wors wo ors rshi hipp hip hi ppin ing g Go God od. d.

A lo ot of fol o k do don’ n’t’t se n’ ee th them emse em selv se lves lv ess as ssiinn n errs in n nee eed of sal alva vatiion bec ecau ause use s the heyy don’t do don’ do do anyyth thin ing g unlawful. Th They ey don on’tt par arkk thei th eirr vehi vehicl cles es illlleg eg gal alllly, ly, do d n’ n t steal from m supe supe su perm rmar rm arket ark ar ets ts or do on’ n’t ac act ct viiol olen entltltlyy to towa wa ard rds ds anyyo anyo an one e. They Theyy don Th on’t’tt do an anyt ythi hing hing g wro rong ng g, bu but but

they don n’tt do e evverr ytthi hin rig hing ig ght h , wh whic icch me ean anss th t at at, mo m rally, y the ey si s n.

On ne pr prob oblem iss tha hatt th the e go osp spel e iss be el bein in ing ng wate wa tere te r d do re down wn and d cha h ng nged ed d to su s itt th he e time me es in nstte ea ad off the h tim imess bei imes eing cha h ng ged d t sui to uitt th he go gosp s ell. Be sp Bein iin ng a niice per erso son, so n, even ev en a lov o in i g pe ers rson on,, do on does es not ot exc xcus use us e si s n. n Anyo y ne can liv ive e in a dec ecen entt wa en w y, y but the here re are ar e no no mo orral a deman em man nds and it do d es e no ott m kke ma e th he em a Ch Chri rist sttia i n. n Rejec ecting ng the Chriist Chri Ch stia ian ia an vi view iew of sin do oes esn’ n t me n’ mean an tha h t si ha sn d es do e not exist xiist st,, ju ust st as a si s ck ck per ersso son ca c n’ nt p ovve th pr hat the heyy do on’ n’t ha have ve e a tem empe p ra pe ratu ture tu re by bre by reak aking ak ing the in th he th ther ermo er mome mo mete me te er. r The Th e Rev Pr Pro ofes esso sor o WM M Clo low w wr wrot ote: e ‘Ha e: Had d t er th ere e be been e no su en such ch h th hiin ng g as hu huma uma m n siin, n, we wo oul u d ne eve verr ha have ve known wn God in al a l hi hiss fullllllne fu ness ne s as a me ss m rc r ififul ul God ul o , one on ne of of who hose ch har arac actte terriist teri stic icss iss tha ic hat of of for orgi givi gi v ng lov vi ove, e, re evve eal aled ed unt nto o ma m nkkin ind d in Jessus Chr h isst.’’

And An d Pa Paul ull wro r te to th the e ch chur urch ch at Ro om me e: ‘B Ble esssed are e tho hose se who ose s tra rans ans nsgr sgrre esssiion ns arre fo forg rg givven en,, wh w osse sins are re covver ered ed. ed Bles Bl essse ed is is the he on ne e who ose se sin n the h Lor ord d will wiill

neve ne verr co oun untt ag agai a nsst th ai hem m’ (Rom (R Roman om man a s 4: 4:7 7 and d 8) 8). Th Thos o e wh os ho sin ssiin ar are e of offe fe end ndin ng Go God d and ne an and eed d tha h t fact fa act point oint oi ntin i g ou in o t to the hem. m We m. have ha e the he ans n we wer a an nd, d, how owev ever ev err we ma mayy dive di vers ve r iffy, y, we arre fifirs firs rstt an nd fore foremo most stt a ‘S Sallva v tition o ’ Ar Am myy.

The Th eA Arrmy my’s ’ss sixxth t docctr trin ine in e st stattes: ess: ‘W ‘We e belililiev be evve th hat a th he e Lor ord d Je Jesu suss C su Ch hrist stt has by h s su hi suff f er ff e in ing g an and d de deat ath h ma m de e an aton at onem em men entt fo forr th the e wh whole e wo worl rld rl d so tha h t whosoeve ve er wi willl may a be sa save ved. d ’ Two o thou th ou usa sand nd yea e rs rs ago g Jessus die ed to sav a e s nn si nner erss. s. Tod o ay ay he liive ves to to save avve ssiinner nn ner e s. s Le et’t s ke eep p tel ellililing ng g the hem m ab abou outt Je ou Jessu us at a ever ev e y op oppo port rtun unitity. y.

We nee eed d to o be ca care refu full to too. o Petter rem o. min inds ds uss: ‘Y us: ‘You ourr en ou enem enem my th he De D vi vill prow prrow owls lss aro roun un nd lilike ke e a roa oari r ng lio ri on lo ook okin ing in ng fo forr so some meon on ne to o devo de v ur ur’ (1 Petter 5:8 8). Ourr cor orps rps fel ello lows wshi ws h pss hi a e op ar o en en to th the e De D vi vill as a welll as the e Lor o d, and an dh he e enj njoy oyss no oy noth th hin ng mo more r th ha an to an to gett peop pe ople op le e gossi osssipi o p ng g or cr crititic icis issin ng on o e an anot other. ot r.

He doe oess no nott wa w nt us to to hea e r Go God’ d’ss wo ord or wo orsshi hip, so he tri hip, ries es to ta take ke our u att tten enttion en tion n awayy. Sa aw Sadl dly, y he often su y, succ cccee eed ds and we ds miss mi s out u on ma many nyy a ble ess ssin sin ing. ng. We mu must stt stan st and d up to hi h m, rem me em mbe b ri r ng n how o Jesus uss himssel elff was tempted bu b t re resi sist sted st ed. ed H w ca Ho can we tell others aboutt Jes e uss if we are so o easily ily tak ake ken in by the Devil evil? ? We mu must u be st stro ro ong g – not ot afr frai aid d to to cha alllen enge ge e sin – and d of off f fe fer Go God’ d’ss de d’ d ar arly ly bou ough ghtt gh salvvattio ion n to eve very ryyon one e.

We’r W e’re e in God’ss Arm my an and d we w fig ghtt Wher Wh e ever er wro rong g is foun foun fo nd; d; A lo lowl wlyy co wl cott or sta t te tely lyy hom me Ma M ay be our bat attlt eg gro roun und d..

We own no ma We man a ass ene nemy nemy my, y, Sin Si n iss ou urr cha allllen enge ged d foe; oe;; We follo olllo low w Je Jessus, s, Son of Go God d, d, As to th As the he wa war we we go. o We e sha halll nott los hall ose e th the e fifigh ght off fa gh aiith th, h, Forr Je Fo Jesu s s iss our Lor ord d, d, W lay We ayy all car arna nall we na weap apon onss do down down w T tak To ake e hi hiss sh shi hin inin inin i g sw swor ord or d. d.

(SA SASB SB 991 9 ) Salvationist 13 February 2021

15

BIBLE STUDY

Peter speaks out Major Steven Turner considers the importance of not forgetting the essentials of our faith

ACTS 15:1–21

‘Y

OU’RE like an exploding volcano!’

This unflattering comparison was made when I objected very loudly to something I thought was unjust, untrue or downright daft. My tendency when faced with conflict is often to challenge before considering the best response.

Although I have mellowed with age, I can still get angry at systems and processes that are supposed to support people but, in practice, do them harm.

QUESTIONS O Are the things that make you angry important?

O How do you handle people who disagree with you?

The harmonious beginning of the Church (see Acts 2:42) soon began to show cracks along ethnic and cultural lines (see Acts 6). Our study passage

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day

by Major Jane Kimberley

16

Salvationist 13 February 2021

tells of how, after Paul and Barnabus returned to Antioch from their first missionary journey, ‘some men came down from Judea’ (v1 English Standard Version) to oppose their acceptance of uncircumcised Gentiles into the Church.

Paul would want to be sure of his ground in the face of this challenge.

His teacher, Rabbi Gamaliel (see Acts 22:3 and 5:34–39), would have explained to him the importance of precedent in deciding how to apply the Law of Moses to a particular situation But what should be the status of the Law for non-Jewish Christians? Paul takes his case to the leaders of the church in Jerusalem, to consider precedent in deciding the rules to be applied to the Gentiles.

QUESTIONS O How ready are you to put your beliefs to the test?

O Where do you go when you need to check something out?

At the council meeting, Paul’s testimony is again opposed by ‘the party of the Pharisees’ (v5), demanding full obedience to the Law, including circumcision. Often outspoken – although not always understanding the implications of his statements (see Matthew 16:16 and 22) – Peter is first to respond. He reminds his hearers that, at the conversion of Cornelius and his household, ‘while Peter was still speaking … the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message’ (Acts 10:44).

The Pharisees believed the Law was given by God and could therefore not be rescinded by man. In Cornelius’s case, the Holy Spirit had confirmed that God accepted the new believers prior to any external act.

Peter also counters the Pharisees’ arguments with a dose of reality: God had

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Give me a heart that understands,/ That grasps the truth, that knows,/ That sees the working of God’s hands/ In every flower that grows; (SASB 584)

‘See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.’

(Matthew 6:28 and 29)

That meets the world with steadiness,/ With all the strength of youth;/ That can forgive with readiness/ And never stands aloof; (SASB 584)

sent the Jews a Messiah because they could not bear the yoke of the Law (see v10; Luke 11:46). How could they expect a group of pagans to fare any better?

Finally, in verse 11, Peter names one of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith: ‘We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.’ His implication is that, contrary to the Pharisees’ claim, circumcision plays no part in salvation.

QUESTIONS O Are there any practices that you have made essential to your faith?

O Where have you seen God work in unexpected ways?

The third person to speak to the debate is James, the brother of Jesus, who had initially doubted that Jesus was the Messiah (see John 7:3–5). His cautious, thoughtful approach is evident in his response to Peter.

James turns first to prophecy (v15), specifically Amos 9:11 and 12, where God foretold of Gentiles joining the remnant of Israel. He asks what authority the apostles have to ‘make it difficult’ for Gentiles to join the Church (v19).

The prohibitions that James proposes would have been part of the Gentiles’ religious practice before conversion: sexual immorality, food polluted by idols, eating strangled beasts and drinking blood. Abstaining from these activities would preserve the believers in their new-found faith and serve as a witness to the uniqueness of Jesus as Saviour.

simple answers to complex questions, which often results in a host of rules for every conceivable situation. But the coronavirus pandemic has shown us that our understanding is finite, with the need to adjust our thinking and behaviour as we learn more about the world around us.

So too, as Christians, we need to be open to challenge, ready to set aside our preconceptions while not losing sight of the essentials of our faith. In this way, we will be able to strengthen each other in our faith and remain open to those whom God wishes to bring into his Kingdom.

QUESTIONS O What practices did you leave behind when you were saved?

O How can we avoid making it difficult for new believers, while reinforcing their faith?

The Pharisees in the early Church were following the human inclination for

MAJOR TURNER IS CORPS OFFICER, PRESTONPANS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’

(Acts 7:59 and 60)

That feels itself a part of life,/ In sympathy with all;/ That glories in man’s earnest strife,/ That sorrows if he fall; (SASB 584)

Now, Lord … enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.

(Acts 4:29)

That dares to say and dares to do,/ And dares to speak its love;/ That boldly lives a life straight through,/ And fears but God above.

(SASB 584)

Prayer Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom to know when to speak up and when to keep silent. May your Holy Spirit give me guidance and courage.

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VIEW POINT

READING THE OLD TESTAMENT

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Salvationist 13 February 2021

The Rev Dr Gerald Paisey suggests that reading the Old Testament in the light of modern knowledge can increase its literary and devotional value

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OHN Coutts’s plea in the 2 January Salvationist for a more realistic and nuanced reading of the Old Testament reminded me of Dr Stanley Cook, a distinguished biblical scholar at Cambridge in the 1930s, who observed in An Introduction to the Bible: ‘The unique part [the Bible] has played in directing and framing the thought of the West is often forgotten, and it remains perhaps the most misunderstood of books of the world’s literature.’

He wrote this in 1945, referring to the ways in which biblical criticism, the comparative study of religion, the knowledge of ancient history and the modern understanding of the universe had increased, not decreased, the literary and devotional value of the Bible. He said that the more deeply we study the Bible in the light of modern knowledge, and in particular our knowledge of the lands of the Bible, the more unavoidable the questions of criticism become. We need to sort out history from legend, poetry from different kinds of narratives, the function of myths and much more – questions that scarcely occur to the ordinary reader.

Is the story of Creation in Genesis 1, for example, meant to be a scientific explanation or a legitimisation of the Sabbath? Is the story of the Garden of Eden an actual historical event or a story trying to explain aspects of human nature, such as self-consciousness, moral choice or personal responsibility?

Are the stories of Noah’s ark, Daniel in the lions’ den or Jonah in the great fish fact or fiction? Abraham came from ancient Mesopotamia, so would he have been a moon-god worshipper? Likewise, was Moses, from Egypt, a sun-god worshipper? Did later Jewish writers superimpose their concept of God on to the accounts of these patriarchs? Can we identify a theme dictating the compilation of the Bible? Some writers have suggested it is a ‘salvation history’, with Israel perceiving itself as a chosen people, divinely selected to be the means of rescuing humankind from the kinds of evil and inhuman ways of life so well depicted in the Old Testament narrative.

The Old Testament is a religious history of a nation believing itself to be a beacon of light to the world, and whether it achieves that depends on where you stand. The different books reveal examples of the worst of human activity but also some of the best – all human life is there, which remains relevant today.

Most of the prophets manage to remind the people and their leaders when and where they failed to keep to their chosen national vocation. The book of Amos is a good example of parts of the Old Testament that are clearly relevant today, as was well described in The Timeless Prophets by General Frederick Coutts, a book that had a lasting influence on my own religious and political views. But it is important to try to understand the historical background of the Old Testament so that we can more clearly identify any relevance for the modern world.

We interpret everything we read, but here we are interpreting interpretations, because these writers were interpreting events, literature and other accounts of events and views and stories.

Furthermore, Bible translation involves translators choosing the best language to fit the original, which may slightly or significantly change the meaning.

Comparing modern translations of the New Testament shows this quite clearly, leaving the reader to make a judgement regarding which translation is nearer to the original – or relying on their own insights into what has been translated.

Readers of the Old Testament will have noticed how the concept of God changes from being in the wind, stones, sun and moon or the arbiter in Israel’s battles to being the God within you of Jeremiah, anticipating the words in John’s Gospel that we worship ‘in spirit and in truth’ (4:23 King James Version).

Some words have multiple meanings, such as ‘education’, ‘democracy’ or ‘freedom’ and this is true in matters of religion and religious experiences.

Churches have often been slow to acknowledge just how meaningless religious language is for many people

today. For example, there is a long tradition of churches stating their belief in the divine inspiration of the Old and New Testaments, sometimes even to the point of saying that every dot or comma was written by God, but without indicating how that might be possible or offering any coherent answer when contradictions are pointed out. It is worth remembering that the Bible is a human production. So it would be helpful and constructive if church authorities explained what they mean by the ambiguous word ‘inspiration’.

Many educated younger people today can spot the contradictions and different kinds of writing in the Bible, which calls for more clarity over what we can and cannot say about religious belief and about Christian faith in particular.

Contrary to some widely held views among church people, knowledge and understanding of the different kinds of writing in the Bible can only enhance one’s understanding of the background to Christian faith. Unless some effort is made to make sense of some of the Old Testament’s stories – and we have the intelligence and reasoning ability to do so – it will not surprise us that it will remain a closed book to more people than at present. We should not be tied to the past – Christianity is a living faith full of meaning as Christians seek to interpret the teaching of Jesus in and to the multifaith world of today.

Dr Cook inherited a love for the Bible and explained how his critical, analytical studies, especially of the Old Testament, had led to a better understanding of the background to his Christian faith to which he remained devoted throughout his life. His is a good example to follow.

THE REV PAISEY IS A RETIRED SCOTTISH EPISCOPAL CHURCH MINISTER LIVING IN UPHALL, WEST LOTHIAN Salvationist 13 February 2021

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REVIEW

A labour of faith, hope and love John Coutts (Stirling) reviews The Poet’s Gospel by John Alan Davis

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OHN Alan Davis – a retired teacher, poet and dramatist – has found a new way to retell the old, old story of Jesus and his love. His colourful book has been recommended by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland for study and meditation during Lent.

The Poet’s Gospel is a personal story too – Alan composed it while caring for his beloved wife Pat, who lived with dementia towards the end of her life.

Studying and writing with the teaching

of our Lord helped him to win through.

Davis writes in blank verse, but there is no need for readers to be put off. His preface explains that ‘blank’ means ‘unrhymed’ and that he is using the simple verse form used by classic poets. He could have added that it corresponds closely to the rhythm of everyday speech. ‘I think it’s time to have a cup of tea’ is a line of blank verse, which means that this expanded retelling of the Gospel stories is as easy to understand as good prose, although we can enjoy that extra poetry if we speak them aloud or listen to the author’s own recordings.

Is a new version of the Gospels really necessary? Can anyone do better than Matthew, Mark, Luke and John?

Davis’s expanded storytelling also serves as commentary, providing helpful background information. Why were tax collectors unpopular? Who were the Pharisees and Sadducees?

When we read of our Lord in the Garden of Gethsemane, what does the word ‘agony’ really mean?

The book is divided into 23 sections lettered A to W, covering incidents from all four Gospels, as well as providing new versions of parables in simple rhyming verse. Also included are fine colour photos – of loaves and fishes, of sheep following a shepherd, of a rock-cut tomb.

Davis has also made downloadable recordings and suggestions for group discussion. These are offered free of charge, but the author suggests that those users will think of donating to the Alzheimer’s Society.

This Lent offering is a labour of faith, hope and love.

The Poet’s Gospel is available from •chbookshop.hymnsam.co.uk priced £13.49 (including postage and packing) A reflection booklet based on selected chapters with downloadable audio files for each week of Lent are available free from ctbi.org.uk/ lent-study-2021 The full book is available free to read or listen to at thepoetsgospel.com

• •

PREVIEW

Key to Intercultural Ministries

by Daniel N Diakanwa

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APTAIN Daniel Diakanwa spent 23 years in pastoral ministry in the multicultural setting of New York City and 10 years as cross-cultural ministries bureau director and consultant for the USA Eastern Territory. In the second edition of this book, first published in 2000, he shares his experience and research with the aim of encouraging Christians of all races, cultures and ethnicities to be reconciled in Christ, as well as worship and serve him without discrimination.

Although Captain Diakanwa writes within the context of North America, the principles he outlines can be applied wherever the Church is confronting tribalism, the caste system or ethnic and racial discrimination.

Chapters include: ‘Biblical Perspective on Global Ministry’; ‘Understanding Cultural Differences and Similarities’; 20

Salvationist 13 February 2021

‘Toward a Theory of Intercultural Ministry’; ‘Preparing the Church for Intercultural Integration’; ‘Ministering to Non-Western Immigrants’; and ‘Preparing the Church for Ministry in a Global Society’.

Commissioner Israel Gaither, former Southern Africa territorial commander, Chief of the Staff and USA national commander, writes: ‘Diakanwa has gifted to the global Church a timely study of how Kingdom people can effectively cross the cultural divide in our polarised world. This is a refreshing, thoughtprovoking, biblically accurate call that will inform and galvanise the local church in its mission to fix the Kingdom of our Lord among the people and places she has been called to serve – anywhere in the world. Where there is a true longing for understanding, harmony and healing, I commend this well-researched, candid and insightful offering from the heart and mind of a man who has lived the experience.’

•

Key to Intercultural Ministries is available free online at issuu.com/ diakanwa or can be ordered by emailing interculturalministriesbook@gmail.com

PREVIEW

Salvationist highlights a series of webinars hosted by the Christian Evidence Society

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HE Christian Evidence Society will host five free-to-view online conversations over the next few weeks. The series, which begins on 23 February, will tackle the challenges of fake news, the coronavirus pandemic, race inequality, climate emergency and unanswered prayer.

In the first webinar the Rev Jonathan Aitken, a former cabinet minister, will discuss the question of who to trust in a world of fake news with Major Nigel Bovey, the society’s vice-chair and former editor of the War Cry. The series concludes on 23 March with crossbench peer and former Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rev Dr Rowan Williams, addressing prayer and spirituality.

The hour-long webinars will start at 8pm and there will be an opportunity for viewers’ questions during each session.

‘The Christian Evidence Society is an interdenominational Christian trust that promotes the evidence for the credibility of Christianity,’ says the society’s chair, the Rev Edward Carter. ‘With the coronavirus pandemic having such a huge effect [on people’s lives], I hope this timely series of topical conversations will help people consider some of the fundamental questions of our times.’

23 February Truth In a world of fake news, who can we trust?

The Rev Jonathan Aitken, prison chaplain at HMP Pentonville

2 March Health How can I find wholeness in a broken world?

The Rev Dr Gillian Straine, director at the Guild of Health and St Raphael

9 March Race Which lives matter?

The Rev Joel Edwards CBE, director of advocacy at Christian Solidarity Worldwide

16 March The Environment Can the future ever be green?

Professor Mike Hulme, professor of human geography, Cambridge University

O For further information and to reserve a

free ticket go to christianevidence.org or email revdedwardcarter@googlemail.com

23 March Prayer and Spirituality Is God really listening?

The Rev Dr Lord Williams of Oystermouth, honorary professor of contemporary Christian thought, Cambridge University

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Pictures: The Rev Dr Lord Williams: Mark William Penny / Shutterstock.com

Questions of our times

UP FOR DISCUSSION…

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 1 May O Lieut-Colonel Mary Capsey, IHQ medical secretary RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Colonel Ruth Flett (80 on 22 February) O Major Brenda Jeffery (85 on 23 February) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Derek Saxton, Burton-on-Trent O Fred Paffey, Andover O Lily Hayes, Burton-on-Trent O Shirley King, Swanage O Jack Morrell, Swanage O Alan Francis, Croydon Citadel, on 11 January O Jean Douglas, Hamilton, on 12 January O Peggy Roberts, Eastbourne Citadel, on 17 January O Major Michael Roe from his home in Downham Market on 26 January O Lieut-Colonel John Dangerfield on 31 January O Major Stuart Dicker from Conquest Hospital, Hastings, on 1 February BEREAVED O Carol Saxton, Burton-on-Trent, of her husband Derek Saxton O Elaine Slinn of her husband Alan Slinn, Major Brian Slinn, East Midlands DHQ, and Gordon Slinn of their brother O SL Christine Mortimer, Burton-onTrent, of her mother Lily Hayes O Roy King, Swanage, of his wife Shirley King O June Morrell, Swanage, of her husband Jack Morrell O Rosalynd Francis, Croydon Citadel, of her husband Alan Francis, Darren Francis and Ian Francis of their father, Keith Francis, Croydon Citadel, and Colin Francis of their brother O Ken Roberts, Eastbourne Citadel, of his mother Peggy Roberts O Major Catherine Roe of her husband Major Michael Roe O Major Gillian Dicker of her husband Major Stuart Dicker O Margaret Smithers, Thornton Heath, of her sister Major Rosemary Smithers-Spinney 22

Salvationist 13 February 2021

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 February O Major Derek Jones out of Hereford in 1984 and Major Susan Jones (née White) out of Oldham Citadel in 1977 and last appointments Anglia DHQ O Major Pauline Milner out of Northampton East in 2005 and last appointment Territorial Commander’s Office, THQ ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

WHAT’S ON LET THERE BE PRAISE Trevor Austin’s 90th birthday broadcast will feature on Faith FM’s monthly Salvation Army music programme at 7.30pm EST on 24 February (1.30am UK time on 25 February).

O Listen to the broadcast live on kitchener.faithfm.org or catch up online at citadelpromotions.co.uk THE ALL TERRAIN PODCAST Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill faces four choices and answers four questions in this month’s edition of The All Terrain Podcast from Youth and Children’s Ministries.

O Listen on Apple Podcasts, Podbean or Spotify

TRIBUTES MICHAEL BLACKBURN, AYLSHAM BORN into a Salvationist family in 1940, Michael attended Coltishall where he learnt to play trombone and his love for music grew – particularly for brass bands.

He joined the YP band and singing company and later the band and songsters. He was commissioned as songster leader in 1965. He was also the percussionist in the corps rhythm group.

In 1968 Michael married Susan and they had Luke and Victoria. He led

the singing company and YP band and influenced many young people in the village with his patience and knowledge.

Michael was always there for others.

His Christianity shone through, being gentle, patient, honest, humble and kind to all. He possessed a wonderful sense of humour.

Michael is missed by so many, but they are comforted to know that he is with the Lord whom he loved and has received his ‘well done’.

He was the biggest little man – one of God’s small giants. – SB LIEUT-COLONEL GEOFFREY PERRY GEOFFREY was born in Norwich to Salvation Army officers. At the age of 13, after listening to a message by British Commissioner Albert Orsborn, Geoff knelt in prayer at Brighton Congress Hall’s mercy seat. That day he wrote in his diary ‘truly converted’ and later, in his memoirs, wrote of the great influence of his Sunday school teacher at the time, Mrs Sayer.

A growing sense of a call to share the good news of Jesus led Geoff into officership in his early twenties. He entered the Ambassadors session in 1950 and his first appointment was to Coltishall in Norfolk.

He married Joan Sylvester in 1953 and in 1956 they were sent from Lowestoft South Corps to Seoul, South Korea. Later appointments were to Zimbabwe, the International Training College, Zambia and IHQ. After retirement, Geoff worked and travelled with a Christian charity for children in need. He was also committed to supporting the fledgling Salvation Army in Romania and continued to be active at Ilford Corps.

Geoff’s preaching focused on the cross of Christ. He was a prolific writer of poems, songs and articles. His desire was to convey the Saviour’s love, which he did through prayer, pastoral care and the personal interest he showed to many.

Geoff was promoted to Glory on 24 December, aged 92. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Joan, their three children, ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. – RP

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Issued by Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant and correct as of 3pm on 8 February RESIDENTIAL EVENTS AND CONFERENCES While the promise of a vaccination programme carries considerable hope for the future, the speed this can be achieved – together with news that a variant strain of the Covid-19 virus is now putting health services at risk – makes the likelihood of holding residential events before the end of June a dwindling possibility.

The chief secretary has issued the following Cabinet-agreed guidelines for all residential events and conferences until 30 June 2021: O We should not hold any large or residential events during this period O Where possible, events should continue to be facilitated online during this period O Team meetings for THQ or DHQ staff should be held online as far as

possible and no team meetings should include overnight stays O Any plans for residential events will be reviewed as part of the 2021/2022 budget, and approval at this stage should not be assumed A few activities may be held before the end of June if government regulations permit and with Cabinet approval. In all cases, any exemption would need to be risk assessed to ensure it could be facilitated in a safe environment.

The following criteria will be used by Cabinet in approving an exemption: O Activity that is deemed essential to the church life of The Salvation Army, for example, the confirmation of officership conference, assessment conferences or spiritual retreats O Conferences that are deemed by Cabinet to be mission critical and result in significant recommendations, such as divisional leaders consultations and the Territorial Leaders Conference O Legally mandatory or Continuing Professional Development training that

cannot be completed online (there will be no interruption to those who have also commenced an approved learning and development programme, such as degrees or accredited learning) Corps events are not covered by this policy, but government regulations still apply.

While safety must be our paramount guide, not being able to gather in various communities and settings during the past year has had a negative impact on many people. At this stage, we still want to encourage the planning of retreats and summer schools for later in the year.

ISLE OF MAN Lockdown ended in the Isle of Man on 2 February. Face coverings and social distancing measures are now optional.

The island is now the only place in the British Isles with no social distancing measures in place after Guernsey entered lockdown on 23 January. The border remains closed to non-residents except for key workers and those with a compassionate exemption.

ADVERTS 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.

All bedrooms are en suite. For colour brochure and information phone 01492 878447 or email fairhavenchristianhotel@gmail.com

fairhavenhotel.com

Family members are sad to announce the death of Paul Hendy on 4 December 2020. Converted as a teenager at youth councils, he entered training in 1974 and led various corps before leaving officership. His willingness to serve others included support to the emergency services at the Kegworth air crash and assistance to victims of the Carlisle floods, where he was described as ‘a beacon of light’. He was a founding member of the Scottish Flood Forum and worked with many flooded communities throughout the UK .

Despite a long illness his faith was firm to the end.

London Marathon 3 OCTOBER 2021 would you like to join our team?

The 2021 edition of the world’s most iconic running race has been moved from April to Sunday 3 October. Did you get a ballot place? We’d love to have you wear our team running vest and will support you with your fundraising no matter what Salvation Army project you are raising money for. If you did not, you can still apply for one of our last remaining charity places at salvationarmy.org.uk/run/virgin-money-london-marathon.

You can run to support either our main project – supporting victims of modern slavery – or a project closer to home.

There will also be a ‘virtual’ version of this year’s race, which will mean that you have 24 hours (ie the whole of 3 October) to run 26.2 miles, wherever you want, and will receive your official London Marathon running vest and race number. The organisers are hoping to attract 50,000 runners to this race and smash the current Guinness World Record!

On 16 February general entry into the virtual ballot comes out. Apply to run for us at virginmoneylondonmarathon.com/the-event/virtual-marathon.

We also have places you can apply for at salvationarmy.org.uk/virtualvirgin-money-london-marathon. We look forward to welcoming you on to the team! Email challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 020 7367 4819.

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‘

And now, hallelujah! the rest of my days Shall gladly be spending promoting his praise

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…

NIGEL SMITH Weymouth How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was invited by a fellow apprentice who was a young bandsman at Weymouth in about 1977. He said I might like it.

What made you want to become a soldier?

I had been attending evening meetings, absorbing what I heard and reading the Bible. Later one evening I invited Jesus in. It was as if I had been connected to a 110 volt site transformer. I physically felt it and I knew it all to be real.

What is your day job?

I am a maintenance engineer/manager at a company that specialises in the manufacture and supply of mechanical drive products, as used in automated process machinery.

What is the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating?

I have a wide range of tasks to undertake, from IT infrastructure to the design of special machines. The most frustrating aspect is having too much to do in the time available, a ab e, which c has as got worse due to Co ovid-19 restrictions.

What is your fav vourite kind of holiday?

A quiet one! Cam mping with our folding camper, walking and sailing are preferred with my family.

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

It would have to be sailing.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I play autoharp, which is a member of the zither familyy.

(SASB B 509)

What are your favourite foods?

Brussels sprouts or garibaldi biscuits.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

Risen. I would play the Roman tribune Clavius, who eventually saw that Christ was the real thing.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Corporal Desmond Doss, a Christian conscientious objector who served as an unarmed medic in the Second World War. He was awarded several medals, and was the only objector to receive the Congressional Medal of Honor during the war.

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

Mouldy Old Dough by Lieutenant Pigeon, released in 1972.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

Haggai 1:13: ‘“I am with you,” declares the Lord.’ The book of Haggai describes the requirements for skilled people to rebuild the Temple, and says God would bless them in uncertain times. We named our house Haggai Way as a reflection of this.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Cups of o tea. tea

’’’

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

Barnabas. I would ask him about his travels with Paul and Mark to get an idea of their experiences.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘O Boundless Salvation’ (SASB 509).

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Bones, as I was quite light as a youngster.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck. He joined the Indian Army in 1903. When in command, faced with difficult circumstances, he did not waste lives unnecessarily. I could talk to him for hours about this and his successful subsequent command activities out east.

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

A selective time loop, to enable one to take back hasty words before they could do damage.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

My own finger-picked guitar version of Bob Dylan’s ‘Every Grain of Sand’. It is a song of experiencing life and God’s presence. p ese ce What is the most valluable thing you possess?

The personal guida ance and presence of Jesus s.

Something interes sting that people might want to know w about you is…

When I was Wh as in th t e Terriitorial Army I was was aw wa awar aw a de ded d best sho ot on my recruits course se. e I us used ed d to co com me to Sunday evening mee etings s stra aig ght from a we week eek eken end en d fie eld exe el exercisse e, sometimes w th wi h cam amou o fla age paint still on my face!