Salvationist 14 August 2021

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A TRAINING COLLEGE IN AN ENVELOPE

SEE PAGES 8 AND 9

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

FUTURE OF MOST CHURCHES IS VIABLE IF THEY SERVE COMMUNITIES, SAYS NCT Most churches can have a viable future provided that congregations are willing to engage with their communities, Sir Paul Britton, who chairs the grants committee for the National Churches Trust (NCT), said.

Writing in the NCT annual review … he warned: ‘Our splendid inheritance of churches is under great threat from dwindling congregations, probably to be accentuated by the current pandemic…

‘The importance of the National Churches Trust and other organisations, which campaign for our churches and chapels, has therefore never been greater. But despite the threatening horizon, I remain optimistic that the great majority can have a viable future, provided that their congregations are willing to engage with their communities and make these buildings useful for both secular and religious purposes.’

The NCT, which receives no regular direct funding from the government or church authorities, provided £1.7 million in grants last year for urgent repairs to churches and chapels, essential maintenance and the installation of community facilities.

Church Times

TIME TO RECOVER THE SABBATH, SAYS NEW REPORT The world of work is changing fast... The Covid pandemic has accelerated changes and turbo-charged trends that make the old ‘nine-to-five’ office-based routines seem a distant memory.

UK faith-based think tank Theos has come up with key proposals aimed at helping modern-day workers survive and thrive despite both the current changes and the major challenges coming down the track. One proposal suggests ‘recovering the Sabbath’.

In a new report, Just Work: Humanising the Labour Market in a Changing World, Theos [stated]: ‘As the relationship between work, time and place changes, there is a need to rediscover patterns of rest for human beings and for ecosystems.’

Paul Bickley, one of the report’s authors, explained: ‘The biblical idea of Sabbath is an ancient answer to modern anxieties.

It’s time to rediscover it… The pandemic, horrendous crisis though it is, represents a rare opportunity for societies to think about what they value highly.’

Christianity Today

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891

Premier

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2

Salvationist 14 August 2021

The Guardian

The government has unveiled a £1.6 billion strategy to improve the lives of disabled people. The money will be spent on tackling issues such as housing and inaccessible public transport, as well as barriers to education and work.

Jane Percy from Christian disability charity Liveability [said]: ‘Somebody with a physical disability needs to be able to get into the building and be able to get on public transport.

All those things make a real difference as to how easy it is for somebody to get paid employment with a disability…

‘Hopefully this will help us break down some of those barriers. I don’t think people with a disability have been encouraged into work… We’ve not actively been working to encourage people to get into the workplace in an easy way.’

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901

Reusing and repairing household goods … and recycling throwaway consumer items … could create hundreds of thousands of green jobs across the UK, a think tank has found.

The UK creates thousands of tonnes of unnecessary waste each year … because of a failure to value resources and invest in the infrastructure needed to repurpose manufactured goods.

The Green Alliance think tank found that prioritising the repair and reuse of manufactured goods instead could create more than 450,000 jobs in the next 15 years...

The report … showed that much more effort was needed by the government to spur a ‘circular economy’ where waste was minimised and the value of resources retained … with recycling as a last resort…

MPs have also urged the government to consider ways to boost the reuse and repair of goods, including a right to repair, by which consumer goods … must be designed to be easier to repair, rather than scrap.

CHRISTIAN CHARITY WELCOMES ANNOUNCEMENT OF £1.6 BILLION TO HELP DISABLED

SALVATIONIST Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

REPAIRING AND REUSING HOUSEHOLD GOODS COULD CREATE THOUSANDS OF GREEN JOBS

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

GREATER FLOURISHING ‘WHAT’S in a name?’ asks Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. ‘That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet.’ And with the news that this territory is to have a new name (see page 4), we might say something similar. The mission of corps, centres, projects and headquarters will not change but, as the chief secretary explains, the new name is significant in emphasising that the Republic of Ireland is ‘an integral part of the territory’.

Other name changes, reflecting structural reorganisation, have been reported in Salvationist recently. Some divisional boundaries were redrawn on 1 July, making the whole of Wales a single division and creating a new North West Division in England.

And from 1 October the East of England Division will be formed by uniting the Anglia Division with the Herts and Essex Division. Other changes may follow. The Structure Design and Co-ordination Group (SDCG) is involved in a period of discernment, prayer and reflection, which will include 25 forums across the territory involving people of all ages and backgrounds. As the last SDCG update said (Salvationist 31 July): ‘The focus of all changes must be to enable greater local mission flourishing.’

The thought that change should lead to greater flourishing is an important one – not just for mission but also for individuals and society. Human flourishing is a term that seems to have caught on in recent years, although the idea itself is not new. Jonathan Pennington from the Institute for Faith, Work and Economics says that human flourishing is the only concept that spans all cultures, religions and philosophies, even if definitions and ways of achieving it may differ: ‘Human flourishing alone is the idea that encompasses all human activity and goals because there is nothing so natural and inescapable as the desire to live, and to live in peace, security, love, health and happiness.’

Many people experience barriers to such flourishing and, as Major Liesl Baldwin and Chris Stringer point out in their article, that includes disabled people. They describe the discrimination that disabled people can face and highlight the Army’s International Positional Statement on disability, which affirms every person’s worth, calls for inclusion and says we all benefit when disabled people are fully part of our fellowship.

Major Julian Rowley and Major Deirdre Gibson share their experiences of living with a disability. They explain the challenges and show how they are still able to flourish.

In the last article taken from his recent book, Day by Day, Commissioner Robert Street focuses on the way God changes lives. ‘Mission is about change,’ he says.

‘Changing situations. Changing people. Even changing the world.’ He also reminds us of the need to be changed ourselves, becoming more like Jesus.

Major Rosemary Dawson continues her series about inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry. She writes about Ian Rayner, whose life was dramatically changed when, after experiencing drug addiction, prison and homelessness, he found Christ.

Jonathan Pennington’s description of human flourishing sounds a lot like the biblical idea of shalom (peace), which means wholeness and wellbeing, and describes salvation in the Kingdom of God. But what’s in a name? Whether we call it human flourishing, shalom or the Kingdom of God, it’s still as sweet. And greater mission flourishing will help to bring it about.

Quotes from the media

2

News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

6

Reflection The experience

7

by Commissioner Robert Street

Reminiscence 8 and 9 A training college in an envelope

by General John Larsson (Retired)

Feature Perspectives on disability

10 to 13

by Major Liesl Baldwin and Chris Stringer with Major Julian Rowley and Major Deirdre Gibson

On my bookshelf Summer Book Club: That Contentious Spirituality

14

Major Melvyn Jones talks to Rebecca Goldsmith

Stories of transformation 15 Ian Rayner: Facing life's big issue

by Major Rosemary Dawson

Bible study 16 and 17 It's never too late to pray

by Major Mal Davies

Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist

by Major Jane Kimberley

Reflection Peace

18

by Brian Colley

Prayer poem God’s Peace Applied

18

by Major Jim Bryden

Reflection Being someone else

19

by Jim Burns

Letters

20

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Beverley Taylor

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 14 August 2021

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NEWS

ARMY NEWS

FUNDRAISING

Territory to be renamed UKI CHIEF Secretary Colonel Paul Main has announced that the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland will be renamed the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory on 1 September to emphasise that the Republic of Ireland is ‘an integral part of the territory’.

The chief secretary’s statement said: ‘On behalf of the territorial commander, and with the approval of the General, I am pleased to announce that, with effect from 1 September 2021, our territory will be known as the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

‘For the past 30 years the territory has been known as the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. This has given some the impression that our work in the Republic of Ireland is an afterthought rather than an integral part of the territory.

‘The new name is shorter and includes the four nations of the United Kingdom – England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. It is not a perfect description as the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are part of the territory but not politically part of the United Kingdom or Ireland. However, they are also integral and vital parts of our territory.

‘The cost of the name change will be kept to a minimum. Stationery bearing the existing name can still be used for the next 12 months, but all electronic communications should be updated to reflect the territory’s new name from 1 September 2021.’ – AR

EMERGENCY AID

PAIGNTON A group of women from the corps completed the fivemile Rowcroft Hospice Sleep Walk. By taking part in the annual event, the group raised more than £900 for the charity, which supports individuals living with life-limiting illnesses. ‘None of us knows if we will ever need Rowcroft’s services,’ said CSM Alison Wilmott, who took part in the walk. ‘Several of our group have personal connections with the hospice and some of our corps members have been cared for there.’ – CB

COMMUNITY

Army responds to Hurricane Elsa THE CARIBBEAN AND USA HURRICANE Elsa, the first of the 2021 Atlantic hurricane season, caused severe damage in St Lucia and Barbados. Roofs were torn off by the 75mph winds, with downed trees and power lines blocking roads. Flooding posed another threat to communities in the path of the storm. The Salvation Army has been providing emergency support on the islands.

In Barbados, the government has been working with The Salvation Army and other faith-based organisations in order to meet human needs arising from the hurricane. Consequently, the Army’s Reed Street facility in Bridgetown and Lighthouse Centre in Speightstown were mobilised to receive food and clothing donations for distribution to affected members of the community.

In St Lucia, Castries Corps in the capital was designated as an emergency shelter by the local authorities. Co-ordinating the response in Castries, Captain Derrick Mitchell said: ‘We are prepared to do what we need to do. We are ready to prepare meals. We are here to help.’

Salvation Army teams cooked hundreds of hot meals for people adversely affected by the winds and torrential rain, as well as for members of the emergency services.

Having lost intensity, Elsa then made landfall on mainland USA in Taylor County, Florida. The Army’s emergency disaster services based in Atlanta, Georgia, prepared for all eventualities and were ready to deploy mobile canteens and other resources in collaboration with first responders and local government. – AR 4

Salvationist 14 August 2021

SALE The corps was delighted to support the String of Hearts therapy group by offering the hall and community garden space as a place for them to meet and sing. String of Hearts is a community arts organisation based in Trafford that brings older adults together through music-making. Their regular group sessions support people to build new relationships, experience positive mental health, develop skills and feel less isolated. Lucy Geddes, director of the group, contacted the corps to see if it could accommodate them. The corps was more than happy to help when it discovered the group’s purpose and ethos. – AM

Like our page @SalvationistOnline to keep up to date

Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

Courtyard community café reopens LOUTH

BIRTHDAY

RIPLEY During the coronavirus pandemic the corps food bank has been supported with food donations from Morrisons, the Rotary club, other churches and townsfolk. Food parcels are distributed in the area and to the Care in the Community group, which supports young adults moving out of care to live independently. Group members also receive ‘starter buckets’ of household and personal hygiene products. Pictured are Corps Secretary Ian Brown and Lucy Hallsworth, community champion at Morrisons. – IB

OUTREACH

Dorothy Davis celebrates her 101st birthday with family and members of Sheffield Langsett Road Corps; she has been a long-serving member and still attends Sunday meetings

THE corps teamed up with the Methodist church’s Lighthouse Christian project to supply 12,000 hot meals and food during the coronavirus pandemic.

Up to 30 volunteers prepared, served and delivered about 160 meals per week to 40 people.

Deliveries of meals were made to residents in Louth and the surrounding villages, with the help of volunteer drivers from the community. Recipients included people who attended the bi-weekly luncheon club and the Courtyard community café, which closed during the lockdowns.

In July the corps stopped the emergency provision and began preparing to reopen the café.

Corps officer Major Rudi Bruinewoud said: ‘We want to thank all those who have contributed to this emergency provision and who volunteered tirelessly, as well as our own staff. This is about all the community coming together to look after the elderly and those isolated.

‘Currently we are exploring what format a new weekly community outreach will take, including the reopening of the Courtyard community hub.’ – AR

READING LOWER EARLEY The corps has installed new signs and noticeboards on the premises to connect with the community and advertise what is happening in the hall as lockdown restrictions lift.

A significant amount of money was donated in memory of the late Bob Early, who was passionate about people knowing of the Army’s presence in the community and that corps folk are ready to serve. – RC ABERTILLERY After the slight easing of Covid-19 restrictions, Rainbows and Breakout Club leader Sue Morgan organised a picnic in the park. Children and parents linked to the two groups enjoyed a Fun Day and were reminded that the corps is still functioning. They look forward to resuming their meetings in the hall. – AB Salvationist 14 August 2021

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NEWS

WALES DIVISIONAL FOCUS

by Major Nigel Collins, prayer co-ordinator (Wales DHQ)

SATURDAY 14 AUGUST – CALLING Today we pray strongly for people to respond to their calling. ‘Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 1:10 and 11).

COMMUNITY BRISTOL SOUTH Saplings parentand-toddler group leader Sara Nekrouf received a donation from Tesco Brislington Community Champion Paula (pictured).

At the end of every group session the families are given packed lunch bags, one for each adult and each child. The donation will also enable the corps to make lunch bags for the older children of these families during the summer holidays. The parent-and-toddler group has only been running for a few weeks and is the start of a new adventure for the corps. – RC

ARMY NEWS

SATCoL shares surplus PPE UKI THE Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) was the beneficiary of large quantities of donations of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the form of face coverings and hand sanitiser.

However, it received more than required to supply the needs in SATCoL shops and warehouses, so the surplus materials were advertised as available across the territory.

The take-up has been widespread. So far PPE has been delivered to more than 200 corps, Lifehouses and homelessness centres. This includes 6,447 boxes of face masks, 996 boxes of 100ml hand sanitiser bottles and 1,021 boxes of 400ml bottles.

Demand for PPE is still strong and the requests are checked for suitability before they are passed to the packing team in the warehouse. There is still sufficient stock of all items and this is being monitored on a daily basis. – TC 6

Salvationist 14 August 2021

SUNDAY 15 AUGUST – FUTURE ‘There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off ’ (Proverbs 23:18). Today we take these words and pray for the positivity encapsulated by them. ‘There is surely a future hope’ for the Wales Division and we pray God’s blessing upon it.

CREATIVE PRAYER FOCUS

by Stephanie Lamplough, assistant director of Music and Creative Arts (THQ) MONDAY 16 AUGUST – ENTWINING PRAYERS Cut three equal lengths of wool (approx 22cm) in the colours of your choice. The different colours represent yourself, God and other people.

Plait them together until you have five clearly defined crossovers and then knot them together at one end. Keep the plait handy for use later this week. Dear Heavenly Father, at the start of this week I offer myself and all that I have to you. I pray that, as I spend time in prayer, I will come to know you better and you will fill me with your Holy Spirit and be present in all that I do and say. I think of others less fortunate than myself who may be struggling at this time, and others who do not know you but who may see your light and love shine through me. Amen.

TUESDAY 17 AUGUST – PRAYING FOR MYSELF Draw the letters of your name and pray about something that each letter prompts. It could be a subject or a need that begins with that letter, or it could be a theme that the letter suggests. These prayers may start to be about your relationship with God, but could turn into prayers about other people in your life. When we start praying about ourselves it often becomes about someone else intertwined, just as in the prayer plait from yesterday. Holding the prayer plait as you pray may help. Well, Lord, the week has really started!

I’m back into the routine of things – at home, at work, at school. It’s sometimes hard to see you in all of this, so I ask that you make your presence known to me. A kind word or a loving act, the beauty of the world around, or peace through the people I meet – all these are from you, I know.

Help me to be aware of them, and to find you in them. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 18 AUGUST – PRAYING FOR OTHERS (LOCALLY) There may be situations around you that give you a sense of uncertainty – things beyond your control or that seem beyond your help. Prayer is always a positive action to take. Start with praying for others in your community. Take a local newspaper and circle or highlight stories that catch your eye. As you read the article, think about those affected and pray into the situation. If you are doing this online simply highlight the article. Dear Lord, we often feel helpless when we read about things on our doorstep that affect so many and yet with which we seem unable to help. Suffering seems to be so close and rampant. However, Lord, I thank you for those good news stories – people bringing hope, giving their time and helping those in need. Be with those who are celebrating as well as those who are suffering. Give me guidance on how to help others in my community and allow people to see you through all that I do. Amen.

THURSDAY 19 AUGUST – PRAYING FOR FAMILY Take a piece of card and pens and draw a tree trunk. Write the word ‘God’ in the centre of it.

Using different colours, draw a branch growing off the trunk and then write the name of a member of your family at the end of the branch.

As you write the name pray for that person and any concerns that you may have for them, or simply say their name and bring them before God in prayer. Dear Lord, today I am reminded that you are indeed the vine and we are the branches and that my help comes directly from you. Lord, be the centre of my family, be in our comings and our goings and our everyday lives.

When times get busy fill us and energise us; we cannot do this in our own strength. Lord, you know my concerns and my love for those that I hold dear. Be with them and keep them safe from harm. Amen.

FRIDAY 20 AUGUST – PRAYING FOR OTHERS (THE WORLD) Have a national newspaper in front of you or online and, as you come across stories that catch your eye, either circle with a pen or use the highlighter on the screen. Stop and read the article and then pray into the situation. Do this for three different articles from three different areas. God, the world often seems such a big place and I seem so small and insignificant to its events. But God, I know that I have a role to play and how I live my life can directly affect the world in which I live. Help me to live a responsible life – an informed and just life in the decisions that will impact others. Please give wisdom and discernment to all who make decisions on the global stage and make each voice heard in the search for peace for all. Amen.

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

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

The experience Commissioner Robert Street reflects on how we relate to people and God in an article from his book, Day by Day, which takes the General’s Call to Mission and makes it personal

I

F following Jesus doesn’t make any difference to us there is no point in following. It is meant to change us, to help us reach our potential and become the people we were intended to be – more in the likeness of the One we follow, the One to whom we look for example, guidance and strength. Jesus.

For some the initial change is dramatic, even transformational – from one way of life to another. Yet that is only the beginning. We continue to change. We can’t help it. That is how the world is, how we are. Never staying the same.

Life’s experiences have their effect and we adapt accordingly, or struggle to keep up. God’s Spirit within us means that he manages the change with us, changing us as we meet each new experience.

We may not always notice the change.

Our friends may not see much difference either. That’s because the change happens in undramatic ways. Day by day, imperceptibly, gradually, naturally, the influence of God’s indwelling has its gracious effect.

Much has been made of the word ‘change’ in recent decades. We could easily imagine change was something new, but it has always been with us.

It touches all areas of life, and the Church is no exception. Sometimes it has been too long in coming. Sometimes change has been forced. When that

occurs it usually signifies failure in either relationships, openness or leadership.

Perhaps all three. Achieving natural development – managing change together – seems illusive for many.

Jesus never forces change. He wants to take us with him. But it is our choice.

The apostle Paul wrote of the fruit of the Spirit (see Galatians 5:22). He likened the Spirit’s presence in our lives to fruit growing towards maturity.

He named love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control as fruit (qualities) that grow in us when we welcome God into the centre of our lives. We may feel that some of these qualities suit our character more than others, but we are not meant to choose which ones we want to embrace. Each quality should at least be growing – changing us for the better, as we grow more into the likeness of Jesus.

Mission is about change. Changing situations. Changing people. Even changing the world. It also changes those who engage in mission – through experience, observation, challenges.

The realities of engaging with others, seeking to achieve and tackling real situations, all have their effect.

Sometimes we are forced into change. A world pandemic has changed outlooks, attitudes, understanding and even our sense of security. Tragedies, sudden bereavement, loss of job, unfaithfulness – these come as unwelcome intruders, not only into our lives but also into the lives of those whose hearts we seek to reach. The God who meets our needs can meet theirs too.

Being blindly resistant to change has little, if anything, to commend it.

Our life’s encounters with others provide opportunities for broadening our outlook, understanding people better and appreciating why some people think the way they do and are themselves resistant to change. When we are

CALL TO MISSION THE General has called The Salvation Army to mission. It is what the Army does. It is why the Army exists. Without mission the Army wouldn’t be the Army. It is also, and especially, what the Army is – a Movement with a mission, part of the universal Church.

O Read

more about the General’s Call to Mission at salvationarmy.org/ihq/calltomission

open to God’s leadings, we discover the need to ‘unlearn’ some of our attitudes, assumptions and ideas. To go through life without such development is a waste.

Essentially, the call to mission is about changing lives. It is about changing situations and circumstances. It is about accepting a call that covers every area of our lives. As General Peddle says, it is about being ready, engaging with others at their point of need and embracing responsibility whenever it comes our way. One other thing we should never forget. It is also about allowing Jesus to change us as we engage in mission, making us better fitted for his service and more like him. It is an experience not to be missed. Day by day.

REFLECT Take time to think and pray about these statements in the article: O God’s Spirit within us means that he manages the change with us, changing us as we meet each new experience.

O When we are open to God’s leadings, we discover the need to ‘unlearn’ some of our attitudes, assumptions and ideas.

O It is also about allowing Jesus to change us as we engage in mission, making us better fitted for his service, and more like him. It is an experience not to be missed. Day by day.

Free copies of Day by Day and Called to be a Soldier are available at every corps for every Salvationist

COMMISSIONER STREET LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LANGFORD Salvationist 14 August 2021

7

REMINISCENCE

A training college in an

e p o l e v en

General John Larsson (Retired) tells of a chain of events that led to a remarkable outcome

The then Lieut-Colonel John Larsson leads a song at the opening

W

HEN opening the post at headquarters in Santiago, Chile, where I was the chief secretary from 1980 to 1984, I came across a small insignificant-looking envelope, addressed in handwriting, that had come from England. The South America West Territory at that time was fervently praying for a much-needed new training college. As I opened the envelope I had no idea that in it was the answer to our prayers, and that God had a strategic plan in place.

The letter was from a Mr Walter Vis of Maidenhead, and it was brief and matter-of-fact. He had some oil shares deposited in a bank in Valparaíso, the port that serves Santiago. He wished to donate them to The Salvation Army.

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Salvationist 14 August 2021

To our amazement we found that the shares were worth about a quarter of a million US dollars – a vast sum at that time and enough to build the new training college.

A Salvation Army public relations officer in England followed up for us.

The Vises, he told us, were an elderly couple living in retirement. Walter was Dutch by nationality and in his younger years had been a seaman.

His ship often sailed to Chile and, on one visit, he had purchased some shares in the national oil company and deposited them in a local bank. The shares were going cheap because no oil had yet been discovered. From time to time he added to them when his ship returned.

That was many years before and oil had since been discovered in Chile.

The Vises knew the current value of the shares and wanted to settle their affairs.

Getting them transferred to England had involved too much red tape, and they had therefore decided to donate them to a worthy cause. But which cause?

Walter recalled that when he was a boy in Amsterdam his family was so poor that one Christmas his mother was in despair, for it looked as if they would have no Christmas dinner. Just then there was a knock on the door. On opening it they found a large hamper filled with every kind of Christmas food – and disappearing down the stairs of the block of flats was the figure of a woman clad in navy blue and wearing a very large bonnet.

‘That’s the lady from The Salvation Army,’ Walter’s mother whispered to him. And he had never forgotten.

Giving the shares to The Salvation Army in Chile would be a way of saying thank you. ‘But is there a Salvation Army in Chile?’ the Vises wondered.

Within days of that conversation, a Salvation Army band formed up outside their house to conduct an open-air meeting. It was the band from Maidenhead Corps. They had decided to venture farther afield with their open-air meetings and it was the first time they had gone that far.

Opening of the new training college, October 1982

It was all part of God’s strategic plan.

Walter went out and asked the corps officer whether The Salvation Army was at work in Chile. A few days later the officer was back with the address, and that triggered Walter’s letter to us.

However, the divine plan was to be put to the test: the bank manager refused to hand over the shares to us.

‘Anyone who wants to give shares of that value to The Salvation Army must be out of his mind!’ he said. ‘Before I can comply with the request, we will need a document from the Chilean consulate in London confirming that Mr Vis is of sound mind.’

My heart sank. Would it be goodbye to the new training college? It was not.

Walter agreed to travel to the consulate accompanied by the public relations officer. They had to make the journey not once but twice before Walter came

away with the vital certificate signed by the consul.

There was another hurdle yet to come. The bank’s legal department then informed us that under Chilean law Mr Vis would need to present himself before a Chilean court and prove that in making the donation he was not disinheriting some member of his family.

We could not ask him to do that. So this time it surely was ‘goodbye, training college’!

Soon afterwards our own lawyer phoned to say that he had checked and had found that the bank’s lawyers were mistaken. The law in question had been repealed. There was no need for Walter to travel to Chile after all.

We at last collected the shares from the bank. Our cup was full – and it was about to run over. Our advisory board

recommended we sell the shares immediately. We did, and half a million dollars was deposited in our bank account. Within weeks the share market collapsed, and oil shares plunged in value. To cap it all, during the months the money was on deposit while architectural plans were prepared and construction began, interest rates went wild, reaching 50 per cent at one point.

Within a year the new training college stood ready. The prayers of the territory had been answered.

Mr and Mrs Vis did not feel able to attend the opening but accepted an invitation to meet with General and Mrs Jarl Wahlström in his office at International Headquarters, where over a cup of tea the General thanked them for their generosity on behalf of the Salvationists of Chile, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador.

Salvationist 14 August 2021

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FEATURE

Perspectives on disability BE INFORMED

If someone says the word ‘disability’, what is the first thing that comes to mind? It is likely to be a wheelchair, because that is the symbol most used to represent disability, for example in parking spaces or toilets designed for people with a disability to use. It might, therefore, surprise you to know that only 5 per cent of people with a disability use a wheelchair.

It might also surprise you to know that if disability were a country, it would have the third largest population in the world.

In the UK one in five people have some form of disability. Some disabilities are visible, such as physical disabilities and visual impairment. These are noticable mainly because of the equipment used – a wheelchair, walking aid, guide dog or white stick. Most disabilities, however, are hidden, such as mental ill health, hearing impairment, learning disability and autism. You might become aware of someone with one of these forms of disability by noticing hearing aids, unusual mannerisms or them telling you.

How many times have you seen a child in distress in a supermarket and assumed that they are having a tantrum? It might actually be an autistic child having a ‘meltdown’ – an intense response to an overwhelming situation.

In this situation many people shake their heads, make comments about poor parenting and walk by. Few stop and ask the parent if there is anything they can do to help.

People with a disability consistently face discrimination – in education, employment, healthcare, travel, social care, housing, benefits and access to buildings and services. For example, disabled people can be told not to travel by train unless they have given the train company 24 hours’ notice of their travel plans, stating the exact trains they are planning to use.

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For those born with a disability this discrimination starts from the moment of their birth, or even before. Pre-natal checks for conditions such as Down’s Syndrome, and the pressure families face not to go through with the birth, mean that the number of people in the population with Down’s Syndrome is reducing. This is based on the premise that people living with Down’s Syndrome will have a very poor quality of life and be a burden on their parents and society. But many people with Down’s Syndrome lead happy, fulfilled lives.

The Equalities Act 2010 requires organisations to make reasonable adjustments for people with a disability.

Many people think this means trying to make premises more accessible, but it’s about more than simply access. It includes how you communicate with people, such as providing information in large print, favouring helpful backgrounds, text sizes and colours on PowerPoint slides, and having subtitles and audio description on video clips. It also includes considering what equipment someone might need to do their job or join in with worship or an activity.

BE AWARE BEING DEAF IN A HEARING WORLD Major Julian Rowley (Newcastle-under-Lyme with Chesterton) I was born profoundly deaf due to Rubella (German Measles), as my mother contracted it while pregnant with me.

I had my first hearing aid when I was about four and learnt to speak orally and lip-read, because my mother decided that functioning as a sign language user in a hearing world would be inhibiting for me. It was not until I was 10 or 11 that I mastered the art of speaking clearly. It became very difficult to shut me up!

Majors Julian and Julie Rowley In later years I lost what hearing I had and now am totally deaf in both ears, making hearing aids obsolete. Fortunately, I was given a cochlear implant in my left ear, which restored a significant amount of hearing, giving me the ability to manage communication successfully. Nevertheless, I remain deaf.

My favourite time of day is when I take out my cochlear implant processor and sink into a world of silence, much to the annoyance of my wife, Julie! My two children, Nathan and Justin, are in their twenties and understand well the challenges I face. Indeed, Julie and the family are the bedrock of support that I depend on. I am grateful to them.

Unlike many people within the deaf community, I do not use British Sign Language, despite going to a boarding school for the deaf between the ages of 11 and 17. The school, Mary Hare Grammar School for the Deaf, had a policy of not permitting sign language, preferring students to rely on lip-reading and speaking, no matter how severe the hearing loss. Its motto was: Per oculos non aures (With eyes not ears). It was believed that deaf people could speak as well as hearing people and manage their communication needs and skills well in the hearing world if they applied themselves to do so. We were taught, as my mother had taught me earlier, that we had to tune into the world and not expect the world to tune into us and our needs.

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Major Liesl Baldwin (Belfast Temple) and Chris Stringer (learning disability inclusion development manager, THQ) highlight disability issues, with personal insights from Major Julian Rowley and Major Deirdre Gibson

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

Unlike some people within the deaf community, I do not regard myself as Deaf but deaf. The use of a capital D reflects the view that being Deaf embraces a culture and language all its own, and it is jealously guarded. For instance, cochlea implants are controversial within this community, as some feel they take away people’s Deaf identity and erode its cultural base.

However, I am Julian Rowley and I just happen to be deaf. Because of my viewpoint, I am not regarded as a member of the Deaf community, and because of my oral speaking abilities there is sometimes suspicion regarding the reality of my congenital hearing loss. But neither can I consider myself part of the hearing world, even though I communicate quite well on its own terms.

Early on in life I learnt that there were some things I could not and would never be able to do. My dream was to join the RAF and learn to fly an aircraft, but I could not even join the Air Training Corps (ATC) back then. It is different now, and were I a teenager I could join the ATC. During the Covid-19 pandemic the use of facemasks has highlighted many difficulties and, at times, revealed differing responses to my requests for people to remove their facemasks to help me understand them.

My communication skills can be both a blessing and a curse, as some people are amazed when it is pointed out that I am totally deaf, and some are irritated when I cannot understand them quickly enough because they have assumed I am a hearing person. I have learnt that sometimes you just cannot please everyone.

Psalm 139:13 and 14 says: ‘For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well’ (New Revised Standard Version). In a world that lauds perfection, including bodily perfection, this verse stings when it is applied to those who are disabled in some way, even if their disability is hidden.

According to this standard, they are not perfect.

However, Joni Eareckson-Tada testified that, if she had not had an accident that rendered her quadriplegic, she would not have undertaken the ministry God had prepared for her. In his eyes she was perfect for his purpose of revealing himself to the world through her disabilities.

That testimony and a slowly emerging sense of God’s direction in my life enabled me to see that, though I might not know it, there was a deliberate purpose behind my being born deaf – and that, however I might feel about it, I was perfectly formed to fulfil whatever purposes he had in store for me. So now I can claim that ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made’.

Even though there are flaws in my character and in my physical make-up, God can make full use of them to his glory if I give them over to him.

I read a long time ago that if you have a disadvantage, use it to your advantage. I will not reveal all my secrets but, suffice to say, sometimes being deaf is a real advantage in a hearing world. Silence can be golden – and sometimes fun!

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LIVING WITH A DISABILITY Major Deirdre Gibson I am a recently retired officer who has lived with a physical disability for years. When you start life very active and then become disabled, it is a big shock. Not just because you are unable to do all you have done before but also because of the attitude of some people. Even in this day and age, a large number of people treat you differently once you need to use a wheelchair.

There have been times when I felt very alone and that nobody understood how I felt or even wanted to know. There have been times when, because of my disability, I felt left on the scrapheap.

Becoming disabled I lost all self-confidence and would not go out unless my husband was with me. There was a point when I started to feel I could not remain an officer as I felt so useless.

I am still living with depression and anxiety, but have come to realise that I need to concentrate on what I can still do and not on the things I can no longer do.

I use a wheelchair to get around outside the house. One of the problems I have learnt to live with is getting around shops in a wheelchair. The majority of clothes shops do not give me room to move or turn around, as the rails of clothes are put at all angles and are too close to each other. They often put rails above each other to give more room to display items, and it is impossible to reach them when you are in a wheelchair. Not many shops have a changing room that is large enough for a wheelchair user.

When in a queue to pay, people stand so close that it is difficult to move to get out of the shop. It is most unusual for a shop assistant to ask if they can help me.

Supermarkets can be another problem, with items on high shelves. I do ask people who are around if they can lift an item down for me, and the vast majority are willing to do this.

Restaurants can be difficult, as their tables do not always give room for wheelchair users to sit close to the table, making them feel they are blocking other people getting past them.

Crossing a road can be problematic if there is not a good run off. When there are road works that close the path, the barriers are not put wide enough apart for me to get through. I can end up having to go over the feet of the barrier, which tips the wheelchair to one side.

I get very cross with vehicles that park over a run off. There have been times when I have sat in the cold and the rain waiting for the driver to return, as it is the only place I can get across. I tell them that it only takes a little thought to make sure they do not park where they prevent people crossing.

Travelling can be a major problem.

I worked at THQ for the six years before retirement, and a journey that takes 25 to 30 minutes by train took me at least 90 minutes each way using two or three buses. This was because there is no lift at Elephant and Castle station near THQ. Denmark Hill station is the nearest with a lift, but there would not be staff in to get me off the train at the time I travelled.

There were times when I couldn’t even get on a bus, as there would be a pushchair in the space allocated for wheelchair users and the driver did not like to ask a parent to take the child out and fold down the pushchair. The excuse was often, ‘But the baby is asleep.’ I have been left at bus stops in the rain and cold because of this.

I am in the songsters at my corps. To get on the platform to sing with them I have to stand and climb up three steps, while my son lifts my manual wheelchair on to the platform for me. I am glad that I can manage to do this as I love being in the songsters. Being a wheelchair user is not all doom and gloom – and if people give a little thought about how to accommodate a person in a wheelchair without making them feel they are a nuisance, it makes a lot of difference.

A person in a wheelchair has lost the use of their legs, not the rest of their body. Some people think you have lost your mind as well. Far from it! People who know me know that I am basically a happy person and have learnt to accept the attitude of some people. There is a lot I enjoy in life. The secret is to concentrate on what I can do and look for the open doors for service to God. I don’t believe God made me disabled, but I do believe he can still use me. I have recently completed a BA degree at the age of 67. The opportunities are there – we just have to take hold of them.

BE INSPIRED In November 2020 The Salvation Army published an International Positional Statement (IPS) on disability, expressing the value of every human being.

Building on some foundational work done by our territory’s Moral and Social Issues Council, the international Salvation Army brought together a varied group of people from around the world, including Salvationists with personal insight into disabilities. Together with members of the International Moral and Social Issues Council, this working group wrote the statement approved by General Brian Peddle. It is available at salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips. Be inspired as you read it!

The IPS states: ‘All people are made in the image of God and are of equal intrinsic value. Thus, The Salvation Army celebrates difference and seeks to treat all people with dignity and respect.’

Many people around the world experience discrimination due to disabilities – from stigma or negative attitudes, to deeply ingrained and systemic exclusion.

However, in response, the IPS makes the humble confession: ‘We know less of who God is and how God appears in the world when people with disabilities are excluded.’

The IPS affirms: ‘Inclusion is beneficial for everyone. Diversity within our communities and congregations strengthens us and shapes our mission and ministry. The aim of all Salvationist practice is to ensure that we are a church that makes the embodied gospel accessible for all.’

The statement helpfully explains that, historically, disability has been understood in different ways. Some parts of society relate disability to themes of medical intervention, cure and rehabilitation services and personal limitations (the medical model). Others see disability as limitation and disadvantage caused by structures and attitudes within society (the social model). Still others recognise that disability can mean something different depending on the cultural context (the cultural model), and in some cultures people with disabilities can be considered less than human. The difficulties of people with disabilities therefore require a combination of medical, social, environmental and cultural interventions.

The IPS highlights how God values those who are outcast, powerless and weak in the eyes of society (see Luke 17:11–19; 2 Corinthians 12:9). Jesus showed compassion for those with disabilities and urged his disciples to do likewise (see Luke 14:12–14). He corrected assumptions about disability and challenged prevalent social stigmas of his day (see Luke 19:1–9; John 9:1–3).

The IPS says: ‘The perceived weaker members help to shape our knowledge of God, and without them we are less. In order to know God more fully, everyone needs to be included… It is only together with all the saints that we can comprehend the love of God (see Ephesians 3:18)… We are not a complete church if people with disabilities are not among us.’

FOR REFLECTION O How could you consider the language you use to speak about disabilities?

How could you open yourself intentionally to include people into your life and your worshipping community?

O Think about the building that you worship or work in. What adjustments could be made for people who have a disability? Who is near you that could help you understand what having a disability means and what adjustments they would value? Often any adjustments you make benefit more people than just those with disabilities. For example, improved lighting or clearer PowerPoint slides could benefit all members of your fellowship.

O The international Army has been inspired to consider how to engage and involve people with disabilities when developing its policies. How might you or your corps fellowship also do this?

O How might we be inspired to respect people around us for their independence, while also celebrating the ways in which we all contribute to one another through life?

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ON MY BOOKSHELF: SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST

That Contentious Spirituality In this series, Shield Books authors talk about the books they’ve written and the books they love – this week Book Editor Rebecca Goldsmith interviews Major Melvyn Jones WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THAT CONTENTIOUS SPIRITUALITY? The wonderful thing about Christianity is that there is great variety and diversity in its spirituality.

I thought it was worthwhile exploring what we mean by a ‘Salvationist spirituality’.

My last appointment as an active officer was as the secretary for spiritual life development. My wife, Kath, and I went around the territory meeting with people in small groups, large groups, retreats and seminars. And in practically every session we discussed with Salvationists what they meant by ‘spirituality’. Salvationists want to talk about it – it’s important to them. I’ve had a lifelong interest in spirituality, inspired particularly by my mother. The book is dedicated to her, because I feel she had a discerning, gentle, Bible-based spirituality.

Writing the book also seemed like a natural continuation of the theme from my earlier book, That Contentious Doctrine, which was specifically about holiness, a huge part of our spirituality. That book focused on the early days of the Army in Victorian England. In That Contentious Spirituality I wanted to take a broader look at spirituality before and after that time.

WHAT STRUCK YOU WHILE RESEARCHING THE BOOK? One thing was the youthfulness of the Army’s early officers. In the very early days, the vast majority of corps officers were under 25 years old. That surprised 14

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me. I’d never realised how much we were a youth movement to start with.

Thinking about what shaped Salvationist spirituality, three things easily came to mind. One was our military metaphor. The second one was our holiness revivalist links. And then, of course, our social action. Those three came naturally, and I think most people could see that. The Salvation Army was incredibly successful in a way I don’t think we appreciate today.

It was a Victorian and early Edwardian phenomenon. I think that shaped our spirituality greatly.

I often think that today’s Salvation Army needs to rediscover what made us such a powerful force for good when we started, or even more importantly, a power for God. There are some principles that I think could be rediscovered.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK? I want people to engage in discussions about spirituality, because I think it’s a critical issue. The future of the Army in this territory lies in the depth of its spirituality.

Everything else is secondary compared to that. If we get the spirit right, then God will look after the rest.

his ability as a storyteller. I think narrative stories are powerful and convey a message. To be fair to Philip Pullman, he knows his Bible very well. So I enjoyed the book, although I definitely disagreed with it.

WHAT BOOK, OTHER THAN THE BIBLE, WOULD YOU TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND? I came up with more than one. First, The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis. This series is a bit of easy-to-read fiction that puts across the Christian message. So you can read it at two levels: it’s fun, but also there’s a deep message there.

The other one is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. I’ve never read the book, but I’ve seen one or two adaptations, which I love. I come from a scientific background, and I also like the wacky way that Adams thinks.

O That Contentious Spirituality is available from sps-shop.com priced £8 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £5

IS THERE A CHRISTIAN BOOK THAT HOLDS A PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE FOR YOU? I found The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer extremely powerful when I read it in my early twenties, thinking about what I should do with my life. You can’t argue with him about the cost of discipleship when he gave his own life for it.

IS THERE A BOOK NOT ABOUT FAITH THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE? The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ by Philip Pullman. I totally disagree with what he says in the book, but I admire

To hear the conversation in full, find the Shield Books Summer Book Club podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com

FEATURE I Stories of transformation

Ian Rayner: Facing life’s big issue Major Rosemary Dawson continues a series in which she remembers some of the inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry

A

VIVID childhood memory of hearing a Bible story on a beach remained ‘a divine niggle’ in the mind of Ian Rayner during years of drug addiction, prison and homelessness.

Ian’s family moved to the Isle of Man when he was two, but lack of work and money soon led to parental arguments.

One day, while four-year-old Ian and his brother were out with their father, their mother took their sister and left. When I met him, he still remembered that feeling of desertion.

Ian and his father moved in with his grandparents, and his brother moved into a children’s home. They later joined their father with his new partner and her two children, but she issued an ultimatum: her or them. Their father chose her.

Ian returned to his grandparents, and his brother returned to the children’s home. The worst was yet to come; they were to live with a couple who ran a hotel.

‘Our father more or less gave us away over a drink in a pub,’ said Ian. ‘This caused even worse feelings of not being wanted, which stayed with me for years.

‘We were well fed and had lots of toys, but weren’t shown any love. Our new guardians cut off all family contact, and when they changed our surname after adoption, I felt robbed of my very identity.

‘My adoptive father used to whip me with a belt. One Christmas Day he made me stand in a corner for four hours. By the age of 11 or 12 I was drinking and sniffing glue, into petty crime and then drugs.’

A short stay at a detention centre didn’t deter him. Neither did his two prison sentences – one lasting for three months and the other for three years.

‘After my girlfriend’s rejection, I took heroin to block out my hurt,’ Ian recalled.

‘I don’t remember anything about that year, and only bits of the next six.

‘Things got hot for me on the island, so I moved to Leeds. I tried begging, but my dog earned more than I did!

‘Then I got chatting with a bloke selling a new magazine for homeless people called The Big Issue. I decided to have a go; it was better than begging and gave me a good feeling of self-worth. Now I bought drugs with my dole money and earnings.

‘Life was lonely and meaningless, especially at Christmas when all those cosy family TV programmes made me feel suicidal.’

A friend’s death from drugs was a real wake-up call.

‘People talk about the buzz of taking drugs,’ said Ian, ‘but not about the heavy sweating when the next fix is due, the vomiting or feeling that your whole skeleton has toothache. I began wondering if I really wanted to be like this.

‘Remembering that Bible story on the beach, I prayed most nights that Jesus would appear and rescue me – but he didn’t. Then a Big Issue customer invited me to a church meal, followed by a discussion about Christianity. I had to inject myself to get the courage to go – but it was my best meal in years and everyone was kind and welcoming, so I went again.

‘The speaker seemed to be talking to me, about God and the meaning of life – and suddenly I remembered those people on the beach talking about the love of God.

‘When he asked if we wanted to become Christians, I put my hand up.

There were no flashing lights, but I felt very sure that something life-changing had happened.

‘The very next day, though – and for a good while afterwards – I let God down by taking my usual fix. I really struggled to break free. The time I turned down drugs worth £800 I knew they’d lost their attraction. I didn’t need them anymore; I had Jesus.

‘Even my Big Issue customers noticed the change in me – I shared the gospel with them! It was a huge turnaround.’

However, Ian was still coming to terms with his childhood.

‘My father gave me away, and that made it difficult to trust people,’ he explained. ‘Now God is using me to help others in similar circumstances.’

He was eventually reconciled with his father, and also made peace with his grandfather just before he died.

‘My father can see what Christianity has done for me,’ Ian said. ‘He doesn’t understand it, but he’s thrilled that we have a whole new relationship.

‘Drugs used to be the biggest thing in my life. Now I believe that the biggest issue we ever face is where we stand with God.’

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL O Based

on an article published in the War Cry, 27 August 2005 Salvationist 14 August 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

It’s never too late to Major Mal Davies continues his four-week series on Jonah

JONAH 2

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N last week’s study, we looked at how Jonah disobeys God’s instruction to go to Nineveh and heads for Tarshish instead. It doesn’t end well. Jonah’s boat is subject to a raging storm and the crew throw him overboard. That’s where his problems really begin – a huge fish swallows him.

For many people – even many Christians – this is the main sticking point of this story’s believability. They accept a disobedient prophet, a storm at sea and Jonah being flung overboard – so far, so plausible. But no one survives in the belly of a fish for three days and nights.

Perhaps, quite simply, it depends on whether you believe in a God who can perform miracles. Remember, this is the God who parted a sea (see Exodus 14), drew water from a rock (see Numbers 20), collapsed the walls of Jericho

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

by Major Jane Kimberley

(see Joshua 6) and burnt up a watersoaked sacrifice on Mount Carmel (see 1 Kings 18).

QUESTIONS O Can God arrange for a fish to swallow a man and then spit him up alive three days later?

O Can God do the miraculous or not?

Finally, Jonah decides it is time to start praying.

He could have prayed when the storm threatened the ship and the sailors all called out to their gods. He could have prayed when questioned by the sailors but, instead, he said they should throw him overboard. He could have prayed when he was bobbing up and down in the sea.

When does Jonah pray? Not until a giant fish has swallowed him. In verse 7, he says: ‘When my life was

ebbing away, I remembered you, Lord.’

Well, better late than never, I guess.

QUESTIONS O Are you quick or slow to turn to prayer?

O Why? For some people, when an issue arises, the first thing they do is to pray.

For others, it is the last option after all else fails.

For someone in his unique predicament, Jonah’s prayer is very optimistic. He says he called to the Lord and he ‘answered me … you listened to my cry’ (v2). He says that, despite his situation, ‘I will look again towards your holy temple’ (v4) and concludes by stating that ‘salvation comes from the Lord’ (v9).

He does all this while in ‘the deep’ (v5). Deep waters were not a good place for the Israelites. Genesis 1:2

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.

(Psalm 91:15)

Great is thy faithfulness, O God my Father,/ There is no shadow of turning with thee;/ Thou changest not, thy compassions they fail not;/ As thou hast been thou forever wilt be.

(SASB 26)

Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.

(Psalm 86:6 and 7)

Prayer Dear God, thank you for your love, your patience and your willingness to forgive me when I go against your will.

Help me to follow you in faith and obedience.

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pray says the Spirit of God hovered ‘over’ the watery depths but, by implication, not within them. The depths were a godless place. The watery depths were a place of destruction during the great flood, while Noah and the ark were safe above them. The Egyptian army, pursuing Moses and the Israelites, drowned in the depths of the Red Sea. For Micah, the depths of the sea were where God cast sins (see Micah 7:19).

For a runaway prophet pursued by God, having been cast overboard and now languishing in the depths in the belly of a fish, Jonah shows extreme optimism. He prays, believing that God will spare him.

When was the last time you found yourself in the deep? Maybe not in deep water but feeling low or down or downcast or crestfallen (note the theme in all these words). Read

Psalm 139:7–12 and reflect on God’s constant presence with you.

QUESTIONS O Are you naturally optimistic, pessimistic or somewhere in between?

O When life seems toughest, can you pray optimistically that God will deliver you?

Jonah’s prayer praises God as being powerful, merciful, attentive and the provider of salvation. If we take his prayer in isolation, we might assume Jonah is a big fan of God – a prophet who honours and adores the Lord he loyally serves. However, we know that the context doesn’t support this theory. Jonah is a disobedient prophet who attempts to run from God and is reluctant to pray.

What does it say about God that he heard Jonah’s prayer and spared his

life? Should God have done that or just found another prophet – an obedient one – to send to Nineveh?

QUESTIONS O How would you encourage a believer who is struggling with their prayer life or reluctant to pray?

O How does someone recommence a stalled prayer life?

Next week, we see what happens when Jonah finally gets to Nineveh.

MAJOR DAVIES IS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

When in danger make me brave,/ Make me know that thou canst save,/ Keep me safe by thy dear side,/ Let me in thy love abide.

(SASB 639)

I am under vows to you, my God; I will present my thank-offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

(Psalm 56:12 and 13)

Fatherlike he tends and spares us;/ Well our feeble frame he knows,/ In his hands he gently bears us,/ Rescues us from all our foes./ Praise him!/ Widely as his mercy flows.

(SASB 55)

Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.

(Psalm 86:11)

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REFLECTION REF RE REFL FL LEC ECT ECTI TIION ON

Peace Brian Colley (Clowne) considers the meaning of peace God’s Peace Applied A prayer poem by Major Jim Bryden Oh Lord, we confess to you those hatreds we nurse, prejudices we entertain, suspicions we feed, fears we possess and greeds we can’t satisfy.

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HE account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4:35–41 is probably one of the best-known stories in the New Testament. Anyone who has been on a ship at sea during a storm will know it can be frightening, but in a small fishing boat it must be far worse. Some of the disciples were seasoned fishermen – professionals – yet they still panicked on this occasion.

The Sea of Galilee is actually a lake measuring approximately 13 by 8 miles.

Most of the time it is a beautiful, calm stretch of water, but it can at times be unexpectedly hit by a fierce storm. That was what happened when Jesus was sleeping through the ‘furious squall’, as Mark refers to it (v37). Fearing for their lives, the terrified disciples woke him up. ‘Don’t you care if we drown?’ they protested (v38).

Storms of life can hit people suddenly.

Serious illness, unexpected death, family problems, redundancy – these and other situations can come out of the blue. Then today’s disciples sometimes turn to Jesus with the question, ‘Don’t you care?’

He does care, and in that storm on the Sea of Galilee he was surprised by the disciples’ lack of faith. After stilling the storm, he asked: ‘Why are you so afraid?

Do you still have no faith?’ (v40). It is the lack of faith that disappoints him.

We not only need to maintain our own faith in him, but be able to show his peace to others when they are hit by personal storms of life: ‘Make me a channel of your peace./ Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope./ 18

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Where there is darkness, only light,/ And where there’s sadness ever joy’ (SASB 608).

Peace is needed on a global scale and it is needed locally where there are family differences, arguments with neighbours, at work or even within a church community. So the Bible encourages us: ‘Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord’ (Hebrews 12:14).

On the eve of his crucifixion, as Jesus was leaving those very same disciples who had shared the storm experience with him, he said, ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’ (John 14:27). Just before that he had said, ‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me’ (v1). Peace comes through believing in – and trusting in – Jesus, even in the midst of the storm.

Billy Graham wrote: ‘Someone once said, “Worry is the interest paid on trouble before it comes due.” Instead, God would have us learn to trust him.’

As the prophet Isaiah put it in his song of praise, ‘You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you’ (Isaiah 26:3).

O the peace my Saviour gives, Peace I never knew before!

And my way has brighter grown Since I learned to trust him more.

(SASB 887)

While we have no wish to start a war, We have to admit that wars begin In the minds of people; People who are conquered by hatred, prejudice, suspicion, fear, greed.

Lord, defeat the enemy within!

Only then will we and our world know peace.

Oh Lord, Prince of Peace, rule in our lives, rest upon us.

Let your peace saturate our minds, That spontaneously we seek the good of others by seeing the best in them, becoming aware of their uniqueness, being conscious of their eternal worth, acting for their wellbeing.

Lord, purify our motives so that we see all people as family and work untiringly for their good.

Let your peace encircle our bodies, That our energy and drive be directed to clothing the naked, feeding the hungry, healing the wounded, comforting the abused.

Lord, may the weary find rest, the frustrated know release, the oppressed discover hope, the hateful experience goodness.

More than all, may your own Spirit of love and peace reign in our lives!

In the name of your Son, Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

REFL R RE EFL E FLEC FLE FL ECTI ECTI TION ON

Jim Burns gives a warning about tr ying to be like others

H

AVE you ever wanted to be like someone else? Perhaps a gifted Salvationist, a talented sportsperson or an accomplished musician? It’s good to have ambition if this drives you on to study more, train harder or practise longer – as long as that desire doesn’t take you down a wrong path, like Adam.

God told Adam that he could eat the fruit of any tree in the Garden of Eden except the tree that gives knowledge of what is good and what is bad. Later, when God had made Eve, the snake pops up and asks her, ‘Did God really say, “You must not eat from any tree in the garden”?’

(Genesis 3:1).

Of course, the snake already knows the answer, but this is just the start of drawing Eve in. Isn’t it interesting how we read this in Genesis and don’t even stop to think, ‘Wow, a talking snake! Whoever heard of such a thing?’ Apparently the thought doesn’t even strike Eve, who happily carries on the conversation.

Eve replies that they could indeed eat from any tree, other than the one in the middle of the garden, which would lead to death. Eve hadn’t been created when God told Adam this, so he must have passed on the warning.

Then the snake calls God a liar and states that the reason God has forbidden them from eating that fruit is because, if they did, they would be like God and know what is good and bad. Which I suppose was half right, because they would have that

knowledge – but it would in no way make them equal to God. The Devil is certainly good at half-truths.

This idea captivates Eve, who thinks it would be wonderful to become wise. She eats the fruit and gives some to Adam who also eats it.

It’s not clear if he knew where it came from, but ‘as soon as they had eaten it, they were given understanding and realised that they were naked’ (v7 Good News Bible). It has always struck me as very Victorian that the first thing they noticed with all their new-found knowledge was that they were nude, and immediately set about sewing fig leaves to cover themselves. It hadn’t bothered them before, or God for that matter.

Adam and Eve paid dearly for disobeying God and for wanting to be like him. And the whole human race has been paying the price for their actions ever since.

When we meet Satan later, it’s no longer in the form of a snake nor is it in a garden. He’s found in the desert, tempting Jesus (see Matthew 4:1–11).

Or should I say taunting him? Twice the Devil says ‘if you are God’s Son’ – as if to challenge him to prove he is. But unlike Eve, Jesus doesn’t take the bait.

Satan offers Jesus all the kingdoms of the world – in effect, the opportunity to be someone else – if Jesus will fall down and worship him. Instead, Jesus reminds Satan of the Scripture that says, ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!’ (v10 GNB). Should we be challenged or embarrassed about

the Devil’s knowledge of Scripture in comparison to ours?

The good news is that Jesus, the second Adam, isn’t taken in by the Devil’s tricks or taunts.

Paul counselled the church in Philippi: ‘In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness’ (Philippians 2:5–7).

We are to follow the example of Jesus by being humble towards one another and always considering others better than ourselves.

If there are dangers in trying to be someone else, it might seem like a contradiction for us to sing the chorus ‘To Be Like Jesus’. However, we are singing about our desire to live by his example, not putting ourselves up as his equal. There’s no one better that we can try to be like. As Paul says elsewhere, ‘Against such there is no law’ (Galatians 5:23 King James Version).

To be like Jesus!

This hope possesses me, In every thought and deed, This is my aim, my creed; To be like Jesus!

This hope possesses me, His Spirit helping me, Like him I’ll be.

(SASB 328) Salvationist 14 August 2021

19

LETTERS

HOLIDAY PLUS

MAKING CONNECTIONS

MIGHT anyone have memories and photographs of the Holiday Plus fellowship week at Butlin’s holiday camp, Bognor Regis, in 1976? In particular, memories and photographs of the Blinking Owl bar, which was used for youth events, and New Life, the resident group from Cradley Heath Corps.

It was a hard week for the group as we were required to play for two sessions each night until very late and then rehearse during the day for the following night. One of the highlights was being asked to play in the main theatre on the Thursday evening for all the attendees. We had one night off when another group were guests – I think from Worthing.

If you do have memories or photographs you can share, please contact me by emailing st .

Stephen Bradley Halesowen

I JUST read the thought-provoking editorial ‘Making spiritual connections’ (Salvationist 26 June). It is a great article that every corps officer needs to read. The coronavirus pandemic helped many people who did not know The Salvation Army is a church and were surprised to see worship services online through social media. In fact, several corps increased their attendance or even tripled the number of people following their meetings. I agree that we need to find ways to engage with people who have ‘fuzzy faith’. We also need to keep our worship meetings on Facebook and YouTube to inform people that we are not a social service organisation but a church with a mission to serve the marginalised.

Daniel Diakanwa Captain USA Eastern Territory

SOCIAL MISSION IN response to John Coutts’ article ‘Exceptional Army?’ (Salvationist 3 July) and the letter from Garry and Yvonne Reed (Salvationist 19 June), while I agree that the social work of the Army is important, it should not be the main focus.

I have shed many tears over the way the Army is neglecting Christian worship and the care of soldiers to concentrate on the social mission. Surely we are all called to serve, in the love of Jesus, whether soldier, officer or General. We are, after all, on the same side working towards the same goal: a mission based on faith in Jesus Christ, leading then to helping others in love.

I know that there is a need to move with the times and bring the Army into the present age, but the one thing that must never change is a close relationship with God, putting prayer and worship first. Everything else that we try to do must come from this base.

Sheila A Jennings Ilfracombe

LETTERS Readers’ letters are a popular and wellread section of Salvationist. Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’.

Please note that letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.

20

Salvationist 14 August 2021

SHOWING OUR MOTIVATION I READ with interest ‘Exceptional Army?’ (Salvationist 3 July) and found many of the points John Coutts made very thought-provoking. Sadly, many people associate our Movement only with the excellent practical help we give. It is likely there is less understanding that these things have come about because we are Christians who believe in, and are guided by, the Bible and the example of Jesus. It would be interesting to show members of the public the red shield logo and ask what it means to them. How many would say ‘church’ as opposed to ‘charity shop’ or ‘people who do good works’?

Perhaps it is time to consider adding the phrase ‘Heart to God, hand to man’ under the shield. It may not mean a lot to everyone but I feel that there is the potential for individuals to know more about our motivation as a church that wants all humankind to know the love of God. Jean Wilson Northampton

TREVOR STEVENTON HAVING read the tribute to Trevor (Salvationist 26 June), I felt compelled to write on behalf of countless people who were inspired by his influence.

Trevor was a kind, caring, inspirational man. He worked tirelessly, encouraging and teaching young musicians. I remember Tuesday evenings in the 1970s at High Wycombe Corps, where he would teach beginners before junior band rehearsals, then conduct and rehearse the band before going on to play in senior band rehearsals and think nothing of it.

Trevor put up with our rebellious teenage nature and never pushed his faith on us; he just lived it through his actions and care for us all. I am convinced that this is what enabled the junior band to have a membership of over 40 players and go out and advertise The Salvation Army in High Wycombe and farther afield. Through his leadership, the junior band was able to perform senior band music, a firm favourite being ‘On Parade’.

A good number of us were able to perform under Trevor’s leadership at High Wycombe Music Centre. There, Trevor introduced us to a wide range of wind band music and expanded our horizons and friendships.

Trevor was a humble man, who never sought to sing his own praises. He was not only a first class cornet player and conductor, but also a pianist of immense talent. He accompanied numerous soloists with musicality, support and expression.

I have spent my working life in music education and Trevor has been a massive influence on how I approach my career. To say Trevor is a legend is an understatement. His infectious laughter and conversations will be with us for ever. Hilary, Gary and Jo, our thoughts are with you.

Simon Davie Marlow

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On 7 and 8 September, the Emergency Services Show will be held at Birmingham NEC and The Salvation Army will have a display there. The show will feature 450 stands and have more than 10,000 visitors.

If you are interested in attending or taking your volunteers, go to emergencyuk.com/why-visit to register for a free ticket.

Prayer Network The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick 21–23 January 2022

Encounter

Prayer Gathering ‘What is the Spirit saying to the Church?’

As we navigate turbulent, changing times, God invites us to a deeper kind of listening. Prayer and worship will be the main emphases of this event. We will be listening and discerning together to tune into God’s ‘now’ word for us and for The Salvation Army.

Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill will be with us for this weekend of prayerful listening.

‘Early bird’ discount (full payment before 1 October): £165 per person From 1 October full price applies: £180 per person

Online booking only: To book this event, please go to form-eu.123formbuilder.com/43200/prayer-gathering-2022 Booking queries: events@salvationarmy.org.uk Other queries: saprayernetwork@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army is a Christian Church and a Registered Charity No 214779, and in Scotland SC009359

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.

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Your corps could advertise in a box this size for as little as £26 for one issue or £65 for three issues

Salvationist 14 August 2021

21

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CMS Andrew Yates, Bromley Temple O YPSM Luke Nunn, Bromley Temple O YPBL Alan Williams, Bromley Temple DEDICATED TO GOD Franki-Rose McCartney, daughter of Lisa Jones and Thomas McCartney, at Dundonald by Lieutenant Sharon Stevens

O

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Blue Sapphire (65th) O B/Reservist Bill and Freda Milsom, Staple Hill (18 August) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Mrs Major Rene Davey (95 on 21 August) O Mrs Major Grace Richardson (85 on 23 August) PROMOTED TO GLORY Beryl Naden, Leeds Central O John Heald, Leeds Central O Bertha Hughes, Birmingham Citadel O Bandsman Colin Perry, Harlesden O Betty Bewers, Maldon, on 25 July O

BEREAVED Wendy Heald, Leeds Central, of her husband John Heald O CSM Myra Perry, Harlesden, of her husband Bandsman Colin Perry O

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 August O Captain Joyce Baynes (née Lee) out of Cardiff Ely in 2011 and last appointment Newport Citadel O Major Geoffrey Bonsell out of Loughborough in 2001 and last appointment Ammanford O Major Linda Charlton (née Teasdale) out of Grimsby Willows in 2004 and last appointment Reading West

Major Sandra Fisher (née Hardcastle) out of Parkgate in 1995 and last appointment Blackpool Citadel O Major Martin Hill out of Northampton Central in 1984 and last appointment Central East DHQ O Major Julia Johnson (née Hampton) out of Merthyr Tydfil in 1977 and last appointment chaplain, William Booth Centre and Shepherds Green LH, Birmingham O Major Jane Kemp (née McCallum) out of Kirkintilloch in 1974 and last appointment Lochgelly O Major Maria Rosa Kent (née Machin) out of Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1979 and last appointment Penarth O Major Julie Kidd out of Uxbridge in 1980 and last appointment Personnel Service, THQ O Major Elizabeth Lloyd (née Ward) out of Woodhouse in 1995 and last appointment Brighton Congress Hall O Major Caroline Mingay (née Boardman) out of Ilford in 1982 and last appointment Regent Hall and WBC O Major Stephen Naylor out of Poplar in 1981 with Major Hilary Naylor (née Krelle) out of Prescot in 1980 and last appointment Hull Icehouse O Major Liliane Westlake (née Pollock) out of Kilsyth in 1979 and last appointment East Scotland DHQ O Major Graham Willetts with Major Sharon Willetts (née O’Neill) out of Treharris in 1983 and last appointment Bexleyheath O

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

WHAT’S ON ALL-TERRAIN PODCAST July’s podcast guest is Captain Richard Bradbury (IHQ) who has recently returned to the UK having previously served in Bangladesh, Kenya and Zambia.

O Listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify or Podbean

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Bromley Temple, Sun 29 Aug

22

Salvationist 14 August 2021

SHIELD BOOKS SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST In Episode 3 of this series Book Editor Rebecca Goldsmith (Publishing Department, THQ) interviews Major Melvyn Jones about his book That Contentious Spirituality.

O Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com

TRIBUTES PAT CRICHARD, ENFIELD AND HOXTON PAT was a Christian lady who put God at the forefront of all she did. Born in 1934, her service for God through The Salvation Army began at a young age at Tottenham Bruce Grove and Tottenham North, where she was songster leader.

In 1973 she moved to Clapton Congress Hall, where she again became songster leader, played cornet in the band and was corps pianist. Pat was also a founding member of the London Ladies Brass.

Pat later linked up with Hoxton Corps, where her knowledge and financial skills from her banking career were much appreciated, as well as her encouragement and support of staff members and officers.

When she moved to a care home in Enfield, she made links with the corps there. Pat’s funeral service included participation from Enfield Baptist Church, The Salvation Army and the community church – a testimony to her ecumenical heart.

Corps folk give God thanks for Pat and share with many others who would say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’

– SS/SF KEITH LACK, NORTHAMPTON KEITH was born in 1928 to Salvationist parents in Wellingborough.

He was given a brass instrument to play at a young age, which led to a love of music and music-making. Keith played trombone and euphonium, performing

ADVERTS many solos over the years, and was deputy bandmaster at the corps.

In 1968 Keith moved to Northampton Central with his wife, Dorothy, where they were both involved in corps life.

Keith continued to play in the band and sing in the songsters. For a while, he was the corps pianist and accompanied the songsters. He also served as corps secretary for several years.

Keith had high principles and was a true gentleman. He was proud of his son and daughter, four grandchildren and three great-granddaughters.

Along with Dorothy, with whom he is now united, The Salvation Army was Keith’s life.

Keith is sadly missed by his family and friends from the Army. Well done, good and faithful servant! – SF

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Correct as of 3pm on 9 August RISK ASSESSMENTS Updated versions of the Covid-19 risk assessments are available for local use. They reflect the latest guidance from national governments.

RESTRICTIONS Scotland – Almost all Covid-19 restrictions have ended (from 9 August), including limits on the number of people who can meet and social distancing in most settings. A ‘gradual approach’ is being taken to returning workers to offices. The requirement to use face coverings in enclosed spaces such as shops, hospitality venues and public transport will continue.

Wales – The country is at alert level 0. There are now no legal restrictions on the number of people who can meet indoors, and all businesses and premises can reopen. However, people should still work from home wherever possible, and face coverings remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality venues.

Republic of Ireland – The maximum number of guests permitted to attend a wedding has increased to 100.

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Salvationist 14 August 2021

23

‘‘‘

You made us for much more than this, Awake the Kingdom seed in us, Fill us with the strength and love of Christ

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…

BEVERLEY TAYLOR Blackpool Citadel How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I became a volunteer helper in the kitchen in July 2006. We served soup and sandwiches to people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable people.

What made you want to worship at the Army?

The warmth and the reception I received from the Christians I met. They gave me another family.

What is your day job?

I manage the Bridge Project, which supports the less fortunate in our community. The project is the largest of its kind in Blackpool.

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

The most interesting thing is meeting new people each day and having a gift from God that enables me to support them. It’s frustrating when I’m not able to complete all that I intended to on a particular day. But God will speak to me and say, ‘What you couldn’t complete today will be there tomorrow; be satisfied with today’s blessings.’

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

A Christian retreat weekend is always relaxing and comforting. I also love a canal barge holiday where I can be close to nature and have time alone with the Lord.

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

William Wilberforce. What he achieved in the movement to abolish the slave trade amazes me.

’’’

‘Build Your Kingdom Here’

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Corrie ten Boom’s words: ‘There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.’

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

Bobsleigh in the Winter Olympics would be fun!

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

A decent tin opener that lasts more than six months.

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

Jesus, of course.

What is your favourite meal?

Indian curry, specifically chicken madras.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Cooking and talking a lot.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

Anything by Corrie ten Boom.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Edwardian dress.

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

‘Jerusalem’.

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

Stop the Cavalryy by Jona Lewie. I was 11 years old.

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

Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.

What is your favourite Bible passage?

Either Psalm 23 or Psalm 139. They say that the Lord knows everything about me, loves and cares and is my shepherd.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

God equipped me with the ability to reach out to the most chaotic and deprived people who cross my path every day.

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

Mary or Martha. I would ask how I could be more like Mary, sitting and listening.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Build Your Kingdom Here’ by Rend Collective.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Poverty.

Did you have a nickname growing up? u ?

Rosie Red Cheeks.

What do you do in your spare time e?

Read, and watch the birds in the garden. I also have a puppy called Tillyy, who is a gift to me from God.

Something interesting est g peop p people e pe might want want tto kn now w abo bout ut you is… s I would uld love to lilive ve on a fa arm r .