Salvationist 15 October 2022

SALVATIONIST

HOMELESS CHARITY PLEA TO MOVE SOUP KITCHEN INDOORS

A homeless charity which operates Scotland’s busiest outdoor soup kitchen has made a plea for help to find a building as winter approaches.

Homeless Project Scotland (HPS) runs a soup kitchen under a bridge in central Glasgow three nights a week, serving hundreds of meals each time.

The charity said there were often 200 people queueing for food and it needed a building as the weather got colder…

National operations manager Alan Hamilton said: ‘It’s unpredictable just how bad it could get come winter.

‘The cost of living is going up, recessions, Christmastime, that queue could be all the way to George Square’…

Colin McInnes, the charity’s chairman and co-founder ... said ... he and other members of HPS visited a potential site at the St Francis Centre in the Gorbals…

[The] St Francis Centre will be used as a ‘welcome place’ for people to keep warm this winter…

‘If we opened up 24 hours a day we could be feeding hundreds more and we could be heating the elderly and vulnerable this winter,’ Mr McInnes said.

Mr Hamilton added... ‘What does a pavement give somebody, apart from hypothermia?’

News

FORMER ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY SAYS SACRED TABOTS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO ETHIOPIA

Lord Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, says that a tabot held by Westminster Abbey should be returned to its native Ethiopia…

In the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, tabots are a type of plaque made of wood or stone that represent the Ark of the Covenant and the Ten Commandments.

They are considered highly sacred and can only be seen by priests. They cannot be put on display.

It follows calls by Lord Carey last month for the return of 11 tabots held by the British Museum to Ethiopia as a ‘matter of faith’.

The tabot came into the hands of the abbey as a donation … after it was looted at the battle of Maqdala (Magdala) in 1868.

Christian Today

THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND AND ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY SHARE PRAYERS AS BLACK HISTORY MONTH BEGINS

The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Church of England ... shared their prayers as Black History Month [began].

[The] Most [Right] Rev Justin Welby posted to Twitter and wrote: ‘During Black History Month, the Church of England remembers the challenge to turn lament into action. We pray for the Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns in their work to transform churches [and] communities into places where everyone is loved [and] valued before God’…

The Archbishop of York, the Most [Right] Rev Stephen Cottrell took to Twitter to share this year’s theme for the month ... Time for Change: Action Not Words Premier

POPE FRANCIS PLEADS TO PRESIDENT PUTIN TO STOP ‘SPIRAL OF VIOLENCE AND DEATH’ AMIDST THE WAR IN UKRAINE

Pope Francis has given an urgent plea to Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ‘spiral of violence and death’ that’s occurred during the war in Ukraine…

Pope Francis expressed deep concern over the nuclear threat and military escalation in the war in Ukraine, issuing a powerful appeal for an immediate ceasefire…

The Pontiff went on to say that he is upset at the lives lost within the war: ‘I am saddened by the rivers of blood and tears spilled in these months. I am saddened by the thousands of victims, especially children, and the destruction which has left many people and families homeless and threaten vast territories with cold and hunger…’

Pope Francis is calling on an immediate ceasefire and expressed: ‘Let negotiations begin that will lead to solutions that are not imposed by force, but consensual, just and stable, based on respect for human life, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, and the rights of minorities.’ Premier

Walking together

THE notion of subservience is a troubled one, and it’s become more troubled in recent years because it’s often confused with submission and even slavery.

My dictionary says that subservience is ‘a willingness to do what other people want, or the act of considering your wishes as less important than those of other people’. Another says, in part, that it is ‘the willingness to obey others unquestioningly’.

The key here is willingness – if I freely choose to submit my will, desires or life to another, that’s my decision and I’m entitled to take that course of action.

In John 20, we read of Jesus appearing to the disciples post-Resurrection. Thomas had already expressed his doubt about talk of a risen Christ, then Jesus appeared and confronted him. In a moment, Thomas fell to his knees and exclaimed: ‘My Lord and my God!’ (v28). He expressed his subservience to Christ.

Submission and slavery, on the other hand, involve imposition. Someone imposes their will or power on another and forces them to surrender or to do something unwillingly. This is not a choice – this is coercion.

This issue of Salvationist covers both subservience and slavery, and they are vastly different things. On pages 10 and 11 you will read a report of the welcome meeting for the Defenders of Justice session as they commence their officer training. These are people who have responded to a call from God to enter into full-time ministry and have willingly made themselves subservient to God and to that call.

They are not enslaved to God. They have not submitted to him due to fear or force. They have freely chosen to respond.

This is not the case for those who are experiencing modern slavery, as we discover on pages 12 and 13 in an interview with Jo Taylor. She is a youth specialist in discipleship and explains a new student advocate scheme to promote awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking among young people.

‘We are passionate about standing with survivors, ’ says Jo, ‘so we want to tell these stories that represent their courage and the reality of their situation.’

She reminds us that we need to learn to identify the signs of someone being held in slavery and where to get help for victims: ‘Modern slavery is happening all around us and not just in the darkest places imaginable.’

People trapped in modern slavery are not exercising their right to express subservience to another; they are being forced to submit control of their lives to another. And that’s not right.

On page 24, in this week’s ‘The Salvation Army and me’, Marlene Clarke from Poole names ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ as her theme song. First penned in 1945, it serves as a fitting theme song for The Salvation Army’s work with survivors of modern slavery. As we seek to live out our mission statement priorities of serving others and seeking justice and reconciliation, we also seek to show those in need that we will journey with them and offer what love and support we can.

We pray for the Defenders of Justice as they actively seek to be subservient to God and make his will theirs. And we pray for victims of modern slavery who have been enslaved against their will.

To both we say: we will walk with you.

MAJOR MAL DAVIES Editor Salvationist

CONTENTS

Quotes from the media 2

News 4 to 8

Prayer matters 8

William Booth College update 9 Outlining a new vision by Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne

News feature 10 and 11 Cadets’ welcome weekend by Captain Jo Moir

Interview 12 and 13 Educating the new front line Jo Taylor talks to George Tanton

We are The Salvation Army 14 and 15 We are a faithful community says Captain Darren Hampton

Bible study 16 and 17 Are you satisfied? by Captain Andrew Manley

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Melvyn Knott

New commitments 18 and 19 Review 20 More Than Conquerors reviewed by Lieutenant Gill McCredie

Review 20 Blessings reviewed by Major Malcolm Westwood

Adverts 21

Announcements 22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me 24 featuring Marlene Clarke

FRONT-PAGE PICTURE Andrew King Photography

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

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

International leaders head home

CANADA

‘WELCOME home!’ was a common refrain from the moment General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle arrived in the country. They both grew up on Newfoundland, but this was their first official visit as international leaders.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Floyd Tidd highlighted the theme of the visit – Mobilise NL – saying that the weekend’s events signalled an opportunity to ‘mobilise again’ following the Covid-19 pandemic.

A highlight of the meeting was a report from Lieutenant April Ward (Buchans Corps), who shared how territorial innovation grants had sparked new ministries with young and older people.

The second meeting took place in Blaketown, which the General affectionately referred to as his ‘backyard’, having grown up a short distance away.

The leaders then returned to St John’s, where a festival of praise showcased the music ministry of young people’s groups.

The Sunday morning meeting began with a moment of silence to mark the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks on the USA. Images of The Salvation Army’s response to the tragic events showed the work in New York as well as the caring ministry to stranded passengers that took place in Newfoundland.

Calling Salvationists to give themselves in service to God, the General asked: ‘Can God count on you? Surrender your all – the Kingdom is at stake!’ – KO

Report calls for more media faith coverage

UK

A NEW report has revealed a strong demand across the world for more news media coverage on faith.

The largest ever global faith and media study looked at the portrayal of faith and religion in the media and found that journalists and editors admit coverage of the topic is rarely encouraged in newsrooms.

The study was commissioned by the Faith and Media Initiative (Fami) and captured the views of 9,000 global citizens as well as journalists and editors in 18 countries covering the world’s major religions.

It reflected the feeling among the general population that media coverage can perpetuate faith-related stereotypes rather than protect against them. It also laid out some factors that journalists and editors think can lead to religious and faith stereotypes in news coverage.

‘These new findings shine a light on the urgent need to offer faith leaders improved access to the power and reach of the news media, and media a direct line to faith leaders for enhanced understanding of beliefs in the context of modern society,’ said Vice President of Fami Brooke Zaugg. ‘By joining forces, we can better serve humanity by ensuring a more accurate, balanced representation of all faiths in journalism and entertainment worldwide.’ – AR

Read the report now: index.faithandmedia.com/data

PRESENTATION

AK

WILLENHALL For the first time in many years the corps ran a three-day holiday club themed Seaside Rock. Children learnt about the importance of following the example of Peter and building their lives on Jesus, who represents a solid rock. There were Bible stories, crafts, games and times of reflection. Many volunteers of all ages from the corps supported the holiday club and helped provide lunch for all the children attending. Since the holiday club, two new families have come along to Sunday children’s worship. – LH-N

FELIXSTOWE To celebrate the history of the town, the Felixstowe Society organised a heritage weekend, which included an exhibition depicting the history of the corps and its Christian mission in the community. This coincided with the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust’s annual sponsored cycle ride. Many participating cyclists joined corps folk for refreshments and to view the exhibition.

DA

BRISTON Corps Secretary Marilyn Reynolds received flowers and gift vouchers during the Harvest festival meeting in thanks of her work running the corps while unofficered, and for always being there for corps folk.

EMERGENCY AID

MISSISSIPPI Heavy rain and flooding caused damage to the main water treatment facility in Jackson, leaving more than 180,000 residents without clean drinking water. The USA Southern Territory worked in co-ordination with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to arrange its own distribution plan with support from Walmart. Army response teams from Tupelo and Hattiesburg transported water to underserved communities and people unable to get to the city’s distribution points, including the Jackson Institute for the Blind and a dialysis centre. In total, the Army distributed 14,417 cases of water, 15,130 meals, 480 boxes of cleaning supplies, 2,600 hygiene kits and 10,368 pairs of socks. – AR

MUSIC

CLITHEROE The corps had a fantastic day when David Stanley presented a Music Man taster day with his team. Everyone joined in with great enthusiasm, playing instruments, learning songs and gaining confidence as they performed. The day was full of fun and new experiences, and attracted new people to the corps. The corps plans to open a Music Man group in the future. Pictured is Becky Walsh singing ‘Music is Magic’. – ES

EVENT

Members of Merthyr Tydfil and friends from Cameo begin the Harvest weekend with a supper and quiz in support of the local food bank

Back of the net for Blue Nile MANCHESTER

BLUE Nile from the Refugee Resettlement Service in the North West won The Salvation Army’s annual Partnership Trophy football tournament for people experiencing homelessness.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag and former football manager and England captain Terry Butcher joined the players for the tournament, which brings together more than 20 teams from Army services across the UK.

Players taking part came from Lifehouses, outreach programmes and Salvation Army Housing Association services. This year’s tournament also included refugees and survivors of modern slavery from Army safe houses.

The tournament was supported by the Guardiola Sala Foundation, a humanitarian charity set up by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his family, who attended in 2019, and supported travelling expenses.

Terry hosted a passing skills workshop and presented the trophy to the winning team.

He said: ‘The challenges players have overcome – and are still overcoming – is testament to their hard work and commitment to being the best that they can be.’ – AR

EVENT

DUNSTABLE Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main visited the corps, saying it ‘felt like coming home’. In the afternoon, over coffee and cake, the territorial leaders hosted An Audience with... sharing opportunities, challenges and blessings of officership and answering questions from the congregation. – JB

CLITHEROE The town’s annual heritage event included a reading of a poem about the Army and the work of the corps over the years. Read outside the hall by its author, Richard Jackson, the poem fitted the tune ‘Onward Christian Soldiers’. – ES

Editor's note In the 8 October issue of Salvationist, Major Cliff Allchin’s role was described as ‘divisional leader’. His role is divisional mission enabler. Salvationist apologises for the error.

International Conference of Leaders looks to future

VANCOUVER

LEADERS of 58 territories and commands gathered for the Army’s International Conference of Leaders (ICL). Even though some attended via video, this was the first in-person gathering of leaders since 2017 and the first under the leadership of General Brian Peddle – supported by World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham) and World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham.

In his keynote opening speech, the General declared: ‘My faith in the Almighty drives me to shout into our unknown future that, with you, I can be certain… The best is yet to come!’

He spoke of the Devil and division in today’s world, saying: ‘I hear in my heart the words of Joshua: “Be strong and courageous.” If there was ever a time for Booth’s vision of a worldwide One Army to flourish … it is now.’

A day of worship at Cariboo Hill Temple Corps in Vancouver began with a Land Acknowledgement, recognising the traditional territory of the Indigenous people(s) who first called the land home before the arrival of settlers. Delivered by Verna Benson, she spoke first in her native tongue and followed this with a sung prayer of blessing for the international leaders.

Commissioner Rosalie read Psalm 100, Commissioner Bronwyn led prayer for victims of human trafficking and Commissioner Man Hee Chang (Korea Territory) offered prayers for the international Salvation Army. The General gave a reading from Ephesians 3:14, then introduced the theme of the ICL: Limitless God.

Sharing stories of growth around the world, the General underscored that the Army today is larger than at any time in history. ‘Do not lay down your sword just yet!’ he encouraged.

During the week’s sessions, the leaders heard about and considered topics including identity, governance, officer training, the role of employees in Army mission and the need to train key personnel for the future.

Updates were shared from the International Theological Council and the International Social Justice Commission. Times of small group discussion included reflection based on John 13:33–38 and The Heart of God by Commissioner Robert Street.

Officers worked together at tables while delegates from around the world participated remotely.

Colonel Julie Forrest updated delegates on the recent symposium on human sexuality and concluded by saying that there will be serious consequences of not addressing the issues.

She said: ‘These issues will be considered at the General’s Council and I hope we can have respectful conversations about encouraging the wider use of the Let’s Talk About… documents.’

Commissioner Lyndon thanked leaders for their willingness to re-engage with some areas of work that may have been interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Echoing the General’s keynote speech, he said: ‘There is more yet for us to engage in for the Kingdom. The Lord has more in store for the future of The Salvation Army.’ – AR

Fun and sunshine in Devon and Cornwall FALMOUTH

THIRTY-ONE young people from across the Devon and Cornwall Division gathered at Penryn Campus, Falmouth University, for a week of fun and sunshine, writes Youth Development Worker Alice Hodge

It was brilliant to see the young people reunite after not having Summer School since 2019 and we also welcomed 14 newcomers. We explored biblical themes of freedom and what freedom in Christ means. A large percentage of our young people had never gone to church before, so this was a great opportunity for them to start exploring and asking those big questions.

The young people enjoyed two days at BF Adventure, where they did rock climbing, rafting, zip-lining and many more activities. Throughout the other days they took part in streams including dance, survival skills, sports, art and discussion. They thoroughly enjoyed learning new skills and exploring the theme of freedom in different ways.

The days were busy but everyone still had energy for fun social evenings, including watching movies, an escape room, a Taskmaster evening, a care for creation night and an inflatables evening. Many young people said yes to starting their journey with Jesus and stepped out of their comfort zones. What a fantastic week!

Young people from Bridgwater’s Sunday Club celebrate Harvest by making bread and a traditional wheatsheaf

EVENT

MUSIC

MARKET RASEN Harvest celebrations included a music afternoon that attracted an audience of more than 65 people. Music teacher Ellen Gannon brought 20 pupils, who performed with great confidence. For some, this was their first time in front of an audience. – GB

EVENT

ECUMENICAL

Salvationists take part in World Council of Churches assembly

GERMANY

SIX Salvation Army officers were among more than 3,500 church leaders and representatives who gathered for the 11th General Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

The delegation was headed by Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations Commissioner Jane Paone (IHQ), a member of the WCC Central Committee. It also included Officer for European Ecumenical Relations Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek (IHQ), Secretary for Capability Development and Training Lieut-Colonel Bishow Samhika (IHQ) and, from the UK Territory, Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare, Territorial Ecumenical Officer Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts and Lieutenant Jonny Whitmore (Barrow-in-Furness).

Nearly 40 people from the corps and United Reformed Church –who are using the hall for weekly activities and services – joined together for a Harvest supper and quiz. Donations raised more than £200, which was split between the two churches. The local food bank gratefully received the groceries displayed throughout the weekend. – MT

KNOTTINGLEY

MEETING

SKEWEN Harvest celebrations included Scripture from John 15 – the vine and the branches. In the morning meeting Major Carol Back challenged the congregation to consider whether their lives have produced a good harvest. Corps officer Major Doug Back continued the theme in the evening speaking about being fruitful disciples. He explained how everyone is on full-time ministry as branches of the vine. The congregational songs were all Harvest favourites and the bountiful Harvest display was full of products to be used in the food bank. – SL

EVENT

Despite not having a working cooker, Leighton Buzzard corps folk enjoy Harvest lunch, fun and fellowship

The nine-day gathering had the theme Christ’s Love Moves the World to Reconciliation and Unity. Each day began with morning prayers reflecting the rich diversity of cultures and spirituality of the 352 churches that were represented. Daily plenary sessions addressed current concerns, such as the war in Ukraine, the climate crisis, the Church’s common witness and social justice and human dignity. Participants then met in small groups to reflect on these themes.

Groups also met to discuss and make recommendations on 23 issues, ranging from evangelism and creation justice to interreligious dialogue and theological education. A Unity Statement issued at the end of the assembly referred to an ‘ecumen ism of the heart’ in which ‘Christlike love … moves us to walk honestly and wholeheartedly beside one another’.

Belfast North presents its Harvest display, which will help stock its community food cupboard

On Sunday the Army delegation was made welcome at Mannheim Corps, taking part in worship and sharing a meal. – JR

Villa Adastra’s residents and staff members celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II with a street party-style lunch, including prayers and songs

Almost 60 people enjoy a Harvest Ceilidh at Lurgan

Forty-nine people join together for Hucknall’s first all-age KA+OS worship on Harvest Sunday, themed God Our Provider

EVENT

EVENT

HOYLAND COMMON Corps folk and friends began Harvest celebrations with a ploughman’s lunch, followed by a time of fellowship and a Songs of Praise. On Sunday, the Harvest meeting had a twist: instead of donating items for the Harvest display, corps folk placed envelopes with the money they would have spent on the produce on a ‘money tree’. A total of £184 was raised, which will be donated to a nearby women’s refuge. – KP

MEETING

CWMBRAN The corps celebrated Harvest by sharing good news stories of God’s grace and provision. These included the food bank and Hub, which provides food and support through Employment Plus, Citizens Advice, Torfaen Voluntary Alliance and Christians Against Poverty. The regular attendance of families from Ukraine has been one example of the impact of those good news stories. The corps also plans to run a Winter Warmer Club, providing hot food, a warm environment and friendship. – DK

‘GOD IS …’ FOCUS by Major Christine Kingscott (Assistant Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

SUNDAY 16 OCTOBER –GOD IS FAITHFUL

‘Who is like you, Lord God Almighty? You, Lord, are mighty, and your faithfulness surrounds you’ (Psalm 89:8). Make this your prayer today: ‘Faithful God, faithful God,/ All sufficient one, I worship you./ Shalom my peace, / My strong Deliverer,/ I lift you up, faithful God’ (SASB 360).

EMPATHY TOWARDS INJUSTICE FOCUS by Naar Mfundisi-Holloway (Research and Development Unit)

MONDAY 17 OCTOBER

Empathy is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand how they might be feeling or what they might be going through. However, it’s not only related to suffering; it can also relate to celebrating with someone because you share in their joy. Pray that God gives you a heart of compassion and empathy as you seek his will for those he has placed on your heart to pray for today.

TUESDAY 18 OCTOBER

It can be easy to turn away when we come face to face with certain injustices. This may be because they are too painful to imagine. Some examples include slave labour, organ harvesting and modern-day slavery. We cannot look away from these, however hard it is or helpless we might feel to help. Pray that God helps shifts blockages that stop us from considering the suffering of others with compassion and empathy. Pray that God helps us not to rush over what we hear or see regarding such injustices, but that he will grant us grace to empathise and seek his liberating will for these people.

WEDNESDAY 19 OCTOBER

Having an awareness of the injustices that exist in our world opens our hearts and minds to people who are most vulnerable.

While we might not be able to help them physically or financially, we can stand in the gap and cry out to God to send help. Pray that the Lord would soften our hearts so we can empathise with victims of injustice. Pray that the Spirit of the Lord would stir our emotions and that our empathy will lead us to pray fervently for people experiencing suffering and injustice all over the world.

THURSDAY 20 OCTOBER –SLAVE LABOUR

People working as slave labourers work in oppressive environments with little or no hope of escape. Often children are caught up in these oppressive situations. Try and put yourself in the shoes of someone working as a slave labourer. Pray for greater global awareness of this injustice. Pray that the Lord would raise up businesses that bring about community transformation and offer viable employment opportunities. These would in turn help communities break the cycle of poverty, which leads families to be victims of slave labour.

FRIDAY 21 OCTOBER –ORGAN HARVESTING

Human organs are illegally harvested from desperate people living in poverty and sold on the black market at extortionate prices. The victims get only a fraction of the money made from their organs. Organ harvesting also carries a lot of risk. Put yourself in the shoes of these victims. Pray for organ harvesting operations to be discovered and brought to justice. Pray for those who reach out to victims wounded by this practice. Pray that the cycle of poverty ends in the areas where this practice is rife, and that people’s dignity would be restored.

SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER –MODERN-DAY SLAVERY

Human trafficking or modern-day slavery is an international sex industry that involves women and children being sold into prostitution or sexual enslavement. Put yourself in the shoes of these women and children. Pray that the modern slavery supply chains are discovered, exposed and broken. Pray that predators are also brought to justice and repentance.

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

Members of Bath Citadel gather to celebrate the corps’ 140th Harvest

Outlining a new vision

ITwas in 1877, more than a decade into The Salvation Army’s history, that the idea for a training college was first floated. The Salvation Army’s evangelistic work during the huge social changes of Victorian Britain was beginning to snowball rapidly, and swathes of ordinary people were keen to roll up their sleeves and get involved. George Scott Railton, one of The Salvation Army’s leaders, wrote to William Booth and said:

‘Can we devise a plan for training folks? Could we not have a centre in London to which all hopeful young folks could be rallied and where they could be thoroughly looked through and trained?’

Three years later, that question was answered when William Booth’s second daughter, Emma, was given responsibility for training 30 cadets in a makeshift college at the Booth family home in Hackney. This training would continue to evolve, and perhaps the pinnacle of this evolution came in 1928, when General Bramwell Booth laid the foundation stone in Denmark Hill at what was then called the William Booth Memorial Training College, designed by the well-known architect Giles Gilbert Scott.

In the early days, cadets filed into the college in their blue uniforms with stand up collars. They lived in tiny single-bed rooms. They sat in rows for lectures in biblical studies, doctrine and practical ministry, before being dispatched to a variety of roles around the world.

Almost 100 years on and the world that we live in has changed dramatically. The way that the Army has played its part in God’s mission in the world has changed significantly too. The role of a Salvation Army officer has changed. The Salvation Army engages in a variety of innovative, creative and professional expressions of ministry in corps, centres and Lifehouses across the territory. The learning, training and development of the people who make all this happen, day in, day out, has changed as well.

In 1877, Railton asked the Founder for a place where the hopeful could come, to be equipped to participate in God’s mission in the world. William Booth College exists as the answer to this request, and it still seeks to train and develop those who engage in the Army’s mission of loving God and loving others in every generation.

We want to do all we can to resource local mission flourishing, and so we’re in the process of a new set of exciting changes, which will help us to do this more effectively, collaboratively and faithfully in this generation.

This message is based on a video that can be viewed online at salvationist.org.uk

Next week

Changes that have already begun

Principal Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne shares some of the background to leadership training ahead of exciting changes at William Booth College

Picture: Captain Petr Janousek

Picture: Andrew King Photography

Justice, mercy and humility

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

ONSaturday 8 October, a large congregation of family, friends and supporters gathered to formally welcome the 13 cadets of the Defenders of Justice session, reports Territorial Communications Officer Captain Jo Moir

There was an atmosphere of holy expectancy long before the cadets had their traditional ‘marching in’ which was, as usual, accompanied by rapturous applause. The formal handing over of cadets – from the candidates department to the territorial leaders and then to the principal of WBC – was accompanied by introductions and insights into each cadet’s testimony and ministry thus far.

Their sessional song ‘Defenders of Justice’, written by Majors Nick and Kerry Coke, was passionately sung by the cadets. Nick and Kerry shared their inspiration for the song, saying: ‘The song, we hope, reflects the connection between the call to action and a life rooted in the Spirit of God.’Bromley

Cadets Sophie Borrett and David Perkins shared testimonies of walking with the Lord and trusting him, acknowledging those who had journeyed with them, directing and encouraging them. They also acknowledged the challenges of the sacrifices ahead, Sophie commenting on the twists and turns in her own path to officer training and David honestly remarking of his vocation, ‘Of course it’s crazy, but of course you’ve got to do it!’

Temple Band followed with the apt ‘Be Glorified’ and then the theme of Justice was creatively presented through the Bible reading brought by Candidates Directors Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer as Major Matt Spencer sang words he had penned 10 years previously, ‘Let justice roll’. Scripture from Amos 5:23 and 24 and Micah 6:8 were read as Erin Moir (Regent Hall) interpreted the words through dance.

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill then explored the deep relevance of those Scriptures for the new session of cadets, for all those present and for The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland. He issued an invitation not to focus on religion but to seek justice; not to be caught up in legalism but instead to be caught up in showing mercy, and, above all, to be people of faithfulness, walking humbly with God.

Sunday morning worship brought a

Pictures: Andrew King Photography

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Erin Moir

more intimate family feel to the weekend as the children of the session were featured. From the youngest to the oldest all were prayed for and celebrated.

Major Sue Pegram’s message to trust God to help us move mountains was wonderfully illustrated as one of the youngest cadet children, Toby, was invited to push over a mountain – in this

instance the mountain being Commissioner Anthony! Despite his best attempts the mountain would not move until Toby’s father came to help. A reminder that with our Heavenly Father beside us we can do things we thought impossible.

Further testimonies were shared from Cadets Paul Sass and Ana Layton; Paul

sharing his journey from deputy head teacher to distance learning cadet, and once again bringing to bear the key Scripture for the weekend from Micah. Ana shared the challenges of being an officer’s child and the joy of hearing God call her to follow him and be energised by his Holy Spirit to share Jesus and his grace with others.

The message was brought by Assistant Principal Major Althea Bawden, who reminded us that great things happen when God steps in. She referenced Jesus’ earthly ministry, a ministry of justice which saw him welcome children, break societal norms around the status of women and challenge racial prejudices.

While we gathered to celebrate the new session of cadets, we were sent out with the call to live out their sessional name in all our lives; to be – wherever we found ourselves and by God’s strength – defenders of justice.

Major Althea Bawden

Cadet Beth Perkins

Educating the new front

HEN it comes to issues of social justice, young people have a clear sense of right and wrong’, explains Youth Specialist (Discipleship) Jo Taylor. Leading a new student advocate scheme to raise awareness among young people of modern slavery and human trafficking, she is passionate about involving them.

‘W

‘As the territorial youth specialist for discipleship, I have been pushing the subject of human trafficking for a long time,’ she says, ‘and have been involved with many Army initiatives to make young people more aware of the issue.’

Student advocates will be volunteers who discuss modern slavery and human trafficking in schools, colleges, youth groups and Christian unions at universities. They will respond to speaking requests and use their knowledge and resources provided by the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit (ATMS) to implement a grassroots movement. This in turn will raise the profile of the Army’s work supporting people who have been exploited.

‘At the moment we are recruiting advocates from everywhere, not just university students, but specifically people aged between 18 and 25 who are willing to be trained up, respond to speaking requests and generate their own opportunities for discussing the issues around modern slavery and human trafficking,’ Jo says.

‘Some people apply because they are involved with the Army and have been inspired by a spokesperson from ATMS. Others from outside the Army have been researching online for ways to help prevent human trafficking and have come across this opportunity.’

INTERESTED IN BECOMING AN ADVOCATE?

The deadline for enrolment into the first cohort of student advocates is 4 November, and training begins on 16 November.

To apply visit bit.ly/3CwEAEc or scan the QR code. For more details email atmsvolunteering@salvationarmy.org.uk

The advocates’ training will cover how to communicate with audiences effectively and relate real-life experiences ethically. They will use resources such as the True Story packs, which recount real experiences of human trafficking and modern slavery to different age groups.

‘We are passionate about standing with survivors,’ adds Jo, ‘so we want to tell these stories that represent their courage and the reality of their situation. We do not want to re-victimise them through our storytelling.’

Advocates will receive training in teaching others how to spot the signs of exploitation within their communities and identify individuals involved in trafficking.

For Anti-Slavery Day (18 October), Jo Taylor tells George Tanton about how student advocates will help The Salvation Army’s fight against modern slavery

Young people hear and see a lot that is going on in the world

line

‘The initial training will last two sessions,’ she explains. ‘Advocates will then become members of a forum in which we will continuously share information regarding best practice and resources related to the Army’s anti-trafficking campaigns. We have a schedule of additional training seminars that will help expand their knowledge.’

There are benefits and pitfalls of using social media to highlight modern slavery to younger audiences.

‘Young people have grown up in a world that is extremely connected to 24-hour news cycles and so they hear and see a lot that is going on in the world,’ says Jo. ‘They are now very aware of social injustice, civil rights and environmentalism. The Black Lives Matter movement, for example, was a huge catalyst in utilising social media for social change.

4 WAYS YOU CAN SUPPORT SURVIVORS

SPOT THE SIGNS

Learn the tell-tale signs of modern slavery and where to get help for victims.

START A CONVERSATION

We can only end modern slavery if everyone recognises the scale of the problem. Get social and spread the word.

VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME

You could help drive survivors to safe accommodation or act as a mentor as they begin their journey to recovery.

FUNDRAISE

£200 could provide baby clothes and equipment, such as a pushchair, for a survivor who has a child.

Visit salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery to find out more

‘People of all ages are on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, but there is very little cross-generational communication within these channels. As a middle-aged woman I can post something very informative on my social media channels about modern slavery or human trafficking but, because of algorithms and because of who my follower base is, my posts are only seen by my own peer group.’

‘We want to see more young people, such as these student advocates, using their channels to raise awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking,’ she adds. ‘There are still many people who do not understand how widespread it is.’ The recent revelations about Olympic athlete Sir Mo Farah

highlighted the prevalence of human trafficking in modern society.

‘His story opened everyone’s eyes and has changed the general public’s perspective on what modern slavery actually looks like,’ says Jo. It is happening all around us and not just in the darkest places imaginable.’

Asked whether the war in Ukraine and the Afghan refugee crisis have exacerbated the issue of human trafficking, Jo adds: ‘Wherever there is conflict there is exploitation. When individuals or families are displaced, the very worst of people will prey on their vulnerability.’

‘It is really important to develop and campaign for processes that ensure victims of conflict are not re-victimised,’ she continues. ‘We need to ensure that refugees find safety and refuge, and that they can flourish. While The Salvation Army has done that by mobilising its volunteers and establishing first responder networks, the student advocate programme will capitalise on young people’s deep sense of justice. It will turn their frustration, anger and sadness at the current state of the world into a positive action.’

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

We are a faithful community

says Coedpoeth corps officer Captain Darren Hampton

MY wife and I have had the utter privilege of being corps officers in Coedpoeth for about four years and the word that sums up what we have seen in God’s people during this time is ‘faithful’.

We arrived to a busy weekly programme of two meetings on a Sunday and regular Sunday ministry at care homes and in the street. During the week there was the coffee morning, Bible study, band practice and clubs for children and youth. In addition there was a charity shop in the high street open Monday to Friday, run by the corps.

Four years later, after two years of disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the programme has resumed. The shop relocated to its fourth location during the pandemic and is doing well, using the skills and experiences of a wonderful team of

more than 20 volunteers. There has even been the addition of a midweek fellowship group called Around the Table, where we share crafts and conversations – and the occasional video of a rollercoaster ride – over a cup of tea and a biscuit.

PARTNERSHIP

The building where much of the programme happens is actually a Catholic church, which the corps has rented since 2004 – former corps officer General John Gowans preached at the service where the agreement was signed. For nearly two decades this has been a wonderful arrangement. We use the building in the week and the Catholics normally use it on Sundays and Wednesday evenings. At one point closure was considered, until the decision-makers heard how

much wonderful work was going on throughout the week and changed their minds. This is just one example of partnership with other churches in the area.

The corps is active in the Minera and Coedpoeth Churches Together group and we regularly try to find ways in which we can worship and work together.

Another great partnership is with the Rhosllanerchrugog Corps, five miles away. The two corps share a band practice at Coedpoeth, with personnel from each corps present as well as other friends from the banding world.

After the retirement of the corps officer there, we began to share leadership for the evening meetings and, over the past few months, a special relationship has formed, with people from each corps attending worship and the midweek programme and sharing meals with each other.

Along with support from other officers and corps folk in the north Wales area we are discovering new life in what at one point seemed like a possible closure.

There are hundreds of corps and centres in our territory, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this series we discover just that!

Coedpoeth and Rhosllanerchrugog corps folk share Pentecostal lunch

Coedpoeth and Rhosllanerchrugog corps folk celebrate Harvest

PEOPLE

Talking of new life brings me straight to a quote from one of our newest attendees. After meeting our corps sergeant-major selling the papers in the village high street, she shared with him about the recent loss of her husband and trying to make sense of life without him. He encouraged her to attend the midweek fellowship group and Sunday meetings. After just a few months of spending time with people from the corps she commented on the love and care and support she had discovered, saying: ‘I didn’t know people like you even existed.’

I am immensely proud. Despite our corps being small in number, we believe we have got a lot of things right. Our people have been consistently great at serving as volunteers in the shop and programme and at committing to gathering on Sundays again after the disruption that was caused by the pandemic. One of our soldiers has volunteered at the shop for almost 25 years!

PRESENCE

People associated with the corps – its leaders, soldiers, adherents, friends, family and the many volunteers that give their time faithfully each week – ensure a continuing presence of The Salvation Army in the area. They have done so for almost 100 years.

This isn’t just the presence of another church building in an area already

Discussions take place at an Alpha course session

littered with derelict church buildings; this is a group of Christian disciples actively putting their faith into practice as they raise their children, grandchildren and even great-grandchildren. This is a group of people actively engaging with the needs of people through the provision of school uniforms and food bank vouchers.

We show the presence of God in the caring, compassionate way that we welcome and honour people with learning disabilities as part of our volunteer team. A special moment came when one of our volunteers with Down’s syndrome, Chris, celebrated his birthday on the day of the volunteer Christmas dinner. He received the seat of honour at the table and thanked everybody for coming to his party.

In all our relationships we are fleshing out God’s Kingdom on a daily basis. We pray that this will continue long into the future.

Chris and Sylvia, two of the volunteers in the charity shop

Collecting during the pandemic

Are you satisfied?

Captain Andrew Manley reminds us that we only will be when we discover, believe and follow Jesus

LOTS

of people have a ‘bucket list’, derived from the idiom ‘to kick the bucket’ – or, to put it another way, a list of things they would like to do, see or experience before they die. My bucket list includes touring Canada, seeing the northern lights and, in retirement, owning dog kennels.

Why do so many of us have such a list? Is it that we want to satisfy some inner desire to experience events that will make an impression on us?

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What do you have – or what would you have – on your bucket list?

In our study passage, we find Jesus giving a discourse on the ‘bread of life’. On the previous day, he had

SUNDAY

fed 5,000 people. Today, once again, crowds are pursuing him. They chase after Jesus in boats, crossing Lake Galilee in the process (see v24).

When they find him in Capernaum, Jesus starts by pointing out to his listeners that they are empty – they are constantly in need of satisfying some inner desire.

Referring to the previous day’s events, he says to them: ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill’ (v26).

In our haste to get through the day or week, do we sometimes focus our prayers on the wrong things, hoping they will satisfy us? Here, Jesus reminds us to look to him not only for our basic physical needs but also for our spiritual fulfilment.

MONDAY

Break thou the Bread of Life,/ O Lord, to me,/ As thou didst break the loaves/ Beside the sea;/ Beyond the sacred page/ I seek thee, Lord;/ My spirit pants for thee,/ O living Word!

SASB

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What are some of your physical needs?

What are some of your spiritual needs?

Jesus’ listeners try to fathom what he is saying and ask: ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?’ (v28). I must admit that I can sympathise. At times, I just want to know what exactly is needed – what I have to do. I don’t want to have to work it out or solve a puzzle.

Jesus answers them: ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent’ (v29). He speaks of himself –their Messiah, their Lord, their friend. While his audience is looking for a list of dos and don’ts and actions to take to satisfy their physical need, Jesus instead seeks to address their spiritual requirements – to believe in him and in his redemptive power.

TUESDAY

Spirit of God, thou art the bread of Heaven/ Come for my need in Jesus Christ the Lord;/ Broken in him whose life was freely given/ In deathless love he only could afford.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, we praise you!

You are the Bread of Life come down from Heaven that gives life to the world.

‘Do not work for food that spoils, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.’

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Do you believe in Jesus? Can you explain to someone exactly what it is you believe about him and why?

As members of the crowd battle with their thoughts and beliefs about who Jesus is, they refer to the Torah – the writings of Moses.

In Exodus 16, we find the story of the Israelites wandering around the desert very much battling with a physical need for food. They cried out to Moses: ‘If only we had died by the Lord’s hand in Egypt! There we sat round pots of meat and ate all the food we wanted.’ Despite all their grumblings, God’s compassionate response was: ‘I will rain down bread from Heaven for you’ (Exodus 16:3 and 4). The story ends with the Israelites being fed in order to satisfy

WEDNESDAY

Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who gives you the bread from Heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from Heaven.’

(John 6:32)

their physical hunger but not their spiritual needs.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Have there been times when you have found yourself grumbling at God and, suddenly, he gives you exactly what you need?

In our study passage, Jesus reminds his listeners that spiritual needs are satisfied not by Moses or any other human hand but by our Father above. He declares: ‘I am the Bread of Life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’ (v35).

We will never be satisfied until we discover, believe and follow Jesus.

In his Confessions, Saint Augustine wrote: ‘Thou madest us for thyself, and our heart is restless, until it repose in

THURSDAY

O bread from God, I choose thee now with gladness,/ Though sweet the taste of earthly gain may be;/ My spirit pines in poverty and sadness/ Unless my sustenance be found in thee.

(

SASB 291)

FRIDAY

thee.’ This is perhaps Saint Augustine’s most quoted phrase. It captures something that resonates deep within the human soul.

In On Stories: And Other Essays on Literature, CS Lewis spoke of his own dissatisfaction with life when he wrote: ‘You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.’

Are you spiritually satisfied? If not, what will you do about it?

SATURDAY

‘I am the living bread that came down from Heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live for ever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.’

(John 6:51)

Who comes to me, the Saviour said,/ That soul will I supply/ With portions of that living bread/ Which riches cannot buy./ That soul shall never hunger more,/ But filled shall ever be/ With plenty from the unfailing store/ He ever finds in me.

(

SASB 447)

CAPTAIN ANDREW MANLEY Corps Officer Kirkcaldy

CAPTA

PRESCOT Mona-Lisa Mpofu became the newest soldier at the corps, supported by her fiancé, Gordon Changata, and his mother, Maria, visiting from Shamva Corps in Zimbabwe. Mona-Lisa testified that she had grown up in a Christian home in Zimbabwe but knew that was not enough for her salvation and that God had been present in her life for many years. She prayed that she would continue to follow his path for her life, wherever that leads and whatever he asks her to do. The service included a song in Shona to emphasise the worldwide Army family that Mona-Lisa belongs to. She is pictured with corps officers Majors Bryn and Lyn Hargreaves, who is wearing her Zimbabwean Salvation Army dress. – BH

CHIPPENHAM Margaret Vale was enrolled as a soldier, having served as a soldier more than 30 years ago. Margaret relocated to the area during the Covid-19 pandemic, linked up with the corps and became involved in numerous activities. She later felt God ‘prodding’ her to make a further commitment as a soldier. Following her personal testimony, she led the congregation in singing ‘O Jesus, I Have Promised’ (SASB 613). Her enrolment was a source of great joy and encouragement to the corps family, who cheered and clapped following the ceremony. Later, Margaret led a Cameo meeting themed Promises. She is pictured with corps officer Major Chris Hall. – JD

KIRKCALDY Marjory Gorman was welcomed as an adherent. She has attended the corps for several years and decided to become an adherent after being invited to discuss it. She spoke in her testimony about feeling God all around her, like having a radio on in the background. She is pictured with corps officer Captain Andrew Manley. – AM

BECCLES Corps assistant Harry Woods welcomed adherent Martin Welsford, whose was the first new commitment at the corps in many years, during a meeting with the theme of Joy. Martin spoke of the friendship and belonging he has experienced since attending and chose one of his favourite hymns ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ (SASB 27).

HW

IPSWICH CITADEL Freya was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Captain Andrew Jarrold and supported by Sunday school leader Melanie Bushell. – DC

GUISBOROUGH Corps officer Major Fiona Mugford enrolled Riley and Ebony as junior soldiers. Riley started attending Messy Church after being invited by his school friend, and he never looked back. During the Covid-19 lockdowns he started to learn to play the cornet and even played outside for the Thursday clap for the NHS. Ebony started attending with her family and saw her two older brothers become junior soldiers. After the Covid-19 lockdown, she was excited to become a junior soldier too. She read the promise with great confidence in front of family and friends. – SS

REDDITCH Sherwin and Sharon were enrolled as junior soldiers. The children, along with their mum, dad and younger brother, have transferred from The Salvation Army in Oman after their dad was recruited as a Covid-19 nurse in the UK. Sherwin and Sharon are the first young people enrolled at the corps for many years and corps officer Major Dawn Evans felt privileged to welcome them. After the enrolment, video messages for the children were played from family and friends. – DE

ADDLESTONE Corps folk welcomed Yelena Jurkenas as an adherent. Yelena began attending the youth church over Zoom during the Covid-19 lockdowns. She has since made the church her spiritual home, where she worships and volunteers when she is not at university in York. She gave thanks for Staines Corps, which offered her a ‘great spiritual grounding’ as a child, and also York Corps, which ‘felt like another home among the craziness of university’. During her testimony Yelena inspired and challenged the congregation to ‘be free and be you, for God’. Yelena is pictured with corps officer Major Ian Loxley. – EK

WORKSOP The hall was full when family and friends supported and welcomed the corps’ newest senior soldier, Pat Long. At 85 years young, Pat made a new declaration of commitment to God and The Salvation Army. The corps thank God for Pat, for all the wisdom and guidance she brings to the corps family. Pictured with Pat are corps officer Captain Vicky Owen, Colour Sergeant Bernard Pell and Recruiting Sergeant Sylvia Duty.

HUCKNALL After a year attending the corps, Keith and Sandra Boon decided they would like to become adherents. Keith and Sandra have been regular volunteers at coffee mornings and like to take an active part in other activities as well as attending on Sundays. They are pictured with corps officer Captain Gayner Ward. – CW

An inspiring and uplifting debut

Lieutenant Gill McCredie (Norton) reviews More Than Conquerors by Una Voce

more than anthems’; ‘Be Still My Soul’ insists ‘I will trust, though 10,000 may fall by my side’; and ‘Purple’ reminds us that ‘when we praise, God will do the impossible’. These songs declare strong and courageous faith, exemplified in the final track, ‘We Are Not Ashamed’.

UNA

Voce’s debut album, More Than Conquerors, is a choral worship album that brings together musical excellence and authentic worship of Jesus Christ.

Leader Karl Westwood formed the group in 2018, bringing together young Salvationist musicians from around the UK. They do not meet simply to rehearse or perform, but also to study Scripture, worship with one another and share their love of God with the people they meet.

The opening tracks – ‘Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing’ and ‘Holy, Holy,

Holy’ – set the tone for the rest of the album, declaring who God is. Every track is about bold faith and trust in Jesus Christ, echoed in the words of the title track: ‘We are more than conquerors through him who loved us’ (Romans 8:37).

The pinnacle of the album, for me, is three central tracks: ‘We Believe’ proclaims that we should ‘let our faith be

This is first and foremost a worship album, which happens to be brought to us by a choir. Perhaps because I have seen the group live, I feel like I can hear every musician worshipping as they sing and play. It’s not about the notes on the page being spot-on – even though they are, for the most part – but praising God through the music. If you want to be inspired, uplifted and encouraged, worshipping God as you listen, I highly recommend this fantastic example of choral worship.

More Than Conquerors is available from sps-shop.com priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing)

An album that lives up to its name

Major Malcolm Westwood reviews Blessings by the International Staff Songsters

THE latest album by the International Staff Songsters contains a rich mixture of songs with something to suit every taste in music. Listeners will find the familiar names of Harry Read and Robert Redhead (‘Thou Has Called Me’), George Marshall’s music to the words of Reginald Woods (‘In the Stillness’), not omitting to mention the incomparable words of Miriam Richards (‘Just Where He Needs Me’) put to music by Andrew Mair, and how grateful so many will be to hear the words of ‘In the Secret of Thy Presence’ by Albert Orsborn, here set to the music of Olaf Ritman – a very acceptable alternative to the music with which we usually associate the words.

The songsters excel in their recording of more recent songs, too – such as ‘Amazing God’ (Lee Fisher). Indeed,

such is the evident choral training of the songsters that the message is clearly expressed in each of the songs chosen – a truly gifted achievement. A simple list of tracks could well fail to capture the careful selection process that has gone into the album.

No doubt we will each have our favourites from this excellent album and perhaps it will be a reminder of how fortunate The Salvation Army is to have such an outstanding choral representation.

Tribute should be paid, too, to ISS accompanist Richard Phillips, not only for the different styles of songs with which he copes with admirable ease but also for his enviable compositional and arrangement skills.

In the foreword to the album, ISS leader Dorothy Nancekievill expresses her hope that ‘this recording will uplift,

encourage and be a blessing for you as you navigate life’s joys and challenges’. Dorothy’s leadership of the ISS over almost 20 years has provided us with an example of what devotional music can achieve. Her hope will undoubtedly be realised – Blessings is the perfect title for this album.

Blessings is available from sps-shop.com priced £13.95 (plus postage and packing)

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MAJORCA Beautiful, well-equipped apartment. Two double bedrooms (sleeps a total of two to six). Walk-in shower, second toilet. Large balcony, lovely view, quiet area. Competitive prices. Email carol@ckendall.co.uk or tel 01274 678889 / 07308 506064.

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PRINTED MUSIC The Musical Salvationist 1961-1993 and the American Songster Collection. Delivery not included. Please contact Songster Leader Gloria Keers on 07767 733396 (Worksop Corps).

Bournemouth

SOUTHERN BREEZE LODGE (adults only)

house

RECRUITING NOW

CORPS FUNDRAISING

The Salvation Army is one of the largest, most diverse providers of social and community services across the UK. With more than 650 local centres and nearly 100 residential centres, we make a truly powerful difference to some of the most excluded people and communities in the UK.

You will be a crucial member of the growing community fundraising team, helping to develop our community-based fundraising so that even more people can be helped. It’s a truly transformational job!

You will lead on managing and developing two annual church-based fundraising appeals, which raise a combined total of over £1.5 million.

The successful candidate(s) will be able to demonstrate:

Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet multiple tight deadlines

Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate others to act

Ability to problem solve and find creative solutions

Ability to prioritise a varied workload and perform well within a complex environment

This is a fixed-term position and can be based either at our headquarters (101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN) or be home-based or a mix. We can be fully flexible. In late 2023 we will be moving to our new, modern headquarters at Denmark Hill, London SE5 8BQ. To find out more about this role, please email hrrecruitment@ salvationarmy.org.uk

Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

SALARY

Starting salary £32,489 per annum (London Pay Band)

Starting salary £29,008 per annum (Main Pay Band)

Eligibility to the London Pay Band will be dependent on the successful candidate working a minimum of 40 per cent per month at our London Headquarters

WORKING HOURS

35 hours per week / Minimum of 21 hours per week

CONTRACT

Fixed Term for 1 year

DETAILS

25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme

CLOSING DATE 25 October

INTERVIEW DATE TBC

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs

As a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy

ARMY PEOPLE

DIVISIONAL LEADERS

The following appointments have been announced for the 14 UKI divisions:

Effective 9 January 2023

Majors Lisa* and Mike** Lloyd-Jones, Central, Southern and Channel Islands

Majors Lindy* and Mark** Rose, East Midlands

Major Howard Russell**, East of England

Major Pam Pitt***, East of England

Colonels Chris* and Neil** Webb, Ireland

Majors David** and Gillian* Burns, North East

Major Gillian Jackson**, North Scotland

Major Steve Dutfield*, North Scotland

Majors David** and Kathryn* Taylor, North West and Isle of Man

Majors Noreen* and Roger** Batt, Wales

Lieut-Colonels Karin* and Joao Paulo** Ramos, West Midlands

Major Jane Cowell**, Yorkshire and Humber

Effective 6 April

Majors Gillian* and Paul** Billard, South West

Effective 1 July

Major Janet Robson**, Central and Southern Scotland

Majors Amanda* and Stephen** White, London

Majors Linda* and Mark** Herbert, South East

* Remain in current role until new roles are adopted

** Divisional Commander

*** Assistant Divisional Commander

APPOINTED

Effective 9 February

Lieut-Colonel David Shakespeare, Assistant Secretary for Personnel, THQ

Major Julian Watchorn, Editor-in-Chief, Editor Salvationist and Assistant Secretary for Communications, THQ

Effective 1 July

Major Valerie Mylechreest, Staines

ENGAGEMENTS

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

Asst CSM Robin Foster, Winton SL Rachel Tavas, Cwmbran

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS

Commissioner Karen Thompson (85 on 26 October)

Major Mrs Mirjam Claydon (95 on 29 October)

Major Douglas Sparkes (85 on 29 October)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Golden

Carolyn and Paul Ellis, Burton-on-Trent (21 October)

DEDICATED TO GOD

Sophie Elizabeth Jones, daughter of Dean and Laura Jones, at Castleford by Major David Tribble

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Marion Towersey, Newcastle City Temple

Olive Packham, Nelson

Jean Tate, Nelson

Terry Wakefield, Maidstone

Richard Whyte, Edinburgh Gorgie Sylvia Whitlock, Balham, on 29 August

Peter Leigh, Hillingdon, on 12 September

Major Elizabeth Nicholson from The Gables Nursing Home, Oldbury, on 26 September

Rtd BM John Martin, Clowne, on 30 September

BEREAVED

Major Sheila Eade, Ebbsfleet Garden City with Folkestone, of her father David Eade

Major Rita Andrews and Major Ann Andrews of their brother Lawrie Andrews

Major David Wakefield of his brother Terry Wakefield

Chris Stonham, Hendon, and Pat Ungersma of their brother Peter Leigh S/Reservist Hazel Martin, Clowne, of her husband Rtd BM John Martin, Major Lisa Lloyd-Jones, Central South DHQ, and Richard Martin, Clowne, of their father, Songster Janet Sharp, Clowne of her brother

OFFICIAL GAZETTE RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE

Effective 1 October

Major Ruth Dykes out of Strood in 1982 and last appointment Kidsgrove

GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE

Hong Kong and Macau Command, Sun 16 Oct – Mon 24 Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory, Tue 25 – Mon 31

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM Sunbury Court (ICO lecture), Tue 18 Oct

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL

Staple Hill (installation of Severn and Somerset divisional leaders), Sun 16 Oct United Christian Broadcasters, Fri 21 WBC (Territorial Advisory Council), Fri 21 Stapleford, Sat 29 – Sun 30

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN

Major Allison Gaudion (née Wood) out of Nottingham New Basford in 1982 and last appointment Eaton Bray and Major Andrew Gaudion out of L’Islet in 1982 and last appointment Central South DHQ

Major Anna Giannarou out of Regent Hall in 1997 and last appointment

Gillingham

Major Ian Harris and Major Jean Harris (née Foster) out of Penge in 1989 and last appointment Severn and Somerset

DHQ

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES

MAJOR MERVIN BAKER

MERVIN was born in 1940 in Paignton, Devon, a third-generation Salvationist. He grew up attending the corps and participating in the music sections until going to teacher training college in Bath in 1961. It was there he developed his considerable musical skills, which would equip him for teaching others in the future.

At college he met Margaret and they were married in 1965. As teaching appointments took them to a variety of places, Mervin played in Yeovil and Kidderminster Salvation Army bands and became bandmaster at Dudley and, later, Malvern.

In 1978, Mervin and Margaret with their young family, entered the International Training College from Malvern as cadets in the Proclaimers of Salvation session. At Commissioning in 1980 they were appointed to Cwm in the South Wales Division. Subsequent appointments

included Cardiff Grangetown, Ringwood, Barking and Grays. Their following appointments were to West Midlands DHQ, THQ and Northern DHQ, from where they retired in 2005. In retirement they were asked to take responsibility for Malvern Corps, which they undertook for eight years.

In both corps and headquarters appointments Mervin was able to minister with dedication and commitment to the Lord he loved and served. Throughout his life his considerable musical talent blessed and encouraged many people.

During his recent illness, Mervin kept positive and continued to witness to his deep Christian faith. He was promoted to Glory on 2 August.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather and is greatly missed by us all. We thank God that he has been such a special part of our lives. – MB

OLIVE BARRON, SHERBURN HILL

OLIVE was born in 1934 and was a lifelong Salvationist, dedicated as a baby at Boyne (now Langley Moor).

Growing up in the YP corps, she was enrolled as a soldier aged 15. She served as a songster, singing company leader and colour sergeant.

Olive was blessed with a lovely soprano voice and was a soloist on many occasions. Her culinary skills were legendary. She was also a tireless fundraiser, applying her talents to baking, jam making and catering for many corps functions.

She married Ken, a soldier at the corps, in 1958, and they were blessed with a family of three children, two grandsons and a great-granddaughter. Her devoted love for her family was pre-eminent in her life. They later transferred to Sherburn Hill, where they continued to serve faithfully.

Olive was promoted to Glory in June 2022 and is now rejoicing in Heaven. She leaves a legacy of love. – KB

Stock photo: Fas Khan/Unsplash

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…

MARLENE CLARKE POOLE

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was passing by and got invited in for the afternoon meeting.

What made you want to become a soldier?

When I first started going to Sunday worship, I liked what I heard. It was down to earth, made sense and was relevant. As my faith grew, I knew I wanted to make my commitment to God and my church.

What is your day job?

I am now retired.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

Make The Salvation Army more high profile. The number of people I meet when selling the War Cry are unaware that it is a church and that it serves in 133 countries worldwide.

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

Live for today, let tomorrow take care of itself – at least, I try.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Energy – with a knack for turning it off at bedtime.

What is your favourite kind of holiday? Meeting up with family and going on country walks.

What is your favourite food?

Mature cheddar cheese – utter bliss!

What do you do in your retirement?

Play Scrabble, read and do volunteer work.

What is your favourite Bible verse and why?

‘Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20). It is so comforting and reassuring.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Moses. I would like to ask him, when leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, despite his obedience to God and the hardship he endured, what were his first thoughts and feelings when God told him he would not see the other side.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ (SASB 31). It is so uplifting.

Is there something about life or the world that you’ve never understood? Humankind’s inhumanity towards each other.

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

‘‘

As my faith grew, I knew I wanted to make my commitment to God and my church’’

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

Sir David Attenborough – the wealth of knowledge he has of our planet’s systems is so vast that 24 hours would not be enough!

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

Something that would deliver non-invasive repairs to worn-out knees, including a 5,000-mile warranty!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I have written poetry and short stories. A few of them have been published.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island? Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell.

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

‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

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

Treat others like you would like to be treated yourself – sound advice given by my father when I was starting out in my working life.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My wedding ring. It reminds me of the bond with my late husband, Eric. He was my life and my best friend.