For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
70p / 16 April 2022
SALVATIONIST TRUTH A hardened soldier hangs his head in shame For, deep within, his conscience lights a flame. No other death has touched his soul this way; No other man could Heaven’s truth convey: Forgiveness is for all who will believe, Redemption flows for all who will receive; The soldier speaks, his dismal duty done, Surely this man was God’s unblemished Son!
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
GOVERNMENT MINISTERS URGED TO CURB TRAFFICKING THREAT TO UKRAINE REFUGEES
NEWLY DISCOVERED HEBREW TABLET COULD PROVE BIBLE IS OLDER THAN INITIALLY BELIEVED
Ministers in Westminster and the Scottish government are being warned of the trafficking risk to refugees coming to the UK from Ukraine. The new humanitarian route opened up by the government allows Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK for up to three years and be housed in the homes of Britons… Christian charity Care for Scotland has lauded the intention behind the scheme but also warned of the dangers in a letter to both governments in which it calls for a strategy to guard against exploitation by criminals. The proposed strategy should discourage Ukrainians from seeking help on social media where Care warns of ‘unregulated groups and accounts’. ‘Human traffickers can masquerade on sites as genuine individuals wanting to help when they intend to “shop” for new victims to exploit,’ the letter says. Over a thousand Ukrainians have so far applied to seek refuge in Scotland… Care is calling for follow-up checks to prevent refugees from ‘falling off the radar’. It also said that training should be given to those carrying out the checks so that they can spot the signs of exploitation, ‘which aren’t always obvious’.
A Hebrew tablet found in Israel could prove the Bible is much older than initially believed… Headed up by Dr Scott Stripling – director of the Archaeological Studies Institute at The Bible Seminary in Katy – the team discovered the small, folded tablet on Mount Ebal… It’s believed the [message on the tablet] was inscribed in 1,500BC, making it 200 years older than any other Hebrew text in existence, and 1,350 years older than the Dead Sea scrolls… Dr Stripling said… ‘One can no longer argue with a straight face that the biblical text was not written until the Persian period or the Hellenistic period.’
An online platform has been launched to help to take Sunday school digital. The website RaiseUPFaith.com has been produced by a team of children’s ministry leaders and teachers working ... with content creators for CBeebies and CBBC. The under-16 age group is the fastest declining demographic in the Church today. Yet … the Evangelical Alliance suggested that 24 per cent of churches had reduced or discontinued youth work during the pandemic, while 17 per cent had cut their children’s work… The pandemic has also accelerated the trend towards multimedia and online learning for children and young people, but there has, until now, been a shortage of appropriate resources for Sunday school learning.
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Church Times
Christian Today
SALVATIONIST
CHURCH ‘REACHING THE LIMIT’ ON WHAT IT CAN DO TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY, SAYS DR INGE The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, has criticised the government’s spring statement for not doing enough to alleviate pressures on the poor, and said that the Church was ‘reaching the limit’ as to what it could do to cover the shortfall… Dr Inge said that the Church had been ‘very active in seeking to alleviate poverty and everything associated with it since the crash of over 10 years ago’, but it needed more support from the government… ‘My fear is that we are reaching saturation point on what remedial measures civil society can realistically take’... Christians Against Poverty and the Children’s Society have been critical of what they regard as the government’s inadequate response to the cost-of-living crisis… Dr Inge suggested that churches and other organisations would … be under ‘huge pressure’ to ‘step up and provide additional support to help more people, through things such as food banks’. Church TImes
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1854
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
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MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, George Tanton, Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101
CELEBRATING HOPE MANY of us have attended Easter sunrise services over the years. Symbolically sharing the experience of the women who went to Jesus’ tomb ‘on the first day of the week, very early in the morning’ (Luke 24:1) and worshipping the risen Christ is a wonderful thing to do, even if it means setting the alarm clock to go off a bit earlier than usual on a Sunday morning. All the sunrise services I’ve gone to have been meaningful, but one stands out. It was in 2014 in Estonia, where my wife, Jayne, and I were leading Holy Week meetings at various corps. Gathered early on Easter morning by the old city wall in Tallinn were corps folk and men from the Army’s Hope House rehabilitation centre, where they received support in dealing with alcohol or drug addiction. There was a tangible sense of joy and hope – and with the presence of the men from Hope House the message of new life and transformation seemed all the more real. As we greeted the rising of the sun, we worshipped the risen Son of God who had brought us light and life. That same message of joy, hope, transformation and new life shines through this week’s issue of Salvationist. In his Easter message, General Brian Peddle declares his ‘fearless confidence in the truth, power and need of the gospel message of Jesus Christ’. He outlines ways in which this good news is relevant today and challenges us to share it with others. That challenge to share the message also comes through Major Margaret Bovey’s Bible study as she considers Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Jesus. Mary is transformed through meeting him, and he commands her to go and tell others the good news that he is alive. ‘Living with hope’ is the title of Majors Chris and Liesl Baldwin’s Easter reflection. They wonder whether recent troubling events might cast a shadow over the Easter story and cause us to fear for the future. They remind us, however, that by ‘remembering rightly’ and ‘reframing our experiences’ in the light of the Resurrection we can live with ‘joyful hope’. In an Easter meditation Major Alistair Dawson considers the cross and the Resurrection, relating them to our own experiences. Because Jesus was not abandoned to death but raised to new life, he says, we have the hope of eternal life if we commit ourselves into the Lord’s hands. Major Phil Garnham begins a series in which different people explain what this year’s Candidates Sunday theme, Becoming, means to them. He writes movingly about becoming a disciple through times of bereavement as well as blessing. A report of the thanksgiving service for General John Larsson is also included in this issue. It was a celebration of a life totally committed to God and wonderfully used in his service. And, as you would expect of this kind of Salvation Army gathering, it was marked by joy and hope in the Lord. Wherever we are this Easter – at a sunrise service or an Easter breakfast, worshipping with others or in the quietness of our own home, or even away on holiday – may we know the presence of the risen Christ who brings joyful hope and the promise of renewal. And may we be faithful messengers of those truths.
CONTENTS Quotes from the media
2
The General’s Easter message
4
5 to 7
News Prayer matters
7
News feature 8 and 9 Salvationists and friends give thanks for the life of General John Larsson by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
Feature Sowing seeds of love
10
by Melita Day-Lewis
Feature Becoming... a disciple
11
by Major Phil Garnham
Easter reflection Living with hope
12 and 13
by Majors Chris and Liesl Baldwin
Meditation Cross and resurrection
14
by Major Alistair Dawson
Viewpoint Our just and merciful God
15
by Major Howard Webber
Bible study Looking for Jesus
16 and 17
by Major Margaret Bovey
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Sheila Smith
Poetry corner
18
New commitments
19
Adverts
20 and 21
Announcements
22 and 23
For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
70p / 16 April 2022
SALVATIONIST TRUTH A hardened soldier hangs his head in shame For, deep within, his conscience lights a flame. No other death has touched his soul this way; No other man could Heaven’s truth convey: Forgiveness is for all who will believe, Redemption flows for all who will receive; The soldier speaks, his dismal duty done, Surely this man was God’s unblemished Son!
COVER DESIGN Hannah Holden
From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
POETRY Stephen Pearson SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Salvationist 16 April 2022
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THE GENERAL'S EASTER MESSAGE
I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16)
M
Y greetings to you as we recognise and celebrate Easter 2022. The apostle Paul made the following affirmation in chapter 1 verse 16 of his letter to the church in Rome: ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.’ And I join Paul in declaring my fearless confidence in the truth, power and need of the gospel message of Jesus Christ. Easter and the preparatory time of Lent provide us with an opportunity to enter into the salvation story of God in an immersive way. It is important to remind ourselves of the foundational and overarching story of the gospel that is at the heart of both our spiritual reality and the mission of The Salvation Army. Wherever you are in the world, whatever your age, no matter your circumstances, the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news and is directly applicable and relevant to you. The gospel encapsulates God’s love for and choice of you; it communicates the provision of grace, mercy, forgiveness and reconciliation; it contains the power of resurrection and promise of eternal life; it is the all-encompassing story of Scripture that continues to be lived out in our lives today. For those who are more than familiar 4
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with the events of Easter, there may be the danger of taking a blasé approach to Holy Week, but I encourage all of us to focus on Easter 2022 with fresh eyes and expectation. Jesus is still the Saviour of the world. He is still the Way that leads to God. Today’s world is a melting pot of cultures, faiths, viewpoints and practices. Some people propose we de-emphasise the harder parts of the message, but it is the essence of the good news that makes the forgiveness of sin, the path of repentance and the reality of Heaven possible for each of us. The gospel has something to say. It brings hope, and offers an eternal dimension to impart a message that is desperately needed. Yes, we need to find relevant and respectful ways to
communicate the gospel in our context, but there is no need for us to lose confidence in or shy away from the saving grace of God, made manifest in Jesus. If we don’t take the opportunity to share this message at Easter, when will we? Salvation Army, this is your moment to share the gospel with everyone – in every and any way you can. And may you know the presence of the risen Christ as you do so.
BRIAN PEDDLE GENERAL
NEWS
INTERNATIONAL
International leaders celebrate with territory LATIN AMERICA NORTH THE territory joined in worship with special guests General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle for the aptly themed congress Together We Are Stronger. Men, women and young people journeyed from across 10 countries in the territory to attend the event, which featured meetings and many displays of singing and dancing, including the territorial timbrel brigade and the Panama divisional brass band. The youth of the Latin America North Territory welcomed the international leaders and had the opportunity to share in a live interview with them. A particularly exciting occasion was the thanksgiving for 50 years of The Salvation Army in the Venezuela Region. This
MUSIC
celebration inspired an evening of cultural appreciation, where each country within the territory – Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and Venezuela – offered its artistic expression. Another highlight was the General’s enrolment of 18 soldiers and 9 junior soldiers. In the same holiness meeting, the General implored: ‘We need an Army that is ready. We need an Army that bends its knees and prays. We need an Army that opens its heart to purity, to holy living and to fighting the battle for salvation.’ ‘God is good all the time, and this visit of the international leaders has been of great blessing to our territory,’ said Territorial Commander Commissioner Merle Heatwole. ‘We thank God that through the visit of the General and Commissioner Peddle we are inspired to renew and move forward in this century, but with the same purpose remaining: the salvation of souls.’ – JO
PRESENTATION WICK Four soldiers achieved a remarkable milestone by attaining more than 170 years of service between them: Jack Glass (50 years), Mary Glass (45 years), Jean Bremner (50 years) and Donald Plowman (25 years). The corps recognised and gave thanks to God for their faithful service during a meeting appropriately themed Perseverance and Determination. – KC
COMMUNITY
HEDNESFORD Representatives of seven local charities were invited to attend a dinner and receive a portion of the funds raised by Rotary at last year’s Christmas collections. Major Anne Finch explained how the corps had been reaching out to people in the area through its community table and café, which is open four days a week and enables people to receive a variety of food donated by supermarkets. The corps also continues to raise funds for the fuel poverty project, which assists people struggling to pay for gas and electricity in the Cannock Chase area. – AF BIRMINGHAM CITADEL The band united with Gresley Colliery Band for a joint concert, their first event of this kind since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. Each band presented a short programme, with Gresley featuring ‘Spectrum’ and the corps band playing ‘Quintessence’. The bands massed for three final items: ‘Rolling Along’, ‘Mr Jums’ and ‘The Kingdom Triumphant’. – RO Salvationist 16 April 2022
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NEWS
FUNDRAISING
STAPLE HILL The corps held a coffee morning to raise money for the Army’s Ukraine crisis response appeal. Members of the band played outside the hall, while people went inside for coffee and cake. More than £2,250 was raised. – VW
COMMUNITY
Bristol South hosts its first learner junior band practice in response to local schools and families not having money for music lessons
MEETING
COVENTRY CITY Junior soldier Rosie Street wanted to help those affected by the Ukraine-Russia crisis and held a cake stall following a Sunday meeting. She involved her friends and raised £337.50. A concert given by the band the following Saturday evening, as well as a second cake sale, raised that total to more than £1,110. – VS
WILLIAMSTOWN Eleven corps members were promoted to Glory during the Covid-19 pandemic. Due to the lockdowns and restrictions imposed on funerals at the time, corps folk were unable to say goodbye in a normal memorial service, so a remembrance meeting was led by Major David Emery. During the service family members were able to light a candle in memory of their loved ones while comrades expressed their support and gratitude. – EB
FUNDRAISING
SCARBOROUGH The corps raised £1,175 at a tabletop sale to support The Salvation Army’s emergency response teams working in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries. Youth leader Josh Barker organised a team of volunteers who ran the sale near the town centre. Another team provided refreshments, including homemade cakes and pastries. ‘We’re delighted so many people supported us. We would like to thank them for their generosity,’ said corps officer Major Stephen Noble. – MT 6
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BRISTON Andrew-Paul Jones used the corps car park for a sleepout to raise funds for The Great Tommy Sleepout, which supports Royal British Legion veterans experiencing homelessness. The corps was happy to support Andrew, who raised £760. – MR
PRESENTATION EASTER FOCUS by Lyndall Bywater (Prayer Network) SUNDAY 17 APRIL – EASTER TIDINGS Jesus left the job of telling the world about his resurrection to his disciples. For 2,000 years, the Easter tidings have kept rolling from generation to generation. Could you make time in worship today (or afterwards over coffee) to encourage everyone to tell one other person about something good God has done for them? We always hear God more when we get into the habit of telling the good news of Jesus.
EARTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT by Major Jo Moody (Balham) MONDAY 18 APRIL – PSALM 24:1 The Resurrection we have just celebrated reminds us that Jesus lived, died and rose again so that not just individuals but the whole Earth can be renewed. Today, lift your praises to God our loving creator; give thanks that everyone and everything belongs to and is loved and sustained by God. Rejoice that God will bring everything to wholeness through Jesus our Lord. TUESDAY 19 APRIL The Lord is Lord of all the vast universe, but also the Lord of every particular and specific part of it. Today, get outside in nature (or look through a window) and choose something specific to thank God for. You could try smelling a flower, standing barefoot on the ground, watching the clouds in the sky or listening to the birds. Spend a minute or two just appreciating this in silence and stillness, allowing God to show you his presence.
HALIFAX At the corps valedictory meeting led by Divisional Commander Major Jane Cowell, Kenneth Yardley (pictured, top) received a long-service award for his 80 years as a bandsman. He was still playing his euphonium when the first Covid-19 lockdown began and played once again with the band in the meeting. Kenneth has served and soldiered at the corps all his life and held various positions, including bandmaster. Bob Batchelor (pictured, bottom), who wasn’t well enough to attend the meeting, received his certificate for 70 years’ service in uniform at home from Majors Brenda and John Irvine. Bob has attended the corps all his life and served as songster leader until a few years ago when he retired due to ill health. Kenneth and Bob are pictured with Majors Brenda and John. – MC
Editor’s note The 9 April Salvationist reported an Anglia Fellowship Band concert as having taken place at Norwich Citadel, when it was in fact at Ipswich Citadel. We apologise for this error. Vocal soloist Bethany Grimshaw is, however, from Norwich Citadel.
WEDNESDAY 20 APRIL – GENESIS 1:9 Lord God, we thank you for your provision of the water we need, for our seas and rivers and the nourishment they give. We pray for all those who depend on them for a living and for those who seek to protect and conserve these precious environments. We pray for people affected by storms and floods; please rescue, protect, comfort and strengthen them. We pray for people without access to clean water and those working to help, so that all can benefit from your blessing and the Earth can heal. THURSDAY 21 APRIL – GENESIS 1:11 Today, why not have your prayer time at breakfast? Savour your food with thanksgiving that God has provided it and with gratefulness for those who work hard so that we have food to eat. Pray for the farmers who need fairer wages and struggle because of climate change. Pray for those making hard decisions about agriculture and trade; guide them to make decisions that will bless the poorest of people so that all can benefit from the abundance God gives to the Earth. FRIDAY 22 APRIL: EARTH DAY – GENESIS 1:28 Lord, creator of all living things, guide our daily actions and thoughts so we become better stewards of the Earth. Guide us to act responsibly, to care for the Earth you gave us and to make wise choices in our everyday living. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. SATURDAY 23 APRIL Our loving Lord, may we learn to live within our means by reducing our waste and reusing and recycling all that we can. May we live in harmony with the Earth and work to leave this world in a state that future generations will be able to enjoy, ensuring that it is filled with resources and life and kept healthy and clean. Guide us, Lord, and show us what we can do personally and as a wider Church. Amen. O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist Salvationist Salvationist 29 26 5January March 2022
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NEWS FEATURE
Salvationists and friends give thanks for the life of General John Larsson WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE THE congregation in the Assembly Hall, as well as thousands watching online around the world, celebrated and gave thanks for the life and ministry of General John Larsson on Friday 8 April, reports LieutColonel Jonathan Roberts. Commissioner Freda Larsson and her sons, Karl and Kevin, with other family members, friends and fellow Salvationists shared in a meeting that was a fitting tribute to the 17th General of The Salvation Army. Among those present were General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, General Shaw Clifton (Retired) and Commissioner Birgitte Brekke-Clifton, Commissioner Gisèle Gowans, territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill and officers from Territorial and International Headquarters. Commissioner Keith Banks, who led the meeting with Divisional Commander Major Val Mylechreest (South London), revealed that General Larsson had left meticulous instructions about its content and had wanted it to be called a ‘thanksgiving service’. He had written that it was ‘to be joyous, a celebration of life, with emphasis on praise and thanksgiving to God for his goodness’. After the opening song, ‘He Came to Give Us Life in All Its Fullness’, General Larsson’s sister-in-law, Susan Turner, sang General Brian Peddle
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‘The Lord Is Near, Have No Anxiety’ as the prelude to a prayer by Major Alison Hudson, the Larssons’ corps officer at Bromley Temple. Welcoming everyone, Major Mylechreest spoke of General Larsson’s influence on many people and, referring to his four years as principal of the International Training College (now William Booth College), said that she represented ‘a few hundred officers who are proud to say that they were Larsson-trained’. General Peddle brought words of tribute, saying: ‘I am privileged to express my deep appreciation on behalf of a grateful international Salvation Army.’ He outlined General Larsson’s attributes: ‘I saw him as a humble servant of God, but who was aptly described as a spiritual giant. While many Salvationists around the world will instantly associate him with his partnership with General Gowans and their musicals … General Larsson was also a theologian and an author. He was a man of prayer, an encourager, a wise counsellor, trusted confidant and friend.’ The General acknowledged ‘the logical, insightful, spiritual and studious mind of this man as an author’ and mentioned his books on Army history as well as works such as Spiritual Breakthrough and The Man Perfectly Filled with the Spirit, which ‘brought out the richness and the depth of the spirituality that poured out of the man through the pen’.
He continued: ‘General Larsson was sought out, looked up to and drew attention because he was anointed of God. The Holy Spirit filled him and flowed through him. To spend time with General John Larsson was to spend time with a gracious man of God, whose very nature brought calm and whose words were filled with considerable wisdom… General Larsson has heard “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” And I want to say to God tonight, “Thank you for General John Larsson.”’ The order of service explained that, ‘to celebrate the extraordinary gift that God gave to General John Larsson as a musician and composer’, all the music in the thanksgiving service was ‘from his pen’. The congregational songs included ‘God’s Love to Me Is Wonderful’, to the tune written for a youth chorus in the 1970s, and ‘They Shall Come from the East’ from the musical The Blood of the Lamb. Kevin Larsson conducted Bromley Temple Band as they played ‘Fill the World with Glory’, his arrangement of his father’s tune for the song ‘God’s Soldier Marches as to War’. The band later played the march ‘It’s New’, after which the congregation was invited to sing the chorus featured in the piece. Bromley Temple Songsters sang ‘The Living Waters’ and ‘There’s a Light in Heaven’s Window’, with lyrics by General Larsson’s mother, Commissioner Flora Larsson.
Commissioner Keith Banks
Commissioner Freda Larsson
Commissioner Freda and her sons brought family tributes. She said: ‘So many personal stories have been shared with us as a family of the way that John has had an impact on people’s lives through his preaching, teaching, writing, music or personal contacts.’ She spoke of their meeting, marriage, family life and ministry, and quoted a favourite song that would be with her in the days ahead: ‘You’re not alone, you’re in the Father’s hands,/ He knows his own, your steps his heart has planned./ You’re not alone, whate’er your lot may be,/ He’s watching tenderly over you and me.’ She added: ‘I rest in that assurance today.’ Karl spoke warmly of his father, describing him as ‘gentle, graceful and encouraging’ and saying that, even with his father’s many Army responsibilities over the years, ‘our family life never suffered – it blossomed, in fact’. After sharing a few words Kevin sat at the piano and, as his tribute, played a medley of some of his father’s melodies, including ‘Someone Cares’, ‘How Much More’, ‘Hundreds and Thousands’ and ‘Love Cannot Fail’. For the Larssons’ retirement meeting in 2006 Karl and Kevin had put together a video titled A Retirement Salute and this was shown in the thanksgiving service. Accompanied by a selection of General Larsson’s music, it interspersed photos from
the couple’s lives and ministry with images from the countries they visited during their years as international leaders. Major Mylechreest read from John 10:1–10 and Philippians 1:19–21 before Commissioner Banks brought his message. Referring to Philippians 2:22, where Paul writes ‘Timothy’s the real thing’ (The Message), Commissioner Banks said: ‘All of us who knew General John Larsson … knew that there was nothing false or fake about him. To be in the presence of John Larsson was to know that he was the real thing, he was authentic.’ Commissioner Banks described him as ‘an authentic friend’ and gave examples of the personal support General Larsson had given him, as well as experiences shared during their almost 60 years of friendship. ‘What helped to make him such an authentic friend was the fact that he was an authentic Christian,’ Commissioner Banks continued. ‘When he heard the Lord say, “Follow me,” he said yes. When the call came to live out the radical life that Jesus came to bring, with its call to holy living, he said yes. When he heard the call to ministry as a Salvation Army officer, he said yes. His yes to the claims of Jesus … permeated his creativity, it influenced his relationships with people and it shaped his public proclamation of the gospel. He knew for himself what Jesus meant when he said I’m come that you might have life in all its fullness, because this was the life to which he had said yes. When John wrote his book about Jesus, The Man Perfectly Filled with the Spirit, he was writing about someone he knew personally, and to whom he had given his life.’ Because General Larsson was an authentic Christian, he was an authentic Salvation Army officer, Commissioner Banks stated. ‘His faithfulness to his Salvation Army officers covenant is perhaps the greatest proof of his authentic Salvationism… He was a member of the Faithful session of
cadets – and every appointment that he held together with Freda, not least that of General of The Salvation Army, was carried out faithfully within the context of that covenant and commitment. As a Salvation Army officer, he was the real thing.’ Commenting on Philippians 1:21 – ‘For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain’ – Commissioner Banks said: ‘Death is not the end of the story for the authentic believer.’ In conclusion he referred to the song the congregation was about to sing, ‘They Shall Come from the East’, and said there is no ‘discrimination or distinction or exclusion’ in the Kingdom of God. ‘I urge you to be sure in your own heart that you will be included.’ After moments of prayerful commitment and the final song, the TC closed the thanksgiving service with a prayer and benediction. Earlier in the day a committal service took place at Beckenham Crematorium, led by Major Iain Hudson (Bromley Temple). Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main prayed and Major Alison Hudson read John 14:1–6 and 27. Lieut-Colonel Miriam Frederiksen, the sister of General Larsson, read the poem ‘Death But a Door’ by Flora Larsson. The service included the songs ‘I Know Thee Who Thou Art’ by Albert Orsborn and ‘He Giveth More Grace’ by Annie Johnson Flint, which assured those gathered that: ‘His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,/ His power no boundary known unto men;/ For out of his infinite riches in Jesus/ He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.’ O The
thanksgiving service can be viewed at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo Prior to the funeral and thanksgiving service, Commissioner Freda Larsson asked that donations in lieu of flowers could be sent to the Army’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal at salvationarmy.org.uk/ukraine-crisis-appeal.
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FEATURE I Chaplains in... rural communities
Sowing seeds of love
Captain Andrew Jarrold
Continuing a series on Salvation Army chaplaincy in diverse settings, Melita Day-Lewis finds out how one officer provides support to farmers
T
HE agriculture industry produces half of the food we eat, employs almost half a million people and is a key part of the food and drink sector, which contributes more than £120bn to the UK economy. However, the farming industry is not immune to crises and economic pressures. In recent years, farmers who previously relied on European workers in harvest seasons have struggled to attract British employees to their workforce. Climate change, with an increase in extreme weather, has affected crop yields, and the Covid-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the food industry’s supply and demand. The combined force of these factors and consequent financial losses have driven many people in the agricultural industry out of business. Rural chaplains are therefore vital, as farmers and those living and working in agrarian communities can experience depression, loneliness, anxiety or suicidal thoughts. Captain Andrew Jarrold, corps officer at Ipswich Citadel, became Anglia 10
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Division’s rural chaplain as part of his appointment to Norton Corps in 2016. He trained in rural ministry through the Arthur Rank Centre, an ecumenical charity that resources, trains and advocates for rural Christians, churches and the communities they serve. Captain Andrew describes his role as getting alongside people, talking to them and providing a listening ear: ‘Loneliness is prevalent in the rural situation and suicides among farmers are particularly high because of the pressures. They sit on a tractor going up and down a field and it gives them time to think, and things begin to play on their mind.’ One of the challenges is that many farmers find it difficult to open up and discuss their problems. Andrew is a helpline volunteer with the Farming Community Network, a charity that provides practical and pastoral support to farmers and their families. ‘I took a call on the helpline recently from a family member about a farmer who wouldn’t talk about issues affecting him or the relationships on the farm,’ he says. ‘For whatever reason, they don’t
always want to talk about things. And, of course, many farmers do have the means on site to harm themselves. It’s tragic.’ Andrew typically meets farmers at agricultural shows and has contacts through a fellow agricultural chaplain who works for Lightwave, an Anglican mission that reaches out to farming and rural communities. He is also part of a chaplaincy team at the rural campus of Suffolk New College in Otley. One day a week he walks around the site speaking with students and lecturers. ‘I’m one of a team of three,’ he explains. ‘We have “chaplaincy” in big letters printed on our sweatshirts or hoodies, so everybody knows who we are. I make myself visible in the canteen in the morning, with my bacon roll and cup of coffee, and again at lunchtime. Then I stick my head in at different courses, such as equine, small animals and sheep studies, or at bricklaying and carpentry workshops.’ Andrew finds that talking to people is the most rewarding aspect of being a chaplain. ‘It is about meeting people and providing a listening ear,’ he says. ‘We don’t have all the answers, we can only chat to people and be Jesus to them as much as we can.’ ‘It’s a highlight when somebody comes to you and feels comfortable to talk quite deeply about issues when they’ve only met you a few times,’ he adds. Andrew affirms the importance and value of his role and feels that there should be more rural chaplains available. ‘Running my own corps does limit me,’ he admits. ‘I do what I can, but I think a rural chaplain is a full-time role.’ The most difficult thing, he says, is knowing how to help people facing serious issues, when it is hard to know what to say: ‘Sometimes you don’t have to say anything, you just need to listen. Sometimes it’s helping people find their own way through.’
MELITA IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST
FEATURE I Candidates Sunday
Becoming… a disciple In the weeks before Candidates Sunday (8 May), Salvationist asks people what the theme Becoming means to them
Major Phil Garnham
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N 1981 my wife, Nicola, and I commenced training to become Salvation Army officers. However, our training to become disciples of Jesus started many years before that. We were both the children of very committed, loving Christians and surrounded by family and friends who encouraged us to live the Jesus way. As we entered the training college at Denmark Hill, we were full of enthusiasm and eager to become as effective as we could possibly be. After we were commissioned we were blessed in that we really loved every appointment we were given, although leadership in any sphere of life always has its challenges. We had many years of amazing Kingdom adventures together for which I am deeply grateful. Becoming Salvation Army officers was, for us, the richest possible life we could have imagined. Our enthusiasm and passion to live for the King and his Kingdom never waned through our years of being pastors and teachers. Nicola had always been healthy, so it was a terrible shock when she was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in October 2006. We were corps officers at Raynes Park at that time. On the Sunday after Nicola’s diagnosis we did not lead the meeting but sat with our wonderful children. We were surrounded by a loving and deeply caring congregation and at one point the worship leader began singing ‘Blessed Be Your Name’, which includes the verse: ‘Blessed be your name,/ On the road marked with suffering,/ Though there’s pain in the offering,/ Blessed be your name.’ At that point Nicola leant over and whispered in my ear, ‘I am so grateful that we can still sing this.’ From that time until Nicola died in March 2008 our journey of becoming ever more deeply committed disciples of Jesus took on a new dimension. Nicola was often very poorly and spent many months in hospital. Our family, friends and congregation were so thoughtful and kind and supported us and our children in ways far beyond what we could have expected. Nicola was always brave, always trusting in the Lord and often prayed with her fellow patients in the cancer ward of Charing Cross Hospital, where she spent so much time. Many people prayed for her healing and we were very grateful for those prayers. We did not see the miracle we longed for but, during those painful and often intensely difficult days, we were becoming aware of a deeper reality, spoken of in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Paul prayed for healing, but the Lord simply said to him: ‘My grace is enough.’ That is exactly what we experienced in remarkable ways. Many of you will have gone through similar, deeply challenging times in your lives and know that becoming a
disciple of Jesus is not a passport to an easy, pain-free, comfortable life – but, even when we don’t always get what we want, his grace will always be enough! I remember reading the story of the widow’s mites (small coins) a few weeks after Nicola died. I was overwhelmed by the fact that, despite the crowds around Jesus, he noticed a poor widow giving evering she had. In the depths of my grief, despite feeling completely useless, I offered my all – my ‘mites’ – just as Nicola and I had done all those years before. Many years of our officership were spent teaching at William Booth College and I was appointed there again in 2010. In my New Testament class there was a cadet called Annette Wicks, who asked perceptive and often difficult questions. We became friends as we discussed theology and, in May 2012, we became husband and wife. Annette is my corps officer at Wimbledon and is always encouraging us to understand that every member of the congregation can be engaged in frontline ministry every day, and so the Kingdom adventure continues. Whatever stage of life or vocation you are going through, I want to suggest that becoming a completely intentional disciple of Jesus – fully immersed in the empowering grace of the King and his Kingdom – is the most wonderful and useful way to live life on Earth. MAJOR GARNHAM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN MERTON PARK Next week Major Vivienne Prescott Salvationist 16 April 2022
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EASTER REFLECTION
Living with hope
Majors Chris and Liesl Baldwin reframe the pain of the past and the fear of the future through the lens of the Resurrection
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S we wish one another a happy Easter, we can’t help but wonder if our celebrations might seem a little shallow this year. While the Church worldwide marks a joyful celebration of new life, more than a million refugees seek respite from a tragedy of epic proportions. Violence and bloodshed rip apart their homeland, and we are all left with a feeling of total helplessness and shock. How can this be happening today? What else could this lead to? It is not just anxiety over the Ukraine conflict that weighs heavy on us. In recent years there have been many other painful experiences. The global Covid-19 pandemic that profoundly impacted everyone has cost so many lives and left some people questioning the way it was handled. Movements that have grown in response to racism and sexual abuse have highlighted the deeply rooted injustice and prejudice experienced by many. Governments and institutions have come under scrutiny as scandals and stories of power abuse have left many with a sense of outrage. Why does evil always seem to get away with it? How can we make sense of our pain and fears? Psalm 13 expresses such questions in prayer towards God: ‘How long, Lord? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?’ (vv1 and 2). The pain of the past and anxiety for the future have a profound impact on the way we live in the present. But that does not mean there is no hope. REMEMBERING RIGHTLY In The End of Memory, Croatian theologian and torture survivor Miroslav Volf poses this thought-provoking question: How should we remember rightly in a violent world? If you have followed any crime dramas you will understand how hard it is for witnesses to accurately recall what actually happened. People’s memories of what took place are limited and shaped by personal perspectives and judgements. It is impossible for one person alone to know the full truth of events. As Christians we have the assurance that God knows all things, both seen and unseen, and that the Holy Spirit can
help us know the truth. But how do we reconcile the pain of our experiences with God’s desire for forgiveness, justice, peace and righteousness? Are we to forget our pain in order to forgive? How do we remember justly in order to honour the victims of injustice? The question of how we should remember arises from our experience of these deep and real tensions. Volf discovered that, as he grappled with his own painful memories, his understanding of the Exodus of God’s people from Egypt and the Passion and Resurrection of Jesus – who overcame death, torture and violence – could offer a healing and liberating perspective. As Jesus reflected on the powerful central story of Israel’s Passover, he opened his disciples’ eyes to the deeper significance it could have for them. By doing ‘this in remembrance of me’ (Luke 22:19) it became a story of holistic redemption lived out before their very eyes. God took the tragedy of Jesus’ betrayal, torture and execution and, through the Resurrection, transformed it into the means of the world’s redemption. As the apostle Paul invited his readers to see in 1 Corinthians 15:12–34, the Resurrection made sense of Jesus’ Passion and in turn changed everything. REFRAMING OUR EXPERIENCES Perhaps there is something in the way that Volf engaged with these stories to address his remembering that can help us too. When we consider the Easter story through the lens of our lived experience, the idea of such a celebration of life and hope can feel a little flat. After all, the events of Easter happened long ago and our current experience of evil and injustice can seem overwhelming. Yet that is precisely the problem. When we read the events of Easter in this way, our present experiences and anxieties become a fixed point through which we evaluate the story. It casts a dark shadow across the Easter story, dulling its impact on our lives. If we allow the story to read us instead, then everything changes. The Resurrection becomes a new fixed point that shines a beam of light into our past memories and our present and future experience. We may not necessarily find the answers to all our questions, but we do discover a light to illuminate our way. Those who can inflict the greatest
Our experiences and anxieties can cast a dark shadow across the Easter story... but we can choose to see it differently harm may seem to have the greatest power on Earth, but the Resurrection reveals the futility of such thinking. God breathes life into dead bones! People might think they can get away with doing whatever they like no matter what the cost to others, but the Resurrection promises that every action and deed will be called to account. The one who humbled himself to death on a cross has now been raised to the highest place and every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus is Lord. God is a God of justice, not of passive tolerance. As John Gowans so elegantly put it: ‘Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling,/ Who is careless of our loneliness and pain’ (SASB 10). Living with joyful hope in a world racked with violence and injustice is not an easy thing to do. By allowing the Easter story to read us, we discover how to live as God-embraced people. The painful weight of all that is wrong, in ourselves and in the world, has been and ultimately will be carried by God. We can choose to see it differently because God will have the last word, just as he did on Easter Day. The words penned by Gloria and William Gaither capture this grace-filled outlook well: Because he lives, I can face tomorrow; Because he lives, all fear is gone; Because I know he holds the future, And life is worth the living just because he lives. (SASB 219)
MAJORS BALDWIN ARE CORPS OFFICERS, BELFAST TEMPLE Salvationist 16 April 2022
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MEDITATION
Cross and resurrection by Major Alistair Dawson By the love that never ceased to hold me In a bond nor life nor death shall break, As thy presence and thy power enfold me, I would plead fresh covenant to make. From before thy face, each vow renewing, Strong in heart, with purpose pure and deep, I will go henceforth thy will pursuing, With my Lord unbroken faith to keep. (SASB 634)
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OOKING at the cross, how do I envisage it? I am not so much looking at sacrifice as togetherness – the love of the Father enjoying, sharing the love of his Son. The cross reveals the unity of the divine and the human. Heaven and Earth may fade and flee, First-born light in gloom decline, But, throughout eternity, I am his and he is mine. (SASB 723)
If Jesus died into the love of God, then the love of the Father was made complete – fulfilled in the death of his Son, for as Jesus said: ‘I and the Father are one’ (John 10:30). It is a lovely thought – resurrection is Jesus’ life in God’s. We get so tied up and twisted with the thought and idea of resurrection, and yet it finds its answer within relationship. ‘I am the resurrection and the life,’ said Jesus. ‘The one who believes in me will live, even though they die’ (John 11:25). In resurrection we are at one with God through Jesus, our living head: ‘He is the head of the body, the Church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead’ (Colossians 1:18). Jesus died into the love of God, into the love that had sustained him and called him into action. 14
Salvationist 16 April 2022
Love finds its destiny in God, from where it came, to whom it belongs and through whom it shall always be. It seems to me that the overriding message of the cross is not the agony or the suffering – they are the consequence of the moment, the inevitability of the cross. The death of my Lord and Saviour has a far greater meaning for my life and future, for everything Jesus endured was offered up and secured into his Father’s hands: ‘Into your hands I commit my spirit’ (Luke 23:46). I need to tread carefully here, but does the Resurrection begin with those words of Jesus? And is our resurrection the moment of release when God is trusted to take over? Is it the moment when we reach the end of our resources and find that our Father’s full giving has only begun? For God revealed that he had not abandoned Jesus in death but exalted him to new life. Prior to the formation of the Joystrings in 1964, I remember two of their members, Cadets Peter Dalziel and Bill Davidson, singing the song ‘At the Cross’ (SASB 908). The second verse was my favourite: In my blindness I thought That no power could have wrought Such a marvel of wonder and might; But ’twas done, for I felt, At the cross as I knelt, That my darkness was turned into light.
Then comes the chorus, which for me is a lovely and exciting celebration of the Easter story: At the cross, at the cross, where I first saw the light, And the burden of my heart rolled away; It was there, by faith, I received my sight, And now I am happy all the day. God doesn’t always work in stages to help us come to terms with his revelation but, for Jesus, death and resurrection were followed by exaltation: ‘Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on Earth and under the Earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father’ (Philippians 2:9–11). So we can sing prayerfully, joyfully and with conviction: He is Lord, he is Lord, He is risen from the dead And he is Lord. Every knee shall bow, Every tongue confess That Jesus Christ is Lord. (SASB 222) To conclude with an insight from Paul Tillich’s book of meditations, The New Being: ‘Resurrection is not something added to the death of him who is the Christ; but it is implied in his death… No longer is the universe subjected to the law of death out of birth. It is subjected to a higher law, to the law of life out of death by the death of him who represented eternal life.’
MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL
VIEW POINT
Our just and merciful God The final article of a series in which Major Howard Webber considers the question: Am I being punished?
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DON’T know about you, but sometimes I ask myself: ‘How is it that God puts up with me?’ If I were God, I would have given up on me ages ago! David observed in Psalm 103: ‘He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us’ (vv10–12). Amazing verses, considering that David never knew Jesus and what God’s love cost him. God is patient and long-suffering. We see it in his dealings with the Israelites over many centuries. The apostle Paul gave witness to it: ‘Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life’ (1 Timothy 1:15 and 16). Note how Paul, who previously persecuted the Church as Saul, says that he is – not that he was – the worst. Do any of us today love God as we ought to? I suggest that none of us does – that whatever our desire or intention, we fall short. If we accept that, then we are breaking what Jesus called the greatest commandment: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’ (Mark 12:30). That
should make each one of us feel, like Paul, that we are the worst of sinners. We have no idea just how offensive even our smallest sin is to our holy, pure, just and awesome God. Neither are we fully aware of how patient he is with us in tolerating our continual abysmal failings. Yet God, with all his patience, knew that we would never get it right and that we could never get ourselves right with him. So how could a God of love, who is truly just, ever allow sin to go unpunished? He couldn’t. His answer to this conundrum was to send the only means of saving us from the ultimate punishment that our sins deserve: a Saviour who would take upon himself the responsibility for, and suffer the consequences of, our sins. Oh, how he loves us! Having healed a man at the pool called Bethesda, Jesus later found him in the Temple and warned him: ‘Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you’ (John 5:14). What could be worse than the 38 years of suffering he had endured with an inability to move without help? The answer is that God was yet to administer his justice. There is a promised judgement coming with something far worse awaiting the wicked. Jesus had more to say on that subject than anyone else in the Bible. Whether his words are taken literally or metaphorically, they make clear the horrific nature of God’s punishment. However, Jesus had even more to say about Heaven and the eternal Home that awaits all who have been saved and
now seek to be holy and pleasing to him. One day he who came as Saviour will return as judge (see Hebrews 9:24–28, 2 Timothy 4:1 and 2 Corinthians 5:10). The predominant characteristic of God has always been love. God is love. Despite the Old Testament showing the severity of God’s judgement, he is described throughout its pages as being ‘slow to anger’ (eg Exodus 34:6), ‘abounding in love’ (eg Nehemiah 9:17) and ‘compassionate and gracious’ (eg Psalm 86:15). We sinners of the worst kind have been saved through our faith in Jesus. Don’t be surprised that Satan taunts us, reminding us of our unworthiness, for he also accuses each of us before God himself (see Revelation 12:10). However dark or painful our experience may be, God is not punishing the child he has forgiven, despite the ‘father of lies’ (John 8:44) telling us otherwise. We need to ever focus on the love the Father has lavished on us, ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus’ (Hebrews 12:2), rather than on our inadequacies and failures. ‘The path you walk may be dark indeed, but trust in the Lord, rely on your God’ (Isaiah 50:10 Good News Translation).
MAJOR WEBBER LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BOURNEMOUTH Salvationist 16 Ap ril 2022
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BIBLE STUDY
Looking for Jesus Major Margaret Bovey considers a discovery that is life-changing
JOHN 20:1–18
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E first started letterboxing on Dartmoor when our children were very young. This game to find ‘treasure’ – a metal tin or plastic box concealed in a gap between rocks, usually containing a stamp, inkpad and notebook – brought a wonderful element of excitement to our family walks. Imagine our disappointment, however, when a scavenger hunt ended with us discovering that the box was empty or, despite us following the grid references and clues to its location, was missing.
QUESTIONS O Have you ever taken part in a treasure hunt? What were you looking for? Mary Magdalene is not on a treasure hunt when she goes to visit Jesus’ tomb. Her early morning mission is to embalm the body of someone she treasured.
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day
Mary was among the Galilean women who had witnessed Joseph of Arimathea take Jesus’ body from the cross, wrap it in linen and place it in the tomb (see Luke 23:50–56). En route to it, the women discuss how they would gain access (see Mark 16:3). Little wonder, then, that Mary is shocked to find the stone rolled away and the entrance wide open. This discovery, at a moment of high emotion, adds to her grief. Mary deduces that Jesus’ body is no longer there. She does not suspect the disciples of removing it. If she had, why would she and the women have gone through the charade of preparing spices to anoint a body that they knew was not there? Mary is quick to seek the assistance of the disciples, whom she trusts. In our study passage, she runs to those considered to be their leaders – Simon Peter and ‘the other disciple’ (v2), who commentators believe to be John.
I wonder how the disciples felt as they went back to their homes and had to come to terms with the empty tomb and the hole left in their lives. Experiencing
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Low in the grave he lay,/ Jesus, my Saviour;/ Waiting the coming day,/ Jesus, my Lord. (SASB 228)
‘Don’t be alarmed,’ he said. ‘You are looking for Jesus, the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.’ (Mark 16:6)
Up from the grave he arose,/ With a mighty triumph o’er his foes./ He arose a victor from the dark domain,/ And he lives for ever with his saints to reign./ He arose! He arose!/ Hallelujah! Christ arose! (SASB 228)
Prayer Lord, help us always to have eyes to see and ears to listen. Salvationist 16 April 2022
QUESTION O To what lengths do you go when seeking something that is lost?
SUNDAY
by Major Sheila Smith
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Mary’s statement – ‘We don’t know where they have put him!’ – expresses her horror and suspicion that persons unknown, possibly the authorities, have removed Jesus’ body. Simon Peter and the other disciple are propelled into action. They run to the tomb, discover it to be open and see ‘the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped round Jesus’ head’ (vv6 and 7). The other disciple goes right inside the tomb, perhaps in order to conduct a thorough search. He confirms that the body is gone. Jesus is missing.
grief might have brought all kinds of thoughts and emotions – bewilderment, surprise, suspicion, anger, anguish, fear, panic. The awful memory of Jesus suffering and dying before their eyes and the mystery of what had happened to the body of their much-loved friend and leader must have compounded their grief. Alone in the garden, Mary cannot bear to leave the site of the tomb. She finds it hard not only to accept Jesus’ disappearance but also to accept that she has been denied the opportunity to administer the rites of burial. Mary weeps. QUESTION the disciples leave, why do you think Mary looks in the tomb?
O After
Sometimes we can find it hard to accept what other people say, especially when we don’t want to believe it. While
processing the events of that morning, Mary encounters two angels. One sits at the head and the other at the foot of where Jesus’ body was. Their gentle questioning leads to Mary stating yet again: ‘They have taken my Lord away’ (v13). Back in the garden, Mary sees a figure. Perhaps, just for a moment, she hopes that he might supply the answer. Great distress can blind us, and, in tears, traumatised by her loss, she fails to recognise his true identity. She thinks it is the gardener. Then he calls her by name: ‘Mary’ (v16). It is Jesus. His voice makes all the difference. The risen Jesus comes to Mary exactly where she is – buried by grief and despair. Meeting Jesus face-to-face marks a new beginning. Mary is transformed and energised by the discovery that Jesus is alive. She cannot, however, stand gazing in wonder for ever. She
cannot keep this to herself. Jesus commissions Mary to take the message that he is Heaven-bound to the disciples (see v17). She also shares the best news of all with them: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ (v18). I wonder if you have been looking for Jesus. I wonder when and where you discovered him. I wonder what message he has entrusted to you.
MAJOR BOVEY IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here: he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: “The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”’ (Luke 24:5–7)
Suffering servant, scorned, ill-treated,/ Victim crucified!/ Death is through the cross defeated,/ Sinners justified. (SASB 248)
He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’ Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’). ( John 20:15 and 16)
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,/ To reach out and touch him and say that we love him./ Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen./ Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus. (SASB 386)
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Poetry corner Love’s Price
Look and Live! Darkest hour No darker night than this, The air it breathed indignity. His noble form crouched and scarred As vilest obscenities hurled devastation. Whip! Lash! Drag the creature like a dog. Make fun, smudge his face with spittle. The Nazarene now eats the dust of man, Grovels in the sewer of his transgressions. Departure of hope Faces penetrate the dirt of Calvary, Legs turn on heavy tread across the waste. Shoulders carry shattered dreams, While stomachs heave from sight of gruesome death. Where now is hope? Where now the life of humankind? Mind is jammed, despair grips tight; Hands tremble as they grasp uncertainty. Life sinks slowly into the abyss of death While darkness wears her coldest garment. Is there no life now for humankind? Lie down, dejection calls you to despair; The Light’s extinguished; hope is stolen!
Dawn of life Silently, gently, a tomb receives him. A corpse, cold and still, is left alone; Bound fast, a stone seals the entrance. Darkness, death and humankind’s most evil plan Have been turned around by God in Christ. Life’s most glorious exquisite dawn has broken! Death, where is your sting? Grave, where is your victory? Jesus is alive! No more shall evil conquer and death destroy. No more is there despair and awful separation. Hope, incomparable, is given now to humankind; The eternal God declares the Way, the Truth and the Life! Decision of life Consider now the God-man: Who he is, What he has done. One question he asks: ‘All this I have done for you, what will you do for me?’ Remember first the cruelties we did to him; Undeserving, on that cross He bore the guilt of our sins, then said, ‘Father, forgive them.’ The way to God is open wide to all. The way to life and light and love. Disbelieving many turn from day, Angry many go another way. Will you the Son of God reject? The darkest moments of your life can pass. Hope of saving faith is now within your grasp. Or shall nothingness and separation’s agony Divide you from this God of love? Life’s momentous hour now chimes, Calling you to look on Christ, The only Saviour and Lord: Look and live! MAJOR JIM BRYDEN
Can be sung to the tune ‘Harton Lea’ Triumphantly he cries, ‘It’s done’, The battle’s fought, the victory’s won. No more the host of Hell hold sway, For Christ has won this glorious day. They pierced his brow with crown of thorn, Derided him with hate and scorn. ‘Forgive them, Father,’ was his cry, ‘Let not this sinful people die.’ Love held him to that cross of shame, Bearing our sin, our guilt, our shame. Love conquered all at Calvary, Setting the guilty sinner free. Today the message is the same, Still men reject the Saviour’s claim, But those who know redeeming power Rejoice in this, his glorious hour. BEVAN A SPENCER
The End Is Not the Grave Jesus died, crucified, What a price he paid On the cross: suffered loss, In the tomb was laid. There he lay, deep dismay, There his mother cried Till that dawn, Easter morn, The stone rolled open wide. Jesus rose, conquered foes, All for us to save; Mighty story, Heaven’s glory, The end is not the grave Life for us, paradise, When compared to Christ’s Cup of pain, who could explain This selfless sacrifice. Because of him, we will win A place one day in Heaven; Now we live, hearts to give, Our sins will be forgiven. MARK AYLING
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Salvationist 16 April 2022
NEW COMMITMENTS
ST AUSTELL Carolyn Rowse and Les Myler were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Lieutenant Rebekah Clark during the 33rd corps anniversary meetings. Carolyn started attending church while at university and worshipped at several churches before returning to the corps during the Covid-19 pandemic. She testified that God had used her in spite of her health limitations and that his grace was sufficient in all circumstances. Les grew up in care and was married to Betty for 42 years. With the help of a friend, they attended a gospel hall and Les continued to attend after Betty’s death. After the Covid-19 lockdowns, Les started attending Army meetings and weekly coffee mornings with his friend. He was delighted to be presented with a Salvation Army beanie hat, to which he promptly pinned his adherent’s badge. – RD
BELLSHILL Corps officer Major Miriam Wing enrolled Hannah as a junior soldier during the YP annual celebrations. Many of Hannah’s family came to share in the occasion as she declared that she wanted to learn more about Jesus. Hannah chose ‘Shine’ for the congregation to sing, which reflects her personality. She is pictured with acting YPSM Michelle Addie, who guided her through her preparation classes.
MALTBY After signing his Articles of War many years ago, Malcolm Dragon renewed his commitment and was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Lucy Mann. He returned to worship with The Salvation Army following the Covid-19 lockdowns, playing in the band and supporting weekly activities at the corps. Malcolm testified to his renewed faith and desire to serve the Lord and chose the song ‘I’ll Go in the Strength of the Lord’. – LM
Jim Gilbert was enrolled as a senior soldier as a young man but drifted away from the Army. His love of brass band music kept him connected and, following personal tragedy, the love and care of the then corps officers and others in the corps had a huge impact on him. During the Covid-19 lockdowns Jim was asked to share his favourite song. In choosing ‘It Is Well with My Soul’, he realised that he needed to make a commitment to God once again. Jim is pictured with Recruiting Sergeant David Ferguson, who supported him, and corps officer Major David Wing, who enrolled him. – MW
BRIDLINGTON Philip Steele was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Barbara Jeffery. – BJ Salvationist 16 April 2022
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ADVERTS NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS King Edward Street NG1 1EU Sunday 26 June 6pm
RETIREMENT OF DIVISIONAL COMMANDER MAJOR BRIAN SLINN AND FAREWELL TO DIVISIONAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT MAJOR LIV RAEGEVIK SLINN Led by Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main Anyone wishing to send their greetings to Major Brian Slinn may do so by sending by post to East Midlands DHQ for the attention of Carol Beardall or via email to carol.beardall@salvationarmy.org.uk
Southbourne, Bournemouth SOUTHERN BREEZE LODGE (adults only) Salvationist-owned guest house close to shops and beaches For more information please call 01202 427459 Email enquiries@southernbreezelodge.co.uk or visit southernbreezelodge.co.uk
LISTINGS RUSHDEN Salvo Brass. Friday 6 May, 7.45pm. Tickets £5. FOR SALE 30 piece boxed breakfast/dinner service commemorating 1878–1978 Salvation Army centenary. Offers to mbrice1@talktalk.net.
PERSONAL AS THEY RETIRE Majors Jennie and John McCombe thank everyone who has supported them on their journey. Greetings can be sent by 6 May to nicky.twyman@salvationarmy.org.uk or Nicky Twyman, William Booth College, Champion Park, London SE5 8BQ.
All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.
EXETER TEMPLE Friar’s Walk EX2 4AY Saturday 23 April at 7pm
CONCERT FOR UKRAINE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2022 22 to 29 July 5 nights’ holiday in Austria, two nights in Bavaria for the play
Exeter Temple Band, Songsters and Response (vocal ensemble)
BA flights from Heathrow to Munich
Admission free
Full colour brochure and itinerary Johnturner40@hotmail.co.uk Major Nina Turner 07854 982481
A freewill offering will be taken
What does The Salvation Army stand for? Last year, the territory’s leadership published a new framework defining six of its key values. In study guide Big Questions for Small Groups: Our Values, authors associated with The Salvation Army unpick the practical applications of: O Boldness O Compassion O Passion O Respect O Integrity O Mutual
SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING 93 North East Road SO19 8AF Sunday 1 May 10.30am MAJORS GRANVILLE AND KATHLEEN MYERS
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION MEETING Led by Majors Allison and Andrew Gaudion Greetings can be emailed to stephengshaw@icloud.com or mailed c/o CSM Stephen Shaw at the corps address above
accountability
Get a glimpse of what it looks like to live out these values in a church context. Buy your print copy of BQSG: Our Values for £3 from sps-shop.com or as a Kindle ebook.
EASTBOURNE CITADEL Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May The visit of the
INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS Saturday festival 7pm Ticket price £12.50 available by telephone on 01323 430619 or email your request to eastbourne@salvationarmy.org.uk Sunday 10.30am meeting and 3pm festival More details to follow
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Salvationist 16 April 2022
8 – 12 March 2023 r Raise £1,000s for your corps just by promoting in your community r Take on this amazing challenge and take part as an individual, trekking for VJTGG days in breathtaking UEGPGT[ VCMKPI KP IG[UGTU YCVGTHCNNU NCXC Ƃ GNFU and glaciers, making new friends along the way r Celebrate your achievement by visiting the Blue Lagoon (optional trip)
Find out more today:
0207 367 4819 | challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk TheSalvationArmyEvents
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The Salvation Army act as agents for Global Adventure Challenges. Global Adventure Challenges hold an Air Travel Organisers Licence (ATOL number 6506) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority. Copyright © The Salvation Army 2020 The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity in England (214 779), Wales (214 779), Scotland (SC009 359) and the Republic of Ireland (CHY63 99).
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Jim and Muriel Stollery, Snettisham (21 April) O S/Reservist Maureen and B/Reservist Wesley Tucker, Wellingborough (28 April) Golden O Myra and Peter Finch, Reading Lower Earley (29 April) DEDICATED TO GOD O Levi William Perkins, son of Bethany and David Perkins, at Staines by Majors Gillian and Paul Billard O Rose Nekesa Kitui, daughter of Patrick and Victoria Kitui, at Chelmsford by Major Ian Mountford RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS O Major Ruby Hatcher (85 on 23 April) O Major John Howarth (80 on 26 April) O Captain Mavis Blyth (80 on 26 April) O Major Mary Hodgkins (85 on 27 April)
Richard Shepherd, Stapleford, on 31 March O Major Maurice Haylett from The Boltons care home, Reading, on 4 April O Tony Christmas, Basingstoke, on 4 April O
BEREAVED O Margaret Standley, Ramsgate, of her husband B/Sec Keith Standley, Captain Ian Standley, WBC, and Joy Watson, Ramsgate, of their father O Norman Gale, Basingstoke, of his wife Barbara Gale, Tracey Gale, Basingstoke, of her mother O Marion Hopkins, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, of her son Paul Hopkins O Major Ian Haylett, Thirsk, and Philip Haylett of their father Major Maurice Haylett O Wendy Christmas, Basingstoke, of her husband Tony Christmas O Major Josephine Blundell of her husband Major Fred Blundell, Andrew Blundell, Leeds Central, and Edmund Blundell of their father OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory
PROMOTED TO GLORY RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE O B/Sec Keith Standley, Ramsgate O Angela Fletcher, Stapleford, on 10 March SERVICE O Barbara Gale, Basingstoke, on 11 March Effective 1 April O Margaret Shaw, Stapleford, on 30 March O Major Robert Deans out of Greenock in 1986 and last appointment Saltcoats and Irvine O Major Fred Eardley with Major Elaine Eardley (née Munro) out GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE of Smallthorne in 1997 and last appointment Tunstall O Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands O Major Kathleen Myers (née Hawkins) Territory, Tue 19 Apr – Mon 25 out of Risca in 2001 and last THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF appointment Southampton Sholing (COMMISSIONER LYNDON O Major Lorraine Richards (née Cahill) BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER out of Poole in 1992 and last BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM appointment Mission Partner, O ICO lecture, Mon 18 Apr Cumbernauld and Easterhouse
ENGAGEMENTS
THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL
ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander
O Boscombe, Thu 14 Apr – Sun 17 O WBC (Territorial Advisory Council), Fri 22 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Staines, Thu 14 Apr – Sun 17 O WBC (spiritual day), Wed 27
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Salvationist 16 April 2022
Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.
TRIBUTES PAUL HAMBLETON, SHOEBURYNESS PAUL was born in Shepherd’s Bush, joining his older sister, Grace, and followed by Ruth, Joy, John and Mark as his officer-parents moved to various UK appointments. The family settled in Ilford and Paul enjoyed music and youth activities at the corps, where he was a founding member of the East London Youth Chorus. In 1994 he moved to Shoeburyness, where he was again involved in music and youth activities at the corps. He was songster leader for some years and took part in ecumenical events, including sounding the Last Post at Remembrance ceremonies. Paul worked in The Salvation Army’s Reliance Bank for 42 years, becoming chief cashier. After this, he enjoyed helping with the corps community programme. After prolonged ill health, Paul died peacefully in his sleep in hospital. He will be greatly missed for his friendly, cheerful optimism, generosity and sense of humour. – GH GRACE LORD, BANBURY GRACE was the eldest child of officer-parents Jean and Wilfred Brooks. She met her future husband, Peter, at Bletchley and, after their marriage, they moved to Banbury. The following years were busy as they raised three children and were active in the corps. Grace was a songster and served as YP treasurer, then later as corps treasurer for a number of years. She lived out her faith in quiet ways, preferring to work behind the scenes. Grace was devoted to her family and that devotion was reciprocated. Due to Alzheimer’s her final years were spent in a nursing home but she never forgot her Army roots; the staff there were in no doubt as to her Christian faith. Grace was deeply loved and will be much missed by all her family. A good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, her influence will live on. – JW
MICHAEL LANGHAM, NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS MICK moved to Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls from Bulwell Corps aged 17, serving in the band for more than 60 years. He was a songster for a time and held positions as deputy bandmaster and YP band leader. He worked tirelessly behind the scenes and loved listening to people at the Wednesday kitchen. He would not want his other kind deeds highlighted, believing they were part of his covenant with his Saviour. Remembered as one of the best cornet players, his brilliance, tone and musicality reached hearts and thrilled listeners worldwide. Teaching youngsters was a passion, and he was a great encourager and an inspiring figure. Loyal to the very end, Michael was out playing carols at Christmas even when he was far from well. He loved his Lord deeply and always played to the glory of God. He will be sadly missed by everyone, but particularly by his loving wife, Pauline, children, Rod and Esther, and grandchildren, Ava and Iris. – RJ
Print and Design Unit Sacriston Church North Scotland Division
HOLY SPIRITCONGRESS
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ADVERTISING RATES ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS
UP TO 15 WORDS
16 – 25 WORDS
1
£6.40
£9.00
26 – 35 WORDS £11.60
3
£15.45
£21.70
£27.80
Extra words over 35 – 26p per word CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS
UP TO 15 WORDS
16 – 25 WORDS
1
£9.00
£12.50
26 – 35 WORDS £14.00
3
£22.50
£31.25
£35.00
Extra words over 35 – 30p per word BOXED ADVERTISEMENTS: Single column – 32.5 mm (w) Double column – 69.5 mm (w) SIZE
SINGLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE
SINGLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES
DOUBLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE
DOUBLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES
28 mm
£15.00
£36.00
£30.00
£72.00
61 mm
£26.00
£65.00
£52.00
£130.00
94 mm
£55.00
£137.50
£110.00
£250.00
127 mm
£65.00
£155.00
£130.00
£315.00
PAGE ADVERTISEMENTS: Quarter page – 127mm (h) X 88 mm (w) Half page – 127 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) Full page – 258 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) SIZE
1 ISSUE
QUARTER PAGE
£180.00
3 ISSUES £450.00
HALF PAGE
£340.00
£850.00
FULL PAGE
£675.00
£1,687.00
ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. ALL ADVERTS CARRIED IN SALVATIONIST ARE SUBJECT TO HOUSE STYLE AND ARE CARRIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. For further information call 020 7367 4890 or email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk
Please call: 020 7367 4789 or email: or print.and.design.unit@salvationarmy.org.uk email: paul.fowler@salvationarmy.org.uk
Flyers from Single sided 100 A5 - £20* Double sided 100 A5 - £30*
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www.salvationarmy.org.uk/growinghope w w w. w. s a l v a t i on a r my.or g.u k /ggr ow i n ghop e Supporting Suppor t i ng
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Matt, Silk or Gloss paper
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Led d by b General André André Cox Co ox and Commissioner Silvia Silviia Cox ox
at The Sal vation Ar my, High St reet, Langl ey Moor
with Special ecial Guests Guestss
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Pool
Marjory ryy Watson Watson Wa son
Chat
Crafts Film nights Wii Games
2nd d Mile Mile Worship hiip G Group roup
11 - 16 year olds (01224) 496 000 6Tel: - 7.30pm
Email: aiil: lynda.nazareno@salvationarmy.org.uk lyn1s da.nazareno@salvationarmy.org.uk tW ednesd ay ofevery mo nth We eb: salvationarmy.org.uk/northscotland salvationarmy.org.uk/northscotland Web:
ntr e ance Deer D eer Road, Ro£1.00 ad, Woodside, Aberdeen. AB24 2BL Snacks & rinks d available
Registered Charity No. 214779 147 779 and and in in Scotland Scotland SC009359; Social Trust Registered Charity No. 215174 and in Scotland SC037691 General: André Cox. Territorial rrittorria al Commander Commander for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland: Commissioner Clive Adams
Leaflets (DL size) from
100 A4 - £40* Matt, Silk or Gloss paper
T el: David & LornaitWh e - 0191378 3813 Allvolunteers are DBS chec ked & fully rained t in ea h lth &asfety Registered Charity No. 214779, and in Scotland SC009359
Large Posters A2 - £10* A1 - £12.50* A0 - £15* Gloss or Satin paper
Roller Banners £47*
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2000 x 800 or 850mm
Salvationist 16 April 2022
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