SALVATIONIST
Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 16 February 2013 // No. 1385 // Price 60p // Also available digitally
Pages 12-15
CONTENTS 3.
FROM THE EDITOR
4. PAPERS This week’s quotes from the papers
12. – 15.
5. – 7. NEWS Crook // UKT // THQ // Govan // Hadleigh Temple // Bolton Citadel // Snettisham // Bromley Temple // Tiverton // Halifax // Bangor // Staple Hill // Southend Southchurch // Whitehaven // Feltham //
8.
LETTERS
9. Glimpses of God
10. & 11. Disqualified
BIBLE STUDY
5.
FEATURE
6. 12. – 15. FEATURE Convinced of their calling
16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS
18. & 19. ANNOUNCEMENTS Army people, engagements and tributes
20. – 23.
7.
7.
ADVERTS
10. & 11. 24.
THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated 2
Salvationist 16 February 2013
FROM THE EDITOR
LASTING LEGACY ‘IF you want to know what you will look like when you are 60 just look at your mother.’ That was what a 34-year-old daughter was told when she started to notice signs of premature ageing each time she looked in the mirror. This suggestion may or may not be true, but we all inherit certain characteristics from our parents. It can be a strange experience to meet adults, last seen as children, who have grown up to become the spitting image of their parents not only in looks, but also in speech and mannerisms. Some people say that it’s all in the genes, which to a certain extent is true. Through research, scientists continue to develop their understanding of genetics. In the area of health, for example, genetic testing can help identify people who are more likely to be affected by certain hereditary diseases. This raised awareness provides opportunity for monitoring or preventative treatment. However, it’s not all about genetics. Many other factors influence the people that we become, perhaps none more so than people. This fact is borne out each week through the pages of Salvationist, particularly in new commitments and tributes. In this issue we extend a warm welcome to territorial leaders Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams. We thank God for them and pray that he will bless their service in the territory. We wanted to find out a little more about our leaders and so presented them with 20 questions. Their honest, open, sometimes humorous and thought-provoking responses are on pages 12 to 15. It is interesting to note that both commissioners refer to the influence of grandparents on their lives. Commissioner Clive Adams describes his grandfather as a spiritual giant and Commissioner Marianne Adams speaks about the
SALVATIONIST GENERAL INQUIRIES (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist (fax) 020 7367 4691 EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker – (tel) 020 7367 4893 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kersten Rieder – (tel) 020 7367 4894
tremendous spiritual impact of her maternal grandmother, who also instilled in her a love of nature. In a society where family life is so diverse, the role of grandparents has become equally varied. For example, some grandparents need as much energy as their grandchildren to fit all their activities into one day, some look after grandchildren so that parents can go to work and some seldom see their grandchildren because of changed family relationships. Despite the various complexities, grandparents still have an important role to play in a child’s life. There may be little they can do about certain inherited family traits, which they might recognise all too clearly, but the qualities that really matter – of love and sincere faith – are the lasting legacy that they can pass on to future generations. There is nothing new in this. The apostle Paul recognised the quality of sincere faith in three members of one family – Timothy, his mother and grandmother – a lasting legacy that spanned the generations. MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY
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A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2013. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101
THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Clive Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Martin Hill
Salvationist 16 February 2013
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PAPERS
THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS APP PROMISES BLESSINGS
BOOST FOR WOMEN BISHOPS
IRAQ
Christian Aid has launched a new mobile app to help people pause and think about their lives and those of others around the world, using stunning photography and thought-provoking daily reflections. The free ‘Count Your Blessings’ app aims to be a source of inspiration throughout the 40 days of Lent, with users getting daily notifications, hearing uplifting stories from Christian Aid projects and taking actions in solidarity with the world’s poorest people.
Eight women are to be made temporary observer ‘bishops’ in the Church of England in the first steps towards resolving the row over the consecration of women... The decision represents a breakthrough in the row that followed the Church’s vote against women bishops last November. It is the first triumph for Justin Welby who [last week] attended his first meeting of the House of Bishops as Archbishop of Canterbury‌ In a statement the bishops said they ‘decided that until such time as there are six female members of the House, following the admission of women to the episcopate, a number of senior women clergy should be given the right to attend and speak‌ as participant observers’.
Bishops from the Iraq-based Chaldean Catholic Church have elected Archbishop Louis Sako of Kirkuk as their new patriarch‌ chosen by 14 other bishops‌ Pope Benedict XVI immediately gave his required approval. ‘We will do all we can to maintain our Christian presence and rebuild the Chaldean Church and Iraq,’ the new patriarch told Vatican Radio‌ The Chaldean Catholic Church is spiritual home for an estimated two thirds of Iraq’s 500,000 or so remaining Christians.
The Church of England Newspaper
The Times
The Tablet
DUNCAN SMITH IS ACCUSED OF MASKING TRUE POVERTY LEVELS Children’s charities have accused the Government of moving the goalposts to mask the fact that its welfare cuts are throwing thousands more children into poverty‌ Speaking in London, at the Kids Company charity‌ Mr Duncan Smith said: ‘For a poor family where the parents are suffering from addiction, giving them an extra pound in benefits might officially move them over the poverty line. But... will not address the reason they find themselves in difficulty‌
‘Worse still, if it does little more than feed the parents’ addiction, it may leave the family more dependent, not less‌ What such a family needs is that we treat the cause of their hardship – the drug addiction itself.’ But the chief executive of the Children’s Society, Matthew Reed, accused Mr Duncan Smith of peddling a ‘fiction’ on poverty‌ ‘The vast majority of families in poverty are struggling because they can’t afford the basics – not because they are wasting cash on drink and drugs.’ Church Times
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WORK IS A LABOUR OF LOVE FOR THE MIDWIVES – page 3
‘Bruce Almighty’ director speaks
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Salvationist 16 February 2013
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NEWS New territorial leaders welcomed THQ OFFICERS and staff met to welcome territorial leaders Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams. After giving words of welcome to the new leaders, Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton offered prayer. A greeting on behalf of the territorial leadership team by Lieut-Colonel George Pilkington highlighted the commissioners’ Norwegian and South African backgrounds.
In representing more than 5,000 staff in the territory, Research and Development Director Jacqui King, referred to the economic climate and said that real challenges could also be real opportunities to serve in new ways. Rob Moye contributed the vocal solo ‘Always There’. Commissioner Marianne Adams spoke about moving to the UK and highlighted how people and partnerships matter. The Territorial Commander said that headquarters’ role is to support frontline staff in their work of building the Kingdom and expressed his desire to stay, serve and support the territory. – A. R.
Corps launches fun and friendly job club for young people CROOK A PILOT project, supported by the corps, Three Towns Partnership (Durham County Council) and Bishop Auckland College, plans to encourage and inspire young people to work together to find employment. Job club, which operates two mornings a week, is aimed at 16 to 25-year-olds and will provide young people with a specialised job-search facility, including laptops and online access, and the opportunity to work together with other young people in a friendly and
encouraging environment. A job coach will also be on hand to advise and mentor those attending. The plan is for the facility to incorporate peer-to-peer support, and it will foster a team effort to
find employment, encouraged by fun incentives such as pizza parties. Young people will be able to celebrate and commiserate with one another in a friendly and inspirational environment. – A. R.
Stand up and be brave GOVAN CAPTAINS Matt and Sarah Butler (Glasgow City Centre) led the Stand Up And Be Brave YP annual, bringing physical and spiritual challenges to the congregation through games, Scripture and worship. A Stomp worship band was created to enhance afternoon worship and prizes were awarded. The youngsters were rewarded with trips to a soft play scheme, bowling or ice-skating. Matt Ramsay presented the Tommy Ramsay Award to Sarah Gibb (pictured with Bandmaster David Cochrane, left) for outstanding spiritual and musical development over the past year. – L. M.
Army supports nationwide blood and organ donation campaign UKT A GROUNDBREAKING new campaign is calling on the Church to increase the number of blood and organ donors in the UK. Founded as a two-year partnership between creative agency Kore and NHS Blood and Transplant, the initiative aims to profile the need for more blood and organ donors and encourage donation as an alternative way of personal giving within churches. The campaign, sponsored by give.net and supported by many Christian denominations and organisations, marks the first time the NHS has worked alongside the Church on a national initiative of this kind. Secretary for Programme Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr (THQ) said: ‘We support this campaign wholeheartedly. Giving and thinking of others is in the DNA of members of The Salvation Army. Many are already blood donors and we want to encourage more people to get on board through the fleshandblood campaign.’ Lorna Williamson, Medical Director of NHSNT said: ‘Donating blood, joining the Organ Donor Register, or consenting to organ donation from a deceased loved one is a unique gift and one that can truly save lives.’ Every day 7,000 units of blood are needed to meet hospital demand, with approximately 225,000 extra blood donors needed each year to maintain consistency. More than 1,000 people die each year in the UK waiting for an organ transplant. Visit www.fleshandblood.org for more information. – A. R.
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NEWS Major tells corps to Cut It Out
A successful mess! HADLEIGH TEMPLE
BOLTON CITADEL FIFTY-EIGHT adults and children took part in the first-ever Messy Church at the corps, which was themed Creation. Participants sang, ate, made crafts and enjoyed a family-friendly telling of the creation story. Event organiser Claire Howell said: ‘We were blessed with a really happy, creative time together and we look forward to seeing this venture unfold and develop over the coming months.’ – B. N.
DURING the annual Churches Together service at the United Reformed Church of St Andrew and St George Major Anne Read (THQ) spoke about human trafficking. The major also addressed this subject at the Army evening meeting, attended by other church members and faith groups. She urged everyone to get involved in the campaign against human trafficking by writing to newspaper editors as part of the Cut It Out campaign aimed at deterring papers from printing adverts that promote the sex trade. The evening raised more than £700 towards antitrafficking work. – G. F. At Snettisham, corps folk enjoy a traditional Burns Night with tartan dress and haggis
Major Melvyn Ackroyd, flanked by Major Betty Ackroyd and Philip Brouard (President of Bromley Rotary Club), is recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow in appreciation of his work establishing Project Africa Tiverton Corps displays Army memorabilia in a shop on the high street; the theme Then And Now provided more information to passersby and coincided with the 129th corps anniversary 6
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HALIFAX: Bandsman Terry Haigh organised a prayer day entitled Why Bother To Pray. People took the opportunity to discover the prayer stations, view prayer presentations and participate in prayer walking through the town centre. Everyone gathered around the piano in the evening to conclude the event with song. – L. H.
NEWS STAPLE HILL: The first Sunday Celebration – a new initiative at the corps celebrating God’s love and goodness – commenced with a visit from the Renewal Gospel Choir. The group presented many items and their faith shone through their exuberant and exciting singing. – V. W. WHITEHAVEN: The corps building reopened following refurbishment. A new kitchen allows the corps to continue serving the community through the lunch club. – B. H. Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton and Colonel Sylvia Hinton are pictured with Bangor’s longest-serving soldiers, twin brothers Jackie and Tommy Ball, cutting the 125th corps anniversary cake
Songsters bless anniversary weekend SOUTHEND SOUTHCHURCH CORPS folk, friends and family commenced the corps anniversary celebrations with a fishand-chips supper and games evening which proved to be a great way of introducing people to one another. Former corps officers Majors Aubrey and Irene Draycott (Sale) led the Sunday meetings and brought
an encouraging message, challenging those present to be God’s special agents. Over lunch they were able to share memories with corps members. Southend Citadel Songsters visited for the afternoon praise meeting, entertaining the congregation with puppets and blessing and inspiring those present through their singing. The home songsters joined the visitors to sing ‘To God Be The Glory’, summing up the feeling at the corps. – Y. A.
Ultimate Church Visit for young people
Sarchet-Waller said: ‘The students thoroughly enjoyed the activities and were able to have a deeper understanding about the work of The Salvation Army.’ – B. F.
FELTHAM THE corps treated a group of Year 9 children from John Chilton School in Ealing to an Ultimate Church Visit. Corps officer Captain Richard Thompson, joined by Rachel Kane (Schools and Colleges Unit, THQ), led the children through activities, including dressing up in uniforms and a drama performed by the students. Teacher Amy
FELTHAM: Guest speaker Ian McCormack, also known as the Jellyfish Man, shared his amazing story of surviving multiple stings from the deadly box jellyfish in Mauritius. Ian described how, as he lay dying in a hospital, he was given a glimpse of eternity, and this resulted in many people recommitting their lives to the Lord. – J. B.
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LETTERS SALVATION AND HOLINESS I WAS interested in Mick Sayner’s letter (Salvationist 19 January), where he drew attention to concerns shared by many of us who have been lifelong Salvationists. At a number of corps where I was leading meetings recently, I asked people to indicate how strongly they thought William Booth might have felt about a range of Salvation Army distinctives. Revival, holiness and strong doctrine scored very highly and I was pleased that many young people felt strongly about these categories too. However, when I asked divisional leaders about holiness teaching in their divisions I was saddened to find that fewer and fewer corps have two meetings on a Sunday and many of these had no clearly defined aim of salvation or holiness. My concern was tempered by a colleague who said: ‘There is a kind of mix and match – on Sundays and during the week – depending on the make-up of the congregation. There are teaching meetings as well as seeker-sensitive meetings, but the terminology is more akin to Messy Church, all-age worship and the like. All corps have been challenged to ensure that they have meetings during the week where the gospel is preached and meetings where saints are discipled.’ The vital importance of holiness has been emphasised in the Army’s
theological journal Word And Deed by General Linda Bond and others. I commend Lieut-Colonel Max Ryan who wrote in The Officer: ‘Holiness is simply Christlikeness: being like Jesus, allowing him to live through us by the Holy Spirit. There need be no theological confusion, no wondering which is the correct term to use: full salvation, perfect love, sanctification, filled with the Spirit, baptised in the Spirit. The one experience has many names but the same Spirit is behind it all… The Army knows that the only way for crooked lives to be kept straight, for liars to remain truthful, for the sexually immoral to remain pure, is for people to become holy. This is not only a possibility, it is an actuality.’ Stephen Grinsted, Major, London Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address O Not all letters can be printed O Please remember, letters for publication
in Salvationist should be carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed O The Editor reserves the right to edit letters or print extracts O Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
THANK YOU FOR REMINDER OF JOHN GOWANS’ LEGACY I WANT to say thank you for the 19 January issue of Salvationist and, indeed, for each issue of the paper – they all bring us information and blessing. I feel that special thanks should go to Commissioner Keith Banks. His summary of the many works of John Gowans gives us the best picture of this man we could ever have. The late General’s gifts are in use today and his legacy is there for future days. My final thanks go to the Lord. Corinthians 12:4 reminds us that ‘there are different kinds of gifts, but the same 8
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Spirit distributes them’. I thank God for so many in The Salvation Army who use their gifts for his glory. Ena Dickinson, Mrs Major, Tunbridge Wells
THE LAW OF UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES THE Briefing Note that appeared in Salvationist (26 January) is a timely reminder to Salvationists that we cannot be complacent on the subject of samesex marriage. The Government has undertaken at least two consultations on this subject, the first dealing with the ‘why’ and the second dealing with the ‘how’. Neither, in my view, were extensively publicised in order for the electorate to participate. The briefing note urges Salvationists to continue to raise their concerns with their MP, however it is now too late to change the Government’s plans by arguing from a theological/historical/cultural/religious perspective. Most of the churches in the UK, including The Salvation Army, have made strong representations against these proposals on same-sex marriage but the Government has rejected or ignored them. I would urge all Salvationists to write to their MP as I have done and urge them to consider the unintended consequences if this Bill becomes law. When the previous Government introduced civil partnerships it clearly said that this would not lead to same-sex marriage. They also said that Christians in public service would not be forced to provide a service if it genuinely conflicted with their Christian principles. Only recently the European Court of Human Rights failed to uphold an appeal made by a registrar and a counsellor who had been dismissed for refusing to conduct a civil partnership ceremony and refusing to provide sexual counselling for a gay couple. The Roman Catholic Church has had to cease its adoption services because the new legislation conflicted with its Christian principles. The Government has stated that it was providing a quadruple-lock safeguard on religious freedom for churches and ministers. However, it will take only one vexatious minority group to take legal action against a minister/officer/church right up to the European Court of Human Rights and the likelihood is that the court will rule in that group’s favour. David Newstead, Tamworth
BIBLE STUDY
Glimpses of God Canon David Winter continues this York Course series for Lent with The Shepherd Who Guides And Guards His People
T
ELEVISION programmes about working shepherds have enabled us to connect more with the biblical images of God and Jesus as ‘Shepherd’. ‘The Lord is my shepherd,’ said the psalmist (23:1). ‘I am the good shepherd,’ said Jesus (John 10:11). Just as the shepherd guides and guards his flock, so the divine Shepherd leads his people and protects them from evil.
A DANGEROUS AND DEMANDING ROLE To fully appreciate Psalm 23, we need to consider the shepherd’s role in Bible times. Sheep were in constant peril from predators. Add the sparse nature of grass and limited availability of drinking water and we begin to understand how crucial the shepherd was. So the idyllic picture of the shepherd turns into a scene of dedicated and demanding care. The shepherd even lays down his life for the sheep (John 10:11). Sheep go where they are led, eat what they are fed, and seem pretty helpless. That’s not the kind of image we like to have of ourselves! But sheep are great followers. They simply trust their leader – and that’s as good a definition of faith as you will get. THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW One vivid scene in Psalm 23 makes the point very well: ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me’ (v4 Authorised Version). Stark but beautiful words. The shepherd leads the sheep into the cold dank darkness of a ravine. They’re not keen to go, but obediently follow. Eventually he leads them safely out, back into the sunshine. This verse has meant much to many down the centuries. There is no valley darker than bereavement, no shadow
greater than the loss of a loved one. It’s a universal experience, the darkest valley we are called to walk through. The very thought of it fills us with dread. It’s interesting that neither here nor anywhere else does the Bible even hint that we can avoid that dark valley. Even the divine Shepherd can’t find a way for his flock to avoid it. What he does, however, is promise that he will be with them in this bleak experience: ‘Thou art with me’ (v4). What a reassurance! The shepherd who knows the way, who cares for his sheep and would even die for them, does not abandon us when we are called to pass through this difficult valley. His ‘rod’ is there to encourage our reluctant feet; his ‘staff’ is there to draw us back when we stumble off the path.
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THE IDYLLIC PICTURE OF THE SHEPHERD TURNS INTO A SCENE OF DEDICATED AND DEMANDING CARE
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THE PRESENCE OF GOD In Some Other Rainbow, journalist John McCarthy – who describes himself as ‘not conventionally religious’ – writes about his hostage years in Beirut. In a moment of profound despair, he found himself crying out: ‘God help me!’ To his surprise he was immediately aware of returning strength, an inner renewal that saw him through the remaining years of captivity. For Christians, what John described was the presence of God. The divine Shepherd is always within earshot of our cries.
NOT AN EMERGENCY SERVICE However, this can’t simply be an emergency service, a sort of spiritual ‘999’ call. We can hardly build a sense of God’s continuing presence if we speak to him only in emergencies! Long-term blessing calls for long-term commitment. PRACTISING THE PRESENCE OF GOD Brother Lawrence, a 17th-century monk, discovered ways of cultivating a sense of God’s constant presence while working in the kitchen of a Carmelite priory near Paris. To him, God’s presence was even more real there than in the quiet chapel. His experience – published in The Practice Of The Presence Of God – is considered one of the great works of Christian spirituality. We too need to practise our awareness of God, to cultivate a sense of the divine nearness. Jesus promised that he would be with his followers always. The Christian life is essentially a journey in his company. We may not always be conscious of God’s presence, but Jesus has solemnly promised it. That promise has never been withdrawn. O
For more information about York Courses tel 01904 466516 or visit www.yorkcourses.co.uk
CANON WINTER IS AN AUTHOR AND A FORMER HEAD OF RELIGIOUS BROADCASTING AT THE BBC Salvationist 16 February 2013
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FEATURE
DISQUALIFIED
On 12 July, the professor arrived at her home with an entourage of police to enforce the marriage. Shobna locked herself in the bathroom. Her mother, Esther, and grandmother were beaten as they pleaded for Shobna and refused to hand her over that night. Fearing for her daughter’s future, Esther turned to The Salvation Army, who intervened to provide protection and guidance. They rehoused the family, solicited the assistance of the Minister for Minorities, instructed a lawyer and initiated court proceedings to nullify the marriage. Shobna didn’t attend court for fear she would be kidnapped and taken away. Instead, Divisional Commander Captain Nighat Imran (Islamabad) went as her representative. Thankfully, the court found in her favour and the marriage was nullified. In theory, Shobna is free, but the repercussions of her
Salvation Army International Development (SAID UK) is launching a new photo exhibition at International Headquarters next month to highlight the challenges faced by minorities in Pakistan; FEARING FOR HER Samantha Godec shares one woman’s story DAUGHTER’S FUTURE, ESTHER TURNED TO THE IN the slums surrounding Islamabad, being poor, minoritySALVATION ARMY, WHO faith and female is a particularly dangerous status, the three identities intersecting to create a web of oppression. Against INTERVENED TO PROVIDE the backdrop of rats and refuse, Shobna stood in sharp contrast – a beautiful, dainty figure, draped in a white PROTECTION AND headscarf that shapes her soft features. At 22 years old, she has an MBA in finance from the Open University – bright as GUIDANCE well as beautiful.
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In March, a professor teaching at her university made the decision to take Shobna as his wife. A powerful man, superior in status, he wielded his influence with little trouble. Although initially she refused, he made threats that frightened her into submission. Shobna was taken to court for the necessary marriage arrangements to be made. In four months’ time, following her graduation, she was to become his wife. Shobna did not fully understand what happened that day; she knew she had been bequeathed without true consent, but felt powerless to protest and too frightened to tell her family.
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experience are enslaving. She no longer leaves the house for fear of being captured. In her community she is shamed, such is the power of so-called dishonour. When I visited her home and asked what her dreams were for the future, she said she no longer had any. She says she is too sad to think of such things, struggling to see a future for herself. Shobna is just one person who has experienced the inequality, abuse and exploitation faced by minority-faith women in Pakistan. Through the Disqualified exhibition we want to highlight the injustices faced by Shobna and the other women I met during my trip to Pakistan, as well as the efforts being taken by The Salvation Army to support and empower these women. This is being done through a new programme to educate around 3,000 women and girls about their legal rights, means of enforcement and access to justice. Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Marguerite Ward (Pakistan) will be overseeing this
Shobna
new programme and is convinced that The Salvation Army must be proactive in this area: ‘The daily plight of women in Pakistan is painful to hear, see and read about. However, the women we work with are constantly expressing their new confidence in speaking about their situations and exploring ways to address them. This gives us hope that other women can join us in reaching this same place that allows them to gain strength.’ These women and girls are the suffering church, which means we suffer with them. Among the hurting, I also saw the hope that The Salvation Army is bringing to marginalised and disenfranchised communities – hope for change, hope for dignity and hope for the future. Philippians 3:20
tells us: ‘If God is for us, who can be against us? For we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.’ May Shobna and the thousands like her know what it is to conquer in love. The accompanying pictures are just a selection of the photos of women and girls featured in the exhibition. You can see the whole exhibition at Café 101, IHQ , 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH from 11 March to 11 April. O
If you are interested in hosting the exhibition in the future get in touch with SAID UK on 020 7367 4777
O
A book to accompany the exhibition is available to purchase from SAID UK for £5 – order yours now by calling 020 7367 4777 or by emailing id@salvationarmy.org.uk
SAMANTHA IS TECHNICAL ADVISER ON ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UK) Salvationist 16 February 2013
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FEATURE
Convinced of their calling New territorial leaders Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams answer 20 questions to give Salvationist readers an insight into their lives and their calling and commitment as Salvation Army officers TELL US ABOUT YOUR EARLY CHILDHOOD
CAN YOU RECALL YOUR CONVERSION EXPERIENCE?
CA: I grew up as the second of three brothers in a good home where the whole family were Salvationists (although my dad left soldiership and the band when I was in my early teens). My grandfather, a local officer for 50 years, was a legend in the division (everyone knew ‘Bandmaster Adams’!) and a spiritual giant to us and, as I was to discover later, to many others outside the family. We observed him closely, because he shared a bedroom with my older brother and me, and his consistent faith, lived out in front of us, spoke volumes – much more than the two sermons and two Sunday school lessons we heard every Sunday. I enjoyed my childhood and spent my time – disproportionately – at school, at the Army and at play in a lively neighbourhood filled with a cosmopolitan conglomerate of cultures and characters. My interest in sport was kindled on the streets of the Cape Flats where major tournaments in cricket and football were won and lost.
CA: Yes – It was Decision Sunday when I was seven years old. My uncle was the YPSM and he was leading, telling us about Jesus’ love and inviting us to receive his grace. ‘Enter, enter right into my heart, Lord’ was being sung. I went to the mercy seat as I had done many times before, but this time, understanding that I needed to have a personal relationship with Jesus: that my heritage did not matter there and then. I can still recall something of the relief and joy I felt when I returned to my seat!
MA: I grew up in a loving Army family, the eldest of three siblings. We moved quite a bit – six times before my tenth birthday – in connection with my dad’s employment. During this time, my parents stopped attending the Army, but encouraged us to attend all the children’s activities. My maternal grandmother had a tremendous spiritual impact on my life and instilled in me my love of nature. 12
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of officership, including recently opened doors regarding multiracial training in apartheid South Africa. Yet, I resisted, until God sent in a couple of spiritual paratroopers – in the space of a couple of days, and unbeknown to each other (I checked!) – in the form of two members of the corps who informed me that God wanted me to be an officer. I ‘surrendered’, appropriately, during the taking up of the offering the following Sunday!
MA: It was during my teen years, at a summer camp, that I first became aware of God’s reality – and accepted the truth that Jesus was my saviour.
MA: The people’s spiritual and social need became my calling when I was in my twenties. I saw suffering, lonely, spiritually dead people everywhere, and the Lord asked me through the Bible and through other people to give my life and use my life to bring hope to the people.
HOW DID GOD CALL YOU TO OFFICERSHIP?
TELL US WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO EACH OTHER
CA: By the time I was in a spiritual place where I could hear God’s voice, I had learnt that confirming God’s will was almost as important as discovering it! Thus, the inner conviction with which I had struggled for months was supported: O by Scripture, where previously well-read verses suddenly brought fresh revelation O by a growing understanding as I became established in the faith that ministry as an officer would suit my spiritual giftings O by circumstances around the question
CA: Our love story could make a feature for next year’s Valentine’s Day issue of Salvationist! We fell in love through correspondence, after a mutual friend (now Commissioner Donald Ødegaard) handed me a picture of Marianne and her address while we were serving together in Johannesburg. By the time Marianne and I met a year later, we had already decided to marry, and had managed to persuade our respective leaders that this was a sensible decision that they should heartily approve! In that time, with hundreds of letters (we ended up writing daily), a dozen or so cards
MA: Clive’s sense of humour. We started our relationship by corresponding by ordinary mail, and I fell for his humour and direct ‘speech’ very quickly. We were both very happy as singles, but as time went by and many letters had
MA: My granny was my first mentor. Later on in life I’ve had a few close friends who are also officers and a lovely prayer-partner.
parents are away. My younger sister and her family are also living in Norway. Then I have been blessed with my in-laws in South Africa.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY
HOW HAVE YOUR EARLIER APPOINTMENTS AFFECTED YOUR DEVELOPMENT AS LEADERS?
CA: We have two wonderful children, Robert, 21, and Kristin, 19, who have grown up to be strongly independent. Kristin and Marianne have provided Robert and me with a lot of entertainment over the years, and dinner has not been the same since the children have moved out! Both are in the
Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams
crossed the ocean we realised that this was becoming more serious than a friendship. But we were advised to meet before we decided to get married. At our first meeting I found that I liked all about him. His personality, his looks, his spirituality and his way of behaving. HAS THERE BEEN A SIGNIFICANT PERSON OR MENTOR IN YOUR LIFE? CA: Beside my grandfather, my godfather, Uncle Mel, played a significant role in my life as a spiritual guide, especially until I left for training. Also, the Tuck brothers, Trevor and Brian, both played important parts in my life and, although our contact is spasmodic these days, they would be among the first I would contact if I needed support or advice. I want to acknowledge a number of unnamed leaders I have served under or alongside who have also helped me in my leadership.
process of choosing their life’s paths, and we are excited to see what the Lord has planned for their futures. I have two brothers, both married, with two children each. All are in the Army, with my older brother serving as a local officer in our home corps, Claremont Temple, in Cape Town, and my younger brother and his wife serving as corps officers in Pretoria. MA: We have two lovely children. Robert was born in England in 1991. He is studying film production at a university in Norway. Kristin was born in Norway in 1993. She is about to leave for South Africa to do some voluntary work before she goes back to Norway to start her studies there. They are very different – just like their parents – but both say they have been blessed by being brought up in The Salvation Army and by growing up in three different countries. My mother is still going strong and looks after her grandchildren when their
CA: My previous experience in officership has developed my understanding of leadership as well as improving my practice of it. I believe that, during my officership, a significant amount of rough edges have been smoothed out – though I suspect that God is not finished with me yet! I believe that I am mellower, more willing to listen, take a greater interest in people and have a better perspective than I did when I started. I have learnt the importance of faithfulness as I have served alongside unheralded heroes of the faith in comparatively small settings doing mission – not infrequently in challenging circumstances. I have come to appreciate the value of team even though my instincts are to minister alone. I have come to believe that planning and prayer are not necessarily mutually exclusive. MA: In every appointment that has been given to me I have learnt a lot about leadership and about people. I have seen bad leadership and good leadership and I can honestly say that I am still learning how to be a leader. There are many qualities that are very useful when you are a leader. You need to see and know the people you are leading. You need to know the time, context and age in which you are leading. And as a Christian leader I have to depend on God’s guidance and power in all I am and in all I do. Previous appointments have taught me this through experience, failure and example. IS THERE A PARTICULAR AREA OF ARMY ACTIVITY THAT CONCERNS OR EXCITES YOU? CA: I am excited by the fact that, essentially, the Army is needs-based in its ministry. If we adhere to this principle, it would mean that each ministry unit – but especially corps – will develop into a CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
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and a handful of phone calls, I came to be attracted to her down-to-earth, honest approach to life – including her spiritual life, her good looks, her wonderful mellow voice, her Scandinavian accent (which she has since exchanged for a South African one!) and the fact that she laughed at my baloney.
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unique living organism, being the Kingdom and bringing the Kingdom into the local setting with life, relevance and meaning. This should eliminate the anomaly of a John Larsson melody being played with brass instruments on a rural Zululand hill. Because, that is my main concern – that we will so ‘wrap up’ the good news of the Kingdom in what we perceive to be ‘Army packaging’, that people end up rejecting the wrapping before they have had a chance to look at the contents! MA: The Army’s focus on social justice excites me. Renewed and changed people excite me. Children and youth who grasp faith and hope make me very happy. New people attending all our programmes is very inspiring. Faithful people who have spent days and years serving people and building the Kingdom make me humble and grateful. As long as our Army activities inspire people to get involved and make a positive difference in the world and give people hope for eternity, I get excited. I get concerned if we have to keep traditions for the sake of tradition or if we just live for ourselves and fail to see the people and situations around us. THE ARMY, OBVIOUSLY, TAKES UP MOST OF YOUR TIME BUT WHAT OTHER INTERESTS DO YOU HAVE? CA: Reading, sport and walking for exercise. MA: Reading, gardening, picking berries and wild flowers, walks in nature and visits to museums. (Nearly all totally different to my husband!) WHAT MAKES THE SALVATION ARMY A DISTINCTIVE MOVEMENT? CA: Our evangelical roots are shared by many, but the combination of O our strong belief in transformation through preaching full salvation while practising social engagement O our needs-based approach to local mission, making our movement so varied in its outreach and ministry O our internationalism and centralised administration and support for the local ministry and mission 14
Salvationist 16 February 2013
O our
embrace of the military metaphor which speaks of our mission, engages all our members and causes us to be visible in society... ...ensures that we have our own place to fill and our own role to play in the world which we are called to serve. MA: Our visibility, our calling to suffering humanity, the engagement and involvement of the members. YOU BOTH COME FROM DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD AND HAVE SERVED IN MANY DIFFERENT PLACES. HOW DO YOU THINK YOUR CULTURAL HERITAGE AND DIVERSITY MIGHT ENRICH THIS TERRITORY? CA: We have been amazed in the few days we have been here to note how seldom we have heard English being spoken as we walk the streets or take public transport! London is a multinational, multicultural, multi-faith, multiracial, multifarious concoction!
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I HAVE HAD CONFIRMED THAT SALVATIONISM IS A FREE SPIRIT RATHER THAN A TEMPLATED SHAPE
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The traditional ‘mission-field’ is now living across the sports field! I expect that the Army here reflects something of this rich variety, though I suspect that there is more that can be done to reach out to various unreached cultures. Our own experience may assist in keeping us all focused on this aspect of our mission, and also may help us in regard to providing perspective and understanding when considering and working with and for those who are different. MA: We’ll see, but I believe it is helpful to have lived and worked in different cultures in our changing world where people are moving across borders all the time. We have got so much to learn from each other and we need to help
each other to understand each other, accept each other, appreciate each other and be enriched by each other. It is not ‘us and them’ in God’s Kingdom. We are together and we need to remember this in Europe. Someone recently said: ‘The churches in Europe are in decline, but immigrants from the rest of the world are going to be the Church’s salvation.’ The cultural diversity is exciting, and I believe we will become so rich and so blessed the day we accept that. It can be a pre-taste of Heaven. WHERE IS ‘HOME’ FOR YOU? CA: Home is both a person and a place for me: It is the person with whom I share every day – my wife, Marianne, and it is the place I leave, and to which I return each day, to live out my life’s purpose – at the moment, in London. MA: Norway is my natural home. South Africa has become my second home, and, quite honestly, I have always loved living in the UK. WHAT WERE YOU DOING BEFORE YOU ENTERED OFFICERSHIP? HAS YOUR PREVIOUS CAREER BEEN HELPFUL TO YOUR OFFICERSHIP? CA: I was a teacher in a primary school prior to being a corps helper in my home corps the year before I entered training. My teacher-training and teaching experience have helped me throughout my officership, but especially when I served at the training college – on the staff in the mid-80s and then as Principal in the late 90s and on into the new century. The fact that I taught in a primary school gave me ample opportunity to develop patience, and this, too, has stood me in good stead! MA: I worked in the office at a convalescent home for a few years. We had patients who came straight from hospitals and were too weak to be sent home. This career has been helpful to my officership. It has taught me lots about people. We are very different, react in different ways and have to be met in different ways too. It has also given me a good insight into how vulnerable a life can be. Big changes can take place in a person’s life, in
family and in circumstances because of illness, redundancy, addictions, etc, and we should be there for people and help them get back on their feet. WHAT PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE OR LESSONS WILL YOU BRING WITH YOU FROM NORWAY, ICELAND AND THE FÆROES TERRITORY? CA: The resourcefulness displayed by the NIF Territory in adapting to ever-changing parameters and regulations made by the authorities, as well as changing needs in society, has been inspirational. Several significant and innovative measures have been taken, and programmes introduced, as a result of challenges we have faced. The Scandinavians have helped me to broaden my perspectives about leadership and especially the exercise of authority, as well as the importance of seeing people as valuable in themselves, in addition to their value to the Army and the mission. I have had confirmed that Salvationism is a free spirit rather than a templated shape… that it is something practised rather than something patterned or even patented. MA: The creativity that exists among people in the territory. The importance of people’s sense of belonging in the Army even if they are not soldiers or adherent members. (Membership comes in different forms, and the feeling of belonging is important. We must take that seriously.)
WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU EXPECT TO FACE IN YOUR NEW ROLES? CA: First, gaining an overview of this vast territory – getting to know the huge leadership team, being able to ‘place’ ministry units geographically and organisationally, understanding the ethos of the way the territory operates (its business, organisation and management, as opposed to its driving mission). Secondly, agreeing with leaders about the issues that need our attention, emphasising and addressing, and then inspiring the territory to rally round that mission focus.
Thirdly, meeting the challenges inherent in a Christian movement living out its convictions about mission in an increasingly secularised society – both the internal and external challenges this counter-cultural living brings. Fourthly, administering the Army with its distinctive approach to engagement (especially for officers – ie, ministry not employment, service not work) and mission (especially in social services) in the context of changing government laws and regulations that clash with our own parameters. Fifthly, awkward encounters on those Sundays following any sporting clash between South African and British or Irish sporting teams! MA: The unknown. I do not know the people, the programmes and the personnel and there will be many things I have to get to know, learn and get used too. The lack of freedom to operate in my own language can be a challenge too. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF LEADERSHIP? CA: I would describe my leadership style as being open and direct, mutually accountable, focused on agreed objectives. MA: Passionate, caring, occupied with people and their circumstances. WHAT IS YOUR VISION OF THE ARMY’S ROLE IN THE WORLD TODAY? CA: A vital, vibrant, visible Army, which is energised and invigorated by the life-giving Spirit. An Army, which is characterised by its O militant aggression against all that grieves God’s heart O merciful action in our encounters with all who are in need of our soup or our soap, and O missional application of Kingdomliving to point those living in darkness to the light. MA: I keep coming back to the late General John Gowans’ words: ‘Save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.’ This is still our role in the world today. Our history and our experience also give us the right to speak up for the
injustice that is going on in the world, but we must choose our battles carefully because the battle can be costly. HAVE YOU SERVED IN THE UK BEFORE? CA: Yes – we were corps officers at Lye Citadel, West Midlands Division, in the period 1990 to 1992. MA: Yes. I worked at Sunbury Court for a year from 1979 to 1980 before I became an officer. In 1990 I was newly wed and appointed to Lye. In 1996 we were appointed to IHQ as co-ordinators for the International Youth Forum and we soldiered at Bexleyheath. DO YOU ENJOY MUSIC AND, IF SO, WHAT SORT? CA: Having grown up in a family where Uriah Heep or Donovan could be blasted from the same speakers where Bach or the ISB had been blasting minutes before, I have developed a catholic taste in music. But I particularly like R’n’B, African Choral and congregational singing, male quartets and choirs and gospel. MA: I love many of the old classical hymns, some worship music and African singing. I do not mind male choir or a good band piece as well, but I do prefer to recognise a song tune in the piece. Words are very important to me and combined with beautiful music they bring great blessings. Gaither homecoming music (the songs of Bill and Gloria Gaither) gives me inspiration, and as a good Scandinavian I am very fond of Abba. ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SPORT AND DO YOU SUPPORT A PARTICULAR TEAM? CA: I am accused of being a ‘sportsidiot’, but I contend that idiots know nothing whereas my knowledge of sport is such that I should be classified as a genius! While I can and do enjoy a variety of sports, I especially love cricket (the Proteas), rugby (the Springboks) and football (Manchester United)… in that order. MA: No, I am afraid not. It is enough with one sports fanatic in the house. Salvationist 16 February 2013
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NEW COMMITMENTS
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1. ABI URMSTON Soldier STAPLE HILL FAMILY and friends travelled to witness Abi being enrolled as a soldier by her father, corps officer Major Ian Urmston. Abi is involved in the YP band and, after attending the Territorial Youth Band course last year, became more aware of the Lord’s presence in her life. Subsequently, she decided to make a commitment as a soldier. – V. W.
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2. – 3. CHARLOTTE ARCLE, MOIRA MAE UNDERWOOD Soldiers BEDLINGTON CHARLOTTE heard the band play at an open-air meeting and, along with her sister, accepted the invitation to attend Sunday school. She testified to how her love for God had influenced her whole being, enabling her to witness to her friends. Surrounded by proud family and friends, Charlotte was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Peter Clark. As a child Moira Mae attended Kirkwall Corps. At the age of 12 she was called to officership and five years later entered the training college. After a period of absence from the Army, in February 2012 Moira Mae went to Bedlington and a warm welcome encouraged her to continue attending. She went to a Design for Life weekend at the training college and God reinforced his original call. Supported by friends and family, Moira Mae was enrolled as a soldier by Major Gladys Ljungholm (North-Western DHQ). – K.O./M. M. 4. BETHANY ROEBUCK Soldier CASTLEFORD BETHANY, 16, was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Steve Fripp. Bethany spoke about her journey of faith and acknowledged the many positive influences on her life, including the example of her Christian family, the commitment of people praying with and for her and opportunities to be involved in corps sections. Her decision to become a soldier marks her desire to serve God in The Salvation Army. – M. F.
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5. – 8. KAY WILLIAMS Soldier WENDY WILSON, ROWENA CHRISTIAN Adherent members CERYS MUDIE, AIMEE CLAGUE Junior soldiers DOUGLAS AFTER worshipping at another church, Kay felt compelled to return to her spiritual home at the Army. She testified that she wants to serve God. She was enrolled by corps officer Captain Carolyn Clampton. Wendy is part of a community choir, whose conductor, a Salvationist, invited her to the corps. Rowena has faithfully attended the corps for several years. She spoke of her joy at joining the loving Christian family at Douglas. Wendy and Rowena were welcomed as adherent members by Captain Simon Clampton. Cerys and Aimee danced with happiness, bringing joy to the whole congregation, when they were enrolled as junior soldiers by Divisional Commander Major Michael Highton. – S. C. 9. JAN ALVIS, LINDSEY BLACK, JANET DAVIE, MICK HARKNESS, ALISON JENKIN, LENA ROGAN, RITA SCOTT, MARY LEISHMAN, ANN MCDONALD Adherent members PRESTONPANS COMMISSIONER Keith Banks welcomed nine adherent members into the fellowship at the end of a corps retreat day. The corps has experienced a significant amount of growth and is blessed by each new member. – C. B.
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10. PATRICIA BECKINSALE Soldier BASILDON EARLIER this year Pat, an adherent member who leads the Kidz club, felt God was calling her into a deeper relationship and decided to become a soldier. She was enrolled by corps leader Territorial Envoy Heather Sheldon. – H. S. 11. & 12. JACOB ALDERTON, ERIC BULL Soldiers WORTHING WHEN Jacob and his family attended a carol concert, Jacob told his parents he wanted to join the singing company. He regularly attended and enjoyed his service as a junior soldier. He is thankful for the people in his life who encouraged him to make the right decisions. Eric first attended the corps to accompany his wife Kathy; he never intended becoming a Salvationist. When Kathy was diagnosed with an incurable illness the fellowship offered Eric friendship and practical support. Eric testified to his life being turned around and thanked the many people who helped him on his journey. Jacob and Eric were enrolled as soldiers by associate officer Captain Liz Smith. – S. H.
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13. CARMEL COONEY, MICHAEL COONEY Adherent members STOCKPORT CITADEL MICHAEL and Carmel attended the Army for the first time 18 months ago. Michael shared how he attended to support Carmel, but now the Lord uses him to witness to others in the community. Carmel shared how she feels so at home when at the Army. During Easter she realised the pain Jesus had been through for her and gave her life to him for the first time. Michael and Carmel continue to be a breath of fresh air to the fellowship and constantly invite friends and work colleagues to church. – J. F-S. Salvationist 16 February 2013
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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff: Effective 1 April: O Commissioner William Cochrane (currently International Secretary to the Chief of the Staff) has received an additional appointment as Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations Effective 1 May: O Majors Petter and Eija Kornilow (currently serving in Finland and Estonia) to be Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries of that territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel. They succeed Lieut-Colonel Arja Laukkanen who is entering retirement Effective 1 June: O Commissioners Raymond and Aylene Finger (currently Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Australia Southern) to be IS for South Pacific and East Asia and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries – South Pacific and East Asia O Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd (currently CS and TSWM, Canada and Bermuda) to be TC and TPWM, Australia Southern. They will take up
their new appointments with the rank of commissioner – Colonel Floyd Tidd on 1 June and Colonel Tracey Tidd on 2 June O Lieut-Colonels Mark and Sharon Tillsley (currently serving in USA Eastern) to be CS and TSWM, Canada and Bermuda, with the rank of colonel O Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring (currently IS for South Pacific and East Asia and ZSWM – South Pacific and East Asia) to be TC and TPWM, Pakistan. They succeed Colonels Robert and Marguerite Ward who are entering retirement
Effective 6 June: O Major Diane Henderson, Divisional Director for Evangelism, London Central
APPOINTED Effective 3 January: O Major Andrew Gaudion, Woodford Effective 9 January: O Lieut-Colonel Robert Halliday, Clearance Manager, Sunbury Court, Business Administration Service, THQ Effective 14 January: O Lieut-Colonel Carolyn Allemand, Associate Officer, Camberwell Effective 24 January: O Major Gillian Johnson, Associate Officer, Bromley Effective 31 January: O Captain Andrew Stone, additional appointment, Editorial Unit, Communications Service, THQ
O Rohan,
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL LINDA BOND: O UK, Regent Hall (welcome and installation of territorial leaders), Sat 16 Feb O ICO, Sun 17 O Korea, Tu 19 - Wed 27 O UK, Bedford, Sat Sun 3 Mar O Sweden, Fri 8 - Mon 11 O Chalk Farm (IHQ officers councils), Fri 15 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: O ICO, Tu 19 Feb O Kenya West (installation of territorial leaders), Th 28 - Mon 4 Mar O Denmark (installation of territorial leaders), Sat Sun 10 O Chalk Farm (IHQ officers councils), Fri 15 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS) AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: O Regent Hall (welcome and installation), Sat 16 Feb O London Central (installation of Divisional Commander), Sun 17 O Poole (Youth Makes Music final concert), Fri 22 O Swanwick (Social Services Conference), Wed Th 7 Mar O West Midlands, Sat Sun 10 O Anglia, Sat Sun 18 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: O Regent Hall (welcome and installation of territorial leaders), Sat 16 Feb O London Central (installation of Divisional Commander), Sun 17 O Pentre, Sat Sun 24 O William Booth College (spiritual day), Th 28 O William Booth College (Exploring Leadership Day), Sun 3 Mar O Swanwick (Social Services Conference), Mon 4 O Fraserburgh, Sun 17 COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: O ICO, Fri 1 Mar COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: O Latin America North and South America West, Fri 22 Feb - Th 7 Mar COMMISSIONERS ROBERT AND JANET STREET: O Spain (amalgamation of Spain and Portugal Commands), Sat Sun 17 Feb O UK, Hemel Hempstead (retirement), Sat 23 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: leaders), Sat 16 Feb
O Regent
Hall (welcome and installation of territorial
INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: O Castleford, Sat Sun 24 Feb
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Salvationist 16 February 2013
ELECTED Nigel Bovey, THQ, as Vice-Chair of the Christian Evidence Society
O Major
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Golden: O Bandsman Peter and Mrs Elaine Longbottom, Sheffield Citadel (23 February) DEDICATED TO GOD son of Kevin Lamming and Sara Lethbridge, at Milton Keynes by Captain Michael Allen O Iris Taylor, daughter of Justin Mundford and Katy Martin, at Shipley by Major Maureen Melton BEREAVED Anne Martin, Southsea, of her brother Victor Morton O Daphne Coppin, Worthing (formerly Hendon), of her husband Donald, Cherry-Lyn Quartermain of her father, Eddie Coppin of his brother, both Worthing O Stuart and Alan Dobson, High Wycombe, of their mother S/Reservist Ellen Dobson O Songster
RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: O Major Brenda Sparkes (80 on 19 February) O Major Rosina Baker (80 on 26 February) PROMOTED TO GLORY Gledhill, Coedpoeth (formerly Kirkburton) O Eileen Maloney, Chippenham O Annie
OFFICIAL GAZETTE UK Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 February: O Major Stephen Gowler out of Chatteris in 1973 and last appointment Director, Pastoral Care Unit, THQ O Major Lynda Levis out of Harrow in 1980 and last appointment Training Principal, Officer Training College, Tanzania
O Major
Joy Paxton out of Rosyth in 1976 and last appointment Education and Officer Development Secretary, Tanzania CLIVE ADAMS, Commissioner, Territorial Commander
TRIBUTES ALAN WORTH, CARDIFF CANTON ALAN came to the Army as a teenager at Seaham Harbour, where he soon became an enthusiastic and committed Salvationist. Moves in a successful career later took him to Stockton, Woking, Swansea and Canton. Alan always offered wholehearted and faithful service to God serving as a bandsman, singing company and songster leader, corps cadet guardian, YP treasurer, acting YPSM and nurture group chairman. He also led meetings in South Wales and raised funds for the Annual Appeal and international development projects. Respected by people of all ages for his
wisdom, integrity, humility and support, Alan’s presence and influence are greatly missed – not least by his wife, three children and ten grandchildren. – S. B.
MRS OLIVE DRURY, NORWICH CITADEL OLIVE was born in 1917 in Norwich. She attended the Sunday school and was a member of the YP music sections at Norwich Citadel, becoming a senior soldier in 1933 and then a songster. She married Douglas – a bandsman – in 1941. They shared more than 50 years’ devoted service in the corps until his promotion to Glory in 1996. She was immensely proud of their sons, Michael and Graham, and loved working with young people – spending many years as a Sunday school teacher. Olive was No 1 on the roll and attended meetings until Christmas, always taking a great interest in all things Army. Her family and corps members pay tribute to her love, encouragement and influence. – B. C.
RETIRED SONGSTER LEADER MRS RONA WALTON, EXETER BORN in 1956 and dedicated to God at Edinburgh Gorgie, Rona was a lifelong Salvationist. She attended Upper Norwood until 1975 when she went to Exeter University to read English and Music. She settled at Exeter Temple after meeting her husband Nicholas. Rona dedicated her learning from the Royal College of Music, Upper Norwood Songsters and university, to the Lord. She became singing company leader, and was afterwards the songster leader for many years. An accomplished vocalist, Rona blessed many people at home and abroad with her beautiful voice. Her positive Christianity, faith, bravery and dignity always shone through – particularly during her illness – and were an example to all. – A. C. Please note that soldiers’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 120 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.
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Salvationist 16 February 2013
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Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each day Saturday Be strong in the grace of the Lord, Be armed with the power of his might; Be daring when dangers abound, Courageous and brave in the fight. Be strong! Be strong! And victory will be your delight. (SASB 679)
Sunday When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise – in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 56:3 and 4)
Monday There are hundreds of sparrows, thousands, millions,
They’re two a penny, far too many there must be; There are hundreds and thousands, millions of sparrows, But God knows every one and God knows me. (SASB 850)
Tuesday Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. ( John 14:27)
Wednesday My God is reconciled, His pardoning voice I hear; He owns me for his child,
I can no longer fear; With confidence I now draw nigh And Father, Abba Father! cry. (SASB 106)
Thursday There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. (1 John 4:18)
Friday We thank you, Lord, that we have nothing to fear when we follow you. You give us strength and courage and the promise of your presence whatever happens. Help us to live today to the full and to face the future with confidence. Amen.
Praying around the world… France and Belgium Since ‘La Maréchale’ (Katie Booth, the eldest daughter of William and Catherine Booth) conducted the first Army meeting in Paris in March 1881, Salvationist influence has grown and remarkable social and spiritual results have been achieved. Army operations were pioneered in Belgium in May 1889. As most of the work operates in French-speaking regions, the former Belgium Command joined with France in January 2009 to make the France and Belgium Territory. The territory, led by Colonels Massimo and Jane Paone, comprises 67 officers, 37 corps, 56 institutions, 1,177 soldiers, 287 adherent members and 160 junior soldiers. The combined territory held its first congress in November 2012. More than a thousand Salvationists, friends and employees took part. Pray that God will continue his work in the territory for unity in mission: unity between Belgium and France and unity between the social and the spiritual work within the Army.
Stained-glass windows, Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Basilica, Barcelona. Picture: BEVERLEY YOUNGS