Salvationist 16 January 2021

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1790 Price 70p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 16 January 2021

Not just minding his own business Sir Boyd Tunnock and The Salvation Army PLUS

UNITING IN WORSHIP, WORK AND WITNESS

PAGES 10 AND 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

HOW A CHRISTIAN PASTOR’S USING COFFEE TO HELP REHABILITATE PRISONERS IN SCOTLAND The humble coffee bean is being used in Glasgow as a tool for rehabilitation, mentoring, employability and community.

Pastor James Faddes, 47, of Bishopbriggs Community Church set up a coffee company called Glesga Roasters following a trip to Rwanda where he saw coffee plantations and was inspired to think about importing coffee to sell in Scotland...

James decided to pursue the idea, not only to bring good coffee to Glasgow but also to be used as a way to assist in the rehabilitatation of prisoners.

‘I’ve been involved in [prison] chaplaincy work as a volunteer chaplain for many, many years ... coming up to 30 years. And I know that there’s always a desire for opportunities to mentor and train to help people find employment ...

So I just took it on as a hobby, initially roasting coffee in my kitchen...’

Glesga Roasters has now grown from roasting 1kg to 5kg per day and 20kg to 100kg a month...

One of Glesga Roasters’ first apprentices, Adam Inglis, also from Glasgow, runs the prison workshops along with James...

They also hope to replicate the scheme across the UK and are in talks with other agencies who work with offenders.

Premier

TEENAGERS TURN TO GOD DURING PANDEMIC Members of Generation Z in their late teens and early twenties are more likely to believe in God than millennials in their late twenties and thirties, according to polling that suggests the trend for younger people being less religious is changing.

It has been suggested that the ease with which young people can access information about faith and find likeminded people online may have helped to build and bolster their faith. Experts said they faced less ‘stigma’ from their peers for being open about their religious beliefs and may have been driven to think more about them during the pandemic.

The survey by YouGov also found, however, that religious and spiritual belief in Britain has declined overall during the pandemic.

The Times

The World Council of Churches and the World Jewish Congress have called on faith leaders to use their voices to combat myths spread by anti-vaccination groups about the Covid-19 vaccine...

They urge leaders to be vaccinated live, in front of media, as a way of building trust in the vaccines.

A joint paper by the two faith groups says that faith leaders also need to be involved in decisions about the distribution of the vaccine ... Distribution decisions are ‘fundamentally ethical in nature’, the paper says, and are needed to ensure ‘poor countries are not excluded’.

The two organisations raise concerns about what they call ‘vaccine nationalism’, in which richer countries buy up the vaccine for their own use.

Church Times

NEW HANDBOOK TO HELP WOMEN’S REFUGES SUPPORT CHRISTIAN DOMESTIC ABUSE SURVIVORS A new handbook has been created to help women’s refuges understand the faith needs of Christian [domestic abuse] survivors.

The handbook has been created by Christian charity Restored, which said that women’s shelters ‘are not often equipped to support women’ for whom faith is an important part of their identity.

Issues unique to female Christian survivors of domestic abuse can include the mistaken belief that they should remain with [an] abusive spouse because of their faith, Restored director Bekah Legg explained...

‘The Bible has too often been misused and abused to keep women with abusers. Women are left believing that they have to choose between their freedom and their faith. We want them to know they can have both.’

The handbook covers three themes – leaving an abuser, healing and recovery – while exploring some of the theological issues relating to domestic abuse...

The handbook is being distributed to women free of charge through the Women’s Aid Federation of England.

Christian Today

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

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EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891

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ISSN 2516-5909

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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FAITH LEADERS URGED TO FIGHT ANTI-VACCINATION MYTHS

Salvationist 16 January 2021

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

MEANING BUSINESS LAST week the chancellor of the exchequer, Rishi Sunak, announced a £4.6 billion support package for businesses after a further national lockdown was put in place. This was in addition to the tens of billions already spent funding the job retention scheme, the self-employed support scheme and August’s Eat Out to Help Out scheme.

As well as the health crisis, the economic emergency is one of the major consequences of the coronavirus pandemic. Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the eye-watering sums being used to support businesses have been welcomed as a way of securing individual livelihoods and the economy as a whole. Even so, not all workers have benefited and not every firm will survive or return to business as usual. Sadly, the number of people experiencing unemployment is predicted to rise to 2.6 million by the middle of 2021.

Our interview with Sir Boyd Tunnock, owner of the well-known biscuit company, reveals how his business has been affected by the pandemic. Although not as badly hit as some firms, Tunnock’s did have to close for a time in the early stages of the first national lockdown. The way it treated its employees was admirable, revealing the company’s attitude towards them and showing how Boyd’s Christian faith influences his business practices. In the interview he also talks about his charitable work, including his connection with The Salvation Army.

‘There’s no business like show business,’ says the Irving Berlin song, and Chloe Wilson points out that this sector of the economy has also suffered badly as a result of coronavirus restrictions – so much so that the future of many historic, cultural institutions, such as theatres, is at risk. Because Chloe works at the International Heritage Centre, this got her thinking about how The Christian Mission and early Salvation Army made use of theatres and music halls, turning them over to the business of saving souls.

Colonel Eleanor Shepherd winds back the clock even further as she considers the way an 18th-century American merchant put his Quaker beliefs into practice, believing that everything he did – at home, at work and in his social life – should honour God. She says that we need the same approach today as we ‘blend the material and the spiritual in incarnational living’.

In another article in our ‘Faith at work’ series, Edward Reece tells us about the challenges of being a Christian influence in his workplace. Although working from home, he has contact with people around the world as he provides IT support to the public transport industry. He explains how they sometimes respond to the fact that he is a Christian.

With 2020 announced as the joint hottest year on record – tied with 2016 – Wesley Paxton shares some thoughts on a Christian response to climate change. He says that, although individual actions are important, the response from big businesses can have the greatest impact, and he suggests the kinds of changes they could make.

Commissioner Gill Cotterill expresses gratitude to those who live out their Christian faith, ‘whether through frontline service, behind-the-scenes support or faithful prayer and encouragement’. We all need to pray for people affected by the economic crisis, as well as politicians and business leaders making difficult decisions.

And, if the Army is called on to increase its practical support for families and individuals facing hardship, let’s make it our business to do what we can to help.

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Quotes from the media

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Message from the Territorial Leader for Leader Development 4 News

5 to 8

Prayer matters

8

Faith at work Integrity on the front line

9

by Edward Reece

Feature 10 and 11 Working together for the Kingdom

by Major David Evans

Interview 12 and 13 A good knight in Uddingston Sir Boyd Tunnock talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Feature Tales from the theatre

14 to 16

by Chloe Wilson

Reviews Unified

17

reviewed by Simon Gash

Keys for Kenya reviewed by Major Len Ballantine

Bible study 18 and 19 Peter grasps an opportunity

by Major Howard Webber

Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19

by Major Howard Webber

Viewpoint Live it out

20

by Colonel Eleanor Shepherd

Viewpoint 21 A Christian way to save the planet?

by Wesley Paxton

Announcements

22

Adverts

23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Sonia Westney

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

Salvationist 16 January 2021

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT

For this I have Jesus Look at how, in so many places, we have connected with our communities on a deeper level and brought blessing to our neighbourhoods by loving our neighbours. Look at the people who have reconnected with us in online worship or joined us for the very first time and have found faith in Jesus.

Look at the meals we’ve been able to give out. Look at the Christmas parcels and the toys we’ve been able to share, all in the name of Jesus.

You may still be asking how we can keep going. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul writes some words of encouragement that I think will help us: ‘We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, HAD hoped that, at the start of the new year, the worst of times might be behind so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: us. However, with the rapid spread of bearing fruit in every good work, the coronavirus we find ourselves living growing in the knowledge of God, being once again under lockdown. The big strengthened with all power according difference is that the new vaccines will eventually put us all in a stronger position. to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and So we thank God for that.

My husband, Anthony, and I are so very giving joyful thanks to the Father, who grateful to God for all of you, right across has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the the territory – for who you are, for your kingdom of light’ (Colossians 1:9–12). perseverance and for the way you have I hope you grasped the message: that lived out your Christian faith day by day, we might please him in every way, that whether that is through frontline service, we might bear fruit in every good work, behind-the-scenes support or faithful that we might grow in the knowledge of prayer and encouragement.

God, that we might be strengthened with I’m sure many of you are feeling tired, all power.

And that is not in our own and perhaps some are at the end of your strength.

We’re resourced through the resources, wondering how you can keep power of the Holy Spirit so that we might going for another few months. We all have great endurance and patience. have an important part to play – looking I was reminded of a lovely song out for each other, encouraging each written by Graham Kendrick that I’m other and lifting each other up just when glad to say is now in our songbook.

The we need it. first verse says: I want to remind you to look at all that God has done in spite of the pandemic, For the joys and for the sorrows, and perhaps because of it. Look at how The best and worst of times, he sent someone to encourage us when For this moment, for tomorrow, we needed it. Look at how courageous For all that lies behind; we’ve become. Look at the new things he Fears that crowd around me, has taught us about ourselves, about our For the failure of my plans, relationship with him, about how we For the dreams of all I hope to be, serve and about how we might be The The truth of what I am: Salvation Army in the days to come.

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Salvationist 16 January 2021

For this I have Jesus, For this I have Jesus, For this I have Jesus, I have Jesus.

It is particularly the third verse I want you to think about: For the weakness of my body, The burdens of each day, For the nights of doubt and worry, When sleep has fled away; Needing reassurance, And the will to start again, A steely-eyed endurance, The strength to fight and win: For this I have Jesus, For this I have Jesus, For this I have Jesus, I have Jesus.

(SASB 700) The resources we need are available to us in Christ. Scripture tells us to ask, seek and knock, that we might receive from the Holy Spirit all that we need to live and serve.

I want to remind you that we need to look after ourselves as well as each other. We’ve got to take care of our own wellbeing, physically, mentally, and spiritually. We’ve got to dig deep and keep focusing on Jesus – not only in our practical and daily lives, but in our inner lives as well. Then we can call on him, just when we need it, just when we feel that we’re getting to the end of our resources. We can pray that his Holy Spirit will fill us once again and equip us for all that lies ahead.

May the Lord bless you and give you that steely-eyed endurance and strength to fight and win day by day.

GILL COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT O This

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

NEWS

Editor’s note These events took place before the current coronavirus lockdowns

COMMUNITY

TV show highlights Christmas Present Appeal GOVAN

FUNDRAISING GUERNSEY Zachary Renouf, aged six, was inspired after the corps raised money to help a Salvation Army water project in Nigeria. He wanted to do more in the hope that one day, everyone in the world will have access to clean, running water. He raised £300 for Watershed projects through a JustGiving page as well as donations from his own pocket money and tooth fairy money. He presented a cheque to corps officers Majors Claire and Jamie Hill during a Sunday meeting, gave a speech thanking everyone and led the corps in prayer for people who do not have water. – JH

COMMUNITY

THE crucial festive work of The Salvation Army in Glasgow featured on BBC One’s The One Show in December. The programme highlighted the Christmas Present Appeal, which brought joy and hope to children who might otherwise have missed out on opening a present.

Corps officers Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft said that, compared with 2019, demand was almost twice as high.

Viewers were introduced to the team that was sorting and delivering thousands of presents and found out how they could donate a gift or make a financial contribution towards the Army’s support work.

Liz Lacey, who co-ordinates the Christmas Present Appeal at the corps, said: ‘Govan was already one of the most socially deprived communities in Scotland before the lockdowns. But with many people on low-paid, zero-hours contracts, the need has increased massively.’ – AR

Community Services Manager Vanessa Fraser (front) demonstrates the results of the hard work!

WORTHING The corps has given food parcels to families in the area for many years. Foodstuffs are usually donated by members during Harvest celebrations, and toys and vouchers donated during the toy service. This year saw a substantial increase in the number of parcels needed and 500 were prepared by teams of socially distanced volunteers. – SH

OUTREACH

PRESENTATION Bourne Community Band has its first socially distanced outing since the coronavirus outbreak, playing carols in the Burghley Centre

Major Philip Nield retires after 23 years’ service during a small, Covid-safe event held at Lavenham Corps and attended by DHQ staff members Salvationist 16 January 2021

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NEWS

OUTREACH MEETING MAIDSTONE Young people and officers working overseas joined together on the second Sunday of Advent for an online meeting on the theme Peace.

They learnt that God’s plan for peace on Earth is for us to have a personal relationship with God. The officers described peace in their respective countries and chose a prayer topic. Each topic was given to a child and they wrote the corresponding prayer on a candle they had drawn. These pictures were later made into a video published on the corps Facebook page. To close, they sang a blessing based on Romans 15:13. – GP

SWINDON CITADEL An ensemble of band members played seasonal music to residents of Orchid Care Home and Epworth Court retirement home, where a corps member is a resident.

The group also played outside the home of a bandsman who was unwell. The Christmas message shared through music was appreciated by those listening. – KS

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY Territorial Envoy Heather Sheldon from Grays Corps prepares toddler Nativity bags with curates Suzie Fryer and Carol Cockcroft from St Peter and St Paul’s Church

DROITWICH SPA For several years Maisie Forrester and her younger brother, Oliver, have delivered Christmas gifts around the community. Armed with social-distancing tools, the pandemic did not stop the deliveries. Travelling almost 100 miles in seven hours, the pair delivered gifts and the message of Christmas to more than 30 homes. – MM

COMMUNITY DUNSTABLE The town mayor, Councillor Peter Hollick, visited the corps while volunteers packed hampers for families in need. He was joined by the mayoress, town clerk and lord-lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis. They were impressed by the scale and generosity of the appeal. Food and gift hampers were given to 235 families, including 520 children. – SB 6

Salvationist 16 January 2021

KILMARNOCK Provost of East Ayrshire council Jim Todd visited the corps to express his appreciation for the work carried out throughout the coronavirus crisis. Jim praised the corps community work and food bank, which remained open throughout lockdown. It was the only church facility in the town to do so. Jim is pictured with corps officers Captains Emma and Les Heal and volunteers Margaret Evans and David Torrance. – EF

COMMUNITY

MEETING

NEWS IN BRIEF WINTON The corps continued its annual Christmas initiative of giving food, money and gifts to people in need.

These were distributed by social workers in the area.

One shared their gratitude in a letter: ‘I cannot believe how many wonderful gifts we received for vulnerable children and their parents ...

I only wish you could see their faces and tears of joy as we handed the gifts over.

You truly bless so many people.’ – GT WOKING The corps provided about 120 toy and food parcels, thanks to the generous support of the public. Small groups of corps members packed the parcels, and students at Hoe Valley school collected the toys. – MH YORKSHIRE SOUTH WITH HUMBER During Advent the division shared a four-week series of online prayer gatherings over Zoom. The sessions were led by divisional leaders Majors Raelton and Lynn Gibbs and divisional mission enablers Majors Carolyn and Paul Wilson.

Approximately 55 people joined each week to share in prayer, Bible readings and music reflection. – LG

Worthing organise a drive-in carol service, with more than 30 cars attending

OUTREACH WEYMOUTH Corps members Joyce and Richard Madge, who decorate their home and garden with lights each December, shared the wonder of Christmas with the community through a special display. It included a Nativity scene, a Salvation Army bandsman playing carols, a soldier taking care of children and elves in Santa’s workshop. People in the community enjoyed visiting the house and gave generously to the corps community fund. – BP HADLEIGH TEMPLE With the normal carolling programme curtailed by the coronavirus pandemic, arrangements were made for band members and pianists to record carols instead. A new recording was then published on the corps Facebook page every day during Advent. Over the four weeks some 90,000 individuals were reached by this online ministry. – WJ

COMMUNITY Bath Citadel pack 400 food parcels and 800 toys for people in need

MEETING SITTINGBOURNE The corps hosted a drive-in carol service in a village car park. About 200 people in 41 cars attended, many with no former links to the corps. Keeping Covid-secure, households and bubbles sang carols accompanied by a small, socially distanced band and listened to readings and a Christmas thought. – SP Salvationist 16 January 2021

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Prayer MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER – LIVING IN GOD’S COVENANT

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

COMMUNITY KILMARNOCK Corps officers Captains Emma and Les Heal received tinned food and toys from Hillhead primary school’s headteacher, Derek Forsyth, and clerical assistant, Linda Brown. The items were donated by school staff members instead of giving secret Santa gifts to each other, as well as by pupils and parents. – EF

COMMUNITY

SATURDAY 16 JANUARY We are nearly at the end of the theme Living in God’s Covenant, culminating in the new covenant established by Jesus. These days may prompt you to read Scripture and study the various covenants in more detail. Hebrews 8–10 compares the Old Testament system of priestly sacrifices with the atoning sacrifice of Christ and confirms the fulfilment of God’s promise to forgive sin and restore fellowship with those who seek him. Thank you, God, that the way is open to all who respond in faith. Thank you for your love and grace poured into our lives every day.

SUNDAY 17 JANUARY One of the shortest songs in the songbook is written by Charles Wesley. It forms the perfect benediction to these days of reflecting on and praying about covenant.

The words encapsulate the joy of making and renewing our covenant relationship with God. Let us make this our prayer today: ‘Lord, in the strength of grace,/ With a glad heart and free,/ Myself, my residue of days,/ I consecrate to thee./ Thy ransomed servant, I/ Restore to thee thy own,/ And from this moment live or die/ To serve my God alone’ (SASB 604).

WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY MONDAY 18 JANUARY by Major David Evans (THQ) Loving Father, in this time of uncertainty and distress, keep us together as your people. As a mother cares for her children, keep us together under the shadow of your mercy. We ask that you open our eyes to others’ needs, recognising those who are anxious and fearful. Help us, together, to sustain those who are brought low, sharing your care and love, and by our togetherness reveal the image of Christ in thought, word and deed! In Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.

SELBY In addition to distributing toys to 230 children and Messy Church resources to 43 families, the corps worked in partnership with Churches Together to provide hot takeaway meals on Christmas Day. Members of the craft and chatter group also created hundreds of angels for distribution around the Abbot’s Road estate and beyond. The angels were placed on garden gates and in garden hedges for people to find, carrying the message: ‘Be not afraid.’ – RK

TUESDAY 19 JANUARY by Major Katrina Greetham (Swanage) Loving God, you call us to live in harmony. Anoint us with your Spirit as we seek to mirror your glory in a world so affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Where we cannot be together physically, may the unity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit hold us as we commit to praying for each other and serving you together.

Amen.

WEDNESDAY 20 JANUARY by the Rev Phil Brooks (Secretary for Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations, NEO URC) Loving God, we hear your call to live together in unity. We bring before you a world that continues to wrestle with coronavirus, praying for those facing uncertain futures and those who grieve. May we learn from this pandemic and bring about a ‘new normal’ where our togetherness flows like precious oil on the beard of Aaron (see Psalm 133) in our shared actions and witness. Amen.

THURSDAY 21 JANUARY by Bob Fyffe (General Secretary, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland) Loving and faithful God, you are there in times of fear and brokenness, you are there as the world seems a place of terror and disease, you are there when our soul sighs and we long for better days; you are there. Our unity is broken when we follow our own path, and you call us back as children to their mother’s breast.

We know you are always there. Forgive us for a lack of faith, make us aware of your love. Sing in our hearts that you are there, bind our wounds and our divisions, and we will proclaim your grace because we know you are there. Amen.

COMMUNITY STOWMARKET The corps delivered packages to 70 children from 23 families. Precon Products donated food and gift cards for every family and £1,000 through JustGiving. The appeal saw several large donors, with contributions including one donation of £3,420 and another of an Xbox for a family of six boys. More than 100 Christmas meals were also made for older, vulnerable and isolated people. Corps officer Major Beverley Lloyd is pictured with two workers from Precon Products. – AR 8

Salvationist 16 January 2021

FRIDAY 22 JANUARY by the Rev Aled Edwards (Chief Executive, Cytûn – Churches Together in Wales) Loving Father, during troubling times may we find contentment and comfort in your loving embrace. As the world around us strives for stark contrasts and conflict, may we seek understanding and a bringing together. Where we are in grief, give us comfort. In the face of illness and fear, grant us faith to heal, and may we love others as we would be loved. We ask for these things in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and by the power of the Holy Spirit. May we be one. Amen.

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

Salvationist 5 December 2020

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FAITH AT WORK

Integrity on the front line Edward Reece (Sale) shares how he tries to be a Christian influence at work

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WORK for a technology company called Trapeze Group UK Ltd. Most of my work relates to the delivery of information technology solutions to the public transport industry in the private and public sectors. It is fast-paced and pressurised work. Failure can have a serious impact financially, but it can also mean that a child with special needs does not get picked up from school or that a vulnerable adult gets left outside Tesco in December.

If a Christian’s front line is the place where their faith has the most potential to make an impact, then it is hard to describe what or where my front line is.

I communicate daily with many people from lots of different backgrounds.

On any day I might have a phone call from a finance manager and a bus driver one after another. They are both software users, but they have their own requirements and perspectives.

Even before the lockdowns I was used to working from home, with colleagues and customers spread around the globe.

What has changed since is that I am now exclusively at home and set to remain this way for the foreseeable future. I long for the day when I can get out and see people face to face again.

For now, my front line is a combination of Zoom, Microsoft Teams, email and, of course, the telephone.

Some of the people I work with know me very well, as I have worked for the company for 11 years. A small number of colleagues and customers have been there through all that time. Some follow me on social media. Others have had conversations with me over many years.

Most of the people I work with know that I am a Christian. It will come up in various ways, but when you spend a lot of life on video conference calls you tend to talk about what you have done at the weekend or the previous evening.

During lockdown, this actually became quite a challenge in itself. We were not

allowed to do anything, so we had nothing to talk about.

The knowledge that I am a Christian impacts my work colleagues in different ways. Some are interested and perhaps come from a similar background. Some ask questions. Some are uninterested and visibly switch off if any discussion of The Salvation Army should present itself.

Others are quick to make judgments about me. This tends to go one of two ways. To some I become an easy target, a pushover in any negotiation scenario. But being a Christian is not to be confused with being a pushover.

Many people who make this assumption about me change their view as we get to know each other – though not all.

The toughest challenge of all, however, is those people who see Christians as do-gooders. These are the people who set out from day one to catch me out. In the working scenario I have had people say, ‘I thought you play in the Salvation Army band. You can’t say that.’

The most important influence I can have is to show integrity all the time, meaning that I must be scrupulously fair and honest in all communications. This creates pressure not to send an angry response to an email or instant message. It demands that I am consistent and fair, and means that when something needs to be called out as wrong, I do so. For example, I will constructively criticise a colleague when appropriate, but I strive to be fair and open – never going behind someone’s back unless I am left with no option.

A few months ago a colleague phoned me and asked for my advice on how to handle a particular challenge about another colleague. He said that he wanted my advice because he considered me to be ‘full of integrity’.

I think what he meant was that he trusted me to be confidential, fair and critical if appropriate. I was really pleased by the compliment; if just one person sees those virtues in my character, then I have achieved something.

Salvationist 16 January 2021

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FEATURE I Christian unity

Working together for the To mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Major David Evans highlights the work of Salvationists in ecumenical partnerships

Captain Andrew (right) with ecumenical colleagues

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N the past year questions about the future of the Church have been raised as perhaps never before. Premier Christian News recently published an article about struggling churches, with the headline: ‘Covid has exacerbated their closure.’ It predicted that up to 25 per cent more small church buildings would be sold in 2021 as a direct result of the pandemic. Half of those were expected to remain as places of worship, but the rest – places where people once heard the gospel and lives were transformed – would be turned to different uses.

Such predictions can be frightening but, as Salvationists, we remain people of faith in Jesus Christ as Lord of the Church and of history. The past year has given rise to great creativity and determination up and down the territory, as people discovered or rediscovered ways to further Christ’s mission in agile and compassionate ways. It should not surprise us that many of these responses had a strong ecumenical element, given that God has not only 10

Salvationist 16 January 2021

Major Katrina with a Methodist colleague

promised but commanded a special blessing to his people when they dwell together in unity: ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment poured on the head, that ran down on the beard, even the beard of Aaron [the first high priest], that came down upon the collar and skirts of his garments [consecrating the whole body].

It is like the dew of [lofty] Mount Hermon and the dew that comes on the hills of Zion; for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forevermore [upon the high and the lowly]’ (Psalm 133 Amplified Bible, Classic Edition).

Unity, in Christian terms, does not mean that we all worship and look the same, or even believe identically, but it does mean loving each other and working effectively side by side in the body of Christ. Unity can be seen in joined-up strategy, joint mission, multidenominational community-based prayer groups, youth and children’s clubs, food banks, baby banks, job clubs, night shelters and other housing

initiatives, Bible fellowships and many other forms of shared mission.

There are many good news stories of Salvationists working together with Christians of different expressions, sharing their spiritual and physical resources to serve their community together, worship together and laugh and cry together through difficult times.

Here are the experiences of just two officers who, in addition to their corps appointments, serve as denominational ecumenical officers.

During the pandemic Major Katrina Greetham (Swanage) and her husband, Major Jonathan, have met every week with other churches to pray, consult and plan reactions to the real needs in their community. Captain Andrew Jarrold (Ipswich Citadel) has been part of an ecumenical prayer initiative surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement on a national level and, as a rural chaplain, on a divisional level. He also provided a daily ecumenical prayer reflection for Advent with Ipswich in Prayer.

Katrina, Andrew and many others

Kingdom

Packing Christmas parcels in Swanage believe that engaging with other churches is vital. It shows people that, although we might look different and do things differently, we are of one gospel mind.

Katrina, speaking about the joint cross-denominational response to the pandemic, says the Swanage churches ‘set up a dedicated phoneline, manned by folk from different congregations’, which swiftly reacted to needs, including supporting a shared food bank that was facing escalating demand. In addition, Salvationists and church members co-ordinated shopping for people who were housebound, arranged for the collection and delivery of prescriptions and generally met real need. Online worship was shared, with hard copies being made available for those unable to access the internet.

Swanage Corps, with other churches in the town, met the growing demands of support for people experiencing homelessness by sharing resources and providing food, tents, sleeping bags and clothes. The increased partnership and friendship between the churches

Preparing for the outdoor Harvest celebration enabled a combined response to local flooding, opening their doors to the emergency services and evacuees if required.

The hall was also made available to groups supporting people who were facing challenging mental health issues.

As Christmas approached, increased numbers of volunteers from across the churches worked to provide Christmas stockings for children, alongside food hampers. The corps co-ordinated the provision of toys, with many donations coming from other churches. Another partnership was seen in the Churches Together Christmas card, which members from all the churches handdelivered to each house and business in the town.

Andrew is part of the ecumenical chaplaincy teams at the Suffolk Show and Royal Norfolk Show, and one of the chaplains at Suffolk Rural (Otley) College. This partnership is meeting needs of rural communities through practical service, worship and witness.

As part of it, Andrew has helped

organise an outdoor Harvest celebration and a carol service, both ecumenical events. The chaplaincy partnership also encompassed Love Rural, a simple initiative to make Jesus visible through loving action in the Suffolk countryside.

Katrina was recently elected chair of Dorset Churches Together.

‘I am blessed to witness the Church in action around our county, and to hear the good things that are happening when Christians live and work together for the Kingdom’s sake,’ she says.

Katrina, Andrew and numerous other Salvationists are part of the ‘good things’ that are happening across the UK as Christians not only dwell together in unity but work and witness together for the Kingdom of God. O The

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity runs from 18 to 25 January. Find out more at ctbi.org.uk

MAJOR EVANS IS TERRITORIAL ECUMENICAL OFFICER Salvationist 16 January 2021

11

INTERVIEW

T

UCKED away in a small town called Uddingston, southeast of Glasgow, is a factory that makes biscuits enjoyed the world over.

Tunnock’s, which makes Teacakes, Caramel Wafers and other famous products, is run by Sir Boyd Tunnock, whose grandfather founded the business more than 130 years ago.

‘After leaving school, my grandfather became an apprentice baker,’ says Boyd.

‘He saved up to buy his own small bakery in 1890 for £80. There was a fire there in 1910, so a new and bigger bakery was built on the main street.

Extensions were made over the years and the current factory now occupies the site of the house where he was born.’

It is still a family business, Boyd explains: ‘I’ve got three daughters. The middle one is in all the time. She’s my right-hand woman and her husband is our sales director.’

Boyd, who will be 88 at the end of this month, takes a hands-on interest in the work of the factory.

‘I call myself the chief engineer, 12

Salvationist 16 January 2021

because I like machines,’ he says. ‘I like to know what’s happening and I go about on a wee scooter with a cake tin that’s got spanners and screwdrivers and a tape measure.’

Boyd was involved in the business from childhood, tying up parcels in the back of the shop at the age of eight or nine.

‘I worked with my brother, Tom, who was three and a half years older,’ he recalls. ‘There was never any thought of us doing anything other than what we did. I left school when I was 15 and my mother wanted me to be in the office to help run the business. I wasn’t very good, so after six months she relented and let me go into the bakery.’

Five years later Boyd was called up for national service in the British Army, where he became a cook sergeant. In 1956 he returned to the business. By that time Tunnock’s were already producing the Caramel Wafer, Snowball and Caramel Log, but Boyd’s father asked him to develop a new product: ‘I had an agent, Mr Watson, who said to me, “You’re making Snowballs, so why

not put some of that cream on a biscuit?”’

When this creation was covered in milk chocolate, the Tunnock’s Teacake was born. It’s one of their most popular products and is a favourite of the Queen.

Boyd was appointed MBE in 1987 in recognition of the company’s overseas sales, with exports to more than 30 countries. A CBE followed in 2004, and in 2019 he received a knighthood.

‘It’s lovely to be recognised for the work,’ he says. ‘It’s good for the firm and it’s good for the area. There’s not another knight in Uddingston that I can think of!’

Despite these honours, Boyd doesn’t stand on ceremony around the factory: ‘They all call me Boyd. We’ve got about 620 employees, even with automation, and I know a fair percentage of them.’

Tunnock’s was widely praised for paying its employees 90 per cent of their wages when production was suspended for five weeks due to the coronavirus outbreak last March. The factory reopened after measures were

Sir Boyd Tunnock talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about his business, faith and connection with The Salvation Army

Not only does Boyd’s faith motivate his charity work, it is also important in his business life put in place to make it Covid secure, and has remained open, even though a number of employees have been off work after testing positive for the virus and others have self-isolated.

The firm also showed its gratitude to those fighting the pandemic. It sent thousands of biscuits to medical and construction staff at an emergency hospital for coronavirus patients in Glasgow as a way of applauding key workers.

Boyd’s knighthood was for services to business and to charity, and requests for charitable donations come across his desk almost every day. Cheques large and small are sent in response.

Four years ago he donated a six-figure

sum towards a new lifeboat for St Abbs, east of Edinburgh. One of the ways he supports the community is through the Army’s West Scotland Divisional Advisory Board. He joined it in 2002 and become the chair three years later.

‘We give guidance on projects and we help with fundraising,’ he explains.

‘Two years ago we sponsored a concert with a youth orchestra. It was very uplifting and raised funds for the Army, but also raised awareness of what the Army is doing.

‘We also visit corps and centres and give them some back-up. William Hunter House is a Glasgow Lifehouse that’s named after one of the original board members. I go in from time to time, drop off some biscuits, meet the residents and ask them how they’re getting on.’

Eighteen months ago, while General Brian Peddle was visiting Ayr, Boyd was able to meet him and speak about the work of the advisory board. Boyd also remembers, with a chuckle, something

the General told him: ‘We were having a cup of tea before the meeting and the General said he and his wife were born and brought up in Newfoundland. The Caramel Log is one of our big sellers out there. He told me that wherever his wife goes she’s always got one in her bag!’

Boyd was brought up in the Church of Scotland and has been an elder at Trinity Church in Uddingston since 1967. Not only does his faith motivate his charity work, it is also important in his business life.

‘Business and faith are intermingled,’ he says. ‘I try and live my life as well as I can. I’ve got to watch not to push the faith too much and put people off, but in the factory I’ll talk to people about it. I also get the Army papers delivered every week, and once I’ve read my War Cry I’ll bring it down into the canteen.

There’s always something that’s relevant. There are even good recipes!

‘I have great admiration for The Salvation Army and the personnel who give their time. I’ll go on supporting for as long as I can.’

Salvationist 16 January 2021

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FEATURE I Army History

Chloe Wilson lifts the curtains on the way the early Salvation Army made use of theatres

T

HE effects of the coronavirus pandemic upon the economy of the UK are widespread and substantial. The arts and heritage sectors, which are hugely dependent on income from custom, donations and memberships, have been critically impacted. Continued loss of the patronage that facilitates their success throws the survival of these historic, cultural institutions into the spotlight.

While reflecting upon this, my thoughts came to The Salvation Army’s origins and London’s East End theatres and music halls that provided the backdrop for its early expansion. Without these, the shape of the Army’s early history would have been rather different.

The beginnings of The Salvation Army are well known. After accepting an invitation to preach for an east London mission in 1865, William Booth took charge of the assembly at a disused Quaker burial ground in Whitechapel, forming an organisation that eventually became known as The Christian Mission, and then The Salvation Army. As the volume of attendees grew, so did the need for larger spaces to accommodate them.

While Booth advocated the benefits of open-air meetings, he also sought indoor spaces to establish a more permanent presence. With rapidly rising numbers and few funds, The Christian Mission began renting indoor spaces to hold meetings.

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Salvationist 16 January 2021

Considering William and Catherine Booth’s principles of piety and sobriety, a Victorian music hall or theatre is not the place one would expect to have found them. At first it seems unbelievable that they would have chosen these spaces for their mission, but there was method in what may have seemed to be madness.

The main factors to consider when selecting an indoor space for preaching were having somewhere large, accessible and affordable. With capacities in the thousands, music halls and theatres were unique in meeting all three.

Moreover, and importantly for the Booths, theatres and music halls were recognised places. From the beginning, William Booth was unlike other religious leaders in striving to reach the poorest and ‘least respectable’ members of society.

Attending performances at theatres and music halls was an integral part of Victorian working-class culture.

Setting themselves up in the same locations that drew working class people for leisure activities allowed the Movement to successfully integrate into the sphere of those they strove to save.

And, in taking over theatre spaces, it was able, to a certain extent, to

replace local cultures of immorality with those of community, acceptance and faith. When the Army obtained the lease for the Grecian Theatre in 1882 it was described by George Scott Railton as a transformation of ‘one of the vilest haunts of vice into being a gate of Heaven for the common people’.

To bolster its cultural integration, The Christian Mission and later the Army commissioned posters that mimicked the style of theatre posters.

These would attract the eye of passers-by who were already accustomed to checking upcoming events at their local establishment.

The East London Theatre, City of London Theatre, Oriental Music Hall, Prince of Wales Theatre, Pavilion Theatre, Grecian Theatre and the Assembly Rooms were a few of the locations that the Booths selected for their mission in London. There were

the theatre

William Booth at the East London Theatre also venues outside the capital, such as the Empire Theatre in Liverpool and the Princes Theatre in Clactonon-Sea. Over the next few years these theatres became the backdrop for the salvation of thousands, who were brought to the mercy seat and converted to the faith. Individual accounts were published at the time in The East London Evangelist, to share knowledge and experiences among members of the Christian Mission, as well as to inspire and encourage the unconverted.

In December 1868 The East London Evangelist published the tale of ‘A Converted Thief’, the testimony of a man who was drawn into the East London Theatre, where he was converted from a life of sin to become an ‘instrument in the hand of the Lord’.

In January 1869 another account

Christian Mission report, 1867

was published documenting the transgressions and conversion of ‘A Terrible Blasphemer, Drunkard, and Infidel’. This individual, struggling with alcoholism, was first attracted by an open-air meeting and subsequently stumbled into the Oriental Theatre where he found salvation and acceptance.

Both these articles (see page 16) illustrate the compassion, dedication and integrity of Booth’s evangelistic mission. He witnessed some of the debilitating effects of poverty in east London and made it his life’s work to address them. References to the uplifting strength of Christian Mission music and the accessible location of the East London Theatre in Mile End explicitly demonstrate the success of William Booth’s pioneering and practical methods.

As well as playing an instrumental role in changing the lives of many

early converts, London’s theatres had a permanent impact on the methods of Salvationist ministry by providing a blueprint for the construction of Salvation Army buildings for years to come. Thus, despite William and Catherine Booth’s detestation of the vices and corruption that flourished in the music halls and theatres of Victorian London, it was these very same spaces that enabled them to establish a permanent presence in the East End and cater for the thousands of souls who responded to their call.

O Keep up with the International Heritage Centre blog at salvationarmy.org.uk/internationalheritage-centre

CHLOE IS ARCHIVE ASSISTANT, INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE Salvationist 16 January 2021

15

W CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

A CONVERTED THIEF From The East London Evangelist, December 1868 ‘I had been to hear the old Scotchman speak on Mormonism, in the Mile-end Road, one morning, and started out to go and hear him again at night; but passing the East London Theatre, and feeling tired, I thought I would drop in to pass an hour away. Mr Booth preached about where Paul was brought before Agrippa, and Agrippa was almost persuaded to be a Christian. But it was more the singing than anything else which affected and broke me down. I think somebody must have lent me a hymn book; for I did not know any. They sang, “There is sweet rest in Heaven,” and when they came to the second verse – “Loved ones have gone before us,/ They beckon us away” – I was fairly broken down, and was in such misery on account of my sins, that I was crying the whole of the evening. After the service I was spoken to, and in the pit of the East London Theatre I went down on my knees, and sought and obtained forgiveness, and have never regretted it. It was rather uphill work at first, especially at my shop, where I thought I should not be able to tell my mates. So I bought a hymn book, and laid it on my bench, that they might ask me about it, which they soon did, and the Lord gave me strength and words to answer them; since when I have been the instrument in the hand of the Lord in bringing two poor souls to Christ, my ever blessed Saviour; and I hope I shall be the means of bringing many more; and may the Lord keep me steadfast to the end, for his name and mercy’s sake! And may I meet you in Heaven, for Christ’s sake, Amen.’

A TERRIBLE BLASPHEMER, DRUNKARD, AND INFIDEL From The East London Evangelist, January 1869 ‘SH is above sixty years of age, is an iron ship-builder, and for many years he earnt above £5 per week, and spent it in drunkenness and debauchery. He has been several times to Arbour Square police station, and had to pay five shillings and costs for being drunk and incapable. He was a terror to all the men who worked under him; he attended our open-air service, and God sent the word home to his soul with power. He afterwards came to the Oriental Theatre, and again the word went as an arrow to his heart. He was so deeply convicted of sin that he could neither sleep nor eat. He came to the Temperance Hall one Monday evening, and gave himself up to God, but he did not get peace that night. He was out of work at the time, and had to apply at the workhouse for relief. On the following Thursday, while waiting to go in before the board, his distress reached such a climax that he felt as if he were going to die, and sink into Hell there and then. He began praying for mercy just where he stood, and the Lord at once shone in upon his soul. He perceived that Jesus was willing to receive him; he believed, and was filled with joy and peace. When he went in before the board he told them that God, for Christ’s sake, had pardoned his sins, and that whether they gave him anything or no, the God who had saved his soul would supply the need of his body. He went home and told his wife what the Lord had done for him, and she thought he had gone out of his mind. And she has since proved that he had gone out of his own mind into the mind of Jesus. I visited them regularly; the wife was soon brought to see herself a sinner. She came to the Oriental Theatre, and gave her heart to God, and now they are walking in the way to Heaven together.’

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Salvationist 16 January 2021

REVIEWS

Innovative and uplifting Simon Gash (Music Editorial Department) reviews the album Unified d by the Amsterdam Staff Band and Household Troops Band

I

T was a real pleasure to receive this project by the Amsterdam Staff Band (ASB) and Household Troops Band (HTB) with the appropriate title Unified.

The album was due to be released during a joint summer concert in the Netherlands.

The first two tracks convey the title message so well: ‘Unified’ (David Edmonds) and ‘A Voice to Call’ (Jörgen Ijsendorn), which are both new pieces written by members of their respective bands. It is encouraging to hear two new works by younger composers, supported by their bandmasters, that are worthy of inclusion.

The featured soloists are in fine form, with the evocative duet ‘Novella’ (Ben Hollings) sensitively played by Steef Klepke Jr and Michel Rosenquist, and the playful ‘My Unchanging Friend’ (Ivor Bosanko) delivered with great aplomb by Anthony Smith.

I particularly enjoyed ‘The Break of

Day’ and ‘Cross Rhythms’, both by Steven Ponsford, now an established Army writer. The pieces are superbly constructed and great to hear. The latter work, originally written for the Bolsover Festival of Brass, centres its narrative on the Easter story.

The other main contribution by the ASB is a set of well-constructed variations on the lesser-known hymn tune ‘Evening’ by Bramwell Coles. It is entitled ‘Evening Variations’ and written by Bandmaster Olaf Ritman.

The HTB went back to what is now considered an Army classic in Robert Redhead’s ‘Corpus Christi’. To listen to the band’s strong rendition of this fine work is a real joy.

The addition of excellent programme notes and fine artwork make this album a welcome addition to any brass band music collection. Congratulations to Bandmasters Olaf Ritman and Carl Saunders for an innovative programme,

and also to World of Sound for clever engineering to bring a cohesive sound to each track.

Sparse recordings of this nature during 2020 make this a significant and uplifting project for listeners.

O Unified is available from SP&S as a CD priced £13.95 (plus postage and packing) and as a download priced £9.99

Taste and temperament Major Len Ballantine reviews the album Keys for Kenya by Patricia Owen (Birmingham Citadel)

F

OR Salvationists, the act of making a difference is key to their identity as Christians. But behind every action is a deeply felt motivation, born out of their commitment and consecration. Keys for Kenya combines both: it is a fundraising project and a vehicle for prayer and meditation.

The piano arrangements begin with an invitation to sit down in the Kingdom of God with ‘They Shall Come from the East’. As we accept this call to rest, we begin a musical reverie that describes the many influences along our Christian journey.

Every melody is compelling. Many are dedicated to Salvationist friends and colleagues who are of personal significance. Some are taken from the rich library of songster music. Others belong to the world at large and are familiar and thought-provoking as we hear Patricia’s skilled arrangements, all but one of which are her own invention.

A teacher by profession, it is little

wonder that her interest lies in the rebuilding of Makhwabuye Primary School, the current project of the Kenya Trust. Since 1989 Patricia has made this a focus for her energy and musical gifts. Since becoming a registered charity in 2004, the trust has spent £500,000 on education, water, sanitation and health projects. It has also sent more than 2,000 musical instruments to Kenya, supported the staffing of music schools and sponsored training for potential music leaders – a remarkable amount of work in such a short time.

I doubt that Patricia could put a number on the offerings she’s played for during meetings at Birmingham Citadel and elsewhere. This is never a perfunctory exercise; it is an act of devotion and service, resulting in a calming moment of reflection valued by worshippers and listeners alike.

Keys for Kenya offers listeners a perfect balance of taste and temperament for

devotional reading and prayer times.

And you’ll have the benefit of knowing that, due to a generous production donation, 100 per cent of the proceeds will go directly towards a practical Army ministry that will make a huge difference to many lives.

O Keys for Kenya is available from thekenyatrust.org.uk priced £10 (plus £1.75 postage and packing)

Salvationist 16 January 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

Headline Standfirst 16/18 Bold

Peter grasps an op Major Howard Webber discovers that responding to need can be rewarding yet costly

what he really needed: healing.

It is easy to be so fastidious and busy about our religious duties that we fail to realise what God really desires of us. A minister was busy organising a church conference when he rang a wrong number. He apologised profusely to the elderly lady who answered. She replied: ‘That’s all right. I haven’t seen or heard from anyone for almost a week. I thought it was going to be a friend ringing me, someone to talk to.’ With a further apology, the minister ended the call and continued with his plans.

As he lay in bed that night, pleased with what he had achieved that day, his mind turned back to that old woman. A question then arose in his mind: what if God created that opportunity for him to be an answer to her prayers? He felt guilty at having been so preoccupied that he had paid no attention to her and her need.

ACTS 4:1–22

O

URS is a wonderful God of the unexpected, who will often interrupt our plans by presenting an unforeseen doorway leading to a kaleidoscope of opportunities and fruit.

Are we willing to forsake our plans and fears and walk through?

QUESTIONS you ever felt compelled to take a course other than what you thought best and discovered it was indeed of God? O What happened?

O Have

As Peter and John reached the Temple at 3pm, the prescribed time for prayer, a 40-year-old man, crippled from birth, begged them for some money (see Acts 3:1–3). They could have apologetically hurried by, but they didn’t. They stopped and gave him both the time of day and

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

by Major Howard Webber

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Salvationist 16 January 2021

SUNDAY

QUESTION O Are you ever so busy and lost in what you’re about that you fail to notice a need God would have you respond to?

Peter’s action outside the Temple resulted in an astonished crowd gathering. They all knew the man. He had probably been brought to that same gate for years (see Acts 3:10). They wondered how this person, who had never walked before, was now suddenly ‘walking and jumping, and praising God’ (Acts 3:8). It gave Peter the opportunity to tell them all about Jesus, and ‘the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand’ (Acts 4:4).

QUESTION what extent do you grab the opportunities that God gives you to speak to others of Jesus?

O To

MONDAY

Love suffereth patiently;/ Love worketh silently;/ Love seeketh not her own./ Love never faileth;/ Love still prevaileth;/ Lord, in me thy love enthrone!

(SASB 683)

‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in Heaven, for in the same Prayer way they persecuted the prophets who God, fill me with the boldness and confidence were before you.’

I lack, as you did Peter. By (Matthew 5:11 nature I, like him, would be and 12)

fearful of a threat or challenge that might result in me suffering.

Fill me with what I do not naturally possess – your Holy Spirit.

TUESDAY Come, Holy Ghost, thy mighty aid bestowing!/ Destroy the works of sin, the self, the pride;/ Burn, burn in me, my idols overthrowing;/ Prepare my heart for him, for my Lord crucified./ At thy feet I fall,/ Yield thee up my all,/ To suffer, live or die for my Lord crucified.

(SASB 512)

Headline Standfirst 16/18 Bold

portunity The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead and were greatly disturbed by what Peter and John were telling the people.

Together with the priests and captain of the Temple guard, they seized them and put the two disciples in jail.

In the morning the full religious court, the Sanhedrin, questioned them by ‘what power or what name’ they had healed the lame man (v7).

The key to what happened next lies in this phrase in verse 8: ‘Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them...’ For us to be bold enough to speak, and have the right words to say, we also need to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

QUESTION O If you, or others you know, have been filled with the Holy Spirit, what difference does this make?

Unlike the theological intellectuals they faced, Peter and John were not religious leaders but fishermen by trade. Their qualifications were twofold. First, as their interrogators could see, they had been with Jesus (see v13). Second, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.

William Dunn Longstaff reminds us that when we ‘spend much time in secret with Jesus alone’, those we meet ‘his likeness shall see’ (SASB 790).

positive results. Although many people believed and responded to the message, preaching it meant imprisonment and interrogation for Peter and John.

Despite being ordered to keep silent (see v18), they couldn’t help but tell others of what they had seen and heard (see v20). It would result in further imprisonments for Peter (see Acts 5:17–19 and 12:1–5), as well as flogging (see Acts 5:40) and, according to tradition, inverted crucifixion.

QUESTION much time do you spend alone with Jesus compared to the time you find for other things?

O How

Exactly what will happen when we step out in faith is never predictable.

Obedience to God will often produce challenging experiences in addition to

MAJOR WEBBER LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BOURNEMOUTH

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

‘They will seize you and persecute you … and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. And so you will bear testimony to me. But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.’

(Luke 21:12–15)

The world for God! The world for God!/ For this, dear Lord, give to my soul consuming fire./ Give fire that makes men heroes, turns weakness into might,/ The fire that gives the courage to suffer for the fight,/ The fire that changes fearing to pentecostal daring,/ The fire that makes me willing for Christ to live or die;/ For behold! On a hill, Calvary!

Calvary!

(SASB 933)

Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because whoever suffers in the body has finished with sin. As a result, they do not live the rest of their earthly lives for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. (1 Peter 4:1 and 2)

I’ll go in the strength of the Lord/ To conflicts which faith will require,/ His grace as my shield and reward,/ My courage and zeal shall inspire./ Since he gives the word of command/ To meet and encounter the foe,/ With his sword of truth in my hand,/ To suffer and triumph I’ll go.

(SASB 959)

Salvationist 16 January 2021

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VIEW POINT

Colonel Eleanor Shepherd says our choices matter as we express our faith in everyday life

J

OHN Woolman was an American merchant, itinerant Quaker preacher and social reformer in the 18th century. When he discovered the hazards posed by stagecoaches, the preferred method of transportation of his day, he refused to use them. The post boys who worked on them sometimes froze to death as they travelled overnight. Innocent pedestrians were run over in the dark. The overworked horses that pulled them could not long survive the rigour of their task.

While the Quakers were efficient in business, they also held firmly to the belief that God was in everything, and that all they did should honour him.

Their enlightened labour practices led to high productivity, and their adherence to the truth and unambiguous speech gave them trustworthiness in their business dealings.

It’s easy to forget that God is in everything. We conclude that we must either focus on the spiritual, the inner life, so that we are personally ethically consistent, or on the material, believing that we must try to correct the obvious ethical problems in the world. But there is a third way – the incarnational life, living out the spiritual in the everyday world, following the example of Jesus, as John Woolman seemed to be doing.

This works best in community, where we can encourage and learn from one another and practise our faith. Perhaps we can create timeless responses to cultural pressures as we face them together. We will have to find ways of incorporating the interdependence of our economic relationships. Yet we need to do this within the context of our 20

Salvationist 16 January 2021

consumer culture, the ubiquitous availability of resources that advertising and media insist are essential for our wellbeing.

The Quaker word for the accumulation this engenders is ‘cumber’, and that is exactly what it does to our lives. Cumber creates in us an imbalance, drawing us away from the realisation of a whole and happy life. Instead, we find ourselves with anxiety about having too little, if we heed the seductive voices proclaiming new and better solutions for all our problems. At the same time our angst increases as we realise we are overburdened with more than we can handle, and our time and effort are preoccupied with managing it. In either case the development of our inner being in harmony with creation, community and worship is pushed aside by our cumber.

The solution to this may be found in community. Together, we seek wisdom from God and rely upon affirmation from one another about decisions concerning the blending of the material and the spiritual in the incarnational. This makes a whole and happy life accessible to one another.

The pattern was established in the early days of our faith. Israelites were given direction by God as to how they could manage their resources with the instructions given to them in the Law. In the Gospels Jesus distributed food to all present and they shared with one another. In the Early Church the needs of widows and orphans were not neglected.

This torch has been picked up throughout Christian history. Desert

mystics, religious orders, renewal movements and reformers have found ways to adapt to changing economic realities, making their responses coherent with spiritual attentiveness to God’s actions in our world. This was obvious in the 19th and 20th centuries, with the unique efforts of the Church to respond to physical and spiritual darkness. It used the resources of the Industrial Revolution to provide for people enslaved by poverty and a lack of moral education, as well as to spur advances in healthcare and literacy.

Those whose faith was clothed in practical caring went out to offer soul care and social care. Among them emerged The Salvation Army.

So where are we today? How do we blend the material and the spiritual in incarnational living, in such a way that the whole and happy life becomes accessible to all? Often we quickly perceive hindrances to addressing complicated ethical problems. We need to ask ourselves hard questions, and seek to discern the answers with the help of fellow pilgrims. We need to weigh our choices and ask how they might impact others. In the spirit of John Woolman, what are the stagecoaches we should stop using today?

COLONEL SHEPHERD LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN CANADA AND IS A MEMBER OF HER TERRITORY’S SOCIAL ISSUES COMMITTEE O This article first appeared in the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s Salvationist

VIEW POINT

A Christian way to save the planet?

Wesley Paxton considers our response to climate change

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HAT should Christians do about climate change? The simple answer is, as much as we can. But that still leaves a lot of unanswered questions.

Not long ago National Geographic claimed that eight of the world’s ten most polluted rivers drain from Asia into the Pacific Ocean. This is where much of the plastic in the Pacific originates. The other two rivers feed into the Indian Ocean.

One could almost claim that we in the UK, next to the Atlantic Ocean, do not need to worry about changing our ways to combat the problem. However, we are all responsible for our own actions, and others not doing their bit is no excuse for us not doing ours.

If we are going to make a difference, then our individual actions need to be matched by social and industrial change.

Climate activist Greta Thunberg has pointed out aviation’s contribution to rising CO2 levels. With coronavirus restrictions and consumer resistance to foreign travel, the aircraft that still fly can be as little as 10 per cent full. If or when travel aspirations return to prepandemic levels, rebalancing to keep emissions down would be desirable.

Trains use far less fuel and produce far less CO2 per passenger mile than planes, but this is not always reflected in the price of a ticket. If airlines could agree to share passengers and fill fewer planes to prevent flying with thousands of empty seats every day, that would be progress.

When it comes to reducing CO2 emissions from road travel, unless one is willing and able to restrict movement to destinations that are within walking or biking distance, the options are not great. Electric cars are still too expensive for the majority of drivers to be willing to buy them. A century ago Henry Ford produced an average of two million

Model Ts a year for two decades, and the price tumbled to make them the world’s most popular car. When the industry agrees to design a latter-day Model E (‘E’ for electric), running on exchangeable batteries, and share out the production lines to build two million a year, we will be on the way.

There is also simply not enough renewable electricity around to replace oil and gas. Electric cars are not an option for most drivers, especially one-car households, at least until we get battery exchange as we do with gas cylinders.

Manufacturers need to agree on a standard battery that all cars will use, a standard location – probably between the wheels and under the floor – and the same method of exchanging them. An example was set more than a century ago when they all agreed on a standard fuel nozzle, without which we would not be able to fill up wherever we go.

Millions of single-use plastic drink bottles are used daily. Most could be replaced by a universal returnable, re-fillable-with-anything-anywhere glass bottle. Don’t hold your breath, though.

Bottle deposits were claimed to be on the way a few years ago, but where are they now? Inertia that perpetuates the status quo is strong. And, paradoxically, over the past two generations, change has been in the wrong direction towards more disposable items.

In December last year there was an impassioned plea from the United Nations for us to drastically reduce our

burning of fossil fuels to reduce CO2 production. Trees are one of the few ways of absorbing CO2 that actually works – and they are cheap. Planting millions of them, especially in areas with a 12-month growing season, such as West Africa, and paying people to look after them, might be a good solution.

Much of this is beyond the power of most of us and requires businesses and governments to agree. It is claimed that 95 per cent of food is sold by the 10 biggest supermarkets. Getting the top buyers into a room and refusing to let them out until they agree to use far less plastic packaging would be one place to start.

Genesis 1:28 says: ‘Fill the Earth and subdue it.’ Although ‘subdue’ does have connotations of control, it doesn’t say ‘plunder and destroy’. However, in the next chapter, Adam is in the Garden of Eden ‘to work it and take care of it’ (Genesis 2:15). This suggests we have a responsibility to be good stewards.

Stewards look after things for someone else. We look after the planet for God because ‘the Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it’ (Psalm 24:1). We also look after it so that we can hand it on to our grandchildren, whatever state it is in.

At the moment we could be doing better.

WESLEY SOLDIERS AT LOCKERBIE Salvationist 16 January 2021

21

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

TRIBUTES

APPOINTED Effective 1 March O Lieut-Colonels Edgar and Sara Chagas, Croydon Citadel

MAISIE SMITH, IPSWICH CITADEL MAISIE Smith (nĂŠe Back) was born in 1933 and grew up in Brighton.

In her late teenage years Maisie offered herself for service as an officer and entered the International Training College as part of the Heralds session in 1952.

She married Brian in 1954 and they commenced working as officers in south Wales, Manchester and, after offering themselves for missionary service, the East Africa Territory. They spent five years working at the Thika School for the Blind, Joytown Secondary School and a care home in Nairobi.

On return to the UK in 1964 they were posted to the Salvation Army Assurance Society in Leicester before finally settling in Watford, where they soldiered at Watford Citadel. In later years Brian and Maisie soldiered at Hendon and, upon retirement, lived in Felixstowe.

Throughout her life, Maisie showed her love for the Lord through her caring and cheerful disposition. She is greatly missed by family and friends. – DC

AWARDED Glover, Woking, appointed MBE O Richard Campbell, Droitwich Spa, appointed MBE O Peter

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Bandsman Hamilton and Songster Patricia Boyd, Belfast Sydenham (2 January) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Commissioner John Swinfen (90 on 24 January) O Major Albert Pell (90 on 27 January) O Mrs Major Lilian Everett (95 on 29 January) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Hazel Leonard, Staple Hill O Pamela Sharpe, Salisbury O Jeanne Robson, Sunderland Monkwearmouth, on 23 December O Ian Ryder, Sherburn Hill, on 4 January O Marion Welsby, Lurgan, on 7 January BEREAVED Captain Beryl Cordy of her sister Pamela Caspari O David Leonard, Staple Hill, of his wife Hazel Leonard, Nicholas Leonard and Hillary Bath of their mother O Don Sharpe, Salisbury, of his wife Pamela Sharpe O Harold Robson, Sunderland Monkwearmouth, of his wife Jeanne Robson, Major Janet Robson, William Booth College, Ruth Robson and Nigel Robson of their mother O Major David Ryder, THQ, Major Elizabeth Sandison, Edinburgh HSU, of their brother Ian Ryder O Major Susan McFerran, Ballymena, Ken Welsby and Janet Clark of their mother Marion Welsby O

Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ 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.

22

Salvationist 16 January 2021

CHRISTIAN COOK, WATFORD BORN in 1929 to officer parents, Christian Wilkinson spent her childhood moving around the country. After losing her father at the age of eight, she moved with her mother to North Watford Corps. There she met Geoff Cook who became her husband in 1951.

Chrissy served the Lord all her life through The Salvation Army. She was a local officer at the corps for more than 50 years, serving as singing company leader, YPSM, corps treasurer and BP section leader. She also played solo cornet in the band.

She was always willing to share her faith through personal testimony and became a prayer intercessor in later years, sending encouraging cards and telephone messages. She took great interest in the young people, knowing they were the future of the Army, and many were saved through her ministry. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. Well done, good and faithful servant! – MS

RAY RICHARDS, GORSEINON RAY was born in 1943 to Urias and Ruby. An only child, he was dedicated at Merthyr Tydfil and joined the YP band, singing company and later the senior band.

After marrying Merle in 1966 he transferred to Gorseinon, where he became YP band leader and encouraged many young people with patience and dedication. He was later commissioned bandmaster and fulfilled the role with a humble and quiet influence.

Ray was passionate about brass bands and enjoyed trips to Birmingham and the Royal Albert Hall for concerts. He was also a keen bowler and played for a local church where he was highly regarded for his Christian beliefs and sense of humour.

He suffered ill health for many years, but never complained. His faith and trust sustained him. Ray was a Christian gentleman and is greatly missed by the corps and many friends. His sincere witness lives on. He is now for ever with the Lord. – MR MALCOLM SHELTON, GRAVESEND BORN in Gravesend in 1938 to Salvationist parents, Malcolm moved through the YP sections and into the senior sections.

He undertook national service in 1958, joining the Royal Army Service Corps Staff Band. He married Margaret Llewellyn in 1959 before going with the staff band to Germany. After his national service he returned to Gravesend and became principal cornet in the band.

During the course of his life he was commissioned YPSM, deputy bandmaster and songster leader. He loved the band and was thankful for opportunities to play with the London Central Fellowship Band, the South London Fellowship Band, Cambridge Brass and Chalk Farm Band, which included a tour to Japan.

In the latter years of his life, Malcolm played in Meopham Brass and looked after his wife until her promotion to Glory in 2018.

Malcolm was a fantastic dad and grandad and was immensely proud of his two boys and grandson. – GS

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To apply please send your CV to stefanie.wright@sagic.co.uk SAGIC is an ethical insurer. It is financially successful and, by way of gift aid, donates profit to its charitable parent company, The Salvation Army Trustee Company.

ADVERTISING RATES ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

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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 email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

Salvationist 16 January 2021

23

‘‘‘

Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour

’’’

(Matthew 25:13)

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

SONIA WESTNEY Wood Green How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I walked into morning worship while looking for a family church.

What made you want to become a soldier?

The commitment to the local community and the warmth shown by the church members.

What is your day job?

I’m a support worker in care.

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

Be still and shine.

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

Gymnastics.

What is your favourite food?

Chocolate.

Is there something about life or the world you’ve never understood?

How the world keeps changing. It keeps going forwards, and the changes don’t immediately show themselves.

What do you do in your spare time?

Sleep, listen to the radio and catch up with my grandchildren.

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

Violence.

What is your favourite Bible verse and why?

I don’t have a favourite but I like the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25.

It reminds me to keep filled up with the word of God.

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

Verses from the Bible.

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

The most interesting thing is the joy of caring What is your favourite hymn or for another person. The most frustrating is to worship song? go through so much ‘red tape’ when taking ‘Thank You’ (SASB 394). someone out who is in care.

Thank you for every new good What one thing would you change morning, about the Army?

Thank you for every fresh new day, I would include baptism in the mission Thank you that I may cast my burdens statement.

Wholly on you.

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

Anita in the musical West Side Story. y She is a Puerto Rican migrant associated with the Sharks gang.

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

Job. I would ask him if he ever imagined what God looked like.

Thank you for grace to know your gospel, Thank you for all your Spirit’s power Thank you for your unfailing love Than Which reaches far and near.

Whic

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Staying in a country cottage, near the woods and the sea.

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

A bed maker.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I sing sometimes.

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

A book on botanical plants.

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

Rely on your faith no matter how big or small it is.

Thank you for full and free salvation, Than Thank you for grace to hold it fast, Than Thank you, O Lord, I want to thank Than you yo That I’m free to thank!

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess?

The knowledge that God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit loves me.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? figure Martin Luther King Jr, because he had Marti a message from God and was able to deliver it.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is…

I have a dream to set up a holiday house in Jamaica as a retreat for Christians.