Salvationist 18 may 2013 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

SALVATIONIST

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

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Pages 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 14

K e A YA ep RT L Me S Sa AL Pr C t 8 BE ais O Ju RT ing NC ne HA ER LL

18 May 2013 // No. 1398 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

CONTENTS 3.

FROM THE EDITOR

4. PAPERS This week’s quotes from the papers and From the archives – ten years on

12. – 14.

5. – 9. NEWS Portugal // Bedford Congress Hall // The Philippines // Bangladesh // Logos House // Driffield // London // Airdrie // Parkhead // Bridgwater // Wellingborough // Tunbridge Wells // Leeds West Hunslet // Aylesbury // East Midlands // Herne Bay // Pokesdown // Newbiggin-by-the-Sea // Exeter Temple // 8.

NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

10. & 11. A choir for all

FEATURE

12. – 14. Love’s call

FEATURE

15.

BIBLE STUDY

5. 8.

The three blessings 16. VIEWPOINT Getting rid of the clobber 17.

LETTERS

18. & 19. NEW COMMITMENTS 20. & 21.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

22. & 23.

ADVERTS

24.

THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

10. & 11.

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated 2

Salvationist 18 May 2013

FROM THE EDITOR

SINGING IS GOOD FOR YOU MORE than 200 years after his death, the letters of Charles Wesley have been published. One of the reasons that it’s taken so long is that Charles wrote to his brother John in a complex form of shorthand developed by fellow hymnwriter John Byrom. As a minister and a writer of thousands of hymns, Wesley used shorthand in his letters to save time. What a great legacy of hymns he left for us! Many are still sung today alongside modern hymns and songs. Whether or not you’re a fine vocalist, singing can have a powerful effect on your life. In the TV programme The Choir, Gareth Malone set himself the task of helping people to sing; some had never done anything quite like it before. Possibly his best known assignment was bringing together the wives and girlfriends of military personnel, some serving in Afghanistan, to form the Military Wives Choir. After weeks of rehearsing the real test came with their contribution to the 2011 Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, and their CD topped the charts at Christmas. Not all choirs achieve this sort of success or fame, but in recent years there has been a surge of interest in getting together to sing. John Mitchinson discovered this back in 2004. Inspired by a gospel choir in Swedish Lapland and later by Faeroese Salvationists, when he returned to Southend he stepped out in faith to do the same and describes his experience on pages 10 and 11. A choir is made up of individuals and although we have already published information about the forthcoming visit of the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters, in this issue we include the testimonies of just some of the songsters on pages 12 to 14.

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

Singing not only brings people together socially, but also has therapeutic benefits. Heart Research UK has proved that singing is good for you. Physically it increases oxygen in the bloodstream and exercises muscles – even when sitting. Psychologically it reduces stress levels and has positive social benefits for people who sing in choirs. In recent years, Alzheimer’s Society has been running Singing for the Brain, a programme that uses singing to help unlock the brain. Families of people with dementia have found that it has enhanced the lives of their loved ones. This weekend, with the celebration of Pentecost, we will all have something to sing about. On page 15 Lyndall Bywater contributes the first of three studies on Pentecost Promises and points out that Pentecost was a day of deep fulfilment. Finally, a hymn for Pentecost from the prolific pen of Charles Wesley… O Thou who camest from above The pure celestial fire to impart, Kindle a flame of sacred love On the mean altar of my heart. There let it for thy glory burn With inextinguishable blaze, And trembling to its source return In humble prayer and fervent praise. (SASB 199)

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

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DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza – (tel) 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael – (tel) 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino – (tel) 020 7367 4881

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 18 May 2013

PAPERS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS NEW PRIESTS TOLD TO BE MERCIFUL

CHURCHGOERS BACK ASSISTED SUICIDE FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL

Pope Francis has told the first group of priests he has ordained since becoming Bishop of Rome that he expects them to be merciful pastors and not just church administrators… ‘Be pastors, not functionaries… mediators, not intermediaries… I ask you in the name of Christ and the Church: please, never tire of being merciful’… ‘Dispense the word of God with joy,’ Pope Francis said, adding in a personal note: ‘Remember your mothers, your grandmothers and catechists that have given you the word of God – the gift of faith!’

There is overwhelming public support for euthanasia, including among many churchgoers, according to a new poll… The survey, commissioned for the last of this year’s Westminster faith debates… found that 16 per cent of the public opposed a change in the law and 14 per cent did not know. This compared with 72 per cent of Anglicans who backed change, 56 per cent of Catholics, 62 per cent of Methodists and 69 per cent of Jewish and Sikh people surveyed. Only 26 per cent of Muslims supported change. The overwhelming reason given by those backing change was that individuals should have the right to choose when they die. Almost 60 per cent of those who are opposed to a change in the law agreed that ‘vulnerable people could be, or feel, pressured to die’. More than half of those opposed said that helping someone to die placed too much of a burden on others and nearly half thought that enough safeguards could not be guaranteed if the law was changed.

The Tablet

The Times

FRENCH THREE-YEAR-OLDS TO GET LESSONS IN MORALITY Pupils in France are to be given lessons in secular morality to teach them respect, dignity and justice. The aim is to reinforce discipline, renew belief in the common interest and introduce a moral dimension to subjects such as sex education. From 2015 the subject will be part of the national curriculum… But the plan, by Vincent Peillon, the Education Minister, to create a framework of values for a post-religious civilisation, has been denounced by critics as being old-fashioned and abstract. The minister said that pupils would learn about the ‘principles and the rules… which enable us to live together according to our common ideal of liberty, equality and fraternity’. The Times

FROM THE ARCHIVES – TEN YEARS ON Congress of African Praise

Major John Wainwright gets into the swing of things

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‘If you weren’t feeling African when you arrived, you certainly will be by the time you leave!’ said Captain Steve Calder (DDE) at the commencement of London Central Division’s Congress of African Praise at William Booth College, Denmark Hill. A congregation of people from more than 20 nations and 5 continents had already experienced an African flavour, as many gathered for a buffet earlier in the evening, but there was much more to come. . . . News in ‘Salvationist’ dated 31 May 2003

NEWS Spirit-driven unity in evidence at Europe Zonal Conference PORTUGAL FORTY-TWO territorial and command leaders from across Europe – together with staff from the Europe Department at IHQ – gathered in Lisbon for the Europe Zonal Conference led by General Linda Bond. The first event on the programme – a prayer meeting led by the General as part of the Thursday morning Worldwide Prayer Meeting – ensured that proceedings began in an atmosphere of prayer and Spirit-driven unity. The General was supported by the new zonal leaders International Secretary for Europe Commissioner Birgitte Brekke and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Dorita Wainwright, who contributed to the conference theme of Leadership In The 21st Century. Presentations focused on the challenges faced by the 12 territories and commands in the zone, as well as the opportunities presented by the decline in religious observance and the ongoing financial crisis. Stories were shared of innovative programmes and spiritual growth in corps and social service units in the varied nations that make up the zone. It became clear that all around Europe holistic ministry is offered in the name of Jesus but that the Army’s mission – especially to marginalised and dispossessed people – is being carried out in the face of increased secularism and materialism. Highlights of the conference included the General’s insightful presentations on spiritual and practical leadership in challenging times. At the conclusion of her presentation on spiritual leadership there was a time of spontaneous prayer as delegates sang with conviction ‘My Life Must Be Christ’s Broken Bread’, giving strong emphasis to the

words ‘resolved the whole of love’s demands to give for his dear sake’. Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek (Territorial Commander, Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes) introduced a new song he had written especially for the conference – ‘Start Your Revival In Me’. Delegates enthusiastically practised the song in preparation for the final event of the conference, when Salvationists from all around Portugal gathered at Colares Corps near Lisbon for a combined Sunday meeting. In words of welcome LieutColonel Gordon Daly (Officer Commanding, Spain and Portugal) said that for a few days

Lisbon had been the capital of Europe as Salvation Army leaders had gathered from all around the continent. He welcomed staff and clients of The Salvation Army’s social service foundation who had come to the meeting to mark the foundation’s 32nd anniversary. The meeting featured testimonies by Colonel Eva Kleman (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Finland and Estonia) and Colonel Patrick Naud (Territorial Commander, Germany and Lithuania). The Europe leaders presented their new song ‘Start Your Revival In Me’, with its final refrain – ‘I can hardly wait to see your revival power in

me’ – building with a crescendo of joyful hope. A Portuguese group presented a dance item and the meeting was marked by joyful singing and warm international fellowship. In her Bible message the General focused on the need for restoration of love and hope in the hearts and lives of Salvationists. In response to her message, many people made their way to the mercy seat for prayer. After the meeting the General was joined by Director of Social Services for Portugal, Sandra Martins, and other staff to cut an anniversary cake, which was shared with the congregation. – A. R.

great artistry in his presentation of ‘The Conqueror’ and the beautiful melody ‘The Lark In The Clear Air’. Andrew’s theme for the morning meeting was Experience

Grace! and people were challenged by the direct message. The weekend culminated in the songsters, reservists and friends singing ‘I Have Joined The Army Of The Lord’. – K. S.

A God-honouring weekend BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL GUESTS Anthony Harris (vocal, Bromley Temple), Andy Scott (euphonium, Boston), Elliot Launn (piano, Regent Hall) (pictured) and Bandmaster Andrew Blyth (Gainsborough) visited for music weekend during 125th corps anniversary celebrations. In ‘Christ Is The Answer’ Elliot showed his dexterity and style. Anthony provided great variety in his choices and a highlight was his singing of ‘He Giveth More Grace’. Andy, who grew up in the corps, showed

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NEWS The General leads Unlimited Praise Celebrations THE PHILIPPINES GENERAL Linda Bond brought inspiration and challenge to Salvationists and friends in The Philippines. During her first visit to the country the General spoke at several gatherings, installed new territorial leaders and ordained and commissioned 15 lieutenants. At Camp Jabez in Cavite, around 50 kilometres from the capital city, Manila, the General addressed more than 250 young Salvationists participating in a gospel arts camp. The General told the young people that they are ‘the Army of today whose service is the best expression of their love for Jesus’. Nearly all responded to an invitation given by the General to commit or rededicate their lives to God. The weekend celebrations commenced with officers councils on Saturday morning, where the General confidently greeted Filipino officers in their own language. The General told the gathering: ‘Our mission is to preach the resurrected Christ to this broken world.’ After the Bible message, officers went forward to signify decisions of deeper commitment to the Lord to be lovers of souls. Shouts of ‘Mabuhay, General!’ (Welcome, General!) filled the packed Aliw Theatre complex as Salvationists and friends welcomed the international leader to the

Salvationists offer practical assistance BANGLADESH SALVATIONISTS responded after an eight-storey building collapsed in Savar, killing hundreds of people. Savar is about 30 kilometres from the capital city, Dhaka. The command’s training college is only a kilometre from the scene and officers and cadets were on hand very quickly. A team led by Dhaka District Officer Captain Bibhudan Samaddar was asked by a government co-ordinator to provide medicine to a clinic and hospitals. Medicines and supplies, including bandages, first aid equipment, antibiotics, pain medication, intravenous equipment, gloves and masks, were 6

Salvationist 18 May 2013

Walang Humpay na Papuri (Unlimited Praise Celebrations). Eighty junior soldiers representing eighty corps enthusiastically greeted the General, who was accompanied by the territorial leaders. The General was welcomed with traditional folk songs and dances before watching colourful cultural dances followed by dynamic displays of street dance and timbrel praise. In her response, the General told the congregation that ‘although we differ in a variety of things, God unites us in his love’. After the General installed Colonels Wayne and Robyn Maxwell as leaders of The Philippines Territory, the couple addressed the gathering. Territorial Commander Colonel Wayne Maxwell in his response spoke in both Tagalog and English. The colonel concluded his comments by telling the congregation: ‘We look forward to working together with you as one Army, with one mission and one message.’ Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Robyn Maxwell spoke of her passion for women’s ministry and how she had been impacted the previous year when she saw a photo of a Filipina officer walking through mud with a water buffalo. She believes that God has prepared her for this appointment. Following the installation, Colonel Robyn Maxwell awarded Cebu Central Corps the women’s ministries banner of achievement for 2012. In her message the General reminded the congregation that ‘praise’ – the key word of the

meeting – is not limited to the sanctuary but must be extended wherever God’s children are. In a panel interview the General revealed the secret to her youthful energy – living by Jesus’ standards. ‘A simple joy,’ she said, ‘leaps in a person who knows Christ more and more.’ The finale of the weekend was the commissioning and ordination of the 15 cadets of the Proclaimers of the Resurrection Session. As the General commissioned the new lieutenants she challenged them to be true to their calling and The Salvation Army’s mission. In her Bible message, the General spoke about the need for everyone to be transformed by God. The Holy Spirit moved in the congregation in an overwhelming way as seekers made their way to the front and even onto the stage for prayer. In the appointments meeting, the lieutenants and their children presented a musical drama about the proclamation of the gospel from the time of the Early Church to the present day. There was excitement as the Territorial Commander announced the appointments of the new lieutenants before they were all charged by the General to ‘move forward together and communicate Jesus unashamedly’. In his conclusion, the TC invited the 19 accepted candidates of the Heralds of Grace Session, as well as other individuals who felt the calling of the Lord into officership, to stand with the lieutenants on the stage. Many people responded and were prayed over. – F. C. / A. S.

provided to a number of hospitals. Assistance was also given at a temporary morgue. The Salvation Army provided meals and encouragement to people flocking to a school to look for family members. While government and rescue authorities were engaged in the immediate hands-on rescue efforts, The Salvation Army served the bereaved and hurting community, by offering practical and spiritual support as needed. – A. R. LOGOS HOUSE: A staff member and resident at the Bristol Lifehouse served refreshments to the emergency services after a fire broke out at a block of flats nearby. They continued to provide assistance until fire service facilities arrived. – W. S.

A Co-operative staff member donates cakes to be sold at Driffield Outreach Centre Spring Fayre; nearly 100 people visited the fayre, raising £250 for the centre

NEWS

Salvation Army hosts anti-human trafficking conference LONDON MORE than 300 organisations and individuals attended The Salvation Army’s Anti-Human Trafficking 2013 Conference, where Victims’ Minister Helen Grant MP gave the keynote address. The conference, held at the London School of Economics, enabled delegates to discuss and share best practice on how to combat human trafficking and support victims in their local areas. The event included masterclasses, speed-networking and interactive workshops. In her address Helen Grant said: ‘As Victims’ Minister I will do all I can to protect and support victims of trafficking,

but it is a job I can’t do alone.’ She continued by outlining how partnership is at the heart of the UK’s strategy to tackle trafficking: ‘Local authorities and their partners have a fundamental role to play if we’re to stamp out trafficking and ensure that victims get the support they so very much need and deserve. Tackling and combating human trafficking is very much a joint effort; no single department or agency can deal with it alone. ‘I want to encourage local authorities, and their partners, to see what more we can do together to crack down on this sickening crime.’ Since July 2011, when The Salvation Army was appointed by the Ministry of Justice to provide support services to adult victims of human trafficking in England and Wales, the Army and its partners have supported more than 800 victims of trafficking thanks to a £2 million

fund from the Ministry of Justice. The Salvation Army’s AntiTrafficking Response Co-ordinator Major Anne Read, who participated in a question and answer session at the conference with Helen Grant, commented: ‘Working together with local authorities and other agencies engaged in anti-human trafficking and sharing experiences and best practice are vital in helping us achieve our aim to empower and enable victims as they begin to rebuild their lives. ‘We hope that more local authorities will be aware of the support available to them and benefit from hearing how other agencies are successfully tackling this challenging issue.’ The conference was chaired by Baroness Butler-Sloss who summarised the impact of the day in raising awareness and fostering joint working when she said: ‘This conference has been a wonderful opportunity to spread the word to large numbers of people who need to know more about the appalling crime of human trafficking so they can spread the word among their communities.’ A toolkit, containing key learnings from the conference, and information on useful resources will be made available at www.salvationarmy.org.uk so that local authorities can benefit from the work undertaken by speakers and delegates at the conference. – A. R.

Sports club children learn about the Body of Christ AIRDRIE DURING the school holidays Sports Ministry Co-ordinator Bobby Weir and the corps hosted a sports holiday club at a school. The children learnt about teamwork and considered Romans 12, thinking about the many parts of the one Body of Christ. Many of the children, who were new to the Army, attended a sport-themed Messy Church the following Sunday, which included games, stories and crafts focused on the story of Joshua and the city of Jericho. – B. W. PARKHEAD: Major Mark Herbert (THQ) led the wellattended spiritual gifts day, where many people were amazed to realise their gifts. On Sunday, Major Herbert encouraged everyone to use their gifts for the Lord’s service. – A. D. WELLINGBOROUGH: On Saturday many people attended a coffee morning arranged by the young people. On Sunday the young people held an activity morning, attended by many visitors. In the evening, Churches Together led Praise On The Move, visiting various churches in the town. – F. P.

Faith through music BRIDGWATER

Mrs Lieut-Colonel Eileen Thomas celebrates her 101st birthday with family and friends and eight-month-old Hannah Wilson at the Tunbridge Wells lunch club

SOUTH-WESTERN Divisional Youth Chorus launched music ministries weekend with an energetic and thought-provoking programme. In cabaret style, the young people sang their faith through the music, leaving the congregation in no doubt about their commitment. A particular highlight was when the young people stood around the hall to sing ‘Hallowed Be Your Name’. – N. D. Salvationist 18 May 2013

NEWS

WEEK 12 Monday 20 May Luke 12 – Jesus teaches the parable of the rich fool and the need to be ready for Heaven O Many thousands were flocking to see Jesus. Could this have been as a result of the ministry of the ‘72’ in Luke 10? O Verse 7 says ‘don’t be afraid’. Is this compatible with the advice about fearing God in the preceding verses? O What is the teaching of vv35–46?

Prayers offered for persecuted Christians LEEDS WEST HUNSLET AS part of the Story Bible reading project, corps folk gathered to write letters of encouragement to persecuted Christians across the world. After spending the day discovering more about Paul’s final days in prison, the corps applied the verses of Hebrews 13:13 in a practical way. Using the Open Doors material, prayer partners worked together to find verses of

Scripture to provide hope and comfort to those facing difficult times because of their faith – such as Damaris in Kenya whose pastor husband was murdered only eight days after their marriage, five-year-old Cristina in Mexico who lost her father, mother and brother and many more Christians who have suffered because of their beliefs. Time was spent in prayer during the meeting as Joel Griffin (piano) played ‘Here I Am To Worship’. Olivia Barker (left) is pictured writing a letter with Noe Moyo. – K. M.

Tuesday 21 May Luke 13 – Jesus tells more parables and heals a crippled woman on the Sabbath O Do bad things only happen to bad people? If so, what do vv1–5 suggest? O In what ways is the Kingdom of God like a mustard seed, or yeast? O Why did Jesus compare the way of salvation to a ‘narrow door’ (vv22–30)? Wednesday 22 May Luke 14 – Jesus interprets the Sabbath and teaches through more parables O How do you interpret the great banquet (vv15–24)? O In a Jewish context v26 means to love less. Is this a helpful interpretation? Thursday 23 May Luke 15 – Jesus uses parables to describe the importance of every lost soul O How much priority do you give to helping others become saved too (vv1–10)? O Once a lost sheep or coin has been found, is it possible for that sheep or coin to become lost again? O Who do you think the father and two sons represent (vv11–32)? Friday 24 May Luke 16 – Jesus tells the story of the rich man and Lazarus O How do you interpret the parable of the shrewd manager? O The story of the rich man and Lazarus speaks about what to do in life. What does it say about life beyond the grave? The Mayor of Aylesbury (Councillor Ranjula Takodra) presents a cheque to Andy Peddle for £167 – Andy’s visit raised £403 in total; also pictured is corps member Brian Kennedy and CEO of Stop The Traffik, Ruth Dearnley

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NEWS Divisional rally remembers those in need EAST MIDLANDS LIVING Water, the theme for the helping-hand appeal, was highlighted through the divisional Adult and Family Ministries Rally at Skegness with many nautical and waterthemed activities. Guests Lieut-Colonels Peter and Sylvia Dalziel brought blessings and challenge with their music. The colonel gave reassurance as he spoke of Jesus and the woman at the well and discussed the power of transformation. The Lincolnshire Regional Band played the march ‘Ship Ahoy’, written for the occasion by Divisional Bandmaster Neville McFarlane, followed by ‘The Skye Boat Song’. The bandmaster also led a time of congregational singing; Jean Leadbeater (Shirebrook) entertained with humorous poetry. Lieut-Colonel Wendy Caffull and Major Joy Caddy (both DHQ) presented different versions of nursery rhymes adapted to portray the plight of those without water. Afterwards, corps representatives offered a message in a bottle to accompany their helping-hand gifts. The song ‘How Great Thou Art’ concluded the day, bringing thanks and praise to God while remembering those in greater need. – J. C. NEWBIGGIN-BY-THE-SEA: A capacity congregation attended an entertainment evening – led by corps officers Captains Ann and Donald Montgomery and their children – to raise money for corps funds. After a meal, the entertainment started with piano, euphonium and vocal solos from Calum and Hannah Montgomery and Captain Donald Montgomery. Adam joined with his mum to sign as Hannah sang ‘Yes, Jesus Loves Me’ – a highlight of the evening. – P. H.

Exeter Temple corps officer Major Alan Young presents Laurie Bovey with a certificate for exceptional service and a gift to mark his retirement as editor of the corps newsletter; Laurie, the founding editor, has faithfully produced the ‘142’ newsletter for 37 years

Ghana run a mile HERNE BAY JUNIOR soldier Grace Swansbury was captivated by presentations around the Army’s work in Ghana, including a live link-up with territorial leaders Colonels Charles and Denise Swansbury. As a result of God speaking into her heart, Grace ran a mile around the park for Ghana, cheered on by many friends and family. She raised £280 for The Salvation Army’s Begoro Rehabilitation Centre. – N. B. POKESDOWN: Major Carelle Begley (Boscombe) led an uplifting home and family weekend with the theme The Potter’s Hands. Throughout the day the singing and timbrel groups participated and members offered testimonies and poems. Alicia and Daniella Begley brought a thoughtful presentation of the song ‘I’m In His Hands’ using mime. Many people attended the Monday rally which included solos from Hilary Bromage (vocal, Boscombe). Major Begley continued with the theme by discussing hands of service. – S. L. Salvationist 18 May 2013

FEATURE

A CHOIR FOR ALL by gospel choir leader John Mitchinson THE inspiration for Citadel Gospel Choir came in the winter of 2004 when I was studying just outside Swedish Lapland. Very few people trekked through the snow to the little town centre corps on a Sunday morning – 20 of us at most – but every other Wednesday evening the hall would be packed for the gospel choir rehearsal. People were coming to The Salvation Army to have fun, catch up with friends and sing songs about Jesus. Anyone was welcome; we had a fantastic mix of characters, ages and backgrounds in that 80-strong choir. My imagination began to run wild about what could be achieved if we tried something similar at my home corps, Southend Citadel. I sat on that thought for a long time. It wasn’t until 2008 when I was living in Scandinavia again – this time on the remote Faeroe Islands – that I decided I would go with it once I got home. The overwhelming enthusiasm and earnestness of the Faeroese Salvationists as they sang struck me, reminding me of the way in which God can use heartfelt music to reach out. The first Citadel Gospel Choir rehearsal took place in January 2009. We put up posters, distributed flyers and contacted people who were formerly connected with the corps. We had no idea how many would turn up, but were thrilled when 19 did. Over the next few months numbers grew quickly. Some of these newcomers were the friends of

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choir members; others had seen the posters around the hall or attended a concert. Today we have roughly 65 members, with a real mix of backgrounds and ages – our youngest member is 15, our oldest 81. Some go to church (Salvation Army, Baptist, Roman Catholic, Anglican, Congregational, nondenominational), but many don’t. We laugh a lot and enjoy spending time with each other, but the members also work very hard. We sing songs by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Richard Smallwood and Kirk Franklin, among others, but we increasingly sing our own material. For accompaniment we use backing tracks that we make ourselves – one of the perks of having a brother who has studied music. The corps family at Southend Citadel was very accepting of the choir, supporting it immediately and wholeheartedly. I’m

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WE HAVE ROUGHLY 65 MEMBERS, WITH A REAL MIX OF BACKGROUNDS AND AGES – OUR YOUNGEST MEMBER IS 15, OUR OLDEST 81. SOME GO TO CHURCH... BUT MANY DON’T

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very grateful to everyone for that. I think one of the reasons for this acceptance across the board was because Citadel Gospel Choir was never envisioned as a replacement for anything. It wasn’t put forward as a ‘funky alternative’ to the traditional sections. I am a member of the songsters and I believe there to be real value in their ministry. As I see it, the remits for the two choirs are completely different. Incidentally, the number of songsters at the corps has increased over the past four years. We aim to do five or six concerts annually, in addition to our big Christmas Celebration and several ‘Citadel at the Citadel’ concerts. ‘Citadel at the Citadel’ is when we take responsibility for the evening meeting at the corps. We sing about eight songs, the band and songsters participate and there is usually another group, such as the worship band, the junior sections or one from elsewhere. Towards the end of the meeting there is a brief ‘thought’, a time when the Good News can be shared in a way that is accessible for nonchurchgoers (this also happens at our Christmas Celebration).

worthwhile, but also wanted non-Christians to feel at ease. We decided just to conclude each rehearsal with a simple prayer. We sing only Christian music, so no one who comes along to a practice or concert will leave with any doubt as to what we’re about. While one or two have felt that we perhaps don’t push Christianity enough, another said they found it a little ‘too’ Christian. So we think we’ve probably got it about right! The gospel choir was never envisaged as simply a way of getting new attenders to our Sunday meetings – although we are thrilled if coming to the twice-monthly practices leads someone to seek us out on a Sunday. We wanted people to come and share wonderful Christian music together and to have something that Salvationists could invite their friends to. We also wanted to give people a chance to come into our building and see that we’re not so strange. It’s a source of real joy that we have seen two new soldiers come through the choir, as well as a number of regular attenders, primarily to our Sunday evening meetings. Quite a few have signed up for the corps musical in November. We have also seen that God is using the choir to make a difference to those who don’t come to other events. One such woman said to me once: ‘Do you know what? The gospel choir is the best thing I do in life.’ It’s wonderful to hear that someone is getting so much from an activity at The Salvation Army.

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IT’S A SOURCE OF REAL JOY THAT WE HAVE SEEN TWO NEW SOLDIERS COME THROUGH THE CHOIR, AS WELL AS A NUMBER OF REGULAR ATTENDERS

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Afterwards we share coffee and cakes together. This gives us an opportunity to chat to new attenders – there are always some. We have had up to 200 people at these Sunday night events. Other concerts have taken us to various corps around the division, as well as to other churches in the town. We keep in touch with people who have shown an interest in us through our mailing list and Facebook page. Facebook is proving a valuable resource; one of our newest members simply came across the choir’s page and contacted me to see if she could join. At rehearsals, a difficulty at first was to gauge how much of an emphasis there should be on our beliefs. We wanted Christians to feel that they were part of something

JOHN IS YP BAND LEADER AT SOUTHEND CITADEL Salvationist 18 May 2013

FEATURE

Love’s call In time for their UK tour, members of the USA Western Territory Staff Songsters share their testimonies with Salvationist DAVE PATTON, SAN DIEGO CITADEL I NEVER aspired to be a musician. At school, I played an old silver clarinet, handed down by my grandfather, and failed miserably – I couldn’t carry a tune and felt no motivation to explore the wonderful world of music. However, God had bigger plans and cultivated his gift of music in me by placing in my path people to encourage and events to inspire. He chose me to serve as a worship leader to further his Kingdom. As I continue to use this gift

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GOD HAD BIGGER PLANS AND CULTIVATED HIS GIFT OF MUSIC IN ME BY PLACING IN MY PATH PEOPLE TO ENCOURAGE AND EVENTS TO INSPIRE 12

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and give it back to God, he continues to richly bless me. When asked to join the staff songsters, there was no hesitation to step up and serve. The marvellous result has been that I have learnt so much about myself, not only as a worship leader, but also as a Christian. I’ve been stretched in the musical talent my Lord has given me. I have learnt much from interacting with my peers – things I now take and utilise in my life and in my corps. Blessings are abundant as we share with others through song and testimony. Mostly what I enjoy is the attitude of worship when we are together; I believe that every facet of our lives should be an act of worship to our Lord and Saviour.

MELANI LYONS, SEATTLE TEMPLE WHEN I first walked into Vancouver Corps, I didn’t know what to expect. My mom had told me we were going to girl guards and it would be fun. Little did I know that, 20 years later, I would be a committed local officer at Seattle Temple. Recently I found that God had made intricate plans through generations of my family to make sure I connected with the Army at just the time I needed it. My aunt really wanted to become a girl scout, but money was tight – the Army’s girl guards made her dream come true, as their fees were affordable. Although my aunt and mother were girl guards for only a few short years, the love they felt there stuck with them. Around my tenth birthday, my family began going through some rough years and my mom remembered the Army. It became my safe place, where I was mentored as a person, encouraged as a musician and brought up as a leader. The investment of music camp and

Territorial Music School scholarships I received are still paying out dividends through my involvement in Seattle Temple Songsters and now with the staff songsters. The investment of discipleship and Bible study are being passed on to young people that my husband and I mentor and the values of protecting children and instilling confidence in them remain the foundation of why I do what I do – whether it’s bringing the arts to the schools in my community or being a foster parent.

CAPTAIN HILARY PATTERSON, PORTLAND MOORE STREET RECENTLY I have been overwhelmed by Zephaniah 3:17: ‘The Lord your

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God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.’ I connect with this verse because I have four children. Sometimes I get frustrated with them – when they argue with each other, when they refuse to do what I have asked them to do, when they make wrong choices – but while they are sleeping, I like to go into their rooms to check on them. Not to rebuke them, but to love them. And sometimes I find myself softly singing over them. This is how I picture God in this verse.

Although I am sure he gets frustrated with me when I make wrong choices, or sad if I don’t take the time to talk with him about my day, he still loves me enough to sing over me – and I can only imagine that if I could audibly hear God singing it would be the most beautiful sound. As a member of the staff songsters I consider it an opportunity to sing back to God; and sometimes it is actually more like I am singing with God because I can sense him with me as I sing. I am so glad to know that he is with me – not just to rebuke me, but also to sing over me. What a promise!

HEATHER HOWARD, MESA CITADEL ABOUT eleven years ago, I had a dream with a profound impact. In this dream, I heard the voice of God. Earlier that day, my sister shared with me that she was expecting her first child. Tears of joy were mixed with tears of sadness. I was very excited for her, but felt sorry for myself because I had an ectopic pregnancy a few years earlier and God hadn’t blessed me with a child since. I went CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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AS A MEMBER OF THE STAFF SONGSTERS I CONSIDER IT AN OPPORTUNITY TO SING BACK TO GOD... I CAN SENSE HIM WITH ME AS I SING

TRACK LISTING 1. Sing And Rejoice 2. Bow The Knee 3. Rejoice 4. Distant Land 5. Bridge Over Troubled Water 6. Lamb Of Glory 7. Boundless! 8. The Old Rugged Cross 9. His Provision 10. How Sweet The Sound 11. I’ll Follow Thee 12. Love’s Call 13. A Clare Benediction O

Love’s Call has been released for this tour and will be available for purchase

TOUR ITINERARY

RIVE IN UK Fri 31 May AR SEA June SOUTH Sat Sun 1, 2 TON S RISTOL EA Mon 3 June B R OUTHPO T Tue 4 June S ONSETT Wed 5 June C ORWICH Thu 6 June N ATHAM Fri 7 June CH T OYAL ALBER Sat 8 June R TS R A L E HALL, GOSP T CONCER

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

to bed that night exhausted and consumed with jealousy. God used my weakness to show his strength, when in my dream he told me that his timing is perfect and I need to trust him. I woke up a completely different person. Jealousy was replaced by pure elation at the thought of becoming an auntie. When my sister announced her second pregnancy, I felt nothing but pure joy. By this time I realised that God knew what he was doing. I was then in a bad marriage and having a child may have prevented me from breaking free. Last April, I married the most wonderful man and I know God was

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waiting for my life to settle down. At this time, I have no announcements to make, but I have faith that God will grant the desires of my heart – in his time.

MAJOR DAVID SHOLIN, WHITTIER BORN into a Salvation Army family, I was exposed to loving and serving the Lord throughout my life. I did not have a rough life, so it was easier to live without too much guilt associated with sin – but that did not automatically make me a genuine Christian.

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MY DREAMS OF BEING A CHRISTIAN BECAME A REALITY WHEN I RECOGNISED THAT I WAS A SINNER AND NEEDED FORGIVENESS

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My dreams of being a Christian became a reality when I recognised that I was a sinner and needed forgiveness. My life since has been one with many challenges and opportunities. My walk with Christ needs to be revitalised each day when I wake up and guarded in my daily living. It has not always been easy, but I know that Christ gives me daily encouragement and I am able to sing songs making my dreams complete.

BIBLE STUDY

The three blessings The first of a three-part series by Lyndall Bywater entitled Pentecost Promises STUDY PASSAGE: JOEL 2:18–32

HEARD many inspiring stories about Christianity when I was a teenager, but the one that impacted me most was about a cupcake. (Never let it be said that the Lord doesn’t know the way to our hearts!) A man on a country picnic found himself face to face with a chipmunk. In one hand the man held a piece of celery and in the other a large cupcake. Despite the fact that the chipmunk was scarcely bigger than the cupcake, it took one dismissive look at the celery and promptly snatched the whole cake out of his hand – lugging it determinedly off into the undergrowth. I remember telling God that night that I didn’t want to settle for a ‘celery Christianity’. I wanted to reach for the fullest, richest relationship with him I could ever have. Pentecost was a day of deep fulfilment. We tend to focus on the exciting events of the day itself, but for Jesus’ followers who knew the Hebrew Scriptures, this day was much more than just an exhilarating surprise. It was the sign that some long-awaited promises had at last come true. In his speech to the crowds in Jerusalem (Acts 2:14–36), Peter quoted verses from the Book of Joel. He recited a short part (2:28–32), but we can assume that the whole prophecy was in his mind as he spoke. So what else did that prophecy say? Put very simply, Joel’s prophecy is the story of a land ruined and ravaged by an enemy because of its people’s sin, and then lovingly restored by God. The ‘restoration’ part of the story (v18) contains a three-fold promise: the promise of grain, new wine and olive oil (v19).

GRAIN The Israelites had spent years in exile, as slaves or nomads, unable to plant

their own crops. They had to rely on what they could glean or what God provided miraculously. Therefore grain spoke of stability – getting rooted and established in the land God had given them, and being able to thrive. For the fearful disciples, the reminder of this promise must have breathed much hope. They might be in new and scary territory, but God would indeed establish them and cause them to thrive. Grain may no longer be what we need, but stability and productivity certainly are. We may fear that we’re not having much impact for God’s Kingdom, but Pentecost is the promise that God will cause our ‘grain’ to take root and flourish.

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PENTECOST WAS A DAY OF DEEP FULFILMENT... IT WAS THE SIGN THAT SOME LONG-AWAITED PROMISES HAD AT LAST COME TRUE

moment when Jesus had used wine to promise his eternal presence with them. Now here he was again – powerfully present in wind and fire, proving that their God was indeed still in Israel. Whether the table drink is wine, water or tea, Jesus intended that the act of eating and drinking together should be a constant, daily reminder of the ‘new wine’ truth that he is with us by his Spirit and that we are never ever alone. OLIVE OIL Oil was a commodity that grew well in the climate of Israel and could be marketed to bring wealth. In the Scriptures it is often equated with abundance (2 Kings 4:1–7 for example). To be given grain and wine was to be given the necessities of life, but to be given oil was to be given riches. The restoration God promised in Joel was not just a basic re-start package; it was a complete return to wholeness and plenty. If you are getting by on celery, you are missing out! Pentecost is a day to celebrate the full, three-fold blessing: that God will make you fruitful and productive, that he will always be with you and that he has abundance in store for you.

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NEW WINE Wine was the drink of the table – served whenever people ate together. In Hebrew culture, it spoke of relationship and community. Jesus also reinforced that significance by using it as the symbol of the New Covenant between God and his people. As the disciples remembered the promise of new wine, their minds undoubtedly went back to that sacred

LYNDALL – A FREELANCE TRAINER, WRITER AND CONSULTANT, SPECIALISING IN THE SUBJECT OF PRAYER – WORSHIPS AT CANTERBURY Salvationist 18 May 2013

VIEWPOINT

GETTING RID OF THE CLOBBER by Colonel Hubert Boardman THE elections of Jorge Mario Bergoglio and Justin Welby in Rome and Canterbury were remarkable. Pope Francis, born in Buenos Aires of working-class Italian immigrants, worked in industry before ordination in 1960. As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he abandoned the Archbishop’s Palace for life in a small flat, cooking his own meals and travelling on public transport. His papal name says it all. He now lives simply in a hostel for fellow priests. His first papal message challenged this wealthiest Church in the world, to place the poor at its heart, almost like William Booth speaking again! President Barack Obama said of him: ‘As a champion of the poor and the most vulnerable among us, he carries forth the message of love and compassion that has inspired the world for more than 2,000 years… in each other, we see the face of God.’ The Archbishop of Canterbury, ordained only in 1982 after years in industry, descends from German Jewish immigrants fleeing anti-Semitism. He has experienced the pain of losing a young daughter. He has worked for reconciliation between armed groups in Africa, has met religious and political leaders in Israel and Palestine and reopened the Anglican Church in Baghdad after the allied invasion. He is a man with a world vision. In the Palm Sunday Songs Of Praise, he said the Church must ‘build communities of faith that enable people to flourish in the love of God’. In the same programme, a religious observer commented: ‘What the Church needs is to get rid of institutional clobber.’ Both leaders will need our prayers. Past Salvation Army leaders, seeking reform, discovered that attempts at fundamental change met with resistance from the established institution. People fear change and prefer their comfort zones. As a boy brought up in Yorkshire, I was familiar with the colloquial meaning of the word clobber: things once useful but now no longer needed. On Palm Sunday, Jesus challenged the institutional clobber of his day by overturning the tables of the money changers. Money changing in the Temple precincts was the accepted norm, exploiting the poor who were required to offer sacrifices. His disciples offended the establishment by plucking ears of corn on the Sabbath. Jesus taught: ‘The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.’ Institutional regulations had become more important than rectitude! True religion, he said was loving God and neighbour, and today Christ challenges his 21st-century Church to get rid of its clobber – anything once valid and useful but which is now irrelevant. One corps doing this recently had 150 adults and numerous children in the morning meeting; the worship was lively and exciting, not traditional; 60 per cent of the congregation were under 40 with as many men as women. Few sign the soldier’s covenant but many uphold Salvation Army principles. They are proud to be members, deeply committed to Salvationism. 16

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The majority don uniform only when deemed necessary for particular activities. Newcomers are immediately invited to participate in the various sections. The corps is involved in local social services. There are numerous Bible study and prayer groups. An inquirer asked: ‘What special programmes do you have to attract all these young men?’ and was told: ‘There are no special programmes, just an all-embracing, noquestions-asked fellowship, seeking to introduce people to faith.’ In other words, they are building a community of faith that enables people to flourish in the love of God.

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TRUE RELIGION, HE SAID WAS LOVING GOD AND NEIGHBOUR, AND TODAY CHRIST CHALLENGES HIS 21ST-CENTURY CHURCH TO GET RID OF ITS CLOBBER – ANYTHING ONCE VALID AND USEFUL BUT WHICH IS NOW IRRELEVANT

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Pentecost Day was a spiritual revolutionary moment. The Holy Spirit did not breathe new life into archaic structures. William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1940s, a passionate social reformer, said of John’s record of Pentecost: ‘When we pray “Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire” we had better know what we are about! He will not carry us to easy triumphs… If we invoke him, we must be ready for the glorious pain of being caught out of our petty orbit into the eternal purposes of the Almighty!’ The Holy Spirit can cleanse the Church of institutional clobber just as Jesus did. It can be a painful experience to abandon long-cherished traditions but – like major surgery – it can be life-giving.

COLONEL BOARDMAN LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN HADLEIGH

LETTERS

DON’T SELL THE SILVER FURTHER to recent correspondence and Fred Crowhurst’s letter (Salvationist 13 April), there seems to be a growing undercurrent that has an agenda designed to fiddle with and undermine anything Salvation Army. There should be a concern that ‘selling the Army’s family silver’ equals pandering to those who do not have our organisation’s best interests at heart. They are entitled to their opinion but their views are not based on any substance and the pursuance of their aspirations is concerning and possibly counter-productive. If The Salvation Army is such a conundrum to ‘outsiders’ and an embarrassment to Salvationists, then why don’t we simply shut down and join up to any other church – which undoubtedly will have its own versions of our terminology together with its rituals and practices? Never mind the terminology – just explain to ‘whosoever will may come’ the significance of it. Gordon Archer, Belfast

THE WORLD NEEDS SHAKING WELL done, Captain Versfeld! I liked your Bible study (Salvationist 20 April). Would the Founder of The Salvation Army have kept silent today about the present state of Britain? He would surely have shaken the world when confronted by the impending disaster. Dr David Reid, St Andrews

WHY SALVATIONISTS SHOULD HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH ANTIIMMIGRATION POLICIES THE Bible clearly teaches us to welcome the stranger. Jesus himself was an asylum-seeker in Egypt. Recent immigration has been vital for the continuing existence of Christianity in the UK. The recent census has revealed how woefully ineffective has been the Church in the UK at maintaining a faith among people of a White British background. In some areas, immigration from mainly Roman Catholic Eastern Europe has revitalised congregations. Jesus hates hypocrisy. Long before the creation of the EU, The Salvation Army believed in and practised the free movement of labour. Within William Booth’s social master plan In Darkest England And The Way Out we find a vision of training labour with the skills needed for emigration. It was considered highly desirable for people to increase their economic wellbeing by moving to other countries where their earning potential would increase. The Salvation Army still maintains free movement of labour for its officers. Our international leader is Canadian. Our UK leaders are South African and Scandinavian. It is rightfully part of the fabric of The Salvation Army to maintain its internationalism through the free movement of people because, as General Bramwell Booth so cleverly put it: ‘Every land is my Fatherland because all lands are my Father’s’. Adrian Lyons, Colchester Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

UNFORGETTABLE BILLY GRAHAM READING of the passing of George Beverley Shea took my thoughts back to my hometown of Burton upon Trent and to the year of 1949. The band was asked to provide accompaniment to the hymns at an evangelical service in the Jubilee Hall, a mixture of a working men’s club and a dance hall. I can recall sitting just below the platform in the band and seeing this rather impressive young man take the stage with a couple of other men, one who sang and the other who played the trombone. Although no one knew them at that time, they were Billy Graham, George Beverley Shea and Cliff Barrows. What an evening we had! I can remember to this day Billy Graham’s message, which was based on the story of the talents. When it came to the admonishing of the wasteful servant it seemed to me that Billy’s preaching would scare everyone in the hall into the Kingdom! It certainly impressed me and the message has never left me that I must use whatever talents God has given me. David Mortlock, Reading Salvationist 18 May 2013

NEW COMMITMENTS

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1. SUSANNAH EVANS, GLADYS BAKOVA Adherent members NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS SUSANNAH and Gladys were warmly received into the corps fellowship and were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Commissioner Betty Matear. Gladys has attended the corps for some months and her two older children are junior soldiers. Her father is a Salvationist in Rennes, France, and is very proud of her decision. Susannah described her joy at feeling embraced in God’s love and in moving forward in her faith and discipleship. – B. M.

affirming ‘I’m In His Hands’. She is pictured with Recruiting Sergeant Major Christine Hird. – S. L.

2. ELLIE MAYO, ALED FALCON Junior soldiers PENARTH ELLIE and Aled were enrolled as junior soldiers during a family service. Ellie chose the song ‘King Of Kings And Lord Of Lords’ because she wanted everyone to know that God is those things in her life. Aled’s choice, ‘Great, Great, Brill, Brill’, reminded the congregation that Jesus is always there. He was enrolled the same day as his sister Anwen was dedicated to God. After signing their promise cards at the mercy seat, Ellie and Aled were presented with Bibles from the corps. – D. M.

6. ROBERT OLDROYD, KELLIE KIRKWOOD Adherent members MORLEY ROBERT and Kellie first attended the corps through the parent-andtoddler group. During the welcome meeting, Rob testified to how his small family had now been extended by the love of all the people in the congregation. They also expressed their appreciation for the help they received through difficult circumstances. – T. H.

3. EUNICE PHILLIPS Soldier LLANELLI CORPS officer Captain Scott Linnett enrolled Eunice as a soldier. She accepted Jesus as Lord when she was a child and throughout her life has sought to live as his faithful disciple. She is convinced that soldiership is her obedient response to Jesus’ calling to follow him, 18

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4. & 5. VAL PHILLISKIRK, PAT KAY Adherent members EATON BRAY A CAPACITY congregation of family and friends witnessed the welcome of Val and Pat as adherent members by corps officer Captain Jenny Dibsdall. Pat has been part of the ladies fellowship for many years but has only been able to attend worship since retirement. Val previously worshipped at the Army while caring for her family and decided to make a commitment after moving to the area. – J. D.

7. KEN GRAVES, JENNY DUKE, JOHN DUKE, ROWAN TOWNSEND Adherent members SAFFRON WALDEN HAVING recently returned to the area, Jenny and John testified to finding two homes: the one they moved into and The Salvation Army. Ken was welcomed along with Rowan, who spoke about how her decision to join the corps and being a YP worker are part of her ongoing journey with Jesus. Ken, Jenny, John and Rowan are pictured with corps officer Captain Carol Baker, who welcomed them as adherent members. – C. B.

8. BEAUTY OGIAMIEN, ESTHER OMORUYI, MAY McKENZIE, LINDA YATES, GERALDINE TONER, MICHELLE GRAY Adherent members GOVAN CORPS officers Majors Robert and Rita Pearce welcomed six adherent members into the corps family. Beauty and Esther decided to make the corps their spiritual home after accepting an invitation to meetings. May and Linda joined the home league after moving to the area. Geraldine and Michelle first had contact with the Army through the Open Door Programme. The women are pictured with the prayer partners they were given to support them in their journey of faith. – M. W. 9. PHIL RUSSELL Adherent member MIRFIELD PHIL and his family first made contact with the corps through the parent-and-toddler group. They started to attend Sunday worship and wanted to learn more about God and the Army. Phil plays the guitar in the worship group, which has helped him grow in faith and confidence. He testified that he is proud to show his commitment to the corps and God by becoming an adherent member. – J. L. 10. THOMAS McKECHNIE, MOIRA McCORKELL, RAY DIXON Soldiers KATE SHANKS, ELIZABETH AITKEN Adherent members GREENOCK THOMAS is active in the corps and sells the Army papers as part of his ministry. He decided to make a further commitment as a soldier. Moira returned to the Army after a period of attending another church. She takes delight in having made this commitment to God as a soldier. Ray has been a Christian for a number of years and started worshipping at the corps some months ago. He testifies to experiencing God in a fresh way.

Having attended the corps for a number of years, Kate wanted to make a public commitment as an adherent member, as did Elizabeth as she seeks to draw closer to God. – A. M. 11. ZAK MARGETTS Junior soldier BOOTLE ZAK is eager to tell people about Jesus – from the staff at McDonald’s to his schoolteacher and friends. For the meeting, Zak chose the songs ‘If I Were A Butterfly’ and ‘This Little Light Of Mine’, which aptly reflects how his light glows with a love for Jesus. Supported by many family members and friends, Zak was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Sam Hamilton. – J. H. 12. PETER BENTLEY Adherent member LEIGH-ON-SEA CORPS officer Major John Carmichael welcomed Peter as an adherent member. Peter saw a Salvation Army advertisement on television at Christmas and wanted to make a donation to his nearest centre. Major Carmichael also gave him details of activities at the corps and community centre, which Peter visited on a number of occasions. He has since decided to make The Salvation Army his place of worship. – P. J. 13. DEBBIE HARVEY Soldier SOUTH SHIELDS HAVING been an active junior and then senior soldier into her teenage years, Debbie met her future husband at a Baptist youth group. She transferred to the Baptist Church where she got married and raised two children. In the last two years, Debbie felt the Lord calling her to renew her commitment to the Army. Surrounded by family and friends, Debbie was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Majors Mary and Robert Johnson. – J. G.

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10. Salvationist 18 May 2013

ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE PALACE VISIT O B/Sec Michael and Jean Whybrow, Norwich Citadel, have received an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party on 30 May LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED Christina Gunn, Cheltenham Citadel O YPBL Brian Anderson, Scarborough O YPSM

BEREAVED Mandell, Droitwich Spa, of his wife Margaret, Major Kay Delamare, Winsford, and Beverly Crowe, Droitwich Spa, of their mother O Major Paula Knight, Central Corps, São Paulo, Brazil, of her father Norman Rampton O Captain Scott Linnett, Llanelli, of his grandmother Jenny O Rtd CS Fred Ashton, Leeds Central, of his wife Joan, Major Avrill Barker of her mother O Major Helen Richardson of her brother Tom O Eva Maunder, Penarth, of her brother Bernard Roberts and her sister Peggy Bailey O Rtd BM James Hamilton of his wife Lizzie, Jean Douglas of her sister, both Hamilton

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: O Major Kenneth Gray (85 on 25 May) O Major Mrs Olive Atkins (85 on 25 May) O Major Clifford Kew (80 on 25 May) O Major Georgina Thompson (80 on 26 May) O Mrs Major Margaret Reeve (85 on 27 May) O Lieut-Colonel Myra LambertGorwyn (80 on 27 May) O Major Raymond Woodman (80 on 28 May)

O Gordon

PROMOTED TO GLORY Dennis (Frank) Ward from Tranent on 3 May O Aux-Captain Anne Buchanan from Montrose on 4 May O Captain Margaret Cornes from Kettering on 6 May O S/Reservist Mary Brill, Merthyr Tydfil O Sylvia Stribley, Truro O Major

ON THE AIR O BBC

Radio Jersey (103 FM and online at bbc.co.uk/jersey): Lieutenants Steve and Mel Scoulding (St Helier) will present Thought For The Day (8.35 am) on Breakfast With Matthew Price from Monday 3 to Friday 7 June

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL LINDA BOND: O ICO, Sun 19 May O IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 - Th 23 O Germany and Lithuania, Fri 24 - Mon 27 O ICO, Th 30 O USA Central, Tu 4 Jun - Mon 10 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: O IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 May - Th 23 O ICO, Fri 31 O Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 Jun O USA Eastern (Commissioning), Tu 11 - Mon 17 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS) AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: O London North-East, Sat Sun 2 Jun O William Booth College (Mission Symposium) Tu 4 - Th 6 O Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 O East Scotland, Sat Sun 16 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: O Eston, Sun 2 Jun O Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 O William Booth College (Music Leaders Councils), Sun 9 COMMISSIONER BIRGITTE BREKKE: O IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 May - Th 23 COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: O IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 May Wed 22 COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: O USA Western (Spanish Bible Conference), Fri 17 May - Sun 19 O Brazil, Sun 2 Jun - Th 6 COMMISSIONER DORITA WAINWRIGHT: O IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 May - Th 23 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: O Llanelli, Sat Sun 19 May INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: O Southampton Sholing, Sat Sun 19 May

Salvationist 18 May 2013

TRIBUTES MRS COLONEL MARGARET SHARP THE daughter of corps officers, Margaret McLauchlin was born in 1927 while her parents were stationed at Leeds Meanwood. Further corps appointments included a period in Southampton during the wartime Blitz, after which Margaret and her sister went to live with their grandparents in rural Bedfordshire. Their longest stay was for three years from 1942 to 1945 at Northampton Central. Both sisters subsequently entered the training college; Jean was commissioned in 1950, and Margaret in 1953 with appointment to Uxbridge. In 1954 she married First Lieutenant Gordon Sharp, whom she had met at Northampton and with whom she had continued a rather spasmodic correspondence through the years. Surprisingly, on their marriage Gordon was left in his training college appointment, where Margaret joined him. At that time officer wives with husbands in headquarters appointments were generally not specifically appointed elsewhere, but encouraged – in most cases – to fulfil their calling at the corps at which they were soldiers. In the years that followed, Margaret worked as opportunity presented itself at Catford, in the home league, songsters and, particularly, as brownie leader. In addition to working with the brownie pack, she was for many years on the staff of the Pack Holiday organised by NHQ. The couple’s two children, Margaret and Ian, were born during this time at Catford, which gave her great joy. In the mid-1960s an urgent need arose in the IHQ Cashiers Department for a typist, and Gordon volunteered Margaret. From then, until she retired in 1991, Margaret was never again ‘unemployed’ – working as need arose in the Public Relations Department and the Missionary Literature Section in the Literary Department. After Gordon’s retirement in 1991 the Sharps returned to Northampton, where Margaret continued to work – particularly as a songster, among the young people and in the corps kitchen – until health problems intervened some three years ago. – G. S.

MAJOR LUCY GURR THE eldest child of Salvationist parents, Lucy Huggett was born next door to the Army hall in South Croydon. When the family moved to Laindon, she became very much involved in the corps – as were her parents, four brothers and two sisters. Answering God’s call to full-time service, Lucy entered the training college in the 1951 Intercessors Session. Her first appointments were Stainforth and Hull King Street, where she came into contact with Second Lieutenant Alfred Gurr who was stationed at a nearby corps in the same city. They married in 1954 and Lucy then joined her husband at York Holgate. Subsequent moves also marked the arrival of their family: Linda at Skegness, Rosemary at Liverpool Garston, Andrea at Penzance, and – some years later – Alistair at Bradford Great Horton. Further appointments included Sunderland Millfield, Blackburn, Clacton, Sittingbourne and Folkestone. A period with the Red Shield Services in Germany preceded corps ministry at Blackheath and Chatham and a final appointment at Canterbury DHQ before retirement in 1996. Lucy was a ‘people’s person’ and, besides her pastoral and platform ministry, took a special interest in the home league, which prospered under her leadership. She is remembered for her quiet ministry, ready smile and beautiful singing voice. The full hall at her thanksgiving service bore testimony to the love and esteem in which she was held. In her final moments she joined in singing, ‘My Jesus, I Love Thee’ – her testimony at the end of her life as it had been throughout. – A. G.

MRS OLIVE TAYLOR, MALTBY OLIVE enjoyed a lifetime of service as a soldier, songster, pubboomer, hospital visitor and home league secretary at Rotherham Citadel. She also worked with the British Red Shield Services at Scampton during the war. Her later years were spent at Maltby. Olive cared deeply for people and loved nothing better than to be able to pray for and encourage others in their faith. During the

later years of her life her deep relationship with the Saviour grew and her longing for Heaven deepened. In a letter written for her family, Olive expressed her certainty that she would be meeting Jesus face-to-face, and what a wonderful day it was going to be. – L. N.

DAN MILLEST, GILLINGHAM BORN in Scunthorpe in 1930, Dan was the youngest of 11 children. He was a true yet unique Salvationist – he did things his way! Following training in the 1951 Intercessors Session, Dan became a corps officer and held several appointments until persistent illness prevented further service. He married Mollie in 1956 and had three sons, who also became Salvationists. Dan was always aware of God’s leading. He was not ashamed of the gospel and promoted the Army at every opportunity, including at the major bank where he spent much of his working life. A DIY fanatic and all-round musician, he enjoyed organising events and was a great encourager and keen bandsman. His family miss him, but rejoice in his ‘promotion’ to Glory. – M. M.

SONGSTER KEITH STOKES, BURTON-ON-TRENT KEITH was an encourager. His life demonstrated a great love for young people. For many years he was songster leader and YPSM at Derby Temple, where many children appreciated his concern for them. He continued this work as YPSM after transferring to Burton-on-Trent. Keith gave inspiration to others during a long illness. He was convinced that he received strength through the prayers that people made on his behalf. – K. A.

MRS NOREEN JOHNSON, BURTON-ONTRENT A VERY gracious Christian lady, Noreen was promoted to Glory at the age of 90. Taken to the Army by her aunt, Noreen was soon fully involved in YP activities. She became a senior soldier, YP treasurer, primary sergeant and singing company leader – roles in which she influenced many young people.

Until recently, she regularly played the piano for the over-60 club. Noreen’s husband Eric was heavily involved in banding, as are her two sons. This led to her affinity with the banding fraternity. As a sign of respect to Noreen, many bandsmen gathered to play ‘The Light Of The World’ at her funeral – a fitting tribute to a much-loved Salvationist. – K. A.

AUDREY SMITH, BRADFORD CITADEL BORN in 1934 and dedicated to God at Bradford Laisterdyke, Audrey loved the Army. She enjoyed singing, playing the timbrel and waving her flag. Audrey commenced officership training in 1963 but ill-health prevented her being commissioned. However – trained to work with children – she returned to the college to work in the nursery with Major Nancy Crouch and from there went to The Haven Children’s Home. Audrey loved children and fostered them in her own home in Hastings. A social worker until retirement, she moved back to Bradford with Nancy. Her health began to fail in 2009. The last year of her life was difficult, but she never lost her sense of humour. She is missed, but not forgotten. – H. W.

TOM TAYLOR, EASTLEIGH TOM moved to Ramsgate in childhood and was YPSM before wartime service in Gibraltar with the Royal Engineers. Tom met Doris, who was working for the British Red Shield Services in Broadstairs, after the war. They married in 1948, serving together at Ramsgate for nearly 40 years – influencing hundreds of children through their Sunday school ministry. Tom was YPSM and corps cadet guardian. Moves to Ipswich and Northampton preceded Doris’s promotion to Glory in 2005. Tom then lived with his daughter Elizabeth in Eastleigh. He is remembered for his quiet unassuming personality and his gift as an encourager. When failing health prevented active involvement, Tom remembered others in prayer. Countless people have cause to thank God for his life and influence. – W. T. Salvationist 18 May 2013