Salvationist 7 November 2020 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1781 Price 70p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 7 November 2020

We’ll meet again Church bells ring out, our heads are bowed, Soft rain provides a gentle shroud; Familiar words sound crisp and clear, And all the people gathered here Respond with their remembrance, In spoken, solemn reverence... So many names engraved in stone, Yet, scanning them, I feel alone, Silent among the shuffling crowd, Grief stricken, but immensely proud Of such brave men, who, freed from pain In Heaven’s light, we’ll meet again...

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

ONLY 3 PER CENT OF PROBLEM GAMBLERS IN UK GET HELP, SAYS STUDY

COVID FUELS INEQUALITY AND HARMS POOREST, WARNS CARDINAL

CHRISTIANS URGED TO SIGN PETITION TO END RACIAL INEQUALITY IN THE UK

Fewer than 3 per cent of problem gamblers are receiving proper treatment, according to figures that lay bare the devastating effects on their finances, relationships and careers. Statistics released by the National Gambling Treatment Service... showed that 9,008 people received care in the year to the end of March 2020, meaning only around 3 per cent of addicts – possibly far less – get help. There are around 280,000 problem gamblers in England alone, according to a 2018 study by NHS Digital, although a YouGov survey earlier this year found there could be 1.4 million across the UK... Of those being treated, 45 per cent had racked up debts of more than £5,000, were bankrupt, or going through a debt repayment scheme... More than a quarter said they had lost a relationship because of their gambling, while 12 per cent had lost a job. The report found that while the majority of people in treatment showed improvement, 40 per cent of those who completed it were still classed as problem gamblers when it finished... Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones, director of the National Problem Gambling Clinic, said greater involvement from the NHS would help more people get help, and called for a target of at least 10 per cent of addicts reaching treatment services.

The coronavirus pandemic first brought society together but is now exacerbating inequality and harming the poorest, Cardinal Vincent Nichols has warned. In a lecture... the Archbishop of Westminster warned: ‘In the present phase its effects are amplifying division in society centred around housing, poverty and resourcefulness.’ And in a stark image, he said: ‘While some survive this storm in luxury yachts, others cling on to life rafts...’ While Cardinal Nichols praised local initiatives helping people struggling in the pandemic, he urged greater action from everyone in society, including politicians and those who proclaim the gospel. ‘Our first imperative may now rest much more on what we do than what we say,’ he said.

Church leaders across the UK are encouraging people to sign a petition to end racial inequality. They are backing a... petition calling for the government to implement recommendations previously raised to tackle the issue. The effort is being led by the Baptist Union of Great Britain. In a campaign video, reverends are aiming to attract 100,000 signatures in order for the petition to be debated in parliament. The video stated: ‘A group of black leaders from across the country, representing many denominations and none... looked at ways of showing solidarity against the real injustices experienced by people of colour in our communities...’ So far, there are more than 4,000 signatures. The petition will be open to signatories until January 2021.

The Tablet

Premier

The Guardian

The Sunday Times

SALVATIONIST

ADVERTISING 020 7367 4883 advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

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

CATHOLIC CHURCH SAYS SCOTS ‘NEED A CHRISTMAS CEASEFIRE’ IN WAR ON VIRUS Nicola Sturgeon should declare a First World War-style Christmas ceasefire in the battle against Covid to let families enjoy festive get-togethers for 24 hours, according to the Catholic Church in Scotland. The intervention comes after Scotland’s national clinical director, Professor Jason Leitch, told Scots to prepare for a ‘digital’ celebration of Christmas, claiming the idea of a normal Christmas this year was a ‘fiction’. Writing in The Sunday Times, Bishop John Keenan, vice-president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said that telling Scots they face huge restrictions ‘runs the risk of destroying all hope’. He added: ‘Hope is perhaps the most precious commodity we possess. Without it we will fail to combat this pandemic... Perhaps we should consider a Christmas “circuit breaker”. A 24-hour lifting of restrictions on gatherings and celebrations... Think of the hope and happiness that would give. A moment of joy in the midst of so much despair.’

DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) subscriptions@satcol.org

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 020 7367 4500 0845 634 0101

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. ISSN 2516-5909

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

Salvationist 7 November 2020

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

FOR THE GREATEST GOOD IN his message on page 4 the Territorial Commander mentions the walks that he and Commissioner Gill have been taking in central London during recent months. It reminded me of the lunchtime walks I would often take while stationed at IHQ and the fascinating places I discovered on the way. One of those was Postman’s Park, just off Aldersgate Street where the chapel in which John Wesley was converted once stood. The park contains a tribute to ‘heroic self-sacrifice’. On one of the walls there are numerous plaques describing briefly how ‘everyday heroes’ lost their lives trying to save others. For example: ‘Leigh Pitt, reprographic operator, aged 30, saved a drowning boy from the canal at Thamesmead, but sadly was unable to save himself, June 7, 2007.’ There are many others like this, and you can’t help but be moved by them. Thoughts of heroism and sacrifice come to the fore on Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day when we pay tribute to those who gave their lives during times of war. Events to mark the days will be low-key this year but the remembrance and respect will be no less sincere. As Postman’s Park reminds us, though, heroism and sacrificial service are not limited to those in the armed forces. On pages 10 and 11 Shanelle Manderson highlights the work of The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Services, some of whose personnel were not far from the front line giving comfort and counsel to servicemen and women. On pages 12 and 13 Chloe Wilson looks at how the Army’s European territories, which were cut off from IHQ during the Second World War, were coordinated from Sweden. She refers to ‘the potential dangers encountered by Salvationists carrying out their work during this time’. The idea of sacrifice is at the heart of the Christian faith – fundamentally, of course, in the life and death of Jesus, but also in our response to him. Jesus said: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (Mark 8:34). We are called to give up self-will, which can lead to the offering of time, energy, money, talents and – for some – life itself. While this might make commitment to Christ sound unappealing, remember that Jesus also said: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ ( John 10:10). If both these statements are true, which they are, then it seems that fullness of life comes to us along the road of sacrifice. That fullness of life is not only for ourselves. Just as those who gave their lives in war did so to defeat evil and establish justice and peace, and those commemorated in Postman’s Park gave their lives to save others, we who follow Christ sacrificially do so for a greater good. In fact, we serve the greatest good of all: the advancement of the Kingdom of God. We would help to build the city Of our God, so wondrous fair; Give our time, bring all our talents, And each gift of beauty rare, Powers of mind, and strength of purpose, Days of labour, nights of strain, That God’s will may be accomplished, O’er the kingdoms he shall reign. (SASB 938)

Quotes from the media

Message from the Territorial Commander

News

5 and 6

Prayer matters

News feature 7 Marathon effort makes a difference by Simon Hope

Viewpoint Keep fighting!

by Brian Colley

More rear-mirror views Westward Ho!

by General John Larsson (Retired)

Feature 10 and 11 Serving those who served their country by Shanelle Manderson

Feature Sweden saves the day

12 and 13

by Chloe Wilson

Testimony God never fails

by Mike Dipple

Letters Bible study Rock of refuge

15 16 and 17

by Major Noreen Batt

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Lynda Levis

Reflection This too shall pass

by Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis

Viewpoint Without discrimination

by Major Peter Mylechreest

Poets’ corner

Book previews

Announcements

Adverts

Quiz

The Salvation Army in wartime FRONT PAGE Design: Louise Phillips Poetry: Stephen Pearson

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 7 November 2020

A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

On the altar

E recently had our territorial congress weekend under the theme Light, Life And Love, and I’m grateful to Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham for opening God’s word and giving us a deeper understanding of what it might be for us as Christians to live out that life. As we head towards the winter, with all its darkness and uncertainty, frustrations and disappointments – as well as opportunities – we need to hold on to the light and be people of God who know what it is to have life in all its fullness and live out a life of love. Many of you will know that Gill and I live in the heart of London, and over these past few months we’ve had the great opportunity to walk the streets of the city and discover many things that, if it hadn’t been for the pandemic, we would have been ignorant of.

We were walking across London Bridge a few weeks ago and I saw in the distance a steeple of a church I hadn’t noticed before. We tracked it down and found that the church was St Bride’s on Fleet Street. We discovered that it was open to visitors, so we went in. It is an outstanding place for many reasons, not least its unusual steeple, which is said to have inspired the idea for the traditional tiered wedding cake. 4

Salvationist 7 November 2020

As we went into the church itself, we began to learn many other things. It was destroyed in 1666 in the Great Fire of London, then it was redesigned and rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren. After St Paul’s it has the highest spire of all the Wren churches in the City of London. It was destroyed again in 1940 during the Blitz but, as a consequence, signs of seven previous churches were discovered beneath the crypt, the earliest going back to the 7th century. If you go down into the crypt, then even further down, you can see the remains of those old churches. In fact, if you go deeper, you find Roman walls and artefacts. Deep underground, amid all the history that was buried for centuries, there is, surprisingly, a very new chapel. It’s small, seating only about six people. In the peace and quiet of that moment, Gill and I sat there. Then I went to the altar, where I saw a notice: ‘Please do not place anything on the altar.’ Now I had to make some response to that. Don’t place anything on the altar? I want to place everything on the altar! Gill humoured me as I burst into song: ‘My all is on the altar,/ I’m waiting for the fire’ (SASB 609), which perhaps wasn’t an appropriate thing to sing, given that the church had been destroyed by fire at least a couple of times. Laying everything on the altar is key for us as we go forward. It’s going to be pivotal as we are beacons of light, examples of life in all its fullness and channels of love. Being totally given over to God, putting ourselves in his hands, will help us be strong and resilient as we head towards a long, hard winter. Paul wrote: ‘I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God – this is your true and proper worship’ (Romans 12:1). Laying our all on the altar, giving ourselves completely to him, will make a world of difference. As we seek to serve God in our communities by our prayer and actions,

could it be that every conversation is hallowed by God as we lay everything on the altar? Every act of kindness to a neighbour, a resident, a caller to our centres, can be hallowed. So can every food parcel delivered, every note played, every word sung, every article written, every Zoom meeting organised, every email sent, every board and council meeting held, every conversation shared, every cup of tea offered, every lunch served, every donation made, every budget completed, every child taught, every resident comforted, every worship meeting planned and delivered, every floor and window cleaned and every smile given, even to a stranger. They can all be hallowed by God because hfffe receives that which is laid on his altar. Sidney Cox got it absolutely spot on: ‘All there is of me, Lord,/ All there is of me,/ On thine altar here I lay/ All there is of me’ (SASB 569). Don’t place anything on the altar? Not on your life! We need to be laying our lives on the altar in order that God might be glorified and that he might use us as we go forward together in his strength – in love, in light and in life.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

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

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

General encourages Salvationists to be faithful IHQ GENERAL Brian Peddle has released a video message reflecting on the challenges brought about by the coronavirus pandemic. Acknowledging the tragic tolls of death, hardship and loss, and grounded in biblical truths, the General invites viewers to ‘exercise the kind of faith that we find in Hebrews 11’. In the impassioned message – which has been translated into French, Spanish, Portuguese and German – the General exhorts Salvationists and friends to consider topics such as mission, creation care and the busyness of daily life. ‘More than anything,’ he postulates, ‘what if God, at this moment, is truly near to each of us?’ The message also brings assurance that the international Salvation Army – with its presence in 131 countries worldwide – continues to meet very real needs. Even so, the General notes that ‘it is not all level ground’, and observes the differences in resourcing, which present tangible difficulties in meeting needs. ‘Thank God that we still know how to help each other,’ he declares. In conclusion, he reflects on the ‘living hope’ described in 1 Peter 1:3 and 4, exhorting Salvationists and friends ‘to be faithful in these days, to be faithful in the meantime’. – AR O The General’s message can be viewed on the General’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ GeneralBPeddle and on Vimeo at vimeo.com/salvationarmyihq/ genwhatif Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

FUNDRAISING STRATFORD Corps officer Captain Jonathan Raggett raised money for The Salvation Army by running 26.2 miles across London for the virtual London Marathon. The route included locations where the Army has helped people during the coronavirus pandemic, including West Ham and East Ham. With his wife, Captain Lee, Jonathan has delivered nearly 1,200 food parcels during the pandemic, helping more than 180 families. Jonathan raised more than £2,500 for the Army’s work with vulnerable members of the community. – AR

COMMUNITY

Queen’s birthday honours recognise community work UKI SALVATION Army colleagues have been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday honours list. Corps officer Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin was appointed MBE for her work supporting vulnerable people in Hawick during the coronavirus pandemic. As well as running the community food bank and delivering food parcels, Captain Caroline organised the community to ensure the various local agencies, charities and volunteers worked together to reach everyone who needed help. Caroline commented: ‘This is not just for me – it’s for everyone at The Salvation Army and others who helped out during the lockdown. There are an awful lot of people behind me.’ Keighley Community Development Manager Chris Bown was awarded the BEM in recognition of her ‘tireless community work’ at The Salvation Army and for Rotary International. As community development manager for more than 17 years, Chris has managed more than a hundred volunteers to ensure vulnerable local residents can find help and support when they need it most. Chris has organised the Christmas Present Appeal for families in need for many years, run the corps emergency food provision and been a key contact for people wanting support. Chris said: ‘When the email first came in I thought it was spam! I’ve always liked helping people and working for The Salvation Army has been ideal for that. I love working with the volunteers – it’s a real mixture of people from all walks of life and we are helping people who are facing real difficulties.’ Bandmaster Alex Campbell (Chelmsford) was awarded the OBE for services to charity. Alex is the Chief Executive of the Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest, a Methodist organisation. For some years prior to that he worked for the Army’s Homelessness Services Unit. – AR

Junior soldier recognised as Covid Hero MIDDLESBROUGH CITADEL GRACE Kelly, a nine-year-old junior soldier who packed 100 food parcels a week at the height of the pandemic, has been named a ‘Covid Hero’ by the town mayor. Grace started volunteering at the corps when her school closed as part of the lockdown. She was given the job of ‘bag manager’ within the weekly food support service, a role that included choosing which items to put in food parcels and packing them each week. Her efforts caught the attention of the mayor, Councillor Andy Preston, who chose Grace as a Teesside Covid Hero. ‘It’s been good to help people when they’ve needed it. I’ve also enjoyed making new friends with the volunteers,’ said Grace. Grace’s mother, corps officer Lieutenant Naomi Kelly, added: ‘When the schools shut, we felt it was important for Grace to still have routine and stability, and when she said she wanted to help the community, a role offering support with the food parcels made sense. ‘She has always known part of what we do for the community but now has actually experienced it and that makes us incredibly proud of her.’ – AR Salvationist 7 November 2020

Prayer

NEWS

ARMY NEWS

Army supports record number of British slavery survivors THQ THE Salvation Army has supported 79 per cent more British slavery survivors in the past year compared to the previous 12 months. The figures are part of the Army’s ninth annual report on its work to provide specialist support to adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales through a government contract. Overall, from July 2019 to June 2020, 2,592 people entered into the Army’s network of safe houses and were supported by outreach workers – a 15 per cent rise on last year. This year’s report monitors a new category of criminal exploitation, which accounted for 11 per cent of cases. Criminal exploitation includes forced begging, financial exploitation and drug dealing commonly through a practice known as ‘county lines’ where criminal gangs target vulnerable adults and children. For the past seven years the largest number of people supported by The Salvation Army have come from Albania. British nationals are now the second most common nationality, following a dramatic rise in numbers despite a fall in referrals during lockdown. Other nationalities experiencing sharp increases were those from India, Pakistan and Iran. Throughout the pandemic The Salvation Army and its partners have continued to provide specialist support for slavery victims. In the first few months of lockdown staff worked hard to adapt operations and ensure safe interactions, moving some support online and introducing new services. – AR

Army warns of tough Christmas for rough sleepers THQ THE Salvation Army is concerned for rough sleepers this winter because many other organisations’ night shelters will not be available as they can’t be made Covid-19 safe. The coronavirus pandemic means many traditional ‘dormitory’ style shelters are now too dangerous, leading to a dramatic drop in emergency beds across the country. The government has announced funding to help local authorities house people who would usually be on the streets in winter, but it is trying to solve a growing rough sleeping problem with £1 million less than was committed last year. This winter The Salvation Army will be offering such things as hot takeaway meals, sleeping bags and specialist support. This frontline care is in addition to pioneering work with local authorities to open self-contained accommodation known as ‘nap pads’, which are Covid-19 safe. – AR

Like our page @SalvationistOnline

Salvationist 7 November 2020

Follow Salvationist @SalvationistUK

REMEMBRANCE FOCUS

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

SATURDAY 7 NOVEMBER Today let us remember and give thanks for all those people who have helped to save others during the Covid-19 crisis that has overwhelmed our world this year. So many NHS staff, healthcare professionals and other key workers have put their own lives at risk to provide the essential services we so often take for granted. Reflect and pray that all we have learnt during these days will continue to shape the way we live now. SUNDAY 8 NOVEMBER In normal times, Remembrance Sunday is a day when the nation, led by government, head of state and church leaders, participates in many public acts to honour the memory of men and women who fought to secure peace and freedom. Reflect, give thanks and pray for peace in our time: ‘O Living Christ, who still/ Dost all our burdens share,/ Come now and dwell within the hearts/ Of all men everywhere’ (SASB 1010). Amen.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION FOCUS

by Lorraine Cook (Financial Inclusion Development Manager, THQ)

MONDAY 9 NOVEMBER Dear Lord, we pray for our financial inclusion services and those that work or volunteer within them. As people access our Victory Programme, lessons in financial education and general budgeting courses, we ask that they are brought into an awareness of the fullness of your love for them and their families. Guide us all to have the right words to say to our clients when they are often facing some of the most difficult times in their lives. Amen. TUESDAY 10 NOVEMBER Provider God, we pray for the Victory Programme, a ground-breaking Salvation Army project helping people to grow their own vegetables and make tasty budget meals. We pray for centres currently running the programme and those that will soon start. We ask that the programme will have long-term benefits to those who engage with it. Amen. WEDNESDAY 11 NOVEMBER Lord Jesus, as the new debt advice service starts at Goldthorpe, Crook, Blaydon and the Isle of Man, we pray that it will bring a sense of hope and peace into people’s lives as they are supported with their finances. We ask that they will be able to lead a life that is not weighed down by debt and limited money, but filled with achievements and aspirations. Amen. THURSDAY 12 NOVEMBER Dear Lord, we pray for individuals and families who have been financially affected by Covid-19. Many are facing unmanageable debts as well as the need for food banks and debt advice for the first time. We pray that, as they seek our services for support, you would give us words of hope to share for the future and help them to discover life in all its fullness. Amen. FRIDAY 13 NOVEMBER Loving Father, we pray that those who are in a difficult financial situation may be able to make good choices with the skills they’ve acquired that will bring life and prosperity, not death and destruction. At difficult times it is easy to forget that you love us. We may even blame you for the things that are happening. Please help us to see you in all circumstances and guide us to good choices and fulfilling lives. Amen.

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

NEWS FEATURE

Marathon effort makes a difference SHEFFIELD WHILE 69 years is not traditionally a milestone birthday, Lieut-Colonel Goff Payne felt this was a year to do something special. By walking the length of a marathon around the city of Sheffield on his birthday on 15 October, Goff aimed to raise £3,000 for The Salvation Army’s international Covid-19 relief work. With more than 70 per cent of his goal raised so far, the campaign has been trending on fundraising platform JustGiving. Already an avid walker, over the past couple of years Goff has taken part in a 53-mile Sheffield Country Walk lasting four days and the 24-hour National Three Peaks Challenge. This year, however, he wanted to walk the length of a marathon around Sheffield in a single day. ‘I recognised that a lot of people were planning to run the marathon virtually this year,’ he says. ‘Now, I’m no runner, but I do enjoy walking. So, I thought, instead of running a marathon, I’d walk one! And given that it was the middle of October, the days were becoming a bit shorter so I had to get a move on. ‘As well as raising funds, I wanted to discover some new places that I didn’t know existed around the city. It was part of a one-day voyage of discovery, especially around the parts of Sheffield that I don’t live near. Even better, my son asked to join me

for some company and to keep an eye on the old man! ‘When I did the Three Peaks Challenge in 2018, I managed to raise more than £3,000, so I thought I’d do another fundraiser this time.’ Goff intended to walk the marathon across as much green space as possible within a roughly three-mile radius of the city centre – taking the cathedral as the centre point. In theory, this works out to a circumference of about 22 miles, but in practice, it ended up covering more than 28 miles, as well as 4,000 feet of ascent. Having served in appointments across Africa since 1985, it was Goff ’s experiences in Kenya, Malawi, Uganda and Nigeria that convicted him of the need to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s international support for Covid-19 relief.

‘My wife and I served in Africa for more than 20 years,’ he explains, ‘and we’re very conscious of the fact that many of those countries have health services that are nowhere near the standard of NHS. We know that many people would be left at the mercy of the disease and we know how vital the Army’s support can be to some of the poorest people. These funds could provide face masks for protection, handwashing materials for hygiene, awarenessraising posters, food for those who have lost sources of income, not to mention many other provisions. ‘We’ve already helped out one individual I met earlier in the year in Kenya, who needed help simply because he worked in the hospitality industry. He worked outdoors with zip wires and young kids. When this stopped because of the pandemic, the hotel that employed him let him go. So how is he meant to look after his wife and family? There are lots of people like that who must be in the same boat, not just across Africa but in other parts of the world as well. ‘We’re aware that people don’t have the resources or means to go into a hospital or simply ring up a doctor,’ Goff continues. ‘It may not be ideal in the UK or the Republic of Ireland at the moment, but it’s a lot better than in many countries around the world. Whatever I raise isn’t going to be very much in the grand scheme of things, but it might make a difference to a few.’ – SH

THE DIFFERENCE A DONATION MAKES Funds can be used by The Salvation Army in a variety of ways

R R R R

£10 could provide personal protective equipment for ten families £50 could provide hand-washing materials for ten families for one month £80 could provide awarenessraising posters for ten communities £100 could provide basic food for ten families for a month

Salvationist 7 November 2020

VIEW POINT

Keep fighting! Brian Colley (Clowne) urges us to keep up the battle against evil

CCLESIASTES 3:8 says there is ‘a time for war and a time for peace’. Unfortunately, there always seems to be too much time for the former. War stories and films are as popular now as they ever were and new ones are readily available to read and view. There are those who suggest that The Salvation Army should tone down its use of warlike terms. But why? Some of William Booth’s final, often quoted, words are: ‘While women weep as they do now, I’ll fight. While children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight. While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight. While there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the street, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight, I’ll fight to the very end.’ More than a hundred years later, what’s changed? The fighting has to go on, there cannot be any conscientious objectors in our war. Of course, this is a holy war – a war against sin. The apostle Paul recognises that in Ephesians 6 where he spiritualises the armour of his day for protection in the Christian fight. He writes: ‘For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (v12). The Devil is still around. Just as modern warfare has become more deadly and sophisticated, so he has adapted his methods to suit today. He is not often mentioned but is still as dangerous as ever. We have a fight on our hands and we are still the Army of Salvation. As 991 in our songbook says: ‘We’re in God’s Army and we fight/ Wherever wrong is found;/ A lowly cot or stately home/ May be our battleground.’ This is a time for war if we are to bring about God’s peace in the lives

Salvationist 7 November 2020

William Booth’s last public appearance, Royal Albert Hall, 1912 of all those who need relieving of worldly stress and strain. If we don’t, the Devil will win more victories. He is as wily as ever and has already convinced some folk he doesn’t exist. Let’s follow Booth’s example and keep fighting. If that means using warlike language to let others hear how serious and determined we are to conquer the forces of evil in this world, then so be it. We must win this holy war. ‘Fight the good fight with all thy might,/ Christ is thy strength, and Christ thy right’ (SASB 952).

We’re in God’s Army and we fight Wherever wrong is found; A lowly cot or stately home May be our battleground. We own no man as enemy, Sin is our challenged foe; We follow Jesus, Son of God, As to the war we go. We shall not lose the fight of faith, For Jesus is our Lord, We lay all carnal weapons down To take his shining sword. (SASB 991)

MORE REAR-M MIR RRO OR

WESTWARD HO! General John Larsson (Retired) shares fascinating glimpses of the early Army

ITH a 50-piece Salvation Army band playing ‘The Maple Leaf’ at the Liverpool docks on 26 April 1905, Mrs Bramwell Booth and Commissioner Booth-Tucker doing the honours and hundreds of well-wishers waving from the quayside, the SS Vancouver cast off for her journey across the Atlantic. On board the chartered ship were 1,000 Armysponsored new citizens for Canada. It was a historic first. The Army had previously sponsored smaller groups of emigrants destined for Canada who travelled in conducted parties on commercial liners. But for the first time, the Army chartered a complete ship for its emigrants. It was the first of many: before two years had passed, ten such chartered ships filled with Armysponsored emigrants had sailed for Canada.

The Army’s emigration programme was a direct successor to the overseas colony concept in William Booth’s Darkest England scheme, which had not found support in the proposed destination countries. With adaptation built into its DNA, the Army instead turned to ‘assisted emigration’ in order to achieve the same ends. And the Emigration Department that was established was soon dealing with thousands of applications. The scourge of unemployment in Britain was such that a London advert for a handyman attracted 500 callers and 1,500 written applicants. The emigrants on board the Vancouver were a cross section of humanity – tradesmen, labourers, farm hands, mechanics, clerks, maids – most of them under 30 and all imbued with a ‘get up and go’ spirit. Ninety per cent of them were destined for agricultural work – some of them having trained at Hadleigh Farm Colony – and were therefore highly prized by the Canadian authorities. The majority of them paid for their passage, but those who couldn’t were able to take out a repayable loan with the Army. Some had sad stories. One London dock labourer from Poplar who was sailing with his wife and child told the Army chaplain on board that he had started to think of emigrating when he lost his job, because at 41 he was ‘too old’ to hold down a permanent job at the docks. He took casual dock shifts when he could, and he and his wife and two children moved into one room in a slum street so that they could save up to emigrate. ‘A year ago,’ he said, ‘my second child died; when he was buried he left

us rich! We had £4 of his insurance left. I said to my wife, “Now’s our chance; through our poor little one, if God is good, it’s Canada next year.” So, thank God, here we are. We couldn’t raise all the passage money. The Army has lent us the balance, and we’ll soon pay it back, won’t we, missus?’ The Army’s Vancouver was a ‘dry ship’ – but the passengers were kept busy and happy by a programme of lectures about life in Canada, together with spiritual meetings and community singing. The Army’s Floating Labour Bureau on board made certain that everyone had a job to go to when they arrived. On arrival in St John’s, teams of Army officers ensured that the immigrants were quickly whisked away towards their destinations across Canada, where other officers waited to settle them in and give them support until they were fully established in their new country. It was nothing short of a stupendous feat of organisation and pastoral care by the Army at both the sending and receiving ends. In the words of Canadian Salvationist historian RG Moyles, ‘The Salvation Army became Canada’s foremost importer of British immigrants, to the total of nearly 110,000 during the next 30 years. The Army therefore played a prominent part in the making of modern Canada.’ And if one adds the number of Armysponsored emigrants who during those same 30 years, but mainly after the First World War, were helped to settle in Australia, New Zealand and Africa, the total number rises to an astonishing quarter of a million. William and Bramwell Booth and their Army never did things by halves. Salvationist 7 November 2020

FEATURE I Red Shield Services

Serving those who served their country Shanelle Manderson traces the development of the Red Shield Services and its work during the Second World War

N 1894 The Salvation Army’s Naval and Military League was established to support Salvationist sailors and soldiers. It soon started to provide a broader service to the armed forces and had set up a number of naval and military homes. Several years later the Army’s war-work began when the League supported British troops during the Boer War in South Africa.

Mary Murray, c1915 Within a month of the outbreak of the war a party of four, headed by StaffCaptain Mary Murray, the daughter of a military general, arrived in Cape Town. A rough canvas structure set up for soldiers on the battlefield at Estcourt camp in Natal became the first Salvation Army ‘hut’. It opened in 1900, and many others were set up elsewhere later. After ten months Mary became unwell and had to return to England. However, the foundation had been laid for the widespread service the Army would later carry out in this sphere, and in 1901 Mary was appointed secretary of the League. By 1914 the success of the huts in providing food and shelter in the UK 10

Salvationist 7 November 2020

led to the demand for their introduction into territory occupied by the British troops in France. Soon the Army was represented in all the big depots across the Channel. Salvation meetings were held in huts in every location. In France alone more than 20,000 soldiers sought salvation. The Army also provided motor ambulances, refreshment huts in military camps, and parcels of food and clothing for servicemen on the various fronts, as well as to prisoners of war. Some officers served as chaplains and female officers were also involved in hospital visitation. In 1917 Commander Evangeline Booth, leader of The Salvation Army in the United States, created a National War Board to meet the needs of the American Expeditionary Forces. Salvationists were sent to Europe, including ‘doughnut girls’, who served food – mostly doughnuts – to soldiers and often worked in field hospitals. During the Second World War the League became known as the Red Shield. The distinctive Salvation Army symbol appeared on the mobile canteens that provided tea, chewing gum, soap, toothpaste and sewing kits

to military personnel at camp sites, aerodromes and aircraft and barrage balloon depots. Around 425 officers, 896 paid workers and 1,250 volunteers from the UK’s Red Shield Department were engaged in work around the world. The canteens arrived in occupied Europe days after the D-Day landings and closely followed the advance of Allied troops into Germany. The Red Shield also provided international hostels and clubs for servicemen. Pat Roberts (Bedford Congress Hall) began working for the Red Shield in the 1940s. ‘I was only 14 but in those days we started working from a young age,’ she says. ‘I was posted to King’s Cross station. A lot of troops were coming home or going back to posts via the station and so they would come to the mobile canteen. I’d serve tea and the troops would have conversations with us and Salvation Army officers. ‘The terrible, sad stories were heartbreaking but the officers would listen, pray with troops and cater to them in whatever way they could. ‘One of the saddest stories I can remember was one man who was so excited to be going to visit his wife. He

later learnt she had a child with someone else and was expecting another. He was so distraught. Three or four officers tried to console him and one offered for the man to stay with him for the rest of his leave. He declined and later took his life. It was so tragic.’ Pat also recalls other tragedies caused by the war: ‘It was terrible watching British Spitfires and German planes fighting above you. You could hardly see the sky at times. There were so many search lights and barrage balloons everywhere. The Blitz really was a horrible time.’ ‘Other British cities were less severely assaulted, but in London, the biggest bang was saved for the last,’ she adds. ‘Luftwaffe planes dropped more than 700 tonnes of explosives in a relentless barrage. For all those that took the worst of it, it seemed the night would never end. Thousands of fires raged through buildings and streets everywhere were devastated.’ Approximately 1,500 Londoners were killed and 2,000 seriously injured that night. ‘Although it was a sad and hard time, the Army was always there. The wellknown saying “Where there is a need, there is The Salvation Army” was certainly true in the war years,’ adds Pat. In many ways the Army saved Pat’s life. When she was 12 years old, she and her five siblings were found in an underground shelter by Army officers and taken in after their mother had been killed in daytime air raids. They were clothed, fed and found homes until they were a little older. Although she and her siblings were separated, Pat never forgot how the Army had looked after them. A year after leaving the folk with whom she was staying Pat found herself homeless and in the Army’s Women’s Social Work building in Hackney. There Major Miriam Richards took Pat under her wing. She helped her get a room in Hopetown hostel before moving her to somewhere more permanent and securing her a job at the Red Shield. ‘I enjoyed everything about the job. It was a sad but lovely job because the Army was great to us. They helped put me on my feet. ‘If it wasn’t for the Red Shield, Major Miriam and The Salvation Army I’ve often wondered where I’d be today. The Army put me on the right track and I’ve been with the Army ever since. I have a lot to be thankful for.’

Red Shield mobile canteen

Red Shield club

Pat (right) and friends celebrate their 90th birthdays at Bedford Congress Hall earlier this year

Salvationist 7 November 2020

FEATURE I The The ot othe herr IH IHQ Q

C h loe Wilso on du u sts off the lesser-- exp plor e d h i st or y of Sweden’s wa a r t i me I HQ IK KE ma many n international ny orga or gani ga niisa ati tion ons The ons, h Sal a vation Arm my wass sig wa gn niffic ican antl tlly im impa pact cted by the Seco Se co ond Wor orld ld War ar. In n par a ticu cular, t rrrit te i or orie iess ac ie acro ro ossss mainl nlan an nd Eu Euro ro ope p suff suff ffer ferred inc ncre r assin re ing g br b eakd down owns ow n s in comm co mmun mm u icat un ic cattio on wi with th Int ntter erna nati na t on ti nall Head dqu quar arte ar ters te r (IH rs IHQ) Q) in Lo Lond ond n on on.. As an ant ntid id dot ote e to t thi his, hi s Swe s, wedi dish sh off ffic ff iccer erss C mm Co mmission on ner er Kar arll Lars Lars La sso son (T (Ter errri rito tori to rial ri al Co omm mman an nde er, r, Swe wede den) de n) and n Adj djut u an ut antt Er E ik W ck Wi ckbe berg be rg wer rg e e ca calllled led upo pon po n in n 194 941 1 to t sett up u a de fact cto ct o he head a qu ad uar ters s forr main ma in nla l nd n Eurrop pe fo or th the e rema m inde der e off the th e wa war. r. Swed Sw e en was ed as ch ho ose en a ass the h loc ocat a ion n beca be ausse off the he cou untry ry’s neutrral ry a sta st ance e. Al A th Al thou ugh h Swede d n su s stai a ne ai n d it itss ne euttra raliity t , tth he am ambi bigu bi guit gu ityy off thi hiss situ uat atio io on im mpa p ir ired ed its ts relat atio tio ions nsh ns hips hips hi ps wit ith h both h the th e Al Alliless and d the A xi xiss po owe wers wers s. Conseque Con uent ntly ly,, Swed edis ed ish is h Sa S lvvat atio ion io on Ar A my my o fice of c rss wer ere e allso forrce ced d to o cut offf alll f rm fo mal com ommuni om nica ni cati ca t on witth IH ti IHQ Q in n L nd Lo n o on n an nd d assssum ume e so sole le res espo pons po n ib bililit ityy for work fo r in n main in nla land d Eur u ope. T e Inte Th ern nat atio ona al Heritage He e Cen ntr tre e ha has 19 9 boxxes of corr rrrespo espo ond n en nce e per erta tain ta nin ing g to this prrov ovis sio ional IH HQ. The he collect ctio ct tio ion docu do cume cu ment me ntss ho nt ow th t e he ead a qu q arte ar te ar ters rs in Sw weden ed den cam ame to o pla ay a ce cent nttra ntra rall ro role le e in the coo ordi dina n tion of Sa na alv lvat atio on Ar Army m my actiivi vity ty dur uring th this perriod. d. For examp mple le,, in the let ette terr da te d te ted d 7 Octobe be er 1940 1940 40,, Er Erik ikk Wick Wi ck kbe b rg sta tate te es th hat at,, de d spit spit sp ite e Swed eden e en suff su ffer ff errin ing g br b ea akd k ow wns s in postal comm co mm mun uniic icat icat atio ionss wit ith h Holl Holllan nd and d Belg Be lgiu ium,, the hey ma mana nage na ged ge d to t recov o er conn co nn nec e tion ns wi w th the t wo cou ount ntri nt r es and d ag d agai ag ain n co com mmun mmu mm uniccat ate e wi w th off f icerrs a po ap p in nte ted d th her ere e. e. A th Al thou ough gh thiis su ugg gges estts a possittiv es ive e impactt of Sw Swed e e en n’s neu eutr t ality in beiing able to re-esttab ablilish sh rel elat a io ons nshi h pss witth hi other European cou ount ntri riess, hiis ad addi ddi diti t on ti onal a al reference to the continu nued bre r akdo down wn n in contact with both occupied and unoccupied areas in n France rei einf n or orce ces the fact that complications arose as a result of their impartial attitude towards both sides. The letter also illustrates the increasing influence and involvement of Commissioner Karl Larsson in 12

Salvationist 7 November 2020

File SL/0/11/12

co -ord co-o rdin nat atiing g Salv lvat atio ion Ar A my y act ctiivity and co conn nnec ecti t on o s ac a ro oss Eurrop ope e in the 1940 40s. In 19 1949 49, follow owin ing g hiss se serv rvic ice as TC in Sw Swed eden en,, th he co comm mmis issi sion oner er rece re ceiv ived ed the hig ghe hest st Sal alva vati tion on Arm rmyy hono ho nour u for dis isti ting ngui u sh shed ed ser ervi vice ce – ad dmi m tt ttan ance e to th the e Or Orde derr of the Fou ound nder er.. This Th is was s in reco cogn gnit itio ion of 50 0 ye year arss of offi of fice cers rshi hip p th that at inv nvol olve ved d ‘o ‘out utst stan andi ding ng lead le ader ersh ship ip’ an and d be bein ng ‘a a Sal a va ati tion onis istt standa st dard rd-b -bea eare rerr ex extr trao aord rdin inar ary’’ acrros osss sixx co si coun ntrie es. Befo Be fore re bec e omin ng Ge Gene nera rall in 196 969, 9, Erik Er ik Wic ickb kbe erg’ g’ss ea earl rlyy ap appo poin intm tmen ents ts in ncl cluded ed cor orps ps of fic icer ersh ship ip,, ca cade dett training tr ng and rol oles es as privvat ate e se seccret etar aryy to the terrri rito tori ria al com mma mand der forr Germ Ge rman anyy and as assi s stantt un unde der se secr cret etaryy forr Eu Europe pe at IH HQ. Q He be beca came m Sw wed eden n’s lia iais ison on off f icerr for or IHQ in 1939 9. This is appointmentt led to a pr p om mot o ion n to the rank of majo th j r in June e 1940 and d him playing an n integral role in Salvation n Army lea adership in Europe during the Second World War. So, what else is found in the c rrespondence? co The ma main bod dy of the collection d cuments the wo do w rk off The Sa S lvation Army across ten main inland Europ opean territor te orie ies betw tw wee en 1941 194 and d 194 45: 5 Be elgiu um, m Cze zech ze ho osslo l vakia,, Denma ark r , F nl Fi n an and, d Fra ranc nce, nc e,, Ger e many y, Ho ollan and an d, H ng Hu ngary, Nor orwa wayy an wa nd Sw witze zerrlan lan nd. When Wh en it ca came me to ca ata alo logu guin gu in ng th he le lett tter tt ers, er s, itt mad de se sens ns se to to ret etai aiin the e or orig igiin ig inal ina al ord rder er er used us ed while the h recor ords were sttill actitive ve

Commissioner Karl Larsson and General Erik Wickberg

– al alph phab abet e iccal a ly by co coun untr tryy an and d th hen by sub u ject matter. Mos ost of the corr co rres espo ond ndence ce pertains to rou outitine ne e clles ec esia iast stic ical and cha hari rita tabl ble e wo work rk but ut,, when wh e see een n al alll to toge geth ther e , itt dem emon onst stra rate tess the th e di d vers rsitity y an and d de dept pth h of Sal alva vatition on Arm rmyy work wo rk. Th Thes ese e ar arch chiv ivess ran a ge in su subjec ectt from fr om The Sal alva vatition on Arm rmy’ y’ss wo worlldw dwid ide Selff-D Se -Den enia iall ef effo ort to co cont ntin inui uing ng soci so c al a ser ervi vice ce pro rovi visi sion on for ‘mo mora rallly enda en dang nger ered ed gir irls ls’ in n loc ocal al are reas as and d rel elie ieff work wo rk witth re refu fuge gees es acr cros osss Eu Euro rope. The Th e la lasst filile e in thi hiss co collllec ecti tion o is fulll of tele te legr gram amss se sent nt bet etwe ween en Swe wede den’s IH HQ and an d th the e Euro rope pean an ter erri rito tories es. One e am ex ampl ple e sent on n 20 Jan anuary y 1942 from m Comm Co mmission oner er Frank nk Dye yer to o Erik Wickberg Wi g – ‘are e our off fi fice c rs s re ecognised e byy the e autho ori ritiess as ministering to prisoners off warr’ [sicc] – relates to prob blems s thatt offi f cers, sold l iers r and volunteers were su s ffering as a result of attempting n to carry out relief workk in occupiied zones. This i not only indicates the ability of The Salvation Army to adapt and deve velop in response to current demands, but also shows the potential dangerss encountered by Salvat a ionists ca arrying out their work during g thiss time. Sa S lvation Ar Army my officers and an d vo olu unt n ee e rs demon onstrate on t d gr te g ea at d di de dica c ti ca tion on in rema ma ain ining fa fait itt ithful to o thei th e r ei r ca callin cal ng thro oug u ho h utt the con o flic icct. t Otthe herr fi f le l s incllude e re reco co ord ds of int nte erna n l na chan nge ges es su su as ad such a ap apta tati ta tion ti onss to the on Army Ar my’ss ord my rder e s an er a d re reg gula gu ation tion o s, cha han nges nges ng off app ppo oint oin ntme ntme m ntt and nd promoti tion o s of

indivvidu indi dual al off ffic icer ers, s, annual re epo port rtss an a d edit ed itor oria iall pl p an ans. s. Whi h le large gely y con onta tain inin ng info in form rmat atio ion n abou out relatively ly rou utine e matt ma tter ers, s, the exist s en e ce off th t ese e prev pr evio ious usly ly une nexp xplored pa pape ers iss a ma ark of the unp npre redi dict ctab a ility and inst stability of the th e mi midd-20 2 th cen e tury and the he imp m act of the th e Se Seco cond nd World War in changi g ng the wayy th wa that at int n er e na ational organisations ns were re abl ble e to o ope p rate. They provide a c uc cr uciall in i si sigh ghtt in nto the multiplic i ityy of eccl ec clessia iastic ical a and charitable issues tha at The Th e Sa Salv lvation Army was inv n olved with on an in international level. Wh hile some of these e papers are e in Eng in n lish, the majority have been written in i the mother tongue of th he countr t ies that they concern so there e is much yet to be discovered from th his intrigui u ng collection. If you fancy e plorin ex i g or tra anslating some of these file es, s the h International Heritage Centre is waiti ting g to hear from you. O View the files by visiting ca c lm mvi v ew w. eu/SalvationArmy m /CalmV m ie mV iew w and search c ing ‘SL’ O Keep up with the Int nter nt e na er ation onal on al al He H eritage ge Cen enttre blog g at sa salv lvat atio iona ona n rm my. y o g.uk or k /abo bo out ut-u us/ s inte tern e nat a io ona allheri he rita ri ta age g -c - en e tr tre e CHLOE IS ARCHIVE ASSISTANT, INTERNATIONAL HERITAGE CENTRE

Salvationist 7 November 2020

TESTIMONY

God never fails Mike Dipple (Pontypool) shares how God has been with him on his journey

BECAME aware of God’s presence at an early age as I was looking at a picture in a Sunday school book. It was an artist’s impression of Jesus preaching with children sitting at his feet and the crowds looking on, intensely hanging on to his every word. The overwhelming presence of Jesus overflowed from that page of the book on the table and filled the room with a freshness of light I had never seen before. Time marched on and I continued to be aware of his holiness and his Spirit. I was introduced to an Elim church at the age of 17 and gave my life to the Lord on 20 April 1978. On that wondrous day I again felt the almighty presence of Jesus. It filled the room, light shone all around and I knew I’d had an encounter with the one true living God. I went home and told my mother and stepfather all about my encounter with God. They both looked worried. Had their son lost the plot? Gone mad, even? School finished and then my college life fell to pieces. My mother and stepfather’s arguing intensified to the point of no return. I had to leave home and find a career to take me away from this unfolding horror. In 14

Salvationist 7 November 2020

July 1978, just before my 18th birthday, I joined the British Army. I was not prepared for what lay ahead. As an immature young man, who hadn’t even started to shave, it was a shock to the system. Towards the end of my training one of the many tests we were required to undertake was the Battle Fitness Test. It entailed running and marching as a group over a set distance in a set time, then each of us running the last mile and a half on our own and in our best time. The effort of having to run at pace in a set time dragged at my very soul. The pain in my legs grew more intense and my vision narrowed in on the dirt track ahead. I kept going, the pain increasing. Unbeknown to me I was suffering from pneumonia and my left lung had filled with mucus. I staggered and was dragged along to the finishing line. My vision closed to a dot of light in the distance. I was oblivious to the world. I was in a coma. As I lay in the hospital bed I said: ‘God, don’t let me die here!’ He spoke to me: ‘It is not your time yet. I have great things for you to do.’

Life returned to me. I remembered a verse: ‘For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you’ (Deuteronomy 31:6 New Living Translation). This was one of many times I have felt the promises of God in my life. I went on to serve as a lance corporal in Germany, the Hebrides, Italy, the Falkland Islands and more. After more than seven years I left the army. It was a decision I regretted many times. Life was hard and I felt a bit like a fish out of water. Despair was always there. That was until I met and married Karen. We have been married for more than 25 years now and our son, Samuel, is working and making his own way in life. Life for us has been good, bad and indifferent, with many ups and downs throughout – redundancy, factory closures, bereavement and loss. But God has blessed us many times with his guiding light and helping hands, and he has been preparing us both for leadership. Karen started going to The Salvation Army in Weston-super-Mare some years ago. I also went along to some of the meetings and felt a calling to join. We moved to Pontypool in 2018 and started to attend the corps there. Karen became an adherent member and last year I did the same. In February this year I was enrolled as a soldier. I feel a great calling on my life. Karen and I are both set on a spiritual journey, equipping us for our service to come.

LETTERS

TRUST IN THE LORD

LOOKING FOR LINCOLN

LIKE many Salvationists engaged in frontline jobs, one of my soldiers, Mark, is a key worker in a large care home. Recently for our weekly meeting resources, I asked him to share his testimony on working in this environment over the past 7 months. We found it moving: ‘It’s all gloom and doom. That’s how I felt about the lockdown. How easy and convenient was life prior to Covid-19? How easy did life become for some since the outbreak and the implemented rules of staying at home? For me, the impact has made my day longer and harder than I could have imagined. Being a key worker never allowed me to remain at home during lockdown but it did mean having to don personal protective equipment prior to starting my shift. (This becomes extremely uncomfortable after a short time, even more so in warm weather.) Staff levels fell due to people having to self-isolate, service users’ lives were lost to the virus. Where I work was quite fortunate in the small number of people testing positive. Having to watch people I look after have their mobility and mental health deteriorate because they couldn’t go outside or mix with other people/relatives as before became heart breaking, often making my eyes well up with tears. On a personal level, I was unable to spend time with Domenic, my son, because his mother was too frightened that I would spread the infection to them. ‘In one resident’s room, hanging on the wall is a picture with the words from Proverbs 3:5 and 6, which I read nearly every day as I walk out of the room: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths” (New King James Version).’ Anne Myers Major Rugby

I’M writing a book on the Beatles and trying to contact AB Lincoln, who was an engineer at Abbey Road Studios in 1964. I’ve spoken to a number of engineers and they originally said his name was Tony and left to drive a taxi. Then I was told that his Christian name was David and that he worked with tape-to-tape, disc-to-tape and de-clicking. According to one person, he was an orphan and grew up in a children’s home. I’ve also been told his nickname was ‘Abe’, that he was working at Abbey Road before 1958 and that he was a trombone player with The Salvation Army. Does anyone know him? Contact me at dolphins12345@icloud.com. PJ McAlpine Sydney, Australia

“TRUST IN THE LORD WITH ALL YOUR HEART AND LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING; IN ALL YOUR WAYS ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, AND HE SHALL DIRECT YOUR PATHS” PROVERBS 3:5 AND 6 NEW KING JAMES VERSION

INSIDERS AND OUTSIDERS I AGREE with David Newstead’s letter (Salvationist 3 October) that perhaps people who are new to The Salvation Army should be shown to a seat. However, as a soldier who uses a walking frame that has a bag and a seat and is also visually impaired, I cannot understand why visitors or families should be able to have priority access to reserved seats over those of us with mobility difficulties. I think to have reserved chairs for regular services is unwelcoming, especially where corps may have large instruments on the same side of the room as an audio-visual desk. Irrespective of how new people may be to the corps, surely the main group that should have the opportunity to be guided to a seat are those who have mobility issues? They might have more limited options as to where they can sit, for example an aisle that may also need to be near to the front if they are also visually impaired. Where halls have assistive doors it is important to make sure that these are switched on as soon as someone is in the building. Also, if there are foyers at the front and rear of their halls, would it not be an idea to have corps folk welcoming people, for example, at both entrances? Having separate holiness services can make us focus on differences between us and other branches of the Christian faith and other faiths as opposed to commonalities that are shared by all faiths. At my corps we have people coming from Tewkesbury and Moreton-in-Marsh. Other villages having combined services means people don’t choose between services to attend. The same may be true for adults who have children that attend the family service. But having different services might exclude those who rely on transport provided by residential centres or home care providers, as they may not be able to travel to an afternoon service. Annabelle Short Cheltenham Salvationist 7 November 2020

BIBLE STUDY

Rock of refuge Major Noreen Batt reminds us that the Lord hears our cry for help

PSALM 31 QUESTION O Reflect on a time when you had to take refuge. How did you feel before, and after, finding a place of shelter or safety?

EHIND a song there is often a story. It is either in resplendent view or skilfully woven between the words and notes in such a way that you can’t quite capture the detail but can still hear the melodies. The power of a well-told narrative is that it is both the composer’s and the listener’s story. What is the story in Psalm 31? Is King David calling on all his military mind and skill to avoid enemies pursuing him and putting his life in danger (see vv4, 8, 13, 21)? Is David despairing of the sins of his people, which threaten to eat at the very heart

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Lynda Levis

of the nation and destroy it from within (see vv6, 17, 18, 23)? In verses 12 and 13, can we hear echoes of Jeremiah’s story as he wrestles with the weight of being a prophet who faithfully declares the word of the Lord (see Jeremiah 20:10)? Without the Lord, the people will be a broken vessel that cannot be put together again (see Jeremiah 19:10 and 11). In verses 9 to 12, can we hear echoes of Job’s story, as he longs to find peace at the heart of the terrible suffering he is enduring (see Job 3)? In verses 3 to 5, can we hear echoes of Jesus’ story as his human, flesh-and-blood life ebbs away on the cross (see Luke 23:46)? QUESTION O The psalmist uses different images to describe the place of danger in which he finds himself. Which of these resonate with you?

Although the psalmist is in a place of danger right from the first word and note of the song, the overwhelming melody is one of hope and confidence in God, who is not shaken by the things that shake us: ‘In you, O Lord, do I take refuge… be a rock of refuge for me’ (vv1 and 2 English Standard Version). With his enemies scouring the landscape for him, we can imagine David finding a safe place to hide in the rocky hills. Whether that happened or not, he is speaking of the refuge his soul constantly finds in the truth of who God is, whatever may be his circumstances. Augustus Toplady, an 18th-century curate in the parish of Blagdon, Somerset, was one day overtaken by a heavy thunderstorm in Burrington Combe, a rocky glen in the heart of the Mendip Hills. As he sheltered

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’ (Psalm 91:1 and 2)

Blessèd Lord, in thee is refuge,/ Safety for my trembling soul,/ Power to lift my head when drooping/ ’Midst the angry billows’ roll./ I will trust thee, I will trust thee, I will trust thee/ All my life thou shalt control. (SASB 244)

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. (Deuteronomy 33:27)

Salvationist 7 November 2020

Prayer Thank you, Father, that you are always there to speak to us with comfort and assurance. Your quiet voice of peace assures us that we are not alone but enveloped in your love. Thank you that in your presence we are safe and secure.

between two massive piers of limestone rock, he is said to have penned the words: ‘Rock of ages, cleft for me,/ Let me hide myself in thee’ (SASB 671). Whether that happened or not, it is a strong image of the refuge his soul constantly found in the truth of who Jesus is. This year, whatever our story, Psalm 31 is an invitation to find refuge and strength in the truth of who God is – a place of trust and safety for our souls. QUESTIONS O During lockdown and since, what thoughts and feelings caused you to throw yourself on God? O What did you do to find refuge in him and how have your faith and trust been strengthened or weakened? The psalms are not monochromatic. There is not the predictability of a

description of the psalmist’s woes, followed by the expected resolution of faith that declares that all will be well, no matter what. The woes, despair, doubt, fear and anger are woven with the strong, colourful threads of faith, hope and trust – as our own lives and personalities are. As David used different imagery to describe his place of danger, so God – as the place of safety – is depicted in a variety of ways. David seeks to reinforce his learnt faith and trust by describing God as his ‘rock’ (v2), redeemer (see v5) and guardian of his days (see v15). QUESTIONS O Using different Bible translations, notice the different images used to describe God as a place of safety. Which of those images resonates with you, and why?

As we become more familiar with the tones and rhythms of the psalm, we discover something we instinctively know – it is not David writing the song, but God’s Spirit. He calls us into a deep relationship with him that enables us to withstand the varied challenges of life. When the story is told and the notes of the song fade away, the melody lingers on and invites you to wonder: in you, O Lord, have I taken refuge?

MAJOR BATT IS DIVISIONAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT, NORTH WEST ENGLAND AND NORTH WALES

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock/ That shadows a dry, thirsty land;/ He hideth my life in the depths of his love,/ And covers me there with his hand. (SASB 825)

As for God, his way is perfect: the Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. (2 Samuel 22:31)

Faithful God, faithful God,/ All sufficient one, I worship you./ Shalom my peace,/ My strong Deliverer,/ I lift you up, faithful God. (SASB 360)

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10)

Salvationist 7 November 2020

REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC ECTI EC TION ION ON

Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis considers the temporary nature of everything we experience AVE you ever experienced being called upon to do something new and challenging, with no idea what the outcome will be? Such an incident is recorded in Luke 10 where 72 disciples of Jesus were sent out to prepare for his arrival in the villages along his route. They were given clear instructions on how to conduct themselves, from the moment of their arrival in a village to when they took their leave. It must have been a daunting experience to be challenged in this way. Jesus said: ‘Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves’ (v3). There were so many uncertainties facing them. They must have possessed a fair degree of fear and trepidation, stepping out into the unknown. Where would they stay? What would they eat? What should they say to those who accepted the message Jesus had told them to proclaim? What should they say to those who refused it? Thankfully, the episode came to a victorious conclusion, for we are told that the 72 disciples returned with joy and said: ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name’ (v17). The mood among the disciples upon their return stood in stark contrast to their departure. It is not by any means certain that they set out with great joy,

Salvationist 7 November 2020

but there was no doubt about their delight afterwards. When they returned, there would naturally have been celebrations as they excitedly exchanged with each other accounts of their adventures, relating the joys and victories that they had experienced. Jesus interrupted them and uttered a statement that was designed to bring their celebrations into proper perspective: ‘Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven’ (v20). What was that all about? There is a phrase that has been passed down through the ages: ‘This too shall pass.’ It points to the temporary nature of everything we experience in this life. Good or bad, it shall pass. A similar phrase was employed in a speech by Abraham Lincoln before he became the 16th president of the United States: ‘It is said an eastern monarch once charged his wise men to invent him a sentence to be ever in view, and which should be true and appropriate in all times and situations. They presented him the words: “And this too, shall pass away.” How much it expresses! How chastening in the hour of pride! How consoling in the depths of affliction!’ Saint Teresa of Ávila is remembered for her words: ‘Let nothing disturb you, nothing frighten you, all things are passing, God is unchanging.’ The phrase ‘this too shall pass’ is often used to comfort someone by letting them know that even if things seem hard at the present time, they will eventually get better. Jesus in Luke 10, however, was speaking to those who were rejoicing. He reminded the 72

disciples that no matter what we experience in this life – in days of joy or pain, blessing or loss – the time will come when all has passed and the only things that remain before those who belong to Jesus are the certain glories of Eternity. Even though Jesus was aware that all things were passing, he still lived very much in the present. Jesus knew that nothing in this life lasts for ever, yet he still lived life to the full, in happy and in sad times. He wept at the grave of Lazarus, sharing in the sorrow of Martha and Mary, even though he knew their sorrow would soon pass. He surely joined in the rejoicing of the returning disciples, even though that joy would pass. He wants to be part of our lives, sharing gladness and sorrow. But greater than anything else life may present, with experiences that will fade over the years, the truth remains that the best is always before us. Julian of Norwich, the English mystic of the 14th and early 15th century, is quoted as saying, ‘All shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of thing shall be well.’ Our lives are in God’s hands and all shall be well. Even if some do not experience that in this life, there is the assurance that our names are written in Heaven. There we will experience eternal blessings without end. As General Albert Orsborn wrote: ‘Let nothing draw me back/ Or turn my heart from thee,/ But by the Calvary track/ Bring me at last to see/ The courts of God, that city fair,/ And find my name is written there’ (SASB 79). That is certainly something to bring lasting joy. LIEUT-COLONEL ELLIS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN NORWAY

VIEW POINT

Major Peter Mylechreest encourages us to see other people in the light of Jesus

OU see an animal coming straight towards you. What do you do? I suppose your reaction will depend on whether the animal is a cat, dog, tiger or elephant! However, anthropologists tell us that in a millisecond we automatically weigh up whether we can eat it, be eaten by it or live with it – whether to fight it, take flight or spend time with it. When a person is coming towards us we also make snap assumptions. We can’t help noticing their choice of clothes, the colour of their skin or other things that are different from us. These may conjure up thoughts and feelings about their attitude to life, their level of education or their culture. We may expect to hear a particular language or dialect if they speak. And all too often we would be wrong! It all happens so fast that, sadly, we tend to judge the book by its cover. If someone isn’t like us then in our head we may label them ‘foreigners’. How sad that evaluations of people and their lifestyles are made on such slender external evidence. It may well have been necessary for cavemen and cavewomen to make snap judgments – they needed to protect their small gatherings from marauding strangers. But surely we should have outgrown that by now? Science confirms that all human beings have unique yet similar DNA. A broad overview of the world’s population shows that, in so many areas, we are all looking for the same basic things. We all need food and water, shelter and security, opportunity to work, rest and sleep. We want to receive and give love, have connection, make a contribution, find purpose and fulfilment, have stability and

variety, be free to choose and be happy – and so the list goes on. None of these needs is eliminated because of our race, gender, age or sexual orientation. Paul the apostle was far ahead of his time when he wrote to the Galatians: ‘Faith in Christ Jesus is what makes each of you equal with each other, whether you are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a man or a woman’ (3:28 Contemporary English Version). He was writing to Gentiles who were regarded by the Jews as foreigners and thus probably inferior. Paul says: ‘So you are no longer outsiders or aliens, but fellow-citizens with every other Christian – you belong now to the household of God’ (Ephesians 2:19 JB Phillips). Every believer around the world has as much right as we do to be a follower of the Master and to share the name ‘Christian’. We need a heart of love, a

mind forgetful of injuries and a will to seek the good of others. Then we will see each other in the light of Jesus and we will treat each other in new and better ways. After all, we are members of God’s holy family and residents of his household. Part of our overall witness to the world – with systems and structures tainted with prejudice and with people prone to having false opinions of others – is showing that people should and can be valued equally. The Salvation Army has always tried to help people without discrimination. May God help each of us to do our part.

MAJOR MYLECHREEST IS THQ CHAPLAIN Salvationist 7 November 2020

Poets’ corner To End All Wars ‘The war to end all wars,’ they said In nineteen-eighteen, millions dead. Conditions must have seemed like Hell, Fighting in trenches, hundreds fell. For many there life had to end Accompanied by a comrade, friend. It seemed a victory costly earnt, But what from this had mankind learnt? Were all those lives laid down in vain? Before too long war flared again. Men, women, children, now once more All died because the world would war. The innocent could not escape All carnage that the Blitz would make. With both sides thinking they were right, Christians did each other fight. Again a costly peace was won; A husband, wife, a daughter, son Were left bereaved, their loved ones gone. For them what future? It seemed, none. But when it ended was there peace? It seems that fighting will not cease, For still today the conflicts rage And folk will in a war engage.

Flame Of Eternal Hope It burns there within our hearts So warm and comforting, Though sometimes when life is tough The flame can grow so dim. Lighting up the path ahead With every step it guides, Present in every one of Life’s rollercoaster rides. Sometimes it’s just a glimmer, The smallest dot of light, That gives us encouragement To not give up but fight. Other times its flame burns bright, Fed, strengthened by God’s love, Glowing in every heart, Soft and gentle like a dove.

At this time God must surely weep, Creation will not his peace keep. To have mankind in harmony His peace must start with you and me.

Ebbing, growing every day It never disappears, Burns away uncertainties Our worries, cares and fears. It’s something we can cling to That will help us to cope, Burning there within us the Flame of eternal hope.

BRIAN COLLEY (CLOWNE)

AMANDA-JAYNE LANCELEY (BROMLEY TEMPLE)

Salvationist 7 November 2020

In The Stillness From all the din and noise of day I come in silence now to pray. All stress and strain are out of mind For in the calm it’s you I find. It’s in the stillness I find peace, When all the cares of life are least. Right here, right now, my mind is free, I’m listening, Lord, please speak to me. I come for safety in your love, So closer then to you I move, From all the harm around I see; In you I find tranquility. I know, my Lord, you’re always there, My closest friend to hear my prayer. So, undisturbed, I make my plea, In conversation, you and me. MAJOR SIMON CLAMPTON (OVERSEAS SERVICES UNIT, THQ)

PREVIEWS

Looking back Salvationist introduces publications that detail particular areas of Salvation Army local history

Bound To Win The Day by Martin Robins NEXT time you go to Torquay, look out for a Salvation Army plaque on the harbour slipway. It marks the 130th anniversary of the Torquay Harbour and District Amendment Act of 1888, which gave the Army the right to march and play music on Sundays in Torquay. Commissioned by a local Salvationist family, the plaque was unveiled on 12 August 2018 by local MP Kevin Foster and Martin Robins – the great-grandson of William Robins, one of 23 Salvationists who chose to serve a custodial sentence rather than pay a fine for disobeying local by-laws prohibiting this activity. The corps opened fire in 1882, a time when the town was fast becoming a popular health resort after the arrival of the railway. This brought the Army into direct conflict with many pub landlords around the harbour area and led to the 1886 Torquay Harbour and District Act outlawing ‘non-military musical processions’ on Sundays. Undeterred, Salvationists bravely continued to march from the hall to the harbour until 1888 when they were given a choice: pay a fine or face seven days in Exeter Prison. William Robins was released after serving four days of his sentence. The booklet contains several illustrations, including the back cover, which portrays the 23 Salvationists who were prosecuted and imprisoned. To Win The Day is available free of charge by emailing martinrobins@btinternet.com

O Bound

Not Weary Yet by Jim Wilson IN this book the author traces his family’s involvement with The Salvation Army, beginning with the early days of Govan Corps in the 1880s, through two world wars and the Army’s 1965 centenary up to the first decade of the 21st century. The book, first published in 2011, is meticulously researched and the narrative is interspersed with historical images from the author’s own archive. He writes: ‘This little story was intended, originally, to concentrate on the efforts and works of comrades in one corps. A few suggestions from well-meaners, plus available retirement time, caused the extensions into postwar times. The late 19th and early 20th century periods seemed to me to be healthily exciting days in Army terms.’ Weary Yet is available from amazon.co.uk priced £8.99 (plus postage and packing)

O Not

The Salvation Army In North Walsham, 1885–2020 by Jim Brown THIS brochure gives fascinating insights into 135 years of mission and ministry at North Walsham Corps and follows a similar pattern to the author’s previous publication, The Story Of Croydon Citadel Corps No 9. After a brief history of the town we are introduced to The Christian Mission and the early Salvation Army before a more detailed account of the beginnings of the corps, which was established by 19-yearold Captain Louisa Fanny Evans and her assistant, 17-year-old Lieutenant Annie Bishop. The author states: ‘The early days of the corps in North Walsham have not been easy to research. Press reports were very limited, usually only following complaints of noise made during processions, and written records appear not to have been made by the very early officers.’ Nonetheless, he pieces together the story of the beginnings of the corps from War Cry reports and includes a number of photos. Later years are described in more detail using entries in the corps history book. Appendices include a biography of Commissioner Mildred Duff, who lived in the town after she retired, a history of the Army’s nearby Furze Hill House care home and profiles of corps members who fell during the two world wars. O The

Salvation Army In North Walsham, 1885–2020 and The Story Of Croydon Citadel Corps No 9 are available for £5 each (plus postage and packing) by emailing jimbrown150@gmail.com Salvationist 7 November 2020

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED O Lieutenant Sarah Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Grady, Chairperson of Churches Together in Bourne LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O SL Sue Gray, Paignton WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O CSM Frank and Songster Sheila Nunn, Dunfermline (27 October) Golden O Denise and John Lewry, Greenford (14 November) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Grace Losh, Sunderland Monkwearmouth O Audrey Jennings, Sunderland Monkwearmouth O Joan Quinn, Sunderland Monkwearmouth O Major Peter Pratt from his home in Kirkby-in-Ashfield on 23 October O Major Daphne Brown from Warren Heath Residential Home on 25 October BEREAVED O Major Mary Pratt of her husband Major Peter Pratt, Major Miriam Wing, Bellshill, and Andrew Pratt, Nottingham Arnold, of their father O Lieutenant Terrence Hendy, Royston, Sandra Wood and Pauline Lomax of their father Terry Hendy O Kenneth Finch, Woodbridge, of his brother Paul

TRIBUTES MAJOR PETER SHIPP PETER was not raised in a Christian home and was first introduced to The Salvation Army by a friend who ran a boys club. He soon became a member of the Torchbearer youth club and then a soldier at Tunbridge Wells Corps. He entered the International Training College in 1966 as a member of the Messengers of the Faith session. In 1967, while on campaign at Parkhead in Glasgow, he met the love of his life, Marion McLachlan. Peter and Marion were married in 1970 and 22

Salvationist 7 November 2020

recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They served together throughout the territory. They had two daughters, Joanne and Janice, and three grandchildren, Jack, Jasmine and Alfie, whom Peter adored. He loved nothing better than spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed watching his beloved Arsenal Football Club, and followed the Kent and England cricket teams. Peter was affected by failing health throughout his retirement and sadly was diagnosed with cancer seven weeks before he was promoted to Glory on 11 August. In his school days Peter enjoyed singing John Bunyanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hymn â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To Be A Pilgrimâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, and he would often be heard singing or quoting the words. He did not know the meaning of this song until he became a Christian and later an officer, and then saw his life as a pilgrimage. Throughout Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life many people were touched through his warm and welcoming nature. He always thought of others and even in death his wish to become a donor was fulfilled, as his corneas were donated so that someone else will be able to see. Peter is greatly missed by his family and all who knew him. Servant of God, well done. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MS MAJOR PAMELA FEAR PAM joined The Salvation Army after watching an open-air meeting in Southsea when she was a child. After being accepted for officership, she entered the International Training College in 1958 as a member of the Pioneers session and, after commissioning, was appointed to Carnforth in 1959. Pam married Alan Fear in 1962 and together they were appointed to Burnley Accrington Road. Other corps appointments included Woodbridge, Gorseinon, Andover and Swadlincote. They were appointed to Hartlepool Citadel in 1981 and again in 1998. In 1999, shortly after Alanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s promotion to Glory, Pam retired and lived on the Headland seafront in Hartlepool. She was never happier than when waves crashed over the promenade during stormy weather. Pam died peacefully following a short

illness and leaves an enormous gap in the lives of many. She was a true disciple of Christ who loved the Lord, served him faithfully, and is now in his presence for eternity. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JRB KEN EDWARDS, RUSHDEN KEN was a thirdgeneration Salvationist, born in Caerphilly in 1926. He graduated from Cambridge University and became an RAF flying officer. He married Jeanne Speeks in 1949. Ken worked for HM Overseas Administration in Nigeria for 10 years, for which he was appointed MBE. He was also songster leader at Lagos Corps. Returning to the UK, his successful career culminated in him becoming deputy director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, for which he was appointed CBE. Sadly, Jeanne was promoted to Glory in 2002, but Kenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faith never wavered. Ken served as songster leader at Rushden for 20 years, where he continued to soldier with his second wife, Jenefer. He also served on the London and Territorial Advisory Boards and Territorial Board of Trustees. A humble man who achieved much, Ken was promoted to Glory following a short illness. He is deeply missed by Jenefer and his daughters, Vivien Sugars and Deryn Edwards. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; JE

Did you know Salvationist is now online? WE UPDATE SALVATIONARMY.ORG. UK/PUBLICATIONS WEEKLY, GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO O Read through the latest issue from 3 pm on Thursdays O Catch up on news you missed O Read the Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s comment and our article of the week O Share archived issues

Like our page at SalvationistOnline to keep up to date Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK