SALVATIONIST For
everyone linked to The Salvation Army
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 20 April 2019
Redemption Sad windows of the soul closed tight Against the searing, scorching light, Strong arms that would the world enfold Held fast by nails so crude and cold, Pure precious blood, a crimson tide Flows free, throws Heaven’s portals wide, As Christ, in death, at such great cost, Redeems the fallen, saves the lost!
No.1701 Price 60p
T CONTENTS
A SLICE OF HOPE Cover design: Hannah Holden Poetry: Stephen Pearson
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Quotes from the media
The General’s Easter message Do not be afraid 4 and 5 News
6 to 9
Lent reflection The words from the cross
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by Major John Waters
Meditation I Aspects of love Love’s price
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by Major Jim Bryden
Feature I An eastern Easter 12 and 13 Easter with a difference but with the same message by Major Annette Rieder-Pell
Testimony 14 With God all things are possible Mike Black talks to Colonel Bramwell Booth
Viewpoint Buried again
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by Ron Thomlinson
Bible study 16 and 17 Burial and resurrection by Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley
New commitments
18 and 19
Announcements
20 and 21
Adverts
22 and 23
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
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Salvationist 20 April 2019
A RECENT discussion on Radio 4’s In Our Time reminded me that hope hasn’t always been seen as a positive thing. The discussion was about Pandora’s box – or Pandora’s jar as it’s called in the myth told by the poet Hesiod in the 8th century BC. He said the Greek god Zeus was angry with Prometheus for stealing fire from Heaven to give to mortals. So, by way of revenge, he sent Pandora to Prometheus’ brother, with a jar full of evils, including sickness and death. She opened it and, Hesiod says, ‘hope was all that remained in Pandora’s jar once all the evils inside it escaped and spread across the world’. But Hesiod regarded hope as one of the evils. He called it ‘empty and no good’; it was a deception that made people complacent and lazy! Most Greek philosophers agreed with him. The idea that hope was a delusion was in marked contrast to the Jewish understanding that history was moving towards a goal – the Day of the Lord – when God would dwell with his people. This hope was understood in a new and unexpected way in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Hope would be a delusion – as in the myth of Pandora’s jar – if it were not for Jesus. But hope is real; it burst into life with the Resurrection. Hope features in a number of ways in this week’s Salvationist. In the final reflection in his series, Major John Waters considers the hope-filled words of Jesus on the cross, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ (Luke 23:46), and concludes: ‘The mystery and glory of the Easter events – of the death and resurrection of Jesus – are that we can also share that same certainty.’ But hope is not just a confident expectation of eternity with God, wonderful as that is. It makes a difference now. As the old saying goes, ‘It’s not just pie in the sky when you die, but a slice on the plate while you wait!’ General Brian Peddle highlights the down to earth nature of hope in his Easter message. He asks: ‘What is happening in your world and in your life this Easter?’ and says we need not fear because God is with us in all life’s experiences. Mike Black knows the power of hope. His testimony is one of transformation from the life of an alcoholic, in which ‘stealing, lying, begging and borrowing’ were his daily routine, to the life of a Salvation Army soldier, joyfully serving others. It happened when he discovered the hope that ‘with God all things are possible’. Our experiences may not be as dramatic as Mike’s, but we can rejoice in the reality and power of hope this Easter – hope for eternity and for the here and now: ‘I pray that… you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 1:18–20).
From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
GAMBLING FIRMS’ ADS BANNED FOR TARGETING CHILDREN Five online gambling companies have had their adverts banned for breaking strict rules about targeting children. The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) used child avatars to find gambling ads that were being displayed to under-18s. The watchdog found adverts from 43 gambling firms displayed in non-loggedin environments, meaning the age of those viewing them could not be verified and they could be shown to children. Five of those gambling operators, including Aston Villa sponsor Unibet, had a total of 23 ads banned for breaking rules that prohibit gambling ads being targeted at under-18s. The others were Vikings Video Slot, RedBet, Multilotto and PlayOjo. The Independent
DR BUTLER CONDEMNS RISE OF CHILDREN IN POVERTY A rise in the number of children living in poverty has been condemned by the Bishop of Durham, Dr Paul Butler. Figures released last week by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showed that 4.1 million – almost one third of the country’s child population – were living in homes experiencing relative poverty: a measure defined as earnings, after housing costs, below 60 per cent of the median income of £507 a week. Of those, 70 per cent were in working families.
HUMANISTS TELL CHRISTIANS NOT TO COMPLAIN OVER EASTER EGGS Shoppers should not be ‘duped’ into believing criticism that marketing and packaging for chocolate Easter eggs do not go far enough to promote the season’s Christian roots, humanists have said. Humanists UK warned people against yielding to ‘eggsaggeration’ among Christian groups it says have been behind a long line of attempts... to accuse others of sabotaging the ‘true Easter message’. Director of Public Affairs and Policy, Richy Thompson, said: ‘While Christians celebrate Easter for different reasons, for the vast majority of us Easter is just a fun celebration where we enjoy extra days off work and school, spend time with our families and eat more chocolate than usual.
‘That is why we are calling for an end to the two-child limit, as this policy will push even more children deeper into poverty over the next few years. We can and should redesign the welfare system around the needs of children.’
‘If a company wants to promote a Christian message on its Easter eggs then that’s fine, but this reality is not justification for a false “Christian persecution” narrative and really does harm to appreciating the much more serious persecution many people face around the globe.’
Church Times
Premier
Dr Butler said: ‘It is surely wrong, in a just and compassionate society, that so many children are growing up in poverty. The early years are crucial to a child’s development, so it is imperative that we do all that we can to support families to give their children a good start in life.
WELCOME FOR MOTHERS’ NAMES ON MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES The Methodist Church has joined the Church of England in welcoming a change in the law which means that British couples in England and Wales will now be able to include their mothers’ names on their marriage certificates... Previously, marriage certificates only included space for fathers’ names – something which had been unchanged since
SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Tony Button – (tel) 020 7367 4893 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
1837. The churches said the previous system ‘demeaned women’ and was out of step with modern times. A statement by the Methodist Church said: ‘A marriage is a partnership of equals and the Methodist Church welcomes this change which recognises both parents.’ Methodist Recorder
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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
Salvationist 20 April 2019
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THE GENERAL’S EASTER MESSAGE
DO NOT BE AFRAID W
HAT causes you to be afraid? Is it the dark? Spiders? Illness, heights, confined spaces, money problems or the future? A myriad of things are understandable causes of fear, and often that fear is accompanied by anxiety. However, there is a recurring theme throughout Scripture where God tells us not to be afraid. At Christmas we noted the words from the angel Gabriel to Mary as she was told she would be the mother of Jesus: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Luke 1:30). Remember that, according to the Bible, angels are not quite the same as the helpless, beatific, tinsel-adorned young girls and boys who portray them in nativity plays – Psalm 103:20 describes them as ‘mighty’. The shepherds were comforted by the same phrase with the appearance of an angelic host (see Luke 2:10). In Matthew’s account of the resurrection morning, the first words of the angel at the tomb are: ‘Do not be afraid’ (28:5). Just a few verses later, the women meet Jesus, and his first words are: ‘Do not be afraid’ (v10). The Old Testament addresses the same issue, as Joshua is about to succeed Moses. We read Moses’ encouraging words in Deuteronomy 31:8: ‘The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave
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God is not a distant powerful deity; he is an ever-present God who seeks to live with and in his people you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.’ There is also the promise from God in Isaiah 43:1: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’ And at the end of the New Testament, as John sees Jesus in his vision and falls at his feet, Jesus again says: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Revelation 1:17). So we see that throughout Scripture God says to us: ‘Do not be afraid.’ In the life of Christ, even from the foretelling of his birth, to the announcement of the same, to that first Easter morning, we hear those same words: ‘Do not be afraid.’ It seems clear to me that God is inviting us to move from a place of fear to a position where we implicitly trust this ‘immeasurably more’ God who never fails. These words from God are not just trite advice. For those who know God and share life with him, there is no need to be afraid because God has overcome the world (see John 16:33), defeated sin
on the cross and conquered death – as revealed by the empty tomb! We need to remember this when fear takes hold of us. God is not a distant powerful deity; he is an ever-present God who seeks to live with and in his people. We need to couple the instruction of ‘Do not be afraid’ with the recurring promise we read before: ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ When fear takes hold, we should remember not only the omnipotence – all-powerfulness – of God; we should remember that he is right with us, beside us and in us. God’s perfect love ‘drives out fear’ (1 John 4:18). What is happening in your world and in your life this Easter? Anyone who is struggling with sin and recurring cycles of behaviour that they feel unable to break can choose not to be afraid, but to trust in the God who broke the power of sin on the cross.
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Anyone who is facing significant challenges in life within the family, at work or with health, for example, can choose not to be afraid, but to trust in the God for whom nothing is impossible. Anyone who is experiencing grief and loss can choose not to be afraid, but to trust in the God who conquered death and promises eternal life. So, this Eastertide, do not be afraid. Remember – God is with you. Do not be afraid. Remember – God is bigger than the situation you are facing. Do not be afraid. Our God is victorious, and he invites us to share in his victory!
BRIAN PEDDLE, GENERAL
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Anyone who is experiencing grief and loss can choose not to be afraid, but to trust in the God who conquered death and promises eternal life
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Salvationist 20 April 2019
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NEWS
The Bishop of Carlisle, the Right Rev James Newcome, and the Bishop of Penrith, the Right Rev Emma Ineson, visit Barrow-in-Furness as part of their Mission Community Lent Walk; they shared prayers and visited the town to learn about people’s concerns
Concert raises funds for Trek The Alps challenge SOUTHSEA AT a Trek The Alps fundraising concert, to support the Army’s anti-human trafficking and modern slavery work, Solent Fellowship Band and Southsea Songsters provided music that blessed, encouraged and inspired. Their items were interspersed with introductions and comments by former Chalk Farm bandsman and celebrity chef Brian Turner. Territorial Director of Antitrafficking and Modern Slavery Major Kathy Betteridge spoke about the work of her department, describing how the need is growing rather than diminishing. Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) Managing Director Trevor Caffull introduced ‘Guardian Of My Soul’ and spoke of the broad spectrum of SATCoL’s enterprise, showing how it supports other Salvation Army programmes and functions as a form of ministry in its own right. A fund of £860 was raised on the night but this increased to £2,100 with donations from the fellowship band and SATCoL. Pictured with the cheque are Major Alec Still (DHQ), Brian Turner, Bandmaster Dan Redhead and event organiser Mike Stubbings. – M. S./J. B. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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Salvationist 20 April 2019
PENTRE: Members of the corps are prepared for the 140th corps anniversary by making a film about the start of the Army’s work carried out by Kate Shepherd, daughter of the well-known Mother (Pamela) Shepherd. The scene in the park represents an open-air meeting where hundreds of people gathered to hear Mother Shepherd preach. Salvationists continue to be inspired to be the people of God today. – G. T.
Carlisle ladies fellowship celebrates Commonwealth Day with food, fun, quizzes, games and a singalong; some participants brought food from Commonwealth countries and some dressed to represent other nations
Updated website for Regal Zonophone’s historic Salvation Army recordings
The Salvation Army condemns mobile game, Virtual Beggar THQ VIRTUAL Beggar, a mobile game that features a bearded avatar portraying a street ‘beggar’, has been condemned for trivialising the complexities of homelessness and fuelling stereotypes. It encourages users to tap their screens in order to have coins tossed at the avatar, which ‘help him out of poverty’. The Army will be calling for the game to be taken down as it is degrading to the thousands of people who struggle with homelessness in the UK. Assistant Territorial Director of Homelessness Services (North) Malcolm Page said: ‘Homelessness is a serious social issue with vulnerable people at its heart; unfortunately, games like Virtual Beggar only serve to reinforce stereotypes and are utterly counter-productive in tackling the issue of homelessness. ‘The game does nothing to help people’s understanding of the root causes of why some people fall into homelessness and – crucially – how to support people out of their situations. ‘What’s particularly concerning is that the age rating for this game is approved for children as young as four. We will be asking for the game to be taken down from download sites.’ – A. R. CIRENCESTER: Sunday Club leader Corinne Walters led the family service on Mother’s Day. A multimedia presentation featured photographs of members of the congregation and their mothers, some going back many years. There was a united reading of 1 Corinthians 13 by Sunday Club members, who distributed flowers to all mothers present, and small wooden hearts in memory of mothers no longer with us. – M. G.
UNITED KINGDOM
Rutherglen lunch club welcomes home bronzemedal winner Leann Woolf, who had been at the World Games Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi representing Great Britain in basketball
IAN Barton founded the Regal Zonophone website in 1998, building a database of early Salvation Army recordings from various sources. Citadel Promotions have acquired Ian’s website and, working with Ian, are keen to continue maintaining the heritage of Salvation Army music through the two sites. More than 1,000 albums in the database will be available by visiting www.regalzonophone .com – A. R.
Meal-run team is nominated for award WINTON THE meal-run team was successfully nominated for the second time to receive a grant from the Wessex branch of Contractors Mechanical Plant Engineers (CPME). The branch raises funds during the year and holds an annual dinner where representatives of charities receive donations. The meal run helps people experiencing homelessness and is organised by Mary Randell, who, accompanied by Glenda, a member of the corps, attended the Hilton Hotel to receive the donation. A member of the branch promised to match the value of the amount given. Glenda and Mary are pictured with CPME’s national chairman and Wessex branch chairwoman, branch members and representatives of other charities. – G. T. To celebrate the Easter holidays Bristol Kingswood Musical Tots enjoy a fish finger lunch and make Easter cards; each child was given an Easter egg and palm cross to take home Salvationist 20 April 2019
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NEWS
Visitors and congregations encounter God NEW ZEALAND WORLD President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham and Captain Krista Andrews (Australia Territory) undertook a four-day visit to New Zealand. The visit was a ‘homecoming’ for Commissioner Rosalie, who served in the Northern Territory for two years, and Commissioner Bronwyn who is a Kiwi.
smaller officer gatherings or evening meetings in Wellington and Auckland. Mercy seats were well used by people responding to the Holy Spirit, which reflected the hunger for more of God in the territory. Commissioner Bronwyn shared her testimony, speaking of her personal experience of the cost of saying ‘yes’ to God. Captain Krista ministered with a mixture of singing, sign language and dance. Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Yvonne Westrupp said: ‘Women came with expectation and encountered God.’ – S. D.
Women from all over the South Island attended meetings in Christchurch, where, on Sunday morning, the tour party paid their respects and prayed outside the
Al Noor Mosque where 42 people died recently. Commissioner Rosalie preached with passion and zeal, whether with overflowing congregations,
MAIDENHEAD: John Davie was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Music Teacher Awards for Excellence 2019. In addition to his involvement with music across a wide sphere outside The Salvation Army, John was one of the founding members of the Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Saswe). – I. K.
WELLING: Corps folk recently teamed up with council officials, church, community and youth groups for a litter-picking event. More than 145 people took part. – K. S.
The Army develops new outreach resource IHQ A NEW series of mini-films, being developed by the IHQ Communications team, will encourage Salvationists and friends to share the gospel message in creative and engaging ways. Building on the success of the Whole World Mobilising initiative, it is intended that the Living It videos will inspire meaningful conversations about God and the importance of living out the Christian faith in the modern world by using materials that are cheap and readily available. The first of the films records a team from IHQ creating a colourful chalk montage of Bible verses, Christian lyrics and inspirational thoughts on the pavement outside their offices. Passers-by engaged with the work and commented on how positive the message was compared with some darker world events. Co-ordinator Joseph Halliday said the video shows ways in which people can get out and about in their communities with a range of ideas. The pavement art video is available to view and download by visiting sar.my/livingit where future films will be published as they are produced. – A. R. 8
Salvationist 20 April 2019
Ripley corps officer Lieutenant Zsófia Vecsey thanks John Stamp of the Amber Valley Rotary Club for financial support in refurbishing the food bank
Young people from Ipswich Citadel raise more than £260 at a cake sale in aid of the ‘Big Adventure’ to be held for young people in East Anglia
Victory Programme students graduate SOUTHWICK COOKING meals in a thrifty way – Second World War style – was taught at a six-week course run by The Salvation Army and supported by a gift from Kavli Trust. Victory Programme co-ordinator Julie Foster said: ‘The students on our first course have been incredible. Some of them have, in the past, felt they’ve underachieved so we were pleased they had committed to the six sessions.’ Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear Margaret Fay, who presented the graduation awards to the first six graduates, said: ‘The Victory Programme is inspirational.’ The students shared their experiences with Margaret. One, on a tight budget, said she usually cooked at home for herself, but the programme got her out of the house, improved her confidence and helped her meet other people. – C. A.
CAMBRIDGE: A festival in the Wesley Methodist church, promoted by the Rotary Club of Cambridge in aid of the corps building fund and End Polio Now, raised more than £1,000. The band played ‘Temple 125’, ‘Servants Of God’ and ‘Love Unknown’. Soloist Gemma Hinchcliffe blessed and charmed the audience with her singing, and the programme included a clarinet solo and a trombone feature. The evening concluded with the band and Gemma combining to present ‘They Could Not!’ – J. M.
The Salvation Army urges vigilance as fraudsters target vulnerable people UKT
Ivor Burgoyne celebrates 80 years of service as a faithful and committed bandsman at Redruth Corps; he testified that his greatest joy has been seeing God’s work during meetings
GAIL Millar, Regional Specialist for Older People’s Services, (West Malling Service Centre) recently supported Sussex Police in Operation Signature, which was aimed at identifying and supporting vulnerable victims of fraud within Sussex. They found that nearly 50 per cent of adults had been targeted by fraudsters. Gail said that the numbers were shocking and believes that fraud can be tackled through raising awareness and giving advice. Andrew Wileman, Assistant Director (Older People’s Ministries) said: ‘Most of us will know somebody who has been a victim of a scam but we find that people are often ashamed to admit this… It is a very real issue that allows us to minister with spiritual and practical concern.’ – A. R.
Trampoline event is a success MORLEY A DONATION made it possible for the corps to hire a trampolining venue and invite people in the area to join with them in an activity some would not normally be able to take part in. Many worthwhile conversations took place and corps publicity was distributed. Corps members were greatly encouraged by the opportunity and response and look forward to developing relationships with the families they met. – R. W.
President of the Lewisham and Penge Rotary Club John Smith presents a £300 cheque to corps officer Major Paul Robinson for the work of Penge Corps
Salvationist 20 April 2019
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LENT REFLECTION REF EFLE LECT LE CTIO CT ION IO N LENT
Major John Waters concludes his series by reflecting on ‘the word of reunion’ ATHER, into your hands I commit my spirit’ (Luke 23:46). Matthew’s Gospel says, ‘When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit’ (27:50) and Mark says, ‘With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last’ (15:37). We have no certain way of linking the ‘loud cry’ with a particular say ayin ing of Jesus but bot oth h Matthe ew an and d Mark record that immediately following it, Jesus died. im Similarly in Luke 23:46 these final words from fr om the cro ross ss are describ bed d as a loud cry and are fo ollowed ed at once by hiss death:: ‘Je de Jesu suss ca calllllled ed out witith h a lo loud ud d voicce, “Fath herr, into your ha hand n s I commit my y spi pirit.” Wh When en he ha had d said thi his, he brea br e thed his last.’ This suggests th that a we can re ca eas ason onab ably ly lin inkk thes se th hre ree e refe ere renc nces es tog oget ethe herr. In my comments on the saying, ‘I am thirsty’ (John 19:28), I made reference to the fact that, throughout his ministry, Jesus was in control of that ministry. He constantly took the in inititiative. So it is here. It wou uld hav ave e be been unusual for the vict vi ctim im of crucifixion to t hav ave su uff fficcie ient remaining sttre reng ngth th, in the e momen nt before expiry, to have produced a cr cryy of such volume as to merit this record. It would have been something that would have come as a surprise – even a shock – to bystanders. That the evangelist chooses to include de it in his account is, perhap aps, s, fur urth ther evide enc nce of ourr Lord’s continuing control of events. To the very end Jesus is the subje ect c of active verbs: he gave; he breathed; he committed; he shouted! Jesus, in obedience to the Father, had started the he train of events that led to Calvary an nd he would conclude the drama of the Passion.
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Salvationist 20 April 2019
Jesus did not merely die; his death was the consequence of his deliberate following of a path that would terminate this phase of the redeeming work of God. This final saying is all of a piece with earlier statements recorded in John’s Gospel. In the familiar chapter describing the good shepherd, Jesus says: ‘The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again’ (10:17). He is no nott the subject of other peopl ple’ e s actions: ‘No one takes it fro om me, but I lay it down of my own ac accord’ (v18). This se ens nse of control is also evident in the he lon ong pray pr ayerr of Jo John hn 17, whe here re Jes e us de eclares: ‘I have brough ghtt yyo ou g gllor oryy on n Earrth by finishing the Ea e wor orkk you gave me to do’ (v4) 4). Ha Havi ving g don ne so he ca can now entr trru usst his hi futu ture re to o th the e Fa F ther th her er’s r ’s s care. Th word The ds, whiich in Lu Lukke ke 23:46 are prefixed ed by ‘Father’ r’,, ar are e fo f und d in Psalm lm 31:5: ‘IInto o yo your ur han ands ds I com ommi m t my spir sp irit it.’ This is not a cry of re esi sign g at gn atio i n to an n una navo void idable fate but a decl clar arat atiion n of conf co nfid iden id ence en ce in God’s ability to deliver and prottec ectt. t. The psalmist’s confidencce is furth her emphasised in the re epe p ated expressions of faith in n Go God: d::
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‘I trust in the Lord’ (v6) and ‘I trust in you, Lord’ (v14). This is all the more remarkable because it seems that the utter distress of the writer is not a passing bad experience but a prolonged period in which, like Job, he has suffered the effects of a wasting deterioration of bodily fitness and health. As with our Lord, he has also suffered, as a consequence, the contempt of hi hiss neighbours and erstwhile friends. Yet e faith conquers all! This assurance of Psa alm 31:5 has provided comfort for peopl p e in times of distress throughout the cent ntur u ies and wass quoted wa ted at the point of death th by the 2nd-centur uryy ma martyr, Polycarp, and d the 16 6th-cen ce tury reforrme m r, Martin Luther. Th They h y kne n w, ass Je Jesu suss did, in whom they might put th hei eirr tr trus ustt an and d thus could be safe,, redee emed e and d del e ivered from all e se el e tha hatt would d otherw wise isse depress. God’ Go d s fa ait ith hf ess hfulne s , experi rien e cce en ed and le ear arnt n in life e, gi give v s co onf nfiiden idence ce in ever eryt yth hing ng ng, g in incl c ud cl u ing de deatth. With h tha hatt conffid ide ence, Je ence Jesu suss re return rns whence he came me – to be be at the e righ ghtt hand of God the Fa ha Fath ther er. The e myyster stteryy and gloryy of the e Easste ter eventss – of th t e death and resu s rrection n of Je esu sus – ar are e that we can ca n al a so o sha are r tha hat same certainty t .
Into your hands I commit my spirit
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MAJO MA J R WA WATE TERS RS LIVES IN RETI TIRE R MENT NT IN BIDD DU UL LPH MOO OOR OOR
MEDITATION Aspects of love
LOVE’S PRICE Major Jim Bryden begins a three-part series on the love of God by looking at Jesus the ‘good shepherd’
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HEARD the voices of my wife and daughter expressing deep concern over the fact that we live in a ‘broken world’. I thought: don’t we all know it! Even the best of human efforts to make things better are flawed from the start. Many have strayed like sheep from God’s fold. Some are living in a selfimposed disabled state, crying out for healing. Others are enmeshed in an identity crisis resulting from only ‘my’ take on life. God doesn’t figure in their equations. They have no desire to be in God’s family. It’s hardly surprising the world is in such a state! In John 10:11–18 Jesus refers to himself as the ‘good shepherd’. We should try not to get caught up in the image of a kindly man holding cuddly lambs! The shepherd’s work was tough, exhausting and dangerous. The sheep mattered above everything else. When they got lost or were in danger, no sacrifice was too great in the search to find and save them, death included.
Personalising the parable, Jesus strikes at the heart of it when he says, ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep’ (v11). Jesus’ laying down of his life for the flock needs qualifying. More than simply dying for the safety and protection of those who need it, his death on the cross is in a realm way beyond anything we could ever get our minds around. Understanding the mystery of God’s suffering and sacrifice is like standing barefoot in the shallows at the edge of the shore, trying to comprehend the vast, hidden depths of the sea. The love of God is limitless. Because God loves in the way he does, he sacrifices himself, in the person of his only Son, on the cross, so that all may share in his saving grace. The sin, sorrow and sewage of humankind were nailed on the Son. While in time and space Jesus suffered and died on the cross of Calvary, and cried out, ‘My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?’ (Mark 15:34 The Message), his Father suffered the death of his Son eternally in a way our faith and understanding, at best, can only touch the edges of. The shepherd’s relationship to the flock is undergirded by a trust and protection clause. He’s sensitive to their cries for help and quick to attack any who pose a threat to their safety and
survival. A strong bond exists between shepherd and sheep. They know his voice. They follow him. In stark contrast, the bad shepherd or the ‘hired hand’ couldn’t care less for the sheep: ‘When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away’ (v12). At the first sign of danger he takes to his heels, leaving the flock to be devoured by wolves. In these days – when many make fame, fortune and finance the driving forces of their lives – families and communities end up divided and broken. For God’s people the call is to be different: to protect the vulnerable, reach out to the abused, fight for justice and, above all, share the good news of hope in Christ as the good shepherd. This requires us to recognise his voice and follow where he leads. The thrust of Jesus’ teaching is testimony to his relationship to the Father: ‘I and the Father are one’ (John 10:30). It also shows what Jesus does for his people, both those who already are his and those who will be. Jesus’ goal for his people is revealed in his prayer: ‘That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you’ (John 17:21). For this to happen, the cost is beyond measure. The Son sacrificed his life. It is an act, more than any other, that shows us the amazing love of God. MAJOR BRYDEN LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BELLSHILL
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Understanding the mystery of God’s suffering and sacrifice is like standing barefoot in the shallows at the edge of the shore, trying to comprehend the vast, hidden depths of the sea
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Salvationist 20 April 2019
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FEATURE An eastern Easter
EASTER WITH A DIFFERENCE BUT WITH THE SAME MESSAGE
Major Annette Rieder-Pell explains how Easter is celebrated in the countries of the Eastern Europe Territory
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OLLING green hills, fields bursting with radiant sunflowers, families travelling on horse-pulled carts, old ladies bent to the waist working their gardens, hillsides filled with heavy vines, villages flaunting brightly coloured wells and roads that have seen better days – all conjure a picture of life in Moldova, a small, ex-Soviet country situated in eastern Europe. With Ukraine flanking its right and Romania bordering its left, this tiny strip of land-locked country, boasting little more than three million people, is a largely unknown presence on the world map. It has an ageing population, is a country far down the list of those with wealth and has little to offer its young people, who are often forced to seek work abroad to feed their families. Yet this is a society where family is hugely
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important and valued, and where traditions are held high. The mix of cultures stemming from the Soviet era and the potpourri of languages – despite Romanian being the official language of the country – add flavour to the experience of the land for those living and working here. After a period of two years as divisional leaders in Ukraine, my husband and I serve at the Eastern Europe Territorial Headquarters, situated in this unique country of Moldova that we now call home. As an officer of British descent and a child of officers, my childhood and then officer service have been spent adapting to new surroundings, new friendships, new cultures and new ways of doing things. Living in Moldova is no exception to this – especially when it comes to traditional celebrations such as Christmas and Easter. Although homesickness can kick in, the strangeness in the way things are done causes me to reflect on the reason for the season. I now recognise that each tradition, each way of celebrating, has its own value and can be beautiful in its own way. Moldovan society has been influenced by the Orthodox Church for many hundreds of years. Numerous brightly painted, onion-domed churches and monasteries are dotted throughout the country, often providing a stark contrast to the houses occupied by villagers. Eastertime is generally celebrated according to Orthodox tradition, including the date, with each part of the celebration a meaningful reflection of what, to the Western mind, can sometimes seem a mystical faith. Val, a young woman from Moldova, chats with me about life in a Moldovan
village when preparing for Easter: ‘During Lent, especially in the last week before Easter, the women clean the outside of the houses, while the men are responsible for cleaning the inside. Usually on the Thursday before Easter special Easter bread, pasca, is prepared by the women; this is made with cottage cheese and sweet bread called cozonac. On the Friday before Easter the women dye eggs, mostly a red colour, which represents Christ’s blood that dripped onto the basket laid at his feet near the cross. ‘On the Saturday before Easter Day, food is prepared for the great celebration, which mostly consists of meat, such as meatballs, baked lamb and meat jelly, and is adorned with various salads. Families also prepare a basket which they will take to church to be consecrated by the priest. In times gone by the basket would have contained the Easter bread, some coloured eggs, salt, a bottle of wine and
Pasca
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Often national dress is worn to mark the occasion, and there is definitely no shortage of the sweets and breads that tradition offers
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a candle. Nowadays baskets also include meat, cheese, sweets and other food. ‘Around midnight the service starts and lasts until about 4 or 5 o’clock on Easter morning. The priest finishes the service with the words, “Christ is risen!” and people respond with, “Truly he is risen!” Tradition says that on their way home from church families should light candles symbolising Christ’s light being brought into their houses. ‘Once at home, before sitting at the table, the family members wash their hands and faces with fresh water into which a red egg, a white egg and a silver coin have been placed. These
symbolise cleanliness, good health, rosy cheeks and wealth all year round. At the table people first greet each other with “Christ is risen!” and “Truly he is risen!” They then eat the consecrated food, blessed by the priest, before starting the delicious meal, consisting of baked lamb – a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for our world – pasca and the red eggs.’ Throughout the countries of the Eastern Europe Territory – Moldova, Ukraine, Romania and Georgia – similar traditions are upheld. The painting and decorating of eggs is worthy of exhibition in Kiev, Ukraine, where every year artists put beautifully decorated giant eggs on display in front of St Sophia Cathedral, smaller versions of which can be purchased in street markets. The Salvation Army, existing as a
body of believers in this part of the world for 25 years, skilfully combines the Easter traditions of the countries with its own, albeit reflecting its distinct doctrinal understanding. Many corps will offer a reflection of the happenings on Good Friday, although traditionally this is neither a public holiday nor a point of focus in society. The Easter Sunday meeting is a celebration of new life, born out of the resurrection of Christ, and is a family gathering where young and old are welcome to partake in the festivities. Often national dress is worn to mark the occasion, and there is definitely no shortage of the sweets and breads that tradition offers. As an expat in this country I have come to appreciate that, when celebrating the seasons of the Church calendar, traditions may differ but the message can be the same. The Easter message remains: Christ is risen! Truly he is risen! MAJOR RIEDER-PELL IS SECRETARY FOR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, EASTERN EUROPE Salvationist 20 April 2019
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TESTIMONY
With God all things are possible Mike Black (Leicester South) talks to Colonel Bramwell Booth about the dramatic change God made to his life
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IKE Black is Leicester South’s unofficial ‘meet and greet’ sergeant. He welcomes people with a warm smile and a firm clasp of the hand, making sure everyone feels at home, whatever the event. Mike’s early years were marked by a year-long course at the land-based HMS Ganges, a three-masted sailing ship, where he became what he calls a Trog (Trainee Rating of Ganges). It involved extremely tough discipline from early morning till ‘lights out’ at night. Everything had to be done ‘at the double’. Completing the course, Mike joined the Royal Navy where he served for 11 years. Later he became a prison officer for 33 years. No doubt he exercised a more ‘robust’ relationship with those for whom he had responsibility in the prison than he does today with members of the congregation! At the age of 22 Mike met Frances, who became his wife and mother of their two boys. Married life was wonderful but drinking became progressively more important, until he recognised he had become an alcoholic. Stealing, lying, begging and borrowing became, he says, his daily routine to pay for the next drink. But life was about to change. Frances was invited by a work colleague to attend the ladies fellowship at Leicester South, which led to attendance at Sunday morning meetings. Mike occasionally accompanied her, but only begrudgingly and usually with a hangover. The singing, the music of the band and the warm fellowship proved attractive, so he began to attend more regularly. Mike had always been keen on music and, over the years, had devoted time and money to his collection of Beatles memorabilia. ‘I am an ardent Beatles fan,’ he says, ‘and have all their recordings. I collect 14
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everything and anything – books, videos, CDs – and I have a full set of mint singles that have never been played. ‘When I first went to the Army, I was still drinking. I prayed every day to get rid of this demon on my back but the prayers seemed not to work. I had a fridge magnet, which I looked at every day, with
the words “With God all things are possible”. This gave me some encouragement but I was a long way from being free. ‘It was around that time that I suffered a severe bout of depression and I was given some tablets to help me. As I read the guidance leaflet two words leapt out: “No alcohol”. It was truly a message from God.’ Attending meetings regularly, sharing fellowship in the corps, praying and believing led Mike to accept Christ in his life and the longed-for permanent deliverance from his demon. He was first welcomed as an adherent member and later enrolled as a soldier. He then became a songster, much to his delight, and now sings with gusto and enthusiasm. Mike says: ‘I took an increasing interest in the activities of the corps in gratitude to God for his intervention in my life. This is what gives me the greatest satisfaction.
‘Frances and I have a beautiful home, which is our joy. Whenever I return home, I thank the Lord and think of all those who are homeless, who live in temporary accommodation or high-rise flats in city centres. Frances and I realise how fortunate and blessed we are. ‘In the hallway of our home I have displayed the words of my favourite song, “King Of Kings, Majesty”. The refrain says: “Your majesty, I can but bow;/ I lay my all before you now./ In royal robes I don’t deserve,/ I live to serve your majesty” (SASB 376). When I first came to Christ, I was a struggling alcoholic. Why should Jesus grant me royal robes? “Robes” is an anagram of “sober” and I have now been clean for more than 12 years!’ Since retirement, Mike helps his wife in her cleaning work as often as possible, and he is busy with their two sons and eight grandchildren, not forgetting the Army. Every Thursday Mike and Frances join the cell group that meets in their home. This proves helpful in developing relationships and the spiritual growth of the members as they study and reflect on the biblical message from the preceding Sunday’s meetings. Recently Mike suffered a serious medical setback that required urgent hospitalisation and surgical intervention. Members of the group arranged for at least one person to visit him every day, witnessing to the deep affection and respect in which he is held.
VIEW POINT
Ron Thomlinson wonders how we can convey the fact that death has been overcome
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N unexpected telephone call from the offices of her nearby cemetery detonates a bomb under Annie’s world. Annie* became a young widow when her husband died 14 years earlier, leaving her to raise two young teenagers on her own. After that telephone call Annie is beside herself. Life is difficult enough for her: under the banner of efficiency, her hours as a cleaner have been slashed and all her employment guarantees removed. The reorganisation gives her a zero-hours contract, no holiday pay, nothing if she becomes ill and no pension. When there is work, she earns the minimum wage. The devastating telephone call must be put into its cultural context. In the Netherlands land is scarce and therefore costly. The same, of course, applies to land used for burials, and so graves are rented. It is possible to buy a long lease or a plot in which to be buried, but that requires significant financial means. For people like Annie, renting a grave for ten years was her only option. Those ten years came and went, as did the extra four years she received for free. In fact she had not given it another thought till someone rang from the council to say that, in the following week, her husband’s grave would be gerooid. In other words, he would be exhumed: it was being rented out to someone else. Annie had two choices: she could bury
him all over again in another part of the same cemetery or the council could gather his remains and place them, unmarked, in a collective grave alongside other nameless people in another section of the graveyard. Despite it costing more than €1,300 to bury him again, this is what Annie decided to do. A few days later the council official met Annie, her children and three friends at the entrance to the cemetery. The small group, not knowing what was expected of them or even how the process of reburying worked, walked in silence towards a brand new coffin resting above a freshly dug grave. At the graveside not one word was spoken – there were only tears. There were no instructions. There was no ritual. Though Annie and her husband had been faithful adherent members, there was no Salvation Army officer present: the corps had been closed. Because of distance, Annie had never settled into another corps nor joined a nearby church. When the silence became too much to bear, she nodded to the man from the council, and the mourners, lost and broken, slowly walked away. It had been a desolate experience of absence and emptiness. Thinking about Annie, some lines from a song made famous by Aretha Franklin came to mind. The quote is taken wildly out of context but describes perfectly Annie’s emotions: ‘When my soul was in the lost and found, you came along to claim it.’ Two days later a friend sent me an article he had been asked to write about what Easter meant to him. ‘As a parish minister Easter has always confronted me, in Churchill’s words, as the time of “blood, toil, tears and sweat”.’ Why so tough? Anyone
who thinks that Easter is about bunnies and spring blossom has not yet grasped the magnitude of what the Easter preacher is trying to convey. Resurrection is absolutely unique. There are no analogies to latch on to. Luther’s butterflies don’t cut it for me. How do you convey to ordinary mortals that death – that dreadful reality – has been transformed, overcome, not just courageously but actually? How do you convey that we encounter in the risen Christ the new and ultimate form of humanity? I wish I knew an easy way to do that, but I don’t. I believe it and affirm it. But preaching it takes me right to the edge. Miss the mark here and you miss everything. Should it be so tough? Yes, absolutely! On the first Easter morning, Mary of Magdala is inconsolable with grief when she discovers Jesus’ body has gone missing. She pleads with the gardener: ‘Please tell me where you have put him and I will take him away’ (John 20:15 J. B. Phillips). All she wants is to bury him again. Annie knows that reburial is not part of the Easter story. Faith in Christ’s resurrection gives her strength. However, the rub is that in ten years’ time she will have to do it all over again: another decision, probably another reburial in another plot of ground and definitely another invoice from the council. One of Paul’s questions haunts me: ‘O death, [where] is your power to hurt us?’ (1 Corinthians 15:55 JBP). My answer is: just ask Annie. * For reasons of privacy Annie’s name has been changed
RON LIVES IN THE NETHERLANDS Salvationist 20 April 2019
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BIBLE STUDY
Burial and resurrection STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 23:50 to 24:12 HIS is a story of the unexpected. Jesus had been condemned to death and crucified. The disciples had watched and waited. Everything had changed and their hopes and expectations had been shattered. The next day was the Sabbath and then they would have to begin thinking about the future. Eventually, they would find meaning in the events of the past few days, and subsequently some even more unexpected happenings would take place, but this was the in-between time.
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QUESTION O Put yourself in the place of the men and women who had followed Jesus. What would you have done when the Crucifixion was over?
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley
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Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare considers the transformative power of the Resurrection
Waiting Meanwhile, Joseph of Arimathea requested permission to bury the body of Jesus and provided a tomb. Crucifixion was viewed as a dishonourable death, but at least Joseph could ensure that Jesus received an honourable burial. Although Luke does not say, like Matthew and John, that Joseph was a secret disciple, he describes him as a good and upright man who was waiting for the Kingdom of God. Simeon (see Luke 2:25–32), at the beginning of Jesus’ life, and Joseph, at the end, represent those faithful Jews who were waiting for God to establish his Kingdom. Their lives were marked by righteousness and openness to the possibility that God was at work in Jesus. QUESTION O What can we learn from the lives of Joseph and Simeon that can help us in our journey of faith?
Finding After Jesus had been buried, the women waited in obedience to the Sabbath laws until they could honour Jesus for the last time by performing the traditional burial rites. Having seen Joseph place the body in the tomb, they went as soon as they could. When they arrived at the tomb, the unfolding of unexpected events continued. This time it was not a premature end to Jesus’ ministry – or the gift of a tomb for burial – but something much more remarkable and much more difficult to understand. They expected to find the tomb with a stone across the entrance and the body of Jesus inside. What they found was an empty tomb. Two men in gleaming clothes appeared and asked a strange question: ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead?’ (24:5) If the women could believe what
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The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:55 and 56)
Lead me, like Mary, through the gloom,/ Come with a gift to thee;/ Show to me now the empty tomb,/ Lead me to Calvary. (SASB 179)
On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. (Luke 24:1–3)
Prayer Lord Jesus, when we think about the events that surrounded your death and resurrection our minds can scarcely take them in – that you would suffer all this for us! Sometimes, like the disciples, we find it hard to believe. Lord, we believe! Help our unbelief.
the men were saying, Jesus was alive and they were not going to need the spices they had brought to anoint his body. Remembering The men encouraged the women to remember what Jesus had told them. What we remember and how we make sense of events or conversations can change as we gain new understanding or as circumstances change. As the women heard again the words of Jesus at a new time and in a new place, they remembered with new insight and began to make sense of what they were experiencing that day. This was the beginning of a journey towards understanding, learning that God does not always work in the way that we expect, and discovering that, at a time of least human hope, he can bring renewal. So they went to tell the disciples.
QUESTION Remember a time when God surprised you with new meaning and new life. What did you discover?
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Wondering As they stared into the empty tomb, the women had been perplexed, but now they had a story to tell and they couldn’t help but share it. It is hardly surprising that they were not believed. But perhaps Peter discerned a glimmer of hope, so he went to the tomb. It was empty except for the linen cloths that had covered the body of Jesus. He left the tomb ‘wondering’ – some translators say ‘amazed’. More unexpected events would happen and it would take time for Peter to understand their significance and find his place in the story that was unfolding. But, in going to see the empty tomb, he had started on a new journey of discovery and discipleship. The women and Peter did not expect to be part of the pivotal story of
history. They did not yet understand that the tomb was empty for ever, or that subsequent generations would know Jesus as living and continually active in the world. In that moment, it was enough for them to make their own response and to be open to the new thing that God was doing. The unexpected had happened. Jesus is alive and through him God offers reconciliation and new life. QUESTIONS Have you discovered your unique place in God’s story? O What might you need to do to allow God to transform you into what he calls you to be? O
LIEUT-COLONEL SHAKESPEARE IS ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL (DEVELOPMENT), WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE
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THURSDAY
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Have you ever heard of Jesus/ Who was buried in the tomb,/ And was mourned by his disciples/ In despair, defeat and gloom?/ By the power of God eternal/ He arose on Easter Day,/ And he lives for our salvation:/ He is just the same today! (SASB 138)
Suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, ‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!’ (Luke 24:4–6)
Up from the grave he arose,/ With a mighty triumph o’er his foes./ He arose a victor from the dark domain,/ And he lives for ever with his saints to reign./ He arose! He arose!/ Hallelujah! Christ arose! (SASB 228)
When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles. But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense. (Luke 24:9–11)
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NEW COMMITMENTS
INVERNESS: Eileen Russell was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant David Donaldson. Eileen, who has been an example to others as she has developed a deep and infectious faith through challenging circumstances, is pictured with CSM Maureen Milligan. – D. D.
SHEFFIELD CITADEL: African music and prayer followed the enrolment as senior soldiers of Charles Dosvora, Mutza Mvere and Chiedza Chitsungo. When they arrived in England from Zimbabwe in 2004, Chiedza invited Mutza to the Army. All three became junior soldiers and singing company and YP band members. They were enrolled by associate officer Captain Lucy Mann. – G. B.
Some photos removed
BATH TEMPLE: Corps officer Major Esther Knott welcomed Eric Denneit-Lewis as an adherent member. Eric began attending the Army to support his wife and son, and soon became aware of the Holy Spirit leading him into a deeper relationship with Jesus. – R. K.
KIRKWALL: Kayleigh Seatter was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officers Lieutenants John and Rebecca Mitchinson. Kayleigh, who testified that attending the Army has helped her know that God is real, is pictured with her uncle, Andrew Stanger, grandmother, Isa Stanger, and the corps officers. – S. S. LEEK: Alison Davenport and Helen Aston were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Lieutenant Leanne Wallis. Alison and Helen returned to the corps after 25 years away and were happy to be serving God again. Lieutenant Leanne also welcomed Lorraine Simcox as an adherent member. Lorraine said that she now had a spiritual home and the words of the song ‘Grace Alone’ had helped her to make her decision. Pictured are Alison, Lorraine, Lieutenant Leanne, Recruiting Sergeant Steve Williams and Helen. – B. L.
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CWM: Majors Gethin and Pearl Thomas (Pentre) welcomed Diane Russell as an adherent member on the same day that a new corps flag was presented. Pictured with the flag is CSM Paul Crump. – P. C.
MAIDENHEAD: Having attended the corps for some time, Lila Northcott chose to commit to membership. She was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major John Mclean and Recruiting Sergeant Eileen Davies. – J. M.
WREXHAM: Benjamin Sneade was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Ian Davis. Having attended the Army all his life, Benjamin chose to deepen his commitment to God and spent some months working for the Army at Liverpool Valley Corps; he looks forward to discovering what God has in store for him. – S. T.
SAFFRON WALDEN: Corps officer Captain Katrina Thurlow enrolled Patricia Attwood as a soldier. Patricia, who returned to the corps after a long absence, spoke powerfully of coming home, having a new sense of purpose and feeling challenged through soldiership classes. She is excited for the future and all that God has in store. – K. T.
ROMFORD: Corps officers Captains Julia and Mark Cozens welcomed Joseph Ozougwu, Paul Marshall and Joan Norton as adherent members. They shared their favourite songs, and Paul spoke of the challenges of having faith in the workplace. – R. G. MERTHYR TYDFIL: Supported by many friends and family members, Sharon Lewis was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Nigel Collins. Sharon had been an adherent member and felt she had more to give in her journey of faith; she was commissioned as a bandswoman and welcomed by Bandmaster Howard Roberts. At Sharon’s request the songsters, supported by the fellowship band, sang ‘He Sought Me’. Sharon is pictured with Recruiting Sergeant Lynne Brill and Bandsman Robert Davies. – L. B.
PETERBOROUGH CITADEL: Corps officer Major Gary Chaundy enrolled Maddie Tuson, Eleanor Kirk and Jayden Chavura as junior soldiers. They are pictured with YPSM Rachel Ward. – D. C.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 July O Major Inna Khurina, officer of the Russia Command currently serving as corps officer at Rostov-on-Don Corps, is appointed as Command President of Women’s Ministries of the Russia Command Effective 1 August O Commissioners Keith and Yvonne Conrad, officers of the Southern Africa Territory currently serving respectively as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries in that territory, are appointed as International Secretary and Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Africa Zone and based at International Headquarters. They succeed Commissioners Benjamin and Grace Mnyampi, who will be retiring from active service. O Lieut-Colonels Daniel and Tracey Kasuso, officers of the Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory currently serving respectively as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries in that territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Southern Africa Territory. They will take up their new appointments with the rank of colonel.
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Lieut-Colonels Trustmore and Wendy Muzorori, officers of the Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory currently serving respectively as Territorial Programme Secretary and Territorial HR and Development Secretary in that territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory
APPOINTED Effective 2 May O Major Carelle Begley, Retired Officers Secretary, THQ DEDICATED TO GOD O Beth Alma Ann, daughter of Andrew and Lisa Phillips, at Wickford by Major Carol Whybrow O Darcy Grace, daughter of James and Kelly McClelland, at Bromley Temple by Major Alison Hudson RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Commissioner Rosemarie Fullarton (85 on 2 May) BEREAVED O Margaret Pickard, Southampton Shirley, of her brother Robert O Maureen Russell, Cannock, of her husband Ernest, Major Howard Russell, THQ, Andrea Russell and Karen Russell of their father PROMOTED TO GLORY O Brian Keeble, Ipswich Citadel
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 – Fri 3 May O Sunbury Court (ICO session 241), Th 9 and Sun 12 O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow, Fri 17 – Sun 19 O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (General’s Consultive Council), Mon 20 – Wed 22 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O USA (National Advisory Board meeting), Tu 23 – Sun 28 Apr O ICO (farewell to session), Fri 17 May THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O William Booth College (spiritual day with cadets), Th 25 Apr O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 – Fri 3 May O Pentre (140th anniversary), Sat Sun 12 O Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Heathrow (SATCoL conference), Tu 14 O Swanwick (chaplains conference), Fri 17* O Leek (YP anniversary), Sat Sun 19 * *Territorial Commander only
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Salvationist 20 April 2019
TRIBUTES LIEUT-COLONEL CYRIL BOYDEN FROM the age of eight, when he joined the young people’s band, Cyril’s involvement in a south London corps began shaping his faith in God. Later, serving in the British Army during the Second World War in the UK and India (during the Far East campaign) so challenged his maturing faith experience that he became an officer instead of pursuing a career in accountancy, and was commissioned in 1947. He met and married his beloved Helen, whose love immeasurably transformed his life and ministry. A dedicated Bible scholar and creative writer, and a member of the International Doctrine Council through the 1960s, Cyril tutored advanced level biblical studies and wrote many Bible study handbooks for IHQ. From 1964 to 1971 he was head of the Education Department at the International Training College in London. In 1971 Cyril and Helen were appointed to Canada where he became education secretary at THQ. They later served for four years as divisional leaders in Western Newfoundland and Ontario Central. Unassuming by nature, Cyril expressed leadership in quiet, thoughtful and perceptive ways, touching the lives of many with understanding, grace and wisdom. In Helen and Cyril’s final years of active service they used their creative skills to develop significant new Salvation Army pastoral care and marriage enrichment leadership programmes. Retiring at Calgary in 1985, Cyril chaired the Grace Hospital spiritual values committee, and continued as a consultant for THQ pastoral care programmes. Later, Helen and Cyril moved to Kelowna, in Canada, to be near their daughter, Helen, and son-in-law, Grant. Cyril’s faith journey was shaped, tested and enriched in the crucible of the years, and he moved through life’s ultimate doorway in the quiet confidence that God, whom he had come to know in Jesus, was ‘utterly dependable’ (1 Corinthians 1:9 J.B. Phillips). – C. B.
IVOR ANNETTS, WINTON IVOR was born in Woking to Salvationist parents and grew up there, joining various sections. He was a keen cornet player and enjoyed this interest in music. He became deputy bandmaster and songster leader. Ivor married Pauleen and they had three sons, Mark, Neil and Duncan, and lovely grandchildren. Much of Ivor’s working life was concerned with the welfare of staff and their families; this was also his way with neighbours and friends. Ivor moved to Winton and enjoyed playing with the Bournemouth Area Fellowship Band, which played at both services when he was promoted to Glory. – P. A. JOHN DANIELS, STAPLEFORD AS a child John attended Long Eaton with his mother and was commissioned as a YP band member, and then a senior bandsman. He moved around England with his work and was a bandsman at Barrow-in-Furness, Leicester Castle, Loughborough and, finally, Stapleford in 1979. He was an accomplished euphonium player and also a valued member of the small group he attended with his wife, Margaret. John was a faithful servant right up to the time when he was admitted to hospital. He leaves a wife, two daughters and grandchildren. – F. T. ANDREW STEWART, TUNSTALL ANDREW was born to Salvationist parents and spent his early years at Govan. In 1952 the family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where Andrew attended university before moving to Santa Monica, California, in 1965 where he met and married Sylvia Boyd in 1971. Their only child, Eric, was born in 1975. Concerns regarding Sylvia’s health led
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Find Salvationist on Twitter twitter.com/@SalvationistUK them to Manchester in 1977, then to London, where Andrew worked at the training college and Spa Road Hostel. Sylvia was promoted to Glory in 1993 and Andrew married Gail Wheaton in 2007, moving to Tunstall Corps to be nearer to their family in 2017. Andrew worked for most of his life in the insurance and carpet industries. He was a well-loved, principled Christian and a keen and competent musician. – M. H. KENNETH BURTON, BARNSLEY KEN was born in 1937 to Salvationist parents and went to Cudworth Corps. He started working aged 15 on the railways, and in 1953, at the divisional Easter
celebrations, met Jean Grimshaw, a member of Barnsley Singing Company. Ken started his National Service in 1956, becoming a gunner-driver on active service in the RAF regiment in Cyprus. In 1958 he married Jean and they later had three children and four grandchildren. The family attended Stocksbridge, and then Barnsley Corps. Over the years Ken served as bandmaster, songster leader, band secretary, YPSM and CSM. He joined the police service in 1966 in Penistone, becoming a community constable in 1983. His rural area covered 11 schools and 26 villages; he served there until he retired in 1992. Ken was an active member of the Blue Shield Fellowship Band and Yorkshire Fellowship Band. He is missed by all who knew him. – J. K.
Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Salvationist 20 April 2019
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Salvationist 20 April 2019
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