News feature 8 and

Centenary Square

The Allman and Selby families enjoy the Games

The Games gave us the opportunity to share our faith in love and deed

briefings to deal with major events and large crowds. Most of the overseas visitors had not been to Birmingham before so I was able to tell them about the city and how it had changed and modernised in recent years.

‘I also met the chief constable of West Midlands police and was presented with a commemorative medal marking the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.’

Rob then transferred to the logistics area, again working as a driver to take supplies to rest and refreshment areas for police officers who were on duty at different venues.

Ruth Capewell was placed at the Athletes Village at Warwick University for events that were held outside the city in Coventry and Warwickshire.

‘It was a privilege and an honour to have been a volunteer, especially as I was born in Birmingham and consider myself as a Brummie!’ she said.

‘My role was in transport, initially welcoming the athletes as they arrived. Once they settled in, my colleagues and I ensured that the athletes got on the right bus to their training or competition venue and then we welcomed them back – with or without a medal – with great applause and cheering.

‘The athletes, coaches, physios and medical teams were all so friendly and were great to converse with. My highlight was sharing a pizza with some of the Samoan national team on the bus. You don’t want to mess with those guys!’

Ruth reflected on the togetherness of the Games: ‘The Games are considered to have three key values: humanity, quality and destiny. These help the Games to symbolise the coming together of the diverse group of nations in a central setting.

‘For those two and a half weeks we were all united. I pray that one day our world can be like that and we can all be at peace with one another.’

Birmingham Citadel corps officers Major Adrian Allman and Captain Clare Allman commented: ‘It’s been great to see areas of Birmingham buzzing with vibrant colour and energy – people were being inspired to get active and join with others in celebrating this great event!

‘Yet Birmingham 2022 is more than just the Games and we hope its legacy will leave a mark on the region for years to come. We pray that the coming together of people from so many diverse backgrounds will be a continued incentive for change and improved wellbeing across our society and that The Salvation Army will join with others in maximising these new opportunities to help continue to build better communities.’ – AR

Rob O’Connor (second from right) with the West Midlands police chief constable

God’s way with me

Three delegates from the 250th session at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development share their testimonies

CAPTAIN SOUMYA RENI Corps Officer, Oottukuzhy India South Western Territory

GOD has a wonderful plan for everyone. The Lord’s plan for me was to become a Salvation Army officer. It was fulfilled.

I was born and raised in a poor family under Hindu culture. I had gone to many temples and worshipped other gods because of my father, who had no faith at all in God. My mother, however, had a deep faith in Jesus Christ and was a Salvation Army soldier. One day, I decided to go to the Army and, as I watched the Spirit-filled worship, I decided to become a member. After a few days, my family joined in. We felt immense joy, happiness and peace in worshipping the living God. My home corps is Aruvikkara Corps in the Nedumangadu Division.

I was affected by severe earache for 12 years. We had done everything for my disease. When my family and I fully turned to God and we started worshipping him with a full heart, my disease went from me completely. My Jesus healed me.

God blessed my education. The Salvation Army uniform influenced me. I took the decision to become an officer and dedicated myself into the hands of God. Before completing my graduation, I married Captain PB Reni and we are blessed with two girls, Evangeline and Angel. We are leading our lives with respect and love.

We entered the training college in 2008 in the Prayer Warriors session. We have now completed 12 years in God’s ministry.

God has given me a blessed life. These 12 years have not always been an easy journey for us, but God has given us strength and courage through prayer to overcome every situation.

Every opportunity is a gift from God and I have received so many opportunities through The Salvation Army.

I am part of the women’s ministry, with activities being done at corps level. I have attended many seminars. I have written 35 articles for the Malayalam War Cry. God has also given me the great opportunity to attend the 250th ICO session. Everything is in God’s plan. He is good and faithful to me. So I am his faithful servant.

I pray to God like this every day: ‘I need your presence to strengthen me and guide me.’ Please understand that God is always faithful in his love for you.

CAPTAIN STEVEN LAVAKI Senior Training Officer

Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory

COMING from a broken home, life was tough and miserable. Not knowing where to go or how to survive, I ended up on the streets looking for food and satisfaction. I went deeper into the world, becoming involved in drugs, prostitution and crime. I was arrested by the police and was in and out of prison.

Totally lost and involved in so much evil, they called me ‘mystic man’. I thought that was enough for me. Every day I would look for money by creating problems, doing bad things just to survive. My immediate family and good friends distanced themselves.

One day I felt unusual in my body. I could not cope so I slept in my bed