6 minute read
Interview 14 and
the walk. There’s a map, how to spot signs of modern slavery and information about the Army’s work.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE QUIET SPACE YOU ALSO PROVIDE?
DG It’s our main Fringe innovation. It started in 2019 and we’re doing it again this year for the second time. We’d worked with Pleasance Courtyard, the venue across the road, a couple of years before when we hosted a play. They remembered we were friendly and asked if we could provide a quiet space for performers and staff. They realised that people come to the Fringe, bringing their life’s work with them, and can get really stressed. Last time, by the end of the festival, people had heard about it and were coming in to sit or sleep. There was a reviewer who sat for three hours just to get away, people who’d seen a performance and needed to process it – they were all grateful. Pleasance has given us a bit of funding to help with it, even though we said we didn’t need anything, and is promoting it.
DO YOU PROVIDE GUESTS WITH PASTORAL SUPPORT?
DG We’ve managed to put together a roster with some of the other officers in the division to provide chaplaincy support. The chaplain is there to host the room, keep it tidy, restock the tea and coffee… JG Some people need somebody to talk to, others just want to be left alone. It’s working out which of those things is needed. It’s fine either way.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU SEE FROM BEING AT THE FRINGE?
DG It’s to be a place of welcome, to be seen to be present for people to come in and have a rest, and see where conversations lead. That can lead to people learning about the Army, learning that we’re a church, finding out if there’s an Army link in their town and having conversations about faith and Jesus. The Fringe is an opportunity to really open the doors. JG It’s joining in and not separating yourself. It’s also a bit of a fundraiser for our community work – that primarily goes towards our debt advice service. DG We have to jump in with what’s happening in our communities, not close the doors and ignore it. We simply want to welcome people into our church and give them a taste of the Kingdom of God, in addition to the coffee and cake!
WHAT’S ON AT VENUE 405?
EDINBURGH TELEPHONE CHOIR IN CONCERT
20 August 7pm
Founded in 1947 at the Rose Street Telephone Exchange, the choir makes its Fringe debut, performing in its weekly rehearsal venue.
WHO I AM EXHIBITION
Until 26 August (select dates) 11am to 5pm
The Bugle, written by people who have used the Bethany Christian Trust’s homelessness services, presents contributors’ work alongside photos from Ciara Menzies.
SALVATION ARMY FREEDOM WALK
Until 26 August (select dates) 11am, 2pm
A free, family-friendly guided walk with stories linked to the Army’s work supporting survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery.
NHS FIFE: HEALTHY HARMONIES IN CONCERT
27 August 7.30pm
The NHS Fife staff choir sings for pleasure and to restore souls.
NEWTONGRANGE SILVER BAND IN CONCERT
28 August 7.30pm
The traditional mining village brass band from the outskirts of Edinburgh returns to the Fringe after a sell-out concert in 2019.
VINTAGE AFTERNOON TEAS
21–27 August 1pm to 5pm
Sandwiches, sweet treats and unlimited tea and coffee for £5.
QUIET SPACE Until 27 August 11am to 4.30pm
A space for Fringe performers and staff to escape the busyness of the festival, providing an opportunity to recharge, relax and refresh.
For more information, visit facebook.com/
TheSalvationArmyFringeEvents
Punishment and forgiveness
Major Gareth Heward reminds us that rebellion MajorGarethHewar against God is never without consequence
NUMBERS 14
PICTURE the scene: Having left behind years of slavery and maltreatment, passed through the Red Sea and crossed the Sinai Peninsula, the Israelites reach the borders of the Promised Land. Moses appoints 12 men to explore the towns and cities ahead (see Numbers 13). Joshua and Caleb return bearing fruit and declare the Promised Land to be fertile and flowing with milk and honey. The other 10 men, however, speak of overwhelming challenges, fortified cities and giant inhabitants.
Given the conflicting reports, the Israelites decide to believe the nervous analysis from the ten rather than the fruitful evidence of the two. They then declare rebellion against Moses, plotting to appoint a new leader and return to Egypt.
This is not new behaviour from the group. When they saw the Egyptian army at their backs (see Exodus 14), when food ran short (see Exodus 16) and when water was scarce (see Exodus 17), they longed for Egypt. The prospect of difficulties ahead outweighs their memories of everything they have previously suffered.
Joshua and Caleb are in despair and try to dissuade them: ‘If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us… Do not rebel against the Lord’ (vv8 and 9).
QUESTIONS
Which is a more attractive prospect – returning to the past or stepping into the future? Why is that?
Those who rebel against Moses are also rebelling against God, who has led this vast company by a pillar of cloud and fire (see Numbers 9). He has provided them with manna and quail (see Numbers 11) but this seems to be of little comfort. Their open contempt brings the anger of God.
Moses begins a dialogue with God, who is angry at the people’s rebellion and threatens to destroy them. Moses pleads and intercedes on their behalf, wanting to protect God’s reputation among the nations. He knows that God has every right to punish but asks for forgiveness.
QUESTIONS
Read verse 18. Does this reflect your understanding of God? How are love and forgiveness compatible with punishment?
Today’s reader might gladly accept God’s love and forgiveness but balk at the thought of punishment. The teaching of Jesus offers forgiveness for sins. The doctrine of the atonement demonstrates that the cross is effectual in this.
Through the week with Salvationist
– a devotional thought for each day
by Major Jane Kimberley
SUNDAY
The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.
(Daniel 9:9)
MONDAY
Saviour, if my feet have faltered/ On the pathway of the cross,/ If my purposes have altered/ Or my gold be mixed with dross,/ O forbid me not thy service,/ Keep me yet in thy employ,/ Pass me through a sterner cleansing/ If I may but give thee joy!
(SASB 672)
TUESDAY
God sets the lonely in families, he leads out the prisoners with singing; but the rebellious live in a sun-scorched land. (Psalm 68:6)
