Salvationist 20 March 2021 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

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www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 20 March 2021

Changing lives The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory PLUS

WHAT HAS THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TAUGHT US? SEE PAGES 10 AND 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

RECORD NUMBERS GIVE THEIR TIME Nearly five million people volunteered for the first time in their lives last year, a wide-ranging report on community spirit in the UK has found. Of the estimated 12.4 million people who volunteered during the pandemic, 4.6 million people were volunteering for the first time. Of these, 770,000 were aged between 18 and 24 years old; 360,000 had a disability or long-term illness; and 740,000 lived in the poorest fifth of neighbourhoods in the UK – all groups of people who were previously less likely to volunteer, it says. The report, Our Chance to Reconnect, was published ... by the Talk/Together project, whose steering group is chaired by the Archbishop of Canterbury. It is based on conversations with 160,000 people in the UK at different periods from March 2020 to January 2021... ‘Covid-19 has changed the way we see and talk about our society,’ the report says... ‘People found that they were not as deeply divided as they had come to believe. A shared Covid-19 narrative emerged: one that placed more emphasis on the kindness, equal worth of people, community spirit, strong neighbourhood relationships, local unity and what we have in common.’ Archbishop Welby writes in his foreword to the report... ‘This period of forced separation has also prompted a new appreciation of social contact with others... Where there has been despair, there has also been hope – and that hope has come from the care we have shown each other, the possibility of ... more loving communities.’

CRIME BILL INCLUDES RELIGIOUS LEADERS UNDER ‘POSITION OF TRUST’

CHRISTIAN GROUPS UNITE TO TACKLE GAMBLING ADVERTISING IN SPORTS

The definition of a person in a ‘position of trust’ under English criminal law has been expanded to improve child protection by including religious leaders and sports coaches. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, introduced in Parliament ... would make it illegal for both religious leaders and sports coaches to engage in sexual activity with 16 and 17-yearolds. The age of consent for sexual activity in the UK is 16; this rises to 18, however, where one person in a position of trust is involved. The Bill amends Section 21 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, which sets out the law on sexual offences committed by people in these positions... This amendment – to include clergy under the definition of people in a position of trust – was recommended by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse in its interim report on abuse in the Anglican Church.

Several UK Christian groups have collaborated to press for a ban on gambling advertising in sport as part of the government’s current review of the 2005 Gambling Act. The Evangelical Alliance, Share Jesus International, the Church of England and others are behind a campaign called Stopbettingads.com. The campaign wants the government to address the heavy prevalence of betting companies ... as shirt sponsors, event partners and a variety of other commercial relationships in sports. It’s urging Christians to take part in the government’s review which closes at the end of March and explain the damage that gambling and gamblingrelated marketing has on communities... The campaign points out that nearly one in five people with a gambling problem have considered suicide and problem gamblers are eight times more likely to have attempted to take their own life than the general population.

Church Times

Premier

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY SAYS WOMEN HAVE SUFFERED ‘DISPROPORTIONATELY’ BECAUSE OF COVID-19 The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for women to be included in decisionmaking and leadership as Britain recovers from the pandemic. The call came on International Women’s Day ... held each year to celebrate the achievements of women but also highlight areas where further action is needed to eliminate remaining inequality. In a message ... Archbishop Justin Welby said women had borne the brunt of the pandemic’s economic fallout. He also noted the increase in domestic violence during the pandemic... ‘As we recover, women must be included in decision-making and barriers to equal leadership must be eliminated.’

Church Times

Christian Today

SALVATIONIST

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

Salvationist 20 March 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

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

ARMY SHOUTS IN our back-page feature, ‘The Salvation Army and me’, one of the questions we ask is: ‘If you could create a slogan for your life, what would it be?’ Some responses to this are humorous, others serious, but all reveal something about the kind of life the person aspires to lead. This week, Beatles fan Jessica Mason, who works at Strawberry Field, answers with a quote from a Paul McCartney song. The word ‘slogan’ originates from a 16th-century Gaelic word for a Scottish Highland war cry. It brought together the words sluagh (‘army’) and gairm (‘shout’). So it seems appropriate that The Salvation Army should have a few slogans or Army shouts. The motto ‘blood and fire’ reminds us that full salvation is based on the redeeming blood of Jesus and the sanctifying fire of the Holy Spirit. The Army also has slogans that tell others what the Movement is about. There is ‘heart to God, hand to man’, which has been around for a long time, and ‘belief in action’, which is on the home page of our territorial website. Salvationists in the USA will be familiar with ‘doing the most good’, which comes from a statement by Evangeline Booth: ‘There is no reward equal to that of doing the most good to the most people in the most need.’ A number of European territories take ‘soup, soap and salvation’ as their slogan – for example, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory, which is the focus of this week’s ‘In the zone’ feature. A number of years back the Army in the Netherlands found that social centres were losing their spiritual dimension and corps were no longer serving their communities. To put this right there is now an emphasis on holistic mission in both settings: soup, soap and salvation. This slogan is also used in Norway, one of the countries featured in the first article in a series highlighting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and how the Army is contributing to them. The focus this week is on poverty, and one Army response in Norway actually uses soap – a car wash that enables people to engage in meaningful work. One year on from the start of the first lockdown we highlight a report into how the coronavirus pandemic has affected our territory, how corps and centres have responded and what lessons have been learnt for the future. The many ways in which the Army has responded shows that, even if we don’t tend to use the slogan ‘soup, soap and salvation’ in this territory, the principle of holistic mission is very much alive. It’s not much use shouting about what we do if the reality doesn’t match our words. Empty slogans are useless and potentially counterproductive. And even if our deeds do match our words, that may not be enough. We need to consider our motives as well. The opening verses of 1 Corinthians 13 remind us that we can say and do all kinds of good things, but without love they are meaningless. If Jessica Mason can use a Beatles lyric as her slogan, then so could the Army. Perhaps alongside all the mottos about doing things, we could borrow a song title from John Lennon to remind us of the motivation for everything we say and do: ‘All you need is love.’

Quotes from the media

Message from the territorial commander

News

5 and 6

Prayer matters

Where there’s a need...

No poverty

Reflection Treasure in jars

by Nicola Walmsley

Interview Soldiers on the silver screen

Rob Kinnon-Brettle talks to Major Andrew Stone

Feature 10 and 11 Where do we go from here? In the zone 12 and 13 Soup, soap and salvation From the archive Czech adventure for Violet

In the face of suffering Where is God when it hurts?

by Major Jim Bryden

Bible study Suffering for Christ

16 and 17

by Captain Tracey Bale

Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist by Major Melvyn Knott

Viewpoint We’re Zoomed!

by Trevor Caffull

Reflection Is God bilingual?

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

Previews Messy Vintage

by Katie Norman and Jill Phipps

Dementia from the Inside by Dr Jennifer Bute and Louise Morse

Letters Announcements

21 22 and 23

Adverts

The Salvation Army and me

featuring Jessica Mason

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 20 March 2021

A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Under his wings

EVERAL recent events have caused me to think about a particular passage of Scripture. The words have been a great help to me, and I hope they will be to you as well. In Luke 13 some Pharisees come to Jesus and say that Herod is looking for him to kill him. He replies: ‘I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day – for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem! Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings’ (vv33 and 34). It’s a beautiful word of the love that reveals the protection of God, and it is presented powerfully and significantly with the feminine image of a mother hen. Last week in parts of the territory, mothers, fathers and other guardians said goodbye to their children in the mornings as many schools welcomed them back. After weeks of being at home, thousands of children have been able to meet up with their friends and resume their school education again. I want to give a massive cheer and many prayers for all the teachers, and nursery and early years staff members. I also want to give a massive cheer for parents 4

Salvationist 20 March 2021

who have been home-schooling during these past months – many of them having to do their own work while trying to understand the school work. I’m sure there is relief in many households, but continuing concern in others. There will be some anxiety about letting the brood out from underneath the wings of love and security. If any parents have withdrawal symptoms from sitting down and learning with the family, there is a great resource called KA! JAM – the Kids Alive! Jesus and Me Bible activity club. It has more than 400 members, but there’s capacity for many more youngsters over the age of seven to join. Details are on page 6 of each Kids Alive! issue. I want to say well done to the staff who create such an exciting publication every week, and I encourage you and your family, and certainly your corps family, to access this great resource. World Day of Prayer, organised by women around the world, took place earlier this month and a few days later it was International Women’s Day, which rightly posed the question: how will we forge a gender equal world? We were encouraged to celebrate women’s achievements, raise awareness of gender bias and take action for equality. And then in the UK it was Mothering Sunday or Mother’s Day. Historically it is a day when people would return to their mother churches, but now is a day when mums have breakfast in bed and are presented with bunches of flowers. I recognise that it is not an easy day for many people, but I keep coming back to that verse: ‘How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.’ There is another reason why this

verse has resonated loudly with me. After a whole year I was recently able to visit the nursing home where my 95-year-old mum lives and spend some time with her. I can’t tell you how good that was. It’s been a tough year for her, and for thousands like her, who have been almost totally isolated from loved ones. If you and your family are in that situation, I hope that you will be reunited soon. In the meantime, we continue to pray for and support all of those working in Salvation Army care homes and in Older People’s Services. Thank you for looking after so many of our seniors in these days – people like my mum, who has been like a mother hen, gathering her chicks under her wing. I didn’t quote all of Luke 13:34 earlier, so here it is with its ending included: ‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.’ I hope that each of us would be willing to come under God’s wings. I love that place and I trust that you too would know the joy, peace and protection of being there. A contemporary song highlights what I hope will be a reality for you as we all go forward: Hide me now Under your wings, Cover me Within your mighty hand. When the oceans rise and thunders roar, I will soar with you above the storm. Father, you are King over the flood, I will be still, know you are God.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

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

NEWS

COMMUNITY

ARMY NEWS

Care home commended for Covid-19 safety PRESTWICH

Breakfasts fuel home learning NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS THE corps worked with Supporting Arms Feeding Everyone and Guru Nanak Mission to help fuel schoolchildren for learning at home. The initiative started with Djanogly Learning Trust schools and expanded to include other schools in the area. Since the operation began in January the number of schools helped has increased from three to

ten. Breakfast packs have been given to 179 families, with 390 children fed each week. Corps officer Major Robert Jepson said: ‘Although schools are reopening, we know that many families will still need emergency food as people struggle with loss of employment and higher costs of living… This need continues to grow, and we will be here to respond to it.’ – AR

HOLT House, a Salvation Army care home, has been praised in a report by the Care Quality Commission for its efforts to keep residents, staff members and visitors safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Inspectors commended the care home for its purpose-built, enclosed and sealed visitor pod that ‘provided a complete barrier between visitors and residents’ and could only be accessed by visitors from the garden. The report added that ‘people were kept as safe as possible by a new zoning rota system, which promoted social distancing’. Staff members who relied on public transport to travel to and from work were also provided with private taxis that were paid for by the care home. Testing measures, personal protective equipment, hand sanitiser stations, hygiene signage and other safeguarding measures were also highlighted. – AR

FUNDRAISING

Football final raises funds for charity SUNDERLAND VIRTUAL ticket sales for Sunderland AFC’s English Football League final against Tranmere Rovers at Wembley Stadium on 14 March raised more than £160,000 for several charities, including The Salvation Army’s Southwick Community Project, which supports vulnerable people. Sunderland AFC and its official charity, Foundation of Light, teamed up with the club’s supporters’ group, as well as the Senior Supporters Association and Branch Liaison Council, to create and sell commemorative tickets for the match. All proceeds were donated to four charities in the region. The money raised is part of the

#SunderlandTogether campaign to support critical Covid-19 response services and help tackle rising levels of food poverty and unemployment, increased social isolation among older people and poor mental health. Southwick Community Project Manager Graham Wharton said: ‘Despite the pandemic … we’ve been able to supply emergency food parcels, ensure struggling families had Christmas gifts and carry out socially distanced visits to offer friendship and support. We’re grateful for the continued backing of Sunderland AFC and the Foundation of Light in helping us bring hope to our community in these difficult times.’ – AR

Jacobs Field Solutions employee Ryan Lewis presents a cheque for £100 to Newbury corps officer Major Alex McNee Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? We want to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality photos will be included.

Salvationist 20 March 2021

NEWS

INTO THE WILD: WEEK 5 – LOSING CONTROL by Lyndall Bywater (territorial prayer consultant)

EMERGENCY AID

Army aids inoculations DENMARK THE Salvation Army’s community centre in the centre of Aalborg has become a hub for administering Covid-19 vaccines to vulnerable people. In February, arrangements were made for more than 60 people, including those experiencing homelessness, to receive their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The injections were administered by medical professionals, including the corps secretary, Sonja Christensen, who is a retired nurse. Recipients were welcomed into the corps hall to enjoy free tea, coffee and homemade cake. The outreach team then visited two other locations, ensuring that about 100 vulnerable people will be protected against the virus. Corps officer Major Kurt Pedersen said: ‘Aalborg municipality’s employees have worked hard to secure the vaccine for vulnerable people. It’s superb that The Salvation Army has been able to collaborate on this.’ – AR

SATURDAY 20 MARCH Leaders come in all shapes and sizes, and we admire some more than others. Think of a famous person (living or dead) whose leadership you admire. For your prayerful reading this week, read about that person, researching their life, the circumstances they faced and the choices they made. What do you hear God saying to you through their example? SUNDAY 21 MARCH The Church has a mixed record when it comes to power, authority and control. Sometimes it’s used them well, speaking out for the powerless. At other times it’s used them manipulatively and abusively. Spend some time today journaling – writing about the ways in which power has been used well and badly in your church community.

INTO THE WILD: WEEK 6 – LOSING FACE by Lyndall Bywater

MONDAY 22 MARCH – LUKE 4:9–12 In the seclusion of the desert, the Devil showed Jesus Jerusalem – that bustling city where a budding rabbi might make his name. If Jesus was doubting himself, that kind of popularity must have seemed tempting. You are enough. Whatever you’ve achieved in life, whatever others think of you, whatever you think of yourself, know today that God says you are enough. Spend some time in silence, letting that truth sink in. TUESDAY 23 MARCH ‘Be there for me, God, for I keep trusting in you. Don’t allow my foes to gloat over me or the shame of defeat to overtake me. For how could anyone be disgraced when he has entwined his heart with you?’ (Psalm 25:2 and 3 The Passion Translation). Meditate on these words. They help remind us what really matters and where our security really lies. WEDNESDAY 24 MARCH If Jesus had jumped from the top of the Temple in the middle of Jerusalem, a lot of people would have been impressed. It’s tempting to do something just because you know it will impress people. If you’re honest, are there things you know that you do only because you want to impress others? Could you fast from those things today?

STORNOWAY The corps food bank received the Newhall Shield for outstanding contribution to the community during the pandemic. The award was shared with another food bank in the area. Corps officers Lieutenants Christopher and Faith Thompson, along with volunteers, accepted the award on behalf of the team from Western Isles Lifestyle Lottery, represented by Tony Robson. – FT ASHTON-IN-MAKERFIELD The corps has been hosting online coffee and cake mornings to connect isolated people during lockdown. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Elaine Rogers said: ‘We had people aged from 20 to over 70 joining to talk and say prayers for those going through some challenging times. We shared memories of happier times, along with laughter.’ – AR 6

Salvationist 20 March 2021

THURSDAY 25 MARCH The Devil knew the psalms as well as anyone worshipping at the Temple. If Jesus had jumped, it would have been a sure-fire way to prove his credentials as Son of God. Yet somehow Jesus knew that wasn’t the Scripture to be putting into action at that moment in time. How do we know which Scripture is right for which situation? How do we interpret the word of God? Connect with some friends and talk about how you apply the Bible in your everyday lives. FRIDAY 26 MARCH We humans tend to fear failure. Perhaps that’s why it’s so tempting to conform to society’s view of what success should look like or perhaps the Church’s view of what success should look like. Spend some time journaling about failure. What do you consider to be your greatest failures? How did they happen? What do you wish you’d done differently? What do you think God would say about them? O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

Salvationist 5 December 2020

WHERE THERE’S A NEED...

NO POVERTY

In the first of five articles Salvationist highlights The Salvation Army’s contribution to some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

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Salvationist 20 March 2021

REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION N

Treasure in jars Nicola Walmsley reflects on her experience of making clay pots

FEW weeks ago I decided to get some air-drying clay, and invited my youngest daughter to join me in a little pottery. It had been many years since I last held clay and I enjoyed the creativity. My daughter, however, didn’t share my enthusiasm. She had three attempts at making a pot and was not pleased with how any turned out, so ended up squashing each pot into a ball. She then decided to create a sculpture, and the results were very pleasing; it turned out just as she’d imagined. About 33 years ago I attended my very first pottery lesson with two of my sisters-in-law and my mum. We were complete novices but keen learners, if not a little impatient. After seeing some of our teacher’s handiwork we had big dreams of quickly being able to craft exquisite items but, much to our disappointment, she had other plans. We had to churn out dozens of small pâté dishes until we could master the basics on the potter’s wheel. 8

Salvationist 20 March 2021

It was a messy process and we would often get ahead of ourselves. Trying to draw up a large pot, we would find the clay was off-centre and it would begin to wobble and become marred. We had to take it off the wheel, squash it down to a ball, knead it, knock out any air bubbles and start again. It was a laborious process, requiring a lot of perseverance, patience, strength and skill. But it was worth it to finally see a beautiful pot being formed – a unique piece of art, the work of our hands. Isaiah says to the Lord: ‘We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand’ (64:8). God is busy moulding us and making us into his perfect image. It takes time – we are a work in progress. Often it feels like God is remoulding us, removing blemishes, lumps and flaws, making us more godly with his gentle, skilful hands. He is more interested in our character than our outward appearances or impressive

achievements – and character-building takes time. Our present circumstances are anything but normal. Our lives have been thrown out of sync – no longer running according to our plans or as smoothly as we’d anticipated. It can often feel like being on a potter’s wheel. When each of the lockdowns has been announced it has felt like the potter’s wheel has stopped moving. Then all of a sudden, with restrictions eased, the wheel has been back in motion, before another lockdown has come along. I’ve taken heart during these times, knowing that the potter’s hands are not idle. The wheel may have stopped moving, but his gentlest of hands are busy at work in our lives, emotions, spirit and character. ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time’ (Ecclesiastes 3:11). I also take heart from recalling these verses from 2 Corinthians 4: ‘But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed’ (vv7–9). During these challenging times, do not lose heart! God has not changed his plan to place the treasure of his glorious gospel within us ‘jars of clay’. Therefore, we should rejoice and share the good news of reconciliation whenever we can. I recently heard a song, ‘The Steadfast Love of the Lord Never Ceases’, and was encouraged to read the passage of Scripture it was based on: ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord’ (Lamentations 3:22–26). Thank God for his unceasing and steadfast love. This is surely a verse to bring to mind regularly, and to sing with hope in the months ahead.

NICOLA IS THE COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-INFURNESS

INTERVIEW

SOLDIERS ON THE SILVER SCREEN Rob Kinnon-Brettle speaks to War Cry Editor Major Andrew Stone about his new book The Salvation Army at the Movies HOW MANY FILMS INCLUDE SOMETHING ABOUT THE ARMY? When I first started researching I would have thought 50, maybe 100, but there are 540 films mentioned in the book. I’ve aimed to make it as definitive a listing as possible, although there are inevitably some gaps. Most of the films are from America or Britain, and there are some made in European countries, Australia, New Zealand and more. I have no knowledge of any films made in Japan, Korea, India or South America but, given the global reach of The Salvation Army, I’m sure the Army must make appearances in their films too. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BRIEFEST REFERENCES INCLUDED IN THE BOOK? The briefest references concern films produced by The Salvation Army itself, such as General Booth Leaving Dundee produced by the Army’s Cinematograph Department in 1906, or films produced by the Army in Sweden in the 1930s. Often these films are short and have self-explanatory titles, so the entry is just a matter of record. Many of the films are listed as just a short paragraph explaining how the Army is portrayed. AND SOME OF THE MORE SIGNIFICANT? The more significant entries are where The Salvation Army is pivotal to the plot – films such as Major Barbara, Guys and Dolls and Laughing Sinners. DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVOURITES? Heavens Above! is a 1963 film about a prison chaplain, portrayed by Peter

Sellers, who was appointed to the town of Orbiston Parva as their vicar. The Salvation Army has two cameos: one during an open-air meeting and one during a demonstration by local traders, into which the Army marches. I like this film because the producers went to some lengths to achieve accuracy and authenticity. The Salvation Army flag, for instance, says ‘Orbiston Parva’ on it. Another favourite of mine is Solstice, produced in 1994. The Army only has a small part, but the film talks about a young man in Chicago who finds some meaning in his life and the true meaning of Christmas. I’m also a fan of Guys and Dolls. It’s got some great numbers, but it’s more than just a musical – it’s also a morality play. It tells the story of a gambler who gets converted and sets out to try and convert some of his gambling chums. ARE THERE ANY FILMS THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US? I’ve found the Army in all sorts of surprising films! Westerns, children’s cartoons, Disney films, Carry On films, war films, spy thrillers, and even some X-rated films. To give some examples of films that might not at once spring to mind: the 1966 Batman, where Batman is impeded in his quest to dispose of a bomb by a marching Salvation Army band. The 2005 King Kong has an Army

soup kitchen. The 1969 children’s cartoon Frosty the Snowman also has an Army band in it. And Calendar Girls shows a scene where a ‘Captain Gilly Gardner’ appears selling the War Cry. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS BOOK? I’ve always been interested in film as a medium. I grew up in The Salvation Army and my parents were officers, so our interest was alerted whenever we saw an Army uniform in a film. I once presented a paper on appearances of the Army on film for the Salvation Army Historical Association and have had an article published in Salvationist giving a list of the films I knew about at the time. The impetus for writing and getting a book published was the lack of a central reference point. I believe it’s the only book that exists that tries to record all instances of The Salvation Army on film. I’m sure there are databases online, but no go-to place. I hope this book fills that gap. Salvation Army at the Movies is available by emailing kinnon_ publishing@yahoo.com priced £15.99

O The

full interview was featured on Fortress Radio and can be listened to as part of Episode 142: Full Fortress Breakfast with Andrew and Alison Stone on Google Podcasts, Spotify and Podomatic Salvationist 20 March 2021

FEATURE E I Cov ovid id-1 -19 9 pa pand nd dem mic c res espo pons po ns e nse

Salvationist unpacks the findings and imp plica ations of the Research and Development Unit’s report about the coronavirus pandemicc’s impact on the UKI Territory

HE voices of more than 500 frontline leaders and managers have been presented in a Research and Development Unit (RDU) report on The Salvation Army’s response to the coronavirus pandemic and how to reimagine future mission. The report summarises the findings from three research papers – a literature review, frontline surveys and a PESTLE[S] (political, economic, social, technological, legal, environmental and spiritual) analysis – and highlights key issues, cross-cutting themes and their implications. Data was gathered from March to September 2020, with the focus on the first lockdown.

LITERATURE REVIEW The literature review considered more than 200 pieces of literature to identify emerging missional trends during the pandemic. Papers included academic and theological writings, as well as the views of the wider Church. Most importantly, authors emphasised the need ‘to love and serve your neighbour’. This included following the various government guidelines, but there was an emphasis on sacrifice in order to support those in need. The example of Christians in the early Church who risked their lives to serve their neighbours was frequently cited. Mission was defined throughout this review as: challenging inequalities; constantly praying; creating a space to discern God’s desires and direction; finding time to lament the pain and suffering of the pandemic, leading to the articulation of a hope centred on Jesus; getting out of buildings to be present in the community; and being imaginative and innovative. 10

Salvationist 20 March 2021

The RDU identified several key implications for the Army: O Making prayer and reflection a priority before taking missional decisions, as well as listening to those usually ignored or silenced about what is needed in communities O Finding a balance between taking risks in serving others and safeguarding vulnerable people O Having a trauma-informed approach to congregational life that acknowledges pain and loss O Continuing discipleship by investing in leaders and developing small groups O Partnering others to enable the transformation of society, without losing the Army’s unique Christian identity or its impact beyond practical assistance FRONTLINE SURVEYS The RDU invited leaders or managers of corps, pioneer settings, divisionally managed centres and contracted services – including Employment Plus, Homelessness Services, Older People’s Services and Anti-trafficking and Modern Slavery – to respond to phone interviews and an anonymous online survey about their experiences during the pandemic. The vast majority (99 per cent) of the 400 phone respondents at corps, pioneer settings and divisionally managed centres were involved in activities that addressed the needs of community members, such as the provision of food parcels and crisis, drop-in and employment support. The top three drivers for activities were respondents’ ‘own sense of mission’, the practical needs of people and the Army’s mission. Most also cited some form of divisional collaboration, with 14 per cent

stating that partnership was vital to effective mission. The majority described mission during the pandemic as responding to need, followed by ‘extending Jesus to everyone’ and/or the need to ‘proclaim the good news’. Only 12 per cent described mission as pastoral care to their current congregation. Responses about hearing from God for the future reflected the need to change and included getting out of buildings into the community, building relationships and being brave and creative. More than 20 per cent felt God was telling them to ‘reassess, slow down, reflect and listen to him’ to determine how effective their mission had been previously, before moving forward in new articulations of mission. The workload of roughly 60 per cent of 300 online respondents had increased – even though the majority reported that programmes had decreased. In some settings, the need for food support had increased, while furloughed staff members or shielding volunteers meant fewer people resources. Nearly half of corps and pioneer settings had experienced some financial pressure. Half of the respondents found it challenging to innovate in response to the pandemic. Nevertheless, most leaders were exploring different ways of doing worship and more than 70 per cent had provided online worship using various platforms, even though some found preparation of online worship difficult. An encouraging impact at some corps has been attracting a wider audience to virtual activities. More than 50 per cent felt they had sufficient training resources, while nearly

a third felt they did not, with this lack felt most keenly in corps, pioneer settings and divisionally managed centres. Online communication remained challenging for the majority of settings, either due to poor connectivity or corps members’ lack of internet access or online knowledge. Contracted services mostly included chaplaincy care, support work, staffrelated activities and wellbeing and welfare checks. Most of these services partnered community centres, charities, other denominations, food banks and homelessness, refugee and volunteer agencies. Almost 50 per cent of staff members in contracted services described mission as supporting people. This was the most common description of mission, followed by the need to journey alongside service users and be available as a consistent presence at a difficult time. They had found building relationships with service users and meeting their needs to be difficult, and disseminating information challenging – especially with regard to government policies. For most services, the supply of personal protective equipment hadn’t been a major challenge. Although divisional headquarters and line managers were felt to have provided good levels of pastoral care, the wellbeing and mental health of leaders, managers, staff members, service users and corps folk was a concern. Most leaders and managers had found the crisis challenging personally. Widespread support from family was cited and highly appreciated, while only a small number of respondents had accessed The Salvation Army’s counselling service or employee assistance programme.

LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE The PESTLE[S] analysis considers the impact of the pandemic and the first lockdown, as well as the territory’s response. It helps identify opportunities for – and threats to – the Army in the future, and mitigate risks while embracing innovation and change. The report acknowledges that deciding the right response to the pandemic is a complex matter. As with issues such as climate change, homelessness, domestic violence and unemployment, the pandemic is considered to be a ‘wicked issue’ – a term for problems that are difficult to solve because of incomplete, contradictory and changing requirements, and their ‘resistance to resolution’. Thought and planning will be needed for several contributing factors: ethnic, gender, socio-economic and digital inequalities compounded by the pandemic; the unknown short and long-term impact of Brexit; a decrease in financial giving even though public trust in charities remains and is potentially increasing; the implications of MP Danny Kruger’s report, Levelling Up Our Communities, and the relationships between national and local government and the public; rising rough sleeping figures; and the impact on people’s mental health, including those who have provided care and support in stressful times. The RDU recommends that any future policies should prioritise environmental factors to ensure that the Army can capitalise on the positive ecological gains made during the lockdowns. In addition, it highlights the importance of planning for a transition out of the

pandemic, without losing the significant advances made since last March in online mission and ministry and the increased opportunity for connections with communities. CONCLUSIONS The combined findings suggest that there is a need to provide direction regarding the future of corporate worship. While there are clear benefits to online worship, it isn’t clear to what extent worshippers were genuinely engaged, and the research showed concerns over online worship encouraging a consumerist approach to church. One solution would be to use the benefits of online platforms through small groups, where building community and retaining the relationship aspects of church would be easier. If the Army is to remain good news for people at the margins of society, it needs to develop an appropriate set of responses to the exacerbation of multiple pre-existing inequalities by the pandemic, ensuring that the voices of marginalised people are authentically listened to and heard. In conclusion, the RDU recommends that time and space be created to reflect on these research findings to discern which voices constitute the truly prophetic voice about reimagining mission for the future. O Read the executive summary and literature review at salvationarmy.org. uk/about-us/research-anddevelopment O Levelling Up Our Communities is available to read at dannykruger.org. uk/communities-report Salvationist 20 March 2021

IN THE

ZONE Soup, soap and s The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory

APTAIN and Mrs Joseph K Tyler, English officers, and Lieutenant Gerrit J Govaars, a gifted Dutch teacher, began Salvation Army work in Amsterdam on 8 May 1887. It soon spread throughout the country. The Salvation Army’s operations in Czechoslovakia began in 1919, pioneered by Colonel Karl Larsson. Evangelistic and social activities continued until they were suppressed in June 1950. Under the leadership of Commissioner Reinder J Schurink, The Netherlands Territory was responsible for the reopening of the Army’s work in the Czech part of Czechoslovakia in 1990, prior to its division into two countries. In February 2002 the territory was renamed The Netherlands and Czech Republic Territory. When work opened in Slovakia in 2015, it became The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory. THE NETHERLANDS As a result of government regulations, the social work and church elements of The Salvation Army have been organised separately since the late 12

Salvationist 20 March 2021

How well do you know The Salvation Army’s Europe Z This month we give an overview of The Netherlands,

1980s. This resulted in less attention to the spiritual message within the social work and less attention to social responsibility within the church. In response, a new programme has been launched called Faith in the Neighbourhood, a journey in which the Army rediscovers its surroundings and its identity. Two things are regarded as central: a renewed focus on the Army’s holistic task and a renewed focus on the context. Everything the Army engages in through Faith in the Neighbourhood needs to reflect the questions and needs of local areas. The goal is to meet physical and spiritual needs in every community and double the Army presence in neighbourhoods. Last year new centres opened in three locations. This year between five and seven more projects will start. THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND SLOVAKIA Despite its activities being closed down by the communist regime in 1950, Armáda Spásy in the Czech Republic and Slovakia celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.

Today its activities include spiritual ministries and corps work in 11 cities. This means there is a spiritual presence in most towns where the Army runs social work. Corps leaders also work hard as chaplains in many social services. Social services include 64 registered programmes, which focus on helping people experiencing homelessness. Thousands are cared for every day. They are provided beds in Army hostels or shelters at night and a place to stay or meet during the day. Army street workers visit city centres and forests to meet people living in tents and give life-saving medical care. The Army has also developed housing projects that have hundreds of flats through the Prevention of Homelessness programme, homes for

* Some photos and events described on these pages date from before the current coronavirus lockdowns and safety guidelines

alvation

THE TERRITORY AT A GLANCE

3,430 soldiers

Zone? Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory *

1,222 adherents 367

junior soldiers

306 officers (112 active, 194 retired)

8 aux-captains 4 cadets 7,298 employees 63 corps 21 outposts gatherings affected by lockdown, the Help Us to Stay Close campaign has helped the Army to stay in contact with the people in its care, which is more important than ever in a time of crisis. In the Netherlands, the Army has organised extra soup rounds and called people who would normally visit its corps and centres, keeping in touch and praying with them. It has also introduced new activities, such as online Zumba lessons. The Army has also provided meals to people who would normally attend corps and centres, delivering food and groceries to their doorsteps. Many Salvationists, employees and volunteers have taken the initiative to stay connected with people who need their help and support. people with disabilities experiencing homelessness called Harbours, a programme for people struggling with alcoholism, a doctor’s office for those experiencing homelessness and more. In Slovakia, Army ministries focus on reaching out to vulnerable groups through corps ministries. Most of the people reached by the Army are Roma children and adults. There are now three corps, a community centre and a pre-school for Roma children. Possible new services are being planned for more Slovak towns, which corresponds with the Army’s vision for further development. Social work and spiritual ministry are dependent on each other to fulfil the Army’s mission, which is lived out through the motto ‘soup, soap and salvation’.

DURING THE PANDEMIC SAFE SPACE ON THE STREETS A campaign to raise awareness of people who are experiencing homelessness in the Netherlands resulted in an upsurge of media attention. Over the past couple of years, alongside other organisations, the Army has advocated for support of people living on the streets. The government has not only assured €200 million for sheltering people who are experiencing homelessness but has also agreed to develop 12,400 more homes by 2022. Salvation Army personnel have worked to ensure people who are experiencing homelessness have a safe place to go during the pandemic. NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTIVITIES With neighbourhood activities and corps

PUBLIC SUPPORT Support from the public in the Netherlands has been overwhelming. Contributions in the form of money, goods or support have made all the difference for vulnerable people. With help from several companies and organisations, the Army has been able to give out personal hygiene sets to people experiencing homelessness and helped provide shelter. It has maintained contact with children, young people and adults by providing tablets, which enable them to access the internet. The Salvation Army in the Netherlands has expressed its gratitude for the help and support received from the public and hopes that this will be the basis for building new relationships and flourishing neighbourhood activities. Salvationist 20 March 2021

FROM THE

ARCHIVE

Czech adventure for Violet In this article from 3 February 1990, Salvationist told the remarkable story of Brigadier Violet Merritt, who supported Salvationists in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War OT many people get caught up in a risky adventure at a time when retirement is on the horizon. But Brigadier Violet Merritt did. In 1967, during the Prague Spring (so called because oppressive restrictions in Czechoslovakia were slightly eased for a time), three visitors from that country arrived in London for a holiday. They were Salvation Army officers but, because the Army had been banned in their country since 1950, they worshipped along with fellow Salvationists at other churches. Violet’s appointment at that time was in the Europe section of the Overseas Department at IHQ, so she met those officers and kept up the contact with them. Later that year, two more Czech officers visited London – and again Violet met them. They went back home assuming that she would return the visit and go to Prague the next year. Not wishing to dash their hopes, Violet planned a visit for August 1968 – but Soviet troops invaded and the airport was closed. One of the officers wrote, pleading with her to try to visit them somehow, in case the door into Czechoslovakia finally closed. Violet went that Christmas. ‘I met a group of officers on Christmas Day, and they asked me to speak to them. It wasn’t easy, but I remember promising that I would go to see them every year so long as I could get a visa and kept well,’ she explains. On that first occasion there were 26 officers alive in Czechoslovakia. Violet also met up with local officers and soldiers.

Salvationist 20 March 2020

Brigadier Merritt shows Chief of the Staff Commissioner Ron Cox a Czech tricolour

But through the years the elderly officers have died, and only five are now left. Violet still pays them an annual visit. ‘They are all over 80 years old. I’m a spring chicken beside them!’ she jokes. ‘That first visit changed my life because you just couldn’t let them down. You don’t realise until you are there just how much it means to have someone from the Army sit down with them. “You are the right person in the right place at the right time,” one of them told me. ‘We met together in a house for a meal, just like the early Church, and sang hymns. When you get a few Army folk together it’s a special atmosphere. They all became “Army” again.’ Violet has been a retired officer for seven years, although she works three days a week in a publisher’s office. Since those early days travelling to and from Czechoslovakia has become easier. ‘For the first eight or nine years I travelled across Europe by train. The journey took nearly two days. I’d never travelled in Europe on my own before. At the time I cross the border a lot of people are praying for me. I’m sure it’s an answer to those prayers that there have never been any real problems.’ Violet has now made 23 visits to Czechoslovakia, and immediately after each visit she starts preparing for the next. She knits clothes to take with her as gifts or to sell at her twice-yearly coffee mornings which raise money to buy other gifts – ‘things we take for granted’ – to take to Czechoslovakia.

‘I have really appreciated the quiet, sustained support of so many friends – Salvationists and others – over the years. Without their financial help and prayers it would have been even more difficult than it was,’ Violet acknowledges. Since 1979 she’s also been to evening classes to learn the Czech language. ‘I was the oldest pupil in the class!’ she chuckles. ‘I’m so grateful that God has given me the health and strength to continue this ministry. It’s been the greatest privilege, and the blessing I’ve received has been far greater than any I’ve been able to give.’ This Christmas, Violet saw a difference in the country. ‘The Czech tricolour was being worn openly and national flags of all sizes were flying everywhere. Youngsters were out on the streets, openly witnessing to their Christian faith. ‘The Czech churches have survived,’ she says. ‘It was difficult to get a seat in the church I went to, it was so full. There were many, many young people. They take their faith seriously because there is a price to pay for it.’ With the fall of the old regime, long-held hopes are being awakened that one day the Army flag will fly again in Czechoslovakia. It’s a day Brigadier Violet Merritt continues to pray for – and enthusiastically works towards. Editor’s note Brigadier Violet Merritt was admitted to the Order of the Founder in 2000 in recognition of her ‘outstanding practical and spiritual service, sacrificially given over many years, thus assisting the work of the remnant Army in Czechoslovakia to experience rebirth’. She was promoted to Glory in November 2010.

IN THE FACE OF SUFFERING

Where is God when it hurts?

URING Israel’s slavery in Egypt, was God present in the suffering and terror of his people? Did God also suffer? On both counts, yes. God feels and suffers with the forsaken and despised, not for its salvation value alone, but borne out of love. Surely a suffering God has to be numbered among the victims. ‘The Israelites groaned in their slavery and cried out, and their cry for help because of their slavery went up to God. God heard their groaning’ (Exodus 2:23 and 24). Isaiah says: ‘In all their distresses he too was distressed’ (63:9). These verses witness to God’s oneness with and deep compassion for his people. If we accept that God is love, it follows that he also must suffer when his people do. I cannot conceive of a love that, when faced with anguish endured on the part of the object of its affection, would not at the very least feel the emotional pain. Jews, with the exception of Christian Jews, do not accept that Jesus shares in the Godhead, and consequently would not have recognised his presence with them in the Holocaust. It seems that even most of those who focused their attention on the God their forefathers believed suffered with them, felt totally abandoned by this same God. That said, they could never be abandoned by God because they were his people. As John declares concerning God who comes in Christ: ‘We heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen! And now we’re telling you in most sober prose that what we witnessed was, incredibly, this: the infinite Life of God himself took shape before us’ (1 John 1:1 and 2 The Message). Assuredly, Calvary is God’s answer to all life’s horrors. Just as the cross overcame sin, suffering, evil and death, so his people can proclaim that the suffering, transforming presence of God is with them through all trials. The times of deafening silence are not desertion on God’s part after all. God who was with the Hebrew young men in King Nebuchadnezzar’s blazing furnace (see Daniel 3:19–29) inhabits the furnace of life with his people.

Major Jim Bryden continues a threepart series reflecting on the problem of human suffering

The point is that God subjects himself not out of necessity but out of love for his people. He wills to take the darkness of night into himself. It is because God’s ways are ‘past finding out’ (Romans 11:33 King James Version) that we dare not expect or think we can squeeze him into the mould of our own making. If we do, we have lost him, created our own graven image, made him too small and ourselves too big. The apostle Paul has it in one when he proclaims that mankind’s wisdom is made foolish by God. Could this be why the cross of Jesus was ‘a stumbling-block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles’ (1 Corinthians 1:23) and an utter scandal to both? Divine judgement on such matters, I suggest, is different from ours – so that those drowning in a sea of horrendous suffering can draw on the saving hope and reality that God, who identified himself in his crucified Son, will never desert them in their deepest pain. His glory is seen in seeming weakness by opening himself up to death. The suffering and death that God absorbs are not – seeing he is omnipotent – any less than that which is suffered by victims of cruel torture or extermination. It is because God is omnipotent that he can hold death within himself and not be consumed or diminished by it. It is also a fact that he who is absolute love chooses to suffer for his own. While humans seek to evade death and suffering, God embraces it. He makes death, suffering and evil serve his purposes. Theologian and novelist Professor Paul Fiddes writes: ‘In experiencing death, God protests against our understanding of reality, making death serve him.’ There we have it: God’s victory is where he takes death into himself that otherwise would be an alienating and destructive power. Like it or not, God will subject all things to his will and purpose.

MAJOR BRYDEN LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BELLSHILL

Next week Managing the big questions

Salvationist 20 March 2021

BIBLE STUDY

Suffering for Christ Captain Tracey Bale reflects on the nature of persecution

1 PETER 4:12–19

ETER wrote the words of our study passage prior to his arrest and subsequent martyrdom. Although it is not recorded in the Bible, Peter probably spent his final years serving the church in Rome. As his letter addresses persecution and suffering, it is likely that he wrote it circa AD64 when persecution under Nero was increasing. Peter’s words are important because they remind us that, even when we are unjustly treated, how we live matters. QUESTIONS O Have you ever suffered? What happened? O How would you compare your suffering to the suffering of others?

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Melvyn Knott

Salvationist 20 March 2021

Many people think they know what it is to suffer, but suffering is relative. We can’t compare our own pain to that of someone else because our experience is different from theirs. For example, when I gave birth I didn’t receive any pain relief. That doesn’t mean that my pain was less than someone who did receive pain relief, nor does it mean I could have coped with the pain they felt. Knowing my pain would pass made it bearable. I could cope with temporary pain, but how would I cope with chronic pain? I live with two people who are in pain constantly and who, for medical reasons, can’t take strong painkillers. Paracetamol doesn’t work for them. If I have a headache I know it will eventually pass, but if I were in pain all the time I would struggle.

QUESTIONS O Have you ever had to suffer because of your faith? O To what extent did you still believe and continue to ‘live well’? It’s hard to compare any persecution we have experienced to that of the early-day Christians or those who are persecuted today. The most I have ever had to contend with because I am a Christian was being made fun of by my schoolfriends because I wore a uniform. Television programmes sometimes portray Christians as pious busybodies who just want to point the finger and judge everyone. The EastEnders character Dot Cotton is a good example of a stereotypical Christian in the eyes of the media. However, we

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. Day after day, in the Temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Messiah. (Acts 5:41 and 42)

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,/ Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!/ What more can he say than to you he hath said,/ To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled. (SASB 804)

Oh, that my ways were steadfast in obeying your decrees! Then I would not be put to shame when I consider all your commands. (Psalm 119:5 and 6)

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for the promises in your word that reassure us our sufferings are but for a short time and not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us in the eternal ages to come.

don’t usually suffer because of that; being portrayed poorly on the TV is hardly persecution. Peter didn’t warn his readers that they might be called a few nasty names. He told them not to be surprised at the ‘fiery ordeal’ that was about to test them. He then told them to ‘rejoice’ in their sufferings. It’s one thing to cope with suffering, but it’s another thing altogether to be able to ‘rejoice’ in it, so that we may be ‘overjoyed when [God’s] glory is revealed’ (v13). Peter warns his readers: ‘For it is time for judgement to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?’ (v17) and quotes Proverbs 11:31: ‘If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?’ (v18).

We must be authentic Christians. People are watching how we live, as they expect more from us because of our claim to belong to Jesus. They will be watching to see how we cope when we are suffering. I have noticed that when Christians suffer they sometimes lose their faith and when non-Christians suffer they often find faith. QUESTIONS O How have you coped with the consequences of the pandemic? O Do you think you’ve suffered unjustly as a result of being in isolation? We might well describe Covid-19 as a ‘fiery ordeal’. But while the pandemic has certainly tested our faith, it isn’t persecuting us for our faith. The way we have suffered over the past year doesn’t

come anywhere near the way that the likes of Nelson Mandela or Terry Waite suffered. Mandela was held captive for 27 years and Waite was a hostage for more than 4. Neither of them knew whether they would even survive, let alone return home to their families. Let us make sure that when we suffer, we put things into perspective so that when God’s glory is revealed, we may be overjoyed.

CAPTAIN BALE IS CORPS OFFICER, SOUTHEND CITADEL AND SOUTHEND SOUTHCHURCH

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,/ For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid!/ I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,/ Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand. (SASB 804)

Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Romans 8:17)

I would be true, for there are those who trust me;/ I would be pure, for there are those who care;/ I would be strong, for there is much to suffer;/ I would be brave, for there is much to dare./ Jesus will help me, he is my friend;/ He’ll lead and I will follow till life’s very end. (SASB 648)

Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3–5)

Salvationist 20 March 2021

VIEW POINT

WE’RE ZOOMED! Trevor Caffull looks forward to the time when we won’t need to rely on video calls to meet people

OU probably need to be of a certain age to be a fan of Dad’s Army, the BBC sitcom of the 1960s and 70s that featured the wartime exploits of the Home Guard in the fictitious seaside town of Walmingtonon-Sea. Supervised by the somewhat pompous Captain Mainwaring, this group of mostly ageing reserves – the ‘stupid boy’ Private Pike and the ‘spiv’ Private Walker being the exceptions – were a ramshackle bunch to whom our safety from advancing enemy forces was thankfully never entrusted. Their hilarious tales of derring-do were laced with classic quotes such as ‘Don’t panic, don’t panic’ (uttered by the panic-stricken Lance Corporal Jones) and ‘We’re doomed’ (Private Frazer’s response to any crisis). I recall watching the series as a child, but never fully appreciated it until my adult years. We may all have felt a bit like Private Frazer from time to time over the past year. I had a week or so of feeling that we were doomed last March, before realising that we still had the ability to impact our own circumstances significantly, even in a pandemic. But while fears of being doomed were banished some time ago, being ‘Zoomed’ has become an everyday reality. I have a friend who thrives on being the first to use any new technology, so he was probably using the video calling platform before most of us, but I’ve had plenty of opportunity to catch up with 18

Salvationist 20 March 2021

him in past months. At the end of some days I really do feel like exclaiming, ‘We’re Zoomed!’ I’ve often said to my work colleagues that we will learn many valuable lessons and new ways of working during periods of lockdown. Some of these will still have a place when a ‘new normal’ emerges. I’m sure Zoom or any of the other alternatives, are now firmly established as part of life. Whether for friends and family, business meetings, concerts or even church services, video calls and digital broadcasts have transformed our personal connectivity. For business meetings it can work extremely well. A few weeks ago I was even part of an interview panel where it proved very effective. It can also make us more efficient by saving travel time, reducing the impact of emissions on the environment and lowering costs. Ultimately, however, people thrive on meeting people, and video can never completely replace that. Our spirits are lifted and our lives enriched through the people we meet – less so through the people we meet with virtually. There is something more draining about it than actually meeting people, so I think one secret to maintaining the effectiveness of video calls is using them in moderation. It will be wonderful to get back to meeting in person when circumstances allow – going to concerts, the theatre, sporting events and to worship. I doubt the chorus ‘As We Are Gathered’ (SASB 330) is meant to be applied only to a

literal gathering, but it does go some way towards demonstrating the power of gathering together, something I’m sure the vast majority of us greatly look forward to. As we are gathered, Jesus is here; One with each other, Jesus is here; Joined by the Spirit, washed in the blood, Part of the Body, the Church of God. As we are gathered, Jesus is here; One with each other, Jesus is here. Church services create community – the community of a congregation, which can’t be fully replicated by a streamed video. That option, though, will always be an excellent alternative for those who are unable to get to church in person. Private Frazer never was correct with his pronouncement of doom. It was an insight into his rather bleak perspective, stereotypically and comically based on his profession as an undertaker. We don’t all have to be Zoomed either. Looking ahead, we will require wisdom and sensitivity to discern when the virtual should be retained.

TREVOR IS SATCOL MANAGING DIRECTOR AND A SOLDIER AT KETTERING CITADEL

REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL EC CTI TION O ON

Is God bilingual? by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

HENEVER I switched on the six o’clock news, the neighbours would begin banging on the walls and our two cats would cover their ears with their paws. Newsreaders weren’t enunciating and actors were mumbling. People would laugh at my responses in conversations, as I smiled and said ‘hmmm’ because I hadn’t understood. The penny finally dropped: I needed a hearing test. As well as being dyslexic in two languages, I am now also officially hard of hearing in both English and Dutch. After the hearing test, the man in the shop wanted to sell me a £200 apparatus to wear when watching the TV. I declined, settling for the free subtitles offered by our cable provider. My two biggest fears have always been that either God will ask me to do something ‘ridiculous’ or that I won’t have heard correctly. The story of Noah unsettles me. He heard God telling him to build a boat in the middle of nowhere – farcical! No one else heard the voice. Of course people laughed at him, even though he was being obedient to the Eternal’s instructions. I love the Old Testament stories about Samuel and Eli, and Elijah and Elisha. When God spoke, people heard and sometimes listened. People ask me whether I dream in English or in Dutch. ‘I don’t know,’ is the answer. Neither do I know whether God speaks to me in English or Dutch. Jim, you are a scholar of ancient biblical languages: in which language does God speak?

‘Dear Ron, there was a professor of Hebrew at Glasgow University who used to open his first lecture to the new intake of divinity students with, “Gentlemen, this is the language that God spoke!” ‘You will recall the Commissioning pageant at the Royal Albert Hall in which we danced around the podium singing ho de logos eplethuneto (“But the word … continued … to multiply”) straight from Acts 12:24 in the Greek New Testament. It shifted some of our fellow cadets away from the idea that God only spoke in the Elizabethan English of the King James Version. ‘The Bible is multilingual and uses language in many ways. Emil Brunner, one of the leading theologians of the 20th century, reminds us that the Bible applies human traits to God effortlessly and vividly. Thus God comes, God speaks, God hears and God sees, as if he has legs, a mouth, ears and eyes. This reveals the nature of God as living and active in our world and our lives. ‘Against that, the Bible also teaches God’s infinity, his incomprehensibility, his supreme power. No image or likeness can represent God, and yet symbols, analogies and comparisons are the only way we can speak at all of him. Care, discretion and awareness are therefore required. ‘In your terms, Ron, we have to be bilingual. This means that whenever we apply a positive human characteristic to God, we have to remember that God is always so much more than we can encompass or describe. The classic Army formulation is given by General

John Gowans: “If human hearts are often tender,/ And human minds can pity know,/ … Then how much more shall God our Father…” (SASB 467). That “how much more” always has to be there when speaking of God. ‘Human beings, it is true, have many experiences in which they believe God is speaking to them. But all claims to be acting in response to the voice of God or the promptings of the Spirit have in the end to be validated by the faith community to which we belong. There is a fine line between inspiration and delusion, and all church bodies reserve the right to make that judgement under the broader guidance of the Spirit. ‘One last thought, Ron. The Bible is often referred to as “the word of God”. This is a form of shorthand. The Bible is the authoritative testimony to the Christ – the Word incarnate. God’s ultimate communication to us, in a way that we can understand, is through a person. Yes, the Bible is unique, special, divine – but it too is testimony. Get that right and many mistakes will be avoided. ‘When a sermon is so difficult or obscure that the listeners cannot see the image of Christ in it, no hearing aid has yet been invented that will help the poor sufferer on the receiving end hear the voice of God. So stay tuned. ‘Greetings from Dunoon, Jim.’ RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL Salvationist 20 March 2021

PREVIEWS

Messy Vintage by Katie Norman and Jill Phipps

HIS pioneering book offers 52 creative activities and short acts of worship for use in churches, Messy Churches, community settings and care homes. Messy Church is a recognised way of being church for families, enabling people to encounter Jesus in a relaxed space. Messy Vintage is designed specifically to reach out to older people in the community, while including people of all ages. A typical session involves hands-on creative activities that help explore a Bible story, a short celebration with a story, song and prayer, and refreshments. The aim is to be creative and Christ-centred, full of celebration and hospitality, and open to all. Introducing the concept, this book is full of ideas and practical tips to equip and inspire church leaders, chaplains and care home staff as they seek to meet the spiritual needs of older people in their communities. It offers resources

Dementia from the Inside by Dr Jennifer Bute and Louise Morse

ENNIFER Bute was a highly qualified senior doctor in a large clinical practice, whose patients included those living with dementia. Then she began to notice symptoms in herself. In 2009 she was finally given a diagnosis of young-onset dementia, which is the development of dementia before the age of 65. Dr Bute believes that her dementia is an opportunity as well as a challenge. When she resigned as a GP, she resolved to explore what could be done to slow the progress of dementia and help people living with it. Inspired by the work of neuroscientist Professor Kawashima, which showed significant 20

Salvationist 20 March 2021

and helpful advice for those who are getting started with Messy Vintage or those who are looking for new session material. Author Katie Norman is the pioneer of Messy Vintage in Jersey, where she has taken the approach into churches and care homes, as well as hospital units for people living with advanced dementia. Co-author Jill Phipps is the Bible Reading Fellowship’s national co-ordinator for Messy Vintage. Norman says: ‘For people who are already doing this kind of work, they will be able to dip in and out of the book and hopefully discover lots of new ideas. But for people who have not encountered this approach before, we hope it will be a huge eye-opener, and that it will inspire them to offer Messy Vintage in a variety of communities. The spiritual need is there in all kinds of communities: rural, urban and everywhere in between.’

cognitive recoveryy in patients with dementia, she adopted the principles of his approach and produced materialss for the Japanese Memory Groups that she runs in the dementia inclusive village where she now lives. Dementia from the Inside is a book for anyone looking to better understand dementia. It offers a unique perspective from a doctor d t who h found f d herself becoming a patient and illuminates the experience of dementia. Dr Bute is in demand as a speaker, both in secular and Christian settings. Her insights are that the person

Messy Vintage is available from brfonline.org.uk priced £8.99 (plus postage and packing)

remains and can be reached even when masked by tthe condition, and that spirituality t ri rises as cognition becomes limited. be Co-Author Louise Morse is a cognitive Mo behavioural beh therapist and the rese researches and write about writes deme dementia and people living with it. She is author autho of many books including Dementia: includ Frank and Linda’s Story.

Deme Dementia from the Inside is available from amazon.co.uk priced £7.69 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle edition priced £5.69 and from eden.co.uk as a large print or braille edition priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing)

LETTERS

GROWTH THROUGH CHALLENGE I WONDER how many times we have heard phrases such as ‘when things go back to normal’ in the past year. Going back, for me, would be counterproductive: growth is important in our development. There is nothing wrong with focusing on what was. In many ways it helps us cope with the situation of an uncertain future. But using words like ‘go back’ doesn’t leave room for change. In James 1:2–4, God tells us that we are to consider it a joy when we go through times of testing and difficulty, as these offer us the opportunity to experience the greatest amount of growth. These have certainly been testing and difficult times for me, but I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve gained, the people I’ve met along the way and the growth and development that this season has afforded me. We are most definitely heading for a new normal and knowing that God is already there means our focal point needs to be on him. I encourage you to change your mindset from ‘go back’ to ‘look forward’. Find your wings and flourish.

LOOKING FOR ANSWERS

LEARNING FROM THE PAST

AS an officer who arrived at my new corps appointment in the middle of a pandemic, things have been very strange for me. My concerns for my new community are huge. Currently we are giving out about 150 food parcels each week, a large percentage of them to families with three, four or five children, many of whom have not had to use a food bank before. Unfortunately, I only see this situation worsening. My corps also provides hot meals twice weekly for up to 150 people. Historically these have been single adults but, while the schools were closed, the number of people rose as families were collecting a hot meal too. The need is set to grow, but the money given for food provision and food banks is unfortunately already reducing. I am deeply concerned about how we can continue to support our community in this way. I do not believe that the legacy of Covid-19 is going to be a short-term one. I have no answers and can only serve where I have been placed. I am left to wonder: will my church family’s love be enough in this town?

THE recent ‘More rear-mirror views’ article by General John Larsson (Retired) concerning Commissioner Herbert Lord (Salvationist 6 February) reminded me of the visit he made to the International Training College in the late 1950s. He spoke to the cadets about his incarceration in North Korea and the years of deprivation that he and so many others had to endure. However, the thing that has remained with me since was his message about the danger of ‘isms’. He spoke about ideas that became ideals and ideologies that became ‘isms’, as in communism, Marxism and Nazism. Sadly some ‘isms’ are still with us today and just as dangerous, such as nationalism and racism. The story of Korea is a sad one, particularly for The Salvation Army, which lost so many members during the Korean War. What happened to the Seoul Boys Home Band and their instruments is still a mystery. However, I did hear an interesting story (which needs to be verified) that when General John Gowans made an official visit to China, he was given a welcome at the airport including a military band from the Chinese People’s Army playing a Salvation Army march. Could this be a key to that mystery?

Matt Kinsey Lieutenant Bristol

Marie Burr Captain Great Yarmouth

David Newstead Tamworth

HAND IN HAND JOHN Coutts’s article ‘By God’s power you will get there’ (Salvationist 6 February) was poignant to read. My late father arrived in Tanzania on secondment in the 1970s at the beginning of a potentially serious drought. What was the population’s response? They prayed for rain! Praying for divine intervention isn’t confined to Africa: the US state of Texas is prone to drought and calls for prayers for rain are quite common. Psychologists of religion speak of ‘attribution’ – the life-giving rain comes after the prayers, it’s by God’s grace, which is proof, indeed, that our Father is benevolent towards his children. Drought could also be seen as ‘God’s megaphone’, in the words of CS Lewis, so maybe prayer could be regarded as an indicator that the created are paying attention to their creator’s voice? Pragmatists say if downpours come they come according to the laws of nature. You could have prayed to a weather idol, or not prayed at all. But pragmatism and prayer can go hand in hand: while in Africa, my father enjoyed working

with Norwegian tree-planters, many of them Lutherans. Tree-planting can do so much to offset the pernicious aspects of soil erosion. As an 18-year-old school leaver in the 1940s, my father was convinced that faith and science could be bedfellows. His experiences in Africa only served to bolster that belief. Kevin Chubb Barry

LETTERS Readers’ letters are a popular and well-read section of Salvationist. Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.

Salvationist 20 March 2021

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Platinum (70th) O S/Reservist Glenys Burgess and Rtd CSM Harry Burgess, Gorseinon (17 March) Blue Sapphire (65th) O Betty and Rtd BM Brian Hillyer, Gravesend (31 March) O Derek and Vi Kittle, Boscombe (31 March) Diamond O Elizabeth and Raymond Todd, Norwich Citadel (11 March) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Mrs Aux-Captain Audrey Webster (95 on 29 March) O Lieut-Colonel John Hassard (80 on 31 March) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Dep BM Roy Payne, Brighton Congress Hall O George Sargent, Bognor Regis O John Gruber, Bognor Regis O Trevor Steventon, High Wycombe, on 26 February O Mary Sheppard, Woodbridge, on 28 February O Joan Woods, Sunderland Millfield, on 1 March O Major David Gill from hospital on 4 March BEREAVED O Songster Maureen Payne, Brighton Congress Hall, of her husband Dep BM Roy Payne, Major Jonathan Payne, South Africa, of his father O Bandsman Daniel Crombie and BM Joseph Crombie, both Brighton Congress Hall, of their sister Catherine Brown O Bandsman Keith Dry, Brighton Congress Hall, of his sister Joyce Edgley O Jenny Sargent, Bognor Regis, of her husband George O Major Fiona Sayer, Central East DHQ, Stuart Sheppard, Norton, and Zara Sheppard of their mother Mary Sheppard O Major Maureen Gill of her husband Major David Gill, Lynda Garbutt, Blackpool Citadel, Catherine Gill, Richard Gill, Deborah Flintoff and Sarah Coulthard of their father

Salvationist 20 March 2021

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 March O Major Chris Baker out of Nunhead in 1985 and last appointment William Booth College O Major Stephen Curnow out of Tavistock in 1983 with Major Marilyn Curnow (née Tidball) out of Falmouth in 2002 and last appointment Andover

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES MAJOR DENNIS ROBERTS BORN to Salvationists Herbert and Winifred Roberts, Dennis grew up attending Plumstead Corps. He moved through the junior sections into senior soldiership and played in the band. Dennis attended an agricultural college and worked in farming. He entered the International Training College from Salisbury as a cadet in the Followers of Christ session and was true to his calling, commitment and sessional name throughout his officership. He was appointed to manage the Salvation Army farm, Woodleigh, in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Dennis met Captain Ruth Sercombe at the Mazowe Secondary School when he travelled there to collect seed maize for the farm. They were married in the country at Salisbury Citadel in 1975. After the stillbirth of their first child, Dennis and Ruth returned to the UK to serve at Trowbridge. They had two sons, Bramwell and Allister. They went on to serve in appointments at Birmingham Sparkhill, Chesterton, Southampton Sholing and St Helier. A farming appointment at Muldersvlei Rehabilitation Centre in South Africa followed, before they returned to corps leadership at Hereford. Dennis continued to support the corps after his retirement in 1999. He loved gardening and this kept him going after he suffered a stroke and, in the final stage of life, lived with cancer. The care of corps folk and carers while he was at home and in St Michael’s Hospice was without fault.

Dennis witnessed to everyone that he loved his Lord and was not fearful of his final journey. His was a life well lived. He was loved and respected by many who shared their lives with him. – RR JEAN VERSEY, FELIXSTOWE JEAN was born into a Salvationist family at Maldon. She became a singing company member and later a songster. She moved to Felixstowe to train for children’s work and met her husband Robert. She then went on to work in childcare in the area. Jean was involved in young people’s ministries as timbrel group leader and Sunday school record sergeant and also assisted with the parent-and-toddler group. As songster sergeant, Jean was known for being a good listener, encourager and adviser. She later worked at the local post office and was well known in the community. Jean also served as corps treasurer and took an interest in women’s ministries, serving as acting home league treasurer for a while. She enjoyed being involved in women’s events, especially attending divisional conferences. Jean was a loyal and committed Salvationist. She served the Lord she loved right up until the time of her sudden promotion to Glory. – DA JANET SOAL, WORTHING JANET was born in Lewisham in 1936 and introduced to The Salvation Army at the age of 14. She had a good voice and the music sections at Lewisham Corps gave her an opportunity to develop her talent. Janet was encouraged to enrol at Morley College for vocal and music training. She served as singing company leader and had a gift for understanding issues affecting young people. Her influence remained throughout the lives of many. The family later moved to Worthing where Janet joined the songsters. She also volunteered with Dementia Friendly Worthing’s Welcome Break, which offers respite for carers, to look after people who had suffered strokes or were living with dementia.

ADVERTS Janet was promoted to Glory on 31 December and is greatly missed by those she loved so much, her husband, Ralph, her children, Andrew and Joanna, and their spouses, and her grandchildren and great-grandchild. – RS HAZEL LEONARD, STAPLE HILL HAZEL was born in London’s East End in 1936. A year later the family moved to Bristol and attended Bristol Bedminster, where Hazel became a junior soldier, corps cadet and singing company member. As a senior soldier, she served as singing company sergeant and a songster. Hazel trained as a nurse and worked at Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. Her love for children was evident throughout her life. She married David Leonard in 1959 and they had three children, Jonathan, Hillary and Nicholas, and six grandchildren. Sadly, Jonathan died in 2010 in South Africa. After a time at Bristol Citadel, Hazel and David joined Staple Hill. Hazel became ill and spent the last two years of her life in residential care. She is loved and missed by David, Hillary, Nicholas and Robin and by the corps fellowship. She is now resting in God’s care. – VW

FAIRHAVEN CHRISTIAN HOTEL (LLANDUDNO) Andrew and Paula offer you a warm Christian welcome, a relaxed atmosphere, good home-cooked food and a high standard of cleanliness overlooking Llandudno bay. All bedrooms are en suite. For colour brochure and information, phone 01492 878447 or email fairhavenchristianhotel@ gmail.com

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GLOBAL ECUMENICAL CALL TO PRAYER

22–27 MARCH A year after the World Health Organisation declared the spread of Covid-19 a global pandemic, the World Council of Churches is calling for a week of prayer. It will invite a time of prayer and reflection on both the lament and the hope expressed and experienced across the world during a year of unprecedented suffering, but also a year when churches have worked together in new ways to respond to and accompany communities through mental, physical, economical, spiritual and environmental crises. Daily themes will be posted online at oikoumene.org/resources/covid-19-resources

TREVOR WATSON, MALTON A THIRDGENERATION Salvationist, Trevor was born in 1937. He moved through the YP and senior sections at York Corps, becoming the bass soloist in the songsters and band. Trevor held many positions over the years, including band secretary, acting corps treasurer, deputy songster leader, deputy bandmaster and bandmaster. In 2004 he transferred with his wife, Eileen, to Malton, where he joined the band, started a songster brigade and became songster leader. Due to failing health in later years, Trevor was unable to play his instrument or sing. He was promoted to Glory in December and is now with the Lord he loved and served. Trevor is missed by his family and many friends. – EW Salvationist 20 March 2021

‘‘‘ All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week… JESSICA MASON Strawberry Field How did you first come into contact with the Army? Working as the administrator at Strawberry Field was my first experience with The Salvation Army. I joined the team in 2018 prior to the site’s official opening. What made you want to work for the Army? I wanted to use my skills in an organisation that makes a difference. Being part of Strawberry Field, a piece of Liverpool’s history, is the icing on the cake. What is the most interesting thing about your role? Strawberry Field is unique and no day is the same! The diversity is interesting – from watching a trainee’s confidence soar to chatting with members of the community, welcoming Beatles fans from across the world and working with an amazing team. … and the most frustrating? Last year would have been our first big summer to welcome coach and cruise ship tourists. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen due to the coronavirus pandemic.

This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine

If you could be in a film, which would it be and which character would you play? I would be Pocahontas in the Disney film of that name. If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? Queen Elizabeth I. I’ve always loved Tudor history and the fact that she was a woman of power at a time when women didn’t have much of it. If you could create a slogan for your life, what would it be? And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make. What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? Volleyball, because of the beach. If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? John Lennon. I have so many questions I would ask!

’’’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘This Little Light of Mine.’ Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Mary. I would ask her about motherhood and the journey that she went on from a woman’s perspective. What do you do in your spare time? Take trips to the theatre and eat out too much. Did you have a nickname growing up? When my little sister, Annie, was a baby, she couldn’t say ‘Jess’, so I became ‘icka’. What is your favourite food? Any pasta dish that includes cheese. Do you have any hidden talents? My vegetarian cooking converts meat-eaters.

Apart from English, what languages do you know? British Sign Language.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island? Poems to Live Your Life By, chosen and illustrated by Chris Riddell.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? Don’t Look Back in Angerr by Oasis, released in 1995.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘Good Day Sunshine’ by the Beatles.

Is there something about the world you have never understood? How a person could hate another because they are different.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t sweat the small stuff – and remember it’s all small stuff.

What is your favourite Bible verse? 1 Corinthians 13:13 really resonates with me: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’

What is the most valuable thing you possess? The love of my family and friends.

What is your favourite kind of holiday? Exploring exotic locations, preferably in the sunshine.

Something interesting that people might want to know about you is… I had to postpone my wedding last year, but in June I am finally marrying my childhood sweetheart after 17 years together.