Salvationist 22 June 2019 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

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www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 22 June 2019

IDENTITY CRISIS?

PLUS APPOINTMENTS 2019: THE FULL LIST

T CONTENTS

Quotes from the media

News

4 to 6

News feature 7 International visitors fill the town with música!

Interview 8 and 9 A ministry of poetry and prayer Commissioner Harry Read speaks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Letters

Appointments list

11 to 15

Reflection 16 to 18 Appreciating the red shield by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

Reviews Make A Joyful Noise

reviewed by Hilary Winch

Inside Out reviewed by Major Cliff Allchin

Bible study Show yourself!

20 and 21

by Major Cliff Allchin

Through the week with Salvationist 20 and 21 by Major Lynda Levis

New commitments

22 and 23

Announcements

Preview Fundraising invitation

Adverts

WHO ARE WE? COMMISSIONER Harry Read’s skydive into Normandy as part of the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings was something of a media sensation. Newspapers, TV and social media in the UK, France and beyond were fascinated by the story of the 95-year-old veteran who was marking the events of 6 June 1944 and raising funds for The Salvation Army’s work with victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. Within the Army, Commissioner Harry is known, among other things, for writing poetry. In an interview on pages 8 and 9 he recalls how this talent first developed and gives insights into the prayerful process that is involved. His poems are a hit online, with his weekly Facebook posts being read and appreciated by people around the world. One of the things that impressed me about Harry’s recent involvement with the media was that he spoke about his faith. In an interview with Jon Snow on Channel 4 News he said that when he was considering doing the skydive he prayed about it. He also wore his Salvation Army uniform for the interview, as well as when he met the Red Devils team that jumped with him. As I watched I wondered how many viewers realised what the uniform was. Some may have done, but I guess a large proportion would not. That thought raises the question of how visible and identifiable Salvationists are these days. Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant addresses the issue in his article on pages 16 to 18. This is his response to the letters that Salvationist has published recently about the red shield, the crest and the logo on uniform blouses and shirts. He covers various aspects of the debate, including why we use the red shield, whether we are a church or a charity, secularisation and the centrality of the cross of Jesus. Identity is also the focus of Major Cliff Allchin’s Bible study on pages 20 and 21, where he asks how people can tell the difference between a follower of Christ and anybody else. What we wear can be an expression of our identity – an outward, visible symbol of our inward experience and of our allegiance to a particular group or organisation. But identity itself is a far more complex thing. What makes us who we are can be difficult to pin down. Is it nature, nurture or a combination of both? How much influence do the bodies we were born with, the cultures we were born into, our upbringing, our faith and our life experiences have? And how much does our understanding of who we are change over the years as we relate to various people and gain a wider experience of life? We may not know the answers to these questions, but as Christians one thing is sure: our profoundest identity derives from our relationship with God. We are his children. That is the identity we need to express to others – perhaps by what we wear but, more importantly, by how we live.

26 and 27

The Salvation Army and me

featuring Robina Malik

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

Salvationist 22 June 2019

From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

A GUIDE TO WELCOME

A new resource guide for parochial church councils and congregations who wish to become more welcoming to disabled people has been published by the Christian disability charity Through The Roof. The author of the guide, Ros Bayes, said that half the parents who attended a recent meeting with the charity’s head of trustees, Dr Mike Townsend, told him that they had been asked to leave a church because of their disabled child. ‘I can’t imagine Jesus turning to any family and saying, “Your child is too disruptive.

Please don’t come back again”; so we have to help churches find a better way,’ she said… Mrs Bayes, the charity’s training resources developer, who has a disabled daughter, draws on her own experiences in the 32page A4 booklet A Church That Cares: What Does Good Pastoral Care Look Like For Families Affected By Disability? The publication can be ordered from www.throughtheroof.org/shop/a-churchthat-cares Church Times

THERESA MAY COMMITS TO NET ZERO UK CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2050 Theresa May has sought… a commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050, making Britain the first major economy to do so. The commitment, to be made in an amendment to the Climate Change Act… would make the UK the first member of the G7 group of industrialised nations to legislate for net zero emissions… Environmental groups welcomed the goal but expressed disappointment that the

plan would allow the UK to achieve it in part through international carbon credits, something Greenpeace said would ‘shift the burden to developing nations’. Doug Parr, the chief scientist for Greenpeace UK, said… ‘As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, it is right that the UK is the world’s first major economy to commit to completely end its contribution to climate change.’ The Guardian

SCHOOLS SHOULD STAY OPEN DURING EVENINGS AND WEEKENDS TO TACKLE KNIFE CRIME, CHILDREN’S COMMISSIONER SAYS Anne Longfield said that areas that experience high levels of violence should be placed in ‘emergency measures’. Speaking at the education select committee, she said that when it comes to tackling knife crime there is a lot of discussion, but a lack of ‘urgency’ when it comes to actually taking action.

SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

CATHOLIC EDUCATION KEY TO FIGHTING INDIFFERENCE, POPE SAYS Individualism and consumerism undermine the most basic rules of coexistence and challenge the principles of cooperation and mutual understanding promoted by Catholic education, Pope Francis said. ‘The culture of indifference, which envelopes relations between individuals and peoples, as well as the care of the common home, also corrodes the sense of humanism… ‘This humanistic perspective today cannot fail to include ecological education, which promotes a covenant between humanity and the environment…’

‘I think that we should almost be on emergency measures in the areas of high violence,’ she told MPs. ‘I would like to see schools staying open in the evenings and opening at weekends. I would like there to be youth workers who are proactively in schools talking to kids at risk.’

Pope Francis said that Catholic educators are called to collaborate in ‘the growth process of humanity’ through their professionalism and the consistent witness of their lives ‘to help young people become active builders of a more fraternal and peaceful world’.

The Telegraph

The Tablet

ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4883 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445445 (option 1) (fax) 01933 445415 (email) subscriptions@sp-s.co.uk TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101 Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

SALVATIONIST ONLINE Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline Find Salvationist on Twitter twitter.com/@SalvationistUK

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

Salvationist 22 June 2019

NEWS

The Spirit moves during world leaders’ visit

Salvation Army plays crucial part in new Scottish Housing First model

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL

EDINBURGH

THE Holy Spirit prompted the repeated use of the mercy seat during Sunday worship at which General Brian Peddle gave words of challenge and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle shared her testimony. The international leaders visited the corps having been special guests at the Symphony Sounds concert the evening before. Their visit will be remembered for their friendliness as well as for the work of the Spirit during the meeting. Prayer was shared in a variety of languages, reflecting the

diverse nature of the city and corps. Many people came to the

mercy seat during the appeal and the murmur of prayers could be heard above the choruses. People continued to go forward – young people taking friends and parents leading their children – until there was no room at the mercy seat and people in the congregation had to be counselled where they sat. Many were in tears as they sang and prayed. – R. O.

THE Salvation Army attended the 2019 Housing First Scotland Conference where it gave an update on the crucial part it plays in the programme. The Housing First model gives people a permanent home and intensive support as a first response rather than the final step in a long process. It aims to bring hundreds of people who are sleeping rough or caught in the homeless system into secure long-term tenancies. The Housing First Scotland Fund is one of the largest of its kind in the UK and was launched by Social Bite in partnership with the Corra Foundation and the Homelessness Network. The Salvation Army is a specialist provider of Housing First services in Glasgow and Dundee. During the conference Housing First Implementation Manager Helen Murdoch and Assistant Territorial Director of Homelessness Services (North) Malcolm Page spoke about the wraparound support given by the Army to help people overcome homelessness. – A. R.

Neath MP praises Army community work SKEWEN SHADOW Secretary of State for Wales Christina Rees, MP, called into the corps to learn about the work the Army does in her community. The corps serves an area covering Neath, Port Talbot and Skewen with a breakfast club, craft classes, a parent-and-toddler group, a charity shop and Sunday worship. The corps also operates an outreach vehicle, which goes out on Thursday nights to feed people experiencing homelessness in Neath. Christina praised the work The Salvation Army does in her constituency. – I. R. 4

Salvationist 22 June 2019

EAST SCOTLAND: Around forty women from the division gathered in the beautiful surroundings of Barony Castle in the Scottish Borders for a day of fellowship, worship, reflection and prayer. Guest Jane Fucella (Church of Scotland, Biggar) spoke about her ministry with her family as missionaries in Thailand. – A. Y.

Local poll proves positive public perception BARROW-IN-FURNESS A SURVEY of the area has found that public perception and awareness of The Salvation Army’s presence is positive. The informal poll was designed to gauge people’s awareness of Barrow-in-Furness Corps in the neighbourhood. A team of young people, led by Liverpool Valley corps leader Bek Taylor, took to the town centre and listened to the public’s experience of the corps. Encouragingly, 80 per cent of respondents knew where the corps was and almost 20 per cent had visited the hall personally at some point. Awareness of the café facility and services to people experiencing homelessness were joint highest and the toddler groups and shop also scored highly. Fewer than 10 per cent of respondents mentioned the corps as a church or place of worship. Analysis of the survey has proven helpful for future mission planning and responding to needs in the area. The most recognised needs in the community were the reduction of homelessness and provision of work opportunities for young people. – M. D.

Seventeen walkers from Eston – spanning more than eight decades in age – walk six miles from Eston to Redcar before joining the rest of the corps for a chilly bank holiday picnic; they raised more than £1,000 for the Big Collection and community work

Charity shop volunteers on the up SATCoL

INVERNESS: The YP annual weekend began with fun and games in the park with Edinburgh City youth and their leaders. Food was provided, and activities and a puppet workshop took place at the hall. Captain Jennifer Gosling (Edinburgh City) led Sunday morning worship on the theme Mission Impossible. This centred on the story of the boy with the loaves and fishes and included contributions from the brass ensemble, singing group, worship band and puppeteers. Prizes were presented and the Edinburgh City and Inverness singing groups united for ‘Do The Impossible’. – C. W.

THE Salvation Army has seen a 15 per cent increase in volunteers at its trading company charity shops in the past six months. Figures from Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd show a spike in volunteers since January. The oldest volunteer is 92, while the youngest – completing a Duke of Edinburgh Award – is 15. During Volunteers’ Week the Army praised the key role volunteers play in its work supporting families and individuals across the UK and Republic of Ireland, reminding volunteers that they are the vital backbone of its outreach and community work. O To find out more about volunteering opportunities, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/volunteerfor-us – A. R. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

Salvationist 22 June 2019

NEWS

BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL: Children’s music programme Just Brass was formed in Geelong, Australia, in 2010. Nine years on, the programme runs in twenty Salvation Army centres around the country and gives primary schoolchildren the opportunity to learn a brass instrument at no cost. The programme started in Bedford in 2016 and now has 35 children learning instruments. They form two bands, which practise at the corps. – G. B. FAKENHAM: To celebrate Volunteers’ Week the corps held a barbecue for all volunteers to thank them for their efforts over the past 12 months. Volunteer Sunday included powerful testimonies from volunteers at the charity shops and corps programme. The theme connecting them was how volunteering provided opportunities to spend time with people. – A. A. O Bandsman Ian and Rachel Roberts from Staple Hill attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of Ian’s 40 years of loyal service to the NHS

Others Global looks to grow international market IHQ THE Salvation Army has established a new Others Global Board of Management to expand its Trade for Hope enterprise. The board will seek ways to grow the initiative’s international market and increase the number of producers, who are guaranteed a fair wage. Currently, Trade for Hope products are available online by visiting www.tradeforhope.com or directly to customers in Norway, Denmark, Switzerland and the USA. Under the leadership of International Secretary for Business Administration Commissioner Merle Heatwole the board’s intention is to expand this market over the coming years. This will start with the opportunity to showcase Others items in Café 101 at International Headquarters, which will also widen the programme’s profile beyond a Salvation Army audience. The board was established at a meeting of the Others Global Council in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The council oversees the worldwide connections of Others and consists of representatives from producer countries – including Bangladesh, Kenya and Pakistan – and distributing countries – including the USA, Canada and Norway. Visits were also made to production sites and projects in Dhaka, Old Dhaka, Jashore and the corps at Shankurpur. Stories of transformation were shared at every site. One woman gave thanks that The Salvation Army had given her a haven to learn a new skill, hear the gospel, share productive hours with other women and earn a fair wage to provide food, medicine, shelter and education for her children. At production sites in Bangladesh producers shared their gratitude for the opportunities they had received through Others, but some implored council members to provide more work. It became clear that each handcrafted item – a cloth bag, an apron, a tea towel, a designer scarf, an embroidered heart – represents the potential to make a world of difference around the globe. – S. K.

Hucknall corps officer Captain Gayner Ward gives certificates of thanks to the volunteers who help with the coffee mornings, craft club, over-60 club and kids club 6

Salvationist 22 June 2019

Staple Hill Band gets out and about SOUTH DEVON STAPLE Hill Band visited Newton Abbot and Teignmouth for a worship meeting and openair witness. Bandsman Hilton Baker led morning worship at Newton Abbot with Psalm 23, reminding the fellowship that the psalm is personal, one to which everyone can relate. After the meeting the band presented an open-air concert in the town centre. Many people stopped to listen and corps literature was distributed. Following a meal at the Army hall the band went on to Teignmouth and marched through the centre of the town and along the seafront. Holidaymakers and residents enjoyed the band’s performance and received information about the corps and The Salvation Army. A nearby leisure centre posted a video of the band on Facebook, which helped the Army’s witness reach a wider audience than anticipated. – L. P.

BELFAST CITADEL: Majors Brian Slinn and Liv Raegevik-Slinn (divisional leaders, East Midlands) led the 139th corps anniversary celebrations, which included a relaxing awayday at Antrim Castle Gardens and Sunday meetings supported by the corps music sections. The sections also witnessed on Belfast’s busy Dublin Road with items on the theme Music For A Sunny Summer’s Sunday Afternoon. – N. M.

NEWS FEATURE Festival de Música

International visitors fill the town with música! CRADLEY HEATH A CAPACITY crowd greeted young Salvationists from Portugal and Spain. After months of prayer, planning and preparation the visitors arrived to a procession of flags and the march ‘Celebration’, played by the Divisional Fellowship Band, which includes the lines ‘We’ll keep the old flag flying/ Flying round the world’. The evening that followed was full of inspiration and blessing. The young people played ‘Fairest Lord Jesus’ and brought a timbrel presentation set to ‘Él Es El Señor’. Contributions from the massed songsters, comprising members from Cradley Heath and neighbouring corps, included ‘I Have Joined The Army Of The Lord’, ‘Showers Of Blessing’ and ‘David Danced’. Timbrelists from the Divisional Fellowship Band presented ‘Alderney’. Captain Anabela Gonçalves (Porto,

Portugal) shared her testimony and corps officer Major David Stephenson led a time of reflection. The young delegates brought the evening to a close with ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘And Can It Be?’, and an encore, ‘Fill The World With Music’, highlighted the international aspect of The Salvation Army. Saturday’s sunny weather was met with an open-air meeting at a nearby supermarket. Bystanders received The Salvation Army well, stopping to listen as the corps folk and visitors proclaimed the message of God’s love. People made new contacts and gave out invitations to the upcoming meetings. The young people then enjoyed a few hours of free time before sharing in an informal social event in the evening, with a fish-and-chips supper. The corps took this time to get to know the young people. Sunday morning took the theme of God’s Love for Everyone, and the host

band and guests united to play ‘Here I Am To Worship’. The meeting included a time of prayer held in Spanish, Portuguese and English. The united band also played ‘Deep Harmony’ and the songsters contributed ‘How Great Is Our God’. Corps officer Major Joy Stephenson led worship and Genesis Ortiz, one of the young visitors, sang in her own language, demonstrating that there is no language barrier to God’s love or to music. In the afternoon the young people visited a residential care home before returning to the hall for tea. The evening meeting opened with everyone reading Psalm 100 together. People shared Scripture and prayer in the languages of the various countries represented and Major Dieter Zimmerer (Dénia, Spain) gave his testimony. The evening meeting also included the welcoming of an adherent member, and Major David Stephenson challenged those present to tell others of the love of God and to ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation’ (Mark 16:15). After the benediction more time was given to celebration with a selection of band and timbrel items. The young people met at the hall for a time of reflection on Monday morning before boarding their coach to the airport. God had provided all that was needed throughout the weekend, resulting in a time of rich fellowship and friendship. The message of God’s salvation for the whole world clearly shone through. – D. S. Salvationist 22 June 2019

INTERVIEW I Commissioner Harry Read

A ministry of poetry and prayer Commissioner Harry Read talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about his life and poetic writing

OON after midnight on 6 June 1944, 20-year-old wireless operator Harry Read parachuted into Normandy as part of the D-Day landings. On 5 June 2019, 95-year-old Harry Read again jumped into Normandy, this time skydiving with the Red Devils as part of the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Harry’s skydive sparked enormous media interest and he lost no opportunity to witness to his faith and highlight the work for which he was raising funds: the Army’s support for victims of human trafficking. This commitment to others has been the hallmark of Harry’s life as a Salvation Army officer. He was commissioned in 1948 and served with his wife, Win, in corps, training, divisional and public relations appointments before becoming Chief Secretary in Canada in 1981. Leadership of the Australia Eastern Territory followed in 1984, during which time he became a candidate for General at the 1986 High Council. He became the British Commissioner (BC) in 1987. In his first officers councils as BC, Harry made the famous statement: ‘You have permission to fail.’ He explains the 8

Salvationist 22 June 2019

background: ‘When I was a divisional commander someone came to present our officers with ideas about stewardship. They seemed reluctant, so I asked, “What is the problem with this? Are you afraid of failure?” They said, “Yes. We can’t afford to fail.” So when I became BC I said, “I am not giving you a mandate to close this, that and the other, but I am giving you the mandate to fail, having tried.” It was the message God had given me for our territory. People were enthusiastic about it.’ Harry was to be the last leader of the British Territory. He worked with General Eva Burrows to separate it from the administrative structure of International Headquarters and create the new United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, which was inaugurated upon his retirement in 1990. With retirement came fresh opportunities for ministry. ‘I was asked to write Words Of Life,’ he recalls. ‘I did that for 10 years, 29 editions in all. I loved doing it. It still allowed us time to do a lot of specialling and lead a Bible study at Bromley. We did the same at Winton, when we moved down to live in Bournemouth, with 50 to 60 people attending.’ Harry is well known for his poetic writing, which has gained a widespread following in recent years, not least through his regular Facebook posts. His gift for poetry began to develop when, as a cadet, he was encouraged by a member of the training college staff to show his work to Colonel Catherine Baird in the IHQ Literary Department. ‘I was greeted warmly but she told me, “You’re trying to do too much. You need one thought that you develop.” She gave me one of her books on the construction of poetry, and of course I fell in love with Catherine Baird. She mentored me for

years, almost to her retirement. I felt so privileged.’ Later, when Harry was on the college staff, his poetic gifts helped bring the musical talents of a young college officer, Lieutenant John Larsson, to the attention of the Army world. The training principal had asked Harry to write the 1960 commissioning pageant. Harry reluctantly agreed but decided to change the traditional format. ‘The more I thought about it the more I thought it should be a musical,’ he says. ‘John Larsson had written a very lovely tune, so I said to him, “How would you feel about doing the music?” He said, “I’d love to do it.” So John and I became partners in this thing.’ Today, most of Harry’s poems are poetic prayers, written in sonnet form – 14 lines of 10 syllables. ‘My prayer life has always been very active,’ he observes, ‘and when our son, John, said he’d started keeping a prayer journal, I said, “What a good idea. I’m going to do that.” When I had my prayers I would write, and 14 lines was just about the right amount. So that, as much as anything, is why I write in sonnet form.’ When Win was promoted to Glory in 2007, Harry expressed many of his feelings in poetry that was later published. ‘I’d become a compulsive writer of verse,’ he explains, ‘and when Win died I shared my stuff with three other men in the corps who had been bereaved. They said how helpful it was, so I wrote the book, No Heart More Tender.’ Soon after this Harry’s poems found their way on to Facebook. His daughter, Margaret, had opened a Facebook account for him but after a while he lost interest. ‘Then,’ he says, ‘it was as though the good Lord said to me, “Hang on Harry; you might find a ministry here.” So I contacted a couple of good friends

POWER TO BE

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Picture: PA

I treat prayer as the dominant feature of my life

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and said, “If I put one of my poems up on a Sunday and something else on a Wednesday, how would you feel about that?” And I found a ministry that’s been going for at least eight years. ‘As I have my prayers, as I meditate on the Scripture and get out of it what I think I’m supposed to get, I’m able to write the Facebook poems. That’s why I can always put a scriptural reference to them.’ The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with people saying how much they have been helped and encouraged. Such was the interest that the Australia Southern Territory published many of the Facebook posts in 2013, along with some of his other poems, in Heart Talk: The Give And Take Of Communion With God. Harry has always regarded prayer as essential and values the time he is now able to spend with God. ‘I treat prayer as the dominant feature of my life,’ he says. ‘It almost sounds sanctimonious, but as soon as I wake up I am making a prayer. When I go to bed I am making a prayer, winding up the day. I have my set times for prayer and my prayer lists are very lengthy. ‘I usually have a poem that I’ve been sorting out for Facebook, and I say, “Can I rest in you, Lord, in the light of what this poem is saying?” And that’s where I start. But I don’t hurry on from there. He knows my weaknesses, he knows my desires, and I want to be able to rest in him. ‘Then I have to say to myself, “Harry, when you pray you are linking yourself with the active work of the Holy Spirit, who also is at work in that person’s heart.” I try to bear that in mind all the time. It is the two of us together.’

‘Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete’ (John 16:24) My heart, dear Lord, will not be satisfied With less than you have planned to give to me, My deepest longings will not be denied, I need from natural frailties to be free. I need to feel upon my chosen way That I have power to be – and power to act More like a Jesus-person day by day, Not just within my mind but, as a fact. But more, O Father God, I want so much That Christlikeness be planted in my soul, I want him to abide in me, and touch My mind and will, then take complete control. I come, Lord, to my heart’s own mercy seat And kneel – and yield myself – before your feet.

Salvationist 22 June 2019

LETTERS

BLESSINGS FROM BELLSHILL

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A BAND MAKES! GRAN’S 90th birthday party didn’t get off to the best of starts – instead of Gorgeous Gran, we had Grumpy Gran… Then everything changed when Clowne Salvation Army Band turned up to play for her – they laughed and joked with her when they played and she absolutely sang her heart out. We cannot thank these beautiful people enough; they were fantastic and have made my gran’s year! We haven’t seen her so happy in ages, thank you, thank you, thank you. (Pictured with Happy Gran are Bandmaster Dean Coates, with band members Tony Heap, Peta Coates, Retired Bandmaster Ken Rose and David Clarke at Hollybank Nursing Home, Creswell.) Graham Holland, Creswell

LOVE FEASTS: RIGHT NOT RITE I CANNOT comment on any love feasts observed by Major Robert Campbell (Salvationist 11 May) but I hope he is not saying they are, per se, an ‘insulting parody of the sacrament’. The Moravian and Methodist Churches, who participate in them, would be much offended by that phrase, not to mention the distinct possibility that the early Church also gathered in this manner. The fact that in these communities they are sometimes used in tandem with the rite of Holy Communion indicates that they are discrete in their purpose, the love feast being no more or less than a symbolic sharing of a meal to demonstrate the essential fellowship of the congregation and, on occasion, to challenge and develop the understanding of it. Thus, it is incorrect to suggest that there is any direct bearing on our position regarding the formal sacramental rites. Back in the mid-1950s with my sectional officer, the then Captain Harry Read, we conducted such gatherings in the autumn cadets’ ten-day campaigns. We always gained the approval and permission of the corps officer and always explained its purpose before the programmed event took place. The meeting plan was also prepared with very great care so as to ensure that, despite certain common features, no one could possibly confuse it with the sacrament of Holy Communion. It was always a most moving element in the ten-day programme and sometimes was the catalyst for rifts in the corps fellowship to be faced and healed. Particularly in the East, eating together implied a relationship of mutual friendship and trust and the love feast sought to exploit this in terms of our Christian ideal of ‘membership together in Christ’. John Waters, Major, Biddulph Moor 10

Salvationist 22 June 2019

RECENTLY, I went with friends to hear Bellshill Band give an evening festival programme at nearby Coventry City. I thought the deportment and the playing of the band were excellent, as were the various soloists. What impressed me was the overall content of the programme. It was very varied with music to suit all tastes. Included were a vocal item, testimony, Bible verses and the spoken word, as well as instrumental solos and full band items. There was a good balance of men and women of all ages in the band. You do not often see 13 female timbrelists, including the bandmaster, performing to a march but that is what we were treated to. The programme flowed along with different members of the band introducing the various items. The interval, when the bandsmen and women were able to meet the large congregation, was much appreciated. After the last item, instead of finishing with a well-known march, as many bands do, the band sympathetically played ‘The Prayer’ as a very powerful benediction. The programme was a very spiritual occasion and I know many people were influenced for the Lord because of it. Brian Adamson, Hinckley

HAPPY HERALDS: YOU AREN’T ALONE IN response to Lieut-Colonel Alan Hart’s letter (Salvationist 4 May), I would like to assure him that he isn’t alone or unique in the positive ministry as a herald. Over the years I have stood in the towns wherever I have been placed (now Ramsgate) and the generosity of the public never ceases to amaze me. Certainly, years on, even in the current financial climate, the giving exceeds all expectations. This applies, in my opinion, to any financial appeal we are making, whether it be Christmas, flag days, the Big Collection, etc. The personal contact, and the conversations with members of the public who are interested in our work or sharing their own experiences of ‘Army days in the past’, is, as Lieut-Colonel Hart says, the most rewarding. An invitation to join us does inspire them to come and see what we are about and to help in whatever way they can. I always pray that God will take over their lives and eventually lead them to him. Mavis Blyth, Captain, Ramsgate

APPOINTMENTS LIST 2019

THIS list is published following the General Farewell process, whereby the identifying of appointments for officers and envoys accepting new responsibilities is preceded by consultation with individuals, line managers and corps/centre representatives. This list shows how all active UKI officers (in this territory, at IHQ and overseas), non-UK officers serving in the territory and territorial and divisional envoys in corps, social services and headquarters appointments will be deployed at the General Change in July 2019. New appointments that have not been announced previously are indicated with a circumflex accent (^) and modified ones with an asterisk (*). Where necessary, a fuller description of the appointment is provided. Information is provided by and published courtesy of the Personnel Service, THQ, and is correct (including ranks) at the time of going to press.

All names and appointments removed

Salvationist 22 June 2019

11-15

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

APPRECIATING THE Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant explores the meaning of the red shield and why we use it

AM delighted to connect with Salvationist readers as Secretary for Communications for the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. Some of you may remember I was Editor of Salvationist more than a decade ago. It is good to be back! My priority is to help as many people as possible faithfully communicate the gospel of Jesus Christ through all Salvation Army ministries, programmes, services and activities across the territory. I have been in the appointment less than three months and I am still learning. I am grateful for this opportunity to respond to the recent debates on the letters page about the use of the red shield. First, let’s remember that debates about Salvation Army logos are not new. During my time in the editor’s chair, there were passionate debates about the use of the crest or the red shield. We decided to carry both shield and crest logos in every issue of Salvationist. In hindsight, that was the right decision. The Salvation Army is an amazing, multifaceted creation of God. Our beloved Movement cannot be easily defined. The diversity of our worship styles, ministries, programmes and services is part of God’s gift. Every aspect of Salvation Army life can make a contribution to the building of God’s Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. Everyone linked to The Salvation Army can join in: volunteers, employees, friends, adherent members, soldiers, officers… Everyone! Second, a few letter writers suggested the red shield belongs only to social services. One writer argued social services are ‘secondary to our real job, which is to get souls into Heaven’. This thinking has its roots in Gnosticism, a heresy that has plagued the Christian Church since New Testament times. 16

Salvationist 22 June 2019

‘

One letter writer asked if the Army is a church or charity. We are both church and charity

’

As Professor Tom Wright, a leading evangelical biblical scholar and retired bishop in the Church of England, comments: ‘The split between saving souls and doing good in the world is a product not of the Bible or the gospel but of the cultural captivity of both within the western world.’ This comes from Surprised By Hope, a book I highly recommend. The Salvation Army, like other parts of

the Christian Church, ‘needs to recover from long-term schizophrenia’, as Wright puts it. We do not have two missions, we have one mission: to join in the divine mission to save the world, which is made possible through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who will return and reunite Heaven and Earth (see Colossians 1:19 and 20). Everything we do must be aligned and inspired by God’s mission. We must be careful not to look down on the parts of the Army we think are making a lesser contribution (see 1 Corinthians 12). One letter writer asked if the Army is a church or charity. We are both church and charity. Our primary loyalty must always be to God and his mission in our world. Therefore, from an ecclesiological perspective, everything we do is ‘church’. However, The Salvation Army

RED SHIELD Therefore, in signage on our properties, we encourage the use of the shield and the cross. However, out of respect for the deep significance of the cross, it should stand alone. The red shield should also be left unadorned. By doing so, we give two powerful symbols the space to communicate individually p and in relation to each other. Let’s get to the heart of this Le debate. Why are some debate Salvationists deeply uneasy Salva about using the red shield? It abou on uniform shirts in New is o Zealand, Australia and Canada. Colleagues from these countries do not th understand why this is a hot und topic in the UK. This antipathy is not shared by the general public in the UK. For more than a decade, THQ has commissioned regular research to track public attitudes to the Army, which reveals that the red shield is one of the most recognised symbols in the UK and is an image that people respect and trust. We need to recover an appreciation of the red shield within the territory. There are good reasons to do so. First, the red shield is a symbol that says plainly and clearly who we are and where we are present. It acts as a beacon in a dark world. During the recent refugee crisis across Europe, Syrian refugees arriving in Sweden warmly greeted eted Salvationists wearing the he red shield – they had learnt to trust the people e wearing red shields as they journeyed across Europe. What an amazing zing privilege to be a recognisable part of a global Army! The red shield symbolises the offer of protection. ection Second, the red shield As ld iis nott new. A one letter writer stated recently, metal shields were worn as badges and brooches by Salvation Army members from the earliest days. The 1891 Orders And Regulations For Field Officers encouraged every soldier to wear uniform, ‘even if it be but the wearing of a shield’, so that they could be identified as Salvationists. The Booths understood

An early day Salvationist

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The red shield can be a Christian symbol of hope and safety if we take every opportunity to use it

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the power of images and symbols. Our tunics today don’t tell anyone who we are, so I am going to try wearing a red shield pin on my tunic and also a small cross! Third, the red shield had theological significance for the early Salvationists and those truths still stand today. In preparing this article, I was interested to from All The World see this quote fro magazine in June 1917: ‘The m agaz sshield hield tells of a spiritual battle as long as life itself, b and a of o how God through Jesus JJesu is a shield that saves and us through a keeps k everything.’ every e I remember being taught rem the meaning me eanin of the crest as a child but I cannot remember anyone ca talking t lki about b t the th meaning of the shield. As I have reflected on this, I have realised the red shield is rich in theological meaning. ‘Shield’ is often referenced in the Bible. In Genesis 15:1 the voice of the Lord uses the image of the shield to promise protection for Abram and his descendants. In CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Salvationist 22 June 2019

in the UK must operate within legal structures that give confidence to society through regulation and oversight by the Charity Commission. This enables us to receive donations from the general public, corporations, trusts and governments – money that enables us to make a larger contribution to God’s mission in the world than an if we relied only on the giving of Salvationists. If we fail to comply ply with the law and regulations, we risk having to close down many ny corps and centres. I appreciate many readers are wary of government regulation. I share these concerns and wrote my theology ogy doctoral thesis on this issue (published as Keeping Faith In Faith-Based Organizations, 2012). Secular authorities cannot shape the Army unless we let them. By being both church and charity The Salvation Army is more able to participate faithfully in God’s mission to the world. This brings us to the third point raised in the letters page in recent months. Why not replace the red shield with the cross? There are good reasons not to do so. The cross is much more than a logo. The cross is a universal, deeply significant symbol of the Christian faith shared by all Christian churches and communities. The cross must always be the centre of every aspect of Salvation Army life. Without the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross, we have no reason to exist. The cross not only commemorates a historic event – we are all called by God to take up our crosses every day and die to self. It’s how we live that tells! The Salvation Army is energised by disciples of Jesus who carry their crosses and witness through their actions and attitudes. In the power of the Spirit everyone linked to The Salvation Army can play their part in God’s mission to the world. A couple of writers suggested combining the cross and red shield in one logo. This proposal was considered more than a decade ago. Territorial leaders decided that the cross and the red shield must remain clear and distinctive, out of respect for both.

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Ephesians 6 the climax of the armour of God is the shield: ‘Take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one’ (v16). Perhaps this absence of teaching is the reason some Salvationists associate the red shield with the secularisation of The Salvation Army. Secularisation happens when people forget that Jesus is the Saviour of the world. Everything can be secularised. Some people have even forgotten the meaning of the cross, seeing it as fashionable jewellery rather than a symbol of sacrifice and hope. It is a problem for the Army, particularly in western countries. People see the declining number of soldiers and fear the worshipping heart of the Army is being overshadowed by secular social and community work. Be assured: these concerns are close to the hearts and minds of Salvation Army leaders. However, the issue is more complicated than the use of a logo. In May 2017 the territorial Cabinet decided to adopt the red shield as the logo on Army uniform shirts and blouses. SP&S was directed to make the necessary changes with suppliers. Therefore, within the next two years, shirts bearing the old logo will be phased out. Some regret this decision but we need to recognise an opportunity to raise the profile of The Salvation Army. We cannot be complacent. Every generation needs to learn about The Salvation Army – our message, mission and ministry. The use of the shield gives us an opportunity to talk about its theological meaning. Greater use of the red shield will result in greater consistency and clarity. There is always more work to do to communicate our God-given mission. A Salvation Army, aligned with God’s mission, will always be relevant, vibrant and growing. We need more courage and less unhealthy, self-centred introspection. The red shield can be a Christian symbol of hope and safety if we take every opportunity to use it and share the gospel truth it represents. LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ 18

Salvationist 22 June 2019

William Booth with Penzance Band in 1883

+ REVIEWS

Songster and Anglia a Divissional Youth Chorus Leader Hillary Win nch (Norwicch Cittadel)) reviews Make A Joyful Noise! by th he In nternatio onal Sta aff Songsters

HETHER you prefer traditional choral compositions, contemporary anthems, songs that bring you into a worship experience or ‘good old Army favourites’, this CD is for you. The ISS clearly demonstrate their musicality by adapting to such a wide variety of music styles. The title track is a short, triumphant anthem based on Psalm 100, written by American composer Benjamin Harlan. It is followed by the increasingly popular ‘I Have Seen The Glory Of The Lord’, by

Australia’s Chris Brindley. This is one of those songs where the words and music cannot fail to bring you closer to God, and the triumphant ending leaves you with a sense of awe at the amazing power of the Lord. Another such song is the beautiful ‘O Love’, in which you are drawn to consider God’s unfailing care. This has become a favourite to many in recent months. Equally, I have been singing the words and music of Andrew Wicker’s ‘It Is You’ and Amanda-Jayne and Tristan Lanceley’s ‘O Holy Spirit We Pray’ to myself over and over again since listening to them. The unaccompanied track ‘Ubi Caritas’ is beautiful and in complete contrast to other songs on this CD. Different styles are also represented by Diane O’Brien and Cliff Matthews’ ‘Light Released’ and Stephen Bulla’s arrangement of American spiritual ‘Wayfaring Stranger’. Those who like to reminisce will have

a great time singing along to the selection of Joy Webb songs in ‘Songs Of Joy’, as well as reacquainting themselves with ‘You Know That We Love You’, the simple but very popular songster piece from the 1980s. Stephen Pearson and Richard Phillips feature several times as lyricist and composer within this repertoire, including the four-part major work ‘Choral Symphony No 2’. Richard’s accompaniment is legendary and helps the songsters bring to life the various changes in mood as the listener reflects on the themes of each movement – courage, hope, trust and triumph – as well as upbeat praise in the final track, ‘Boundless In Love’. Make A Joyful Noise! is available from SP&S priced £13.95 (plus postage and packing)

IT’S NOT WRONG, JUST DIFFERENT! Major Cliff Allchin (Leeds Central) reviews Inside Out by Daniel Templeman Twells

HERE can be little doubt that sooner or later in our multicultural world we will encounter some form of cross-cultural ministry. Australian officers Captains Daniel and Melissa Templeman Twells spent six years in ministry at the Army’s training college in Japan – an experience that led Daniel to analyse the effects of culture on the blessing of holiness. He asks, ‘Is holiness… something that has the ability to transcend culture, language and time?’ Daniel bases his thoughts on the Japanese words uchi and soto – meaning ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ – as the inner work of grace in holiness and the outward acts that follow. He demonstrates that what we believe to be good or true is deeply connected to the

way we outwardly express those beliefs, and argues that cultural differences often cause confusion. Significantly, he places Christ’s incarnational ministry at the centre of his teaching. Daniel’s writing on holiness has three aspects as its foundation: discovering, claiming and applying holiness. He also suggests that holiness can be viewed in three different ways: as a human viewpoint, a cultural viewpoint and a biblical viewpoint. The cultural viewpoint, which taught him that it was ‘not wrong, just different’, involves elements of oral and written tradition – ceremony, ritual and initiation – and our response to them. The biblical perspective uses various texts to look at the relationship that exists between the internal and external. Daniel challenges readers to discover the grey area between what we know to be definitely wrong and right ways of

living. It is here that the differences between our cultures lie. In conclusion, he quotes Pope Francis: ‘A faith that does not become cculture is not a true faith… There is the relationship T between faith and culture.’ b The life of holiness is a liliving and breathing experience whereby we e acknowledge that we are a constantly in the process of becoming what we have already been declared to be in the eyes of God. This short but challenging book encourages our questions about how much our expression of holiness is governed by our own culture – or if it is centred on the life and teaching of Jesus. O Inside

Out: A Cross-Cultural Perspective Of Holiness is available from The Salvation Army in Australia at commerce.salvationarmy.org.au priced $16.50 AUD (plus postage and packing) Salvationist 22 June 2019

BIBLE STUDY

Show yourself! Major Cliff Allchin asks whether people can tell you are a disciple of Christ

STUDY PASSAGE: MATTHEW 7:15–23

AVE you ever had one of those encounters with a stranger where you instantly knew they were a Christian? It might have been their smile or a twinkle in their eyes. It might have been a special moment of recognition – something so deep and strong that it was like a baby kicking out, as an expectant Elizabeth must have experienced when she met her pregnant cousin, Mary. Jesus’ teaching in these verses from the Sermon on the Mount challenges us: how can people tell the difference between a follower of Christ and anybody else? Jesus points out what he expects to see in his disciples.

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

Salvationist 22 June 2019

QUESTION Read through the study passage a couple of times. What differences can you find?

Is it a sheep or a wolf in sheep’s clothing? Did you know that the phrase ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ was from Jesus? He was talking about false prophets who try to make themselves look and sound like sheep but are only clothed in sheep’s wool. Beneath the external appearance they have a completely different nature with utterly different purposes. A sheep is part of the flock and follows its leader. It relies on the shepherd for food and drink, protection and guidance. A wolf wants to scatter and kill the sheep. It devours its prey, showing no mercy. Yes, a wolf may appear to be someone kind and friendly – a grandma,

even! – but below the surface lies a hostile nature. In this case, that nature is even hostile to the Kingdom of Heaven. QUESTIONS O How should the Church deal with wolves in sheep’s clothing? O What damage do you think has been caused to the Church in recent years by these people? O Read Acts 20:29. What was Paul’s warning to the Ephesian church? What fruit are you bearing? Jesus changes analogies from the wolf and the sheep to different trees and bushes and the respective fruit they bear. When my wife and I were on holiday, our tour guide proudly pointed out to us the different trees that were growing on his island: mango, cacao, nutmeg, banana, papaya and many others. He

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Now the fruit of the Spirit is patience,/ And the fruit of the Spirit is peace,/ The fruit of the Spirit is gentleness/ And joy that will never cease./ The gift of the Spirit is healing,/ And hope for the darkest hour,/ The gift of the Spirit is love, yes, love/ And power, and power. (SASB 305)

The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22 and 23)

Only as I truly know thee/ Can I make thee truly known;/ Only bring the power to others/ Which in my own life is shown./ Show thy power in me, show thy power in me,/That I may be used for others;/ Show thy power in me. (SASB 771)

showed us the different shaped leaves and coloured kernels. This is also what Jesus did. He spoke about different fruit – grapes and figs – and different trees – vines and thorn bushes. Each species produces the fruit that is right for its nature. You don’t expect one to get mixed up and suddenly produce fruit that is completely foreign to its whole nature and being. The same is true of the followers of Christ. As Paul writes to the Philippians: ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 2:5 King James Version). The verses in our study passage are expanded for us in John 15. Jesus tells his disciples: ‘This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples’ (John 15:8). He also makes it clear that this ‘fruit’ is the love they show through their

daily living. True disciples of Christ are not revealed by what they do, but how they do it. QUESTION How is the love revealed in Jesus Christ evidenced in our lifestyle choices?

True or false? There are two challenges, then, to the way in which we follow Jesus Christ – what we say and what we do. Verses 21 to 23 of our study passage pick up on this thought. What we say must be more than words from our lips; it is not enough to say that Jesus is our Lord if our lives reveal no difference to any other person on the planet. They challenge us about what we do, even if the things we do appear to be incredible and amazing things for the Kingdom. The key to the Kingdom, then, is not in

what we say or do, but whom – and how – we love. Our relationship with Christ has to be so close that when we turn up in Heaven our Lord will see us and say, ‘Hey, it’s my faithful servant. Well done! I’m coming round for tea.’ Former Archbishop of Canterbury Michael Ramsey is said to have declared that his greatest fear was of arriving in Heaven, meeting Jesus, and hearing him say: ‘I never knew you.’ QUESTION When we meet Jesus face to face, how can we ensure that we are received with the greeting ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant’?

MAJOR ALLCHIN IS CORPS OFFICER, LEEDS CENTRAL

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind. (Psalm 26:2)

Truthful Spirit, dwell with me;/ I myself would truthful be,/ And with wisdom kind and clear/ Let thy life in mine appear;/ And with actions brotherly/ Speak my Lord’s sincerity. (SASB 300)

‘This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’ ( John 15:8)

O Saviour of men, touch my spirit again,/ And grant that thy servant may be/ Intense every day, as I labour and pray,/ Both instant and constant for thee./ Except I am moved with compassion,/ How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?/ In word and in deed/ Burning love is my need;/ I know I can find this in thee. (SASB 626)

Prayer Lord, may the evidence of your Spirit’s life in us shine through our every day. May our lives so reflect the beauty of Jesus that others cannot help but be drawn to him. Forgive our failures and redeem them by your grace.

Salvationist 22 June 2019

NEW COMMITMENTS

BOSTON: Corps ofﬁcer Major Jayne Nicoll enrolled Scarlet Thompson as a junior soldier. Scarlet linked up with The Salvation Army with her mother and wanted to become a junior soldier. She also asked to be dedicated to God, so her dedication took place in the same meeting. – G. N.

WHITEHAVEN: Clare Penn and Deborah Clark made a commitment to God and The Salvation Army when they were enrolled as soldiers by corps ofﬁcer Lieutenant David Haines; also pictured is Lieutenant Eveline Haines. – D. H.

CHESTERTON: Corps ofﬁcer Major Bryan Lang enrolled Graham Harrison as a soldier. Graham testiﬁed about the importance of prayer, testimony and the work of the Holy Spirit. Also pictured are Corps Secretary Michael Palin and Major Barbara Lang. – B. L.

GOSPORT: Peter Jackson was welcomed as an adherent member by corps ofﬁcer Major Kelston Stanford. Pete has attended the corps for a number of years with his wife, Sue, and felt that God wanted him to become a member of The Salvation Army. 22

Salvationist 22 June 2019

RUSHDEN: Christina White started attending the corps to help in the band after an invitation from one of the bandswomen. She was welcomed as an adherent member last year and spoke of her rekindled faith and love for God. That evening she attended a nearby corps and heard the inspiring life story of a retired ofﬁcer, which challenged her to commit as a soldier. Corps ofﬁcer Major Richard Crowe enrolled Christina as a soldier, and she thanked everyone for the love, support and welcome she received. – G. E.

Ellie Terry was enrolled as a junior soldier following an invitation to the Army by her friend, Lillie Tillett. They are pictured with Marina Robbins, who took Ellie through junior soldier classes. – K. S.

SOUTHAMPTON SHIRLEY: Siperire Mazerenganwa grew up in a Christian home in Zimbabwe. She became a soldier and held several local ofﬁcer positions. In 2013, after losing her mother and young sister within two days of each other, she struggled to cope and lost her faith. However, in 2018 she found new hope through reading John 10:27 and 28, which spoke to her about second opportunities. Siperire started attending the corps, where she was warmly welcomed, and decided to become a soldier again. She was enrolled by corps ofﬁcer Major Teresa Harris. – T. H.

LUTON: Nathanael Walker, son of corps ofﬁcers Majors Maxine and Ralph Walker, made a ﬁrm commitment to becoming a soldier. He was enrolled by Major Diane Watson (Welwyn Garden City), who is a good friend, having known him for much of his life. For more than a year Nathanael had been thinking, praying and seeking God about this decision. ‘I feel strongly that this is what God is calling me to do and I want to be an example to other young people in the corps and at school,’ he shared in his testimony. Nathanael was enrolled in front of many people who have inspired and helped him to grow as a Christian, including teachers, friends and people from his previous corps. – R. W.

Some photos removed BARNSTAPLE: Andrew Williams was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Mark Read. Andrew’s testimony is one of transformation through recovery and finding true identity in Christ, and he was surrounded by friends and family from the corps and the Harmony Choir. Also pictured are Andrew’s sister, Felicity, Major Lori Richards (Devonport Morice Town) and Sophie Read. – M. R. BRISTON: Rita Wright and Anne Goozee had been attending worship and felt the call to make a further commitment to the Lord by becoming soldiers. They shared testimonies about their journeys and how they came to be at The Salvation Army. They were enrolled by corps officer Lieutenant Gemma Allen and are pictured with Major Joan Taylor, who took them through soldiership classes. – G. A.

SOUTHAMPTON SHIRLEY: A former resident of The Booth Centre Lifehouse, Andrew Coules continued to visit the centre’s café. When he found it closed one day, he was invited to attend the Reﬂections life and Bible study instead. From that moment, he never looked back and became a regular attendee of the corps along with friends from the centre. He had been welcomed as an adherent member but felt that soldiership was the next step in his journey. Many friends, including staff from the centre, attended his enrolment, which was conducted by corps ofﬁcer Major Teresa Harris. – T. H. Salvationist 22 June 2019

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CT Steve Jones, Rugby

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Canada and Bermuda Territory (congress and Commissioning), Mon 17 Jun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mon 24 O Croydon Citadel (150th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 30 O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7 Jul

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Jim and Mary Stewart, Kilmarnock (5 June) Golden O General John (Retired) and Commissioner Freda Larsson (5 July)

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Devon and Cornwall Division (fiesta), Sat Sun 30 Jun O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 Jul O ICO (lecture), Th 16

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Mrs Elsie Pyman (85 on 30 June) O Major Raymond Wardley (90 on 3 July) O Major Rosemary Pagett (80 on 4 July)

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Luton (20th corps anniversary), Sun 23 Jun O William Booth College (Covenant Day), Wed 3 Jul O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7

BEREAVED O Derek McCall, Clowne, of his father Rtd BM Gerald O Ron le Page, Guernsey, of his wife Audrey O Harry Price, Redruth, of his wife Irene O Major Hazel Swift of her sister Kath Larkham-Webb PROMOTED TO GLORY O Geoffrey Pidgeon, Bideford

TRIBUTES DAVID SHOWERING, SOUTHPORT A LIFELONG Christian, David grew up in the Rainhill district of Merseyside, joining the family butchering business on leaving school. At one time he owned four shops and for a period was chairman of Liverpool and District Meat Tradersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association. David and his wife, Dianna, had one daughter and two sons. They all recall a happy family life, looking up to a loving dad who had high expectations for them while also upholding high standards of integrity. David loved music, singing baritone in a church choir, and also delved into amateur dramatics and opera. He loved fast cars, and for a time held a lap record in Formula Two racing. He began attending Southport in 24

Salvationist 22 June 2019

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O William Booth College (Covenant Day), Wed 3 Jul O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7 O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 O Devon and Cornwall Division (celebration of leadership), Sun 21

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: O Westminster (Commissioning), Sat 6 Jul

2006, later becoming a Salvationist and band secretary. His belief in the Lord and Saviour shone through to the end, bearing him up when he knew he had a terminal illness. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; G. M. RITA BABB, BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL RITA was born to Albert and Madeline Jewiss in East Dulwich, London. As a result of bombings in the Second World War, she moved to Watchet in Somerset, where Michael Babb was also evacuated, but they only met later, in South London. They married in 1955 and had four children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ros, Nicola, Penny and Tim. Rita was a committed Christian and

Salvationist and a keen songster, serving at Bromley Temple, Thornton Heath, Regent Hall and, for more than 40 years, Brighton Congress Hall; she is remembered as a talented soloist and elocutionist. At Brighton, Rita was the unofficial songster librarian, supporting Michael and subsequent songster leaders until 2017, when poor health prevented her attending. Roses were a passion of Ritaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, and as part of her ministry she tended the gardens at the corps, where she planted memorial roses. Rita showed tremendous endurance throughout her illness; a humble lady who didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like fuss. She was greatly loved and is missed by all, especially Michael and the family. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; B. W.

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PREVIEW I Fundraising invitation

Invite your communities to raise funds for corps projects by taking part in these exciting events… LONDON TO BRIGHTON CYCLE Sunday 15 September Join Team Sally Army and cycle this unforgettable 55-mile challenge from London’s Clapham Common through Surrey’s beautiful country lanes and the stunning Sussex scenery to the coast. This iconic event prides itself on its inclusivity – so whether you want to hit a personal best or you are just getting into the sport, all are welcome. We still have space for teams, so if going solo is not your style, then get a whole group going! BERLIN MARATHON Sunday 29 September A marathon is the ultimate challenge for many runners. This run through Germany’s capital is unique, and not simply because of the exquisite views of the Reichstag – many world records have been set in Berlin because of its fast and flat course. ROYAL PARKS HALF MARATHON Sunday 13 October The route for this half marathon includes some of London’s most stunning scenery. Run through Green Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens and catch a view of Buckingham Palace. The atmosphere at this event is incredible – it’s definitely not to be missed! The Community and Events Fundraising Team can provide you with posters and social media posts to help you find participants. We’ll handle all

the admin and your corps will receive the income raised – minus any place fees and a nominal 5 per cent towards admin costs.

O For

information email challenge@ salvationarmy.org.uk or call the Community and Events Fundraising Unit on 020 7367 4819

Salvationist 22 June 2019