Message from the territorial leader for leader development

God-given appointments

ISOMETIMES wonder what experiences I would have missed had I not said yes to God and answered his call upon my life to become a Salvation Army officer. I’m sure that I would have had a fulfilled life, that my vocation as a nurse, and my husband Anthony’s as a teacher, would have been fulfilling. I’m sure God would have blessed our service in our daily lives, and I have no doubt that we would have made a great difference to the lives of many people. But would I have lived with a sense of ‘dis-appointment’ deep within me because I’d missed the appointments that God had in mind for my life?

In his message last week, Anthony encouraged us all to take hold of this pivotal moment – this opportunity and change point – to listen to God. And, with boldness, to think and pray about how we could become increasingly effective in our mission and ministry – as individuals, people of God and The Salvation Army – as we move on from the crisis of the coronavirus pandemic. We dare not miss the moment, the God-given appointments in our lives, that can bear fruit for the Kingdom at such a time.

John 15 is a beautiful chapter in which Jesus teaches his disciples about the importance of staying connected with him. In verse 5 he says: ‘Apart from me, you can do nothing.’ But I want to draw your attention to the words of Jesus in verse 16: ‘You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last – and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.’ Jesus says, ‘I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit’ – whether that’s in your chosen career, in your daily workplace, in your school or your university – wherever you live, and certainly within your corps and in your community, in loving service and a life fully given to God.

This could be the change point in your life. The moment when you hear God speaking and calling you out from your present context for the God-given appointment to spiritual leadership – perhaps as an officer, a territorial envoy or a pioneer leader. Can you hear the cry of God’s love for a needy world calling you? One of our songs says, ‘I’ll go in the strength of the Lord/ To work he appoints me to do’ (SASB 959). Would any of us want to miss such an appointment?

In the opening chapter of The Life You’ve Always Wanted, John Ortberg writes about being ‘dis-appointed’ with himself for not being all that he wanted to be: ‘I am in a state of dis-appointment. I am missing the life that I was appointed by God to live – missing my calling. And I have dis-appointed God. I have removed him from the central role he longs to play in my life and I have appointed myself in his place.’

He goes on to mention the familiar story of the calling of Moses: ‘One day when the human race had not heard a word of hope for a long time, a man named Moses walked past a shrub.’ Moses had, perhaps, seen that shrub many times, but at this moment he stopped because the shrub was on fire with the presence of God. He was willing to turn aside and give his full attention to God. He could have looked the other way but he didn’t. He stopped, he turned aside and he listened – and God spoke to Moses about the misery of his people. Moses gave every excuse under the sun for why he shouldn’t be the one to lead them, but eventually said yes, and we know that God promised to be with him every step of the way.

The theme for this year’s Candidates Sunday was Be Willing. I hope that every one of us will continue to listen to God and hear his will for us, and to pray that he will raise up men and women, young and old, boys and girls, locally, territorially and internationally, who will hear God’s voice, be willing to turn aside, listen and respond to the call of God upon their lives. And if, prompted by the Spirit, you feel that this message might be helpful to someone you know, I encourage you to pass it on to them.

We have been through a great ordeal during this past year. Thank you all for your faithful work and service. Now is the time to be willing to turn aside, listen and be challenged. Now is the time to be bold and grasp the moment. Don’t miss the life that God has appointed you to live. And remember, the Lord your God will be with you.

GILL COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT

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

salvationarmyvideo

ARMY NEWS

Roots of Freedom report highlights antitrafficking progress

IHQ

THE Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) has unveiled a landmark report on the Movement’s response to modern slavery and human trafficking. Roots of Freedom outlines some of the progress around the four objectives from the 2020 international Fight for Freedom strategy.

The 52-page report begins with a letter from Priscilla Santos, the international co-ordinator for The Salvation Army’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response. Citing ‘terrifying statistics’ that indicate there are more than 40 million men, women and children impacted by slavery and trafficking internationally, Priscilla notes that the Army ‘has a unique role in responding to this growing phenomenon’. Acknowledging the ‘agility, grit and resilience’ of those working to support survivors throughout a challenging year, Priscilla also observes that ‘no one is more resilient than the survivors of trafficking’.

The report highlights the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has ‘exacerbated the vulnerabilities’ of those susceptible to exploitation. It identifies ways in which The Salvation Army has shifted and adapted its work to help counter traffickers taking advantage of people who have reduced income or have lost their livelihoods.

A key element of this has been cultivating a partnership with the International Anti-Human Trafficking Network and Joint Learning Initiative on Faith and Local Communities. The Salvation Army, along with other organisations, has conducted detailed research leading to an informed and survivor-centred approach in responses around the world.

Priscilla concludes: ‘We can no longer speak about working towards freedom for others without people with lived experience leading alongside. We look forward to welcoming survivor leaders to more spaces of influence within The Salvation Army.’

Read the full report by visiting sar.my/ rootsoffreedom. – AR MANCHESTER The Army supported 80 firefighters as they tackled a huge blaze at Pilsworth South landfill. The response was led by Emergency Service Co-ordinator Major Nigel Tansley (Central North) and six volunteers. Hot drinks, food and pastoral support were offered to emergency workers who had been called to the scene. Major Nigel said: ‘We are here to provide practical and spiritual help to the dedicated emergency services who go above and beyond to keep the rest of us safe. We’re glad to be able to help, whether that’s handing out a cup of tea or offering a friendly ear.’ – AR

FUNDRAISING

Louise Brookes of Ipswich Citadel skydives, raising about £1,000 for Lyndon House Lifehouse, where she is programme co-ordinator

PRESENTATION

BICESTER Soldier Helen Mackay received flowers and a certificate after retiring from herald ministry having just turned 80 years old. From 1988 until the coronavirus pandemic she served every Thursday in the high street, come rain or shine. Although now retired, Helen continues to be God’s servant every day at every opportunity. The corps recognises and gives thanks for her faithfulness and commitment. – JS

EMERGENCY AID MUSIC

STRAWBERRY FIELD The centre is partnering Liverpool City Council, the Cavern Club and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts in a new contest to find the next international Song for Kindness. The competition has been launched in memory of John Lennon who, as a child, would listen to a Salvation Army band playing at Strawberry Field’s annual summer fete when it was an Army children’s home. The Song for Kindness contest aims to raise spirits and offer musicians an opportunity to gain international exposure through a song of hope and optimism. Major Kathy Versfeld, mission director at Strawberry Field, encouraged songwriters to enter, and said: ‘Write a song birthed out of the heartache and hope you have experienced during this time of Covid-19, with words and music that will inspire and cause others to renew their faith in human kindness and the promise of better things to come.’ Songs from any genre will be considered, but each entry must be an original piece of work submitted by the songwriter and performed by the songwriter or a nominated artist. The closing date for submissions is 31 July. Sign up by visiting sar.my/ liverpoolsongcontest. – AR

EMERGENCY AID

ASHFORD Volunteers lent a helping hand after an explosion destroyed two houses. Corps officers Major Bramwell and Captain Rhonda Hayes delivered refreshments to the local authority rest centre for residents evacuated from their homes. The South East Division Emergency Response Team also supported first responders at the site, offering drinks and snacks to those working to make the area safe. – AR