Salvationist 22 October 2022

SALVATIONIST

SALOMON IN ALL HIS GLORY

‘THERE IS NO LONGER A SAFE PLACE TO BE A CHRISTIAN IN CHINA’ – REPORT

The Chinese government is increasingly cracking down on state-sanctioned churches as well as underground churches, leaving no ‘safe place’ for Christians, according to International Christian Concern (ICC).

A new report by ICC tracks persecution of Christians in China since July 2021 and records 32 cases of arrests and detainments, 5 raids on Christian schools, and 20 cases of the Sinicization of churches – where churches are forced to align their faith with the social and political messaging of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

The ICC said that exact numbers were likely to be far higher because of the challenges of receiving information from China…

‘The government’s scrutiny of Christians is part of a wider effort to Sinicize the country by coercing religious groups to submit to the communist CCP ideology,’ the report said…

‘With the intensified crackdown against churches – both state-vetted and underground – there is no longer a safe place to be a Christian in China…

‘Restrictions on religious activity have spread as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. While public and commercial places such as malls, markets, restaurants, and libraries were allowed to open, church activities were banned by the government’ … ICC said…

Data in the report has been drawn mostly from the ICC, ChinaAid, the Union of Catholic Asia News and Radio Free Asia.

Christian Today

Prayers are being said across Ireland for the victims of [the] explosion at a petrol station in Donegal.

Ten people … died when the blast ripped through the Applegreen service station and shop in the village of Creeslough.

The Bishop of Raphoe, [the] Right Rev Alan McGuckian who has visited the scene to pray with grieving family members, released a statement asking churches to come together at Mass to offer comfort to those affected: … ‘God always walks with us, in light and in dark, so let us embrace the power of prayer at this time of need and he will be there for us.’

Premier

COST OF LIVING: NORFOLK KNITTED ‘WARM BAGS’ GONE IN 90 MINUTES

Charitable ‘warm bags’ containing items including hot water bottles, blankets and knitted socks were snapped up within 90 minutes after being offered for free at a community centre.

They were created by Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers, a crafting group with more than 2,800 members…

Beatrice Leal, from the Phoenix Centre-MX, in Norwich, said they proved ‘very popular’ and disappeared quickly…

The bags also contain covers for the hot water bottles, hats, gloves, scarves and blankets – while some also have knitted toys for children…

Linda Brown, who co-ordinates [the group], said the bags were ‘so badly needed and I think it will only get worse in the winter’.

BBC News

‘EXTREMELY CONCERNING’: REPORT SHOWS 300,000 UNIVERSITY STUDENTS FACING COST OF LIVING HARDSHIP

Almost 300,000 students will be gravely impacted by the cost of living crisis if financial support is not introduced, new analysis has warned.

A report by MillionPlus, the association for modern universities in the UK… recommends immediate increases to student maintenance grants, hardship funds and better inclusion of students in wider cost of living support measures…

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, vice-chancellor of Canterbury Christ Church University and chair of MillionPlus, said: ‘While the cost of living crisis will affect students from all backgrounds, it is clear from this analysis that it will have the greatest impact on those students who were already facing significant cost pressures…’

Rachel Hewitt, chief executive of MillionPlus, said … ‘If the UK government does not address the financial challenges ahead for students this academic year, it risks a student recruitment and retention crisis which could have a longterm damaging impact on its own education and skills agenda.’

ITV News

‘GOD WILL BE THERE FOR US’ SAYS BISHOP PRAYING WITH THE BEREAVED IN DONEGAL

See what develops

MOST people aren’t interested in etymology, but I am. Etymology is the study of words, both of how a word originated and how its meaning has evolved with time. For example, the word ‘example’ comes from the Latin exemplum, literally meaning ‘what is taken out’, and also gives us the word ‘sample’.

As I was looking through the articles of this issue, I was thinking of the word ‘development’ and wondered where it came from.

It stems from des (undo, as in destruct) and voloper (wrap up, as in envelope), most likely ancient Celtic or Germanic words. Together it means: to undo something from being contained or wrapped up or closed in – to allow something to ‘de-velop’.

The most obvious use of the word in this issue is on page 15, the article on International Development Week (24–30 October) by Hayley Still. She writes that, during this time, the UKI Territory’s International Development Unit has ‘supported projects in more than 60 … countries, partnering territories and working alongside communities to overcome the challenges of poverty and injustice.’

Hayley tells us of that week and the opportunities we have to take part in activities that support this valuable ministry.

On page 8 we read of a different sort of development in an interview with Sam Davidson, audio content editor for the upcoming Salvationist Radio station.

He explains that, while Fortress Radio is currently still on air, the station is to undergo rebranding and some reprogramming and is heading for a relaunch in early 2023. Sam will also assist with other audio content on salvationist.org.uk to add to the range of articles, resources and information already found there.

Sam says he is ‘excited about how we can give people across the territory a voice and creatively use audio content to support mission’. It’s a wonderful development under way for our territory.

My favourite sort of developments are captured on pages 18 and 19 in the testimonies of Nicola Peet and Helen Williams, both from Wrexham in north Wales.

Both have wonderful, life-changing testimonies of how they have gone from great trial to great joy, and how their troubled lives have been unwrapped (de-veloped) to reveal something entirely new and exciting.

It’s these real-life developments that should most excite us about what’s happening across our territory. If you want to ‘see’ real mission – read these testimonies.

On page 21, Simon Hope tells us of a new small group resource from the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC), called Growing on the Frontline. It’s a resource many corps could benefit from accessing. The resource material focuses on how we can pursue becoming more Christlike in our day-to-day living – and that’s a development we want all people to experience!

I’m always amazed that – 2,000 years into this thing called Christianity – we still have people gifted in creating new faith resources that can be of benefit to others. We have such people in our Resource Hub as part of our Mission Service, but they don’t have a monopoly on good ideas, and so I welcome this new LICC resource.

And, finally, on page 9 you’ll read the second of a series from Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne on developments at William Booth College as they look at changes that will make their provision of training and services even more helpful and efficient.

As Greek philosopher Heraclitus said, ‘Change is the only constant in life.’ As our Army continues to grow and move with the times, we pray for these developments, that they will see God’s Kingdom grow.

CONTENTS

Quotes from the media 2 News 4 to 7

Prayer matters 7

Interview 8 Sam Davidson talks radio by Bethany Gibson

William Booth College update 9 Outlining a new vision (part two) by Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne

Interview 10 and 11 New book: Wings of Faith Dawn Volz talks to Jessica Morris

Feature 12 to 14 Meet the Legal Services Unit by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Feature 15 International Development Week by Hayley Still

Bible study 16 and 17 The truth will set you free by Major Andrew Bale

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

Testimonies 18 and 19 Nicola Peet and Helen Williams

New commitments 20 Resources 21 Growing on the Frontline by Simon Hope

Announcements 22

Adverts 23 and 24

MAJOR MAL DAVIES Editor Salvationist

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

INTERNATIONAL

REMEMBRANCE

LONDON Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Michelle Donelan, MP, wrote to Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill to thank The Salvation Army for its provision of volunteers to support the lying-in-state queues in Edinburgh and London following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. She noted the speed at which the Army made services available, and the spirit shown by volunteers, which helped boost public morale. – MD

Uniting to celebrate half centuries

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

A FULL year of celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of Salvation Army ministry in Portugal and Spain came to a joyful conclusion with more than 300 delegates attending a congress led by General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle. This was the first ever event for all Salvationists and friends from both countries.

The celebration of half a century of Salvation Army ministry – during which time Portugal was run by an authoritarian regime, underwent a bloodless military coup and became the democracy it is now – demonstrated how God has been faithful in the past but also that he is faithful in the present and will continue to be faithful in the future. This theme of God’s presence remaining with his people was reflected throughout the event.

One of the highlights was a welcome to four cadets of the Defenders of Justice session – the command’s first cadets for seven years.

After nine years together in one command, this first combined congress increased the feeling of unity between the two countries. The congress and the ministry of the international leaders had a positive impact on the lives of delegates, who returned home with a renewed belief that God has greater things to do in Spain and Portugal. – SBC/DG

COMMUNITY

EVENT

WELLING Happy Tots kickstarted Harvest celebrations by creating wreaths. The creative process prompted conversations about what things are important in life. Some children made extra wreaths, which were given to corps members and volunteers who have been unwell. A member of the Happy Tots group recently became part of the Sunday worshipping community and the corps is thankful for the way God continues to knit all parts of the church together. – KS

ENVIRONMENT

WATFORD The corps celebrated Harvest with a community allotment open morning. Parents, staff and governors from Cherry Tree School visited the site, which is tended each week between February and October by 70 pupils. Visitors and students explored the allotment, made pinecone art, left ‘thankful leaves’ on a cherry tree and created new paths with reclaimed local woodchips. The highlight was sharing warm soup and apple pies made from produce grown by the children. The allotment has helped the corps achieve Bronze Eco-Church status. It has also received the Royal Horticultural Society Level 3 School Garden Award. – MS

PETERSFIELD Corps member Steve Field made use of free tickets to Marwell Zoo and organised an outing for Ukrainian families in the area. Forty-seven Ukrainians took up the offer of the day out and enjoyed the food and wildlife. The day was made possible by volunteer drivers Chris Keech, Gerald Pilkington, Terry McCarthy and Richard Hoe, with minibuses provided by Community First, Age Concern, Churcher’s College and Ditcham Park School. – RF

Ushaw Flower Festival displays a special exhibit in recognition of Consett Corps and its work in the area

COMMUNITY

MUSIC

EVENT

CHESTER-LE-STREET Led by former corps officer Major Liz Hancock (Newcastle City Temple), Harvest weekend commenced with a well-attended faith tea. The band and songsters joined Newcastle City Temple Band and Songsters for a Saturday evening festival. A collection was taken after the concert towards the upcoming November visit of the International Staff Band. Sunday worship was led by Major Liz, who is pictured with the united bands. – MC

ENVIRONMENT

PLYMOUTH EXETER HALL WHITLEIGH Corps folk joined local litter-picking group Whitleigh Magpies as part of The Great Big Green Week. They decided to get involved to show love for God’s creation and their neighbours. The volunteers ranged from two years old to over seventy years old. They really enjoyed working in partnership with a community group to make a difference. – RD

MEETING

Lifehouse residents enjoy summer camp

HADLEIGH FARM

BRAINTREE corps officers and teams from New Direction Lifehouse, Braintree Donation Centre and Braintree Foyer joined Lifehouse residents for a three-day camp themed Love God, Love Others.

Service Manager Sharon Ralph said: ‘The camp gave us time to reflect and have discussions, learn from each other and talk about what we all do. Residents also got the chance to have a holiday in a beautiful location, experiencing things some of them had never done before.’

There was a strong emphasis on faith at the camp with Captains Richard and Valentia Wearmouth (Braintree) on hand.

Captain Richard, who is also chaplain at New Direction and Braintree Foyer, said he was delighted with the success of the camp: ‘Through having a shared experience and having Christian leaders around, we’ve been able to explore what a Christian community might look like. We are more than just a roof over your head. We’re invested in the residents personally. We want to see them flourish in faith and through the Lord and we do that by creating opportunities like this.’ – TG

MUSIC

SWINDON CITADEL Former corps leader Territorial Envoy Michala Lancefield (Trowbridge) returned to lead Harvest worship. As a token of thanksgiving, corps members were invited to donate canned and packaged goods to supplement the corps food bank, which is available to the community. – KS

Corps folk were privileged to have Harlesden YP Band and Singers perform alongside the corps YP band in a music programme in the hall. Led by David Bowes and Captain Kook Hwan Rho (Harlesden), the performance was well attended, welcoming two new families. A lovely tea followed the programme. – KD

EVENTMUSIC

RSA 100 celebrates composer centenary

LONDON

SP&S hosted a concert to celebrate the centenary of one of the Army’s great composers, Ray Steadman-Allen.

The International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters presented a programme of music by the composer. From the opening notes of ‘The High Council’ through to the reverent silence that followed the benediction of ‘God Be in My Head’, the musicians were excited to be performing the material and were intent on doing it justice.

ISS pianist Richard Phillips had an opportunity to shine during the witty ‘A Childhood Suite’, which ISS Leader Dorothy Nancekievill joked was ‘more like a piano solo that we feature in occasionally’.

The event took place at St John’s Smith Square, with Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd Managing Director Trevor Caffull compéring the evening.

The undoubted highlights were the personal thoughts shared by Ray’s two daughters, Rosemary and the Rev Barbara Steadman-Allen, the latter bringing a poignant and thought-provoking comment on Scripture. – NT

The concert is available to watch online at wobplay.com

MEETING

COMMUNITY

RIPLEY Ripley Junior School was pleased to receive a large number of school uniforms that were donated by Morrison’s and distributed by the corps. Head Teacher Jen Clarke is pictured with Corps Secretary Ian Brown. – IB

PAIGNTON Young people were very involved in the Harvest weekend, led by Majors Pat and Stuart Risdale. The preschool children created a banner for the display and, at the start of the Harvest supper, sang ‘Thank You for the World So Sweet’, supported by members from the three corps in Torbay. The meeting also included the YP prizegiving, with two teenagers receiving their last prizes. One of the three-year-olds brought his contributions to the Harvest display in a wooden shopping trolley. All the donations were given to the community food larder. – AI

The Hillsborough Tabernacle Congregational Church and Sheffield Langsett Road Corps display photos and artefacts as part of Heritage Open Days

MEETING

DUMFRIES Corps officer Major Terri Holdroyd led Harvest worship in the newly acquired corps building, which has a shopfront downstairs and a meeting hall upstairs overlooking the marketplace. Corps folk have waited a long time to be moved from the edge of town into the centre, where they can welcome all in a non-judgemental and loving way. The corps hopes that seeds of hope, love, acceptance and knowledge of the good news will be planted and produce their own harvest. – RH

OUTREACH

HOYLAND COMMON The corps took part in the Elsecar by the Sea gala day. Copies of War Cry and Kids Alive! were given out, interesting conversations were had and many new contacts were made. – KP

NEWS IN BRIEF

COEDPOETH More than 30 people from Coedpoeth and Rhosllanerchrugog Corps gathered for a ploughman’s dinner and apple pie. Entertainment included a musical theatre singer and a Harvest quiz. It was a wonderful time of fellowship. – SH

CIRENCESTER Harvest weekend celebrations began with a Harvest of Talents talent show, with an age range covering 75 years. It included arts and crafts, poetry, music and entertainment. The Sunday morning meeting was led by the songsters, based around the story of Ruth. An afternoon meeting of praise and thanks for God’s provision included items by the sections, followed by activities for all ages based around the parable of the sower. – MG

BECCLES More than 50 people attended an afternoon Harvest praise service. The Spirit moved mightily and more than £400 was donated alongside food for distribution to families in need and the local food bank. – HW

OXFORD Following the Harvest meeting, 28 members of the corps met for a meal, sharing a great time of fellowship. – HP

CLOWNE Families attending Messy Harvest had a great time making crafts such as ‘grass head’ friends, heart mosaics using seeds and pulses, and DIY seed bombs. The children learnt that when God is in their hearts, he causes a reaction by making their hearts dance, leading them to do good things and sow seeds of friendship. This was reaffirmed by the children’s prayer art, which included writing on seeds things that make a good friend, such as loyalty, generosity and honesty. The afternoon was topped off with Harvest hot dogs and fruit ‘hedgehogs’. – GH

EMPATHY TOWARDS INJUSTICE FOCUS

by Naar Mfundisi-Holloway (Research and Development Unit, THQ)

SUNDAY 23 OCTOBER – MODERN-DAY SLAVERY

As you try and empathise with those experiencing modern-day slavery, pray that more communities become aware of and have the courage to report suspicious signs that it is happening. Pray for governments and agencies to take this injustice seriously and act swiftly to fight it. Pray for those who are involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of victims, that God will give them courage and protection.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOCUS

by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer, THQ)

MONDAY 24 OCTOBER

Pray for the work of the International Development Services and the team who work faithfully with some of the poorest communities across the world. Pray that we would see people enjoying life in all its fullness through transformed relationships with God, self, others, and all creation.

TUESDAY 25 OCTOBER – WE ARE MADE IN THE IMAGE OF GOD

‘God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them’ (Genesis 1:27). Lord, forgive me and help me to unearth my deep-rooted sense of superiority or inferiority towards those that are different from me. Open my eyes to the presence of the eternal in the other. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 26 OCTOBER – WE HAVE A MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION

‘All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation’ (2 Corinthians 5:18). Thank you, Lord, because you have given me a mission. Help me to understand it so that I can be like a link in a chain and bring others to you by way of peace. Amen.

THURSDAY 27 OCTOBER – WE ARE TO STAND FOR JUSTICE FOR THE POOR AND OPPRESSED

‘He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). The late Desmond Tutu said: ‘If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.’ Help us, Father, to have the courage to speak out when we hear that destructive word or see a demeaning act. Amen.

FRIDAY 28 OCTOBER – OUR LOVE FOR GOD NEEDS TO BE SHOWN IN OUR LOVE FOR THE WORLD

‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). Lord, help me to cherish our common home for the sake of the neighbour I will never meet and the generation that will reap the consequence of my actions today. Amen.

SATURDAY 29 OCTOBER – WE NEED TO RECOGNISE THE RESOURCES THAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO ALL

‘Then the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?”’ (Exodus 4:2). ‘When we have nothing, God will show his way’ (Pastor in Eritrea during the Covid-19 pandemic). Lord, help me to lean on and trust in your provision, especially when I’ve come to the end of my hoarded resources. Amen.

A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

WHAT’S YOUR ROLE?

I started working for the Army at the end of May and I oversee audio content on salvationist.org.uk, I’m based at THQ.

Alongside hosting podcasts, the website will be the home of Salvationist Radio, which will be launching in the early part of 2023 as part of a rebranding of Fortress Radio.

Fortress Radio is a volunteer-run online radio station that plays Salvation Army music and content. Throughout the pandemic, the station became quite popular and grew a regular listener base, and the founders invited us to take on its development.

When Army leadership accepted the offer, they requested a rebrand and the introduction of new content to reach even more people with our mission. It made sense to bring the radio station alongside the other territorial channels, so we will have a weekly paper, website and radio station all under the same brand name of Salvationist.

WHY DID YOU APPLY FOR THE ROLE?

The role brought together two things that are central to my life: audio content and The Salvation Army. I studied music production at university and worked for World of Sound, a division in The Salvation Army’s trading company. I’m also a lifelong Salvationist and the Army has been so important in my faith journey. It was an opportunity I couldn’t miss.

I’m so excited about how we can give people across the territory a voice and creatively use audio content to support mission.

WHAT CAN LISTENERS EXPECT FROM SALVATIONIST RADIO?

We’re working on a diverse range of content so we hope there will be something for everyone.

People who currently tune in to Fortress Radio will still be able to listen to their favourite brass band and choral music. We’re also thankful that many of the fantastic volunteers are continuing.

We hope to keep disruptions to a minimum so that people will be able to listen in the usual way – via the apps, the

Audio Content Editor Sam Davidson gives us an update on the development of Salvationist Radio

website and Alexa. We’ll be sure to keep listeners up to date.

New shows we are working on include content for children and youth, music from different styles and cultures, plus new prayer and devotional features. We’ll also be making the most of podcasts so people can listen to the content they love at a time that works for them.

WHEN WILL THE NEW STATION LAUNCH?

We’re working towards a launch in the early part of 2023. There are a lot of moving parts and this is a new venture for the Army. Alongside developing new content with volunteers and territorial teams, we’re working with our trading company to update our music catalogue, checking off regulatory requirements and making sure we have the right infrastructure in place so that the station provides a quality service to the territory and beyond.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED?

People can contact us via salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk with any questions or ideas. They can also visit salvationist. org.uk/radio for the latest information and a link to apply to volunteer as a presenter on the station.

Volunteers will continue to play a vital role and we want to develop a diverse team, so if you have an idea or want to help, please get in touch.

HOW CAN PEOPLE PRAY FOR YOU?

I’d appreciate prayers for guidance and patience. There’s so much potential and so it’s about having the wisdom to know which opportunities to take. Also, there are many things to work through for launch and some of the technical and regulatory tasks are difficult to control.

In all this, it helps knowing that the station will continue to grow and develop and ultimately, this is bigger than just me or the volunteers or the Army itself – I can definitely feel God opening doors and answering prayers. I can’t wait for what the future will bring.

Outlining a new vision

THEthing that drives everything we do at William Booth College is equipping God’s people for works of service. Over the past 20 years or so, the work of the college has broadened.

As well as being responsible for the initial training of Salvation Army officers, the college also consists of the School for In-Service Training and Development (SISTAD). Its work includes providing and co-ordinating learning and development opportunities for employees, officers and Salvationists in a wide variety of areas including professional qualifications, theology, leadership skills and the tools they need to perform their roles effectively.

We also have the Candidates Unit, which is responsible for the initial screening and assessment of those who wish to be officers or territorial envoys. And the Business Services Unit, which ensures the campus is a welcoming, safe and hospitable resource.

These different elements of the one William Booth College have worked together to mutually support the territory in its mission. Now, after much prayer, reflection and planning, the principals and directors of WBC believe that further and more effective collaboration of these teams can help enhance the way the college works together and, in turn, the support it can offer to the territory.

Increased integration within WBC will involve forming new units which will pull together staff and functions from across the current college structure into new teams that will help support the

increasingly complex nature of the Army’s learning and development needs. As of September 2022, the first of these units came into being.

The Unit for Foundational Learning, for officers and employed spiritual leaders, is responsible for the initial foundational learning for cadets as they prepare for commissioning and officership. Its remit also includes the foundational learning for territorial envoys, pioneer leaders and other employed spiritual leaders.

Next, the Unit for Higher Education administers and gives oversight to accredited programmes for theology, mission and ministry, which the college offers. In addition to degree programmes and the diploma that many cadets undertake, it is also developing a new certificate for employed spiritual leaders, which we will let you know about soon.

Additionally, we have appointed a spiritual life director who is supporting the spiritual formation of the whole college community, as well as exploring ways in which WBC can support the spiritual life of the territory and the mission of the college in the local community and beyond.

These teams have already begun working together, and we’re all excited about the plans that are unfolding.

This message is based on a video that can be viewed online at salvationist.org.uk

Next week

Principal Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne continues her series sharing the exciting changes that have already begun to unfold at William Booth College

WILLIAM BOOTH

The future of William Booth College

Picture: Captain Petr Janousek

Picture: Andrew King Photography

A remarkable life of witness

COMMISSIONER

Harry Read was a beloved and respected Salvation Army officer during his time on Earth. Capturing worldwide headlines with his tandem parachute jump at the age of 95 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of D-Day, his character, accomplishments and love for Jesus marked him as an extraordinary man.

In the months before his promotion to Glory in December 2021, author Dawn Volz had begun to pen a biography of his life. Titled Wings of Faith, it was released in May, with all proceeds going to The Salvation Army’s Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit. Dawn shares what inspired her to write Wings of Faith and dive into the life and times of Commissioner Harry Read:

WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO WRITE THE BOOK?

Wings of Faith was written to honour Commissioner Harry Read and document his compelling life story. The biography recounts Harry’s impoverished childhood, his service as a wireless operator in the British Army, parachuting into Normandy aged 20 on D-Day in 1944, and his dedication as a Salvation Army officer during a lifetime of service. Harry’s tandem parachute jump with Britain’s Red Devils at the age of 95 on the 75th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy Landings made worldwide news. My hope is that readers will be encouraged, blessed and inspired as they read about Harry’s remarkable life and vibrant faith.

Wings of Faith author Dawn Volz talks to Jessica Morris about her biography of Commissioner Harry Read OF

Book launch ‘Heart Talk’ – with Dawn and Majors Julie and Paul Johnson

WHEN DID YOU FIRST ENCOUNTER HIM?

I became aware of Commissioner Harry Read in 2013 when reading an interview with him by Major Stephen Court in the online Journal of Aggressive Christianity. Seeking Harry out on Facebook, I discovered he was an accomplished poet, with many of his Facebook friends suggesting he should produce a book of his inspiring poems.

As I was at the time the assistant literary secretary of the Australia Southern Territory, I suggested to the Literary Council – under the leadership of then Captain Mal Davies – that Salvo Publishing could well do this, which met with unanimous agreement. So began an email friendship as Harry and I worked together on Heart Talk: The Give and Take of Communion with God, during which I discovered him to be an inspiration in so many ways – a man of deep faith with an amazing work ethic, engaging wit and wisdom, and an irrepressible love of life.

HOW LONG DID THE BOOK TAKE TO PUT TOGETHER?

Never one to blow his own trumpet, it took years of encouragement and coaxing to convince Harry that his was an inspiring story that needed to be told. Recently retired, last year I was able to immerse myself in writing his biography and began mapping out just how to do that. I decided to document his life sequentially, and for around nine months there were many hours of telephone interviews, emails and FaceTimes, with Harry’s prodigious memory providing details of his long life.

I also researched Salvation Army books, magazines and online histories, plus accounts of various Army events and the changing world during those years.

Harry’s son, Major John Read, and daughter, Major Margaret Ord, were very helpful in providing information and reading the manuscript, as did Major Ken Lawson, one of Harry’s contemporaries, and former literary councillor Major Doug Kollmorgen.

WHAT WAS THE MOST CHALLENGING PART?

The most challenging aspect was to sift through the copious interviews and information and present Wings of Faith in a highly readable way. Each of the 22 chapters began in rough draft form, with

relevant anecdotes, research and information from Harry’s family and friends eventually pieced together into a coherent account of his inspirational life. Many drafts were to ensue before the final version of the chapter was ticked off.

PEOPLE KNOW HARRY AS THE MAN WHO JUMPED FROM THE SKY. WHAT ELSE DID YOU DISCOVER ABOUT HIM THAT SURPRISED YOU?

One of the first things that surprised and delighted me was Harry’s warm friendliness, engaging wit and complete lack of pretension. He was a prayer warrior, setting aside considerable time each day in what he termed a ‘spiritual partnership with the Heavenly Father’, interceding on behalf of the many people on his long prayer lists. As a nonagenarian, he had self-propelled energy and a determination to live every day to the full.

FAITH WAS A PIVOTAL PART OF HIS LIFE. HOW DID GOD UNIQUELY USE HARRY DURING HIS LIFETIME?

Harry’s dedication to God and The Salvation Army was epitomised by his many years at the International Training College in various appointments –including training principal – during which thousands of cadets were inspired by his influence, his time as director of information services in London, and international leadership

with his wife, Win, in Canada, Australia Eastern Territory and as British Commissioner. During retirement, he led a Bible study at his home corps of Winton and wrote Words of Life, the Army’s international daily devotional book, for 10 years, followed by his Facebook ministry to almost 5,000 followers. Harry’s extraordinary life of service was celebrated during his admission to the Order of the Founder by General Brian Peddle in 2019.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM HARRY’S LIFE AND FAITH?

Commissioner Harry Read’s life was testament to his abiding faith and love of God. He dedicated his courageous and caring heart, poetic gifts, empathetic nature and abundant energy to living out his faith, testifying that ‘to be part of Jesus’ mission for a needy world is a highly privileged vocation’. Harry was promoted to Glory aged 97 on 14 December 2021, bequeathing an enduring example to countless people because of his exemplary life and Christian witness during more than 70 years of service as a Salvation Army officer.

Wings of Faith is available on amazon.co.uk as a paperback for £9.99 and as a Kindle ebook for £5.99

This interview was originally published on others.org.au

Harry is admitted to the Order of the Founder by General Brian Peddle in 2019

Keeping it legal

General Counsel and Company Secretary Elliot Thomas introduces the territory’s Legal Services Unit and its work

WHAT DOES BEING GENERAL COUNSEL AND COMPANY SECRETARY INVOLVE?

I work with the territory’s leadership, legal entities and boards advising on issues and recommending appropriate and lawful courses of action. This includes being director of legal services. I like to think that I provide a level of

reassurance and support for leadership in their fantastically difficult jobs. There’s a lot going on that has regulatory and legal input, and they have many plates to spin, so it’s helpful for them to have someone who’s watching a few of the plates from the point of view of the legal structure and, as company secretary, helping co-ordinate all that’s going on.

WHAT DREW YOU TO THE ARMY?

Before coming to the Army a decade ago, I worked in the City for more than eight years, finishing up at the law firm Slaughter and May. As a Christian I wanted to live out my faith and it was always my ambition to do something socially valuable with my training. I had looked at several different avenues, including working as a public defender on ‘death row’ in the USA, but it wasn’t to be. Slaughter and May have been the Army’s lawyers for many years. When I was there I saw an advert saying The Salvation Army needed a commercial solicitor. It was a real ‘God-incidence’ – the Army was looking for my skills and I had been looking for something like the Army for a while. I would have been happy to work for a non-church organisation doing ethical things, but it was even better for it to be a Christian movement.

WHY DOES THE ARMY NEED IN-HOUSE LEGAL SERVICES?

There are two main reasons for having an internal team. The first is cost. The

Legal Services Unit (LSU) costs far less than paying for a law firm. The second reason is that it enables us to help beyond just strict legal advice. Whether it’s me or a colleague sitting in board meetings or taking part in conversations about how to handle issues, because we’ve learnt the Army’s culture we can provide a steer on issues. We provide a consistency and insight that an external firm couldn’t. All big churches have a lawyer, if not a bunch of them, and certainly all big charities have an in-house legal team.

WHAT WORK IS THE LSU INVOLVED IN?

I’ve been at conferences with people who have the same role in FTSE 100 companies and the range of work we do is broader than anyone I’ve come across. This territory has 4,500 employees, £2 billion worth of property and all the stuff that any corporation would have, so there’s work connected with all that. Plus we are a church and a major social service provider, and we’ve

THE LEGAL SERVICES TEAM

ELISABETH ELSEY

I am the assistant company secretary, so I work with Elliot to help ensure there is good governance within The Salvation Army and to support the SATCo board of directors in their role. I’ve worked in the Legal Services team for six years. As a Salvationist I feel a personal connection to the Army and I believe in our mission. I want the Army to be God-honouring, and I am motivated to do the best I can to help it be the best it can be!

EMMA D’SOUZA

I’ve been here almost seven years. I wanted to work for a charity that helped people in need and I chose the right one! I could not imagine anywhere that devotes itself to serving people on such a scale, with such energy for individuals and their rights. Organisations also have rights, so my job helps the Army to protect its rights and assets, things such as branding and data, including data about the people it helps and who help us. That way, the Army can navigate the world of laws and contracts in order to get on with what it does best!

SHEENA PARIKH

I am the charity solicitor in the team. This can involve advising the board of the Salvation Army Trustee Company (SATCo) on issues concerning charity law, practice and regulation; advising on charity law requirements in other jurisdictions such as Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands; advising on safeguarding matters; and other legal matters as required. I joined the Army in 2015. Prior to that I worked as a family solicitor in private practice. I was motivated to move to The Salvation Army because I admired the charitable work it carries out and I wanted to apply my skills to help it achieve greater success.

NICOLA KLINKENBERG

As the property solicitor, I deal with a wide range of legal issues, including advising on the legal structure of property transactions, the charity law implications of disposals and purchases, property disputes, overseeing the residential conveyancing of houses for retired and active officers and the commercial leases of charity shops. I’ve been here for almost 10 years. I joined because of the Army’s amazing work and the wide-ranging legal issues I would be dealing with – and because I wanted to work for an organisation I could be proud of.

SANDEEP PARMAR

I started at The Salvation Army in 2012 because I wanted to work in an organisation that plays a positive role in society. My work involves providing employment law advice, as well as assisting more generally on legal disputes. I am an advocate and appear at employment tribunals and other courts as required.

SARAH BYRT

I joined in spring 2016 as a commercial solicitor focusing on frontline contracts and projects and have just taken up a new role as assistant head of legal (strategy and performance). I’ll be working with the team to help us continue developing and maximising our impact on The Salvation Army’s strategy, using our limited resources in the most effective way. When I joined, the key attractions for me were the supportive team ethos and the variety of work done by the Army to help the most vulnerable people – and that’s still true today!

KATIE THOMPSON

I joined the Legal Services Unit in 2014 as a property paralegal and have since trained here as a solicitor, qualifying in 2020. While I have a background in property law, I now work across many areas of law to include charity, commercial and property. What appeals to me is The Salvation Army’s unique identity as a worldwide church and charity, as well as the variety of work that ensues from its multi-faceted operations.

got a trading company and housing association, so we’re advising in different spheres. The range of work is broad. We could be dealing with a memorandum of understanding for prison ministries work or emergency services or working on the £150 million government contract for supporting survivors of modern slavery. Although we’re a support team and not doing frontline mission, we get involved in lots of areas.

IS LSU’S WORK MAINLY REACTIVE OR PROACTIVE?

There are three levels of work. First, there’s getting the law right – responding to claims, advising on contract requirements and so on. There are issues that might come up, and that’s the reactive part of the work. The other two levels are proactive.

One is helping improve processes and governance. That’s an area where there’s constant challenge because it means determining which decisions are solely financial and legal and which decisions are spiritual or organisational. It means navigating the spiritual and the temporal in a way that acknowledges

the supremacy of the spiritual and the need to comply with the law.

The second is when you get into strategic thinking about how the organisation is going to evolve and develop strategy. That’s a difficult area for the Army because there’s a desire to have local mission flourishing, and to listen to the needs of the local setting, and yet we are a £350 million turnover organisation with some centralised services that need a bit of direction. At this layer, my role is to recommend that the right things are looked at to streamline governance and performance.

ARE THERE ANY TENSIONS BETWEEN BEING A CHURCH AND A CHARITY?

Lots of charities that were previously faith-based, such as Barnardo’s or Church of England charities, have separated from the church body. I’m acutely aware of the need for the Army to hold those things together, yet to operate in different regulatory spheres. The Army is pretty much free to determine its Orders and Regulations or corps activities, but we don’t have such freedom in our centralised services.

That tension presents unique challenges for oversight, compliance and funding

choices. All this means we’re constantly walking a tightrope between releasing and supporting the local Army to flourish and funding and monitoring a major social services provider.

WHAT HAVE BEEN LSU’S MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS?

Of course, we do what all good lawyers would do – we’ve won lots of cases and helped save money and reduce risk, and we have given training across the territory, from William Booth College to the Cabinet. But in addition – and this is something only an in-house team can really do – we’ve helped lots of corps and centres with frontline projects, from small partnerships for a single corps to an alliance of charities in Glasgow for homelessness work. Assisting such projects keeps us connected to the front line and involves us in areas of growth and innovation for the Army in a way that can add real value to the mission.

Looking over the longer term, I like to think that we’ve also been part of a slow move towards better governance. The territorial leadership and board of trustees often come to us for our views, which they may not have done in the past. We have become trusted advisers, which is a real honour.

Overcoming challenges together

It’s all about a worldwide Army making a worldwide effort

THISyear marks 25 years of International Development in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

Over the past quarter of a century, The Salvation Army has established a presence in 27 new countries and is now officially operating in 133 worldwide. During this time, the International Development Unit has supported projects in more than 60 of these countries, partnering territories and working alongside communities to overcome the challenges of poverty, inequality and injustice.

There have been a few changes over the years, including the team’s name: the unit started life as the Overseas Projects Office in 1997. The way we work has also adapted and changed as we have responded to global trends in international development and emerging challenges faced by communities around the world. Though there have been changes, partnership remains central to all that we do, and we continue to collectively work towards our vision of a world without poverty and injustice.

One of the countries we are working with is Burkina Faso. The Salvation Army has been training small-scale farmers to help them improve the soil on their land and boost their harvests.

Farmers learn agroecological farming methods and how to make liquid fertiliser. This means they no longer need to buy expensive synthetic fertiliser, which can damage the soil. Through this project, farmers learn together and improve their lives together.

Salomon is one of the lead farmers. He grows onions and cereals on his land. He used a combination of compost and liquid fertiliser to accelerate the growth of crops because of a lack of water. He said, ‘I have improved the quality of my family’s diet and our income. From the sale of my harvest, I could afford to repair my old bicycle, which my child now uses to get to school.’

As lead farmer, Salomon mobilised his group of farmers to establish a

co-operative store for their harvest. This means they can sell when the demand is high – and the prices are highest – to ensure the farmers benefit from all their hard work.

The Salvation Army is a global movement and thus we are connected to people all over the world. However, we recognise that not everyone may know about the work of International Development UK and how the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory works alongside other territories through community development and emergency response projects.

The third annual International Development Week (24–30 October) is, therefore, an opportunity to raise awareness and to explore, celebrate and support The Salvation Army’s work tackling poverty and injustice around the world.

There are lots of opportunities to take part in during the week. A photo exhibition held at International Headquarters will mark our 25th anniversary. Featuring photos from throughout the years, the exhibition will give a glimpse into the lives that have been impacted and the communities that have experienced transformation.

On 27 October, we invite you to flex

your trivia muscles in our virtual quiz night. Find out more and book your free ticket at idweekquiz2022.eventbrite.com

We invite corps to highlight International Development Sunday on 30 October using the resources available on our website, salvationarmy.org.uk/idweek

We will also share videos, resources and updates on our social media channels, so follow @salvationarmyid or search #idweek2022

Finally, one of the most important ways that we encourage people to participate is through prayer. Prayer is essential in the battle against poverty and injustice. You can use the Prayer Matters resource for daily prayer prompts or download our ‘Pray With Us’ resource for specific prayer points for our different areas of work, both of which are available on our website.

Find out more at salvationarmy.org. uk/idweek

HAYLEY STILL UK Engagement Co-ordinator

Salomon with his onion harvest

The truth will set you free

Major Andrew Bale reminds us that freedom is found in knowing Jesus

8:31–47

JOHN8 is one of my favourite chapters in the Bible but it is difficult, maybe even dangerous, to look at any verses in this passage in isolation from the rest of the chapter. Each section within deals with the identity and authority of Christ and how they relate to sin, forgiveness, judgement and freedom.

At the start of the chapter Jesus is presented with a woman caught in adultery. In his reaction we see one of the most amazing examples of grace in the Gospels. Although Jesus acknowledges her sin, he refuses to condemn her. Instead he uses the encounter to challenge others on their perceptions of righteousness.

In a conversation about the validity of his personal testimony – much to the

Through the week with Salvationist

– a devotional thought for each day by Major Melvyn Knott

SUNDAY

horror of the Pharisees – Jesus claims that the Father himself is the source of his authority (see vv12–19).

Jesus talks about judgement and, albeit in a vague way, begins to refer to his own role in the provision of salvation (see vv21–30). Once more, he links his identity and authority directly to the Father – his Father.

In verses 48 to 59, Jesus strengthens this claim to such a degree that he ends up in the same danger as the adulterous woman – the Pharisees pick up rocks to stone him.

In verses 31 to 47, Jesus gets to the very heart of what it means to be saved, happy and free.

The Pharisees believed that obeying the Law led to righteousness – and by the ‘Law’ they meant their own interpretation and understanding of the commandments. At the time Jesus

MONDAY

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

lived, the Law had become a systematic tool used by the legal and priestly classes to control and oppress the poor. This legalistic system was also used for profit. The main reason Jesus found himself in conflict with the religious authorities – and ended up being crucified as a blasphemer – was because he openly challenged this status quo.

It is perhaps too easy for us to look at the Pharisees in this passage and side with Jesus, retrospectively condemning them for their short-sightedness and judgemental hypocrisy, but these verses apply to us too. Sometimes, I wonder whether we are a little like the Pharisees, using the teachings of the New Testament to control and oppress others, rather than recognising that true righteousness and freedom are not found in mere religious observance or

TUESDAY

Jesus came down my ransom to be;/ O it was wonderful love!/ For out of the Father’s heart he came/ To die for me on a cross of shame,/ And from sin’s bondage to reclaim;/ O it was wonderful love! (SASB 175)

‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’

Prayer

Dear Lord, may your presence in our lives help others to see your saving power. As we place our trust in you, thank you for setting us free.

(John 8:31 and 32)

moral performance but only in knowing Jesus.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Within our fellowships, can we identify situations where our response is more like the Pharisees than we would like to admit?

What do we believe sets us free?

To what extent do we refuse to condemn people who come into our place of worship?

How do we welcome people and, in a spirit of love, introduce them to the Father?

What steps can we take to be more like Jesus in the way we engage with people?

Sometimes we are tempted to look to our own spiritual heritage and see ourselves as being a little bit better

WEDNESDAY

Jesus is Lord! Yet from his throne eternal/ In flesh he came to die in pain on Calvary’s tree./ Jesus is Lord! From him all life proceeding,/ Yet gave his life a ransom thus setting us free.

(SASB 374)

than the people we are called to love and serve. Don’t forget, if Jesus wanted to, he could make Salvationists out of the rocks that we are sometimes tempted to throw at others (see Matthew 3:9).

The only thing that sets us free is the Son and his truth, but what is that truth that sets us free?

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What is the hallmark of Christianity?

What do we see in the character of Jesus that we should also see in our actions and interactions?

When Jesus met people for the first time, what were his priorities? What are ours?

In the first of his letters, John reminds us: ‘God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them’ (4:16).

THURSDAY

If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.

(Romans 10:9 and 10)

FRIDAY

In verse 38 of our study passage, Jesus says to the Pharisees: ‘I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence.’

Christ’s identity and authority came from his connection with the Father. Similarly, our identity and authority are born out of our connection with the Son. Sometimes we need to remember that the Father sent his Son into the world not to tell us off but to save us.

Understanding that truth will set us free indeed.

Take me, Jesus, I am thine,/ Wholly thine, for evermore;/ Blessèd Jesus, thou art mine,/ Dwell within for evermore;/ Cleanse, O cleanse my heart from sin,/ Make and keep me pure within!/ It was for this thy blood was shed/ On the cross of Calvary.

(SASB 194)

M

MAJOR ANDREW BALE Corps Officer Norwich Citadel

SATURDAY

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’

(John 8:12)

Nicola Peet: A new creation

IWAS

born into a lovely Christian family and was involved in the life of our church until I was 14. Everything was okay in my life until I was 23. This is when I started making bad choices.

It ended up with me leaving home and moving in with someone who was very abusive. One night, things got very bad and I locked myself in the bedroom. It was about midnight and I called my parents to come and rescue me. Although it was very late, within half an hour four members of the church rushed to help me and bring me home to my parents.

I realised I was in a lot of debt and my health was very poor. My mum helped arrange for me to pay everything back and I found a job and settled back into life at home.

Things seemed to be going well until 2006. I had decided to go back to college to make a better life for myself. It was there that I met a student who I thought was wonderful and I was swept away by him and believed he really loved me. The following September he decided we should get married.

Owing to physical problems that had occurred previously I was told that there was no chance that I could have a baby. We went on our honeymoon and eight weeks later I found out I was pregnant!

During my pregnancy things started to change with my husband. He wasn’t treating me well and he wasn’t providing for me. Many times during my pregnancy I returned home to my mum and dad.

My precious son was born in July 2008 and I was so happy. But things were not easy as my husband kept disappearing and I found out he was having an affair. I was so hurt but wanted to give it a go. At this time I started going to church again and it really

helped me having a wonderful Christian family around me offering support.

He then applied to join the British Army and, on acceptance, he left to do his basic training. I was given a council house near my parents and they paid to get it right for us. While he was away, I heard that he was again being unfaithful to me and was not providing for my son or me. Once again, my parents had to step in to keep the roof over our heads.

My mental health deteriorated and I started making bad choices again. What followed was the worst time of my life. It’s still too painful to write of all the horrible things I did and the hell I put my family through. All I will say is that at the age of three my son was taken from me to be raised by my parents. It wasn’t easy and I had to face up to what I had become.

I wanted to go back to church and

make things right with God but I wanted a fresh start, so my parents took me to various churches to see where I felt at home. At the same time their church had closed and they wanted to find a church where we could all go.

They decided on The Salvation Army in Wrexham and, when they went, they took me with them. From that first Sunday I knew I was home. I felt loved and accepted and I began to make my peace with God.

I went to the Enabled Summer School in 2019 and had a wonderful experience. At the closing concert I finally gave my life to Jesus. In May this year I took the further step of becoming an adherent. Following on from this, we have formed a Bible study group, which meets weekly. A few times we have met in Costa, opening our Bibles and having a coffee.

I am now volunteering in the office two days a week and I love it. I get so much support and encouragement from everyone.

My mum and dad still have custody of my son and I am so proud of the young man he has become. He is so involved in the church and has a deep faith. Our relationship is wonderful. I see him most days and we love each other very much. Also, I am now in a loving relationship with someone who loves me just as I am.

One of my main pleasures is listening to music. I love Christian music and I believe God speaks to me and reaches me through this. One song that is really close to my heart says: ‘I am a new creation,/ No more in condemnation,/ Here in the grace of God I stand.’ (SASB 367).

Hallelujah!

Helen Williams says, ‘I am home!’

IWAS

brought up a Christian and attended our local church and Sunday school, but when I started secondary school I started using soft drugs and was also smoking and drinking. I had got in with the wrong crowd and was in trouble a lot.

I left school at 15 with a few GCEs and found work straight away. Over the next two years my drug habit became so serious that I lost my job.

With help, I managed to get clean and at the end of 1998 I discovered I was pregnant and gave birth to my son. Life was not easy, but my partner, son and I moved in with my parents, who tried their best to support me.

After a year we managed to get our own house and things started to go

downhill as I had started using drugs again. I left my partner and started a new relationship that lasted 10 years.

When my son was five, I was really struggling and it was agreed that he would go and live with my sister as she could offer him a better life. It was very hard but I know it was the best decision for him. My mental health at that time was really bad.

For the next six years I was at rock bottom. My drinking and drug abuse was out of control. I spent so much time in and out of recovery. I knew I couldn’t go on like this.

Now, 30 years later, all the battling with alcohol and drugs has affected my physical and mental health.

But God had a plan! In 2018 I was referred to the Psychosocial Recovery Programme run by The Salvation Army in Wrexham. Karen, Pete and Margaret were the course facilitators. The first time I attended the course I was so high on drugs that I didn’t take a lot in, but I was never judged and always encouraged, and for once in my life I had found a place where I felt safe.

I then did the course a second time and felt that this was a big turning point in my life. I felt equipped to take hold of my problems and look for ways to change. One of

the biggest changes was distancing myself from my previous social circle.

Following this I started volunteering at the church community centre several times a week. I was invited to attend the Sunday service. I found it difficult to pick up the courage to go as I didn’t know what to expect. I was made to feel so welcome and accepted by everyone that all I could say was, ‘I am home!’

I am now very much part of the church family and I know in my heart that God has sent me to this special place where I feel I belong.

It has been a hard 30 years and I thank God I am stable in my recovery journey although I know I still have a way to go. I have lost those 30 years of my life, now finally my eyes are open and I have started to see the world before me and appreciate God’s creation and the many things I’ve taken for granted.

I have now got a good relationship with my family, especially my son.

I thank God so much for the help I have received here in Wrexham. As well as volunteering I am now part of a Bible study group who support each other.

Thank you especially Majors Ian and Sandy, Karen, Pete, Margaret and Cass for your love and encouragement.

I love the Bible verses that say: ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will’ (Romans 12:2), and ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (Philippians 4:13).

Finally my eyes are open and I have started to see the world before me and appreciate God’s creation

Commander Major Janet Robson enrolled 11-year-old Cara and 8-year-old Sophie as junior soldiers. Sophie and Cara sang and signed ‘Father Creator’ together with their friends from the Music Makers group. – KR

GLOUCESTER Elliot Hurd was enrolled as a soldier during an exciting few days in which he passed his driving test, received superb A-level results and was accepted into the University of Bristol. Elliot plays horn in the band and also looks after the corps AV equipment, in particular the video cameras. He is pictured with corps officers Majors Gareth and Susan Heward and Recruiting Sergeant Jean White. – AB

STOCKPORT CITADEL The corps welcomed Debbie Jones, Dot Frith and Tim Galbraith as adherents. Debbie came to the corps during the Covid-19 pandemic, initially joining in worship on Zoom. Dot has returned to the Army and the corps after many years worshipping in another denomination. Tim has been worshipping at the corps for 10 years with his wife, Sarah, and their three children. Debbie, Dot and Tim are pictured with corps officer Captain Maisie Veacock and Recruiting Sergeant Wendy Willis. – PH

GUISBOROUGH Corps officer Major Antony Mugford welcomed Ben Hutchinson as an adherent. Ben began attending the corps with a friend some months ago. During the summer he volunteered to help in the corps charity shop and made the decision to become an adherent. – SS

EDINBURGH GORGIE Assistant Divisional

Become the you he wants you to be

Simon Hope introduces the LICC’s new flagship resource

HAVEyou always done the kind thing? Do you always do the right thing? It’s all too easy to trip over our own laces as we struggle to be as Christlike as we want to be.

Responding to the inherent flaws of humanity, the London Institute of Contemporary Christianity (LICC) presents their latest small group resource: Growing on the Frontline. I attended the launch event to find out exactly why we should care about this new material.

From the start, it became clear to me that the entire project has been steeped in prayer and love and careful contemplation, to target a specific need. Building upon the LICC’s popular Fruitfulness on the Frontline resource, it tackles the challenge that Paul outlines in Romans 7:15–17: ‘I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do... As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.’

matters. What is the root cause of our white lies? Why do we feel compelled to let go of God’s morals when we are challenged? How do we learn to be more Christlike in the moment?

We often make choices that we’re not happy with when challenges and opportunities arise; Growing on the Frontline provides a way to unpack the personal issues that are driving us to respond in this way.

PRAYER TOOLS

Growing on the Frontline unpacks and uses prayer tools to help in your daily spirituality.

Examen prayer

Reflect on your day so far and recognise God’s presence in it.

Lectio Divina

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Despite having the most noble of intentions we often find ourselves doing what we do not want to do when it really

Divided into eight sessions, the first four consider what lies behind our sin, traversing around how our choices, desires and emotions influence our fruitfulness. The final four respond by focusing on how God wants to change us from what we want to what he wants, in the way of Romans 12:2: ‘Be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is.’ This is all wrapped up in a cycle of reflecting, receiving, renewing and responding.

The comprehensive discussion guide is made all the more accessible when paired with beautifully crafted videos featuring Imago Dei Wellbeing founder Ennette Lainchbury and LICC Head of Innovation Tim Yearsley, who walk participants through biblical insights, animated true stories and practical responses.

Ennette Innov par i e goo Frontli

If you’re looking for a new small group resource to help you reinvigorate and reconsider your whole-life discipleship, this may be your next stop. It’s not about learning the right answers to all the questions, it’s about going deeper with God in our everyday. Taking us beyond good intentions, Growing on the Frontline aims to develop lasting

Meditate on Scripture to engage your heart and head in listening to God.

Renewal prayer

Invite God to renew your heart, body and mind.

Pause prayer

Take a moment to stop and surrender yourself to God.

Visit licc.org.uk/growing-audio for audio guides to each prayer

The LICC is a well-respected creator of culturally relevant resources to help nurture your everyday Christlikeness and move towards whole-life discipleship. Their vision: ‘With Christ, there is no ordinary.’

Christlikeness in our day-to-day contexts so that we can live out fruitfulness, wherever our front line may be.

Access the resources now at licc.org.uk/ourresources/ growing-on-the-frontline

SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist

ARMY PEOPLE

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CSM Clarice Watkins, Erskine

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond

Bob and Doreen Count, Chester-le-Street (20 October)

Golden Angela and Eddie Coates, Sunderland Millfield (28 October)

DEDICATED TO GOD

Seren Faith Lexi Atter, daughter of Jonathon and Lauren Atter, at Swansea by Major Bernie Westwood

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS

Mrs Major Jacqueline Stephen (90 on 31 October)

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Rtd BM/SL Brian Sanders,

Wellingborough

Roger Roberts, St Albans Daniel Simmons, Slough, on 20 September

Irene Kenwright, Birmingham Citadel, on 26 September

Katy Heeks, Birmingham Citadel, on 8 October

BEREAVED

Alan Sanders, Wellingborough, David Sanders and Alison Dickins of their father Rtd BM/SL Brian Sanders

Win Roberts, St Albans, of her husband Roger Roberts, Mark Roberts and Rachel Roberts of their father

CS Ann Bushnell and Aylwyn Billings, both Slough, of their father

Daniel Simmons

TRIBUTES

MHAIRI HALDANE, FALKIRK

BORN to Gilchrist and Anne Haldane, Mhairi grew up in Falkirk Corps and spent her life working among the young people as timbrel leader, as YPSM for 20 years, a part of the divisional youth chorus for more than 25 years and on the staff at divisional junior camp. Her great sense of humour and love for fun encouraged those facing difficulties. As a primary school teacher her influence was evidenced in the tribute from staff and pupils. Although unable to be involved in corps and workplace commitments for the last few months, Mhairi treasured visits from friends and always greeted them with her infectious smile and upbeat spirit for which she will be remembered.

Mhairi was promoted to Glory on 17 August, two weeks after her 51st birthday, and is greatly missed by her mum, Anne, sister, Lynne, and other members of the family, who gave great support during the last months of her life. – AH/LH

MARY FOWLER, WILLENHALL

MARY was born on 22 October 1929 in Willenhall. She was born to Salvationist parents and dedicated her life to the Lord through the songsters and serving young people – in the early days as a sunbeams and life-saving guards leader, then later as primary sergeant and YP treasurer.

Many current and former members of the corps attribute a large part of their faith experience to Mary as they were members of her corps cadet brigade. For more than 30 years, Mary spent her weekend evenings pub-booming, selling War Cry. In retirement she served in the home league.

Mary is fondly remembered as the babysitter for many Salvation Army officers’ families. She knew Jesus and delighted in sharing him with everyone she met. She was friendly, fun and faithful. A true Christian lady, we thank God for the pleasure of knowing her. – LH-N

MAVIS HETHERINGTON, HARLESDEN

MAVIS was a third-generation Salvationist, dedicated at Acton in 1937. She later transferred with her parents to Norland Castle, where she became a singing company member. As a teenager, the family transferred to Harlesden, where Mavis remained a soldier all her life, being No 2 on the roll.

Mavis was a corps cadet, faithfully served as a company guard for many years, collected for the annual appeal and was a member of the songsters. Mavis was also a member of the London Girl Songsters in her younger days. She had a unique alto voice, always singing songs in perfect harmony.

Mavis went to live at Glebe Court, where she was promoted to Glory. She was a devoted Salvationist who wore her Salvation Army cardigan to the Sunday afternoon service at Glebe Court. Mavis is sadly missed by her family. – SL

Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.