15 minute read
Quotes from the media
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
‘GOD WILL BE THERE FOR US’ SAYS BISHOP PRAYING WITH THE BEREAVED IN DONEGAL
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
SALVATIONIST
salvationist.org.uk/magazine Issue No 1881
EDITOR Major Mal Davies
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Mal Davies
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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.
MAJOR MAL DAVIES
Editor Salvationist
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
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
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
INTERNATIONAL
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 Com missioner 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 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
ENVIRONMENT
COMMUNITY
Ushaw Flower Festival displays a special exhibit in recognition of Consett Corps and its work in the area 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
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 GREENFORD 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
MUSIC EVENT
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
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 The Hillsborough Tabernacle Congregational Church and Sheffield Langsett Road Corps display photos and artefacts as part of Heritage Open Days
MEETING
MEETING
COMMUNITY
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 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
