SALVATIONIST For F or everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1693 Price 60p
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 23 February 2019
MOVING FORWARD IN PRAYER AND MISSION
T CONTENTS
Quotes from the media News
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News feature 6 and 7 Prayer gathering delegates prepare to move forward Letters
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New commitments
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Feature I Effective Mission 12 to 14 Does your corps have a mission development plan? by Major Ian Mountford
Feature I Trek Cambodia Take on a jungle adventure
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by Angela Carlucci
We are The Salvation Army Focused networking is key
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by Major Marta Ager
Bible study 16 and 17 Enlightened by the Spirit by Major David Taylor
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Howard Webber
Reflection Hope from despair
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by Cadet Chris Button
Adverts
‘IT’S time to stop praying and start doing!’ I once heard a divisional commander say at his welcome meeting. It was hyperbole, and most of us understood what he meant – we’d been praying for God to do things but we had to be active too. Unfortunately some people took his words literally and thought he was telling them not to pray any more! I wonder if there was a similar misunderstanding when Jesus and the disciples visited the home of Martha and Mary (see Luke 10:38–42). While Martha was busy preparing a meal (‘distracted with much serving’ as the Revised Standard Version puts it) Mary sat listening to Jesus. ‘Tell her to help me!’ Martha exclaimed. Jesus responded: ‘Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’ Was Jesus saying that activity is not important or not necessary? I doubt it. This story is in the same chapter as the account of Jesus sending out 72 disciples to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom and the parable of the good Samaritan, which concludes with the command: ‘Go and do likewise’ (v37). Time spent in mission and time spent with Jesus are both needed, and we’re not to neglect one at the expense of the other. Like ‘love and marriage’ and ‘a horse and carriage’, ‘you can’t have one without the other’. Prayer, mission and the relationship between them feature prominently in this week’s Salvationist. The Encounter Prayer Gathering, reported on pages 6 and 7, had the theme Moving Forward In Prayer And Mission. An example of this dual emphasis was mentioned by a delegate, who said: ‘One of the themes was about using prayer as mission, and I’ve found that to be true. Prayer creates missional opportunities – it speaks to people.’ On pages 12 to 14 Major Ian Mountford introduces us to the Missional Journal. This is the next step on from the Mission Development Plan with which many people are familiar. Its aim is to help corps recognise the journey they are on and explore where God might be leading them. Listening to God is a crucial element in this. As Major Mountford says: ‘Our starting point should always be Scripture and prayer.’ An example of how prayer can be woven into mission is seen on page 15 in the first of a new series called ‘We are The Salvation Army’. It highlights how Loughborough Corps is emphasising ‘prayer-led networking’, which is enabling it to be effective in its outreach. Some of us may be more contemplative by nature, while others prefer action – but it’s not a case of ‘either/or’. If we’re more inclined to one than the other we may need to make the effort to get a better balance. It’s important that we do. To (badly) paraphrase a proverb: All work and no pray makes us a dull Army. Dull, not in the sense of ‘lacking interest or excitement’ – though that may be true as well! – but in the sense of another definition of dull: ‘slow to understand’. That kind of dullness could keep us from being effective in mission. So, may we always be ready to pray, to listen and to understand, as well as to act.
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Announcements
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The Salvation Army and me featuring Major Robert Stones
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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
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ONE WITHOUT THE OTHER?
Salvationist 23 February 2019
From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
VETERANS TO USE ‘SLEEPING FLAGS’ TO HIGHLIGHT HOMELESSNESS Former members of the [Irish] defence forces are to highlight the plight of homeless veterans by camping on the streets of Dublin in sleeping bags made of fabric in the colours of the national flag.
Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel, known as One, which provides hostel accommodation for destitute former defence forces personnel, together with advice centres and lobbying more generally on behalf of former soldiers, naval personnel and members of the Air Corps… A statement from the organisation said the aim was to challenge ‘protocols around the treatment and representation of the Irish flag’.
SCOTTISH MINISTER ‘SORRY’ ABOUT POSTERS THAT LEFT BELIEVERS FEELING TARGETED
Stephen Evans, CEO of the National Secular Society, said: ‘Schools should broaden pupils’ horizons and need to be supported to do that when faced with external pressure demanding that the education their children receive conforms with parents’ religious views.’
A Scottish minister has apologised for any offence caused after a poster campaign aimed at those engaging in hate crime left some people of faith feeling targeted. The Scottish government’s punchy ‘Dear Haters’ series last year included a ‘Dear Bigots poster’, with one version stating: ‘Dear Bigots, you can’t spread your religious hate here. End of sermon. ‘Yours, Scotland.’ The Evangelical Alliance (EA) said many of its members as a result were ‘worried that they, as people of faith, were being accused of being hateful, rather than being protected from hate crime’. The Christian group encouraged people living in Scotland to contact their MSP to highlight the potential negative effects of the campaign. EA also wrote to… Aileen Campbell, the cabinet secretary for communities and local government, about the issue. Campbell apologised and replied: ‘The poster was absolutely not intended to target those of faith, and I am sorry if it appeared that it did. ‘We have no plans to reuse this poster in the future.’
The Independent
Premier
The protest is being organised by the
The Irish Times
STOP JEERING LIKE FOOTBALL FANS, COMMONS CHAPLAIN TELLS MPs
female chaplain to the Speaker of the Commons, called for greater civility in the chamber, warning that MPs already faced enough ‘vile abuse’ in public… ‘If we are going to be a truly resilient parliamentary democracy, then we are going to have to strongly resist the temptation of resorting to those defaults of behaviour that prevent us from working together in a spirit of generosity and trust,’ she told a Church of England education conference.
MPs must end their ‘football terrace shouting’ in parliament, the House of Commons chaplain has said, warning that Westminster has become a ‘bruising’ place for politicians to serve. The Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, a chaplain to the Queen and the first
The Times
DARWIN PLAY CANCELLED AFTER RELIGIOUS PARENTS COMPLAIN A primary school has cancelled a play about Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution following complaints from a group of Christian parents. Several families threatened to withdraw their children from the play, which is aimed at 7 to 11-year-olds, as they felt one of the scenes ‘mocked’ a bishop involved in a historic debate on evolution. Hartford Manor Primary School, a non-religious community school in a village in Cheshire, decided to cancel the musical, Darwin Rocks, and replace it with a less divisive show following the objections. But the decision to cancel the play has provoked anger among another group of parents who argue that it is ‘unacceptable’ that their children have been denied a valuable learning opportunity...
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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel David Kelly
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NEWS
The Army continues its earthquake response INDONESIA FOUR months after a major earthquake and subsequent tsunami caused massive damage to Central Sulawesi in Indonesia, The Salvation Army’s Indonesia Territory and International Emergency Services team continue their humanitarian support to many communities. Recently the team began the distribution of Wash (water, sanitation and hygiene) items, which included washing detergent, a bucket with a lid, jerrycans, water scoops, soap, towels, a mosquito net and personal items suitable for all family members. The first distribution was in the village of Jono Oge in the Sigi Biromaru district, where 892 appreciative families received the kits. The earthquake destroyed
many homes in this area, which suffered from saturated soil, making large amounts of land unstable. The kits were also distributed in Rogo and in Padena where a village had to be relocated after mudslides. Additional communities will also receive Wash kits, with a total of 4,500 families being assisted. International Emergency
Church leaders discuss the importance of Christian unity SOUTH LONDON DIVISIONAL Commander Major Val Mylechreest was among church leaders invited by Churches Together in South London to witness to the friendship and shared purposes of churches in the area. Discussion centred on this year’s theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, the material originating from Indonesia, where there is a strong emphasis on the need for unity alongside the nation’s ethnic and religious diversity. Based on Deuteronomy 16:18–20 the words: ‘Follow justice and justice alone’ highlighted the issues of economic injustice suffered by many people. The Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of Southwark, the Right Rev Paul Hendricks, said: ‘I find the week of prayer a great inspiration. Despite our differences, we 4
are united in prayer with Christians all around the world. At a time when many of our societies are divided over political issues, we recognise with joy that people of different Christian traditions are also faithful followers of Jesus. We renew our commitment to learn from each other as we walk the path of unity together.’ – C. C. SWADLINCOTE: Divisional Commander Major Peter Forrest reopened the drop-in centre and charity shop, now named Living Breads and Swadlinclothes. The majority of the refurbishment was completed by volunteers. The new expressions of outreach received positive reactions and within minutes of opening to customers, many people new to the Army were being served. – J. P.
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Ser vices are finding it difficult to travel to some areas because of work being undertaken to stabilise old roads or build new ones. The Salvation Army is providing continued trauma counselling and support for rural medical clinics, helping more than 3,000 patients in 26 villages. The Army’s Woodward Hospital in Palu continues to serve
residents and others arriving from rural areas. Many schools, including some managed by The Salvation Army, now operate in tents while plans are being finalised to finance the rebuilding of classrooms. The government is providing guidelines to ensure this is achieved at a safe distance from known fault lines. – V. M./B.B.
MAIDSTONE: The children’s ministry weekend began on Saturday with a pool party for children connected to the corps. Captains John and Naomi Clifton (Ilford) led the YP prizegiving meeting on Sunday. Using the theme I Am The Vine, the captains explained how Christians need to be connected to Jesus, the source of spiritual power. The children received books, which it is hoped will help them connect with Jesus and produce good fruit. – G. P. SALE: Executive officer Major Noel Wright led the morning meeting when the International Staff Band visited. Music enhanced his message, the band playing the meditation ‘Divine Communion’. The afternoon meeting, attended by a crowd of 450, was preceded by music presented by the Mission Brass divisional youth band and the divisional youth chorus. Deputy Bandmaster Derick Kane, who is retiring after 42 years’ service, played the euphonium solo ‘The Better World’ and received a standing ovation. – E. Y.
Work progresses towards making churches dementia-friendly CUMBRIA THE Salvation Army is one of many members of Churches Together in Cumbria (CTiC) who are aiming to make every church in the county dementiafriendly by 2020. Volunteer dementia enablers have been recruited with the aim of being aware of, and responsive to, the welcome, worship and environment in their places of worship and how these affect people living with dementia. Initiatives that can be directly traced to the project include the
DUNSTABLE: Major Joan Burton (THQ) launched the Self-Denial Appeal, relating her experiences of serving in Brazil. Pictures of building projects that had benefited from previous appeals were shown, and many insights were shared into the practical and spiritual benefits received through support given by mission partners. Major Burton is pictured with corps officers Majors Lindsay and Stephen Brevitt. – J. B. introduction of dementia-friendly tea services in a number of places around the county. Training and support are
offered to enablers and a dementia project officer has been appointed to support and increase the number of enablers,
to establish the project more deeply in churches and make other organisations aware of the work. – D. R. CAMBRIDGE: Supported by the band, the new charity shop was opened by the deputy mayor of Cambridge, Councillor Gerri Bird, in the presence of more than 130 people. Volunteers working in the shop provide compassionate support and a listening ear for customers; one customer, leaving after 30 minutes’ conversation, thanked the volunteer saying she was the first person he had spoken to for a month. Pictured with the deputy mayor are corps officer Major Martin Cordner, community manager Jan Mott, charity shop manager Charmaine Wilson and Divisional Commander Major Martin Hill. – A. R. Salvationist 23 February 2019
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NEWS FEATURE
Prayer Gathering delegates prepare to move forward HAYES CONFERENCE CENTRE, SWANWICK During free time after lunch there was an opportunity to meet with the prayer ministry team for one-to-one prayer. This was followed by a series of streamed seminars. Under the theme Growing in Prayer Major Meshiel Brown (Poplar) introduced prayer journaling and Captain Lee Raggett (Stratford) spoke about how to create personal MOVING Forward in Prayer and Mission Sabbath prayer rhythms. was the theme of this year’s Encounter The Leading in Prayer stream Prayer Gathering as 150 delegates from included a seminar on how to set up around the territory met for an prayer stations, by Captains inspirational weekend Vanessa and Xander of prayer, worship, Coleman (Buckingham), teaching and and on leading a prayer fellowship. group, by Lyndall Bywater During the (Canterbury). ‘icebreaker’ in Friday In the third stream, evening’s opening Sharing in Prayer, Major session Gary Pitt John Mclean (Maidenhead) (Nottingham Sneinton) taught and led a discussion encouraged people to on ministry with the gifts of find someone they Abi and Gary Pitt the Spirit and Lieutenant didn’t know and give Nathan Loxley (St Ives) them the change from explored the theory and practice of their pockets or purses as a symbol of prophecy and words of knowledge. the giving and receiving that would take Later, in the prayer evening, various place during the weekend. He prayed interactive prayer activities took place. that everyone would come before God There was also with open hands. Secretary for Spiritual time for Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne testimony and an Roberts (THQ) spoke about her role in opportunity to helping people with their spiritual use the prayer formation and of her own experiences of stations created prayer through the years. Uplifting earlier in the day. worship was led during the evening, and In the final throughout the weekend, by Jo and Joel session on Thomas (Cheltenham Citadel). Sunday morning South East Divisional Commander Vanessa and Major Mark Herbert led two Saturday Xander spoke morning Bible studies on Romans 8, about their emphasising that God is our Father and experiences of inviting people to ‘loves us like no other can’. In the encounter God through prayer in second study Mark spoke about the way various settings: on the streets, in civic God can use life’s experiences for our events and in children’s activities. good and to fulfil his calling for our lives. 6
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Major Mark Herbert
Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill referred to Ephesians 1 and 2 in his Bible message, reminding delegates that they had the privilege of being ‘seated… in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus’ (2:6), who is himself seated at the right hand of God. ‘We receive everything in Christ not by doing but by resting in the Lord,’ he said, which enables us to ‘thrive in Christ and then fulfil the good works that have been lined up for us’. A number of delegates came forward during a time of prayer. By the end of the weekend those who had come ready to receive left with insights, blessings and encouragement to move forward in prayer and mission. – J. R.
A SEMINAR LEADER’S VIEW Captain Lee Raggett Stratford I LED the seminar on creating personal Sabbath prayer rhythms and spoke about when God said he wanted me to rest and give my attention to him. He gave me a picture of Sabbath being like a table that he sets every week and invites us to go and sit at. That means spending time doing what we need to do, like contemplative stuff or reading our Bible. My husband goes for a run and connects with God in that way. We take Tuesday from 11 am until we go to bed as our Sabbath. We
The Prayer Journaling
seminar
won’t go shopping, we won’t talk about work or have our phones on, and we’ll be really intentional about connecting with each other and with God. Some days we can’t do that so we do two hours or half an hour. People find their own way of connecting with God, and in the seminar I tried to present things that anyone can do. I had a conversation with someone who said the seminar helped her understand what Sabbath looks like. I was really overwhelmed for her to have learnt that. It will make a huge difference.
DELEGATES’ VIEWS Darryn Hook Sacriston WHAT I found important was the teaching about prayer, as well as being able to meet with other delegates and learn from them. What came through to me was the need to be bold – in the way we evangelise and in our prayer. I often have an opportunity to pray with people who are not necessarily Christians and sometimes I wonder how I should pitch it. But coming to places like this reminds me to just get out there and pray, and see how that impacts those who are around. One of the themes was about using prayer as mission, and I’ve found that to be true. Prayer creates missional opportunities – it speaks to people.
Valerie Chaplin Dereham I HAVE been to about seven prayer gatherings and every year it’s different. The highlights are listening to the speakers and hearing the testimonies of people. I also had the opportunity to be in the prayer ministry team when a number of people came for one-to-one prayer. The Prayer Journaling session was interesting. It was something I hadn’t done a lot of. We were able to write a text on a card and, as we coloured the card, to think of the person we were going to send it to and pray as we did it.
Major Annette Allen Failsworth THIS was my first prayer gathering. It’s been good. It was lovely to be in the presence of so many people wanting to pray. I guess for a lot of people it was about being together with others who are dynamic in prayer, but I think we can be dynamic in prayer in lots of ways that suit our character. I found looking through Scripture, thinking about Romans 8, and doing it in a kind of prayerful way, was beneficial. What I appreciated was the space to be able to think and develop what prayer means for me.
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NEWS
Residents receive Valentine cards SALVATION ARMY CARE HOMES CARDS were delivered to Army care homes, day centres and a dropin centre for those experiencing homelessness as part of a Red Letter Days campaign to help combat loneliness and share love with people who may not otherwise receive a card. With more than one fifth of the UK’s population saying they are always or often lonely, Red Letter Days encourage the public to write a card to a total stranger whose day could be brightened by a thoughtful message, good wishes or a funny story. Pop-up boxes were placed in shops, galleries and offices in London, Manchester, Liverpool and Birmingham. At Villa Adastra, an Army care home in West Sussex, a group of residents gathered in the lounge for refreshments and each person was invited to read the contents of their card aloud. Having visited the home at Christmas, a television broadcaster returned to cover this event, prompting a resident to ask reporter Tom, ‘Do you come here often?’ causing both to break into laughter. – A. R.
HUCKNALL: As part of the 140th corps anniversary, songsters from Boston presented a Saturday evening festival and conducted Sunday worship. Corps officer Captain Gayner Ward and Divisional Envoy Colin Ward, both former members, are pictured with the songsters. – C. W.
DROITWICH SPA: Musicians from Southend Citadel, who are part of the Music Man project, led a day of interactive sessions with music, dance and crafts specifically for adults with additional needs. – M. M. 8
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PENTRE: A celebration cake to mark the beginning of the 140th corps anniversary was designed and cut by Catherine Halligan and Olive Hosking. After a service at the hall, they joined with Oasis Church, who meet in the Siloh Chapel where, to the very day 140 years ago, Kate Shepherd started the work in the Rhondda Valley. – A. S.
WORTHING: When a half marathon was held in the town, the corps provided refreshments and activities in the community café. The band played close to the finishing line, balloons were distributed and the opportunity was taken to speak with spectators. – S. H.
LETTERS
THE GOD OF REST AND PEACE
WHAT TAKES THE PLACE OF HOLINESS? I DO not know how many corps have only one Sunday meeting; it is becoming more common in the Army and in other denominations – and in thriving as well as declining churches. However, I agree it is unwise to discontinue something without an alternative to replace it. What is holiness? General Frederick Coutts defined it as ‘Christlikeness’ and General John Gowans as ‘growing saints’. Both are apt and concise. It is about becoming more Christlike by developing our relationship with God and, consequently, with others. It is an
outworking of the commands to love God and to love our neighbour. While, nowadays, the Sunday holiness meeting may not be the most effective way of achieving this, what takes its place? Perhaps we can learn from the past where, in the Early Church, believers met in each other’s houses, there being no church buildings as such, or, like the Berean Jews, examine the Scriptures. Can we look to a growth in prayer gatherings, Bible studies and house groups as the way forward? May we ever be a holiness movement and may we ever seek to improve our relationship with the Lord and with each other. Brian Lowndes, Major, Stoke-on-Trent
CORPS CADETS AND SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS MARGARET Garland’s letter (Salvationist 2 February) reminded me of those wonderful corps cadet house parties at Sunbury Court. To people of my generation, who as teenagers were corps cadets, those weekends were the highlight of the year. I have felt sadness at the demise of the term ‘corps cadets’ because through that special ministry many young people went on to become Salvation Army officers. While other activities have taken the place of corps cadets, ask any officers of my age, now in retirement but still loving and serving, and most would agree that they heard the call during those important teenage years at their home corps. And many others made fine local officers within the corps and are still faithfully serving today. Our corps cadet guardian at my home corps, Chelmsford, taught us so much that helped us at the beginning of our spiritual journey through life. I guess that the lovely old choruses Margaret quoted have remained with us all as well. Joy Taylor, Lieut-Colonel, Christchurch
THE excellent article by Lieutenant Erin Metcalf (Salvationist 19 January), entitled ‘Doing the most good’, has been a great help to me. Having attended The Salvation Army since childhood my enduring memories have been linked to busyness. Growing up within a Salvation Army fellowship I was always encouraged to be busy, to take on lots of responsibilities even if it meant being at the Army every day of the week. On leaving school I worked for The Salvation Army, first at Hoxton Goodwill Centre and then at the Salvation Army Assurance Society chief office. I worked hard within disciplined settings, and a strong work ethic was instilled in me. This has carried on throughout my life and I remember only too well regularly making ‘to do’ lists at the start of every day and taking on far too much because of being afraid to say ‘no’. Lieutenant Metcalf challenges us to examine our ‘busyness’ not just within our everyday lives but also within our church settings. For me this question is challenging, as I have always found it difficult to say ‘no’. However, I am now challenging those long-held beliefs because health issues have forced me to do so. The article quite rightly highlights that all too often we think the thrill of ‘busy’ makes us look good, makes us feel important and bolsters our ego. I am now finding that, with the support of friends and corps officers, I am able to say ‘no’ positively. I am able to rest and to see what really matters. The fear I once had of saying ‘no’ had nothing to do with my relationship with God or my commitment to him. As Erin points out: ‘The status symbol of being busy is an idol, an idol that will keep us from the God of rest and peace.’ Kate Cousins, Great Ayton
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NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS: Ewan Domleo was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Paul Johnson. Having attended the corps since birth, Ewan testified to the love, support and guidance he has received from his Army family, which has been an essential part of his life, and has helped to develop his faith and commitment to God. Ewan is pictured with Majors Julie and Paul Johnson. – J. J.
Some photos removed
BELFAST CITADEL: Libby Young was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Mark Waghorn. Libby, who is the daughter of officers, and her husband, Paul, have attended the corps regularly for several months, and she expressed the desire to make a public commitment. Referring to her recent visit to Jordan, she testified: ‘Whenever you are in God’s family and have friends and family around you, praying for you, you are supported just as I was supported while floating in the Dead Sea.’ – N. M.
HINCKLEY: Marie King testified that she was attracted to the Army after hearing a Salvationist speaker at a Good Friday Churches Together open-air meeting. Marie attended the Army the following Sunday and, having worshipped regularly at the Army ever since, has fallen in love with the style of worship. After signing her certificate at the mercy seat, Marie was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Carol Evans. Marie is a volunteer at the corps food bank. Pictured are Recruiting Sergeant Major Mavis Pascoe, Marie, Vivienne Bradley and Major Evans. – B. A.
HILLINGDON: Denise and Peter Tottman were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Kevin Pitt. Both testified to a spiritual coming home as they have joined in worship and fellowship, and spoke of God’s calling upon their lives to serve him as soldiers. They are pictured with Major Christine Perkins, Val Colin and Chris Alleeson who have each played a part in their spiritual journey. – K. P.
MIDDLESBROUGH PALLISTER PARK: After hearing God tell him he should attend the Army, Stephen Collins joined the luncheon club with a friend. He then attended worship meetings and the Senior Connections programme, and felt called to become a soldier. He was enrolled by corps officer Captain Mark Anderson and says he is looking forward to telling people about Jesus. Pictured with Stephen are Captains Dawn and Mark Anderson and Corps Secretary Sheila Chandler. – M. A.
CHESTERTON: On Commitment and Vision Sunday Graham Harrison and Eileen Dean were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Major Bryan Lang. – B. L.
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NEW COMMITMENTS
MACCLESFIELD: A Christian for many years, Alison Worrall linked up with the corps after returning from Brazil, where she worked with several church projects for a number of years. June Batty has also been a Christian for many years and started attending regularly some time ago. Her initial contact was through Bible study and Cameo, both of which she actively
participates in. Tom Dickens is the first junior soldier to be enrolled at the corps for a number of years. He was taken through preparation classes by Bernard Reece. Corps officer Major Gareth Dickens welcomed Alison and June as adherent members and enrolled Tom as a junior soldier. Geoff Wilson is also pictured holding the flag. – G. D.
DEREHAM: Janet Crundwell and Nancy Blythe were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Major Diana Bennetts during Adherents Sunday. Janet and Nancy testified that they feel welcome and at home at the corps and believe that this is where God wants them to serve and worship him. Also pictured is Adherents Secretary Olive Allcroft. – D. B.
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL: Oscar Hayward was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Adrian Allman during the YP annual. They are pictured with Junior Soldiers Sergeant Ruth Taylor and YP worker Edward Dixon. Oscar gave his testimony and said he was looking forward to wearing his uniform, learning more about Jesus and joining the singing company and YP band. – R. O. NUNHEAD: Daisy Clark decided to return to membership of the corps family and was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Polis Pantelidis. Pictured with Daisy and Polis are Commissioner Norma Swinfen and corps officer Major Maria Konti-Galinou. – P. P.
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WREXHAM: Corps officers Captains Ian and Sandy Davis enrolled Glenys and Brian Prydden as soldiers. Linking up with the corps two years ago, Glenys and Brian are deeply committed Christians who want to serve Christ, and have become involved in Employment Plus, the prayer group and selling papers. – S. T.
FEATURE Effective Mission
DOES YOUR CORPS HAVE A MISSION DEVELOPMENT PLAN? Major Ian Mountford introduces the Missional Journal
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HEN was your corps mission development plan written? What were its objectives? Experience tells me that although some will be able to answer these questions, a majority of corps members probably won’t. So, let me ask this instead: Where is your corps on its missional journey? Is there movement? Is there evidence that God is doing something new or is the corps mainly burdened with maintenance? Or even, with deep respect, is it more like a museum or mausoleum? In introducing the new Missional 12
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Journal I recognise that even if a corps does not have a plan, God does, and every corps is on a journey. Knowing something about that journey from the founding story to the present reality is important if we want to know where God might be leading us. At his welcome and installation as Territorial Commander in October 2018 Commissioner Anthony Cotterill said: ‘What I am looking for, and what I believe we should all be looking for, is revelation. What is God revealing to us as The Salvation Army? And what are we going to do with that which is revealed to us by his word and by his Spirit. What is he doing... and how can we join in with him?’ These questions challenge us individually and corporately to listen to God, discern his will and engage in mission – something reaffirmed in the
General’s new year message, Call to Mission. CAPTURING THE REVELATION But how do we discern what God is saying and join in with what he is doing? Our starting point should always be Scripture and prayer. As we draw near to God to listen, we begin to understand; we capture something of his revelation. But then what? For many years the territory has used a missional tool first introduced in the Church of England in the early 1990s. The Mission Action Plan was developed by Bishop David Hope in London as a new approach for determining mission priorities. It focused on prayer and planning but grounded these in the experiences of the people. Adopted and adapted for Salvation Army use as the Mission Development Plan (MDP) it has
been widely used with various degrees of success for many years. However, as missional theology has developed, there has been a moving on from primarily focusing on developing our plans. The new Missional Journal, which builds on the experience of the MDP and the TIDE Strategy (Transformation, Integration, Discipleship and Effectiveness), aims to reflect these changes. It draws on the understanding that ‘Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God’ (1 Peter 1:18 The Message) and it seeks to give balance to all aspects of corps mission and ministry, not just the drafting of a future plan. The Missional Journal considers the overall health of the corps, mutual accountability, missional context and missional purpose, journeying one step at a time. To understand this, it is helpful to think in terms of principles, tools and models. Principles Our faith and practice are built on our relationship with Jesus Christ, on Scripture, on a trinitarian understanding of God, on a missional calling, on the guidance of the Holy Spirit and on our shared values. Tools Based on these principles, missional tools are developed to help us reflect, understand and decide how we might join in the missional journey in a local context. These tools range from Bible studies and the One Army study series to tools like the Missional Journal. Models Then, taking this understanding, we seek to model mission in practice in many different and creative ways, diverse programmes and powerful ministries. This approach is not new; it is something that we have done in The Salvation Army since our founding. In order to think about how we apply our faith and understand the times – the context for mission – we need to reflect, study and discern. Tools like the Missional Journal aim to help us do this, helping us to capture what is being revealed and reflect on what to do. THE JOURNEY OF THE CORPS The Missional Journal gives an
SIX STEPS The Missional Journal is divided into six steps, providing an opportunity for each corps to consider how to… Prepare for the journey Start with Scripture and prayer
1
Describe present reality Consider the transformational journey so far
2
Reflect and evaluate Discern what God might be saying
3
Decide and plan Consider what our reflection and evaluation means for the future
4 5 6
Put the plan into action Work together to be missional
Review together Examine mutual accountability and effectiveness
opportunity to consider purposefully the whole journey of a corps: its past, present and future. It aims to capture something of what God has said and done, and is saying and doing, in the life of a corps and its community. It journeys with the corps for the long haul and focuses on asking questions about experience, growth, mission and mutual accountability. It recognises other
Recognition is given to the fact that God speaks at any step, and such moments are important to capture in the Journal. What is God saying and how are we responding? At steps 1, 4 and 6 there is opportunity for the journey to be affirmed by DHQ – to tell the story so far, seek spiritual affirmation and celebrate the journey. Each step is also supported by a range of additional resources that will continue to be developed and added to. Speak with your corps officer or contact your divisional mission enabler for more information about the Missional Journal.
TO CONSIDER Where are you in your own journey with God? O Where is your corps on its missional journey? O How do you celebrate or mark the milestones of these journeys? O How might you begin to journal something of your own journey? O
approaches, such as Natural Church Development, and gives an opportunity to work them through as part of the journey. Importantly, the Journal records the journey step by step, without the need to rush, and ensures that corps members develop their missional life together. Continued on page 14 i Salvationist 23 February 2019
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FEATURE Effective Mission
i Continued from page 13 Some corps find this helpful to do in a variety of ways. Although the template is provided as a Word document it can be added to through creatively using photographs, video testimonies, graphics and art. The options are limitless with the priority being to capture what God is saying, reflect on it and act. Recently someone said to me that their Missional Journal was beginning to resemble a hybrid history book and mission plan. Exactly! When it is owned by the corps, the journal is just that: a record of the corps journey with God and each other. Of course, the daily footsteps of mission and ministry continue but it is important to carve out quality time to capture and reflect on the journey itself. William Booth wrote to his daughter Evangeline upon her appointment as National Commander of the United States at a particularly turbulent time in its history: ‘Don’t watch the waves, watch the tide.’ It is so easy for us to
become fixated on the short-term challenges that we lose sight of the things that bring real movement. MISSION AND MOVEMENT The metaphor of ‘journey’ is a powerful one. It helps us make sense of life. The Bible itself is a record of journeys; geographical, cultural, seasonal and spiritual journeys. The mission of God himself is a journey of sent mission. Mission by its definition is incarnational – it requires movement and momentum. Commissioner Jim Knaggs said: ‘Mission and movement are two sides of the same coin.’ Mission will always involve movement, which
may require a moving out to plant new expressions or churches, or a movement within to disturb the status quo in order to bring change and reach others right where we are. In this respect every corps is on a missional journey. Sometimes we have lost sight of the reason for the journey. It is God’s mission, and we are called to join in with what he is doing. When we do that, we become a missional people. MAJOR MOUNTFORD IS DIVISIONAL MISSION ENABLER, CENTRAL EAST
FEATURE Trek Cambodia
TAKE ON A JUNGLE ADVENTURE Community and Events Fundraising Manager Angela Carlucci (THQ) invites readers to sign up for Trek Cambodia
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ROM 2 to 10 November a Salvation Army team will trek through small rural villages, dazzling green rice paddies and sprawling jungles, and visit awe-inspiring temples and ancient ruins. This incredible trekking challenge will finish up at the Unesco World Heritage Site of Angkor Wat where there will be an opportunity to explore the broodingly atmospheric temples of an ancient civilisation. If you accept the challenge, this nine-day trip – including five days of trekking – to the small country of Cambodia will open your eyes to a little-known yet fascinating culture, while raising funds for the work of The Salvation Army in supporting people 14
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affected by addiction. Alternatively, you can use the income to support your corps community initiatives. If you are not able to get involved in the trip, you could put up some posters (which the events unit will brand to your corps or project) or post on your social media pages (we can supply some great images and suggested text) and see if you can recruit some trekkers. Your corps will receive in excess of £1,000 for every person who signs up, which can be put towards corps projects or your Big Collection total.
There is now a last-chance offer: a two-for-one registration fee when two trekkers sign up together and use the code 241TSAC. We do hope that you will join us in promoting this amazing fundraiser for the Army by sharing this information with family and friends. For information on taking part visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/ trekcambodia and to promote the trek email challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 020 7367 4819
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There are hundreds of corps and centres up and down the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this new series, Salvationist discovers just that
FOCUSED NETWORKING IS KEY says Loughborough corps officer Major Marta Ager
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HEN we look at everything that’s happening in the corps just now, we see the common factor bringing it all together is focused networking, which has been taking place over the past couple of years. While it seemed like nothing was happening at first, it suddenly started coming together and networks are now forming wherever you look in the life of the corps. That’s why I believe this prayer-led networking is the most effective thing we do at Loughborough. For a start, we have several members and friends of the corps volunteering throughout the week at the SATCoL charity shop in the town centre. The manager has been learning a lot about the corps and the work of The Salvation Army, and will often contact us if she thinks someone needs particular help or to ask us how to find a missing person. She also occasionally attends a Sunday morning meeting to share some of the good things that are happening at the shop. Our wonderful new building, which we moved into in 2014, also plays an important part. It has an upper floor, and a number of different-sized rooms are at our disposal, which several non-Army groups use for various activities. Since we started praying for them in a focused way we’ve noticed that, without us having to go out of our way, interaction between the groups and ourselves has greatly increased. Some examples of this interaction include the Yavana choir raising more than £300 for our work, people from the exercise group attending our special events and helping with the Christmas toy appeal and The Church of Pentecost, which uses our hall on
Sunday afternoons, asking us to do something with them for the Kingdom. When we take a step back, we see that the Yavana choir raised money by advertising their concert through the charity shop so that The Church of Pentecost could help us do something for the community, into which the exercise group could come and help! This is just one example of our focused networking. Amid all this, Loughborough continues to recruit volunteer drivers and chaperones for the vital work of transporting victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. We recently organised a fundraising concert for a charity that looks after unaccompanied and trafficked child migrants, and throughout the year the corps will be recruiting more volunteers and developing its support network. Other ministers have also noticed how God is moving within their churches in heart-warming ways. We’re seeing people come back to God and The Salvation Army after many years away; we’re seeing people’s faith deepen as they respond to God; we’re noticing people’s desire to engage with others more, meeting them where they are in their lives. As a forward-looking corps, Loughborough likes to worship in a lively Spirit-led way with a balance of singing
styles. Half the congregation are soldiers, but that’s not a requirement for belonging to the band or songsters. Interestingly, since we introduced this, not only have more people joined the groups, but one person has also become a soldier! We are encouraging as many people as possible to take on responsibilities – no matter how small – and they don’t necessarily have to be soldiers or adherent members to do so. This means that tasks are shared out. This not only helps the corps function better, but also helps people discover their God-given gifts. Our weekly activities include Bible study and timbrel and craft groups. We also hold a drop-in session that provides showers, clothing, a listening ear and food parcels to people experiencing homelessness. On top of all this, Loughborough has recently become a dementia-friendly corps, with a Singing by Heart group launching soon. We find it amazing how God is talking, organising and planning 24-7, in all languages and with everyone at the same time! We’ve learnt much from him by spending time listening and waiting for things to come together in his time. We would ask readers of Salvationist to pray for the future of Loughborough, as we continue to experience blessed times. Salvationist 23 February 2019
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BIBLE STUDY
Enlightened by the Major David Taylor reminds us of the assurance the Holy Spirit brings STUDY PASSAGE: EPHESIANS 1:13–23
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HE opening chapter of Ephesians is a majestic summary of the incredible things God has done for us in and through Jesus Christ the Son. Paul wants us to take time to reflect on God’s initiative, on God’s will for us, which he enacted long before we had to do anything. Not that we do nothing of course! It is clear in verse 13 what our part is – first of all, to hear the gospel, God’s word of truth, and then to believe.
QUESTION How did you come to have faith in
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Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Howard Webber
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Jesus? If you are alone, take some time to think about this. If you are in a group, share briefly with each other about the way God brought you into his family. Paul says that something significant takes place when we come to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour: we receive God’s Holy Spirit into our lives. In verses 13 and 14 Paul tells us three things about the active presence of God’s Spirit within us. First, he is literally ‘the Spirit of the promise’ (Young's Literal Translation). God and Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. He is available today to all who repent and believe the good news. Second, the Holy Spirit is God’s ‘seal’ or his mark of ownership on our lives – not as an external mark like branding on cattle or sheep but as an internal mark in our hearts that assures us that we belong to him.
Third, the Holy Spirit is God’s ‘deposit’ or ‘guarantee’. This means that the Holy Spirit is God’s down payment. God has paid part of the purchase price in advance. Our inheritance as God’s children – to be with him for ever – is not only assured but also he gives us now a foretaste of what that will be like. Doctrine 8 of The Salvation Army states that ‘he that believeth hath the witness in himself’. This is what it means to have the experience of the Holy Spirit within us as God’s promise, seal and deposit. It is God within us by his Holy Spirit assuring us that we are his children, that he is our Father and, as such, is deeply committed to being in relationship with us. QUESTIONS O Can you describe a particular moment or moments when you have been aware of the deep experience of belonging to God, of knowing that he
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people. (Ephesians 1:18)
O send thy Spirit, Lord,/ Now unto me,/ That he may touch my eyes/ And make me see;/ Show me the truth concealed/ Within thy word,/ And in thy book revealed/ I see the Lord. (SASB 802)
For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6)
Spirit is with you and is committed to you? O What did that experience feel like and mean to you? If you are in a group, share this with each other. The remaining verses of this chapter are Paul’s thanksgiving to God and prayer for the Ephesian church. It is important for us to recognise that thanksgiving and prayer go together. It is wonderful to know God in part and what he has done for us, to recognise what we already have available to us in Christ through the Holy Spirit within us, and to give thanks for it. Paul is particularly thankful that he has heard that the Ephesians are people of faith and love, as these are supreme marks of the Spirit within us. However, it is also vital that we are not complacent or content to sit back and rest satisfied, but that we pray to God constantly and ask him for further and greater revelation,
knowledge and wisdom through the ministry of God’s Holy Spirit. Paul is aware that there is so much more for us to discover about who God is, about what God has in store for us as his children and about how great God’s power is to transform us, so that we arrive securely in his presence and into our inheritance as saints. QUESTIONS O What are some of the things you have learnt about God recently and about his will and purpose for you? O What have you heard and understood about God? O What has he been saying to you? Take a few moments to put your finger on one or two things and share them. The final few verses of this chapter are a crescendo of praise to Jesus Christ the Son, whom God has raised from the dead and seated above all
other authorities and powers in all ages, for ever. He is not only above all things, but also head of the Church. When he is given his rightful place the Church is filled with all God’s fullness and overflows into the world. QUESTIONS To what extent is Jesus Christ the head of your life, able to direct and fulfil his purposes in you, and how might you need to change? O To what extent is Jesus Christ welcomed as head of the Christian community to which you belong, and how can you contribute to this being the case? O
MAJOR TAYLOR IS DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, CENTRAL NORTH
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,/ To reach out and touch him and say that we love him./ Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen./ Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus. (SASB 386)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Silently now I wait for thee,/ Ready, my God, thy will to see,/ Open mine eyes, illumine me,/ Spirit divine. (SASB 786)
As it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ – the things God has prepared for those who love him – these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. (1 Corinthians 2:9 and 10)
Prayer Holy Spirit, come and fill me! Reveal to me the fullness and glory of Christ Jesus, so that I may see Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly and follow him more nearly day by day.
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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION
HOPE FROM DESPAIR Cadet Chris Button reflects on 2 Corinthians 1:3–11, with a focus on mental health
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E often think of Paul as the trailblazing apostle who travelled across Europe to spread the gospel, enduring imprisonment, torture and eventually death, all for the sake of the Kingdom of God. We rarely think about the broken, despairing, imprisoned man who simply wished that he could die. Yet Paul was both of these things. Like many of us Paul lived a messy and complicated life. He could experience tremendous highs and equally tremendous lows. We can learn as much from his lows as we can from his highs. In 2 Corinthians 1:8 Paul describes the suffering he had experienced during his time in the province of Asia. He says that he was ‘so utterly, unbearably crushed’ that he ‘despaired of life itself’ (Revised Standard Version). Perhaps many people reading those words don’t need to imagine how they would feel – they know exactly what it is like to despair of life. They might well be able to say to Paul that they understand what it is like to live a life that feels as if they have been sentenced to death. It can be difficult for those of us who struggle with those particular feelings, or with any of the many difficulties that can come from issues with our mental health. The people around us, trying to be helpful, may tell us that we need to pray more or have more faith. Yet these feelings – the difficulties surrounding mental health – do not stem from a lack of faith. In this Bible passage Paul does not talk about losing his faith. In fact, his faith is his only consolation. Christians and people of faith in general can have a dangerous tendency to associate mental illness with a lack of faith. If someone has the flu we don’t tell them it is because they have a weak faith or that they are not trusting God enough. We would tell them to rest, to 18
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Our faith does not protect us from feeling utterly crushed and despairing of life, yet it can help us through those times
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go to the doctor, to get the help they need. We should take the same approach to mental health as we do for physical health – not piling on blame but encouraging people to seek support. This doesn’t mean that faith has nothing to do with mental health. On the contrary, Paul found hope – his only hope, in fact – in the God who had rescued him before and would rescue him again. Paul’s faith did not protect him from feeling ‘utterly, unbearably crushed’ or from despairing of life itself but it did give him an anchor to hang on to during those times. I know that when feeling completely and utterly crushed by life, and full of despair to the extent that I simply want to die, faith is difficult. This is where faith is not about feeling but about believing. We may not feel there is any hope. We may feel that God has abandoned us. Paul probably had those same moments of doubt and fear. But it is in wrestling with God to hold on to faith that, even
when we don’t feel it, even when we don’t know it, perhaps even when we don’t fully believe it, we can still hope. Paul ends this section of his letter by saying that others had joined in helping him through their prayers. When we are not the person going through the time of trouble it can be difficult to know what to do. We want to fix things and make things better for the person who is feeling utterly in despair. It is hard to come to terms with the fact that often it is something that we cannot solve. We can, however, support, encourage and love the person in need, offering whatever acts of kindness are appropriate if the person wants them. Most importantly, we can pray for each other at all times. We can journey alongside someone who is suffering when we pray for that person. Our faith does not protect us from feeling utterly crushed and despairing of life, yet it can help us through those times. Experiencing difficulties with our mental health is not a sign that we are weak or lacking in any way. God is there in the midst of it all, faithful to the promise that nothing can separate us from his love. CHRIS IS A CADET IN THE MESSENGERS OF COMPASSION SESSION
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE
WHAT’S ON
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Geoff and Maureen Carver, Letchworth (6 February) O Ted and Pam Garnham, Guernsey (2 March) O Eric and Margaret Jerome, Luton (7 March)
ON THE AIR ONLINE Let There Be Praise O The USA Western Territory Staff Band on kitchener.faithfm.org from 12.30 – 2.30 am GMT on 28 February Previous broadcasts are available by visiting www.citadelpromotions.com or www.salvos.com/tomquick
DEDICATED TO GOD O Hope Rosie, daughter of John and Sarah Justice, by Major Marian Parker at Worthing RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Mary Smith (85 on 9 March) BEREAVED O Wendy Blackmore, Clowne, of her husband John O Commissioner Paul du Plessis of his wife Commissioner Margaret du Plessis, Major Myra Sercombe of her sister O Major Agnes Thompson of her brother James Thompson PROMOTED TO GLORY O Joan Raisey, Eaton Bray O Ken Pointon, Lowestoft Citadel O Commissioner Margaret du Plessis from Willett House, Chislehurst, on 9 February O Marjorie Watson, Burton-on-Trent
TRIBUTES MAJOR AUDREY COCKS AUDREY was born in Skewen in 1931, to Aeilwyn and Gwen Lewis, the first of five children. She entered the training college in the Shepherds Session and, after completing her training, married Reginald in May 1955. Their first married appointment was at Sudbury, Suffolk, where the first of their children was born; sadly, Pamela did not live long. A year later Julian was born, and they moved to Ipswich Queensway. An appointment to St Mary Cray followed, where Rosemary joined the family. After various appointments they arrived in Bromley, where they remained for the next 53 years. Audrey helped at the corps holding various roles, including playing for the singing company when she was able,
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE: O Canada and Bermuda Territory (Canadian Staff Band 50th anniversary weekend), Wed 27 Feb – Sun 3 Mar O Sunbury Court (International Moral and Social Issues Council), Mon 4 O Pakistan (commissioning), Wed 20 – Sun 24* THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM: O India Central Territory, Wed 6 Mar – Sat 9** THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL: O Northampton (Intercultural Mission Conference), Fri 1 Mar – Sun 3 O Swanwick (homelessness conference), Mon 4 – Tu 5 O Ireland (divisional congress), Sat Sun 10 O Sunbury Court (five-year review of officership), Mon 11 O William Booth College (Design for Life), Sat 16 O William Booth College (Exploring Leadership Day), Sun 17 O Sunbury Court (leaders orientation), Wed 20 – Sat 30 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES: O East Midlands (divisional leaders retreat), Wed 27 – Fri 1 Mar O Yorkshire South with Humber (divisional officers retreat), Tu 5 – Th 7 O William Booth College (spiritual day with cadets), Wed 20 *The General only **Chief of the Staff only
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but she loved to ‘sing for Jesus’ (her father’s words) as a songster. Enrolled at Skewen in 1945, she remained a songster for more than 70 years. At the presentation of her long-service award in November 2016, she insisted she was not retiring, even though ill health restricted her attendance. Her other great joy were her six grandchildren, spending time both with those based in Bromley and in Germany. When her first great-grandchild, Theresa, was born she was thrilled and, although unable to visit because of her deteriorating health, she looked forward to the visits. The last family occasion she attended was Alex and Becca’s wedding – she had a wonderful time. While it was hard to see the once feisty Audrey that her family knew disappear to dementia, they are grateful that it spared her from fully understanding Julian’s sudden passing and Reginald’s demise. – R. H.
MAJOR JOHN KNIGHT JOHN was born in Kenilworth in 1940. He was the son of a Baptist minister and worshipped at the Baptist Church for many years. Moving to Evesham he attended Horticultural College and became a Salvationist, enjoying most of the activities. He became the junior soldiers sergeant, and was faithful in taking the Army papers around the public houses. Later, for a while, he moved to Oldbury as an envoy before marrying Captain Shirley Hallam. After John’s training they served in many corps, including Kidsgrove, Winsford, Birtley, Jarrow, Sheffield Attercliffe and Birmingham Sparkhill, finally retiring at Lye. In retirement John continued to minister at Bromsgrove. A dedicated officer, he loved meeting people and preaching, and had a great sense of humour. He always had time to visit folk in hospital and nearby care homes, and loved chatting and praying with those he met while selling the War Cry. John loved gardening and had three plots. He won many cups at vegetable
shows and was always enthusiastic about his achievements. He grew fruit and vegetables, spending hours picking onions, beetroot and cabbages, which he then sold; all proceeds were given to the corps. More than anything, his life radiated Jesus, whom he loved. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was truly a man of God and is greatly missed. – S. K.
ANDREW McMAHON, GATESHEAD ANDREW was a true example of the saving power of the Lord. He engaged in conversation with a public house herald some forty years ago and accepted the invitation to attend the meeting. Andrew admitted to living a wrong lifestyle but, after giving his heart to God, he was able to learn to manage his violent behaviour. He regularly thanked God for saving his soul and for giving
his family a better life. Andrew faithfully engaged in public house ministry for many years, keen to show others the transforming love of God. His health failed him, and after a number of falls, although determined to resume attendance at meetings, he was unable to do so. He remained faithful to the Saviour in his final days and a humbling witness to his corps family. – M. D.
MURIEL JACOBS, IPSWICH CITADEL MURIEL Jacobs was promoted to Glory at the age of 93 after a short illness. She was a songster for many years and a member of the home league and the over-60 friendship club. The last years of her life were spent in a nursing home in Felixstowe. Though not able to attend the Army, she was always interested in the corps life and family. She kept her faith until the end and had her daily devotions. – D. C.
ALAN WATTS, BARROW-INFURNESS ALAN was a soldier at Barrow-in-Furness from 1985 until his promotion to Glory in January 2019. A committed Christian, he made it apparent to all who met him that he was passionate about his faith and wanted others to know about the love of Jesus. A keen walker, Alan loved nature. Being blessed to live on the edge of the Lake District national park, he became a founding member of the corps walking group, sharing his gift of companionship with many people. While quiet and unassuming by nature, Alan overcame his natural shyness to become a valuable member of the corps, selling the War Cry, collecting for the Big Collection and becoming an informal welcome sergeant in the corps café. Alan’s greatest gift was, perhaps, his willingness to share his life with others; while in his company you were the centre of his world. Servant of God, well done! – M. D.
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‘ Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…
MAJOR ROBERT STONES
Kneeling at the mercy seat I felt that God wanted me to be an officer. I refused, saying I wasn’t capable, but I distinctly heard a voice in my head saying: ‘That’s all right. I’m sending you a companion – your future wife’
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What one thing would you change about the Army? The Army needs to change to meet present needs but, as my gran would often say, ‘Don’t throw the baby out with the bath water.’ Many of the old ideas are still as relevant today as they ever were.
What is your favourite food? A tasty steak and kidney pie with a thick puff pastry top.
What is your favourite kind of holiday? Two kinds: the countryside of Wales, North Yorkshire or the Lake District, and visiting our grandchildren.
What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? An LP of Gustav Holst’s suite The Planets.
What do you do in your spare time? Besides overseeing the corps with my wife, I like DIY.
Retired officer, Oldham Citadel How did you first come into contact with the Army? I was walking into town one day with plans to do some shopping, then to go to the pictures, and I heard a brass band coming towards me accompanied by a lot of jingling. The sound was a group of girls playing tambourines, followed by a brass band with flags flying – everyone was in uniform. A woman in a straw bonnet approached me as I stopped to look, and asked if I’d like to go to a concert that night. She explained who they were and what it was all about, then said the magic words: ‘It’s free.’ I went and enjoyed the night, even though it was religious, and I was invited to the Sunday meeting. What made you want to become a Salvationist? At first it was because I wanted to be in the band, then I found out I was tone deaf, but I still became a soldier. It was about a year later, listening to the officer’s sermon, that I realised I didn’t really know Jesus as Lord and Saviour. Kneeling at the mercy seat I felt that God wanted me to be an officer. I refused, saying I wasn’t capable, but I distinctly heard a voice in my head saying: ‘That’s all right. I’m sending you a companion – your future wife.’ That was a shock. A few months later I met a young girl who has now been my wife for 50 years. We entered the training college in 1971 and still serve the Lord together.
If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? I like detective films, so I’d either be Hercule Poirot or Sherlock Holmes.
What is your favourite Bible verse? Psalm 139. It reminds me that, no matter how I may fail, God knows me and still cares. Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Paul. I would ask how he would apply his teachings to the 21st century. What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘O I’m Climbing Up The Golden Stair To Glory’ (SASB 884).
Samuel Logan Brengle If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why? Samuel Logan Brengle, to listen first hand to his teachings on holiness.
If you could invent a gadget what would it be? Something to get me through the rush-hour traffic. Which book would you want on a desert island? A series of books entitled Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins.
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? To always do it better second time round.
If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room what would it be? ‘I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord’ (SASB 959).
What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? None. I’d probably mark out the track, as I’m more practical than sporty.
What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess? Not a possession, but my wife, my children and my grandchildren.
