16 minute read
Quotes from the media
MO FARAH: I WAS TRAFFICKED INTO BRITAIN AND TREATED LIKE A SLAVE
Sir Mo Farah, one of Britain’s greatest athletes, has revealed that he was illegally smuggled into this country...
Farah … had previously said he was born in Somalia, arriving from Mogadishu aged eight to join his father, who worked in London…
In fact he was trafficked to London in the 1990s under an assumed name after escaping war in Somalia. His real name is Hussein Abdi Kahin.
After arriving he lived … with a married couple who treated him like a slave. His PE teacher went on to champion his cause with social services and he was eventually moved to a new home…
Farah’s real father died when he was four during the country’s ... civil war... His mother sent him to Djibouti, which borders Somalia, to escape the conflict and live with an uncle. Farah says he was trafficked from there, aged nine.
The runner said he was telling his story to unburden himself of a lie that he and his closest friends and family have perpetuated for years, despite warnings that the revelations might leave him vulnerable to deportation.
The Times
SALVATIONIST
salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine Issue No 1868
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.
Tom Cruise has been granted permission to film inside Westminster Abbey in London for Mission: Impossible 8.
The 60-year-old actor sought the extremely rare permission to shoot scenes for the action movie at the religious landmark and was thrilled when it was granted.
A source told The Sun newspaper… ‘When [Tom] wanted to film inside a church for the new Mission film, it had to be Westminster Abbey…
Premier
DEMAND AT UK’S BIGGEST PAWNBROKER AT RECORD HIGH AMID COST OF LIVING CRISIS
A record number of people are pawning items to borrow money from Britain’s largest pawnbroker amid an escalating cost of living crisis.
H&T Group said ‘pledge lending’ – lending secured against a customer’s valuable items such as watches or jewellery – was at record levels…
‘This strong demand, in our view, reflects the impact of the cost of living crisis’… wrote Gary Greenwood, a Shore Capital analyst...
Economists expect household finances to be hit further in the autumn, when the UK’s energy price cap will soar to reflect higher prices on global wholesale markets.
The Guardian
NORTH LANARKSHIRE COUNCIL REVIVES 200 EMPTY FLATS FOR UKRAINIANS
A Scottish council is planning to bring 200 empty homes back into use to provide homes for Ukrainian refugees.
North Lanarkshire council will use £5m of Scottish government funding to reinstate two tower blocks which were earmarked for demolition.
The flats in Airdrie and Coatbridge will be refurbished to ‘a high standard’…
Council leader Jordan Linden said: ‘The people escaping conflict in Ukraine face the most unimaginable circumstances.
Neil Gray, who serves as the Scottish government’s minister for Ukrainian refugees, welcomed the move.
‘These homes will play a vital role in providing longer term accommodation and support to displaced people from Ukraine,’ he said.
BBC News
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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
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Mal Davies
PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Malcolm Martin
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All together now!
OVER the past few years, we’ve all learnt a lot about being together. As the pandemic saw much of the world ‘confined to quarters’, as it were, we learnt that being together on an online video call wasn’t quite the same as being together in person. We learnt to highly prize the times we could meet together in person and hug and laugh and look each other in the eye not via a screen.
We also learnt that doing a church service online lacked considerably from doing it in person, and yet we applaud corps officers who sought innovative solutions to doing church apart. It’s been described as a new sort of ‘reformation’, where we’ve had to rethink what ‘church’ means.
Some people learnt that being together wasn’t always a good thing – some families and relationships have imploded because of being cooped up with only each other for so long. Others thrived in the same circumstances – some relationships are now stronger than ever because of that time together.
Last weekend, Salvationists from across our territory met in Birmingham for Together 2022, a weekend that included Commissioning as well as a wide array of different events and activities (see pages 8 to 15). Hundreds engaged in everything from a prayer walk and a worship concert to a seminar on ecumenism. And throughout – from event to event and from place to place – we celebrated simply being together.
The air was abuzz with talk and laughter and shrieks of delight as old friends reunited. It was a place full of one of my favourite old Salvation Army words: joy!
As you look through this issue of Salvationist, you will find some of our usual articles and columns, but our focus is unashamedly on Together 2022. It’s important to note, too, that in the midst of the weekend and all its activity, we saw the commissioning of the newest Salvation Army officers in the world! And we celebrate their obedience to their calling and pray for them as they commence their first appointments.
Speaking of which, as I slide into the editor’s seat, I offer a heartfelt thanks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts, who has begun a new appointment as territorial ecumenical officer. He has done a superb job as editor of Salvationist and has also served as my right-hand man as assistant editor-in-chief. I have called on his advice and guidance regularly and I have enjoyed working alongside him greatly. While he stays within the Communications Service, we will miss him in the Publishing Department and we pray for him in his new ministry.
I also take this opportunity to welcome Major Malcolm Martin, who joins us in the additional appointment of publishing secretary (looking after our book publishing), and Major Andrew Stone, who starts as assistant editor-in-chief while continuing as editor of War Cry.
If one thing stays the same, it’s change. Even as we see these appointment changes impact our department, we seek to continue to provide you with the same quality papers and books we always have. I hope you enjoy reading this issue of Salvationist and I hope you especially enjoy seeing the highlights of last week’s event in Birmingham. The Messengers of Reconciliation reminded us that we are called on to be reconciled one to another and to God, and that we are better when we do life and ministry together.
As a final note, it’s not usual for an editor to publicly praise his staff for doing what they do week in, week out, but I will this week – a thanks to the Salvationist staff members who worked hard last weekend to get this issue to the printer by Monday, and to Beth Gibson for her work across the weekend on salvationist.org.uk, and photographer Andrew King for his superb eye and skill. We’re better together!
MAJOR MAL DAVIES
Editor Salvationist
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 7
Prayer matters 7
News feature 8 and 9
Territory gathers for music, sport, worship and more
News feature 10 and 11
Congress calls delegates to live out God’s love
News feature 12 and 13
Messengers of Reconciliation commissioned to be bold
Photo feature 14 and 15
Together 2022
Mission and the pandemic 16
Making whole-life disciples
by Dr Naar M’Fundisi-Holloway
Testimony 17
‘God is in the driving seat’
by Malcolm Dragon
Bible study 18 and 19
Set out at the Lord’s command
by Major Steve Smith
Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19
by Major Howard Webber
Reflection 20
Living in his will
by Brian Colley
Read with us 20
Called to Be a Soldier: Chapter 12
New commitments 21
Announcements 22
Adverts 23
The Salvation Army and me 24
featuring Carolyn Gomersall
FRONT-PAGE PICTURE Andrew King Photography
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
INTERNATIONAL EVENT
International leaders enrich festival
SWITZERLAND
GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle joined more than 1,300 Salvationists and employees from the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory for the Out of the Box festival.
Spiritual input and discussion took place and the international leaders shared their thoughts on faith and life, bringing depth to the joyful celebration. Festivalgoers were asked to think about how they put their Christian faith into practice and encouraged to think ‘out of the box’.
Talking about the challenges facing the international Salvation Army, the General emphasised: ‘The world in which we live – no matter what nation or culture – needs the service and message of The Salvation Army.’
Commissioner Rosalie offered particular words of encouragement to the women present. ‘Be bold,’ she said. ‘Love who you are!’
Highlights of the festival included the Commissioning of the nine cadets of the Messengers of Reconciliation session and a welcome to six new cadets from Hungary and Switzerland as members of the Defenders of Justice session. The General also installed Lieut-Colonel Daniel Imboden as the new chief secretary and Lieut-Colonel Heidi Imboden as part of the territorial leadership team, with special responsibility for the Austria and Hungary Regions.
Reflecting on the innovative festival, the General said: ‘We will share with the Salvation Army family that our time here has brought inspiration and encouragement.’ – SG
ANNIVERSARY
KILBIRNIE Govan Band presented a programme of music to commence the 130th corps anniversary celebrations. Pieces included ‘Emblem of the Army’, ‘Guardian of My Soul’, ‘Bright and Beautiful’ and ‘Montreal Citadel’. Soloists included Lauren Hay (vocal) and Jillian Gemmell (tenor horn), which added variety to an enjoyable programme. – JM
South London Salvationists in celebratory mood
WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE
FIESTA was the theme of this year’s South London divisional celebration, which brought together different generations and cultures from across the division.
Stalls and exhibitions included an artwork by Major Stewart Grinsted (Southwark), while Croydon Citadel Band, Southwark Corps, Fiesta Brass, New Malden Corps and Africa Praise provided music.
Divisional Commander Major Val Mylechreest led the meetings, which featured Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main as speakers.
On Saturday, Candidate Elizabeth Kitchenside (Addlestone) and Candidates Bethany and David Perkins (Staines) were farewelled and the stories they shared were inspiring. Those who had been part of the Growing Leaders Course for the past year graduated and the divisional youth programmes were also celebrated.
Sunday featured a time to recognise seven people who had given something significant in their service for Jesus. As New Malden Corps entered its 25th year, the divisional commander presented them with their first flag.
There were opportunities during the weekend to engage in an all-age choir, Dance Fit Tots and family activities. Lieutenant James and Sophie Pegg led a Fiesta kids venue and the children openly shared their testimonies during Sunday’s finale.
Worship was supported by united songsters from across the division, led by Music Editor Karl Westwood (THQ). Pioneer Worker Dave Cotterill and Fiesta Band accompanied worship, alongside Fiesta Brass, Bromley Temple Worship Group and Croydon Citadel Band.
The event concluded with a celebration picnic, before everyone left challenged to continue to celebrate God in their lives. – IW
REMEMBRANCE
HINCKLEY Musicians from Leicester South, Rothwell, Wollaston and DHQ joined members of the band for a service commemorating the centenary of the unveiling of the town’s war memorial. An Army band had been on duty at the occasion in 1922 and the organisers wanted to make the anniversary service as similar to the original as possible. – CE
EVENT EVENT
Yorkshire Enabled enjoy weekend of togetherness
HAYES CONFERENCE CENTRE, SWANWICK
TWENTY-SIX members of the Yorkshire Enabled fellowship met for a weekend retreat.
With the theme of God’s Ideal Home, the weekend provided opportunities for worship, music, practical activities, a film night and Yorkshire Enabled’s Got Talent.
Led by Captains Marilyn and Trevor Warmington, the retreat provided the opportunity to remember members of the fellowship who had been promoted to Glory since the last retreat in 2019. Major Bernard Pyman created a roll of honour and all were mentioned by name during a time of remembrance.
After taking on responsibility for Yorkshire Safe (Salvation Army Fellowship of Endeavour) more than 20 years ago, Majors Bernard and Kath Pyman felt the time had come to retire. An engraved trophy and messages of appreciation were presented to them. Majors Edwin and Pam Brown retired from the leadership team at the same time, so both couples received mugs bearing their names and the inscription ‘may God bless and keep you SAFE’, along with baskets of treats. – MT BELFAST NORTH The annual YP prizegiving welcomed special guest ‘Bruno’ from Disney’s Encanto, who gave out the prizes. Corps folk thanked God for each of the young people and those who work with them throughout the year, bringing the message that ‘we need to talk about Jesus’ more. The day of fellowship ended at a nearby playground. – LK
COMMUNITY
MUSIC
BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL The All Aloud community choir presented its first concert since the Covid-19 lockdowns. It brought in a large congregation and the choir, despite members not being present due to Covid-19 and an airport delay, gave an excellent performance. The varied secular pieces were arranged around the theme One World, One Song. Opportunity was given for audience participation in some of the well-known songs. The congregation, some of whom were new to the Army, left feeling the joy and challenge that the afternoon brought. – BW
Bike scheme provides wheels for refugees
BOOTH HOUSE
THE Lifehouse’s Recycles scheme has launched an initiative to provide Ukrainian refugees with refurbished bikes.
Bikes for Ukraine was established in partnership with Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, a committee that works with Swindon council and Pattern Church, which is part of the Church of England. The scheme provides refugees with cheap access to local services, including wheels for children and families.
The bikes were donated by the public and dropped into Recycles, where a team of volunteers clean, service and repair the bikes and ensure they are safe.
Simon Styles, a workshop supervisor at Recycles, said: ‘Our team got really involved in choosing all the bikes to be given to them and also helping to repair and re-build them.
‘It was a privilege to be able to play a part in supporting people from Ukraine as they re-build their lives in Swindon.’ – AR
EVENT
EVENT
NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS The division bade farewell to Candidate Anastasia Layton as she prepared to enter William Booth College as a member of the Defenders of Justice session. Ana testified to God calling her to be a fisher of men and to follow him as an officer and minister of his word. Divisional Commander Major Brian Slinn challenged the congregation to be defenders of justice, proclaiming that this was in the DNA of The Salvation Army. The songsters and Boston Band contributed to the atmosphere of praise and worship. Ana has soldiered at both corps and been a member of both sections. – SP
PRESENTATION ANNIVERSARY
Clowne’s Girls Adventure Corps and group leader Kirstie Patrick present a farewell card and gift to corps officers Majors Elaine and Mark Holder
EVENT
The Sparkles parent-and-toddler group from Tunbridge Wells Corps enjoy a day out at Drusillas Park CUMBERNAULD The corps celebrated its 51st anniversary with Sunday worship led by Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Carol Bailey. The theme was Strength for Today, Bright Hope for Tomorrow. Pictured are Lieut-Colonel Carol, Dot Cook, Helen Brown and John Morrison. – NM
PENARTH The corps hosted the South and Mid Wales Fellowship Band for an evening of music and prayer. The band began with ‘Ellacombe’ and ‘Vanguard’. Vocal soloist Gabriella Brill sang ‘Glory to His Name’ and ‘They Could Not’. This was followed by the cornet and euphonium duet ‘My Simple Prayer’. Band Sergeant Major Gordon Atter led a time of prayer, followed by further items, including ‘Cairo Red Shield’ and ‘Bognor Regis’. The congregational songs ‘And Can It Be?’ and ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ followed, before Executive Officer Major Robert Peppiatt, presented a thought and corps officer Captain Mark Kent led a benediction. The concert concluded with the band’s anthem, ‘Land of Song’. – CP BOGNOR REGIS Crowds of residents and visitors gathered for Armed Forces Day. Corps officer Major Matt Butler serves as a chaplain to the Royal Air Force Association along with Major Sarah Butler and gave the message at the Drumhead Service. The band were on duty and the bandmaster sounded the Last Post. – AH
ENVIRONMENT
Social supermarket tackles bins and bills
CASTLEFORD
THE corps has launched Waste Watchers, an initiative to combat landfill waste and support people struggling with the cost of living crisis.
The ‘social supermarket’ invites people to pay £1 to fill a bag full of fresh food donated by supermarkets that would otherwise have been thrown out. The produce differs each week depending on what is donated, but includes fruit, vegetables, meat and sweet treats. People can expect to take home a bag of food worth between £5 and £15.
Corps Secretary Pauline Burlace, who runs the scheme with corps officer Major Joy Beckett and a team of volunteers, said: ‘The main purpose is to stop food going to landfill – turning waste to taste. We are working for the land and God’s creation.’ – AR
MUSIC
CRADLEY HEATH The home league enjoyed an afternoon sharing music with St Michael’s Church of England High School band and Burnt Tree Primary School choir. The corps has enjoyed working with these schools for several years as part of its community programme. – DS
