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Salvation Army leaders call for prayer and care after mosque attacks

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND

AFTER mass shootings at two mosques, which claimed the lives of 50 people, Territorial Com - mander Commissioner Andy Westrupp (New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory) issued the following statement… ‘The Salvation Army stands with our Muslim brothers and sisters today, and totally con - demns this unprecedented act of violence in Christchurch towards people who were peacefully at worship.

‘The horror of these attacks reminds us of our shared humanity and the urgent need to stand for love and peace. Everyone will do that in their own way, some by praying, as we will. The response of caring for others is another way – this is also the path that our faith calls us to. But regardless of religious belief, caring is a response we all can share.

‘We think of all those in Christ - church today who will be feeling anxious and grief-stricken. You are not alone. We stand with you.’ Christchurch City corps officer Lieut-Colonel Gordon Daly was a co-signatory to an open letter written to the city’s Muslim community from the city’s Christian churches, assuring them of ‘friendship and support at this time of great loss’.

General Brian Peddle, who served in New Zealand from 2007 to 2009, said: ‘Thoughts and prayers from The Salvation Army are focused on New Zealand today. One life lost is a tragedy but this is deplorable and unprecedented in such a beautiful place and people. God bless this nation and all peoples who dwell there.’ – A. R.

Bellshill corps officer Major Chris Connelly presents RS Sam Ritchie with a certificate of retirement as he concludes more than sixty years of service as a local officer at Bellshill and Parkhead; Sam has had a significant influence on the lives of many people and has held a range of local officer positions

Birkenhead corps officer Captain Sam Hamilton leads a whole Sunday meeting from a boat – even singing with the songsters from there – to emphasise the theme: If You Want To Walk On Water, Then Get Out Of The Boat

The Salvation Army responds after deadly tornados

USA

THE Salvation Army’s wellrehearsed emergency response swung into action after tornados hit Alabama and Georgia. The worst storm struck around Beauregard, with tornados carving a path of destruction at least half a mile wide.

The US National Weather Service reported that more tornado deaths occurred from this single incident than throughout all of 2018. Several people are known to have lost their lives, with many more injured or left with significant damage to their homes and businesses. In the immediate hours following the storm the Army provided 200 meals to first responders.

In addition to tending to the physical needs of those affected, The Salvation Army is providing emotional and spiritual care.

After further tornados hit Columbus and Cairo in neighbouring Georgia, canteens from Columbus, Newnan and Bainbridge were activated to assist with service delivery. – H. K.

The manager and regulars wear national costume, Welsh rugby shirts or red clothes to celebrate St David’s Day at Skewen Breakfast Club

Joan Henderson celebrates her retirement after 19 years working at New Future, the Army’s Employability and Training Centre in Falkirk

YEOVIL: A capacity audience gathered to hear the South Western Fellowship Band. Soloists Nicholas Watson (cornet) and Naomi Blowers (vocal) contributed items, and many people were blessed by the band’s playing of ‘Just Like John’. – C. W.

SKEWEN: The annual concert arranged by Neath Rotary Club took place at St David’s church on St David’s Day and raised money for the Christmas work of the corps. The band provided pre-meeting music and the Tonna Male Voice Choir presented a selection of items during the concert with guest soloist Jodie Tandy, a young classical singer studying A-level music at Neath Port Talbot College. – S. L.

An evening sharing the story of Salvationist and lion tamer Ambrose Salvona is held at Inverness, raising £175 towards the Big Collection

BIRKENHEAD: After watching this year’s self-denial videos the over-60s wrote letters and sent emails to UK officers serving overseas, focusing mainly on Jamaica. They also took part in blind school sports activities such as egg-and-spoon races. – A. T.

Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble celebrates 25th anniversary

WORTHING

THE 135th and the 25th anniversaries of the band and the Salvation Army Wind Ensemble (SASWE) were celebrated together. The compère for the Saturday festival was SASWE’s Bandmaster Andrew Mackereth.

Music composed or arranged by former and present SASWE members Andrew, Alan Laken, Michael Babb and Kevin Horner was featured. Flautist Lieutenant Kate Gregory (Deal) contributed a thought-provoking reflection and the songsters sang three gospel songs.

The theme for Sunday morning was There Is Room, based on a new piece of music by Andrew. Percussionist Mark

Hamilton and clarinettist Rachel Frost testified and SASWE chaplain and saxophonist Peter Bale brought the Bible message. – B. T.

Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Morris Vincent opens the new school facilities

DISS: When Norfolk Choral Fellowship provided an evening of music, guests were Bandmaster Andrew and Songster Leader Sue Blyth (Peterborough Citadel). Matthew Peek (cornet) and his daughter Eloise (piano and cornet) provided items. Many people attending were first-time visitors. – E. H.

DUNSTABLE: More than 60 people attended a vintage tea afternoon that raised in excess of £1,100 to support the corps debt advisory service. The Rotary Club donated a trip up the Shard and a meal at Marco Pierre White’s restaurant, which, along with other items, were sold by silent auction. Kempston Com munity Choir, as well as singer and guitarist Steve Edwards, provided music. – J. B.

8 Salvationist 23 March 2019 The Kenya Trust supports Salvation Army school

KENYA WEST

enable two toilet blocks to be provided together with two water tanks. – H. B.

THE Kenya Trust is a UK-based charity that aims to assist in improving conditions and facilities at Salvation Army schools, hostels and community centres in Kenya. The trust recently donated £8,000 to the William Booth School in Agai Sundu, western Kenya. This was in order to

At Clowne more than 20 people walk a Lenten Labyrinth, stopping at various places to reflect on what can be transformed in their lives this Easter