Salvationist 24 February 2024

CARING WITH COMPASSION LIVING OUT ARMY VALUES

WHAT does compassion look like?

In the territory’s statement of values, compassion is defined as ‘serving with the unconditional love and grace of God as the pattern for our behaviour’.

This week’s Salvationist is the first in a series of issues looking at the UKI Territory’s values and mission priorities, identifying and demonstrating how these are being lived out across the territory in various settings and situations.

Values are, or should be, more than a list of ideals that sit on a shelf to be referred to once in a blue moon. Rather they should be the guiding principles by which we measure our behaviour. We cannot claim to have values that we do not live by, lest we risk being hypocritical and fail to demonstrate the unconditional love of Christ to all.

The territory’s six values are helpfully set out in two key documents: Living Out Our Salvation Army Values and the Valuing People Framework. Both documents are available at salvationist.org.uk/ourvalues. They are a call to live differently and demonstrate love for God and for others in practical and tangible ways.

May we each rise to the challenge to be identifiable disciples of Jesus by the way we interact with others.

Trophies of grace

Ahead of the Carabao Cup Final,

Rob Moye challenges us to be a bold, Spirit-led team

THIS Sunday, Chelsea and Liverpool will play their hearts out in front of thousands of passionate football fans at Wembley Stadium. Both clubs will view the 2023–24 Carabao Cup Final as an excellent opportunity to secure silverware this season. Key tackles, focused tactics, VAR, wonder goals, set plays, impact subs, changes of formations and breaking the lines will all play a huge part in who eventually lifts the trophy heavenwards and nets the prize.

The Carabao Cup is the English Football League’s showpiece cup competition and is one of the three major honours of the domestic football season. Liverpool have been the most

Reflect and respond

Read through Ephesians 2. How much of a team player are you, as an individual, as a corps, as part of The Salvation Army?

What opportunities for sports mission are there in your community?

Find out more about the Sport Faith Life gathering at salvationist.org. uk/sportfaithlife.

successful club in the history of the cup, having won it nine times, while Chelsea have won five times.

When a team wins a competition, each squad member receives a trophy proving that they were part of the winning group. As believers, however, we are trophies of grace. We are proof and demonstration of God’s great love and kindness, which were demonstrated through the greatest prize ever: Jesus! ‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God’ (Ephesians 2:8).

We are, or can be, God’s trophies of grace – not won, but given by everyday faith. This isn’t necessarily in the search for awards, trophies, winning and achievement, but in our daily rhythmic walk with him. We encounter God in the ordinariness of life.

Whether it be blue or red ribbons on the trophy this weekend, it will be a learning experience for both teams. There is always an opportunity to review things post-match, which will provide a way forward for each team. As Gareth Southgate, the England men’s senior manager, has expressed many times, every step taken is progress, even if it doesn’t feel that way at the time.

We, too, must regularly review every aspect of our journey. Our God is on the move. Are we willing to move with him?

Looking at the year ahead, what are

your team tactics? Might sport be the mission opportunity for you and others to move out from your secure communities to wider pitches, and engage God’s world with love and vulnerability? On 29 and 30 June, Christians from across the territory will gather at Sport Faith Life to be inspired, equipped and educated for a life of sports mission – you can book your place at salvationist.org.uk/

sportfaithlife

This year, let us be thankful for God’s gift of magnificent grace in our lives. Let us move out of our comfort zones with confidence so that we learn new things, discover different viewpoints, forge new relationships and broaden our horizons. And let us be willing to be bold, Holy Spirit-led trophies of grace in a world that needs us to be a team more than ever before. ‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10).

ROB MOYE Sports Mission Specialist THQ

EXPL A INED

Compassion / /

Compassion is one of the UKI Territory’s six values, which also include boldness, passion, respect, integrity and mutual accountability. These were identified and listed in 2009 to describe how biblical principles could shape our behaviour.

Statement of intent

We will serve with the unconditional love and grace of God as the pattern for our behaviour, with a bias to the poor and marginalised.

Desired behaviour

Behaviour that we want to move towards includes: Demonstrate love, compassion, curiosity, empathy, kindness, self-discipline. Forgiveness. Calm, non-anxious, trustworthy presence, promoting safety. Generous. Appropriate boundaries.

Undesirable behaviour

Behaviour that we want to move away from and challenge includes: Blame, shame, fear. Judgemental. Condemning.

Desired result

Fullness of life for all with Jesus requires: Blame-free culture in an environment of safety where people and mission flourish. Healthy and flourishing environments.

Biblical background

Read the theological basis for compassion in Colossians 3:12–14, 2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4, 1 John 4:18 and Matthew 25:31–46.

‘God always pulls me through’

Prisca Pamire (Belfast Sydenham) testifies to God seeing her through life’s challenges

IWAS born into a Christian community. My family is Christian and all my siblings and extended family are Christian. I was raised in The Salvation Army. It is one of the biggest church organisations in my home country of Zimbabwe.

Over time, I have learnt to appreciate that God never forsakes those who believe in him. I have found refuge and peace in prayer. Whenever I put God first in whatever I do, he always pulls me through.

God has been there for me through the most difficult challenges in my life. He has brought people into my life who are caring, supportive and encouraging. I am thankful to God for not forsaking me – and my children even – when I make wrong decisions and mistakes.

I have seen God opening doors for me and my family in every aspect of my life, including in my career, my community and my church congregation. I do not

feel alone even though I live far away from my home country.

My faith has helped me overcome fear, anxiety and doubt. I have experienced challenges lately, but God has pulled me through.

I believe that if I have God, I have everything I need.

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

INSPIRING STORIES

To read more testimonies online, scan the QR code or visit salvationist. org.uk/testimonies

This article demonstrates the value of compassion.

This article demonstrates The Salvation Army’s key value of compassion. For more, visit salvationist.org.uk/values or scan the QR code.

I T Y For more, visit salvationist.org. uk/our-values or scan the QR code.

Keep an eye out for widgets like this in upcoming issues to discover the many ways these values tie into our everyday.

Learn about all the values in the Living Out Our Salvation Army Values booklet at salvationist.org.uk/our-values

A real blessing

MICHAEL Bennett’s letter (Salvationist 25 November 2023) – which remembered Major Joy Webb and her influence on young people through the Joystrings associated with Winton Corps –reminded me of her father, Brigadier Webb, forming Drummers Fraternal. My father, Will Foot, a percussionist with Boscombe Band, was invited to join.

After reading Major Joy Webb’s tribute in

TIMBREL TEACHER WANTED!

FOR many years my family went to the Salvation Army carol concert at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. My mum and I love the timbrels and we would like to learn! Please could someone direct me to the best place to buy any secondhand ones? Also does anyone have any instructional videos?

LESLEY O’RILEY DORSET

Salvationist, I wanted to acquire her book Bridge of Songs. I bought a secondhand copy. In it, she mentions David Adam’s book of Celtic Prayers, which blessed and inspired the writing of many of her songs. Now I am being blessed myself with three of his books.

Army writers of songs and choruses over the years are still a real blessing today. I thank God for each of them.

JOY LEWIS YEOVIL

THE SALLY ARMY

PLEASE don’t call us ‘The Sally Army’. When did ‘The Salvation Army’ ever lessen the awesome gift of God’s salvation for us? It is an ideal opportunity to make more people aware of what salvation is.

ROGER HOLDROYD DUMFRIES

CENTRED IN CHRIST

IN Salvationist (9 December 2023) I read about the

new Territorial Headquarters now in Denmark Hill. I took notice of our new General’s words in his address about the dangers of mission drift, moving away from our Movement’s original purpose, that we remain centred in Christ. In the past few weeks I have given up driving my car so I now go to worship by taxi. This proved to be a revelation and also quite troubling: none of my drivers had any idea that The Salvation Army is a Christian church. Then a big surprise when my last driver said: ‘Oh! Just a minute! I think that The Salvation Army is something to do with God!’ Amen to that!

BERYL HARTLEY HALESOWEN

ALCOHOL-FREE DRINKS: TOO PRICEY FOR THE PUBLIC?

NOW society has low and no-alcohol drinks available, one might ask why they are not consumed more. In my opinion, the biggest disincentive is the price. Pressed apple juice can be bought for about £1.50 a litre. Cider is about double. One might wonder why they bother with all the expensive kit to turn the juice into cider and wine, and then keep it for months or even years before it can be sold, if it can be bottled and sold immediately as juice, or after a much shorter fermentation period as sparkling juice. There is already a simple nomenclature for nonalcoholic beverages based on fruit, but containing a lot of water: ‘drink’, as in ‘cranberry juice drink’. Could ‘malted barley drink’ work? No mention of ‘beer’, no risk of drifting back to addiction, and a much lower price.

WESLEY PAXTON LOCKERBIE

COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS? Get in touch with the Salvationist editorial team at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk or comment on Facebook @SalvationistUKI

ON THE UKI BOILER ROOM

‘How brilliant it was to be there at the launch!! Amazing weekend. Thanks Gary and team.’ Hayley

Twist Peaple

‘Very inspiring and motivating!!!’

Danièle Norton

ON THE WELCOME TO THE TERRITORIAL LEADERS

‘Lovely photographs, thanks for sharing. It was a lovely occasion, lovely to see also the General presiding over the installation. Another opportunity for Salvationists to come together after a busy year.’

Noel Derek Hillier

YOUR VIEWS

Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 150 words.

Well of compassion

Major Nigel Bovey suggests that our mess can become our message

JOHN 4:1–42

HOW does boy meet girl? For today’s phone-carrying generation, they might swipe right for a date. In biblical times, boy might have met girl among the palms, under the dates or at a well. The meeting of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in Sychar is a significant encounter, where social and cultural prejudices are challenged and broken down.

In his story so far, Jesus has attended the Passover in Jerusalem. He has protested at Temple racketeering by overturning the moneychangers’ tables. The authorities have challenged his authority to do so. People have seen his miraculous signs and believed in him (see John 2:13–23). The Pharisees have heard that Jesus is more popular than John.

Jesus decides it’s time to leave, and verse 4 of our study passage says ‘he had to go through Samaria’. Why ‘had to’? There are three major routes from Jerusalem to the northern region of Galilee. At about 120 miles, the coastal road is the longest. The Jordan Valley route is roughly 100 miles long. The shortest – 85 miles – is the mountain route that cuts through Samaria. If Jesus is escaping the unwanted attention of the Pharisees, it is the ideal route, as Samaria is a no-go area for devout Jews.

In her story so far, the Samaritan woman – ‘St Photini’ in Orthodox and Catholic traditions – has been brought up facing prejudice. Once the centre of the northern kingdom of Israel, Samaria was invaded by Assyria in 722BC, bringing foreign settlers and gods. When,

following Judah’s return from Babylonian exile, Samaritans offered to help rebuild the Temple, they were soundly rebuffed (see Ezra 4:1–3). Consequently, Samaritans built their own temple on Mount Gerizim and restricted their Scriptures to the five books of Moses –the Pentateuch.

Verse 9 of our study passage records that ‘Jews do not associate with Samaritans’. The feeling is mutual.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What prejudices do we have that distance us from certain people?

Jesus is tired from his journey. This is an understatement. Jerusalem to Sychar is about 44 miles, with a climb and descent of 9,000 feet. This is likely his third day of walking. He arrives at noon, having probably walked for at least five hours. It is April – all three Passovers in John’s Gospel were in April – so the temperature is above 20C.

Jesus is hot, sweaty, smelly, aching and desperate for water. He is apparently disorganised enough to have forgotten to bring a cup. The Messiah is likely a mess.

He asks the woman for a drink. What does she see? A thirsty traveller? A struggling stranger? No. She has come to draw water, but instead draws on 700 years of suspicion and misunderstanding: ‘You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?’ (v9).

Without thinking, the woman follows cultural prejudice and not her compassion. She does not see a person; she sees a problem.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Would we rather welcome people from other corps into our halls or people off the streets?

What does Jesus see? After a discussion about types of water, Jesus asks her to call her husband.

The conversation now centres on the woman’s relationships with men. With five husbands, and now living with a man who is not her husband, Jesus sees a woman whose life is messy.

Based on the absence of other women, the inhospitality of the noonday sun and her personal history, some preachers and commentators deduce that this woman is even a prostitute. This is inference without evidence. Note that Jesus does not tell her that she has sinned, as he did to the woman caught in adultery in John 8:11.

Under the prevailing culture, the concept of a single, independent woman did not exist. A woman was always cared for by a man. Under the Mosaic Law that Samaritans observed, only a man could divorce. There are, therefore, only two ways that this woman could have lost husbands – through death or divorce. Here is a woman who has been left and bereft time and again. She is likely someone whose dreams, schemes and heart have been broken.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How often do we judge people who have been through numerous relationships?

Jesus is not put off. He addresses her deepest needs. He offers ‘a spring of water welling up to eternal life’ (v14). He redirects her from the security of long-held prejudices and explains the nature and inclusivity of true worship. He reveals himself to her as the Messiah.

She heads back into town, recounts her conversation and asks: ‘Could this be the Messiah?’ (v29).

Her in-depth encounter with Jesus has turned her into an evangelist. Were she the woman of ill repute, as she is often portrayed, would people have taken notice of her? Because of her testimony, many Samaritans ‘believed in him’ (v39). Jesus stays and ‘many more became believers’ (v41).

Through Jesus’ compassion, the woman’s mess becomes her message of redemption. Her heartbreak becomes the means by which other people give their hearts to the Lord.

We do not have to be perfect, pretend or prove anything to God. He knows, welcomes and values us. He uses us not despite our mess but because of our mess. If the woman at the well had been a well woman, fewer people would now be in the Kingdom of Heaven.

From January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship

SATURDAY 24 FEBRUARY – CARE FOR CREATION: WHY WASTE?

Lord, help me to resist ‘throw-away culture’ and to consider the endpoint of items I buy. Then, as I carefully ponder the stuff that fills my life, teach me to see the value in things that give vitality and beauty.

by Major

Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)

SUNDAY 25 FEBRUARY – SABBATH PRAYER: LET’S PRAY

We may think of faithfulness to God as doing our best, working hard and accomplishing things. But those things ring hollow if there isn’t a regular, honest, intimate conversation with God happening right at the heart of our living. Let’s make a habit of prayer, in the joyful knowledge that God desires our company far more than our efforts.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

MONDAY 26 FEBRUARY – SHARING THE GOOD NEWS: STUDENTS

Fusion is an organisation that works with churches to help them reach and serve the students in their local area. Pray that their work with corps will be effective. by

Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler

Room Team)

TUESDAY 27 FEBRUARY – SERVING AND CARING: BELONGING AND BELIEVING –THE BIG CONVERSATION

Held in Warwick from 1 to 3 March, the event will draw together a large and diverse group of people to talk about all sorts of issues relating to membership of the Army. Let’s pray that people will come with open hearts, minds and spirits, and that the Lord will reveal how we can affirm what it means to come into a deeper relationship with Jesus, release his potential in us as disciples, and reimagine what life-giving discipleship might look like.

by Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe (Secretary for Mission)

WEDNESDAY 28 FEBRUARY – GROWING IN FAITH: BELONGING AND BELIEVINGTHE BIG CONVERSATION

We continue to pray for this gathering. Pray that those present will gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a people who ensure others are welcomed with a radical spirit of belonging. Pray that God will shape us into a Movement that is vital and inspiring, and that makes a real difference in our communities.

by Lieut-Colonel

Drew McCombe (Secretary for Mission)

THURSDAY 29 FEBRUARY – INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY: SRI LANKA TERRITORY

We pray for territorial leaders Colonels Nihal and Rohini Hettiarachchi, and for the team who serve alongside them. Lord, encourage them when they feel disheartened; fill them afresh with your Spirit; and remind them that you really can do anything.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

FRIDAY 1 MARCH – JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION - SELF-DENIAL APPEAL

We pray for Lieutenants Keyla and José Ortuste, in the city of Salto, Uruguay. Every Saturday The Salvation Army there runs Bible clubs for children and young people from the streets nearby. We pray for Keyla and José as they bring love, warmth and stability to young people from troubled households.

by UKI Boiler Room Team

MAJOR NIGEL BOVEY Retired Officer Exmouth

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and it will be upheld in prayer.

Gyda’n Gilydd Us Together

Major Jo Moir introduces the theme of Together 2024

PLANS are shaping up for the annual territorial gathering, which this year takes place at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport on 13 and 14 July. The creative team is working closely with the Wales Division to make this year’s event an opportunity for everyone connected to The Salvation Army to engage, worship and celebrate – together.

Join with us in prayer – in whichever language is your own – that God will continue to inspire all those planning Together 2024 and prepare the hearts and minds of all those who will attend and connect from home.

Engage

Together 2024 will build on the success of marketplace and community festivals in previous years: there will be something for everyone, including exciting spaces for children and youth, outdoor activities and live worship as well as creative spaces for conversations, collaboration, prayer and learning.

Worship

Alongside the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters, local musicians, dancers and those who love to worship in other creative ways will lead us in worship over the weekend. New music has been commissioned for the event and there will be opportunities not only to enjoy worship but be part of it too. As ever, prayer will hold a key focus across the weekend: a prayer team is being formed that will be available around the venue.

Celebrate

We have much to celebrate this year. The commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session will take place on the Sunday morning and we will gather with the cadets’ family and friends for this significant and inspiring moment. And throughout the weekend we will focus on the 150th anniversary of The Salvation Army in Wales, using the theme of God’s Story, Our Story, Your Story across the gatherings, reflections and worship.

Tickets will go on sale in March. Look out for more information and further details at salvationist.org.uk/together

Learning the lingo

As we head to Wales, there will be lots of opportunities to learn new phrases that will form part of this bilingual gathering in Newport.

Dyma Gariad

This is the theme for the year of the Wales 150 celebrations. It translates as ‘here is love’ and is taken from the famous Welsh hymn penned by William Rees, ‘Dyma Gariad Fel y Moroedd’ (‘Here Is Love, Vast as the Ocean’). Inspired by Revelation 1:5 and 6 and Psalm 36, it was first published in 1847 and came into prominence during the Welsh revival of 1904.

Stori Duw, Ein Stori, Eich Stori

This translates as ‘God’s Story, Our Story, Your Story’ and has been used across the Wales Division as they have been collecting prayers, testimonies and archive material to share the big story of what God has done, and is doing, through the diverse ministry of The Salvation Army in Wales.

Gyda’n Gilydd

Translating ‘together’ required a more nuanced approach, as the direct translation didn’t quite capture the character of the event. The most appropriate phrase representing the purpose of our gathering is gyda’n gilydd, which translates as ‘us together’.

WHAT Together 2024

WHEN 13 and 14 July

MAJOR JO MOIR Territorial Communications Officer

Pictures: Andrew King Photography

Valuing people

Human Resources

Director Alex O’Hara talks to Major Julian Watchorn about how the Army’s values shape its policies

The Salvation Army in this territory has set out its key values as boldness, compassion, passion, respect, integrity and mutual accountability. What does it mean to you to have values to work to?

Everything. Values are the measurement of mutual accountability. Both employer and employee know what should be expected. The fact that we are a Christian church means there are additional expectations on our behaviours and how we treat others. That is an excellent foundation to work from.

In an organisation of such size and complexity, to what extent can you choose HR policies and how they’re applied?

The basis of all our people policies is the Valuing People Framework, which ensures we are applying our values, reflecting our identity and measuring our performance. Our aim is to create an environment where people flourish. The working landscape has changed considerably and we want to ensure that we give our employees the best opportunity to thrive in work and not to the detriment of their personal lives. The two should go hand in hand.

To what extent does HR law affect these values in practice?

Employee legislation doesn’t hinder them. We want to be more than just

ALEX O’HARA

legally compliant: it is a matter of integrity to be the best that we can be and create a culture where everyone feels valued and supported in their working environment. That’s what we are striving for, and to continually review and improve the service we provide.

The Army recently introduced new policies in the form of the family friendly and time off policies. How did they come about and how have they been received?

It is about investing in our people, ultimately. The new time off policy is the umbrella for a number of policies that dealt with employees needing various periods of time away from the workplace. It was an opportunity to improve and consolidate our approach to that. Recognising the increasing complexity of people’s lives – and wanting to ensure that our response is flexible and appropriate to their individual needs – has led us to re-evaluate our approach and become more trauma-informed. We are placing greater focus on making our policies more user-friendly and clearer on how we can support people, rather than being prescriptive. There is more flexibility to give people choices in how to deal with the challenges of life without undue pressure, enabling them to flourish at work and at home. We have significantly improved our

family friendly provision and given due recognition for some of the more sensitive situations that people can experience. There have been lots of positive changes that we hope demonstrate our compassion. It’s early days, but these changes seem to have been warmly welcomed.

What are your hopes for the future?

We want to continue to do more. We have been focused on the family friendly policy, but we would like to do more with some of the challenges around caring responsibilities, which many of our employees have outside work. We also want to continue our work in identifying skills and areas of personal development. We don’t want our employees to feel restricted to the roles they joined us in. If they aspire to other roles or want to learn new skills, we want to encourage and support them in a development plan. It’s about encouraging growth and ensuring we are giving back to employees as they journey with us, and demonstrating how everyone can contribute to the mission of The Salvation Army.

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor Salvationist

Caring with compassion

George Tanton explores how the work of Older People’s Services is rooted in love

THE Salvation Army’s Older People’s Services (OPS) follows a set of values that are ‘rooted … in love’ (Ephesians 3:17). They align with the six values of the wider territory.

‘We have what we call a values tree,’ explains Glenda Roberts, the director of Older People’s Services. ‘The trunk represents our core values and the leaves are our behaviours. In essence, it’s about God’s love flowing through the tree.’

The red leaves represent compassion. For Glenda, treating others with compassion is her vocational bread and butter. With a background in nursing and caregiving, she worked as an NHS nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic. She took up her current role in 2022.

The department includes the Army’s 12 care homes in this territory, as well as Older People’s Ministries. Many older people experience isolation and loneliness, with more than 2 million people in England

over the age of 75 living solitary lives. Corps work with Older People’s Ministries to offer fellowship, a listening ear and a sense of belonging. This includes activities such as Cameo (Come and Meet Each Other) clubs, Singing by Heart, gardening and lunch clubs, intergenerational projects, volunteering opportunities, day trips and wellbeing programmes.

Compassion is the driving force behind this important work.

‘It’s about being with and listening to people, praying with them and treating them with dignity,’ explains Glenda.

Many residents in Army care homes are living with age-related conditions, such as dementia, which can be distressing and debilitating. Compassion is crucial in the training staff members receive to manage symptoms, such as memory loss and changes in behaviour.

‘The biggest thing is not making any assumptions,’ Glenda informs. ‘People living with dementia can get labelled and written off. They often feel that they get things wrong and that they’re judged and blamed.’

One way Glenda and her staff come alongside people living with dementia is by treating them as the people they were

before the condition. This includes celebrating their life experiences.

‘They’ve been mothers, fathers, grandparents and lived really diverse and full lives,’ she testifies. ‘Just because they’re unable to recollect that, it doesn’t mean that isn’t a huge part of who they are.

‘We display photographs of their children or pictures of them when they were young. We might talk about historical events they lived through or put on music they are familiar with. It helps them tap into those memories.’

Palliative care is another element of the work.

‘It’s about ensuring a good death for somebody,’ says Glenda. ‘That may sound a bit strange, but fullness of life is also about death. Compassion is about being with them, ensuring they are pain-free and treated with kindness.’

Staff work with individuals in understanding and fulfilling their wants and needs for end of life care.

‘I had a gentleman who wanted one last glass of lemonade before he died. Compassion is about facilitating these needs and putting that person at the centre of what we do,’ Glenda continues. ‘It’s also about demystifying death and understanding that our job doesn’t end when the person passes away.’

Indeed, OPS also comes alongside bereaved relatives and communities: ‘We are very blessed to have chaplains and corps leaders who will engage with those conversations if it is appropriate. In times of distress, grieving people are looking for answers.’

This compassion, Glenda stresses, is also extended to the staff and officers who worked with that person.

‘While our focus is on older people, it’s also on everybody connected to them,’ she reflects.

At both corps level and in care homes, compassion is a currency of love that enriches those who need it most.

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Acts of kindness

Ron Thomlinson reflects on the healing power of compassion

IN November 2022, I was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND).

The illness was bravely brought to the nation’s attention by rugby league legends Rob Burrow and Kevin Sinfield at the end of last year when they released a book, With You Every Step, celebrating the impact of kindness and friendship.

I am not angry about the MND rock in my life. This is my life. This is how it is. But like so many people, I want to know what is going to happen to me. I am thirsty and impatient.

Rabbi Awraham Soetendorp was interviewed on Dutch TV about ‘bringing the future into the present’. He used the story of Moses striking a rock in the desert with his staff (see Numbers 20).

Moses knew that living water and God’s plan were both in the rock, but had not waited for God to release them. God was angry with Moses for not doing as commanded. Moses had jumped the gun, trying to bring the future into the present.

The problem is, I don’t have a miraculous staff to strike open my rock. I am left asking when and how things will be revealed. I have repeatedly asked myself and others: ‘What is the good news in my MND?’

Part of the answer I found in the words of BBC journalist George Alagiah, whose courage inspired so many people.

‘Is it wrong to think there is a positive side to cancer?’ he asked. ‘Obviously, I wish I’d never had cancer, but I’m not 100 per cent sure that I’d give the last seven years back, because I learnt stuff about myself and think about life differently.’

He was grateful that he had the ‘luxury’ to reflect on his life, say his goodbyes to his loved ones and say the things he wanted them to hear.

Richard Carter, in his book Letters from Nazareth, tells the story of a blind man called Abraham who was experiencing homelessness. Abraham eventually found solace via the Nazareth Community at St Martin-in-the-Fields church in London. An operation restored Abraham’s sight and, when asked what God’s blessing was for him when he could not see, he replied: ‘Then I could see with my heart… I could see kindness.’

How wonderful that the staff that smote Abraham’s rock for him, supplying living water and revealing a divine plan, was appreciating other people’s pure, unadulterated compassion.

Despite my continuous search for a staff to smite my rock, had God already spoken to me, commanding the living water to be released? Had I just not recognised that fact?

The answer is yes. Every act of practical kindness – such as someone coming to drink coffee with me – every card written, email received, candle lit, telephone call shared and every anonymous prayer of intercession had facilitated the flow of that living water.

As for God’s plan? It took some time before the penny dropped, but it is not about my body. It’s about being, and gratefully accepting the love and compassion offered up to me and my family.

Thank God for people who practise the miraculous healing power of simple kindness.

RON THOMLINSON The Netherlands

Welcome, safe and loved

What is trauma-informed care?

DR It’s about realising the prevalence of trauma in people’s lives, recognising how and when this might impact upon them, and how it might show up within their behaviours, communications, relationships, coping mechanisms and lifestyles, and responding appropriately in our support, services and interactions. Instead of judging behaviour, traumainformed practice asks what’s going on. We don’t ask: ‘What’s wrong with you?’ We ask: ‘What’s happened to you?’ Fundamentally, people must feel psychologically and emotionally safe. If they don’t, they’re unlikely to be able to engage positively in relationships and services. It’s compassion with a traumainformed response that best meets people’s needs and supports their recovery. If I am safe, then I can love,

lived experiences without blame or shame is compassionate ministry at its best.

What is trauma?

DR Some people consider trauma to be a car crash or war experiences. But it can be anything with significant, detrimental, long-lasting psychological impact. Frequently, it comes from the cumulation of negative experiences – violence, ruptured relationships, homelessness, marginalisation.

CL Trauma often stems from ‘Adverse Childhood Experiences’ (ACEs), which increase the likelihood of living with long-term consequences as adults.

How does trauma-informed care play out locally?

I can experience belonging. This applies across our policies, practices and service provision – but to be meaningful organisationally, it needs to be systemic.

CL That’s why the Valuing People Framework is so important. Being trauma-informed is the engagement tool for creating healthy, flourishing and enabled environments. Pick any one of our values and, without it, you couldn’t be traumainformed. Compassion is central to it, though. Having curiosity to understand people’s

This article demonstrates

more, visit salvationist.org.uk/values or scan the QR code.

DR Once you’ve got the understanding, it’s about reflecting it across all expressions of mission within the organisation. This includes leadership, HR, training, finance, practices, programmes, places, protocols, communications and relationships among many more. The environment is a crucial element and can be a helpful place to start with. How do you ensure belonging, trustworthiness and collaboration from the minute someone comes into your space? You bring me into a building that’s clinical and stark, where nobody knows who to speak to and posters are in a language I don’t understand and are potentially offensive or confusing to me. Do I feel like I belong here? Do I feel safe? We need to scan our environments, our waiting rooms, corridors, offices, halls. What message does this space give off? We must look through a traumainformed lens and ask whether the space is trauma-reducing or trauma-inducing.

CL It’s all-encompassing. Do people immediately get a feeling of safety, or do they feel like you’re not

Dr Claire Luscombe (Research and Development Unit) and Dawn Richardson (Thorndale Family Centre) share the positive impact of traumainformed care with Stevie Hope

BEFORE

AFTER

interested? Critically, what will stop relationships from flourishing? The goal is to help someone feel safe with you so they can connect to you and engage with you.

DR We conducted a pilot within Mission Service where we completely reviewed the journey of a client and staff member from entry to exit through two services. We tried to understand every touch point and experience that a person goes through, to find situations where they might not feel safe. It was a very reflective process and it gave us time to think about things: we found that our welcome needed work, and I would ask people to think about that. If people don’t feel welcome, they will never feel safety or belonging.

CL And a welcome is not just the first time you meet, it’s every time you meet. For example, one of the services had barbed wire on its fence. As silly as that

might sound, when you first come in and see that kind of thing, it’s not going to make you think: ‘Gosh, this feels like a safe place!’

DR Staff members said that they’d worked here for years and never noticed it because they were so used to it. So that’s what I mean: we really needed to take a step back and think through a trauma-informed lens about what’s in our environment and how this might impact upon individuals with lived experiences of trauma. We need to bring curiosity to every situation, wondering: what difference would it make to others if we did things differently here?

CL It’s a journey. There’s no end point. We all have to model the model. It’s all about being in this together.

How trauma-informed are you?

Critically reflecting on your setting, consider these 7 things:

Welcome

Who or what is a person’s very first point of contact? What impressions could this leave?

Décor

Is your aesthetic warm and welcoming or cold and corporate? Does it encourage people to go deeper into the building?

Environment

Are your spaces clean and tidy? Do you care for your building?

Posters and displays

What languages – other than English – are commonly spoken in your area? How much jargon is used?

Liminal spaces

Are your external and internal doors inviting or imposing? Do your corridors feel like spaces or necessities?

Circulation spaces

Would a newcomer know where to go or what to do next? Is it clear where they are and aren’t allowed?

Relationships

Do team members show compassion for each other? Do they communicate well with each other?

STEVIE HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist

For advice and guidance about taking a trauma-informed approach, email wellbeingforall@ salvationarmy.org.uk . You can access training courses for Mindset – the trauma-informed toolkit for children and youth – at salvationist.org.uk/events/ mindset . If you have a Salvation Army email address, you can also keep an eye on iLearn for an upcoming course on traumainformed practice.

Self-Denial 2024

THIS year’s Self-Denial Appeal runs from 4 February to 3 March with a focus on the life-changing impact of officers across the globe. This week we are in Salto.

Lieutenants José and Keyla are from Bolivia. They trained as officers in Argentina, and Uruguay is their first appointment.

‘We entered the training college in 2019, the year before the Covid-19 pandemic. After we left, we came here, and now we are working in Salto,’ explains Keyla. ‘Salto is an incredible city. It is small, but it’s very warm. The people are very friendly, it feels a lot like family.’

There are significant differences in the countries that make up South America, but almost all celebrate Carnival. Uruguay is the most politically stable country in South America, but it’s also expensive to live here. That’s not a problem for people with decent jobs, but unemployment has been stubbornly high for years, so people who fall on hard times can get caught up in a cycle of poverty that’s difficult to break out of.

To support people who are struggling, The Salvation Army has been running food distribution programmes. Every Friday, José heads to the shops to collect ingredients. The food is all donated by local businesses, and in the afternoon volunteers from the corps get together to cook it up.

‘We prepare the food with a lot of love,’ asserts José. ‘The volunteers who come and prepare it are giving their time and showing love and, in that way, we call it Soup of Love. We have this programme for people who really need it.’

The team also has a well-established partnership with the local authority and give out food each weekday morning. For the last few weeks, the Army has been helping some of Salto’s other residents.

The river that separates Uruguay from Argentina is prone to flooding. But a few weeks back, the water reached new highs. More than 3,000 people have had their homes flooded. The Army is providing food packages to support families in temporary accommodation. José and Keyla are well known here because of their weekly Bible club.

‘On Saturdays we dedicate ourselves

LIEUTENANTS JOSÉ LUIS ORTUSTE AND KEYLA ORTUSTE ROCHA, SALTO

“ We want them to know that their life is worth it, that they are valued, that they can have a future.

to the young people in Salto,’ Keyla explains. ‘They are a beautiful group that does many activities. The majority come from broken homes.’

The work with young people has become more important because, since the pandemic, the youth suicide rate has increased significantly.

‘In this place they can find friendship, love, understanding,’ she continues. ‘And we give them our full attention with the different programmes that we do.

‘We want them to know that their life is worth it, that they are valued, that they can have a future, and no matter what situations they face, it doesn’t end there, there is hope for them.’

As well as their work in the community, José and Keyla also run two Salvation Army corps in the city.

‘The people who come to the church here in Salto, they are very, very kind, very attentive and very helpful,’ expresses José. ‘I feel very happy to carry out these

Your offering

Bring your sacrificial offering to your corps altar service on Sunday 3 March, or hand it in at your corps any time during or after the appeal. Why not ask your corps leader for a collection box and save up for your gift?

Donate using this QR code or by visiting salvationist.org.uk/ selfdenial – and give your corps name when prompted.

two appointments at the same time even though it is tiring.

‘I became an officer because I really understood the message of Jesus Christ that entrusts us with a mission: the great commission to preach the gospel.’

Based on this week’s Self-Denial Appeal video, available to watch at salvationist.org.uk/selfdenial

Glenda Roberts

Rooted in love

THQ

OLDER People’s Services (OPS) held an evening to celebrate its Rooted in Love values.

The celebration was attended by territorial leaders, representatives from across the Mission Service, officers and staff who work for and in the Army’s care homes, as well as residents from the homes – either in person or online.

Led by Chaplaincy Officer Major Keith Burr, the gathering included video contributions from the Villa Adastra residents choir and the Young at Heart choir from Sale Corps.

Assistant Director of Older People’s Services Nikki Thompson received a gold award for her dedication to the service.

Members of the OPS team explained the Rooted in Love values and Glenda Roberts, director of Older People’s Services, spoke about the outworking of those values and how they can only be lived out through love.

Territorial Leader Commissioner Paul Main spoke of his pride in the work of OPS and thanked all the staff members for living out the Rooted in Love values. – AS

MUSIC

CIRENCESTER The worship group led a Sunday afternoon Soup and Songs time of praise and worship. Everyone enjoyed fellowship over a bowl of soup. – MG

Salvationist wants to hear from you! Corps press representatives can email reports to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Good quality pictures may be included.

MODERN SLAVERY

New partnership crosses borders to support modern slavery survivors

THQ

MARKING the International Day of Prayer and Awareness Against Human Trafficking, the Army celebrated a new partnership with the Medaille Trust, one of the largest Catholic charities confronting modern slavery.

The two organisations will collaborate to provide end-to-end support to survivors and their families through global networks. The Army welcomed the Medaille Trust into its Beyond Programme, which was established in recognition that international support systems for survivors of modern slavery are underfunded, constantly changing and highly varied.

Garry Smith, CEO of the Medaille Trust, said: ‘We are delighted to be participating in the Army’s Beyond programme. Confronting the global crime of people trafficking requires better international collaboration, particularly in supporting survivors who wish to return and reintegrate into their home countries.

‘We have already seen the benefit of this partnership supporting a survivor to go home and begin the process of rebuilding their life and we are excited to see what could be possible in the future.’

Since February 2023, the Beyond Programme has received referrals from more than 30 nationalities, worked with more than 50 organisations across the world, and supported more than 80 survivors needing help for their recovery and reintegration. – AR

HOMELESSNESS

ENGLAND The Army is urging all political parties to make ending rough sleeping a prime concern for the next parliamentary term. This includes calling for a change in the law so people forced on to the streets are deemed in priority need by local authorities, as well as providing more social housing stock. The Movement also wants the government to urgently increase homelessness funding in line with inflation, as well as aligning mental health and addiction support with local authority homelessness strategies. – AR

Songs of praise for SATCoL recycling

KETTERING

THE Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) featured on BBC One’s Songs of Praise last Sunday, highlighting its innovative recycling initiatives.

The programme visited SATCoL’s processing centre in Kettering and witnessed the UK’s only Fibersort technology in action. The machinery automatically identifies and sorts second-hand textiles by fibre type and is the first step in textile-to-textile recycling.

This innovation, along with the announcement of the world’s first polyester recycling plant due to open soon at the Kettering centre, caught the attention of the show’s producers.

Presenter Claire McCollum witnessed the step-by-step process of the latest technology. She talked about faith and the environment with Territorial Environment Officer Major Heather Poxon. Majonne Frost, SATCoL’s head of environment and sustainability, and site manager John Webb gave Claire a tour of the facility.

The episode is available on BBC iPlayer until January 2025. – AR

Find out more about SATCoL’s ground-breaking recycling work at salvationist.org.uk/ satcol-centres-recyling

CHILDREN AND YOUTH

TWICKENHAM Messy Church focused on the parable of the lost sheep. The group enjoyed crafts, games, storytelling and food, and time was spent considering how Jesus is the Good Shepherd. – EW

BRISTOL EASTON

JOSHUA, Bethany, Nylah, Henry, Oliver and Imogen were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officers Majors Dawn and Mark Sellers. The congregation included soldiers, family and friends. It was a wonderful, heart-warming, faith-affirming day. We pray for them as they continue to grow in faith and stature! – MS

NEWBURY

ANNALIESE McCarthy was enrolled as a soldier by previous corps officer Major Barbara Warner, who led worship. Annaliese made the decision to be a soldier while at university. She is not afraid of sharing her faith. Also pictured are corps leader Territorial Envoy Stewart Madden and Annaliese’s grandfather, Gerald Webber. Holding the flag is Corps Treasurer Kevin Britton. – SM

HUCKNALL

TEIGNMOUTH

SHIRLEY Winborrow was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Nigel Byrne. Shirley was looking for a church after the Covid-19 lockdowns and found only the Army was open at the time. She has been attending regularly since then and thoroughly enjoys the fellowship, taking part where she can. Shirley felt this was the next step for her. – MG

STAINES

GORDON Mann was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Gayner Ward. Gordon started to attend about two and a half years ago. He found the corps to be very welcoming, loving and sincere, and a place where anyone could pray or testify. – CW

DEBORAH Vurlan was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Val Mylechreest. Deborah became an adherent four years ago. Last year, God spoke to her during a meeting and Jesus appeared to her and looked her in the eyes. This had a profound impact on Deborah and was a turning point in her life. During time in hospital, she realised that God was taking care of her and she decided to change her lifestyle and responded to God’s call to become a soldier. – MJ

MAJOR JIM BENSON

JIM’S initial introduction to the Army was when he attended the corps in Lisburn to support his two daughters, Lisa and Charlotte. Both Jim and his wife, Anna, continued to worship at the corps. In 1989 they became envoys at Larne Corps.

Prior to taking up spiritual leadership, Jim worked for the police, followed by work for the Northern Ireland Electricity services, then Ford Motor Company. Jim loved cars, especially Minis and Triumph Spitfires, and he was known for his red motorbike.

Jim’s service in leadership led to becoming an aux-captain as a member of the Adventurers for Christ session, subsequently receiving the rank of captain then major.

Jim and Anna both served in Ireland and Scotland, Jim’s final appointment being Ballymena and Ballymoney Corps before returning to Scotland to make their home there.

In retirement Jim took on the leadership of Shotts Corps until Anna’s health deteriorated. Married for 50 years, Jim sadly missed Anna when she was promoted to Glory.

Jim had a wonderful sense of humour that lifted spirits. He was creative and loved to build and work with his hands. An ardent reader, Jim particularly enjoyed detective novels, travel and war documents.

Jim was very much a family man and loved nothing more than having them around him. He loved to travel, which he and Anna did regularly in retirement, journeying through Europe and North America as well as the UK.

Jim loved the Lord and always had something to share from God’s word. In his final days, he remained positive in spite of a terminal illness. With an alert mind, Jim spoke of eternity and his readiness to go Home.

He will be missed but remembered as a man of strong faith who had a sense of urgency regarding bringing others to the Lord. – MM

DAVID PATERSON LEEDS CENTRAL

BORN in 1939 in Saltcoats, David was introduced to the Army at Kilwinning Corps by his grandmother. In 1960 he entered the Soldiers of Christ session at the training college, where he met Sylvia. Marrying in 1963, they had appointments to Cullen, Lerwick and Aberdeen, followed by overseas service in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Returning to the UK, David was appointed to the Mothers’ Hospital, Clapton. Moving back to Scotland took him into local government. The family soldiered at Wick before work brought them to Harrogate. Eventually Leeds Central became David’s spiritual home, where he served as corps secretary and recruiting sergeant, which he considered to be a great privilege.

David loved his family, possessed a deep faith and had a heart for people. His influence touched many, both in his ministry and in his working life. Always with a smile and warm handshake, David was much loved and is sadly missed. Soldier of Christ well done. – SP

MARY FARMER LEICESTER WEST

MARY was born on 24 August 1925 and promoted to Glory on 15 September 2023.

On 28 August 1948, she married Bramwell Farmer, after which she transferred from North Evington Corps to Leicester Central.

Mary was an invaluable support to Bramwell, who was bandmaster for 15 years and songster leader for 30 years. She had various local officer positions, including sunbeams leader, home league fellowship leader, singing company leader and over-60 club treasurer.

Mary was a committed songster and a popular vocal soloist. Although she transferred to the songster reserve in 1993, Mary continued to sing with the brigade until the corps moved out of the city centre. – AW

DEREK JONES MAIDENHEAD

DEREK was born in 1931, growing up at Wood Green Corps. It was there he met his first wife, Daphne, who had moved from Suffolk to work as a nurse.

They married in 1954 and had a daughter, Susan, and a son, Nic. In 1961 they transferred to Maidenhead, where Derek became young people’s sergeantmajor, a position he held for many years. During this time, the Sunday school moved to a local primary school, where many families were reached. He held several senior local officer positions, retiring as corps sergeant-major.

Derek faithfully cared for Daphne as she succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease, until her promotion to Glory in 2000. He later remarried, enjoying 20 blessed years with Patricia. Derek’s faith held firm throughout his life. He was a wonderful example of a true Christian gentleman, supporting his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and influencing many. – SH

SYLVIA KERRY KING’S LYNN

SYLVIA was born in Tilney All Saints on 6 January 1930. She married her husband, Lewis, in 1948 and they were both staunch Salvationists at King’s Lynn Corps.

They went on to have six children, all of whom played in both the YP and senior bands, with Lewis ending up as bandmaster before he passed away in 2007. Sylvia put on a brave face when she lost her beloved husband and still attended the meetings without fail every week until, in 2019, she had to go into a care home as she developed dementia.

At the time of her promotion to Glory, Sylvia was number one on the roll. Although sadly the corps has now closed, she will be sorely missed by her loving family and many friends. – EH

Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included.

Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

ARMY PEOPLE

Appointed

Effective 1 March

MAJOR HILARIE WATCHORN, additional appointment, Executive Secretary to Territorial Leadership, Territorial Leaders’ Office

Local officers appointed

B/LIBRARIAN ROBERT CLEVERLEY, Darlington

DEP SAFEGUARDING LEAD LOIS DEVEY, Darlington

Retired officers’ birthdays

MAJOR GERALD PEACOCK , 85 on 2 March

MAJOR PATRICIA KENT, 85 on 4 March

MAJOR MARGARET WATKINS, 80 on 5 March

MAJOR EILEEN PARKIN, 80 on 6 March

CAPTAIN EVELYN WADE, 85 on 7 March

Promoted to Glory

BRENDA DRISCOLL , Staple Hill

JOYCE FOULGER , Tunbridge Wells

S/RESERVIST NANCY McKAY, Rutherglen

PATRICIA BINGE, Felixstowe

RICHARD GUESS, Leighton Buzzard

DOREEN BARRON, Longton, on 27 January

JILL WISE, Wokingham, on 29 January

MAJOR AGNES THOMSON from her home on 6 February

MAJOR ELEANOR TEASDALE from Youell Court Care Home on 7 February

Bereaved

CS LINDA GUESS, Leighton Buzzard, of her husband Richard Guess, Nicola Austin and Bandswoman Suzanne Guess, Leighton Buzzard, of their father

MAJOR DAVID WISE, Bath Citadel, of his mother Jill Wise

CAPTAIN HELEN FROUD, Mission Service, of her father Peter Froud

Official Gazette

Promotions

To major - effective 10 February

CAPTAIN GARY ROBB, South East DHQ

COMMISSIONERS JENINE AND PAUL MAIN

Territorial Leaders

ENGAGEMENTS

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Mon 26 Feb – Tue 5 Mar Kenya East (East Africa Centenary Congress)

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

Sun 25 Feb – Thu 29 Feb Roffey Park (divisional leaders’ learning and development)

Fri 1 Mar – Sun 3 Mar University of Warwick (Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation)

Wed 6 Mar The Senedd, Cardiff (St David’s International Reception)

Thu 7 Mar The Senedd, Cardiff (St David’s Parliamentary Prayer Breakfast)

Sat 9 Mar – Sun 10 Mar King’s Park Conference Centre (Intercultural Mission Conference)*

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest

Sun 25 Feb – Thu 29 Feb Roffey Park (divisional leaders’ learning and development)

Fri 1 Mar – Sun 3 Mar University of Warwick (Belonging and Believing: The Big Conversation)

Sun 3 Mar – Thu 7 Mar International Moral and Social Issues Council**

*Commissioner Jenine Main only

**Colonel Julie Forrest only

NOTICES

Easter Poetry Corner

Poetry Corner will return for the 30 March Easter issue of Salvationist. If you have an Easter-inspired poem you would like to share, please email it to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 8 March.

World Day of Prayer

For the World Day of Prayer (1 March), a service themed I Beg You, Bear with One Another in Love (see Ephesians 4:1–7) has been prepared by women in Palestine. You can find a prayer event near you and access free resources at wwdp.org.uk. Tell Family Ministries how you’re participating by emailing familyministries@salvationarmy.org.uk

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Captain Rob Westwood-Payne (Maidenhead) leads Sunday Worship on the second Sunday of Lent, speaking about making a habit of prayer. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

No Age Limit

Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries for an hour of music, chat and testimony. Listen live on Sunday 24 February at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 1 March at 11am.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Fully Scored

The latest episode of Music Editorial’s podcast features guest Andrew Wainwright, brass band composer and co-creator of Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus Rex. Young Salvationist composer Naomi Hill (Castleford) is this month’s resident on Arid Island.

Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts

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Clothe yourselves with kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.

compassion,