Salvationist 24 July 2021

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salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 24 July 2021

Under God’s care Hannah Carter’s remarkable story

PLUS

EXPLORING CORE RECOVERY CHURCH

SEE PAGES 12 TO 15

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHURCH OF ENGLAND SEES DAILY PRAYER PODCAST USED 500,000 TIMES IN THREE MONTHS

MORE THAN 1M CHILDREN FROM KEY WORKER FAMILIES LIVE IN POVERTY, SAYS TUC

CHURCH LEADERS CONDEMN RACIST ABUSE OF ENGLAND PLAYERS

More than a million children from households in the front line of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic are living in poverty, according to new research published by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

The study found that one in five children of key workers in England, Scotland and Wales were living below the official breadline – rising to almost one in three in the worstaffected region, the northeast [of England].

The TUC said low pay and insecure hours – widespread in occupations such as social care, supermarkets and delivery drivers – were the main reasons for inwork poverty among key workers.

Frances O’Grady, the TUC’s general secretary, said: ‘Every key worker deserves a decent standard of living for their family... The prime minister has promised to “build back fairer”. He should start with our key workers.’

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have hit out at the ‘unacceptable’ racist abuse directed towards England players after their defeat in the Euro 2020 finals.

Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all targeted on social media after missing in the penalty shootout.

The abuse is being investigated by the Met, and has prompted widespread condemnation, including from Boris Johnson and the Football Association.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby said the abusers must be held to account... Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell commented on social media: ‘It is utterly shocking and unacceptable that our ... players have received racist abuse on social media after their #Euro2020 final defeat. Praying for a better future where we are all seen as part of one humanity.’

The Guardian

Christian Today

Around 8,000 people a day are listening to the Church of England’s daily cycle of prayer, traditionally associated with monastic communities.

The Daily Prayer podcast, integrated into the free Daily Prayer app, enables worshippers to listen to the short traditional services of morning, evening and night prayer.

The services are usually led by the Rev Catherine Williams from Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire and follow the pattern set out in the Church of England’s Common Worship services, with readings recorded by people from around the country and music from St Martin’s Voices.

The podcast, which was launched in March, has surpassed 500,000 downloads, with around 8,000 people listening a day, either alone or in small groups.

The Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, said …

‘Whether people pray alone or alongside others, this podcast is an easy way of being united in prayer with brothers and sisters in Christ as we share the same words, and open ourselves to encounter God in prayer, silence and Scripture.’

Charities and church leaders have expressed anger and disappointment at the vote in the House of Commons ... to confirm a £4 billion cut in Britain’s international aid budget.

Many Tory MPs ... have opposed the cut, first announced by the chancellor last November, and have lobbied for an opportunity to challenge the move in the Commons.

Because the cut has been described as ‘temporary’ ... prime minister Boris Johnson argued that it did not need parliamentary approval.

In the event, MPs were offered a compromise motion in which the government agreed to restore the legal commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of gross national income, but only when tests show that the UK is not borrowing to finance day-to-day spending, and underlying debt is falling... The government’s motion was carried by 333 votes to 298.

The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, the Church’s lead bishop for international development, said ... ‘It is not right that the world’s poorest should be the only ones to suffer from a reduction in spending following the pandemic. The commitment was one of which the Conservative Party could be proud, and I hope it will be restored very soon.’

Premier

Church Times

DISMAY AS INTERNATIONAL AID CUTS ARE CONFIRMED IN COMMONS

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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

CREATING COMMUNITY WILLIAM Booth once said a Salvation Army corps is ‘a band of people united together to attack and Christianise an entire town or village’. He saw a corps as a community in mission.

Over the years our understanding of God’s mission has evolved and broadened, so that while introducing people to faith in Christ it still at its heart, we now have five marks of mission, as outlined in Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant’s territorial structure update (Salvationist 26 June): ‘share the good news; nurture disciples of Christ; care for creation; serve others without discrimination; and seek justice and reconciliation’.

Underlying this is a community – a band of people engaging in mission together and, just as important, supporting individuals engaged in mission in their daily lives.

The idea of community in mission features in a number of articles this week. Major Lorraine Chaundy writes about the cycling challenge she undertook in support of two new groups at Peterborough Citadel. She says the groups are part of the corps mission of ‘being “with” not simply doing something “for” others’, which means ‘journeying with the community as a community’.

In an interview about his new book, Major Phil Garnham recalls the time when his wife was diagnosed with cancer and the corps family gave them valued support. His desire is that people ‘work out how they could be living as a church community’.

In the latest article in her series about people she met when working on the War Cry, Major Rosemary Dawson remembers the Carter family from 17 years ago. Helen and Pete Carter’s daughter, Hannah, was born prematurely and was at severe risk.

Their church family came to their aid by praying and caring in practical ways. Hannah pulled through, and Rosemary brings us up to date with her story.

During the coronavirus pandemic we’ve seen corps reach out through online ministry, and in his article Major Ian Emery suggests taking this to another level by creating a corps community that exists solely online. He identifies people who already live much of their lives in the online world and says the best way to reach them is by building an online corps that understands and relates to them. It’s a fascinating idea, and it’s not just a theory – he is leading a project that will make it happen.

In her article about Core Recovery Church, Shanelle Manderson discovers another unusual expression of church community. Core Recovery Church is designed for people in recovery – from addiction or other forms of brokenness – who might be apprehensive about attending a corps meeting. Shanelle looks at some of the places where this is happening and where people are coming to faith and becoming soldiers and adherents.

One of the things people have missed during the pandemic has been the opportunity to meet together as families and in groups, including church communities. We’ve been reminded that we are social creatures in need of community. When we move into a post-pandemic world, perhaps this is something to focus on more. If our corps can be Christ-centred communities that are accessible, inclusive and supportive, then not only will they be bands of people united together to reach out, but also their life together will be an attractive witness to the grace and truth of Christ. Then they will truly be communities in mission.

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

6

Feature Moving up a gear

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by Major Lorraine Chaundy

Interview Living the truth

8

Major Phil Garnham talks to Emily Bright

Stories of transformation 9 Hannah Carter: Given into God’s care

by Major Rosemary Dawson

Feature 10 and 11 Envisaging an online corps

by Major Ian Emery

Feature Recovery in action

12 to 15

by Shanelle Manderson

Bible study 16 and 17 Correctly handle the word of truth

by Captain Ian Standley

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Howard Webber

Letters

18

New commitments

19

Previews

20

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Terry Purkiss

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Salvationist 24 July 2021

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NEWS

ARMY NEWS

Army ‘alarmed’ by rise in rough sleeping LONDON THE Salvation Army has said that it is ‘deeply alarmed’ by a new report showing an increase in rough sleepers in London and called for emergency government action to reverse the trend.

The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain) annual report shows that 11,018 people were recorded as sleeping rough in the capital in 2020/21.

This is a 3 per cent increase from the previous year and almost double the figure from 10 years ago. This is despite strenuous efforts to shelter all rough sleepers during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Army fears the situation will only worsen if Covid-19 support structures are removed. It is calling on the government to provide new resources to help local authorities address the crisis before it spirals out of control.

The Army welcomed the government’s March announcement of £203 million in funding for the national Rough Sleeping Initiative to help people rebuild their lives.

However, it warns that more must be done to help people tackle the underlying causes of homelessness, which requires proper investment in vital support services.

Lorrita Johnson, director of the Army’s Homelessness Services, said: ‘These figures make sombre reading... The gains made during the government’s successful Everyone In campaign are being lost and we appear to be heading back to pre-pandemic levels of homelessness once again, which is a tragedy.’ – AR Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

JERSEY Year 6 pupils at Grands Vaux, Rouge Bouillon and Springfield primary schools joined with the corps to create art murals that reflect the Army’s work. The artwork will be displayed on hoardings at the Le Masurier Merchants Square construction site, which neighbours the corps building, while a residential and hotel development is completed. Local artist Jacques Le Breton painted the students’ designs on to the hoardings with help from the youngsters. Jersey Community Centre Manager Emily Smith told the Jersey Evening Post that the art ‘perfectly’ captured the Army’s work in the town. The schools received £300 worth of vouchers from Le Masurier, with Springfield kindly donating its money to The Salvation Army. – AR

ARMY NEWS

TC speaks out against racism THQ Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill has issued the following statement: ‘The racist abuse suffered by England footballers following the final of the Euros was totally unacceptable and has been rightly widely condemned.

This team of young men have inspired us both on and off the pitch with their strength and conviction to make the world a better place.

‘If you stand in solidarity with England’s footballers and want to do something: gather with friends, family and fellow Salvationists and use the Let’s Talk About… Racism material to come together and learn how to fight racism.

‘Racism is fundamentally incompatible with the Christian conviction that all people are made in the image of God and are equal in value. The Salvation Army believes that racism is contrary to God’s intention for humankind.

‘The Salvation Army is committed to fight against racism wherever it is experienced and will speak into societies around the world wherever we encounter it.’ – AR O To download Let’s Talk About... Racism go to salvationarmy.org/isjc

COMMUNITY LAUNCESTON A telephone befriending service has been launched to support vulnerable and isolated members in the community. Mary Butler, who has been a Salvationist for more than 50 years, came up with the idea.

A similar project was set up after the coronavirus outbreak last year and it proved such a success that a full befriending service was developed to help reach out to even more people who may be lonely, anxious or worried and would appreciate a phone call. Corps officer Captain Susan Tidball said: ‘We’re pleased to be able to offer this support to people in our community.

Loneliness and isolation were prevalent in our community even before the pandemic, but they have been brought to the forefront during these days of social isolation and shielding. There is a real need – a basic human need – for personal contact for the sake of people’s health and wellbeing.’ – AR

11,018 people sleeping rough in London SEE PAGE 4

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inflatable obstacles overcome in aid of the Big Collection SEE PAGE 5

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teams compete in London Churches Football Tournament SEE PAGE 6

EMERGENCY AID

Army volunteers attend emergency training WASHINGTON

ECUMENICAL CARLISLE Corps officers Captains Mel and Steve Scoulding supported BBC Radio Cumbria’s Rev Richard Corrie when he was ordained as a deacon at the cathedral. In Cumbria, denominations are actively seeking opportunities to work more closely together, and Richard was able to complete the second placement of his training at the corps. ‘I never realised the scope of The Salvation Army’s work was so wide and the response to local need was so varied,’ he said. – MS

SALVATION Army volunteers manned a new emergency vehicle at a National Resilience Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) training exercise, hosted at the headquarters of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

The vehicle is one of the Army’s 21 emergency vans that attend incidents to support blue-light services, enabling volunteers to provide refreshments and a listening ear to emergency crews.

The two-day exercise featured simulations of a range of challenging scenarios. The event was held to support a Home Office project exploring how USAR can develop for the future. It also gave Salvation Army volunteers an opportunity to prepare for their response during a major multi-agency incident.

Chaplain Julie Judson (Swan Lodge Lifehouse) led the team of Army volunteers over the two-day exercise. She said: ‘Not only did we once again see our local services in action today but we’re reminded of the way we work alongside them with partner agencies to protect our communities and see them thrive.’ – AR

PRESENTATION

RUGBY The corps used Thank You Day to thank corps officer Major Anne Myers for all she has done throughout the pandemic. Over 66 weeks, worship at home has taken many varied forms, prayer meetings and Bible studies have enabled members to see each other and pray for each other even when unable to meet in person, and weekly deliveries and doorstep chats have taken place in all weathers. The corps is thankful for the visits and phone calls, and for support received by those who have been unwell or bereaved over the past 15 months. Wanting to give something back as a token of thanks, the corps presented Major Anne with flowers and a crystal plaque stating: ‘Presented to Major Anne Myers by Rugby Salvation Army with love and thanks for her tireless dedication and support during the pandemic.’ – GJ

FUNDRAISING

OUTREACH KEIGHLEY The nearby Dunelm store donated food to the corps food bank. Customers and staff were invited to donate items as part of the retailer’s Feed a Family campaign and its wider Delivering Kindness initiative. Chris Bown, the corps community manager, told Keighley News: ‘We’re very grateful for the fantastic support of customers and staff.’ The corps has seen a huge increase in demand for support from people during the pandemic. – AR

NEWCASTLE Newcastle City Temple and Chester-le-Street corps folk joined forces to raise funds for the Big Collection by tackling the Color Obstacle Rush at High Gosforth Park. The trio braving the 5k course and its 20 inflatable obstacles were Newcastle City Temple corps officer Major Liz Hancock, Acting Corps Secretary David Richardson and Chester-le-Street Singing Company Leader and Acting Songster Leader Julia Harland. They have raised more than £450 so far. – BI Salvationist 24 July 2021

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NEWS

COMMUNITY ENABLED FOCUS

by Chris Stringer, learning disability inclusion development manager (THQ)

PRESCOT The town’s newly appointed mayor, Councillor Christopher Krelle, visited the corps and spent time with food bank volunteers, Volunteer Co-ordinator Mavis Sharkey and Support Adviser Monica Beacon, both from the Big Help Project. The mayor is looking to help local charities and businesses during his term of office. He grew up in the corps and has at times helped his mother, Dorothy, with some of the work she does in the community. They are pictured with corps officer Major Bryn Hargreaves. – BH

ECUMENICAL

SATURDAY 24 JULY The theme for this year’s Enabled Summer School is In His Hands. Due to the coronavirus pandemic we decided not to meet in Cheltenham as we have before. We are instead hosting our second Summer School at home. We give thanks for technology that means that, although we are unable to meet physically, we can meet, share and worship virtually.

SUNDAY 25 JULY Today we will join online in a time of worship and praise.

Sundays are special at Enabled Summer School. As well as holding two meetings, we also have a time to reflect, remember and rejoice for the lives of those members who are no longer with us. We give thanks for the opportunity we have to be part of the lives of those who have gone before us.

MONDAY 26 JULY In recent years we have hosted a community event on the Monday afternoon. We give thanks for the opportunities that we have had to share with our families and visitors the joy and atmosphere of Enabled Summer School as they have joined with us in activities. We look forward to sharing again in the future.

TUESDAY 27 JULY Normally on the Tuesday we go on a day trip. Those attending can choose between a full-day and half-day trip. In recent years we have been to Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwick Castle, Bath and Longleat. Today we give thanks that once again we are all able to go out and about on our own day trips.

LONDON The Salvation Army was represented at the annual London Churches Football Tournament. Major Phil Layton and Josh Layton (both Upper Norwood) and Cadet Joel Watson took a team of eight young men to compete against 32 teams from across London. Organised by Ambassadors for Sport, the event included a gospel message during the lunch break. The team pray that those unfamiliar with The Salvation Army will have been attracted to its witness and considered the truth of Jesus. – PL

EMERGENCY AID ESSEX The Salvation Army has partnered Essex County Fire and Rescue Service to provide support to firefighters at large-scale incidents.

The Incident Support Unit will be based at Clacton fire station, where incident commanders can request it when crews are needed for an extended time. Salvation Army volunteers will provide cold food, snacks and hot drinks, enabling emergency workers to rehydrate and recharge. Handwashing facilities will also be available. Adrian Clee, territorial emergency response officer, said: ‘We have agreements with fire services across much of the UK and it is great to be able to extend that frontline support to Essex County Fire and Rescue Service. We look forward to developing a strong working relationship and providing solid support to teams on the ground.’ – AR 6

Salvationist 24 July 2021

WEDNESDAY 28 JULY Choral sessions are one of the activities that we enjoy at Enabled Summer School. We would usually meet as a whole school at least once a day to sing together. We give praise that it is about much more than singing. It is about being together and having a shared experience as we raise our voices to the Lord.

THURSDAY 29 JULY Enabled Summer School would not be possible if people did not give up a week of their time to lead activities and support people. Today we give thanks for those on the leadership team, those who facilitate activities and everyone who supports the delegates. We all come together to make sure the delegates experience a wonderful week.

FRIDAY 30 JULY On the Friday evening we usually host the final festival. In a packed sports hall, everyone who attends Enabled Summer School gets an opportunity to perform and showcase what they have learnt and rehearsed during the week. For most it is the highlight of the week. We give thanks for these opportunities and look forward to the final festival in 2022.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

FEATURE I Fundraising

Moving up a gear Major Lorraine Chaundy (Peterborough Citadel) writes about her wellbeing cycling challenge

T

HE past year and a half of living through a pandemic has been challenging enough, so you might wonder why on earth I gave myself an extra challenge. I chose to raise funds for two wellbeing projects at our corps by cycling 250 miles during June.

I was aware that some people could cover this distance in a weekend. But this was my challenge. I am a beginner cyclist, overweight, unfit and slowly recovering from contracting Covid-19.

I have a full-time workload as a corps officer and a family to take care of. More honest than that, I have not really paid enough time and attention to myself and become unhappy with how I look and consequently feel. Losing weight and feeling better about myself felt like a losing battle, until last summer when I shifted my thinking and took up cycling.

At the start I was cycling slowly and with much embarrassment, but I kept telling myself something positive to keep going. I had some stumbling blocks, which included being taken into hospital with stroke symptoms (it turned out not to be a stroke, but it was scary), a gynae diagnosis, contracting Covid-19 in December and my bike being stolen from our garage. However, I kept going, and before June I had built up to between seven and twelve miles per ride.

During my challenge I cycled on 15 out of the 30 days of June, totalling 300 miles. My longest ride was 31 miles and my fitness app, Strava, told me I was a

‘local legend’ six times! I cycled mainly alone, but also enjoyed rides with my husband, Gary, my father on his electrically assisted bike (both pictured above) and a lovely lady from our corps.

At the beginning of the month I had to talk myself into going out most times, but now I frequently look forward to it.

After a ride I always feel better in myself for doing it – and I have lost 10lb in two months, which is a surprising bonus.

I learnt several lessons: it is best to change the gears in a helpful direction, not worry about speed, not worry about what I look like, go out even when I don’t feel like it because I know I will feel better afterwards – and just keep pedalling. I’ve also learnt that no one else looks after my health and fitness, just me. If I’m to be the best I can be in all the roles in which I serve other people, I must keep fit and not feel guilty about taking time to do so.

I understand the daily battle that some people can have with their thoughts and feelings. I have grown to understand that our feelings can lie to us, and that it is helpful to remember some truths: even if I don’t feel like going out on my bike it is still good for me; and I may not feel loved, especially by other road users, but I am loved, and ultimately loved by God. At the start of 2021 our corps leadership team penned three focus headlines for the year. The first was ‘commit to journeying with people who

need healing, support or assistance’.

This meant that ‘all areas of the corps need to actively be open to being “with” not simply doing something “for” others’.

In other words, ‘journeying with the community as a community’.

All our leadership teams used the headlines to create a Mission Development Plan. The Community Services team decided to explore two wellbeing projects – a craft group and a gardening group – and to contact local NHS social prescribers to see if they would refer people to them. They loved it and all the local social prescribers have patients in mind to come to these groups starting in September. The idea is that we come alongside people who need to get better in terms of their mental health in some way.

The craft and gardening groups will be small and safe environments where we create something by hand together and simply be with each other – journeying to recovery in a slow-paced activity and in a caring, Christian environment. At Peterborough Citadel we feel God’s hand is on these wellbeing projects and we can’t wait to see them begin and evolve.

My June cycling challenge raised £1,240 via JustGiving for the start-up costs of the groups’ items. The plans are going well, leaders are in place and we look forward to ‘being with’ others and experiencing the fruit of this ministry.

Salvationist 24 July 2021

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INTERVIEW

Living the truth Major Phil Garnham tells Emily Bright about his study book for small groups

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ONTIUS Pilate once posed the question: ‘What is truth?’

Centuries later, retired Salvation Army officer Major Phil Garnham tackles that topic in Truth, the latest entry in the Big Questions for Small Groups series.

Truth is a timely subject for today’s society, which can shrink from asserting moral absolutes.

‘Pontius Pilate was perhaps the first postmodern philosopher,’ remarks Phil.

‘In our postmodern world there’s a basic premise that there’s no such thing as truth. But, of course, the premise itself is a truth claim – it’s going down a slippery slope.’

In his book, Phil uses Jesus’ declaration in John 14:6 that he is ‘the way and the truth and the life’ as a springboard for defining the discussion.

‘Truth is embodied in the life of Jesus and in his followers who live his way – inclusive, generous, kind, good lives,’ he says. ‘That is a very powerful way to embody what we believe is the truth.’

Phil adds that actions, not just words, are key: ‘If a Christian community is loving, open, generous and kind, and people are welcomed, this is a superb setting for their enquiries into truth. They will see it not in abstract terms but

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

embodied in the lives of Christians.’

He acknowledges that in the pursuit of truth, the Church has become divided over specific areas of theology and doctrine.

‘We’re not a group of clones that agree about all things all the time. So there are plenty of issues that Christians disagree with, across so many of the denominations.’

But he says that debating differences is no bad thing: ‘I think we should be completely open to challenge. Exploring different theological perspectives is a healthy thing, rather than being part of an exclusive closed system whereby you only have fellowship with people who are exactly like you.’

Phil offers a timely reminder that, in such times of challenge, the Holy Spirit and Christian fellowship can help us to navigate biblical truths in our own lives and cultural contexts.

‘We’re empowered by the Spirit to live the life that we see in Jesus,’ he says.

‘The Spirit leads us into the truth and the way of Jesus. So we live it out not in our own strength but empowered by the Holy Spirit.’

He adds that Christian fellowship, as modelled by God, plays a key role in equipping us to live out the truth of his word: ‘The Trinity – Father, Son and Spirit – is what leads us to fellowship and helps us to understand that we need to live in community. We need to be empowered by a church, community and fellowship to live out our faith and to hold each other to account.’

Phil gives a tangible example of encountering the truths of God in his own life through fellowship.

‘My wife was diagnosed with a really serious stage four cancer when she was in her forties,’ he recalls. ‘She was often in severe pain but was always very brave. We had four children and were Salvation Army officers at a busy corps, so that was a real challenge.

‘While she was dying we experienced in so many ways the grace of God. Our corps, which was Raynes Park at the time, was superb to us. The corps family

looked after us and showed us so much grace.

‘God’s grace is often mediated through people, and in amazing ways.

His grace is enough and we get what we need – what we needed was many assurances of his love and his care.’

Phil reasserts that everyday actions matter.

‘Evangelism is about the way you live,’ he explains. ‘If we live the Jesus way, then there will be plenty of questions about why we’re going the extra mile.

‘I want to encourage people that the truth of the word of God is not an abstract thing. They’re living it out in their everyday, such as when they’re doing a breakfast club for people experiencing homelessness.

‘What I would love is for people to pay loving attention to the word, to be intentional and work out how they could be living as a church community, what they could be doing and where they could be going.’

O Big

Questions for Small Groups: Truth is available from sps-shop.com priced £3 (plus postage and packing) O Also available at the same price are Big Questions for Small Groups: Prayer and Big Questions for Small Groups: The Bible

EMILY IS PROMOTIONS AND MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR IN THE PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT, THQ

FEATURE I Stories of transformation

Hannah Carter: Given into God’s care Major Rosemary Dawson continues a series in which she remembers some of the inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry

H

ER name means ‘favoured by God’, and Hannah Carter has discovered just how much her parents, Helen and Pete, believe that to be true – and how the prayers of many Christian friends played a significant part in her survival.

A BBC Two documentary shown on 2 December 2004 followed Hannah’s fight for life during four months of intensive care after her very premature birth.

Committed Christians and church members, Helen and Pete were excitedly looking forward to the birth of their first child in April that year. But in January, tests revealed Helen’s worryingly high blood pressure and dangerous levels of protein in her urine. She was rushed to St Thomas’ Hospital, London, with severe pre-eclampsia – a life-threatening condition for mother and child.

‘It was pretty scary,’ said Helen. ‘My own life was at risk, so they delivered the baby at 28 weeks.’

Hannah was born on 2 February, weighing 1lb 13oz. ‘It’s very frightening to see your baby in an incubator, fighting for life,’ continued Helen. ‘All you want to do is pick them up, cuddle and love them – but you can’t. I didn’t actually hold Hannah until she was seven weeks old.’

An oscillating ventilator gave Hannah 60 tiny breaths a minute. Lines in her arms, legs and tummy monitored her progress and supplied vital nutrients and

medication. She underwent 16 blood transfusions and more than 100 chest x-rays.

A month later Hannah went on to a conventional ventilator and had a small operation to close a heart duct. But she grew steadily weaker and had to be oscillated again. Drugs, including steroids, paralysed her movement, saving energy for breathing and growing.

‘Most babies show big improvements after three days, but Hannah was on steroids for five days with none at all,’ explained Helen. ‘She had chronic lung disease and her heart was slowing down. It took heart massage and adrenaline to bring it back to speed.

‘The consultant warned me that her condition was fragile. I waited for Pete in the hospital garden, crying out to God in real anguish. I thought this must be how Jesus had felt in the Garden of Gethsemane before he was crucified, crying out for “this cup to be taken away”.’

Later that day Hannah suffered a cardiac arrest. It took eight minutes to resuscitate her; it was agreed not to repeat that procedure.

‘We were allowed to hold Hannah for the first and maybe the last time,’ Helen recalled. ‘We gave her into God’s care, praying that he would either heal her or take her.

‘During the next difficult days we prayed and worshipped God with her, read some of The Beginner’s Bible with her and waited. Our prayers were twofold: that God would either take her peacefully out of her suffering or breathe life into her body – and do it soon. We knew that many Christian friends were praying too.

‘A week later, weaned off the paralysis drug and 57 days old, Hannah came off the ventilator. She still needed breathing support, but it meant that we could hold her. In another week, she was out in an open cot. It was as if God had literally breathed life into her.’

Hannah’s steady progress allowed transfer to a local hospital. Four weeks later – much sooner than expected – she came home, her arrival filmed by the BBC crew.

‘It’s been a real rollercoaster of joy and heartache,’ Helen reflected. ‘We can see God’s hand in so many things, including free accommodation at a nearby hostel.’

The couple were also deeply grateful for the support of family and friends.

‘Thirty members of our church immediately got together to pray when Hannah was born,’ said Helen. ‘They looked after our house, supplied meals for the hostel and helped Pete decorate Hannah’s room.’

Their faith was strengthened and encouraged by a Bible promise Helen read before Hannah’s birth: ‘I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, “Do not fear; I will help you”’ (Isaiah 41:13).

‘It is God who brought us through,’ said Helen. ‘He’s the reason Hannah can look forward to a long and healthy life.’

17 YEARS LATER...

Hannah is still small for her age but, amazingly, she has no long-lasting health problems, apart from mild hearing loss.

She achieved high grades in 12 GCSEs last year and hopes to study geography at university. She has also completed her Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and is working on Gold.

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL O Based on an article published in the War Cry, 27 November 2004

Salvationist 24 July 2021

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FEATURE I Virtual ministry

Envisaging an online corps Major Ian Emery explains the thinking behind a new digital project being developed by the Central North Division

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

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HE coronavirus pandemic came, the world changed and in many places the Church temporarily moved online. But the world has been changing for a while: as we moved online, many of us learnt that there was already a community there that our churches had not encountered – a new mission field to which God was now opening our eyes.

The online corps being developed by the Central North Division is an attempt to be church within this new community – a fresh expression of The Salvation Army planted in soil we have never really cultivated before. In the past year or so many of us have wandered on to this patch, but now the Army is looking to dig deep and to grow something authentic that is originally rooted in that community and not merely transplanted in from some other place.

This is fundamentally different from the online programmes that we have at the moment. These are still rooted in a geographical location, so that the online is simply a branch from a tree that is stretching over from there into another neighbourhood. The online corps will invert that totally. It will exist primarily online, and anything geographically located will be an offshoot of the tree planted in the digital world.

I think some things are hard to explain and understand unless you have been there, done that and lived through it.

And there are some communities and cultures that are hard to understand unless you have lived within them.

Those of us who have lived or served in different communities around the world can attest to that. Although there are some similarities to other areas and communities, they each have their own flavour.

However, even though we may not be from there or know someone from there, we do not doubt that these communities exist. Nor do we presume that, just because people there may interact with each other differently than we do in our own social groups, their relationships are less valid or valued. And yet there can be an innate tendency to do that when it comes to online communities. In many cases they are, or at least we believe them to be, so totally beyond our own experience that we find it hard to understand and accept them.

If I were starting a corps in a small suburb of my town I could likely draw a definite line around it and colour the

community on a map. I could point to them and say, ‘There they are. Within that community they go to different shops and schools and pubs, they generally have different ambitions for life, different resentments, different voting habits, different ways of interacting with their neighbours, different ways of being, different ways of expressing and developing their relationships and different ways of understanding themselves.’

I cannot do that when it comes to an online community – a group of people who might say the internet is their neighbourhood. Yet these communities still exist and they are a people group that the Church even now does very little to reach out to beyond an attractional model that says, ‘Come to us and learn how to do community in the ways we do community and which we validate, for we are not looking to build a community on your soil.’

At best, some of our current online ministry is like an open-air meeting in their streets, inviting people to a citadel community elsewhere. We take the gospel to them, but we do not take the Church to them; nor do we equip those we meet there to build church in that digital space.

So often the Church comes into the online world bound by its premade assumptions. The physical world is so embedded in our psyche as the only real world that anything virtual can be seen as a faint imitation, an almost-life. Thus, we too often devalue it and its residents before we take time to listen or perceive.

When we do take that time we find that the online world does not merely consist of those who are forced there because physical community is unavailable due to health, mobility, domestic threat or access to transport; instead we find that there are also many who actively choose to live online and make digital space their neighbourhood. They love what that community offers, and see the positives as outweighing others’ perceptions of the bad.

For them, it is an overwhelmingly preferable method of interaction, one where they can carefully construct their responses, be freed from an in-person shyness or avoid the introvert’s energy drain of personal interaction. Some individuals can feel uncomfortable with eye contact or their appearance, or just feel socially awkward around their peers.

Yet when they are on digital soil they feel

safe and accepted. Digital space allows people to bond without being in close proximity, either spatially or temporally.

When they choose to reply to another person, they can do so in their own time after thinking carefully about what they want to say. This is a community that – even with the breadth of our current online programme – we have barely even encountered, let alone meaningfully touched.

For those wondering what this online corps will look like and how it might work in practice, I’m afraid that this article will disappoint. We simply, and intentionally, do not know yet. We are striving not to import our preconceptions or impose a pre-existing model. Our strategy, as with most new churches and fresh expressions, is to allow this church to grow organically through creative experimentation.

Many of our ideas will necessarily fail or dramatically change as we understand more about the community we are moving into. For unless we allow a digital faith community to grow and be shaped organically from digital soil, we will fall into the trap of limiting our missional imagination with our existing ideas about church identities. We need to be cautious about asserting a cultural superiority for the offline world by asserting that virtual communities must live up to the accomplishments of what others might haughtily call ‘real ones’.

We have heard God’s call into the digital world, captured by Isaiah 43:19: ‘See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?’ The rest of that chapter tells us not to dwell in our past and offers the promise of life and fruitfulness where they had not previously been – of ‘a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland’ (v19).

As the online corps soon begins, the time of listening alone will be over. This does not mean we will stop listening but rather, with our ears open to Heaven and to this new context, we will be ready to move into action, following God into this community and joining him on a new mission field.

Will you join us as we boldly go into this new land? Will you pray for us?

MAJOR EMERY IS PROJECT LEAD, ONLINE CORPS Salvationist 24 July 2021

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FEATURE I Core Recovery Church

Recovery in action Shanelle Manderson finds out how the Core Recovery Church model is expanding across the territory

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MERICAN author Robert Collier once wrote, ‘Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.’ Since the launch of the Core Recovery Church model in 2019 and its implementation across the UKI Territory, those behind the scenes and on the front line have been working day in and day out to ensure service users can flourish on their journey of recovery.

Attendees have also been working day in and day out to stay committed to this journey.

Core Recovery Church is a Salvation Army community where everyone is welcome but it is designed specifically for those in recovery – most of whom struggle with addiction.

‘The model supports members in their individual journeys of recovery, focusing on their personal journeys of faith while providing appropriate pastoral support along the way,’ explains Core Recovery Development Officer Major Lynden Gibbs (THQ).

The concept has been used by the Army in New Zealand and Australia, as well as within the wider Church in the UK and USA. An exploration of how it could be developed for use in the UKI Territory began with a focus group and has since expanded. Assistant Secretary for Mission Mitch Menagh (THQ) explains the model’s advantages and why it was considered necessary: ‘Part of the problem we have seen over the years is that it can be quite an ordeal for many new people entering an Army building for the first time, and even ongoing. This is more so when an individual is in recovery.

‘The behaviour of people in recovery can cause upset to others attending the meeting, and understanding and patience aren’t always displayed in a compassionate manner.

‘We are keen to offer people who are in recovery a safe space where they are accepted and can belong, but also unashamedly are under the influence of the gospel.’

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

‘Although birthed from the Army’s addictions work,’ adds Major Lynden, ‘it is hoped that there will be a wider understanding of what it means to “be in recovery” and that in our brokenness as people, we are all on a journey of recovery as we seek to connect with each other and with God.’ Core Recovery Church groups are worshipping communities rather than just programmes. There are three types: a standalone community; a daughter community grown from a corps setting; and a daughter community within a Lifehouse, Homelessness Services or community setting. A typical meeting includes creative worship, sharing, a positive Bible focus and hospitality.

There is a clear link between recovery and spirituality. Therefore, commitment to a spiritual journey is a key element of the model. There are also a number of

principles that form its foundation, including acceptance, belonging, equality, belief in transformation, the power of storytelling and creating a space where a community can grow together.

RECOVERING – AND THRIVING As Core Recovery Church is a form of fresh expression, it is very much open to integrated mission. Core Recovery Church communities have therefore been encouraged in several settings.

A natural approach to collaborative working between a Lifehouse and a corps where an expression of Core Recovery Church is in place has also been encouraged, regardless of whether the community is based at either setting.

Where Core Recovery Church is based at a Lifehouse, it has been established that the role of the chaplain is crucial to

We are keen to offer people in recovery a safe space where they are accepted

its development and process, as they become the leader, providing support and pastoral care.

Interest in the model has grown rapidly. A Core Recovery Implementation and Monitoring Group chaired by Mitch has been established. A peer support group also meets monthly, with corps officers, divisional mission enablers, Homelessness Services Unit chaplains and regional chaplaincy officers all involved. The group is growing as more corps and Lifehouses consider developing a Core Recovery Church expression in their settings.

In Neath a fresh expression is under way, to be led by Major Mary Wolfe.

Core Recovery Church communities are being developed at Niddry Street Wellbeing Centre, which is a drop-in facility in Edinburgh, Springfield House Lifehouse in Milton Keynes and William Booth Centre Lifehouse in Birmingham.

Stroud Corps will also be adopting the model. The corps is in a challenging part of town, where addiction is a widespread issue. Many people in recovery, who have a heart for ministering to those with addictions, have linked up with the corps recently. Corps officer Captain CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Booth House Lifehouse, Swindon

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FEATURE I Core Recovery Church

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

Teresa Conway is building a team to deliver Celebrate Recovery material in discipleship groups.

In Tavistock, Churches Together has partnered the corps to develop a Core Recovery Church community. Poplar Corps and Riverside House Lifehouse have also been discussing how they can work together under the model.

At Greenock, corps leaders Territorial Envoys Alice and Paul Swain, Drug and Alcohol Service worker Lesley Anderson and floating support service chaplain Major Lynn Farmer are considering how Core Recovery Church might work alongside ongoing ministry.

Existing communities continue to thrive.

In Sheffield, the Oasis community – an ecumenical partnership with Charter Row Lifehouse, the Methodist Church and the Church of England – has expanded its fellowship. The main focus is the Sunday church in Methodist Central Hall, led by a partnership including Paul Huggins, who is the chaplain at Charter Row. Paul is also running a discipleship group at the Lifehouse and has been invited to run another Core Recovery Church group at a local church.

At Booth House Lifehouse, Swindon, a regular is interested in becoming an adherent and is currently exploring the adherency material. This would bring the total number of adherents at Booth House to five.

Sharon Bates is welcomed as an adherent

Attendees asked to become adherents but they had no dealings with the corps and declared the Lifehouse to be their church

Jason Rall is welcomed as an adherent

Lesley Anderson and Major Lynn Farmer

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

NEW COMMITMENTS New commitments in Lifehouses are not a new concept for the Army. Before Women’s and Men’s Social Services merged in the late 1970s, hostels had their own soldiers, adherents and friends rolls. Residents and staff could become soldiers at a hostel and were required to follow the same process as soldiers at a corps.

Sunday meetings, midweek fellowship and praise and testimony meetings were regular occurrences, and the then Social Services chaplain would have facilitated those activities across the territory. This became redundant when the UKI Territory came into being, but the concept of membership at centres was reintroduced after Core Recovery Church was presented to the Cabinet.

‘Our first presentation in 2019 provoked helpful and wide-ranging

TESTIMONIES Four people connected to Lifehouse settings share their stories: MICHAEL CHARTER HOUSE LIFEHOUSE, OASIS COMMUNITY I started attending Oasis a few months back. When I came to the Lifehouse, Huggy, the chaplain, got me involved.

He’s a good man. I love the community. I love everything about it. We’re a total recovery group. We talk and pray and admit that we have addictions. I spoke recently in a group and shared that I was an alcoholic. I began drinking heavily when my partner passed away two years ago.

I hope the group will help me get through the suffering I’ve had since I lost my partner. I need a lot of help at the moment with things, but I’m taking it slowly. I’ve prayed to God a lot in the past few weeks and he has helped me. He is in my life. I believe in him.

SCOTT CHARTER HOUSE LIFEHOUSE, OASIS COMMUNITY I’ve been with Oasis for almost two years and was introduced to it by the chaplain at the Lifehouse while I was a resident.

I wasn’t of faith when I moved in, but through conversations with the chaplain I found my faith a little bit. The next step was to become acquainted with a church but I didn’t want the typical church regime so I was invited to Oasis. It’s not like a normal church, it’s more of a community. You feel welcome. It’s like home more than anything. At Oasis we’re one big family. There are all sorts of different people that attend, from people experiencing homelessness to people who have mental health issues. You get to meet people from various walks of life. Since I started going I have definitely felt that it’s had a massive positive impact on my mental health and anxiety. Within a few months of attending I became a volunteer, helping to set up for worship and in the kitchen because we also feed people experiencing homelessness. That helped with my faith as it gave me something to focus on. Now I’m an official volunteer for the Victoria Methodist Church rather than Oasis, so I’ll have more responsibility. I feel like I am wanted, like I am part of a family.

discussion,’ says Mitch. ‘However, we encountered a challenge when Captain Brian Ward, the chaplain at Booth House who was hosting weekly Core Recovery Church sessions, reached a point where three attendees requested to become adherents but two of them didn’t want the service to be at the corps, as they had no dealings with that setting and declared the Lifehouse to be their church.

‘We took this back to the Cabinet and it was unanimously agreed that, where a Core Recovery Church expression is operating at a Lifehouse and all the

JASON BOOTH HOUSE LIFEHOUSE I’m in recovery for alcoholism. I went into recovery last year and was introduced to the 12 Step Recovery programme.

I never had a faith as such before that. If you had tried to speak to me about God, religion or the Bible I would have declined politely. In April 2019 I found myself in a room. I’d lost everything worthwhile in life: my children, my relationships, my job. I was banned for drink-driving and, as I used to work in the automotive industry, I was unemployable without a driving licence. I was caught up in the grip of addiction. On that day God revealed himself to me and said: ‘Are you finished? I’ve got some work for you to do.’

In that moment in time, it didn’t seem like that but that’s how I look at it today.

Eighteen months after being in recovery I found myself being asked to leave my accommodation and ended up at Booth House. I’d meet up with Brian, the chaplain, once a week and we’d talk about spiritual stuff, the Bible and faith.

After moving out of the Lifehouse I returned two years ago in June to work as a support worker. I was still seeking something more so Brian helped me explore churches.

Although he’s now my colleague, he’s still very much part of my spiritual walk with the Lord. He spoke to me about becoming an adherent and I made my commitment in November 2019 (pictured opposite). I’ve kind of come full circle. Today I am still walking hand in hand with the Spirit.

SHARON BOOTH HOUSE LIFEHOUSE I was an assistant support worker at the Lifehouse and had been involved with chaplaincy for just over a year. During this time, I was helped with my depression and my addiction to alcohol. I began speaking with Brian about God and the Bible and I came to faith. I felt such an affiliation with The Salvation Army that I became an adherent and made it my spiritual home (pictured opposite). I no longer work at the Lifehouse but attend Core Recovery Church on a Sunday as my circumstances permit. I have a better understanding about who I am, as well as what I want and need in life, and that’s the Lord Jesus Christ.

appropriate due process had been followed, individuals could become an adherent or a soldier at a Lifehouse as part of the established Core Recovery Church fellowship. Of course, we would want this to be done in collaboration with the nearby corps, and this has happened.

The corps officers at Swindon Citadel were supportive and attended the occasion.’

For now, this approach is only taken where there is an established Core Recovery Church. The specific details regarding membership rolls at Lifehouses

are still to be fully agreed.

‘Ideally, where people move on from a Lifehouse or a supported housing service, we would want to encourage them to continue to attend and enjoy the fellowship and pastoral care and to hold to a real and genuine sense of belonging,’ enthuses Mitch.

SHANELLE IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST Salvationist 24 July 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

Correctly handle the word of truth Captain Ian Standley reminds us to build our lives on God’s word

2 TIMOTHY 2:14 AND 15; 3:10–17

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NE of my favourite films is A Few Good Men. The film revolves around the court martial of two United States marines who have been charged with the murder of a comrade at the naval base at Guantanamo Bay. During the trial, rookie defence attorney Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (played by Tom Cruise) calls the base commander, Colonel Nathan Jessop (played by Jack Nicholson), to the stand. In pursuit of the truth, Kaffee demands of his superior officer: ‘I want the truth!’ The colonel replies: ‘You can’t handle the truth!’

QUESTION O What does it mean to handle the truth correctly?

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day

by Major Howard Webber

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

Paul instructs Timothy in his second letter to guard the gospel by teaching faithfully and to avoid ‘quarrelling about words’ (2:14), as these arguments are often confusing and pointless, and can even be harmful.

How important are the words we use?

As Christians, we are often known by how we handle the truth.

Paul instructs Timothy: ‘Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth’ (v15).

Paul warns Timothy that those who obey God and live their lives for Christ will be persecuted and face hardships.

This does not necessarily mean that we will suffer as much as Paul, but we should not be surprised when others misunderstand, criticise or even try to

hurt us because of what we believe and how we live. Don’t give up! Live as you know you should and fight for the truth.

Timothy was surrounded by false teachers and faced the pressure of a growing ministry. He easily could have abandoned his faith or even compromised his doctrine. However, through the lives of Paul and other believers, he had seen how to live out the faith.

We all will encounter false teachers, those who disagree with our beliefs, those who seek to trip us up with difficult questions and those who try to make us compromise our faith to fit in. We must not allow such people to undermine, distort or crowd out God’s eternal truth.

Therefore, every day, we need to spend time reflecting on the foundation of our Christian faith found in God’s word, those great truths that build up our lives.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

(2 Timothy 2:15)

Set forth within the sacred word/ The path of life is plainly shown;/ The ways of God its lines record,/ For every soul of man made known./ The truth, of all our hopes the ground,/ Is here within its pages found.

(SASB 810)

All Scripture is Godbreathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(2 Timothy 3:16 and 17)

Timothy knows the Scriptures well.

He has known them since childhood, having been taught by his grandmother, Lois, and his mother, Eunice. He can see that Paul’s message is consistent with what he has been brought up to understand.

The Bible is neither a construction of fanciful thinking nor a collection of divine dictations. Through the Holy Spirit, God revealed who he is and his plan for humanity to the numerous people who recorded his message. The Scriptures are authoritative for our faith and lives because they are God-inspired. God’s word is God-breathed and therefore is trustworthy. Timothy still needs to be reminded of this. He, like us, needs to remember that the Scriptures are true and powerful, and that, through them, God speaks to those who will listen and

inspires those who are open to him.

The Salvation Army’s first doctrine states: ‘We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and that they only constitute the divine rule of Christian faith and practice.’

Scripture is our standard for testing everything else that claims to be true. It is our safeguard against false teaching and our source of guidance for how we should live. It is our only source of knowledge about how we can be saved.

God wants to show us what is true and equip us to live for him. Therefore, it is not only a matter of reading and understanding, but also applying God’s word to our daily lives. We must be doers of the word and not hearers only (see James 1:22).

In our enthusiasm for the truth of

Scripture, we must never forget its purpose – to equip us to do good.

Therefore, we should build our lives on his word and build his word into our thinking, our conversations and our decision-making – and express it through our actions. Discover God’s truth and become confident in your life and faith.

QUESTION O How much time are you spending in God’s word?

CAPTAIN STANDLEY IS TUTOR AND PASTORAL SUPPORT OFFICER, WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,/ Is laid for your faith in his excellent word!/ What more can he say than to you he hath said,/ To you who for refuge to Jesus have fled.

(SASB 804)

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

(Romans 15:4)

Lord, thy word abideth,/ And our footsteps guideth; Who its truth believeth/ Light and joy receiveth./ O that we, discerning/ Its most holy learning,/ Lord, may love and fear thee,/ Evermore be near thee!

(SASB 808)

For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.

(Hebrews 4:12)

Prayer Holy Spirit, thank you for inspiring those who recorded God’s word. Guide my mind as I read it, that I may discern and clearly understand what you are saying to me.

Salvationist 24 July 2021

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LETTERS

HONOURING GOD

CHURCH OR CORPS?

LIEUTENANT Chris Button in his article ‘Why theology matters’ (Salvationist 5 June) said that theology isn’t a dirty word. However, university theology schools across the UK frequently offer their students the option of a year working in a local organisation, and a placement theology student might possibly find themselves assisting with a project evaluating organisational policy relating to sexual harassment.

Preventing workplace sexual harassment is vital. The UK now has very robust human rights legislation, yet sexual harassment still happens.

One might reasonably think that trying to ascertain the root cause is the realm of the psychologist.

However, Augustine of Hippo states that it was pride and arrogance that drove Adam and Eve to disobey God’s law and prohibition. Tendencies towards wrongdoing are now deeply rooted in the hearts of all men and women. Moreover, sexual harassment is an affront to the notion that all are born in the image and glory of God. In Romans 12:2, Paul exhorts the Christians of Rome: ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’

In ancient Rome sex workers were often slaves.

Visiting brothels was quite socially acceptable.

May modern-day Christian employees – theology degree or no theology degree – honour God by the way they relate to their colleagues.

Kevin Chubb Barry

ASK anyone what a church is and you’ll get an immediate answer.

It’s somewhere they might generally avoid like the plague, except for possibly a wedding or funeral. So, failing to get our message or reason for existence across, we explained it by becoming a Salvation Army Church. Ladies wearing bonnets, men in button-up tunics and a brass band playing often unknown tunes didn’t make for clarity, but becoming like others to explain ourselves is no real answer either. We’re an Army, so let’s be one: organised, dedicated and distinct.

Keeping our priorities right is paramount. It’s not about music, over-60 clubs, coffee mornings or anything else. ‘Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,’ writes Peter in 2 Peter 3:18. That is the secret of a corps filled with God’s joy and purpose. God’s word speaks to our minds, leading us in the right direction. If prayers for new people are our priority, won’t God answer them?

Our mission is paramount. If someone comes – by invitation or curiosity – into a meeting, are they warmly welcomed and do they hear a clearly explained and interesting salvation message? Is there someone in our clubs and groups inviting folk to come on a Sunday or explaining the way of salvation if they enquire?

It’s easy to forget what we exist for, and do a thousand things we don’t exist for. People need saving in every town. In Matthew 9:37, Jesus said: ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’

Whatever we call ourselves, do we believe God will do that? And, as a people of God, do we consistently ask in faith believing that?

David Groves Major Nottingham

CLIFF NOTES ON reading the article ‘Exceptional Army?’ by John Coutts (Salvationist 3 July), I would like to point out that the song ‘Good on the Sally Army’ was recorded by Cliff Richard on his 1977 Small Corners album, but the tune and lyrics were written by Allan Shiers from Cardiff, who is a harpmaker in Ceredigion and a friend of The Salvation Army. The song was originally recorded on his 1974 album The Man in Me. Margaret Anderson Cardiff

LETTERS Readers’ letters are a popular and well-read section of Salvationist. 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’. Please note that letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

CARRY ON PRAYING IN his letter ‘Praying for answers’ (Salvationist 19 June), Jeffery Morton said he doubted whether God intervened in the world, subverting his own eternal laws, and felt that prayers ‘mostly benefit the prayer rather than the Creator answering the petition’. May I encourage him to carry on praying for the following reasons: The Lord Jesus set an example by praying, and encouraged his disciples to do so. Knowing that his arrest was imminent, Jesus prayed in agony for the cup of suffering to be taken from him, yet trusted his heavenly Father whatever his will entailed. His prayer was answered, yet the suffering was God’s will and purpose, so he accepted it as such.

Jesus’ miracles prove that God can intervene. Healing, stopping the storm and feeding the 5,000 were all carried out in the realm of God’s will.

God has his reasons for his answers, whether they suit us or not.

We are called to trust him, and only eternity will reveal the whys and wherefores. God is a loving heavenly Father, but that does not exempt us from life’s trials. He does, however, match them with his grace.

In the parable of the prodigal son, the father allowed his son to take his inheritance and leave home. I’m sure the father knew what would happen, but his son had to learn the hard way. However, the door was always open for his return. God does answer prayer, but not always in the way we expect or want. His ways are past finding out.

Finally, the Lord is in total control, whatever happens. He either makes it happen or allows it to happen. Be content, have patience, have faith and pray (see 2 Corinthians 1:3–11).

Ray Hobbins Major Aberystwyth

NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment and approval from divisional leaders.

BUCKHAVEN Leah Thornber was welcomed as an adherent. During her testimony, Leah spoke about how God has been her strength through troubled times and how she can take all things to him in prayer, knowing that he will understand. – RF

EXETER TEMPLE Josh Taylor was enrolled as a soldier over Zoom. He was supported virtually by many friends and family members. Josh had been studying at the University of Exeter but returned home to study during the first lockdown. He worked through the required Bible and soldiership studies with Recruiting Sergeant Major Sue Camp-Richards. – JW

Stanley Richardson was welcomed as an adherent. As a youngster, he attended the Salvation Army outpost on Burnthouse Lane. When his sister, Jill, was welcomed as an adherent last year, Stanley decided to make a further commitment and wanted it to be recognised in the hall, which was possible after some of the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted. – JW

BLACKPOOL CITADEL Bill Morgan and Patrick Swayze were enrolled as soldiers. After a long wait due to the coronavirus pandemic, corps officers Majors Paul and Sandra Fisher were happy to be able to conduct the enrolments before their retirement. Pictured with Bill, Patrick and Major Sandra is Recruiting Sergeant David Pressley. – TM

Major Sandra welcomed Brian Dodd, Ann Russell and Christine Atkins as adherents.

Pictured with them is Adherents Secretary Valerie Eccles. – TM

WORTHING Veronika Buckwell, Rachael Hogg and Joseph Greenwood signed their Soldier’s Covenants at a joyful and moving enrolment service. They had been exploring their faith in a group led by corps officer Major Marian Parker, first on Zoom and then in person. The three soldiers were supported by a small number of family and friends, while corps members prayed for them outside the building, despite it raining. The meeting was recorded for the Sunday morning online meeting. Pictured from left to right are Veronika, Major Marian, Rachael, flag bearer Nigel Heward and Joseph. – SH

Salvationist 24 July 2021

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PREVIEWS

Let Everyone Find Their Voice

by Lezley J Stewart

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HE psalms have been a wellspring of prayer and praise for thousands of years.

They give voice to every human emotion, from intense joy and anger to sorrow. They are eternal soul songs that lift our hearts and address the same concerns and questions we face today with acceptance and fearlessness.

In Let Everyone Find Their Voice Lezley J Stewart takes key psalms, reimagines them in contemporary language and incorporates them into ready-to-use forms for multiple pastoral contexts, including personal prayer and public worship. They focus on central themes in the psalms: refuge, lament, refreshment and more.

Let Everyone Find Their Voice is available from standrewpress.hymnsam.co.uk priced £14.99 (plus postage and packing)

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Finding Abundance in Scarcity edited by Samuel Wells

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LL churches have had to adapt and learn to do things in a different way during the pandemic. Through its HeartEdge programmes, St Martin-in-the-Fields in central London has continued many aspects of its ministry but also developed new initiatives. It is now a virtual college with a varied programme for practitioners.

In this book the St Martin’s team reflects theologically and shares its newfound pastoral and practical wisdom in many areas, including: Finding God in Lockdown; Meeting God and One Another Online; Rediscovering Contemplative Prayer; Facing Grief amidst Separation; Praying Through Crisis; and Finding Faith at Home.

The contributors are all on the staff at St Martin’s and are key figures in HeartEdge: Sam Wells, Richard Carter, Sally Hitchiner, Fiona MacMillan, Jonathan Evens and Andrew Earis.

Finding Abundance in Scarcity is available from canterburypress.hymnsam.co.uk priced £14.99 (plus postage and packing)

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Salvationist 24 July 2021

David’s Crown

by Malcolm Guite

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HE word ‘corona’ means ‘crown’. It traditionally refers to the pearly glow around the sun in certain astronomical conditions or a poetic form where interlinking lines connect a sequence. David’s Crown is therefore a fitting name for this new collection of 150 poems by bestselling poet Malcolm Guite, each one written in response to the Bible’s 150 psalms as they appear in Miles Coverdale’s translation.

The psalms express every human emotion with disarming honesty, as anger and thankfulness alike are directed at God. Guite’s poems aim to reflect this diversity and openness. All life is here with its moments of beauty and its times of despair and shame.

David’s Crown is available from canterburypress. hymnsam.co.uk priced £12.99 (plus postage and packing) or as an EPUB ebook for the same price

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Out of the Ordinary

by Kenneth Steven

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ENNETH Steven is deeply rooted in the landscape of his native Highland Scotland and in his love of the Celtic Christian story. Natural and spiritual images abound in this new poetry collection, which seeks to reveal a glimpse of a vast and hidden divine reality.

The collection includes poems based on everyday sights and experiences – autumn mornings, mountains and lochs, flights of birds, sunrise and moonrise colouring the landscape, creatures of day and night making their shy appearances, memories of childhood and exchanges of love. In addition, there are poems inspired by ancient abbeys and symbols of faith and sequences for Christmas and Easter.

Over the past 20 years, Kenneth Steven has become one of Scotland’s most popular poets, drawing on a quiet Celtic spirituality. He is also a broadcaster and his BBC Radio 4 documentary on the island of St Kilda won a Sony award.

Out of the Ordinary is available from standrewpress. hymnsam.co.uk priced £10.99 (plus postage and packing) or as an EPUB ebook for the same price

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ADVERTS

Take part in our fundraising event The 140th birthday of Kids Alive! is fast approaching and we’re very excited. To celebrate, we’ve launched the Kids Alive! 140 Challenge.

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can get sponsored to do 140 activities and/or raise £140 for their corps O The challenge continues until the anniversary issue on 21 August O The top fundraiser in each of the challenge’s six categories will win a £20 voucher for The Entertainer Not sure where to start? Until 21 August Kids Alive! issues are packed with fundraising ideas organised into themed weeks to inspire you.

Environmental Enthusiasm Week is now under way. Why not get sponsored to water 140 flowers, play bird bingo by trying to spot 140 of our feathered friends, or pick up 140 pieces of litter?

Ready to start your challenge?

Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/ fundraise-us/kids-alive-140-challenge or scan the QR code.

ADVERTS

RECRUITING NOW PARISH NURSE SHERINGHAM (NR26 8DZ)

Sheringham Corps operates a busy community programme, which works to meet the needs of the local community and support the work of the corps. We are looking for someone who combines the skills of a nurse practitioner with a heart for Christian mission as well as spiritual maturity and leadership, and who is able to develop the programme in order to intentionally introduce people to faith in Christ and integration into the church.

Key responsibilities: The post-holder will offer and facilitate care that supports physical/psychological/spiritual functioning and protect individuals against harm. They will lead health support groups, work with families, facilitate the effective use of the healthcare system, support the health of the congregation and community, give ‘coping’ assistance and spiritual care and engage on behalf of clients with public health, voluntary/statutory agencies and the NHS. The successful candidate will: Have proven interpersonal skills, previous experience in a similar environment, be able to work on their own initiative and in a team, enjoy working with people, and be able to give personal health advice and help someone get the most appropriate treatment or care. It is important that the candidate understands the needs of the community and has proficiency in English. Candidates must also be committed to the values, aims and ethos of The Salvation Army.

SALARY £31,109 per annum WORKING HOURS Minimum of 35 hours per week (flexible approach – Monday to Friday work pattern) CONTRACT Permanent DETAILS 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme CLOSING DATE 25 July INTERVIEW DATE Week commencing 16 August

Candidates must have achieved RMN/RGN or a degree in mental health or general nursing and have current registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

There is an occupational requirement for the post holder to be a committed and practising Christian.

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

Salvationist 24 July 2021

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE AWARDED O Alan Olver, Oakengates, has been appointed MBE for services to people experiencing homelessness in Telford and Wrekin WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Majors David and Muriel Diaper (5 August) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Michael Warden (80 on 8 July) O Major John Young (80 on 12 July) O Major Brian Edwards (80 on 25 July) O Major Elsie Grassham (95 on 3 August) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Bandsman Maurice Hawker, Exeter Temple O Major Barry Elkin from his home in Norwich on 8 July BEREAVED O Margaret Mortlock and Val Stoakes, both Reading Lower Earley, of their father Eric Stoakes O Ruth Hawker, Exeter Temple, of her husband Maurice Hawker O Major Kathleen Elkin of her husband Major Barry Elkin OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory PROMOTIONS Effective 9 July To captain – O Lieutenant Ashley Bowles, Stretford O Lieutenant Timothy Cook, Ballymoney O Lieutenant Jon Doyle, Maldon O Lieutenant Martyn Evans, chaplain, Coventry HSU O Lieutenant Andrew Hammond, Falmouth Temple O Lieutenant Nicola Hammond, Falmouth Temple O Lieutenant Daniel Holland, HSU Assistant Regional Manager (London) O Lieutenant Christopher Kelly, Middlesbrough Citadel O Lieutenant Naomi Kelly, Middlesbrough Citadel O Lieutenant Charlotte Lennox, Dublin 22

Salvationist 24 July 2021

Lieutenant Andrew Manley, Kirkcaldy O Lieutenant Craig Oliver, Ealing O Lieutenant Janine Skinner, Australia Territory O Lieutenant Lucy Still, Kidsgrove O Lieutenant Jenni Tomlin, Liverpool Stoneycroft O Lieutenant Sam Tomlin, Liverpool Stoneycroft O Lieutenant Carl Whitewood, Ramsgate O Lieutenant Paul Williams, Basildon O

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES ALAN RICHARDSON, STAPLE HILL ALAN lived a full and active life until his sudden promotion to Glory. He married Marion in 1965 and they had two daughters, Sally and Susan.

In 1971 Alan accepted a lecturing post at the Natural Resources Development College in Zambia.

During his five years there, he saw poverty and deprivation that affected him deeply.

It was in Zambia that Alan first came into contact with The Salvation Army and, in 2010, he was enrolled as a soldier at Staple Hill.

A man of high principles and integrity, Alan lived out his faith, following Matthew 25:34–45. He was passionate about injustice, poverty, exploitation, homelessness and caring for the environment. He was a Green Party parish councillor for eight years, and chose to cycle, walk or use public transport rather than own a car.

He was a truly lovely man who touched many lives with his concern for those in need. – MR Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ 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.

PROFESSOR MZILIKAZI KHUMALO, OF RECIPIENT of the Order of the Founder Professor Mzilikazi Khumalo (Southern Africa Territory) was promoted to Glory on 22 June.

Mzilikazi Khumalo was a faithful soldier, always active in his corps, and in the division as divisional songster leader.

He led by example, being committed to The Salvation Army, his ministry in music and service, for which he was always available.

As a composer of music he translated many songs, which were proudly rendered

by Soweto Songsters at both national and international events. Translations from English to Zulu include the songs ‘Shepherd Hear My Prayer’ and ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’.

He was a strong voice and advocate after the country’s apartheid regime. He facilitated efforts to unite the nation, bringing black and white musicians together to sing in a united cry for transformation in Africa.

This included performances at the first Nation Building Music Festival and at the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela Madiba. Here, both black and white South African musicians sang out jointly to the nation, ‘Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika’ (God Bless Africa), an arrangement by Professor Khumalo of Enoch Sontonga’s composition.

This included four South African languages – Xhosa, Sotho, Afrikaans and English – and was the foundation for South Africa’s national anthem. Professor Khumalo could justifiably be known as ‘Son of the Soil’.

An excellent musician, he advocated harmony and peace, not only in the country at large but also in the Church. One of his best-loved arrangements, sung with confidence, assurance, faith and trust in the Lord by Soweto Songsters under his leadership, was ‘All Will Be Well’. The song begins with the great truth, ‘Through the love of God our Saviour,/ All will be well’, and concludes in the last verse with, ‘Or in living, or in dying,/ All must be well.’

Professor Khumalo had a heart and passion for speaking out against and correcting the wrongs of the past, and Salvation Army leadership at times sought

his wise advice in matters concerning the unfair treatment of people. As a result, Army leaders found opportunities to make amends for past mistakes in the realm of the apartheid regime.

Professor Khumalo was admitted to the Order of the Founder on 8 December 2001. The following citation accompanied his award: ‘In recognition of a lifetime of outstanding Salvationism and Christian witness to the peoples of South Africa through the consistent pursuit of spiritual, musical and academic excellence to the glory of God.’ Many people will be thankful to have been blessed by the ministry and service of Mzilikazi Khumalo. His was a life given to God that contributed a great deal to bringing change to the lives of many others. – AR

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE

Thank you, heralds!

Thank you to all heralds for their hard work during the Herald’s Challenge.

Brian Kennedy, a herald at Aylesbury, put it well when he told Salvationist: ‘Being a herald really gives us an opportunity to be in touch with people and to spread God’s love.

‘It’s so uplifting, gives you a buzz and there’s nothing quite like it!’

To find out more go to salvationarmy.org.uk/publications/heralds

Editor’s note Salvationist would normally include the full list of officer and territorial envoy appointments in a mid-June issue. This year it has not been possible due to the IT problems mentioned in the chief secretary’s letter (Salvationist 3 July).

However, we will publish the list as soon as it is available.

by leaders in corps, centres, shops or at headquarters. Some people, particularly those who have been double vaccinated, may be comfortable sitting close to others once social distancing is no longer legally Issued by Secretary for Communications prohibited. Other people will feel anxious Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant and correct as of 3pm on 19 July being in crowded spaces. In the spirit of kindness, courtesy and consideration, COVID-19 PRINCIPLES provide options for people.

Governments across the territory are not 5. Let’s go forward, not go back. The all giving the same advice, while infection pandemic has been very difficult, but and vaccination rates vary significantly there have been some valuable lessons from community to community. It is learnt in all aspects of Salvation Army therefore important to follow government life. Let’s take forward and accelerate guidance for your area and complete risk positive changes. assessments for all activities.

6. Patience is needed. The government guidance keeps changing and THQ will The following principles should be followed: share it with you as soon as we have it.

1. Be kind, courteous and considerate.

‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or PANDEMIC UPDATE vain conceit. Rather, in humility value England – Most legal requirements have others above yourselves, not looking to been lifted. Changes include: your own interests but each of you to the O You will not need to stay 2 metres apart interests of the others’ (Philippians 2:3 from people you do not live with and 4).

O There are no limits on the number of 2. Keep following the guidance even if it people you can meet or the number who is not law. Salvation Army personnel are can attend weddings, funerals and other expected and recommended to follow all life events; and there is no restriction on government Covid-19 guidance. group sizes attending communal worship 3. Every Salvation Army corps, centre, The government is advising caution while shop and office must be a safe and managing the risks as cases of Covid-19 welcoming place for everyone. In a remain high. This includes: minimising pandemic, this responsibility is even the number, proximity and duration of greater. Risk assessments must be social contacts; meeting outdoors where completed and can now be approved by possible; and letting fresh air into homes the corps officer or DHQ staff – they no or other enclosed spaces. longer must be approved at DHQ. The government is no longer instructing 4. Provide options for people. Not people to work from home if they can, but everyone will agree with decisions taken expects and recommends a gradual return

over the summer.

The requirement to wear face coverings has been lifted. However, the government expects and recommends that people wear face coverings (unless they are exempt) in crowded areas such as public transport, shops and offices. We await the guidance for places of worship and community centres.

Scotland – All areas are now at Level 0.

Some rules continue to apply, including: O Social distancing is still required in places of worship O Wearing a face covering (unless you have an exemption) is mandatory O Working from home is still the preference O Up to 200 guests can attend ceremonies such as weddings and funerals O Ten adults from four households can meet in indoor public places such as cafés, while eight people from four households can meet indoors at home Wales –The country is now at Alert Level 1, with fewer legal restrictions. These include: O Up to six people can meet indoors in private homes and holiday accommodation O Organised indoor events for up to 1,000 seated or 200 standing can take place, subject to a risk assessment and taking reasonable measures O No legal restrictions on the number of people who can gather outdoors O Up to 30 children from organisations such as the Brownies and Scouts can attend residential centres over the summer holidays

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‘‘‘ All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

TERRY PURKISS Leicester West How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was taken by my parents and given a flag at my dedication. Their families go back to the early days of the Army, when one relative went to jail for his faith.

What made you want to become a soldier?

At the age of 14 I knew God wanted me to commit to his will.

What was your job before retirement?

I had a fulfilling career in learning and development, helping individuals, teams and businesses to maximise their potential. I finished my career in local government, heading up customer service for the Leicestershire registration service. I am rejoining part-time to help with the backlog of weddings.

I now set forth thy praise, Thy loyal servant I, And gladly dedicate my days My God to glorify (SASB B 463)

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Live in the now, and always have something exciting to look forward to.

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If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Religious intolerance.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

If you could have an unlimited supply Tev – but only within the close family. of one thing, what would it be?

Confidence.

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

What is your favourite meal?

An integrated collecting tin that takes A roast beef dinner. contactless payments. I miss out a whole generation when selling the papers in Leicester.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

A recording of DvoĜák’s Symphony Do you have any hidden talents?

No 9 in E minor (From the New World). I taught myself to play the saxophone It cost five shillings. a few years ago.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the Earth!’ (Psalm 8:1).

When I was deputy songster leader at Kettering Citadel I used to lead Tom Fettke’s setting of this. It was sung for reflection in festivals and always brought us close to the Lord.

What is your favourite hymn or What is the best thing about being worship song? retired?

‘I Have No Claim on Grace’ (SASB 463), I love being in control of what I do and when. especially these lines: ‘Thou only canst convert indeed/ A sinner to a saint.’

What one thing would you change Is there something about life or the about the Army?

Better respect given to time. So much is world you’ve never understood?

Why people, in general, don’t see the wasted going around in circles and good in others. decision-making is at a snail’s pace!

What is your favourite kind of holiday? What do you do in your spare time?

Somewhere with a tropical climate and a I play trumpet in a local symphony pool, plus some walking, a good book, orchestra. local food and my headphones! The Far East is a favourite.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

Any book by John Grisham.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

‘Wand’rin’ Star’, which has the line: ‘I was born under a wand’rin’ star.’

It describes my wanderlust.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Invest in lifelong learning and pass it on!

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

A Westminster chime grandfather clock – a family heirloom that was a retirement gift from Boots the chemist.

Something interesting that people might want to know about you is…

I once flew to New York for a day on Concorde!