Salvationist 24 September 2022

Charles III was ... proclaimed King in the presence of the royal family, prime minister, former prime ministers, politicians, the archbishops of Canterbury and York, and other dignitaries.

The proclamation ceremony was held at St James’s Palace in London on [the] Saturday following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.

Making his declaration at the Accession Council, Charles III promised to follow the ‘inspiring example’ of his mother and ended with a prayer for the ‘guidance and help of Almighty God’…

He continued ... ‘In taking up these responsibilities, I shall strive to follow the inspiring example I have been set in upholding constitutional government and to seek the peace, harmony and prosperity of the peoples of these islands, and of the Commonwealth realms and territories throughout the world…

‘And in carrying out the heavy task that has been laid upon me, and to which I now dedicate what remains to me of my life, I pray for the guidance and help of Almighty God.’

During the ceremony, King Charles – as ‘Defender of the Faith’ took an oath over the security of the Church of Scotland, which preserves its independence…Aftertheceremony, the Garter King of Arms proclaimed ‘God save the King’ and the national anthem was played.

Christian Today

WELSH CHURCHES HELP WITH SCHOOL UNIFORMS IN SPIRIT OF ‘LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR’

With the start of the school year ... and the cost of living crisis putting pressure on families’ finances, churches and communities in the Diocese of Llandaff have set up projects to make school uniforms affordable for all…

[Father] Richard Green is vicar of St Fagan’s Church and part of the Cynon Valley School Uniform Exchange project… He says ... ‘We feel it is important for the church to be involved in this kind of project because we believe in the value of community, of people coming together to help each other. This is the essence of the command to “love your neighbour”.’

BBC News PRAY FOR THE GUIDANCE AND HELP OF ALMIGHTY GOD’ – CHARLES III PROCLAIMED KING

ENERGY BILLS: YORK CHURCH LEADS ‘WOODFORAGING’ WALKS TO AID FAMILIES

A church is to lead ‘foraging’ walks to collect firewood for people struggling to pay their gas bills.

[The Rev] Matt Woodcock, of St Barnabas Church in York, said he wanted to create a community ‘fuelMrbank’…Woodcock said: ‘It’s appalling that in this day and age I am having meetings about wood foraging’…

Labour MP Rachael Maskell, whose York Central ward includes St Barnabas Church, said ‘drastic measures’ – such as the ones outlined ... – were needed ‘to keep people alive this winter’…

Prime minister Liz Truss announced … plans to cap average household energy bills at £2,500 a year from October.

Premier

DELIVERY OF HOPE: BIBLES ARRIVE IN WAR-TORN UKRAINE

Some 168,000 Bibles and other Scripture-based books have been delivered to communities under fire in Ukraine. The Bibles have been provided by the British and Foreign Bible Society, in the UK, and distributed by the Ukrainian Bible Society.

Lorry drivers travelled to printers in Finland, the Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia to collect Bibles for the war-torn country returning under what has been described as ‘extremely difficult’ conditions.

Bibles have been in increasing demand since the war broke out... Living surrounded by death has caused people to ask questions about life, said Anatoliy Raychynets, deputy general secretary of the Ukrainian Bible Society.‘Ihave personally delivered several thousands of Bibles from hand to hand,’ said Anatoliy. ‘It is light in the darkness’...

Since the war began, some 655,700 Bibles and other Scriptures such as New Testaments in Ukrainian and Russian, have been delivered to people fleeing the conflict.

The Baptist Times

Rooted in love

SUMMER camps in my homeland of Australia and in the UK are possibly vastly different outings. I recall going camping with my family when I was a young father – with two kids under five – to a town called Shepparton in mid-Victoria. The day we arrived at the campsite it was about 36 degrees and I had to erect a tent.

I laid out the poles and then set about unfolding the tent itself and getting the guy ropes and pegs at hand, and finally I was ready to start putting it up. By now, of course the poles were so hot that I couldn’t hold them with my bare hands, so I was putting them together while holding them with a T-shirt and a tea towel. A rookie mistake!

I began to hit the pegs into the ground, and the ground was so hard I could only hit the pegs in about two inches.

Finally, the tent was up. But inside the tent it was about 45 degrees! So we drove around in our air-conditioned car and then hung around a shopping centre until it closed, before heading back to our ‘home away from home’.

The divisional summer camps we report on in this issue of Salvationist look like much more fun. At multiple venues around the territory, hundreds of (predominantly) young Salvationists shared in a range of creative arts and music sessions as well as Bible studies, prayer meetings and worship services.

These events – as many Salvationists can testify – can be faith-forming and revolutionary. They can be the pivot to a deeper faith. Far more significant than camping in an Aussie summer!

One report describes summer camp as ‘a week where lives were transformed, lifechanging decisions made, and where young people and leaders alike learnt what it means to be rooted in Jesus’.

Speaking of roots, both spiritual and earthly, on pages 16 and 17 we have the second part in our series on the ministry at Forest of Dean Corps, examining how environmentalism and faith intertwine.

Major Vivienne Prescott speaks of some of the initiatives under way and refers to a field they use as their ‘outdoor cathedral’. ‘It is a place of worship,’ she says. ‘It’s where we go to be with God and to love God and to be loved by God.’

The phrase ‘where we go’ holds entirely different connotations for refugees from Ukraine and people displaced by the current conflict there. On pages 11 and 14 we can read about people leaving Ukraine and trying to put down roots elsewhere.

For many of them, what’s required now – or will be in coming years – is deep healing, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. In our Bible study on pages 18 and 19, Captain Helen Froud writes on John 5 (the healing of the lame man at the pool of Bethesda) and how Jesus responds to those who need healing.

Note that Jesus doesn’t just click his fingers and heal someone, he used it as a teaching experience about wholeness, grace, sin and God’s love. He wants people healed spiritually, not just physically.

Our learning about God and his character doesn’t just start when we’re adults –even our children can begin to learn who God is. On page 20, children’s specialist Austen Hardwick writes about children’s discipleship and some resources that adults and children’s ministry workers can use.

Flowing through all these articles is God’s love and how we can know that love more personally and more deeply. In fact, one of the summer camps used ‘Love God, Love Others’ as its theme.

As you read this issue, I pray that you sense how God’s love is at the root of all we do.

CONTENTS

Quotes from the media 2

News 4 to 6

Prayer matters 6

News feature 7 to 10 Fun, games and fellowship!

Interview 11

A home from home Captains Charlotte and Tim Lennox talk to George Tanton

Feature 12 and 13

Hidden in plain sight by Ivan Radford

Reflection 14

‘I asked myself if I believed what I was saying’ by Captain Oleg Samoilenko

Thinkaloud 15 Blessed are the peacemakers by John Coutts

Feature 16 and 17

A wild idea: Seeing God in nature by Simon Hope

Bible study 18 and 19

Pick up your mat and walk! by Captain Helen Froud

Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19 by Major Lynda Levis

Resources 20

Children’s discipleship by Austen Hardwick

Announcements 21 Adverts 22 and 23

Quiz 24

The life and music of Ray Steadman-Allen

MAJOR MAL DAVIES Editor Salvationist

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

UK Last week Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin lay in state at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, and then at Westminster Hall in London, so that people could pay their last respects to Her Majesty. On both occasions, The Salvation Army was on hand to support the many volunteers and emergency services teams on duty monitoring the crowds in attendance. The Army teams also supported vulnerable members of the community, some of whom struggled with the long waiting time, especially through the night. In both locations, the Army provided practical support as well as pastoral care for mourners. – AR

MUSIC

SOUTHPORT In their first concert since the Covid-19 pandemic, the band took part in Bands in the Park, organised by the Southport and District Brass Band Association at the Botanic Gardens. The band played ‘Come Thou Almighty King’, ‘Las Lluvias Grandes’, ‘Thy Tend’rest Blessing’, ‘Breezin’ Down Broadway’ and ‘The Red Shield’. Along with a concert by Unity Brass two weeks earlier, a combined total of £600 was raised for the Big Collection. – PW

OUTREACH

REMEMBRANCEREMEMBRANCE

SALISBURY The corps made its worship space available to the public for private prayers and reflection following the death of Queen Elizabeth II. The hall was decorated with floral tributes and candles were provided for those who wanted to light one in remembrance. The Sunday morning meeting was themed The Servant Queen and used the parable of the good Samaritan as a text highlighting the Queen’s impromptu walkabout tours as a way for her to connect with ordinary people. Members of the congregation read prayers and tributes to mark the occasion. – MD

RUGBY The band held an open-air in remembrance of Queen Elizabeth II in the nearby Asda car park. The corps also opened its hall the day before for people to spend time in quiet prayer and reflection. – CR

ECUMENICAL

Hastings Temple and Hastings Citadel take part in the annual Churches Together Blessing of the Sea service

LARNE The Antrim Coast Half Marathon took almost 4,000 runners past the hall, including elite international athletes. The corps offered refreshments and conversation and many passers-by went inside. Everyone received an invitation to worship and the corps programme. – PC

HADLEIGH FARM The successful summer programme included activities such as kite-making, family fitness sessions, animal trails, outdoor games and a teddy bears’ picnic. The team worked with Hadleigh Park Cycles to put on an event celebrating cycling and the outdoors. In addition to the regular family and children’s camps – including more than 220 people attending the East of England Summer Camps – there was a therapeutic camp organised for 19 to 25-year-olds in Lifehouses. The hub café hosted a number of cultural food and music events, with cuisine ranging from tapas to ribs and performances by the Emeralds steel band, flamenco guitarist Tomás Jiménez and singer-songwriter Tracy Norman. Two live music events included a 1990s Ibiza Anthems night with a DJ and a 1960s tribute evening with music provided by the SwiftBeats. They attracted more than 2,000 people of all ages and created a fantastic community atmosphere. – SW

MEETING

BELFAST NORTH The young people attended Back to School Sunday in their school uniforms. They shared their hopes for this new school year and what they were looking forward to. The congregation prayed for them and for all in education, and each of the young people received a gift from the corps along with a back-to-school prayer. – LK

EVENT

COMMUNITY

MAIDSTONE Throughout the summer holidays the corps collected new and used school uniforms and stationery, making the items available to families for free. The corps also provided free toys for people to use for future birthday and Christmas presents. Corps officer Captain Marion Rouffet said: ‘We know that in our community people are anxious about money and many are already struggling.’ – AR

DUNSTABLE Discovering God’s Wonderful World was the theme of the three-day holiday club. Children learnt about the colours of the rainbow, creatures of the world and wonders of the universe through crafts, games, choruses and Bible teaching. They also memorised Psalm 139:14. At the end of the week, corps members and guests joined together for a barbecue after the Sunday morning meeting, which recapped on what the children had done. – SB

OUTREACHEVENT

BRIDGWATER The corps held a Messy Church for families based on the story of Jesus telling the disciples to cast their nets. Participants made sea-themed tea light holders, starfish biscuits, tissue paper jellyfish and decorated pebbles and postcards to give to friends. It was a wonderful time of fun and fellowship, including singing ‘My Lighthouse’ and learning the actions. – HC

PARKHEAD During the annual YP prizegiving, Divisional Mission Enabler Major Fiona Partland led a time of reflection on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and offered prayers for King Charles III. – AD

RAMSGATE The corps shared open-air worship at the town carnival and entered the procession. Corps folk wore T-shirts highlighting their ministry and distributed gospel messages. After the meeting they hosted Messy Church, prayer stations, refreshments and games. – CW

WHATFIELD Ninety-three-year-old Major Mary Hartley received the Royal Voluntary Service’s Platinum Champion award in recognition of her years of service to the community. As Mary’s health prevented her from attending a presentation at Buckingham Palace, staff members and residents at Waterfield care home threw a garden party in her honour and the town mayor, Councillor Gordon McLeod, presented her with the award. – AR

ENVIRONMENT

KETTERING CITADEL Junior soldiers Ruth and Rhoda helped Blue Peter presenter Adam Beales with the challenge of cycling the length of Lake Windermere on a hydrofoil bike. The sisters, who hold records for cycling from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, joined him on their bikes in Cheshire to film advice on endurance cycling. After appearing live on the show, they received the show’s highest honour: the gold Blue Peter badge, awarded for their cycling achievements and efforts to encourage other people to cycle. – TH

MEETING

MALDON The corps invited young people to bring their book bags and backpacks to a Blessing of the Backpacks service to mark the start of the school year. The theme of the meeting was Shine!, based on Philippians 2. A time of prayer was shared for people going to school and for school staff members. Children had the opportunity to make their own bag tag to help them remember to ‘shine’. – CD

SEVERN AND SOMERSET FOCUS by Major Margaret Hardy (Prayer co-ordinator)

SUNDAY 25 SEPTEMBER

Father, we pray that the division may seek you first, then seek to make you known in and through all our ministry expressions. May your Holy Spirit fall afresh upon us and make us the Church that you would want us to be in these days.

NAMES OF JESUS FOCUS by former gap year interns (Addlestone)

MONDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – BREAD OF LIFE (JOHN 6:34 AND 35)

Here Jesus declares that he is the bread of life. We find strength and sustenance for the day ahead in him – but more than this, we find life itself. We need Jesus to survive, let alone thrive. Unlike physical hunger, our bodies don’t always grumble if we neglect our relationship with Jesus. But the longer we go without him, the weaker we become. Pray that we will long for the spiritual nourishment that can come only from Jesus.

TUESDAY 27 SEPTEMBER – CORNERSTONE (PSALM 118:22)

‘Christ alone, cornerstone./ Weak made strong in the Saviour’s love./ Through the storm he is Lord, /Lord of all.’ Pray a prayer of thanks for the comfort and strength that comes from Jesus as our cornerstone.

WEDNESDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – IMMANUEL (ISAIAH 7:14)

Immanuel means ‘God with us’. When Jesus was born as a helpless babe, God entered our world. He walked the Earth, felt the pain and suffering of life and death and reached out a hand to you and me. He’s not a distant or absent God, but one who is right here with us today. Pray that we see the truth that Jesus is our Immanuel, God with us.

THURSDAY 29 SEPTEMBER – MASTER (LUKE 8:24)

Is Jesus the master of your life? When the storms of life arise, do you find yourself crying out, ‘Master, Master’? Do you ask him to calm the raging waters of your life, whether that be storms outside or storms within? Pray that we allow the Lord to calm the storms in our lives and be master of all.

FRIDAY 30 SEPTEMBER – WONDERFUL COUNSELLOR (ISAIAH 9:6)

Like a counsellor, Jesus is the one we can go to about anything. Any worries we have we can take to him in prayer. We can trust him to listen to our problems and guide us in the right direction. We know that he will listen to us because he has our best interests at heart and he loves us. Pray that we may feel the comforting nature of the Wonderful Counsellor in our lives, guiding us and listening to us in every moment.

SATURDAY 1 OCTOBER – MIGHTY GOD (ISAIAH 9:6)

We are shown many different circumstances in which Jesus is mighty, but we are reminded of the fact that at Easter he died and rose again, defeating death and giving us the right to be in the Father’s presence. No mere mortal could do that, only a Mighty God who fights for us can – and did. Lord, we thank you that we don’t have to fear death because you conquered it. Let us never forget just how mighty you are.

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

Fun, games and fellowship!

Attendees report from this year’s divisional summer schools and junior camps

CENTRAL EAST

IN Genesis 12:1 God says to Abraham: ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’ This year the Central East Division did exactly that as we left the familiar of what we have always known in The Salvation Army and instead joined with 2,500 other young people from around the UK Church at a brand new youth event called Satellites, writes Divisional Youth Specialist (DYS) Nathan Bright

Organised by Youthscape, the event aimed to help young people put God at the centre of their lives. For five days we had a truly beautiful time together in this ‘new land’ and built on key values: prayer, worship, family, power, justice, evangelism and creativity.

We heard from world-class speakers, engaged in worship and got involved in sports competitions, creative arts, engaging seminars, daily devotionals, hangout spaces, arcades, skate parks, water fights and a full

after-hours programme.

More than 200 young people gave their lives to Jesus and many more made significant discipleship decisions, intent on living with God at the centre of their lives.

EAST OF ENGLAND

EAST of England youth gathered once again to share in a week based around the theme Speak Jesus, reports DYS Ruth Beattie Throughout, Spiritual Lead Nik King unpacked the lyrics of ‘I Speak Jesus’, which proclaim the need to speak Jesus over our world. In cell groups students discussed how we can live for Jesus in our daily lives. The song became a real anthem for staff and students alike and, in the words of Katie (Norwich Citadel), it was ‘so powerful to come together in worship and sing about such a meaningful topic each day’.

EAST AND WEST SCOTLAND

KILGRASTON School in Bridge of Earn, Perthshire, saw the arrival of 101 students and staff for a week of exploring the theme Love God, Love Others, reports DYS Jillian Gemmell (West Scotland).

Students chose to study a main option –either brass, vocal, drama, dance, sports or multimedia – and an elective, such as contemporary worship, arts and crafts, points of view, local mission, sports or timbrels. Our week also included worship, It’s a Knockout, a student forum, a games night, a midweek festival, reflections, a

praise party, a ceilidh, a final Saturday concert and a showcase – and a few pranks!

With more than 40 students attending for the first time and a number of new staff members, it was amazing to see how quickly everyone came together and looked after and supported each other. The Love God, Love Others theme was very evident throughout and we thank God for the opportunities and memories created andOurshared.realhope as a staff team is that the young people would know how they are loved and cared for.

God is definitely at work within the young people in Scotland!

The three main options of brass, vocal and media got creative juices flowing, and students could choose from worship band, sport, art or discussion as a secondary focus. Fun and games took the form of a jubilee party, an Among Us games night, a spotlight showcase, a silent disco and a staff versus students water fight!

At the end of the week, students gathered with friends and family in a woodland outdoor theatre to showcase their hard work in celebration. Music highlights included ‘Just Let God Love You’, ‘Everlasting Melody’ and ‘O to Be Like Thee’ from the vocal group, while the band showcased an arrangement of the

Central East at Satellites youth event

East and West Scotland

pop song ‘Happy’, ‘Spirit of the Living God’ and ‘He Lives’. The band also accompanied two students from the Democratic Republic of Congo, who performed a timbrel routine to ‘Righteousness, Peace and Joy’.

The God-filled week centred around equipping young people to live Christian lives. Everyone was challenged and encouraged, and there is no doubt God will use the delegates to speak Jesus in the coming months.

IRELAND

IMMEASURABLY More! was the theme of the Summer Weekend in the Ireland Division as 26 young people gathered for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, writes DYO Captain Ben Ellis.

On Saturday, young people engaged in fun team games and spent time in fellowship while enjoying a barbecue. In the evening, I led a time around the campfire and shared my story of faith. During this time, the young people were encouraged to dream and think about their own relationships with God and how they can make their faith known in the world.

On Sunday evening, divisional leaders Colonels Neil and Chris Webb encouraged the young people to consider the giants in their lives and remember that – with Jesus –they are more than conquerors.

This was the last time that Belfast Temple Corps would be taking the main responsibility for the leading of the summer school. The corps has been thanked for the

many years of service and the time that they have given young people to go deeper in their faith.

NORTH LONDON, SOUTH EAST AND SOUTH LONDON

AFTER having no residential Summer School since 2019, we had the privilege to share this year with 75 students and 25

staff for a week at the Kingswood Centre in Ashford, Kent, write DYS Anita Gellatly (South East) and DYS Rachel Gash (South London). The theme, Rooted, came from John 15:1–17, with the emphasis on words: ‘Remember the root command: Love one another’ (The Message).

Our daily themes were Connected, Growth, Follow, Chosen and Love. Each day the young people took part in a chosen stream – faith, leadership, art, dance, sport,

East of England music showcase

Ireland

North London, South East and South London

gospel choir, brass, media, worship or young leaders. We gathered for worship, cell groups, team games, had fun using the activities at the centre and chilled in free time.We

laughed, cried, prayed and worshipped together during God-filled days, establishing and renewing great friendships. More importantly though, many had significant moments with God. Lives were given to him for the first time and people made new commitments and life-changing decisions. The Holy Spirit moved in this place.

Our prayer is that we will all continue to be rooted in God’s love, digging deep and having solid foundations. We ask God that we will continue to be fed and watered so we can stand firm, enabling us to grow and bear more fruit. We pray that we will truly reflect God in our communities. We pray the seeds of faith were sown and this will be evident in our lives as we live out the root command – love!

NORTH WEST

BEAUTIFUL surroundings, glorious weather and, most importantly, a God-centred week were enjoyed by 94 students and staff at the North West Division summer camp, reports DYS Darren Highton. The theme Mercy was based on the words of Micah 6:8: ‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ This theme was at the centre of everything.Eachday the whole school came together for Bible study that focused on different aspects of God’s mercy; for Mercy Me time, when everyone was encouraged to simply spend an hour in God’s presence; for God Dating, where everyone shared quick-fire questions about life and faith; and for late night

Themedworship.evenings included a colour night, TV addicts, sports day with a

difference, a wellbeing night and an evening at the beach where we were blessed by an amazing sunset.

By the end of the week, old friendships had been deepened, new friendships had been made and – above all – lives had been transformed by the mercy of God. Every person left full of commitment and passion to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.

SEVERN AND SOMERSET

FORTY-FOUR young people met at The Poplars near Ledbury for a week around the theme of Courage to Conquer, reports Divisional Mission Enabler Mel Smith In worship and cell groups we thought about the courage to conquer faith, fear, compassion, self and the impossible, but recognised that, without love, we wouldn’t be able to conquer anything.

The young people enjoyed workshops that included brass, singing, media, sport, baking, art, leadership, relaxation and anxiety. We also had guests who shared on themes of What Is a Testimony? and Climate Change. The highlights were water-based games, inflatables, laser tag, the Freedom Challenge escape room, a campfire, a movie night, Family Fortunes, a silent disco and other fun evening entertainment.Itwasgreatto see young people joining in to lead worship and eager to speak about their faith and their week. It was a privilege for the staff to journey with them, to see lives transformed because of the impact of the teaching and worship, and to hear the young people vocalising that their relationship with God had become stronger.

IT was great to hold the Severn and Somerset Junior Camp in person and in a residential setting this year, Divisional Relationship Manager writes Andy Hurd. The Poplars saw 26 children and 9 adults gather under the theme Monsters Stink, exploring what the Bible says about overcoming fears that may seem like monsters in our lives.

We considered what God says about disobedience, bullying, loneliness, fear and how he has a plan for each one of us. All this allowed the children to discover more about themselves and their importance to God while showing them that God is on their side and is bigger than any of their monsters.

Other activities included a film evening, a talent night, a disco, bouncy castles, scary animal encounters, a Nerf battle, team games and time for reflection and worship.

There were also opportunities to go offsite with an afternoon at a swimming pool and a trip to Cattle Country, where the children loved exploring the grounds and play barns.

Everyone had a great week, and we were all blessed to see God working in the lives of our children.

SOUTHERN

AFTER a two-year absence, returning to the Southern School of Christian Arts (SSCA) was extremely exciting, writes Katie Wileman (Winton). The week was based upon Philippians 1:6 with worship and discussion on the theme of Belonging and exploring the concepts of becoming me, becoming us and becoming more!

Throughout the day, streams such as vocal, art, dance, sport and worship allowed us to take part in something we enjoy and acted as times of worship. New for this year, community space also meant that all students took part in a different stream each day, one that they may not have picked. Despite some apprehension at first, this actually ended up being one of my favourite parts because it was great to try something that I hadn’t done before!

In the evenings, everyone got involved in activities ranging from a quiz night to a silent disco and more. On the last night, we presented what we had done to our families and friends through an energetic final festival.Overall, SSCA 2022 was an incredible time where amazing worship took place and hilarious memories were made. I look forward to returning next year.

WEST MIDLANDS

SUMMER School 2022 was a week of transformed lives, life-changing decisions and young people and leaders learning what it means to be rooted in Jesus, reports DYS Laura-Jane Kingscott. Each day we looked at ways in which we can be rooted in Jesus, including in his promises, through prayer, in his justice and much more.

Alongside powerful and sincere moments of worship and Bible study, the different activities brought lots of excitement and fun. The colour run was a huge hit and, with lots of laughter and fun, friendships were developed, strengthened and deepened.Theweek came to a finish with a brilliant celebration, where family and friends joined with the school to worship and share in all that had happened. One person joining the celebration commented on the community spirit they felt when entering the holy space that had been created. Before the students arrived, the staff had prayed that the young people’s lives would be different when they left. As a team we truly believe that lives were transformed.

Severn and Somerset Junior Camp

West Midlands West

A home homefrom

HOW DID YOU GET TO KNOW CLOLEKSANDRA?

In 2019, when we were corps officers at Dublin City, we established a discipleship and spiritual leadership programme for young Salvationists from Georgia and Ukraine. Oleksandra (pictured above with Captain Tim) was part of that and we have remained in contact since.

WHERE WAS OLEKSANDRA AND YULIA’S HOME?

TL Oleksandra and her mum, Yulia, lived in Dnipro, a large industrial city located on the banks of the Dnipro River. It wasn’t in Russian-occupied territory, but it was heavily bombed and suffered huge destruction to its infrastructure early on in the war. One morning Oleksandra and Yulia were woken by Russian shelling. Oleksandra wanted to leave straight away but her mother was very reluctant, having not left Ukraine for 20 to 30 years. They attempted to stay for a week, but eventually Yulia said to Oleksandra, ‘Let’s go.’

WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?

TL They phoned us once they had made that decision to leave, so we were able to help them with their travel from Poland onwards. However, first they had to find their way out of Ukraine. On the morning of their departure, they arrived at the city train station, which was packed with thousands of people. Many had been waiting for days just to get on a train. Oleksandra and Yulia managed to board one within a few hours, which we can only say was a miracle from God. Within 20 hours, the train took them to Lviv and, after a further 2 hours on a bus, they reached the Polish border. Once they disembarked, we arranged a flight to Ireland within 24 hours.

HOW QUICKLY WAS THEIR CASE PROCESSED BY THE AUTHORITIES?

TL Ireland was letting in Ukrainian refugees long before the UK was. It was a very straightforward process for Oleksandra and Yulia to be granted entry. Ukrainians, whether they had a sponsor or not, could seek asylum upon arriving at the border and the Irish authorities quickly gave them refugee status.

HOW DID THE CORPS WELCOME THEM?

CL Corps folk remembered Oleksandra and were incredibly relieved to see her again. As a corps we had been praying for her safety since the war began. People were very welcoming to both her and Yulia, making sure not to overwhelm them with questions.

WHAT ARE OLEKSANDRA AND YULIA DOING NOW?

CL They have been living with a Salvation Army officer in Dublin for about six months.

TL The Irish authorities gave them both the right to work for three years. Before the war, Oleksandra helped set up the corps café. She now has a job there.

CL Yulia has found it harder to settle as she knows very little English. She attended Sunday worship fairly regularly when we were at the corps.

HOW CAN THE SALVATION ARMY CONTINUE TO SUPPORT REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE?

TL The Salvation Army is always going to welcome and help people in need. I have no doubt that we will be assisting refugees from Ukraine for a long time. We need to continue to speak about the war. It’s been more than six months and, if you look at how the conflict is portrayed in the media, the news has already moved on. We need to continue to educate people about what is happening there.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP

Provide accommodation

For more information about the UK’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, send an email to salvationarmy.org.ukhomesforukraine@

. For details on how to pledge accommodation in Ireland, visit citizeninformation.ie

Set up a welcome hub

Establish a drop-in service and connection point for refugees and asylum seekers in your area, where you can offer support or signpost people to other services. Speak to your DHQ or send an email to salvationarmy.org.ukcommunityservices@

Partner others

Contact other churches and organisations and see how your corps could help. You could also reach out to your local authority.

Donate

See if a nearby church, corps or refugee charity needs financial support. Charities supporting refugees who do not receive much news coverage, such as Afghans, would especially welcome support. You can also donate to the territory’s Ukraine crisis appeal at ukraine-crisis-appealsalvationarmy.org.uk/

Find out more on salvationist.org.uk: bit.ly/tips2helprefugees

Captains Charlotte and Tim Lennox (Oldham Roundthorn) tell George Tanton how they newUkraineandOleksandrahelpedHromovahermumleaveandfindalifeinDublin

Hidden in

INthe summer, four time Olympic goldN the summer, four-time medallist Sir Mo Farah revealed that he he was a survivor of human traffickingwas a survivor of human trafficking. The revelation that he had been trafficked from Djibouti to London at the age offrom to London at the age of nine, and then forced into domesticand then forced into domestic servitude, was a shock to manyservitude, was a shock to many. The truth is, though, that Mo’s storyThe truth is, that Mo’s was a sad reminder that human traffickingwas a sad reminder that human and modern slavery are all too prevalentand modern are all too prevalent.

‘It definitely helped raise awareness,’‘It helped raise awareness,’ says Director of Anti Trafficking andsays Director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Major Kathy BetteridgeModern Betteridge. ‘It has helped us remind people that it‘It has us remind that it happens to anybody It can even behappens to anybody. It can even be someone’s family who is targetedsomeone’s who is targeted because they think they’re going to receivebecause think to receive a payment or help their child receive aa payment or their child receive a better education, but that’s not the case ’better but that’s not the case.’

Since the Army’s early days it hasSince the it has fought against the exploitation and salethe and sale of people, as it directly contravenes theof as it contravenes the fact that God created all people in hisfact that God created all people in his image. In England and Wales, the ArmyIn and Wales, the supports survivors of modern slaverysurvivors of modern through the Modern Slavery Victim Carethe Modern Victim Care Contract It provides transport to safety,Contract. It provides transport to safety, support and accommodation to survivors,and accommodation to survivors, and gives them a voice that can helpand them a voice that can impact policy decisions More thandecisions. More than 15,000 people have been rescued from15,000 people have been rescued from modern slavery and helped by the Armymodern and the in the past decadein the decade.

That fight has continued through theThat has continued the Covid 19 pandemic, with the lockdownsCovid-19 pandemic, with the lockdowns leaving victims more hidden than evervictims more hidden than ever.

ONE SURVIVOR’S STORY

As society has opened back up, theAs has back up, the challenge has been not only to maintainhas been not to maintain support for survivors but also to remindfor survivors but also to remind the public that trafficking hasn’t gonethe that hasn’t gone away too often it is hiding in plain sightaway – too often it is in sight.

‘One change that is a growing concern‘One that is a concern is that the needs of people coming intois that the needs of people into our service are becoming more complex,’our service are more says Kathysays Kathy.

The Army is one of the first respondersThe is one of the first that interviews survivors and providesthat interviews survivors and their details to the Home Office. The case case is then referred to the National Referral Mechanism, which decides whether therewhich decides whether there are ‘reasonable grounds’ that this personare ‘reasonable grounds’ that this person is a victim of modern slavery.is a victim of modern If it is decided that they are a potentialIf it is decided that are a victim, then they will be offered specialistthen will be offered support by the Army which may includesupport the which may include safe house accommodation, if needed.safe house if needed. While they are receiving this intensiveWhile are this intensive support, called a period of ‘recovery andsupport, called a of and reflection’, the Home Office gathersthe Home Office gathers further details about each person’sfurther details about each experience of exploitation to determineof to determine whether there are ‘conclusive grounds’whether there are ‘conclusive that they are a victim of modern slaverythat they are a victim of modern slavery.

This decision can take longer thanThis decision can take than expected, which means that person’s lifewhich means that life is on hold That can lead to other issues,is on hold. That can lead to other such as an impact on their mental healthsuch as an on their mental health.

The Army is there to support at everyThe is there to at every stage, helping people access servicesaccess services and advocating for them Alongside thisand for them. this is the survivor ’s complicated journey ofis the survivor’s complicated journey of recovery from the trauma of exploitationrecovery from the trauma of exploitation.

Another trend is criminal exploitationAnother trend is criminal exploitation.

As of June 2021, the number of people

As of June the number of forced to commit activities such as as drug dealing or shoplifting surged bydrug-dealing or 62 per cent While Albanian was the62 per cent. While Albanian was the most common nationality for people whomost common for who entered support, British nationals wereentered British nationals were the second most common group, with thethe second most common group, with the number jumping by 40 per cent in a yearnumber 40 per cent in a year.

‘There’s also a change with younger‘There’s also a with younger individuals coming in,’ explains Kathy,individuals in,’ explains ‘with criminal activities such as drug‘with criminal activities such as trafficking across county lines It’s theacross lines. It’s the targeting of these vulnerable, youngof these young people who are being coerced into thesepeople who are coerced into these gangs because they want to belong.gangs because want to

‘We have more women coming in as‘We have more women in as well They have relationships with gangwell. have with gang members and are being targeted andmembers and are and made to carry drugs.’made to carry

Looking ahead, the team is braced for aahead, the team is braced for a potential increase in Ukrainians beingincrease in Ukrainians referred for support following the war inreferred for support the war in their country. Displaced people aretheir are particularly vulnerable to exploitationvulnerable to while fleeing for safety and even oncewhile for and even once they have arrived in another countryhave arrived in another country.

‘We are expecting it sadly,’ says Kathy.‘We are it says ‘If not by the end of this year, then‘If not the end of this year, then probably into next year Perpetratorsinto next year. will dive in and offer jobs and all kindswill dive in and offer jobs and all kinds of opportunities, and that is when theof and that is when the slavery and exploitation can begin ’and can begin.’

The Army has already been at workThe has been at work on an international scale to help alerton an international scale to alert people to the risks and signsto the risks and signs.

‘W’ came from Romania to Wales and was brought into a family business. The family helped him set up a bank account and said that he could live with them. They took money from him for using the fridge, for boiling the kettle, and he racked up uncontrollable debts. He was in that situation for a few years. Eventually, he was working in a factory and other employees noticed he would come in wearing sliders for shoes and wasn’t dressed appropriately. Alarm bells rang and he was rescued. The perpetrators were sentenced and convicted. With support from The Salvation Army, ‘W’ has now relocated and rebuilt his life.

Ahead of the Annual Day of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking (25 September), Ivan Radford explores the current challenges facing the Army’s Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit

‘We were working closely with our‘We were with our contacts in Romania, Moldova, Polandcontacts in Poland and surrounding areas,’ explains Kathyand areas,’ explains Kathy.

‘We produced a poster in 10 different‘We a in 10 different languages to inform people of the risks ’to inform of the risks.’

Closer to home, the Army continues itsCloser to the continues its recovery support work It has introducedrecovery support work. It has introduced a music programme at its London outreacha music programme at its London outreach centre, which provides an opportunity forcentre, which an for survivors to get involved with a community,survivors to get involved with a providing an outlet to process theiran outlet to process their experiences and rebuild their confidence.and rebuild their confidence.

Another key development is theAnother is the recruitment of a survivor inclusion anda engagement adviser, who is buildingadviser, who is relationships with survivors and developingwith survivors and a forum and framework that can helpa forum and framework that can strengthen their voices This can thentheir voices. This can then inform the development of the Army’sinform the development of the Army’s service and support changes in policy.service and in

All this is in addition to a mentoringAll this is in addition to a programme, an upcoming initiative toprogramme, an initiative to engage young people, an ongoing pushengage young an for people to become volunteers andfor to become volunteers and the Army’s annual awareness raisingthe annual awareness-raising tattoo campaign, which runs throughtattoo which runs to Anti Slavery Day on 18 October Theto Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October. The temporary transfer tattoos, which carry thetransfer tattoos, which carry the slogan ‘ ‘#WeAreNotforSale#WeAreNotforSale’, are availableare available to purchase for £1 fromto for £1 from sps-shop sps-shop.comcom

Underpinning this multi faceted effort isUnderpinning this multi-faceted effort is the understanding that there is no suchthe that there is no such thing as a typical survivoras a survivor.

‘Sometimes you don’t realise you have‘Sometimes you don’t realise you have been trafficked or exploited,’ says Kathybeen trafficked or exploited,’ says Kathy.

On this annual day of prayer, pray thatOn this annual of prayer, pray that the fight against the hidden exploitationthe the hidden of others will only become more visibleof others will become more visible.

You could come into contact with a victim of modern slavery without even realising it. But there can be some tell-tale signs to watch out for:

If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery and needs help, phone the 24/7 confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.

‘I asked myself if I believed what I was saying’

IREMEMBER

the morning of 24 February, when my wife woke me up to say that the Russian invasion of Ukraine had begun. I couldn’t believe it, I started checking the internet and reading about how bombs and rockets were falling on peaceful Ukrainian cities. I didn’t know how to call my mother, living 30km from the border with Russia. I was afraid.

It has now been many months since we started actively serving refugees from Ukraine in Poland. More than 500,000 people arrived in Warsaw. Every day, 700 to 800 people turned to The Salvation Army for help – women with children or older people who left their lives running away from the war. It was impossible to listen to their stories without tears – a murdered husband, a raped child, destroyed houses. This is what will for ever remain in the memory of these women.

I am Ukrainian by nationality, so I consider Ukraine my homeland. It was especially difficult for me to serve the refugees, because in them I saw my mother, who was in a bomb shelter for two weeks without food and drinking water, and who saw a Russian soldier shooting people next to her house.

One Sunday, during a sermon, when I had to speak about love and forgiveness, I asked myself if I really believed what I was saying. It was difficult to find understanding in my heart when hundreds of Ukrainian children were killed every day because they were Ukrainians, with schools and hospitals containing civilians bombed.

But God reminded me that all our hope is in him.

My grandmother, who was a child during the Second World War, often said that you can survive a lot, but the worst is war. I understood this when I saw thousands of refugees on the streets of Warsaw. They were desperately looking for work, security and stability. They had not seen their husbands or partners for more than four months, bearing the responsibility for their children and their parents on their shoulders.

One evening, after we had stopped working, someone rang the doorbell of our corps hall. A woman with a child stood there. She said that she was passing by and came just to say hello, since she had no one here but only The Salvation Army, where she finally felt calm and

the child was happy. Today, Natasha is our active volunteer, who every Saturday holds a club for Ukrainian children; while the children play, mothers can cry together and talk about common difficulties. I never imagined that my officership would be like that – with sleepless nights, many tears, so many difficult conversations – but today we are God’s light to these people. Together with the team at my corps, we can give them a little hope.

Captain Oleg Samoilenko (Warsaw) reflects on his experiences helping Ukrainian refugees in Poland

Thinkaloud

by John Coutts

IMADE

my first visit to Germany way back in 1951. In Frankfurt, guided by Major John Dale, I visited an enormous windowless bunker that The Salvation Army was using to house ‘displaced persons’. I then moved to Munich to stay with my friend Hans, a former prisoner of war who used to attend the corps at St Albans. All went well until I got into a discussion with Hans’s father on a tricky question: ‘Who started the war?’

In schoolboy German, I pointed out that – while the war was now over –the conflict had clearly been started by a certain Adolf Hitler. ‘Not so fast,’ replied Hans’s dad. ‘What about the Treaty of Versailles imposed after the First World War? What about the seizure of all Germany’s colonies, and the Allied bombing campaign?’

Our heated discussion turned into a shouting match, after which we both felt ashamed of ourselves, and Hans’s dad made me a generous gift from his fine stamp collection, including a complete set featuring the Führer himself. This strange peace offering is tucked away in my schoolboy album to this day.

On balance, I still think that Hitler started it, but with my outlook and education, I would, wouldn’t I?

Fast forward to 1967, when civil war broke out in Nigeria. On one unforgettable day, I heard two radio broadcasts. First the Eastern Region – where we had recently been working as missionary teachers –proclaimed itself the independent Republic of Biafra. Then the Nigerian

Blessed are peacemakersthe

Federal government announced ‘police action’ to crush the rebellion. Former students would be fighting on both sides. Our school would be closed, garrisoned by the Biafrans and bombed by the Federal Air Force. Fortunately, they only hit the tennis court.

So who started that war? And – a different question – whose cause was just? The sufferings of the people of Biafra created huge international sympathy and led to the foundation of the great international charity Médecins Sans Frontières. Once again, my views were coloured by my previous experiences. I had lived among – and learnt the language of – a ‘minority ethnic group’, most of whom were opposed to the creation of a breakaway state. So when I heard over the radio that the Eastern House of Assembly had ‘unanimously’ voted for Biafran secession, I didn’t believe it.

But with my particular background, I would think that, wouldn’t I?

The recent article ‘A conflict of opinion’ (2 July Salvationist) showed us how Salvationists were divided in their reactions to the Boer War. Some saw a brave Boer ‘David’ standing up to the British imperialist ‘Goliath’, while others saw their country’s cause as just, because of the way that the Boers had treated the ‘native races’ of South Africa. What those ‘native races’ thought was not mentioned. But then, in those days, their views weren’t often reported, were they?

SEEKING PEACE

Our Lord commands us to be peacemakers in Matthew 5:9. Sometimes we are called on to seek peace in personal disagreements. We may be so tied up emotionally that outside mediation is needed to sort things out. If so, let’s be prepared to admit it.

Some of us are called on to play peacemaking roles in personal, social, industrial or even international relations. Let’s not then forget that our own experiences and prejudices can influence our outlook and approach.Thelast of TS Eliot’s Four Quartets is named ‘Little Gidding’, after a village that was home to a Christian community that sought peace during the upheavals of the 17th century. Eliot reflects that many in the opposing parties – the Cavaliers and the Roundheads – were sincere in their motives. They were ‘united in the strife that divided them’.

Relying on the ultimate reality of God’s love, the third part of the poem concludes:

And all shall be well and All manner of thing shall be well By the purification of the motive In the ground of our beseeching.

As we seek to bring peace to ourselves and others, personally and internationally, let’s purify our motives, let’s seek to understand and recognise where we are coming from. That’s part of our calling to holiness.

A w ld idea: Seeing God

EARLIER

this month, on Creation Sunday (3 September), we learnt from Major Vivienne Prescott (Forest of Dean) what mission can look like in an eco-church. At the start of The Great Big Green Week (24 September to 2 October), we catch up with Vivienne to explore how environmentalism isn’t just a secular idea, but a calling from God.

A self-proclaimed ‘country girl’, Vivienne describes Earth as the ‘first book’ of the Bible, the first medium through which God spoke to his people. Today, Christians and non-Christians alike turn to nature for a spiritual experience. As Paul wrote: ‘Since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse’ (Romans 1:20).

This, however, presents a fine line. On the one hand is a deeper connection with God brought about by basking in his living world. On the other hand is a slippery slope into transgression. Vivienne readily acknowledges that, among believers, there is often an increased level of suspicion and scepticism towards the natural world. The Church is wary of the perceived link between nature and pagan ideas, and there is a fear that people could go astray and start worshipping nature rather than its Creator.

But Vivienne also draws attention to the way this has led Christians to lose the benefits of being in nature. A primary risk of fearing the natural world is that people can begin to divorce God from his creation. This can not only be spiritually detrimental, but also lead

to a deep apathy towards the serious environmental issues that face us all today. Vivienne rightly asks: how can we as The Salvation Army care for creation if we as individuals live in fear of it?

‘I feel the Church has thrown out so much in fear of paganism,’ she mourns. ‘We cannot love something we do not know. We will not protect – will not fight for – something that we do not love.’

Forest of Dean Corps has developed its Wild Ministries programme to take people back out into the world and help them rediscover a love of nature and of ComprisingGod. Wild Church and Wild Kids, Wild Ministries is more than simply taking a Sunday morning meeting to the park; the worship model is intentionally designed to connect people to the Almighty through a natural space.

Simon Hope learns from Forest of Dean Corps how environmentalism and discipleship can intertwine

d in nature

For adults, Wild Church invites congregations to build their relationship with God through reflecting on Scripture and teaching. Sung worship is rare, replaced by whatever music is around, birdsong or the wind in the trees. An important aspect is helping people learn to respect the world around them and developing their confidence in an environment that can perhaps feel alien. Activities can involve sending members of the congregation out to find specific leaves or plants that tie into the message or brewing tea over a firepit.

‘It’s an opportunity to teach people how to respect nature,’ Vivienne adds. ‘So, when they go and take a leaf, I’ll say don’t take more than you need, make sure you’re leaving enough for wildlife. We don’t just take what we do indoors, sit outside and do it and then go home. We’re teaching adults how to be at home in creation and just love all that God has made.’

Wild Kids has the added focus of teaching life skills. From whittling to lighting and cooking over a fire safely,

everything revolves around respecting the ground and having minimal impact on the biodiversity of the area. This approach fosters a culture of respect and love that can leave a lifelong impression.‘Iftheyfall in love with nature now as kids, they’re always going to love it,’ Vivienne enthuses. ‘During a circle time I told an impromptu story of a “special place” using objects to represent our trees, dens, shack, feed shed, animal shelter and campfire. I then asked the children: “Where are you in the story of this place?” I found it so moving to hear the children say things like “this is a special place because we can just come here”, “it’s a peaceful place”, “we are all together here” and “we are safe in thisAsplace”.’thisministry branches out, further wild ideas are beginning to germinate. Wild Women looks to help people find the artistic edge within themselves as they create things from what they can find outdoors. Wild Tots hopes to reframe the parent-and-toddler group

in the newly rewilded land at Forest of Dean’s Growth and Learning EquineAssisted Ministry (Gleam) field.

‘It’s a playground and a classroom,’ Vivienne enthuses. ‘We refer to the Gleam field as our outdoor cathedral. It is a place of worship. It’s where we go to be with God and to love God and to be loved by God.

‘If worshipping in a building is not your thing and you feel that you connect to God through nature, if nature moves you in a way that you want to explore further, then this could be for you.’

Whether looking to make mission more eco-friendly or striving to learn from God through what he has made, if the Army is to take the environmental crisis seriously, we as Christians cannot afford to divorce God from nature.

How do you see the Almighty in nature? What do you see happening to his creation? You can help change things for the better – now isn’t that a wild idea!

SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist

We’re teaching adults how to be at home in creation and love all that God has made

Pick up mat and

JOHN 5:1–15

HOW does this Bible passage make you feel? For many people, the idea of being healed of an injury or illness through faith in Jesus is very real. Christian history and Scripture are full of evidence of people who have been healed in body and mind by the transforming power of OverChrist.centuries of Christian belief, many people with disabilities have found damaging and unhelpful attitudes in the Church that stem from hurtful misinterpretations of these and other similar verses. People who are unwell have been wrongly portrayed as powerless, as passive recipients of care, as outcasts and, even, as ‘sinners’. Our study passage invites us to reflect on how Jesus hears the voice of those who seek or find healing.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How do we ensure that people with illnesses or disabilities are given full opportunity to participate in Christian life and are not harmed or limited by the attitudes of others?

The pools at Bethesda were the centre of a healing tradition that valued rest and a good diet. People went there to recover and water immersion was part of this. Although there is reference to supernatural healing forces inherently within the pool, this is thought to be a later addition to Scripture.Thepeople at Bethesda were not waiting helplessly – they were already participating in their own healing in a place of peace. Jesus enters into this place of recovery and finds the person there most in need of his help. He shows us that Christians are called to be respectfully alongside those who seek healing.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

To what extent does the idea of Bethesda as a positive place of rest and recovery change our perspective of this Careaccount?andrecovery in the ancient Middle East were family matters. Family and friends would look after those who were unwell. The man who was healed had been at Bethesda for so long that he might have outlived his family carers. He explains to Jesus that there is nobody to assist him.

Jesus asks the man: ‘Do you want to be made well?’ (v6 New King James Version). Some writers have asserted that this is indicative of Jesus’ respectful understanding that not all people with disabilities or differences desire to be healed. Having received assent, Jesus instructs the man pick to up his bed and walk. In this act of healing, Jesus

All that you need is a miracle,/ And all that you need can be yours,/ All that you need is available/ The moment you turn to the Lord.(SASB 406) the week with Salvationist a thoughtdevotionalforeach day

MONDAY

TUESDAY

by Major Lynda Levis

reminds us that we are not alone, even in times of ill health.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Many Christians have disabilities. How do we ensure that we acknowledge these differences and do not see them as an issue to be overcome or cured?

This healing does not end with the man lifting his bed and walking away. He then immediately becomes enmeshed in the legalism of the Jewish establishment. The authorities demand that he tells them who healed him and told him to carry his bed on the Sabbath. Unlike in the account of the man later healed by Peter in Acts 3, there is no evidence of rejoicing. This act of God’s love is reduced to a religious debating point.

Later, at the Temple, there is a curious exchange. Jesus warns the

WEDNESDAY

Come in, my Lord, come in,/ Show forth thy saving power;/ Restore, renew, release from sin,/ O save this very hour!/ Thy promise now I claim,/ By faith put in my plea,/ And trust in that almighty name,/ Immanuel and thee.

(SASB 411)

man not to sin further. It would be easy to infer that Jesus sees illness as a punishment for personal sin.

Over the centuries, many people have drawn this conclusion. However, God takes a compassionate view of sickness and inclusion (see Jeremiah 31:8). Jesus, through healing men, women and children, shows a profound understanding of the dignity of those who are limited by – and excluded from society through – ill Elsewherehealth.inScripture, where

Jesus mentions ‘suffering’ and ‘sin’ in the same breath, it is to refute a causal link (see John 9:3). We might conclude, therefore, that – following his healing – the man had unresolved issues that he had to address. We understand that humanity has a tendency towards sin but this is not to be linked to personal wellness.

THURSDAY

Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will (Isaiahhear.65:24)

FRIDAY

Jesus’ admonition of the healed man demonstrates that neither sickness nor wellness turns a person into a saint. It also shows that we do not need to be ‘worthy’ to receive God’s grace. Jesus healed the man knowing that other things in his life were not right.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

As we reflect on our own lives, how can we best support those who seek healing?

Down in the human heart, crushed by the tempter,/ Feelings lie buried that grace can restore;/ Touched by a loving hand, wakened by kindness,/ Chords that were broken will vibrate once more.

(SASB 927)

SATURDAY

May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

(1 Thessalonians 5:23 and 24)

CAPTAIN HELEN FROUD Assistant Director (Research) Research and Development Unit Ass

CHILDREN’S DISCIPLESHIP

WEhave each emerged at different speeds from the cocoon of the Covid-19 pandemic, sifting the positives and negatives from a digitally connected world. Until March 2020, any reference to ‘Zoom’ was confined to a 1982 hit by Fat Larry’s Band from Breakin’ Out, but it is no surprise that the album’s cover features inmates tearing through a red backdrop – some of us couldn’t wait to get out again.

In exploring children’s discipleship, let’s commence with a primary school classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Eric Carle’s picture book follows a voracious caterpillar before it pupates and emerges as a butterfly. Eric’s tale and Fat Larry’s cover are both about transformation and a biological and emotional emergence. How did you awake from your isolation?

The call for children to return to corps post-pandemic has been complex, with changes in weekend routines and the maturing of age groups over the past two years. This altered landscape requires a recalibration of how we disciple.

I’m wrestling with it too, but I believe that we have been gifted a line in the sand to re-think meaningful investment, and Jesus often drew lines. Of the 694 uses of the word ‘child’ in Scripture, probably the most quoted is Luke 18:16, where Jesus corrects a disciple: ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.’ This must be aligned with other significant Kingdom inclusions such as tax collectors, prostitutes and lepers, for they all made Jesus’ team sheet.

In his 1942 paper Conspiracy and Imprisonment, Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote: ‘Jesus’ acceptance of children like that of the blind, lame, poor, signifies an eschatological event of salvation…

the miracle of God, who humbles the lofty and raises up the lowly.’

Perhaps this line prompts us to confront previous agendas and diminished relationships. In achieving the best children’s work we can, this is a time for us to prioritise the relational love of God ahead of transactional exchanges. Being saved means being taken up into acceptance, into relationship. Bonhoeffer’s place-sharing theology reflects God in Christ, a cruciform love that comes alongside humanity in this world as opposed to being a bridge to an unseen other. It is a shared solidarity in a world of danger, suffering and death.

In a recent feedback session from the Online Children’s Leader’s Network we heard first-hand about the impact of children’s teams who stood at garden gates each week during the pandemic, maintaining relationships and physically place-sharing in the only way possible. We also connected with a leader in Pakistan who joined at midnight to tell us about 51 junior soldiers currently swimming against the tide of opposition and religious disputes. Over Zoom, we shared her place as best we could.

These inspiring leaders and volunteers are journeying alongside their children, telling us of a transformed approach after a line in the sand. I don’t believe that the headline here is of better children’s discipleship through feasting on resources like a hungry caterpillar. It is about breaking out, transformed and invested in place-sharing.

CONNECTING CHILDREN AND LEADERS

There are many resources available on salvationist.org.uk that promote relationships between children and their leaders:

Every Picture Tells a Story

This group resource uses photographic techniques to nurture curiosity, creativity and spirituality outdoors. Users have found this easily adaptable and engaging because participants use mobile phones to take pictures.

Hi-5

Encourages children to address the five ways to wellbeing. Each session features conversation starters and activities, suggestions for games, craft ideas, creative prayer stations and a verse linked to the theme

Explore It

This 30 to 40-minute Bible teaching session is designed for small groups aged 7 to 12. Created in response to social distancing, it was the most downloaded resource of 2021. The weekly notes in the Resources section of salvationist.org.uk marry with KA! Jam content in Kids Alive!

Other resources from around the web:

Prayer Partners

A digital resource to encourage and equip children by spending time praying with a committed adult.

Energize

This popular subscription-based package from Urban Saints comes with a 30-day free trial. Email energize@urbansaints.org

Saddleback

Videos that provide fun ways to teach children about God’s word. Visit

RaiseUPFaithyoutube.com/saddlebackkids

AUSTEN HARDWICK Children’s Specialist (Discipleship) Youth and MinistriesChildren’sUnit Chil

A multimedia platform providing a 52-week curriculum for each age range, including cartoons, songs and games provided through a subscription. Visit raiseupfaith.com

Austen Hardwick highlights the importance of the relationship between young people and leaders

ARMY PEOPLE

INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS

The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff

Effective 1 January 2023

Colonels Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz, officers of the USA Central Territory, are appointed as National Chief Secretary and National Secretary for Personnel, USA National Headquarters

Lieut-Colonel Deborah Sedlar, an officer of the USA Eastern Territory, is appointed as Chief Secretary, USA Southern Territory with the rank of colonel

Colonel Bente Gundersen, an officer of the Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory, is appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory with the rank of commissioner Commissioners Daniel Raju and Baby Sarojini Dasari, officers of the India Central Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, India Western Territory Colonels Chawnghlut Vanlalfela and Ropari Khupchawng, officers of the India Eastern Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, India Northern Territory

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CT Miriam Ellerington, CS Michael Kerridge and SL Clive Boyes, Hull Citadel

CT Sarah Wray, CMS Russell Chalmers, SL Karen Dunn and B/Sec Dan Wray, Parkhead

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond

Bandsman Derek and Bandswoman/ Songster Doreen Porter, Oakengates (29 September)

Golden Carol and SL Malcolm Andrews, Lincoln (7 October)

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS

Major Christina Fraser (80 on 1 October)

Mrs Colonel Grace Bevan (90 on 3 October)

Major Alma Brown (90 on 6 October)

Lieut-Colonel Ramsay Caffull (90 on 6 October)

Lieut-Colonel David Lambert-Gorwyn (85 on 7 October)

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Asst CSM Songster Elizabeth (Mair) Laugharne, Morriston Bandsman Malcolm Barrett, Woodbridge, on 8 August

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.

TRIBUTES

WOODCASTELLO,PATTERSONGREEN

Augustus and Mrs Victorine Castello. He trained as a carpenter and joiner but when he moved to London he specialised in French polishing. It was there he met and fell in love with Carmen, and their two sons, Damien and Courtney, were born. He returned to his childhood faith after a heart bypass in 2003 and faithfully attended church every Sunday even though it required a long bus journey.

On the day he was promoted to Glory, his oldest and closest friend, Burchell, who happened to be visiting the UK, hurried to his bedside. Shortly after he left, Patterson took his last breath. This caring, fun-filled man will be sadly missed by all who knew him. – PK

ERIC CLOWNEBURGESS,

ERIC was an only child born in September 1942. He grew relativesalongsideupmanyatClowne,

the closest in age being Bill Burgess who was like a ‘brother’ to him with just four weeks between them.

Eric married a local girl, Ann, in 1964 and had two children, Jayne and Stuart. As an envoy, Eric, along with Ann, spent many Sundays in the South Yorkshire Division, carrying the voices of the Clowne Songsters around in their cassette recorder, in between his work as a health and safety

Keenpractitioner.tobeavoice for people in need within Clowne, Eric served as a parish councillor well into his 70s. Eric was proud to view the achievements in academia and sports of his grandsons, Jack, Matthew and Euan. Eric sometimes bemoaned the lack of recent success for Sheffield Wednesday FC but knew that he himself would one day gain the greatest promotion – to Glory. – GH

EVEN MORE FROM MY HEADMASTER’S STUDY

The second booklet of sermons by Matthew Cammish, More From My Headmaster’s Study, was hugely successful, requiring many reprints. A sequel is now available free of charge. Email martinrobins@btinternet.com for a copy.

Exeter TempleExeter Friars Walk

Sunday 2 October, 3 30pm2 October, 3.30pm

TEMPLEPRAISE

withwith David Daws (trombone)David Daws andand Exeter Temple BandExeter Band and Songstersand

Followed by refreshmentsFollowed refreshments Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’Park at ‘Cathedral and EX1 1DE Exit at the top and turn rightExit at the top and turn

PERSONAL Major Margaret Baker and family would like to thank the many people who have sent kind messages of condolence and comfort on the recent promotion to Glory of Major Mervin.

LeekLeek

Salisbury Street ST13 5EEStreet ST13 5EE

Saturday 1 October, 7pm1 October, 7pm

NEXUS

Saturday 15 October, 7pm15 7pm

CORPS

CELEBRATIONSANNIVERSARY

with Majors David and Sarah Evans andwith Majors David and Sarah Evans and Coventry City Band Band

Tickets for both events £5 at the door, phoneTickets for both events £5 at the 01538 384211 or emailor leek@salvationarmy org leek@salvationarmy.org.ukuk

UNIVERSITYUNIVERSITYOFEXETEROFEXETER

If you or someone you know isIf you or someone you know is coming to Exeter University andto Exeter and would like information about the city,would like information about the the corps or student home group call:the corps or student home group call: 07827 035265 or 01392 216553or salvationarmy.org.uk/exeter-templesalvationarmy.org.uk/exeter-temple

Thursday 13 October at 7.30pm

Guards Brass and Friends

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Friday 14 October at 1pm

Fulham Band

John Ward conductor and Tom Hutchinson cornet

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Friday 14 October at 3pm

Royal Academy of Music presents Academy Symphonic Brass

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Friday 14 October at 5pm

Peter Graham with the aid of the “On-Screen Virtual” Black Dyke Band an introduction to his test-piece composition ‘Hyperlink’

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Friday 14 October at 7.45pm

Tickets £20 – only from Foden’spriorbooking.com/u/fodensBand–RussellGray conductor

Saturday 15 October at 7.30pm

Band of the Grenadier Guards

A special gala concert to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM The Queen

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Sunday 16 October at 3pm

Regent Hall Band – Paul Sharman conductor

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Tuesday 18 October at 7.30pm

Regent Hall Band invites you to – “Meet the Composer” featuring the music of Paul Sharman

An open rehearsal - Come and play or come and Furtherlistendetails from Band Secretary Claire

Ritchie: claireritchie86@gmail.com

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Regent W1C

Thursday 20 October at 7.30pm

Regent Hall Songster Brigade in concert with Enfield Concert Band

Mark Walton and Paul Hooper conductors

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

Friday 21 October at 1pm

RAF Brass in Concert with trumpet virtuoso Mike Lovatt

Featuring music from The Golden Age of Hollywood

Free admission – collection – no tickets required

For further details: stephenmaw@aol.com 07973 173 583

All the collections are in aid of homelessness support unit No 10 Drop-In Centre

1 In 1946, Ray entered the International Training College following wartime service in which of the armed forces?

a. RAF b. Army c. Navy

2 Ray used Isaac Watts’s words ‘Alas! and Did My Saviour Bleed?’ to compose a blues-style song with a piano solo entitled: a. ‘Humbly I Wait’ b. ‘Remember Me’ c. ‘Water’s Edge’

3 Name Ray’s 1984 crusading march, which encapsulates his life using the chorus: ‘If you bring the one next to you,/ And I bring the one next to me –/ In no time at all we’ll win them all.’ (Anagram: Athletes given.)

4 Ray especially enjoyed the music of which rock band formed in 1964? Hint: The middle section of ‘The Lord Is King’ starts with chords from one of their songs.

a. Led Zeppelin b. The Who c. King Crimson

5 For whom did Ray write the trombone solo ‘The Eternal Quest’?

a. Dudley Bright b. Chris Mowart c. Maisie Ringham

6 ‘Red jumper’ could be an alternative title for which 1965 festival march, reminiscent of the early Salvation Army uniform?

7 At the age of 15, Ray got a job as an office boy at International Headquarters for which General?

a. Edward Higgins b. Evangeline Booth c. George Carpenter

8 Which of Ray’s vocal compositions, published in 1971, speaks of the early days of The Salvation Army? The lyrics include: ‘In the East of London the work began,/ Glory, Hallelujah!’

9 Name the colourful tune to Annie Flint’s congregational song ‘He Giveth More Grace as Our Burdens Grow Greater’. (Anagram: Blank scald.)

10 Name the male a cappella ensemble who recorded Ray’s song ‘O Lovely Name’.

11 Which of these brass solos was composed by Ray?

a. ‘Someone Cares’ (cornet)

b. ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus’ (flugelhorn)

c. ‘The Ransomed Host’ (euphonium)

12 For a short while Ray stepped down as a Salvation Army officer. During this time he was invited to conduct one of his own compositions and, as he lifted his baton, he grasped the meaning of the lyrics of the tune he was conducting: never quit the field. He soon returned to the ranks and rejoined the great crusade. Name the tone poem. (Anagram: Chester graduate.)

13 Ray Steadman-Allen was promoted to Glory in December 2014 at the age of 92. His musical legacy includes how many brass band compositions?

a. 100 – 150 b. 150 – 200 c. More than 200

14 ‘The King’s Minstrel’, composed in 1968, is a musical portrait of which boisterous Victorian Salvationist?

a. Elijah Cadman b. James Bateman c. Charles Jeffries

15 Name Gloria Hunniford’s BBC Radio 2 programme in which listeners were invited to choose a hymn or carol, with Ray on hand to explain the origin of the music and the lyrics.

a. Listen to the Band b. Bandstand c. Sounding Brass

16 Name the 17th-century writer whose Pilgrim’s Progress inspired Ray’s ‘Holy War’, first performed during the Army’s 1965 Centenary celebrations.

17 In the early 1960s, Ray wrote a march for the Bolney Court Music School near Brighton. What was it called?

a. ‘Brighton Congress’ b. ‘Bolney Court’ c. ‘Southdown’

18 Name Ray’s first Salvation Army march, which relates to a Christian’s cheerful outlook at the start of each day.

THE LIFE AND MUSIC OF RAY STEADMAN-ALLEN BY GARRY D REED

Quiz… 18 September marking the centenary of the birth of Ray Steadman-Allen, we test your knowledge of one of the Army’s most gifted and prolific composers

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