SALVATIONIST
Where and when?
FOR me, it’s in the shower. That’s when my mind tends to be clearest and I take time to pray and try to listen to what God wants to say to me that day. Pray, rinse, repeat. It’s a long way from the kneelingdown-by-my-bed-at-night image that still comes to my mind when people talk about prayer, but that routine and habit stands me in firm stead each morning. This weekend, the Encounter Prayer Gathering is equipping people to stand firm in their own prayer lives. The UKI Boiler Room, which was set up one year ago, continues to set a daily rhythm through the Prayer Matters resource, which unites individuals and groups across the territory as they pray into the Army’s mission. Whether you’re there in person or not, this issue of Salvationist invites you to reflect on some of the teaching being shared at the gathering, and encourages you, wherever you are, to be active in prayer – to live a lifestyle rooted in conversation with God so that you really can ‘pray all the time’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16 The Message). What does that look like for you? Pro tip: The shower cap’s optional.
Who’s chasing who?
As ITV invites viewers to Beat the Chasers, Jim
Burns reflects on how we approach life
IENJOY watching quiz programmes on TV, seeing how many answers I can get right – or not! One of my favourite shows is The Chase, which is one of the most successful and longest running game shows on UK television. It is so popular that it has been franchised to many other countries and inspired many spin-offs – including Beat the Chasers, which is airing its sixth season on ITV on Thursday evenings.
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
Stevie Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Louise Phillips, Joseph Halliday, Oyindamola Olagunju
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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William and Catherine Booth
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
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The show’s original format sees a team of four strangers compete individually
Reflect and respond
Spend some time reading through the story of Job. Do you listen while God speaks? (see 42:3). Do you look to see God with your own eyes? (see 42:5).
Are you currently trying to go it alone, without God and without others?
How can you be a chaser of God in the year ahead?
against a professional quizzer, the Chaser. Initially each contestant has one minute to answer as many questions as possible, earning £1,000 for each correct answer. They take this amount to the table where they face the Chaser and aim to get back to the team without being caught. The player starts three steps down the board, requiring five correct answers to reach home. If they give a wrong answer, they have a greater risk of being caught and out of the game.
The contestant can accept a high or low offer from the Chaser, which will decrease or increase the possibility of being caught. Sometimes, the offer is a minus amount, taken from the total the team’s already won. Many of them say: ‘I couldn’t face my family or colleagues if I accepted that!’
However, they miss the point: the first priority is for as many people as possible to get back, hopefully with a greater spread of knowledge in the group.
Beat the Chasers is loosely similar in concept and structure, but sees one contestant at a time face multiple Chasers. That change in format highlights that The Chase by contrast, is ultimately a team game. In our lives as Christians, we can often forget that
day-to-day living requires is a group effort, as we help others and they help us to deal with the challenges that come our way. Whether individually or as a group, some people can sadly think of God as the Chaser, always trying to catch them out. How often do you think that you are cleverer than God and know all the answers?
In the Book of Job, God challenged Job: ‘Were you there when I made the world?… Have you ever in all your life commanded a day to dawn?… Do you know where the light comes from or what the source of darkness is?’ (38:4–19 Good News Bible). None of us can answer ‘yes’ to questions like that and yet God isn’t interested in us because of how much knowledge we have. God made us and wants us to be the best versions of ourselves. God isn’t the Chaser: he wants us to chase him, as we try our best to follow Jesus’ example together.
Picture:
JIM BURNS Dunstable
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Conference
Fri 21 March – Sun 23 March
University of Warwick
Who’s it for?
The Children & Youth Conference is for anyone working with children or young people in their corps, centre or community.
What is it?
The conference will be engaging and challenging, immersive and interactive, with main sessions, seminars, Bible studies and more. There’ll be opportunities to go for a morning run, for contemplative evening prayers, to engage with people from across the territory and to browse a marketplace. Guest speakers include Martin Saunders (Youthscape), Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main, Christian minister and technologist Chris Goswami and Yassir Mohammed (Addictions Development Officer).
Why should you go?
Each child and young person holds within them God-given potential for a life that is enduring, resilient, fruitful and beautiful. Their identity and purpose are dependent on their grounding in an environment that roots them in love (see Ephesians 3:17), with voices and influence that contain nourishment and protection from the storms and influences that come to buffet and tear down. In their belonging they find their becoming. Their belonging is our calling! To hold them in environments that are soft and nurturing. To fill them with words of truth, goodness, hope and love. The CY Conference will provide an opportunity to lean into that calling and learn how to create those environments.
Find out more
Tickets are sold out, but please pray for the event and look out for content that will be shared after the conference! Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/ events/cyconference-grow
‘I couldn’t help but cry with joy’
Frankie Baker (Regent Hall) shares how he let God back into his life
IHAVE been going to The Salvation Army for 10 years. I started attending Kirkwall Corps, Orkney, with my mum when I was 10, going to their kids’ club and their kids’ camps in the summer. When I was 12, my mum became a community development worker in Lerwick, Shetland. There gradually found that I had stopped going to the Army for me and my relationship with God, because there was no provision for youth, and more to support my mum in what she was doing.
I moved to Louth in Lincolnshire, and again went along to the Army to support my mum in her work. In 2020 I left school and decided to join the British Army. I broke my ankle four weeks before I was due to join, which prevented me joining. My mum joked: ‘I think God is calling you to a different Army!’
I moved to London, where I began to attend Regent Hall Corps, again to support my mum. I went to the young people’s group on Sundays, where I started to learn more about God. In 2023, I joined XLP, an organisation that works to create positive futures
for London’s inner-city youth, as an apprentice youth worker in sports. I was sitting one day listening to an audiobook called The Cross and the Switchblade and I was moved to press pause and pray. While praying I couldn’t help but cry with joy as I asked God back into my life.
In May last year, I was wondering what I would go on to do. One night I sat down and prayed, asking God what he would like me to do next, saying that I was in his hands. The next morning, I woke up to emails, phone calls and social media notifications of a job advert to be a youth support worker apprentice. I applied for the job role straight away and got an interview in June. The day after my interview I received a phone call offering me the job. I felt that God had answered my prayer and was leading me down the path that he had made for me. While present at another soldier’s enrolment, I started to think about membership and felt that God was calling me to be a soldier. That night I sent a message to the youth leader saying that I wanted to become a soldier. I was enrolled in November.
Southport Showing faith in action
Who we are
We’ve been the corps officers here for just over six years. Eighteen months ago, inspired by the app what3words, our leadership team identified three words –welcome, community, transformation – that ‘locate’ us spiritually rather than physically, describing who we are as the body of Christ and who God is calling us to become.
We’re an eclectic group, at varying stages of life and faith with diverse understandings of what it means to be The Salvation Army. This diversity adds to the richness of our ministry as we express faith in different ways.
Building community
With a shop and café at their heart, our buildings are a hub of community and our mission. We seek to be intentionally transformational, rather than merely transactional, taking time to be with people. It’s about building relationships, inviting people into community, and showing love to all, whether they have a faith or not.
We’re located in a challenging part of town and meet many people in need, coming alongside them and offering practical support, including fuel top-ups, food – as part of the local food bank network and Warm Welcome initiative – baby essentials, clothing, furniture and shower facilities. We have seen lives transformed by simply showing Jesus’ love and compassion.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we’ve adapted our band’s outreach ministry and started Brass Roots, our weekly tuition programme. We’ve also started a weekly kids’ tea, Dance Fit Tots, Connect, our weekly older people’s programme, as well as ReConnect, a weekly fellowship for the youth – and the youthful! Each of these has community at its heart.
Nurturing each other
We invest in growing and deepening our fellowship through Sunday worship, weekday ministry and other gatherings. We’re exploring smaller groups, so there’s something to help people at all stages of their faith journeys. Discipleship is part of all we do. Our hope is people feel encouraged and equipped to live as whole-life disciples.
We want everyone to feel they belong, and encourage people of all ages to contribute their gifts and talents, to learn, grow and flourish. For example, members of our kids’ choir often conduct a song, which helps leadership qualities to develop.
Eco Church
We recently received our silver Eco Church award and we’re exploring what gold level involves. Community Engagement and Development Manager Kathryn Casserley has undertaken this with a small but enthusiastic team. To drive this forward, we would need a larger team and further teaching.
Opened in 2012, our building was designed with sustainability in mind.
We have solar panels, use recycled paper products where possible, and have recycling bins. We are recognised as a Fairtrade church and continue to foster links with other sustainable organisations.
Our mission priority of caring for creation is shown through our teaching in meetings, information we share online and our quarterly ‘Community Matters’ publication, which includes green tips.
Our community garden is in its third growing season, adding food-growing areas and encouraging biodiversity. It uses our grounds in a more sustainable, eco-friendly way, creating a tranquil piece of nature on a busy urban street. We compost where possible and are beginning to harvest rainwater. We encourage and welcome volunteers to help.
Pray for...
Pray our Eco Church journey will be more than a certificate exercise, for forgiveness where we have failed to be good stewards and for courage to think beyond ourselves and live and consume wisely. Pray that the words ‘welcome, community and transformation’ increasingly capture the essence of who we are, what we do and the Christian community we are becoming.
• For more information about becoming an Eco Church, visit salvationist.org.uk/ environment.
DIVISION: North West and Isle of Man
CORPS OFFICERS: Captains Alison and Michael Hutchings
FIND US ONLINE: salvationarmy. org.uk/southport
Frankie and his fiancée, Lieutenant Hannah Stannard (Deal)
Hands together, eyes closed...
Captain Tim Swansbury presents practical prayer priorities
JAMES 5:13–20
ARE you still unsure about what to do with that not-so-useful Christmas gift? If you like useful, then you’ll love the letter from James, which is such a practical, as well as challenging, book.
Praying in times of trouble (see v13) is obvious, isn’t it? It’s a natural response that even some who profess no faith find themselves doing without thinking. But James encourages us to pray whatever we’re experiencing. What about praying when we’re happy?
It’s widely recognised that singing releases dopamine and endorphins – brain chemicals that contribute to feelings of wellbeing – thus improving mental health. Does joy lead us to pray ‘songs of praise’ (v13)? Why not turn on one of our excellent national Christian radio stations or simply sing in the shower!
The next opportunity for prayer (see v14) is also obvious. Sickness certainly causes people to pray. How often do we call our leaders to pray for our healing, as described in this verse?
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Do you pray more instinctively in times of trouble or when things are good?
While James says to call leaders to pray for sickness, his fourth and final prayer situation requires everyone to be involved. Here is a scriptural command that is too readily ignored. The instruction is to ‘confess your sins to each other and pray for each other’
(v16). This is not confession to a religious leader, as some traditions practise, but a mutual and honest confessing and praying with trusted Christian friends. These days, it does not have to happen face-to-face. I’m in a WhatsApp group with a few friends who are serious about being disciples of Jesus, where confession happens regularly. I can testify to the physical, emotional and spiritual healing that comes from confessing and praying together.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How might confession work with your close Christian friends?
Could you confess your sins to a friend and ask them to pray for you?
James also gives some pointers on the practicalities of prayer. Our prayers should be ‘in the name of the Lord’ (v14). Rather than speaking to the air, addressing the Lord directly is an important aspect of praying in his name. Prayers should be ‘offered in faith’ (v15). As we pray, let’s remember Jesus’ encouragement that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (see Matthew 17:20).
I think James’s most impactful statement on prayer is: ‘The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective’ (v16). What an amazing promise and what a challenging responsibility! Who, then, is righteous? Our righteousness ultimately comes from Christ, as Romans 3:22 confirms: ‘This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.’ Paul also
points to how we must play a part in that righteousness. We are to ‘put off your old self … and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness’ (Ephesians 4:22–24). The power and effectiveness of our prayer life, therefore, depends on how we live –on our personal holiness. Can it still be said that The Salvation Army is a holiness movement? In the biography Samuel Logan Brengle: Portrait of a Prophet, Clarence W Hall includes a letter written by the Army’s holiness teacher to ‘my dear troubled comrade’. In it, Brengle states: ‘The great battles, the battles that decide our destiny and the destiny of generations yet unborn, are not fought on public platforms, but in the lonely hours of the night and in moments of agony.’
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How powerful and effective are our prayers?
Does this correlate to our holiness?
By way of example, James refers to just-like-us Elijah, whose prayers were undoubtedly powerful and effective (see v17). Through prayer, Elijah saw God raise the dead (see 1 Kings 17:22), send fire (see 1 Kings 18:38) and stop rain for three and a half years (see 1 Kings 17:1). By saying Elijah was just like us, James is trying to inspire his readers to pray mountain-moving prayers. The New Commitments pages are among my favourite in Salvationist I particularly enjoy reading about the ‘front door’ ways by which people are being
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 25 JANUARY: CARE FOR CREATION – CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE – FUTURE
Pray for the younger generation to learn and embrace conservation agriculture. May they be inspired by their parents’ efforts and continue to practise sustainable farming methods.
by Hayley Still (UK Engagement Coordinator, International Development)
SUNDAY 26 JANUARY: SABBATH PRAYER – STEP UP, STAND OUT
Look at your hands. God made them for a purpose. See the touch and usefulness. Will you use them to do God’s work? Look at the cross. God made it for a purpose. See God’s Son, the Saviour. Will you follow him in God’s work? Look at your world. God made it for a purpose. See where God calls you to serve him. Will you go out and do God’s work?
from Prayer and Worship Ideas for Covenant Sunday 2025
saved. It’s great to celebrate these ideas and initiatives, and important for us as an Army of salvation. What also interests me, however, is the unreported ‘back door’. Why and how do people leave our corps and even the Christian faith?
In the final verses of our study passage, James addresses the pressing need for us to be attentive to those who are in danger of wandering ‘from the truth’ (v19). James sees this as a life-anddeath priority: ‘Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins’ (v20).
The ‘whoever’ in verse 20 is not restricted to leaders. James calls upon all of us to be involved in bringing our brothers and sisters back to the truth. As much as we need to see people saved into our corps, we also need to save people from leaving. This is a vital skill to develop.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Is there someone you need to bring back to the truth ‘with all wisdom’ (Colossians 3:16)?
Have you been brought back to the Lord yourself?
May these practical words of James –and of God’s word as a whole – be a very useful gift to all of us.
CAPTAIN TIM SWANSBURY Corps Officer Rotherham
MONDAY 27 JANUARY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SCOTLAND DIVISION
We thank God for our gifted and committed local corps leaders who continue to serve in corps where there is no full-time leadership. We pray for their equipping, for physical and spiritual strength, and for them to have a sense of being led by the Holy Spirit, so that our corps do not simply survive but thrive. by Major Sarah Price (Assistant Divisional Commander)
TUESDAY 28 JANUARY: SERVING AND CARING – LONDON DIVISION
We are thankful for leaders within the division who are ‘stepping up’ and ‘stepping into’ ministry. God is answering our prayers as people continue to respond to God’s call on their lives. He has given us all that we need; it’s just that some people haven’t yet seen how they can be the solution to his opportunity.
by Major Steve White (Divisional Commander)
WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY: GROWING IN FAITH – LONDON DIVISION
We are fervently praying for God’s leading, wisdom and discernment as we continue to reimagine The Salvation Army in London. The launch of the divisional Reimagine group at the start of this year will enable us to further hear and see what God is saying and how we should respond.
by Major Steve White (Divisional Commander)
THURSDAY 30 JANUARY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – USA CENTRAL TERRITORY
The territory covers 11 states in the Midwest and has its headquarters in Chicago. We pray today for the leadership team, Commissioner Evie Diaz and Colonels Julie and Thomas Louden, that God will show them his plans and purposes for the territory in this coming year. We pray for corps and social centres, that they will be beacons of hope and joy in their local communities.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 31 JANUARY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – PEACE AND STABILITY
We pray for all those who are seeking to bring peace and justice to our dangerous and troubled world. We pray especially for all those who serve in our armed forces, and thank you for their commitment to defend our freedoms. Be with their families and assure them of your love and concern.
from a prayer written by Billy Graham
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?
Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
Findin g a r h yt hm
Territorial Prayer Network Coordinator
Major Gary Lacey talks about the first year of the UKI Boiler Room
AS the UKI Boiler Room celebrates its first anniversary on 28 January, Gary shares his belief that prayer is vital – without it there is no mission!
Last year, Prayer Matters was downloaded over 1,800 times, and it’s believed that more than 1,000 people use the resource daily.
‘That prayer rhythm is well under way,’ he continues. ‘The second part is to get groups – existing groups and new prayer groups, which we call furnaces – to pray locally for the mission of The Salvation Army in their setting and nationally.’
Based on a story told of Charles Spurgeon, a boiler room is a large group of people deep in prayer. While it was God who transformed people, Spurgeon always acknowledged the relentless prayers of those gathered in the boiler room as being a part of God’s action. and publishes in Salvationist and online.’
approximately eight more in the pipeline,
misconceptions. Many people struggle with what they think they should do, and how and when they should do it.
Gary explains: ‘It’s about developing your own character. Each of us has a different contribution. With me I might, in a prophetic sense, feel God saying or asking a particular thing, and share that information with others so we can pray more informed prayers.’
‘Be yourself,’ he encourages. ‘There’s not one set way. We like to teach a lifestyle of prayer – engaging with God in your everyday life.’
Spiritual art and practical action can come from this kind of personal prayer, and Gary believes this happens when people are released to realise that prayer isn’t confined to snippets of organised activity but from every part of our lives.
The rhythm and lifestyle of prayer extend to the furnaces, and the UKI Boiler Room team can provide a simple document that can help you develop in your own Spirit-led way.
Another strand of praying as mission is the Encounter Prayer Gathering. Gary is mindful that some people are nervous about attending events like this, worried about praying with others.
‘It’s actually a teaching conference about prayer,’ he shares. ‘The culture
needs to change so people know that their prayer life isn’t rubbish; it’s active and they can express it in different ways.
‘God’s there in it all. God listens to our deepest frustrations, fears, hang-ups, whatever. God wants to hear our hearts, however it feels.’
The team share a desire to release people from their fears around praying.
‘The Enemy steps in and makes you feel inadequate, that you’ll never be good enough to pray like someone else, so you’d rather just keep quiet,’ Gary reminds us. ‘We want to release people into just being themselves.’
The year ahead is about consolidation, making more connections, releasing people into prayer, and trusting God. Details and goals can be helpful, but Gary is mindful that the Holy Spirit does what is needed:
‘There’s a tension between wanting to know what is happening and what God’s actually doing. We’ve planted, and it’s exciting! Things come that you never expected, and it’s about accepting that and trusting God.’
• For more, contact Gary by emailing gary.lacey@salvationarmy.org.uk Find further prayer resources online at salvationist.org.uk/prayer-network
“ The culture needs to change so people know that their prayer life isn’t rubbish; it’s active and they can express it in different ways.”
Making a stand
Lyndall Bywater encourages us to push back the darkness and change the atmosphere around us
AT the Encounter Prayer Gathering this weekend, we are discovering something of Jesus’ approach to spiritual warfare, and how we, his followers, can learn from him as we make our stand. What comes to mind when you think of spiritual warfare? I imagine the phrase might conjure thoughts of demonic powers and intense prayer, and I certainly wouldn’t rule those out, but when we look at Jesus, we don’t see someone who just got involved in sporadic skirmishes with the Enemy. We see someone whose life – and death – were all about pushing back darkness.
Two months ago, a hero of mine died. His name was Tony Campolo, and I learnt more from him about spiritual warfare than I’ve ever learnt from any of the talks, books or wise teachers I’ve consulted over the years. Tony shaped my understanding of this most complex of topics, yet I never heard him do a single talk on it. What learnt from were the stories of how he lived.
Take the story of a sleepless night in Honolulu, for instance, when he found himself in a bar surrounded by women who made their living through prostitution. On discovering it was one of the women’s birthday the following day, he arranged with the owners of the bar to throw her a party, complete with decorations and cake. For a few hours, that precious woman felt loved, and I can’t help but believe that the darkness around her was pushed back.
Tony learnt from the best. John’s Gospel tells us that Jesus came to be a light that the darkness could not overcome (see John 1:5), and John’s first epistle tells us that he came to destroy the works of the evil one (see 1 John 3:8). It sounds like the manifesto for a comic book superhero, doesn’t it? But Jesus wasn’t the swashbuckling type. He didn’t battle darkness by brandishing a shiny sword or firing up a heavenly lightsaber. His weapons were a word of hope, a compassionate touch, a commitment to truth and a love that knew no limit.
If you were going to launch your ministry as a rabbi with a miracle, what might you choose to do? You’d want it to be a signature piece, wouldn’t you? Something that would give people a glimpse of the things that were important to you?
In John 2:1–11, we find Jesus caught up in a wine shortage at a wedding. His mum seems to think this is his moment, but he’s not convinced. Is that because this doesn’t seem like the kind of miracle a serious rabbi should be starting out with? Whatever his reservations, he heeds his mum’s advice and gets on with changing water into wine. His first miracle reveals him as the one who can make a good party even better. This is where destroying the works of the Evil One begins: helping a young couple to have a better wedding than they could have ever imagined.
The Message’s paraphrase of 1 John 3:8 says: ‘The Son of God entered the scene to abolish the Devil’s ways.’ Jesus didn’t just come to dispatch a few demons; he came to change the atmosphere. He came to open the windows and let in a breath of heavenly fresh air to disperse the suffocating stench of lies, shame, divisiveness and corruption. He came so that the wine wouldn’t run out; so that we would know that the best is yet to come. Wherever Jesus was, light shone, and the darkness had to back off.
The books I have read on spiritual warfare have generally been excellent, but they’ve all left me feeling like it’s a specialist skill. There are likely to be times when I do need to draw on that kind of wisdom but, if I’m to follow Jesus’ example, then the vast majority of spiritual warfare will be that privileged task of pushing back darkness by changing the atmosphere. When we bring the light of Jesus into the room, all darkness must flee. That’s spiritual warfare the Jesus way.
Change the atmosphere
Notice the darkness
You can’t push darkness back if you’re not aware of it. We get so used to the atmosphere being shaped by things like hopelessness, strife, anxiety and confusion that we don’t always notice they are there. Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you to recognise the atmosphere you’re in and to discern whether there’s any darkness at work in it. Then ask God to help you be an agent for change.
Make your stand
Changing atmospheres is rarely done by an act of great heroism. Hardly anyone at the Cana wedding knew what Jesus had done. We change the atmosphere by identifying the darkness, then quietly, faithfully standing for something different (see Exodus 14:13). That could involve…
• Smiling when everyone around you is looking grumpy.
• Saying something positive about a work colleague when everyone else is criticising them.
• Giving generously when people fear that there isn’t enough.
• Speaking honestly when no one is speaking up.
• Reaching out when there has been conflict or division.
• Choosing to believe when others are finding it hard to have faith.
• Praying big prayers in impossible situations.
LYNDALL BYWATER UKI Boiler Room Team
What does prayer look like for you?
Salvationist asks people across the territory how and when they pray
PRAYER is different for different people, but it’s always about spending time with someone who loves you more than anyone else in the world. We celebrate what works for people across the territory to help you work out what works for you.
My prayer time tends to be whenever and wherever.
Sometimes, it’s just after I have had a conversation with someone, especially if it has thrown up lots of questions or is a difficult situation. I like to pray there and then, wherever I am. At other times it’s where I can find some peace and quiet. My favourite time for prayer is during my daily dog walk. This is where I feel particularly close to God, so I love that I can spend time in prayerful conversation surrounded by nature.
ALISON HEWITT RIPON
I pray at all points of the day. When I go out visiting friends, I pray. When I read about a situation in the newspaper, I pray. I find that prayer brings me comfort and peace in a world that’s so chaotic. With this in mind, I support my corps and the wider community by sending out cards with a specific prayer for that time and I hope that it brings them the same peace that it brings me. Prayer can look different for everyone but it is essential to our walk with Jesus.
I’m always praying throughout the day. I normally pray in the evenings when the TV is off. I use our corps daily prayer chain document and then I pray for people God places in my mind. When I’m out and about, God says ‘I want you to pray for that person’, and I do! I start my day in prayer at 6am in my spare bedroom, that I call my prayer room, for an hour and then again throughout the day I’m sending up ‘arrow prayers’ of praise or for guidance.
JEAN GREEN HASTINGS TEMPLE
I do have a regular time for prayer and Bible study. I sit down at my dining table after breakfast. I start with reading The UCB Word for Today, then Scripture Union’s Encounter with God after which I spend time talking to my heavenly Father. I don’t follow any set structure: I just pray audibly as topics come to me, but always for family and our church fellowship, and local and worldwide concerns, and give praise and thanks to God. We also have a corps prayer diary compiled by two of our members so that we pray for everyone in our congregation and for all that takes place in our building.
BARBARA FAYERS COLCHESTER CITADEL
Faith and fellowship, fun and friendship!
I am still learning to pray out loud and struggle when there is an audience. However, I pray all the time, usually in the morning first, thanking the Lord for waking me up and giving me the strength to get through the day. I then pray throughout the day and, depending on the challenges I face, as the day goes by. Sometimes it’s silent prayers to myself. I have noticed my daughter has started praying at night before bed, and this has made me stop and think about the way we individually talk to God.
SANDRA MUNYORO
I’m so pleased to know that the Lord is available to me any time of day and my natural response to relationship with him is simply to talk and listen to him, to be with him. Sometimes more time is spent in prayer than others depending on the need and requests. My structured devotional time is in the morning with my husband and then I see what follows and how and when God nudges.
MAJOR RUTH POPE
I pray after my Bible studies at my corps, and after finishing a gym session. I tried to pray before or after work, and doing other tasks. But sometimes I can get distracted, and worry about things around me. But after going to the gym, I feel focused and calm, able to study and give my time to pray to God: to stay strong and focused, pray for the answers I’m looking for, and pray for guidance when preparing to do a Bible reading or leading prayers at my corps with God’s guidance.
SHAUN BUCKMAN IPSWICH CITADEL
FROM Friday 13 to Sunday 15 December, Enabled at Christmas 2024 took place online, with sessions hosted on Facebook, YouTube and Zoom, writes Learning Disability Inclusion Development Manager Chris Stringer (THQ) Started in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic, Enabled at Christmas proved a great success, with members from across the territory joining together and sharing a time of friendship, fellowship and worship. While we didn’t plan to continue hosting it, Enabled members enjoyed the online sessions and wanted them to continue as they allowed people to connect wherever they are in the territory!
Prior to the weekend, Enabled members received a printed or electronic copy of the programme. Lanyards were also prepared so they could feel that they belonged across the weekend. The colour of the lanyards –a bright blue – was chosen by Enabled member Vicky Holgate (Clitheroe).
We can identify that people have joined in when they contribute to or comment on sessions. This year, just over 200 people joined us in this way, with sessions being viewed nearly
4,000 times! One strength of online sessions is that people can watch them at a time that suits them. Christmas is a busy period, and we find that many Enabled members watch sessions on catch-up.
There were 12 sessions that people could join:
Welcome was led by me, with its now infamous scavenger hunt.
Jonny Searle (Boscome) led Open House, where we asked would-you-rather questions in several different scenarios.
Support Officer (Enabled) Major Richard Knott (THQ) led worship, and reminded us that each of us has a purpose.
Disability Engagement Adviser Joanne Graham (THQ) led Exercise, giving us for a workout that included Christmas music.
In Crafts, Joy Pocock (Wakefield) showed us how to make Christmas decorations.
Amanda Say (Cwmbran) shared her testimony during This Is Me.
Saturday Night Live with Sarah Mann, regional director for Music Man Project Kent, featured a time of singing, playing percussion instruments, signing and a Christmas quiz.
Godly Play, led by Major Georgina Symons (Histon), reminded us that Christ, the light of the world, was born at Christmas.
Music Man Project with founder David Stanley (Leigh-on-Sea) included singing and signing of Music Man Project songs and Christmas songs, including ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’.
Julie Anna Richmond (Enniskillen) led us for Dance, which incorporated elements for people both standing and sitting.
Mindfulness with Julie Taylor (Hamilton) provided us with a time to be mindful in the bustling Christmas period.
A carol service led by Divisional Envoys Mandy and Tristan Lanceley (Bromley Temple), with poetry and carols, brought our weekend to a close. The surprising thing is that the number of views and people joining in each year is growing, not declining as we thought would happen. We’re planning to continue our online activities so that Enabled members can continue sharing in this time of faith, fellowship, fun and friendship.
CHRISSY NORTH ST AUSTELL
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL
Sharon
Ben
Georgina Mandy and Tristan
Amy Mai Caroline Vicky
Bath Citadel’s newly formed Cameo Choir sing ‘Colours of Christmas’ on the fourth Sunday of Advent
GLASGOW Five brass groups comprising band members from the city provided carols at the airport, raising £980 for Army community and youth projects. It culminated in the annual Glasgow Airport Sings Christmas, featuring vocal and brass items from Bellshill. – IH
LEEDS CENTRAL During the young people’s carol service the Youth Cell members shared what Christmas means to them and the learners band performed. A performance of WOW! completed the programme, narrated by older children. – LC
OAKENGATES A packed hall enjoyed a community carol service featuring a school choir and violinist, raising £485 for charity Lingen Davies. A candlelit corps carol service allowed time to reflect after a busy carolling season. On Christmas Eve, 300 carol singers joined the corps in Shifnal town centre. On Christmas Day, 40 guests sat down to dinner, including a visit from Santa! The following Saturday, many who would have been alone shared in afternoon tea and The Polar Express. The corps made many contacts, which they pray they can build on in 2025. –TP
KILBIRNIE A capacity crowd gathered for the carol service. The band accompanied excellent singing and contributed ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’. The choir from nearby Calder United Free Church united with the corps singing croup for ‘Sweet Chiming Christmas Bells’ and Bandmaster Jim McIvor sang ‘Do You Hear What I Hear?’. A retiring collection raised nearly £400 for the food bank run from the hall. – JM
BRIDGWATER The young people dressed up and recreated the Nativity story on the third Sunday of Advent. They sang and danced routines to ‘Welcome, Welcome’ and ‘Joy (Falalalalalelujah)’ bringing the true meaning of Christmas to life as young people’s leader Major Yvonne Rouffet read out the story. – HC
The children enjoyed a silent disco party and, during the Sunday morning children’s carol service, presented the Nativity! Agnes and Jayden were asked about their memories of how they spent Christmas in Uganda and Nigeria. Everyone enjoyed the meeting, which was organised by Evangeline Kingsley Grace. – AD
The corps welcomed more than 100 people, including parents, grandparents and whole families, to Messy Christmas. Families spent the morning exploring the Christmas message through crafts. More than 20 corps volunteers supported the event by hosting a craft table, giving a great opportunity to chat and develop relationships with families. New connections were made, existing relationships were strengthened and the corps saw people come back into church who had attended other community events. – LH-N
WILLENHALL The corps hosted a free community lunchtime carol concert. It featured guest vocal soloist Elizabeth Ball (Oldbury) and music from a composite band made up of musicians from local corps. Many who attended have become regulars to lunchtime concerts. A concert by St Giles C of E school choir provided a morning of music and mince pies. The choir have become regular visitors to the morning community drop-in. Along with regular attenders, many parents and grandparents came along to support. – LH-N
Corps receives royal applaud
WALTHAMSTOW
KING Charles recognised corps officer Major Julie Pell for the Army’s work supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Major Julie was invited to attend a private reception for King Charles and Queen Camilla when they visited Waltham Forest to celebrate the cohesion of the borough’s community following a peaceful anti-racism protest in August 2024.
Major Julie spoke with King Charles about the work of the corps, which helps support 2,500 people to rebuild their lives and provides practical assistance through clothing, toiletries, furniture and household items. The corps Community Living Room is also a safe, warm and welcome space for everyone. – AR
BECCLES Corps leader Territorial Envoy Harry Woods was installed as padre for 759 (Beccles) Squadron RAF Air Cadets during their first carol service at the corps. New air cadets were enrolled and a collection raised £90 for the group.
Territorial Envoy Harry is pictured with Norfolk and Suffolk RAF Air Cadets Wing Padre the Rev Ron Tuck and Beccles Squadron commanding officer Flight Lieutenant Tim Shand. – LW
ANNIVERSARY
LEEDS WEST HUNSLET Despite disruptions from Storm Albert, the weather could not prevent the 140th corps anniversary celebrations on the Sunday. Led by Divisional Commander Major Alec Still, they included the enrolment of five soldiers, a faith lunch with wonderful flower displays and a talent show featuring a cornet solo, a monologue, a mainly male timbrel group, a piano trio and solo, and drawings. – CA
STOCKTON The 150th corps anniversary celebrations, led by Majors Kim and Nigel Gotobed, included an evening of music and reflection at Stockton Baptist Church. Past band and songster members reunited for massed items and previous officers shared reflections on their time at the corps, showing growth and development over the years. Pictured are corps officers Majors Ian and Sandy Davis with Majors Michael and Nicola Barker (Yorkshire and Humber DHQ), Majors Kim and Nigel, Majors Karen and Peter Clark, Major Margaret Hyndman and Major Rosemarie Williams. – SD
EMERGENCY AID
USA After communities across Southern California were devastated by fast-moving wildfires, the Army supported evacuees and emergency responders with meals and spiritual and emotional care. Thirteen emergency vehicles, including six mobile kitchens, were ready for deployment. The Army also coordinated with other aid organisations and federal, state and local authorities so they could respond as efficiently and effectively as possible. – AR
CHIEF of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill visited the Bangladesh Territory.
Their visit started at the Healthy and Safer Community Project in Mirpur, which provides treatment for tuberculosis and leprosy patients. They also spoke with members of the women’s self-help group, who are producers for Others, The Salvation Army’s fair-trade initiative. Commissioner Shelley visited the home of one of the artisans, who shared how Others had positively impacted her and her family.
At Territorial Headquarters the staff greeted the commissioners with flowers and singing. A meeting with sectional heads allowed for open discussion on the challenges and successes of various ministries. On Thursday, the commissioners led the covenant service for the six cadets of the Defenders of Justice session. The Chief of the Staff spoke about the importance of covenant, trusting in God and surrendering in obedience.
In the afternoon, more than 80 officers attended officers councils at Savar Corps. Testimonies shared by Lieutenant Simon Sarker (Rajapur and Bandabari) and Kalpona Sarker (Bhairab) demonstrated God’s faithfulness.
The visit culminated in the ordination and commissioning of the Defenders of Justice session. Commissioner Edward spoke on the qualities of a defender of justice and Commissioner Shelley recognised the parents of the new officers. – SB/RV
PARKHEAD
DARLASTON
HOMELESSNESS
COMMUNITY
MADELINE Thomas was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Richard Welch. Maddie testified to being blessed by growing up in a supportive and Christian family, with strong role models. At university, Maddie explored lots of different churches during an amazing time of discovery and growth in her faith. She felt her relationship with God deepening, but something was missing and she realised the corps is where God has placed her and called her to serve. Maddie is pictured with Major Richard and Colour Sergeant Graham Edgar. – RW
CORPS officer Major Paul Knight welcomed Marius Lolescu and Mei Lin Lee as adherents. Marius first attended the weekday Bible study at the invitation of the Rev Patrick Huntley, a retired Methodist minister. Marius testified to his grandfather’s faith as a powerful influence. His active service is expressed in helping with the maintenance of the building, including the pond and its myriad fish. Mei Lin grew up in Hong Kong, attended a Christian school and has been a Christian all her life. During the Covid-19 pandemic she was no longer able to attend a Chinese church in central London and has made the corps her new spiritual home. – PK
corps officer Major Cliff Allchin. They all began attending the
FRANKIE Baker was enrolled as a soldier by family friend Lieutenant Amanda Whitcombe (Lincoln). Frankie’s mum, Lieutenant Rachel Baker (Homelessness Services), read from Scripture. Frankie testified to her support and gentle encouragement as he moved towards his decision and spoke of a complete surrender to God’s will for his life. Also pictured are Recruiting Sergeant Major David Jackson and Robin Moorwood holding the flag. –
Gabriel, Gloria, Christine, Elim, Janielle, Michelle, Joshua, Joshua, Isaac, Abigail, Angel, Rockson, Ava and Mehdi were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Captain Tony Kakande. We pray God’s blessing on their lives as they follow Jesus each day. As we give thanks to God, we also acknowledge the leadership of Young People’s Sergeant-Major Bethan Kakande and our youth and children’s team for their investment as well as the corps fellowship. – TK
VIKRAM and Namita Masih, Roseline Nkanta and Mae Sesay were enrolled as soldiers and Lilian Amahagwu was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Tony Kakande. God bless our corps family as we follow Jesus together. Also pictured are Corps Sergeant-Major Ann Humes and Brian Gray holding the flag. – TK
Caitlyn and Bethan were enrolled as junior soldiers during the corps anniversary celebrations by corps officer Captain Jenni Pryor. Fellow junior soldiers Charlie and Eliza shared Bible verses for Caitlyn and Bethan and Junior Soldiers Sergeant Jeanette Howard shared a prayer. The congregation was full of family and friends who were charged with continuing support over all our young people. Caitlyn and Bethan’s grandfather, Stephen, is holding the flag. – MG
While
in town
met Corps
Major Lynne Brill selling the papers and, after chatting and coffee, accepted an invitation to a Sunday morning meeting. Kellie and the children have since been attending when they can. Kellie chose Laura Story’s ‘Blessings’ as her testimony. Lynne prayed for Kellie and her family and the decision she has made. Holding the flag is Robert Davies. – LB
HUDDERSFIELD
WOOD GREEN
FIVE new soldiers were enrolled during the 140th corps anniversary celebrations. Four of them – Rosa Mum, Favor Egbita, Kelvin Ogumane and Godwin Osamudiamen – are pictured with
corps over the past 18 months. – CA
LEEDS WEST HUNSLET
LC
REGENT HALL
GEORGE Tate was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Territorial Envoy Vicki Tate. – VT
HERNE BAY
SISTERS
SWANSEA CITADEL
KELLIE Wildridge was welcomed as an adherent by Major Kim Wilson (Wales DHQ). Kellie and her family moved to the area from Telford.
shopping
she
Sergeant-
MERTHYR TYDFIL
EZIAKU Onwuka and Faith Akume were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Adrian Lee. During an uplifting ceremony, Eziaku and Faith testified to the power and strength of the Holy Spirit in their lives along with a desire to reach others with the good news of Jesus. – AL
FAITH was enrolled as a junior soldier by her grandmother, Major Sylvia Bird. Faith is the first junior soldier to be enrolled at the corps in many years. – JD
MALTBY
GATESHEAD
IBRAHIM,
Appointed
Effective 9 January
MAJOR ANDREA VERTIGAN, York with Training Coordinator – Pioneers and Certificate in Salvation Army Leadership, William Booth College (50 per cent and then 21 days per annum from 17 July)
MAJOR ANDREW VERTIGAN York
Effective 6 February
MAJOR DEBBIE PEARSON, additional appointment, Mission Officer, East of England Division
Effective 27 March
MAJOR DEANNA DOUGAN, Mission Development Officer, Kilbirnie
CAPTAIN MARTYN EVANS, Chaplain, Centenary House Lifehouse
Dedicated to God
IVANA AJUMOBI daughter of Kubra and Yemi Ajumobi, at Parkhead by Captain Amy-Jo Battersby
SAMUEL JAMES PEGG, son of Lieutenant James and Sophie Pegg, at Feltham by Lieutenant Hannah Borrett
Promoted to Glory
VELMA JONES Rushden
CHRISTINE BRYANT, Bristol Easton
JENNIFER LAWTON, Carnforth
ANTHONY HEATON, Bolton South, on 9 December 2024
SONGSTER CHRISTINE ROBINSON, Stapleford, on 18 December 2024
MARLENE MASON, Shirebrook, on 20 December 2024
JEAN LOWE, Bolton South, on 29 December 2024
GRAHAM HINSLEY, Birmingham Citadel, on 1 January
BANDMASTER BERNARD RAYNER, Stowmarket, on 1 January
GILLIAN DICKSON, Parkhead, on 7 January
MAJOR PERCY HATCHER from Conquest Hospital, St Leonards-on-Sea, on 9 January
SHEILA HINSLEY, Birmingham Citadel, on 16 January
Bereaved
MARK FATHERS and Candy Fathers, both Rushden, of their mother Velma Jones
PATRICIA OWEN, Birmingham Citadel, of her sister Christine Bryant
KAREN HAYWARD and Maxine Hughes, both Birmingham Citadel, of their father and mother Graham and Sheila Hinsley
ELLEN RAYNER, Stowmarket, of her husband
Bandmaster Bernard Rayner, Lynda Cooke, Eastbourne Citadel, and Lesley Potter, Stowmarket, of their father
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Tue 21 Jan – Sat 25 Jan USA (retirement of national leaders) Fri 7 Feb Sunbury Court (ICO Lecture)
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sat 25 Jan – Sun 26 Jan Dunstable (140th corps anniversary) Mon 27 Jan William Booth College (Into Officership seminar)
NOTICES
Care for creation: International Bible study
Major Heather Poxon (THQ) has established a monthly Bible study for Army colleagues worldwide to consider caring for creation. The hour-long Bible study is led by different people and takes place on the first Tuesday of each month, alternating between 8am and 8pm (UK time). The next session, themed Our Shared Home(s), will take place on 4 February at 8am and will be led by Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare (IHQ). For more information, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk
Generous
Heart Kids
This new Bible study resource helps children explore their time, talents, gifts and treasure. The three studies complement the Generous Heart adult sessions or can be used separately. Visit salvationist.org.uk/ resources/discipleship/generous-heart-kids
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Divisional Youth Officer Captain Ben Ellis (Ireland Division). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
No Age Limit
Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries for an hour of music, chat and testimony. This month features guest Director of Older People’s Services Glenda Roberts. Listen live on Sunday 26 January at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 31 January at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Fully Scored
Season 6 of the Music Editorial team’s podcast welcomes three esteemed retiring or retired staff bandmasters for an enlightening discourse: Ken Waterworth (Melbourne Staff Band), Olaf Ritman (Amsterdam Staff Band) and John Lam (Canadian Staff Band).
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts
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D O N O T A N D S E E T H E S A L V A T I O N O F T H E L O R D . STILL STAND BE AFRAID.
EXODUS 14:13