Salvationist 27 April 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1702 Price 60p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 27 April 2019

EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES

THE WORK OF THE UK INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS OFFICE

T CONTENTS

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

Feature I London Marathon Meet Team Sally Army

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by Angela Carlucci

Feature I Being obedient I knew what I had to do

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says Colonel Michael Pressland

Feature I Festiva de Música 10 and 11 From Camp Sarón to Cradley Heath

by Simon Hope

Feature I International Projects 12 and 13 Building a better life

by Shanelle Manderson

We are The Salvation Army Our services are integral

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says Charles Malarkey

Meditation I Aspects of love Love’s power

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by Major Jim Bryden

Bible study Journey of discovery

16 and 17

by Major Emma Knights

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

Reviews Saved To Save And Saved To Serve

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Reviewed by Associate Professor Glen O’Brien

Words Of Life Reviewed by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

New commitments Announcements

19 20 and 21

Adverts

21 to 23

The Salvation Army and me

GLOBAL SOLIDARITY ON the Monday of Holy Week we heard the news that Notre Dame Cathedral was on fire. We soon discovered that, although the damage was not as extensive as it might have been, the fire had destroyed two thirds of the roof and toppled the 19th-century central spire. The fire chief later announced that the main structure had been ‘saved and preserved’ from total destruction, but only by a few minutes.

President Macron immediately vowed to launch an international fundraising scheme to rebuild the cathedral, which is a Unesco World Heritage site, and soon substantial donations and offers of help were promised by world leaders, organisations, tycoons and ordinary individuals from various countries. Later that week the French prime minister announced that architects from around the world would be invited to submit designs for a new spire. It seems the rebuilding will be a truly international effort, which, at a time when national interests are tending to dominate agendas, is encouraging.

We might ask why such international generosity is being shown towards a pile of stones when there is so much human need around the world. But we also need to recognise that buildings can represent significantly more than bricks and mortar; the outpouring of emotion we’ve witnessed demonstrates that. We should also remember that similar generosity is shown towards humanitarian relief appeals after earthquakes and other major disasters. It’s an encouraging sign, not only of a Christian influence in society, but perhaps of what theologians call ‘common grace’ that God extends to everyone regardless of their faith or lack of it.

International co-operation, albeit on a much smaller scale, features in this week’s Salvationist. On pages 12 and 13 Benjamin Gilbert highlights the territory’s International Projects Office, which supports communities in 20 countries in Africa, Asia and South America. His team aims to empower people to find sustainable solutions to the issues they are facing, whether they’re to do with food security, clean water, income generation, anti-trafficking or gender justice. To illustrate what a difference the work can make, we hear about Zimbabwean farmer Honest Gudu who has been able to provide food and clothing for his family, and send his children to school, as a result of a farming project.

International solidarity of a different kind is highlighted on pages 10 and 11, where we learn about the visit of David Bishop-Rowe to the Spanish National Music School and the forthcoming visit by Spanish and Portuguese young musicians to the West Midlands. David says: ‘The aim is to give the young people an opportunity to witness The Salvation Army in a different country and maybe even in different situations by sharing worship, fellowship and music together, and hopefully helping them on their spiritual journeys.’

One of the distinguishing characteristics of The Salvation Army is its internationalism – something that’s emphasised in the history book reviewed on page 18, Saved To Save And Saved To Serve, which is ‘a history with a global perspective’.

Encouragement, resources and people flow between the 131 countries where the Army is at work. Let’s never lose our global perspective or our willingness to support people in need, wherever in the world they might be.

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Featuring Christine Thomas

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

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Salvationist 27 April 2019

From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

NICHOLS TELLS RALLY AGAINST KNIFE CRIME THAT YOUNG ‘NEED DEEP ROOTS’ Cardinal Vincent Nichols has said the only way to counteract gang culture is to create ‘a sense of belonging’ for young people…

Speaking at an ecumenical rally against knife crime and youth violence held in Trafalgar Square in London… the cardinal said that young people need to belong to something ‘positive, creative and attractive to them’…

He explained that, in his youth, several Catholic parishes in Liverpool had had boxing clubs because they ‘taught discipline and the right use of strength’.

The cardinal said the clubs were an ‘alternative to gang culture’.

‘This is the kind of reaction we need to involve young people in a way that calls out their commitment and helps them to build discipline and self-control in their lives, and that’s the best counter to some of the worst influences today,’ he said.

The Tablet

WHITECHAPEL MISSION IN RAIL INITIATIVE TO TACKLE BEGGING In a new venture, the Whitechapel Mission is working with the London Overground rail network to discourage passengers from giving to people begging for money on the network’s walk-through trains, but instead to make a donation to the work of the mission. Posters on the stations and notices in all the carriages say: ‘To help someone you see begging on London Overground, donate to the “Whitechapel Mission”. Any donations will be used carefully and your generosity will be welcomed.’

NEW HOUSING ON CHURCH LAND TO TACKLE CRISIS The Church of England is to build affordable homes on thousands of acres of its land, as the Archbishop of Canterbury pledged ‘radical’ action to tackle the housing crisis.

The Most Rev Justin Welby has launched a commission to identify how the church can use its ‘extraordinary’ resources to tackle the housing shortage and promote community spirit.

A church report, produced to coincide with the launch... urged the commission to consider ‘using surplus church land for affordable housing’, citing examples where vicarages and disused church halls have been demolished to make way for new homes.

Whitechapel Mission… provides breakfast for around 250 homeless men and women a day, together with other essential advice services.

The report said 6,600 acres of land owned by the Church Commissioners had been earmarked for housing, with planning permission secured or sought by the church for 9,000 homes, including 2,500 affordable homes. The Bishop of Barking, the Right Rev Rob Wickham, said the church must ‘put our money and resources where our mouth is’.

Methodist Recorder

The Times

London Overground, part of Transport for London (TfL) network... has been concerned about the rise in the number of people asking for money on its trains…

TIRED, HUNGRY AND SHAMED: PUPIL POVERTY ‘STOPS LEARNING’ Teachers have reported worsening signs of child poverty in their classrooms with pupils coming to school tired, hungry, angry and confused. Many children are wearing dirty and ill-fitting uniforms and suffering from anxiety and behaviour issues that affect their learning.

This alarming picture is revealed in a survey, by the National Education Union (NEU), of 8,600 school leaders, teachers and support staff. Nine out of ten who took part agreed that poverty and low income were having a detrimental effect on their pupils’

SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Tony Button – (tel) 020 7367 4893 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

education. Half felt that the situation had worsened over the last three years, particularly in primary schools.

The picture is even more depressing if independent education providers are discounted, with 97 per cent of respondents in maintained schools, academies, free schools and further education colleges reporting concern that poverty affected their students’ learning. Over half (52 per cent) said that the effect was large.

The Guardian

ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4895 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445445 (option 1) (fax) 01933 445415 (email) subscriptions@sp-s.co.uk TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101 Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

Salvationist 27 April 2019

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NEWS

Bands unite for an evening of breathtaking music BOSCOMBE MANY people attended the Army for the first time for an evening of brass band music of the highest quality presented by the Cory Band from South Wales, preceded by a short programme from the corps band.

Introducing the evening, Bandmaster Howard Evans explained that when William and Catherine Booth were founding The Salvation Army, the Cory brothers were forming the Cory Band and a friendship was forged from which the Army benefited.

The host band contributed ‘The Scarlet Jersey’, ‘The Water Of Tyne’ and ‘Glory, Hallelujah’.

In the first half of their programme Cory Band’s pieces

included ‘Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom’, Andrew Wainwright’s ‘The Spirit Of St Louis’ and the world premiere of the final section of ‘Explorers On The Moon’. Soloists Tom Hutchinson (cornet) and Helen Williams (flugelhorn) played ‘How Great Thou Art’ and ‘Share

General Brian Peddle reiterates the ‘spiritual imperative’ to care for children WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

My Yoke’ respectively.

The second half of the visitors’ programme took Romeo and Juliet as its theme and included ‘O Verona’, ‘Caribe’ and the love theme from the opera Romeo And Juliet, featuring Glyn Williams (euphonium) and Helen Williams (flugelhorn). Chris

Thomas (trombone) brought the solo ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story.

In conclusion, the two bands united to provide a thrilling performance of Leslie Condon’s ‘The Call Of The Righteous’ – a fitting benediction to an evening of superb music-making. – R. C.

Raymond and Rita Prew are thanked by CT Doreen Finnimore at Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh after faithfully cleaning the halls for more than 40 years

CHILD protection practitioners from around the world attended a three-day conference focusing on ‘new learning and best practice’.

General Brian Peddle, delivering the keynote address, stressed the importance of child protection: ‘We have a spiritual imperative to care for children – the Bible is clear about this.’ He reminded everyone that his Call to Mission specifically describes a ‘call to raise and nurture every generation’ and thanked those who have been involved in child protection for some time, predating present efforts at an international level.

Delegates were able to share their own experiences. Safeguarding consultant Ian Elliott led a session on listening and learning from those who have been hurt, and a survivor of childhood abuse in the church spoke movingly on good practice and caring for people who have experienced abuse.

Conference outcomes included an objective that every corps should become a ‘therapeutic community’ where children are at the heart of all that is done. – J. H. SNETTISHAM: The corps hosted a community breakfast, serving 56 meals to people from the village and surrounding area. While eating and enjoying a chat with friends, everyone was invited to watch a slideshow of photos showing past events at the corps interspersed with Bible verses. A total of £220 was raised for corps funds and contact was made with several new people. – A. K. 4

Salvationist 27 April 2019

Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist @salvationarmy.org.uk

facebook.com/salvationistonline twitter.com/@SalvationistUK

The General offers challenge and comfort ZIMBABWE GENERAL Brian Peddle led the retirement meeting for Commissioner Vinece Chigariro, whose active service lasted almost 44 years. At the time of her retirement Commissioner Vinece was the Army’s ‘senior commissioner’ having served longest with that rank.

In a meeting lasting five hours the General challenged the congregation to take the commissioner’s attributes of prayer and holiness as an example.

He described her as a woman of faith, conviction, determination and resilience, and a blessing to many. The General stated that she has represented Zimbabwe around the world, showing success as a woman leader and has earned the respect of leaders and Salvationists.

In her retirement message, Commissioner Chigariro thanked God for his faithfulness and protection, attributing her success in ministry to prayer.

The General used the occasion to express words of comfort to Zimbabweans in the midst of Cyclone Idai, encouraging them to take refuge in God as their strength and fortress. – L. N.

Weekend starts with outreach at shopping centre

Mayor apologises for hostility

BASINGSTOKE

EXETER TEMPLE

THE visit of Birmingham Citadel Songsters began with outreach in a shopping centre. Many people stopped to listen, and they were reminded of God’s love for them. Timbrel displays and a dance with umbrellas helped to attract passers-by.

A capacity crowd gathered for the evening concert, during which soloists Lucy Ridley (flute), Rob Hayward (xylophone), Nicola Redhead (cornet) and Stephanie Lamplough (vocal) contributed items. The evening concluded with the congregation reflecting on the words of ‘God Loves You’.

On Sunday morning the visiting songsters divided into two groups, one visiting Tadley, the other at Basingstoke, where Birmingham Citadel corps officer Captain Clare Allman preached on the theme Be Still.

The songsters returned for the final meeting of the weekend, which was a relaxed time with the host band and songsters supporting. Two of the younger guests dressed up as Jesus, reflecting on what Jesus looks like in our lives today. The meeting concluded with the united songsters singing ‘Praise His Holy Name’. – R. W-P.

THE corps celebrated its 138th anniversary with a concert given by the South West Fellowship Band that included works by Himes, Heaton and Rive, and concluded with ‘I Know A Fount’. Soloists were Nicholas Walton (cornet) and vocalist Nicola Collings (pictured,

Croydon Citadel), who presented a broad range of items.

The lord mayor of Exeter, Councillor Rob Hannaford, was a guest for the evening and took the opportunity to apologise on behalf of his predecessors on the city council for their hostile attitude towards the Army in the th 1880s. Many Salvationists were attacked, some imprisoned and a ban on open-air meetings led to the formation of the Skeleton Army.

Majors Margare Margaret and Nigel Bovey led the Sunday meetings, during which Nigel referr referred to the mayor’s apology and, using material from his book Blood On The Flag, gave graphic details of tthe turbulent early history of the corp corps. The mercy seat was used as many p people, inspired by the example of ttheir predecessors, made fresh com commitments to the Lord. – K. D. Salvationist 27 April 2019

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NEWS

Salvation Army care home receives new accreditation YOUELL COURT CARE HOME YOUELL Court Care Home was the first in Coventry to receive accreditation into the Dementia Care Matters Butterfly Household model of care – a new way of caring for people living with dementia.

Staff have been trained to create ‘butterfly’ moments that build emotional connections between themselves and residents.

Throughout the home there are a few smart speakers, and when assisting someone to move who is finding this difficult, Alexa can be asked to play a song

they request; the music then provides a relaxed environment, making movement a more enjoyable experience.

One of the principles of the Butterfly model is to speak with residents who struggle with short-term memory loss about experiences in their past, and staff are able to engage with residents in this way.

The care home is decorated in vibrant colours with familiar settings, such as a post office and an old-fashioned corner shop.

Eamon Kelly, whose mother has been a resident for several years, said he has seen a difference since the Butterfly model was introduced: ‘I feel my mum is being cared for in the best possible way. She is in better health, and they all look after her so well.’ – A. R.

Members of the Sunshine Café, for people experiencing memory loss and their carers, celebrate Easter at Norwich Mile Cross with guests Majors Martin and Michelle Wheeler (DHQ)

At Leigh-on-Sea recently appointed corps officer Major Jacquie Hanover conducts the first Sunday meeting held in the newly refurbished hall

Youth and children’s workers gather for special weekend CREWE NEARLY 140 Salvation Army youth and children’s workers were joined by friends from the Netherlands for this year’s gathering, themed Lead: Here Be Dragons.

In the Friday evening session, International Prayer Director for 24-7 Prayer Brian Heasley spoke about how effective mission must be rooted in our own lives.

Saturday events included Assistant Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe sharing candid thoughts on the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15 and the inclusivity of the gospel.

National Director of Limitless

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Salvationist 27 April 2019

Tim Alford explored how young people can be reached in these days.

A number of seminars discussed topics raised in last year’s Listen Up research. These included forming faith among young people with special needs; responding to mental health issues; and pastorally supporting the LGBTI community.

Saturday evening was spent around a bonfire, following the discipleship journey of Simon Peter.

The weekend drew to a close on Sunday with Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Major Helen Schofield leading a time of testimony and challenge, asking what delegates needed to do to reach and connect with children and young people in corps and communities. – T. W.

After 13 years, Songster Leader Ann Emerson retires and enters the songster reserve at Chester-le-Street; corps officer Major Liz Hancock presented Ann with gifts including a photograph of the songsters

June Richardson’s long years of service are recognised as she transfers to the songster reserve at North Walsham; she is pictured with Songster Leader Major Heather Durrant and her son Ian

PRESTONPANS: On Mother’s Day parents, grandparents and members of the corps witnessed Brownie Guider Alison Black lead Abby Mills, Holly Cunningham, Rose Anderson and Ayla Milne in making their brownie guide promises. This was the first time in several years that the group had attended a Sunday meeting and it was a great encouragement to the corps, which desires to see more children and families become part of the fellowship. Erin Wauchope and Amy Main, who could not attend on Sunday, made their promises on Monday. – S. T.

CROYDON CITADEL: As part of the 150th corps anniversary celebrations the songsters invited former members, corps fellowship and people from the community to join a Big Sing event. On Saturday afternoon Songster Leader Andrew Wicker (Swindon Citadel) led a workshop, taking 88 singers through a selection of his own compositions. Basingstoke Songsters presented a programme in the evening, before uniting with the Big Sing choir. A congregational finale brought the singing voices total up to 176 people.

Celebrations continued on Mother’s Day, led by LieutColonel Jayne Roberts (THQ) and the songsters. – L. L-J.

BIRKENHEAD: The second women’s fellowship took the form of an Easter crafts and afternoon tea event. People from the line dancing group and volunteers from the charity shop and food bank joined corps folk in a lovely afternoon of worship, made Easter wreaths and took part in quizzes. – A. T. Snettisham corps leader CSM Alison Kirby presents Bandsman John Jones with a long-service award for 65 years of service

Farcet Cameo group members parade their Easter bonnets

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FEATURE London Marathon

Meet Team Sally Army Community and Events Fundraising Manager Angela Carlucci (THQ) introduces some members of Team Sally Army who are taking part in the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon

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UNNING a marathon is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences many of us will ever have.

Some of the Team Sally Army runners share their incredibly inspiring stories…

Tony Thornton Homelessness Services Unit Regional Manager (Leeds Service Centre) IN 2017 Tony faced his biggest personal challenge yet when he lost his wife, Ann-Marie, to cancer. In a bid to channel his grief and to exemplify the positivity Ann-Marie had herself shown, Tony took up rock climbing and signed himself up to his first marathon to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s work with victims of modern slavery.

Amara Wright AT 21 years of age, Amara is one of the youngest runners.

To celebrate the life of her grandparents she signed up to the London Marathon.

‘If the Community and Events Fundraising Unit weren’t supporting me, then I wouldn’t be able to do it,’ says Amara. ‘Grandma and Grandad would’ve been so proud. I’m running for an amazing charity – The Salvation Army does so much for everybody. No one is excluded; they help everybody.’

Rob Donovan THIS is the second time that Rob has dedicated training and fundraising for Team Sally Army in the London Marathon. In 2017 he raised £3,000 for Gloucester House. Growing up reading the War Cry, Rob has always respected the work of The Salvation Army.

‘They are always there when people are in need,’ he says. ‘I’m running to support victims of modern slavery.’

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Salvationist 27 April 2019

Deb Juster Assistant Director of Family Ministries (THQ) AFTER a trip to Tanzania where she explored the Zanzibar slave market, Deb was confronted with the knowledge that the problem of slavery is not a distant one and Major Bramwell Cassidy that people can be coerced into ORIGINALLY from Australia, slavery here in the UK. Bram has been learning about ‘I learnt the incredible fact the modern slavery services of that now, in the 21st century, The Salvation Army in the UK. there are more victims of ‘This terrible problem has slavery worldwide than there always existed and now is far have ever been. That fact more sophisticated and became a reality when I visited intertwined with everyday life than ever before,’ he says. ‘I am The Salvation Army’s project for female victims just outside privileged to help break down Dar es Salaam.’ the myth that slavery doesn’t exist any more, and to Although Deb has never run a contribute to the work of helping marathon before, she knows those impacted. I look forward that any fear or pain she might to speaking more about the experience is nothing compared issues and raising awareness with that of the victims and as well as funds.’ survivors she will help.

Why not run with Team Sally Army in 2020! Next year’s event will support our work with people experiencing homelessness, or you can choose to raise funds for your corps.

The ballot for the 2020 London Marathon is only open during the first week of May. Team Sally Army also has a limited number of charity places you can apply for. Find out how you can get involved in this race of a lifetime by visiting www.salvationarmy.org.uk/virgin-money-londonmarathon If you would like to support our 2019 runners’ heroic efforts please sponsor the team by visiting justgiving.com and searching for The Salvation Army

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FEATURE Being obedient

I knew what I had to do The theme for Candidates Sunday on 12 May is Be Obedient and, as we approach that date, three people – a retired officer, an active officer and a cadet – explain what being obedient to God has meant for them; we begin this week with Colonel Michael Pressland

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F you are expecting a heavy spiel pressing you to offer for Salvation Army officership, you may be disappointed! Instead, let me paint the background of my life lived during 86 years in a rapidly changing world.

Born in December 1932, I came into a world in turmoil. By the time I was seven the Second World War had begun. It was exciting for a young country lad, despite the rationing of food, clothing and sweets! In the depression that followed the war my parents lost our small fruit farm in Upleadon, Gloucestershire. I was angry and, observing some of the less attractive features of post-war life for those unable to work, especially for the many service personnel returning from the front, I began to rebel against the exploitation and greed, and the lack of direction and hopelessness of such a society. I searched for a ‘mission’ in which my rebellion could find expression.

In my late teens, after an undemanding grammar school education and hoping to escape my growing dissatisfaction with what I saw around me, I joined the Royal Navy to take a degree class marine engineering apprenticeship – one of the best in the world at that time. I now see that the Lord was equipping me for what he wanted of me in the coming years.

My first lesson as a sailor was to obey orders! The navy offered tight discipline, excellent pay and promotion prospects, and a life that included lots of sports and physical activities, with retirement at 45.

I imagined that my future life was fully mapped out.

That was until an encounter with The Salvation Army changed everything! Dunfermline Corps was near my Royal Navy base at Rosyth.

I visited for a laugh but was welcomed with open arms. And because in my teens I had been a churchgoer, I was soon fully involved in corps activities and had a real experience of spiritual conversion.

A poster with a picture of the Lord Jesus asking ‘Should you be a Salvation Army officer?’ confronted me each time I worshipped; it challenged all my plans. I just knew what I had to do, but the way to do it seemed impossible. I had to obey, overcoming the reluctance of the Royal Navy to release me from my commitment and coping with the disapproval of my parents, who feared that I was about to waste my upbringing and education to accept the disciplines of a life given over to The Salvation Army.

The way forward was, of course, already in the mind of my heavenly Father, and I was accepted for training to enter the 1952-53 session of cadets.

Being new, though, I asked if I could gain experience with The Salvation Army in Glasgow for a further year. So I became a candidate helper at Anderston Citadel, then at a smaller corps in Possilpark, also in Glasgow, before entering the Shepherds Session of 1953-54.

My future was to serve and care for all as an under shepherd. The seeds of my boyhood rebellion were to find a positive and practical expression in service to others. I have not been disappointed.

With subsequent marriage and the

arrival of our family, an amazing and unexpected variety of Salvation Army appointments followed in the UK and overseas. I needed to adapt obediently to many more challenges, changes, joys and sorrows. I have no regrets, and if I could do it all over again, I would try to do it better, be more obedient to God and make fewer mistakes. God, however, knew best and has been far more generous and understanding than I could ever have deserved.

Officership does not end at the age of 65! A whole new and different form of obedience introduced me to other opportunities for service in the IHQ Europe Department, followed by a period of 13 years in several different roles at the International College for Officers.

In retirement it has been important to keep up the discipline of my daily timetable, rising early to spend time with the Lord, studying his word and praying.

Another new ministry emerged: making daily notes and posting them on Facebook. An opportunity to witness for the Lord opened. Two books containing extracts from these posts have already been published and a third is on the way. This is a call to continue my ministry to help, challenge and encourage others, until that day when I will obey the final summons to my Father’s home.

COLONEL PRESSLAND LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN COXHEATH Salvationist 27 April 2019

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FEATURE Festival de Música

David Bishop-Rowe tells Simon Hope about an opportunity for international encouragement

From Camp Sarón to Cradley Heath

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S a result of a series of opportune conversations and God moments, an exciting event is taking shape, which will bring young musicians from across the Spain and Portugal Command to the small English town of Cradley Heath.

Starting on Friday 10 May, delegates from throughout the Iberian Peninsula will cross the Cantabrian Sea to experience Salvation Army life in the West Midlands and explore some of its differences and similarities. The UK visit will also involve the young people in a range of experiences inside and outside the corps.

‘We now know the total number of people who are coming will be 20 from Spain and 5 from Portugal,’ says David, who initially organised the event. ‘They are coming from all over Spain and Portugal, so it is really exciting. We reckon about eight of them are going to play timbrels when they come across, and this will probably be the first time they will perform with a live band.’

The West Midlands Fellowship Band and massed songsters comprising members from other corps in the area will begin the weekend on Friday night with a Festival de Música – based on the old Cradley Heath tradition of Sounding Brass and Voices – featuring the young delegates, who will be received with the right degree of pomp.

‘We’ll be using the march “Celebration” as they come in,’ David enthuses, ‘with the old chorus: “We’ll keep the old flag flying,/ Flying round the world.” We already have small Spanish, Portuguese and British flags and we’re just about to make little Salvation Army flags. It’s been done a few times elsewhere, I know, so I’m not claiming any uniqueness, but we thought it would be a nice welcome.’

Tickets are available from the corps and any money raised will go to support the Spain and Portugal Command.

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Salvationist 27 April 2019

The rest of the weekend will be less formal and will include the young people taking part in hymn tune playing outside a supermarket, a visit to a museum, witnessing with Cradley Heath Band during a church visit and supporting the corps in the Sunday meetings, concluding with an old-fashioned ‘wind-up’.

The opportunity for this event came about when David stumbled across the only English-speaking corps in Spain while on holiday. David got to know the corps officers, and his background in conducting championship section brass bands led to an invitation for him to take part in the Spanish National Music

School during the summer. There he began talking with other leaders about the possibility of a Spanish delegation visiting England.

‘Camp Sarón is a permanent camp, just outside the city of Dénia, owned by The Salvation Army,’ explains David.

‘During the summer school, there was a timbrel group, there were bands and singing every morning, and we all joined in. As you’d expect at any music school there were down times with talent shows or something else going on. The officer commanding came along to the school and we started talking to him about a possible trip.’

Compared with many in the UK, corps

Spanish National Music School

in Spain and Portugal are small and are few and far between. David felt that an opportunity for the young people to see his experience of the Army world would prove helpful and inspiring.

‘The aim has got nothing to do with music – although we are looking forward to sharing music together,’ he says. ‘In fact, the aim is to give the young people an opportunity to witness The Salvation Army in a different country, and maybe even in different situations, by sharing worship, fellowship and music together, and hopefully helping them on their spiritual journeys. Across most of the Midlands and London you can walk from one corps to another – that’s a major difference. There’s also the size. When we go to Spain, if I take my family – there are six of us – we can sometimes double the congregation.

‘So the aim is to send the young people back, enthused to know that there are people in other parts of the world who are doing exactly the same things they’re doing. If they go back thinking that The Salvation Army is bigger than they ever

thought it was, they will be refuelled to go out and witness and believe that they’re part of a bigger Army.’

David is also quick to assert that the organisation of the visit has been bigger than just his own efforts. The corps fellowship has been instrumental in arranging the event, as David explains: ‘We’ve got people all over the place who are supporting it. For a start, we wouldn’t have the songsters if we didn’t have the support of other corps in the area, and the fellowship band comprises Salvationists and members of churches from all over the West Midlands and beyond.

‘Lots of people are asking what they can do. We’re providing most of the meals at the corps so we’re going to have people doing the background stuff during lunchtime and teatime. And we have somebody who owns his own coach company who is willing to help us in some way or another. Everybody just seems to want to chip in, thanks to the leadership of our corps officers.

‘There are so many benefits from this that you don’t see. It helps the corps

come together. I mean, it’s a hardworking corps – it’s a vibrant corps and this is just another part of what we’re doing. Our fundraising has included a tabletop sale and hymn tune playing outside a supermarket. The bandmaster even went on a sponsored zip-wire ride on the world’s fastest zip wire!

‘I feel that this is truly God-led. My wife and I bought our little place in Spain before I returned to the Army. It just happened to be near the only Englishspeaking corps in the command and close to the National Music School campsite.

This was just one of a series of God moments where things fell into place. It has come together very well and people have been so enthusiastic about it.

‘Sometimes God’s plan is so amazing that you just have to sit back and admire his work!’

Festival de Música takes place on Friday 10 May. Tickets can be booked by emailing cradley.heath@salvationarmy.org.uk or calling 01384 563570

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FEATURE International Projects

BUILDING A BETTER LIFE Team Leader Ben Gilbert (THQ) tells Shanelle Manderson how the work of the International Projects Office is impacting communities

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HE UK Territory’s International Projects Office works in 20 countries across Africa, Asia and South America, empowering communities to find lasting solutions to make the department’s vision statement – a world without poverty and injustice – a reality.

‘There are two distinct sides to the work we do,’ Ben explains. ‘First, we partner Salvation Army territories around the world, supporting them and funding some of the projects they’re engaged in.

‘We’re often working in difficult and hard-to-reach areas. But part of the uniqueness of The Salvation Army is that we’re not flying lots of people to these countries; we use local Salvation Army partners to implement the projects so we speak the language and we’re immersed in the culture. We utilise the global infrastructure of our organisation to really impact and reach those who are most marginalised.

Honest Gudu

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‘The other side of our work is focused on our own territory, raising awareness and inspiring people to get engaged, take action and speak up for justice and equality for all.’

The team is also responsible for overseeing the transfer of funds for the Self-Denial Appeal (mission support) as well as emergency response projects.

All the projects fall under one of five main themes: food security, focusing on agriculture and improving yields for crops; clean water, which involves providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities; income generation, working with families to possibly provide

micro-loans or set up saving groups to try and stimulate businesses and increase family incomes; anti-trafficking, working with survivors and providing support, but also working with communities to raise awareness of how people are lulled into those situations; gender justice, which can relate to trafficking but is specifically about working in parts of the world where women and girls do not have equal rights.

The selection of these themes originated from communities’ passions and natural synergies. ‘It’s a bit of a mixture,’ says Ben. ‘Anti-trafficking, for example, is big here in the UK and that is a natural fit with our work around the world, but it’s also what people on the ground want to get involved in and deem necessary for the community within specific countries. We match that up with what’s feasible and where our expertise lies.’

The countries the projects operate in often have no social security and limited government healthcare or education, and families may be vulnerable; one missed rainy season or an illness in a family can lead to severe debt and poverty.

‘In these situations our programmes are vital,’ Ben explains. ‘We’re providing different ways for people to become more resilient to cope with the pressures around them.’

Honest Gudu is just one individual

who has benefited from a venture in the Chiweshe district of Harare, Zimbabwe.

More than 80 per cent of the country’s population is dependent on subsistence farming, but poor harvests often lead to food insecurity and poverty.

In 2014, Honest became one of twenty-nine farmers to participate in a Salvation Army project that worked with Foundations for Farming, a Zimbabwean organisation. They train farmers in conservation agriculture to ensure they can produce many crops despite inconsistent weather: rainfall and drought. The main focus of the method is farming the way God intended, making best use of the land in a

respectful way. This involves taking advantage of natural ecological processes to conserve moisture and enhance soil fertility. Since using this method, Honest’s yield has doubled. He has been able to provide food and clothing for his family and send his six children to school.

An important element of the project was for the first participants to teach others in their villages in order to promote community cohesion and widespread impact. Honest has now become the teacher in his village, helping all his neighbours learn how to use the methods.

Planning and design are important in developing such projects to ensure sustainability and, depending on the complexity of a scheme, it can be fairly flexible or involve an in-depth research phase. A key element is considering the long-term outcomes and the impact the project hopes to achieve.

‘If we begin there then it can really inform the way we design a programme; starting off on the right foot makes it much easier to measure what we’re doing,’ says Ben. ‘So the concept note – an idea or a rough plan and budget for what the programme is going to look like – is the first stage. That is refined and goes through a number of approvals before being developed into a full proposal. During that process we’re looking for funds to finance the programme for its entire length.’

In 2018, the total project spend was £1,150,000. While 10 per cent of the funding came from the UK government, 20 per cent came from emergency disaster public appeals and 70 per cent came from fundraising initiatives by the general public, including corps.

There are three main ways corps can continue to support financially, as Ben explains: ‘First, corps can get behind one of the campaigns we run or one of the emergency appeals.

‘The annual helping-hand appeal rotates around the thematic areas. This year the focus is on income generation.

The campaign is called Community Shares.

‘Specific campaigns also run when there’s an event or issue. Last year the three-month Bring Light campaign raised more than £10,000 for the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh, and this year Get Flushed!, based around World Toilet Day, will raise money for communities that have little access to water and clean sanitation.

‘Second, people can buy items used for our projects using Just Gifts, an online catalogue. For example, you can buy a goat, a water tap or some farming tools. We give you a thank-you voucher, and 100 per cent of that money, plus gift aid if that’s included, goes into these programmes. That’s a tangible way for people to support and it gives them more of an idea of the actual costs involved.

‘Third, corps can choose one of the main themes to raise funds. On our website we have lots of resources about session plans, presentations and information.’

Stories of people who have been impacted by the work the team does, different themes, and events and campaigns they’ve engaged in are some of the content included in the biannual magazine, Develop. Beginning as a newsletter roughly fifteen years ago, it was relaunched in magazine format in 2012 and redesigned last year.

‘Although the look of our magazine may have changed, the essence of our work continues,’ affirms Ben. ‘I can truly say, hand on heart, that lives have been changed through the work of projects funded through the UK Territory. It is so rewarding to see.’

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out more by visiting salvationarmy.org.uk/id Salvationist 27 April 2019

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There are hundreds of corps and centres up and down the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this series, Salvationist discovers just that

OUR SERVICES ARE INTEGRAL says York Early Intervention and Prevention Team Service Manager Charles Malarkey

Charles (left) with team members Sarah and Tom

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WOULD definitely say that the Early Intervention and Prevention Team is unique within The Salvation Army.

For a start, our three-person team is specifically funded to facilitate street walks and work with rough sleepers.

Because of the nature of this, we work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.

The Early Intervention and Prevention Team is part of The Salvation Army’s Homelessness Services Unit. We operate out of a small building in the centre of York, and a big part of what we do includes regular street walks with the intention of identifying rough sleepers.

This service plays an integral part in the city of York’s No Second Night Out scheme. Not only is the Early Intervention and Prevention Team the No Second Night Out lead for all service users over the age of 18, but also we are the only service that can refer people into the Howe Hill scheme, which is a hostel for young people aged 18 to 21.

Our small team operates out of a building the size of an average terraced house, and we can have anything between 4 and 24 (and sometimes even more!) service users walking through our doors when our drop-in is open.

We are the first point of call for new rough sleepers and revolving-door service users, and we work tirelessly to engage entrenched rough sleepers, pulling other agencies into the situation in order to make progress.

One of the big ways that potential service users are initially made aware of us is through our early morning street walks. These usually take place at 5 am, 14

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‘

One of the big ways that potential service users are initially made aware of us is through our early morning street walks

’

with another walk in the afternoon.

Potential service users also hear about us through other homelessness services in the area.

On arrival at our drop-in centre, new service users are taken through an initial assessment. This is led by them and helps us to identify any actions that can be taken immediately. These might include sourcing accommodation or seeing to any specific health needs.

During this process we look at all aspects of accommodation and listen to the individual’s own thoughts and opinions. This gives them the opportunity to share ideas about where they would like to live, and we consider every possible option to find the best solution. We involve a lot of other agencies in this process as well, even including people in the community when appropriate.

On top of our Monday to Friday office

work, we also provide an out-of-hours support service for rough sleepers in crisis. This is based on a call-out system and includes weekends and bank holidays. We have an open-door policy and we strive to engage with the complex needs of our service users by helping them find their way into accommodation.

We also work with hospital social work teams to ensure that service users are not discharged to ‘no fixed abode’. One of our team members is on hand to assess clients, to ensure the most appropriate accommodation is in place, and we monitor referrals into housing and emergency housing.

Alongside all this we keep statistics for the local authority. We send monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual statistics to the homelessness team and write up reports after all our street walks.

What we really need right now is more staff and a bigger building to facilitate our services and other initiatives. A nearby charity shop and a workshop for restoring old furniture would be invaluable. Not only would these help service users who are further along our process get back into meaningful employment, but also they would lift the profile of our work in the area and bring in more funding streams.

Since we began in 2002 we have seen such a positive impact on our service users’ wellbeing, confidence, mental and physical health and issues with substance misuse.

Our early intervention and prevention service has a high profile in York and we maintain an active presence on all housing-related panels. We take time to engage with the police, British Transport Police, probation services and community groups, and have a leading role in the work of York Corps in identifying vulnerable service users. We consider ourselves an integral part of the community.

MEDITATION Aspects of love

LOVE’S POWER In the second of his three-part series Major Jim Bryden looks at the power of the Spirit at work in Acts 4:8–12

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HO would have thought the healing of a severely disabled man involving Peter and John could cause such a furore among the ruling authorities! When the disciples are hauled before the nation’s leaders after a night in jail, they display all the signs that they have the upper hand.

Assembled are the top brass, an indication of how worried the authorities are.

The real reasons for the arrest and trial of the disciples were their preaching and promotion of Jesus. The one whose crucifixion had been deviously manipulated by the powers that be was now proclaimed by these prisoners to be risen from the dead. While it is true that the authorities had decided what to do to Jesus, the believers’ prayer, made by the Christian community following the release of John and Peter, is telling: ‘They did what your [God’s] power and will had decided beforehand should happen’ (Acts 4:28).

The crux of the matter is that God is in control. It was his will that the Son should die to save humanity from the

destruction of sin. The gospel in a nutshell says it all, making it clear that salvation comes at God’s initiative: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16).

The number of early believers was expanding rapidly. The more who signed up as followers of Jesus the greater the threat they posed to the power and rule of the nation’s political and religious leaders. They had to be stopped!

The question is: Who is really on trial here? It is meant to be Peter and John.

Peter, however, in the power of the Holy Spirit, doesn’t mince his words. With incredible boldness he accuses the officials of rejecting and killing Jesus.

But, claims Peter, despite their savage act, God had raised him from the dead.

The one they had rubbished like a stone is the very foundation and exclusive channel of God’s salvation for the world.

Back to the trial. The court adjourned and now we tune in to a very worried group of leaders. For Peter and John there was no backing down – no apology for what they had done in the Lord’s name in healing the man. The signs of the power of the Holy Spirit in this great act of love were there for all to see.

The rulers, as they conferred privately, knew there was no denying that something miraculous had taken place.

Its impact on the public arena ignited a widespread following. To go down the way of punishment and imprisonment of Peter and John could, potentially, spark an uprising. Realising this was too risky a route they agreed to impose threats should the two men continue to propagate their message.

When they were informed of this the disciples’ response was to throw the ball back into the authorities’ court, saying: ‘Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! As for us, we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard’ (Acts 4:19 and 20). The authorities gave in to the inevitable and gave the men their freedom.

Are we ready and able to take our stand for Christ? Do we shudder at the challenge to speak up for him? Have we become so tamed, so conditioned by political correctness, that we tremble in our shoes to take on – should faith demand it – those leading lights of society who would gag the gospel where it does not fit the mould of popular opinion? Only in the power of the Holy Spirit can we claim the high ground for the gospel.

MAJOR BRYDEN LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BELLSHILL

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BIBLE STUDY

Major Emma Knights traces the steps of disciples on the Emmaus Road

STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 24:13–35

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E don’t know much about the disciples in this passage.

There are two of them, but we’re not sure whether they are two men or a man and a woman. We know that one of them is a man named Cleopas. Whoever they are, they’re completely disheartened and in deep discussion.

They had been in Jerusalem for Passover and were fully aware of what had happened to Jesus of Nazareth. As followers of Jesus, their journey that week had taken them from glorious hope to the depths of despair – Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when it seemed like all their hopes and dreams would come true, to Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion and burial in a borrowed tomb.

That morning, after hearing some reports about the empty tomb, they were

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

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

Journey

puzzled and amazed. They tell the person who joins them on the road that ‘some of our women… went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find his [Jesus’] body’ and they had ‘seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive’ (vv22 and 23).

We also discover that others in their company went to the tomb and confirmed that it was empty. Their hopes were dashed – the dream was over. The faithful band of Jesus’ followers appeared to be leaderless and falling apart. As Cleopas and his companion walk the seven miles from Jerusalem to Emmaus, they must be feeling that their entire world has fallen apart.

Moving from the intensity of the past few days in Jerusalem, where they had witnessed the last week of Jesus’ life, the two conclude that the way they had been following – Jesus’ way – had come to a dead end. They can’t make sense

of it. It seems so pointless. It makes sense to return home.

As they are walking, talking and discussing the things that had happened, we are told: ‘Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising him’ (vv15 and 16 ).

Every time I read that verse, it disturbs me, because I wonder if it would actually be possible for me to meet Jesus and not know it.

QUESTION O I wonder how many times people see us but don’t see Jesus in us. Why is this?

The two disciples speak of the suffering and death of Jesus to the stranger who is walking in step with them. Jesus takes hold of their bewilderment and sorrow and fills their hearts.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

We have not known thee as we ought,/ Nor learned thy wisdom, grace and power;/ The things of Earth have filled our thought/ And trifles of the passing hour./ Lord, give us light thy truth to see/ And make us wise in knowing thee.

Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; but they were kept from recognising him.

O, to know the power of your risen life,/ And to know you in your sufferings,/ To become like you in your death, my Lord,/ So with you to live and never die.

(SASB 630)

(Luke 24:13–16)

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(SASB 565)

of discovery QUESTION O How did Jesus help the disciples understand their experience?

Jesus explains the mind of God and outlines God’s salvation plan as revealed through his word: ‘Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself’ (v27).

Jesus Christ is the thread woven throughout these passages. He can be discovered through the central theme that binds Scripture together – God’s salvation. We find Jesus in God’s provision of the sacrificial lamb to Abraham, God’s assurance to Moses that he had heard his people’s cry for deliverance and his salvation through the Exodus from Egypt, the suffering servant in Isaiah, the pierced one in Zechariah and the messenger of the covenant in Malachi, and many other passages.

Even though they don’t know it, the two disciples are walking with their living Lord. Jesus cares enough to listen to them and hear what is weighing heavily on their hearts. He visits them not only to prove that he is alive but also to show the light of his presence and to reveal the truth about what he had accomplished.

Never again would they have any reason to be disappointed in Jesus. Indeed, he had redeemed Israel as they had hoped, albeit differently from how they had expected – not with a mighty army but by his death and resurrection.

It is late and the disciples urge the stranger to stay and share a meal. As Jesus takes the bread, gives thanks and breaks it, they recognise him; then he vanishes from their sight. They know Jesus in his familiar action of breaking and blessing bread. Their world comes together again. Jesus is not dead; the cross and the tomb are empty. Jesus is alive.

Immediately, the disciples leave the house and return to Jerusalem. They could have waited until the morning but some news just can’t wait.

While travelling on the road to Emmaus they really do experience a journey of discovery. But this discovery happens because they welcome a stranger and show him hospitality. Then, once they realise just who the stranger is, they rush to share the news with the others.

QUESTIONS O How good are we at sharing hospitality?

O How do we welcome a stranger?

O How do we share the good news?

MAJOR KNIGHTS IS LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THQ

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, and he disappeared from their sight.

I know thee who thou art,/ And what thy healing name;/ For when my fainting heart/ The burden nigh o’ercame,/ I saw thy footprints on my road/ Where lately passed the Son of God.

They got up and returned at once to Jerusalem. There they found the Eleven and those with them, assembled together and saying, ‘It is true! The Lord has risen and has appeared to Simon.’ Then the two told what had happened on the way, and how Jesus was recognised by them when he broke the bread.

Let nothing draw me back/ Or turn my heart from thee,/ But by the Calvary track/ Bring me at last to see/ The courts of God, that city fair,/ And find my name is written there.

(Luke 24:30 and 31)

(SASB 79)

Prayer Dear Lord, as we tread life’s pathway, help us always to recognise you walking beside us.

May we not be distracted by events that surround us, or the difficulties we encounter on our journey. Help us never to lose sight of you.

(SASB 79)

(Luke 24:33–35)

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+ REVIEWS

A HISTORY WITH A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Associate Professor Glen O’Brien (Eva Burrows College, Australia Territory) reviews the book, Saved To Save And Saved To Serve: Perspectives On Salvation Army History by Harold Hill

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ALVATION Army history, like all denominational history, can sometimes be biased and overly romanticised, especially when written by an insider. This is certainly not the case here. Harold Hill has written a valuable and scholarly history that hits the right balance between objective analysis of evidence and the reflections of a critical yet appreciative insider.

One of the great strengths of the book is its global perspective.

Incidents drawn from Australian and New Zealand settings fill out the story so that the reader is not given only northern hemisphere perspectives. Historians, even religious historians, are not always attuned to the theological complexities of their subject matter, but Harold Hill has a sure grasp of the theology that has undergirded Salvationist activism.

After a solid overview of Salvation Army history beginning in Victorian Britain, the author draws upon his earlier work on Salvation Army leadership to explore such questions as whether the Army should be seen as a sect or a church, whether its officers should be seen as clergy, and whether its commitment to ordain and commission women as officers means that it has no problem with gender equality. (On this last point there is the recognition that further progress needs to be made.) In each of these explorations easy answers are avoided and the complexity of the discussion is given due consideration.

Three solid chapters on Salvationist theology cover its formal doctrinal statements, its theological diversity and its worship practice.

Soon after becoming an employee of The Salvation Army in 2009, I discovered, somewhat to my surprise, how diverse Salvationists were. I had expected a broadly evangelical church with a slightly Wesleyan flavour. While I found plenty of

that, I also encountered a much wider range of perspectives from the very conservative to the very progressive – charismatic Salvationists, social gospel Salvationists, catholic li Salvationists, S l ti i t even reformed Salvationists – all wearing the same uniform and gathering under the same flag. The sixth chapter on diversity explains this in terms of a pragmatic commitment to a commonly held core mission of ‘getting people saved and sanctified, with as little impediment to those ends as possible’.

There are two sound chapters on the Army’s social work, and the book concludes with a global snapshot of the Movement, which takes into account its initial connection to British imperialism, the gradual indigenisation of leadership, and its ecumenical commitments.

This is a fine history that arises out of a lifetime of careful thinking about The Salvation Army. It exhibits the skills of a careful historian and an insightful theologian. It will serve as an excellent textbook, but will also appeal to the general reader wanting an up-to-date and authoritative source on global Salvation Army history. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

O Saved To Save And Saved To Serve is available from Amazon as an ebook, priced £7.72, or as a paperback, priced £38 This review was previously published in the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory War Cry and in the Australian Others magazine

PEACE, PERFECT PEACE Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts reviews the May to August 2019 Words Of Life

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AJOR Beverly Ivany has written Words Of Life for the past eight years, and the May to August 2019 edition is her last. She introduces it by saying: ‘We all long for world peace – to combat war, hatred, conflict, terrorism – and as we read together daily may God’s perfect peace permeate our hearts, enabling us to pass the peace of God to one another in love and complete harmony.’

The theme of peace is explored in the Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings, Nehemiah and Ecclesiastes, and, in the New Testament, in Mark’s Gospel, some chapters from John’s Gospel and Paul’s letter to the Romans.

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Each weekend the focus is on a psalm or proverb, as well as a song or hymn. The Pentecost series is provided

by Lieut-Colonels Bob and Wendy Lee, Singaporean officers now serving in the Hong Kong and Macau Command.

Beverly says: ‘As I leave you now, I pray God’s wonderful and perfect peace upon you, your families, your corps and churches, your communities, and indeed upon all of the world – created just for us!’

O Words Of Life is available from SP&S priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing)

NEW COMMITMENTS

RISCA: Emily Browning was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officers Captains Kingsley and Paula Layton. – J. B.

LEIGH-ON-SEA: Bethany and Callum Cook were enrolled as soldiers and their sister, Naomi, was welcomed as an adherent member by their father, Lieutenant Tim Cook (Coleraine with Ballymoney). Bethany and Callum thanked everyone who had been influential in their Christian upbringing, which had led them to this commitment and desire to serve the Lord. – P. J.

TADCASTER: Corps officer Major Jackie Bainbridge welcomed Sarah Hinchcliffe and Barbara King as adherent members during a café church meeting themed Happy Families. Sarah was supported by three generations of her family. Sarah’s original contact was through the Tad Tots group; now she helps to lead this group and regularly attends Sunday meetings. Barbara, who was supported by her husband and daughter, originally volunteered at the Thursday café and, after attending Sunday worship, decided to make the Army her church. Sarah and Barbara are now involved in the weekly prayer meeting. – M. B.

SHOTTS: Allan and Moira McManus were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Lieutenant Amy-Jo Battersby. Allan testified that the Lord led him to become part of the fellowship when he attended last year’s territorial congress in Edinburgh. Moira returned to the Army after many years when God repeatedly placed people in her life who influenced her, and testified to his presence throughout this time. – A-J. B.

Some photos removed COVENTRY CITY: Callum Crayton and Violet Fearn were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Val Spivey.

Callum and Violet knelt at the new mercy seat to sign their promises. They are pictured with Majors Andrew and Val Spivey. – V. S.

STAPLE HILL: Aimee Bessex was welcomed as an adherent member on Mother’s Day by corps officer Major Nicola Hylton-Jones. Having grown up in the Army, Aimee felt she wanted to make the corps her place of worship and was supported by family and friends. Also pictured is Major Colin Hylton-Jones – H. B.

BELFAST NORTH: In the presence of family and friends, Blaine Lavery was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Russell Tucker. – L. K.

Salvationist Salvationist272 April 2019

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

TRIBUTES

ARMY PEOPLE Thanos, son of Tom and Irini Giannaros, at Gillingham by Major Haris Giannaros

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CS Lawrie Brown and CT Philip Jones, both Exeter Temple

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WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Majors Alan and Betty Bennett (8 May) Diamond O Majors Rodney and Lilian Birch (9 May) Golden O Bandsman Les and YP Treasurer Jen Palfreman, Staple Hill (10 May)

BEREAVED O Songster Adele Sage, Cardiff Canton, of her husband Alan, Bandsman Robert Sage and Asst Sgt-Major Joanna Reavell, both Cardiff Canton, and Andrew Sage, Linwood, New Zealand, of their father O Songster Wes Blackshaw, Winton, of his wife Songster Ann

DEDICATED TO GOD O Pearl Joanna, daughter of Captains Tim and Christianne Swansbury, at Carshalton by Major Teresa Everett O Eden Madeline and Seth Eli, daughter and son of James and Clair Thomas, at Worthing by Majors Darrell and Katrina Thomas

PROMOTED TO GLORY O Aux-Captain Margaret Moon-Algar from a Canterbury hospital on 30 March O Major Ina Neill from Kingsmill Hospital, Sutton-in-Ashfield, on 13 April O Geoffrey Tricker, Ipswich Citadel O Joan Guite, Guisborough O Cynthia Haswell, Lincoln

Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 Apr – Fri 3 May O Sunbury Court (ICO session 241), Th 9 and Sun 12 O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (International Appointments Board), Fri 17 – Sun 19 O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 – Wed 22 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (farewell to session), Fri 17 May O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 – Wed 22 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 Apr – Fri 3 May O Pentre (140th anniversary), Sat Sun 12 O Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Heathrow (SATCoL conference), Tu 14 O Swanwick (chaplains conference), Fri 17* O Leek (YP anniversary), Sat Sun 19* O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 – Wed 22* O Myanmar (divisional leaders development), Mon 20 – Fri 31** O Prestonpans (centenary weekend), Sat Sun 26* THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 Apr – Fri 3 May O Regent Hall (Musical Theatre Day), Sat 4 O Penge, Sun 5 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Norway, Fri 10 May – Sun 12 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Castleford, Sat Sun 19 May *Territorial Commander only **Territorial Leader for Leader Development only

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VI WHEATLEY, BURTON-ON-TRENT VI was born in Burton in 1920. Aged 16 she began a career in mental health nursing, which she continued throughout her working life. At the heart of her being was her faith and her love for God. She loved The Salvation Army and became a soldier at the same time as her daughter. Vi cherished attendance at Sunday meetings and supported the lunch and Evergreen clubs.

She faced difficulties head-on and comforted people in need. She travelled extensively, enjoying her visits abroad.

Vi’s influence spread far and wide; a capacity congregation at her funeral service included councillors and former mayors. – K. A. AUDREY FERGUSON, GATESHEAD AUDREY attended the corps regularly with her daughter before deciding to become a soldier and wear her uniform in her eighth decade, having been convinced she wasn’t too old. She was an enthusiastic participant in as many meetings and activities she could attend, including the Age Concern exercise group held at the corps.

Recent ill health prevented Audrey’s attendance at meetings but she appreciated visits from members of the corps and kept up-to-date with news.

Audrey testified that she was prepared and ready to be with the Saviour. – A. H. JOHN WISEMAN, CHESTER-LESTREET JOHN was promoted to Glory aged 88. He grew up in Newfield where he met the love of his life, his late wife Catherine. They were married for 56 years and were blessed with five children.

John learnt to play an instrument at Newfield before transferring to Chester-leStreet where he became a bandsman, band colour sergeant and youth club leader. Known as a good conversationalist

ADVERTS he could discuss any subject. Many young people in the corps shared Cath and John’s hospitality, meeting in their home for fellowship after Sunday evening meetings.

Although unable to attend meetings for a few years because of ill health, John is remembered and sadly missed. – G. C. KEN LE TISSIER, GUERNSEY BORN in 1936 in Guernsey, Ken attended one of the nearby mission chapels until he was a teenager. It was at The Salvation Army that he met his future wife, Janet, and was enrolled as a soldier. They were married for 61 years and raised a family of three boys.

Ken held a number of jobs, which included working in the family’s growing business as well as working for the police as a valeter.

At the corps, Ken was welcome sergeant and was responsible for raising the flag outside the hall each week, taking up the offering and, on occasions, drove the youth club minibus on trips to England and to Sunbury Court.

Ken is remembered by his friends as a kind, caring, faithful, honest and trustworthy man of integrity. He was a fine, Christian gentleman and is sorely missed. – J. H. IRENE ELLIS, WARRINGTON BORN into a Salvationist home, Irene was the only child of Elizabeth and Thomas Raw, who were active members at Star Hall in Manchester. They later transferred to Wythenshawe, where Irene was a member of the singing company and sunbeams group and played euphonium in the YP band.

She married Trevor in 1957 at Openshaw; this year would have been their 62nd wedding anniversary. Irene had four children – Brian, Julie, Colin and Barry – five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

She held a number of commissions during her life that included songster colour sergeant and guide captain at Openshaw and, on transfer to Warrington in 1976, served as singing company sergeant and organised meals for corps functions and for visiting sections. – T. E.

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Salvationist 27 April 2019

22-23

‘ Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army!

We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…

First to know thee, then to serve thee, Then to see thee as thou art

(SASB 766)

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

The Incredibles – I’d like to be Elastigirl (so unlike me!) and save the world from all the baddies.

CHRISTINE THOMAS Territorial Appeals Officer, THQ How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My parents are Salvationists, and they took me to the Army as a baby.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Corrie ten Boom – she went through so much and did so much for so many people. It would be wonderful to meet this incredible Christian woman and hear her talk about her life.

What made you want to become a Salvationist?

A deepening relationship with Jesus and confirmation that The Salvation Army was the church I wanted to be part of.

What do you do in your spare time?

Sing, go to the theatre and cinema and play with a six-year-old’s Power Ranger toys!

What is your day job?

I work in the Marketing and Fundraising Department, at THQ, looking after the Big Collection and the Self-Denial Appeal.

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

I think it was ‘Bye Bye Baby’ by the Bay City Rollers or, sadly, probably something Army!

What is the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating?

The most interesting is having opportunities to see the amazing work the Army is doing and where the money goes.

The most frustrating is that income for the Big Collection is declining so less work can be achieved.

What are your favourite Bible verses?

There are two chapters that are related: Romans 8 assures us that nothing can separate us from God’s love and 1 Corinthians 13 talks about what love is – it’s how I want to live my life towards others, by showing the characteristics of love.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

More connection at corps level with the social work the Army is involved in.

Is there something you’ve never understood?

The miracle of a new life.

’

What languages do you speak?

A little French.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘In The Secret Of Thy Presence’ (SASB 766) by Albert Orsborn. This has always been my favourite, and it was made even more poignant when sung at my dad’s funeral – ‘First to know thee, then to serve thee,/ Then to see thee as thou art.’

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

Cancer – I have lost a number of relatives and friends to this disease.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

My six-year-old godson – I love him so much and he makes me laugh. Also, it would stop him running away!

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

I would invent a device that records dreams and then explains the meaning of them.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony.

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

‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

A beach holiday in the sun with a good book.

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess?

A wooden music stand that belonged to my dad; we shared a love of music.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

I was actually good at netball at school.

Nowadays, it would probably be shot put!

Something interesting you might not know about me is…

I was born on Christmas Day, hence my Christian name. Thanks Mum and Dad!