Preview

Everyone is called

Territorial Candidates Directors Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer introduce themselves and September’s Design for Life weekend

EVERYONE is called by God to be salt and light in the world, and that world is different for each person. Some people are called to be barristers, plumbers, homemakers or factory workers, other people find their vocation in schools or hospitals and others serve as ministers or Salvation Army officers.

The Candidates Unit exists to help people explore these questions, which is why DFL (Design for Life) was started many years ago.

The weekend retreat includes worship, prayer, Bible study, group discussion, personal reflection and, of course, food. You’ll be encouraged to reflect on where you’ve been, look at where you are now and listen to God about the future.

‘I think anyone who has questions regarding the direction of their life, career-wise and spiritually, would find the weekend helpful,’ said one past attendee.

‘The DFL weekend will stay with me for the rest of my life. I learnt so much in such a short space of time,’ said another previous delegate.

The next retreat starts on Friday 16 September and ends on Sunday 18 September. If you are interested in attending, you can talk to your corps, DHQ or the Candidates Unit. You can also download an application form from salvationarmy.org.uk/williambooth-college/design-life.

Your corps officer will need to endorse your application and complete the relevant sections on the form. The form can then be sent to DFL, William Booth College, Champion Park, London SE5 8BQ. The cost is £80 per person.

SAVE THE DATE

WHEN: Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September WHERE: William Booth College DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 2 September

QUICK Q+A

WHAT IS DESIGN FOR LIFE?

It is a weekend retreat for all those who are giving opportunity, time and space to seek God’s will and purpose for their lives together with others. It’s a wonderful experience! We share in worship, teaching, group discussion, fellowship and great conversation.

WHO IS IT FOR?

DFL is for anyone over 18 seeking God’s design for their life. No one form of ministry, vocation or service is promoted. Whether you’re near the beginning of your journey and want to scan the horizon or you’ve been travelling a certain route and want to stop and reflect, DFL is for you.

WHAT’S THE TIMETABLE FOR THE WEEKEND?

Registration starts from 6pm on Friday, ahead of an evening meal at 7pm and the first session at 8pm. The weekend will end by 3pm on Sunday.

HOW ARE YOU FINDING YOUR NEW ROLES?

We have been in our new appointments as Territorial Candidates Directors for just over a month now and we are getting settled living and working at William Booth College and being part of that community. We are excited about our new roles and we are passionate about wanting to inspire, encourage and challenge others about vocation, ministry and leadership in these important, significant days.

HAS COVID-19 IMPACTED PEOPLE’S PERSPECTIVES ABOUT VOCATION?

Since the pandemic many people are asking questions about spirituality, life and faith and with that come questions about the future: What am I doing with my life? What am I doing on Earth? What on earth am I doing? Where am I going? Is there something different for me to explore?

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE CONSIDERING DFL?

Have a think and pray. If it feels right, then go for it! There are limited spaces and the deadline for applications is 2 September, so we encourage you to book your place now! For more information, you can contact us via email at vocation@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Water from the rock

Lieut-Colonel Goff Payne reminds us of the importance of hearing God correctly

NUMBERS 20:1–13

AFEW years ago, when our eldest grandchild was visiting us, we offered her a glass of water. As soon as she tasted it, she told us in no uncertain terms that it was ‘horrible’. We had simply turned on the kitchen tap and given her the same water that we were drinking. The difference was the rock from which the water came.

She lives in Sheffield, where water flows over the Peak District and through the peat and rocks before reaching the water treatment works. We lived on the North Downs and our water probably came from artesian wells in the chalk. It is therefore quite understandable that the water, although potable, tasted different to her.

QUESTION

How do you adapt to change?

Our reaction to change probably depends on what kind of change it is. If we are honest, some changes that are relatively minor can seem to be far more important than matters that might have much greater significance.

The account in our study passage of Moses and the water from the rock is as fascinating as it is disturbing; it’s partly about change.

When the people of Israel began their wilderness journey, and they were thirsty, Moses cried out to the Lord for water. The ‘staff’ that God had provided for Moses was used to demonstrate God’s power not only to Pharaoh but also the Israelites.

God told Moses: ‘Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over the sea’ (Exodus 14:16). Later, he instructed Moses: ‘Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink’ (Exodus 17:6).

What miracles! Moses and the people were learning to trust God to provide for their needs. It was all part of their journey and adventure of faith.

Forty years later, as they are nearing the end of their time in the wilderness, the Israelite community arrives in a place they have been previously: Kadesh (see Numbers 13:26). In other words, they have been going round in a circle.

Moses’ sister, Miriam, has recently died, and the people begin to quarrel with him as they complain about their conditions. Moses brings the matter before God but, whereas he had previously listened carefully to God’s answer, this time Moses seems to only half listen to God’s instruction.

We could be charitable and say that Moses has been emotionally affected by Miriam’s death, that he is certainly irked by the grumbling of the people – he calls them rebels – and that he has been in a

Through the week with Salvationist

– a devotional thought for each day

by Major Jane Kimberley

SUNDAY

For we live by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)

MONDAY

Just outside the land of promise/ You have waited many years,/ And your life has been o’erclouded/ With a host of haunting fears./ There is victory in Jesus,/ Come to him without delay;/ Seek just now a full salvation/ And the voice of God obey.

(SASB 429)

TUESDAY

Observe what the Lord your God requires: walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go. (1 Kings 2:3)