News feature 8 and

Fun at the barn dance Singing, a quiz and relaxation Mass choir

The Enabled Commonwealth Games Crafts

still present enjoyed crafts on the patio of one of the buildings, followed by singing under the gazebo again. On Friday afternoon many shared in coffee and cake in the outdoor seating area at the coffee shop on campus, followed again by outdoor games. Much use was made of the leisure equipment that the college had installed on the sports field for their students.

Friday evening found members enjoying games in one of the accommodation buildings. For the few who remained on Saturday it was time to pack up and everyone parted company.

One of the supporters, Andrea Darlington from Doncaster, said: ‘This year was so much about being together, working together and rising above life’s challenges together. Even those unable to attend in person joined together with us through livestream, Facebook and WhatsApp. The speaker on the Sunday said that when we work together we can achieve, in most cases, something really positive. The important thing is encouraging one another and building one another up.’

The Enabled Summer School did not end the way it was planned but everyone had a good time. The spontaneous activities that replaced the programme were a great success and the members all continued to rejoice, despite the circumstances.

Enabled Summer School 2023 will take place from 29 July to 5 August. For more information, email chris.stringer@salvationarmy.org.uk

Kirkwall outreach Divisional Envoy Lynne Gauton

Territorial leaders inspire in divisional summer campaign

NORTH SCOTLAND DIVISION

TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill joined with Salvationists and friends from across the division for an inspiring summer campaign, reports Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Steve Dutfield.

The pair travelled more than 600 miles to attend 12 events over eight days in seven locations, including islands, cities and harbours.

The campaign was the outcome of much prayer and preparation and took its theme from Isaiah 44:3: ‘I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.’

It captured the imagination of those who followed the tour in person and through Facebook, with contacts made, friendships renewed and seeds sown for the future.

ORKNEY The campaign commenced with a live morning interview on BBC Radio Orkney. The commissioners outlined the purpose of the campaign: to point people to Jesus.

This was followed by a prayer breakfast at the corps in Kirkwall, bringing together corps folk and guests from the Mainland of Orkney. The TC highlighted the strategic and historic importance of the beautiful Orkney islands. For him they carry personal spiritual significance as his grandparents served as corps officers there 100 years ago.

The afternoon saw a change of scenery as the corps ventured out on to the high street. While the band played, people gave out Salvation Army papers, information leaflets, balloons and melon – an Orkney tradition. Visiting cruise ships full of tourists meant that the town centre was busy, and that conversations were had not only with local residents but also with people from Canada, the USA, Germany and Kazakhstan.

The final event of the day was a meeting on the neighbouring island of Burray, an island with no church of its own. Commissioner Gill, basing her thought on John 4, spoke about the living water that is available to everyone through Jesus.

THURSO Day two started with a ferry journey across the Pentland Firth. For the holiness meeting at Thurso, soldiers and friends from the corps and nearby churches joined with Wick Corps as well as musicians from Kirkwall and Inverness.

In his message the TC referenced his family connections to the area and the revival that happened in this part of the world almost exactly a century ago. He encouraged the congregation to believe that God can do the same again today as they allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. He stressed the importance of love being at the heart of the gospel message.

The meeting was followed by fellowship as all gathered were invited to share in a cream tea.

INVERNESS Saturday began with an officers’ meeting. The TC encouraged those present with a challenging message to experience the Jesus who passed by, not leaving us but enabling us to live transformed lives reflecting the glory of God.

The central event of the campaign was a divisional celebration at Inverness Cathedral. In a wonderful evening a divisional band and a pop-up choir – each brought together earlier that afternoon – contributed to the occasion.

Lynne Gauton (Dundee) was commissioned as a divisional envoy by Commissioner Gill. In an interview that served as her testimony, Lynne was asked what advice she would give to anyone contemplating leadership in the Army. She simply responded: ‘Just do it!’

Liz and Paul Gray, parents of the recently commissioned Lieutenant Abigail Gray (Sheffield Citadel with Sheffield Castle), were presented with Silver Stars by Commissioner Gill in recognition of their part in encouraging their daughter. All those present who were members of the Order of the Silver Star were also acknowledged.

A video of missional activities across the