SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1745 Price 70p
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 29 February 2020
Having a heart for Fairtrade PLUS ‘IT SAVED ME...’ A STEPNEY STORY
SEE PAGE 10
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
FOUR CHRISTIAN ORGANISATIONS ON TOP 100 MOST LOVED CHARITIES Four charities with a Christian ethos are on the top 100 list of most loved charity brands in the UK. A poll by Savanta found Macmillan Cancer Support is the most admired, followed by Cancer Research UK and Dogs Trust. Christian international aid charity World Vision is at number 96 and Christian Aid at 64. The Children’s Society is at 51 and The Salvation Army at 27. The list... was ranked by asking 60,000 people ‘How would you describe your opinion of the following charities?’ The top box was ‘love’ and the table is created by ranking the organisations by people’s love for each brand. The Salvation Army, the highest ranking Christian charity, has been going for over 150 years… Speaking about the list, Daniel Jones from Christian charity Stewardship… told Premier he felt encouraged by the household-name Christian organisations who feature on the list: ‘It’s a nice reminder that the Christian community in the UK is alive and thriving and we see that through the work of these particular ministries – and that they’ve come to the attention of the wider public. ‘I’m also reminded that there’s a lot of Christian charities doing fantastic work that wouldn’t feature on a list like this mainly because of their size. There’s thousands... of churches and Christian charities up-and-down the country who are doing amazing work.’
UNCEASING PRAYER IS PLANNED FOR COP26
CATHEDRAL VISITORS CAN NOW COLLECT STAMPS
Christians in the UK and around the world are preparing to start an unbroken ten-month ‘prayer-chain’ for action to tackle climate change, from the start of Lent… until the UN climate summit, COP26, being held in Glasgow in November. Christians will come together to ensure that, day or night, someone is praying for the climate. It has support from the Christian development charities Cafod, Tearfund, and Christian Aid, as well as the Church of Sweden, the Lutheran World Federation and World Council of Churches, among others… A website has been set up so that individuals can book slots and log their prayer time: churches, small groups, individuals and families are encouraged to join in… The prayer chain will begin with Christian Climate Action, holding a round-the-clock vigil outside parliament during the 40 days of Lent.
Cathedrals are offering visitors Pilgrim Passports to celebrate the Year of Cathedrals, Year of Pilgrimage 2020 project. The passport-sized booklets, published by the Association of English Cathedrals… contain prayers, a checklist of cathedrals by region and blank pages for visitors to have their passport stamped at each visit. The passports are available to buy online and in each of the 42 C of E cathedrals in Britain… Special stickers can also be purchased... Dr Dee Dyas, who is director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity and Culture and also director of pilgrimage studies at York university, said: ‘All of us can relate to seeing our lives as a journey… Cathedrals… offer peace, beauty, and a chance to pause and reflect along the way. The new Pilgrim Passport encourages everyone to find their own meaning through visiting these amazing buildings.’
Church Times
Church Times
CHURCH OF ENGLAND LOOKS TO SPORT TO ATTRACT NEWCOMERS The Church of England is increasing its investment in sports and fitness activities in a bid to increase its reach among people who might never step foot inside a church on Sunday... Pilot projects like fitness classes and holiday football clubs are rolling out across seven dioceses as part of the new push into sports ministry… The Bishop of Derby, Libby Lane, has been appointed as the Church of England’s lead bishop for sport to take the plans forward. ‘Sport is such a valued and valuable part of our lives... offering opportunities for societal and personal development,’ Bishop Lane said. ‘Sports ministry has the potential to transform lives and communities... These projects are good news, sharing the Christian faith in word and action.’
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GENERAL Brian Peddle
salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist
EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Major Godspower Anozie – 020 7367 4893 ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
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Salvationist 29 February 2020
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 020 7367 4500 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 is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. ISSN 2516-5909
FOUNDER William Booth
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies
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CONTENTS
TRANSFORMING MISSION
Quotes from the media
I ONCE heard an Anglican bishop say that ‘ecumenical’ is an ‘aerosol word’. ‘It gets sprayed around a lot,’ he said, ‘but not everyone understands it in the same way.’ The word ‘mission’ is a bit like that. It gets used a lot and can mean different things to different people. Some think of it as just evangelism, some see it as social service or social action, while others take a more comprehensive view. Mission statements can help clarify things. For a number of years this territory has used General John Gowans’s declaration as the basis of its mission statement: ‘Our mission is to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.’ It is focused and memorable. But does it include everything? In this week’s Salvationist Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe responds to a number of questions, the first of which is: ‘How do you define mission?’ His answer reveals that the Army has adopted and adapted the Anglican Church’s five marks of mission. He says: ‘It means sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, making, teaching and nurturing disciples, responding to human need through loving action and inclusive community, seeking to change unjust structures of society and safeguarding the integrity of creation.’ The three elements of General Gowans’s statement are still there and two others are added, although you could argue that tackling injustice is simply an aspect of serving suffering humanity. After Easter Salvationist will begin a series on these five marks of mission. (I’m resisting the temptation to ask five people called Mark to write them.) In the meantime, this week’s issue includes examples of mission in action. On pages 12 and 13, Bo Christoffer Brekke highlights the work of Others, The Salvation Army’s Fairtrade organisation. ‘Fairtrade’ is definitely not an aerosol word – it’s a ‘Ronseal word’. It ‘does exactly what it says on the tin’. Fairtrade tries to ensure that producers in developing countries are paid a fair price for their work and their goods. It includes supporting them in improving their skills to improve standards of living and create secure livelihoods for the future. Bo Christoffer gives good examples of this happening in Bangladesh. And we can play our part. As he says: ‘The choices we make as consumers can directly impact others, for better or worse.’ Closer to home, Charis Tomlinson looks back at her time as an intern at Stepney Corps on pages 10 and 11. She says it wasn’t what she originally had in mind for last year but it was definitely the right decision. Getting involved in all kinds of mission activities at the corps and in the community allowed her to make a difference and learn many lessons along the way. She shares those lessons with us. It is an inspiring article. The aim of mission is to transform lives and communities. That’s happening through the work of organisations such as Others, as well as through the commitment of individuals like Charis. But the transformation isn’t all one-way – we can be transformed too. Our outlook and actions change as we make buying choices that support Fairtrade, while Charis certainly had a life-changing experience during her internship. As we reach out to others, in whatever way God calls us to, may we also find that he reaches and transforms us.
by Commissioner Robert Street
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News
4 to 7
Prayer journey for Lent
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Lent reflection Head, hands and feet: A request
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Testimony 10 and 11 Lessons learnt and faith restored by Charis Tomlinson
Feature Trading for hope
12 and 13
by Bo Christoffer Brekke
Interview Engaging in mission
14 and 15
with Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe
Bible study Be like Jesus!
16 and 17
by Major Martin Wheeler
Through the week with Salvationist
16 and 17
by Major Howard Webber
New commitments
18
Letters
19
Announcements Adverts
20 and 21 21 to 23
The Salvation Army and me
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featuring Joyce Moore
From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
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NEWS
World leaders witness celebration and service INDIA WESTERN TERRITORY GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle brought challenge and encouragement to Salvationists and friends from Gujarat and Maharashtra. Welcome and hospitality were the trademarks of each location as the world leaders travelled around the territory. Cultural dances and traditional expressions of welcome, including shawls, paaghadi or safa turbans and ENFIELD: Members of Chace Community School’s student council presented a cheque for £839 to corps community support worker Tanya Orr and soldier Fiona Justice for the Rescue Rucksack project. The project, set up by Fiona in 2018, helps people experiencing homelessness by providing rucksacks filled with essential items. The students raised the money by holding a non-uniform day and collected a large number of items to go in the rucksacks. – TO 4
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flowers, featured in each welcome ceremony. Officers in both states benefited from and appreciated time spent in councils with the international leaders. In a gathering, the General addressed officers, encouraging them to respond appropriately to his Call to Mission. The General and Commissioner Peddle also gained first-hand experience of the challenges faced by the Army in these regions of India. They had the opportunity to visit Emery Hospital (Anand) and Evangeline Booth Hospital (Ahmednagar), where they were able to meet staff, tour the facilities and dedicate a new X-ray machine and other new
equipment to the glory of God and the service of humanity. Cadets enjoyed some quiet moments with the leaders during visits to both training colleges, where the visitors brought words of affirmation. Youth rallies and public meetings also allowed thousands to join together for worship and hear God’s word, with numerous people moving forward for prayer in response to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. There was much to celebrate during the visit and it was clear there is still a real need for the ministry of The Salvation Army. – AR
THE International Projects Office has launched a podcast called Develop. Hosted by International Projects Team Leader Ben Gilbert, it features conversations with practitioners from around the world as they grapple with the complexity of tackling poverty and injustice. The United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland
funds extensive programmes, including anti-trafficking, water and sanitation, and education and health projects, as well as emergency relief in several territories. Ben says: ‘You may already be familiar with the magazine Develop. This podcast goes deeper into conversations about how a faith-based organisation tackles poverty around the world.’ Two episodes have already been released: ‘Introducing: Develop Podcast’ and ‘Should Clean Water Be Free?’ – BG O The Develop podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or by visiting castbox.fm and searching for ‘develop’
PARKHEAD: Paisley Fellowship Band began the 134th corps anniversary celebrations on Saturday with ‘Shine On Us’. Soloists included Russell McGregor (piano), Jennifer Scott (vocal), Audrey Paul (cornet) and Audrey McCrone (euphonium). The songsters presented two items and the
male timbrelists performed to ‘Star Lake’. In his Bible thought Major Samuel Edgar spoke about making choices. To conclude, the visiting and host corps and band flags were marched into the hall to ‘Victors Acclaimed’. On Sunday, Major Samuel reminded everyone to go forward and serve. – AD
International Projects Office develops new podcast THQ
STRAWBERRY FIELD: A music workshop for people with learning disabilities from the Liverpool area launched the Music Man Project at Strawberry Field. Music Man Project founder David Stanley and Music Man ambassadors led the fun-filled day, which included singing, playing instruments, dancing and signing. – CS
Corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter and John Franklin receive a potato rumbler for Market Rasen’s luncheon club from Lions Clubs International representatives Mary Anne Aitkin and Alastair Upton
Taunton corps officer Lieutenant Theresa Torr receives the High Sheriff Community Award from the High Sheriff of Somerset Johnnie Halliday for the Army’s homelessness work in the area
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NEWS
WREXHAM: Twenty people, including those living with disabilities, their carers and friends, took part in a workshop run by the Music Man Project. The day included music, singing, playing instruments and a time of fellowship. The Enabled group in northern Wales, which was launched by the corps last year, organised the event. Corps officer Captain Sandy Davis encouraged group members to maintain their passion and a clear vision for their activities. – PM WINTON: Sanjay, the owner of a nearby fish-and-chip shop, along with his wife and two daughters, provided pots of curry as well as side dishes for the corps meal run. Thirty-nine people enjoyed
the meal. Sanjay first heard about the meal run from Hazel, who asked the shop if they could cook and deliver food for folk who come to the corps for meals. – MR
BRISTOL EASTON: The Salvation Army Youth group hosted Quizine, a combination of a Sunday lunch and family quiz. Group leader Lynsey Greenwood and her husband, Jon, cooked the meal, while assistant leaders Mikhaila Faries and Kevin Simmons presented the quiz. The event raised £186 for the group. – MG
KIDDERMINSTER: More than £200 was raised for the AntiTrafficking and Modern Slavery Unit at a meeting with guest speakers Dave Yair and Katherine Riley. Katherine is a first
NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE: People experiencing homelessness took refuge from Storm Ciara at the Soup on Sunday initiative, set up by Bandsman Les Richardson some years ago. Volunteers offered spiritual and practical support, providing sandwiches, pies and many other items. Members of Brunswick Methodist Church, where corps folk currently worship while awaiting a new hall, have also supported the initiative. – BI 6
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responder in the Bristol area who interviews suspected victims. Dave, a local youth worker, will run the 2020 London Marathon to raise money for the Army’s anti-trafficking work. – GM
Major David Arnott presents Trevor Jones with a certificate of appreciation on his retirement after 30 years’ service as a local officer at Kirkcaldy
BURGESS HILL: Corps folk completed a two-hour prayer walk around the town, praying for schools, businesses and families in the area. A prayer team from South East DHQ supported, and a prayer station was set up in the town centre. The corps plans to organise
regular prayer walks throughout the year. – DH 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
CHALK FARM: The corps hosted a Junior Citizenship Scheme run by Transport for London (TFL). More than 1,000 year six students from schools in Camden participated in short sessions on topics relating to good citizenship, and tested their ability to make responsible decisions in real-life situations. Corps officers Captains Lorraine and Michael Kinnear spoke about the work of the Army, and TFL gave a donation to the corps for its homelessness work. – MK
Young people encouraged to ‘live on purpose’ MAIDSTONE CAPTAINS Graeme and Zoe Smith (Tunbridge Wells) led the YP annual celebrations. They encouraged everyone not to drift along but to ‘live on purpose’ for God. A science experiment, forming different patterns with pepper particles, helped to demonstrate that each person has a unique purpose. The young people also considered what they were passionate about.
Building a jigsaw puzzle together illustrated how everyone fits into God’s plan in the same way individual puzzle pieces join together to make up a whole picture. The year-old youth band, Harmony Brass, played ‘Righteousness, Peace And Joy’, which featured solos by some of the musicians. The singing company brought ‘May Your Joy Be In My Heart’ and ‘Do Something Beautiful (We Are A Shining Light)’. Caitlin Smart and James Walters spoke about what it means to be a Christian before the young people received prizes. – GP
Fran Cripps presents prizes to Ethan Fuller and Simba Ngoshi Salvationist 29 February 2020
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RESOURCES I A prayer journey for Lent
Living limitless love by Territorial Prayer Consultant Lyndall Bywater
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HIS prayer journey is all about the limitless love of God. Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, it is designed to help us reflect on that love: what it’s like, how we can experience it more deeply, how it can transform our relationships and how it can ignite mission in our corps. Each day has a thought, a question, a prayer request or a prayer. Every Saturday there is a local mission prayer focus written by guest writers according to the theme of the week. May this dive into limitless love refresh your walk with God and your heart for his world.
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL Sunday 1 March ‘Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction’ (2 Timothy 4:2). Mission takes time. Pray today for the outreach activities your corps or centre is involved in, that the limitless love of Christ will be the motive and the energy behind all that happens, giving you patience to keep on sharing the good news of Jesus in every season.
ENCOUNTERING KINDNESS Monday 2 March ‘I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness’ (Jeremiah 31:3). When we think of God as mighty, holy and just, it is easy to forget that he is also unfailingly kind. No matter what you may think of yourself today, the Father of all compassion longs to draw you into his arms and wrap you in tender love. How might today look and feel different if you go into it remembering that God is kind? 8
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LIVING KINDNESS Tuesday 3 March
REKINDLING KINDNESS Thursday 5 March
‘Love is kind’ (1 Corinthians 13:4). Loving God, forgive me for those times when I am unkind. I confess that my need to protect myself and my desire to have my own way often make me mean and ungracious. Teach me your ways, Lord, for I would be one who is kind. Help me make kindness a habit, a way of being that comes naturally to me in all my dealings.
‘Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty’ (Job 6:14). Is there someone you’re finding it hard to be kind to at the moment? Prayer is the place where love comes to life again, so take time to pray for that person today. Think about what they’re facing and what they might need. Pray kind prayers for them, and ask God to overwhelm them with his limitless love.
BEING KIND TO YOURSELF Wednesday 4 March ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control’ (Galatians 5:22 and 23 English Standard Version). We often think about being kind to others, but how kind are we to ourselves? God is gentle with us in our weakness, but are we gentle with ourselves, or do we beat ourselves up when we don’t do as well as we’d like? How can you be kinder to yourself today?
ACTS OF KINDNESS Friday 6 March ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people… clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience’ (Colossians 3:12). Kindness isn’t just an attitude; it’s an action. What can you do today to show kindness to your family, friends, work colleagues or the strangers you meet? As you go about your day, look out for opportunities for random acts of kindness: a smile, a kind word or something practical that will brighten someone’s day.
CROYDON CITADEL: GOD’S LOVE AT WORK Saturday 7 March ‘I’m Gill McCredie, a cadet at William Booth College. I was blessed to spend my summer placement at Croydon Citadel where I saw God’s love at work through volunteers and staff who come alongside vulnerable people, treating them with care and dignity, and helping empower them to be all they can be.’ Pray for Croydon Citadel as they explore new opportunities for mission; and for Gill, that she continues to build on her learning in order to show God’s love by feeding the hungry, clothing the naked and loving the unloved.
O A prayer
journey for Lent appears in Prayer Matters and at facebook.com/ groups/SA.prayer.networkUKI
LENT REFLECTION
Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’ ‘Then, Lord,’ Simon Peter replied, ‘not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!’ ( John 13:8 and 9)
Head, hands and feet
A request by Commissioner Robert Street
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ID Peter have any idea of the implications of asking Jesus to wash his head and hands as well as his feet? Was his spontaneous outburst of total identification with Jesus matched by an equally strong understanding of what his request implied? It seems unlikely. Peter had always had trouble in accepting uncomfortable truths about Jesus. He followed him and believed in him. He knew authenticity when he saw it and realised Jesus was no fake messiah. Whatever the Kingdom was that Jesus had come to announce, Peter could tell it was no figment of Jesus’ imagination. The values Jesus taught, the way he lived and his unequalled understanding of human nature, indicated that he was utterly genuine and worthy of Peter’s devotion. Whatever Jesus was trying to achieve, Peter wanted to be part of it. He had witnessed the beginning of Jesus’ healing ministry, watching as Jesus restored his sick mother-in-law to robust health (see Mark 1:29–31). When Jesus began to gain in popularity Peter could hardly contain his excitement, so much so that he interrupted Jesus’ early-morning prayer time to tell him that ‘everyone is looking for you!’ (Mark 1:37). Not only did he believe in Jesus; he wanted everyone else to believe in him as well. But when, at Caesarea Philippi, Jesus confirmed the concept of a sacrificial pathway for himself, Peter wasn’t so sure this fitted in with his own ideas of who Jesus was and what he should
become. Jesus was so good, so worthy of adulation, so outstanding, that any move to undermine, deride or hurt him was unthinkable. Peter protested – forcibly. Mark’s Gospel tells us that ‘Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him’ (8:32). When Jesus responded with even greater firmness, his words spoke directly to the heart of Peter’s problem: ‘You do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns’ (v33). Peter was excited by the glamour of being in the inner circle of Christ and all that might mean, but he wasn’t so keen on being identified with a loser, someone who had given in to the idea of being killed by corrupt authority figures. So it isn’t surprising that at the Last Supper on the evening prior to the Crucifixion, when Jesus knelt to wash Peter’s dusty feet, Peter protested again (see John 13:1–9). For him, everything about the action was wrong – Jesus kneeling, Peter sitting, the Lord serving, the disciple being served. Peter’s view of the Kingdom of God didn’t stretch to the King doing the work. Peter’s reaction may not have been spontaneous this time. He had been given time to think about it while he observed the other disciples having their feet washed. He wanted to talk about it: ‘Lord, are you going to wash my feet?’ (v6). Jesus understood his confusion and took time to reassure him: ‘You do not realise now what I am doing, but later you will understand’ (v7). Tellingly, this wasn’t enough to quell Peter’s concerns and out came embarrassing
defiance: ‘No, you shall never wash my feet’ (v8). Peter had taken his stand. Jesus’ reply effectively gave Peter an ultimatum, because it meant he could no longer avoid uncomfortable truths about the nature of Jesus and his Kingdom. It was a case of all or nothing. If Peter wanted to belong to Jesus, to be part of him and all he stood for, he would need to become like him. He would have to surrender his thoughts and dreams of glory, and embrace the loving, serving nature of his Master. Peter asked for an even fuller washing – head, hands and feet – but had he understood the lesson? FOR DISCUSSION O Discuss the implications of total identification with someone else. What does it involve? What are the implications of promising total identification with Jesus? O How difficult is it to come to terms with the fact that following Jesus doesn’t guarantee special favours or an easy path through life? O Why might such expectations be inappropriate or misguided? O Could there be some aspects of discipleship about which you are in denial? O How well do you manage to identify and separate the ‘concerns of God’ and ‘merely human concerns’? O Try to imagine Peter’s thought patterns and inner battles alongside his hopes for Jesus and himself O What can we learn from Jesus about the way he dealt with Peter? This reflection appears in Head, Hands And Feet, a new book by Robert Street, available from SP&S priced £3 (plus postage and packing)
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More than all else I would become The servant of my servant-Lord; My highest glory his reproach, To do his will my best reward. (SASB 617)
COMMISSIONER STREET LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LANGFORD Salvationist 29 February 2020
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TESTIMONY
Lessons learnt and faith restored Charis Tomlinson recalls a life-changing few months as a corps intern
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OR nine months of last year I worked as an intern at Stepney Corps in east London. It all started the year before when I decided to go travelling for a few months. This idea came as a result of me battling the hurt of a relationship breakdown, along with having an almost non-existent faith. So, catching a plane to Australia seemed like the best plan! But, a few conversations and ‘God-incidences’ later, I decided to pack in the travelling and become a Salvation Army intern. My non-Christian friends could not understand this decision – at a point when my faith was still fragile, neither could I – but I just knew this internship was for me. Looking back, I now understand that this was part of God’s plan to save me, direct me, teach me and reveal his calling for me.
Being an intern meant every day was different and I had to expect the unexpected. A ‘regular’ week included visits to prisons, night shelters and hostels, as well as getting involved in Babysong, youth work, a theology college, a home group, visiting the elderly and going to church. I was also able to attend the divisional youth camp and family camp. All the experiences I had during those months allowed me to learn so much and restored my faith in God. Here are the top four lessons I learnt:
Money doesn’t matter – God’s calling does Money was important to me. Previously I wanted to lead a life that needed a high disposable income, with enough to save. Then along came the internship. Not stressing over money, savings, incomings and outgoings has been liberating. It has changed my focus from one centred on my bank account to one of living for God’s mission. If I hadn’t taken the 100 per cent pay cut this internship offered me, I wouldn’t have been able to do the work I have done and subsequently discover God’s calling on my life. Some days were a struggle but they taught me not to let money stop me from fulfilling God’s plan – for when I am doing his work, I am rich enough.
Life was chaotic – God turns chaos into calm Before this internship, I was unable to sit still for any amount of time and just be. I was unable to be in my own company. I was constantly on the go and was a party animal, regularly drinking to excess. This was a way of dealing with the emotions I felt at the time, but I was missing the one thing I needed: God. Doing an internship where you live and breathe God, where prayer and worship become your daily routine, you become more open to the Holy Spirit. The chaotic spirit that I had before has 10
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Not stressing over money, savings, incomings and outgoings has been liberating
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gone, and I now enjoy my own company and God’s presence. This internship gave me the space and time to receive spiritual healing and growth, and I have the sense of peace that comes with having a real relationship with God.
There’s no hurry – God’s in charge of time I had timings for every point of my life: a relationship by this point, marriage here, kids here, house here and so on. I was comparing myself to my friends all the time. Looking back it was a ‘me’ approach, not a God approach. I focused on my timings and myself and it wasn’t going to plan. But without me realising it, the timings were perfect and God was in charge of it all. Meeting so many different people and
Charis and Stepney Salvationists at the Queen Mary University Festival of Communities
hearing their stories was special. Their lives were at completely different stages but they had made peace with that, and it taught me not to get caught up in my own milestones but instead to trust in God’s. He knows when we are ready for what he wants for us; he plans to prosper us but in his time. Without this immersive, God-focused internship, I would still be obsessing over materialistic milestones, but now I can say I have learnt how not to hurry and to be happy with where I am in my life. As long as I’m where God wants me to be, it’s all good.
Church isn’t just Sunday – it’s every day Church is every day and can be anywhere. Jesus came for those on the edge, for prisoners, for people who are broken, for those experiencing addiction or homelessness, for the lost or poor. He came to save those who are searching, those who want to know him.
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Without this immersive, God-focused internship, I would still be obsessing over materialistic milestones, but now I can say I have learnt how not to hurry and be happy with where I am in my life
Working as part of a corps that truly believes this has been inspiring and faith grounding. It’s taught me that being a Christian isn’t just about attending church on Sunday and a connect group midweek – it’s about showing love, kindness, friendship and hospitality to the people in your community every day of the week. God doesn’t put barriers up. He’s everywhere and has open arms for everyone, anytime, and so should I. I would like to thank The Salvation Army for giving me this opportunity. It has changed my outlook and my hopes and aspirations for the future. It has
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grounded my faith and allowed me to grow spiritually in ways I wouldn’t have been able to otherwise. It’s given me a church family I didn’t have. It’s humbled me, matured me, developed me, saved me and shown me God in all his glory. If I could do it all over again tomorrow, I would! O Stepney Corps is looking for a new intern to join them in September. For details email wendy.watkins@ salvationarmy.org.uk CHARIS WORSHIPS AT A CHURCH IN WITNEY Salvationist 29 February 2020
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FEATURE I Fairtrade
Trading for hope
During Fairtrade Fortnight (24 February – 8 March) Bo Christoffer Brekke shows how lives have been changed by Others, The Salvation Army’s Fairtrade organisation based in Norway
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HE remote village of Shankarpur in Bangladesh has little in common with the city of Oslo in Norway, where I live. Nevertheless, there is at least one direct connection between the two. Every autumn a few thousand hand-embroidered Christmas hearts travel by way of a small motorboat from Shankarpur to a road on the opposite riverbank. From there they are transported to the Others production centre in Jessore, and then to The Salvation Army’s headquarters in the capital, Dhaka. After quality control and packing, the hearts journey by sea or air all the way to a large warehouse near Oslo. There they are packed into small retail displays and distributed to the central warehouses of several leading Norwegian retail chains. They subsequently make their way to shops around the country – a total of more than 600 locations in 2019. And so the hearts from Shankarpur finally end up in thousands of homes, including many here in Norway’s capital.
CONNECTIONS AND CHOICES Almost every day you are likely to buy something – food, household items, clothes, gifts or sometimes larger investments. Every one of the things you 12
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buy is made by someone somewhere, and many of these products have had a journey similar to that of the Christmas decorations from Shankarpur, although perhaps not starting in such a rural or remote location. Each step of the way someone makes a living by refining, packing, transporting or selling that item. Through this web we are all connected to a vast number of other people around the world, and the choices we make as consumers can directly impact others, for better or worse. LIBERATION OR EXPLOITATION There can be a fine line between necessary consumption and unhealthy consumerism, and The Salvation Army would rightfully advocate against the latter. But trade is also a key driver of global development and has been a crucial factor contributing to the extraordinary reduction in extreme poverty that the world has witnessed over the past decades, not least in a country such as Bangladesh. In his seminal 1890 book In Darkest England And The Way Out, William Booth recognised the foundational importance of having a decent job, both in terms of dignity and securing a livelihood. This same focus can be found today in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. World leaders have committed to
promoting ‘full and productive employment and decent work for all’ (Goal 8) and ensuring ‘sustainable consumption and production patterns’ (Goal 12). While work can be liberating in the best cases, it can also be exploitative in the worst. That’s why the Fairtrade movement is important – as a concrete action to support the workers who benefit directly from the policies of specific certifications and brands, and also more generally as a statement. Whatever its shortcomings, the Fairtrade movement sends a clear message that the world needs to hear: ensuring fair treatment of the people at the start of the production line is more important than maximising profit at the retail end.
hope for the future and trafficking and exploitation to independence and dignity – can be heard from many of the more than 1,200 producers currently involved in production in Bangladesh and Kenya. Back in Shankarpur, Chumki, 24, who produces embroidered hearts, says her income from Others trading has made it possible for her to pursue university studies. Her story is also a testimony to how Others has played an important role in bringing people together in this small community. Where five years ago people of different religions hardly spoke to each other, Christians and Muslims like Chumki now regularly gather and work side by side as part of Others production groups, often meeting in the Army’s small brick hall.
TRANSFORMED LIVES AND IMPACTED COMMUNITIES Others can testify to how consumer choices in Europe and North America can translate into transformed lives on other continents. Thirteen years ago Kabita, from a village in Bangladesh, had to send her son to a neighbour to ask for a small fish for their dinner. Today she’s the owner of her own fishpond and life is very different for her family. Income from Others has been a key step on that journey. Similar stories – of journeys from tin sheds to brick houses, daily struggles to
SUCCESS AND GROWTH Succeeding with an enterprise like Others is not easy. It requires professionalism, dedication and, not least, high quality and attractive products. Building on years of intentional groundwork, the initiative slowly continues to expand. In Norway the partnerships with chains and independent stores handle tens of thousands of products, which are the result of thousands of hours of work by Others producers. In North America the Army’s own network has been the entry point, with products now
widely available through events, home parties and online sales. In the UK, as a sign of greater things to come, a small sales display was launched just before Christmas at IHQ’s Café 101. More is in the pipeline. You can listen to Develop, THQ’s International Projects Office podcast (see page 7), to discover more. Then stay tuned to find out how you may be able to purchase hearts from Shankarpur in the UK this Christmas. In the meantime, remember that your choices as a consumer matter. Choose Fairtrade, choose organic and environmentally friendly brands, choose brands that are open about the way they work. In the words of sustainable foods advocate Anna Lappé: ‘Every time you buy something, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.’ Wherever possible, let your vote be for a fairer and more sustainable world. To learn more about Others visit tradeforhope.com O The Develop podcast is available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or visit castbox.fm and search for ‘develop’ O
BO CHRISTOFFER GENERAL MANAGER, OTHERS GLOBAL Salvationist 29 February 2020
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INTERVIEW
Engaging in mission Secretary for Mission Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe tells Salvationist about mission in the territory HOW DO YOU DEFINE MISSION? The definition we use in our mission development process is adapted from the Anglican five marks of mission. It means sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, making, teaching and nurturing disciples, responding to human need through loving action and inclusive community, seeking to change unjust structures of society and safeguarding the integrity of creation. I would see confidence in the gospel as a priority, and we need to be more intentional in making disciples. Everything else flows from these two things.
places. In one city, for example, people experiencing mental health issues were coming into corps community centres and corps were saying they could do with some expertise, so some Lifehouse staff training was offered to corps folk. We’re better together, so we need to try to work collaboratively.
ARE THERE GOOD EXAMPLES OF MISSION IN THE TERRITORY? We’ve just done research with six corps that we felt are effective in mission and key themes were identified. The main one is about being relational. Corps that create space to build relationships tend to be more successful. That usually means becoming less formal and being ready to adapt. Another significant factor is the length of stay for leaders. Our findings will help us develop metrics to measure effective mission.
HOW DOES THE MISSION SERVICE SUPPORT THE FRONT LINE? The Mission Service aims to enable, equip and empower frontline mission. There are all sorts of resources, for example, to support discipleship, youth and children’s ministries, Steps to Work programmes for Employment Plus, dementia care and programmes that help people recover from addiction. We also do a lot of training for local officers and other people in corps settings, including courses such as Preparing to Preach, Frontline, Whole Life Discipleship and Natural Church Development. We’re now starting training on APEST, the five-fold ministry of apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers mentioned in Ephesians 4:11.
THE MISSION SERVICE USED TO BE CALLED THE PROGRAMME SERVICE. WHY DID THAT CHANGE? The Programme Service included evangelism and social services in two departments. The Mission Service brings these together under the theme and understanding of mission. We’re seeing evidence of a lot more collaboration where mission and issues are addressed more holistically. Mission focus groups, where people in one location seek to work together and integrate, can work really well. As a DC I saw good collaboration between Employment Plus, the Homelessness Services Unit and corps in a number of
CAN YOU TELL US MORE ABOUT FRESH EXPRESSIONS? These are new forms of church emerging within contemporary culture that are engaging primarily with people who have never gone to church. The Army became partners with the Fresh Expression movement back in 2012. Majors Andrea and Andrew Vertigan are our fresh expressions enablers and they’re supporting pioneering, new plants and corps that are exploring fresh expressions throughout the territory. Fresh expressions, or FXs, vary across the territory. There are 28 of them at various stages. They include Messy Church, which is based around
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children and families, and other ministries run from corps buildings. But there are also FXs in public spaces such as coffee shops. In Deptford our FX is delivering mission in and from a pub. They run a community gospel choir from there, and out of the choir they’ve developed gatherings for people to talk about hope, which leads to talking about the gospel. In Clapton the corps was rebirthed and then pioneered Stoke Newington coffee shop and Dalston community hub. The FX movement is in transition. It has been going for the past 15 years, and now that the principles have been embedded the feeling is that it should take a more organic approach. There will be less centralised control. The people on the FX board will be there because of their gifting, rather than being denominational representatives. The movement now has sufficient momentum so we’re setting it free and providing support and resources. The idea is that the movement will evolve with practitioners at the helm. I am seeing a maturing of the FX movement as it recognises that it is part of the missional landscape alongside church planting and other evangelistic movements. We all need each other and FX is a key player in the mission of God in this nation. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE AS THEY ENGAGE IN MISSION? At the end of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus commissions the disciples and says: ‘I am with you always’ (28:20). That statement is not just a source of encouragement; it is also the best way to do mission – not for people or to people, but with people. As you journey with people in mission may you be transformed and see others’ lives transformed as well.
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We all need each other and the Fresh Expression movement is key in the mission of God
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has started to take 6 minutes to load. Freezing out everything else on screen whilst it does so. BIBLE STUDY
Be like Jesus! Major Martin Wheeler encourages us to imitate Christ’s humility, love and respect
PHILIPPIANS 2:1–11
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HEN I turn to Paul’s letters, I often wonder what prompted him to write. In the case of his letter to the Philippians, it is immediately obvious that Paul wants to affirm and encourage. Imagine the scene as the contents of the letter are shared. I see people sitting in a meeting room eagerly waiting to hear from Paul. I suspect there would be some pride, as well as relief, among those listening as they realise that Paul is filled with joy because of their ‘partnership in the gospel’ (1:5). QUESTION O What words of affirmation and encouragement would Paul use if he were writing to your corps or centre? I wonder how long it took you to answer that question. Perhaps it was a struggle as concerns and anxieties about your Christian community took
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Howard Webber
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centre stage. Were you blinkered from appreciating some of the good news stories that may be present? And yet in this letter to the Philippians we see Paul looking beyond the constraints of the prison bars and chains that shackled him to the wall. Instead, Paul celebrates the gospel of Jesus Christ being lived out in the first church that Paul had established on European soil.
having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind’ (v2). In a world of multiple preferences where one’s individuality can be crafted from a myriad of lifestyle options, the call to a unity of love and spirit seems unfashionably limiting.
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QUESTIONS O To what extent do some people see Jesus as just another lifestyle choice? O How do other lifestyle choices distract people from the good news of Jesus Christ?
These are important questions to ask as we reflect on our study passage. For Paul, it is Jesus who sets the agenda. For example, he urges the church in Philippi to be ‘like-minded,
While these questions appear to relate to more recent cultural shifts in society, Paul’s letter to the Philippians demonstrates that the gospel has always had to break into lives caught up in a search for meaning. I imagine that was why Paul was so overjoyed with this particular church, because in the midst of both his own and the Church’s persecution the good news of Jesus prevailed!
QUESTIONS What do you see as you look out across the landscape of our communities? O What does the gospel of Jesus look like in our corps and centres? O What part do we play in painting a picture of Jesus to those around us?
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
O to be like thee! blessèd Redeemer,/ This is my constant longing and prayer;/ Gladly I’ll forfeit all of Earth’s treasures,/ Jesus, thy perfect likeness to wear. (SASB 618)
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. (Philippians 2:5–7)
To be like Jesus!/ This hope possesses me,/ In every thought and deed,/ This is my aim, my creed;/ To be like Jesus!/ This hope possesses me,/ His Spirit helping me,/ Like him I’ll be. (SASB 328)
Paul succinctly sums this up: ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others’ (vv3 and 4). These words describe a love and respect that is at the heart of Jesus’ command: ‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:34 and 35). QUESTIONS O What would your corps look like if love and respect for each other were lived out? O How would that love and respect be demonstrated? The culmination of the first five verses of this chapter is a succinct but profound summary of the whole essence of being a follower of Christ.
It is a statement that transcends the notion of a lifestyle choice. It becomes something far more significant – it is life itself. Paul captures this profound truth in 13 words: ‘In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus’ (v5). He simply asks us to be like Jesus. QUESTIONS What does being like Jesus look like for you? O What would your corps look like if being like Jesus was at the heart of its mission? O
The closing verses of our study passage conclude with a hymn that may have been written by Paul. Just as we might conclude our testimony with a significant song, so Paul inserts poetry that sums up the essence of Christ’s relationship with humanity.
QUESTION Which song lyrics would you choose?
O
I would choose a song by Frances Ridley Havergal: Take my life and let it be Consecrated, Lord, to thee; Take my moments and my days, Let them flow in ceaseless praise. Take my love; my Lord, I pour At thy feet its treasure-store; Take myself and I will be Ever, only, all for thee. (SASB 623)
MAJOR WHEELER IS DIVISIONAL MISSION ENABLER, ANGLIA
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. (1 Peter 2:21)
I am praying, blessèd Saviour,/ To be more and more like thee;/ I am praying that thy Spirit/ Like a dove may rest on me. (SASB 760)
Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. (1 John 3:2)
I am praying, blessèd Saviour,/ And my constant prayer shall be/ For a perfect consecration/ That shall make me more like thee. (SASB 760)
Prayer Father God, I long to be like Jesus. You were well pleased with him, for he obeyed your will perfectly. Father, empty me of me; crucify that old self and fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I might bear the fruit of a Christlike life.
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NEW COMMITMENTS
SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD: Corps officer Major Mark Billard enrolled Achsah Finney as a soldier. The hall was packed with wellwishers, including Lieut-Colonels Barbara and Cedric Sharp and their daughter, Captain Miriam Sharp-Rader. The Sharps were close friends of Achsah’s grandparents, Majors Joseph and Nallamuthu Abraham, when they served in India. In her testimony, Achsah referred to Ephesians 3:14–21 and requested the songsters sing ‘Guardian Of My Soul’. Words of appreciation were expressed to Recruiting Sergeant Major Eddie Arnold as well as Sandra Wilkinson and Lesley Adams, who nurtured Achsah through the YP corps. Also pictured is Major Linda Billard. – RB BLACKPOOL CITADEL: Major Sandra Fisher (Blackpool Team Ministry) welcomed Tom Hepworth as an adherent member at a weekday ceremony attended by officers, staff, volunteers and friends. Tom linked up with the corps through the bicycle maintenance course on the Recycles scheme. His love of bikes led him to apply to be a volunteer to help others. Unable to attend Sunday meetings, Tom regularly attends the prayer group and other events. He has been a Christian for many years, belonging to a nearby church before its closure, and decided that he wanted the Army to be his place of worship. They are pictured with Adherents Secretary Valerie Eccles. – TM
GAINSBOROUGH: Lorraine Hessel linked up with the corps 11 years ago and it quickly became her church. After some time she was welcomed as an adherent member, telling herself this was her full commitment. But God had other plans and Lorraine was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Wendy Brown. Lorraine has brought a number of friends to the corps, one of whom was enrolled last year. Members of Lorraine’s family have also made further commitments. Lorraine testified that having seen them take steps in their Christian journeys, she could not make excuses any longer. Now, three generations of the family worship together. Also pictured are Recruiting Sergeant Major Chris Standing and Captain Kevin Brown. – PH
LEADGATE: Some acquaintances recommended that Ken Ball attend the Nice Bites lunch club. Already a Christian, he soon felt that God had led him there and made the decision to become an adherent member. He was welcomed by corps officer Captain Amanda Smethurst. – DP HYTHE: Reg Eves, Anthony Hitchen, Kathryn Graham, Carol Holbrook, Dinnia Chapman and Ann Andrews were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Captain Callum McKenna. Reg first linked up with the corps through the community dropin. Ann attended for the first time on Christmas Day 2018. Dinnia testified to the warmth and welcome that she and Carol received when looking for a church. Anthony had never attended church until his partner invited him. Kathryn linked up after her mum started attending worship. – CM
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LETTERS
WHAT IS BEAUTY? I HAVE begun a personal writing project whereby I ask some open and abstract questions. What is beauty? What is bravery? What is tragedy? The answers I have so far from friends, family and wider members of the community have been varied and wonderful. The thoughts and memories evoked and connections made when talking through these questions have also been really positive and enjoyable. The questions are simple, yet trigger lots of fantastic conversations and realisations. Would any members or groups within the Army be interested in the project? I would love to include the answers on a website I am building centred on conversations with the general public. The answers to the questions can be anything at all – there are no right or wrong answers. I would be honoured to have the opportunity to do this with some Salvationists. If interested, I look forward to hearing from you: email supplied. Sarah Palmer London
WHO IS THE SALVATION ARMY? I HAVE just read with great interest the ‘Viewpoint’ article titled ‘Making the case for democracy’ by Tor Martin Ødegaard from Norway (Salvationist 8 February). What is of at least equal interest to me is that an article of such nerve should find its way into Salvationist at all. What Tor writes is absolutely correct. Anyone who denies that The Salvation Army is undemocratic has no awareness of how it really operates. This for me raises a simple question: Who is The Salvation Army? Is it IHQ or THQ? Is it the officers? In these two groups the personnel are selected for their particular positions rather than elected. As I see it, the soldiers are the core (no pun intended) of The Salvation Army and are only rarely, in selected cases, involved in certain issues. For instance in the decision to produce the new tune book, I was never asked about any preferences I had despite being a bandsman for most of my life. Whoever decided, to my knowledge, never thought it their responsibility to make an in-depth study at grass roots level. Gordon Archer Portadown
CHANGING AND THRIVING I FELT I must respond to Major Andrew Bale’s ‘Dreams and visions’ article (Salvationist 15 February) and the heartfelt letter from Lesley Webb, printed the week before, mourning the closure of Redhill Corps, as I fear many more corps will go down the same route in the very near future. I belong to a small corps, 133 years old in May. We have a twice-weekly parent-and-toddler group as our only midweek activity. The group is well attended, with families bringing their second and third children and good relationships being established. For many of them we are their church on Wednesday and Friday mornings and they don’t see the need for more than that. When I was asked recently why we couldn’t get any of them to attend on Sundays, my reply was that I wouldn’t expect them to. Born just after the war, my generation sat in rows at school facing the front listening to the teacher. Children now move freely around the classroom ‘learning through doing’. If families were to walk in one Sunday then the children might be well catered for with colouring sheets and copies of Kids Alive! but however warm the welcome, the parents would find it very different to anything they had experienced before. Andrew in his article said: ‘Unless we embrace change, and thereby remain relevant, the current rate of decline suggests we will die.’ The corps I grew up in embraced change several years ago, merging successfully with a neighbouring corps with similar values and moving to a new location. It is now thriving, with people of all ages attending on Sunday and a very busy community-based programme throughout the week. However, many corps are trying to halt the downward spiral of decline and face a very uncertain future, with limited resources locally and nationally. Only the Lord knows which will survive and thrive. May he act quickly to set us back on the right path! Mary Tyler Pontefract
LETTERS Readers’ letters are a popular and well-read section of Salvationist. Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 2 July O Majors Ray and Pat Brown, Divisional Commander and Divisional Leader for Leader Development, West Scotland O Majors Gillian Jackson and Steve Dutfield, Divisional Commander and Divisional Leader for Leader Development, North Scotland O Majors Mike and Lisa Lloyd-Jones, Divisional Commander and Divisional Leader for Leader Development, Central South WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Wynford and Susan Griffiths, Merthyr Tydfil (14 March) DEDICATED TO GOD O Holly Matilda Grace, daughter of Christopher and Christina Avison, at Bath Citadel by Major Amanda Lee RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Captain June Filby (80 on 11 March) BEREAVED O Ethel Raggett, Ripley, Hilary Hill, Hastings Citadel, and Jackie Tribble of their mother Mary Perry
HLS Pauline Mitchell, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, and David Ireland of their mother Major Annie Ireland O Major Beth Maddern, Thorndale Lifehouse, and Major Judith Daniels, William Booth College, of their father George Thomas O Rtd SL Alf Knightley, Edmonton, of his wife Glenis, Ruth Hellen and John Knightley of their mother O Jim Brown, North Walsham, of his wife Marion O
PROMOTED TO GLORY O Major Annie Ireland from her home on 6 February O Beatrice Sandell, North Walsham
WHAT’S ON SOUNDS OF BRASS O Recordings of Hendon, Norwich Citadel, Bellshill, Winton, Consett, Boscombe, Enfield and Birmingham Citadel Bands will be broadcast from 8pm on Sunday 1 March on BBC Radio Cornwall, Devon, Guernsey and Jersey. The broadcasts will be repeated at 1am on Monday 2 March on BBC Radio Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset Sound and Wiltshire. The broadcasts will also be available for 30 days on the websites of these stations.
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Aberdeen Citadel (140th corps anniversary), Fri 28 Feb – Mon 2 Mar O Fairfield Halls, Croydon (ISS 40th anniversary), Sat 7 O Lisbon (international conference of leaders), Mon 16 – Mon 23 O India Eastern Territory, Wed 25 – Tu 31 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Fairfield Halls, Croydon (ISS 40th anniversary), Sat 7 Mar O Lisbon (international conference of leaders), Mon 16 – Tu 24 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Warwick (youth and children’s workers conference), Sat Sun 1 Mar O Northampton (divisional leaders training and consultation), Sun 1 – Th 5 O Fairfield Halls, Croydon (ISS 40th anniversary), Sat 7 O Hendon, Sun 8 O North London (divisional event), Sun 8 O Ilford (Malachi Place opening), Sat 14 O Lisbon (international conference of leaders), Mon 16 – Tu 24 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Northampton (divisional leaders training and consultation), Sun 1 Mar – Th 5 O Fairfield Halls, Croydon (ISS 40th anniversary), Sat 7 O William Booth College (spiritual day with cadets), Wed 11 O West Scotland (officers retreat), Mon 16 – Wed 18 O Yorkshire North with Tees (officers retreat), Mon 23 – Wed 25 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, Sat Sun 29 Mar INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Fairfield Halls, Croydon (ISS 40th anniversary), Sat 7 Mar O Croydon Citadel, Sun 8
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TRIBUTES AUX-CAPTAIN CATH BAILEY BORN in 1935, Cath grew up one of five siblings in North Shields and, as a young woman, worked in a wool factory. The family moved to Liverpool, where Cath committed her life to Jesus and linked up with The Salvation Army. At Liverpool Congress Hall Cath met Hostel Sergeant-Major Reg Bailey. They married, and she joined him in a new appointment in Sheffield, followed by posts in London and Edinburgh. Appointed aux-captains, they moved to Bath, Bradford, Walsall, Bristol and Reading. Their final appointment before retiring 33 years later was in Edinburgh. Cath, advised by her senior officer simply to be herself, developed a style that was focused, forthright and formidable. She loved people, whom she referred to as ‘my men’, fighting for their rights and against injustice without fear or favour. She took on police officers, magistrates, GPs, hospitals, social workers and council officials until she won. The whole family turned to Cath in times of trouble. At home, it was ‘my Reg, our Jane and our Malcolm’. Both children testify that they are the people they are today because of their mother. Cath and Reg retired to Cannock and took part in corps activities, helping with the home league and leading Bible classes. Cath had time for people and would always share her testimony. In recent years she was poorly. This was brought to a head by a car accident. As she lay in hospital the spark returned to her personality before Cath entered Heaven. – GS/RB
DOUGLAS KNEEBONE, REDRUTH AFTER a start at Penryn, Douglas joined Falmouth Corps as a child where he would sing solos at open-air meetings. He became YP band leader and later songster leader for more than 40 years. He was married to Olive for more than 60 years, and they had two sons, Glynn
and Keith. Together they shared a love of music. Douglas was bereaved in 2004, later marrying Olive and eventually moving to Redruth where he took charge of the singing group for six years. He was active throughout his 97 years, serving the Lord he loved until the end. – LG
MAJOR MALCOLM HIGH MALCOLM began attending his home corps of Sheringham when his Salvationist neighbour took him to Sunday school. He grew up in the YP corps, and at 15 received the call to be an officer. In 1952 he entered the Heralds Session at the International Training College at the age of 17. There he met Connie and both were appointed to corps in Scotland. They married in 1957 and continued serving as officers in the South West Scotland Division until 1967 when they left the work. The family soldiered at Paisley Citadel, where Malcolm was band sergeant and assistant corps sergeant-major.
A promotion to senior social worker in 1973 meant the family moved south, transferring to Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps. In 1990 Malcolm and Connie returned to officership and spent ten years serving at Bristol Bedminster, Risca and Canterbury before retiring in 2000 to Stoke-on-Trent to be near family. Initially soldiering at Tunstall, they led Kidderminster and Longton Corps. After returning to Tunstall, Malcolm was appointed corps press representative and recruiting sergeant. With his deep knowledge of Scripture and the Army, his teaching led many to come to know the Lord. He was privileged to welcome and enrol several adherent members and soldiers at the corps. A decline in health over the past two years meant Malcolm was unable to attend meetings regularly. Always smiling and welcoming, he was a great ambassador for the Army – an inspirational soldier and officer, now with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully. He is greatly missed. – ML
HAMILTON LAUNAY, JERSEY HAMILTON was born in Jersey in 1923 and became a soldier at Gorey, serving as a bandsman and playing the drums. A generous man who was fully committed to the Army, Hamilton raised funds for a much-needed corps drum by growing and selling Jersey Royal potatoes in his spare time. He left the island to train as a nurse in London and attended Barnet Corps. There he met Helen and they married in 1982 before returning to Jersey in 1993. Hamilton and Helen were heavily involved as soldiers at St Helier (later Jersey Corps). They worked for many years running the charity shop. Hamilton’s funeral included tributes to a kind, thoughtful and gentle man. He is greatly missed by Helen, their family and corps folk. – RN
Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes should be no longer than 150 words. Please do not send your copy to any individual as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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ADVERTISEMENTS
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All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week… JOYCE MOORE
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Just where he needs me, my Lord has placed me (SASB 944)
If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Always look after the underdog.
Shoeburyness How did you first come into contact with the Army? I started helping with cooking and serving meals at the corps. What made you want to volunteer for the Army? I have volunteered in the charity shop for 25 years. I feel that, as my favourite chorus says, ‘where he needs me, my Lord has placed me’ (SASB 944). What is the most interesting thing about your role? Talking to people, especially when I can see they need it. What is the most frustrating thing about your role? When I see friction between people. What one thing would you change about the Army? Some people do not stick to the rules God laid down about loving their neighbours. What is your favourite kind of holiday? Even though I find walking difficult, I do like to see places. But it has to be from a wheelchair.
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Is there something you’ve never understood? How some people take so much and leave others without.
What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? I am not a sporty person, but I think I would choose the javelin throw.
If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be? Starvation.
If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Food – not for myself, but for anyone who needed it.
If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? General Eva Burrows, as she seemed to be a gentle person, similar to me.
What do you do in your spare time? Knitting and reading.
If you could invent a gadget, what would it be? A fan-type machine in each room to suck up all the dust, so the rooms would always look clean.
If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be? Long dresses or skirts. What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? Tommy Steele’s Half A Sixpence (I am showing my age here). What is your favourite Bible verse? 1 Corinthians 13:13: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’ I have been honoured to read this verse at several of my granddaughters’ weddings. Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Mary – I would ask how scary it was to be told about Jesus. Do you have any hidden talents? When I knit I use a pattern, then I change it to my own liking.
Which book (apart from the Bible) would you want on a desert island? Any book by Corrie ten Boom. She was a Dutch lady whose family hid Jews in their home to escape the Nazis. If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘Lady Madonna’ by the Beatles. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t copy others just to be their friend, especially if they do or say things you don’t like. What is the most valuable thing you possess? My large family. Something interesting people might want to know about you is… I have 25 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren – and I am only 76 years old!
