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