15 minute read
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What kind of builder
Major Cliff Allchin asks what the foundation is for our lives
STUDY PASSAGE: MATTHEW 7:24–29
QUESTION
O What were your favourite Bible stories when you were a child?
In the 1970s I worked for the Greater London Council in the Housing Maintenance Department. There were two particular areas of work that involved specialist surveyors. One of these was the subsidence of the properties, causing damage to the foundations. I learnt then that a good foundation is of the utmost importance.
This is the key point of Jesus’ story of the wise man and the foolish man. Despite being a children’s favourite, it was not given by Jesus as an illustration for children but as a story to show the importance of living out his teachings and laying their foundation on him.
Paul writes: ‘For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ’ (1 Corinthians 3:11).
QUESTION
O When ‘all is stripped away’, as in Matt Redman’s song ‘The Heart Of Worship’ (SASB 635), what lies beneath your life?
The wise man and the foolish man built their houses in good weather. The foolish man built quickly; the wise man built with care and attention, digging deep foundations. The substance and strength of the foundation were crucial to the building’s stability.
Jesus said: ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock’ (v24). Then he said: ‘Everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand’ (v26).
What ‘words of mine’? I suggest that as this phrase comes at the Sermon on the Mount’s conclusion, Jesus means the teachings contained within it.
It is a solid foundation in good times
There are many sermons preached about how to follow Christ’s will when life is stormy and dark. However, seemingly little is said about how to be a disciple when things are good. Is that just our dismal British way of looking at things, along the lines of ‘every silver lining has a cloud’?
We need to remember that it is OK to have an enjoyable life. It is OK to be happy, cheerful and even excited because of our faith.
How does a solid foundation help us in the well-off moments of our lives? After their exodus from Egyptian slavery, Moses reminded the children of Israel that there would be good times coming. He warned that they should take care to remember their God in their prosperity (see
Through the week with Salvationist
– a devotional thought for each day
by Major Lynda Levis SUNDAY
So this is what the Sovereign Lord says: ‘See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.’ (Isaiah 28:16)
MONDAY
My hope is built on nothing less/ Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness,/ I dare not trust the sweetest frame,/ But wholly lean on Jesus’ name. (SASB 662)
TUESDAY
Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I shall never be shaken. (Psalm 62:2)
Prayer
Thank you, Lord, that you created us with the freedom to choose. May we use that freedom wisely, choosing you and your way in all things. May we grow in wisdom, learning of you and growing in you each day. May every choice that we make honour you.
are you?
Deuteronomy 8:10–14).
To live with a good foundation is to live in constant, heart-filled remembrance of the blessings received through faith in Jesus Christ.
QUESTION
O What can you do to remember God in the good times?
It is a solid foundation in bad times
Just as the wise man and foolish man built their houses in fine weather and later faced the storm, we need little reminding that, at times, life can get rough. No sooner have we got through one problem than another takes its place. The winds blow, the storms rage, the rains lash, the thunder cracks, the lightning flashes across our darkened skies... And we wonder how much more we will have to take. How much longer will God stay his hand before the storms abate and blue skies break through?
QUESTION
O How do people cope in dark times without the sure foundation of Jesus Christ in their lives?
During such times, God is our rock (see Psalm 18:2, 31 and 46; Psalm 62:2, 6 and 7). When we are facing moments of crisis, God is there – the sure and certain foundation of our faith. When we are facing an uncertain future, he is there – the sure and certain foundation of our faith. When we are facing death, because our lives are built on something that is eternal and not of our own making, we still stand because he is there – the sure and certain foundation of our faith.
QUESTION
O How has God been your rock when you have faced difficult days?
At the heart of this parable is the wise person – the one who hears the words of Jesus and acts upon them. The gospel of Jesus touches more than our ears; it touches our hearts and our hands.
QUESTIONS
O How, when and where are you going to put into action Christ’s teaching from the Sermon on the Mount?
Read Matthew 5–7 and imagine that you are in the group of disciples on the hillside. Jesus is sitting down before you and has started to speak: ‘Blessed are…’ Let his wonderful words of life penetrate deep into your heart and transform your life.
MAJOR ALLCHIN IS CORPS OFFICER, LEEDS CENTRAL
WEDNESDAY
Strong in the Lord of hosts/ And in his mighty power,/ Who in the strength of Jesus trusts/ Is more than conqueror. (SASB 979)
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
When darkness seems to veil his face/ I rest on his unchanging grace;/ In every high and stormy gale/ My anchor holds within the veil./ On Christ, the solid rock, I stand,/ All other ground is sinking sand. (SASB 662)
SATURDAY
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3:16–19)
DEVONPORT MORICE TOWN: On Pentecost Sunday corps officer Major Lorraine Richards enrolled Charlotte Milden as a soldier and welcomed Josh Gimblett, Peter Tickle and Abi Milden as adherent members. Georgina Roe was enrolled as a junior soldier. – L. R.
MARKET RASEN: After attending the corps for six months Susan Coles was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Mark Price (DHQ). They are pictured with Susan’s brotherin-law and sister, Geoff and Geraldine Crozier, Major Sarah Price (DHQ) and corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter. – T. C.
DEREHAM: Daniel Simmons was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Diana Bennetts. She also presented Daniel with his commission as a senior musician. Daniel gave his testimony, sharing several Bible verses that had stayed with him over the past year and prompted him to become a soldier. One of these was Jeremiah 29:11: ‘For I know the plans I have for you.’ The occasion was supported by visiting family members and shared through a video chat with Daniel’s grandparents, Alan and Pat Smith, who live in Australia. – D. B.
BOSTON: Corps officer Major Gerald Nicoll enrolled Dave Anderson as a soldier. Dave shared his testimony through a question and answer session with Gerald, saying he wanted to show everyone that he had become a Christian. His desire was that all his family would follow him into the service of Christ. – G. N.
SWINDON CITADEL: Sharon Bates’s welcome as an adherent member took place at Booth House Lifehouse, where she is employed as catering co-ordinator with The Sandwich People. Chaplain Lieutenant Brian Ward welcomed her and she spoke of her sense of freedom since coming to faith. Sharon attends Sunday worship and Bible study with Brian at the Lifehouse every week. – B. W.
LEADGATE: Corps officer Captain Amanda Smethurst enrolled Evie Eccles as a junior soldier. She is following in the footsteps of her sisters, Maya and Lola, who are also junior soldiers, and her mother, Helen, before them. When asked who her favourite person was, she replied without hesitation that Jesus came top of her list. – D. P.
STAINES: Deborah Vurlan first felt a calling to be involved in The Salvation Army some time ago and began by attending the Sewcialise group. She gained the courage to attend worship one Sunday and, from that day on, felt like a family member. With support from her husband and friends her faith is now grounded in her day-to-day living. Corps officer Major Paul Billard welcomed Deborah as an adherent member. Deborah said she feels that she has found ‘the real me’. Also pictured is Major Gillian Billard – M. J.
Some photos removed
MARGATE: Bobbi Ellis was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Sarah Oliver and supported by Recruiting Sergeant Val Lunn. Bobbi linked up with the Army through the midweek drop-in. After attending Easter meetings she felt the need to give her heart to Jesus and was thrilled to become an adherent member. – L. C.
LIVINGSTON: Gordon Jones has attended worship since the new corps building was opened two years ago. He was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Lisa Cunningham and testified to feeling part of a new family, as well as to his desire to ‘fight the good fight’ and share his faith with others. – L. C.
BATH TEMPLE: Rosie Roe was welcomed as an adherent member on Pentecost Sunday by corps officer Major Esther Knott. After accepting an invitation from two friends to attend All-in – an inclusive monthly church service – she began to attend worship meetings, home league and other social gatherings. She has been welcomed with open arms by the corps and her love for Jesus shines through in her personality and all she does. – R. K.
MARRIAGE O Anthony Hitchen to Bandswoman/
Songster Michelle Gallagher at Hythe by Lieutenant Callum McKenna
WEDDING ANNIVERSARY
Golden O Captains Trevor and Marilyn
Warmington (12 July)
DEDICATED TO GOD O Elijah Andrew, son of Alexander and
Claire Clayton, at Leeds Central by
Major Valerie Spivey O Eve Florence, daughter of Adam and
Nicki Ryder, at Leeds Central by Major
David Ryder O Matthew James, son of Joy Hall, at
Sunderland Citadel by Territorial
Envoy Gwen Hall O Marcus Alan, son of Wayne Corrigan and Alison Dixon, at Tadcaster by
Major Michael Bainbridge O Ruairidh Alexander, son of Malcolm and Fiona Macsween, at Bellshill by
Major Chris Connelly O Oscar Louie, son of SL Brian and
Bandswoman/Songster Charlene Allan, at Bellshill by Major Chris Connelly O Callie Grace Erin, daughter of Luke
Barker and Emma Firth, at Scarborough by Major Stephen Noble
RETIRED OFFICERS
Birthday congratulations O Major Norman Armistead (80 on 7 July) O Major Mary Wellman (85 on 9 July) O Mrs Major Iris McKnight (90 on 10 July) O Major Mrs Barbara Loasby (95 on 13 July)
BEREAVED
O Clive Stubley and Mike Stubley, both Woodford, of their mother June O Major Rosemarie Williams of her husband Major Keith Williams, Stephen Williams, Norwich Citadel, Alan Williams, Bromley Temple, and Ian Williams, Stockton, of their father O Lesley Selby, Nottingham William
Booth Memorial Halls, of her husband
CSM Thomas Selby O Linden Maunder, Penarth, of his wife
Eva, CSM Helen Moreton, CT Brian Maunder and Bandsman Phil Maunder, all Penarth, of their mother
PROMOTED TO GLORY
O Eveline Edwards, Hastings Citadel O Major Hannah Bagworth from a
Nuneaton nursing home on 13 June O Major Keith Williams from Twin
Oaks Nursing Home, Norwich, on 18 June
OFFICIAL GAZETTE
UKI Territory
LONG SERVICE 25 years O Major Loes Palmer, Ipswich Citadel
ANTHONY COTTERILL, Commissioner, Territorial Commander
TRIBUTES
MAJOR JANICE WILLIAMS
JANICE Wilson was born into a Salvationist family in Grimsby on 10 March 1949. She loved the Lord from the age of six and enjoyed all the happy childhood experiences of Army life. After school she trained at Hereford Training College for Teachers. Returning to Grimsby, she became singing company leader and deputy songster leader.
Janice later met Grayson Williams while teaching in Chatham. They entered officer training together with their children in 1981 in the Heralds of Hope Session. After appointments in the Central and West Yorkshire and the West Midlands divisions they spent three years in Zimbabwe before returning home to Aberdeen. With a move to South London, Janice was appointed the adult and family ministries officer at THQ, a role in which she thrived and contributed significantly to the mission of the territory.
Janice’s final appointment was at Maidstone, and here the first signs of Alzheimer’s disease became apparent prior to her retiring and attending Portsmouth Citadel. Throughout her life there had been times of illness but this strong, independent and creative lady bore her final, cruel infirmity with great courage and passed into the Father’s arms on Easter morning with her family around her while ‘Be Still, For The Presence Of The Lord’ played. Her life was well lived and she was well loved by family and friends.
Servant of God, well done! – G. W.
JOHN BAILLIE, GOVAN
RETIRED Bandmaster John Baillie began his Christian and musical journey at Partick Temple Corps.
John, a third-generation Salvationist, started showing an interest in music making at the age of seven and developed into an outstanding musician.
ENGAGEMENTS
GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE
O Croydon Citadel (150th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 30 Jun O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7 Jul O USA Eastern Territory (Old Orchard Beach camp meetings), Th 25 – Fri 2 Aug
THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM)
AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Devon and Cornwall Division (fiesta), Sat Sun 30 Jun O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 Jul O ICO (lecture), Tu 16
THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL)
AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O William Booth College (Covenant Day), Wed 3 Jul O London (Commissioning weekend), Sat Sun 7 O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 O Devon and Cornwall Division (celebration of leadership), Sun 21
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH
GRAVES O William Booth College (Covenant Day), Wed 3 Jul O London (Commissioning weekend) , Sat Sun 7
He transferred to Govan, joining the songsters and band, and was soon appointed principal cornet. John carried out this responsibility with aplomb as the band travelled to many exciting venues, including an epic 1966 tour of North America.
John held the position of songster leader for ten years and in 1971 was appointed bandmaster, a position he held for 22 years. He had a strong faith and the band grew spiritually and musically under his leadership.
In retirement John supported and encouraged the young musicians at the corps.
John is survived by his wife, Jessie, son, Nigel, daughter-in-law, Clare, and grand children, Mia and Jude. – D. G.
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
JOAN GUITE, GUISBOROUGH
BORN in Guisborough in 1934, Joan was the youngest of 16 children. She grew up in the corps and married Malcolm in 1955. Her daughter, Alison, completed the family.
Joan learnt to play a brass instrument, joining the band and only stepping down when the men returned from the war to swell the numbers again.
She held several positions in the corps, including corps secretary, songster, company guard and singing company leader, a position she held twice.
Joan’s illness began in 2011 and during the past few years she resided in a nearby nursing home. Although not able to sing anymore, the music was still in her head and her heart.
Joan’s faith and family were the two most important things in her life. She is missed by her daughter, family and the corps family. She is reunited with her beloved Malcolm and has heard the Lord’s ‘well done’. – F. M.
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HARRY RANKIN, CUMBERNAULD
BORN in Kilsyth in 1934, Harry loved his town of birth. One day while walking he heard a young woman singing a solo in a Salvation Army open-air meeting. He went back to the Army hall, and his life was changed for ever; Harry committed his life to God and signed the soldier’s covenant in 1949.
The young soloist, Cissie, became his wife, and they had three children, followed by three grandchildren.
Together Harry and Cissie served God through The Salvation Army for 70 years, much of that time at Kilsyth and the last 28 years at Cumbernauld. Harry held local officer positions, including young people’s sergeant-major and songster leader.
His family, as well as those in his painting and decorating trade and those that served with him in the corps, describe him as a gentleman.
Harry held to the values and principles of his soldier’s covenant faithfully throughout his life. – G. J.
