16 minute read
Quotes from the media
VICTIMS OF RELIGIOUS OPPRESSION IN TURKEY REVEAL WHY CHRISTIAN POPULATION IS DWINDLING
Victims of religious oppression in Turkey shared their stories at an event on religious freedom at the European parliament where the speakers suggested that political and social atrocities in that country were behind the Christian population’s decline from 20 per cent to a mere 0.2 per cent over the last century…
Among those who testified at [the] event in Brussels, Freedom of Religion in Türkiye, was Mark Smith, a Christian missionary who was expelled from the country in 2020…
‘We are not a threat to the state, the country or the Turkish way of life,’ Smith was quoted as saying…
The Turkish government has expelled at least 60 foreign Christian missionaries … since 2020, according to the religious freedom group Open Doors, which says Christians in Turkey experience ‘incredible pressure from very strong … religious nationalism’ in the country…
Turkey has a long history of Christian persecution, and its government still refuses to admit that the Ottoman Turks committed genocide of Christian Armenians in 1915.
Turkey is 99 per cent Muslim, according to its own statistics. Although its constitution provides for freedom of religion, the government uses regulations that demand the registration of religious groups to make it more difficult to practise non-Islamic faiths. Hatred toward Christians and Jews in the country often leads to discrimination, stigmatisation and attacks.
Christian Today
PENZANCE COST OF LIVING FAIR OFFERS HELP AND ADVICE TO RESIDENTS
People from Penzance attended a cost of living fair to get help and advice on how to save money…
The … fair … was organised by Derek Thomas, Conservative MP for St Ives, West Cornwall.
Various organisations attended the event, each offering help and advice to residents…
Mr Thomas said: ‘We must do better as a society.
‘We need to look after each other much better…
BBC News
FREDDIE MERCURY’S 1974 ROLLS-ROYCE SILVER SHADOW TO BE AUCTIONED OFF FOR UKRAINE CHARITY FUNDRAISER
A 1974 Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow once owned by Queen frontman Freddie Mercury will be heading under the hammer at a charity auction next month…
Nick Wiles, car specialist at RM Sotheby’s, [said]: ‘This car … represents a serious piece of history and the fact that the proceeds of the sale will benefit the amazing Superhumans of Ukraine charity is wonderful’…
Set to go under the hammer on November 5 as part of RM Sotheby’s London auction, all proceeds from the Silver Shadow’s sale will go to the Superhumans Centre, a charity created to help supply aid to Ukraine.
ITV News
CHURCH OF ENGLAND LAUNCHES £15M FUND TO HELP CHURCHES COVER SOARING ENERGY COSTS
The Church of England has earmarked £15m to help churches pay their energy bills as rates continue to soar.
The help comes just in time for winter and will be used by churches to cover the cost of keeping their buildings heated and warm in the coming months…
Millions of people are struggling with soaring energy costs and although churches are not immune to the problem, many of them plan to stay open this winter to provide a warm place for those struggling in their local community.
The fund will bring some welcome relief to churches, many of which have large buildings, making them expensive to light and heat…
Alan Smith, First Church Estates Commissioner, said: ‘The £15 million fund will help churches to remain as centres of worship and pastoral care and will also make a key difference in helping churches to continue opening their buildings for vital practical support for their communities over the winter through social action such as food banks.’
Christian Today
SALVATIONIST
salvationist.org.uk/magazine Issue No 1882
EDITOR Major Mal Davies
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. FOUNDER William Booth
GENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Mal Davies
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What’s your story?
APART from the Bible, what books have helped shape your faith and made you the Christian you are today?
As with many of you, I’m sure, I’ve read many books that have inspired me, challenged me, taught me, tested me or encouraged me. These ranged across genres, from lifestyle books and biographies to theology and daily devotional guides.
Words can help form us, and I’m always thankful to those whom God has gifted with the ability to put pen to paper (fingertips to keyboard just doesn’t have the same ring to it) and write in such a way that we – the reader – are changed.
On pages 8 and 9 of this week’s Salvationist, you’ll read of some great ministry work at the Thorndale Family Centre in Belfast, and part of it revolves around books!
Lieutenant Amanda Sewell tells us of how they are partnering with BookTrust Northern Ireland (NI) to provide books to the centre’s clients and promoting reading within families.
Chris Eisenstadt, director of BookTrust NI adds: ‘We know the benefits children and families get from developing a love of books early in life. This partnership with The Salvation Army enables us to put books directly into the hands of families.’
Staying with that theme, in the middle of this issue you’ll find a pull-out catalogue for Shield Books, the official book publisher for the UKI Territory. Apart from the fact that Christmas is coming and you might want to buy a book for someone, the catalogue contains books that are good to purchase at any time of year.
Note, especially, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – if you are looking for an Advent resource to help with daily devotions, this might be the book for you. You’ll see also the coffee table book Reflections, and the new release from Andrew Wileman, Songs of the Faith, that we reviewed in our 8 October issue.
Stories come in different formats, and not always in books. For example, I’m so glad that The Salvation Army has a tradition – from our very first meetings – involving the sharing of testimonies. It’s always good to hear how God is changing lives.
On page 10 you’ll read the testimony of Assistant Corps Sergeant-Major Joyce Chimkupete of Bristol Citadel. She tells us about her feelings of inadequacy and discomfort due to being black, being female and being a single mother, but then she writes of being both welcomed and affirmed in her corps, and of how her strong faith in God emboldens her.
She speaks of the many gifted people we have at hand who are possibly currently being under-utilised: ‘I would encourage those who are different to take courage and be bold … [and] come out and blossom, because there is a lot of hidden talent in a lot of people.’
Her testimony is encouraging and challenging and confronting and inspiring all at the same time. It’s wonderful!
In the Bible study on pages 18 and 19, Lieut-Colonel Eirwen Pallant also invites us to be brave. At the conclusion of her study on Psalm 139, she cites verses 23 and 24: ‘Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the life everlasting.’ Then she says, ‘Go on! Be brave and make the same request of God!’
So what’s your story? Are you being courageous and bold, as Joyce implored? Maybe read through Psalm 139 again, and then step out for Christ bravely in faith.
MAJOR MAL DAVIES
Editor Salvationist
CONTENTS
Quotes from the media 2
News 4 to 7
Prayer matters 7
Feature 8 and 9
Turning the page
by Lyn Woods
Testimony 10
More than ticking a box
by Joyce Chimkupete
Shield Books 11 to 14
Winter 2022 catalogue
William Booth College 15
Outlining a new vision (part three)
by Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne
Feature 16 and 17
House of restoration
by George Tanton
Bible study 18 and 19 Search me God, and know my heart
by Lieut-Colonel Eirwen Pallant
Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19
by Major Melvyn Knott
Resources 20
Joy and peace to all
Territorial structure update 21
Announcements 22
Adverts 23
Quiz 24
The Army on screen
by Morvyn Finch
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
MODERN SLAVERY
Criminal gangs tighten grip
THQ
MORE victims of criminal gangs are being referred to The Salvation Army’s modern slavery services than ever before.
The organisation’s 11th annual report on its work providing support to adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales shows that the majority of people rescued and supported had been forced to commit crimes or work against their will or been coerced into sex work.
From July 2021 to June 2022, 3,068 people from 100 different nationalities were rescued and supported in safe houses and outreach services. Of those, 46 per cent experienced labour exploitation such as being forced to work in factories, building sites or farms with little or no pay, 23 per cent experienced sexual exploitation and 19.5 per cent experienced criminal exploitation, such as being forced to sell drugs.
Major Kathy Betteridge, director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, said: ‘Organised crime is at the heart of modern slavery. Violent gangs think nothing of trafficking people to sell and force them into criminal activity.
‘It’s not just people who are trafficked from overseas, British people are the second most common nationality in our services.’
People who suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery can call the Army’s confidential 24/7 referral helpline on 0800 808 3733.
‘Your call could be the start of their path to freedom and recovery,’ commented Major Kathy. – AR Download the full 2022 Modern Slavery report at salvationarmy.org.uk/
modern-slavery
BRADFORD CITADEL Harvest weekend began on Saturday night as corps folk enjoyed quizzes, games and a pie and pea supper. On Sunday morning they explored the story of Ruth and Boaz and how it can shape people’s lives today. In the afternoon new families were welcomed at Messy Church where they participated in crafts and songs. – CW
OUTREACH
TENBY The night before Ironman Wales, the corps team met with Major Jonny Smith (THQ), who took part in the challenge, for a time of prayer and worship. Although the race meant that Sunday worship could not take place, the hall was open to provide refreshments to staff, volunteers and supporters of the athletes. – LR
EVENT EVENT
FAKENHAM Harvest weekend began with a family fun day on Saturday with Harvestthemed crafts for children, such as making a scarecrow out of a wooden spoon and a tractor out of matchboxes. Children also stuck autumn leaves to a painted tree alongside a verse from the Psalms. Worship centred upon the need to care for creation. At Sunday worship corps folk donated non-perishable food items to Briston food bank. – AP
CLOWNE Yorkshire Enabled joined the corps for a Harvest festival led by Major Alison Gardner (Grimsby). The group enjoyed lunch before an afternoon gathering, where they were joined by Major Kenny Gardner (Grimsby). – GH
PRESENTATION
BRIGHTON BEVENDEAN As well as contributions of food for Harvest, the corps recognised the individual contribution from Corps Treasurer Graham Abercromby, who retired after 22 years’ service. Major Pauline Fingland – a previous corps officer – returned to show her appreciation and divisional leaders Majors Linda and Mark Herbert led the celebrations. They are pictured with Programme and Pastoral Worker Drew Tinsley. – DT
EVENT
EVENT
PRESENTATION
OUTREACH
LEIGH-ON-SEA Anna Firth, MP, visited the corps to learn about its community work. Corps officers Captains Clare and Robert Davis presented her with a copy of Spirit of the Sea, which details the history of the Army in the area. – PJ DISS Songster Leader Elayne Green recently retired from the role after 38 years of service. She was presented with a book of memories and pictures, together with a bouquet of flowers, by corps officer Colonel Hervé Cachelin. Elayne conducted the songsters one last time as they sang ‘Under His Wings’, a favourite of the brigade. – EH
REMEMBRANCE
PRESENTATION
LEIGH-ON-SEA Thirty years ago a group of corps folk decided to go on a ramble. The rambling group still exists today, thanks to Gordon and Margaret Parkhill. During that time some 400 people have enjoyed the rambles with people from the community joining corps folk. Those 30 years were celebrated with a walk and an afternoon tea, and corps officer Captain Robert Davis recognised Gordon and Margaret’s commitment by presenting them with the gift of a book and a wooden duck wearing wellington boots. – PJ
LIFEHOUSE
KILMARNOCK In preparation for Remembrance Day, the knit and natter group presented a handmade remembrance wreath – a combined effort by the group – to corps member June Parker for use at the remembrance service held at Graceland Nursing Home. June is pictured, holding the wreath, along with the knitters. – EF
EVENT
FOUNDERS HOUSE Residents and staff members marked Black History Month with activities and displays in the building. Support worker Yvette Allen said: ‘It has been wonderful to witness a sense of pride among our black residents when they read the information on our displays. Residents from other backgrounds have also made positive comments about something they have learnt from the displays.’ The Lifehouse added Caribbean flavour to its weekly coffee morning, with 240 Jamaican patties donated by Cleone Food Ltd in Birmingham and Yvette’s 92-year-old mum from Jamaica made carrot juice with her from donated carrots. Pictured are the residents on a trip to the British Museum to look at the exhibits on Africa. – AR
Editor's note A Harvest report in the 22 October issue stated that Territorial Envoy Michala Lancefield (Trowbridge) was a former corps leader of Swindon Citadel. In fact, Michala was previously the CSM at the corps. Salvationist apologises for the error. SCARBOROUGH The corps enjoyed a Harvest ‘pudding and play’ evening to celebrate God’s provision. Members young and not-soyoung worked up an appetite by playing badminton, table tennis, chess, dominoes and other tabletop games, before digging into pies, crumbles, trifles and buns. – MT
COMMUNITY
SALISBURY While being a place that welcomes people warmly has always been important, the cost of living crisis has created a need to offer warm spaces. Songster Leader Leanne Clark came up with Parent Pit Stop to provide a warm, safe place for parents and young children. The initiative runs on Mondays and offers refreshments for parents and play areas for children. Tables were donated by Costa Coffee to create a coffee shop atmosphere. Corps officer Captain Martin Davison said: ‘We have planned a family-centred initiative for some time, but the concern people have about energy bills pushed us into realising that the simple idea of offering a warm, safe place to gather is what our community really needed.’ – AR
ANNIVERSARY EVENT EVENT
SALISBURY The extended corps family enjoyed fellowship at a Harvest quiz and buffet. The event brought together people from the Re-Cycles bike initiative, Employment Plus, charity shop and members of the Sunday worshipping community for the first time. Effort was also made to bring members of the corps family who can no longer attend on Sundays to share in the event. ‘We wanted to celebrate how God is renewing our fellowship in unexpected ways,’ said corps officer Captain Martin Davison. – AR
EVENT
RISCA Bethany Baptist church joined the 42nd corps anniversary celebrations, which were led by Major Kingsley Layton and the Rev Ian Waugh. The meeting was followed by a fellowship lunch. Ian is pictured with the oldest corps member, Phyllis Browning, who has been a soldier at the corps for 42 years. – JB
FUNDRAISING
CLOWNE A full hall of 64 people took part in a quiz night, raising £191 for corps funds. It was a close finish and hot dogs, chips and cake provided a fitting consolation prize. – GH HOYLAND COMMON Eight members met for the inaugural meeting of the men’s fellowship curling team. While it was competitive, all the participants were winners and enjoyed the fun and fellowship. The monthly group looks forward to welcoming more men. It is believed that this is the first men’s fellowship to be held at the corps. – KP
MUSIC
BRIDGWATER The Singing by Heart group now has three sessions every month. Members and volunteers love the songs and enjoy spending time together sharing Scripture and prayer. – HC WELLING The Happy Tots created a Harvest display by sticking pictures of animals and nature on card. Their favourite stickers said ‘God is love’, which many of them stuck on themselves to take home. The activity presented opportunities to invite families to the Harvest celebrations, so that they could see the creations displayed. People from the coffee morning added to the backdrop by writing things for which they were thankful. – KS
EVENT
BURGESS HILL Cadet Jackie Littlewood led Harvest thanksgiving, which began with a tea and quiz for worshippers, families and friends on Saturday. The weekend concluded with a service led by Lieutenant Kathryn Stowers (Eston). The donated food was given to a local food bank. – VS
