Salvationist 29 sep 2012

SALVATIONIST ESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMY www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 29 September 2012 No 1366 Price 60p

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Chief Secretary leads music-packed weekend Southsea PAGE 5

PLUS LOTS MORE!

PAGES 12, 13 & 24

PAPERS War Cry THE

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29 September 2012

Est 1879

No 7084

FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS

20p/25c

MARY BERRY – BAKE TO THE FUTURE Page 4

PARALYMPICS SILVER MEDALLIST STEF REID TALKS SUCCESS Page 8

FAB ‘LOVE ME DO’ HITS HALF A CENTURY writes PHILIP HALCROW

IT reached only No 17 in the UK charts – but it is being singled out. The simple bit of vinyl that turned round at 45rpm began a musical revolution. That’s why a city is staging a mini-festival and radio stations are holding a day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ‘Love Me Do’. The Beatles’ first single was released on 5 October 1962.

Next Friday – the anniversary – BBC local radio stations plan to Turn to page e3

Q ALL GOOD GIFTS… CELEBRATING HARVEST

Q PARALYMPIAN MEDALLIST TALKS ABOUT HER LEAP OF FAITH

Q LAST PART IN KA! JAM’S BIBLE SERIES – AND GOD SAW IT WAS GOOD!

Q ‘EASTENDERS’ BACKS FOR-SQUARE GOSPEL

Q JOKES AND PUZZLES IN GIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE

Q BACK TO CHURCH SUNDAY

Q ‘BILLY’S BAND’ BOOKS AND CDs TO WIN!

PA

Q FAB FOUR HIT 50

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS CRYING LIKE A MAN

Crying isn’t a new mood.

Jesus cried. Churchill famously cried. The key is that the tears have to be real.

Dr Peter Martin of the British Psychological Society, quoted in ShortList

MOCKED JESUS RESTORER SAYS: I WANT ROYALTIES

TRAVELLER’S REST

My wife and I went to… a church we had not visited before. We had got the time wrong, got lost on the way and arrived an hour and a quarter late. The service had evidently finished, but no one was leaving…

We saw why. They were still enjoying each other’s company, as Christians should.

Absurdly late as we were, they made us welcome and gave us coffee and biscuits.

They were genuinely interested in who we were and what brought us to their church.

An elderly Spanish woman whose botched restoration of a mural of Christ was mocked around the world is demanding royalties for her work.

Celia Giménez, 80, volunteered to restore a flaking oil fresco called Ecce Homo (Behold The Man)…

But Ms Giménez managed to leave Jesus… looking like a monkey with misshaped eyes and a crooked smudge for a mouth…

Now Ms Giménez… is staking a claim for royalties after the fresco became a tourist attraction.

BBC Breakfast host Bill Turnbull is taking over Songs Of Praise…

Bill said… ‘People ask “are you religious?” I go to church and try to be a practising Christian.’

The Times

Daily Mirror

The Rev Dr John Pridmore in his diary in Church Times

NEW PRAY DAY FOR BILL

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101 SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson Tel: 020 7367 4894 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter Tel: 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza Tel: 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael Tel: 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino Tel: 020 7367 4881 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

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29 September 2012 SALVATIONIST

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COMMENT

Don’t assume that God will plan for you no more I ‘My joys and triumphs find him here, My doubts and loves, my hopes and needs.

Here, all is shared, and all confessed To him who loves and intercedes.

Such endless charm, immense and free, That he should want to die for me!’

(SJP)

SUMMER SCHOOL NEWS Page 4

EastandWestScotlandYorkshire

NEWS Pages 5 – 9

LOVE the joke about an Englishman being shown around a Scottish hospital.

He is introduced to a number of patients who show no obvious signs of injury or sickness. Instead, every patient he meets immediately starts quoting rambling poetry.

Having listened painstakingly to such lines as ‘Some hae meat, and canna eat, and some wad eat that want it, but we hae meat and we can eat, and sae the Lord be thankit’ and ‘Fair fa’ yer honest, sonsie face, great chieftain e’ the puddin’ race’, the Englishman is confronted with a patient who keeps repeating ‘The bestlaid schemes o’ mice an’ men gang aft agley!’

Eventually, the bemused chap turns to the Scottish doctor in charge and asks what on earth is going on. ‘Aye, that’ll be nothing, nothing at all,’ replies the

LETTERS Page 10

REFLECTION Christ and cancer

PrestonSouthseaCradleyHeathKinlochleven DudleyBarnsleyandSheffieldLangsettRoad NorwichCitadelRochdaleLondonSherburnHill CumbernauldSalisburyCampbeltownLurgan SouthamptonSholingLlanelliBridgwater PeterheadTiverton

Page 11

Children for sale Pages 12 & 13

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MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

COMMITMENT SUNDAY FEATURE

CADET COMMITMENTS

Peace over pace

Pages 16 – 19

Page 14

BIBLE STUDY Hospitality and the three visitors

FEATURE

doctor. ‘Ye just happen tae be visiting yon Burns Unit.’

The line about the mice, incidentally, translates as ‘The best laid schemes of mice and men go often awry’ and could aptly sum up the content of Major Shaun Skinner’s article on page 11 and Major Allen Satterlee’s piece on this week’s centre pages.

There, you will read of lives, hopes, dreams and circumstances that have gone often awry – sometimes tragically so.

Yet, you will also read of the powerful grace of God shining through. Major Skinner testifies regarding his personal admission to the fellowship of suffering being crowned with the gift of rare empathy and Major Satterlee reminds us of holiness that incorporates courage and compassion – which is exemplified in this territory by Anti-Trafficking Response Coordinator Major Anne Read and her team.

Hers is very much a modern ministry, yet one hallmarked with the essence of original Salvationism.

Major Read’s ministry spans the globe, which reminds me of a colleague in Brazil who ‘pray reads’ her copies of Salvationist, turning the pages and praying for the people, corps, divisions and territories featured – including those reports of things that, in a fallen world, aren’t as they should be. It’s a lovely use of this publication – one you may wish to consider adopting. It also reminds us to bring all that has ‘gang aft agley’ in our lives to a God who is neither English, Scottish nor Brazilian, but who loved this world enough to die for it. The back page this week would be a good place to start.

Major Shaun Skinner contacted me recently, recalling a story of how, when he was collecting for the Annual Appeal in Aberdeen once, he entered a hardware store, stood there with his collecting tin, and asked for a donation. The shopkeeper duly obliged by presenting the major with a retractable tape measure. The best laid schemes indeed!

Page 15

ANNOUNCEMENTS Army people, engagements and tributes Pages 20 & 21

ADVERTS Pages 22 & 23

SALVATIONIST 29 September 2012

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SUMMER SCHOOL NEWS DYO Lieutenant Gavin Friday (front left) accompanies mission studies students to Perth’s 3:16 café

East and West Scotland Claire Ferguson (Bellshill) reports A WEEK of boundless fun, love and fellowship is what the summer school provided with record-breaking numbers of students attending! We also broke boundaries and added the sports ministry option to our programme which saw young Christians learning how to be disciples of God in their communities through their sporting talents.

The staff team organised a fabulous week with students coming together to learn about God. We were challenged to think about areas in our lives we are passionate about and how we can fight to make a boundless difference. The night programme was packed with entertainment including a Minute To Win It-style game, prayer concert, Kilgraston’s Got Talent, Boundless Olympics and a ceilidh.

A new approach to this school allowed for students of all ages to get to know each other and play a role in each other’s week.

Many special, trusting, honest and long-lasting friendships were made.

During the week, the students paid a visit to Perth Corps as part of their mission studies elective. Corps officer Lieutenant Jennifer Gosling said: ‘The students brought music and the gospel message to those sitting in the 3:16 café and to passersby. There were opportunities to engage in conversation with those listening and many people remarked on how good it was to see young people using their talents in this way.’

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In Yorkshire the mixed voices vocal group contributes to the Final Celebration

Yorkshire Divisional Youth Officer Ryan Wileman reports THE Yorkshire School of Christian Arts (YSCA) – held at Ackworth School, Pontefract – was quite simply one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Some 110 students and staff members gathered together for a week of fun, laughter, discipleship and worship through performing arts. We laughed – sometimes uncontrollably – and we cried – both in joy and despair. We also spent some incredibly special times in worship, Bible study and reflection while exploring the theme Authentic.

The young people and staff were challenged to consider the question ‘Who are we when no one is looking?’ As a staff team we may have unpacked values such as wisdom, honesty, humil-

29 September 2012 SALVATIONIST

ity, generosity, trust and integrity but the young people showed us how to do it in practice!

The Final Celebration was just that – a celebration of all the great things God had done during the week. More than 400 people

packed the sports hall for a great evening when the young people really excelled themselves in the presentation of their items with a spirit of fun, laughter and encouragement that had epitomised the whole event.

Senior boys at YSCA

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NEWS

Celebration weekend Preston THE corps held its guild celebration weekend with territorial leaders Commissioners André and Silvia Cox. The historic Preston Guild has taken place every 20 years since 1542 and is the only Guild still celebrated in the UK. The Total Praise Festival on Saturday evening included items from the band, songsters and the S3 divisional youth choir. Drama and testimonies were both inspirational and challenging for the large crowd – many visitors made up the enthusiastic congregation.

The Sunday morning meeting attracted many visitors. Commissioner Silvia Cox delivered a powerful message and later corps members and visitors shared in a buffet lunch.

A large ecumenical service was held in the afternoon in a large marquee at a park. Corps folk joined thousands of Christians from different denominations in an act of worship.

Commissioner André Cox and Divisional Commander Major Mike Highton represented The Salvation Army.

On Monday the corps witnessed to the crowds in the Churches Procession (pictured), where 27,000 people lined the streets to watch the 5,000 people taking part in the parade. – A. F.

Chief Secretary leads music-packed weekend Southsea THE morning meeting led by Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton and Colonel Sylvia Hinton started with offerings from the worship group, including ‘Crown Him With Many Crowns’, and prayer by corps officer Major Mary Wolfe.

The music sections supported and Songster Babs Hazel gave a personal testimony telling how corps folk and God brought her through a period of darkness and difficulty.

The song ‘Break Thou The Bread Of Life’ preceded Colonel David Hinton’s message which contained the challenge to ‘bring the presence of

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Christ to the people and to be aware of growing secularisation’.

During evening worship the band supported with ‘Come Into Our World’.

Bandsman Russell Morrison gave a powerful testimony of how God had inspired and led him through a major personal challenge and change of career from aeronautical engineer to school teacher.

Colonel Sylvia Hinton brought the Bible reading from Luke 18:35–43. The theme of the Chief Secretary’s message was When We Meet Jesus, Life Can Never Be The Same. The day ended with the rousing congregational song ‘I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord’. Major Mary Wolfe (centre) is pictured with Colonels David and Sylvia Hinton.

– T. M.

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NEWS Band gives thanks through music Dudley THE West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Band visited as part of harvest festival celebrations and to give thanks to the corps for the rehearsal space they provide. The band presented a varied programme including the march ‘Golden West’, ‘Harvest Praise’ and William Himes’ quirky arrangement of ‘Bringing In The Sheaves’. Also featured were solo items by John Davoll (Eb bass), who played an arrangement of ‘Dear Lord And Father’ specially composed for him by Ian Feltwell (Nuneaton), and Micah Parsons (pictured, euphonium), who played ‘Song Of The Brother’. The duet ‘Cleansing Stream’ featuring Eddie Toon (cornet) and John Shepherd (soprano cornet) and a selection from Glory! drew the concert to a close. There was still time for one extra item as the band encored with Charles Dove’s excellent but rarely

played march ‘Dudley Citadel’ especially written for the host corps. – D. B.

At Cradley Heath forty-six home league members enjoy a fish and chip supper, raising £59.50 for the Big Collection; this is one of many ways the corps is hoping to boost the amount raised for the appeal

Barnsley and Sheffield Lang sett Road: Junior soldiers Sorcha Connellan (Barnsley) and Emily Hewat (Sheffield Langsett Road) raised more than £400 for Macmillan Cancer Support through a sponsored swim. They swam 100 lengths and 96 lengths, respectively, in one hour and two minutes and will receive a certificate and medal to mark the event. – M. Y.

Corps folk, community choir members and folk from other churches join Kinlochleven Corps for a singalong to raise money for the Big Collection

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29 September 2012 SALVATIONIST

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NEWS

Seeds of hope Norwich Citadel AS part of the city’s Heritage Week the corps opened its doors to display 30 flower arrangements representing the Army’s international work for the Seeds Of Hope Flower Festival.

Each display featured items relating to the many countries in which the Army operates, including photos and information about current fundraising projects and the development of the Army.

Many corps members sponsored the event through monetary contributions and undertook the numerous tasks involved in developing the project. Angela Vokalek, Wendy Cushion, Joyce Youngman, Margaret Mann and Pam Sinclair were all involved in producing the displays and were supported by members of local flower clubs.

Many people visited the corps and complimented the beautiful displays. A family also indicated their desire to attend a Sunday meeting with the possibility of making the corps their spiritual home.

Bandmaster Richard Woodrow led a flower festival finale songs of praise meeting on Sunday evening, with contributions from the music sections all in keeping with the Seeds Of Hope theme.

– B. C. Picture: JAMES WILLIAMS

Corps members get on their bikes to raise funds Rochdale BANDMASTER Alan Kershaw (pictured centre), Gordon Armitage (right) and Steve Williams completed a 460-mile bike ride,

raising £1,000 for a building project in Nepal and £200 for the candidates fund.

The ride involved cycling to Liverpool, crossing by ferry to the Isle of Man to complete ten laps of the famous motorcycle TT course and then return to Rochdale.

The school in Nepal was established by Kamal, who, seeing a large number of homeless children decided to adopt them with his brother. Sadly, his brother died. Corps member Christopher Briggs was inspired to raise funds for Kamal and the school after visiting the country.

The funds – which are being collected through the website justgiving.com/alankershaw – will be used towards building a dining room. – P. W. Flowers and an Army flag are displayed at William Booth’s grave in Abney Park Cemetery, London, on the 100th anniversary of his promotion to Glory

Sherburn Hill is festooned with floral displays at the flower festival, celebrating the 90th corps anniversary; divisional leaders Majors Darrell and Katrina Thomas are pictured with corps officer Major Dawn Evans (left) and festival director Olive Johnson

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NEWS

Children at the Salisbury holiday club enjoy the message from puppets Burt and Lucy who explain the story of David; on Sunday many of the children returned with their families for a celebration afternoon and medal ceremony

Children enjoy a week of fun at holiday programme Cumbernauld FIFTY children enjoyed a week of fun activities including rap, graffiti art and street dance as part of Elev8, a weeklong holiday programme for children aged between 7 and 12 years old. Elev8 is a pilot scheme developed by THQ’s Children’s Ministries Unit and incorporated two corps activities, Kidz R Kool and In Touch.

Kidz R Kool employs contemporary mediums such as music, dance, drama, graffiti art, MC/ DJing and craft to give children a voice. The programme encourages participation by all children regardless of their ability. The In Touch sports element allows children the opportunity to get involved in a variety of sports including football, rugby, quick cricket, netball, tennis, volleyball and athletics. They receive professional training allowing them to nurture existing skills and develop their individual sporting abilities.

The holiday week’s activities focused on Olympic themes of Teamwork, Getting Fit and Understanding The World Around Us. Corps officer Lieutenant Joanna Moir said: ‘This has been a fantastic week for the children, offering them an opportunity to be active and take part in fun

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activities in a safe environment during the summer holidays.’

Half the children attend other corps activities, while many others heard about the club through word of mouth. Following feedback from the children, the week culminated in a showcase for the children to display what they had learnt to parents and guardians.

Chloe Hayden, aged 9, said: ‘I went to the dance class and had loads of fun. I’ve met new friends and got to make a mess in other activities like graffiti art which I wouldn’t normally get the chance to do.’

Kieran Hanna, aged 11, said: ‘It’s the most awesome thing ever and I had a chance to try really cool things like writing my own rap song and recording it. My rap name is K-Dog and I hope to keep writing songs after the club is finished. I already attend the corps Friday club and want to go on Sundays as well now as I’ve had so much fun.’

– C. B.

Time to get messy Campbeltown THE corps enjoyed its very first Messy Church based on the story of Creation. Parents, grandparents and children explored the theme through arts and

These are some of the 50 children who attended On Your Marks holiday club at Lurgan; the youth group organised and led the club

29 September 2012 SALVATIONIST

crafts, games and baking before joining together for a celebration and meal.

The children created thankyou cards for God for the wonderful things he has created and made fruit kebabs to celebrate the colour and diversity in the world. They also created an edible Eden.

Around forty-five children and adults attended the session and joined in with singing energetic songs and listening to the story of creation.

Cadet Ellie Read, who led the corps during summer placement with her husband, Mark, said: ‘It was great to see families and members of the community visiting a church where they could explore the story of God’s ongoing care and love for the world together in an enjoyable way.’ – C. B.

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NEWS

Army heritage takes a stand Innovative displays complement harvest celebrations Southampton Sholing IMAGINATIVE displays adorned the hall to begin the traditional harvest celebrations.

Bandmaster Brian Jones and helpers created the displays and the flower-arranging class decorated the windows. One display depicted the Olympic Rings replicated in fruit and vegeta-

bles surrounded by sports equipment from a school. Together the displays were a reminder of God’s continual provision.

Local residents viewed the displays on Saturday when the hall was open to the public.

Major James Williams (THQ) led a lively, relevant and thought-provoking worship

meeting on Sunday, where corps folk offered prayers for the young people who have returned to or are about to start university.

In the evening Major Williams recounted his life story which acted as a remarkable testimony and an affirmation of faith over adversity. The weekend concluded with a well-attended meal and sale of produce. – B. E.

Llanelli THE corps took part in the Heritage Festival, an event which brings together organisations from the town and district and allows people to learn about the community and those who are active within it.

Alan Barnes organised a stand for the corps. Army papers and corps anniversary booklets were distributed and the band provided music.

Major Christine Hird and Rhian Hatch are pictured in historical Army uniform. – S. H.

Response Music Ministry lead a Sunday evening café church at Tiverton themed Who Is God? Through film clips and jazz, traditional and African music, the group presented a challenging programme

Messy birthday party Bridgwater MORE than 80 people attended Messy Church, themed A Birthday Party, to celebrate its first ‘birthday’. Participants engaged in crafts and party games and formed a conga to move to another hall where corps officer Major Cheryl Davies told the parable of the great banquet and spoke of the great party that is

waiting in Heaven. The children then tucked into party food and sang ‘Happy Birthday’ before eating the cakes they iced during craft time. – N. D.

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Peterhead corps officer Major Bram Williams accepts a cheque for £500 from Kevin Brown of Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd on board the ‘North Mariner’ North Sea supply vessel; the crew won an award for their exemplary safety record and decided to donate the £500 reward to the corps

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LETTERS

Q Keep up the good work I HAVE collected for the best part of 50 years, but at the age of 82, now hardly able to walk, I could not answer the call for collectors for the Big Collection.

As corps secretary for nearly 44 years and at one time an Annual Appeal team leader, it was easy to organise team members to deliver the envelopes and others of us would then collect them.

Q Countless blessings and inspiration NINETEEN delegates attended the Design For Life course held at the William Booth College from 7 to 9 September. The weekend involved worship, Bible study and

Q More publications needed for growing corps SOME two years ago, I appealed through this page for copies of The War Cry and Kids Alive! to be sent to certain corps in Africa and I received a good response.

I have just returned from leading worship at Matero Corps (Zambia Territory) where the assistant corps sergeant-major told me that he still receives copies but would love to receive more for what is a growing corps and outreach mission. He also asked for copies of SA Bandsman as these can be a helpful tool for the corps and territorial bands.

If anyone would like to send copies of any of the above to Zambia, or surplus uniform badges and trimmings to Zambia or Togo, please contact me – care of The Salvation Army, Raikes Parade, Blackpool FY1 4EL – and I will let you have the Zambian address details.

Stuart Gay, Blackpool

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Some years ago, in retirement, I did my own district using a collecting box. A face-to-face meeting, a ready smile, a brief chance to explain the Army’s work brought in a good return for the effort.

I am aware that there is the opportunity to Gift Aid the donation with the envelopes, but in my experience very few donors did this.

Collectors, keep up the good work – the Army is so well respected.

Gerry Parsons, Barry class work related to personal callings. We had a truly uplifting time and received countless blessings and inspiration from the worship and fellowship.

I speak on behalf of delegates when I say that we would recommend the weekend to anyone who feels they have a calling to do God’s work but do not know of a direction.

Andrea Christmas-Arden, North Walsham

Q Can you help?

THE Order Of The Founder (OF) is a feature of our museum and a full list of recipients is accessible on one of the museum databases.

Regrettably, we don’t have images for all recipients. I would like to try to source images for the following Salvationists: Herbert J. Bourn CS Thomas H. Cannell (JP) Mary Jane Carroll George W. Chandler BM Sidney W. Cox Brigadier Eleanor Gebbie Commissioner Arthur Holland Colonel Frederick Jewkes Captain William Manson Major Marie Ozanne OSCS Pamela Ridgers Senior-Major Alice Sigsworth CSM John Sinclair If you can help, please email your image to heritage@salvationarmy.org.uk or post it to International Heritage Centre, William Booth College, Champion Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8BQ. Stephen Grinsted, Major, International Heritage Centre

29 September 2012 SALVATIONIST

Q Many Salvationists exemplify experience of holiness MAY I respond to some of the issues raised by Major Repass’s letter (Salvationist 8 September) on the important matter of holiness and perfection?

I would suggest that for many Salvationists all doctrine, let alone that of holiness, is forbidding and indeed one General even said that Salvationists are not particularly interested in theology.

This is far from suggesting that there are, among our fellowship, members who do not realise the experience of holiness.

There are countless humble Salvationists who exemplify that experience but who may not be able to explain it very well. It is from this point of view that I would argue that the word ‘perfect’ is something of an obstacle as it conjures up concepts of attainment incapable of further development and consequently the whole matter is dismissed as beyond us and possible only for the rarefied saints. Such ideas were widely held at and around the Christian Reformation when many thought that only the cloistered monk was able to gain such a life. The various nuances of the Greek word, so frequently rendered as ‘perfect’ in the English versions of the New Testament, do, I think, allow more of us to understand what holiness actually means.

The question of imperfection is also not straightforward or easily answered. Of course we should continually aim to grow in grace, but Paul reckoned that he had not attained or was already perfect (Philippians 3:12). We are earthen vessels and unprofitable servants, yet God chooses to use the weak things to confound the mighty (1 Corinthians 1:26–31). May we press on, grateful that however inadequate we may seem to be, God will use our sincere and dedicated response to his love.

John Waters, Major, Biddulph Moor Q Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

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REFLECTION

Christ and cancer Major Shaun Skinner talks frankly about fear, faith and the future

T

HE consultant came to my bedside: ‘Things didn’t go as planned. We couldn’t remove the tumour; it’s too deep and aggressive. You have a malignant Astrocytoma Grade 3. You have three to five years to live.’

On 11 May 2007 I was diagnosed with a brain tumour but advised my chances were good. Then, everything changed.

A few days later I celebrated my 35th birthday. The prognosis meant I would – at best – just miss out on reaching 40, but I was determined to prove the doctor wrong.

So began an interesting journey involving me, the tumour I christened ‘loft lodger’ and God. Where was God? I was aware of him in those early days as I received promises of prayer from friends, churches, people I didn’t know. I was sustained by prayer.

It would be great to say my spiritual journey and life generally have been smooth for the subsequent years – but that wouldn’t be true!

My tumour brings multiple challenges.

In its wake come epilepsy, weakness, restricted mobility and fatigue.

I experience poor short-term memory, confusion and personality changes.

Sometimes I am short-tempered, frustrated and angry.

Over a three-month period I stopped eating, drinking and even medicating – doing any of these made me sick.

I wanted to die and refused treatment.

I put those closest to me through emotional torment, letting them know I’d had enough. My kidneys stopped working.

Where was God? At that time I doubted his care. Looking back, I realise he was there, in the prayers of

Was I to be sidelined? This couldn’t be the way of the God of love, the God I know, in Christ, as Saviour – but that’s how it seemed.

Struggling with all this, I linked up with tumour charities and online groups. Daily, I heard from people going through similar experiences. I could relate to them – not just sympathise, but empathise. I was simply chatting with others in similar situations, but they seemed intrigued by my outlook. My philosophy is simple: I’m not dying from a brain tumour; I’m alive and happen to have a tumour ‘lodging in my loft’. I made no secret of the fact that I am a Christian and a Salvation Army officer.

God doesn’t exempt selected groups from terminal illnesses. I don’t ask: ‘Why me?’ I say: ‘Why not me?’ This was the approach that fascinated people.

A couple of charities were interested in the pastoral skills I had acquired as an officer and I realised God was opening a door for me. He reminded me he had called me to ministry. Until now, that had meant officership. Here, I was given a unique and privileged ministry with those going through similar battles, or were carers or bereaved. I understand like few others in ministry can.

No one asks for a terminal illness, but, now I had one, God was showing me I wasn’t on the scrapheap. This was confirmed while I listened to Stainer’s choral setting of John 3:16. I became aware of the significance of the seemingly insignificant. In the magnificence of that verse it’s easy to overlook the word ‘so’.

It’s the smallest word there, but remove it and the immense power of God’s love appears diluted. God said to me: ‘You still matter! Terminal illness doesn’t make anyone insignificant. Reach out to those you can make a difference to.’

This ministry is more fulfilling than I could ever have imagined.

Despite its heartaches, it has joy and laughter too.

The future? I know what it holds and I’m ready. I plan to keep proving the doctors wrong until God calls me Home. Does that loom over my life like a threat? No! It allows me to enjoy the blessings of today, instead of looking for blessings in the future. The God who loves me unconditionally has a role for me and for all those like me. Q

‘Where was God? At that time I doubted his care.

Looking back, I realise he was there’

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many people and in the straight-talking ‘tough love’ of one corps member who persuaded me to go to hospital.

Two lengthy hospital stays later – including an 18-month battle with depression and a breakdown – I admitted I couldn’t continue in officership. I argued with God. I’d answered his call, how could he now say he didn’t want me?

Does God discard the terminally ill?

Q Major Skinner lives in retirement in Hereford

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One hundred years after the promotion to Glory of William Booth, Major Allen Satterlee recalls the Army’s original involvement with issues of human trafficking and prostitution While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight – I’ll fight to the very end!

HE Salvation Army’s first serious foray into challenging social evils came from the grass roots. A compassionate response by a lone soldier, Mrs Cottrill, resulted in a small rescue work for women opening in her home.

General William Booth appointed his daughter-in-law, Florence Booth, to oversee the embryonic programme.

Although the effort was small, the need was immense. Prostitution was an open part of British Victorian life, a strange anomaly given society’s unwillingness to discuss sexual matters. For far too many, it was the only trade they had to provide a living. Booth commented: ‘The profession of a prostitute is the only career in which the maximum income is paid to the newest apprentice.’

Although the Army leaders had a vague idea of the evils of prostitution, they were stunned to discover how hopeless and helpless it was for the women and girls

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involved. Florence brought home tales of heartbreak and horror to her husband, Bramwell (then the Army’s second-incommand), who at first suspected she was exaggerating. Perhaps the girls were manipulating a sympathetic listener in order to receive more help.

29 September 2012 SALVATIONIST

Florence Booth

Bramwell became a believer when a 17-year-old girl waited one morning for the doors to open at headquarters. Coming to London in response to an advertisement for a housekeeper, she found herself instead in a brothel. Locked in a room she could only escape in the dead of night, she searched for the International Headquarters address found in her small Salvation Army song book. Her story was confirmed. Florence now furnished a number of young girls who told similar stories.

The whole sordid affair was absolute fact. Bramwell was troubled, then incensed, and then moved to act.

But Bramwell needed an ally. Going to a now trusted friend, W. T. Stead, he outlined what he had discovered. After listening, Stead slammed his fist on the desk and shouted: ‘Damn!’ The younger Booth had found the needed partner.

Stead’s position as editor of the influential Pall Mall Gazette gave the voice to augment actions that would next be taken.

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One of the Army converts was a woman named Rebecca Jarrett. A converted brothel keeper herself, she had begun her life of prostitution when 12 years old. Booth and Stead approached her about helping them prove how easily young girls could be bought for prostitution. When approached, she refused. She had left that life of shame and never wanted to look back. But they prevailed upon her, pleading on behalf of the girls who might be spared the life she had known. She reluctantly agreed to help.

Going to a park where girls as young as six years old came with mothers to be sold, Jarrett found the mother of Eliza Armstrong, a 13-year-old. Agreeing on an amount, money was paid to the mother and the girl was given over to Jarrett’s hands. Upon examination, a doctor confirmed the girl was in good health. She was then sent to France to the safekeeping of a single female Salvation Army officer.

Having proved how easily it could be done, it was time for the world to know.

On 6 July 1885 Stead ran the first of ten articles under the title ‘The Maiden Tribute Of Modern Babylon’. A lightning strike on Parliament could scarcely have created a greater stir. Editions of the paper were sold out. Police were stationed at the newspaper office to keep order as mobs of people demanded to read of the shame that England had previously chosen to ignore.

Following these startling disclosures, mass meetings were held across London.

With passion and eloquence Army co-founder Catherine Booth added her voice. Her righteous indignation flamed against those in Parliament who sided against the Army.

‘I read in some paragraphs from the report of a debate in the House of Commons which made me doubt my eyesight… I did not think we were so low as this – that one member should suggest that the age of these innocents should be

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

‘She had begun her life of prostitution when 12 years old.

Booth and Stead approached her about helping them prove how easily young girls could be bought for prostitution’ reduced to ten and, O my God! pleaded that it was hard for a man – hard, for a man – having a charge brought against him, not to be able to plead the consent of a child like that.

‘Well may the higher classes take care of their little girls! Well may they be so careful never to let them go out without efficient protectors. But what is to become of the little girls of the poor? Of the little girls of the working classes? I could not have believed that in this country such a discussion among so-called gentlemen could have taken place.’

The Salvation Army helped sponsor a petition drive that urged Parliament to raise the age of consent to 18, make the procuring of children for immoral purposes a criminal offence, allow magistrates power to enter any house where girls were held against their will and make the law equal by making it illegal for a man to solicit

a woman as it was then illegal for a woman to solicit a man. For this petition 393,000 signatures were gathered. The petition was borne on poles by eight Salvation Army cadets to the House of Commons.

The needed legislation passed, but with the amended age of consent raised to 16. Before the victors could enjoy their achievement, an incredible turn of events resulted in W. T. Stead, Bramwell Booth and Rebecca Jarrett being among the first arrested under the new law. The enemies in the press had succeeded in slamming the Army and their editorial rival in one fell blow.

As a trial began for the three, Rebecca Jarrett cracked under the strain, resulting in a short imprisonment. Bramwell Booth was acquitted completely. W. T. Stead spent three months in jail, an imprisonment that his journalist’s heart savoured.

Although the whole undertaking had been tempered with the fiasco at the end, The Salvation Army learnt something about itself. By championing the right cause, it could make a difference for the oppressed.

It was a lesson that the Army would never forget. Q Q Major Satterlee is Editor-in-Chief and National Literary Secretary, USA Reprinted from War Cry (USA) with permission

The Salvation Army continues to defend and support victims and potential victims of human trafficking. Corps and centres around the world are encouraged to call on God through focused prayer to bring hope and freedom to the staggering number of people – up to four million – who are trafficked every year, including 1.39 million people who are forced to work in the sex trade. The UKT anti-trafficking general inquiry line is 0844 264 0035 the 24-hour victimreferral line is 0300 303 8151.

SALVATIONIST 29 September 2012

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COMMITMENT SUNDAY FEATURE

Peace over pace Continuing the occasional series of articles on Commitment Sunday’s Fit 4 Life theme, Major Sandra Welch considers taking time to rest

How did it get so late so soon?

It’s night before it’s afternoon.

December is here before it’s June.

My goodness how the time has flewn!

How did it get so late so soon?

(Dr Seuss)

W

E wrestle with time every day. It seems as though every moment of the week is accounted for. If we’re not at work, then we’re playing taxi service, ferrying children here and there or meeting friends.

Our lives are so jam-packed that often the day is finished before we complete what we set out to do. The philosopher William Penn said: ‘Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.’

The context of Mark 6:30–32 is one of activity. This passage concentrates on our need to be alone with the Saviour – to focus on him. Jesus had a hectic schedule. There was always a steady stream of people wanting to see him, to listen to his teaching or be healed. The disciples were at the centre of it all and we read: ‘Then, because so

many people were coming and going… they did not even have a chance to eat’ (v31 all quotations from New International Version). Returning home from their mission, the disciples were in a world of their own with ‘all they had done and taught’ (v30), but the Lord called them to come away – to take time to rest.

Their plan for solitude and rest was, though, disturbed by the large crowd who saw them leaving and ran ahead to meet them on the other side of the shore. This was not a lost opportunity because Jesus used this interruption to teach his disciples a valuable lesson.

in Bible study and prayer. They were to learn the fundamental lesson of the need for daily time alone with the Lord, because service and ministry must flow out of fellowship with the Saviour, who is the source and resource of our life and ministry.

Jesus didn’t feel guilty about taking time away from life’s pressures for prayer – in fact he made it a priority. Throughout his life Jesus took time to see things from God’s eternal perspective, to be quiet and to get away. In this instance his sole concern is for his disciples who have just returned from a strenuous mission. In the flurry of activity Jesus invites them to ‘come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest’ (v31).

Jesus knew that the disciples needed to retreat so they might be refreshed and renewed in order to continue to do his work effectively. We cannot sustain the pace of constant pressures and demands – we need time to rest.

What about the ‘time out’ that God desires for us, the day(s) when we reserve time to worship God and to rest? We can’t serve God if we’re exhausted or our nerves are frayed. Body and mind need ‘time out’ and a change of pace, in much the same way as an athlete requires time to regain strength. We should endeavour to fit our schedules around prayer, rather than the other way around!

Jesus took time to rest – often. In Mark 1 we read: ‘Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed’ (v35). Before Jesus was arrested he went to a lonely spot in the Garden of Gethsemane and prayed, seeking strength and comfort for the struggles ahead (Mark 14:32–36).

After personal prayer time, Jesus had perfect direction for the day and he did exactly what needed to be done. If we want to fulfil God’s plans for our life and receive his daily guidance, then our time alone with God is vital. No activity on earth is more important than prayer.

Jesus perfectly models the Christian life and if prayer was so important to Jesus it should be to us also.

Along with the psalmist let us ask God to ‘teach us to number our days’ (Psalm 90:12) that we may be Fit 4 Life. Q

‘We should endeavour to fit our schedules around prayer, rather than the other way around!’

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Through the feeding of the 5,000, he wanted his disciples to understand that if they were to be effective in their ministry and see the Church grow, then they must first draw from his resources. This means ‘pulling aside’ from the hustle and bustle to spend time alone with God

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Q Major Welch is Editor, The Officer, IHQ

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BIBLE STUDY

Hospitality and the three visitors Major Andrea Sawyer prepares for Back to Church Sunday (30 September)

STUDY PASSAGE GENESIS 18:1–10

A

S we invite people to our corps for Back to Church Sunday the word that comes to my mind is ‘hospitality’, which we are encouraged to practise in Romans 12:13.

Hospitality is a powerful gift that people are attracted to. We see reminders of this in Abraham’s story (Genesis 18:1–10), which can encourage us on our own personal journey.

In Abraham’s day, hospitality equalled your reputation. How hospitable you were as a person equalled how well thought of you were in society.

In the first verse Abraham had been spending a time of refreshment with God. In order for us to live a life that ‘gives’ – a life that is open to others – we need to keep finding a place in our own walk with God where we too can find refreshment.

Abraham knew how to live a giving life, but he also knew he had to live in close relationship with God. So let’s look at Abraham’s top tips. His welcome gift was enthusiasm. Picture it.

Abraham sat under a tree; it was hot and he was old. This combination sometimes means you can’t get up very fast! Then he sees three strangers walk by and we are told that he ‘ran… to greet them’ (v2 all quotations taken from The Message).

He ran to be hospitable, enthusiastically.

Then he begged them to stay: ‘Stop for a while’ (v3). He got their attention and he drew them in.

Do you have an enthusiastic spirit?

Do those passing you by want to stop and take a seat? Abraham had the enthusiasm that made his visitors stop.

Would they have done so if he had not run to meet them? We don’t know, but his enthusiasm was like a big welcome mat. He didn’t know who they were, but

moment, for their needs. Everything was done to serve them, showing them (and us) just what Jesus looks like – serving, blessing and meeting the needs of people.

The visitors agree to stay (v5). Who wouldn’t want to stay in a place that welcomes and serves you?

So what does Abraham do next? He hurries to Sarah to get some food. Do you see what is happening? Abraham invited the strangers in, but now they are everybody’s visitors. Sarah didn’t say: ‘You invited them, you feed them!’ When new people come into our corps, we all have to take responsibility and welcome them.

Sarah is encouraged by Abraham to get three cups of the best flour and the servant to get the plumpest calf (vv6–8).

He gave them his best; he didn’t give them leftovers – and that is hospitality at its highest form; giving your best purely and simply for the sake of others.

Abraham not only gave of his best, he ‘set the meal before the men, and stood there under the tree while they ate’ (v8).

He didn’t even sit at the table. He did it purely to bless their world. What a beautiful picture Abraham is painting of a life given to hospitality, of a life given to serve others.

The three visitors were not what they seemed. They were actually an angelic visitation, sent with a message from God – angels on assignment, finding out if there was a place where they could receive a welcome, a place where people understood the heart of God for other people.

I wonder if God sent these secret angels to your corps whether they would receive such hospitality.

Abraham’s life changed that day. He entered into a conversation with God. He was reminded of God’s promise that he was going to give him a son and the angels said they would return to see it fulfilled (v10). Abraham didn’t set out that day to get something out of somebody. He just set out to be hospitable and a blessing – and so must we.

So please, be enthusiastic in your hospitality. Do it because it is close to the heart of God. God needs homes to send people to – homes that are hospitable, where people’s lives can grow.

May that be a picture of your corps as you connect and reconnect with people this Back to Church Sunday. Q

‘Do you have an enthusiastic spirit?

Do those passing you by want to stop and take a seat?’

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

that didn’t matter. What mattered was his enthusiasm, because enthusiastic hospitality draws people in and makes them feel safe. May that be evident in your corps this Back to Church Sunday.

Abraham told them that he would fulfil their needs (vv4 and 5). There was no agenda involved. He existed in that

Q Major Sawyer is corps officer, Chelmsford

SALVATIONIST 29 September 2012

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CADET COMMITMENTS The 2012 Disciples of the Cross Session of cadets is welcomed at William Booth College today (Saturday 29 September). They each share their testimony with Salvationist readers

Determined to trust LEEDS CENTRAL CARON TRIBBLE admits that becoming a Christian at 16 did not dramatically change her life, but it did raise a lot of questions about her relationship with God and The Salvation Army, as well as what her role in the world would be. At 19 she very clearly heard the call to be an officer. Four years later, after many more questions, Caron began to explore this calling.

She testifies: ‘Getting to college hasn’t been easy – life got in the way. However, I have always been certain this is what God has planned for my life and by his strength I have come this far. On my own I could achieve nothing compared to what I can achieve through God’s strength.’

ABERDEEN CITADEL IN 2006 former Salvationist Wendy Leisk heard a Christian conference speaker implore: ‘Go back to your youth.’ As a teenager Wendy had offered for officership at youth councils in Aberdeen, but life had not turned out as she planned.

In 2010, a street pastor presentation reminded Wendy of her Salvationist roots and her evenings in public houses selling The War Cry and building relationships. ‘I decided to “visit” the citadel,’ she recalls, ‘and as I worshipped there, I felt I had come home. I believe God took me from my home in Thurso to study a Bachelor of Divinity degree to pursue full-time ministry. This has been fulfilled by returning to my youth and my calling 30 years on.’

IVYBRIDGE IN 1997 Theresa Conway took her son to church.

She recalls: ‘As we started to sing, the words melted my insides. I felt a fire burning in my belly and didn’t know what it was. A week later I gave my life to Jesus. I said: “It’s rubbish, Lord. But it’s yours.”

The family began to worship at the Army in 2005 and Theresa became a soldier in 2008. Two years later, she felt the call to full-time ministry, 15 years on from when she had first received it. She concludes: ‘I remembered my promise to the Lord and so I am about to embark on the calling given to me 15 years ago.’

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BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL THE Salvation Army has always been a part of Tom Dunham’s life. His personal relationship with Jesus deepened when he was 18 and a few years later he first recognised God’s call to officership. ‘God continued to prompt me, but my answer was always: No, I could never do that,’ Tom admits. ‘After much questioning, searching and prayer I recognised that God had started preparing me. My answer turned to: Yes, Lord. I want to respond to your leading.’

Tom is excited to take this next step in his life with confidence in God’s continued guidance and prompting as he fully relies on his strength.

SHEFFIELD CITADEL AT the Army’s 2011 Roots Conference, a woman approached Lorna White to share a message with her from God that she would be an officer. Lorna recalls: ‘I will never be able to describe the feelings that overtook me. As I looked at her I knew the message was God-sent and my life would change forever.’

Memories of that day in trying times have provided Lorna with strength and assurance that the Lord has a plan for everyone and they must trust and obey.

Lorna enters college with her husband, David.

David shares: ‘I was a bin man in Sheffield, happy with life. Then Dad was promoted to Glory. The world stopped making sense. I fell into a spiral of despair. Lost, I kept Mum company at the Army and did the thing I was trying not to do – I listened.’

David says Jesus called him as his own, then to soldiership and then to ‘look after [his] flock’.

Asking what he had to do, David felt God’s call, “Give up your house and family and prepare to be the lowest.” So I did and I am. It’s amazing!’

David admits: ‘Saying yes to Jesus is leading me on an amazing journey. I go in his strength because I am further proof that the perfect place for imperfect people is at the feet of God.’ BOSCOMBE FROM a young age, Luke Reading was aware of the Bible’s teachings and his parents taught him Christian values. He made an early decision to become a Christian.

At Boscombe’s Easter celebration, Luke felt he had ‘come home’ and was where God wanted him.

He continues: ‘I soon felt God calling me to become a soldier. At the same time I felt God calling me to officership. I am very excited about all God has planned for me.’

ELLESMERE PORT THE first contact Callum McKenna had with the Army was a kids’ club outreach at Wallasey Corps.

He shares: ‘My parents aren’t Christians – let alone Salvationists – which has been a big challenge in my journey, particularly in trying to convince my parents that their son isn’t mad!

‘I gave my life to Christ as a child and I have grown in my faith thanks to the discipling of excellent Christian role models. I was challenged about officership before I even reached my teens, but I pushed that idea into the distant future – officership was something I’d consider after making a career as a doctor, having a wife and children, a big house and a flash car!’ At the Army’s World Youth Convention in Sweden, God challenged Callum again.

He says: ‘I’m excited about the joint ministry that

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CADET COMMITMENTS my wife, Berri (who will farewell from Chester Corps), and I will have together. We’re passionate about fighting injustice, seeing people restored and equipping others to win the world for Jesus.’

CHESTER BERRI MCKENNA came to the Army when her parents became Salvationists. She grew up in the corps but it was not until she was 15 years old that she first became challenged by friends as to what a personal relationship with Jesus meant to her.

Some years later Berri spent time in India with the Oasis Trust and God began to challenge her about the injustice and poverty that exist and what she could do about it. ‘It was then I began to understand God’s calling to officership,’ she says. Berri studied theology and international development at university and qualified as a social worker. She concludes: ‘Throughout my life God has been developing me for future ministry, even with my shortcomings, and he even gave me a great husband along the way!’

REGENT HALL ‘I LOVE finding the opposite to an argument – all my life I questioned and challenged everything I was told and taught,’ admits Kate Donaldson. ‘This curiosity, or perhaps stubbornness, may have appeared to others a doubting or ambivalent faith when actually I had already given my life to God.’ Kate became a senior soldier at a young age after careful, prayerful consideration. ‘Although I questioned everything, and it appeared that I couldn’t quite let go and give in to God’s will, my relationship with him never waned,’ Kate explains. ‘I was and continue to be on a journey – to learn more about God, demonstrate his love to others and share with those around me how full and free a life following God can be.’

Kate’s husband, David, was raised in a Christian family and The Salvation Army. At 18 he moved to England for college and became involved in life outside the Church. He explains: ‘After many years of wandering between England and Australia, experiencing things and living a life I knew I shouldn’t have been living, I decided enough was enough. I knew God was still calling me.’

Settling at Regent Hall, David felt he had found where God wanted him to be. He met his wife and, he concludes: ‘We will now walk the journey of fulltime ministry together.’

ROCHDALE AT 17, Deborah Saunders climbed the wall into the Army’s compound in Lagos, Nigeria. Within months, she became a soldier. She admits: ‘During many years of church activity, I drifted around in a spiritual wilderness. In 1997 I was filled with the Holy Spirit during an Alpha course and later that year at Roots felt called to ministry. I was a single parent of three.

Sadly, I didn’t pursue my calling then.’

In 2009, Deborah remarried and moved to Spain where the couple became spiritual leaders at Denia Corps. During a retreat, she heard God say: ‘Don’t limit me’. She surmises: ‘I felt years before I had blown my chance to serve God because I didn’t trust him enough then. But our God is the God of second, third or more chances and I realise he has been preparing me mentally, emotionally and spiritually all my life for his work.’

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

SHOEBURYNESS FOUR years ago Sarah Johnson walked into the corps, not knowing it was a church, to ask if they ran yoga classes. Someone informed her they did not but invited her instead to Bible study that evening.

Sarah attended and became more involved in corps life.

Sarah admits: ‘I had looked at Christianity through my life but was unable to accept Jesus. I’ve been encouraged to pray, live by spiritual principles and rely on God since seeking help from an alcohol recovery group. At Shoeburyness I prayed for Jesus to get into my heart. I began to feel a sense of his presence, accepted him and continue building the relationship.’

Taking on leadership roles, Sarah then attended a Design For Life weekend where she heard God say he wanted her to ‘Immerse yourself completely’. She testifies: ‘I knew that meant surrender and become a Salvation Army officer.’

BELLSHILL (VIA PERTH) LAURA BARTON admits to always feeling a sense of God’s presence in her life. Although she grew up worshipping God as part of The Salvation Army, following Jesus is not easy for her and she experienced ‘triumphs and trials’ as her faith developed.

Laura testifies to each opportunity preparing her for the next in life and confesses: ‘I often feel inadequate and afraid to take the next step, but I know God will never let me down – he knows best.

I can trust him even in the darkest times.’

Motivated by God’s love and compassion, and aware she does not always have the answers, Laura is relying on God to equip her for ministry.

EVESHAM MEGAN LOWE came to the Army when her mum took her to the parent-and-toddler group. Although her family were not Salvationists, Megan ‘through the love of the people at The Salvation Army grew up with their influence and into my own role of leadership’.

She continues: ‘Wanting to know more about the, at first, strange things my adopted “aunts, uncles and grandparents” were talking about, I inexplicably felt compelled to attend and soon began my own journey of faith, realising what I had accepted as “fate” was in fact God’s working.’

After university, Megan felt directionless. At a youth rally she felt God challenge her with words from Proverbs 3:29. She says: ‘I responded to his call and now intend to live my life bringing God’s goodness to others while I can still fight!’

DOUGLAS AFTER university Hilary Borthwick moved to the Isle of Man to teach, but could not settle in any of the churches. Eighteen months later she decided to return to the mainland and told her neighbours her plan. They invited her to the Army.

By autumn 1997 Hilary had relinquished teaching to work at the Army’s probation and bail hostel, had attended her first youth councils and was trying desperately to ignore the calling to officership. She

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CADET COMMITMENTS

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17 jokes: ‘After all, I wasn’t even a soldier at that point, God couldn’t be calling me!’

By Christmas Hilary was a soldier, bandswoman, songster and timbrelist!

She testifies: ‘Fifteen years later I have finally accepted that when God wants something he doesn’t give up, doesn’t compromise and doesn’t accept half measures. Working for the Army as an employee is not enough, so, finally, I give him my all.’

BRADFORD CITADEL SARAH PITTS grew up in a Christian home and, with the support and encouragement of her church and those around her, her understanding grew and her relationship with God deepened.

Her calling to ministry came gradually. She testifies: ‘The first part of my call came as a teenager, but I ignored it. After the loss of our twin babies when I was almost five months’ pregnant God led me to pastoral ministry of others in similar situations.’

Sarah knew very little of the Army, but through her husband Jonathan’s job as divisional director for business administration became more aware. ‘He came home on an evening and would tell me of the amazing work God was doing,’ she shares. ‘After being invited to a Yorkshire Divisional Celebration I felt the Army was the place where God wanted us to be as a family and I decided to no longer run from my calling.’

Jonathan, in his mid-teens, accepted salvation for himself. At school, his peers’ taunts changed to recognition that there was something different about him and from this point began Jonathan’s 28-year journey through three denominations to being accepted for officer training in the Army.

About four years ago, Jonathan started work with the Army and was challenged by its ministry – God used this to transform how Jonathan saw church.

Two years later Jonathan and his family joined The Salvation Army and he became involved in leadership and God renewed the call on his life.

COVENTRY CITY (VIA SOUTHAMPTON SHIRLEY) LIFELONG Salvationist Ben Ellis gave his life to Jesus at 18 years old. God called him to ministry after a Design For Life weekend. He recalls God’s message to him: ‘Have bigger ears and eyes and step into the destiny I have called you for’.

Since that time, Ben has striven ‘to have bigger ears and eyes’ in his journey towards officership and all areas of life. He testifies: ‘God is still calling me and still talking to me every step of the way. I know he will continue to do this for the rest of my life.’

FELIXSTOWE LEAVING the Army in her teens, Louise Brown decided to leave God behind too. She later admits: ‘After searching in all the wrong places, I eventually sought God and knew I had to jump off the fence and believe.’

While spending 11 years as a social worker in the UK and working with street children in Kenya, Louise has experienced God’s unfailing love and protection. She says: ‘Last year God clearly asked over and over: “Will you give me your whole life?”

‘I can’t wait to live the rest of my life serving him

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and sharing with others the hope and freedom I have found. My heart cries out for the lost and broken in this world who desperately need to hear that message of hope. I pray the Disciples of the Cross will not hold back!’

BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL THE daughter of officer parents, Emma Heal came to the Army as a baby. At 14 she knew it was time to make a decision about God – many of her friends had already left the Church. During a Christmas musical, Emma felt God speak clearly to her. She says: ‘I knew God could and would use me.’

For 12 years Emma has been a youth worker, sharing her faith with young people. She admits: ‘This has been amazing and I have enjoyed it, but recently my husband, Les, and I have become unsettled. In January God spoke to my husband and he voiced the phrase “we both know what we have to do”. Deep down I did; we both said yes to God and to officership.’

Les grew up in a Christian family, but admits: ‘It wasn’t until going to Northern Ireland on a youth retreat that I finally accepted God into my life. I had known him but not fully accepted him. Shortly after, I began to feel a “divine niggle” that I should be an officer.’

Les feels God prepared him for the future until at last he ‘relented and, together with my wife, offered myself for this avenue of service’.

WETHERBY ‘GOD spoke to me loud and clear about going into full-time ministry, but I tried to convince myself there was no way Almighty God would call someone like me,’ says Sarah Tomkinson. However, after plenty of confirmation, she knew she needed to follow God’s leading.

Sarah took part in ALOVE’s Essential1 programme at Wetherby before embarking on a three-year degree in youth and community work.

During the past year, Sarah has been assisting at the corps and at Tadcaster, which, she says, ‘has been a great training pad for my future ministry’.

‘I am excited to learn more, serve more and fight more’ EDMONTON, CANADA AND BERMUDA SYLVIA OVERTON grew up in the Anglican Church in Sydney, Australia, and as a young adult was determined to succeed in the competitive dance world. At 29 she moved to England to pursue her career, but God had other plans.

A lack of fulfilment led Sylvia back to church. She retrained in rehabilitation and fitness and attended Holy Trinity Brompton. In 2009 a powerful encounter with the Holy Spirit left Sylvia consumed with a desire for the things of God. Her searching led her to the Army’s War College in Canada – a discipleship training ground in the margins of Vancouver – and to an experience that changed her life.

‘In the slum hotel one morning God called me to

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CADET COMMITMENTS become an officer,’ she says. ‘I ministered for another two years in Edmonton with Majors Danielle Strickland and Stephen Court, working alongside those in prostitution, addiction and poverty.

‘I am blessed to be called to serve Jesus as an officer in The Salvation Army.’

HORSHAM THE Lord’s call on Kate Gregory’s life has been there since her teenage years. Dearly loving her teaching job in a special needs school, Kate tried convincing herself it would be her lifelong career.

She reflects: ‘God, however, didn’t let me forget and that still, small voice became louder and louder until it was no longer possible to ignore it, even though at the time I wasn’t attending church regularly.’

Kate gave her life to God’s service and ‘in return God gave Scott, my husband, and confirmation in the form of our beautiful and long-awaited son, Louis, that at last we were walking the right path’. Kate admits life has not been easy for the family but God has shown his power, giving them strength through the hardest of times. She concludes: ‘I thank God for all his blessings and offer everything he’s given me back for his Kingdom.’

CREWE DARRON BOULTON gave his life to Christ, aged 11, at a school Jesus Club having heard amazing testimonies from guest speakers from around the globe. He said: ‘I asked the pastor if I could ask Jesus into my life because I wanted an exciting life too.’

Many years later Darron met Crewe’s corps officer, who invited him – with his wife, Andrea, and sons, Isaac and Elijah – to a family meeting. ‘It was never in my plans to join The Salvation Army, but God had other plans for my life,’ says Darron.

He testifies: ‘I am passionate about our life witness and daily evangelism to loved ones, friends and neighbours. I constantly strive to be more obedient and dead to my natural self-sufficient tendencies. I know I need to be plugged into the power of the Holy Spirit each day in order to fulfil the purpose and plans he has for me moment by moment.’

MATHARE NORTH, KENYA EAST (VIA CHELMSFORD) HEIDIE BRADBURY has felt a calling on her life to full-time ministry and overseas mission work since she was 20 years old. As such, she embarked on a nursing career and served in Latvia, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Zambia and, finally, Kenya. She says: ‘It has given me a rich and diverse range of experiences and been a real strength to my faith. I have also been blessed and influenced by many of the people I have met and served with.’

During her years at Chikankata Hospital in Zambia, Heidie felt a confirmation and sense of peace about her calling to officership. She concludes: ‘My journey towards entering training has been long and not always straightforward, but God’s timing is always perfect.’ Heidie is a distance-learning cadet with her husband, Richard.

Six summers spent working at a Salvation Army hostel in Glasgow made a significant impact on shaping Richard’s world view and life choices. He also had a first sense of the calling to work with those who are poor and marginalised.

A brief visit to Latvia and four years at Chikankata

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Hospital brought Richard to the realisation that what ‘little I have to offer God could be best used by being an officer’. As the couple live and serve in Kenya with their family, Richard says: ‘Past experiences in difficult situations have taught me that God is a faithful Father and now it is up to me to remain a trusting child.’

CLAPTON (VIA GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN AND LATVIA) AT eight years old, Ben Cotterill became a Christian, taking his ‘first steps’ at summer school, starting to understand how God needed him to help bring his Kingdom to his school, corps and even his football team!

As a teenager, Ben asked questions and went deeper in his faith. He says: ‘My calling to officership came early and I lived confidently knowing where I was heading, even if I kept it to myself for some years! Believing my faith should impact every part of my life and the world, I went to university to study politics and international relations. For the past four years I have seen lives transformed as I have worked for the Army in international health and development work at International Headquarters and the India South Eastern and Sweden and Latvia Territories.’

Ben’s wife, Rebecka, grew up in a Salvationist family in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she learnt how to live in a relationship with God. When taking part in ALOVE’s Essential programme in the UK, she started to really explore what it meant to be a disciple of Christ and found her true identity in Jesus.

Rebecka testifies: ‘My calling to become an officer grew over a period of time. After six months in India I saw the need for leaders in The Salvation Army.

Shortly afterwards I was studying at Booth University College in Canada and I understood more about how to respond to the needs in society. I am happy to be obedient and following God’s will for my life to train as an officer in his Army.’

PETERBOROUGH CITADEL RAISED in a Salvationist family, friendships and experiences throughout Claire Whybrow’s time in the Army have been influential in her commitment to God and subsequent call to officership.

Student life in Norwich provided opportunities for Claire to explore and share her faith with others, while work through Army camps in America, a mission hospital in Zambia and an anti-childtrafficking centre in Malawi ignited in her a passion for justice and to serve the most vulnerable in God’s name.

She testifies: ‘As I enter training, I am excited to learn more, serve more and fight more to be a blessing to those around me.’

DOWNHAM MARKET ANGLICAN William Oliver’s officer wife invited him to the 2010 Commissioning. Touched by General Shaw Clifton’s story of being at first rejected and then accepted for officership, William wanted to accept an invitation to make a response to God’s calling. Having missed his opportunity that day, William felt the weight of ignoring God but began trying to ‘open doors’ to test the calling.

He testifies: ‘I’m excited God chose his moment for me with General Clifton’s words and made sure I responded.’

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE ELECTED Peter Hammond, Bedford Congress Hall, as treasurer and a trustee of Churches Together in England.

LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED CS Heather Osgood, Leicester Central.

MARRIAGES ASM Matthew Greetham to SCL Hayley Burrows at Bedford Congress Hall by Majors Ian and Jean Loxley; Graham Freeman to Michelle Jefferies at Staple Hill by Major Janet Thompson; Bandsman/Songster Jonathan Gallagher to Songster Rebecca Le Lacheur at L’Islet by Major Richard Gaudion; Kevin Wright to Emma Lee at Winton by Majors Anne and John Read.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond: Bandsman Tom and Songster Mrs Jean Littler, Failsworth (14 October); Ivor and Mrs Doreen Thomas, Staines (14 October); Ken and Mrs Ellen Lloyd, Chatham; B/Reservist Doug and S/Reservist Mrs Josie Lawrence, Boscombe.

Golden: Hugh and Mrs Margaret Grant, Hamilton (5 October); Lieut-Colonels Howard and Patricia Grottick (6 October); CSM Adrian and Corps Pianist Mrs Brenda Mummery, Twickenham.

BEREAVED Anne Gerrish, Staple Hill, of her mother Mavis Chillcot; May Barr, Belfast Sydenham, of her husband Robert; Stan Shepherd of his wife Joan, Rita Wray of her husband William, both Sale; Doreen Unwin, Southampton Shirley, of her husband B/Reservist Bill Unwin, Bandsman/ Songster Tony Unwin, Alton, and RS Kevin Unwin Southampton Shirley, of their father; BM Gavin Lamplough, Anna Lamplough and Songster Lucy Lamplough, all Birmingham Citadel, of their mother RS/Songster Vivian Lamplough.

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: Major John Shakespeare, Mansfield (90 on 1 October); Mrs Commissioner Vera Durman, Beckenham (90 on 1 October); Major Audrey Holmes, Eastbourne (85 on 5 October); Brigadier Margaret Kennedy, Skegness (95 on 6 October); Major Alma Brown, Chatham (80 on 6 October); Lieut-Colonel Ramsay Caffull, Bournemouth (80 on 6 October).

Retirement address: Major Josie Abbott, Tunbridge Wells.

PROMOTED TO GLORY Ivor Mitchell, Lurgan; Maureen Faill, Merthyr Tydfil.

DEDICATED TO GOD Caden John, son of Philip and Natalie Biddle, at Staines, by Major Christine Perkins; Noah Anthony, son of Mark and Deborah Field, at Mold

by Captain Christine Lumm.

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL LINDA BOND: UK, East Midlands, Fri 5 Oct - Sun 7; Czech Republic (All Europe Congress), Th 11 - Sun 14; UK, Nazarene Theological College, Manchester, Sat 20; ICO, Tu 23; USA Southern, Th 25 - Sun 28 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON) AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON: India South Eastern (All India Women Leaders Conference), Mon 1 Oct - Sun 7**; UK, London South-East (divisional adult and family rally), Wed 10**; ICO, Th 11 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: William Booth College (welcome to cadets), Sat Sun 30 Sep; Czech Republic (All Europe Congress), Th 11 Oct - Mon 15 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: William Booth College (welcome to cadets), Sat Sun 30 Sep; West Scotland (divisional officers retreat), Mon 1 Oct - Wed 3; Territorial Advisory Council, Fri 5 - Sun 7; Czech Republic (All Europe

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Congress), Th 11 - Mon 15; The Booth House Lifehouse, Grimsby (opening), Wed 24; Springfield Lodge Lifehouse (opening), London, Th 25; Penarth, Sat Sun 28 Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring: Hong Kong, Mon 1 Oct - Wed 3; China Mission Task Force, Th Fri 5; China, Sat Sun 7 Commissioners Lalkiamlova and Lalhlimpuii: Pakistan, Sat 29 Sep - Fri 5 Oct*; India South Eastern (All India Women Leaders Conference), Sat 29 Sep - Fri 5 Oct**; India South Eastern (Conference of Leaders), Sat 6 - Sat 13 Commissioners Gerrit and Eva Marseille: Latvia (Nordic Leadership Development Institute), Th 27 Sep - Sat 29**; South America West, Th 27 - Fri 5 Oct* Commissioners Robert and Janet Street: Czech Republic (Central and Eastern European Conference and All Europe Congress), Tu 9 Oct - Sun 14 International Staff Band: Sheringham, Sat Sun 30 Sep *wife will not accompany **husband will not accompany

29 September 2012 SALVATIONIST

TRIBUTES MAJOR MARJORIE HOWELL MARJORIE HOWELL entered the 1956 Faithful Session from her home corps of Tunstall. Her first corps appointment after commissioning was to Manchester Moss Side.

Other appointments included Altrincham, where she opened a new hall, and Congleton, where she was joined in ministry by Lieutenant Brenda Bradbury. This partnership lasted for 50 years.

Major Bradbury recalls: ‘We worked well together, although we were opposites in everything.

‘When Marjorie went on a sponsored diet, the bandsmen kept offering her cakes and trifle while visiting a church, telling her to “eat up”, but she just laughed. We learnt to drive at Winsford. A bandsman offered to take her for practice runs, but she always returned with a tale about something that had gone wrong.

‘In 1980 – while at Torquay – we were asked to consider going on red shield work and ended up at Abingdon RAF Station.

Marjorie liked table tennis and often played against the camp’s commanding officer. She also liked swimming and tried windsurfing, but as soon as she got on the board my nephew would touch it and make her fall off.

‘Marjorie was known for her singing and laughing. You always knew where she was by the laughter!

‘In 1983 we were appointed to Werl in Germany. She went to the town bank and came back with an invitation to learn German and drink coffee. This lasted five years; she didn’t learn much German, but her table tennis got better. During the winter snow she started having falls and that was the start of her illness.’

After a brief return to corps work at Leamington Spa, the majors were sent to open up the Parkway Centre for the 1990 Congress and then to Bromhall Holiday Home in Broadstairs, where Marjorie enjoyed entertaining the guests. She retired in 1993.

A hospital doctor said of the major: ‘I will remember Marjorie till I die. She was a lovely lady and although she was in pain she still had a smile on her face.’ – B. B. BRIGADIER KATHLEEN MORRISSEY AS she tended her sick mother Kathleen sang the words ‘I will make you fishers of men’. A young Salvationist visiting Kathleen’s sister recognised the chorus and invited her to an Army meeting.

The next Sunday – on her way to church

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ANNOUNCEMENTS – Kathleen changed direction and went to the Army hall, where she immediately felt at home. She became a soldier and entered the training college at the age of 19 in the 1939 Holdfast Session.

After commissioning, a lifetime of service in women’s social work began in Belfast.

Her niece, Janet, writes: ‘Our Aunt Kath was a very special person. She not only dedicated her life to The Salvation Army for 72 years, she always had time for her family.

She was also very much a “people’s person” and would do anything for anyone.

‘As a young cadet she longed to be a nurse and when this opportunity came she qualified as a midwife in 1947 and as a general trained nurse in 1955. She went on to become a sister and matron at hospitals and centres including Dundee, Manchester, Bristol and London, and worked in Ireland, Lancashire and East Scotland as district and provincial officer.

‘After retirement in 1982 Aunt Kath came back to Somerset near her family, soldiering at her home corps of Highbridge where she gave faithful and tireless service. She became the corps pianist and pretty much took charge of things. A very skilled and clever needlewoman, she took pride in what she made and worked endlessly making things for sales of work.

‘She went everywhere on her bicycle, waving to people on her way.

‘She spent many happy hours with her sister, Norah, and regularly came to my house for tea. Aunt Kath looked forward and so enjoyed celebrating Christmas Day with me and all the family; she especially loved being with her great-niece and nephews. When we visited her, she always served tea in the best china! Her greatest enjoyment in life was pleasing others.

‘She also loved her daily newspaper – which she read from cover to cover – and did the crossword puzzle.

‘Aunt Kath was hard-working, a stickler for rules, conscientious, dedicated and always pleased to see people. Above all, she was very warm and kind-hearted. As a family we loved her dearly and she is greatly missed.’ – J. C./P. C. MRS BARBARA (MOLLY) HEDGES, LEIGHTON BUZZARD MOLLY never did things by halves. She spread joy and happiness to all around, even when confined to her home. After marriage to Ron in 1947, she gave up going to the Army – at his request – but never neglected her faith. She returned ‘home’ in 1987 after his death.

A matriarchal figure to three generations, Molly was constantly surrounded by her family, especially on Sundays and at Christmas, and readily entered into parlour games.

This was paramount in staying together.

Molly loved words and always had some-

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thing written, ready to impart at the home league.

A helpful and extraordinary volunteer, she considered life was for living and was a true and faithful servant of the Lord. – A. N. MRS MAVIS SPARKES, COLCHESTER CITADEL MAVIS was born in Muswell Hill, London, in 1935.

The family later moved to New Southgate, where she and her elder sister linked up with the corps. Mavis joined the singing company and learnt to play the euphonium.

She married John in 1955. They continued service at New Southgate until 1967, when the family moved to Colchester. They soldiered at Tiptree, John’s home corps, where Mavis was YP treasurer and a bandswoman.

They transferred to Colchester in 1981 because of travelling difficulties.

Mavis latterly worked with the motherand-toddler group. She had a listening ear for everyone; even complete strangers confided in her.

She is greatly missed by her husband and three children, six grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren and their extended families.

SONGSTER JEAN McHARG, KILBIRNIE JEAN was born in Glasgow, the youngest of four children. She experienced a tough upbringing, and confessed that she was ‘a bit of a bully’ at school.

At a young age she had a desire to attend The Salvation Army in Dalmarnock and eventually her father allowed her to go.

When Jean found the Army she also found God, and her life changed for ever. Saved at a young age, she was a Salvationist for more than 60 years. She soldiered at Saltcoats prior to transferring to Kilbirnie, where she was an active songster.

Jean influenced many through her Army service. – K. S. BAND/SONGSTER RESERVIST EDDIE EVANS, BIRMINGHAM CITADEL BORN in Cardiff in 1931, Eddie was introduced to the Army at the invitation of Sunday school children at Cardiff Grangetown and soon entered fully into corps life.

It was also where he met his wife, Thelma, who was from Birmingham. They married in 1956 and two years later transferred to Birmingham Citadel, where Eddie immersed himself in corps activities – serving as deputy songster leader, singing company and

YP band leader. He is remembered latterly for his devoted work with band learners.

Eddie and Thelma – who enjoyed a happy and fulfilling marriage for 56 years – also took a practical interest in students who came to Birmingham.

Eddie’s genial presence is greatly missed by his family and corps members. – F. C. BANDMASTER SIDNEY WHITING, CROWLAND SID was a competent euphonium player and also possessed a good tenor voice. He was a master of the dying art of tonic solfa singing, instrumental solos and songs.

Sid was promoted to Glory in his 90th year, after being the bandmaster for more than 70 years. He was known locally as an effervescent Salvationist and pub-boomer – loved by all that knew him and admired for his loyalty.

At his thanksgiving service Peterborough Brass Ensemble played his favourite piece of music, ‘Divine Communion’. – B. S. SONGSTER MRS ELSIE McALLISTER, PARKHEAD A LIFELONG Salvationist, Elsie was promoted to Glory in her 90th year.

Initially she worshipped at Bridgeton, where she was singing company leader for a number of years. Elsie and her late husband Tommy then moved to Parkhead, where she held the position of singing company sergeant for 17 years and was a songster for more than 70 years.

She was a most faithful servant, who was instrumental in bringing many young people to the Army.

Elsie was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who was dearly loved and is deeply missed.

ERNEST SHARPLEY, POOLE AFTER moving to Poole from the Potteries, Ernie came into contact with a Salvationist at the engineering company where he worked and responded to his invitation to attend the Army. He was enrolled as a soldier in 1973 and became an enthusiastic corps member.

Ernie proudly carried the flag at the head of open-air marches for many years and embraced every opportunity to deepen and share his faith.

When asked by a hospital doctor what accounted for his cheerful optimism, he replied that he was a Christian and knew that God was always with him. Ernie’s life and witness was an inspiration to all. He was aged 90. – B. L. /A. L.

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