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General John Larsson 4 and
establishing of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland (now the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory) in November 1990.
With the rank of commissioner, John Larsson was appointed the first territorial commander of this new territory. This was followed by further territorial leadership, firstly in the New Zealand and Fiji Territory (1993–1996) and then in the Sweden and Latvia Territory (1996–1999). In October 1997 Commissioner John Larsson was appointed as a member of the Advisory Council to the General, becoming its chairman in March 1998.
General John Gowans appointed Commissioner John as his Chief of the Staff – this appointment commencing on 1 August 1999, and it was while in this appointment that he was elected to serve as the Army’s 17th General.
General John Larsson served in this appointment from 13 November 2002 until his retirement from active officer service on 2 April 2006.
It is almost impossible to quantify the worldwide legacy and influence of General John Larsson. He was a faithful and humble servant of God who shared his God-given gifts of writing and music throughout the Army world. He was the author, among other literary works, of Doctrine without Tears, The Man Perfectly Filled with the Spirit, Spiritual Breakthrough, 1929 and Those Incredible Booths.
Known throughout the Salvation Army world and beyond for his collaboration with General John Gowans in the writing and production of 10 full-length musicals, the impact of General John Larsson’s contribution to Salvation Army heritage cannot be underestimated. His music, both in the context of the musicals and in his composition of words and music for many other songs, has had a significant spiritual impact on people of all ages. Those who had the privilege of hearing him play his own compositions at the piano will also surely not forget that experience. However, it should be remembered that the influence of General Larsson’s own character, his gentle and unassuming nature and his depth of spirituality also remain an integral part of his legacy.
In giving thanks to God for the gift that was General John Larsson, we offer our condolences and assurance of our prayers to Commissioner Freda Larsson, to their sons Karl and Kevin and to their wider families. To them we offer these words, set to beautiful music by General Larsson, and based on Philippians 4:6 and 7. We pray that the experience of this truth will surround and enfold Commissioner Freda Larsson and her family at this time.
The Larssons meet Pope Benedict XVI
The Lord is near; have no anxiety, Make your requests known to God in prayer. Then the peace of God, Which is beyond our understanding, Will keep guard o’er your hearts and thoughts.
(SASB 793)
A private funeral service for General Larsson will take place on Friday 8 April, 4.15pm, at Beckenham Crematorium, conducted by Majors Iain and Alison Hudson (Bromley Temple).
A thanksgiving service will take place on Friday 8 April, 7.30pm, at William Booth College, led by Commissioner Keith Banks and Divisional Commander Major Valerie Mylechreest (South London). The thanksgiving service will be live-streamed at youtube. com/salvationarmyvideo.
EMERGENCY AID
Army supports women and children in Kyiv subways
UKRAINE
SINCE the crisis in Ukraine began, at least 20 babies have been born to women fleeing the violence who are sheltering in the subways under Kyiv.
More than 15,000 people – mainly women and children – are thought to have taken refuge in the city’s subways to escape the fighting. The Salvation Army has provided nappies, hygiene products and formula for the mothers, who are often giving birth prematurely because of the stress.
The Army has also provided emotional support, as the women and their families seek refuge from the conflict.
Corps in eastern Europe are using cash donations from supporters all over the world to source food and drink, clothes and blankets and other necessities locally. The Army has advised that donating cash rather than goods remains the best way to help, as goods from elsewhere in Europe have to be sorted and cleaned, and delivery to distribution points has to be paid for.
Women and children are particularly vulnerable as the crisis unfolds, and there is a danger of them being targeted by human traffickers in the guise of people coming forward to help. Expectant mothers are especially in need of support.
A Salvation Army officer, who cannot be identified due to security concerns, said: ‘We are fasting, praying and reading the Bible. I found an image on the internet where a young girl … said: “We have no one to rely on except for God alone.” That has become my motto.’ – AR To help the Army's work on the ground to support those affected, donate to the Ukraine crisis appeal by visiting salvationarmy.org.uk MERTHYR TYDFIL The Cameo club celebrated St David’s Day with Welsh cakes and bara brith, as well as Welsh music and singing and a Welsh quiz. Some members brought a daffodil and others, including Lottie the dog, dressed for the occasion. – LB
EVENT
15,000
people take refuge in Kyiv subways
SEE PAGE 4
£1,000
donated to corps food bank
SEE PAGE 5
ECUMENICAL
STAPLEFORD Fifty members from seven churches met at the corps to celebrate the World Day of Prayer. Crafts, a quiz and refreshments were followed by a thought-provoking service. – FT
EVENT
400
food vouchers for parents in need
SEE PAGE 5
60
people attend peace vigil
SEE PAGE 7
WALLSEND Thirty-three people attended the first Messy Church at the corps, which was organised by YPSM Gemma Parkin. Attendees included families from Brownies, Rainbows and Jam club. Everyone had a great time exploring the theme of God’s love. – LC
EVENT
SOUTH LONDON Friends from across the division gathered over two days at Catford and Croydon Citadel for the spring celebration and tea party, which were based around the theme Stars. Various ‘stars’ were featured, including residents from Glebe Court care home, a guitarist, a vocalist, singing groups, the DHQ kazoo band and someone who gave their testimony. Divisional Mission Enabler Captain Kevin Stanbury’s All Stars band also contributed. Divisional Mission Enabler Major Susan Woodgate and Divisional Youth Specialist Rachel Gash contributed solos. Divisional Commander Major Val Mylechreest led and spoke in both sessions. Other items included a magic show from Major Richard Welch (Bexleyheath) and a drama from Major Stewart Grinsted (Southwark). Collections were taken in aid of the Ukraine crisis. – IW
COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
NORWICH MILE CROSS For more than six years members of the Rotary club of Norwich St Edmund have been helping children to read with weekly sessions at Nelson Infant and Wensum Junior Schools. Over the past couple of years, with help from its sister club in Mainz, Germany, and the corps, the club has also regularly provided food items to a school Honesty Shed. Rotarian and corps officer Major Paul Robinson recently presented 400 food vouchers, valued at £50 each, to Wensum Junior School's headteacher, Victoria McConnell, for parents most in need. – GW
COMMUNITY
SHIREBROOK Frasers Group’s warehouse reward manager, Mark Smith, contacted the corps to donate items that could help the community. The corps was amazed by the number of carrier bags and boxes that were given over the Christmas period, which has enabled the corps to be more generous with its food parcels. Wanting to do more, Mark and his colleagues set up a giving scheme, which led to a donation of £1,000 to the corps. The corps is incredibly encouraged by their efforts. – LW SALISBURY The corps opened its hall for prayer and financial donations in support of people affected by the Ukraine-Russia crisis. The Salisbury Journal and Greatest Hits Radio helped spread the word and people have been visiting to talk and share concerns about the situation every day since the space became available. This hub facility will remain open as an ongoing opportunity to share with the community. – MD
FUNDRAISING
ENFIELD Moved by the crisis in Ukraine, Bush Hill Park Rotary club donated funds towards the work of The Salvation Army as it supports refugees in eastern Europe. Rotary club President Steve Everett presented a cheque for £2,050 to corps officer Major Glenn Furlong, who has friends and colleagues working in Moldova. – GF
Salvationist wants to hear your news
Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.
ARMY NEWS
Army warns spring budget is ‘short-term’ fix
ENGLAND
THE Salvation Army has welcomed the support announced in the government’s spring budget to help people cope with the rise in the cost of living, but warned that these measures are a short-term fix and won’t stop the cycle of poverty in the UK’s most deprived areas.
Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant said: ‘The rising cost of living has hit the poorest the hardest and we are pleased the government is taking steps to reduce this financial burden.
‘However, while we are relieved there are measures to tackle the cost of living in the short-term, more needs to be done to help people escape from poverty in the long-term.
‘Our research shows that there must be investment in helping people into secure jobs. That means helping people retrain in areas where old industries have died and investing in childcare to ensure parents can afford to work.
‘Without these measures, people living in the areas that the government has pledged to “level up” will struggle to escape the poverty trap. The cost of living crisis will only make them more dependent on emergency measures to make ends meet.’ – AR
ANNIVERSARY
LIMAVADY The corps gathered over two days to celebrate 30 years of ministry in the town, first as an outreach centre and then as a corps. Divisional Mission Enabler Major Paul Wright and Safeguarding Officer Major Jacqueline Wright led the weekend. They are pictured with corps officer Captain Sue Whitla, No 1 on the roll Margaret Williams and Jack, who attends with his mother. – SW ARMY NEWS
LONDON Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel David Shakespeare (North London) attended a London church leaders breakfast hosted by Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski at the Ukrainian Cathedral of the Holy Family and joined by faith minister Kemi Badenoch. The gathered leaders shared their support for a letter to the government calling for the extension of the visa programme to all Ukrainian refugees. – AR
NEWPORT After working together to help the community during the Covid-19 pandemic, the corps and homelessness charity Eden Gate teamed up to provide a new defibrillator for the city centre. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Raymond Baynes said: ‘We hope the defibrillator is never needed, that would be the best scenario, but if an emergency situation arises, we are now one step closer to saving a life.’ – AR
FUNDRAISING
COMMUNITY
RAMSGATE Corps members and residents at Yoakley House care home showed solidarity for people affected by the Ukraine-Russia crisis by wearing blue and yellow ribbons made by friends of the corps. A donation of £1,000 was received in support of The Salvation Army’s work in Ukraine. – CW WOKING Community Service Manager Amanda Mcloughlin and Toddler Group Leader Janet Thurston organised a vintage afternoon tea, raising £757 for corps funds. The event was a success, with attendees from the corps and community ranging in age from 11 months to 85 years. Funds were boosted by the sale of goods and work by the corps craft group. Some of those present had attended worship in the past and the next day attended once again. – MH
