Salvationist 2 October 2021 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No 1827 Price 70p

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 2 October 2021

On the run

with Team Sally Army PLUS

WELCOMING THE REFLECTORS OF HOLINESS

SEE PAGES 12 AND 13

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHOIR COULD BE BETTER THAN SUNDAY SCHOOL, SEMINAR HEARS

69% OF BRITONS THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND OTHERS’ BELIEFS

Choirs and church music groups can provide an unthreatening, inclusive and long-lasting route into the life of the Church, particularly for children and young people, a seminar offered by the Church of England’s national evangelism and discipleship team suggested... The seminar, ‘Harnessing the Power of Music for Mission’, was held in collaboration with the Royal Society of Church Music (RSCM), whose deputy director, Canon Sally-Anne McDougall, warned against the assumption that children and young people ‘will only be interested in a particular kind of church, and that won’t be one that has a choir in it. ‘In my experience, that just isn’t true. Children and young people are not all the same, and neither is the kind of church or theological environment in which they will thrive’... Music had ‘a really serious role to play in helping the Church and its mission, to a degree which I think probably isn’t always fully recognised or harnessed,’ she said. ‘Music done properly is a seriously powerful way to introduce, to discuss, to express, to embed faith into the lives of children... If we get this right, then we keep that connection through the teenage years and into adulthood.’

More than two thirds of British adults said in a survey that it is important to understand other people’s religious and non-religious beliefs for everyday life. Just under half of Britons identify themselves as religious, but a new report has found that 69 per cent think it’s important to understand other people’s [beliefs] for school, work or talking to people socially. The Savanta research, commissioned by education charity Culham St Gabriel’s Trust [which supports] RE teachers, found that nearly two thirds (64 per cent) of adults also consider religious education to be an important part of the school curriculum. This figure is 68 per cent when [the question is] asked to parents. Assessing how important understanding people’s worldviews was to different aspects of life, [more than] 60 per cent of responders said it was important to each of these aspects: their relationships with friends and family, school, local community and workplace.

Church Times

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891

Premier

Church Times

ADVERTISING 020 7367 4883 advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) subscriptions@satcol.org

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

Salvationist 2 October 2021

Christian Today

Governments must take urgent action at the forthcoming COP26 climate summit ‘to avert the loss, damage and forced migration threatened by climate change’, a new declaration signed by religious leaders in the UK says. The Glasgow Multi-Faith Declaration for COP26 ... says: ‘We remind governments of their commitments made in Paris in 2015 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, and of Article 17 of the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights to protect the environment, the biosphere and biodiversity. We call upon them to take the urgent action needed...’ The declaration is signed by 52 faith leaders from Scotland and across the rest of the UK...

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 020 7367 4500 0845 634 0101

PROOFREADER Chris Horne

Christian leaders will be coming together across four locations in the UK to discuss the challenges and opportunities for evangelism in the nation. The Evangelism Summits are freeof-charge ... and are being hosted by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) to encourage the UK’s church leaders ‘during these times filled with uncertainty’, and to equip Christians in sharing the gospel. The first summit will take place in Glasgow on 12 October, followed by Liverpool on 14 October, Cardiff on 19 October and London on 15 November. Speakers include Dr Hugh Osgood, moderator of the Free Churches Group... ‘With people all around us seeking answers to the pressures of life, this is not the time for the Church to hide its light,’ said Dr Osgood.

COP26 IS VITAL, MULTI-FAITH ENVIRONMENT DECLARATION TELLS WORLD LEADERS

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896

BILLY GRAHAM EVANGELISTIC ASSOCIATION TO HOLD FREE EVANGELISM SUMMITS ACROSS UK

ISSN 2516-5909

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

TAKING TIME TO BE STILL SIXTEEN ancient abbeys have begun a month-long scheme that encourages visitors to take part in a ‘silent hour of contemplation’ just before closing time each day. Michael Carter from English Heritage said visitors are being invited ‘to escape from their cares for a short time, using the quiet … to contemplate and free their minds and spirits of the busy, noisy, demanding distractions of contemporary life’. However, Battle Abbey in East Sussex, which is built on the site of the Battle of Hastings, will be exempt next weekend because the 1066 conflict is due to be re-enacted – and that promises to be quite a noisy event! Although some people have been less busy during the past 18 months, others have been a lot busier, coping with extra pressures and adjusting to new ways of working. During the coronavirus pandemic many streets have been quieter, and people have been able to enjoy peaceful outdoor spaces, but that no longer seems to be the case. By and large, contemporary life is returning to its normal levels of busyness and noise. But finding time to be still and quiet is vital. In his reflection Major Alistair Dawson considers the ‘silent place’ we can discover within ourselves – the place where we commune with God and become aware of his grace. ‘We all have our place of mystic grace,’ he says. ‘Some might call it our “growing space” or “eternal space” or, better still, “God’s space”.’ Salvation Army life can be busy and practical service is encouraged. But have we lost out by neglecting the contemplative aspects of our faith that are often evident in other Christian traditions? Major Steven Turner encourages us to be more open to other churches, and gives reasons for working together and learning from one another. It is going to be noisy in central London this Sunday as thousands of runners take part in the London Marathon. They may have found peace and quiet on the streets while training in recent months, but they are likely to be cheered along the marathon route by enthusiastic crowds, even though organisers have asked the public not to gather in large numbers. Four people tell us why they are running to raise funds for the Army. They have been inspired by our practical service and want to support the work. When Jesus and the disciples dropped in on two sisters, Mary and Martha, Mary ‘sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said’ (Luke 10:39) while Martha was busy preparing a meal for the visitors. Martha was not happy with Mary, and complained to Jesus that she had left her to get on with all the work. Jesus replied, ‘Martha, Martha … you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her’ (vv41 and 42). Jesus wasn’t saying that Martha’s work was unimportant – he was presumably expecting a good meal – but he was stressing that moments of stillness and quietness are essential. Mother Teresa said, ‘The more we receive in silent prayer, the more we can give in our active life.’ We may be busy in God’s service but, if we hope to be fruitful, we also need to take time to be still and sit quietly at the feet of Jesus.

Quotes from the media

News

4 to 7

Prayer matters

News feature Short-term solution keeps school on track

Reflection Feeble knees

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

Feature Going the extra mile

10 and 11

News feature 12 and 13 Cadets and congregation challenged to reflect God’s holiness by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Viewpoint Let’s all pull together

by Major Steven Turner

Army snippets

shared by General John Larsson (Retired)

Bible study Kindness

16 and 17

by Major Emma Knights

Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist by Major Melvyn Knott

Reflection My silent place

by Major Alistair Dawson

New commitments

Previews Black History Month

Announcements

Adverts

22 and 23

Black History Month quiz

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Salvationist 2 October 2021

NEWS

ARMY NEWS

EVENT

Army kickstarts young people’s careers UK THE Salvation Army is placing scores of young people in jobs to help them gain valuable work experience as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme. Eighty-five paid roles are on offer to 16 to 24-year-olds who claim universal credit and are at risk of long-term unemployment. Roles vary from activity coordinators and donation centre staff to marketing assistants and Lifehouse employees. Each person will have a dedicated Salvation Army employability professional assigned to support them in their role and to help them prepare for and seek employment at the end of their contract. Charlie Buckingham has taken on the role of community support worker at Sheerness, helping people in need in the community. This involves working with the food bank, delivering food parcels, organising meetings and supporting the upcoming launch of a new community service run from a bus. He said: ‘Just before the pandemic, I started a new job in marketing and development. I did the training, and it was going well, but then Covid-19 came. I was put on furlough and then they let me go. I was then out of work for a whole year. ‘My work coach at the job centre kept sending me job details and I applied for loads. I considered anything, even if it didn’t interest me, as I knew I had to support my family.’ At the start of 2021, Charlie’s work coach sent him details of some Kickstart placements. ‘None of them appealed to me,’ Charlie continued. ‘But the one with The Salvation Army jumped out. It was completely different to anything I had ever done before. ‘The best thing about this job is that what I am doing is meaningful. It makes a difference and is helping people in my area. I am not just a number on a bit of paper, I am helping to make my community a better place.’ – AR 4

Salvationist 2 October 2021

CENTRAL SOUTH AND EAST MIDLANDS The two divisions’ joint summer camp was full of adventure, discovery and fun. Young people gathered once again at the Rock UK Frontier Centre, Irthlingborough, for a week themed Refresh, focusing on connection to God and each other. Delegates explored Scripture together and took literal leaps of faith as they scaled a high ropes course. They participated in outward-bound activities, created reflective prayer spaces in the forest and shared together round a campfire. A key aspect of the week was when the young people led a family forest activity day at Buckingham Corps. Lots of families from the community joined in with crafts, fire-lighting, outdoor prayer spaces and much more. It was good to meet again in this way after so much uncertainty through these past couple of years. Those involved thank God for new faith commitments made during the week and for those who reconnected with God. – AW

EVENT

‘

LOTS OF FAMILIES FROM THE COMMUNITY JOINED IN WITH CRAFTS, PRAYER AND MORE

’’

Like our page at SalvationistOnline to keep up to date

Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

STAFFORDSHIRE To start off the autumn season of Dance Fit Fellowship, some members who have been taking part from home via Zoom gathered for their first in-person meeting in a garden in Staffordshire. Dance Fit Fellowship is a resource provided by the Music and Creative Arts Unit for anyone to use with or without a leader, in-person or online. Now almost a year old, it is an inclusive programme for all ages and abilities. A typical one-hour session includes coffee and fellowship intermingled with low-impact exercise routines and a devotional thought. Those who gathered enjoyed the fellowship, company and hospitality. – MD

OUTREACH

ARMY NEWS

Army sees reduction in drug overdose deaths UKI

Army offers listening ear to music fans READING

NEWS IN

BRIEF

TEDDINGTON AND TWICKENHAM The two corps gave donations to the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association in support of its ongoing work with refugees who have arrived, or will be arriving, in the borough from Afghanistan. The corps are grateful to those in the community who felt they could donate and wanted to do something to help. – EW WELLING The corps joined forces with community group Discover Welling for a litter pick as a way of showing God’s love to the area. Sam, an adherent, said she saw it as part of her Christian duty to help care for the planet and hoped it would inspire other people either not to litter or to join in with litter-picking. – KS

VOLUNTEERS were on site at this year’s Reading Festival with refreshments and a listening ear for music fans. The Salvation Army has had a presence at the Richfield Avenue festival for 50 years, offering round-the-clock pastoral care, affordable refreshments, a calm environment and signposting to other services. Volunteer Hayley Scott – whose father, Stuart, first brought the Army to the site – said: ‘My dad had a vision of being a presence at the festival and providing help and refreshments to anyone who needs them. Festivals can be overwhelming, so we are somewhere calm where people can come and relax. ‘Over the years it’s grown bigger, and we’ve adapted. We used to offer soup and a roll, now we have hot drinks, water and sweet treats. We keep the prices affordable. Any profit goes back to Reading Central Corps and into the community to make up food and Christmas parcels. ‘We have a QR code, which links back to Reading Central and signposts people to mental health charities, debt advisers, domestic abuse helplines and the Salvation Army website. Whatever the problem is we try and help and, if we can’t help, we will find someone who can.’ The team of 40 volunteers was based on Scott Street, which was named by festival organisers as a tribute to Hayley’s father, who passed away a few years ago. – AR

OUTREACH

THE Army has released new figures that show how taking a harm reduction approach to treating drug problems is helping to save lives. The dramatic reduction in overdose-related deaths among service users is largely due to embedding addiction support within Lifehouses. Around 80 per cent of residents arrive with drug and alcohol addiction issues. Many of them have been unable to access addiction support services before they step into the Army’s care. The addiction support team ensures that Lifehouse staff can swiftly administer naloxone – which reverses the effects of a drug overdose – and non-judgemental support is offered to people to help them address the reasons they are living with addiction. Eighty per cent of people who move on from the Army’s addiction services no longer use the drugs that initially brought them there. Lee Ball, territorial addiction services officer, said: ‘Understanding addiction as a response to trauma offers a chance to heal. Harm reduction is about acceptance and unconditional support for people in the throes of addiction, as well as clinical interventions such as naloxone use.’ The Army has worked with more than 25,000 people with addiction issues in the past three years. – AR

Did you know Salvationist is online? O Read through archived issues

TWICKENHAM Toddler Song recommenced after a long break caused by the coronavirus pandemic, with 25 children – plus adults – attending the first session. There was a good mixture of returning families but also several people who had never been to The Salvation Army. Pictured is corps officer Lieutenant Joel Watson. – EW

O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the editor’s comment and our article of the week salvationarmy.org.uk/ salvationist

Salvationist 2 October 2021

NEWS

ARMY NEWS

MEETING

Army launches trafficking awareness campaign UKI THE Salvation Army is launching a social media campaign to explain the difference between people ‘smuggling’ and people ‘trafficking’, often referred to as ‘human trafficking’. There are concerns that commentators, and sometimes even decision makers, conflate ‘smuggling’ and ‘trafficking’, which can have consequences for survivors who need urgent help. Major Kathy Betteridge, territorial director of anti-trafficking and modern slavery, explained: ‘Language matters when it can affect the way someone is treated and even prevent them getting the support that they’re entitled to… The more people understand the difference between “smuggled” and “trafficked”, the more we can ensure that everybody gets the support best suited to their individual needs and experiences.’ When deciding whether to use the word ‘smuggling’ or ‘trafficking’, three factors need to be considered: location, consent and exploitation. For people ‘smuggling’, they must have been moved across international borders after choosing to make the journey, even where danger was involved. People who have been smuggled were completely free to make their own choices once they arrived in the UK or the Republic of Ireland. For people who have been ‘trafficked’, geography does not make a difference; they could have been moved from one country to another or from one street to the next. They were forced or tricked into travelling and being used as a commodity; a trafficker has used either mental or physical threats, force, coercion or deception to control and exploit them for profit. The Salvation Army has been providing specialist support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking for more than 10 years. – AR O For more information visit salvationarmy. org.uk/modern-slavery Corps press representatives can send news reports to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

Salvationist 2 October 2021

BRAINTREE Captain Rob Davis (Shoeburyness) led Harvest celebrations on the theme Rooted in God. Captain Rob reminded the congregation that Christians need to keep allowing God’s word to take root in their lives. After the meeting the fellowship shared a meal of jacket potatoes. Captain Rob was joined by his son, Reuben, who was born when Rob was corps officer at Braintree. – RD

PRESENTATION

Guisborough corps officer Major Antony Mugford presents retiring Bandmaster David White with a gift and certificate of recognition for 30 years’ service; last week’s ‘Salvationist’ incorrectly showed the commissioning of Bandmaster Ashley Durrant with this caption

COMMUNITY WELLING Social media influencers and friends of the corps the Smithy Family donated five filled trolleys to the food bank. The generosity of Nick Smith and his family was so vast that the corps could share the items with other nearby food banks that have struggled for donations. The past few months have been difficult for the family so, when Nick dropped off the mammoth donation, the corps presented him with a book filled with messages of thanksgiving and gratitude from all the people who benefit from the family’s kindness. – KS

PRESENTATION

Colonel Sheila Griffiths receives a certificate of appreciation for 25 years’ service as editor of the Penge quarterly newsletter, ‘Grapevine’; she is succeeded by Lieut-Colonel Rob Garrad

BUILDING THE KINGDOM HERE FOCUS by the Older Peoples Ministries Team

SATURDAY 2 OCTOBER Lord, we wish to see our corps grow and new ones open; but for this to happen we must be obedient followers. Obedience is surrender and, if we are surrendering our will, we are well on our way to seeing souls come into your Kingdom. Give us wisdom to reach the lost at any cost.

OUTREACH RIPLEY Corps members handed out literature and met families at Ripley’s Big Day Out, a free community event organised by the town council at Midland Railway, Butterley. The event included information stalls from local groups, free train rides and fairground rides and activities. – IB

EVENT

SUNDAY 3 OCTOBER Lord, we pray for our communities. Help us to know your heart and your will for our cities. Christians in the early Church devoted themselves to prayer, they prayed without ceasing. How can we do less? Prick our hearts, help us see those who are hurting and struggling. Only with your help can we grow your Kingdom. MONDAY 4 OCTOBER Father, just as those before us preached your word with boldness, may we do the same. There are hungry, hurting and lost people. Help us not to be afraid or ashamed to proclaim the gospel; it was a commandment for us to follow, not a suggestion. Help us pray for church growth. TUESDAY 5 OCTOBER Jesus, help churches to work together. In order to minister to those who do not know you, we must love those who love you first so that we can be beacons of light to our community. Help us to be sensitive to what you are trying to do with us and through us so that we may grow your Kingdom.

CHESTER-LE-STREET Harvest weekend began with a faith tea, enabling corps folk and friends to meet for fun and fellowship after the lockdowns. Instead of the usual vegetable display, it was decided to collect toiletries, which were given to HMP Durham for inmates who were soon to be released. A member of the visitor centre spoke about the work they do with prisoners and families. This was followed by a quiz organised by songster Neil Scott. – GC

EVENT

HADLEIGH TEMPLE Hadleigh and Thundersley Community Archive Group invited the corps to lead a Community Harvest Festival in the grounds of the old Hadleigh fire station, a local heritage site. About 150 people attended the service, which was led by corps officers Majors Marian and Steve Fripp. It was a great mission-led opportunity to share collectively with the community for the first time in more than 18 months, connecting again with people and giving thanks to God for the goodness of creation and the generosity of his provision. – WJ

WEDNESDAY 6 OCTOBER Lord, we know that sharing our personal testimony is a good way to share the gospel. People will listen more carefully and find us more believable if we tell them what happened to us. Help us to be bold in our sharing but gentle in the way we do so. There is no better way to build your Kingdom. THURSDAY 7 OCTOBER Dear Jesus, we want souls to be won for your Kingdom! Today we pray for people to respond to your call to serve you full-time as officers or territorial envoys; this is a sacrifice both for them and their families. But we need more, Lord. Thank you for our own officers. Help us to be appreciative of them and to support them. FRIDAY 8 OCTOBER Lord God, to build your Kingdom we need to know the Bible. When someone asks a question, help us to be ready and willing to share what we know. We believe that you will give us the right words and help us to call to memory what we have studied when we need it. O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

Salvationist 2 October 2021

NEWS FEATURE

Short-term solution keeps school on track ICELAND WITH little more than a week’s notice, during the final days before the dedication of new Salvation Army premises in Reykjavík, much of the space in the new worship and ministry facility was reconfigured as temporary classrooms to help a nearby school. Fossvogsskóli was grappling with damp and associated mould problems on its premises. It was considered unsafe for the health of students and staff members, so school officials and municipal authorities were searching for a solution. With mobile classrooms expected to take up to three weeks to arrive, the situation was urgent. After being alerted to the need, Salvation Army leaders Captains Hjördís Kristinsdóttir and Ingvi Kristinn Skjaldarson and Territorial Envoy Ester Ellen Nelson worked together with Fossvogsskóli staff, council workers and the children’s parents with one mission: to reinvent the ground floor of the new purpose-built Army building as a temporary school, ready for welcoming children from grades 2 to 4 every day from 8am until 2pm. The work included transforming part of 8

Salvationist 2 October 2021

the building into two separate classrooms, as well as erecting a temporary fence around the new playground equipment. Careful planning and collaboration meant that the ‘school’ area could be cordoned off from the rest of the building. This ensured that the children and teachers have a safe and private space in which to study and play.

With mobile classrooms expected to take up to three weeks to arrive, the situation was urgent Salvation Army team members have also been busy feeding the 140 young people that have started their lessons in the temporary classrooms. School meals have included favourites such as chicken nuggets and salad and baked fish and sweet potato mash. Ingibjörg Ýr Pálmadóttir, the principal of Fossvogsskóli, says that the students and teachers are ‘doing well’ and that The Salvation Army ‘has received the school extremely well’.

Meanwhile, the dedication ceremony continued as scheduled on 29 August, led by corps officers Captain Ingvi and Territorial Envoy Ester Ellen. The special meeting included territorial leaders Commissioners Knud and Lisbeth Welander. Chief Secretary Colonel Bente Strømner Gundersen brought words of introduction and a Bible reading. The commissioners prayed words of blessing over the new facility and The Salvation Army’s work in the community. Commissioner Knud shared his passion about the work going forward in the name of Jesus. President of Iceland, Guðni Th Jóhannesson, spoke of the important place that The Salvation Army has in the country. He also applauded the inclusive nature of the ministry in Iceland, describing it as work carried out ‘with open hearts and open minds’. Suffragan Bishop Kristján Björnsson also gave words of blessing over the work, and the deputy mayor of Reykjavík, Thordis Loa Thorhallsdottir, spoke of The Salvation Army’s great history of ministry to the people of the city. She described the new facility as ‘beautiful’ and expressed her appreciation for the partnership between the city and Army over the years. – AR

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

Feeble knees by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

IM, it was one of those slowmotion, surreal moments when I could not save myself, even though I knew what was happening. It was a typical breakfast-in-bed morning: I dutifully prepared two bowls of muesli, one with milk the other with yoghurt. Back upstairs, I went to employ my usual, rather impressive Cirque du Soleil-type routine for getting myself and the muesli safely on to the high bed (bought with the needs of older people in mind). That morning, however, my left leg failed miserably to follow any instructions I gave it, and I slowly began to nosedive into the bowl of milk and muesli. A few seconds of deafening silence were followed by 20 minutes of uncontrollable laughter. Before I could even take a spoonful of muesli, a Bible verse had sprung to mind. Yes, the one about weak hands and feeble knees. Although appropriate, the verse was entirely unwelcome. ‘It’s always the legs that go first’ is a truism. Usually Bible texts and stories that bring us comfort are no laughing matter. I have benefited greatly from inspiring Bible passages in difficult days, but a huge problem has recently developed through my prescribed Bible reading roster – each day a psalm or two, another Old Testament passage and a New Testament reading. Presently I find it all rather tiresome. It is difficult to keep disciplined, especially as we are now struggling with Ezekiel! I don’t understand a word of it: its symbolism is a million miles away from my reality. What is the use of Scripture passages that are neither evangelical nor comforting, and of which I can make neither head nor tail?

Ron, the book of Ezekiel will seem strange, even bizarre to the unprepared reader. The opening vision has the impact on the mind that the dazzling mothership in the film Close Encounters of the Third Kind had on audiences the first time they saw it – something alien, but majestic and awesome. Ezekiel himself decrypts his inaugural vision to its simplest form: ‘I saw the glory of the God of Israel’ (43:2). To ‘get’ Ezekiel we have to think outside the box of our present political security. We have to go back to the time when Europe was convulsed by war. We have to put ourselves in the shoes of the people of Coventry coming out of their bomb shelters on the morning of 15 November 1940 looking at their shattered city and their magnificent cathedral in ruins. To that image of destruction we can add many more, including the experiences of the Netherlands: invasion, forced labour and deportation. Ezekiel’s description of the valley of death is a horror that he and his fellow exiles actually experienced. Even so, he still affirms the lordship of God over the destinies of nations and individuals alike. The final section of his book is a message of restoration and hope. In prophetic vision he reconstructs the Jerusalem Temple stone by stone, pillar by pillar, gate by gate. To a people crushed by despair, to those who

hung their harps on willow trees and wept when they remembered Zion (see Psalm 137:1 and 2), he declared God’s renewing power and abiding presence. Visitors to the rebuilt Coventry Cathedral will know that part of the destroyed sanctuary was left standing as a memorial, and central to that memorial is a cross made from two charred beams. Behind the altar you can see two words: ‘Father forgive.’ But somewhere in that moving memorial a space could have been found for the last words written by Ezekiel: ‘The name of the city from now on will be “The-Lord-IsHere!”’ (48:35 Good News Bible). In Ezekiel we hear early notes of the gospel of resurrection. In time that will blossom into the Christian evangel, that is the proclamation of comfort, hope and salvation. Tough and strange though Ezekiel’s words and symbols are, they are worth wrestling with to discover exactly what you and each generation must look for, Ron: the evangelical message for their age.

RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL Salvationist 2 October 2021

FEATURE I London Marathon

Going the extra mile Salvationist introduces some members of Team Sally Army who are taking part in the 2021 London Marathon

Peter

UNNING a marathon is one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences a person can have. Some of the #TeamSallyArmy runners in this year’s London Marathon share the inspiration behind their decision to take up the challenge.

PETER MAYBURY I JOINED The Salvation Army in September 2020 as regional manager for Employment Plus UK in the North West. I already had a sound knowledge of the Army’s work but I have learnt so much more about how the Army goes the extra mile for the people it supports. I can see first-hand the difference that the Army makes to the lives of those people and their families. Employment 10

Salvationist 2 October 2021

Plus UK has been working with Lifehouses and corps to make sure there is consistent support for people who have financial problems or are looking to find work or training as they

take the next step in their lives. I live and breathe the values of The Salvation Army each day and I work to achieve the successes that my region seeks. I’m proud to be raising money to help survivors of modern slavery, who we know have been through some horrendous experiences and are often rehoused without family and have to rebuild their lives from scratch. JOANNA GATT THE Salvation Army has always been close to my family’s heart. After serving in the war as a soldier, my grandfather was homeless and suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. It was The Salvation Army that helped him when no one else did. My family continues to witness the huge effort that The Salvation Army provides in our community and we are proud that our children’s school is involved in supporting the local corps through food donations and the Gifts at Christmas scheme. It’s amazing that I can personally raise money for such a worthwhile organisation.

Stuart

WILL YOU STEP UP TO HELP?

STUART ROBERTS I HAVE been fortunate to work alongside Wrexham Corps as a community beat manager within North Wales Police. Part of my role is to support our partner agencies, which include The Salvation Army. I have seen the amazing work of the team first-hand and love having the opportunity to work alongside them and run my first marathon. I would like my two boys to see their dad support such an organisation. I am really pushing my personal boundaries by running such a long way. This is an amazing opportunity. Joanna

VANESSA STREET I HAVE wanted to run the London Marathon for some time now and I can’t think of a better way to give back to a cause that is so close to my heart. In the summer of 2017 my family’s home was repossessed, which resulted in us becoming homeless. Fortunately for me I was studying at university and was able to move to my accommodation in Reading full-time. As for my parents and sister, they had nowhere to go. After a couple of months staying with friends my sister found temporary accommodation, but my parents were left on the streets that winter. They found a place to sleep at night for four months through a local parish charity, but in the daytime they had to roam around the area until the next night location was open. They eventually found aid at Romford Salvation Army, where they were given a warm place for a couple of hours in the bitter months, as well as hot drinks, snacks and donations of clothes and suitcases in

Join Team Sally Army in running the 2022 London Marathon to support the Army’s work with people experiencing homelessness – or you can choose to raise funds for your corps. Register your interest and get your application pack by visiting salvationarmy.org.uk/run/ london-marathon-2022.

Vanessa

which to keep the few belongings they had with them. Fortunately in the spring of 2018 our house was finally sold and my parents got back on their feet again and found a home. I am certain that, without help and support from The Salvation Army throughout, they would not have been able to remain positive and hopeful in the kindness of strangers to keep pushing through such a hard time. For that reason I am running this marathon, holding my head high for The Salvation Army as a thank you for everything it has done for my parents. O Email

challenge@salvationarmy.org. uk for details of how to support the team by donating Salvationist 2 October 2021

NEWS FEATURE

Cadets and congregation EJCNNGPIGF VQ TGƃGEV God’s holiness WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE THE public welcome to the Reflectors of Holiness session was a Spirit-filled occasion enjoyed by an enthusiastic congregation, even though limited in size due to Covid-19 precautions, writes Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts. Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill welcomed those in the Assembly Hall, as well as others at home watching the livestream, and acknowledged the presence of World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle. The cadets marched into the hall to the accompaniment of a band consisting of Territorial Music School students, and saluted Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and William Booth College Principal Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne. Congregational songs ‘All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name’ and ‘Over All the Earth’ led into a prayer by Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main, who asked God to reign over the evening’s worship and celebration. 12

Salvationist 2 October 2021

Commissioner Gill Cotterill

Cadet Adam Barber

After a video in which each of the cadets introduced themselves, the TC greeted them and thanked all those who had been part of their journey to college, before formally handing them over to the WBC staff. In response the principal said they were privileged to receive the cadets and were ready to support them in their spiritual formation, learning and development. The cadets’ children were shown in a video painting words on pieces of paper, then holding them up and reading them: ‘So then, with this amazing hope living in us, we step out in freedom and boldness to speak the truth’ (2 Corinthians 3:12 The Passion Translation). Cadet Karen Barber

Colonel Paul Main then read the whole of the passage, 2 Corinthians 3:7–18. After a video of the cadets expressing their commitment to serve God, they formed up to sing their sessional song, written by Rosemary and Barbara Steadman-Allen, with its prayer that God would ‘shine upon us’. The band played Kenneth Downie’s ‘Shekinah’ and the worship team brought ‘King of My Heart’ before Chief Secretary

Pictures: ANDREW KING PHOTOGRAPHY

Colonel Paul Main spoke. Linking Romans 12:1 and 2 with the earlier Bible reading, he challenged people to be more than just believers but disciples who are being transformed to reflect the likeness of Christ. ‘The world needs to see Jesus in transformed people, in reflectors of holiness – not just the 16 brand new cadets, but all of us,’ he said. A time of worship and reflection followed, including a prayer from the TC, before the closing song, ‘Love Divine, All Loves Excelling’. The Sunday morning meeting began with a call to worship from Psalm 80, read by the TC, and an exuberant opening song, ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’. Captain Wendy Stanbury, the assistant training programme director, spoke words of welcome to the new cadets and their families, as well as to officers recently appointed to the college: Major Richard Mingay and Captains Berri and Callum McKenna. Gary Robb, WBC’s business services director, then prayed for them and for the second year cadets who would soon return to college from their summer placements. In her testimony Cadet Rachel Abbott spoke about the obstacles she had encountered since being called to officership. ‘God has used every single step and struggle as an opportunity to teach me, and for the life of Christ to grow within me,’ she said, before concluding, ‘I praise God that he’s not finished with me yet!’ Cadet Stuart Turnbull testified that his calling had initially led him into territorial

Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne

Cadet Rachel Abbott

Cadet Stuart Turnbull envoyship but, referring to John 15, said he had sometimes been more focused on the fruit than on his connection to the vine. ‘To be here now,’ he declared, ‘I’ve had to let Christ lead and grow in my life.’ In contrast to testimonies from those just entering college, Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Noreen Batt

(Wales) looked back over the 40 years since her sessional welcome. She recalled places where she had been especially aware of God’s presence and said she had learnt that her ministry was to be God’s person wherever she was. The session sang ‘Shine on Us’ and Cadet John Raffan read 1 Peter 1:3–16 before Captains Berri and Callum McKenna invited the children forward to explain, with the help of torches and mirrors, that we are called to reflect the light of Jesus into the world. In her Bible message the principal focused on verse 16: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’ ‘These words are a command, an invitation, a calling and a promise,’ she said. We are broken and sinful people, but we are also loved and transformed by God. Therefore he says to us: ‘Become like me, express my holiness, allow me to work in you so that the world can see me in you.’ As they had the previous evening, people stepped forward in response to the message to pray at the mercy seat. The final song, ‘Build Your Kingdom Here’, expressed the prayer of all who would reflect God’s holiness: ‘Fill us with the strength and love of Christ.’ Salvationist 2 October 2021

VIEW POINT

Let’s all pull together Major Steven Turner suggests that we need to take Christian unity seriously

N a striking show of unity, Scottish first minister Nicola Sturgeon and UK prime minister Boris Johnson recently called on the country to ‘pull together’. Although they disagree on many things, the two leaders have emphasised the need for everyone to play their part in slowing the spread of coronavirus. Within the Church we have a wide variety of personalities, abilities and ecclesiology, but we all love and serve the ‘one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all’ (Ephesians 4:6). Yet when inviting people to attend a joint service, I’ve often heard the reply, ‘If I wanted to be a [insert denomination] I’d have gone there myself.’ Many Christians fail to see that ecumenical work is essential for the continued life of the Church. Here are three good reasons for working with other churches. First, there is a theological injunction. During the second half of the 20th century many documents were issued by individual denominations and formal conversations held between denominations seeking ways to unite the Church. These efforts often quoted Scripture, including the prayer of Jesus that ‘all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you’ (John 17:21). Experience tells us, however, that human beings generally do not like to be told what to do, which is why this call to unity in the book we claim as our authority is still not a reality. 14

Salvationist 2 October 2021

Another reason is practical necessity. The pandemic has shaken the structure of our society. Businesses large and small have trimmed their workforces or shut their doors. Churches are feeling the same existential pressures. In many towns the different congregations are fighting for survival. If we insist on working separately the danger is that all will close and the voice of the gospel will be silenced in that community. What if we apply Paul’s analogy of the body of Christ beyond a single church’s congregation? Perhaps God has spread spiritual gifts across the churches in a town, region or nation for us to share with each other. A church with financial resources and skilled administrators could set up a food bank with volunteers from other congregations. A church with media skills could create shared worship resources for other nearby churches. Achieving missional outcomes is a good reason to pull together. While there are examples of successful co-operation, many still fear a loss of identity or suspect other congregations of ‘sheep-stealing’. At an ecumenical conference I heard of a small gospel mission that could no longer support a minister. The handful of members approached the other two churches in the village and it was agreed that the three congregations would unite, worshipping in the largest church and using a second for social and community activities.

The gospel mission hall was leased to the village school, which was struggling for capacity due to population growth. Six months later the combined Sunday school had doubled in size. When asked why she was now bringing her children to church, one mother replied, ‘I came because I saw you working together for our community.’ We should not be surprised at this outcome: a united Church makes people sit up and take notice, which in turn opens the door for them to hear and believe the gospel. I have found that Salvationists are sometimes suspicious of ecumenical endeavours or believe that ‘it’s the officer’s job’. Joint services are often attended by the same few people. But if we are serious about obeying Scripture, about our survival and about reaching the lost in our communities, we need to get serious about living and working as the one body of Christ in the world.

MAJOR TURNER IS CORPS OFFICER, PRESTONPANS

IDEAS TO CONSIDER Congregations could discuss the needs of a community together before deciding how to appoint leaders. Members could link their skills with an initiative in another church. Denominations could become less like corporations competing for market share and more like centres of excellence, sharing their specialist knowledge with anyone in need. We could see Fresh Expressions, pioneer ministry and other initiatives as partnerships in the gospel, reaching places church-based congregations cannot reach. We could seek to discover what we have in common with our neighbours – Christian and non-Christian – rather than drive to another town to be with people like us.

A Artic Ar le fo or Salv S alva a tio onistt d 12pm due pm

Army s t e p p i n s

1878 1890 90

A onishing As teen Ast ir teen irt Thir Thi That Shaped a sT Year Year Ye Yea hee Salvation Th Th A Army

g b ning, bu g, bur ng nin Burni g,, ng ways burni lw alw irit, stay Spir ly Sp Hooly with me; wi l my your wil To y ing, will iiss turn w lI u wil hat you hat Wh b . o t t nt be.. an wa w

... shared by General John Larsson (Retired)

HE PAID FOR HIS OWN FUNERAL TEENAGER Robert Perry was on fire after hearing William Booth speak. At the end of the meeting, he boldly made his way to the platform and asked the General if he could be an officer. William Booth’s eagle eyes inspected the boy and saw that he was tall and thin, as if he had grown too quickly. ‘How good is your health?’ he enquired. It was the question Robert had feared the most, but he answered it truthfully. ‘It is not all that good, General. The doctor says I have a

weak heart and he gives me only six months to live. But I would like to work for God for those months.’ ‘We don’t have money to pay for people’s funerals,’ came the brusque reply. But after a pause the General added: ‘If you deposit in the bank an amount that will cover your funeral, you are welcome to join us.’ Robert Perry deposited the needed sum in the bank, became a Salvation Army officer, served in Britain, pioneered the Army’s work in Denmark in 1887, reached the rank of lieut-colonel and died at the age of 77.

SALVATION NAVY, AHOY! IN 1889 9 a storm s o of unprecedented violence hit the fishing st fleett from fro Buksnes, a small fishing community lying north of the Arctic Circle on Norway’s west coast. The small sail ships did not stand a chance. By nightfall the village was left with 30 new widows. Amid this national tragedy, Commissioner Hanna Ouchterlony, the territorial commander, took action. She raised the needed funds and within a year, on 18 February 1890, dedicated a new purpose-built Salvation Army rescue ship to serve the northwest. The lifeboat was named the Catherine Booth. Captain Emil Ovesen, himself a converted fisherman, was appointed captain of the ship and was supported by four Salvationist crew members. The Catherine Booth guarded

the northwest coast for 31 years. When it was withdrawn awn from om m service it had rescued more than 1,700 vessels and 1,800 800 men whose lives were in danger. The Salvation Navy had first come to life when in 1885 William Booth had been gifted the steam yacht Iole for evangelistic campaigns along the British coast. Similar mission vessels, often with a large meeting room, followed in locations as varied as Labrador, Newfoundland, the American Great Lakes, New York, San Francisco, the Netherlands and even Australia, where the Yamalative reached the nomadic indigenous people as they moved along the coastline. In his evangelistic plan, William Booth had made ‘go to them’ the first priority – and in its time The Salvation Navy did exactly that.

GEORGE BERNARD SHAW WAS SENT ALMOST OUT OF HIS SENSES G ES ES IN his day, George Bernard Shaw was as famous for being a music critic as he was a playwright – and he loved Army bands. After attending his first Salvation Army gathering – a memorial service at the Royal Albert Hall in 1905 – he wrote: ‘Massed Salvation Army bands played the “Dead March” from “Saul” as I verily believe it has never been played in the world since Handel was alive to conduct it. The Salvationists made it a magnificent paean of victory and glory that sent me – a seasoned musical critic of many years’ standing – almost out of my senses with enthusiasm.’ This was very different from the acerbic comments for which he was noted, and encouraged William Booth to invite him to the next big music festival to prepare a technical criticism for private circulation. The festival was held on Saturday 7 December 1905 and featured the International Staff Band

and four premier corps bands. Bernard Shaw wrote a comprehensive review on all that he saw and heard. Comments on the skill of each band were given in his characteristic style, and constructive criticism was also levelled at the arrangers of Army music. He felt that the florid scoring for euphoniums was ‘often far inferior in effect to broad simple chords’. Arrangers were advised to score their pieces with a view to the emotional effect of the music and not ‘to show off the virtuosity of their executants’. GBS’s candid opinions of the festival were appreciated by the Army’s musical authorities, but were felt to be too disturbing for publication. The critique was therefore locked away in a file marked ‘strictly confidential’ and was not published until 3 December 1960, when it appeared in The Musician – 55 years after the event.

Salvationist Salvationist Day 2 October Month 2021 2020

00 15

BIBLE STUDY

Kindness Major Emma Knights asks how good we are at showing kindness

GALATIANS 5:22 AND 23 LUKE 19:1–10

HILE browsing the internet, I came across a pair of pyjamas that had ‘it’s cool to be kind’ written on them. Next month’s World Kindness Day (13 November) is a day to celebrate and promote kindness in all its forms and globally unite people in kindness. Apparently, it is celebrated around the world and has a website devoted to being kind – to others and to yourself. During past celebrations, Kindness UK handed out 10,000 free chocolate bars at London train stations and encouraged a Text Wave that swept the UK. Kindness Scotland put on the Kind Kid awards. The Singapore Kindness Movement gave out 30,000 gerberas.

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Melvyn Knott

In recent years, we have been encouraged to carry out random acts of kindness – for people we don’t know as well as people we do. QUESTION O What act of kindness could you carry out this week? I wonder, though, whether this is what kindness really is. Is it something we do just one day a year or something we do to make ourselves feel good? Kindness should be part of the essence of who we are as Christians. In Galatians 5:22 and 23, Paul writes: ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.’ The ‘fruit’ that Paul talks about in his

letter to the Galatians is the fruit God wants us to have because it keeps us healthy. It is the stuff that keeps us true to who we are, what we believe. We need to be filled with the Spirit. We can only display the fruit of the Spirit in our lives if he lives in us. As we allow the Holy Spirit to live and move within us, the fruit of the Spirit should be evident within our lives. Colossians 3:12–14 puts it like this: ‘Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.’

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Brother, sister, let me serve you,/ Let me be as Christ to you;/ Pray that I might have the grace to/ Let you be my servant too. (SASB 1005)

Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off. (Romans 11:22)

I will hold the Christ-light for you/ In the night-time of your fear;/ I will hold my hand out to you,/ Speak the peace you long to hear. (SASB 1005)

Prayer

Salvationist 2 October 2021

Lord, give us faith to trust you in all situations and circumstances. Teach us to wait for you – for your timing is perfect and your plan for us is good.

As we live and grow with Christ, so we need to show kindness in all that we do and are. I wonder just how good we are at showing kindness. QUESTION kindness the same as being nice?

O Is

In Luke 19, we read the story of Zacchaeus. He was not well liked and, because he was short, climbed a tree in order to see Jesus. In contrast to the people who despised Zacchaeus, Jesus sought him out and showed him kindness: ‘When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. All the people saw this and began to mutter,

“He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost”’ (vv5–10). In being shown kindness, Zacchaeus caught the kindness bug. Because Jesus showed kindness to him, Zacchaeus’s whole life changed. Recently, I read a quote from Bear Grylls: ‘When we release kindness into the world around us, it creates a ripple of goodness.’ With the Holy Spirit living in us, we

should be showing kindness to all we meet and creating ripples of goodness. It’s not just cool to be kind – it’s also godly. QUESTIONS O What difference has the kindness of others made to you? O To what extent do we limit kindness? Why is that?

MAJOR KNIGHTS IS OPEN LEARNING TUTOR AND ASSESSOR, WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12–14)

Lord, release that latent passion/ Which in me has dormant lain;/ Recreate a deep compassion/ That will care and care again./ Needy souls are still my mission,/ Sinners yet demand my love;/ This must be my life’s ambition,/ This alone my heart shall move. (SASB 682)

‘Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.’ ( Job 6:14)

We are the hands of Christ;/ He uses us each day/ To show his love to everyone/ In every kind of way. (SASB 687)

Salvationist 2 October 2021

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

My silent place Major Alistair Dawson reflects on being aware of God’s grace

N the 1980s, although I cannot remember exactly when, Melbourne Staff Band paid a fleeting visit to Norwich. They came for the day, had lunch, practised a few pieces, then lined up outside Norwich Citadel to march with precision to City Hall for a civic reception. There they played a march at breakneck speed before a welcome speech was made by the mayor of Norwich. Then, after a moment of silent reflection, the band played ‘Colne’, the simple hymn tune arrangement associated with song 777 in the Army songbook. The words of the third verse came to me: Come, occupy my silent place, And make thy dwelling there! More grace is wrought in quietness Than any is aware.

I have never been more aware of God’s grace in what was to me a most sacred moment, my silent place. My wife, Rosemary, and I love taking continental coach tours, and I remember travelling through Austria with a rather uncouth bus driver who had an unexpected passion for its beautiful churches. He told us that each church in Austria has a metal ball on top of its steeple, in which is kept the architect’s plans. If the church burnt down, the architect’s original design and intention would survive and the church could be rebuilt. ’Mid all the traffic of the ways, Turmoils without, within, Make in my heart a quiet place And come and dwell therein. 18

Salvationist 2 October 2021

I am trying to hold on to the idea of this quiet place – a place of mystic grace, with self and sin swept bare; a place where I can see God’s face and talk with him in prayer. We all have this holy place that belongs to God alone – this ‘ball’ that carries the architect’s original design of who he created us to be. We all have a uniqueness, a divine glory, a place that sparkles within us and reflects our true value. We all have our place of mystic grace. Some might call it our ‘growing space’ or ‘eternal space’ or, better still, ‘God’s space’. Some even call it our ‘Emmanuel space’. I like the idea of God being conceived in us, living in us on a daily basis, allowing us to give birth to the Christ expression within our world. As Phillips Brooks expresses it, ‘Cast out our sin and enter in,/ Be born in us today’ (SASB 118). These thoughts stem from an interview given by the comedian Frank Skinner on the TV programme Songs of Praise. He talked about prayer, concentrating on his own silent place and the effect it has on his life. Within that place he is completely at one with himself, discovering his real self and coming face to face with God. ‘Faith,’ said Ruth Burrows, ‘is not a thing of the mind; it is not an intellectual certainty but a felt conviction of the heart. It is a sustained decision to take God with utter seriousness as the God of my life.’ On the subject of prayer, the cook Delia Smith wrote: ‘What we cannot hope to grasp, outside the context of a relationship with God in prayer, is that our worst fears about ourselves are utterly unfounded: our very fragility, for God, is our most profound potential for

wonder and beauty since it was he who created us as we are.’ On another occasion she said: ‘It is probably too simple to say that we operate just on two levels – life is a complexity of many layers – but it is at the very deepest level that truth and reality exist, albeit unrecognised, even unsought. Just as God is mystery, so are we a mystery to ourselves and can choose to live for the most part on the superficial level, ignoring the reality within.’ Catherine Baird expresses this thought so beautifully – that in Christ we discover the reality of God’s grace within us. O Love, revealed on Earth in Christ, In blindness once I sacrificed Thy gifts for dross; I could not see, But Jesus brings me sight of thee. I come to thee with quiet mind, Thyself to know, thy will to find; In Jesus’ steps my steps must be, I follow him to follow thee. O Love, invisible before, I see thee now, desire thee more; When Jesus speaks thy word is clear; I search his face and find thee near. O Love, forever claim my eyes! Thy beauty be my chosen prize; I cast my load on timeless grace That my free soul may run the race. (SASB 615)

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL

NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment.

LYMINGTON During lockdown Jim MacLeod decided that he would love to be part of the corps fellowship, having attended for some time. The congregation gave him an enthusiastic reception as he was welcomed as an adherent. Jim is pictured with corps leader Territorial Envoy Ruth Barlow, Colonel Jean Bennett, who prayed for him, and Territorial Envoy Doug Barlow. – RB GRIMSBY Peter Houlden felt lost following the passing of his wife. While out in the community, he met Carolyn, a member of the corps, who introduced him to The Salvation Army. He began attending regularly. Having been to other churches previously, he especially enjoyed the warmth of the corps welcome and fellowship. Peter has developed a love for Army music and worship, which led him to commit his life to Christ. He was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Kenny Gardner. Peter testified to his welcome and the joy of worshipping with the corps family. – KG

COWDENBEATH Laura McGriffin was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Karen Thomas. Laura was supported on this special day by many family members and friends. Laura and Lieutenant Karen are pictured with Corps Secretary Norman O’Malley. – KT

BATH CITADEL Corps officer Major David Wise enrolled Tom Hollidge as a soldier. Tom is pictured with his wife, Beth, and their daughter, Poppy, who was dedicated to God in the same meeting. – KT

AYLSHAM After a difficult year the corps rejoiced as Maria Hunt was enrolled as a soldier. Maria moved to Aylsham with her family and was invited to attend meetings at the corps, where she found a warm welcome and her spiritual home. She is pictured with Sue Blackburn, who held the flag, and corps officer Major Valerie Morgan. – VM Salvationist 2 October 2021

PREVIEWS

Black History Month Salvationist highlights two publications providing informative and inspiring reading during October

Closing Ranks: My Life as a Cop by Leroy Logan

EROY Logan’s autobiography tells of an illustrious career and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the workings of the Metropolitan Police. One of the founding members of the Black Police Association Charitable Trust, Logan relates his first-hand experience of racism, and shows how his strong Christian faith helped him persevere in a frequently hostile work environment. Offering encouragement to other black officers, Leroy’s passion for good policing shines through, as does his concern to guide and empower young people.

Racial Justice Champions

HIS resource was initially assembled to mark the 25th anniversary of Racial Justice Sunday in Britain and Ireland in 2020. It celebrates the work of racial justice pioneers – 25 women and 25 men who have struggled to make churches address the racism within their structures and in society, and whose efforts have often remained unsung. By looking to the past as well as the present, this resource can also encourage churches to raise up and support a new generation of racial justice champions. Those who are listed in this book do not necessarily fall within the 25-year Racial Justice Sunday anniversary timeframe. They are men and women who pioneered this issue long before it was fashionable or on the churches’ agenda, but are inextricably linked to the Church and have displayed a clear and consistent commitment to racial justice work throughout their lives. Their proactive stance has included advocating racial 20

Salvationist 2 October 2021

justice within church structures and producing resources, writing extensively, developing courses and running training sessions on this issue. Among the 50 people included are: Sandra Ackroyd, who has written many training and educational materials used in race awareness and anti-racist education; the Right Rev Rose HudsonWilkin; Baroness Doreen Lawrence, mother of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence who was appointed OBE in 2003 for her services to community relations; Professor Robert Beckford, who has been involved in black empowerment work in education and the media; the Right Rev Dr John Sentamu, former Archbishop of York; and Linbert Spencer OBE, a Salvationist who has been helping organisations and individuals to transform themselves for more than 30 years. Richard Reddie, director of justice and inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, writes in the book’s foreword: ‘As we all (should) know, this work is not over; indeed, in many instances, the journey has just begun. Those featured in this resource are trailblazers whose efforts must be

Closing Ranks is a book for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of race relations in Britain over the past 30 years. The Right Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover, says, ‘Leroy Logan is a great example of achievement against all the odds.’ Closing Ranks is available from spckpublishing.co.uk as a hardback priced £14.99 (plus postage and packing), an ebook priced £11.99 or a paperback to pre-order priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing)

continued by a new generation of racial justice champions. I very much look forward to reading the next edition of Racial Justice Champions, hopeful in the knowledge that this generation can finish off what was started by those featured in this resource.’ Racial Justice Champions is free to download from ctbi.org.uk

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CS Ken Hutchinson, Market Rasen WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Emerald (55th) O Majors Angela and Malcolm Westwood (15 October) DEDICATED TO GOD Cerys, daughter of Lieutenants Clare and Matthew Kinsey, at Bristol South by Majors Neville and Yvonne Andrews

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Mrs Lieut-Colonel Miriam Perry (90 on 15 October) PROMOTED TO GLORY Allan Milligan, Inverness, on 1 September O Ron Phillips, Kidsgrove, on 13 September O

BEREAVED Major David Brown, Poplar, of his mother Enid Brown O Aubrey and Sheila Bishop, Wellingborough, of their son Derek Bishop O Rtd CT Bandsman Raymond Snell, Plymouth Congress Hall, of his brother Duncan O CSM Maureen Milligan, Inverness, of her husband Allan Milligan, Simon Milligan, Inverness, and Louise Milligan, Kendal, of their father O

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells (inauguration of Wales Division), Sat 9 Oct THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Ruwadzano Retreat, Fri 1 Oct – Sun 3* O Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells (inauguration of Wales Division), Sat 9 O WBC (spiritual day), Wed 13 * Territorial Secretary for Leader Development only

Major Susan Dean, Crossroads Lifehouse chaplain, of her father Ron Phillips

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory LONG SERVICE 25 years O Major Ian Payne, Chatham ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES TERRITORIAL ENVOY GORDON LOVIE GORDON was born in Oban in 1964. During his early years he moved with his family around the north of Scotland, living in Aberdeen before settling in the village of Boddam. His working life was spent in Aberdeen and Peterhead as the operations manager in fish-processing plants. At a particularly low point in his life Gordon linked up with The Salvation Army in Peterhead. Consequently, his life was transformed. He became a soldier at Peterhead in 2008 and was well known for speaking and singing of his faith in Jesus. Responding to God’s call, Gordon ministered as a territorial envoy at Findochty, along with his wife, Ann. While at Findochty Gordon received a diagnosis of liver cancer. Despite this, he continued to joyfully serve the Lord as he recovered. Appointments to Sleaford and Grantham followed. In recent years Gordon and Ann were appointed to Brechin Corps. He loved the people at Brechin and they loved him, greatly valuing his leading of Bible studies. Despite the rapid decline in his health over the last few weeks of his life, Gordon continued to express his faith with certainty and his usual dry sense of humour. He is sorely missed by Ann, his family and his friends, but we rejoice in this ‘trophy of grace’, who has entered the presence of the Lord he loved and served. – SD

JOHN HEALD, LEEDS CENTRAL JOHN was born to Salvationist parents in Knottingley, where he became a YP band member and senior bandsman. Aged 16, he joined the RAF as an apprentice. Posted to RAF Waddington, John met Wendy at Lincoln Citadel. They were married at Singapore Central Corps and Ian was born the following year. Returning to RAF Topcliffe, where Keith and Linda were born, the family attended York Citadel. They later attended corps in Blackpool, Portsmouth and two corps in Holland. Returning to England, John trained to be a teacher. The family attended Leeds West Hunslet then Otley Corps. When Otley closed John transferred to Leeds Central. Over the years, he served as YP band leader, deputy songster leader and songster leader. John is greatly missed by Wendy and family, including his five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, who give thanks that he is now with the Lord whom he loved and served. – WH HAZEL THOMPSON, CHESTER-LESTREET HAZEL was born in 1933. In her early years she attended Eccles Citadel. Her parents, who were not Salvationists, made it difficult for her to wear the bonnet. However, she later married Lez, who attended Chester-le-Street. Married for 67 years, they were blessed with two children and two grandchildren. Sunday lunch was a special time in the Thompson household, as food was served at 12 noon prompt. Hazel loved her garden and her caravan holidays and was a talented knitter. She was a member of the songsters, Brownies and home league. Unfortunately, her illness restricted her from attending meetings more recently. At the time of her promotion to Glory she was No 1 on the roll. Hazel loved the Lord and lived a good life. – GC Salvationist 2 October 2021

ADVERTS

*DS <HDU If you are thinking ‘what next?’, trying to discern what God is VD\LQJ WR \RX DQG ZDQWLQJ WKH RSSRUWXQLW\ WR PDNH D GLɛHUHQFH this could be for you! :H DUH RɛHULQJ D JDS \HDU H[SHULHQFH IRU ZHHNV IURP November 2021 until July 2022, with the opportunity to develop QHZ DQG H[LVWLQJ VNLOOV EH SDUW RI FUHDWLYH IRUPV RI &KULVWLDQ worship and community and the chance to work with young adults – KHOSLQJ WKHP WR GHYHORS LQ WKHLU VNLOOV FRQÀGHQFH DQG JURZ LQ community. 9LVLW RXU ZHEVLWH WR ÀQG RXW PRUH DQG DSSO\ For more information visit:

/StrawberryFieldLiverpool

VWUDZEHUU\ÀHOGOLYHUSRRO FRP JDS \HDU

#VWUDZEHUU\ÀHOG

#GatesOpenForGood

#VWUDZEHUU\ÀHOGOLYHUSRROXN

The Salvation Army LV D &KXUFK DQG UHJLVWHUHG &KDULW\ LQ (QJODQG :DOHV 6FRWODQG 6& DQG WKH 5HSXEOLF RI ,UHODQG &+<

CHRISTMAS E-CARD COMPETITION

STUDYING IN YORK?

Wondering how to keep the kids entertained during half term while channelling their excitement about Christmas? We have a solution: the fundraising team have teamed up with Kids Alive! to launch a Christmas e-card competition. O Children from under 7 to 12 plus can submit their design for their opportunity to win £100, £50 or £20 of vouchers for The Entertainer O The winning design will be available as an e-card from Don’t Send Me A Card and will feature on the cover of the Kids Alive! Christmas special O It’s not only an environmentally friendly way of sending Christmas greetings, but you’ll also be supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal by donating an optional entry fee on JustGiving O The competition, which has different age categories, starts on 2 October and finishes on 29 October

Are you coming to study in this great city? Be sure to link up to the corps, where a warm welcome awaits you. Meals arranged and student / young adult fellowship (Covid-19 allowing!)

Find out more at salvationarmy.org.uk/ fundraise-christmas/christmas-cardcompetition or scan the QR code.

Salvationist 2 October 2021

For further details: Cynthia Smith 07961 586465

COMING TO UNI IN BRISTOL? Want to join a church with a great youth group? Contact Tash at Staple Hill on 07773 707774 for more info!

All adverts in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@ salvationarmy. org.uk.

ADVERTS

RECRUITING NOW INSURANCE ASSISTANT THE SALVATION ARMY GENERAL INSURANCE CORPORATION LIMITED – SAGIC

CHELMSFORD

SAGIC is an ethical insurer, founded in 1909, and is based in Chelmsford. The company is financially successful and, by way of gift aid, donates profit to its charitable parent company, The Salvation Army Trustee Company. SAGIC is looking to recruit an insurance assistant to join the underwriting team. Reporting to the operations manager your duties will include:

SALARY £19,000 - £21,000 per annum depending on experience WORKING HOURS Full-time CONTRACT Permanent

DETAILS O Assisting the underwriting team with new business 25 days’ annual leave + enquiries and processing changes to existing insurance bank holidays; a contributory pension policies scheme; health O General administration including answering of insurance phones and management of emails on behalf of the CLOSING DATE Underwriting Team and SAGIC in general 22 October O Inputting data on to insurance systems as required O Dealing with customers and other stakeholders on a INTERVIEW DATE TBC day-to-day basis To apply for this role Previous experience is not necessary. Knowledge of The Salvation Army is preferable. Other personal skills please send your CV to stefanie.wright@sagic. will include: computer skills including Excel and Word. co.uk Reliability and conscientious attitude to work will also be essential.

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. Promoting equality in the workplace.

Anti-Slavery Day The Salvation Army’s campaign to raise awareness of modern slavery is running again this year around Anti-Slavery Day (18 October). The Army is asking all its supporters to stand in solidarity with survivors of slavery by buying and wearing a special temporary tattoo. #WeAreNotForSale tattoos feature a barcode to symbolise how slavery treats people as objects to be bought, sold and exploited.

Tattoos can be bought for £1 from sps-shop.com/asd-tattoo

All proceeds will go towards the Army’s Survivor Support Fund, which provides vital support, empowering survivors of slavery to move on with their lives. To join the campaign and spread the word please wear your tattoo, take a photo and share it on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook with the hashtag #WeAreNotForSale and tag @SalvationArmyUK.

ANSWERS TO BLACK HISTORY MONTH QUIZ (PAGE 24)

1. c. 1987 2. c. 1956 3. a. ‘I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings’ 4. b. Bishop in the Church of England (Bishop of Croydon from 1985 to 2003) 5. b. Calculating orbital mechanics for the Nasa space programme Salvationist 2 October 2021

6. a. Mary Jane Seacole (a BritishJamaican nurse in the Crimean War) 7. c. ‘The Princess and the Frog’ 8. a. Nelson Mandela 9. a. Children’s laureate 10. b. Satchmo 11. b. 1833 12. c. Nobel Peace Prize

13. c. Ashley Cole 14. b. ‘The Color Purple’ 15. a. Martin Luther King Jr 16. c. ‘Cry Freedom’ 17. a. Kelly Holmes (in 2004) 18. b. Books for children 19. a. 1923 20. b. Idris Elba

BLACK HISTORY MONTH QUIZ October is Black History Month. Test your knowledge of these significant people and events. Black History Month began in the USA in 1970. When was it first celebrated in the UK? a. 1974 b. 1981 c. 1987

In which year did Nat King Cole become the first African-American performer to host a variety television series? a. 1950 b. 1953 c. 1956

What was the title of AfricanAmerican poet Maya Angelou’s first autobiography? a. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings b. Beloved c. The Big Box

Wilfred Wood was the first black person in which position? a. Member of Parliament b. Bishop in the Church of England c. BBC news presenter

Katherine Johnson was a true-life character in the 2016 film Hidden Figures. What was she known for? a. Being the United States secretary of defence b. Calculating orbital mechanics for the Nasa space programme c. Creating America’s first credit union

Who was voted the greatest black Briton in a 2004 poll? a. Mary Jane Seacole b. Shirley Bassey c. Sir Trevor McDonald

The first black Disney princess appeared in which film? a. Brave b. Tangled c. The Princess and the Frog

‘Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.’ Which South African president who spent 27 years in prison said this? a. Nelson Mandela b. Thabo Mbeki c. Jacob Zuma

What position did Malorie Blackman hold from 2013 to 2015? a. Children’s laureate b. Head of MI5 c. Lord mayor of London

What was Louis Armstrong’s nickname? a. Ratchmo b. Satchmo c. Tatchmo

In what year did Britain pass the Slavery Abolition Act? a. 1789 b. 1833 c. 1861

Archbishop Desmond Tutu won which international award? a. Black Leaders Worth Watching International Award b. African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Award c. Nobel Peace Prize

Who was the first black player to win 100 full England international football caps? a. John Barnes b. Rio Ferdinand c. Ashley Cole

Which novel by Alice Walker about two black sisters – one a missionary, the other a child bride – won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction? a. The Help b. The Color Purple c. Roots

Who said, ‘Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere’? a. Martin Luther King Jr b. Malcolm X c. James Farmer

Which 1987 film was inspired by Donald Woods’ biography of anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko? a. District 9 b. Cry, the Beloved Country c. Cry Freedom Who was the first black woman to win the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year? a. Kelly Holmes b. Denise Lewis c. Tessa Sanderson

The Coretta Scott King Award was created in 1969 to honour African Americans for achievement in which field? a. Politics b. Books for children c. Education

In which year was AfricanAmerican inventor Garrett Morgan granted a patent for the three-position traffic light signal? a. 1923 b. 1935 c. 1950

Which black British actor played the lead role in the TV series Luther? a. Adrian Lester b. Idris Elba c. David Oyelowo

20 O

Answers on page 23