Testimonies

A joy-giving ministry

Two Stockport Heaton Norris heralds, who received certificates of appreciation for their ministry, tell Salvationist about their experience of selling Army papers and being witnesses for Christ

DENNIS COOPER

IN 2016 I became a soldier and was able to go out with the War Cry, taking the Church on to the streets. I enclose a gospel tract in every copy and trust in the Lord that some of the seed I scatter will fall on fertile soil.

A regular group of people who donate and take a War Cry has developed over the years. During the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic this work was halted but, when I was able to resume it, I found that many people had noted my absence and welcomed me back.

The people of Marple are very supportive of the Army. I have lost count of the number of people who tell me they were born in the Army hospital in Ancoats, Manchester, before the formation of the NHS in 1948.

One man was quite emotional as he told me, ‘My father would have been dead on the streets of London if The Salvation Army hadn’t found him.’

Lots of people have fond memories of wartime grandparents being helped or being given a cup of tea by the Army. They have usually been given strict instructions not to walk past without giving something! I find this very touching.

Herald ministry is not for everyone. It can get cold standing about for two hours. However, I know the Lord has called me to do this. When you consider him hanging on the cross, is a couple of hours’ mild discomfort too much to bear?

It is a privilege to represent the Army and the Lord. My prayer is that the Lord will take what little I can offer and use it to his glory.

MARGARET TUCKER

WHEN I started as a herald it seemed a good opportunity to support the corps financially. That goal is maintained and remains necessary. But how much more important is it that, each week for a short while at the local railway station, I can be available to all those who pass by!

This ministry gives me numerous opportunities to be a listener, an encourager, a friend and, above all, a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ and The Salvation Army.

God does not even enter the minds of many of those who pass by but there is opportunity to pray for their salvation, their families and their situation. The surrounding noise and hustle and bustle cannot block any prayer for anyone. God is always at work.

It is helpful to be in the same place at the same time regularly. Gradually people begin to feel they know and trust you, and they share their joys as well as their sorrows and needs.

I continually hear of the way God has used the ministry of The Salvation Army to give help, hope and relief both in the past and the present.

Some tell of their faith and we share a few moments of fellowship. Others share doubts and disbelief, but giving expression to this can help them to wonder again about a heavenly Father who knows them by name and cares about them.

This is a practical work and, even in those times when it is cold and wet, I thank The Salvation Army for the opportunity for this joy-giving ministry.

God’s call to speak out