19 minute read
Quotes from the media
CHRISTIAN CAMPAIGNERS FRUSTRATED AT YET ANOTHER DELAY IN GAMBLING REFORM
Christian public policy charity Care has said a further [delay] to vital gambling reform plans is ‘inexcusable’ and will cause ‘untold grief’…
A white paper on gambling reform will now not be published due to the unplanned leadership contest in the Conservative Party…
The delay is the fourth since 2020, when a review of gambling laws was ordered by [the] government, given gambling-related harms.
Tim Cairns, senior policy officer at Care, which has spearheaded calls for reform of gambling laws across the UK, commented…
‘Every day in the UK a person takes their own life because of gamblingrelated harm…
‘Curbs need to be placed on advertising, on the relationship between gambling and sport, and measures are needed to ensure children are kept safe. Given the cost to society of gambling-related harm, a meaningful statutory levy needs to be put in place. The industry should be forced to pay for the harm it creates, not the NHS and taxpayers’…
The government has estimated that there are 400,000 ‘problem gamblers’ in England, with a further 2 million people at risk of developing a problem.
Public Health England has called for gambling-related harm to be considered as a public health issue.
Premier
Poorer pupils in England and Wales are ‘significantly’ behind their peers, according to a report.
The Education Policy Institute (EPI) study found that in 2019, prior to the [Covid-19] pandemic, the gap between poorer pupils and their peers was 22–23 months in Wales and about 18 months in England…
Pupils living with long-term and persistent poverty are even further behind their peers in both countries. In England, the persistent disadvantage gap was equal to about 23 months of learning, while in Wales it was 29 months…
The EPI said measures such as attracting high-quality teachers to poorer areas through salary supplements, and one-to-one and small group tutoring, had also been shown to reduce attainment gaps.
The Guardian
UKRAINIAN REFUGEE HOMELESSNESS ON THE RISE WITH MORE THAN 1,000 IN ENGLAND ASKING FOR LOCAL AUTHORITY HELP
More than 1,000 Ukrainian refugees in England have been forced to ask local authorities for help with housing because they are either homeless or facing eviction from their current accommodation…
It is believed that among homeless Ukrainians in the UK, hundreds are searching for housing after their sponsors under the Homes for Ukraine scheme were considered unsuitable to offer the refugees accommodation by local authority safeguarding officers. Charities have also warned that Ukrainians may face problems in renting their own home, which could require checks that may be impossible for them to pass.
The i
MUDEFORD: SERVICE TAKES PLACE OUTSIDE AFTER CHURCH FIRE
A congregation … gathered for a service outside days after its church was severely damaged by a fire.
Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service told the BBC ... that the fire is believed to have started accidentally…
Speaking after the service, parishioner Jane Crabb said: ‘Although we had a tragedy… there’s this coming together of people’...
Parishioner Meg Tolhurst said: ‘Mudeford is very much a community where we all stick together. After such devastation it’s so important we all come to support one another.’
BBC News
SALVATIONIST SALVATIONIST
salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine Issue No 1869 Issue No 1869
EDITOR EDITOR Major Mal Davies Major Mal Davies
MANAGING EDITOR MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford Ivan Radford
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey
ART DIRECTOR Hannah HoldenART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips Mark Knight, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER PROOFREADER Chris Horne Chris Horne
Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909. ISSN 2516-5909.
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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. of Ireland CHY6399. FOUNDER FOUNDER William Booth William Booth
GENERAL Brian PeddleGENERAL Brian Peddle
TERRITORIAL COMMANDER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER
Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Mal DaviesEDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Mal Davies
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Seeing value in all people CONTENTS Quotes from the media 2
WHEN I was four years old, my parents were corps officers at a small corps in a country town called Kyabram in central Victoria, Australia. Busy officers that they were, during the Sunday meetings and often for an afternoon or morning during the week, I would be cared for by one of the saints of the corps, Mrs Parkinson, known to all simply as ‘Parky’.
She became something of a substitute grandmother for me and, along with Mr Parky, I spent many hours in her company. Next door to their farmhouse lived their daughter, Enid, and her husband, Vince, and I would often share meals and play with them too.
Fast forward nearly 50 years and I was appointed to the corps Vince and Enid soldiered at in retirement – I was the corps officer to my former babysitters!
At one stage, in a quiet moment over afternoon tea at their house, I said to Vince: ‘You know, when I was a small boy, playing with you at your house or at the corps, I never realised you were black. You were just Vince, the fun guy I played football with and laughed with. Somehow I was colour-blind when it came to your skin.’
Vince, an Aboriginal elder, looked thoughtful for a moment and then said, ‘Well I reckon that’s how it should be, hey? It’s a shame we grow out of it when we’re adults.’
I wonder if God – who is perfect, all-knowing and all-wise – is actually colourblind. I wonder if, when he looks at people, he sees them differently from how we do.
In 1 Samuel 16 we read of Samuel selecting the next king of Israel and looking over the sons of Jesse. Before he finally selects David, Samuel gets a bit confused about what he is looking for, and verse seven says: ‘The Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”’
In this issue of Salvationist we focus on the good work of the territory’s Racial Inclusion Working Group, which aims to find ways to address any signs of racial inequality in our mission, structure and ministry.
One article talks about some new initiatives of the group, and the other offers a theological reflection on the group’s motivations and goals and its foundation that we are all, each one of us, made in the image of God.
To that end, you will also read an article on the Steps to Active Recovery programme at Winton Corps in Bournemouth. While the course is ostensibly about supporting people through addiction recovery, it is built on the premise that all people have value and deserve a second opportunity and hope for a brighter future. The course facilitators choose to see not outward appearances but look into the hearts of people made in God’s image.
Jo Noble-Gresty writes: ‘As a Christian community, we have a role to play supporting positive changes to life and we should never underestimate what God can do.’
What a wonderful approach! It’s not about what the staff and counsellors can do, it’s about what God can do. I’m inclined to think this should be the starting point for all Salvation Army ministry – what is our role in helping God do what he wants to do? As St Francis prayed, ‘Lord, make me an instrument…’
This issue contains other helpful and informative articles, including an update on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group, an article on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the way we do evangelism, a Bible study and news from across the territory.
I hope you can see – between the lines, between the words – what God is doing, and what he wants to do through you.
MAJOR MAL DAVIES
Editor Salvationist
News 4 to 8
Prayer matters 8
Mission and the pandemic 9
Sharing the gospel
by Dr Naar M’Fundisi-Holloway
Reflection 10 and 11
Loving others
Feature 12 to 14
A mission of inclusion
Territorial structure update 15
Change when it’s needed
by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant
Feature 16 and 17
A journey of hope
by Jo Noble-Gresty
Bible study 18 and 19
The Lord will provide
by Captain Wendy Stanbury
Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19
by Major Howard Webber
New commitments 20
Adverts 21
Announcements 22 and 23
The Salvation Army and me 24
featuring Major John Carmichael
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS
Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
MODERN SLAVERY
Help others speak out like Mo Farah
THQ
TERRITORIAL Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill has thanked Sir Mo Farah for his courage in speaking out about his childhood spent in domestic servitude. However, the Army has also warned that, sadly, Sir Mo’s experiences are not unusual as there are victims of modern slavery hidden in plain sight across the UK right now.
The TC commented: ‘The slavery survivors we support in our network of safe houses need time, specialist support and lots of patience and care to piece together their stories. As Sir Mo Farah shows, it can take many years before someone feels safe enough to speak out.
‘In time, the people we care for describe enduring years of physical and mental abuse, how their families were threatened, and their documents and identities forcibly changed. I want to thank Sir Mo Farah for finding the courage to speak out about his experiences. He has helped shine a light on thousands of untold modern slavery stories being lived across the UK today.’
In the past 10 years, more than 15,000 survivors have been helped by The Salvation Army and its partners, supported by a UK government contract. Among these are more than 1,700 people who were forced, like Sir Mo, into a life of domestic slavery.
‘The detail that sticks out for me,’ added the TC, ‘is that it took a PE teacher to notice a frightened and incredibly vulnerable child in his class and spoke out on his behalf.
‘Please ask yourself: could I spot someone who could be a victim of modern slavery, and would I know who to tell?’ – AR If you suspect that someone may be a victim of modern slavery, call the confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733 INTERNATIONAL
General excitement from Anchorage to the west coast and Honolulu
USA WESTERN TERRITORY
GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle took the gospel to Salvationists along the full length of the territory.
The world leaders began in Anchorage, Alaska, and travelled south to Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Honolulu. The rich cultural diversity of the territory was on display throughout their tour, with worship including a song in English and Tlingit (the language spoken by the Tlingit indigenous people from the coastal regions of Alaska and western Canada), a Fijian dance, a performance from a youth mariachi group and Hawaiian hula dancers. Scripture and prayers were offered in English, Spanish, Korean and Marshallese.
Enrolments were a key feature of this tour, beginning in Alaska with the swearing in of nine soldiers. A time of prayer and recommitment in San Francisco also resulted in several people moving forward to declare a calling to full-time ministry as officers.
The moving of the Holy Spirit was felt through times of testimony. Joshua Needham (Santa Clara Corps) told the congregation in San Francisco how he had overcome addiction and found Christ through The Salvation Army.
The General told his listeners that the ‘world needs salt and light’.
‘It’s about one thing and one thing only,’ he added. ‘It’s about welcoming prodigals home. The Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth depends on each of you.’ – AR
MEETING
Nearly 50 people gather at Swindon Gorse Hill to pray for and watch the commissioning of home-grown Lieutenants Joanna and Thomas Morgan (Aberystwyth)
15,000
modern slavery survivors helped
SEE PAGE 4
131
year-old painting of Salvationists
SEE PAGE 6
£30
vouchers for refugees
SEE PAGE 6
£600
raised for Ukraine appeal
SEE PAGE 8
MUSIC
DUNSTABLE Songster Janet Stone organised a Midsummer Melodies concert as her contribution to the Big Collection, raising £255. Guests included Michelle Garrard (vocal), Matt Quick (trombone), Sophia Harris (dance) and James Banville (piano). The band and songsters brought items and a surprise guest was local ‘lad’ Jim Dawson, who delighted with his debut trombone solo. The following day the band, along with friends from Luton Corps, took part in the annual Sunday Band Concerts organised by Dunstable town council. – JB
MUSIC FUNDRAISING
BALLYMONEY Martina Hodges ran the Belfast City Marathon to raise funds for the corps. She smashed her original target of £500 and went on to raise the phenomenal amount of £3,040.50. Martina's mum, Rosie, attends the midweek drop-in and Martina wanted to raise funds as a way of saying thank you for the care and support Rosie receives from the corps. Corps officers Major Jane-Marie and Captain Tim Cook (both pictured with Martina) later welcomed Martina to a café church meeting to give the corps an opportunity to say thank you in return. – J-MC
MUSIC
SOUTHEND CITADEL At the first corps summer concert in three years, the gospel choir shared the evening with Harmonie Concert Band. The event raised more than £900 for Southend-based charity Welcome to the UK, which provides help and support to vulnerable people entering the country. A representative for the charity informed everyone at the concert that there are currently 150 families settled in the city from Ukraine. – JT
BELLSHILL The band’s first Music for a Summer’s Evening concert in three years attracted a near-capacity congregation, with dozens more watching via livestream. Themed around musicals, the band presented old favourites from Army musicals and more recent West End productions. Soloists YP Band Leader Chris Shanks (euphonium) and Lynn Shanks (flugelhorn) presented ‘Locomotion’ and ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, with Songster Leader Marjory Watson singing ‘Hopelessly Devoted to You’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Cornet duettists Alex Ramsay and Chris Keane presented ‘Pie Jesu’. Chris Keane and Cameron Shanks led a presentation and spoke of their experiences in Ukraine supporting the Winton Corps Vision of Hope project in 2018. Band Sergeant Commissioner Ivor Telfer spoke on how Christian love changes everything, before the band played an arrangement of the Andrew Lloyd Webber melody of the same name from the musical Aspects of Love. The evening raised more than £860 in support of the Army’s work in eastern Europe and Ukraine. – MS SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD Music Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ) led a united songster rehearsal that included singers from Chester-le-Street, Gateshead, Newcastle City Temple, Shiremoor, Sunderland Citadel and Wallsend. Andrew’s passionate and skilled leadership encouraged all who attended. Divisional Commander Major David Burns supported the evening and presented a devotional thought. – AM
REMEMBRANCE
STAPLE HILL The band supported a service of remembrance marking the 40th anniversary of the Falklands conflict. Corps officer Major Colin Hylton-Jones led the service, which was co-ordinated by the Royal British Legion. – VW
EMERGENCY AID
Voucher scheme launched for Ukrainian refugees
SCOTLAND
UKRAINIANS fleeing to Scotland are being given vital support thanks to a new voucher scheme by The Salvation Army.
The scheme was the idea of Major James Elliot (Prestonpans), who leads the Army’s emergency response team in the East Scotland Division. It offers refugees £30 to spend on clothes and other essentials in shops operated by the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL).
The vouchers have been sent to councils across the country to provide support to people arriving from Ukraine as well as other parts of the world.
Nicola Crawford, regional manager for SATCoL, said: ‘Through the generosity of our donors and customers in Scotland we’re able to offer good quality clothes, furniture and other provisions, and our priority is to provide for those in the community who are in need.
‘Anyone using the voucher scheme will receive a warm welcome in our shops.’ – AR LONDON A rediscovered work of art, painted in 1891 by Stanhope Alexander Forbes, was displayed in an exhibition at Messum’s art gallery. Titled Soldiers and Sailors: The Salvation Army, the oil on canvas piece depicts early Salvationists preaching to a Cornish fishing community in the 1880s. It was first displayed publicly 131 years ago at the Royal Academy and has since had several private owners. The work was presented as part of a wider exhibition on British impressionism in the late 19th century, focusing on the work of artists in Cornwall’s coastal towns during that period. – AR
EVENT EVENT
PRESENTATION OUTREACH
HISTON A year on from the low-key dedication service to celebrate the extension and refurbishment of the hall, the building is used daily by the corps and groups from the village. To celebrate Founders’ Day and to encourage outreach and mission, corps officer Captain Georgina Symons gave everyone attending worship a bookmark made from the ribbons used to open the hall. These were made by corps member Daphne Watts. – JC GRANTHAM Divisional Envoys Pat and Stan Moseley initially came out of retirement when they heard the call of God again to serve him. They were appointed to Grantham where they have served for the past three years. Divisional Mission Enabler Major Mark Price presented Pat and Stan with certificates of appreciation on behalf of the division as they re-entered retirement. The corps folk shared warm words of appreciation for their ministry and service. – SP An ensemble from Birmingham Citadel play outside the Alexandra Theatre on press night for ‘Guys and Dolls’
Have you seen our new website?
Devotions Resources Events
PRESENTATION EVENT
NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS The East Midlands Division bade farewell to Majors Brian Slinn and Liv Raegevik-Slinn. Major Brian has retired after nearly 45 years of active service, while Major Liv has been appointed to the Candidates Unit at William Booth College. Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main paid tribute to the Slinns for their vision, energy and pastoral ministry. During the service, music items were offered by Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls Band and Derby Central Songsters. In accordance with Major Brian’s wishes, Lieutenants Emily and Joel Watson (Teddington and Twickenham) presented him with his retirement certificate, as they now carry the baton of ministry. Major Brian gave a challenge from Psalm 84, referring to his beginnings in the Army at Bolsover Corps and how he quickly fell in love with the Lord, before finding his calling in the Companions of Christ session. Divisional Mission Enabler Major Sarah Price acknowledged Major Liv’s work as divisional leader for leader development, with the initial faith goal of 20 people into spiritual leadership by 2020 far exceeded. The majors are remembered for their excellent service and prophetic ministry. – SP
MUSIC
GUISBOROUGH The band were joined by North Shields Songsters for a summer music festival. Band pieces included ‘Let There Be Praise’, ‘The Break of Day’ and ‘Dance Like David’ and songster pieces included ‘Bow the Knee’, ‘Rock Eternal’, ‘Under His Wings’ and ‘All My Life’. The festival closed with the host band joining members of North Shields Band to play ‘To Regions Fair’. Voluntary donations raised £139 for the Army’s work in Ukraine. – SS
Nurturing people and plants in former Lifehouse
EDINBURGH
SECRETARY for Business Administration Lieut-Colonel Alan Read opened a new chapter in the history and ministry of Ashbrook House.
Owned by The Salvation Army since 1928, the Victorian villa has formerly been a home for older people and a Lifehouse. Now it has opened to the public, offering a dementia-friendly café serving homecooked food, with meeting rooms available to hire.
The gardens will also soon be opened to provide a space for therapeutic recovery gardening in formal, allotment and woodland spaces. People experiencing homelessness or struggling with addiction or poor mental health will be able to enjoy the gardening, alongside volunteers from the community who will be able to enjoy the health benefits of nurturing people and plants.
Edinburgh City Band provided music at the opening event, where Lieut-Colonel Alan cut the ribbon on the new project along with Colonel Mary Smith, a resident at the Army’s adjacent Eagle Lodge care home who has spent many years in senior positions within Army social services. – KR
PRESENTATION EVENT
CLOWNE The corps farewelled corps officers Majors Elaine and Mark Holder with gifts and thanks for their dedication and service. Among many other achievements, the majors were thanked for helping the corps clear the mortgage relating to a hall refurbishment. They are pictured with Pauline Rowland, Autumn and Songster Reservist Val Straw. – GH George Cooper raises a new corps flag at Norwich Mile Cross in honour of his wife, luncheon club cook Marjorie Cooper
