Salvationist 31 July 2021 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No 1818 Price 70p

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 31 July 2021

Milestones and mission in the Russia Command

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

LOCKDOWN RINGS THE CHANGES FOR COMMUNICATIONS

CHURCH LEADERS ENDORSE ‘MORE INCLUSIVE’ BIBLE TRANSLATION

Before the pandemic, about one third of church leaders across the denominations had never used email or newsletters to communicate with their congregation, and most had never used Zoom, a new survey suggests. Half had never used the phone to keep in touch with their flock before the national lockdown forced churches to close. The online survey of 1,132 respondents from Anglican (508), Baptist (147), Independent (114), Methodist (110) and Roman Catholic (39) churches, among others, was carried out by the Bible Society in May. It was commissioned by the church insurers Ecclesiastical... More than 90 per cent of respondents (1,059) said that they had used at least one way of communicating with their congregations which they had not used before March 2020 – most commonly: Zoom (986), phone calls (505), Facebook or Facebook Live (364/272), email (443) and a physical or electronic newsletter (422)... Most of these channels of communication were used for the first time between March and June 2020, when churches were closed to worshippers and the public... Most people who said that they would continue to use the technology would do so to stream live services (705); of the 105 who said the opposite, most (59) said that this was because the congregation wanted to resume in-person worship.

The possibility of the Irish Catholic Church choosing to use an inclusive Bible text for its lectionary appears increasingly likely. The executive of the Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (Amri) has recommended that the Irish episcopal conference use the Revised New Jerusalem Bible (RNJB). The association, which represents 150 religious organisations, missionary societies and apostolic groups in Ireland, with almost 7,000 members, paid tribute to the bishops’ willingness to consult widely over the issue. The Tablet understands the Irish bishops are considering the RNJB. In its submission to the consultation, Amri said: ‘As hearers of the word, we allow the Scriptures to influence and nourish us. It is therefore important to us that we have a reliable and inclusive language text which is ... attractive, accessible, user-friendly and memorable.’

Church Times

SALVATIONIST

ADVERTISING 020 7367 4883 advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

The Tablet

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

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

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. 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.

PROOFREADER Chris Horne

Salvationist 31 July 2021

The Guardian

Changes to working practices, such as longer hours and employee surveillance, are ‘dehumanising’ and should be addressed urgently, a new report published by the think tank Theos warns. The report, Just Work: Humanising the Labour Market in a Changing World, [is] by Paul Bickley and Barbara Ridpath... Its recommendations include investors using their financial muscle to demand that employers treat their staff well, the creation of more bank holidays and a ‘technology fast’ for employees once a week. The report says that people are spending more hours than ever before at their desks or responding to work email, and that employees are increasingly expected to work unpaid overtime. The Covid-19 pandemic ‘has intensified and accelerated’ a culture of non-stop work that is dehumanising and unsustainable, it argues.

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

The government’s social mobility advisers have called for a £14 billion overhaul of the UK benefits system, including scrapping the two-child limit on benefits and raising child benefit by £10 a week, to cut poverty and narrow the growing gulf between rich and poor. The eye-catching recommendation on benefits is part of a wider set of Social Mobility Commission proposals to put disadvantaged youngsters at the heart of the UK’s pandemic recovery, and comes … after ministers confirmed they would end the £20 a week universal credit top-up in the autumn. The commission also proposes extra investment in childcare and education to provide more financial and practical support for disadvantaged students, including an expansion of ‘catch-up’ tutoring to narrow soaring school attainment gaps between disadvantaged and privileged children.

CURB WORKER EXPLOITATION, SAYS CHRISTIAN THINK TANK

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

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

SCRAP TWO-CHILD LIMIT ON BENEFITS, URGE GOVERNMENT’S SOCIAL MOBILITY ADVISERS

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

STAYING FOCUSED BACK in the late 1970s, when I was a teenager in the band at Leighton Buzzard, we played the tune ‘Moscow’ for a congregational song one Sunday morning. As we were finding it in the tune book, I turned to a fellow trombonist and said, ‘Maybe they’ll play this at Moscow Congress Hall one day.’ It was a poor attempt at humour – but perhaps a word of prophecy! Within a decade, glasnost (‘openness and transparency’) had begun and, by 1991, the Soviet Union showed signs of breaking up. In July that year The Salvation Army officially recommenced its work in Russia after 68 years’ absence. This week’s Salvationist marks the 30th anniversary of that reopening with archive reports of the first official meetings in Leningrad (now St Petersburg) and Moscow. General Eva Burrows led a march through Leningrad – it must have been quite a sight – but the ground had been prepared in the months before, which is why St Petersburg Corps celebrated its 30th anniversary in May this year. The General was interviewed on her return to IHQ, and spoke of the advice she had given the pioneer officers: ‘Build a Russian Salvation Army.’ Despite many challenges over the years, that Russian Salvation Army is today meeting the needs of the Russian people, as shown by our ‘In the zone’ feature. Although it is celebrating a significant milestone, it is not only looking back. The Russia Command is focused on its Mission Strategy 2025 and the officer commanding says, ‘We look to the future with hope.’ With that in mind, the command is emphasising its youth and children’s ministries. Even so, it is challenging work, and not every corps has young people. Many corps in this territory can sympathise with that, as they struggle to attract young people or hold on to the ones they have. It’s not all gloom and doom, however, and there is some wonderful work being done. Often it’s helped by resources such as Kids Alive!, which will celebrate its 140th anniversary in August. Steven Spencer, director of the International Heritage Centre, shares insights into how the paper has developed since 1881 as it has tried to get the message of Jesus across to children of succeeding generations. We are encouraged to order the special anniversary issue on 21 August, and the adverts page includes information about the Kids Alive! 140 Challenge. Getting the gospel message across to people of any age can be difficult. Captain Wendy Stanbury acknowledges this in her Bible study, where she considers what it means to be an evangelist. She says we need to ‘keep focused on what we have been called to do, whatever the circumstances or response’. In the former Soviet Union, Salvationists are still dealing with the legacy of a state that attempted to eliminate religion, while in this territory we face the challenges of a secular society. But the gospel has power in any and every situation, and if we keep focused on what we have been called to do, lives will be transformed by the grace of God.

Quotes from the media

News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

News feature 7 Army supports flooded communities Feature 140 years of Kids Alive!

8 and 9

by Emily Bright and Steven Spencer

Reflection The distance

by Commissioner Robert Street

In the zone 11 to 13 Committed to God's mission From the archive We’re back in Russia!

14 and 15

Bible study 16 and 17 Do the work of an evangelist by Captain Wendy Stanbury

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Howard Webber

On my bookshelf 18 Summer Book Club: On the Altar Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts talks to Rebecca Goldsmith

New commitments

Territorial structure update

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

featuring Susan Bourke

If doors should close then other doors will open, The word of God can never be contained. His love cannot be finally frustrated, By narrow minds or prison bars restrained. I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost; I’m called to live to love and save the lost. (SASB 649)

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 31 July 2021

NEWS

FUNDRAISING

Pickfords names Salvation Army charity of the year UKI THE removals and storage company Pickfords has named The Salvation Army as its charity of the year. The firm, which has its headquarters in Kings Langley, will encourage customers to donate to the Army using specially designed packing cartons. Staff will be encouraged to take part in fundraising events, such as the London Marathon, and the company will also donate to the Army for every customer review left on the TrustPilot website. The focus will be on raising funds in support of the Army’s work combating homelessness. Major Hilarie Watchorn, the assistant territorial director for Homelessness Services, said: ‘Every day our frontline services are seeing the effects of the pandemic on people who are already experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their homes and are forced to use our food banks and drop-in centres, which provide practical support for the vulnerable. ‘This partnership with Pickfords will help raise vital funds towards the practical support provided for rough sleepers, like blankets and hot meals, showers, clean clothes, food parcels, a safe space and, importantly, a friendly face.’ – AR

New partnership provides modular homes UK THREE organisations have joined forces to launch a formidable new partnership helping single people experiencing homelessness through innovative modular homes. Award-winning developer Hill Group, The Salvation Army and Citizens UK have formed the SHC Partnership, following a £12 million project by the developer to gift 200 fully equipped accommodation units over the next five years to organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness. At least half of these units will be delivered through the partnership.

Like our page @SalvationistOnline to keep up to date

Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

Salvationist 31 July 2021

ANNIVERSARY

The partnership will create community-led supported accommodation projects, with The Salvation Army and Citizens UK working with people who have experienced homelessness, learning from their experiences and building rich and inclusive communities. The Army and Citizens UK already partner on Malachi Place, a modular community-led supported accommodation project for single people experiencing homelessness in Ilford, East London. The initiative started when 10-year-old Malachi Justin donated his tooth fairy money to the Army, and now provides homes for more than 56 people. To mark the launch, the SHC Partnership unveiled the SoloHaus on the grounds of Westminster Abbey. This modular home, designed to be furnished and ready to move into, is at the

heart of the new campaign to help tackle homelessness. The homes have running costs of less than £5 a week and are designed to Future Homes Standards, exceeding building regulations for energy efficiency and sound insulation, and with a design life of 60 years. Secretary for Mission LieutColonel Drew McCombe said: ‘We have well designed modular homes ready to be installed, nationwide expertise in providing support to people experiencing homelessness and projects already in the pipeline. Modular housing like Malachi Place is a more cost effective and better quality alternative to temporary accommodation.’ The partnership is now calling on the government, local authorities and landowners to back its programme, provide funding and help identify small pockets of land as sites for the homes. – AR CUMBERNAULD Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill joined in with the 50th corps anniversary celebrations. Covid-19 restrictions meant this was not the weekend of celebrations originally planned by the corps, but afternoon tea was provided and enjoyed in a safe and well-organised manner. Corps members provided strong testimonies in both Saturday evening and Sunday morning meetings. The territorial leaders gave encouraging messages on the theme of Moving Forward. – JS

MEETING

INTERNATIONAL

General launches two free books IHQ

HYTHE The corps gathered for worship in the same place for the first time since March 2020 during a Covid-secure outdoor meeting. The special service, themed Ebenezer: For Thus Far the Lord Has Helped Us, also featured the enrolment of new senior and junior soldiers, a farewell to the corps officers and presentations recognising the service of fellowship members. This included a certificate in recognition of exceptional service to Bandmaster Richard Carroll, who this year completes 45 years as a music leader at Hythe and whose contribution to the corps, community and wider Salvation Army was recognised. – CM

ECUMENICAL

NINFIELD Members of Hastings Temple joined the congregation of Ninfield Methodist Church to celebrate 150 years of worship and witness in the village. The church was originally opened as a Christian Mission station in July 1871 and Catherine Booth laid its foundation stone. The current church members wanted the Army’s influence to be represented at the celebration. Salvationists who live in the village attended the open-air service, with music played by a small Army band. – KS

‘A VERY different event’ is how Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham described the live-streamed launch of two new books at International Headquarters in London. Unlike a normal book launch, the event was not intended to promote sales but to highlight the importance, value and potential of Salvation Army soldiership. For now, the books are available free of charge to every Salvation Army soldier worldwide. Called to Be a Soldier – Exploring the Soldier’s Covenant is the successor to Chosen to Be a Soldier (also sometimes known as Orders and Regulations for Soldiers of The Salvation Army). Compiled with the support of the International Theological Council, the book’s easy-to-read content focuses in turn on each of the ‘I will…’ statements of intention that form the Soldier’s Covenant by outlining the possibilities and opportunities of life as a Salvation Army soldier. Published as a companion is Day by Day – Call to Mission, written by Commissioner Robert Street, which considers what following Jesus looks like today. Both books will be available in more than 50 languages and dialects, ensuring as many soldiers as possible can journey together in exploring the implications of soldiership. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, only a limited number of people could attend the launch in person. The Salvation Army’s internationalism was recognised through prayers from Captain Charles Chalrimawia (India), Major Loveth Onuorah (Nigeria) and Ashleigh Hunter (UK) in their native tongues. Appearing in a pre-recorded video, Lieutenant Kiyoshi Higuyi from Japan shared how he had

come to worship at The Salvation Army. A video from the Netherlands showed the sharing of faith between generations. The value of young people’s faith and prayers was highlighted by the Chief of the Staff, who pointed out more than 300 prayers that had been sent by young people from around the world and turned into bunting that was hung around the meeting room. Another testimony came from François Nsengimana, from Rwanda. He spoke about his early years when he attended a Roman Catholic church to please his mother and thanked God for leading him to The Salvation Army. A different testimony came through a video of a conversation between World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham and Patti Mazhude, a Zimbabwean Salvationist who worships at Upper Norwood. Reflecting on being part of two cultures, Patti warned against imposing cultural understandings on other people. ‘God accepts all of his children from all over the world,’ she concluded. The General began his message by celebrating ‘a mobilised Army serving in Christ’s name’. He explained that Called to Be a Soldier and Day by Day provide opportunities to ‘reconnect with what it means to be a soldier’. ‘I am asking,’ he challenged, ‘that all soldiers make themselves available and sacrificially share in God’s mission in the world… I celebrate that, in the midst of great spiritual warfare, God is doing a new thing – and he calls us to join him in mission. The call is amazingly great and its significance is enormous.’ The final words went to World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, who shared a prayer of dedication, thanking God for calling The Salvation Army ‘to be a dynamic force for good in this world’. – KS Salvationist 31 July 2021

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

Army supports communities facing shortages MYANMAR THE Salvation Army is providing food and medical supplies to communities affected by a constitutional crisis. In February military leaders placed the country under a state of emergency due to alleged irregularities with November’s general election. Several political leaders have been detained, and most citizens have been subject to a curfew. There have been instances of civil disobedience and violence, especially in Yangon, Mandalay and the administrative capital, Nay Pyi Taw. Many banks, markets, shops and hospitals have closed, which has resulted in a shortage of essential food, medical supplies and protective equipment to limit the spread of Covid-19. The Salvation Army has continued to operate during the state of emergency and has identified several areas of need. In the northern districts of Kalay and Tamu, approximately 1,700 individuals will receive food parcels of dhal, rice and cooking oil. First-aid supplies, face masks and hand sanitiser will also be distributed. A similar distribution is under way in the southern and central districts, including Matupi. Here, The Salvation Army is prioritising vulnerable groups, such as older people and singleparent families. The scheme is expected to run until the end of September. Psychosocial support is also being provided on request through a visitation programme by Salvation Army officers and trained volunteers, to help those who have witnessed extreme violence, bomb blasts or had their personal safety compromised. – AR

FUNDRAISING LEAMINGTON SPA The Way Ahead Project organised a One Small Step 5K walk to raise funds to support people who are experiencing homelessness or vulnerably housed. Last year the corps project helped more than 260 vulnerable people, providing takeaway lunches and food parcels, as well as support and advice on housing benefits, budgeting and dealing with social isolation. Fundraiser Stephanie Jackson said that the project had kept its doors open during the Covid-19 pandemic, but this had taken a toll on the finances. Two members of staff and six supporters undertook the walk, choosing their own routes and walking in household bubbles or small groups. The walkers raised more than £750, which will help fund drop-in facilities. – AR

COMMUNITY SHOTTS Six tonnes of waste were collected in a community clean-up spearheaded by the corps. Councillors joined residents and members of several community groups and cleared a huge amount of mess blighting the landscape. Free refreshments were provided for all the volunteers. Corps officer Lieutenant Amy-Jo Battersby told the Daily Record: ‘The aim was to bring people back into the outdoor spaces around the town by making them cleaner and safer once again.’ – AR 6

Salvationist 31 July 2021

ENABLED FOCUS

by Chris Stringer, learning disability inclusion development manager (THQ) SATURDAY 31 JULY The final Saturday is often a quiet day at Enabled Summer School as we return to our own homes. We give thanks for the opportunities we have had to be together previously in Cheltenham and this week online. We pray that we will be able to join together once more in 2022 and ask that the Lord keeps all Enabled members in his safe care.

SUMMER FOCUS

by Major David Betteridge, director of Family Ministries (THQ) SUNDAY 1 AUGUST Loving Creator God, we thank you for the gift of summertime, for long days filled with light, warmth and leisure time. Thank you for the beauty we see all around us, for the sweet-smelling flowers, the deep blue of the sky and the restful green of grass meadows. We thank you for the opportunity summer brings to spend more time with our families and friends, for the laughter of children at play, for walks, picnics and fun at the seaside. May all these gifts of summer deepen our awareness of your love. And help us to worship you as we enjoy this season of sunshine and relaxation. MONDAY 2 AUGUST May you walk with God this summer in whatever you do, wherever you go. Walking with God means walking with honesty, courage, love and respect and concern for the feelings of others. May you talk to God this summer, every day and in every situation. Talking with God means praying words of praise for the beauty of creation, saying prayers of thanks for friends and good times, asking God’s help in all your decisions, and expressing sorrow when you have failed. TUESDAY 3 AUGUST Father, we thank you for another summer. So much has happened since this time last year that has changed our lives significantly. We pray particularly for those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic and whose experience of this summer is tinged with sadness and loss. Surround them with your love, and may this summer be a time of healing and renewal for each one of them. WEDNESDAY 4 AUGUST Long warm days. The pace of life slows. A time for picnics and rest in the shade. Lord, help me to rest awhile in the cooling shade of your presence. Slow down my restless heart and fill me with gentle compassion for all your people. THURSDAY 5 AUGUST You’ve blessed me with friends and laughter and fun, with rain that’s as soft as the light from the sun. You’ve blessed me with the stars to brighten each night, you’ve given me help to know wrong from right. You’ve given me so much, so please, Lord, give me too a heart that is always grateful to you. FRIDAY 6 AUGUST This summer take time to rest; it is part of God’s plan for you. This summer take time to laugh; it truly is the best medicine. This summer take time to refocus; it’s how we see the way ahead. This summer give God first place in your life; it puts everything else into perspective. This summer take time to enjoy God’s presence; it gives you a peace that lasts longer than this summer! O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

NEWS FEATURE

Army supports ƃQQFGF EQOOWPKVKGU EUROPE SEVERE flooding in many parts of western Europe has wrought destruction across several countries, claimed more than 190 lives and caused damage to property and essential infrastructures. Salvation Army properties have also been affected, but teams across Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands supported first responders and local authorities in a variety of ways.

BELGIUM

At the height of the floods, local authorities called for the evacuation of Liège, one of the country’s largest cities, which has a population of about 200,000 people. While the Army’s property close to the River Meuse did flood, the damage was largely confined to the basement. This meant that it was still possible to serve the community, which was badly affected by the torrents. Volunteers helped distribute water and waffles, and went out into the neighbourhood to provide bedding, clothing, food and drinks to people whose homes had been devastated. A national emergency appeal for food, clothes, hygiene and childcare items was launched by The Salvation Army, with collection points set up from Brussels to Antwerp.

GERMANY

Following crisis management meetings with municipal government, the Army began to co-ordinate a central response from THQ in Cologne. It is estimated that at least 165 people have died in the country, with more than 170 people missing after the deluge. Thousands of people could not be contacted, as telephone lines, mobile networks and electricity supplies had been breached. ‘We will provide, among other things, hot meals, drinks and blankets in the areas most affected,’ said PR Manager Manfred Simon. ‘We are supporting municipalities with manpower and food, helping first-aid teams locally.’ A team of 12 was deployed in Solingen to help flooded property owners with cleaning and provide hope and emergency groceries to people. Army personnel interrupted their summer holidays to support the team.

Germany Worst affected was the area of Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, almost 40 miles from Cologne. ‘The authorities are facing many tasks and focusing on first aid and rescuing people,’ explained Manfred. ‘Our response is contingent on discerning the needs that the municipalities will have.’ Salvation Army officers in Stuttgart were standing by to deploy their emergency vehicle to where it was most needed.

THE NETHERLANDS

While some Salvation Army locations were flooded, the effects on clients and employees were mitigated. During the downpour, it was necessary to evacuate a few service users in Maastricht. They found refuge with family or friends, or in one of the sports halls designated as emergency rest centres. The Army was in close contact with local authorities, particularly in the Limburg region in the south, which was badly hit. Volunteers offered spiritual support at the evacuation centres, and evacuees unable to return to their homes were provided with clothing from Treebeek Corps. A team of nearly 30 volunteers undertook the gruelling work of cleaning and restoring homes and streets to help affected residents. More people from the Army were expected to be deployed in the disaster area. Co-ordinator Gert Kraaijveld and the regional manager for Limburg, Diana van Dijk, managed the response. ‘We contacted the municipality of Valkenburg and indicated that we would like to do something for those affected,’ said Diana. ‘We were then assigned an area.

We went there with three buses full of people and equipment, ranging from cleaning supplies to garden tables, high-pressure water jets and vacuum cleaners.’ Gert added: ‘Reactions from beleaguered residents have been very positive. We just started ringing doorbells and asked if we could help with anything. Not everyone needs this, but people do respond very enthusiastically to our offer of help. Entire families were already working at some addresses, but they referred us to places where people were clamouring for help.’ ‘You really see an enormous solidarity and willingness to co-operate,’ said Diana. ‘Although it is deeply sad what has happened and the havoc in some places is enormous, people are taking action and are grateful for all the help they are being offered.’ Gert gave examples: ‘We met an elderly couple who were sitting in their living room where the floor was still soaking wet. We immediately got to work. In another place there were people who only had help from a relative. We were again able to get started right away with about five people. People know we’re there and come to us when help is needed. The devastation is great. We will look at how and where we can provide further assistance in the region in the coming days.’ Support from local businesses was enormously helpful. One hotel donated tables, chairs, mints and chocolate. The Salvation Army’s soup bus was also deployed. The voluntary organisation Caritas was asked to make 150 portions of soup. ‘We are now handing that out,’ said Diana. ‘A cup of soup is only a small band-aid on the wound, but it is very much appreciated.’ – AR Salvationist 31 July 2021

FEATURE I Kids Alive! anniversary

140 years of

Emily Bright and Steven Spencer, director of the International Heritage Centre, look back through the comic’s history

HE UK’s only weekly Christian comic, Kids Alive! has been captivating young people for 140 years. On 21 August it celebrates that historic milestone with a special birthday issue. It all began with a simple purpose: to help children learn about the good news of Jesus. ‘In the early 1880s, there had been a lot of emphasis on expanding the Army and having meetings for adults,’ Steven Spencer explains. ‘There was a sense that meetings with children had been neglected, so there was a move in 1881 to do more outreach for children. William Booth decided that there should be a Salvation Army paper for children.’ So, on 27 August 1881, the first issue of The Little Soldier was published. Steven sheds light on what the early issues looked like: ‘The Little Soldier included a lot of factual reportage content, stories, poems, songs and all the stuff you’d

Steven Spencer 8

Salvationist 31 July 2021

expect with a children’s periodical. Alongside the more evangelistic material, the message to readers was that The Salvation Army was doing practical work to help people like them.’ It’s instructive that the front cover of the very first issue featured 2,500 poor children having tea in a field in Hull. ‘Right from the start, there’s this focus on The Salvation Army’s support for poor, hungry children,’ says Steven. As the years went by The Little Soldier solidified its status not only as a Salvation Army newsletter but also as a Christian paper for children that allowed their voices to be heard and their faith stories to be told. In the early years there was a weekly column of younger soldiers’ testimonies telling their conversion stories, which were often linked to having read The Little Soldier first and then becoming part of The Salvation Army. ‘Little soldiers also wrote in with poems each week,’ says Steven. ‘So there is this sense of the paper almost being produced by children in this initial period, even down to the early masthead, which was designed by a 12-year-old artist.’ The publication’s popularity soared in the early years. The Little Soldier had a very high circulation within the UK and also internationally. It published letters written by Salvationists and others from around the world. ‘In 1887, only six years after it was first published, The Little Soldier had the second largest circulation in the world among children’s religious papers,’ explains Steven. ‘The only

one that beat it was the American Sunday School Times, which had a circulation of 100,000 for each issue.’ Over time the paper has been rebranded. In 1888 The Little Soldier became The Young Soldier. It sought to keep up with the times in terms of content too. ‘In the early days, The Little Soldier was more focused on Salvation Army stories,’ adds Steven. ‘But as the paper moved into the 20th century there were First World War covers about the blackout and, during the Second World War, covers about rationing and evacuation. There was even a coronation cover in 1953.’ In 1996 The Young Soldier became Kids Alive! and moved towards a pictorial format. These days, you’ll find issues of Kids Alive! brimming with Bible studies, activities, puzzles and coverage of current events. One of the longest-running children’s publications in the world, the comic still has children’s participation at its heart, with profile pages, competitions and a kids’ club known as KA! JAM (Jesus and Me). Most of all, though, it continues to be driven by the same mission as 140 years ago: inspiring young readers to find out more about faith.

EMILY IS PROMOTIONS AND MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR IN THE PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT, THQ

Celebrating the 140th anniversar y of Kids Alive!

A selection of front covers throughout the years

1881

1953

Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (30 May)

1965

First issue (27 August)

The Salvation Army’s centenary (17 April)

1939

Second World War (16 December)

1978

Keeping up with the charts (18 March)

GET YOUR ANNIVERSARY ISSUE Celebrate the rich heritage of Kids Alive! by ordering extra copies of the 21 August issue. Spanning 24 glossy pages, the comic will feature an anniversary quiz with a prize bundle, cartoon strips from the past and a reprint of The Little Soldier’s first front cover. O Email subscriptions@satcol. org or call 01933 445 445 before 5 August

1996

New name, new look (6 April)

2021

Turning 140 (10 July) Salvationist 31 July 2021

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

The distance Commissioner Robert Street reflects on how we relate to people and God in an article from his book, Day by Day, which takes the General’s Call to Mission and makes it personal

NE of the defining features of human behaviour that emerged because of the Covid-19 pandemic was that it suddenly became acceptable to ‘pass by on the other side’. In order to remain free of infection or not pass it on to others, we began to keep our distance from one another. It was the Christian thing to do. It also made common sense. And we learnt to take one day at a time – the future being less predictable or certain than before. When churches, chapels and Salvation Army halls were forced to close for the same reasons, the fact that we didn’t need to meet in God’s house to talk with or be near him also emerged more strongly. ‘God with us’ – not distant – was highlighted. And every day, not just Sundays, was as spiritually significant as another. Another noticeable feature was that when church services went online to replace public Sunday worship, an increasing number of non-churchgoers tuned in – and kept tuning in. No doubt their thoughts had turned towards God, and they were exploring faith because of the pandemic’s challenges, but another factor was apparent. Many people were ready to consider coming closer to God while preferring to keep ‘the Church’ at a distance. Those who feared they may be ‘pestered’ by overeager evangelists, or drawn into church politics, or asked to ‘commit’, didn’t need to risk any of those problems. They could listen and 10

Salvationist 31 July 2021

quietly think through their responses. Whatever the reasons, people who had previously revealed no interest showed they were open to looking at faith. What does this say about mission and opportunities? How should we proceed? How can these people be drawn into the positive aspects of Christian fellowship? How can we respond to their needs, while still respecting their desire for distance? These questions must not be put into the ‘too hard’ box. They need exploring at all levels of Christian endeavour. There is much to learn as well as introduce into our ever-developing approach to service and ministry. Yet it has to be said that it is in human nature to want to keep God at a distance – for fear of what he may ask or want to change. In telling the parable of the prodigal son, Jesus said that the son travelled into ‘a distant country’ (Luke 15:13) where his parents wouldn’t see his heartbreaking, wasteful actions. Towards the end of the parable, when the son has realised his foolishness and decides to return to the family home, we find the father looking for his son’s return ‘while he was still a long way off’ (Luke 15:20). The parable explains the issue perfectly – while we sometimes want to keep God at a distance, he is always looking to welcome us back. When we examine how Jesus related to other people, we find he intentionally set them at ease. Not only did he say we should see God as a loving Father who waits to meet our needs, but he also showed himself as one befriending the friendless, giving reassurance of God’s grace, including to a convicted robber who was dying next to him (see Luke 23:43). He repeatedly said he hadn’t come to condemn (see John 3:17), yet the rhetoric from some Christians has given a very different impression through the years. Jesus got close to people, accepting and getting to know them. He didn’t stand at a distance making them feel guilty. Today, with so many people knowing almost nothing about Jesus, his teachings and his life, the impressions we give will be

CALL TO MISSION THE General has called The Salvation Army to mission. It is what the Army does. It is why the Army exists. Without mission the Army wouldn’t be the Army. It is also, and especially, what the Army is – a Movement with a mission, part of the universal Church. There are nine specific calls. Be ready A call to prayer A call to holiness A call to be battle-ready – now! Be engaged A call to serve A call to worship A call to confidence in the gospel Take responsibility A call to raise and nurture every generation A call to costly compassion A call to inclusion O Read more about the General’s Call to Mission at salvationarmy.org/ihq/calltomission

significant in helping them get a true picture of a God of love, or the opposite. Perhaps this is best summed up with some positive distancing by God – words from Psalm 103:12: ‘As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.’ He does it for all who ask. With love like this, following at a distance seems such a waste. REFLECT Take time to think and pray about these statements in the article: O Many people are ready to consider coming closer to God while preferring to keep ‘the Church’ at a distance. O Jesus got close to people, accepting and getting to know them. He didn’t stand at a distance making them feel guilty. O While we sometimes want to keep God at a distance, he is always looking to welcome us back. COMMISSIONER STREET LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LANGFORD

ZONE Russia Command

How well do you know The Salvation Army’s Europe Zone? This month we give an overview of the Russia Command*

St Petersburg Corps celebrates its 30th anniversary

HE Salvation Army’s work was initiated in Russia in 1910 by Colonel Jens Povlsen of Denmark, but circumstances necessitated his withdrawal after 18 months. Operations then recommenced in St Petersburg in 1913 as an extension of The Salvation Army’s work in Finland. After the February 1917 revolution the work flourished. Russia was then designated a distinct command and reinforcements arrived from Sweden. As a result of the October revolution, however, they had to be withdrawn at the end of 1918, leaving 40 Russian and Finnish officers to continue the work under extreme hardship until the Army was proscribed in 1923. In July 1991, Army activities officially recommenced in Russia, overseen by the Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory with the arrival of LieutColonels John and Bjørg Bjartveit. It

Salvation Army team distributes food parcels was designated a distinct command in November 1992. In June 2001, after the Army’s work had extended to Ukraine, Romania, Moldova and Georgia, the command was redesignated the Eastern Europe Command. On 1 March 2015 it was elevated to territory status. August 2015 brought about a major change in the structure of the Army in Eastern Europe and Russia once again became a command on its own, under the leadership of the first Russian officer commanding, Lieut-Colonel Alexander Kharkov. MISSION STRATEGY February 2021 marked the launch of Mission Strategy 2025, which focuses on people, ministry and provision. Corps officers and corps leaders gathered to agree on the next steps in the development of The Salvation

Army in Russia and signed a mission statement declaration. ‘The Salvation Army in Russia is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the reopening of ministry with dignity,’ said Lieut-Colonel Alexander. ‘We are committed to fulfilling God’s 2025 Mission for our command. We actively discussed this mission and development strategy with officers, soldiers and friends in each community. ‘We study the experience of the past, when there were many good and useful things, we move in the present, despite the challenges of the 21st century, and we look to the future with hope.’ CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

IN THE

Committed to God’s mission

* Some of the photos and events described on these pages occurred before coronavirus lockdown and safety guidelines

Salvationist 31 July 2021

Colours of Life programme, Moscow

Rostov-on-Don W

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

MINISTRY DURING COVID-19 It was a big challenge for most corps to move Sunday meetings online during the coronavirus pandemic. But this also revealed itself as an opportunity, with many new people joining the virtual congregations. Every corps in the command has been involved in Covid-19 rapid response projects. In collaboration with local authorities and social services, who provided the corps with lists of affected people, 5,059 food and hygiene parcels were distributed to vulnerable families. The parcels also contained information about Covid-19 and the local Salvation Army. This project brought about new opportunities to work with authorities, reaching people and involving volunteers in the Army’s ministry. Together with a team of volunteers, 12

Salvationist 31 July 2021

St Petersburg Corps continued to feed people experiencing homelessness during the lockdown. It was not possible to do so in the hall but, at the request of city social services, the team provided hot meals in the city shelter. Murmansk Corps, which is located north of the Arctic Circle, supported people experiencing homelessness during the lockdown by feeding them on the street. Petrozavodsk Corps used an Army van to help doctors and nurses get to work when public transportation did not function. Moscow Unified Homeless Services reopened in November 2020. Clients can shower, as well as wash their clothes and receive a haircut. During this time 1,460 people visited and received 3,950 services. Caring for people and their safety, the Army complies with all safety measures

Spatex, Murmansk

Feeding vulnerable people while clients receive services. Since restrictions were lifted, people have been happy to meet in person and share in fellowship. The Colours of Life programme sees people paint pictures over a period of two to three hours, even if they have never painted before. It provides an opportunity to reach out to people who are seeking emotional healing in a time of anxiety and spend time with them in a warm, friendly environment. Rostov-on-Don Corps has a special ministry with African students. Most of them study for five to six years. During this time it is important for them to have support and be part of the church. Many of the students are involved in the life of the corps, which becomes their spiritual family during their studies. Despite the challenges faced during the pandemic, God has continued to touch people’s hearts and call them

THE COMMAND AT A GLANCE

15 corps 267 soldiers 164 adherents 32 junior soldiers 28 officers (19 active, 9 retired)

New junior soldiers, Azov

1 envoy 4 cadets 39 employees have scout groups, which successfully reach children and young adults. In May, four new scout leaders were appointed. A scout camp organised by St Petersburg and Petrozavodsk Corps became a special event for the youth and children involved in the programme. Despite all this, there are still prayer needs for young people. Not every corps has children or teenagers in their fellowship, and new ways are needed to reach them and win them for Christ.

Candidates group to soldiership. Soldiers were recently enrolled in Murmansk and Simferopol, adherents were welcomed in Voronezh and Murmansk, and junior soldiers committed their lives in Rostov-on-Don, Azov and Great Novgorod. There are two charity shops, called Spatex, in the Russia Command. Both are connected to corps – one in St Petersburg, the other in Murmansk. The work of the charity shops started with help from the Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory. Today Spatex in Murmansk brings good results and has become a well-known brand in the city. YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S WORK The past year has been hard for everyone, with lots of questions on people’s minds. How does the Army help its people? How does the Army keep them safe? How does it connect with them and not lose them?

This included children. They were at home during the lockdown and spent lots of time on the internet. Not all corps were quick to organise online Sunday school or kids’ clubs. However, they did all try to stay connected through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and paper materials and waited for the time when it was safe for children to return to corps. When the situation was normalised and the restrictions lifted, all corps opened their buildings and restarted children’s programmes. Almost every corps and programme is currently working full-time. As a result, many corps kept their members and found new members. Rostov-on-Don held a kids’ day camp with 20 new children, who linked up with the Army through the Covid-19 rapid response project. Two years ago the command started a scouting programme. Now, five corps

CELEBRATIONS AND COMMISSIONS In May, St Petersburg Corps celebrated its 30th anniversary. It was a time of warm fellowship and gratitude to God and the people who have faithfully served for many years. The corps is blessed to have a soldier appointed to the Order of the Founder, Nina Davidovich, who is actively involved in its ministry, co-ordinating volunteers in the feeding programme. On 26 June three cadets were commissioned. The Messengers of Grace are the first session trained in the new Russia Command, with the help of Moscow Evangelical Christian Seminary. In their field appointments, cadets put into practice what they had learnt in the seminary and during intensive sessions in Moscow. New lieutenants Konstantin and Oxana Rubannikov and Igor Lidzheev took up their first appointments on 1 July in Petrozavodsk and Volgograd Corps respectively. In September three new cadets will start two years of training in the Reflectors of Holiness session. Salvationist 31 July 2021

FROM THE

ARCHIVE

We’re back in Russia! FROM SALVATIONIST 20 JULY 1991

General leads thrilling meetings as Army work is re-established in Leningrad Karelia, in Finland, before it became part of Russia in 1941. When the General invited people to accept Christ, there was an overwhelming response. Also, dozens of Christians expressed their willingness to become actively involved in helping to re-establish the Army in Leningrad. On a bright Sunday morning a meeting was held outside the building that the Army will use for its activities in the city. The lively music and the gospel message attracted residents who had been made aware of the Army’s return by earlier publicity. The salvation meeting, held in the sports palace, included the singing of the Founder’s song, which is well known in Russia. There was also music by a Baptist choir and Oslo Temple Band, testimonies, and a Bible message by the General. As the rapt congregation sang ‘All to Jesus I Surrender’, the faith of those who had been praying and believing for what had taken place was emphasised. Forming up outside the Winter Palace, Leningrad

CHAPTER of Salvation Army history was reopened as General Eva Burrows led the Army’s first march in Russia since 1923. Crowds visiting the Winter Palace in Leningrad [now St Petersburg] were captivated by the sight of the yellow, red and blue Army flag waving against the clear blue sky, and the sound of the march ‘Bravest of the Brave’, played by Oslo Temple Band.

The procession made its way to October Platz. There the General preached the message of salvation and Captain Ljungholm held the new flag. A gift from Norway, the new command’s colours had been flown in from London to be unfurled in the open-air meeting prior to the inaugural gathering in Yubileina Sports Palace. Also flying again in Russia is an Army flag from the heroic days before 1923, when Russian Salvationists served until the Army’s work was closed by the then Bolshevik government.

Some 80,000 brochures announcing the return of the Army had been distributed and posters put up throughout the city.

During the initial meeting, the Salvationists received an enthusiastic welcome to Russia from government, community and religious leaders. Among them were the Rev Sergei Nikolaev of the Baptist Church and Professor Dr Boris Bondarenko of the Charity Society, who had become an adherent while visiting the USA.

Accompanying the General on the march were Norway’s territorial leaders, Commissioner and Mrs John Ord, and Russia’s pioneer party – Lieut-Colonel (officer-in-charge) and Mrs John Bjartveit, Captain and Mrs Sven-Erik Ljungholm, Lieutenant and Mrs Geoffrey Ryan and Salvationists from Finland and Great Britain. The Ryans will be working in Leningrad and the Ljungholms in Moscow, where the captain’s grandfather served. 14

Salvationist 31 July 2021

As the early-day Russian Salvation Army flag, accompanied by 35 Finnish Salvationists, was carried into the arena, the crowd rose and applauded. Many in the colour party were veteran officers who had served in

General Eva Burrows presents the flag to Lieut-Colonel John Bjartveit

With love to Russia FROM SALVATIONIST 27 JULY 1991

The General talks of the tasks facing the pioneers in Leningrad and Moscow

‘M

UCH depends on this first team,’ said the General on her return from Leningrad. ‘They will need our prayers.’

Salvationists in Canada, Finland, Norway and the USA also helped prepare the way for the Army to take the historic step.

She shared the advice she had offered the six officers who make up the Army’s team of pioneers: concentrate on communication through the Russian language. ‘Make converts,’ she told them, ‘then bring the converts on to discipleship, to soldiership, then build a Russian Salvation Army.’

‘The deep social problems’ of the Russian people also prompted the move. But what can the Army do with so few resources? ‘We haven’t got the money to establish extensive social work, but we can give expertise,’ said the General, suggesting that officers could visit Russia to lead seminars. She added: ‘The Russians are very appreciative of what we have done to date.’

The move into Russia had been taken because the time seemed right, she explained. ‘Because of glasnost the Soviet Union is open in a new way. Even before we went to Russia we had enquiries from many people.’ Links formed between Russians and

As for finance, she said: ‘We have had a great contribution from around the world for maintenance of the work. That money is not for large-scale projects. For that we ... try to find money from trusts or from people who are interested.’

The Ljungholms with an adherent in Moscow

‘Above all there is a great need for evangelism,’ said the General. ‘There is definitely a hunger for spiritual meaning, and we answer that best by speaking of Christ.’ Looking back on the opening weekend, the General recalled being asked what the Army can give to that great nation. She replied that ‘everybody who contributes … love and care is doing something of value.’

Hospital visits made on Army’s return to Moscow FROM SALVATIONIST 27 JULY 1991

HERE was no fanfare, no banner flying, no sounding brass across Red Square, when the Army campaigned in Moscow after an absence of almost 70 years. It was the lonely people with paraplegia, the aged and infirm, the drug addicts and alcoholics, who found out that the Army was in the city.

Oslo Temple Band played in the 350-patient Ostrovitja hospital-pensioners home. The Army team, led by retired Commissioner Einar Madsen, distributed Bibles and tracts. The hospital will now be visited regularly by Captain and Mrs Sven-Erik Ljungholm and volunteers. A visit was also paid to Hospital 17, a 3,000-patient narcotological hospital, the largest such place in the world. UK Salvationist Michelle Palfrey, one of the party, noted: ‘As the sounds of the music ascended it was wonderful to see smiling faces appear at barred windows suddenly flung wide open. Many patients held copies of the Christian literature that was being distributed.’

At an impromptu open-air meeting, with Oslo Temple Band playing familiar hymn tunes, over 100 seekers were registered as Captain Ljungholm gave the Bible message. Another open-air meeting in Pushkin Square attracted thousands of people. Recruiting Sergeant Andrew Stewart (Regent Hall), who speaks Russian and was part of the team, gave a word of witness. More than 100,000 Bible pamphlets and tracts were given out during the first week of the Army’s work in Leningrad and Moscow. Much of the material was distributed by Russian adherents. Six adherents (who had been contacted and instructed during Captain Ljungholm’s previous visit to Moscow) were welcomed. A meeting in a Baptist church was full to overflowing, with people singing ‘O Boundless Salvation’ with full-throated enthusiasm. According to the church’s choir director, it is the most popular song in church. The band’s women’s vocal ensemble sang ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ in Russian, to the delight of the congregation. The sound of the

Oslo Temple Band holds an open-air meeting

band filled the ancient church as it played ‘How Great Thou Art’. And every voice was lifted in the final chorus. Once a month all Red Army soldiers are provided with the opportunity to attend a cultural event. One hundred and thirty opted to attend the Army’s festival held in the Olympic Village. Andrew Stewart gave a short address in Russian to explain the Christian message behind the music of the band. Many soldiers were obviously enthralled by the music, but they were also thrilled at being given New Testaments. Further open-air meetings were held in Sokolniki Park and Gorky Park. There was again an enthusiastic response to the band, the Bible tracts and the gospel message. Salvationist 31 July 2021

NEEDED BY 00 JULY BIBLE STUDY

Do the work of an evangelist Captain Wendy Stanbury reminds us to be good news people

2 TIMOTHY 4:1–5

O news is good news. It’s a phrase we often hear when things are difficult. However, when we read our study passage, we realise that for the Christian disciple, ‘no good news’ is not an option. In fact, Timothy is urged in Paul’s second letter to share the good news of Jesus Christ. ‘Gospel’ messages are preached around us all the time. They promise a better future if we use certain dating sites, sign up to a weight loss plan, buy a particular car, use a specific shampoo, purchase a lottery ticket. These ‘gospels’ suggest that there is happiness, popularity and confidence available for a price.

QUESTIONS What good news do you hear preached around you? O Which promises of good news do you find attractive? O

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Howard Webber

Salvationist 31 July 2021

The messages of good news around at the time of Timothy may have been in different guises, but they were no less seductive than those with which we are bombarded today. It is therefore no wonder that Paul, in verse 2 of our study passage, felt he had to impress upon his young mentee the need to ‘preach the word’ and, in verse 5, to ‘do the work of an evangelist’. QUESTION what extent are you an evangelist?

O To

For 30 years Paul was an itinerant evangelist, telling people the message of the risen Christ. This was all done against a backdrop of expectation – Paul believed that Jesus would come again soon – and this gave urgency to everything he did and said. For Paul, the priority was that, before the day of judgement came, as many people as possible might hear the gospel

message of Jesus’ transformative power. In what is considered to be Paul’s last letter, he charged Timothy: ‘Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction’ (v2). Paul followed that by saying: ‘Make the preaching of the good news your life’s work’ (v5 The Jerusalem Bible). While we recognise that evangelism is a spiritual gift given to some (see Ephesians 4:11 and 12), the Great Commission states a responsibility for all of us to ‘go and make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19). Therefore, we can apply Paul’s charge to ourselves. Eric Knopf, who developed the Five Fold Ministry test, describes evangelists as ‘storytellers in the Kingdom of God’ and says that they ‘are the carriers of good news and partner with Jesus in celebrating people’s transformation’.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

I want to tell of saving grace,/ Of God’s strong arm, his warm embrace,/ Of blood that can all sins erase;/ Can you wonder that I want to tell it?/ I want to tell to sinners lost/ That Christ has paid sin’s fearful cost,/ And saves unto the uttermost;/ Can you wonder that I want to tell it? (SASB 852)

But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. (2 Timothy 4:5)

Go forth and tell! God’s love embraces all;/ He will in grace respond to all who call:/ How shall they call if they have never heard/ The gracious invitation of his word? (SASB 922)

Prayer Dear Jesus, I want to tell others about you and what you have done for me, but feel incapable and unqualified to do so. Please take away my fear; give me a listening ear, the words to say and courage and sensitivity in speaking.

QUESTION O What stops you from being a storyteller in the Kingdom of God? Paul acknowledged that the work of an evangelist is not an easy task. Although the evangelist brings good news, people do not always want to hear it and may ‘turn their ears away from the truth’ (v4). Rather than choose solid teaching, they choose to fill up on what The Message describes as ‘spiritual junk food’ and ‘chase mirages’. Paul’s words of advice are as relevant to us as they were to Timothy.

answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect’ (1 Peter 3:15). QUESTION you persistent?

O Are

Sometimes the word of God is eagerly and readily received. At other times it is hard work, yet Paul urged Timothy not to give up in season and out of season. The message here for us is to keep focused on what we have been called to do, whatever the circumstance or response.

QUESTION you prepared to share the good news?

Paul told Timothy to be always on duty, standing by ready with the gospel message. The apostle Peter echoed this: ‘Always be prepared to give an

There is a sense of urgency in Paul’s message to Timothy but there is also a need for patience. This is possibly the toughest advice for the would-be

O Are

evangelist. The good news of Jesus is not just about telling people what they want to hear; it also involves giving challenges and having the difficult conversations about what life as a follower of Jesus might entail. Paul’s letter to Timothy reminds us that, as well as correction and rebuke, there is need for encouragement and careful instruction to be given with great patience. Paul’s message is clear: ‘Work at telling others the good news, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you’ (v5 New Living Translation).

QUESTION When are you patient? CAPTAIN STANBURY IS ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAMME DIRECTOR, WBC

\WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. ( John 1:41 and 42)

Go forth and tell! The doors are open wide:/ Share God’s good gifts – let no one be denied;/ Live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose,/ Your ransomed powers for his sole glory use. (SASB 922)

Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip. ( John 1:45 and 46)

Give me more love, dear Lord, that I may/ Hasten thy blessèd news to proclaim/ To all lost sinners, that there’s one way/ By which they eternal life may obtain./ Give me more power, that sinners around/ May feel that thou in me now dost live;/ Let my light shine that souls who are bound/ May say: To thee, Lord, now myself I give. (SASB 622)

Salvationist 31 July 2021

ON MY BOOKSHELF: SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST

On the Altar In a new five-part series, Shield Books authors talk about the books they have written and the books they love – this week Book Editor Rebecca Goldsmith interviews Salvationist Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE ON THE ALTAR? I grew up in the Army and there has always been this idea of giving yourself in total dedication to God. It’s been a fundamental emphasis from the beginning. As a teenager William Booth said: ‘God shall have all there is of William Booth,’ and this all-or-nothing approach has always captivated me. More importantly, there are those words from Romans 12:1: ‘Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.’ That verse was the real inspiration for my book. I also found other verses that spoke of Christian practices in terms of sacrifice or offering – things such as prayer, praise, witnessing and doing good. And, if we talk about the altar, we immediately think of the elaborate system of sacrifices in the Old Testament and how that relates to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. There are lots of helpful Christian books about sacrifice, but none I know of that relates the Old Testament system to practices described in the New Testament as sacrifice. So I thought there was a place for this book, and that was confirmed by some of the feedback I received. WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK? My main hope is that readers will get a clearer understanding of what it means to be a living sacrifice, and that it will lead them into doing something about that in their daily living. That’s why my wife, Jayne, wrote the reflection pages. They are designed to help people think about what they have read and apply it to their lives. Our culture emphasises self-fulfilment 18

Salvationist 31 July 2021

and self-gratification rather than selfsacrifice. But self-sacrifice is at the heart of our faith. Jesus spoke about having life in all its fullness, but also about denying yourself, taking up your cross and following him. These aren’t contradictory statements. In fact, one is the way to the other. If we are to have life in all its fullness, it comes to us via sacrifice. We find fulfilment through sacrifice. We find joy through sacrifice. I hope my book helps people see that more clearly. IS THERE A CHRISTIAN BOOK THAT HOLDS A PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE FOR YOU? Prayer has always been important to me, but when I was younger it could be a bit haphazard. I wasn’t very disciplined in my prayer life and I had quite a narrow understanding of it. A Private House of Prayer by Leslie Weatherhead helped open my eyes to the richness of prayer – to the fact that it isn’t just about asking God for things. The book also provides a helpful pattern for daily prayer. It invites you to imagine a house of prayer with seven rooms, representing different ways of praying: affirming the presence of God; praise, thanks and adoration; confession; affirmation and reception; petition; intercession; and meditation. It also provides readings related to each room of prayer. The book helped me build a foundation for my prayer life. IS THERE A BOOK NOT ABOUT FAITH THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE? I’ve gone running for a number of years, and the book that inspired me to do that was The Complete Book of Running by Jim Fixx, which was published in 1977. It gives helpful tips on how to start, how to get better, what to eat and what kind of gear you need. It inspired me and established good habits. It’s not a deep or profound book, but I’ve always thought that, as Christians, we need to look after ourselves – not just our spirits and minds,

but our bodies as well. So in that sense it was important. As a student, this is the book that really got me up and running. WHAT BOOK, OTHER THAN THE BIBLE, WOULD YOU TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND? CS Lewis: Essay Collection and Other Short Pieces. It’s not a very inspiring title, but the volume brings many aspects of his work together. When you mention CS Lewis people think of The Chronicles of Narnia, Mere Christianity or The Screwtape Letters. But he wrote a lot more than that. These are essays and articles he wrote for journals and other publications. The chapters cover faith and society, culture, the Church and literature. They also cover history and philosophy, and there are a few short stories in there as well. With its 135 chapters, it’s like having a library in one volume! O On the Altar is available from spsshop.com priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing) and as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £3.99

To hear the conversation in full, find the Shield Books Summer Book Club podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com

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

EXETER TEMPLE On her farewell Sunday Major Margaret Fozzard welcomed Marjorie Dunn and her son, James, as adherents. Marjorie attended the corps as a youngster but not in recent years. However, she retained her faith and started attending meetings and events more often, as well as using her gardening skills to offer plants for fundraising. James volunteered to cook meals and enjoyed the opportunity. They prepared for their commitment with Recruiting Sergeant Major Sue Camp-Richards. Heather Morris was welcomed as an adherent over Zoom. After returning to The Salvation Army in recent years, Heather became more involved in the corps community programme, volunteering with her husband, Tim, to help with providing meals for those in need. She prepared for her commitment with Major Sue. – JW

HYTHE Anthony Hitchen, Reg Eves and Lesley Varndell were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Captain Callum McKenna during an outdoor meeting. Anthony, who had never attended church before, was invited to a meeting by his fiancée (now wife) and wanted to make a commitment to Christ by becoming a soldier. In 2018 Reg started attending the corps drop-in and experienced the warmth of the fellowship. Lesley testified to the difference the corps had made in helping her grow in faith and connect with God.

During the same meeting corps officer Captain Berri McKenna enrolled Bethany as a junior soldier. She led the congregation in singing ‘Our God Is a Great Big God’, along with actions. – CM

ST MARY CRAY Chris was a faithful friend of the corps, which led him to attend worship on Sundays. He was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Lieutenant Emma Gorin. Chris brings much joy to the fellowship and hopes to help out when the corps opens its doors once more. – EG

FELTHAM Corps officer Captain Ellie Shakespeare welcomed Joanne and Martin as adherents and enrolled Maria as a soldier. All three linked up with The Salvation Army through the Cameo group. Maria testified that a ‘Holy Spirit disquiet’ led her to commit to worship and serve at the corps. – ES Salvationist 31 July 2021

TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE UPDATE

Making progress Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant presents the July update on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group

HIS is the third update* from the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group (SCDG). The group is tasked with helping the territory improve its processes and structures. Since we started our work in February, the SCDG has begun to consult on the development of a framework and tools to help the Structure Co-ordination and Design Project achieve the desired outcomes of:

O Transformation Increase the

capacity of locally based Salvation Army work to contribute to the five mission priorities: share the good news; nurture disciples of Jesus; care for creation; serve others without discrimination; and seek justice and reconciliation. O Integration Build strong and effective collaboration between all aspects of Salvation Army work in a geographical area. O Streamlining Design appropriate, effective, efficient and sustainable structures and processes that enable local mission to flourish. We are committed to working in a collaborative manner. This takes time but we are learning from every discussion and we are adjusting our plans accordingly. Please email transformation@salvationarmy.org. uk with comments, questions or advice. Thank you to those who have written to date. EAST OF ENGLAND DIVISION The main development this month was the announcement of a new East of England Division with effect from 1 October. Major Howard Russell, a member of the SCDG, has been appointed as the divisional commander. He will lead the team bringing together the existing Anglia Division and Herts and Essex Division. Earlier this month the chief secretary, Colonel Paul Main, and 20

Salvationist 31 July 2021

the territorial secretary for leader development, Colonel Jenine Main, travelled to the two existing DHQs to meet with divisional staff members, brief them on the changes and answer questions. The colonels stressed that, apart from the changes of leadership and the creation of new divisional boundaries, no other changes in personnel or structure should be assumed. DISCERNMENT As explained in the June update, we are taking time for discernment, prayer and reflection before any decisions are taken about the design of our processes and structures. There will be several opportunities for people to discuss and comment. The focus of all changes must be to enable greater local mission flourishing – and that includes all expressions of Salvation Army work in the East of England Division. Territorial and divisional leaders are meeting for prayer regularly to seek God’s wisdom and direction. We are grateful for those of you who are also supporting our work in prayer. FORUMS AND SURVEYS Plans are coming together for the first of 25 forums to start in September. People of all ages and backgrounds, and from every division and service, will meet with a facilitator. At each forum 24 people will be invited to explore what is needed for our Army to flourish using the Faith-Based Facilitation process. Every forum will focus on the same three questions and the results will be shared with the territory in due course. The information will also be used by divisional and territorial leadership teams in their planning. Not everyone can attend a forum, so we are also developing a survey that will allow anyone linked to The Salvation Army to have their say.

We are waiting for the first forums to be held before finalising the questions. THE SCDG TEAM We’ve had a few changes in the SCDG team. Major Richard Waters has taken up his appointment as assistant secretary for business administration with a focus on project managing this project. We’ve said farewell to HR Director Jo Mosely and welcomed Alex O’Hara in her place. Major Beverly Baker has also joined the SCDG to ensure our work is well connected with the People Strategy, which Beverly is chairing. Here is a full list of SCDG members: O Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant (chair) O Andrew Avison (Bath Citadel) O Major Beverly Baker (personnel officer, THQ) O Major Roger Batt (divisional commander, Wales Division) O Major Paul Kingscott (assistant chief secretary) O Major Gregory Morgan (divisional commander, Southern Division) O Colonel Jenine Main (territorial secretary for leader development) O Alex O’Hara (HR director) O Major Howard Russell (divisional commander, Anglia Division) O Major David Taylor (divisional commander, North West Division) O Major Richard Waters (project manager) There will not be an update from the SCDG in August.

LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ *Previous updates were published in the 15 May and 26 June issues of Salvationist.

ADVERTS

Thank you, heralds! In case you haven’t heard, Kids Alive! is turning 140. What better way to celebrate than fundraise for children’s work at corps? Everyone can take part by getting sponsored to do 140 activities and/or raising £140 for their corps. The top fundraiser in each of the challenge’s six categories will win a £20 voucher for The Entertainer. You still have plenty of time to get involved – the challenge ﬁnishes on 21 August. No clue where to start? Kids Alive! is packed with themed weeks and fundraising ideas to inspire you. This week’s theme is Love Learning. Pick up a new instrument, try out a new hobby, read that book you’ve always wanted to … go for it! Join the challenge To start your challenge, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/fundraise-us/ kids-alive-140-challenge or scan the QR code.

‘We’re a small corps – there are only about 20 of us. So that extra £2,000 we make through paper sales is actually very important.’ Richard Smart, herald at Wimbledon Corps The Herald’s Challenge may be ending, but the search for new heralds is only just beginning… Volunteering even an hour a week could help your corps.

To ﬁnd out more go to

salvationarmy.org.uk/publications/heralds

In June 1940 German forces landed on the Channel Islands beginning five years of occupation. Caught up in the conflict were members of the island Salvation Army. This is their story. O The Salvation Army ‘invades’ O Evacuation takes place O Anxious Alderney O The islands occupied O No longer in bondage O Early days and Army ways O German order ‘Close the halls’ O Major Marie Ozanne, OF O Deportations to Germany O Heard the news? O In Christ there is no east or west O Liberation – the islands are free O One Army out – One Army back in O An avalanche of adjutants O Return of the Alderney exiles

£11.50 incl. P&P

Telephone 01425 479095

michael.thierry@icloud.com

An Army Suppressed

An account of The Salvation Army during the German Occupation of the Channel Islands Researched by Michael Thierry

$ QRYHO E\ SUROLÀF )UHQFK DXWKRU +HQUL 7UR\DW ÀUVW SXEOLVKHG LQ 1RZ WUDQVODWHG DQG SUHVHQWHG E\ IRUPHU KHDGPDVWHU 5R\ /XGORZ $Q HYRFDWLYH WKRXJKW SURYRNLQJ DQG DOWRJHWKHU ULYHWLQJ VWRU\ Price £7 All proceeds are to be donated to The Salvation Army. Order by emailing the author at UR\OXGORZG #JPDLO FRP. Free postage within the UK.

Salvationist 31 July 2021

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

WHAT’S ON

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CSM Chris Lawton, Bognor Regis O CS and Dep Safeguarding Lead Doreen Bradbury, Bognor Regis O Asst CS Sam Bottwood, Bognor Regis O JS Sgt Claire Leask, Bognor Regis O Family Ministries Co-ordinator Emily Lawton, Bognor Regis O CCMS Lesley Dyer, Bognor Regis O B/Sgt Major Thea Wood, Bognor Regis O CPR Major Alexandra Hughes, Bognor Regis

SHIELD BOOKS SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST This new podcast interviews Shield Books authors about the books they’ve written, the books they love and the books that have shaped and moulded them. Episode 1 sees Book Editor Rebecca Goldsmith talk to Salvationist Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about his book On the Altar. O Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com

MARRIAGES B/Sec Andrew Cracknell to SCL Kirsty Little at Felixstowe by Major Sandra Battle

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue sapphire (65th) O Doreen and Bandsman Ron Chorley, Shildon (11 August) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Sheila Hunt (80 on 12 August) PROMOTED TO GLORY Ruth Houghton, Birmingham Citadel O Rose Brasby, Bognor Regis, on 30 June O Maureen Doughty, Bognor Regis, on 9 July O Margaret Webb, Chester-le-Street, on 14 July O Major Ruth Mansfield from Stafford Hall care home, Benfleet, on 16 July O

BEREAVED George Doughty, Bognor Regis, of his wife Maureen Doughty O Major Paul Kingscott, THQ, and Brenda Weeks of their sister Songster Jennifer Darby, Jason Darby, Emma Darby and Tristan Darby of their mother O Nkechi Okoli, Belfast Citadel, of her mother Esther Onuogu O Major Reg Batt, Bandmaster Ken Batt and Bandsman Terry Batt, both Skewen, of their brother Elwyn Batt O

TRIBUTES MAISIE HEWIS, BIRMINGHAM CITADEL MAISIE Hewis (née Botham) became a soldier at Wirksworth in her teenage years and entered the International Training College in 1955, joining the Swordbearers session. She was already engaged to Charles Hewis and they married in May 1957. They later served together in corps appointments and the Red Shield Services in Germany. After leaving officership they soldiered at Birmingham Hockley, before transferring to Birmingham Citadel in 1972. In 1975 Maisie was appointed as songster sergeant, serving for nine years. She found great fulfilment in the pastoral aspects of this role, offering support and showing concern, love, compassion and expressions of kindness. These attributes shone through Maisie when working with the songsters and others in the corps. Maisie enjoyed being with people and was a great support to her husband in his local officer roles. She was loved by her corps family at Birmingham Citadel and is greatly missed. – KID

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Bromley Temple, Sun 29 Aug

Salvationist 31 July 2021

MRS DELILAH COLLIER, OF RECIPIENT of the Order of the Founder Delilah Hodges Collier (USA Eastern Territory) was promoted to Glory on 19 June from her home in Windsor, Connecticut. Born in Florida in 1934, Dee, as she was affectionately called, lived most of her life in Hartford, Connecticut. Those who knew her best described her as having a smile that would light up a room and a heart of love that made everyone she met feel like family. While studying for her teaching degree, Dee worked in the Wethersfield school system as a paraprofessional. Following her graduation, she took a position as a sixth-grade teacher at Rawson School in Hartford, where she remained until her retirement. Dee was a faithful soldier of Hartford Citadel for more than 60 years, serving the Lord she loved until her illness would no longer allow. Her service in The Salvation Army reached far beyond Hartford, and included being on the Curriculum Committee for the College for Officer Training and an instructor for the Soldier’s National Seminar on Evangelism. In 1977 she helped launch the USA Eastern Territory Black Ministries Committee to discuss issues and advise on goals for inclusion of black officers. As a result of her great love for God, the Army and people, she was admitted to the Order of the Founder on 9 June 2002. The citation reads: ‘In recognition of giving a lifetime of outstanding, dedicated leadership and faithful service in her corps, division and territory, highlighted by her persistence and optimism in the face of adversity, her allegiance to the values and principles of The Salvation Army, her heart for evangelism and her indomitably cheerful spirit.’ She leaves a legacy of selfless service and hospitality that has impacted hundreds of lives and which will live on far beyond her long and fruitful life. – AR

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE CHANGES IN LEGISLATION Where Covid-19 legislation is removed, you must continue to take all steps necessary to limit the transmission of the virus. Local leaders are best placed to know their own communities and environments in deciding when to reopen and how to operate activities. Risk Assessments must be completed and be reviewed by more than one person. PANDEMIC UPDATE England Most legal requirements on Covid have been lifted but the government is promoting guidance that emphasises the personal and corporate responsibility of individuals and organisations to protect others and themselves. You are no longer required by law to collect customer/worshipper contact details or to keep a record of personnel and visitors. However, you are encouraged to continue to display an NHS QR code for people wishing to check in using the app. You do not have to ask them to check in or turn them away if they refuse. There are no restrictions on group sizes attending communal worship. There are no restrictions on congregational singing or on singing groups, bands and music groups. There are no limits on the number of people attending weddings, funerals and other life events. The faith minister for England has emphasised the importance of continuing to use Test and Trace, encouraging people to get

Issued by Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant and correct as of 3pm on 26 July vaccinated and keeping venues as safe as possible by encouraging face masks, observing social distancing and ensuring good ventilation. The government is no longer instructing people to work from home if they can but recommends a gradual return over the summer. A careful and staggered increase in occupancy levels at THQ will take place from 9 August. DHQs and other regional office-based teams are advised to take a similar phased approach. Scotland All areas are at Level 0. Remaining measures are expected to be removed on 9 August Wales The country is now at Alert Level 1, but will move to Alert Level 0 on 7 August if conditions allow. Northern Ireland From 26 July some restrictions are lifted, including the need to wear face masks in places of worship. Republic of Ireland The government is continuing with the phased easing of public health measures.

ADVERTS AUDIO SALVATIONIST The charity Galloway’s Society for the Blind that produces the Salvationist on CD for people with a visual impairment has not been able to operate since March last year. They are now beginning work again. We are grateful to our two readers, Lieut-Colonel Margaret Wickings and Lieut-Colonel Rob Garrad, for continuing to record in the past months so that the audio Salvationist could be available online, but we realise many people who had received the CD have not been able to access this easily. The CDs will now be available again as well as the online recordings. If you or anyone you know wishes to receive the CDs fortnightly free of charge, email chris.stringer@salvationarmy.org.uk. MGS works professionally providing

FAIRHAVEN CHRISTIAN HOTEL (LLANDUDNO)

O COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION

Andrew and Paula offer you a warm Christian welcome, a relaxed atmosphere, good home-cooked food and a high standard of cleanliness overlooking Llandudno bay.

MGS works with relationships and other life experiences MGS is conﬁdential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@ yahoo.com

All bedrooms are en suite. For colour brochure and information phone 01492 878447 or email fairhavenchristianhotel@gmail.com.

THE GOSPEL TRUTH

What is truth? Pontius Pilate’s question has perplexed people for centuries. Now, in the latest release from Shield Books, Major Phil Garnham tackles the topic in Big Questions for Small Groups: Truth. In it, he explores timely questions about biblical truth such as: O How can we know the Bible is true? O How does Jesus embody truth? O How open should we be to having gospel truths challenged? This guide is a helpful springboard for group study or individual reﬂection.

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

Order your print copy of Big Questions for Small Groups: Truth now from SP&S for £3 by calling 01933 445 445 (option 1, option 1) or go to sps-shop.com/books

Salvationist 31 July 2021

‘‘‘ All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week… SUSAN BOURKE Bangor How did you first come into contact with the Army? I got involved in the Army by introducing an elderly lady to the corps befriending scheme. What made you want to become an adherent? I felt that I had finally come home. What one thing would you change about the Army? I wouldn’t change a thing! What is your favourite kind of holiday? It used to be a sailing holiday, but now I’m up in years I love to go to a hotel and get pampered. If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? The Hound of the Baskervilles. I would play Dr Watson and help solve crimes with Sherlock Holmes. If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? I would like to meet Walt Disney and ask him what inspired him to think up all his characters. If you could create a slogan for your life, what would it be? Love one another as you would like to be loved. What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? Athletics. If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Fresh cold water.

And, Jesus, I have promised To serve thee to the end; O give me grace to follow, My Master and my friend (SASB B 613)

What is your favourite meal? Salad. What do you do in your spare time? I walk, read, knit, crochet and talk to people. If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be? Afghan and duffel coats. What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? An album by Donny Osmond. What is your favourite Bible passage? ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16). It says it all. Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Jonah. I would ask what it was like inside the whale. What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘O Jesus, I Have Promised’ (SASB 613). Is there something about life or the world you’ve never understood? How aeroplanes stay up in the air. If you could rid the world of one thing, what would u d itt be? be I would rid the w world of all evil. Did you have a nickname growiing up? My maiden name e was Curry, so I got ca allled ‘hot and spicy’. Do you have an ny y hiidd dden en e n talents? I was a good helm msma ms man using an audible compa om mpass pa ass ss.

’’’

If you could be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? My grandson. If you could invent a gadget, what would it be? A car that would take me anywhere I wanted to go. Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island? Either The Hobbitt or The Lord of the Rings trilogy. If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘Big Spender’, as sung by Shirley Bassey. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? Don’t do to others what you would not have done to yourself. What is the most valuable thing you possess? The most valuable thing I have ever had was my daughter. Something interesting that people might want to know about you is… I used to enter tandem bike races, marathons and time trials. I also raced sailing boats. I sailed in the Tall Ships Races and was caught in a hurricane.