Salvationist 3 July 2021 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

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Testimony time William Booth recalls his boyhood conversion PLUS

THE STORY OF A SONG AND A TYPO

SEE PAGES 8 AND 9

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

SCOTTISH ASSISTED SUICIDE BILL IS THREAT TO VULNERABLE AND DISABLED PEOPLE

BIBLE WITHDRAWN FROM AUCTION OVER LOOTING CLAIMS A Bible has been withdrawn from auction after the Ethiopian embassy said it had been looted by British forces in the 19th century. The vellum-bound Bible had been among the items for auction at Busby Auctioneers and Valuers in Dorset... But the auction house agreed to remove the Bible after the embassy said it was among the artefacts taken by the British after the 1868 Battle of Magdala. The embassy told Busby that the sale of the items was ‘unethical’ and represented a continued ‘cycle of dispossession perpetrated by those who would seek to benefit from the spoils of war’... Repatriating items looted from Magdala would ‘bring closure’ to a ‘painful chapter’ in Britain and Ethiopia’s shared history, the embassy said.

OLDER PEOPLE WITH DRINKING AND HOUSING PROBLEMS IGNORED FOR YOUNGER GENERATION

Campaigners have warned of ‘huge risks to the most vulnerable’ if Scotland legalises assisted suicide. Legislation is being introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur who wants assisted suicide made legal for terminally ill adults. Similar legislation is being considered in Westminster. In both nations, supporters have promised stringent safeguards but Michael Veitch, parliamentary officer at Christian charity Care, said no measures could adequately protect the vulnerable. He called the latest attempt to change the law ‘hugely dispiriting’. ‘Both Holyrood and the UK parliament have rejected this kind of legislation in recent years and for good reason. It poses huge risks to the most vulnerable in Scottish society,’ he said. ‘This law will not just affect the small number of individuals who might choose to access assisted suicide. It will affect every person living with a terminal illness, fundamentally alter the doctor-patient relationship, devalue disabled people’s lives and undermine wide efforts to prevent suicide. ‘There can be no adequate safeguards. Providing a terminal prognosis is fraught with uncertainty. Vulnerable patients can be coerced. And the experience of other jurisdictions shows that an incremental extension of the law is inevitable... ‘We hope that parliamentarians will ... opt to uphold current provisions.’

Faith communities have been pivotal in supporting disadvantaged and vulnerable groups during the pandemic, a new report says. The government will require their active support and investment if it is to accelerate the process of recovery, says the report, Stepping Up and Stepping Out, released … by the Good Faith Partnership. The partnership ... suggests that the challenge to respond to unprecedented levels of need in their communities has enabled many faith groups to build their capacity to help others... The report calls for a social covenant ... that would strengthen partnerships between faith communities and the government, local authorities and government agencies... A key recommendation is the appointment of a faiths commissioner, on the model of the children’s commissioner, together with an expert panel of faith leaders, with the object of seeking more integrated ways of working.

Christian Today

Church Times

SALVATIONIST

Christian Today

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

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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.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

Salvationist 3 July 2021

The Express

FAITH COMMUNITIES ‘VITAL’ DURING THE PANDEMIC, SAYS REPORT

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

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

Older people with alcohol or housing problems are being ignored in favour of the younger generation, new research warns... Ageist attitudes on the part of medics and counsellors who feel people in their 50s, 60s and 70s are ‘too old to change’ are part of the problem. Yet the numbers of middle-aged men and women and pensioners ‘socially excluded’ are rising, according to a critical joint report by The Salvation Army and Age UK. Deaths directly attributable to alcohol among people aged 55–79 have risen every year since 2011, and in 2019 the highest alcohol-specific death rates were among those aged 55–59 and 60–64. In 2018–2019, of the 1.3 million alcoholrelated admissions to hospital, 47 per cent were aged between 54 and 74.

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

BELIEVING IN TRANSFORMATION ‘I BELIEVE in transformation’ is a line in a John Gowans song that neatly sums up our confidence in the possibility of positive and lasting change in people’s lives – and the next line expresses our faith in God’s power to make it happen: ‘God can change the hearts of men.’ The belief in God’s power to transform lives was key to the ministry of William and Catherine Booth and the Movement they founded. Founders’ Day is marked on 2 July each year, so it is appropriate that the theme of transformation runs through this week’s issue. William Booth’s personal story of transformation is featured in an article by David Malcolm Bennett. Booth recorded on several occasions the influences on his young life and the circumstances that led to his conversion as a teenager in Nottingham. He also talked about a further experience of ‘full surrender’ as God continued to transform him. Salvation was a constant theme in Booth’s ministry, as Brian Colley points out in his article about the mission of the early Army. Turning to the Army of today, Brian asks: ‘We are still called The Salvation Army, but are we preaching salvation?’ He challenges us as individuals to make it our priority. In his reminiscence article, General John Larsson (Retired) recalls a conversation with an Australian officer, Captain Graham Hyslop, who told him how his life was transformed. Graham became a Christian in a surprising way while hearing a song in the musical Jesus Folk, and his entry into the training college came about in an even more surprising way. In another article about inspirational people she met while on the War Cry staff, Major Rosemary Dawson writes about the harrowing experiences of Tori Dante who suffered sexual abuse as a child. But it is also a story of transformation: years later Tori found Christ and began to move on from her experiences. She wasn’t able to escape them completely, however, and the article describes her struggles and how her experiences affected her thinking about God. The Salvation Army’s purpose is to be a means by which God can transform lives in spirit, mind and body. Discussions are under way about changes to the structure and strategy of this territory to enable us to do that better – and as Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts reminds us, we need to listen carefully to God’s voice. She invites us all to be part of this discernment process and ‘to share what God is saying to his Army in these days’. Each of us is unique, which means we respond to the grace of God in different ways. For some, a moment of transformation means life is never the same again. For others, following a breakthrough experience, it might take time to deal with the past and cope with the present. And for many there is no dramatic turning point, but a gradual awakening to the love of God. Whatever your experience we can all be sure that God has the power to transform us – and confident in our message that he can transform others as well. I believe in transformation, God can change the hearts of men, And refine the evil nature Till it glows with grace again. Others may reject the weakling, I believe he can be strong, To the family of Jesus All God’s children may belong. (SASB 34)

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Quotes from the media

News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

Reflection Together in prayer

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts

Reminiscence 8 and 9 How God used a song... and a typo by General John Larsson (Retired)

Thinkaloud Exceptional Army?

by John Coutts

Feature 11 to 13 William Booth's conversion by David Malcolm Bennett

Viewpoint 14 and 15 Salvation is our speciality by Brian Colley

Reviews The Space Between

reviewed by Major Cliff Allchin

Catherine Booth: From Timidity to Boldness reviewed by Major John Read

Stories of transformation Tori Dante: Finding love, respect and transformation

by Major Rosemary Dawson

Bible study God's servant

18 and 19

by Glenn Sealey

Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19 by Major Howard Webber

Letter from the chief secretary 20 Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

The Salvation Army and me

featuring Christine Pilgrim

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

Salvationist 3 July 2021

NEWS

ANNIVERSARY

CORPS

Cadets Jon and Heather Culshaw join Hastings Citadel corps officer Lieutenant Debbie-anne Hogarth in worship as corps folk creatively share the work of the Trinity in their lives

Corps celebrates 150th anniversary CARSHALTON CHIEF Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main visited Carshalton to lead the 150th corps anniversary meeting, their first in-person public-speaking engagement in their new leadership roles. Under the theme Now Is the Time – based on 2 Corinthians 6:2 – the colonels encouraged corps folk to consider what actions are required now, acknowledging that prayer is needed today to see lives changed tomorrow. Members shared powerful testimonies and prayers before the chief secretary spoke a prayer of dedication over the corps. Before the afternoon meeting, the corps celebrated with the community, inviting 150 of its closest neighbours to a barbecue. Birthday cake was shared and 150 party bags were packed. Many conversations were had around the hall and on nearby Wrythe Green, where early Salvationists had preached the gospel 150 years previously. – TS

INTERNATIONAL

Army helps attacked community BURKINA FASO THE Salvation Army in Burkina Faso is working alongside the government to support families displaced following a terrorist attack on the northern village of Solhan. At least 160 people were killed in what 4

Salvationist 3 July 2021

PRESENTATION

WINTON Andrew Wileman, assistant director of the Army’s Older People’s Services, received a British Empire Medal as part of the Queen’s birthday honours for ‘services to the community in Bournemouth’ in recognition of his service with the corps. Andrew has been helping people in need in Winton for more than 20 years; including survivors of modern slavery, struggling families and people experiencing homelessness. On receiving the award Andrew said: ‘It was absolutely amazing... I knew nothing of this at all so it’s all very surprising... It’s not just recognition of me in isolation, it’s a recognition of all that the team do at Winton Corps in supporting the community.’ – AR

LYNDON HOUSE Staff members and residents presented Sandy Cummins with a certificate and gift thanking her for 30 years of service at Lyndon House. Sandy, the head of care at the care home, started working there as a carer in 1991. The milestone was marked with tea and cake to thank her for three decades of dedication and service to the care of older people. Jenny Pattinson, interim director of Older People’s Services, said: ‘Thirty years is a milestone to be celebrated in a sector that often sees staff move on after only a couple of years. Sandy is extremely hardworking and hugely valued and I want to thank her for her long service and commitment to The Salvation Army.’ – AR

President Roch Kabore described as a ‘barbaric’ attack. He declared three days of national mourning and wrote: ‘We must stand united against the forces of evil.’ Attacks such as the one in Solhan have become all too common in recent years, particularly in border communities. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that about 1.2 million people have been displaced since 2019. Working with the government, The Salvation Army was made aware of urgent needs in two temporary camps near Solhan. As an initial effort, funds have

been made available through International Headquarters to provide food and essential hygiene items to 2,000 families – up to 10,000 people. Projects Officer Tim Poudiougou said that the government is hugely grateful for the Army’s assistance. It recognises, he said, the Movement’s expertise in ‘helping suffering populations’. Options are being considered as to how the Army can provide longer-term assistance to displaced people and some of the host communities, with funding currently being sought. – AR

EVENT

MEETING

Victorious session reunites online UKI

Ipswich Citadel restarts meetings with limited numbers and Covid-19 precautions, moving outside to share in a final song

FUNDRAISING

HAROLD HILL Holly donated 14 inches of her hair to the Little Princess Trust. The charity provides free wigs made from real hair to children and young people who have lost their own hair through cancer treatment or other conditions. – GF

COMMUNITY UKI The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) has announced the return of its Big Toy Rehoming campaign, in partnership with The Entertainer. More than 40,000 toys were rehomed during the first two years of the scheme, potentially keeping the equivalent of more than 20 tonnes of waste out of landfill. The launch of the campaign, which will run throughout the year, coincided with World Environment Day on 5 June. Families are urged to take unwanted toys to any of The Entertainer’s 171 stores. The toys will be sold in SATCoL charity shops, raising vital funds for frontline services. All toys must have a CE marking or label for safety reasons. Those that do not have these labels will be safely recycled. Soft or plush toys cannot be accepted. Visit thetoyshop.com/ bigtoyrehoming to find out more. – AR

COMMUNITY

HASTINGS CITADEL The corps has launched a Supper Club in conjunction with Warming Up the Homeless. Once a month on a Sunday evening it provides a full roast meal with a pudding. There are provisions for showers, haircuts, foot care and clean clothes. Thirty-five people attended on the opening night. – DH

MEETING DUNSTABLE Bandsman David Edmonds led morning worship, which was themed You’re Never Far from God and featured a number of pre-recorded contributions from former soldiers of the corps. Sheila Hewart (Albury, Australia) and the Rev Michelle Grace brought Bible readings and Major Denise Cooper (Llanelli) prayed. Ros and Stephen Yalden (Denver, USA) were interviewed about the challenges they faced moving overseas, and Major Brian Saunders (Box Hill, Australia) reminded the congregation: ‘God will not allow anything in all of creation to get in his way – except us. God’s love is real, it’s close, but it’s up to us to take it.’ – SB

FIFTY years to the day when almost 100 cadets of the Victorious session were commissioned in the Royal Albert Hall, some of them held an international reunion on Zoom, arranged by Majors Freda and Ted Benneyworth. The pandemic caused the cancellation of a planned ‘golden’ gathering at a conference centre, but for two hours the session mates reunited online and reminisced. Three of them joined from overseas: Major Ruth Tschopp (Switzerland), Major Daniel Oskarsson (Iceland) and Lieut-Colonel David Chong Won Kim, who had arrived at Denmark Hill from the Korea Territory and now lives in retirement in the USA. Commissioner Harry Read OF, who was one of the International Training College staff officers from 50 years ago, was a special guest. Although nearly 97 years old, the commissioner spoke from his home in Bournemouth with clarity, spontaneity and humour. He answered several questions and shared college memories, including of the cadets’ Commissioning pageant, ‘The Victorious Cross’, which he co-wrote. He then led a time of devotions and prayer. In a video greeting, Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill gave thanks to God for the service of the session’s members, past and present. Moments of remembrance followed to pay tribute to session mates who had been promoted to Glory in the five years since the previous reunion. Among these was a former chief of the staff, Commissioner Robin Dunster (Australia). As the Zoom meeting drew to a close and friends bade farewell, they did so with the hope of celebrating a ‘50+1’ reunion in person at William Booth College next year. – TH

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Salvationist 3 July 2021

NEWS

BIRTHDAY COMMISSIONING FOCUS

by Captain Lynley Oliver and cadets from WBC SATURDAY 3 JULY – CADET JOEL WATSON Heavenly Father, we are called by your name and healed by your grace, and we acknowledge you as Sovereign Lord. As Commissioning Day draws closer, may your voice be heard by those you are calling. Give them courage to respond to your will, for the greatest joy is found in following you! We long for more of you, Lord Jesus. Holy Spirit, attend the hearts of your people, we pray, in the name of Jesus and for your glory alone. Amen. Freda Raine receives flowers on her 100th birthday from corps officer Major Ian McCredie on behalf of Consett Corps; she spent the day with family and friends at the care home where she resides and was thrilled to receive a surprise visit from some members of the corps band, who played a few of her favourite tunes

SUNDAY 4 JULY – CADET JAMES PEGG Father God, we praise you and give you all the glory for calling your people to join you in the renewal of all things. As we, the Messengers of Grace, prepare to make our covenants and prepare for Commissioning, remind us that you call all followers of Jesus to share your grace and be a shining light in the communities where you have placed us. Amen. MONDAY 5 JULY – CADET PORTIA STIRLING-MACK As we fulfil your commission to go out into the world, we ask that you would equip and empower us, strengthen our walk with you and give us a fresh anointing so that we can share your word faithfully with our corps and our communities. Help us to be people of your own heart and keep us ever sensitive to the leading of your Holy Spirit. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

FUNDRAISING SUDBURY Generous locals have helped the corps charity shop raise more than £10,000 since April in support of work done by the corps with struggling families, rough sleepers and isolated older people. During lockdown the shop on Station Road relocated to the corps premises, which could not be used for usual community activities. The shop’s window space was used for a ‘Hope Not Fear’ display. Now the daycare centre is reopening in the hall, the shop is back on its own premises. – AR

CORPS

TUESDAY 6 JULY – CADET ELLIOT KERVIN Father God, we pray that you will bless each member of the Messengers of Grace session as we covenant ourselves to you and are commissioned so that we might take up the ministry to which you have called us. We pray also that the Holy Spirit will continue to lead people into the ministry to which you are calling them. Amen. WEDNESDAY 7 JULY – CADET KIT MAYSTON-KING Loving heavenly Father, we thank you for your faithfulness and that you speak to us through covenant. We stand in the assurance of your promise that you will never leave us. As we come to this time of decision to take up your invitation to join your mission to the world, may you speak words of comfort and support to our hearts. May your Holy Spirit empower us to sign our covenants with pure and open hearts, that we might commit to your work in mind, body and spirit. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. THURSDAY 8 JULY – CADET NAZIA YOUSAF Lord God, grant to me and to my friends the grace to embrace whatever difficulties, disappointments and achievements come our way, so that we can gain wisdom and experience and stay humble in our efforts to serve you and your Church. Make us more aware of how your will is unfolding for us and the people we represent. Amen.

NORWICH MILE CROSS Volunteers from the Care and Share Shop, luncheon clubs, coffee morning and Sunshine Café met for tea, cakes, doughnuts and biscuits. The volunteers – a mixture of corps folk and people not connected to the Army – enable the corps to minister locally and are the face of the corps to the community. Although the coronavirus pandemic has caused some activities to be put on hold during the past year, many people have worked behind the scenes to ensure activities can now recommence. The corps acknowledges with gratitude the difference these many volunteers have made. – PR 6

Salvationist 3 July 2021

FRIDAY 9 JULY – CADET MARY DUNN Our lives are so busy getting ready to be commissioned and readying our homes and families for the move that will soon be here. In the busyness of this time, Lord, give us moments to rest in your peace and reflect on all that you have done for us. Give us the strength to continue to trust our future into your hands as we stand ready to step into the coming days and the continued calling you have on each of our lives. Amen.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist Salvationist1310March April 2021

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TIO ON REFLECTION REFLEC CTION

Together in prayer Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts encourages us to join in prayer as plans for the future of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland are discussed Decision-making can no longer be defined as doing what we think is best; it is now ‘a search for the heart and will of God within a community of people within whom God has chosen to dwell’. (Discerning God’s Will Together by Danny Morris and Charles Olsen)

HE coming months are a season of opportunity for The Salvation Army. As we emerge from the pandemic and adapt to different ways of working, our territorial leaders are calling us to a season of prayer during the summer and autumn. We are all invited to listen to God and seek to discern his will in every setting where we engage in mission. In last week’s Salvationist the June update on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group (SCDG) indicated key pointers for prayer, including: O The forums to be held in every division, exploring what is needed for our Army to flourish O The ongoing work of the SCDG led by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant O The Territorial Advisory Council’s recommendations relating to communications and quality pastoral support for corps officers and local officers, prioritising children and young people, and training that will equip us all to adapt and embrace change Further specific subjects for prayer will be shared during the coming months. A CALL TO PAUSE AND LISTEN The call to prayer was sparked by the Territorial Leaders Conference when it

was recognised that we were putting our faith in plans and strategies without a corporate focus on prayer, seeking God’s direction at this critical time. A small group began meeting fortnightly at 7am to pray specifically for the work of the SCDG. The online Praying Together on the first Sunday evening of each month gives opportunity for territorial and divisional leaders and senior staff to pray in small groups. The Prayer Network recently concluded a year of Into the Wild online meetings but continues to gather monthly to pray and listen to what God is saying to us. (See the SA UK & Ireland Prayer Facebook page to join with the prayer network.) INSPIRED BY SCRIPTURE In recent days three readings have been highlighted in prayer meetings. You are encouraged to read and reflect on them also, individually and in groups. 1. Fast and pray In 2 Chronicles 20 we read about when King Jehoshaphat faced a vast army marching against him and his kingdom, Judah. What was his response? He gathered his people to seek help from the Lord. Jehoshaphat prayed ‘We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you’ (v12). Everyone is included in this work of prayer and faith. 2. Cast your nets on the other side In John 21:6 Jesus tells his disciples to cast their nets on the other side and in Luke 5:4 he instructs Peter to ‘put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch’. On each occasion these experienced fishermen had previously

caught nothing but when they listened to Jesus and obeyed him the situation was completely transformed. The words of Jesus challenge us to trust his wisdom. 3. Pruning precedes flourishing John 15:1–8 reminds us of the necessity of pruning to enable greater flourishing. It also confirms our need individually and corporately to remain connected to Christ and faithful in prayer, summed up in verse 8: ‘This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’ WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO THE SALVATION ARMY? The information and Bible readings on this page provide a useful starting point as you join on this journey of prayer. May we take time to listen to God and discern his leading in every decision and step. Dallas Willard says, ‘Discipleship with a listening ear to hear what God says is what puts us on the path of his life for our times.’ Everyone is invited to pray, to listen and to share what God is saying to his Army in these days. You can email transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk – please put ‘Together in Prayer’ in the subject line.

LIEUT-COLONEL ROBERTS IS SECRETARY FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE DEVELOPMENT, THQ Salvationist 3 July 2021

REMINISCENCE

Brisbane where he worked as a doctor. When the Brisbane Salvationists were presenting the musical Jesus Folk at a theatre, he was given a ticket and attended out of courtesy. As the musical about the life of Jesus unfolded on the stage he listened impassively. ‘But then,’ he said, ‘when it came to the scene where the resurrected Lazarus sings “Out of My Darkness” it was as if a thunderbolt suddenly hit me. A wave of emotion swept over me. I couldn’t explain it, but it was utterly real.’ On the way out of the theatre Graham bought a cassette tape of the musical. As he played it the next day the same thing happened when he reached that song. Out of my darkness God called me, Out of the depth of my night, Out of the shadows of sorrow Into the life of his light. (SASB 515)

How God used a song… and a typo ‘Y General John Larsson (Retired) shares a hitherto unrecorded story from the era of the Army musicals

Salvationist 3 July 2021

OU won’t know me, but my name is Graham Hyslop,’ said the mature-looking captain as he entered my office when I was national youth secretary for the British Territory from 1977 to 1980. ‘I am Australian, and I have come to thank you for a song that you and John Gowans wrote that transformed my life.’ Over a cup of coffee Graham told me his story. He came originally from

Wanting to understand what he was experiencing, Graham decided to attend a Sunday morning meeting at Brisbane City Temple Corps. The corps officer opened the meeting by saying: ‘I have had a bad week. You people have been difficult. Divisional headquarters has been impossible. Everything has been black. I came to the point of wanting to give it all up.’ Graham Hyslop wondered if that was how all Army meetings opened! But the corps officer continued: ‘On Thursday, when I played the cassette of the musical we have been presenting together, it was all just background music – until it came to Lazarus’s song and a wave of emotion swept over me. When the track ended I knelt by my chair and made my peace with God – and his light returned.’ Graham listened enthralled. Here was confirmation. After the meeting he told the corps officer of his own experience. The officer helped Graham to understand that what had happened to him in the theatre was that he had been born of the Spirit. They prayed together at the mercy seat. Graham Hyslop became an active Salvationist and soon became a leader among the young people of the corps. After a few months he spoke to the corps officer about becoming an officer. The officer was delighted but said that, because Graham was 50, he would need to check with the divisional commander; the cut-off age for single candidates in those days was 30 and candidates being

The correspondence was hastily consulted, and there was a typo in the letter the territorial commander had dictated and signed without reading. It wasn’t a word that was wrong, it was only one letter. Instead of the secretary typing ‘it is not possible to issue candidates papers to Graham Hyslop’ she had written ‘it is now possible’. ‘We can’t go back on it at this point,’ pleaded the divisional commander. ‘Graham has bought his uniforms and has in faith sold his house.’ The territorial commander agreed to ask International Headquarters to reconsider. When the telex arrived at IHQ, the then chief of the staff, Commissioner Stan Cottrill, gathered the international secretaries together. After discussion and prayer they concluded that this could only be the work of the Spirit and authorised the application to proceed. The territorial commander was relieved to be able to convey this outcome down the line. And so, through a song and a typo, Graham Hyslop entered the training college. Such was his influence among the cadets that when he was commissioned as a lieutenant, he was appointed assistant territorial candidates secretary.

Major John Larsson and Captain Graham Hyslop accepted in their fifties was unheard of. The divisional commander was also delighted, but said he would need to check with the territorial commander. As the regulations that governed the ages of candidates were international, the territorial commander felt he needed to check with International Headquarters. When the response came back from IHQ it was negative – acceptance of someone so far above the age limit would create an unhelpful precedent. With regret the territorial commander dictated a letter to the divisional commander to say that ‘it was not possible to issue candidates papers to Graham Hyslop’. When the territorial commander visited the division some months later, the divisional leader told him that they were pleased with the number of young people who were offering themselves for officership. ‘And it is all because Dr Graham Hyslop has applied to enter training,’ he said. ‘He is a wonderful influence.’ The territorial commander was taken aback. ‘Did we not say that he could not be processed as a candidate?’ he asked. ‘No, on the contrary,’ responded the divisional commander, ‘you said that he could.’ Salvationist 3 July 2021

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HEN I was very young, we sometimes performed a chorus that called for loud sound effects and actions. In the Church they play the organ; In the Army beat the drum! All the lasses play the tambourine And the band goes ‘Om pom pom, Tiddley om pom pom.’ This ditty seemed to imply that The Salvation Army was somehow different. Our choir were called the ‘songsters’ and my Sunday school teacher was a ‘company guard’. The Church was OK, but The Salvation Army had something extra. General Wilfred Kitching drove the point home: ‘The church bell says “Come!” he declared, ‘but the Army drum says “Fetch ’em!”’ The idea that you, your religious group or your nation must be special is called ‘exceptionalism’. It pops up too often in politics as well as in religion. Back in the 17th century the great John Milton said God reveals himself ‘as his manner is, first to his Englishmen’. What was so exceptional about The Salvation Army? It was not a church, said General Albert Orsborn, but ‘a permanent mission to the unconverted’. For him, and for previous generations, a church was an established – and perhaps complacent – congregation in a middle-class area, while mission meant outreach to the poor and unchurched in the slums. JUST ANOTHER CHURCH? Times changed. In 1973 Cliff Richard wrote ‘Good on the Sally Army’ – a song that begins: Sunday finds me curled in bed; And I can hear the Sally Army in the old town square, I can hear their brass and choruses, they fill the air, And I wonder why they do it when no one’s ever there. Open-air meetings were still being held, but the Army drum was no longer fetching ’em to the citadel. There were social causes for this, such as the rise of the motor car 10

Salvationist 3 July 2021

Thinkalou d b y John Coutts

and the decline of the street meeting, but the deeper reason was that much of the British population no longer took Christianity seriously. So what was so special about the Sally Army? People wondered whether it was becoming ‘just another church’. WORDS AND MEANINGS The word ‘church’ goes back to the Greek expression to kyriakon (‘the Lord’s possession’), from the Greek word kyrios, meaning ‘Lord’. Said rapidly over centuries, kyriakon turned into ‘kirk’ or ‘church’. The new word was brought to Britain by the invading Anglo-Saxons, who may have picked it up from the Goths, who got it from the Greeks. Hence place names such as Falkirk and Church Stretton. A sister word, ‘ecclesiastical’, comes from ekklesia, the assembly of a selfgoverning Greek city. It means ‘to call out’ and recalls a town crier’s summons to a town meeting. In this sense the word occurs once in the New Testament: after

the riot at Ephesus (see Acts 19:39). The first Christians chose the expression ekklesia because they saw themselves as free citizens of the Kingdom of God. Their favourite word soon spread to Roman Britain, and place names like Eccles and Ecclefechan recall churches founded in Roman times or soon afterwards. Middle-class church and downtown mission may have been contrasted in Victorian times, but in New Testament language the word ‘church’ never describes a building or a denomination. It refers to either the local congregation or the whole body of believers, both on Earth and in Glory. Church and mission should go hand in hand. JUST ANOTHER CHARITY? Now further social change – and in some territories rapid decline – has brought

new anxieties. In a letter to Salvationist (19 June), Garry and Yvonne Reed wondered whether the Army is turning into ‘a well-meaning humanitarian charity’. Could there be a strategy, they asked, to ‘stealthily drop worship’? In response, the editor commended the publication of Called to be a Soldierr and an article in which General Peddle made clear that our first loyalty is always to our Lord and the gospel. But let’s admit that the Army’s own publicity – which stresses good works that the public respects and understands – may sometimes underplay our Christian motivation. And at times we may be tempted – or expected – to tone down our Christian witness in order to gain access to public funding.

HANG OUT THE BANNERS Here in Stirling, as in many corps and centres across the territory, our small and faithful group puts prayer and worship at the centre of our work and witness. But how can we make this good news clear to a largely indifferent public for whom the traditional name ‘corps’ is meaningless? Our big new banners tell passers-by that we are a church (in the New Testament sense) as well as a community centre and home to a popular charity shop. Have we got the emphasis right? Send in your comments and suggestions to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

JOHN IS A SOLDIER AT STIRLING

FEATURE I Founders’ Day

William Booth’s conversion

Biographer David Malcolm Bennett examines the Founder’s accounts of his teenage conversion

Wesley Chapel, Nottingham

ILLIAM Booth left different accounts of his conversion and they are difficult to piece together. However, it appears to have occurred in 1843 or 1844, so probably when he was 14 or 15. In 1886 Booth wrote Twenty-One Years’ Salvation Army, in which he first mentioned a little about his Church of England background in Nottingham. William’s father seems to have been only a nominal Christian, and although William later wrote about his mother’s vibrant Christian faith, this probably developed later. In other words, William Booth does not appear to have been surrounded in his childhood by strong Christian influences. Then he wrote that, at the age of 13:

I exchanged [the Church of England] for … the Wesleyan Methodists. There

was nothing very remarkable about the measures that led up to my conversion. I had the advantage of hearing some faithful preaching, and came, in my new associations, under the influence of some godly friends, while as far back as I can remember the Holy Spirit had continually shown me that my real welfare for time and eternity depended upon the surrender of myself to the service of God. After a long controversy I made this submission, cast myself on his mercy, received an assurance of his pardon, and gave myself up to his service with all my heart. There was a lengthy process leading to his conversion. But after that, Booth ‘made this submission’ and cast himself on God’s mercy. In 1896, after a visit to Nottingham, he recorded some of his recollections in the War Cry.

MY CONVERSION It was necessary for me to take another drive through the town, and then a few more recollections came. For instance, I had to pass the end of Goose Gate … which is the spot where I realised for the first time that God, for Christ’s sake, had forgiven all my sins. This event … was preceded by a long struggle. All at once I was possessed with a strong ambition to be reconciled to God and to live a useful life. It appeared to me increasingly desirable. But young as I was, and imperfectly taught as I had been, the inward light revealed to me clearly that I must not only renounce everything that I knew to be sinful, but make restitution, so far as I had the ability, for the wrong I had done to others. I had injured a companion, and I saw I must confess the wrong done and make reparation… Salvationist 3 July 2021

Among other things I joined the Methodist Society, and went through a round of religious observances, but that did not bring me peace. At last I came to a decision. I remember as though it were only last night deciding the matter – resolving that, cost what it might, I would do my duty. I was sitting in a class meeting at the time. I rushed out, with some difficulty found the young fellow I had wronged, made the acknowledgement, offered the recompense and then hastened home. On that spot, in that street, peace came to my conscience. Significantly, he said: ‘The inward light revealed to me clearly that I must not only renounce everything that I knew to be sinful, but make restitution, so far as I had the ability, for the wrong I had done to others.’ Early in November 1898 William Booth returned to Nottingham again. While there he preached at a Saturday night soldiers’ meeting in the school room of Wesley Chapel, where his ‘religious career [had] commenced’. Soon after that, he published some ‘Reflections’ in the War Cry about events surrounding his conversion.

As I looked once more upon the place, my mind was carried back … to some of the scenes and circumstances which made so indelible an impression upon my heart at the time, and which had so much to do with shaping my future. In imagination I again testified in the love feasts, responded in the prayer meetings, listened to the sermons, united in the songs, and knelt in spirit at the penitent form, where I made the first full surrender of my soul and all that was within me to the service of God. Little did I think when I rose that night, walked across the room and bent my knee in that consecration, what was going to happen. We need to ask what he means here by the phrase ‘where I made the first full surrender of my soul’, bearing in mind that this occurred in Wesley Chapel, not in the street, which he mentioned in the 1896 War Cry report. The term ‘first full surrender’ suggests that he may have had an earlier spiritual experience, which may or may not have been his conversion. But was this ‘first full surrender’ his actual conversion? Probably not – at least that is not the 12

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way he seems to have seen it. If the events he mentions here are in chronological order – which may not be the case – such events as his testifying in the love feasts and responding in the prayer meetings preceded his first full surrender, which would presumably make that surrender a post-conversion experience. Was this surrender a confirmation of his conversion experience? Possibly, but it does seem to have been more than that. Does it refer to a holiness experience or was it a post-conversion commitment to dedicate himself to the service of God? George Scott Railton’s biography of William Booth, The Authoritative Life of General William Booth, was published in 1912, and it contained a lengthy account of the Founder’s conversion, based on his own words. The General said:

I cannot recollect that any individual pressed me in the direction of personal surrender to God. I was wrought upon quite independently of human effort by the Holy Ghost, who created within me a great thirst for a new life… Yet I had that instinctive belief in God which, in common with my fellow creatures, I had brought into the world with me. I had no disposition to deny my instincts, which told me that if there was a God his laws ought to have my obedience and his interests my service… One feeling specially forced itself upon me, and I can recollect it as distinctly as though it had transpired only yesterday, and that was the sense of the folly of spending my life in doing things for which I knew I must either repent or be punished in the days to come. In my anxiety to get into the right way, I joined the Methodist Church, and attended the class meetings, to sing and pray and speak with the rest. The close and questioning nature of a Methodist class meeting would have caused Booth to examine his spiritual condition, although he appears to have already been doing that. The account continues:

But all the time the inward light revealed to me that I must not only renounce everything I knew to be sinful, but make restitution, so far as I had the ability, for any wrong I had done to others before I could find peace with God.

The entrance to the heavenly Kingdom was closed against me by an evil act of the past which required restitution. In a boyish trading affair I had managed to make a profit out of my companions, whilst giving them to suppose that what I did was all in the way of a generous fellowship. As a testimonial of their gratitude they had given me a silver pencil case. Merely to return their gift would have been comparatively easy, but to confess the deception I had practised upon them was a humiliation to which for some days I could not bring myself. I remember, as if it were but yesterday, the spot in the corner of a room under the chapel, the hour, the resolution to end the matter, the rising up and rushing forth, the finding of the young fellow I had chiefly wronged, the acknowledgment of my sin, the return of the pencil case – the instant rolling away from my heart of the guilty burden, the peace that came in its place, and the going forth to serve my God and my generation from that hour. It was in the open street that this great change passed over me. This is certainly the incident that happened in Goose Gate, as it bears the same crucial characteristics as the account in the 1896 War Cry. But here we have more details. It concerned ‘a boyish trading affair’, in which his companions had given him a silver pencil case in thanks. He believed that he had acted dishonestly in the deed and needed not only to confess it but to make restitution, which he did. In other words, he repented. This does sound like a conversion experience, and this was in a street, not a church building. These extracts do not fit together neatly, but perhaps memories of religious experiences rarely do. Books by David Malcolm Bennett include: O The General: William Booth, available in paperback from amazon.co.uk priced £11.62 (volume one) and £17.34 (volume two) O William Booth and His Salvation Army, available in paperback from amazon. co.uk priced £4.91 (plus postage and packing) and as a Kindle ebook priced £6.58

DAVID IS A WRITER, LECTURER AND BIBLE TEACHER LIVING IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

Wesley Chapel school room

William Booth Birthplace Museum

David Malcolm Bennett

Teenage Booth preaching at a cottage meeting Salvationist 3 July 2021

VIEW VI V IEW W POINT

Salvation is our speciality

Brian Colley (Clowne) highlights words of William Booth that are as relevant today as when they were first written

F you look up the definition of the word ‘salvationist’ in a dictionary, encyclopaedia or online you may find something like this: ‘A person who preaches salvation, deliverance from sin and the means of obtaining it; evangelist.’ Also, ‘A member of The Salvation Army.’ When the Christian Mission annual report was being prepared in May 1878 the words ‘Volunteer Army’ were on the printer’s proofs. Bramwell Booth, the Founder’s son, stated, ‘I am a regular or nothing,’ prompting William Booth to immediately cross out ‘Volunteer’ and replace it with ‘Salvation’. The early-day officers – who were often not well educated but had experienced salvation themselves – preached with passion at every opportunity, and sometimes used 14

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outrageous methods to tell the good news to everyone they could get to listen to them. Harry Munn, known as ‘Mad Munn’ because of his stunts, would be carried along the street in a coffin until there were enough curious onlookers – then he would leap out of the coffin and tell them about Jesus. James Dowdle, known as ‘The Fiery Fiddler’, would gather a crowd around his instrument case and tell them to watch out for what was going to happen. When he had a congregation, he would play a lively tune on the violin to introduce his gospel message. There were other similar characters, and reports at the time mentioned hundreds being saved. They were exciting times. Bramwell Booth remembered that his father would often say to congregations,

‘Do something, for God’s sake, to help Jesus Christ and to rescue the people from their sins.’ And as well as spiritual ministry William Booth recognised the need, so immense in Victorian England, to help people physically. The 1899 Salvation Army songbook included a section under the heading ‘Social Work’, which contained songs not used now because they are outdated. A verse of one song said: ‘Our lasses they are busy in attic and in slum,/ These haunts of sin echo with “All to Jesus come”;/ Sometimes they wash the baby, fetch father from the pub;/ And when the house is dirty, then the floor they scrub.’ In another song were these words: ‘In the good old book of books we read,/ God made man from the ground;/ In Eden’s garden he did feed,/ Where plenty did

abound;/ But now he’s starving in the slums,/ And can’t get work to do;/ To the garden back we’ll bring the “bums”/ When the General’s dream comes true.’ That was a reference to Booth’s proposals for social transformation in his book In Darkest England and the Way Out. William Booth sent out a weekly letter during one period that was to be read to all soldiers, and those written in 1907 and 1908 were made available in a book published by Bramwell Booth in 1921. In one letter the General wrote: ‘If you are consecrated to the task of helping Jesus Christ to save sinners, and extending his Kingdom, you have a right to believe that he is co-operating with you by his Holy Spirit in everything you do.’ He also wrote: ‘God gave unmistakeable proof of his love for you. What proof have you given to the world of your love for him?’ And: ‘I say sometimes that had every officer and soldier who has at one time or another vowed to live and fight and die under our flag remained faithful to their pledges, The Salvation Army would, indeed, have been a mighty force today. It would have been sufficiently powerful to shake the world.’ These timeless thoughts are as relevant now as they were more than a hundred years ago. So what about the present? We are still called The Salvation Army, but are we preaching salvation? Like those early officers we need to be innovative in the way we approach a sinful world with our message. No longer do we see reports of numerous seekers. We do read about a lot of social activity, but food parcel numbers are not matched with souls won for the Kingdom. Booth’s final speech, often quoted today, is still as meaningful as his other words quoted here. Women are still given cause to weep, there are still hungry children in places, prisons are still harbouring reoffending criminals, alcoholism is still a major problem and many souls are without the light of God. A later General, Albert Orsborn, wrote: ‘And still there are fields where the labourers are few,/ And still there are souls without bread,/ And still eyes that weep where the darkness is deep,/ And still straying sheep to be led’ (SASB

We are still called The Salvation Army, but are we preaching salvation? 626). Salvation must still be our message and our own personal experience of being saved should be broadcast whenever and wherever possible. In another of those weekly letters William Booth said: ‘Many soldiers do not see it to be their duty to personally win their friends and neighbours, or to invite them to the cross. Many soldiers I’m sorry to say do not see it to be their duty to save sinners at all.’ If that is still the case, then maybe it is Salvationists who need to change, not The Salvation Army. We can’t live in the past, but much of what General Booth said in the past can be helpful in the present. This, for example: ‘If we found we made a mistake and had taken a stand which is not likely to prove spiritually remunerative – in which the results do not promise to

answer the toil and sacrifice called for – let us have the courage to confess our mistake, and withdraw for a more congenial and productive field of labour.’ In the first issue of The Salvationist, which replaced The Christian Mission Magazine in January 1879, the Founder wrote an article entitled ‘Our new name’, in which he said: ‘We are a salvation people – this is our speciality – getting saved and keeping saved, and then getting somebody else saved.’ Let nothing stop us from making salvation our priority. ‘The world is needing us,/ Christ is leading us; Comrades, let us be true’ (SASB 934). z Excerpts from William Booth’s letters to soldiers will soon be published in a new Salvationist series Salvationist 3 July 2021

REVIEWS

A book for our time Major Cliff Allchin (Leeds Central) reviews The Space Between by Mark Bradford

E live in unparalleled times in which many churches and Salvation Army corps are seeking to plan their emergence from the Covid-19 pandemic. Written during lockdown, this book by Mark Bradford of St Cuthbert’s Church, Preston, is a timely contribution to help those who are discerning that pathway. But it is not just for this current situation. This is a useful tool for any painful experience that might constitute what he calls ‘the space between’ – the period between loss and renewal. ‘Much of life is lived in the space between,’ Bradford claims. He is sensitive to the pain found there – wisely drawing on his experiences as a minister – and points to the grace of God experienced by several Bible heroes who shaped their futures as they emerged from darkness into light. The book is based on five metaphors for the disruptive seasons we experience: the time of waiting, the place of exile, the wilderness, the storm and the pit. Each metaphor captures images of pain, but also carries the hope of resurrection as part of the bigger picture of biblical salvation. Shafts of light do indeed break through. This well-constructed book is easy to read and would

enhance the discussions of any study group – although it does need to be read with a Bible at hand, as not all references are written in full. Each chapter begins with an introduction to the specific metaphor, moves into ‘sacred Scriptures’, highlights a psalm, compares an incident in the life of Christ and identifies a New Testament reading eading – then spotlights a sacred discipline before using stories of saints ancient and modern to illustrate how that metaphor may be worked out in a new life. Poetry, songs and illustrations by Karen Fowler add to the book’s readability. As we gradually emerge from the pandemic this is undoubtedly a book for our time – one that calls for a trust in the God who will deliver us from this current darkness into his glorious light. O The Space Between is available from brfonline.org.uk priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk at the same price

Truly extraordinary Major John Read reviews Catherine Booth: From Timidity to Boldness 1829–1865 by David Malcolm Bennett

NYONE interested in the lives and thoughts of The Salvation Army’s Founders owes a debt of gratitude to David Malcolm Bennett for his painstaking work in transcribing and publishing the letters of William and Catherine Booth, and Catherine’s diary and reminiscences. He has now used these works – along with a host of other well-chosen and thoroughly researched primary sources – to tell the story of Catherine’s life until 1865, the year The Christian Mission was founded. Bennett tells this dramatic tale of an extraordinary woman and man living extraordinary lives comprehensively and very well. Bennett is at his best and most helpful when he brings together his disparate sources to produce a clear and coherent account of Catherine’s life and thoughts. However, there are times when he follows the arguments of other scholars instead of the evidence of his own primary sources, and this leads to some questionable conclusions. For example, he agrees with Andrew Eason that Catherine ‘never applied [her] belief in woman’s equality with man to her domestic situation’, adding that she ‘continued to believe that the man was head in the home’. Catherine’s feminism was undeniably more socially 16

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conservative than the feminism of today, but in her letters she referred to herself and William as ‘the heads of the family’ and – to make her meaning abundantly clear – the ‘heads’ of the household. A small but symbolic demonstration of this in their home was that William never sat at the head of the table when Catherine ine was present, but always beside her. In Female Teaching (1859) Catherine directly questioned ‘why woman should be confined exclusively to the kitchen and the [spindle], any more than man to the field and the workshop’. Roy Hattersley described her as ‘the most extraordinary woman of the 19th century’. However, what is truly extraordinary is how her life story has been forgotten and her teaching neglected. If David Bennett’s book helps to bring her the far greater attention she so thoroughly deserves, that would be a very good thing indeed. O Catherine Booth is available from amazon.co.uk priced £20.31

FEATURE I Stories of transformation

Tori Dante: Finding love, respect and freedom Major Rosemary Dawson continues a series in which she remembers some of the inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry

ATCHING her two daughters play happily with their father was a bittersweet experience for Tori Dante. She never had that normal father-daughter relationship. Tori’s father started to sexually abuse her when she was six years old. When she was 16, he raped her. When I met Tori in July 2002 in Manchester, her father was serving an eight-year prison sentence for shameless indecency, assault, rape, unlawful sex and incest. She later discovered that the abuse also extended to her sister and other family members. Tori became a Christian in 1996. Her faith, her family and her training as a counsellor helped her accept that her father no longer had any power over her. From the age of nine, she realised that their relationship was different from those of other children. She was terrified of going to bed and dreaded hearing television theme tunes that started at 9pm, because that often signalled when her father might come to her room. After the rape, the abuse finally stopped. Like other silent victims, Tori still bore emotional scars. ‘The wounds of physical abuse fade and heal,’ she said. ‘Sexual abuse leaves deep hidden wounds that are difficult to share. That’s why it’s good to encourage people to talk about it; it’s still very much a taboo subject. ‘Victims react differently. Some block it out altogether and don’t remember until their own children are born. Others go into denial, become promiscuous or can’t handle relationships.’ Rebellion was Tori’s way of reacting. She worked as a long-distance lorry driver and a club podium dancer and was heavily into punk and gothic rock. Casual relationships resulted in four abortions. She got into drugs because she didn’t like alcohol.

When a family member’s allegations against her father led to a police investigation, Tori finally began to feel liberated from what her father called ‘our little secret’. Around that time she met her husband, Cameron, a musician and DJ. When she eventually told him her story, his angry reaction on her behalf was a new experience. No man had ever been concerned for her before. In 1994 Cameron’s music group were recording in the same studios as a Christian band, the World Wide Message Tribe. When Cameron himself became a Christian his life changed so much that Tori began to think about God herself. But she found it hard to trust in God because to her he was another male figure – and she’d been betrayed by the dominant male role figure in her life. Not wanting to lose Cameron, she went along to an introductory course about Christianity. To her amazement she heard a woman speaker who had been abused by her own father, yet had found peace and healing. At another conference she heard about hurts and betrayals by fathers in past generations, and how Jesus came to Earth to take that hurt away. It was up to the individual to choose whether to accept God’s help. ‘It just clicked,’ she said. This turning point didn’t come without its struggles. Her father had violated her body, mind and spirit, and destroyed her childhood. How could she forgive him – and herself? Two harrowing years waiting for his trial to come to court also took its toll on her emotional wellbeing. Then, to her amazement and joy, Tori discovered that she was pregnant, which she hadn’t thought possible. She thanked God for this new life and asked forgiveness for the four abortions she had undergone.

What did she feel about her father when I met her? ‘Before, I hated him. Full stop. Now I just want him to say sorry for what he did to me, but he never has.’ Tori’s experience inevitably affected her thinking about God. ‘If I’m having a bad day, my mind blanks out “Father God”. I never once went to my own father for help, so that concept is difficult for me. There are three persons in the Godhead, so I feel that God understands when I talk to Jesus instead.’ Tori’s own family relationships became the most important thing in her life: ‘My children know they are loved. I don’t want them to carry my emotional baggage around. ‘I want to help other victims of abuse come to terms with their past, and raise awareness in churches and the community. I look forward more than I look back. Love, respect and freedom – that’s what I want my children to remember me for.’ O Tori’s book Our Little Secret is available from amazon.co.uk priced £7.99 (plus postage and packing)

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL

The National Association for People Abused in Childhood provides support for adult survivors in the UK. Call 0808 801 0331 or visit napac.org.uk

O Based on an article published in the War Cry, 27 July 2002

Salvationist 3 July 2021

BIBLE STUDY

God’s servant Glenn Sealey considers the obedience of Paul after his conversion

ROMANS 1:1

HE first important factor to consider with any statement or document is who wrote it. As he did in all his New Testament letters, Paul begins Romans by stating his name and testimony – ‘Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God’ (v1). The Darby Translation is unique in rendering the word doulos – most often translated as ‘servant’ – as ‘bondman’, a commonplace term for those in service to a king or emperor. Yet as a Roman citizen Paul could not, in the everyday sense, be employed as a bondman, slave or servant. In the Old Testament, prophets are sometimes described as God’s servants: ‘I will avenge the blood of my servants the prophets’ (2 Kings 9:7). Paul, therefore, is in good company in using ‘servant’ to describe his relationship with Christ Jesus.

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

Salvationist 3 July 2021

Paul – first known as Saul – was a Jew who was born and raised in Tarsus, the capital of the Roman province of Cilicia (in modern-day Turkey). As a free city within the Roman Empire, Tarsus enjoyed an amount of legislative autonomy. Saul studied under Gamaliel, who was a Pharisee, a teacher of the Law and member of Jerusalem’s ruling Jewish council, the Sanhedrin (see Acts 5:34 and 22:3). Therefore, we might reasonably conclude that Saul was educated in Gentile and Hebrew cultures and thoroughly trained in the Jewish Law. Saul became a Pharisee and rose, while still comparatively young, to gain the confidence of the high priest in Jerusalem and engaged in persecuting followers of Jesus (see Acts 9:1 and 2). Jesus prophesied that people who persecute believers would believe they were doing the will of God (see John 16:2). This certainly applied to Saul.

While en route to Damascus to arrest followers of Jesus, Saul encountered Jesus himself. Jesus called him saying: ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?… I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting… Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do’ (Acts 9:4–6). Later, God instructed the reluctant and fearful Ananias to pray with Saul, explaining: ‘This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel’ (Acts 9:15 Berean Study Bible). When Jesus intervened in Saul’s life, he transformed someone with a passion for persecution into a passionate servant of the Lord. QUESTION O How do your intellect and background fit you for God’s service?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. (Romans 6:22)

Make me a captive, Lord,/ And then I shall be free;/ Force me to render up my sword,/ And I shall conqueror be./ I sink in life’s alarms/ When by myself I stand;/ Imprison me within thine arms/ And strong shall be my hand. (SASB 724)

Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey – whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? (Romans 6:16)

Saul responded to Jesus’ call and became Paul – God’s servant, whose energy was devoted to serving Jesus Christ. Paul’s nature was transformed by the presence of God. When God touches our lives, we are unable to deny it, even if, on occasions, we may want to. For Paul, God’s way was not the easiest; neither will it be for us. God will often take us to places and situations for which we feel unprepared and inadequate.

brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel’ (Philippians 1:12 English Standard Version). Paul was still the intellectual and his background, qualifications, skills and talents remained. But his nature had been transformed by the presence – and calling – of God. Aware of his radical transformation, the former persecutor wrote: ‘For Christ’s love compels us’ (2 Corinthians 5:14).

QUESTION what way has God touched your life?

O When

O In

Few of us have become what we imagined in our youth. Some of us have been crushed on the harsh rocks of reality. But God can use those difficult experiences to fulfil his purpose. When Paul faced persecution and imprisonment in Rome, he wrote to the church in Philippi: ‘I want you to know,

Henry writes of Paul: ‘This is his title of honour, which he glories in – “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus”.’ Reading the biography of James Hudson Taylor, the missionary to China, I am struck by his total, uncompromising reliance upon God. This is how to be a servant of Jesus – ‘getting up’ to the call and then using God-given attributes with total reliance on him in Christian service and living. Paul served his Lord with all his heart. Consequently, the name of Jesus was glorified and the reign of Jesus extended.

QUESTION facing problems and difficulties, how do your reactions compare with Paul’s? As Paul described in his letter to the Philippians, Jesus – through humbling himself and being obedient to death – epitomises the concept of servanthood. As a servant, Paul followed his Master’s example. Bible commentator Matthew

QUESTION O To what avenues of service is the Lord calling you?

GLENN SEALEY IS RETIRED CSM AT CANNOCK

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

O Jesus, I have promised/ To serve thee to the end,/ Be thou for ever near me,/ My Master and my friend./ I shall not fear the battle/ If thou art by my side,/ Nor wander from the pathway/ If thou wilt be my guide. (SASB 613)

‘No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.’ (Matthew 6:24)

If so poor a soul as I/ May to thy great glory live,/ All my actions sanctify,/ All my words and thoughts receive;/ Claim me for thy service, claim/ All I have and all I am. (SASB 592)

Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. (1 Peter 2:16)

Prayer Father, help me to surrender each word, thought and action to your will and sovereignty, and to desire nothing more in life than living to please you. In this alone will I find the incalculable, incomparable joy and peace you promised.

Salvationist 3 July 2021

A LETTER FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY

Information on our IT systems Sent on 28 June to all officers, members and employees in the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland

AM writing to you regarding a recent incident caused by a malicious actor who gained access to our IT systems. Despite having some of the strongest data and IT protection, determined attackers can sometimes succeed. As a result, some of our IT systems have been unavailable since early June. I am aware that there has been some inaccurate reporting on this incident, and I want to ensure that you are kept informed as the investigation progresses and as soon as we can share information with you. Every effort is being made to resolve this matter in accordance with Salvation Army values and principles. The board of the Salvation Army Trustee Company met on 17 June, during which it was briefed, and there will be a further meeting at the end of this week. International Headquarters has also been very supportive. Throughout the incident we have prioritised protecting you and those we serve. Many of you have gone to 20

Salvationist 3 July 2021

extraordinary efforts to ensure that people who rely on us have not been impacted adversely. Thank you very much. The investigation, led by an external legal team and cyber security experts, has been complex and time consuming. We want to reassure you that we are working hard to provide you with all the necessary details regarding this incident, but we of course want the details we provide to be accurate and complete, and this requires the investigation to progress further. While Salvation Army processes and the swift action of our IT Department prevented further harm to our systems and the data held there, the investigation has now determined that the unauthorised malicious actor was able to take some data from our systems. Understanding and analysing what data has been taken is a complicated and time-consuming process and we have brought in some external experts to help us with it. However, this ongoing work has now revealed that our initial high-level analysis suggests that limited data was taken, and contained some personal data from Salvation Army employees and officers, which may include names, addresses and bank account numbers. We are still working to understand exactly who has been affected. There is no evidence that any data obtained by the malicious actor has been misused or is publicly available. It is also important to explain that

someone merely having access to your bank account number and sort code, for example, does not necessarily put you at an increased risk of fraud. However, as we cannot rule out the possibility of increased risk in future, we are writing to you today to remind you that it is always important to remain vigilant against identity theft and to be alert for phishing emails or SMS messages by someone who acts as if they know you and asks you to click on a link or requests sensitive information over email or the phone. We are in discussions with the Information Commissioner’s Office about this incident. We are also working to identify any other personal data contained in the data taken by the malicious actor and we will keep you updated on the progress of that work. Again, I want to reiterate that I understand this is concerning news to receive. I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to mitigate any risks to you, and we will be writing personally to individuals once we are certain of the facts. We are committed to putting in place services that, insofar as is possible, will protect your data and give you comfort. We live in a broken world and it is sad that there are people who maliciously and intentionally seek to harm us. However, we are not downcast or hopeless. We have confidence in God – Father, Son and Spirit. We need not fear. Jesus said we should pray for our enemies (see Matthew 5:44). We also pray that their plans will not succeed. If you have questions or comments, please write to me at THQ or email chief.secretary@salvationarmy.org.uk and I will ensure that I or the appropriate person responds to you. May God continue to bless and guide us – thanks for all you are doing. Yours faithfully COLONEL PAUL MAIN CHIEF SECRETARY

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FAIRHAVEN CHRISTIAN HOTEL (LLANDUDNO) 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. All bedrooms are en suite. For colour brochure and information phone 01492 878447 or email fairhavenchristianhotel@gmail.com. fairhavenhotel.com

READING WEST (92 Chester Street, Reading RG6 4DS)

Sunday 4 July 10.30am

RETIREMENT CELEBRATION FOR MAJORS LINDA AND RAY CHARLTON Led by Majors Mike and Lisa Lloyd-Jones

Heralding the dawn ŪİɆî şĘǄ challenge The Herald’s Challenge is returning next weekend and runs throughout July. It’s an opportunity to sell the papers, build links with local people, share your faith and raise funds for your corps. Volunteer as a herald for an hour a week or more and support your corps. Each new herald can qualify for 20 extra free copies of both Kids Alive! and War Cry on top of the existing corps order.

Video greetings and messages to Major Lisa Lloyd-Jones lisa.lloyd-jones@salvationarmy.org.uk

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Music and Creative Arts and Youth and Children’s Ministries present a new resource for 2021. Short Changed includes a brand new kids musical based on the story of Zacchaeus.

- Leader’s guide - Games - Crafts - Teaching materials - Printable resources

Salvationist 3 July 2021

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

PROMOTED TO GLORY O Jean Jones, Chatham O Jean Bacon, Burton-on-Trent O Margaret Kinsey, Staple Hill O Alec Murray, Belfast Temple O Pearl Murray, Belfast Temple O Major Alan Bennett from his home in Hadleigh, Essex, on 22 June

APPOINTED Effective 10 June O Captain Cor van der Woude, additional appointment, practitioner tutor (pastoral care with psychology), WBC Effective 15 July O Captains Annemarie and Philip Cole, additional appointment, Ballymena BEREAVED O Captain Berenice McKenna, additional O Allan Jones, Chatham, of his wife appointment, area safeguarding adviser, Jean Jones, Vanessa Georgiou of WBC her mother Effective 9 September O Major Stephen Noble, Scarborough, and Kath Roberts of their father O Major Marta Ager, support officer Keith Noble (Retired Officer Unit), Personnel Service, THQ O Bandsman Mark Murray and S/Sec Effective 11 November Sharon Murray, both Belfast Temple, of their parents Alec and Pearl Murray O Majors Bruce and Isobel Smith, Inverness O Major Betty Bennett of her husband Major Alan Bennett, SL Martin Bennett, Nottingham William Booth LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED Memorial Halls, BM Marion Still, O YPSM Grace Baxter, Govan Hadleigh Temple, and Alison Vincent O RS Stephen Jacques, Govan of their father O Major Gill Johnson, Bromley MARRIAGE Temple, of her brother Stuart O Dawn Alma Robinson to John Davidson Paulowski at Chatham (22 May) WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Emerald (55th) O Majors Alan and Sandra Ford (16 July) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Margaret Lawrance (90 on 16 July)

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 Jul O WBC (Commissioning Day), Sat 10 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 Jul O WBC (Commissioning Day), Sat 10 O WBC (Farewell Sunday), Sun 11 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 7 Jul O

WBC (Commissioning Day), Sat 10

WBC (Farewell Sunday), Sun 11

Salvationist 3 July 2021

TRIBUTES NORMAN BANNISTER, SWADLINCOTE THE fifth of seven children, Norman was born in 1932 in Burton-on-Trent. With his first wife, Carol, he had three daughters, Michelle, Melanie and Melissa, and six grandchildren. In 1996, he married Sheila and gained three stepdaughters – Teresa, Maria and Helen – and later welcomed five more grandchildren. As a young man, Norman completed national service, before working as a bus driver, then in security and finally at Argos after retirement. He still had time for his hobbies and was a keen gardener, fisherman and ballroom dancer. Norman’s Christian faith was important to him, as was his service within The Salvation Army. As well as being a songster and later a member of the singing group, he served as corps treasurer and then as corps sergeantmajor. Norman has gone to enjoy his eternal reward, but his personality, passion and faith are not forgotten. – MP

VERENA HEATH, SWADLINCOTE VERENA was born in 1947 in Burton-onTrent. In 1966 she married Peter, and they shared 50 years together. They had two daughters, Toni and Tracey, and seven grandchildren. Vee, as she was affectionately known, worked throughout her life and was a well-known volunteer with the Red Cross, Age Concern, the Bus Park café and a local playgroup. She was a Brownie leader and a school helper, and put much time and effort into producing baby baskets for first-time mothers. In 2016, following Peter’s death, Vee started attending The Salvation Army, where she not only joined the worshipping community, but also worked with the parent-and-toddler group, the over-60 and luncheon clubs and the Drop In café. Vee had started soldiership classes, but they were interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic and, later, by the return of her cancer. She is greatly missed. – MP VERA GARRATT, EDINBURGH GORGIE VERA Garratt was born to Salvationist parents in Beverley, Yorkshire, in 1928. Her father was the bandmaster and her mother home league secretary. Vera was proficient on the euphonium and the concertina, and she was grateful to have and use these skills in her later ministry. She was converted at the age of 14, became a candidate helper at the age of 18 and entered the King’s Messengers session at the International Training College in 1947. When her husband, Charlie, died she entered a new sphere of ministry as young people’s sergeant-major and singing company sergeant at Edinburgh Gorgie’s outpost. Vera had very high principles and morals along with a dry sense of humour. She knew the Scriptures and the songbook thoroughly and could readily quote from either. She lived up to her sessional name of being a King’s Messenger. – LC

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Salvationist 3 July 2021

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Now in the evening while shadows fall, Grant us thy peace, who give to thee our all

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…

(SASB B 677)

CHRISTINE PILGRIM Eastbourne Citadel

Where is your favourite holiday destination? Somewhere restful, such as the Northumberland coast. It is beautiful whatever the weather.

How did you first come into contact with the Army? My parents were Salvationists at Folkestone. I was taken to the morning meeting when I was just one week old.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? The Sound of Music. I would love to be the Mother Abbess who sings ‘Climb Ev’ry Mountain’.

What made you want to become a soldier? I made the decision during a cadets Easter campaign. Later, I was guided through all the preparation lessons by a dear retired officer and was enrolled at the age of 14.

Do you have any hidden talents? I used to play the full range of recorders, and was able to help children (and their parents) learn that they were not just loud, squeaky instruments.

What was your day job before retirement? I used to teach in primary schools and was, for some years, deputy head of a Church of England school. It was said to be the only church school run by a Baptist head teacher and a Salvationist deputy. What was the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating? It was wonderful to see some children attain more than they ever thought was possible and frustrating to see others waste their skills and ability.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? I support Manchester United, and have done ever since the Munich air disaster in 1958 – so it would be football. What is your favourite meal? Homemade spaghetti bolognese. My husband, Peter, is an excellent cook! Apart from English, what languages do you know? I can get by with some very rusty French and a little Spanish. What is your favourite Bible passage? Romans 8:38 and 39. They are wonderful words of affirmation! Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? John the disciple. I’d ask about the responsibility he felt when Jesus asked him to care for his mother after he was gone. What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘Softly the Shadows Fall’ (SASB 677). A beautiful melody with lovely words, and a fond reminder of my dad, Alan Crafter, who often used it as a benediction at the end of a songster programme or meeting.

’’’

Did you have a nickname growing up? For some reason my great-grandad used to say, ‘Come on then Jemima. Let’s get going!’ If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? Speaker of the House of Commons Sir Lindsay Hoyle. I would love to see the things he has to deal with. If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? Helen Keller. She lost her sight and hearing when she was 19 months old, yet with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, became an inspirational author, disability rights advocate, lecturer and political activist. Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island? A book containing Jane Austen’s six major novels. If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be? ‘Walking on Sunshine’ by Katrina and the Waves. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? My head teacher told me I was unlikely to pass my A-levels and go on to become a teacher. She did it so that I would become determined to prove her wrong – and I did! So thank you, Miss Goodman. What is the most valuable thing you possess? Fond memories. Something interesting you might want people to know about you is… I used to take part in music festival competitions as a child. As an adult I became the accompanist for our school choir, led by the teacher who had previously taught me in primary school.