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Major Linda Perkin get him some of the proper medical attention that he deserves. It’s quite a responsibility.’ The airport has a multifaith prayer room that houses literature – Bibles, Korans and other books – and prayer mats, so there is something for everyone. The majors hold services upon request and, although they’re not allowed to be overtly Christian, they do not hide the fact that they are Christian ministers. ‘We take the opportunity to express our faith when the time needs it,’ says Chris. Major Linda Perkin, who is part of the chaplaincy team at Gatwick airport, spends much of her time walking around the airside area, popping into airport shops and hotels, talking to staff and passengers and visiting the special assistance section, where people who need help physically wait for someone to take them to the plane. ‘People in the airport can feel quite lonely, so having someone to talk to can be good,’ she explains. ‘Staff members typically work alone or in twos and sometimes passengers carry things they want to offload or have fears and anxieties that I can help to dissolve.’ Linda says the most challenging element of her role is not always being accepted. ‘Sometimes people can shut you out and it can be a battle to make them see that you’re just a normal person and you want to come alongside them and be of help.’ 14
Salvationist 4 December 2021
Major David Wing Linda is also involved in a new network with Border Force, developed within the past year. Border Force is responsible for securing the UK border by carrying out immigration and customs controls for people and goods entering the UK. Once a month staff members have a wellbeing day that Linda attends, where they have access to leaflets on mental health and other things to keep them healthy and well, as well as an opportunity to speak with Linda. ‘Some of what is shared is quite detailed. For others, it’s just stuff that they want to get off their chest,’ she says. ‘Being able to have conversations that are meaningful and helpful, not only for others but also for me as a Christian, is very fulfilling. If I can bring something of my faith and my personal walk with the Lord into a conversation, I will.’ Most days a service takes place in the airport chapel, led by members of the chaplaincy team. However, since the beginning of the pandemic many services have taken place online via Zoom. Linda’s services include a thought from Scripture, a prayer and some music. She recalls one: ‘There was a chap who came in quite upset. He didn’t say very much but I had an email from him a couple of weeks afterwards.’ The email read: ‘Hello, I was flying out of Gatwick on Tuesday morning, headed for Italy, and as I walked towards the bag drop area in the North Terminal I heard an announcement over the PA
system about the service at 11.30am. I decided to attend. I’m not quite sure why, but I sort of felt that my having chosen to pop in wasn’t just a coincidence. ‘I can’t say that I came out feeling as though a miraculous recovery had just occurred, but I did leave feeling loved, and the Christian message was ringing loud and clear in my ears as I made my way through security and then to my flight. ‘I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank the lovely Major Linda Perkin of The Salvation Army for her short yet beautiful service and for her wonderful words of kindness and support. It was something that will remain with me and that I shall remember for a long time. As I shall be travelling through the North Terminal again in the near future, I hope to be able to repeat the experience. For the time being, I just felt the need to say a sincere thank you and I hope to see you again soon.’ ‘It’s nice to be able to help people like that,’ reflects Linda. ‘To see how the small help that we as chaplains give can be so meaningful for an individual makes our work worthwhile. It doesn’t cost a lot to help someone, and it’s really appreciated.’
SHANELLE IS A FORMER EDITORIAL ASSISTANT WITH SALVATIONIST
