NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS John Farnes, Mark Doyle and Alec Taylor were enrolled as soldiers on Harvest Sunday. Several years ago John was passing the hall and popped into the weekly sale with his late wife, Valda. They began to attend worship and were welcomed as adherents. Mark attended the lunch club after being invited by someone who lives in his complex. He became an adherent and, after the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, felt led to become a soldier. Alec started attending three years ago and considered soldiership before the lockdowns. All three expressed their love of God and gratitude for the welcome and support they received from the corps. They are pictured with corps officers Captains Graeme and Zoe Smith. BURNLEY Johan Kreuiter was welcomed as an adherent after worshipping at the corps for several months. He thanked the corps members for their acceptance and support during a difficult time. He testified that he felt the Lord’s leading in making The Salvation Army his spiritual home. He is pictured with corps officer Major Lorraine O’Neill. – LO
David Hall was welcomed as an adherent after attending the corps for many years following the closure of his previous church. During the pandemic lockdowns his eyesight deteriorated and he is now registered as blind. The love, care and support shown to him by corps members led him to become an adherent. David has a quiet but strong faith and continues to be involved in church activities beyond the Army.
Roger Varley was supposed to be enrolled as a soldier on Harvest Sunday, but he was in hospital due to ill health. He was delighted, however, to be enrolled the following day. Roger began attending weekday activities after being told about them by someone in town when he was new to the area. He has invited several people from his sheltered housing community to the church and community programme. Despite his poor health, he is grateful to God for the way he is supported and prayed for by the corps. – GS 20
Salvationist 4 December 2021
UPPER NORWOOD David Johnson expressed his commitment to follow Jesus by becoming an adherent. David, who was an English teacher for almost 30 years, was delighted to formally join the church. He first came to Christ in 1990 through an Edinburgh Fringe project run by the Church Mission Society. More recently, David undertook a PhD in Shakespeare and law while supporting his wife, Cadet Diane, who is in her second year of training at William Booth College. David said: ‘I have been truly amazed by the way Salvationists live their faith rather than revisit it on a Sunday.’ David and Cadet Diane are pictured with corps officer Major Phil Layton. – RC
