INTERNATIONAL

Congress rekindles spiritual fire

South America West

A HALLMARK of the visit of General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle was the movement of the Holy Spirit at the congress meetings.

Themed Rekindle the Fire, the congress took place in Chile and Bolivia, two of the four countries that make up the territory. Commencing with officers’ councils in Santiago, Chile, the international leaders challenged officers to go forward in the mission without fear, relying on the Lord. Separate rallies for men and women preceded an evening youth rally, before Thursday events included local officers’, holiness and celebration meetings.

Moving on to Cochabamba in Bolivia, the international leaders visited the Army’s Harry Williams Hospital, which treats hundreds of patients every day. This was followed by an afternoon march of witness (pictured), where 800 Salvationists marched in celebration of their faith. In recognition of the Army’s service to the community, Councilman Diego Murillo appointed the General as a guest of honour in the city. Sunday’s activities included the commissioning and ordination of six officers. The enrolment by the General of both junior and senior soldiers in Santiago and Cochabamba was also a special time of challenge and blessing, clearly marked by the presence of God.

Territorial Commander Colonel Alex Nesterenko acknowledged the warmth of fellowship experienced during the visit, declaring: ‘The sparks of the Holy Spirit’s fire were seen in full power.’ – AR

Remembrance Emergency Aid

HASTINGS CITADEL Responding to floods, the corps provided a space for the emergency services. Firefighters, council workers and utilities representatives received drinks, snacks and hot meals and were given a space to hold meetings and rest. The team at the corps also helped local residents directly affected, including one woman who didn’t want to leave her flat despite having lost all power. The team heated up food for her and provided flasks of hot water, as well as sleeping bags and blankets. – D-AH

Salvationist honoured with museum plaque

HARTLEPOOL

A SALVATION Army officer who was killed in the First World War has been honoured with a plaque at the town’s Heugh Battery Museum.

Adjutant William Avery (pictured with his family) was the corps officer at what was then West Hartlepool Citadel. He died on 16 December 1914 when the German Navy bombarded Hartlepool, Scarborough and Whitby.

William’s grandson, James Gilman, said: ‘It’s an honour to present this plaque to the Heugh Battery Museum and see my grandfather, a Salvation Army hero, recognised. He was one of the first civilians to be killed in the UK during the First World War. His death made headline news not only in the national press but also as far afield as the Sydney Morning Herald in Australia.’ – AR

Event

DUNSTABLE A 12-hour prayer event –researched, prepared and facilitated by Adherents Secretary Sue Leadbeater –helped people prepare for Covenant Sunday. Attendees booked one-hour slots to visit seven prayer stations, each of which considered a different name and nature of God. Each station had an explanatory leaflet and opportunity to do arts and crafts. – SB

MUSIC MODERN SLAVERY Support for survivors must be protected, says Army THQ

THE Salvation Army has raised concerns about new government measures, which expect people to provide objective evidence that they have been exploited.

Major Kathy Betteridge, director of Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery, commented: ‘Survivors of modern slavery are victims of crime who have been tricked, trapped and traded for other people’s profits. Modern slavery and immigration should not be conflated nor addressed by the same strategies, or we risk making it harder for genuine victims to come forward to be supported.

‘We are concerned these new measures will make it harder for people to prove they are entitled to support and protection from abusers.

‘ We agree it is important to speed up decisionmaking around modern slavery cases, but we seek reassurances that vital support processes remain in place and are protected f rom any future legislative or policy changes.’ – AR

Fundraising

SALISBURY The corps hosted a new year concert by Salisbury Concert Band, which raised £662 for Salisbury Trust for the Homeless. The hall seemed a perfect fit for the trustees of the homelessness charity, who value the collaboration between t he corps, themselves and other like-minded groups. Plans are already in place to hold a similar event in 2024. – MD