Salvationist 4 March 2023

SALVATIONIST

GOOD READS SHARING WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

‘Words don’t come easy’

THE above is the opening line of a song written and performed by FR David, which reached number two in the UK singles chart in 1983. It was a song about finding it hard to say ‘I love you’. Those of you of a certain age may well now be singing the song in your head, as I was when I was thinking about how to capture the theme for this week’s issue, which is inspired by World Book Day (2 March).

What we say and how we say it are fundamentally important to ensuring that our message is received as it was intended. In the centre spread, Simon Hope gives some insight into Bible translations, how best to use them and which ones to be wary of. In our fledgling book club, Captain Callum McKenna offers us a review of a book by an author who was influential in informing his discipleship.

Books usually tell a story and will therefore have a beginning, a middle and an end. In John 1:1, we are reminded that ‘in the beginning was the Word’. The Word, made flesh. There was nothing easy about his coming and yet he came that we might each understand just how much God loves each one of us.

MAJOR

JULIAN WATCHORN EDITOR

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS

From the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

FOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Brian Peddle

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Major Julian Watchorn

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The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.

Faith, hope and love remain

Continuing a series of topical reflections, Grace Ball asks what we are doing to support young people

THE 2023 Prince’s Trust Youth Index shows that ‘the happiness and confidence of 16 to 25-year-olds has flatlined at an all-time low’ in its 14-year history of research. A global pandemic, a cost-of-living crisis and an incoming recession are all ‘once in a lifetime events’ that have occurred in the space of three years.

I’m 22 years old, living in the UK and, as I read through this report, I realised that much of it resonated with me.

I am one of the ‘56 per cent of young people [who] say they always or often feel anxious’. I am one of the ‘62 per cent of young people [who] say they always or often feel stressed’. I am one of the ‘63 per cent of young people [who] say they are scared for their future’.

The past few years have sometimes felt like a nightmare, and it can be difficult to see a future that looks any better. I completed half of my degree from my bedroom with little face-toface contact. Even with achieving a first, I have been unable to get any long-term employment despite losing count of applications.

I worry constantly. Social media, which was a form of entertainment and connection, is now an endless stream of terrifying headlines. And, as the planet careers to the point of no return, it often feels like no one with the power to make a difference is taking it seriously.

However, despite this bleak picture, I have found support from some amazing people who have made things more manageable. Being part of two Prince’s Trust programmes, working with a mentor to talk through my aspirations and volunteering with a local youth organisation have all started to build my

confidence and help me see a way forward.

Across the territory, corps are working on the ground alongside children and young people in their community. These children and youth workers are making a tangible difference to the young people they support through youth clubs, mentoring, street-based youth work and through being prayer partners.

Adults who genuinely care are needed by young people now more than ever, believe me. In 1 Corinthians 13:13 we are told: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.’ This love can be shown by offering a listening ear or a word of encouragement, providing safe spaces, being present in conversations, journeying with and bringing the hope and peace of God through simply connecting.

The Children and Youth Department have a wide range of materials at salvationist.org.uk/childrenandyouth to support adults working with young people facing today’s challenges, including Mindset Resilience Training, the Starfish schools mentoring programme, Upbeat, which provides emotional wellbeing support for boys, and the resource Pastorally Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People

Gen Z (people born between 1997 and 2012) are sometimes described as ‘snowflakes’ – the generation who can’t go five minutes without checking their phone, who spend too much time worrying, who are over-sensitive. But we are also resilient and determined, we are doing our best to smile and laugh, and we are trying our hardest to make the world better.

REFLECT AND RESPOND

As I got to the end of the report, there was one more statistic that resonated with me: I am one of the ‘70 per cent of young people [who] feel determined to achieve their goals in life’, even when it feels impossible. So please be there to support us, talk with us and listen to us. Having people who care makes a real difference.

Janet Pope

Doncaster

‘God is not finished with me yet!’

Heather Sheldon (Hadleigh Temple) shares how God called her to The Salvation Army

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Janet Pope. I’m a member of the corps writers’ group and I volunteer at the parent-and-toddler group and lead a Bible study group.

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy coming alongside the parents to listen and encourage the toddlers to be creative. In our Bible study group, I like how we interact and encourage each other in understanding God’s word.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

Nehemiah 8:10: ‘The joy of the Lord is your strength.’

What do you pray for most?

My church, myself, my community and to be encouraged. These are the basis of a Call for Prayer booklet I put together, a leaflet to pray for corps members during the Covid-19 pandemic.

What’s your most-played song at the moment?

‘Goodness of God.’

If you had an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Maltesers – I just love them!

What is your most-used emoji?

A butterfly. That’s me. It’s symbolic of being a new creation and of my transformation and freedom since

I gave my heart to Jesus at a Billy Graham crusade in Sheffield.

IDIDN’T grow up in a Christian home, but I have been aware of God’s presence in my life since the age of seven or eight. In my early 20s, when I was a police officer, I was driving alone in my police car and clearly heard God say, ‘I want you to be a Salvation Army officer.’ I wasn’t a Christian and I didn’t even know The Salvation Army had officers. I remember turning the car around, driving in the opposite direction and thinking, ‘I’m never going to tell anybody about this’, and for many years I didn’t.

My first contact with the Army was when I got married at Hadleigh Temple. This was strange for someone who was not a member, but the best man was a Salvationist and suggested it.

At the time I agreed to bring my children to The Salvation Army if I had any. I was blessed with a son and a daughter and did just that. When my son told me that he wanted to be a junior soldier, I thought I’d better go along to see what the Army was all about – and I’m still here today.

I knew I should be in full-time ministry, but it just wasn’t happening. One day God spoke to me again and told me ‘now’ was the time. Personal circumstances prevented me from going into training, but I went to the assessment conference to become a lieutenant under the lieutenancy scheme and was accepted.

I became a territorial envoy and had the privilege of leading Basildon and Grays, where I had the most amazing and fulfilling time.

In April 2022 I retired from full-time ministry and returned to Hadleigh Temple, but one never really retires from God’s work. I am pleased to say that he has opened new avenues of ministry. I now serve as band sergeant and home league secretary. God is not finished with me yet!

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith journey! Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

salvationarmy org uk

My acceptance of Jesus as my personal Saviour, in contrast to my calling, came as a slow infilling of the Holy Spirit; the realisation came as I saw a huge photo of myself in police uniform in a Salvation Army exhibition. I became a soldier and, not long after, the corps officer told me that God had said he wanted me to be a leader. At this stage I hadn’t told a single person about my calling some 20 years before, but I had to agree that this was God’s plan for me.

While still working as a police officer, together with my husband, I led Canvey Island Corps. After this, I became what I believe to be the Army’s first lay chaplain at what was then Hadleigh Training Centre.

ere esus as my ontrast to my w inf illing alisation photo iform in bition. d, not er told me this stage about ears t this was a s my y is, ve

Where the Light Fell: A Memoir by

Philip Yancey

Available from amazon.co.uk priced £9.95

Continuing an occasional series, Captain Callum McKenna recommends a book for reflection and discussion

THIS might be the year of the autobiography, although my first read of 2023 is perhaps less controversial than some other recently released memoirs. One of the first books I remember really nurturing my discipleship was What’s So Amazing About Grace? by Philip Yancey. It was a well-crafted masterpiece of theological truths, which set my imagination ablaze for what living a Christian life might be all about. So I was curious to pick up Yancey’s latest book, Where the Light Fell, for a glimpse into the life of the person behind such an influential work.

It’s clear that where we come from profoundly shapes who we are. In the first part of the book Yancey reflects with humour, candour and a tinge of melancholy on his roots in the USA’s Deep South. I took comfort in the way that these roots were presented: not neat and tidy but a complex web of less-thanperfect factors that shaped Yancey into the leader and teacher he is.

Yancey’s family life was complex. He recounts his father’s death caused by polio when he discharged himself from an ‘iron lung’, believing in faith that he would be divinely healed. His religious life was complex, bearing all the hallmarks of fundamentalist Christianity and orchestrated by his dominant mother. His social life was complex, taking place against the backdrop of the civil rights movement and racial segregation. Much of the first half of the book deals with disappointment, disillusionment and doubt, as Yancey the adolescent tries to square his faith with a divided and conservative social context.

The book’s second half offers a glimpse into the kind of faith and character augured by such roots. Some might call this a ‘deconstructed faith’, as Yancey

grows tired and frustrated with the platitudes of his inherited Christianity and describes his longing for an authentic experience of God, but I think this is possibly too simplistic. This is a book full of honesty and self-awareness, a book that will appeal to those who want to eschew easy answers to life’s biggest questions, one that embraces the complexity of the things that shape us into who we are and one that gently testifies to the reliability of God’s grace.

CLOSE-UP READING

CHAPTER 7: CHURCH (p69)

‘Nothing plagues me more than the question of whether I am really saved. I’ve said the Sinner’s Prayer so many times that I can spell it backwards. I go forward, and get prayed over by church elders while I keep my hands clasped together and my eyes squinched shut. I do it again, several times, afraid salvation is like a vaccination that might not take. Still, I can never silence the nagging questions: Do I really mean it? Is it genuine?’

Here, Yancey considers his childhood introduction to Christianity in quite a fundamentalist context. His questions will, I’m sure, resonate with many Christians as they have come to grapple with what it means to have a ‘personal’ faith.

REFLECT AND DISCUSS

How has your own faith changed over time?

CLOSE-UP READING

CHAPTER 21: CONTACT (p245)

‘In slow motion, I watch Jesus reach down with a moistened rag to clean my wounds and staunch the flow of blood. As he bends toward me, I see myself, the wounded victim of a crime […] I have caught a new and humbling glimpse of myself. In my arrogance, maybe I’m the neediest one of all.’

Yancey is reflecting here on his first ‘authentic religious experience’ aged 20. He’s recounting a moment at Bible college when he initiates a discussion about the parable of the good Samaritan. As he argumentatively reflects on the story with his peers, he has a lightbulb moment in which he sees himself as the wounded man on the Jericho road, rather than the Samaritan hero of the story he had previously identified with.

REFLECT AND DISCUSS

How has the Bible spoken to you and shaped your discipleship?

Adjusting your sails

Major Nick Hanover reminds us that resilient faith treats difficulty as an opportunity for growth

1 THESSALONIANS 2:17 TO 3:13

‘WE cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.’

Many people, including Dolly Parton, have been credited with this wise observation. Many more can relate to the storms of life that this advice seeks to address. It’s fair to say that, literally, metaphorically, spiritually or otherwise, the apostle Paul certainly knew all about the storms of life and the need to adjust one’s sails. He knew what it took to have a resilient faith.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How well do you respond to life’s storms?

Are you good at adjusting your sails?

Our study passage gives us a fascinating insight into Paul’s response to the challenges he was facing. It’s a moving, tender and personal passage of Scripture that offers a compelling glimpse of how deeply he cares for this fledgling Christian community. And yet, it’s worth remembering that Paul is writing to a community he was with for barely a month. A community he was forced to leave due to the ongoing threats and persecution his ministry was provoking. He clearly loves and wants the best for them.

Throughout the passage Paul exhibits an emotional intensity that betrays the notion of a cerebral theologian divorced from the emotion of everyday life. The image he employs to describe his feeling at being separated from his friends in Thessalonica is that of an orphaned child (see 2:17). These verses grow out of his sense of deep bonding with them, as a

mother with the baby she has begun to feed (see 2:7). Like an anxious parent, Paul’s every thought has been how to get back to them. Professing an ‘intense longing’ to see his friends again and frustrated by Satan’s opposition and disruption, he is forced to adjust his sails. He admits it’s all too much to bear, that he can ‘stand it no longer’ (3:1), and so he sends Timothy.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Think of the last context in which you might have used the word ‘unbearable’. What, or who, did you find unbearable?

So what is it that Paul finds unbearable? Is it the opposition and persecution the Thessalonian Christians were facing? He knows his friends are suffering, he predicted as much: ‘You know quite well that we are destined for [trials]. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted’ (3:3 and 4). So no, it’s not the fact that they are suffering that he finds unbearable –it’s the not knowing.

Paul was fearful that, in his absence, the Thessalonians might have been tempted and tested beyond their limits. He feared they might have lost their faith and that his ‘labours might have been in vain’ (3:5). It’s the thought that it might just be too difficult to be a Christian in Thessalonica and that they might revert back to their idols and settle for an easier life.

Despite Satan’s efforts, Paul is not defeated: he responds positively and actively. He doesn’t allow his frustration or disappointment to fester. Instead, he remains hopeful. He hopes to be reunited with them. He hopes that Timothy will ‘strengthen and encourage’

his friends (3:2). He hopes ‘no one would be unsettled by these trials’ (3:3). He does what he can and persistently hopes for the best.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How easy do you find it to remain hopeful?

Are you ever tempted to linger upon disappointments?

What can you learn from Paul’s example?

On hearing Timothy’s report, Paul is once again effusive in his response. He is overjoyed. And what is it that Paul is rejoicing about? It’s not because their trials have ended; Timothy doesn’t say so. Neither is it because his own afflictions have ended; they haven’t. Paul is overjoyed because the Thessalonians are standing firm. They remain faithful.

Paul writes: ‘How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?’ (3:9). What an expression of affection for them! Despite his own ongoing distress and persecution, Paul responds with praise and prayer because his friends still believe in Jesus. There was no better news for Paul.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

When was the last time you were overjoyed?

What or who was the source of your joy?

Are you more likely to use the word ‘overjoyed’ or ‘unbearable’?

Paul prays to be reunited with the Thessalonian Church. He doesn’t pray, however, for an end to their suffering or trials. His focus is entirely different. His concern is not for their comfort but rather that love should ‘increase and overflow’ (3:12). His desire is not that life would be easier for them, but that they will be ‘blameless and holy’ (3:13).

Paul understands that a resilient faith embraces moments of difficulty and darkness as opportunities for growth. He also expressed this to the Corinthians: ‘Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace’

(2 Corinthians 4:16–18 The Message).

What matters to Paul is that his friends continue to trust in Jesus and that they keep loving one another. The Word on the Street paraphrases Paul’s prayer: ‘May the Boss overload love on you so it’s bursting out of you and on to each other, on to outsiders – like we love you. May he muscle up your deep places.’ Amen to that!

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How do you pray for yourself or others during times of suffering?

How would your prayer differ from Paul’s prayer?

What, or who, truly matters to you?

How does this shape your prayers?

Prayer Matters contains daily devotions covering specific areas in the territory, current worldwide situations and personal reflection and relationship with God. A PDF of the unedited booklet is available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

A PRAYER JOURNEY FOR LENT

by Captain Gary Lacey (Prayer Network)

MAJOR NICK HANOVER Community Chaplain Elgin

SATURDAY 4 MARCH

‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test’ (Matthew 4:7). How much confidence do you really hold in the word of God? Lord, when I am tempted to question your word or even struggle to accept it, help me not to be tempted to test you. Bless me through your word, and may your Spirit bring it alive to me today. Amen.

SUNDAY 5 MARCH

Make the words of this song your prayer: ‘Worthy is the Lamb seated on the throne./ Crown you now with many crowns,/ You reign victorious./ High and lifted up, Jesus, Son of God,/ The darling of Heaven, crucified./ Worthy is the Lamb, worthy is the Lamb’ (SASB 201).

MONDAY 6 MARCH

‘The Devil took [Jesus] to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour’ (Matthew 4:8). What temptations do you struggle with? What worldly things are pulling strongly at your life? Father, thank you for your majestic resistance demonstrated for 40 days in the wilderness. Strengthen me by your Spirit. Amen.

TUESDAY 7 MARCH

‘Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts’ (James 4:8). What is on our hands right now that we need to wash off spiritually, and what impurities are lurking in our hearts? Lord, as I draw near to you, I know you are drawing close to me. I want to be clean, I want to be purified in your presence. Give me a fresh perspective on everything. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 8 MARCH

‘I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living’ (Psalm 27:13). What can I do to usher in the goodness of the Lord to my family, friends and community? Lord, help me to bring in your goodness through the way I live and to all those I come across. Amen.

THURSDAY 9 MARCH

‘The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you’ (Zephaniah 3:17). Lord, I celebrate what you did for me on the cross, with affection and with awe. You are my life and my everything. Amen.

FRIDAY 10 MARCH

‘Rend your heart and not your garments’ (Joel 2:13). What are you bringing to the table in your walk with Jesus – your garments or your heart? Lord, show me as I pray what I am bringing to you. Is it true, is it my all? Help me to decipher the things that need to change from the things I can keep building on. Amen.

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

Leave behind a gift of hope

WHY SHOULD I MAKE A WILL?

If you die without a will, your estate is divided up in line with the rules of intestacy. This means you have little control over who receives your estate. Having an up-to-date will is the only way you can be certain that your wishes are met and ensure that:

Your wishes are respected, avoiding difficult decisions and legal complications for your loved ones

Your unmarried partner, step or foster children and other dependants are provided for. The law states that only spouses or blood relatives such as children can automatically inherit if there is no will.

You can leave them a share of the property in your will, or a right to reside in the property.

You can appoint guardians for your children if they are under 18 when you die

You can avoid paying more inheritance tax than you need to. You will be able to leave a charity you support, such as The Salvation Army, a gift when you pass away

You could also reduce the amount of inheritance tax paid by your family if you leave more than 10 per cent of your assets to charity.

You have your chosen executor who will settle your affairs.

You give instructions on who you want to look after your pets.

Your property and digital assets are protected.

To find out more, go to salvationarmy.org.uk/gifts-wills and request our free wills guide. For any questions call 020 7367 4800 or email legacyservices@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

THE kindness of people who remember the Army in their will never ceases to amaze me. Gifts in wills fund a third of all voluntary income, contributing around £60 million a year. This source of income enables The Salvation Army to plan long-term projects and deliver its huge range of programmes, reaching the most marginalised and vulnerable people in communities across the territory.

The Army was recently honoured to receive a legacy from a supporter to help – in their words – ‘young people seeking shelter and assistance’. Their compassion lives on through Springfield Lodge, a Lifehouse for young people aged 16 to 21 experiencing homelessness in Southwark. Thanks to this gift, the Lifehouse can continue to offer a safe, supportive environment, helping young people make positive choices about their current circumstances.

Another project funded through gifts in wills means the Army can help protect vulnerable people on the Polish border with Ukraine from becoming victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. The Army can use its contacts to get women and their children to a safe place, share leaflets in Ukrainian to alert displaced people to the risks of human trafficking, and engage with anti-trafficking networks.

Of course, while gifts in wills help to ensure the Army’s work can continue in years to come, it can’t be done without people first making a will. This March, why not take advantage of Free Wills Month to make leaving a legacy affordable and easy?

FREE WILLS MONTH HOW IT WORKS

This March, The Salvation Army is again taking part in Free Wills Month. It will cover the cost of making a simple will – if your will is more complex, you may be asked to pay the solicitor for the extra advice.

To get started:

1. Visit freewillsmonth.org.uk or call k 0333 022 0396 for more details on the regions covered in this campaign

2. Have a think about your intentions

3. Contact a participating solicitor for an appointment

At the start of Free Wills Month, Lorna McPherson-Reed highlights how gifts in wills enable The Salvation Army’s work

Springfield Lodge

LORNA McPHERSON-REED Interim Head of Legacy Fundraising Marketing and Fundraising Unit

THINK ALOUD On the Mark

‘MATTHEW, Mark, Luke and John./ Bless the bed that I lie on.’ I learnt that old rhyme when I was little –and the four Gospel writers have indeed blessed me over and over again. Each of them gives us a different slant on the story of Jesus. John begins in eternity, before the ‘big bang’ of Creation. Luke hopes to reach a wider audience, perhaps including non-Christians, and begins with a preface in elegant Greek style. Matthew begins with Abraham and records our Lord’s teaching in four great blocks, the most famous of which we call the Sermon on the Mount.

But I’d like to say a special thank you to Mark, who gives us the shortest of the four Gospels. People used to think that his work was an abbreviated version of Matthew’s. But modern scholarship has concluded that Mark was the first to write his account, probably for an audience of Christians in Rome. I imagine that his book would have been read aloud, perhaps in a crowded room by the light of flickering oil lamps.

Unlike the other three, Mark plunges straight into his gripping story with the dramatic scene of John baptising great crowds by the River Jordan. Among them is Jesus – and we learn straight away that he is God’s ‘Son, the Beloved’ (1:11 New Revised Standard Version).

Mark’s story continues at a cracking pace and three times –like a great clanging bell – come predictions of the Lord’s forthcoming Passion (see 8:31; 9:30 and 31; and 10:33 and 34).

WHAT MARK LEAVES OUT

Mark wrote the shortest Gospel, which means we must look to the other evangelists to fill out the story. Many of our Lord’s best-known parables – such as the good Samaritan and the prodigal son – were recorded by Luke. Mark does not tell us about the faithful women who helped to finance our Lord’s mission, provided for him out of their resources (see Luke 8:1–3), and Mark never said a word about our Lord’s physical appearance. Neither, of course, did the other Gospel writers –obviously they didn’t think it mattered.

WHAT MARK PUTS IN

I’m grateful for Mark for several small details that seem to take us closer to what actually happened. For example, some of Jesus’ nearest and dearest seem to have thought that the man of Nazareth might have been mentally unwell: ‘His family ... went out to restrain him, for people were saying “He has gone out of his mind”’ (3:21 NRSV). The other Gospel writers leave out this extraordinary detail – perhaps they thought it just too shocking.

Mark also tells us that the five thousand who took part in that miraculous feeding were ‘men’ – the Greek word andres, meaning ‘men’ (6:44 NRSV). What was that great body of men doing? We find a possible clue in John 6:15: ‘When Jesus realised that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king’ (NRSV). Our Saviour came as the Prince of Peace but it seems that some really tried to recruit him as a kind of warlord.

Then there is Mark’s unique mention of Alexander and Rufus in his account of our Lord’s fall on the way to Calvary: ‘They compelled a passer-by ... to carry his cross; it was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus’ (15:21 NRSV). Why does Mark bother to mention Simon’s sons? It seems fair to assume the target audience in Rome must have known who they were.

Most intriguing of all is one puzzling detail in Mark’s account of the arrest of Jesus: ‘A certain young man was following him, wearing nothing but a linen cloth. They caught hold of him, but he left the linen cloth and ran off naked’ (14:51 and 52 NRSV). What’s the point of this apparently irrelevant detail? If I could travel back through space and time, I’d ask that young figure: Mark, was that you? Is this your way of saying you were there?

John Coutts considers why the shortest Gospel is by no means the least

It’s all Greek to me!

Simon Hope offers a guide to the complicated world of Bible translations

WE call the Bible ‘the word of God’, with the emphasis on ‘the’. So why is there more than one Bible?

From a Western-centric, English-speaking viewpoint, it’s easy to forget that the Bible we know and love is translated from ancient Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic texts. The beautiful –albeit frustrating – challenge is that there’s often more than one way to translate something. This has led hundreds of scholars to create hundreds of translations over hundreds of years.

So which version is the word of God? The New International Version is popular in Army circles, but it’s not the only one. It is

worth bearing in mind that not everyone reads the Bible in the same way. Many translations mean that you can choose what’s appropriate for you.

Consider the translation philosophies below. Where does your preferred Bible fit?

WORD-FOR-WORD FORMAL EQUIVALENCE

‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16 English Standard Version)

These Bibles stick very closely to the original text, making them ideal for studying. They are especially useful as interlinear Bibles, which pair the ancient language alongside the modern. While not truly word-for-word, this translation style is the closest we can get to the original languages without learning them.

However, these Bibles can be unwieldy to read. Moreover, without an understanding of cultural context, it can be difficult to decipher some of the ancient idioms or nuances. It can be easy to think that a phrase ‘means’ one thing when a dynamic equivalence Bible might suggest otherwise.

See the New Revised Standard Version, New King James Version and 21st Century King James Version

THOUGHT-FOR-THOUGHT DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE

‘For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and

only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life’ (John 3:16 Christian Standard Bible)

How could you accurately describe this emoji – – in a single word that gets across its entire meaning? Dynamic equivalence Bibles aim for a faithful translation of meaning without being word-for-word. They try to give you the same impact that the original readers received.

While these versions can be much easier to read – and we may feel like they ‘speak our language’ – they can lose the poetic nature and beauty of the originals. Moreover, it can be easy to think the Bible ‘says’ one thing, when a formal equivalence version might tell us otherwise.

See the New International Version, New International Reader’s Version, Amplified Bible, New Century Version, Contemporary English Version, Common English Bible, New Living Translation and Good News Bible

WORDS-FOR-OTHER-WORDS PARAPHRASES

‘This is how much God loved the world: he gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life’ (John 3:16 The Message)

Imagine recounting a Bible story in your own words to your friends. Paraphrases use modern words to engage the reader and help Scripture come alive. They are accessible and good at attracting attention and generating excitement about the good news.

However, paraphrases are not translations; think of them as a retelling. Moreover, they are often the product of a single person or group’s interpretation, with little oversight from others. They can stray far from the original writing and should ideally be balanced against an accurate translation.

See The Voice and JB Phillips New Testament

ASK THE EXPERT!

Major Sarah King (William Booth College) tackles some burning questions:

IS THE KING JAMES VERSION THE ONE TRUE BIBLE?

The KJV was a huge translation achievement in its time but, given new insights in archaeology, language and history, its wording is now outdated. So, no, it’s not the one true Bible!

ARE PARAPHRASES BAD?

I find that The Message – particularly in Proverbs and Psalms –has a great way of making me think about what the biblical writer is saying. In general, they’re a useful devotional tool, but I would always use a formal equivalence Bible for in-depth study.

SHOULD I LEARN GREEK, HEBREW AND ARAMAIC?!

I’m a language geek, so I would always recommend doing so! But you don’t need to – we are blessed by having people who have done the hard work of translating them for us.

ARE THERE VERSIONS I SHOULD BE WARY OF?

I’d steer clear of Bibles that come from sects, such as the New World Translation. I’m also wary of The Passion Translation – it’s a paraphrase, but a paraphrase that adds to the original content with huge interpretive leeway, which I don’t think is warranted.

FURTHER READING

Go deeper at salvationist.org.uk/bible or check out Big Questions for Small Groups: The Bible and Browsing the Bible on sps-shop.com.

Consider the nuances of different words by reading Matthew Schlimm’s 70 Hebrew Words Every Christian Should Know or Nijay Gupta’s 15 New Testament Words of Life

Bible apps and websites are great for comparing and contrasting. Have you tried Bible Gateway or YouVersion?

The New Testament has been translated into more than 1,550 languages. If you can speak multiple languages, why not try a version in, say, Arabic or Jamaican Creole English for a new perspective?

Check out Bono and Eugene Peterson’s interview on The Message’s translation of the Psalms: youtu.be/-l40S5e90KY

“ Many translations mean that you can choose what’s appropriate for you.”

Joyful sound!

Salvationist looks ahead to the upcoming engagements for the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters

THE International Staff Band (ISB) and the International Staff Songsters (ISS) exist to spread the message of Christ through music. They aim for the highest standards of Salvation Army music-making and each year go to a wide range of places for regular weekend visits, presenting concerts, sharing testimonies and leading worship. As well as their recent albums, Powerhouse by the ISB and Blessings by the ISS, you can hear the ISS’s repertoire in the monthly Salvationist Radio show Sing to the Lord with the ISS – visit salvationist.org.uk/ radio for more information.

Both groups will play a prominent part in Together 2023, which will take place from 14 to 16 July at Fairfield Halls in Croydon. The event will bring together the commissioning of new Salvation Army officers, territorial congress and Symphony Sounds into one weekend.

Where else can you listen to each ensemble in the year ahead? Salvationist provides a quick guide to their upcoming engagements.

For more information about the International Staff Songsters, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/international-staff-songsters

For more information about the International Staff Band, visit theisb.com

NEW YORK STAFF BAND

This month the territory is hosting a short visit from the New York Staff Band (NYSB). After the band visit Sale, Birmingham Citadel and Norwich, they will team up with the ISB for a joint festival on Saturday 25 March at Regent Hall. On Sunday 26 March, the NYSB, the ISB and the ISS will be joining together for Musicians Day at William Booth College. Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main will lead the day, which is open to music leaders and musicians to share in worship and conversation. Tickets cost £15, which includes lunch. To register, visit bit.ly/41iARVc

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS

11 and 12 March Paisley Citadel

22 and 23 April Tunbridge Wells

20 May Welcome to the High Council

(Westminster Central Hall)

14, 15 and 16 July Together 23 (Fairfield Halls, Croydon)

3 September Welcome to the General TBC

16 and 17 September Carmarthen and Llanelli

6, 7 and 8 October Copenhagen Temple, Denmark

18 and 19 November Wellingborough

5 December Territorial Carol Concert (Royal Albert Hall)

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND

25 March ISB and NYSB (Regent Hall)

22 and 23 April Harpenden

20 May Welcome to the High Council

(Westminster Central Hall)

14, 15 and 16 July Together 23 (Fairfield Halls, Croydon)

3 September Welcome to the General TBC

23 and 24 September North Shields

28 and 29 October Bolton Citadel

25 and 26 November Hadleigh Temple

5 December Territorial Carol Concert (Royal Albert Hall)

Photo: Andrew King Photography

Photo: Paul Harmer

Reading Central Warm and welcoming

FAST FACTS

DIVISION: Central, Southern and Channel Islands

CORPS LEADERS: Majors Adrian and Beth Maddern

FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/readingcentral

TRADITION IN TRANSITION

WE have been the corps leaders at Reading Central since July 2021 and what is a traditional corps is now expanding and diversifying in so many ways. Shortly after our arrival we conducted a survey to establish what was needed. The fellowship recognised the importance of making people feel welcome and accepted and giving folk a sense of belonging and value. In response to this, a sizeable welcome team is now in place, led by Valerie with her love and care for people.

We started some small house groups and, although not initially well attended – we hope to relaunch these again during Lent – they are a work in progress. Our large hall has an exterior sign saying ‘a church for all’ and we mean it! We want our church to be inviting, inclusive and integrated.

BEING BOLD AS BRASS

The biggest growth for us has been with our young people and they are setting a fantastic example for us all. It is from the

youth themselves that growth has come, and their enthusiasm is infectious.

In September we had eight new young brass learners and now we have twenty, with one of them bringing five of her friends to join! A mother of two of those youngsters is now attending as part of our congregation.

Our group of senior players are providing excellent ongoing teaching and

support and, when West Midlands Youth Band visited, they gave a lesson to our brass learners. The young learners are growing in confidence and loved playing ‘Jingle Bells’ at Christmas.

EMBRACING DIVERSITY

We have three other churches who meet in our hall – Kharis Pentecostal church, Jyoti (Nepalese) church and a Spanish church. At Christmas we held a combined carol service with them all and gave glory to God together in many languages. It was wonderful.

We are blessed that God continues to send people of all nationalities to be a part of our fellowship, including from South Korea, Ghana, Nigeria, Hong Kong and India. As a university town, we find that students often join with us during their time here.

GROWTH FROM SMALL SHOOTS

Our focus is on families and nurturing disciples of Jesus. We are seeing amazing growth from small shoots. Eight junior soldiers were enrolled in February and a YP leader, Rachael, was commissioned. We thank God for all the great things he is doing here at Reading Central.

RCSA learners

Welcome team

MUSIC

Army announces 2023 High Council

IHQ

THE 2023 Salvation Army High Council will commence formally on 18 May 2023 at Sunbury Court Conference Centre.

Mark Bennett, Senior Legal Counsel to the General and International Headquarters (IHQ), explained: ‘The purpose of the High Council is to elect a new General for The Salvation Army in accordance with the Salvation Army Act.’

Recognised as a deeply spiritual occasion as well as being a legal requirement, the High Council offers the international leadership of the Army the opportunity to elect the person to lead the Army for the next five years. Every active Salvation Army officer is eligible to be elected as General.

Global leaders will be issued with a formal summons to attend the High Council by the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham. He will then preside over the opening of the High Council until a president has been elected.

The public welcome to the High Council and farewell to General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle will be held on 20 May in Westminster Central Hall, London.

Free tickets for this event will be available on a first come, first served basis. For regular updates, visit sar.my/ highcouncil. – AR

DROITWICH SPA The red carpet was rolled out as children’s musical theatre group the Star Project kindly shared a video of their recent production of We Will Rock You with the Friendship Group and their parents. They also performed a few of the songs live, to the delight of all. The group uses the hall for rehearsals each Saturday but have been keen to link with the corps through community projects and fundraising. – MM

EVENT

CHIPPENHAM The young people spent a morning at the pottery store Glazed decorating coasters, egg cups, mugs and decorations before a lunch of pizza and hot dogs at the hall. The following day, at the annual YP prizegiving, they received prizes from corps officers Major Chris and Captain Sandra Hall. – JD

EVENT

Police Community Support Officers give a talk about their work to Merthyr Tydfil’s Good Companions group (no one was arrested)

Members of Risca Band and Songsters lead a service at Bryn Ivor Lodge care home

EVENT

Corps helps families cook on a budget

OLDHAM FITTON HILL

THE corps held a Meet, Cook and Eat programme over four weeks, which saw families learn to cook well-known takeaway dishes on a budget.

The scheme was run in association with Real Education Empowering Lives to help households as they continue to struggle with the rising cost of living.

Stephanie Brown, the community worker at the corps who led the course, said: ‘People can often rely on takeaways if they don’t have the skills to cook, which can be convenient, but it is just not financially viable to live like that anymore.

‘All the recipes on the course were cheap, healthy and quick, with prepping and cooking in under 20 minutes so no need to worry about energy prices.’ – AR

LIFEHOUSE

RIVERSIDE COMPLEX Displays in the reception areas celebrated LGBTQ+ History Month, showing that all residents and visitors are welcome and included. – DT

GREAT YARMOUTH Corps leader Territorial Envoy Ali James has been braving the cold for charity by taking a daily dip in the North Sea. The money raised is going towards the food bank and Sally’s Store, the corps community supermarket that provides access to affordable food. Ali said: ‘I’d seen someone else had done a 24-hour danceathon and thought what a great idea! I wanted to do something that acknowledges people are suffering to show solidarity with them. This is such a difficult time for everybody.’ – AR

COMMUNITY

LARNE The town centre’s police officer visited the drop-in during half-term and spoke about local concerns and what life is like working in the force. The adults and children present were allowed to sit inside a squad car and some volunteers even found themselves handcuffed! – PC

FUNDRAISING

MERTHYR TYDFIL Cadet

Paul Sass was presented with a cheque for £550 from a quiz team that raises funds for local charities. Cadet Paul had previously spoken at one of their meetings on the community work undertaken by the corps. – LB

Whittlesey celebrates the hall’s reopening with a Lighthouse mosaic created by the community

ECUMENICAL

STAPLE HILL As part of a Churches Together pulpit exchange, the Rev Dr Aboseh Ngwana visited the corps to deliver the sermon. Coming from the Methodist church, he also spoke about his journey to becoming an ordained minister and his current role. Corps officer Major Colin Hylton-Jones visited St James Church in Mangotsfield and was warmly received by the congregation. – VW

EVENT

DUNSTABLE Wearing traditional Salvation Army uniform from Pakistan, Territorial Environmental Officer Major Heather Poxon launched the corps SelfDenial Appeal. She thanked those who had dressed in clothing from different countries and invited others to take an item of clothing from a table. She spoke about her experiences of visiting international projects and how people at the margins of society had affected the thinking of those at the centre. She challenged the congregation to meditate on their prejudices and stereotypes. – JB

SUNDERLAND CITADEL

ON Covenant Sunday the corps thanked God for prayers answered as Stephanie was enrolled as a soldier, Penny was welcomed as an adherent, and Jessica and Christian were enrolled as junior soldiers – the first within the corps for many years. As they all dedicated their lives to God, taking this step on their journeys of faith, the fellowship celebrated with them and recognised what an amazing Saviour they serve. Pictured with them are corps officers Majors David and Meshiel Brown and CSM Valerie Sinclair. – JJ

KEITH Boon had been an adherent for just over a year when he decided to take the next step on his Christian journey and became a soldier of the corps. Keith is pictured with corps officer Captain Gayner Ward.

– CW

WILLENHALL

ON Covenant Sunday the corps celebrated by welcoming Mary Williams and Seetha Rupasinghe as adherents. Mary and Seetha have been worshipping at the corps for a while and decided to make a further commitment. – SM

ANDRAYAS and Anisha were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls. They came to England to study during the Covid-19 pandemic but did not attend church for a couple of years. Recently, when their relative started worshipping at the Army, they responded to his invitation to come along. They testified to how they have found a family in the corps and a place to belong. Captain Rajan Gill (Gurdaspar, India Northern Territory) recorded a prayer in Punjabi, and a Hindi worship song was introduced to the congregation. During the service their son, Azai, was dedicated to God. – LH-N

BRIGHOUSE

OLUWAKEMI Babatope Fayomade was welcomed as an adherent by Divisional Support Officer Major Joy Allchin. Following a move to the town, Kemi and her three young boys have attended the corps for almost two years, making it their spiritual home. The family have become valued members of the fellowship. Kemi wanted her relationship with God and commitment to the corps to be recognised through becoming an adherent. – CC

HUCKNALL

TADLEY

ROBERT WILSON BURTON-ONTRENT

ROBERT was born in Cumnock in 1948, the only child of James and Jean Wilson. In his early twenties, he moved to London and eventually lived in Luton.

It was there Robert was converted, met his wife-to-be Margaret, and became a soldier at Luton Temple.

Robert and Margaret married in March 1973 and, having secured a job with the Wesleyan Assurance Society, they came to live in the Burton area. Transferring to Burton-on-Trent Corps, Robert was very involved in the corps, organising the youth fellowship, singing in the songsters and eventually becoming the band colour sergeant. The latter was a position that he took great pride in and held for many years.

Robert was a loving husband to his late wife, a devoted father to Andrew and Lindsay and a much-loved grandad to Elliott and Harris. He will be deeply missed by all. – CM

PHILLIP PINFOLD RUGBY

PHILLIP was born and bred in Rugby. He left school at 17 and enjoyed many activities, particularly climbing, and was a proud scout.

He served an engineering apprenticeship with British ThomsonHouston and, after gaining experience in research and development, worked for British Aerospace. He was proud to have worked on the last Vulcan in service, which flew to the Falklands conflict, and afterwards worked on Red Arrows. He then became an advanced motoring instructor.

Phillip married Monica in 1963. They came to the Army through his mum and became soldiers at Rugby in 1997. A valued member of the corps, he was part of the pastoral team, a songster, served as a chaplain at a young offenders’ prison, sold the Army papers in town, assisted with the winter shelter, and was proud to be the corps flag bearer. Phillip leaves his widow, Monica, two children, three granddaughters and one great-grandson.

COLONEL EDWARD COTTERILL

BORN in Folkestone in 1926, Ted, with his brother and sister, were raised singlehandedly by their mother, Olive, under difficult circumstances. An invitation by a school friend commenced Ted’s association with The Salvation Army but, with the onset of the Second World War, Ted’s school was evacuated to south Wales.

As soon as he was 14, Ted rejoined his family, who were now living in Aston, Birmingham. He was employed in a paper mill that one night was completely destroyed in the bombing. He joined the Royal Navy, becoming a signalman on the aircraft carrier HMS Venerable, was involved in the surrender of the Japanese army in Hong Kong and became a member of the Burma Star Association.

Returning to the UK and called by God to officership, Ted entered the Peacemakers session of cadets in 1948 and met Eva Leed. They married in 1951, beginning more than 71 years of marriage and ministry. Together they served as faithful corps officers at Burgess Hill, Dorking, Herne Bay, Fakenham, Walsall, Birmingham Hockley, Gateshead Teams, Cannock, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, Croydon Citadel, Boscombe Citadel and Regent Hall. Divisional leadership followed in Yorkshire and later Canterbury but, in 1982, a love affair with Africa commenced, firstly in East Africa as chief secretary and then in Ghana in 1986 when Ted was appointed territorial commander.

The Cotterills retired in 1991, returning to London and Regent Hall. Many more adventures and opportunities awaited, as Ted continued for another 31 years to serve God intentionally in a variety of ways at the Rink and later Penge Corps and with his neighbours. His love and devotion for Eva, who has been in a nursing home for the past four years, was remarkable, as was his encouragement, love and care for his three sons and their families. – AC

TERRITORIAL ENVOY PAUL STANFORD

PAUL was born in 1946 and brought up in a Salvationist family at Cheltenham Citadel Corps, the second eldest of four children. He was a member of the band and became young people’s sergeant-major.

In the 1960s, he played bass guitar in a rhythm group, called the Essays. At one of these concerts, he met his future wife, Sandra.

Paul retired as young people’s sergeant-major after 25 years’ service for a break. Within a few weeks, together with Sandra, he was leading meetings around the team ministry in Stroud, Cirencester and Tewkesbury.

In 1993, the opportunity for corps leadership opened to them and they became envoys at Tewkesbury. A few years later, in addition, they took charge of Evesham Corps, enjoying many years of ministry.

They retired from Evesham in 2015 but continued in leadership at Tewkesbury. After the promotion to Glory of Sandra, Paul continued ministry at Tewkesbury. Officially, Paul was to retire in December 2022, but he was promoted to Glory a month before.

Paul touched the lives of many people of all ages throughout his ministry. He is greatly missed by his family, friends and corps family at Tewkesbury.

Servant of God, well done! – KS/MM

Please note that members’ tributes that are submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

ARMY PEOPLE

International appointments

The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff

Effective 1 May

LIEUT-COLONELS JOHN

WILLIAM AND RATNA

SUNDARI POLIMETLA , officers of the India Central Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, India South Western Territory, with the rank of colonel

Local officers appointed

ASST CT KUDA CHIUTSI, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls

SINGING COMPANY SGT

JO-ANNE KENYON, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls

SINGING COMPANY SGT

NYBELLE WENAZO, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls

Promoted to Glory

MANDY ROBINSON, Shoeburyness, on 19 January

FRANCES COOK, Maidstone, on 4 February

Bereaved

MAJOR ELAINE CAVANAGH, THQ, of her father Bill Piercy

MAJOR NEIL DAVIES, Yeovil, of his mother Pearl Davies

MAJOR DAWN EVANS, Redditch, of her brother

Trevor Martin

ENGAGEMENTS

General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Sat 11 Mar – Sun 12 Mar Chatham

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Sat 25 Feb – Sun 5 Mar SPEA Zonal Conference

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner Gillian Cotterill

Sat 4 Mar – Sun 5 Mar Bedford Congress Hall

Thu 9 Mar Buckingham Palace*

Thu 9 Mar William Booth College (Confirmation in Officership Conference)**

Sat 11 Mar Chatham

Mon 13 Mar William Booth College (Into Officership Spring Seminar)

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Colonel Jenine Main

Sat 4 Mar – Sun 5 Mar Scarborough

Mon 6 Mar – Wed 8 Mar North East Division officers’ retreat

Sun 12 Mar William Booth College (Exploring Leadership Day guest speaker)***

* Commissioner Anthony Cotterill only

** Commissioner Gillian Cotterill only

*** Colonel Jenine Main only

NOTICES

Generous Discipleship

Encourage your corps to gift their time, talents and treasure using new resources from the Generous Discipleship programme, including a guide to help answer questions, a PowerPoint presentation and a six-part Bible study based on Psalm 100:1–5. Read more on salvationist.org.uk or contact generous.disciples@salvationarmy.org.uk

Thriving Families

Organised by the Methodist Children, Youth and Family team, Learning Network North West and Bible Reading Fellowship, this free online event is an opportunity to learn about ways to support family wellbeing. It takes place on Thursday 23 March from 11am to 2pm. Find out more at eventbrite.co.uk/e/526461228707

SOUNDS

Beyond Me

Journey through Lent with an audio version of Beyond Me by Major John McLean (Hendon), produced by the online Plexus Corps. Episodes are released daily and a Facebook group provides a forum for responses: facebook.com/groups/beyond.me.devotional

Listen online at selahtimetobreathe.podbean.com

Salvationist Radio

This weekend marks the first Sunday of the new programming line-up, with shows for all ages. Tune in for Sunday Wake-Up with Lyndall Bywater at 7am, Morning Praise with Kids Alive! at 9am, Sunday Worship at 11am, Sunday Lunch at 1pm and Sing to the Lord with the ISS at 5pm. For the latest on apps, smart speakers and podcast availability, visit salvationist.org.uk/radio

Listen live on salvationist.org.uk/radio

Saturday 11 March, 5.30pm

150 YEARS IN CHATHAM SERVICE OF CELEBRATION

ADVERTISING RATES

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT

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at Rochester Cathedral with local Salvation Army bands and songsters and guests: General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle

Commissioners Anthony and Gillian Cotterill

Mayor of Medway, Lord Lieutenant Kent, Kent High Sheriff, members of parliament, church representatives and the community

ALL WELCOME

FREE ADMISSION WITH TICKET eventbrite.co.uk/e/458305563277

RUSHDEN CORPS presents

HENDON BAND

Saturday 11 March, 7pm

Free entry with a retiring collection taken at the end of the concert

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

BATH CITADEL, GREEN PARK ROAD BA1 1XE

Saturday 1 April, 6pm

SPRING FESTIVAL

South Western Fellowship Band, Bandmaster Norman Cassells, soloist Naomi Blowers

Tickets £5. Please call Major David Wise on 07518 111092

DROITWICH SPA, OMBERSLEY WAY WR9 0AB

Saturday 18 March, 7.30pm

EVENING CONCERT

Staffordshire Band and Charlie Green

Tickets £8 from Richard Campbell: 07387 308718

PORTSMOUTH CITADEL

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June

150TH CELEBRATION WEEKEND

Led by Colonels Paul and Jenine Main

If you have previous connections with the corps please contact dotkennett43@gmail.com or 07906 078972

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Half page 127mm x 181mm£340£850

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