SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1699 Price 60p
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 6 April 2019
HOPE AMID SUFFERING
IN MORIA REFUGEE CAMP
T CONTENTS
Quotes from the media News
3 4 to 8
Feature I Lent resources Lent focus
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by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts
Rear-mirror views Drama in Zululand
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by General John Larsson (Retired)
Feature I Band of the Coldstream Guards 10 On Her Majesty’s musical service by Glenn Little and Greg Waters
Feature I WBC Summer College 11 Time to allow God to shape you by Captain Lynley Oliver
Feature I Moria refugee camp 12 and 13 Bringing relief and healing to refugees by CSM Robert Banks
Lent reflection The words from the cross
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by Major John Waters
Reviews The Word’s Out
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reviewed by Major Martin Wheeler
Pulse reviewed by Bandmaster Howard Evans
Bible study 16 and 17 Empowered for service by Major Richard Borrett
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley
New commitments
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Letters
19
Announcements
20 and 21
Adverts
22 and 23
The Salvation Army and me
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
Salvationist 6 April 2019
THE back page of his week’s Salvationist reveals that a member of the THQ Publishing Department speaks Latin. He’s probably the only one. I certainly can’t but, like many people, I know a few words or phrases. The one that came to mind as I read the centre-spread article by Robert Banks about his visit to Moria refugee camp was nil desperandum – ‘do not despair’. If any group of people has good reason to despair it is refugees. Last week’s Salvationist showed how community sponsorship allows churches, including Salvation Army corps, to support refugees arriving in the UK. This week Robert introduces us to the plight of those still hoping for a settled life in a safe place. By contrast, Moria camp is a desperate place, where people who have escaped war or persecution have gathered after a hazardous journey, which they had hoped would take them to a better life. As nil desperandum came to mind, I wondered what, in such circumstances, could prevent or alleviate desperation. Simply telling someone not to despair – even in Latin – won’t do it. It takes more than words. Robert was there as part of a team of volunteers offering their medical skills to alleviate some of the suffering. It’s a moving account and a reminder that the loving actions of other people can help offset feelings of despair. To know that someone cares can be uplifting, even if it can’t solve the underlying problem. The existence of desperate suffering has always raised questions about God – is he there and, if he is, does he love us or have the ability to make things better? Questions like these came into sharp focus in the 20th century, especially after the Second World War when people were shocked by what had happened in camps of another kind – concentration camps. They caused Christian thinkers to develop new insights in the branch of theology known as theodicy, which, as our Handbook Of Doctrine explains, ‘is concerned with how it is possible to maintain, in the face of innocent suffering, that an all-powerful God is a God of love’. Foremost among these thinkers was Jürgen Moltmann whose book, The Crucified God, explored these issues and suggested that, in contrast to the idea that God is uninvolved and unmoved by human suffering, he was fully involved through the life and death of Jesus. Not only did God become human in Jesus – a fact that Major John Waters explores in his Lent reflection – but both the Father and the Son experienced suffering – the Father in the loss of the Son, and the Son in his sense of abandonment by the Father. This means that, in the words of a John Gowans song, ‘Ours is not a distant God, remote, unfeeling,/ Who is careless of our loneliness and pain’ (SASB 10). That’s a profound thought on which to reflect as we approach Easter. But we can’t leave it as a thought. We may not all be able to volunteer in a refugee camp but we can help people in despair where we are. As the John Gowans song goes on to say, ‘Through the ministry of men he gives his healing,/ In their dedicated hands brings hope again.’
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featuring Richard Smart
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SOMEONE CARES
From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts
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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
ASYLUM SEEKER TURNED AWAY WITH QUOTES FROM THE BIBLE The Home Office has refused asylum to a Christian convert by quoting Bible passages, which it says prove Christianity is not a peaceful religion. The Iranian national, who claimed asylum in 2016, was told passages in the Bible were ‘inconsistent’ with his claim to have converted to Christianity after discovering it was a ‘peaceful’ faith. The refusal letter from the department states the book of Revelation – the final book of the Bible – is ‘filled with imagery of revenge, destruction, death and violence’, and cites six excerpts from it…
When contacted by The Independent, the Home Office said the letter was ‘not in accordance’ with its policy approach to claims based on religious persecution, and said it was working to improve the training provided to decision-makers on religious conversion. The Independent
CHURCHES URGED TO OFFER TEA AND PRAYERS AFTER BREXIT DEBATE Churches are being encouraged to host informal café-style meetings… to bring together people of all standpoints and encourage open discussion and prayer around Brexit. Newly commissioned resources backed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York invite people to ‘get together and chat over a cup of tea and pray for our country and our future’. The packs include specially chosen Bible passages, new prayers
and prompt questions to start conversations. Questions for those attending include: ‘What effect has Brexit had in your family relationships, friendships, etc, and if you disagreed, has it been possible to disagree well?’ and: ‘What are the three main things we have in common that we can build on for a better future as a community and as a nation?’ The Church of England Newspaper
LORD WILLIAMS BACKS NEW SCHOOL CLIMATE STRIKES Schoolchildren around the world, including the UK, went on strike… to demand more action to tackle climate change… The Fridays for Future website says that nearly 1.3 million schoolchildren, in 130 countries, took part in the strikes. More are planned… The former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams, who also chairs Christian Aid, recorded a video message, in which he expressed support for the strikers. He said: ‘The nature of changes in climate and environment that we are living with threaten not only the wellbeing, but also the being, of our species on this planet…’ The Bishop of Truro, the Right Rev Philip Mounstephen, said: ‘I don’t want to chide them or patronise them. I want to say that I am 100 per cent behind them.’ Christian Aid’s youth-and-campaigns manager, Richard Baker, said: ‘The phrase “Out of the mouth of babes comes wisdom” is based on the Psalms. It feels like an appropriate summary today.’ Church Times
ALLOCATING SCHOOLS BY BALLOT ‘WOULD HELP POORER CHILDREN’ Ballots to allocate places at Scotland’s top state schools to give disadvantaged pupils more equal access should be considered, an education charity has advised.
It recommended that children from deprived areas be given the chance to attend high-performing schools even if they lived outside a catchment area.
In its first study of education in Scotland the Sutton Trust found that the 70 top-performing state schools took half as many disadvantaged pupils as the national average and the school system was ‘highly socially segregated’.
The report… found that the rate of children receiving free school meals at Scotland’s best schools was 9.1 per cent, compared with the national average of 16.3 per cent.
SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Tony Button – (tel) 020 7367 4893 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
The Times
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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill
Salvationist 6 April 2019
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NEWS
Indian takeaway gives cooking classes to Lifehouse residents BRAINTREE RESIDENTS of The Salvation Army’s New Direction Lifehouse were shown how to make a perfect classic chicken Bhuna curry by head chef Hamid Uddin and his son, Mohim, from The Ruby Indian takeaway. Hamid said they wanted to give something back to the community as part of a Curry for a Cause campaign and, as the Lifehouse is helping people to
develop life skills, he felt that the classes were a way to help. ‘It’s been a lovely experience meeting the residents – they get really involved,’ he said. After observing Hamid, the
Young people’s bands unite to raise funds for divisional music school BIRMINGHAM CITADEL AFTER an afternoon of rehearsals with guest Jonathan Evans (Sale), Derby Central and Birmingham Citadel YP Bands presented a concert taking turns to present a variety of music. Two bands were then formed in younger and older age groups and Jonathan conducted them in pieces rehearsed earlier. Jonathan contributed two trombone solos and the bands united to present the concluding items of the evening. – R. O.
Corps devotes 11 days to prayer STAPLE HILL FOR 11 days the corps has focused on prayer using the Lord’s Prayer. A daily reflections book was used for personal prayer. All music sections held open practices, during which devotional time took place. Prayer stations were set up around the 4
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hall and were available throughout the week. The Bible study groups united to take a closer look at the Lord’s Prayer. Many people enjoyed a Lord’s Prayer supper and fellowship. On Saturday evening the band and songsters presented a musical celebration of the prayer. Soloists brought ‘Don’t Doubt Him Now’ and ‘I Surrender All’. Many people attended throughout the week, engaging in prayer in a variety of ways. – V. W.
residents were given ingredients and equipment so they could make their own dishes. Resident Bob said: ‘It was superb and the best bit was eating the curry! It was kind of
them to spend time showing us how to do it.’ Pictured are Hamid, support worker Anthony, residents Grant, Andrew and Bob and Mohim. – B. G.
Colonels Widiawati and Yusak Tampai, Commissioners Jennifer and Peter Walker and Commissioners Joan and Mike Parker – future, present and past leaders of the Indonesia Territory – meet at the public welcome of the South Pacific and East Asia College for Officers in Bandung; Mike was principal and Joan chaplain and pastoral care officer of the three-week college
MAIDSTONE: The Music Man project led the March salvation praise meeting, the members brightening the hall not only with their yellow T-shirts but also with their enthusiasm and joy. The visitors played various instruments, including John Redding who performed the first movement of a Schubert piano sonata. Everyone had opportunity to take part learning songs and actions. – G. P.
Lifehouse residents and staff visit Ipswich Town Football Club IPSWICH
Joan Codd retires after 61 years as corps secretary at Barton-upon-Humber and her dedication to the work is recognised; Joan is pictured with corps officers Captains Althea and Alan Bawden
THE Salvation Army’s Lyndon House Lifehouse football team was invited to the Portman Road practice pitch as part of the English Football League’s day of action to highlight some of society’s biggest problems. The Lifehouse football team, comprising residents and staff, were able to join in a training session and chat with Ipswich Town’s captain, Will Keane. Will said it was great to meet the lads and hear their stories, and hoped that the experience had been beneficial to them. Stephen Gray, a specialist support worker, started football training at the Lifehouse to promote a sense of community and a healthy lifestyle. He said: ‘The Salvation Army recognises that it’s not just food and shelter that are needed to help people rebuild their lives.’ Lifehouse resident Stephen said it was
good to visit their local stadium and see support for what the Lifehouse was doing. Pictured are (back) Warren, Will, participant Robin and resident Karl; (front) resident Stephen and support worker Stephen. – A. R.
Concert raises £1,000 towards The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking and modern slavery work BOSCOMBE
Members of Snettisham Band receive long-service awards from Head of Music Editorial Andrew Blyth (THQ); they are Jim Stollery (64 years), Ian Goddard (60 years), Michael Ward (60 years), George Kirby (71 years) who transferred to the reserve, Alison Kirby (33 years), Wendy Ward (56 years) and Rachel Ward (28 years)
Newcastle City Temple Band and Songsters unite with the music sections from North Shields to present a festival at Brunswick Methodist church, Newcastle, to aid the Newcastle City Temple building fund
THE proceeds from this concert, featuring the band and timbrelists and the Epiphany School Choir, helped exceed the target of £2,500 set by the organiser Deputy Bandmaster Kevin Whittingham. The band opened with ‘Born Free’ followed by the choir bringing two songs from The Greatest Showman. The trombone section and flugelhorn contributed ‘I Will Follow Him’ from Sister Act. Stephen Main played the soprano cornet solo ‘Ladies In Lavender’ and the choir sang two songs from Mary Poppins. A multimedia presentation showed the signs to look for in situations where people may have been exploited by trafficking or slavery, before Bandmaster Howard Evans’ piano solo ‘Clair De Lune’. The band and timbrelists performed ‘Finale From “William Tell” Overture’, which was followed by a final thought from corps officer Major David Alton. – R. C. 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
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NEWS
Minister for housing and homelessness sees the support and accommodation offered by the Army LONDON THE Minister for Housing and Homelessness Heather Wheeler, MP, visited The Salvation Army’s Lifehouse for women, Riverside Complex. Heather was taken on a tour of the recently renovated buildings that make up Riverside Complex before meeting residents and staff to hear some of the issues they face and how The Salvation Army supports those who have experienced homelessness. Riverside Complex offers support to 81 women who are referred from Tower Hamlets local authority. On admission to Riverside Complex, a personcentred approach supports residents in a holistic way addressing their physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Staff made the case for Heather to make representations to HM Treasury for homelessness services to be considered when they make their case for local authority financial sustainability. Heather said: ‘The vital work The Salvation Army does to support women out of homelessness is so appreciated and I would like to commend them for such a welcoming and comfortable facility. By allowing women to stay here and rebuild their lives, it gives them an opportunity to break the cycle of homelessness and ensure they are able to stay off the streets for good. ‘This government is committed to ending rough sleeping through our comprehensive Rough Sleeping Strategy, backed by £100 million. However, we cannot do it without the hard work and dedication of groups such as The Salvation Army, who work tirelessly to support society’s most vulnerable at this facility and at many others across the country.’ – A. R. 6
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Assistant Territorial Director for Homelessness Services (South) Major Hilarie Watchorn, Helen Wilson and Captain Alison Greer
Homelessness services team wins award LONDON THE Homelessness Services Unit (HSU) team in Tower Hamlets, London, received the Highly Commended accolade at the Local Government Chronicle Awards 2019.
The work delivered by personnel at the Founder’s House and Riverside Complex Lifehouses was recognised in the Business Transformation category for delivering the local authority’s Hostel Reconfiguration Plan. Service Manager Helen Wilson, who manages both Lifehouses, collected the award in a ceremony. HSU London Regional
Manager Captain Alison Greer said: ‘I am so proud of our staff teams. We were particularly pleased to discover that Highly Commended was only given when the judges had been torn between the top two nominees. So we know we came in a very close second place! ‘The past 18 months have seen the women’s service at Hopetown coming back under Salvation Army management, with relocation to the newly renovated buildings at Riverside Complex (Westferry). This was followed by the relocation of the men’s service at Booth House to the newly named Founder’s House after a period of works was completed. Both centres provide a psychologically informed programme focusing on wellbeing and placing the needs of residents at the fore.’ – A. R.
Brass Impact and guests celebrate the band’s anniversary CONSETT BRASS Impact, Brett Baker (trombone, Black Dyke Band) and Andrew Mair (piano, Sunderland Millfield) joined a packed hall to celebrate the corps band’s 140th anniversary. Brass Impact featured a broad range of music, including ‘My God And King’ and ‘To Boldly Go’. Accompanied by either Brass Impact or Andrew,
Former corps officers Majors Brett played ‘Thoughts Of Love’, ‘Wee Small Hours’ and Dawn and Mark Sellers led ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’. Sunday worship. – H. K.
RISCA: Cwmbran, Pontypool and Abertillery joined the corps for a United We Praise event led by Regional Music and Creative Arts Specialist Dean Jones. The day included an afternoon of workshops and rehearsals, followed by an evening led by divisional mission enablers Majors Kim and Steve Wilson. – J. B.
Brexit Toolkit launched THQ THE Salvation Army has prepared The Brexit Toolkit, a handy guide full of advice and guidance on some of the challenges that may arise as a result of Brexit. The contents have been brought together by the Community Services Unit, with contributions from Employment Plus UK, Public Affairs, the Prayer Network and the PR and Communications Office. All corps and divisions in the territory have received a printed copy of the toolkit. Introducing the new material, Secretary for Mission LieutColonel Alan Burns said: ‘While we still don’t know exactly what Brexit will look like, as The Salvation Army our concerns about the impending scenario are more about the impact on the people in our society who are vulnerable, marginalised and poor. We know that these people are the ones who will experience the brunt of the pain and impact in their daily lives. ‘We hope the toolkit will help your corps or centre consider how you might prepare for and respond to those challenges. We recognise that Brexit may be a divisive issue within your corps and community and so we also offer some ideas for navigating this.’ – A. R.
KETTERING CITADEL: The mayor of the borough of Kettering, Councillor James Burton, was guest of honour on the Saturday evening of Belfast Sydenham Songsters’ weekend visit; he also made an impromptu return on Sunday afternoon to express his appreciation and present commemorative gifts to the visitors. Former Belfast Sydenham corps officer Lieut-Colonel Jack Hassard led two high-quality programmes and Sunday morning worship. During the weekend the songsters sang ‘Praise His Holy Name’, ‘I Sing Because I’m Happy’, ‘Humbly Bow’ and ‘Your Will Be Done’. Instrumental soloists were Andrew Pentland (Eb bass) and Jonathan Boyd (euphonium), and a six-piece a cappella group contributed light-hearted moments. Singing Company Leader Jessica McLarnon, a student at Sheffield University, gave a candid and challenging testimony. – T. H. MIDDLESBROUGH ACKLAM: Young corps members gave out goodie bags that included information promoting The Salvation Army to the many shoppers at a nearby shopping centre. They gave out 900 items in total and had lots of conversations with the people they met, including one person who, having recently lost a relative, left cheered up after talking with the young people. – L. B.
An early Easter Messy Church attracts many people at Pentre including some attending for the first time; everyone left with an Easter egg and a wider knowledge of the Easter story
ABERTILLERY: Cardiff Canton Songsters presented a Saturday spring festival. Fifteen songs, including ‘For The Beauty Of The Earth’, ‘Shine Down’ and ‘Grant Us Thy Peace’ were interspersed with Bible readings and thoughts. Members of the songsters also played the march ‘Emblem Of The Army’. The songsters returned to lead Sunday morning worship, when an augmented band played ‘Llanfair’. At the conclusion of the meeting, the songsters stood around the congregation to sing ‘We Have Peace’. – A. B. Salvationist 6 April 2019
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NEWS SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD: The YP annual weekend commenced with the young people and leaders enjoying an evening of bowling. The YP sections were fully involved in Sunday worship: the singing company played timbrels for the first time in many years and the primary sang some of the older choruses, including ‘Building Up The Temple’, ‘Deep And Wide’ and ‘Running Over’. Soloists were Emily James (vocal) and Joshua Warrington (cornet). Corps officers Majors Karen and Peter Clark led the meetings and presented the prizes. – R. B. FEATURE Lent resources
LENT FOCUS by Secretary for Spiritual Life Development LieutColonel Jayne Roberts
aware of what lay before him and is accompanied by his closest companions who are struggling to make sense of what their Lord has told them.
URING the weeks of Lent you are invited to pray with Scripture, to meditate on God’s word and seek to apply the daily text personally.
Tuesday 9 April ‘I will bring them back to live in Jerusalem; they will be my people, and I will be faithful and righteous to them as their God’ (Zechariah 8:8). The prophet Zechariah focuses on Jerusalem as a symbol of God dwelling together with his devoted people, united in love and service to him. Praise God that this is our present and future hope, through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
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DIVINE IMPERATIVES Sunday 7 April ‘Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near’ (Isaiah 55:6). Call! Is there anything that is impeding your experience of God’s nearness? Ask him to draw you closer to him as you devote time to prayer. Monday 8 April ‘You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace’ (Isaiah 55:12). Go! This verse is often read as an expression of future promise when God’s word finds ultimate fulfilment. Yet let us dare to ask that this wonderful promise of God may be our daily experience now. JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM As we approach Holy Week we can imagine Jesus and his disciples travelling to Jerusalem. Jesus is fully 8
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Wednesday 10 April ‘And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him’ (Zechariah 8:22). May this verse serve as a prompt to pray today for the peoples and nations of our world and their struggles and needs. Thursday 11 April ‘From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law’ (Matthew 16:21).
Jesus explains to his disciples what is involved in choosing to walk with him. Let us reflect today on our discipleship and reaffirm our commitment to follow Christ. Friday 12 April ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death’ (Matthew 20:18). ‘We are going,’ says Jesus to his followers. Pray for grace and strength to continue your journey with Jesus, with eyes opened to his truth and with a trustful heart. Saturday 13 April ‘Coming up to them at that very moment, she [Anna] gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem’ (Luke 2:38). Words from the prophetess Anna over the infant Jesus find a poignant echo in this Lenten season. The redemption of Jerusalem and the whole world beyond is possible through this child. Give thanks!
O The Lent Focus appears in Prayer Matters, January to April 2019
REAR-M MIR RROR
DRAMA IN ZULULAND General John Larsson (Retired) continues to share glimpses from 13 astonishing years that shaped The Salvation Army – 1878-1890
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EIGHING in at a massive 40 stone, and with a personality to match, Zulu Chief Tshingwayo was not to be trifled with. But when he issued a challenge to Adjutant Allister Smith, the pioneer leader in Zululand, the Scot met the test with audacious faith. The Army had arrived in Africa in 1883 when British Major and Mrs Francis Simmonds opened the work in Cape Town, South Africa. Despite opposition, the Army’s work spread steadily through the country. Within three years 150 officers were serving a wide variety of ethnic groups in 60 corps. By 1888 officers reached the outskirts of the fabled Zulu Kingdom and several Zulus were converted. But it was not until Adjutant and Mrs Allister Smith and a group of officers settled in Amatikulu, on land granted by the Zulu government, that the Army entered into the heart of Zululand. The Amatikulu district was ruled by Chief Tshingwayo. The Zulu people welcomed the Army. They appreciated the practical programmes commenced and the school for children. Many found salvation and became Salvationists. But suddenly attendances dwindled. Chief Tshingwayo, fearing that the Salvationists were diverting people’s allegiance to him, had issued a decree forbidding women and children to attend the Army. Soon afterwards a great drought descended on the land. The crops dried up, the cows became thin and their supply of milk practically ceased. Children sickened and pined away. Anxious looks were cast to the skies every day, but no rain came. Chief Tshingwayo could not sit idly by.
He sent for a rain doctor who danced frenziedly before the people and called on the spirits of their ancestors. ‘Rain! Come down from heaven,’ he shouted. But no rain fell, and in the end he was driven away. The drought continued, the despair increased. The Chief was haunted by the thought that perhaps the God of the Christians could bring rain. It would mean swallowing his pride – but the cries of his people could not be ignored. So, early one Friday, he sent envoys to ask
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‘Do you think it will rain, then?’ they teased. ‘Isn’t that what we’re praying for?’ he replied
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the Army leader to meet with the people of the district on Sunday to pray for rain. Allister Smith knew that answered prayer might turn the tide of belief towards God. But he also knew that prayer unanswered could have a disastrous effect. ‘While the envoys were speaking,’ he recalls, ‘I was doing some of the hardest praying of my life. But what could we do but throw ourselves in dependence upon God?’ He announced: ‘Go tell your chief that on Sunday we shall pray for rain. Let everyone from all the kraals meet here to join in prayer.’ On the cloudless Sunday morning, hundreds approached the settlement from all directions. They laughed at old Jojo who turned up with a large umbrella. ‘Do you think it will rain, then?’ they teased. ‘Isn’t that what we’re praying for?’ he replied with a broad grin and impeccable logic.
Allister Smith taught the people to pray, ‘Our Lord, send rain upon us in your mercy. Shower it on us, O GreatGreat!’ and soon the prayer echoed through the parched fields where the people were sitting. For nearly three hours the pleading continued. ‘Suddenly,’ he recalls, ‘away to the east, in the direction of the Indian Ocean, was heard a distant rumbling! O joy! Yonder were great banks of thunder clouds, towering mass upon mass up from the sea to the heavens. Louder rose our prayers. Louder rolled the thunder, as the clouds drew nearer to us. A mighty tearing flash of forked lightning struck the ground near us. And then great drops of rain began to fall. ‘God had answered prayer. We thanked him and then urged the people to return quickly to their homes. They rose and ran in all directions, singing for joy, as the rain beat down on them. The happiest man was Jojo, who spread out his umbrella, and whose eyes seemed to say: ‘Who is laughing now?’ ‘By this notable answer to prayer,’ concludes the pioneer, ‘the people’s faith in witchcraft received a setback, while trust in the power of God was strengthened.’ Chief Tshingwayo withdrew his opposition to the Army and in time became a believer. Since those early beginnings in the southern part of the continent, the Army has advanced through Africa to the extent that it is now at work in 26 countries and the number of senior soldiers exceeds half a million. This means that 45 per cent of all the Army’s senior soldiers today are to be found in Africa. Salvationist 6 April 2019
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FEATURE Band of the Coldstream Guards
ON HER MAJESTY’S
MUSICAL SERVICE A number of Salvationists at Regent Hall serve in the Band of the Coldstream Guards. Two of them – the longest serving and the newest – share their experiences
GLENN LITTLE (PERCUSSION) MY passion for military music started from an early age when my parents would take me to see the Royal Tournament at Earls Court, Changing the Guard and Trooping the Colour. I was in awe of the bands, their powerful sound, the uniforms and the pomp and ceremony – from then on I knew that was what I wanted to do. I grew up in The Salvation Army, attending Felixstowe Corps. Music was a large part of my upbringing: playing in the YP band, senior band and Anglia Youth Band, as well as attending various music schools. I joined the military straight after my GCSEs at the age of 17 and am now coming up to 18 years of service. Over my career I have been able to play at numerous state occasions, including The Queen’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), the Festival of Remembrance and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – and I have lost count of the number of Changing the Guard ceremonies I have taken part in. I have also been fortunate to travel all over the world to take part in military tattoos and concerts, including a three-month tour of the United States and Canada. My faith plays a huge part in my job in the military. We are often pushed out of our mental and physical comfort zones 10
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in order to progress, and I’ve always needed to rely on God in these situations. Early in my career I was also often pressured into situations that tested not only my faith but also the promises I had made in The Salvation Army’s soldier’s covenant. I soon learnt that if I trusted God and stayed true to the promises I had made I would be respected for my Christian faith. Courage, discipline, respect for others, integrity, loyalty and selfless commitment are the values of the British Army, which reflect the values I try to implement in my Christian life. I hope that I show colleagues, through my acts, decisions and conversations, that my Christian faith can influence them to think about their own beliefs.
GREG WATERS (CORNET) IN September 2018 I was sent to the Band of the Coldstream Guards on completion of my initial trade training in the British Army. Since that date I have been in my dream job and have worked with some excellent musicians who I am glad to call friends. Performing music every day is a privilege that is sometimes easy to take for granted, and having a Christian faith has helped me in all aspects of military life.
Basic training was tough, but not in the ways that I would have expected. It was physically demanding, and my mentality was tested daily, but the hardest aspect was living in a room with nine other men from different backgrounds. As a troop we attended church during the working week for lessons on the values and standards of the British Army. The padre invited us to the Sunday morning service, which wasn’t compulsory. I’ve never been nervous about sharing my faith but on this occasion there was something holding me back. Perhaps it was the fear of being an outcast for 14 weeks. On the first Sunday I made it clear that I was going to attend the church service, and to my surprise I was joined by a handful of others from the troop. I really felt God’s presence with me at that moment, and it has helped me share my faith ever since. There are plenty of mixed views about Christianity in the band. I love having conversations with some of the guys who are atheists or agnostics as it gives me a chance to explain my views, even though I don’t always act in a way that shows them. I have found some aspects of adjusting to a new workplace difficult, and it can be easy to do and say things that don’t align with my faith. I’m glad that I have a long career in the military ahead of me. It will present me with plenty of opportunities for God-related conversations with lots of different people. The band will be presenting a St George’s Day concert at the Corn Exchange, Bedford, on 23 April at 7.30 pm. Tickets are available from bedfordcornexchange.co.uk or 01234 718044
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FEATURE WBC Summer College
A TIME TO ALLOW GOD TO SHAPE YOU
Captain Lynley Oliver looks ahead to this year’s Summer College
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HEN you contemplate booking a summer holiday, you could be forgiven for not immediately thinking about spending a week at Denmark Hill. It’s not a hill in Denmark, but rather the location of the William Booth College in Camberwell, London. You may also be forgiven if a picture comes to mind of an old dilapidated building that is past its best. By contrast, WBC is a set of renovated buildings that houses the ‘modern’ while keeping the historical elements as a reminder of all the saints who have passed this way. It is a helpful environment in which to take time to commune with God. Summer College has been running for a number of years, and it continues to attract more than 30 people each time. ‘I appreciated the availability of William Booth College staff and their warmth of fellowship,’ said one of last year’s delegates. ‘The teaching was pertinent and significant for me,’ said another. When asked, ‘What worked well for you
at Summer College?’ one delegate replied: ‘Everything!’ The theme of Summer School this year is Effectiveness, the final part of the territory’s TIDE strategy. This theme will help us explore how we can measure how fruitful we are, or even how fruitful we may become if we continue to obey Christ’s command to ‘remain in me’ (John 15:4). We may feel that we’re effectively serving Jesus already, but this week promises to bring some fresh insights into how we might be even more fruitful for his purpose, glory and Kingdom right where he has placed us. The Summer College will again be organised and facilitated by Learning and Development Officer Major Geoff Chape and Assistant Territorial Candidates Director Major Liz Chape. They will draw support for the teaching from staff based at WBC. As in previous years, officer staff will be on hand for pastoral support to all delegates if needed. Special guests at Summer College will include Chief Secretary Colonel Lee Graves and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Deborah Graves. It will be their first visit, and we anticipate a helpful and encouraging time with them.
The very capable dining room staff at WBC will prepare all the food, and accommodation is of a good and comfortable standard. So please be assured that you will be well looked after during your stay at Summer College. We guarantee you will be able to enjoy a safe space where you can participate with Bible teaching, worship, outings and fellowship with one another. It can be a time to allow God to continue to shape you – and when you allow God to do that, anything can happen! So, be prepared. Who can attend Summer College? You! Yes, you! There is no qualifier; you don’t have to wear Salvation Army uniform in order to attend and you don’t need to be able to recite chapters of the Bible. All are welcome! SUMMER COLLEGE 2019 O Saturday 27 July to Friday 2 August O WBC, Champion Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8BQ O £265 O For more information email college@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 020 7326 2700 CAPTAIN OLIVER IS A TUTOR AT WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE Salvationist 6 April 2019
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FEATURE Moria refugee camp
BRINGING RELIEF AND HEALING TO REFUGEES CSM Robert Banks (Tunbridge Wells) recalls his experiences as a volunteer in Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos
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IPPING a warm breakfast coffee I looked out over Mytilene Bay. The sun was rising in the east over the misty mountains outlining the Turkish coast, the early morning light glittering on the still waters of the harbour. My thoughts turned to the refugees I would meet that day. Having arrived on the late flight from Athens the evening before, I was tired but feeling a nervous energy. I prayed that God would use my offering of talents to bring relief and healing to refugees, knowing that I was supported in prayer by people from my corps. I was volunteering as an aid worker and dental surgeon with the nongovernmental organisation (NGO) Health-Point Foundation in Moria refugee camp on the island of Lesbos. Refugees cross the narrow channel of water between Turkey and this small Greek island fleeing wars in the Middle East, usually in large boats that are little more than inflatable dinghies. For me as an amateur sailor, even to think of such a sea passage is madness, but this is born of their desperation for a place of 12
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Robert (right) with other volunteers safety. Moria camp is a teeming mass of humanity at the edge – more than 7,000 refugees in a camp built for 3,000 – and as aid workers we do what we can to alleviate some of their suffering. God’s calling to a whole life of discipleship is what drives me to do this. Jesus’ parable of the talents (see Matthew 25:14–30) teaches that we are given talents to use in different measure. How we use them reflects our love for God and demonstrates the work of the Holy Spirit within us. In our Salvation Army soldier’s covenant we promise to further God’s Kingdom and care for the lost, needy and disadvantaged. This embodies the essence of Salvationism, which is a whole-life commitment that pervades all areas of our being and is seen in our character and identity. To
this end we use all at our disposall in God’s service: our leisure and work time, our talents, our gifts and our finances. It requires a responsible stewardship of what we have been given and an intelligent use of our resources for God’s Kingdom. I drove the winding mountain road to Moria camp under an azure-blue sky with the majestic island coastline far below. As I parked up by the perimeter wall, a bustling scene of activity awaited. People were unloading a van by the main gate, handing parcels to those waiting. Nearby a man had set up a fruit stall on the back of his pickup truck. People clustered in groups selling and trading as in a market place. Wherever humanity gathers it has always been so. The traders of the
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ancient Silk Road came by this way too, the hub of Constantinople – modern-day Istanbul – having been not far from here. Moria camp itself lies on a mountainside covered in olive groves. It is a beautiful, idyllic garden setting that contrasts markedly with the stark reality of the suffering of people within the razor wire-topped fences that surround and divide the camp. I thought of another garden scene of betrayal and suffering on another Mount of Olives, where Jesus prayed and was arrested before his crucifixion. We entered past a security checkpoint, showing our passports, and walked up the steep incline of the crowded main thoroughfare. Groups of
people milled around chattering, with teens showing a bravado that thinly disguised their underlying insecurity. A mother with her baby walked past and smiled at us, a pushchair laden with her possessions. Empty water bottles and litter were scattered around. An old battered shoe lay discarded in the mud by the fence. Barbed razor wire fences were everywhere but they supported washing lines of clothes drying in the morning breeze. People smiled but on sad faces. Our clinic was a shipping container housing two operating stations and a wash basin. Of the four refugee camps I have worked in, Moria camp was by far the most intense. A seemingly unending stream of people arrived each morning outside the clinic in pain and we treated all who came, thankfully never having to turn anyone away. Bringing relief of pain to those in distress is a humbling and moving experience. We treated so many that I lost count, but some have burnt themselves into my memory. A deaf family came to our clinic, their teenage daughter, in obvious pain, talking in her native sign language to her parents. We managed to treat her pain, and her gratitude when we had finished needed no translation.
It is a beautiful, idyllic garden setting that contrasts markedly with the stark reality of the suffering of people within the razor wire-topped fences that surround and divide the camp
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The greatest tragedy in Moria has to be the hundreds of unaccompanied children; at night they were locked behind razor wire fences. As a parent, my work with them was the hardest to bear. I will never forget Darian, a 13-year-old boy, alone in the world, who stood outside our clinic in pain with his head in his hands. His mouth was filled with a large, infected swelling from his palate, which affected his breathing. We were able to drain it for him and give him medication and pain relief. It was something but it felt so very inadequate, knowing he would be alone that night with no one to care for him. I prayed for him. I was blessed to be serving in a multinational team of volunteers, with refugees as our translators and nurses. There was fun too and a camaraderie between the many different NGOs working there, spreading God’s love and bringing hope. We can all use our gifts and talents in God’s service, whatever they may be. Albert Orsborn perhaps says it best: ‘My life must be Christ’s broken bread.’ Salvationist 6 April 2019
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LENT R EFLECT EF EFLE LECT LE CTIO ION IO N LENT REFLECTION
The words from the cross Major John Waters continues his series for Lent, reflecting on ‘the word of distress’
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AM thirsty’ (John 19:28). Mark says that an anonymous bystander offered Jesus a sponge soaked in vinegar, and Matthew and Luke both follow this account, although Luke, possibly more plausibly, implies that it was a soldier who did so. It is probably of little significance either way. The incident came to be seen as a fulfilment of Psalm 69:21 where the sufferer is tormented by being given poisoned food for his hunger and vinegar for his thirst, and in Luke’s narration the offering is linked to the mockery of Jesus by bystanders and soldiers. But there is a tradition that sympathetic spectators, in an attempt to alleviate the suffering of victims, would offer wine to dull the senses. Since the word for vinegar is also used to mean cheap sour wine it remains possible that this offering was also in the nature of a humane response to the anguish of Jesus. A significant difference in John’s story is that he shows Jesus taking the initiative. The offering is neither the gratuitous action of sympathetic Jews nor the mocking derision of his enemies but is a consequence of Jesus’ control of the events: ‘I am thirsty.’ Significant also is the emphasis on the humanity of Jesus; he was a real man. The saying is, of course, the only one of the seven sayings that refers to his physical suffering but it is important because it is part of the evidence to refute claims that Jesus was either not fully human or not fully divine. Numerous teachers, loosely described
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as Gnostics, believed that the gap between the ineffable deity and humankind was so great as to require a series of beings arranged in a progressive hierarchy. Starting with the lowest, who could tolerate relationships with humankind, there was a gradual detachment until the last position was sufficiently remote from humankind to allow contact with the divine. As with the pagan mystics, human nature was something from which to escape; an essentially unholy state that hindered or even prevented spiritual attainment. Not so with the Christian faith, which firmly resisted the heresy called Docetism with its belief that Jesus only appeared to be human. Human nature was part of the purpose in God’s creation, and the Genesis creation story records that God saw it and it was good. Truly it had not remained wholly good, and was now something to be
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The 2nd-century Irenaeus taught that Jesus became what we are in order to make us what he is himself
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redeemed, but Jesus, the real man, showed how this could be. The 2nd-century Irenaeus taught that Jesus became what we are in order to make us what he is himself. And the 4th-century Nicene Creed declares: ‘We believe… in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God… being of one substance with the Father…. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from Heaven, and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary, and was made man.’ As the Letter to the Hebrews says, ‘He had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people’ (2:17 New Revised Standard Version). The short saying from the cross is a significant reminder of the humanity of our Lord.
MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR
+ REVIEWS
EFFECTIVE EVANGELISM IN A WORLD OF SHIFTING VALUES Major Martin Wheeler (Anglia DHQ) reviews the book The Word’s Out by David Male and Paul Weston
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S I began reading this book, John Gowans’ words, ‘In a world of shifting values…’, kept recurring in my mind. Like many other European contemporary Christian writers, David Male and Paul Weston explore the challenges of connecting people with a Christian story that, at best, fewer people are aware of and, at worst, is not seen as relevant. With this thought in mind, I recalled a phrase I read recently which refers to the ‘Bible getting smaller’ as its content becomes redacted into sound bites. This book seeks to explore these shifting sands of public opinion and the concern that effective evangelism needs to understand the level of awareness people have of the Christian story.
The book begins by setting the scene in which the two authors present an honest appraisal of the journey Christian evangelism has travelled during the past 120 years. Although challenging reading, it does provide an excellent foundation from which to explore a reasoned response to how Christians can find a relevant evangelistic voice. Male and Weston have helpfully organised their thoughts into two sections. The first seeks to explore what evangelism is; the second, how this understanding can be applied to a church setting. Both sections reveal the authors’ passions for seeking to locate evangelism within the teachings of Jesus. For example, on a number of occasions I was reminded of the once familiar phrase, ‘What would Jesus do?’ as the reader is urged to build on biblical foundations of faith and practice. The Word’s Out is a challenging and insightful read that acknowledges the
need to understand, appreciate and respond to the cultural landscape of today. However, the book also recognises that the perceived shifting values of our world do not provide secure foundations on which to find meaning and purpose. The authors are determined to provide a clear and informed voice to help guide today’s Christian. In doing so, they believe that evangelism can be rescued from an activity which is done to others and transformed into a ‘real evangelism’ that is ‘the natural overflow of an authentic Christian life’. The Word’s Out is available by visiting eden.co.uk priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle edition from Amazon priced £8.33
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A DISPLAY OF CHARACTERISTIC ISB SOUND AND QUALITY Bandmaster Howard Evans (Boscombe) reviews the CD Pulse by the International Staff Band
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HERE is a long tradition of ISB CD releases offering a glimpse of the latest music coming from the stable of composers who offer their work to The Salvation Army. This latest CD features mostly names that are well established, such as Kenneth Downie and Dorothy Gates, but there is also a new entrant to the sphere in the person of Joel Collier from the USA. The opening number, ‘Let There Be Light’, by Steven Ponsford gives a fast-paced, energetic introduction. There are four tracks of a devotional nature. The song ‘Hide Me Now’ is beautifully integrated into ‘Still’ (Andrew Blyth), and ‘He Watches’ (Joel Collier) has some lovely moments in the treatment of ‘His Eye Is On The Sparrow’. ‘At The Cross’
(Paul Sharman) gives a good mixture of melodies that help the listener reflect upon Easter. The standout track for me is ‘Living God’ (Dorothy Gates) with a musical and emotional content that takes the listener into Dorothy’s personal journey. There is only one solo track, featuring the cornet talents of Carl Nielsen in the rhapsodic-style piece, ‘Compelled’ (Paul Sharman), which draws on Stephen Pearson and Andrew Blyth’s song ‘Compelled By Love’. The tripartite structure of this work also reflects the form of the title track, ‘Pulse’ (Martin Cordner), which is a good mix of contemporary tunes to portray its focus on the integrity of worship. Kenneth Downie’s ‘Jehovah Nissi’ has a clear faith aspect to the concept of the work, and features a number of well-known tunes of faith, including ‘Who Is On The Lord’s Side?’ The final pieces are the major works, ‘The Armour Of God’ (Steven Ponsford)
and ‘Variations on Was Lebet’ (Andrew Wainwright). The inspiration for the Ponsford piece is taken from Ephesians 6 and each of the six sections relates so clearly to the elements of faith described in the Scripture passage. Wainwright’s work is well conceived, with great structure to the set of variations and the direction they take, culminating in a well-developed fugue and final presentation of the theme. This final work displays the characteristic ISB sound and quality we have come to expect over many years, as evidenced throughout the CD, along with providing a unique snapshot of how our brass band repertoire is developing. Pulse is available from SP&S priced £13.95 (plus postage and packing)
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BIBLE STUDY
Empowered for Major Richard Borrett considers how we need to be equipped STUDY PASSAGE: EPHESIANS 6:10–18
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MAGINE that, after a long conversation with someone dear to you, you have the opportunity to pass on one last piece of advice. You want to leave some lasting impression with them. What might it be? This is Paul’s situation as he comes towards the close of his epistle to the followers of Christ in Ephesus. He had first met with some disciples in Ephesus in AD52 (see Acts 19) and established the Church there while he was on a homeward journey to Jerusalem. Then, some little while later, he returned to spend a considerable amount of time with them. These, then, were people he would have known well and held close to his heart. So, what was Paul to say to these, his children in the faith? In Ephesians 6:10 we find the answer: ‘Be strong’. Paul is about to go on and remind
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley
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them that living in the light of Christ has its consequences and that the Church will be involved in a constant struggle against the forces of darkness. As much as this was true in 1st-century Ephesus it is true today. QUESTIONS What does the Church’s struggle against the forces of darkness look like in the 21st century? O Are there any similarities to the struggles our 1st-century forebears faced? O
Paul warns his readers that it’s going to be tough and they are going to have to be strong. But they are not on their own and they are not simply expected to be able to muster that power from within themselves because their strength is to be found in the Lord’s mighty power. This strength protects, much like the armour of a Roman soldier was designed to protect him in battle. QUESTION How can we ensure that we have the right sort of strength when we need it? (It may be helpful to read John 15:1–7.)
needs protection – the rulers, the authorities and the powers of this dark world. These, rather than individuals, are the forces that assail. This helpful warning inclines the reader towards the spiritual nature of the fight rather than thinking about what can be achieved through merely human means. Lashing out at those who seem to be in opposition to the establishment of God’s Kingdom will have little effect. QUESTION O What do we understand Paul to mean when he identifies the enemy? Some would hold that ‘rulers’, ‘authorities’ and ‘powers’ refer to demons over which Satan has control. Others have pointed towards governments, corporations and influencers of the day. Some scholars believe Paul’s use of the phrase ‘of this world’ has direct Old Testament links and therefore implies a criticism of rabbis, Jewish rulers and corrupt teachers within the Early Church.
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In verse 12 Paul is careful to identify the enemies from which the Church
QUESTION Which of these (or other) explanations of Paul’s words in verse 12 are most helpful in applying them to our lives today?
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Be strong in the grace of the Lord,/ Be noble and upright and true,/ Be valiant for God and the right,/ Live daily your duty to do./ Be strong! Be strong!/ And God will your courage renew. (SASB 948)
Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)
Be strong in the grace of the Lord,/ Be armed with the power of his might;/ Be daring when dangers abound,/ Courageous and brave in the fight./ Be strong! Be strong!/ And victory will be your delight. (SASB 948)
service It is quite probable that Paul wrote this epistle while imprisoned in Rome. So, for him, the idea of using a soldier’s armour as an analogy for the Christian life was quite a natural one. Roman soldiers were everywhere. They represented the dominant power of the day and everyone who read or heard Paul’s words would have immediately recognised what he was saying. Today, Roman armour is something seen in movies, museums or history books. So, coming to this text, the modern reader can understand what Paul is saying but the analogy does not serve as a ready cultural reference that we can take from everyday life.
wield ‘the word of God’ through which he accomplishes his work in people’s hearts and lives. Paul leaves his beloved readers with a final command: ‘Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people’ (v18). As we continue that work of bringing about the Kingdom of God where we are, we too need to take up Paul’s challenge and become prayer warriors. Think of all that is happening in our world, your nation, and your community and, led by the Spirit, take it to the Lord.
QUESTION O Can you think of a modern-day analogy that you would use to get across the point that Christians need to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power? Most of the items Paul lists in verses 13 to 17 have the purpose of keeping the wearer safe under attack. You might notice that only the sword is an offensive weapon, the sword that is ‘the word of God’ (v17). Paul’s aim is that his listeners should first and foremost stand firm in their faith. And, having stood firm,
MAJOR BORRETT IS DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, WEST SCOTLAND
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Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:11 and 12)
Leave no unguarded place,/ No weakness of the soul;/ Take every virtue, every grace,/ And fortify the whole. (SASB 979)
But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. ( Jude verses 20 and 21)
Stand up, stand up for Jesus,/ Ye soldiers of the cross!/ Lift high his royal banner,/ It must not suffer loss./ From victory unto victory/ His army he shall lead/ Till every foe is vanquished,/ And Christ is Lord indeed. (SASB 982)
Prayer Lord Jesus, we thank you for choosing us to continue your work in winning the world for God. Aided by your Holy Spirit, may we be courageous in fighting evil wherever it is found, as we seek to do your will.
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NEW COMMITMENTS
SHIREMOOR: Mia Campbell-Mckenzie was taken through her preparation classes by Children’s Advocate Sylvia Knowles and enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Faith Scales. Mia chose a reading from Romans 12:2 and said that she wants to live differently from her friends. Mia is pictured with Lieutenant Faith, Alan Wright and Sylvia. – K. S.
CLEVEDON: Chris Little and Hannah Golledge were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Captain Lorraine Cole. Chris, who was introduced to the Army by friends and soon became an active corps member, recently felt called to commit her service more fully by becoming a soldier and songster. Hannah has also been active in corps activities and felt the time was right for further commitment. They both testified and were warmly welcomed by the corps fellowship. – J. P. MILTON KEYNES CENTRAL: James and Zana Saunders attended the corps for the first time on Commitment Sunday 2018, and were warmly welcomed. Just over a year later they took the step of committing themselves as soldiers. They are pictured with CSM Cloud Tembo and corps officers Majors Bram and Irene Williams. – B. W.
LISKEARD: Mother and son Jenny Martin and Daniel Northcote were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Captain Julian Short. Jenny and Daniel have attended weekly activities for some time, and have now decided to make the Army their regular place of worship. Daniel, who is a member of the training band, decided to wait for his 16th birthday before making his commitment. – J. W.
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EDINBURGH CITY: Grace Wilson made her junior soldier’s promise in the presence of family and friends and was enrolled by corps officer Captain David Gosling. – J. G. 18
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BROMLEY TEMPLE: Family and friends supported when Ella Miles was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Iain Hudson. Ella said the thing she loved most about attending the Army was meeting her friends. – A-J. L.
LISKEARD: Daisy and Richard Jukes have been attending meetings since moving into the area a year ago and were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Captain Julian Short. Daisy testified to being born again as a Christian 18 years ago, and said she felt the warmth of the corps fellowship. Richard said that he has been encouraged by Daisy’s faithful witness. – J. W.
LETTERS
CORPS CADETS’ VISIT CHANGED MY LIFE DURING a corps cadet guardian conference at Sunbury Court in the late Sixties, I listened to others attending from Ireland who said that no SA groups visited Ireland because of the Troubles. At the age of 25 my life was changed completely as a result of a corps cadet brigade coming to Ireland in July 1970. They visited my corps for just one day and made such an impression on me that it helped me to consider officership as a possibility for my life. I spoke to my corps officer about how I was feeling and I told him that I would let him know my decision when he returned from his furlough. Time passed. After he returned I didn’t say a word to him. Then one Friday morning at my work desk I spoke aloud and said: ‘That’s it Lord, I am going to see the lieutenant tonight to let him know.’ That very afternoon my boss called me into his office and offered me a promotion. After that there was no returning and I entered the training college in 1971 as a member of the Blood and Fire Session. In 2005 my wife and I were changing appointment and the DC called me from the appointment conference relating to our future. They were concerned about the distance of the proposed appointment from the town we were hoping to retire to in five years’ time, but were convinced that this was God’s appointment for us. We were appointed to Stowmarket, the corps where the corps cadets came from all those years earlier! It was a wonderful experience to meet some of those people and to share my testimony with them. The corps cadet guardian was still alive and I had the privilege of conducting her funeral and thanksgiving service before leaving the corps in 2008. I thank God for that group of young people who, despite the dangers in Northern Ireland at the time, visited us; and for all the blessings that have been mine as God used them to help me discover his will for my life. Harry Wilson, Major, Cheltenham
WONDERFUL LINKS WHAT a thrill it was to read the testimony of Cadet Paul Devine (Salvationist 16 March)! Paul shared the amazing spiritual journey he has so far experienced, from an inmate of Perth Prison to appointment as Perth corps officer, along with his lovely wife Alexandra. The fellowship at Hemel Hempstead was privileged to welcome Paul and Cadet James Addis for a period during their training, and trust we contributed as much to them as they did to us. At that time there were also opportunities for Paul’s officer wife to be with us, and a special bond was formed when their daughter was born, then later dedicated to God here. On learning of their appointment I was able to share with Paul that, as a cadet in the Standard Bearers Session, I was included in the group that conducted a ten-day campaign at Perth. Bandmaster Stewart had high rank in the city police and enabled us to conduct a meeting at the prison. The Lord makes wonderful links for us in the Army! Len Roberts, Hemel Hempstead
SALLY ANN ON DVD SOME time ago, I inquired through the letters page of Salvationist about an episode of a Southern Television series I saw called Sally Ann, starring Stephanie Cole of Tenko fame as a major and filmed around the old Southampton Citadel buildings c1979. I know my letter was followed up, but I have since discovered that the series is available to purchase on DVD by visiting renownfilms.co.uk/ product/sally-ann-the-completeseries As most people I speak to have never heard of this series, or confuse it with the Thora Hird sitcom Hallelujah!, I just wanted to let people know. Morvyn Finch, Ipswich
WHAT ARE WE BECOMING? SINCE retiring from work at the end of 2018 I have had the privilege of selling the Army papers each week in the centre of Worcester. I have been amazed at the generosity of the general public, young and old; nearly every donation is accompanied by the words ‘towards all the good work you do’. What has amazed me more is the number of people who do not realise that we are first and foremost a church. In the way the Army now portrays itself to the public are we neglecting to include the word church? We have the red shield as our emblem – with no cross on it. At Christmas, in all the appeal adverts and literature, was there any mention of Christ? Are we not rapidly becoming known for and selling ourselves as primarily a social service rather than a Christian church that believes in ‘heart to God and hand to man’? John Stimpson, Worcester Salvationist 6 April 2019
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED O SL Stephen Jones, Southampton Sholing WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Eddie and Mildred Coppin, Worthing (17 April) O Rtd CS Gerry and Rtd HLS Hilda Parsons, Cardiff Canton (19 April) DEDICATED TO GOD O Isabelle Dottie, daughter of Sam and Andrea Bragg, at Pentre by Major Gethin Thomas O Florence Sarah, daughter of Scott and Danielle Cochrane, at Paisley by Major Cora Joy Tucker RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Nanella Weir (80 on 16 April) BEREAVED O Peter Knightley, Liverpool Walton, of his wife Pamela O Mrs Lieut-Colonel Helen Boyden of her husband Lieut-Colonel Cyril Boyden O Major Betty Jones of her husband Major Richard Jones, Claire Bailey of her father O Trevor Stubbington, Chelmsford, of his father Major Brian Stubbington PROMOTED TO GLORY O Lieut-Colonel Cyril Boyden from Hospice Care, Canada, on 23 March O Major Richard Jones from Norfolk and Norwich Hospital on 23 March
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Major Brian Stubbington from Southend Hospital on 27 March
ICO DELEGATES The 241st session of the International College for Officers begins on 10 April The delegates are O Major Christine Waller, Australia O Captain Peter van Duinen, Canada and Bermuda O Major Terence Hale, Canada and Bermuda O Major Jean Laurore Clenat, Caribbean O Captain Sandra Mitchell, Caribbean O Captain Olga Iniutocichina, Eastern Europe O Captain Levan Kvernadze, Eastern Europe O Captain Konstantin Shvab, Eastern Europe O Major Marina Zueva, Eastern Europe O Captain Vitaly Sidorov, Finland and Estonia O Major Visranthamu Devadasi, India Central O Major Yesupadam Vampugudi, India Central O Major Aichhungi Fanai, India Eastern O Major Ulfat Masih, India Northern O Captain Jansi Hemalatha, India South Eastern O Captain Suresh Waghmare, India Western O Major Violet Mugimi, Kenya West O Major Musu Kanmoe, Liberia O Major Liz Gainsford, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa O Major Victoria Olatunji, Nigeria O Major Renie Reginio, The Philippines O Captain Lubov Gorbunova, Russia O Captain Andrei Slashchev, Russia
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Peterborough Citadel (Palm Sunday), Sat Sun 14 Apr O India South Western Territory, Wed 24 – Sun 28 O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 – Fri 3 May THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 Apr O ICO (lecture), Tu 16 O Croydon Citadel (Easter), Th 18 – Sun 21 O USA (National Advisory Board meeting), Tu 23 – Sun 28 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O ICO (welcome to session), Th 11 Apr O Bishop’s Stortford (Palm Sunday), Sun 14 O Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls (Easter), Fri 19 – Sun 21 O William Booth College (spiritual day with cadets), Th 25 O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 – Fri 3 May
Major Violet Nyongesa, Rwanda and Burundi O Captain Andrew Lo, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar O Major Mauricio Gutierrez, South America East O Major Robert Wright, Southern Africa O Captain Janis Sporans, Sweden and Latvia O Major Colin Hylton-Jones, United Kingdom with Republic of Ireland O Major Fiona Partland, United Kingdom with Republic of Ireland O Major Donna Leedom, USA Central O Major Martina Cornell, USA Eastern O Major Caleb Prieto, USA Southern O Major Ann Marguerite Jones, USA Western The translators are O Major Natalia Penttinen, Finland and Estonia O Major Cristina Stasiuc, Eastern Europe O
TRIBUTES RUTH TIMMS, RUGBY RUTH was born in 1933. She attended the Army at Chalk Farm from an early age, then Birmingham Citadel and later Worcester. When Ruth was 12 the family moved to Rugby, and it was there her love for music and singing was nurtured and inspired by her father, the late Bandmaster Edgar Cuell. Ruth served at Rugby for many years as a company guard, songster and songster secretary, her beautiful soprano voice blessing many people. In her later years increasing frailty prevented her regular attendance but she maintained a strong witness in the care home and to her family, displaying quiet courage and confidence in her faithfulness. Ruth is sadly missed by her family and friends and all on whom she had an influence. A solo that Ruth often sang will comfort those who most keenly feel her loss: ‘In the love of Jesus there is all I need‌ In the love of Jesus is perfect rest’ (SASB 259). – J. S.
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Salvationist 6 April 2019
MAJOR JUNE MARSHALL JUNE was born in 1940 to Salvationist parents who worshipped at West Stanley Corps. She became a soldier aged 15 and, over the next 25 years, held local officer positions including YPSM, singing company leader and over-60 club treasurer. In 1963 June married Mervyn and they had two daughters, Linda and Bev. In 1980 June and Mervyn became envoys with an appointment at Birtley. In 1981 they were warranted as auxiliary-captains and went on to serve at Jarrow, Buckhaven (where they received substantive rank as captains in 1986), Inverness, Bellshill, Hull Icehouse, Halifax, South Shields and Shotton Colliery. June’s special calling was her love for people. She became a confidante to many, relishing providing food for the soul and the body with her compassion and cooking. At Inverness she became involved in work at the Army hostel, ministering to the residents, staff and those who attended the drop-in. Her
ministry to children was a vital part of her vocation and she was heavily involved with the young people at many of her appointments. June was an enthusiastic member of the home league, and she took special interest in the women of each corps. She had a beautiful soprano voice and was often called upon to sing solos and duets with her husband and Linda. On retirement in 2006, June and Mervyn soldiered at South Shields. In later years June was confined to a wheelchair but could still be found collecting in the town centre on flag days and during carolling. June is a much-loved and missed wife, mother, grandmother and friend, and her service for the Lord was steadfast until her sudden promotion to Glory. The love and care she showed to everyone were evidenced by the full hall at her thanksgiving service, attended by Salvationists and people of the community from varied walks of life. – L. L. Soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.
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You only have one chance of making a good first impression – smile!
Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week… RICHARD SMART Promotions and Marketing Co-ordinator, Publishing Department, THQ How did you first come into contact with the Army? My mother-in-law, Mary Marsh, was a lifelong Salvationist and a remarkable but understated lady. She was cared for at the Army’s Lyndon House Care Home in her last years, so I came to see faith put into action so well. What made you want to work for the Army? The opportunity to put my faith into action by using my skills and experience in marketing. What is the most interesting thing about your role? The people I meet who are often doing unselfish and remarkable work. … and the most frustrating? As I work part-time my work pattern becomes broken during the week, so I need to concentrate on keeping my focus. What one thing would you change about the Army? Smarter, slicker decision-making. No wonder William Booth was not keen on committees, which slow things down! Do you have any hidden talents? I am a Blue Badge Tourist Guide and City Guide. I like conducting walking tours across London. If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play? Michael Caine’s character, Charlie Croker, in The Italian Job.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose? Martin Luther King Jr. for pure courage in the face of adversity. What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics? Rugby sevens, which featured for the first time in the 2016 Summer Olympics. If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be? Patience. What is your favourite food? Gammon, eggs and chips.
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If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be? Richard Branson. I made a film of 24 hours of his life in the late Eighties but I was too busy to meet him – what an opportunity missed. I would like to see how his life has changed since then. If you could invent a gadget, what would it be? A silent keyboard – I’m a noisy typist! What is your favourite kind of holiday? Cold and walking. My wife, Jenny, and I had a great snowshoeing holiday in the Arctic Circle in Finland.
What languages do you speak? I used to be good at Latin at school but found few people to speak it to! What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? Singing The Blues by Tommy Steele. What is your favourite Bible verse? ‘And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise’ (Philippians 4:8 New Living Translation). It’s very good advice on how to live. Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them? Noah – how did building that ark go? What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘Amazing Grace!’ (SASB 453). Is there something you’ve never understood? Organic chemistry and calculus. If you could rid the world of one thing what would it be? Antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Which book would you want on a desert island? London: The Biography by Peter Ackroyd. If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room what would it be? ‘Sultans Of Swing’ by Dire Straits. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? You only have one chance of making a good first impression – smile! What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess? The online shared family album. Something interesting you might not know about me is… I support Luton Town Football Club; they are doing well this year.
