Salvationist 6 April 2024

SALVATIONIST

STANDING ALONGSIDE SURVIVORS HELPING-HAND APPEAL 2024

HOPE is often seen as subjective in its definition. For many, hope is merely an optimistic frame of mind. Yet many people choose to hold on to it rather than allowing a pessimistic perspective to prevail.

For Christians, hope is the confident expectation of what God has promised, based on faith. In this week’s magazine, we see the Founder’s views on hope and his encouragement to members for its application in various contexts.

We also focus on this year’s HelpingHand Appeal and, in particular, The Salvation Army’s international work against human trafficking. We read stories of hope for a better future, of escaping an oppressive history.

We read in Scripture: ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead’ (1 Peter 1:3).

Just as Christ is our hope and lives in our hearts, we are called to share that hope, a hope that is eternal and cannot be taken away, through our actions to those who have had little cause to hope.

May God continue to stir our hearts that we might reach out in his name.

A we l co m e welcome idea

As BBC One gathers The Assembly, Reuben Dykes encourages us to be welcoming and inclusive

YESTERDAY (Friday 5 April), the actor and director Michael Sheen took part in an interview at 10.40pm on BBC One. Asking the questions was a unique group of interviewees: 35 people from the ages of 18 to 77 who are autistic, neurodivergent or learning disabled. The half-hour programme, titled The Assembly, was not available to view before this issue of Salvationist went to press, but the show was an effort to put autistic and neurodivergent voices in a position of agency on screen.

ITHINK this is a brilliant idea for a TV show. For people like myself with autism, no two people are the same. There are those who are able to be confident and others who are more within their shell. So a TV programme that enables people to come out of their shell – in a safe, comfortable environment – is a really important idea.

I was diagnosed at a young age and I’m always open with people about my autism. I don’t come blurting it out when I first meet people, but once I start to talk to them, I say I have autism. People, especially because we’ve got to know each other, sometimes raise their eyebrows, because to them I don’t

Reflect and respond

What can you do to encourage and give opportunities to everyone?

How welcoming and inclusive is the environment at your corps or centre?

appear to have autism. For me, it all comes down to the environment, the people and what I’m doing.

I host the music show Reuben’s Pick ’n’ Mix on Salvationist Radio. There are Salvation Army songs and band pieces I love listening to. A favourite would probably be ‘Emblem of the Army’ or ‘Guardian of My Soul’.

When I was younger, I wasn’t a confident singer or a dancer – I’m not Strictly material, let me put it that way! I did drama at first, then singing came into it and I became more passionate about music, singing and musicals.

When Maca (Music and Creative Arts) were looking for singers for a project, I applied for that. They later emailed about the musical Belongings and I got cast as Kevin. The challenge for me there is that the character doesn’t appear until the tail end of the first half of the musical, so it’s a lot of sitting around waiting and I can get very bored very quickly. But what really helps me is the wonderful songs in the musical – I love singing them!

Despite all this, unless someone else starts a conversation, I can be quite shy.

So in a corps environment, for example, just making sure that there is a nice, friendly, calm and relaxed atmosphere can be a tremendous, positive step towards being more inclusive. The way my brain works is logic and reasoning. With faith, obviously, 9 times out of 10 you must think outside the box as opposed to inside it. But there is history to back up the Bible – and looking around at the beauty of God’s creation, the idea that we, that everything, just happened makes no sense. I find God uses the way my brain works for his glory and to teach me the importance of trust and faith.

As Christians, I think it is vital for us all to show love and respect to other people, to recognise their skills and gifts. It’s important to be welcoming so that you don’t suddenly become too much like a little club. I was preaching recently in a Sunday meeting and one thing I mentioned was the danger of a church becoming the same people: that could mean some people are in danger of feeling shunned.

What can you do where you are to be welcoming and encouraging?

Picture: BBC/Rockerdale Studios

REUBEN DYKES Kidsgrove

‘God is with me

always’

Neve (Bromley Temple) shares how Territorial Youth Choir strengthened her faith

Wendy Barnett

Tenby seconds with...

Who are you and what do you do?

Wendy. Lifelong Salvationist, soldier and band secretary.

Which book – apart from the Bible –would you want on a desert island?

God in the Slums by Hugh Redwood.

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

‘God’s Love to me is Wonderful’ (SASB 25).

TERRITORIAL Youth Choir (TYC) is one of my favourite weeks of the year. It is a good opportunity to spend time with friends from other corps around the territory and I particularly love worshipping with people my own age and singing songs that I like. This year was my third time going and now it feels like being with family.

We sang some great songs that reminded me that I serve an awesome God and that I am loved by him. My favourite song of the week was a gospel version of ‘New Name Written Down in Glory’.

Every year we are given a chance to participate in a workshop stream. We can choose from lots of different options from musical theatre to discussion groups. I went for Media and we made a video together about whether we are listening to Jesus’ voice when there are many different things competing for our time and attention. After all the planning and filming, the final video turned out to

and final video turned out to be a really cool way of presenting the message – we should do this kind of thing more in The Salvation Army!

different things about myself, God loves me in a very special way because of who I am. This is a great reason to praise God.

As a follower and disciple of Jesus in today’s world, it was good to know that some of the challenges I face being a Christian at school are the same as those facing other people my age. We were able to talk about these together and this really helped me and encouraged me. I was constantly reminded that I am not on my own: I have a good group of friends around me and God is always with me.

The final festival was an opportunity for TYC to join with Territorial Youth Band and show what we practised during the week. Hopefully all the people there were able to see that it was not just our musical knowledge that had grown during the week, but our faith had grown too.

Have you got a testimony to share?

Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

If you were president of the world, what’s the first thing you would do?

Stop wars and violence.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’m very good at knots!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Enjoy every day as it comes.

What are you praying for at the moment?

For peace, my family, my health and Tenby Corps.

Give your testimony or life story using only one word. Love.

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We also shared in cell group together. The theme for the week was I Am and we explored some of the names given to God. We also lkdtf looked at a verse from Psalm 139, which showed me that I am wonderfully and fearfully made It reminded me that, even when other people and society tell me e

Hope

Continuing a series of messages that William Booth sent to corps to be read in Sunday meetings

HOPE is the opposite of despair in character and purpose. She is the friend of saint and soldier and conqueror. This morning I want to chant her praises and urge her cultivation. One of her favourite haunts on Earth is The Salvation Army, but I am quite sure that we need a great deal more of her company and influence.

Hope sees the bright side of everything. She knows there is a bright side; she feels there ought to be a bright side; therefore she seeks it, finds it, rejoices in it and makes everyone else glad. I love the spirit of hope and I love every blessed Salvationist in whose life she lives and reigns.

You can have hope in yourselves. If you are alive you have a ground for congratulation in that respect. They say, ‘A living dog is better than a dead lion;’ and so, seeing that you are alive, you are of more value than Julius Caesar, Queen Victoria, or even the Apostle Paul.

You can hope about your health. If you should be sick, you can hope for recovery. Cry to God for his help. And if it is not your heavenly Father’s will that you should be healed, you may hope still to do good work.

Don’t forget that some of the sweetest and most useful saints of Earth have, by prayer and believing, wrought miracles in their chambers of suffering.

Then, if you are to die, you have the hope of Heaven. There is victory for you in the swellings of Jordan; for, if you are a genuine Salvationist, ‘All things are yours’ (1 Corinthians 3:21). Death will be eternal gain.

You can hope in your circumstances. If you are rich, you can find a channel of usefulness for your money in The Salvation Army. If you are poor, there is a better chance of your going through the Golden Gates from your lonely room, your hard fare and your heavy toil, than there would be from the luxurious mansion of a millionaire.

You can hope for your souls. For there is a glorious hope for everyone here. Never mind what sort of a mess you may have made of your religion in the past. Men and women worse and weaker than you are, or ever have been, or ever could be, have risen to apostleship.

Hope says: try again and you shall win and wear the crown. Why not? Why should not you, my comrades, have every doubt about your forgiveness removed? Why should you not be entirely cleansed from every sin, walk in the light of holiness, be filled with joy unspeakable, and have your souls on fire with love for souls?

Hope declares that it can be so; nay, that it shall be so. Let everyone believe and hope for it.

You can hope for your families. Some of you have good reason for praising God night and day for the blessings he has already brought to your own flesh and blood. Hallelujah! And hope assures you that you may expect the salvation of those who are still outside the Kingdom.

Hope says the wandering boy may come back – must come back. If you keep on praying and believing, he will come back.

Hope says the wife or the husband’s heart will break and the children will follow. Oh! Hope is confident about it.

She declares she can see you an unbroken family in Heaven.

You can hope for your corps. It has not always been the complete success you have prayed for and expected, but it is going to be.

It is true that some of your comrades are a little obstinate, others are stingy and some are lazy. Some are afraid to show their faces in the open-air, while others seem to think that the officers and sergeant-major have been created just to look after them.

Never mind, says hope: the Holy Spirit will change all this. He can transform the lukewarm souls into flames of fire. All things are possible with God; a revival is coming, when all this blessed work will be accomplished.

You can hope for your officers. Bless them! If they have not set the river on fire, or brought down lightning from Heaven, or visited all the sick in the neighbourhood, or looked after every new convert, or got all the backsliders converted, or passed last year’s SelfDenial, hope declares they are going to do it. Love them, pray for them, help them, and they will do wonders.

Hope, but let all your hopes be in your God. He is the bedrock on which hope plants her precious feet. It is true you have to do your share of the work, or hope will give place to despair, but do that and all the love and power of Jehovah will be on your side. Rouse yourselves then, my comrades. Before you separate, kneel down together, and promise God that you will do your duty, and rest assured that every prophecy of the angel hope shall be fulfilled.

Revealed on the road

Lieutenant Jennifer Barker uncovers how Jesus restores faith and hope

LUKE 24:13–35

THE story of Jesus appearing to two disciples on the road to Emmaus is undoubtedly, indisputably and, above all else, one of revelation – an eye-opening, life-transforming encounter. However, the revelation in the encounter is not immediate. It’s gradual. We see Jesus peeling back the layers of their non-recognition until, finally, they understand who he is. Jesus’ identity is central, not only for the disciples in the story but for us too.

A wise officer once commented that this passage contains some of the saddest words in the Bible: ‘We had hoped’ (v21). Followers of Jesus had hoped he was the one who was going to redeem Israel, a hope now gone following his crucifixion.

Cleopas and his companion explain that Jesus’ body is missing from the tomb: ‘Our women amazed us… They came and told us that they had seen a vision of angels, who said he was alive’ (vv22 and 23). Now that is a ‘ta-da’ revelation!

However, as far as they know, no one has actually seen Jesus. They don’t know what to think but, as they head away from Jerusalem, they clearly feel the situation is hopeless.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

When have you been in a situation that felt hopeless?

Have you ever taken a different road because of a hopeless situation?

It’s easy to enjoy the irony of these downcast disciples telling Jesus that no one has seen him, while looking right at him. We might ask how they could not recognise him. We might fail to realise that we, too, can walk a hopeless road without looking for – or even expecting – Jesus to be at our side. We might think we can work it out on our own, or imagine that Jesus can only act within the limits of our imagination, fear or desire. Jesus, however, is above all these human failings and frailties. He sees us even if we don’t see him and, through his grace, he restores our sight and transforms our understanding of who he is.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

What has prevented you from seeing Jesus in hopeless situations?

What can you do to ensure that you look up before looking down?

From the moment Jesus appears on the road, we – as privileged readers with the advantage of the Bible and 2,000 years of theological reflection – are waiting for the big reveal. Instead, it slowly unfolds and, because of the nature of revelation, continues to unfold. The Emmaus encounter is not an isolated, incidental encounter – it started a creation ago.

The disciples summarise the story as they have known it so far and it is full of revelation. Jesus, through his teaching and ministry had shown himself to be ‘a prophet, powerful in word and deed before God and all the people’ (v19). Then he had been arrested. After that, he was

crucified, which was unthinkable and irreversible. Next came the revelation that his body had been moved. Now comes a report of a vision of angels saying that Jesus is alive. Yet there have been no actual sightings or encounters. All this makes no sense to them.

Of course, we know these disciples are mid-revelation. They, however, don’t. We, too, often experience God’s revelation in stages. If we were to have everything revealed to us at once, we would scarcely be able to take it in, never mind understand it. It is only after one thing that another makes sense or we understand why one thing had to happen for another to then take place –like a divine dot-to-dot.

At the end of our study passage, we see the disciples return to Jerusalem, joining the revelation dots for everyone else.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How have you experienced God’s unfolding revelation in your life?

Are you currently experiencing it?

What were some moments in your divine dot-to-dot that brought understanding into focus?

Revelation is not an easy process. For the disciples on the road to Emmaus it is a rollercoaster of emotions and experiences. Imagine, Jesus jumping out at them and saying: ‘Ta-da! Here, I am!’ They would immediately recognise him and return to Jerusalem declaring: ‘Hallelujah! Jesus is alive! We have seen him!’

But it’s important to note that, through God’s gradual revelation of Jesus and his identity, there comes real understanding, growth and transformation within the disciples. They express this: ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?’ (v32). Something happens to them in their encounter with Jesus. The moment of confirmation, affirmation and understanding comes with the breaking of bread in his presence.

As we go through each moment of revelation – and grow in our own understanding, faith and knowledge – we are also transformed, affirmed and grown in wisdom. Ours is not a blind faith in a distant Lord and Saviour. It is one in which the apostle Paul says: ‘We all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord’ (2 Corinthians 3:18 New King James Version).

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How has God’s revelation transformed you?

Think about growth points in your journey of faith. What revelation accompanied them?

LIEUTENANT JENNIFER BARKER Corps Officer Kilburn

From January 2024, Prayer Matters is following a new prayer rhythm, to pray for renewal in this territory’s worship and mission. Each day has a theme, based on the five mission priorities. To read the unedited Prayer Matters booklet visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship

SATURDAY 6 APRIL: CARE FOR CREATION – VALUING OUR FELLOW CREATURES

Did you know that more than 70 billion land animals are killed for food every year? We can fall into the misconception that humans are the only ones who feel emotions and experience suffering, and this has led to an inhumane system of production. Consider reducing the amount of meat in your diet and make a commitment to ensure that meat is ethically farmed.

by Major Vivienne Prescott (Forest of Dean)

SUNDAY 7 APRIL: SABBATH PRAYER – SLEEP

Sleep is vital for our energy, health and Christian living. Dear God, as I lay down to sleep, calm the tension in my body, mind and soul. Still my restlessness and quell the thoughts that worry and perplex me. Help me to sleep, in Jesus’ name. by Major Gary Lacey (Territorial Prayer Co-ordinator)

MONDAY 8 APRIL: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – PIONEER FOCUS ON STREATCHURCH, NORWAY

We are the officers of Hønefoss Corps, close to Oslo in Norway. We have restarted an old corps in a new location. Streatchurch opened on 16 February. Please pray for new people to get saved, and that many others will find their home. by Captains Bodil and Helge Østergreen

TUESDAY 9 APRIL: SERVING AND CARING – CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SCOTLAND DIVISION

Pray for officers and territorial envoys across the division who will leave their current appointments as part of July’s General Farewell. Pray that everyone impacted by these changes will have a deep assurance of God’s provision and peace. by Major Janet Robson (Divisional Commander)

WEDNESDAY 10 APRIL: GROWING IN FAITH – PIONEER FOCUS ON ‘CONNECTED’ PIONEER GATHERING 2024

This weekend, 125 people will come together at the Pioneer Gathering (12–14 April), most of whom are directly involved in helping to develop new Salvation Army communities all over Europe. Teaching will cover topics such as pioneering leadership, prophetic call, discerning the Spirit, the shape of team and the pioneering spirit. Pray that we will connect with each other and with God. by Major Andrew Vertigan (Territorial Pioneer and Fresh Expressions Enabler)

THURSDAY 11 APRIL: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – AUSTRALIA TERRITORY

We pray today for the Australia Territory, for its leaders, Territorial Commander Commissioner Miriam Gluyas and Chief Secretary Colonel Winsome Merrett, and for all those who worship and serve in corps and centres all over the country, that they will be surprised by joy today, and that God will lift burdens from heavy hearts. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)

FRIDAY 12 APRIL: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – ANTI-TRAFFICKING AND MODERN SLAVERY

Our new befriending scheme is aiding survivors to move forward. Some recently joined a local community choir and sang in a carol service; others are working at the corps café. Please pray for the corps that have opened their hearts, that God will guide them as they support survivors, giving them wisdom and understanding in their conversations and actions. by Major Estelle Blake and the Anti-Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit

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 it will be upheld in prayer.

Stopping human trafficking together

Hayley Still introduces the 2024 Helping-Hand Appeal

The history of Helping-Hand

Colonel Olive Booth inspired the Helping-Hand Appeal during the Second World War. Soon afterwards, a regular pattern developed and the worldwide Home League began donating money to a variety of Army projects, particularly those overseas. The resources produced enabled funds to be raised in creative and challenging ways, alongside learning about partner territories in which projects are situated.

This current collaboration between Family Ministries and International Development began with the 2001 appeal, Living Water, and has since raised more than £2.5 million. The appeal supports the Army’s international projects in the areas of anti-trafficking, clean water, food security, gender justice and income generation.

UGANDA boasts a diverse landscape, from the lush green expanses of its national parks to the bustling vibrancy of its urban centres. Often called ‘the Pearl of Africa’, this beautiful country is not without its challenges.

Unequal healthcare access, insufficient educational opportunities, constrained political freedoms and human rights, and persistent gender disparities in education, employment and representation prevent many from fully experiencing the richness of life. Additionally, the growing youth population and the lack of sufficient job opportunities have led to high rates of youth unemployment.

One key threat is human trafficking, with research suggesting that Uganda is a source, a place of transit and a destination for men, women and children. The 2024 Helping-Hand Appeal is focused on supporting The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking work in this country and internationally.

Traffickers particularly target young people, either in person, by word of

mouth or via social media. Generally, young men are offered work in the agricultural sector, while women and girls are trafficked for domestic servitude, either internally or across international borders.

The Army’s Uganda Territory is running a project focused on raising awareness about human trafficking, supporting survivors and strengthening community resilience.

“

The story of human trafficking does not end when a person returns home. ”

The project is focused on five trafficking hotspots along the Kenyan border in which young people are particularly vulnerable. These communities were also chosen because The Salvation Army has an existing presence there. The trust the

Self-Denial and Helping-Hand Explained

International Projects Office Team Leader Benjamin Gilbert explains the differences and links between the Army’s two major international appeals

When was the Helping-Hand Appeal started?

The Helping-Hand Appeal was the inspiration of Colonel Olive Booth during the Second World War. Shortly afterwards, the worldwide Home League began donating money to a variety of Salvation Army projects, particularly those reaching community needs. In the UK, the Helping-Hand Appeal is run annually in collaboration between the Family Ministries Department and International Development UK.

How are the funds used?

Juice-making group

community has in the Army as a local faith organisation, the existing knowledge and the links with local stakeholders have been great assets.

The project identified 20 champions to help raise local awareness of trafficking and mobilise communities to respond creatively to the risks of human trafficking. As a result, 20 community savings groups have been established to enhance economic stability and community cohesion.

Alongside this, some groups have seen members contribute time and skills to collaborate on other incomegenerating initiatives, such as making juice. Young people have formed their own groups, which have generally taken the form of sports teams.

Clinton (pictured left) is chair of one of the young people’s groups. He became involved in the project after the Army supported him to return home after being trafficked to Kenya.

The Helping-Hand Appeal funding is used internationally for communitybased projects, such as work involving anti-trafficking, clean water, food security and gender justice. The money is used specifically for things such as drilling boreholes, agricultural training, awareness raising and vocational skills training. The Helping-Hand Appeal rotates around these communitybased themes each year. During 2024, the focus is on anti-trafficking.

How are the two appeals linked?

In many territories, The Salvation Army uses a church-based model when implementing its community programmes. A clean water or food security project will often closely involve a corps officer and corps volunteers. For example, a corps building might be used to conduct training or facilitate the distribution of seeds in a project. This ensures that relationships between a corps and its wider community can be built and sustained well after the project has ended. The Self-Denial Appeal helps to keep the physical infrastructure of The Salvation Army going and the HelpingHand Appeal enables corps to engage in community needs far beyond what their own resources would allow. Both appeals are mutually dependent on each other – so please give generously to both!

• Read the full article online at salvationist.org.uk/appealsexplained

The group sessions involve discussions about human trafficking, how to spot the signs and how to keep safe.

Clinton said: ‘Together, we save money and can borrow from the treasury to boost our business, or to help if we have issues.

‘We are also supported by a champion. He mobilises us and teaches us a lot. We now look out for our friends and, if we hear that anyone is looking to cross the border for work, we speak up. This group has helped me and my friends. I realise how dangerous human trafficking is in my community, so I keep talking to my friends about it.’

Alongside these elements, football is an important part of the group.

‘After we meet,’ Clinton continues, ‘we always get together to play football. This means we avoid the things in the community that could get us into trouble. We have no time for this because, after football, we just go home, shower and rest.

‘Alongside football, we continue saving together and decide together how to use the money in the treasury. Recently we decided to grow spinach and sell it at the market. This way, each

of us can get a little money. We take some of the profit for the treasury, so the pot grows. Then, if one of us has a challenge, we can use a bit of the money to help solve their problem. If we have any issues, we can talk to the group. We support one another as friends here.’

The story of human trafficking does not end when a person returns home. For survivors, the journey of recovery continues. This is why forming community groups – as well as providing follow-up care and counselling – is an essential part of the Army’s work. Clinton’s story of recovery is a great example of this, and his enthusiasm to support others is inspiring. By donating to the HelpingHand Appeal, you can also help to support others in stopping human trafficking.

How can I get involved?

Here are a few ways you could fundraise either individually or as part of a team:

A sports tournament

Challenge your friends, family or colleagues to some friendly competition. Whether it’s rounders, football, cricket or netball, choose a team sport that’s popular with your group. Remember it is ‘pay to play’!

A quiz night

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An easy one to host in a venue, church hall or at home. For an evening of relaxed entertainment, ask groups for an entry fee and find your quiz questions online. Remind people why they’re there with one of the Helping-Hand 2024 videos or design a round all about the issue of human trafficking.

Save and give

Donate what you would normally spend on getting the car washed or buying a coffee or takeaway and watch the pounds mount up!

A generosity jar

Keep a container or jar in your home or in a public space where people can pop in spare change throughout the appeal.

HAYLEY STILL

‘We support each other’

Jackline Matinge shares how she has found hope and strength through The Salvation Army’s work

JACKLINE lives in Lwanda, U a a. She is married with three children. She needed work to pay for her children to go to school and find a new place to live. When Jackline was at her lowest, a man visited her village with the promise of well-paid domestic work in Kenya. It seemed like the answer to the family’s problems, so Jackline left her children with her husband and set off. But the job was not what she had hoped for.

‘I worked for three months,’ she explains, ‘and I didn’t get a single penny. At night I had to sleep on the floor. They were really hard on me. One night the owner came back home. Suddenly he grabbed me. He held on to me but I pushed him off me and ran away.’

Somehow Jackline was able to escape and travel back to Uganda. But returning home was very hard. Her father had died while she was away and her husband had been seeing someone else.

The Salvation Army runs a group in Jackline’s village to educate people about the dangers of human trafficking and support survivors. When they heard about Jackline’s return, they got in touch.

‘They talked to us as a family and we got counselling,’ she says. ‘As well as this, they promised to support us.’

The group runs a savings and loans scheme for the community and Jackline has become one of the treasurers.

‘I feel so happy about this programme. The group has given me so much knowledge about avoiding human trafficking and they’ve helped me save some money. In the future I hope I will have a good amount that will help all of us.’

Jackline and her husband are both working now, but in her spare time she’s telling other people about her story.

‘We go door to door telling people about human trafficking and we support each other in sharing this information. In our community we have really seen a difference. It’s still a problem further away, but in our area it no longer happens.’

• Based on a video available online at salvationist.org.uk/ helpinghand

Pray together to…

Raise awareness

‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute’ (Proverbs 31:8)

• Pray for awareness and understanding of the complexities of human trafficking.

• Pray for increased education about the issue of human trafficking.

• Pray that people will understand the impact of human trafficking globally.

• Pray for wisdom and discernment for corps and groups as they discuss this issue.

Support survivors

‘The God of all comfort … comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God’ (2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4)

• Pray for survivors’ physical and emotional healing, for restoration and strength.

• Pray for better income-generation opportunities at home so the drive to leave is lessened.

• Pray for a renewed sense of self-worth and identity for survivors.

• Pray for connected, supportive and understanding communities that will offer survivors love, empathy, and a safe space for healing.

Strengthen resilience

‘From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love’ (Ephesians 4:16)

• Pray for opportunities for survivors to become advocates and sources of empowerment.

• Pray for the collaboration of communities, law enforcement and organisations to prevent trafficking.

• Pray for legal protection for survivors, that they find justice and their rights are upheld.

• Pray that survivors might find ways to gain stability and safety and build a positive future.

Stop human trafficking

‘So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God’ (Isaiah 41:10)

• Pray for continued perseverance among those combating human trafficking.

• Pray for the provision of funding that anti-trafficking projects and initiatives might thrive.

• Pray for perpetrators, that their hearts will be softened and their minds transformed to recognise and stop their wrongdoing.

Dig deeper into the Helping-Hand Appeal resources and prayer prompts at salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand

A courageous woman

Major Heather Grinsted celebrates the story and courage of Esther

IT has been said that Esther is a Cinderella figure. She went from poverty to wealth, servant to heroine, injustice to amends. Her story, told in the biblical book of the same name, begins in 460BC, more than 100 years after her ancestors were exiled to Babylon.

The story is based in Susa, the capital city of the ancient Persian empire – now Iran. King Ahasuerus – also called King Xerxes – has banished his wife, Queen Vashti, from the court for disobeying his orders to parade in front of his friends. To find a new queen, a royal decree is issued for all ‘beautiful young virgins’ (Esther 2:2) to be brought to the palace. Among these is Esther, a Jewish orphan living with her cousin, Mordecai, who is a Jewish leader. Esther finds favour with the king and is chosen as the new queen, although she keeps her Jewish identity a secret.

Mordecai uncovers a sinister plot by Haman, one of the king’s advisers, to annihilate all the Jews in the empire. Mordecai tells Esther to use her position as queen to intervene and save their people. Esther chooses to take both personal and political action. She exposes Haman’s heinous scheme and convinces the king to spare the Jews.

Interestingly, God is not explicitly mentioned in the book, but he is undoubtedly at work.

Esther’s story is often read as a celebration of its beautiful and clever heroine – but we must also read the first part of the story, which reveals the forced movement of Jews from their homeland and the trafficking of women and girls to the king’s palace (see Esther 2:8).

Esther was responsible for saving the lives of her people, but as well as being displaced herself, she was trafficked into the king’s harem. The king’s search for a

queen is sometimes described as a beauty contest, but read verse 14: ‘She would not return to the king unless he was pleased with her and summoned her by name.’ Many of the young women must have felt used and rejected, and they faced a life of enforced insecurity as a concubine, unable to get married or have the chance to raise a family.

In chapter 4, Esther is chosen as queen. Mordecai tells her that she was possibly placed in her exact position for a reason and that, if she does not stand up for what is right, deliverance will rise from another place: ‘For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?’ (4:14).

Esther accomplished several things to change the fate of her people. To speak to the king, Esther had to break the law for which the penalty was death. To make her appeal to the king, Esther confessed she was a Jew. And Esther opposed Haman, the king’s most powerful adviser.

The Book of Esther shows how the courage of a trafficked woman saved a nation of people, and how an unlikely heroine changed the course of history. May her once-upon-a-time story inspire you to believe you too have been called ‘for such a time as this’.

In what ways can you see that the Lord has placed you exactly where he wants you? Are you using your position to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves?

A night of compassion and impact

DUBLIN

THE Dublin Rotary Club held a gala fundraiser at Dublin Castle to support Granby Lifehouse.

Divisional Commander Colonel Neil Webb and Republic of Ireland Company Secretary Captain Keith Greer greeted more than 150 guests, while an ensemble of band members from the Ireland Division provided music.

Fundraising Manager Rita Halpin co-ordinated the event on behalf of The Salvation Army.

The gala raised €35,000, which will be used to renovate and provide specially adapted accommodation for residents with disabilities and mobility issues.

As well as playing in the band, Colonel Neil gave an introductory and closing address.

‘There are currently over 13,500 people, including 4,000 children, in emergency accommodation in Ireland tonight,’ he said. ‘Increased rents and a dire shortage of housing supply has forced many families into homelessness.’

Rotary Club President Dr Delma Sweeney said: ‘As homelessness is one of the most significant community issues facing Ireland, helping The Salvation Army in the renovation of accommodation fits entirely with our club’s values and focus.’ – EG

COMMUNITY

DUNSTABLE More than 90 people attended a Messy Church Mother’s Day service led by corps officer Lieutenant Jacqueline Coates and Children’s Ministry Leader Colleen Edmonds. As well as a mums’ challenge there were activity tables where people could get involved as they celebrated the positive influence of their mothers. For those whose mums had passed away, there was the chance to place a daffodil in a vase in remembrance and thanksgiving. Each woman present was given a pot plant in recognition of the positive influence they can have in people’s lives. – RC

EVENT MUSIC

FAKENHAM Ten local musicians – including members of Fakenham Town Band – joined the corps fellowship band for a practice led by Music Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ). Andrew offered interesting insight into the music and concluded with a devotional thought and prayer. – AP

COMMUNITY

STAVELEY Some of the ladies from the monthly Cameo club enjoyed making floral arrangements for Mother’s Day. – PR

Beccles Bible study group enjoy a sunny spiritual retreat at Quiet Waters in Bungay

Hucknall Corps provides a local primary school with books for a new library

HOMELESSNESS

New sleep pods for rough sleepers

PETERBOROUGH CITADEL

THREE sleeping pods have been installed outside the hall after Light Project Peterborough, a Christian homelessness charity, secured funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities and the city council.

Each pod contains a single bed, shower, toilet, sink, window, storage and radiators. Staff and volunteers at the corps will support pod users with hot meals, regular visits and invitations to church activities. Weekly meetings will support users with action plans and daily activities.

Corps officer Major Gary Chaundy said: ‘This project has shown that ending homelessness is about partnership working and a recognition of the importance of providing safe, supported environments.’

Major Gary is pictured with corps member Rachel Dockerill, Light Project Peterborough operations manager Vaughn Williams, John Boyce from Vista Property and Project Management Ltd, and staff from Crowland Cranes, who helped install the pods. – AR

EASTER

RAYLEIGH The 6th Castle Mount West Rainbows have been busy preparing for Easter, creating some amazing Easter bonnets and other crafts. The girls happily paraded their bonnets home with lots of chocolate goodies too! – TP

COMMUNITY

RUGBY Funds raised over Christmas supported the installation of a community defibrillator and emergency bleed kit on the side of the corps building. – CR

EASTER

KILBURN Harlesden Band presented a music programme on Palm Sunday. Items included bassoon, trumpet and piano solos, as well as a guitar duet. – MP

MUSIC

MAIDSTONE The Bluebird Choir, led by Catherine Edkins, were invited back to perform with the band in a Last Night of the Proms concert. It was an evening of music that was both relaxing and stirring and was enjoyed by performers and audience members alike. Included in the performance were ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Jerusalem’, which inspired much patriotic flag waving. – GP

EVENT

WOODHOUSE A well-attended women’s prayer breakfast included time to sit at prayer stations. Major Maggie Cadogan led thought-provoking worship, reflecting on being individuals and how prayer works in people’s lives. All attendees were blessed with her words and enjoyed fellowship with one another. – VB

PRESENTATIONS

LONDON

SALVATION Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) won a Drapers Sustainable Fashion award. The market-leading awards programme shines a spotlight on best practice within the industry. SATCoL won Best Social Enterprise or Charity Initiative and was described as ‘phenomenal’ and ‘the most innovative in terms of getting value out of everything’. Derek Goodwin, corporate operations manager, Kirk Bradley, head of corporate partnerships, Allison Waterhouse, corporate partnerships manager, and Charlene Bent, clothing collections division marketing manager, are pictured with host Jack Guiness and Anna Pangbourne, chief executive of Fashion and Textile Children’s Trust, who presented the award. – AR

MORRISTON

BAND Secretary Derek Brown was publicly thanked for 39 years of tireless work and commitment as band librarian. He received a certificate of recognition and a long-service badge from corps officer Major Steve Brevitt. Derek and Major Steve are pictured with Songster Leader and Acting Bandmaster Chris Lear, as well as Band Librarian Chris Renouf and Songster Sergeant Steph Mead. – SR

CLYDEBANK

RETIRED Bandmaster Peter Fuller completed 50 years of continuous active service as a Salvation Army bandmaster. Commissioned in 1979, Peter has served as bandmaster at Clydebank, Aberdeen Citadel and then Clydebank again, and still leads the Scotland Fellowship Band in a busy schedule of rehearsals and concerts. He received a certificate of recognition and letters of congratulation from Divisional Commander Major Janet Robson and Director of Music and Creative Arts Stephen Cobb (THQ). – DH

STOCKPORT CITADEL

THE corps dedicated a new flag given in memory of George and Joyce Sinclair. Pictured with the flag are corps officer Captain Maisie Veacock and George and Joyce’s daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Richard Penfold. – PH

HADLEIGH TEMPLE

CORPS Sergeant-Major Wayne Johnson received a certificate of recognition from the East of England Division on his retirement from his role after 10 years of service. Wayne will continue to keep busy, serving at the corps and as a trustee for local charities. – MC

LINCOLN

EMILY was enrolled as a junior soldier by Majors Michael and Morag Watkins. The corps has gone from having

WATCHET

SANDRA Lewis was welcomed as an adherent by Corps Sergeant-Major

as full of ups and downs but, when she walked into the corps, she knew God

She said the corps welcome was overwhelming, family-orientated and warm. Sandra’s testimony spoke

CHATTERIS

GILL Poultney was enrolled as a soldier by Corps Sergeant-Major Anese Tomkinson, who also took Gill through recruits’ classes. Gill is the first soldier to be enrolled at the corps in 25 years.

STUART Pinborough was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Mark Cozens. Stuart, who is a recently retired paramedic, was taken to Sunday school as a child and grew up in The Salvation Army. In his testimony, Stuart

Daniel by telling others about

BOURNE

she grew up with the young people in the corps but regretfully lost some faith and left. In her powerful testimony, she told how, after some dark moments in her life, she returned to the corps and now follows Jesus. Charlotte is shown

HADLEIGH TEMPLE

CATH FORD COLCHESTER CITADEL

CATH was born in Nottingham in the early 1920s. In 1947, she entered the training college with her future husband, Eric Ford. They were commissioned in 1948 and married in 1950. Cath and Eric served together for 21 years at 16 corps across the territory until leaving the service as majors in 1969. From 1989 to 1996 they were divisional envoys at Manningtree. Cath continued her career in midwifery and district nursing around Harwich and Colchester. She enjoyed an active retirement, sharing her wisdom running the parent-andtoddler group at Colchester Citadel. Her years of caring for others, and her faith, remained at the core of who she was. Cath was always there for those in need, touching the lives of countless people with relentless kindness, compassion and generosity. Her legacy will continue through her 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. – FV

JEAN THOMAS SOUTHEND SOUTHCHURCH

JEAN was born in India on 3 April 1933, where her father served with the British Army. Returning to the UK, the family lived in Southend, and it was at Southend Citadel that Jean became a corps cadet and songster.

In 1955, Jean and Les were married and they had a son, Andrew, and daughter, Dawn. Transferring to Southend Southchurch in 1959, Jean served as primary sergeant and parentand-toddler group leader, and was a wonderful support to Les, who was songster leader and corps sergeantmajor. In later years she helped in the over-60 club, where her welcoming nature blessed the members.

Jean loved her family, so it was a sad time when, in 2020, their son died. Jean then had a bad heart attack and a serious heart operation. In spite of more health problems, Jean remained her cheerful self with a steadfast faith up to her promotion to Glory. – LT

MAJOR NADINE CLEAVES

NADINE Jones was born in 1934 and linked up with Woodhouse Corps as a teenager. In 1957, she entered the training college, becoming a cadet in the Courageous session.

Following her commissioning in 1958, Nadine was appointed to Kilsyth, followed by Fauldhouse. In 1959 she married Captain Stanley Cleaves and together they opened the work in East Kilbride. Various corps appointments followed and, while Stan had DHQ and IHQ appointments, Nadine carved out her ministry at Bromley Temple, running the playgroup for several years. Later she became responsible for the Home Circle and The Salvation Army Medical Fellowship. Nadine and Stan’s final appointment was to the London North East Division in 1996, where Nadine was divisional finance assistant. They entered retirement in April 1998.

There are countless people from Nadine’s various appointments who would testify to her quiet, effective influence for good on their lives. She would often reminisce about how life was like in those days, when it seemed that every waking hour was spent in some sort of service for the Army, often with her small children in tow.

Sadly, Stan was promoted to Glory in 2011 and Nadine would often say how much she missed ‘my Stan’. She was a positive lady and always had a twinkle in her eye as she got involved in any banter going. Nevertheless, she was always serious when it came to her faith. Right up until her promotion to Glory, Nadine was involved in the life of the corps.

Family was very important to Nadine, who loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is now reunited with Stan, the love of her life, and with the God she so faithfully served. – AR

Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

ALAN OTTAWAY MACCLESFIELD

ALAN was born in Macclesfield in 1931 to Army parents, the eldest of three children. Totally dedicated to the Lord all his life, even when he suffered a major stroke in 2022 he testified to everyone who visited.

He played euphonium in the junior band, progressing to the senior band and songsters, where he was songster leader for 34 years. He also loved playing the concertina he inherited from his father.

He met his wife of 62 years at the Army. They married in 1961 and were blessed with a son, Adrian, and a granddaughter, Gabrielle. There was nothing Alan loved more than going round everyone on Sunday mornings with a firm handshake and a smile.

Alan’s humility endeared him to all who knew him. His loving influence will be for ever cherished by his family and all those whose lives he touched. Alan truly fought the fight and won the race. – AR

VALERIE RILEY KIDDERMINSTER

VALERIE was born in 1931. As a teenager she was invited by a Salvationist neighbour to Lye Corps. She would later, while still in her teens, invite Jesus into her life as her personal Saviour.

It was at Lye she met her future husband, Geoffrey, marrying him in 1954. They both served faithfully in the corps for many years before Geoffrey’s promotion to Glory in 2011.

Valerie was well known by neighbours for her yearly collecting for the annual appeal. She transferred to Kidderminster Corps in 2017, following the closure of Lye.

A quiet lady, Val found time to write letters of encouragement to fellow Salvationists during her later life, and always had a good word to say about others. She was promoted to Glory on 25 October 2023. Val leaves behind two children, Andrew and John, who are both Salvationists, and five grandchildren. – JR

ARMY PEOPLE ENGAGEMENTS

Local officers appointed

CMS CLARE THOMPSON, Leadgate

Promoted to Glory

LESLIE HARTILL, Douglas, on 9 March

Bereaved

BRIAN HARTILL, Clevedon, of his brother Leslie Hartill, Territorial Envoy Gay Tonks, Chester, and Stuart

Hartill of their father

MAJOR GIA SALARISHVILI, Branksome, of his father

Dimitri Salarishvili

ICO delegates

The 257th session begins on 10 April

CAPTAIN DINA PAULO, Angola

CAPTAIN VERÓNICA BENGUI, Angola

CAPTAIN FILIPE NSAKU MABANZA, Angola

CAPTAIN LAURINDA IVETE, Angola

CAPTAIN ABISHEK (MONTY) BHARDWAJ, Australia

MAJOR JEANETTE VAN GAALEN, Australia

MAJOR ADÃO NUNES, Brazil

CAPTAIN ISRAEL FRANÇA, Brazil

MAJOR CINDY MEYLAN IUNG, Brazil

MAJOR CARLA RODRIGUES, Brazil

MAJOR CLAUDETE CARDOSO SWARTELE

RODRIGUES, Brazil

MAJOR GUSTAVO DE LEON SANTANA, Brazil

CAPTAIN PETER KIM, Canada and Bermuda

MAJOR MARITANA VOLANT, Caribbean

CAPTAIN ASEERVADAM CHEELI, India Central

MAJOR LALRINPUIA HRAHSEL, India Eastern

MAJOR RICHARD VANLALNGHAKA, India Eastern

MAJOR RANJIT KUMAR NAYAK, India Northern

CAPTAIN AMBILY ROBINSON, India South Western

MAJOR PINAL CHAUHAN, India Western

MAJOR MANUEL ALIOSO, Mozambique

CAPTAIN MARTA RICARDO MATIMBE, Mozambique

MAJOR CARLOS JOSÉ GUIVUNDA, Mozambique

CAPTAIN BEATRIZ MACAMO, Mozambique

CAPTAIN LUISA NOMBORA, Mozambique

MAJOR CHRISTINE DE MAINE, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

CAPTAIN YASMIN ALLAHLOK, Pakistan

CAPTAIN ALEX TOBIAS, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands

CAPTAIN MYCHEL CARDINEZ, Philippines

CAPTAIN DOMINADOR SALVADOR, Philippines

MAJOR LALNUNMAWII, Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand

CAPTAIN ANABELA GONÇALVES, Spain and Portugal

MAJOR SARA BEIJER, Sweden and Latvia

MAJOR NICK COKE, United Kingdom and Ireland

CAPTAIN ZOE SMITH, United Kingdom and Ireland

CAPTAIN DENESIA POLUSCA, USA Central

MAJOR LAURA DUESENBERRY, USA Eastern

CAPTAIN ISRAEL ROSENO, USA Southern

MAJOR HAROLD LAUBACH, USA Western

Translators

MAJOR TIMOTEO LUKANU NDOMBASI, Angola

MAJOR ELIAS NHANEZ, Mozambique

MAJOR ALOIR ANDRADE, USA Eastern

MAJOR RUTH ANDRADE, USA Eastern

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

Fri 12 Apr – Mon 22 Apr Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill

Thu 11 Apr Sunbury Court (ICO Welcome Meeting)

Fri 12 Apr – Fri 19 Apr Korea Territory

Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

Mon 8 Apr Royal Albert Hall (Music Is Magic)

Thu 11 Apr Sunbury Court (ICO Welcome Meeting)

Sat 13 Apr Penge (Retirement of Lieut-Colonel Alan Read)

Fri 19 Apr WBC (Teaching sessions with first year cadets)

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest

Mon 8 Apr Royal Albert Hall (Music Is Magic)

Sat 13 Apr Penge (Retirement of Lieut-Colonel Alan Read)

Mon 15 Apr WBC (15-year celebration of officership)

Wed 17 Apr High Leigh conference centre (pre-retirement seminar)

NOTICES

Domestic abuse survey

Family Ministries invites anyone connected to the Army to share their thoughts on domestic abuse in an anonymous new survey. The survey closes on 30 April. Visit salvationist.org.uk/domesticabusesurvey or email amy.quinn-graham@salvationarmy.org.uk for more information.

Retired officers’ birthdays

Due to data protection concerns, Salvationist has decided to no longer publish the birthdays of retired officers in the magazine. Salvationist apologises for any disappointment or inconvenience this may cause.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Captain Rob Westwood-Payne (Maidenhead) is leading this week’s Sunday Worship. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Sing to the Lord with the ISS

Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters chosen by a special guest. This month’s guest is Juliet Parker. Can’t tune in at 5pm on Sunday? The episode is repeated in full on Tuesday 9 April at 10am and on Saturday 13 April at 3pm.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

The All Terrain Podcast

This episode’s guest is Territorial Co-ordinator for Justice and Reconciliation Major Nick Coke. Major Nick is an avid reader and loves curling up with a good book or listening to an album from his evergrowing record collection.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts

ADVERTS

CASTLEFORD, BOOTH STREET WF10 1SA

Thursday 25 April, 7.45pm

BLACK DYKE BAND

Tickets £12, available from Sarah Shepherd on 07510 517567 or sarahshep87@gmail.com

MADDISTON CORPS, MAIN ROAD, MADDISTON FK2 0LU

Saturday 13 April, 2pm

VALEDICTORY SERVICE

Messages of appreciation by email to css-dhq@salvationarmy.org.uk by mail to Central and Southern Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps, G33 6HZ

MAIDENHEAD CORPS SAVE THE DATE!

STOCKHOLM SOUTH BAND CONCERT

Friday 10 May, 8pm St Mary’s Church, 14 High Street, Maidenhead SL6 1YY

Tickets available online or by post from 10 April

TO LET

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.

ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment. Pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hill-walking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby. Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

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