Salvationist 7 August 2021 by The Salvation Army UK and Ireland

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What’s the big idea? The Chief of the Staff explains PLUS

GOSPEL SINGER’S FOOD BANK SERVICE

SEE PAGES 10 AND 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHURCHES CALLED TO TAKE ACTION AHEAD OF MAJOR UN CLIMATE CONFERENCE Churches are being encouraged to commit to effective action ahead of the United Nations COP26 summit taking place in Glasgow in November. They are also being asked to hold a Climate Sunday to put pressure on the government to issue domestic policies addressing climate change and carbon emissions before the start of the 12-day summit on 1 November. The call comes from a coalition of Christian organisations, including A Rocha, Cafod and Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, who say that recent cuts to overseas aid and a lack of commitment on emissions reductions have undermined the UK’s credibility as a leader on climate action. They want the government, in its role as chair of COP26, to ‘seek faster and deeper global emissions cuts’, and deliver on its promise of financial assistance to help poorer countries adapt to the climate disruption they are already experiencing... In addition ... churches are being asked to sign the Time Is Now joint call to the government to ‘unleash a clean energy revolution’, protect green and wild spaces and support those most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Christian Today

SALVATIONIST

KEEP ENGLAND ROUGH SLEEPING SCHEME OR FACE SURGE, MINISTERS TOLD

CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL STAINED GLASS IS AMONG WORLD’S OLDEST

England faces a surge of people being forced to sleep on the streets if the government scraps the scheme introduced to tackle the problem during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a report by an influential group of independent experts. In an intervention timed to put pressure on ministers ahead of the autumn spending review, the Kerslake Commission on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping warned them their only chance of keeping their promise to end rough sleeping by the end of this parliament was to maintain the additional £82 million a year in funding.

New research indicates that some stained glass windows from Canterbury Cathedral may be among the oldest in the world. The panels, depicting the Ancestors of Christ, have been re-dated using a new, non-destructive technique. The analysis indicates that some of them may date back to the mid1100s. The windows would therefore have been in place when the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, was killed at the cathedral in 1170. Léonie Seliger, the head of stained glass conservation at the cathedral ... told BBC News that the discovery was historically ‘hugely significant’.

The Guardian

BBC News

GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO DELIVER ON ALL PERSECUTION REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS BY 2022 The government says it is confident it can implement all 22 recommendations in the bishop of Truro’s report on supporting persecuted Christians through British embassies around the world. Nigel Adams MP, minister of state at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, has been answering questions from MPs about progress in implementing the independent report by Bishop Philip Mounstephen. The report said: ‘Christianity is by most calculations the most persecuted religion of modern times’... In a written answer to a parliamentary question tabled ... by Democratic Unionist MP Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, Mr Adams said: ‘The government has committed to implementing in full the recommendations in the bishop of Truro’s review, and work continues to implement them in a way that will bring real improvement to the lives of those persecuted due to their faith or belief. ‘Of the 22 recommendations we have fully delivered 10, made good progress on a further 8, and are confident that all 22 will be delivered by the time of the independent review in 2022.’ Christian Today

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Salvationist 7 August 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

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CONTENTS

MAKING THE DREAM WORK ‘TEAMWORK makes the dream work,’ wrote American pastor John Maxwell. But it didn’t quite work for the Dutch women cyclists in the Olympic road race. Their plan was to get Annemiek van Vleuten, the gold medal favourite, into a winning position. They weren’t too worried when a small group broke away, because all but one gradually dropped back to the main pack, leaving Austrian Anna Kiesenhofer in the lead with 40 kilometres to go. The Dutch riders could have helped van Vleuten catch the Austrian if they’d worked as a team. A solo rider is usually no match for a team working together in pursuit, as they take turns leading their teammates, shielding them from the wind and conserving the main rider’s energy. The Dutch did eventually get their act together but, not knowing Kiesenhofer was ahead, left it too late. Van Vleuten crossed the line celebrating what she thought was a gold medal. She didn’t realise the Austrian had already finished 75 seconds before. Teamwork is a key factor in sport, but also in the effectiveness of any organisation, including the Church. Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham acknowledges this in his interview with Major Andrew Stone. He explains what being the Chief of the Staff involves and talks about the Army’s worldwide work and his hopes for the future. Referring to IHQ, he says, ‘I am so grateful for the team who provide excellent leadership and service to the international Salvation Army.’ Teamwork has played an important part in combatting the coronavirus pandemic – teamwork among NHS staff members and key workers, and among those who have developed, distributed and administered the vaccines. We hear from three people at Woking Corps – Alexis Price, Major Margaret House and Peter Glover – about their voluntary work in the team at a vaccine centre. Joanna Breheny also volunteers in a team – at Wood Green Corps food bank. A professional singer and part-time personal assistant, she found herself furloughed last year and decided to help out at the newly established food bank. Joanna is used to working in harmony with others, as she is also involved in the ACM Gospel Choir, which she tells us about. That phrase from John Maxwell is only part of a sentence. The full quote is: ‘Teamwork makes the dream work, but a vision becomes a nightmare when the leader has a big dream and a bad team.’ So, what makes a bad team? Perhaps negative attitudes are part of the answer. It’s often said that there is no ‘I’ in ‘team’. In other words, a team is no place for personal agendas or selfish goals – they make it a bad team. Another writer on leadership and teamwork, John Adair, says there are three important elements in achieving results: the task, the team and the individual. Balancing these three makes for effectiveness – so if an individual’s priorities are foremost, the team is likely to underperform. The apostle Paul knew the importance of good attitudes in the life of the Church: ‘being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind’ (Philippians 2:2). That’s good advice for a team. ‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,’ he added (v3). If our hope is to see the Kingdom of God become a reality where we are, then that’s the kind of teamwork that will make the dream work.

Quotes from the media

2 4 to 6

News Prayer matters

Preview Caring for creation

by Major David Cavanagh

Feature Injecting hope into the community

On my bookshelf 9 Summer Book Club: Flourishing in the Wilderness Territorial Envoy Alice Swain talks to Emily Bright

Interview Singing from the heart

10 and 11

Joanna Breheny talks to Shanelle Manderson

Interview 12 to 14 Supporting an international Army Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham talks to Major Andrew Stone

Viewpoint Partially present

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

Bible study Hide and seek

16 and 17

by Major Mal Davies

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Jane Kimberley

Preview Words of Life

Light bites Enthusiasts

by Major Peter Mylechreest

Reflection Grace abounding

by Major Alistair Dawson

New commitments

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

Territorial quiz

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

Salvationist 7 August 2021

NEWS

COMMUNITY

FUNDRAISING

Cooking and connecting OLDHAM FITTON HILL AN innovative project encouraging people to cook healthy meals while staying connected has helped up to 50 families. The Meet, Cook and Eat project, set up by Reel CIC and The Salvation Army, first ran during the school holidays, with families getting together to cook and eat new dishes. At the start of the coronavirus pandemic, when they were no longer able to meet in person, the project became the Talk, Cook and Eat group, funded for six weeks by Oldham Athletic Community Trust. When the Oldham Athletic Community Trust funding ended, the group continued with Salvation Army funding. Now the families share recipes for meals they have made using food from charity Fareshare and Army donations. As a way of keeping the project going on limited funds, group members donate £2 for the bags of food if they can afford it that week, or others can donate on their behalf. Kim Rogers, Salvation Army community worker and Reel CIC director, said: ‘As part of the food parcels we include ingredients like raisins or flour and ask people to cook their own recipes using those ingredients and share what they make on the Facebook group. It’s great because they encourage each other and ask questions about the recipes. It helps healthy eating as well as encouraging them to try something new. ‘This is part of the recovery model. People are not dependent but are using low-cost food that would otherwise go to landfill, are cooking for themselves and sharing their ideas with others. ‘At one point we had 50 families. Now we have about 30 families taking part regularly and they really love it. We can’t wait until we can all cook together in person.’ – AR 4

Salvationist 7 August 2021

Football fans raise money for charities SUNDERLAND FOOTBALL fans from around the globe have raised £212,061 for Sunderland charities, as part of the Sunderland Together campaign. Sunderland Together was set up by Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light charity in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Fans from different clubs came

together to support charities in Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, including The Salvation Army’s frontline community response work in Southwick. The Southwick Community Project has been supporting people in need with food parcels, breakfast and after-school clubs and more. The project will receive around £50,000 to continue and expand its work. Graham Wharton, who is the project’s community manager, said: ‘As a proud Sunderland AFC supporter, I’m absolutely

delighted that people across the country have come together and donated to good causes… Thanks to everyone’s incredible generosity we will be able to continue our mission… As part of this, we are going to buy a van to transport much-needed essential items, which will ensure we are able to meet the needs of people across Sunderland and develop exciting new projects to support our communities.’ Graham is pictured representing the Army at the Sunderland Together cheque presentation. – AR

PRESENTATION

LOCKERBIE The Rev Paul Read led worship at the corps. During the meeting his wife, Joy, was thanked for her eight years of volunteering by Lunch Club Co-ordinator Kathryn Normanton and received a certificate from corps officer Captain Andrina Downie. – AD

INTERNATIONAL

Salvation Village opens its doors SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA A NEW ‘tiny house’ facility able to house 75 people has opened its doors in Harbor City. Salvation Village is intended to be a first step towards helping people experiencing homelessness find a permanent home. It is run by The Salvation Army with support from the city of Los Angeles, LA Harbor College and Pallet Shelter. Each house accommodates one person – with 25 homes set aside for Harbor College students – and there are communal facilities for laundry and pets. The Salvation Army also has case workers and social workers on site to help clients with essential life skills. At the opening ceremony,

Divisional Commander LieutColonel John Chamness said: ‘Today, I’m happy to say that with councilman Joe Buscaino and The Salvation Army, we’re able to provide 75 homes, 75 beds and 75 pillows. Every night our friends that are currently living on the street have a place they can call home – Salvation Village.’ Salvation Village is the 13th shelter operated by the Army in Southern California, which now offers a total of 5,375 beds per night. Venues range from hotel rooms and emergency shelters to rental assistance programmes, former motels and purpose-built facilities. – AR

EMERGENCY AID IPSWICH The Army supported firefighters battling a blaze at a highrise block of flats. More than 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines were called to Yeoman Close after smoke was seen billowing from the roof of the building just off Yarmouth Road. Residents were evacuated and all were accounted for. The Army’s emergency response vehicle spent more than three hours on site as the team served hot dogs and bacon rolls to firefighters. Mike Baker, Suffolk emergency response co-ordinator, said: ‘When we arrived, they all cheered.’ – AR

FUNDRAISING STORNOWAY Salvationist Betty Grigor, aged 81, started baking to keep people’s spirits up during the lockdowns. Every Friday, Betty would place a plastic box full of cakes, scones and pancakes at her front gate for anyone to take and leave a donation. Despite her remote location on the island, Betty has been overwhelmed by the interest in her project – known as Betty’s Bun Box – and has raised a total of £1,149 for the community. ‘I feel good that the money is going back to help people on the island,’ said Betty. ‘I have worked hard and am pleased to have raised what I have. When I was cooking in the lunch club I felt I was doing God’s work, so the baking is an extension of that.’ – AR

PRESENTATION Chatteris corps officers Majors Richard and Pauline Cook receive a gift to mark the conclusion of their service at the corps, which was their second appointment in retirement

OUTREACH

NEWS IN BRIEF WELLING The corps packed Euros final goodie bags to hand out to people who use the food bank. Each bag included snacks, bunting, flags, a quiz and a card, which included quotes from England players talking about their faith. The corps hoped to help families celebrate together while also making faith and Jesus part of the footballing festivities. – KS

Having had to shield for nearly a year, Watchet herald Ruth Herington is relieved to be in the town talking to the public once again

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ESSEX The Army’s new Incident Support Unit had its first call-out to support firefighters battling a blaze involving 600 tonnes of animal feed at a farm in Asheldham. Major Barrie Sampson, the emergency response co-ordinator for Essex, said: ‘You could see the smoke for three to four miles on the way in. When we got there, crews were pumping water right the way down the drive and firefighters were dragging bales of hay out of the warehouse, which was well alight.’ Group manager Martyn Hare from Essex County Fire and Rescue thanked The Salvation Army for supplying refreshments for the crews who were working in high temperatures. – AR

Salvationist 7 August 2021

NEWS

MEETING SUMMER FOCUS

by Major David Betteridge, director of family ministries (THQ) SATURDAY 7 AUGUST Lord Jesus, you knew the importance of having a rest, of taking time off even if just for a little while. We thank you that we can follow your example, to value and make the most of our holidays and times of relaxation. Lord Jesus, we ask you to draw close to those who, for whatever reason, find it difficult or even impossible to rest. Draw near to them and help them to draw near to you. In their weariness help them find rest in you.

WALLSEND Corps members enjoyed seeing each other for the first time in more than a year as they gathered for outdoor worship. To allow for singing and fellowship in a Covid-safe way, they carried chairs and equipment from the hall to the park next door. The band opened the meeting, and the sermon focused on the beauty of God’s creation and the joy of being able to worship under the trees and sing along with the birds. – LC

EVENT

SUNDAY 8 AUGUST A prayer by John Birch: That we can glimpse you within creation is a beautiful thought, but it also tells us that you desire to be seen, to be found and known. Open our eyes, Lord, as we walk through this world, to see the majesty of creation unfolding before us. Help us to see you.

WALES DIVISIONAL FOCUS

by Major Nigel Collins, prayer co-ordinator (Wales DHQ) MONDAY 9 AUGUST – WELCOME TO WALES (CROESO +|);/47 Today we pray that the new Wales Division will be a beacon on the hillsides and in the valleys, towns and cities. We pray for protection of heart, mind and soul. Draw an imaginary circle around yourself and the country of Wales as you pray. The Celtic Christians called this circling prayer a ‘caim’. TUESDAY 10 AUGUST – CHANGE Pray for settling thoughts, kind conversations and visionary action. Pray against disunity and discord in personal, corps and divisional communication. ‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the prophets’ (Matthew 7:12). WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST – UNIFIED Pray for a unified and united nation – unified in Christ and united as is our triune God. Pray that each person will respond to their calling to help others but be held together by their common love of Wales and God. ‘For God is not a God of disorder but of peace – as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people’ (1 Corinthians 14:33).

HAMILTON The Homelessness Service Unit’s Hamilton 1st Stop Project celebrated one year of being open with a fun day. Support worker Andrew Christie came up with the idea. Housing officers, regional staff and centre staff attended, some bringing their children. Hamilton corps folk also supported the event, a number visiting the project for the first time. Activities included face-painting, sumo wrestling and more. One member of staff baked cakes with the Army red shield on them and Julie Taylor, the centre chaplain, and corps officer Captain Wendy Leisk provided hot rolls and drinks throughout the day. Many great conversations took place. – JT Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

Salvationist 7 August 2021

THURSDAY 12 AUGUST – LOCAL LEADERSHIP Pray for the local leadership of corps, social centres, new expressions, outreach and emergency response. Leading people and helping others are demanding and rewarding. Pray for strength, wisdom and joy in service. ‘Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms’ (1 Peter 4:10). FRIDAY 13 AUGUST – VULNERABLE AND POOR Wales has some of the poorest and most disadvantaged communities in the UK. Pray for those in government, that help will be forthcoming. Pray for visionary action and local response to perceived needs. Pray for those helping people who are experiencing homelessness, through our social centres, outreach, fresh expressions and Housing First projects. ‘Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me’ (Matthew 25:40). O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

PREVIEW

Caring for creation. Major David Cavanagh highlights how 6JG|5CNXCVKQP #TO[ YKNN DG KPXQNXGF KP 0QXGODGToU %12 EQPHGTGPEG KP )NCUIQY Y

N recent weeks our television screens have shown images of devastating fires in North America, in one case burning over an area of more than 580 square miles and causing enormous damage to the natural habitat and wildlife. Catastrophic floods in Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, as well as in China, swept away entire buildings, wrought havoc in towns and villages and claimed numerous lives. Extreme weather is becoming more common, and the scientific consensus is that such events are not isolated but part of wider climate change in which the processes of our modern industrial societies have a significant impact. It is generally agreed that urgent action is needed, and governments all over the world have made important commitments to move towards ‘net zero’ carbon emissions. For instance, the UK has cut its emissions by 44 per cent over the past 30 years and aims to reach a 78 per cent reduction by 2035, phasing out coal-powered energy by October 2024 and ending the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. The UN COP26 climate change conference, taking place in Glasgow from 1 to 12 November, is billed as ‘an event many believe to be the world’s last best chance to get runaway climate change under control’. Environmental activists and agencies will gather with government representatives to discuss what can be done to move towards net zero. Churches and other faith communities are rightly concerned and wish to contribute to the discussion. The Salvation Army in the UK some years ago adopted the five marks of mission, which include ‘care for creation’. The Bible affirms that ‘the Earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it’ (Psalm 24:1) and that God sustains all living creatures, provides for them and constantly renews creation (see Psalm 104:27–30). In a similar vein, the Creation narratives in

the Old Testament tell us that God has entrusted humanity with the responsibility of tending the garden of creation (see Genesis 1:28 and 29; 2:15). As a member of Glasgow Churches Together, the Army is taking part in planning the churches’ involvement in the COP26 conference. An ecumenical service is planned for 7 November, with the participation of national and international church leaders and delegations, including territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill and an IHQ representative, as well as a number of representatives of local and national civil authorities. Alongside this, the Glasgow churches propose a series of events to welcome delegates to the conference, offer information and show support for climate justice. In considering how to respond to the challenges of climate change, The Salvation Army in Scotland has joined Stop the Climate Chaos Scotland, a diverse coalition of more than 60 organisations, including the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Iona Community, eco-congregations, Oxfam and Tearfund. Stop the Climate Chaos Scotland runs a series of campaigns to promote climate justice and offers a wealth of useful information regarding environmental issues, campaigns and a wide variety of briefings, policy papers and responses to government consultations. A small working group has been set up to consider how the Army can best contribute to the COP26 conference. The group, whose members are drawn from the Scotland Office, West Scotland Division and THQ, has made a number of proposals, including a prayer relay – with each corps in Scotland praying during the build-up to the conference – a march organised by Glasgow churches, an environmental theme for the West Scotland Divisional Day, support for

6JG YQTNFoU NCUV DGUV EJCPEG VQ IGV TWPCYC[ ENKOCVG EJCPIG WPFGT EQPVTQN airport chaplains as they welcome international delegates and an information hub at Glasgow City Centre Corps. Salvationists across the territory may find it useful to reflect on climate change as the conference approaches. Corps wanting to observe Climate Sunday will find that THQ has produced excellent resources to help think through a biblical perspective on creation, and could easily link this to a litter-picking activity to clean up their surrounding areas. Taking a more long-term perspective, individual Salvationists and corps could take the opportunity to conduct an environmental audit to measure the impact of their carbon footprint and see what changes they could make to become more environmentally friendly. Above all, Salvationists should pray for all those who will attend COP26. We should pray for the people tasked with taking the difficult decisions that are needed and ask God to give them the insight, courage and clarity of vision required to ensure a peaceful and stable life on Earth for us and all future generations. O For Climate Sunday resources, go to salvationarmy.org.uk/resources O For the Army’s International Positional Statement, Caring for the Environment, go to salvationarmy.org/isjc/ips

MAJOR CAVANAGH IS ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND Salvationist 7 August 2021

FEATURE I Covid-19 vaccinations

Injecting hope into the community Salvationist discovers how three members of Woking Corps are involved in the coronavirus vaccination rollout

CCORDING to the BBC more than 46 million people in the UK have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine at the time of writing – part of the biggest inoculation programme the country has ever launched. In Woking, three corps members are helping with the rollout: Alexis Price, corps officer Major Margaret House and Peter Glover. Alexis came to the corps from Milton Keynes at the end of 2019. She used to live next to the hall in her hometown and since childhood had very much been a part of the fellowship. She is also a member of the Territorial Army and has attended many Outward Bound courses and been involved in numerous other ways over the years. She had nearly completed her training to become a train driver when she moved to Woking to be near the main station to make her training and commute easier. At the beginning of the pandemic Alexis finished training and started full-time work, but suddenly found herself furloughed. She then volunteered to work at Woking vaccination centre, based in offices owned by the McLaren motor racing team and given freely for the NHS to use. Alexis began in a supportive role and then became a vaccinator – which included vaccinating

Alexis

Salvationist 7 August 2021

her corps officer! She has found immense enjoyment and fulfilment working in this position and loves playing a role along with the nurses, doctors and other volunteers on the team. Major Margaret House was a nurse prior to entering the training college in 1991. During the early days of the pandemic she found herself wondering if there was some way that she could be of assistance with the distribution of vaccines. After completing hours of online training, and with the blessing of her divisional leaders – who acquired references and provided Criminal Records Bureau clearance – Major Margaret has volunteered at the centre for approximately six hours a week. She has found opportunities to speak to other staff members, volunteers and members of the public as she has given vaccinations. One such occasion was when an older man went to her workstation for his injection and began to tell her that he had suffered from the virus and that it had made him change his whole outlook on life. Major Margaret asked him about his faith, and he explained that he was a Muslim. She went on to tell him that she was a Christian. His response was: ‘I knew you were a committed Christian and that is why I told you my story.’ Major Margaret explains how much that comment meant to her: ‘I was amazed and came home and shared the story with my husband, David. I felt right there and then that it was the greatest compliment I have ever received. Two different faiths, sharing their stories with each other during the giving of a vaccination. Amazing!’ Major Margaret realises that when she and David were appointed to the corps, they were also appointed to the community and hope that, by helping in this small way, the light of Jesus Christ is being shown.

Major Margaret House Peter Glover is a qualified paramedic but is now the clinical lead for proactive medicine at Farnham Integrated Care GP Services, heading up a team of community paramedics, doctors and nurses who work alongside people from multiple health disciplines: community nurses, mental health practitioners, staff from the voluntary sector, GPs and social work teams. Last year, with the support of GPs and the NHS 111 telephone service, Peter set up a rapid assessment centre for up to 100 patients a day with suspected coronavirus symptoms. More recently he has been helping with vaccinations too. Peter was appointed MBE in the new year honours for ‘services to the NHS and to healthcare in the community’ and looks forward to visiting Buckingham Palace to receive his award in the near future. Peter and his wife, Penny, are adherents at the corps. They are both songsters, and Penny is the corps pianist while Peter plays in the band. Alexis, Major Margaret and Peter, by living out their faith and representing the Lord, are indeed making a difference.

Peter

ON MY BOOKSHELF: SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST

Flourishing in the Wilderness In this series, Shield Book authors talk about the books they have written and the books they love – this week Emily Bright interviews Territorial Envoy Alice Swain (Greenock) WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE FLOURISHING IN THE WILDERNESS? I had been struggling with a tough time experiencing infertility. When I read books on the subject, they focused on the ‘happily ever after’ stage, rather than on what it was like to be in that kind of wilderness. God had taught me so much through my experience of infertility and my relationship with him had deepened during that awful time. I wanted to share that you could flourish, find joy and thrive in whatever wilderness you face. WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR BOOK? I hope that they will be renewed in their faith and learn that God is good, even in the bad times. I love sitting down and saying to people, ‘Look at what God’s done in my life.’ It reminds me of Psalm 34, which says: ‘Listen to my testimony: I cried to God in my distress and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears!’ (v4 The Passion Translation). That was what I did. I just sat down and wrote about what God had taught me. It was lovely to get my feelings out and have faith that God would use it to help people. And it has. I get emails regularly from people who say that they are going through a difficult situation, have been reading my book and that God has spoken to them. In the early days of

lockdown I also had a lot of people say they had my book on their shelf and now they had the time to read it. What a right time to read it! IS THERE A CHRISTIAN BOOK THAT HOLDS A PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE FOR YOU? Battlefield of the Mind by Joyce Meyer was completely transforming for me. It taught me that we can live in victory, even in difficult situations. And God’s given us the power to overcome all those negative thoughts and the attitude that we are defeated. Joyce Meyer has always stood for declaring Scripture over life, and that’s a big thing for me. I love Scripture. When I’m in a sticky situation, I declare Scripture over it. I listen to worship music in those situations as well, because I love song lyrics. At the end of every chapter in my book is a Salvation Army song. I tend to use the songbook as a devotional because it speaks the truth and expresses what I sometimes can’t. Really understanding the lyrics gives great power to overcome. IS THERE A BOOK NOT ABOUT FAITH THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE? Jane Eyre was one of the first classics that I read, and it captivated me. I’m a bit of a romantic at heart – I love a good love story! There’s a brilliant quote in the book: ‘I would always rather be happy than dignified.’ And I think it sums me up pretty well! Another book that changed my mindset was Daring Greatly by Brené Brown. She talks a lot about shame and vulnerability, and the book is full of wisdom about how to live a life free from shame. I think that is such a biblical, Christian concept – that we have to come to God in vulnerability and to live

authentic lives in order to show who Jesus is. That book gave me the power to share my story. Infertility is sometimes quite a shameful, private thing, and a lot of women won’t talk to other people about it. But when I reached out and shared my story, it gave me power and it gave me the opportunity to say: ‘Look at this; but look how God is in it.’ WHAT BOOK, OTHER THAN THE BIBLE, WOULD YOU TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND? It would have to be a big, meaty book. One that’s always been on my bookshelf, but I’ve never read, is The Lord of the Rings. My dad and my husband are massive Tolkien fans! O Flourishing in the Wilderness is available from sps-shop.com priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £3.99

To hear the conversation in full, find the Shield Books Summer Book Club podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com Salvationist 7 August 2021

INTERVIEW

Singing from the heart

Joanna Breheny tells Shanelle Manderson about her experiences volunteering at Wood Green food bank and singing with the ACM Gospel Choir

Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance

Picture: JAMES WATKINS (BBC STUDIOS)

ITH a national lockdown in place and many people working from home or furloughed at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, some found that they had more free time on their hands. Maybe they worked on a passion project, spent it connecting with their family, helped their community or learnt a new skill. Joanna Breheny, a professional singer and part-time personal assistant, decided to volunteer at Wood Green Corps food bank. ‘I was placed on furlough and suddenly I had all this time – there are only so many times you can go for walks or clean the house,’ says Joanna. ‘I felt a little bit useless, like I wasn’t really doing anything to help with the pandemic. So, I reached out to a few places to see if they needed any help. 10

Salvationist 7 August 2021

‘My cousin is a member of The Salvation Army at Wood Green. I would often go to their Christmas carol concerts and various other events throughout the year. She said the corps was starting a food bank and asked if I wanted to volunteer. I said yes, of course. I grew up around the area and wanted to help because I found it extremely upsetting knowing that families were struggling to feed their kids and wanted to do my bit while I had the time. That was a year ago and I’m still helping out!’ Joanna currently works part-time and volunteers half a day at the food bank every week. During the lockdown, when it was really busy, she would help out a couple of days a week. Her main role was to pack food. Corps officer Major Paula Knight,

Joanna and the rest of the team would pray together and then Joanna would go to her socially distanced packing station and put parcels together for a few hours. ‘I’m number one fastest packer!’ Joanna jokes. ‘Some weeks have been different from others,’ she adds. ‘Sometimes we’d get a lot more people requesting help, and other weeks we’d pack about 16 food parcels. ‘This pandemic has affected every class of people. It has completely changed a lot of lives, but Paula is very good at connecting with the local communities and schools to find out if families are struggling. The numbers have definitely increased over the year.’ Of all her time at Wood Green food bank, Joanna particularly enjoyed Christmas. ‘It was lovely because I got to be Santa for the day,’ she recalls. ‘One of the main halls at the corps was filled with thousands of toys. Social workers, members of the community and people The Salvation Army helps gave us a list of families who were struggling, not only needing food parcels, but also not having enough money to buy presents. We had a bit of information about what each child liked, so we were able to pick out gifts. Christmas music was playing all day, and it was just so busy!’ As well as giving her a sense of purpose, Joanna has found that giving her time to help others has been immensely rewarding. ‘It’s kept my spirits up because I was anxious about the future,’ she explains. ‘I felt a bit low about what the state of the music industry was going to be and whether I’d get another job. Volunteering has been an amazing experience and the

Volunteering has been an amazing experience

Dhol Foundation Drummers team at Wood Green are so lovely.’ Despite her initial concerns, Joanna had a few opportunities to sing throughout the lockdown as a member of the ACM Gospel Choir. ‘We most recently performed during the Commonwealth Day celebration at Westminster Abbey,’ she enthuses. ‘It’s definitely my favourite performance to date. We sang a cover of Aretha Franklin’s

Wailers with the Dhol Foundation Drummers, and that was really special.’ The choir was formed in 2005 by vocal coach Mark De-Lisser and rose to fame after appearing on the TV programme Last Choir Standing 13 years ago. They then released a Christmas album with the Mail on Sunday and have since gone on to be part of some amazing projects, including singing with Sheridan Smith

Pictures: BBC STUDIOS

Lianne La Havas and ACM Gospel Choir “Say a Little Prayer” with Lianne La Havas. She’s so lovely and talented, and I was a huge fan before, but to be able to perform with her was just incredible. We also sang “One Love” and performed “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley and the

for BBC One’s VJ Day 75: The Nation’s Tribute at Horse Guards Parade last year, with Ariana Grande for Ariana Grande at the BBC in 2018 and at the 2020 Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance. There are 25 core members of the

choir, but sometimes extra people are brought in for bigger projects. Joanna sings soprano. She explains how she became a member: ‘From a young age I think I knew I could hold a tune. I loved Whitney Houston. My dad bought me the Bodyguard soundtrack album when I was about seven and I listened to that until I knew everything back to front. ‘My mum realised I liked performing and singing and so she sent me to Bodens Performing Arts College. I just loved it. I went on to college to study music and dance, and then I eventually went to the Academy of Contemporary Music. That’s where I met Mark and then became a member of the choir.’ The group have just released a new single called Bump in the Road, under the name of Mark De-Lisser’s Singers. It was originally written by Swedish singer Erik Hassle but Mark wrote a gospel arrangement of it. It was recorded just before the first lockdown. ‘It’s a lovely, uplifting song about not giving up and knowing you’re going to make it despite anything that life throws at you, which I think speaks volumes to a lot of people after the year we’ve just had,’ says Joanna. Although the future is unknown, she hopes to continue to perform, release music and volunteer at the food bank. ‘I want to focus on singing full-time; it’s my passion. I just feel alive when I’m singing,’ she says. ‘But I also want to continue volunteering. I was so busy before, working in the city and singing, that I never had the time. But now it’s become part of my life. In the future I want to help out as much as I can.’

SHANELLE IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST Salvationist 7 August 2021

INTERVIEW

SUPPORTING

an international Arm

Salvationist 7 August 2021

HOW DO YOU COPE WITH THAT LEVEL OF RESPONSIBILITY? I’m quite a robust person, so that helps. But I would say I cope by God’s grace and personal discipline. That means rest, healthy diet, sleep and intimacy with the Lord. Whoever you are as a follower of Jesus, the maintenance of your intimacy with the Master is primary to your effectiveness in ministry. I also get a great deal of help from the officers and staff members who serve at IHQ. I am so grateful for the team who provide excellent leadership and service to the international Salvation Army. HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED THE ARMY? It has been incredibly tough in many places, and where we haven’t had the infrastructure to cope it’s been a struggle. I’m so proud of The Salvation Army around the world because, even in the very challenging situations, we have stepped in and stepped up. We have been sensible and managed ourselves with restrictions, and we have found ways to be creative and innovative. But it has come at a cost: not a week goes by that I am not notified of another officer, member, soldier or care worker who has been promoted to Glory as a result of contracting Covid-19. This pandemic is lasting longer than people anticipated. There is a weariness that creeps into our ranks around the world. We need copious amounts of kindness as we give each other the space we need to deal with our own stories and realities around the pandemic.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

WHAT DOES BEING CHIEF OF THE STAFF INVOLVE? My primary responsibility is to serve the Office of the General. I meet regularly with the General to discuss issues that relate to The Salvation Army around the world – direction, policy, mission, challenges, legal issues, personnel issues. Multiple scenarios need to be brought to the General’s attention, and part of my role is to keep him informed – both about the things that we are celebrating and the things that might be described as risks or issues that need to be managed. This means staying as informed as I can about issues that are going on around our Army world. For that reason part of my role is to meet regularly with international zonal secretaries one-toone, to get briefings that relate to their zones. These help inform me and also give me the opportunity to advise on how the General might want something handled. Future planning for Army leadership needs around the world is another part of my role, as is ensuring that IHQ runs smoothly in terms of serving the needs of the General and the Army. I try to ensure our systems and structures facilitate a service mentality to the Army world. I’m involved in a number of boards that keep a close eye on our activities around the world to ensure we are ministering in line with our policies and Orders and Regulations. Recently we held an online international leaders’ conversation. Out of that have come a number of recommendations and next steps, so part of my role is to help the General ensure that decisions taken there are acted on. The role is busy and challenging but rewarding. I’m grateful for the opportunity.

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham talks to War Cry Editor Major Andrew Stone about his role and the worldwide work of The Salvation Army

The generosity of Salvationists around the world means we have been able to support and assist multiple groups of people in multiple ways

Salvationist 7 August 2021

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

HOW HAS IHQ CO-ORDINATED A WORLDWIDE COVID-19 RESPONSE? The generosity of Salvationists around the world and careful planning and preparation at IHQ mean we have been able to support and assist multiple groups of people in multiple ways. A lot of that is monetary resource to keep facilities open and pay hospital staff in places like India. Beyond that, educational material and basic personal protective equipment have enabled students to return to schools in a safe way, and operational grants have helped headquarters carry on supporting frontline services. I think the Army is doing a fantastic job responding to the pandemic in ways that are meaningful and practical, and I call on people to join me in praying for the safety and wellbeing of our teams around the world. Each situation needs a different kind of response, and territories know how best to respond in their context. So it’s not a case of us telling them what they should do – it’s more us asking them how we can help. One of the things I’ve been incredibly grateful for is that territories where vaccinations are more easily accessed, and where they are emerging from their own issues, are asking how they can help others – what’s needed and where to direct resources. They are enabling us to direct resources and support where it’s most needed. We will continue to do that as long as they are willing to support. I also want to say that what you are seeing in this crisis is what the Movement does around the world anyway. I want to celebrate that. Officers, members, soldiers, staff and volunteers are being salt and light in the world on a daily basis – meeting challenges, meeting need, working with people and sharing the gospel. What happens in a crisis, a pandemic or some other natural disaster is that we just take it up a gear, and it’s recognised more. But in the 132 countries where we operate, faithful mission and ministry is happening all the time. It is often uncelebrated and unsung, but I thank God for that truth.

HOW CAN INDIVIDUALS SUPPORT THE ARMY’S INTERNATIONAL WORK? My initial response would be that they should commit to praying. Prayer is the powerhouse of the Church, and we shouldn’t underestimate it. Also, check with your corps, division or even THQ about what initiatives are in place and how you might support financially, if that is the contribution you want to make. And there may be programmes the Army is involved in that you might be able to sign up for. So it’s about asking the questions to find out how you can influence the care of The Salvation Army somewhere else in the world, but there are definitely tremendous opportunities. WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING THE SALVATION ARMY? We face all sorts of challenges currently, so to identify the most important is difficult. There are so many agendas, issues and challenges that we have to consider what our focus should be and where we should be investing ourselves. These are things we must wrestle with because there are so many good things we could be doing. One challenge is to remain confident in our belief in the transforming, redemptive power of Jesus. The Army was born out of a desire for people to be reconciled to God through faith in Christ. We’ve found all sorts of practical ways to demonstrate the values of the Kingdom, to engage with issues of justice and to meet need in his name – and I wouldn’t want us not to be engaged in any of that – but I also wouldn’t want us to lose our confidence in the power of the message and person of Jesus. I am praying and looking for every opportunity to remind ourselves that we are Jesus people, that we are disciples of Jesus, that we know what it means to be loved and embraced by God through faith in Christ. There’s a challenge for our Movement to be creative and intentional about that message of transformation influencing all our activity. There is a whole range of opportunities to do that, and it’s limited only by our creativity, innovation and courage.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND PRAYERS FOR THE SALVATION ARMY IN THE COMING YEARS? I’m praying that our imagination would be captured again by the big idea of the Movement – that we would be enamoured with that big idea and feel a freedom to explore it and see how it plays out in our context, in our day. The big idea of the Movement has been articulated in so many different ways by so many different people over the years and it’s captured in our mission statement. It is that we want to make God’s redemptive plan known. We want people to know that God, who is powerful and magnificent and hard to describe, has made himself known as a God of love and grace through the person of Jesus Christ. We’ve experienced it and we want people to know about it. I just hope that we will be recaptivated by a sense of excitement about being a proclaiming Army, an Army that wants to tell people about God and his love. We don’t want to just be people who talk about it, but to be a sleeves-rolled-up, practical Army demonstrating what happens when you have this encounter, in terms of a desire to reach out to people in practical ways with love and grace and mercy. We also recognise that we have had this beautiful privilege of being adopted into God’s family. We’re citizens of the Kingdom inhabiting planet Earth, so we want to be salt and light in the world. We want to live lives that are pure, free, full of joy and empowered by the Holy Spirit – so that, even before we speak and act, there’s something about us that captures the imagination of people. What else would you want to do on the planet than be a part of that big idea? A beautiful people of God, who are clean in word and thought and deed and desire, living out the truth of God’s love in Jesus, proclaiming it in word and living it out in action. Let the mission continue! O This

article was adapted from a Fortress Radio interview broadcast on 12 July. To listen to it in full, visit fortressradio.online/podcasts

VIEW W POINT

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

IM, I wonder what God feels about smartwatches. When I’m talking with someone and their smartwatch blips into action, I go straight into ‘seethe’ mode. My companion may try, ever so slyly, to see what the ping is for, but that usually polite person has become only partially present. Wherever we are, whatever is happening, whoever is centre stage, distraction is looming: smartwatches. No one can feel safe again, not even in Sunday worship. If I am discreet, no one need see that during the children’s story I can catch up on my latest messages. When the announcements and collection are in full swing, I can check my pulse, see the pattern of my heartbeat and check on the weather. Data shows whether I have reached my daily target of 6,000 steps yet. I can share my review of the music sections’ contributions with anyone I want. If so inclined, I may, during the sermon, exchange emojis and smileys with my cronies. What a wonderful piece of IT a smartwatch is for making us partially present. It’s a far cry from counting panes of glass. All it takes is a small electrical impulse on my wrist to distract me from the Eternal, his presence and my responses. What does God feel when one of his worshippers compulsively glances at the pulsating watch, instead of being focused on him? My greatest distraction from worship has always been my grasshopper mind. It is near impossible for me to counter that problem, but smartwatches are an

external factor about which I can do something. Together with their cousin, the smartphone, they ought to be accompanied by a spiritual health warning. Perhaps welcome sergeants could be given extra powers to confiscate these mini computers as people enter the hall. Perhaps the treasurer could impose a fine of double cartridge on worshippers caught using the devices in a meeting. The charge sheet could read, ‘Being partially present.’

Ron, as someone who still has a Hopalong Cassidy Timex watch from the 1950s I am a little out of my depth. Although, to be honest, mechanical watches in days of old were as much of a distraction for the already distracted as smartwatches are today. Everyone participates in a meeting. The little lady in the back row who never says or does anything, but who gives focused attention, makes a vital contribution to the service. In her focused response she gives everything she has. No one can contribute more by way of centred worship. So why do others contribute less in terms of focus, attention and true spiritual participation? Is it the attention span-wrecking effect of too much time on social media? A couple of years ago Time magazine published a research claim that the ‘average attention span is down from 12 seconds in the year 2000 to 8 seconds now … less than the 9-second attention span of your average goldfish’. This claim is, in fact, fake news on two levels. First, it’s a slur on goldfish – they are much smarter than that. And second,

it’s a slur on the rest of us, smartwatch owners or not. There is no evidence for reduced attention span. A BBC News article quotes Dr Gemma Briggs, a psychology lecturer at the Open University, to the effect that the idea of an average attention span is pretty meaningless. ‘It’s very much task-dependent,’ she says. ‘How much attention we apply to a task will vary depending on what the task demand is.’ In A Scandal in Bohemia Sherlock Holmes says to Dr Watson: ‘You see, but you do not observe.’ A fatal flaw in a detective! But on the spiritual plane there is the even more shocking reproof: ‘They look without seeing, and listen without hearing or understanding’ (Matthew 13:13 New English Bible). The Gospels are full of stories about people who looked Jesus directly in the eye and yet could not see him as Saviour. Surely we who have ‘been enlightened’ and been touched by ‘the spiritual energies of the age to come’ (Hebrews 6:4 and 5 NEB) can centre on the magnitude of that reality for one hour of worship. Galileo Galilei looked at the heavens. He saw what we all see. But to the astonishment of the whole world he declared that the Sun does not move, the Earth moves. What perception! Worship is demanding; we are reaching out, opening ourselves to the invisible and the eternal, and for that we need to be 100 per cent present. RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL Salvationist 7 August 2021

BIBLE STUDY

Hide and seek Major Mal Davies begins a four-week series on Jonah

JONAH 1

HE story of Jonah has captivated generation after generation of believers. For many of us, it began with Sunday school stories and songs about Jonah’s unique mode of transport. Later, it included sermons about obedience and disobedience when it comes to serving God. Over the next few weeks, we’ll walk through the four chapters of the Book of Jonah. I encourage you to read each chapter before you give your attention to the study notes here. QUESTIONS O How has the story of Jonah impacted you over the years? O Have you learnt anything from it or is it just an amusing aside in the Old Testament?

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Jane Kimberley

Salvationist 7 August 2021

The opening of the account is familiar to many. Jonah is told by God to go to Nineveh, about 550 miles inland northeast of Joppa, but Jonah boards a ship and instead heads 2,500 miles west for Tarshish, in Spain. He goes there ‘to flee from the Lord’ (v3). How do you ‘flee’ from a God who is omnipresent? I’m reminded of Adam and Eve attempting to hide in the garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:8) so that God wouldn’t see them in their sin. QUESTIONS O Have you ever tried to hide from God? How? O What do you say to someone who says they are trying to avoid God or who hopes that he will not see them? Jonah’s boat is soon overtaken by a storm, through which Jonah –

Mr Avoidance – attempts to sleep below deck. The captain wakes him and tells him to call on God, just as the crew members had each been calling out to their gods to save them. It seems to be a very multi-faith crew. While others are quick to call on their gods, Jonah is not only trying to run away from God but also avoiding calling upon him, even to the point of going to sleep during a life-threatening storm. QUESTIONS O Has someone of another faith ever been a good example or reminder to you of your own faith? O Muslims pray five times a day. Buddhists promote peace and kindness. Jews read Scripture each morning and evening. Hindus have a strong affinity with nature and the environment. Can we learn lessons from other religions or do Christians ‘do faith’ better than others?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

O Love that wilt not let me go,/ I rest my weary soul in thee;/ I give thee back the life I owe,/ That in thine ocean depths its flow/ May richer, fuller be. (SASB 616)

Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. (Psalm 139:7–10)

When through the deep waters I call thee to go,/ The rivers of grief shall not thee overflow,/ For I will be with thee thy trials to bless,/ And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress. (SASB 804)

An intriguing vignette follows. The crew decide to ‘cast lots’ to see whose fault the storm is, and – you guessed it – Jonah loses. In ancient times, the casting of lots was not uncommon as a means of showing the will of a god. The ‘lots’ may have been pebbles, marked coins or even dice. For example, the ‘selected one’ would be the one who picked the black pebble out of the bag. The Bible contains many examples of casting lots to determine God’s will, and while most are in the Old Testament (see Leviticus 16:8; Joshua 18:6; 1 Samuel 14:42), even the disciples cast lots to determine who should replace Judas as a disciple (see Acts 1:26). QUESTION O Do you think casting lots, tossing a coin or throwing dice are still legitimate ways to discern God’s will?

Surely, God controls the outcome, as is the case here with Jonah. Having been picked – or effectively, found out – Jonah then decides that he’s a loyal follower of God: ‘I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of Heaven, who made the sea and the dry land’ (v9). Well, there’s a turnaround for you! The prophet in the act of running from God now says he worships him. It’s amazing how God can use us even when we feel lost or distracted (see 2 Corinthians 12:1–10 and Philippians 4:13). Note that, even while Jonah is being disobedient to God and trying to avoid a Godinstructed ministry trip to Nineveh, he manages to convert a whole crew of sailors. In verse 14 we find the sailors praying and admitting God’s authority: ‘Please, Lord, do not let us die … for you, Lord, have done as

you pleased.’ Then they offer a sacrifice – Jonah – and make vows to God. QUESTIONS O Have you ever been used by God when you felt useless or of no significance? O Why does God do that? Next week, a quick lesson on how to pray when inside a fish.

MAJOR DAVIES IS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

‘For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the Earth.’ (Matthew 12:40)

Give to the winds thy fears;/ Hope, and be undismayed;/ God hears thy sighs and counts thy tears,/ God shall lift up thy head. (SASB 643)

Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there, while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’ (1 Kings 19:3 and 4)

Through waves and clouds and storms/ He gently clears thy way;/ Wait thou his time, so shall this night/ Soon end in joyous day. (SASB 643)

Prayer Dear God, when I feel afraid of the challenges I face, help me to remember that you are always with me and to step out in faith and obedience.

Salvationist 7 August 2021

PREVIEW

Words of Life September to December 2021

HIS latest edition of Words of Life focuses on the theme Grace Alone. In her introduction, Major Beverly Ivany writes: ‘What has brought us through months of turmoil, fear and devastation? Grace alone. What is our hope for the coming year? Grace alone.’ She then explores how grace permeates the Old Testament, such as in the prophetic writings of Ezekiel, as well as the minor prophets, Jonah and Habakkuk. She also discovers how grace abounds in the New Testament, as found in the parables of Jesus, the timely book of James, the apostle Paul’s letters to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, John’s three significant letters and Jude’s epistle. Most of the weekend readings focus on psalms, proverbs and Christian hymns and songs. The guest writers for Advent are Captains Youhana Waryam and Asia Youhana (Pakistan Territory), who explore the theme God’s Greatest Gift. O Words of Life is available from O Words sps-shop.com priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing) or as an annual subscription priced £15.95 (free delivery)

Salvationist 7 August 2021

LIGHT BITES

Enthusiasts In an excerpt from his book Light Bites Major Peter Mylechreest encourages us to be enthusiastic about helping people

ITH his lifted eyebrow and machine-gun delivery, Sir Patrick Moore held millions of viewers entranced with his knowledge on TV’s The Sky at Night. He made the study of sta ars and asteroids, planets and moo ons, comets and meteors fascinating g. Whenever a space probe was launched, he was called on to explain the importance of the lattest development and what to expecct. Some professional astronomerss have said their initial interest in tthe e subject was because of Moore. Down to earth – in fact specialising in earth – was David Bellamy. On his television programmes he would hold two handfuls of mud as though they were absolute treasure. He would launch into a glorious rambling monologue about all the life forms and wonders in that earth. His distinctive gravelly voice, sudden hand movements and sheer enthusiasm captivated millions, and made botany and conservation issues understandable to the average viewer. With flailing arms, his eyes screwed up in concentration and expressive body movements culminating in his hands offering an imaginary object, Dr Magnus Pyke presented many scientific discoveries on television, particularly about food technology. He was passionate about his mission to make fundamental principles and benefits clear, in terms that even children could grasp. All three of these learned gentlemen had written authoritative books on their subjects, but it was their enthusiasm and slight eccentricities that inspired and endeared them to others. Paul the apostle, himself an enthusiast for the gospel, wanted to alleviate suffering by encouraging people to share their resources. He wrote: ‘Thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. For Titus not only welcomed our appeal, but he is

coming to you with much enthusiasm and on his own initiative’ (2 Corinthians 8:16 and 17). He also commended the people of Corinth for this same quality: ‘For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action’ (2 Corinthians 9:2). May our enthusiasm also result in initiatives and action that will help others. O Light Bites: Spiritual Food in Small Portions is available from sps-shop. com priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing) and as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk k at the same price

Second Helpings: More Spiritual Food in Small Portions, also written by Peter, is available from spsshop.com priced £5.99 (plus postage and packing) O

MAJOR MYLECHREEST LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LONDON AND IS THQ CHAPLAIN

REFLEC REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI TION TION ON REFLECTION

Major Alistair Dawson reflects on the wonde er of God’s gracce

Y family will always be grateful to the many kind friends who looked after our dog when we went on holiday. One such lady, living in the Norfolk countryside and deciding our dog needed more than his usual three-mile walk, took him for six before giving him his freedom. It was just what the poor lad needed. But then a gun went off and so did he, running out of her sight. You can imagine the lady’s feelings when, after two days of special care, she went and lost him. Fortunately, she had underestimated our dog. Come meal time, there he was, standing by his dish and waiting. Someone once imagined the scene when God created humankind. One angel said, ‘You’re giving these creatures freedom, but they will never be wise enough to handle it. They will think themselves gods. They will boast in their self-sufficiency. How can you know they will remember to return to you?’ God replied to the angel, ‘I have left them unfinished within. I have left in them deep needs that only I can truly satisfy, so that out of their desire, their homesickness of soul, they will remember to return to me.’ ‘I have left them unfinished within.’ I like that phrase, especially when I think of humankind in a sinful, fallen state. When describing our condition, I prefer the idea of separation – that we are unfinished within and that we were created with deep needs that only God can satisfy. The fact is that being sinful and separated is a most painful state. We can be separated from ourselves, from those around us and from God,

the ground of our being – and in that condition our deepest needs remain unmet. But those deep needs give us a connection with one another. In the song ‘Only People’ from the musical Hosea, John Gowans wrote: Underneath the surface, folk are much the same, They all need hope and faith, these people passing by; They all need love, they all need God. In other words, we all have the same foundation and the same need, which is God. Being separated from him, how can we then be dependent on and accepted by the God who truly loves us? The apostle Paul wrote: ‘Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound’ (Romans 5:20 King James Version). Grace abounding! What a message for a sinful world. We need not stay separated from God. We can be accepted and need never be separated again. ‘None of this fazes us,’ continues Paul, ‘because Jesus loves us. I’m absolutely convinced that nothing – nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable – absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us’ (Romans 8:37–39 The Message). We are all loved by God – and on the cross, Jesus expressed that love in order that we might know it. He showed his willingness to forgive and accept us. We can put our sins and our past behind us, for God loves us for who we

are despite what we have done – and especially because of what our future means to him. The Atonement and Resurrection are not simply the righting of past wrongs, but the creation of a new humanity – we are encouraged to take a step forward by overcoming our self-centredness and working towards living in closer communion with God. Again, words from General John Gowans: ‘Jesus didn’t just die to give you your sins forgiven; he died to release in you his Holy Spirit and develop you into such a beautiful person that you look something like him.’ On a coach holiday travelling through Germany, we briefly stopped in Münster. There, in a derelict shop doorway, was an opera singer singing ‘Hark! the Gospel News Is Sounding’ in German to the tune of ‘Mariners’. It was one of those ‘wow’ moments. Grace is flowing like a river, Millions there have been supplied; Still it flows as fresh as ever From the Saviour’s wounded side; None need perish, none need perish, All may live for Christ hath died. (SASB 168) Grace is flowing, grace is abounding. And we can be among the millions who have been supplied.

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL Salvat Sal vattion onist o i 7 Aug is August ust 200211

1199

NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment.

PRESCOT In a ceremony shared over Zoom, family and friends gathered virtually to witness Jeff Ackerley being enrolled as a soldier and signing the Soldier’s Covenant. Jeff testified to the saving grace of God and used the words of General Albert Orsborn’s song ‘My Life Must Be Christ’s Broken Bread’ (SASB 610) to illustrate how he wanted to serve God with all he has and is. Jeff is pictured with corps officers Majors Bryn and Lyn Hargreaves and Anne Ackerley. – BH AYLESBURY Corps officer Captain Wayne Adcock enrolled Marc Roberts as a soldier. Marc testified to God powerfully intervening at significant times in his life, eventually bringing him back to the Army after an absence of many years. Pictured with Marc are Recruiting Sergeant Ruth Wood and Captains Julia and Wayne Adcock. Holding the flag is Corps Treasurer Michael Powe. – WA

WELLING Mbodi grew up with The Salvation Army but lost touch with his Army roots after he moved to the UK. He linked up with Welling through a litter pick hosted by the corps. Mbodi started soldiership classes just before the coronavirus pandemic, continued with them through the lockdowns and was recently enrolled as a soldier. Instead of celebrating with handshakes and hugs, it was elbow bumps all round. Corps officer Captain Katy Shubotham acknowledged the kindness and gentleness that Mbodi brings to the fellowship. Mbodi testified to how thankful he was that God had given him a new family through the corps. He is pictured with Major Joan Clark. – KS 20

Salvationist 7 August 2021

NEWTOWNARDS JJ was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officers Lieutenants Barry and Helen Dickson. They are pictured with Bethany Dickson. – BD

ST ALBANS While attending his mother’s funeral in Wales, Edward Wright felt God challenging him to rededicate his life and return to the corps, where he had served in the YP band. He is engaged in community outreach, helping people experiencing homelessness in the city. It was a proud moment on the Sunday the hall reopened for worship when corps officer Lieutenant Wan Gi Lee welcomed him as an adherent and pinned to his shirt the badge that had belonged to his mother, Sue. – BH

ADVERTS

There’s still time to sign up! Kids Alive! is 140 this year! Go on, say it, we’ve aged pretty well… To mark the milestone, we’re encouraging people to raise funds for corps as part of our Kids Alive! 140 Challenge. Anyone can take part and the top fundraiser in each of the challenge’s six categories will win a £20 voucher for The Entertainer.

FROM MY HEADMASTER’S STUDY

Kids Alive! is packed with themed weeks and sponsorship ideas to inspire you. Awesome Acts of Kindness Week is ofﬁcially under way. Why not write 140 encouraging notes for people, volunteer at a local community project or send 140 items to your local Salvation Army food bank?

The Yorkshire ﬁshing town of Filey features famously in Methodist circles through the evangelising carried out by Johnny Praying Oxtobey in 1820.

Sign up today When you are ready to start your challenge, go to salvationarmy.org. uk/fundraise-us/kids-alive-140challenge or scan the QR code.

One of Filey’s most notable sons was a headmaster called Matthew Cammish and a selection of his sermons is now available in booklet form entitled From My Headmaster’s Study. Email martinrobins@btinternet.com for a free copy.

Print and Design Unit Sacriston Church North Scotland Division

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Registered Charity No. 214779 147 779 and and in in Scotland Scotland SC009359; Social Trust Registered Charity No. 215174 and in Scotland SC037691 General: André Cox. Territorial rrittorrial Commander Commander for the United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland: Commissioner Clive Adams

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Salvationist 7 August 2021

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 5 August O TE Roman Makula, Armáda Spásy Chatham O TE David Frater, Armáda Spásy Gravesend and Dover Fresh Expressions O TE Julia Fraterova, Armáda Spásy Gravesend and Dover Fresh Expressions Effective 2 September O Captain Chris Still, associate officer, Birmingham Citadel O Captain Lucy Still, associate officer, Birmingham Citadel O TE Adrian Casey, Chatteris Effective 9 September O Major Amanda Banner, East Kilbride Effective 30 September O Major Christine Kingscott, additional appointment, chaplain, Founders House Lifehouse LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED HLS Marlene Woodgate, Eastbourne Citadel

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Emerald (55th) O Majors Gillian and Keith Manning (20 August)

PROMOTED TO GLORY O William Michael Cordner, Chatham O Rtd BM Brian Schroeter, Waltham Abbey O Elsie Richardson, Newcastle City Temple O Elizabeth Faulkner, Bangor O Bob Stoten, Worthing, on 7 June O Major Gloria Roberts from Pinderfields General Hospital, Pontefract, on 20 July O Major Maureen Hunt from her home in Bournemouth on 25 July BEREAVED Angela Schroeter, Waltham Abbey, of her husband Rtd BM Brian Schroeter O Major Debbie Bennett, Kilbirnie, of her mother Greta Tidy O Pearl Stoten, Worthing, of her husband Bob, Major Liz Church and Michael Stoten of their father O Muriel Peacock, Castleford, of her sister Major Gloria Roberts O CSM Eileen Askham, Bangor, of her sister Elizabeth Faulkner O Martin Hunt, Pasadena Tabernacle, USA, and Alison Clay of their mother Major Maureen Hunt O

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory

LONG SERVICE 25 years O Major Glenda Holifield, chaplain, The Booth Centre Lifehouse, Southampton

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Mildred Crookes (85 on 16 August) O Major Lesley Bates (90 on 16 August) O Aux-Captain Sylvia Wright (85 on 16 August) O Mrs Major Jean Williams (90 on 19 August) O Major Iris Plant (80 on 19 August) O Major Alan Dadd (85 on 20 August)

PROMOTIONS To major Effective 22 July O Captain Julia Adcock, Guildford O Captain Neil Duquemin, Carmarthen ORC O Captain Ian Haylett, Thirsk O Captain Paula Haylett, Thirsk O Captain Caroline Heward, Leeds Bramley O Captain Philip James, North East England DHQ O Captain Janice Lahouel, Mali Region O Captain Deborah Oughton, Sutton-in-Ashfield O Captain John Stark, chaplain, Cardiff HSU

DEDICATED TO GOD Abundant Posh Okeoma, daughter of Favour and Favour Okeoma, at Wrexham by Major Sandy Davis

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Bromley Temple, Sun 29 Aug

Salvationist 7 August 2021

Captain Susan Stubbings, Birmingham Erdington O Captain Sheila Westlake, medical leave Effective 28 July O Captain Glenn Furlong, Enfield O

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

WHAT’S ON SHIELD BOOKS SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST Episode 2 of this new podcast series sees Promotions and Marketing Co-ordinator Emily Bright (Publishing Department, THQ) interview Territorial Envoy Alice Swain (Greenock) about her book Flourishing in the Wilderness. O

Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com

SONGS OF PRAISE Shipley Corps uniform bank will feature in Songs of Praise on BBC Two at 1.15pm on 8 August.

TRIBUTES MARJORIE TAYLOR, CROYDON CITADEL A THIRDGENERATION Salvationist, Marjorie was born in 1938 and spent her first 13 years at Torquay. She was an only child, but was never lonely, making many friends due to her kind, caring and generous nature. She moved several times with her parents and soldiered at Kingston-onThames, Ealing and Sutton, becoming involved with the musical side of each corps. She was a pioneer attendee at the national music camps at Sunbury Court, which she enjoyed for many years. Transferring to Croydon Citadel in 2005, she voluntarily retired from the songsters but still supported the corps, attending Army events when possible. Marjorie had a great zest for life and a quirky sense of humour. She loved spending time with her friends, visiting many who lived abroad. Following a fall in January 2020 she became housebound. In April the Lord took her Home, where she now enjoys serving at his side. – BJT

ALEC AND PEARL MURRAY, BELFAST TEMPLE ALEC and Pearl rarely spent a moment apart during their 65 years of marriage, so it was no surprise to their family and friends at Belfast Temple that they were promoted to Glory within three weeks of each other. Alec had been the retired songster leader for a number of years but was still active as a bandsman and songster. Pearl spent many years as singing company leader and, until recently, remained an active member of the songster brigade. Both Alec and Pearl touched many lives, not only within the Ireland Division but farther afield. They are remembered for their vocal duets. Following his promotion to Glory, many people commented on the encouragement they had received from Alec. The couple enjoyed many happy years with their two children, Mark and Sharon, and are missed especially by their four granddaughters and the fellowship at Belfast Temple. – AM

DOUGLAS great-grandchild, and is sorely missed COLLIN, BEDFORD by them and many other family members CONGRESS HALL and friends. – ML BORN in 1928 to officer parents, Douglas was JULY 2022: A NEW TERRITORIAL a committed and loyal EVENT Salvationist and an The territory is bringing together inspired preacher with a Commissioning, the congress and deep love of the Lord. Symphony Sounds into a weekend of After graduating from Cambridge celebration and worship at the University he joined the teaching International Convention Centre, profession. In 1960 he became the Birmingham, on 16 and 17 July 2022. Salvation Army representative on the staff Book the dates in your diary now! of the David Livingstone teacher training Further information will follow soon. college in Zambia for six years. An excellent and enthusiastic choral MUSIC EDITORIAL MENTORING trainer, Douglas founded the unique PROGRAMME student’s fellowship choral group and Apply now to the inaugural Mentoring served as songster leader at Barking, Programme for composers (over the Romford and Staines Corps, retiring in age of 18) who call The Salvation Army 1986. He also served at territorial music their church. schools and the school of music for The scheme, which runs from October children with disabilities and learning 2021 to July 2022, offers one-to-one difficulties in Penarth. online tutorials appropriate to your level Douglas went on to soldier at Dunstable for brass band, choir or sung worship. and Bedford Congress Hall. He was To apply, complete the application form promoted to Glory in April. He was a and upload two self-composed pieces of loving husband, a caring father of three music at tinyurl.com/MusicEdMentoring children, nine grandchildren and one

ANSWERS TO TERRITORIAL QUIZ (PAGE 24)

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Salvationist 7 August 2021

1. b. Poplar (opened as a Christian Mission station in 1867) 2. b. 1990 3. c. Commissioner John Larsson 4. b. 1996 5. c. Strawberry Field 6. a. A care home in Edinburgh 7. c. 2,684 8. a. Enough for two million meals 9. b. 22,642 10. c. Lowestoft Citadel 11. a. East Scotland 12. c. A Welsh edition of the ‘War Cry’ was published 13. a. Enniskillen 14. b. Cardiff 15. a. 1985 16. a. Human trafficking and modern slavery 17. c. Lerwick (209 miles from Aberdeen) 18. b. Leeds 19. b. Dublin 20. a. ‘The Sally Army and Me’

TERRITORIAL QUIZ Test your knowledge of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland Which is the oldest existing corps in The Salvation Army? a. Stepney b. Poplar c. Croydon Citadel

In which year was the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland formed, bringing together all aspects of Army work in these countries? a. 1988 b. 1990 c. 1992

Who was the first TC in the UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland? a. Commissioner John Gowans b. Commissioner Dinsdale Pender c. Commissioner John Larsson

In which year did The Young Soldier become Kids Alive!? a. 1991 b. 1996 c. 2001

Which Army centre was named Tourist Attraction of the Year in the 2019 i Staycation Awards? a. Hadleigh Farm b. William Booth Birthplace Museum c. Strawberry Field

What is Eagle Lodge?

a. A care home in Edinburgh b. A Lifehouse in Birmingham c. A family centre in Belfast According to The Salvation Army Year Book 2021, how many junior soldiers does the territory have? a. 1,854 b. 2,104 c. 2,684

How much food did divisional food hubs distribute to corps and centres during the coronavirus pandemic? a. Enough for two million meals b. Enough for three million meals c. Enough for four million meals

According to The Salvation Army Year Book 2021, how many senior soldiers does the territory have? a. 21,933 b. 22,642 c. 23,101

Which is the easternmost corps in the territory? a. Lowestoft South b. Great Yarmouth c. Lowestoft Citadel

In which DHQ building is the Army’s Scotland Office based? a. East Scotland b. North Scotland c. West Scotland

What happened in December 2018 for the first time in 130 years? a. The General preached at a service in Dartmoor prison b. Massed Army bands played carols for the royal family at Balmoral Castle c. A Welsh edition of the War Cry was published

Which is the westernmost corps in the territory? a. Enniskillen b. Londonderry c. Limavady

Where in Wales is there a bus project with outreach services to people experiencing homelessness? a. Swansea b. Cardiff c. Wrexham

In which year was the modern Household Troops Band formed? a. 1985 b. 1987 c. 1989

What is the subject of the Video Production Unit’s Hidden in Plain Sight, which won first prize in its category in the 2020 Charity Film Awards? a. Human trafficking and modern slavery b. Homelessness c. Child poverty

As the crow flies, which corps is farthest from its DHQ? a. Jersey b. Penzance c. Lerwick

Where is the Yorkshire North with Tees DHQ based? a. Bradford b. Leeds c. York

18 19

Where is York House Lifehouse?

a. York b. Dublin c. Glasgow What was the name of Paul O’Grady’s 2016 TV series about the Army? a. The Sally Army and Me b. God’s Army c. Marching as to War

O Answers on page 23