Salvationist 7 October 2023

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p / 7 October 2023

SALVATIONIST HARVESTING FOR THE KINGDOM IN THE HALL…

... IN THE FIELDS! REWILDING THE CHURCH PAGE 5

God of the open spaces ASIDE from the annual renditions of favourite associated songs, Harvest is a time of connecting with, and giving thanks to, a creator God who made Heaven and Earth and everything in them.

I must confess that I am seldom closer to God than when I am ‘out there’, seeing, smelling and touching the beauty of his creation. Somehow God uses his creation to remind me that he is constantly at work even when I may have allowed my busyness to cloud my view of him.

In this week’s issue, we connect with those whose work and ministry put them in daily contact with nature. We are given an insight into a book that encourages us to see the connections between nature and the Church and to learn lessons about how we might reimagine how God wants to use us if we let go and let his Holy Spirit lead us.

We celebrate the Harvest of that same Holy Spirit as we connect with the Champions of the Mission session reimagining their lives in full-time ministry as they enter training.

God is at work where we make the space to see him. Let’s connect with our creator.

8+9 POETRY CORNER

13 WELCOME TO THE CADETS

14 10+11

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

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SALVATIONIST

REWILDING THE CHURCH PAGE 5

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Issue No 1930 EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

FOUNDER William Booth

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips

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Salvationist 7 October 2023

OUTDOOR MINISTRY

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HARVESTING FOR THE KINGDOM IN THE HALL…

... IN THE FIELDS!

MISSION INNOVATION AT CARMARTHEN

© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton.

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

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Picture: Channel 4 / Love Productions / Mark Bourdillon

TRENDING

Josh, Nicky, Amos, Cristy, Dana, Rowan, Saku, Matty, Tasha, Abbi, Keith and Dan

Baked with love As viewers tune in to the new season of Bake Off, Stephanie Hope considers how God made us

T

HE latest season of The Great British Bake Off has begun! Every Tuesday at 8pm, millions of people will be watching Channel 4 with bated bread to see whose flavours, decorations and technical skills win out and take them through to the next round.

It strikes me that the bakers, in some ways, display many of the skills that God demonstrates as the Creator, Preserver and Governor of all things. Just as they use their hands to craft intricate flavours and beautiful decorations, God builds us, shapes us and moulds us into his treasured masterpieces, spending care and attention on making our ins and our outs and knowing our recipes by heart.

As a baker, I’m well aware that if a recipe isn’t exactly right it will likely come out wonky or – heaven forbid – with a soggy bottom! That’s why I thank God that the recipe for my life was perfectly written by the ultimate Star Baker of the universe.

However, just as the creations of

Bake Off’s contestants may feel unfairly judged by Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith, we can sometimes feel that God’s baking – us – is being criticised, or even rejected, by a judgemental society. We might not fulfil the ‘right’ criteria. Or we might not look perfect. We might feel like we’re in our own bake off every day of our lives, constantly battling to feel accepted and receive that legendary handshake from someone whose opinion apparently matters most.

But, through the harshest rejection and criticism, Psalm 139 reminds us that ‘it was [God] who created my inward parts; [who] knit me together in my mother’s womb… I have been remarkably and wondrously made’ (vv13 and 14 Christian Standard Bible).

How much easier it is to love God and love others if, instead of dealing out judgement, we remember to see each other as God’s remarkable and wondrous creations!

Even better, our true judge isn’t some outsider who thinks they know best, but our very own Maker, who made us with love and is shaping us to exact specifications! I am loved. You are loved!

This means I don’t need to fear not being perfect all the time, because I have a Baker and, through his grace, he calls me his own.

Reflect and respond Read Psalm 139. Consider how intimately God knows your body, mind and spirit.

What parts of you that society rejects might God accept?

Listen to ‘He Knows My Name’ by Paul Baloche or reflect on the lyrics below. How close do you feel to your Maker?

I have a Maker He formed my heart, Before even time began My life was in his hands.

He knows my name.

He knows my every thought.

He sees each tear that falls And hears me when I call.

STEPHANIE HOPE Upper Norwood

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Quiz Food for thought Feast your eyes on this bounty of questions

by Garry D Reed 1

According to Matthew 4, what should people not live on alone?

2

What did the spies exploring Canaan take home a single cluster of in Numbers 13?

3

According to John 21, what did Jesus eat with his disciples following his resurrection?

4

What food did the army find on the ground in 1 Samuel 14?

5

According to Isaiah 7, what dairy product will Jesus be eating when he knows enough to choose right?

6

What food did the disciples pick on the Sabbath in Mark 2?

7

According to Daniel 4, what did King Nebuchadnezzar eat like an ox?

8

What was John the Baptist known for eating in Mark 1?

9

According to Exodus 16, what did the Israelites eat for 40 years?

10 What did Sarah have to quickly make in Genesis 18?

11

According to Proverbs 16, what are gracious words like?

12 What food was mentioned alongside cucumbers, melons, leeks and onions in Numbers 11?

1 Bread (v4). 2 Grapes (v23). 3 Bread and fish (v13). ( 4 Honey (v25). 5 Curds (v15). 6 Ear of c corn (v23). 7 Grass (v33). 8 Locusts and wild honey h (v6). 9 Manna (v35). 10 Bread (v6).

11 1 Honeycomb (v24). 12 Garlic (v5).

ANSWERS A 4

Salvationist 7 October 2023

TESTIMONY

‘I trust him in every circumstance’ Eve and Hugo Ogbulu (Notting Hill) share how their relationships with God have grown over time

M

Y name is Hugo. I was baptised at the age of 10 and attended church regularly as I grew older. I was privileged that my parents put God at the centre of our lives. This was one of the pillars that strengthened my faith.

I became involved in The Salvation Army in 2019 when I met my wife, Eve, who was already a Salvationist. I was welcomed with joy and felt part of the corps family. Today, I see God’s presence in my life as I continue worshipping at Notting Hill Corps.

My relationship with God has become stronger; I trust him in every circumstance I pass through, and I spend more time praying and reading his word.

God has been faithful to me and my family. He has brought us closer to him as a family, and this fills my heart with joy. I am thankful to God for giving us a son, whom we have dedicated to him.

The Lord continues to be faithful to me; I received a promotion at work, and I take this opportunity to thank God for this.

MY name is Eve. I am Kenyan and grew up in a Christian home. Both my parents are Salvation Army soldiers; my dad is a retired sergeant-major and my mum a home league treasurer. My parents encouraged me to attend Sunday school. Later on I became a junior soldier. I was involved in activities such as playing the timbrel and later I became timbrel leader.

Becoming a Christian is a process. Since childhood I have heard the gospel, as well as testimonies of salvation. When I was about 10 years old, I acknowledged God for the sacrifice of his perfectly righteous son for my sins and I became a Christian.

My relationship with the Lord has enabled me to grow spiritually. By spending more time in prayer and reading his word, I know him better. I love and obey him.

God has enabled me to overcome temptation and hardsh hardship. I find myself sharing God’s love with w others and offer advice to those sometimes offe who have made bad decisions. thankful to God for the gift I am thankfu my family and of life, m friends, the warm friend welcome at my corps welc and for the dedication an of my son. I see God at work every day in my family and my m ttwo-year-old son rrunning up and down smiling. This d gives me joy in my g heart. Though there h have been challenges, ha especially when my esp mother was sick, my faith mothe made me believe all in God m will be well. we She is now better and strong stron on her feet. I really thank God for this.

BOOK CLUB

Rewilding the Church

by Steve Aisthorpe Continuing an occasional series, Captain Claire Whybrow considers a book for reflection and discussion

M

ARTIN Luther wrote: ‘God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees, and flowers, and clouds, and stars.’ God has often used the natural world to encourage, challenge and guide me on my faith journey. It was this love of the wild that attracted me to Steve Aisthorpe’s Rewilding the Church. It asks the question: ‘What might happen if the ecological concept of rewilding, which allows nature to break free from managed control and restores wonder to our lives, was applied to the Church?’

For those with an interest in the environment, the rewilding metaphors are easily understood and applied to the Church, beginning with the premise that both the environment and the Church are in crisis. We are invited on a journey to see the Church’s full potential if we let ‘the wild’ – aka God’s Spirit – take over.

The book is at once a call to action and a call to rest. It challenges us to intentionally let go of control and let the God who causes life to flourish have more say in our churches. The pages are full of familiar ecological concepts, but we are encouraged not just to plough through the text but also to pause and reflect with regular ‘Selah’ reminders.

The metaphor of ripping up the fences challenged me. As Aisthorpe asserts: ‘There can be no fencing off, nothing is ring-fenced from the influence of Jesus.’ God is not just at work within our buildings, our programmes, our ‘church’ activities – God is encouraging flourishing in workplaces, gyms and cafés. Under the heading of ‘The Poisonous Pest of Busyness’, we are confronted with the words of Eugene Peterson, who suggests that using the term ‘busy’ in connection with ‘pastor’ should sound to our ears ‘like … “embezzling” to describe a banker’.

This returns us to the idea that it is our openness to God’s Spirit, rather than our own capabilities and resources, that will cause the Church to thrive. This book calls us to let God take over his Church once again, but it also caused me to reflect on the fruit in my own life and whether I willingly let God prune, nurture and tend me.

Reading this book filled me with hope for the Church – but I know that, for it to be fruitful, I need to adopt these attitudes and practices in my own life and sow them within the lives of my Church family.

CLOSE-UP READING CHAPTER 2, PAGE 12 Following Jesus brings change. As his followers and apprentices we will be changed continually from the inside out. As agents of his Kingdom, we will be catalysts of change.

For any group or community with Jesus at its centre, change is integral, fundamental, to be expected.

Robert C Gallagher once said that ‘change is inevitable, except from a vending machine’. Yet many of us still struggle with it. As the Church, we should be the people most comfortable, excited and enthusiastic for change because we worship a God who brings about transformation. If we are serious about being open to God rewilding the Church, we need to be open to embracing change.

REFLECT AND DISCUSS What excites you about change?

What makes you fearful?

CLOSE-UP READING CHAPTER 9, PAGE 158 The purpose of Church is not to preserve or propagate the Church. Neither is it the preservation of religious traditions. As followers of Jesus, it’s all about him and his Kingdom.

Missionary Brother Andrew wrote: ‘The work of the Church is not survival. She exists to fulfil the Great Commission.’

These complementary ideas reflect the fact that, when we get into panic mode, we sometimes try to grasp on to whatever little bit of normality and security we can find – but God calls us to something much greater than that.

REFLECT AND DISCUSS CAPTAIN CLAIRE WHYBROW Corps Officer Bradford Citadel

Have we allowed preserving the Church to become more important than building God’s Kingdom?

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BIBLE STUDY

Faith is key Lieutenant Joel Watson encourages us to trust in God’s plan

ROMANS 3:21–31

H

OW early is too early to start watching Christmas films? For many reasons, Miracle on 34th Street (1994) is a favourite in my family’s house, not least for its climactic moment. A man claiming to be the real Santa Claus finds himself in a court case to determine his mental stability.

Proceedings go against him but, at a crucial moment, one of Santa’s little admirers presents the judge with a Christmas card holding a US dollar bill.

Boldly circled on it the judge reads: ‘In God we trust.’

PAUSE AND REFLECT How easily do you trust others?

In daily life, how might you find yourself showing trust to others?

The apostle Paul often uses courtroom language to address deep matters of faith, and this proves to be the backdrop for Paul’s account of the good news of salvation and righteousness.

Our study passage begins with the words ‘but now’. They hold significance because they acknowledge the striking difference of what was formerly believed and what is a new reality. In the preceding verses of Romans 3, Paul writes about the shameful and sinful nature of humanity as a consequence of turning from God and his intention for all aspects of creation.

God’s law reveals our human failing to live up to his righteous standard. Despite 6

Salvationist 7 October 2023

our best efforts, righteousness is not something that can be achieved.

Instead, Paul explains: ‘Righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe’ (v22).

God acts in a way that affirms his own character of justice and righteousness.

He provides a new way – the decisive means for all humanity to experience a reconciled relationship with himself through Jesus, who died in our place.

This is good news.

Paul reminds us that ‘all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (v23).

However, when we put our faith in Jesus, God declares us ‘righteous’. We are justified by grace (see v24). This is a key aspect of Salvationist theology.

In his book Be Right, Warren Wiersbe writes: ‘God puts the righteousness of Christ on our record in the place of our own sinfulness. And nobody can change this record.’

PAUSE AND REFLECT Take a moment to close your eyes and picture Jesus dying in your place.

We all need God’s forgiveness. What is your response to his offer of grace?

The role of righteousness through faith is emphasised by Paul repeating it consistently throughout our study passage. However, before acknowledging the work and ministry of Christ, Paul focuses on the person of Jesus. It is by placing our faith in Jesus that we are saved. Therefore, the gift of

righteousness is dependent upon an intentional relationship with Jesus – our Saviour.

It requires faith that is active and alive as we identify with Jesus’ death, acknowledge our need for forgiveness, experience transformation by the Holy Spirit and receive new life – salvation.

In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul reminds us: ‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! … God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God’ (vv17–21).

In our study passage, Paul stresses that God took the initiative: ‘God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood’ (v25). Our human response to this must, and can only be, faith in Jesus.

God ‘justifies those who have faith in Jesus’ (v26). We are fully accepted

by God, and his gift of salvation is everlasting. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul assures us that: ‘When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you will also appear with him in glory’ (3:4).

Towards the end of our study passage, Paul poses the question: ‘Where, then, is boasting?’ (v27). The answer, in short: it is excluded.

The Jews held the proud status of being God’s chosen people. However, he concludes that God is God of the Gentiles too. Just as sin is universal, so too – and much mightier – is the love of Jesus. All receive the same invitation to believe in Jesus and be saved.

The righteousness of God, which is

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

In October, the focus of our prayers is on Jesus and his righteousness.

OLDER PEOPLE’S MINISTRIES FOCUS

by Andrew Wileman (Older People’s Services) SATURDAY 7 OCTOBER ‘Father God, you know how we need you. Journey with us through each day. We are yours and oh so precious, honoured and loved in your care. So give him all your worries, cast all your cares on him. For he knows what’s in your heart and he longs to meet you there, he longs to meet you there.’ (‘He Knows’, written by Major Yvonne Field for the International Day of Older Persons 2022). Amen.

PRISON MINISTRIES FOCUS

by Major Rik Pears (Prison Ministries Officer) available only through Jesus Christ, is unreachable by our own efforts, no matter how hard we might try. The depth of God’s grace, outworked through the redemption achieved by Jesus on the cross, allows for no competitive claims.

No one can boast except in Christ and in the hope of the glory of God, which is ours by his righteousness, through faith (see Romans 5:1 and 2).

God is judge over all people. In love, he acted to set us free by sending Jesus into our sinful reality so that we, by faith, may be offered the highest honour of being raised with him.

The gift of righteousness through faith calls us to shift our focus from the outward appearance of righteousness to the inner transformation that faith brings. As we seek to live a life of faith, may we be reminded of the gift of righteousness that is ours in Jesus Christ.

All is grace. Trust him!

PAUSE AND REFLECT How does righteousness through faith transform your perspective on life?

How could you share your experience of God’s grace with someone new this week?

LIEUTENANT JOEL WATSON Corps Officer Teddington and Twickenham

SUNDAY 8 OCTOBER William Booth is reputed to have spoken the words: ‘While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight… While men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight…’ Prison sentences are proven to have a huge cost on families, especially for partners and children. Pray earnestly for prisoners and their families.

MONDAY 9 OCTOBER Pray for prison staff and their families, many of whom work in Britain’s toughest and most dangerous prisons. Like so many settings, our jails are understaffed and underfunded. Prisons are challenging and difficult places to work in but are staffed by men and women committed to their task.

TUESDAY 10 OCTOBER Cameo groups are in operation in three of our prisons. These gatherings are especially significant for the older, more vulnerable and at-risk prisoners. Pray for these groups today and their leaders. May they be safe spaces within prison where people can meet and enjoy some time of fellowship.

WEDNESDAY 11 OCTOBER Pray for prison chaplains. Their days are often stressful and at times dangerous.

Pray for their work with young offenders, women, men and older vulnerable prisoners. Pray also for the many prison charities who work week in week out in the nation’s jails.

THURSDAY 12 OCTOBER Pray for prisoners who have come to faith, often through the devoted and caring ministry of prison chaplaincy teams. Pray that through prayer and Bible study groups they will grow strong in their faith. Pray also for a welcoming church family upon their release.

FRIDAY 13 OCTOBER Pray today for the many prisoners, who upon release, find that they have no safe and welcoming accommodation to go to. Pray for those who help them to live new, productive and fulfilling lives without the need to re-offend. Pray that we will all be moved by God’s love and be welcoming whenever a former prisoner comes into our church.

PRAYER REQUESTS Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line and the Territorial Prayer Network will uphold them in prayer.

Poetry Corner Harvest Time (As I Remember It!)

Harvest Praise

Be glad! It’s Harvest time again, The hall will be transformed; And every nook and cranny will Be beautifully adorned.

Some sweetly scented flowers will Bring fragrance to the space As God’s rich coloured pageantry Bedecks the place with grace.

Some now think it is old fashioned When we sing our Harvest songs, Thinking words like sheaves and garner Way back in the past belongs.

Now the corn is wrapped in plastic, Piled in fields for all to see, That does not inspire poetry, This I think you will agree.

Lush juicy fruit of every kind Will be put on display, Like apples, pears and oranges, And berries on a tray.

Like apricot and kiwi fruit, And nectarine and plum, Some passion fruit and coconut – And maybe chewing gum!

Then, as the thankful people come To sing their songs of praise, They’ll see the goodness of the Lord Displayed in many ways.

They’ll marvel at the vast array Of God’s creative art, And prayers of deepest gratitude Will rise up from very heart.

But in a quieter, sombre mood They’ll bow to intercede For those around the world who are In unimagined need.

Through famine, earthquake, drought and fire So many are without; They lack the basics to survive.

They call, they cry, they shout.

Still it is the age old process, Though the methods now are new, Seeds are sown by hand no longer, Scythes not used when reaping due.

Now the farmer takes advantage Of machines to do the work, But the harvest is important And the task he will not shirk.

And there will be some veg’tables Arranged to tempt and please; Potatoes, carrots, cabbage, beet, And Mrs Smith’s prize peas.

Sebastian Brown will bring along A marrow, glossy green; He’ll win first prize because ’twill be The biggest you have seen.

The helpless, hungry, homeless, weak Lift hands in mute despair.

And so the intercessors will Engage with God in prayer; They’ll pray that those who have so much Will generously share, And grasp those weak, despairing hands With hands that deeply care.

Even though words are outdated God’s provision is the same, He makes sure the crops all flourish, It is right we praise his name.

In our world there are those starving, Let us not forget their need.

God has still for them provided, All the fault lies with folk’s greed.

Right there above the captain’s head Some grapes will dangle low; And when she preaches power’flly They’ll wobble to and fro.

The farmer who lives up the road Will put some corn on show To bring a true authentic touch, A golden harvest glow.

So let’s enjoy the sights, the smells.

The colour and the fun As we sing praise to honour God For all that he has done.

May we reflect his kindliness, His generous, loving heart; And make the world a better place Because we’ve done our part.

Sheaves are brought in now no longer And some words are out of date, But God sees the growth is constant With enough to celebrate.

So don’t worry what we’re singing, Although wording may be old, Just give God the proper glory For the fields of corn so gold.

COMMISSIONER KEITH BANKS

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Salvationist 7 October 2023

BRIAN COLLEY CLOWNE

This Harvest Time – Share As I travel through the countryside I am reminded of God’s love; of how he has provided every good thing that we need.

And at this Harvest time we thank God for our food, for flowers and trees and birds that sing.

But may we always think of those who do not have as much because man does not share with man.

As I see the rainbow in the sky I know God’s promises are true; of how he will continue giving good things that we need.

And at this Harvest time we thank God for the rain, for sunshine and the rolling seasons.

But may we always think of those where drought brings pain and death because man does not share with man.

As I gaze up to the starlit night I’m reminded of God’s power; the sun and moon above the Earth, the seas around the land.

And at this Harvest time we thank God for our lives; that Christ has paid the price for our sin.

But may we always think of those who have not heard the news because man does not share with man.

At this Harvest time we must share much more than gifts of food.

May the Holy Spirit help us share the promises of God, the love and power he has for them.

For man must learn to share with man.

KATHRYN NORMANTON LOCKERBIE

Harvest Time

A Seed’s Lament

Harvest time is here again fields of golden grain, The farmer is ready to plough as long as it doesn’t rain.

They work so hard to supply our food that we will all be fed.

Autumn leaves fall down and everything is golden brown, A lovely sight for all to see, as we walk along they fall from the trees.

How come I’m out here in the cold and dark; Away from those I love and who love me; The fellowship I had with kindred hearts; Warmth from the sower’s close proximity?

Bales of straw stacked so high the job is almost done, Just seen another harvest and it’s been hard but fun.

We shall come rejoicing bringing in the sheaves.

PRIM HARVEY STOWMARKET

Poetry Corner on Salvationist Radio Thank you to everyone who sent in Harvest poems for consideration. While we do not have space to publish every poem received, you can hear a selection of further poems that were submitted read aloud in a Harvest episode of Salvationist Radio’s Poetry Corner podcast. For more information, visit salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.

‘Who comes to me, I’ll never drive away,’ Is what he said, yet look what he has done!

Where is that love he said he had for me That made me feel I was a special one?

‘I loved my Son, yet had him crucified.

Like you, he felt that I’d abandoned him.

He had to die, there was no other way To take from man the penalty of sin.

The life he gave was given willingly; Such was his love and trust and faith in me; And so it is with every seed of mine, They too must die if they will fruitful be.’

Forgive me, Lord, for all my self-concern: What I prefer, how I would have things be.

If only I’d accept your way I’d find The harvest you could reap through such as me.

MAJOR HOWARD WEBBER

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Grounded in faith From harvesting crops to wild worship, Lyn Woods explores faith and ministry outdoors On the farm…

For lifelong Salvationist and arable farmer, Phil Mappledoram (Cambridge Citadel), faith and agriculture are his heritage.

Phil’s great-grandfather came back from the Boer War in the early 1900s and acquired land. Ever since, farming and The Salvation Army have run in the family. Phil is now a fourth-generation Salvationist and farmer. Back in the 1950s and 1960s, their farm reared animals, but now their focus is on wheat and sugar beet.

Phil says: ‘I’ve always been taught that we’ll be looked after, that God will provide. You’ve got to believe that, if you plant something, it will grow. We’ve never failed to get a harvest. Part of faith is knowing that what you pray for will surely happen, that we can leave it in his hands.’

Phil’s father taught him purpose in production – to feed the nation when it was hungry in the post-war years, and he continues that legacy. He takes comfort in Ecclesiastes 3:1–11, which remind us: ‘For everything there is a season… A time to plant and a time to harvest... Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart’ (New Living Translation).

‘The government is encouraging us to plant areas for wildflowers, meadows and public access,’ he adds. ‘I need to do this because we can’t be wholly profitable from the production of goods.

We’re bordered by a river that encircles the 400-acre farm and allows access down routes we maintain and open up to the public. I sometimes forget and take for granted the incredible views I’m blessed with.’

For Phil, the combine harvester cab is always a good place to be when the sun’s shining, ‘knowing you are contributing to society and harvesting quality produce that everyone needs and, best of all, that God is in control’.

At the nature reserve…

Doug and Jill Hulme (Portsmouth Citadel) operate the charity Second Chance from a 35-acre plot of land with 10

Salvationist 7 October 2023

Farmer Phil lakes in Titchfield.

Doug founded Second Chance in 1984, when he was teaching children with learning difficulties in west London.

Second Chance offers troubled young people a second opportunity to have a happy childhood. Doug wanted to better connect with these children from deprived backgrounds and take them camping and fishing during the school holidays. He gave up teaching to realise his vision.

Jill’s vast experience is with preschoolers and younger children, a gifting

she uses with the charity and at the corps.

When they first acquired the land, Jill recalls: ‘Doug and I stood in the middle of all this acreage and just thanked God that we’d been given it. We were excited to use it to help and be a blessing to others.’

Doug says: ‘I feel this work is what God has guided me to do. In this work I can put Christian love into practice.’

Doug and Jill have worked hard to bring everything they do together on one site, making a range of activities possible, including fishing, camping, gardening,

Wild Harvest

Nature reserve

“

You’ve got to believe that, if you plant something, it will grow. We’ve never failed to get a harvest.

”

nature studies, ornithology and wildlife watching – visit second-chance.org.uk for more information.

‘Outdoor activities are a major part of our operation,’ says Doug, ‘and the countryside has such an effect on youngsters from the city.’

Jill adds: ‘We have four huge polytunnels, which contain a hobbit house, a garden kitchen, a maze and a tunnel, where the children feel like they’re playing outside, but they’re under cover and safe.’

For Jill, being outside is her connection to God through interaction with nature.

She concludes: ‘Who would have known all these years later, that children and countryside, forest schools, fishing and all the things we do would be so necessary in this day and age? It’s a real

honour to try and bring the wonder of God, speaking through nature, to these children.’

Into the wild...

Majors Ian and Paula Haylett (Thirsk) have been officers since 2006. Their first appointment was at Selby, where they did a church replant. At the end of that, they wanted to do it again and were given the opportunity, five years ago, to start a fresh expression in north Yorkshire – visit facebook.com/ SalvationArmyThirsk for more information.

‘We don’t have a building, but we regularly take church outside into the fields, hills and wooded areas that surround our housing estate,’ they explain. ‘We have friends who have a

smallholding, which we’ve been blessed to use many times.’

There are three aspects to their Sunday outdoor gatherings: wander, wonder and worship. First, a time of engaging the senses. Then, they consider the wonder of creation – sometimes through photos or using art. Finally, they get back together and have a time of worship and reading Scripture. They usually have a theme that they’ve been led to, and they ask questions.

‘We ask open questions that have no definitive answer so that people can hear different ways of looking at them,’ Ian and Paula explain. ‘We trust the Spirit’s leading to reveal more as each encounter comes along. We have a lot of fun, we laugh a lot and we have our quiet moments too. We’re never hurried.

We’ve got time to listen to each other.

Everybody has a voice.’

‘We believe God wants the best for us all,’ they continue. ‘We can use the beauty of our surroundings not only to introduce people to the gospel, but also to create a way of being happy, healthy and mindful, attracting people who are on the fringes of church, interested in church or just want to come out for something to eat.’

Their meetings have included wild walks, wild Harvest, wild Palm Sunday and a wild Nativity.

‘We’ve also engaged in the popular Yorkshire pastime of welly-wanging,’ they add. ‘It’s wild because it’s outdoors and you never know which direction it will go!’

LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

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A safe space to sing Simon Hope hears about the impact of the international singing group ‘Dreams’

T

HE Salvation Army loves an opportunity for a good sing.

Some sing to worship God. Some sing to bond with their community. Some sing simply because they must.

It’s with this passion for music that 17 singers from 7 countries gather for the international singing group ‘Dreams’.

Comprising survivors of modern slavery and Salvation Army support workers, the group started two years ago when group leader Nigel Long found an unused piano.

The singing group is part of the Army’s London Outreach service for survivors of modern slavery. This work is carried out through the Army’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract with the government, which has seen the Army and its partners help more than 18,000 survivors in England and Wales rebuild their lives over the past 11 years. Specialist support workers, like Nigel, work with individuals as they recover from experiences of exploitation.

‘When I started work with the Army, I found a lovely room with a piano,’ Nigel explains. ‘I thought a singing group would be a nice activity to help get clients into the community. Everyone was keen and we would sing for hours! Once we started, it was hard to stop.’

‘I love music,’ shares singing group member Wendy. ‘But when I started, I was nervous and not sure that everyone else was going to accept me. Thankfully, the acceptance they showed me really boosts my confidence. That’s why I get inspired coming every week. No matter how far I have to come it gives me a lot of inspiration, comfort and love.’

‘This is my comfort zone,’ adds fellow member Jasmine.

‘Before, I was very shy. With the help of Nigel, this is a place to not be scared.’

That sense of a safe space is informed by a ‘check-in’ time at the start of each practice. This offers an opportunity to share something that happened in the week.

‘They’re very sensitive to each other,’ Nigel commends. ‘They notice if someone is going through it or having some issues and

not doing well. They’re really good at supporting each other.

Usually, I find that they like to share and, whether they’re feeling good or bad, they can feel validated.’

There’s no direct evangelising to the group because it includes people of different faiths and none. Nonetheless, the group exemplifies the Army’s value of compassion by loving each other without discrimination through communal support, care and respect.

‘Me and Jasmine are Muslim,’ explains Bituin, another group member. ‘Here everybody is equal, and no one judges you about your religion. We are not arguing about our religion.

Because of the music we connect with each other. That’s why we love it!’

‘We just want to say thank you so much,’ Wendy concludes.

‘Especially to The Salvation Army for helping us to survive. I don’t want to get emotional, we’re just so happy and thankful.’

O See ‘Dreams’ live at the Concert to Celebrate Survivors on

16 October. Get your free tickets at salvationist.org.uk/ concert-celebrate-survivors.

SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist Some names have been changed to protect people’s identities.

Buy a #WeAreNotForSale temporary tattoo for £1 to give out or wear. Proceeds go to the Army’s Survivor Support Fund, which provides vital additional support for survivors of slavery.

Thousands of modern slavery victims are hidden in plain sight in towns and cities across the territory. We can only end modern slavery if everyone recognises the scale of the problem and takes action together. Ahead of Anti-Slavery Day (18 October), take action where you are:

12

Salvationist 7 October 2023

Take a selfie with the tattoo on and share it on social media with the #WeAreNotForSale hashtag, tagging The Salvation Army UK. Download the digital toolkit to raise awareness online.

Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/anti-slavery-day.

WELCOME TO THE CADETS REPORT

Picture: Andrew King Photography

Cadets called to champion the mission WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE AN expectant congregation awaited the cadets of the Champions of the Mission session, reports Editor Major Julian Watchorn.

After pre-meeting music from Regent Hall Songsters, a contemporary worship group and a composite band, Principal Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne greeted everyone present by making the connection between the new session and the new Territorial Headquarters in Denmark Hill, which will help provide fresh opportunities for mission.

A guard of honour, comprising individuals seen as champions to the cadets, greeted them as they entered the Assembly Hall to the march ‘Soldiers of Christ’, accompanied by applause and cheers.

Captain Ian Standley (William Booth College) played the shofar, a traditional Jewish horn, as Scripture was brought into the hall and placed on the mercy seat to signify its central place in the cadets’ training. The cadets then read Matthew 28:18–20, acknowledging Jesus’ command to go and make disciples.

The congregation sang ‘O Church, Arise’ (SASB 819) before former international leaders Commissioner Gisèle Gowans and Commissioner Freda Larsson shared memories of mission from their ministry, along with Scripture that had upheld them.

Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main acknowledged the international and

territorial guests present, along with family and friends, then opened the meeting in prayer. Territorial Candidates Director Major Mark Sawyer – who had been charged with getting the cadets to this point – officially commended them to Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, who in turn handed them over to the college for training to become Salvation Army officers.

The cadets sang their sessional song, ‘Telling Your Story’, with lyrics by Major Simon Clampton (THQ) and music by Alan Williams.

Videos from Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr and Major Ian Loxley encouraged the cadets to be champions of the mission, giving examples of others who had followed Jesus’ example to be champions of the people.

After the congregational song ‘Cornerstone’, each cadet brought a sentence identifying their hopes for the next two years. The TC addressed the cadets, acknowledging that, over time, cadets often come to represent their sessional names, which means it is not a question of what they will do but who they will be. Referencing ‘Cornerstone’, he declared there is only one champion: Jesus, who has no rival or equal and is Lord of all. It is not about the cadets, he emphasised, but about Jesus.

Referencing the origins of the word ‘champion’, the TC said that the cadets

need to be combatants and warriors for the mission of Christ. Drawing on the five references to the word ‘champion’ in the New International Version of the Bible, he emphasised that Christ is the champion and is victorious. With further reference to Hebrews 12:1, he reminded the congregation that they are all called to be champions of the mission.

As part of a time of response and prayer, the worship group and soloist Anais Spencer (New Addington) created a beautiful stillness and atmosphere with the song ‘So Will I’.

The cadets received words of Scripture from their champions, before Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main concluded the meeting in prayer and Regent Hall Songsters sang a benediction, ‘It Is You’, over the cadets.

Sunday’s meeting picked up the theme of everyone being called to be God’s champions where they are. Matthew Standley (Regent Hall) gave a testimony and challenged the Army to continue widening its mission opportunity as it embraces technological advancements.

Lieut-Colonel Judith challenged the congregation to be more, expect more and want more of the Holy Spirit, with whom everything is possible.

O Watch the recording of the Welcome

to the Cadets online at youtu.be/ VcPBBDckDWs. Salvationist 7 October 2023

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SPOTLIGHT ON…

Carmarthen Harvesting for the Kingdom FAST FACTS DIVISION: Wales CORPS OFFICERS: Captain Clare and Lieutenant Jamie Jones FIND US ONLINE: facebook.com/ 100070046508235

MATCHING NEED WITH MISSION We’re a small corps, initially with ‘a cuppa and a chat’ drop-in centre. When we re-launched out of the Covid-19 pandemic, we looked at every part of our programme and honestly asked ourselves three questions: Is it working?

Is it God-honouring or missional? How do we evidence the working of Jesus in it?

From there we prayed and were led to develop our coffee shop missionally through the installation of a barista coffee machine and provision of barista training opportunities to help people back into work. Teaming up with the Army’s Employment Plus service, with a focus on our drop-in regulars, our drop-in has developed from ‘a cuppa and a chat’ into a multi-agency hub, which is of greater benefit to those who attend.

SHOWERS OF BLESSING We lifted it to the Lord, saying: ‘If this is your mission, we need to raise the sum of £5,500.’ It was a massive leap of faith, but we launched the fundraising on the Sunday and within two and a half weeks we had raised the money! God had approved our mission innovation through the Imagine coffee shop and, 18 months later, one of the original donors and his wife are adherents. They’re with us every Sunday, having integrated completely into our community. They drive 20 miles to get to the corps and have started a Bible study group for those at the 14

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drop-in. That’s how God has used and blessed it, evidencing it is his work and not ours.

GIVING BACK TO GOD AT HARVEST At Harvest, three quarters of any monetary donations received at corps are used to support mission locally, with the remaining quarter going into the division’s mission innovation fund for all corps to access – this can then help resource new, exciting mission opportunities, such as Imagine. This year, donations we receive will support the great work happening at Imagine. It’s our way of giving back to God and our community.

God in his wisdom pruned and re-planted at our corps after the Covid-19 lockdowns. At that time, when there were so few of us, we couldn’t have anticipated the outcome. Many new

people were sent to us and we are now reaping the rewards of that time of regeneration and regrowth. It’s all about God – his timing, his harvest.

JOURNEYING WITH JESUS There are four main elements to our corps: we have our church first and foremost, we are blessed with a very fruitful charity shop, we have the coffee shop and our community centre. We are also striving to build our youth and children’s ministry and we’re on a beautiful journey within our fellowship.

Our prayer going forward is that we can reduce our reliance on divisional funding, that people locally will give generously this Harvest and that God will take it, use it, multiply it and bless it to further extend his Kingdom.

O Find out more about giving at Harvest

at salvationist.org.uk/harvest.

ARMY UPDATES

EVENT

FUNDRAISING

Ceremony celebrates 23 graduates STRAWBERRY FIELD TWENTY-three people graduated from the Steps to Work, Steps to Work Lite and Steps to Volunteer programmes.

The schemes provide employment skills, work experience and volunteer opportunities for people of all ages who may have learning difficulties or face other barriers to employment.

The ceremony recognised the successes of the graduates in achieving paid work, entering education, training or committing to meaningful volunteering work.

The graduates were supported by their families, friends and employers such as John Lewis and National Museums Liverpool. Also in attendance were the lord-lieutenant and vice lord-lieutenant of Merseyside as well as Strawberry Field’s honorary president, John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird. – MH

NORTH EAST Eighty-one-year-old Andy Peddle completed the mammoth feat of walking 111 miles and then completing the Great North Run, raising £8,100 for the Army’s work with survivors of modern slavery and for youth projects in the North East. Andy, who volunteered with the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery team, is pictured alongside divisional leaders Majors David and Gillian Burns and Major Liz Hancock (Newcastle City Temple). – AR

HARVEST

HARVEST SALISBURY The extended corps family – representing the corps charity shop, Re-cycles bike project, parent-and-toddler group, Employment Plus and Sunday fellowship – gathered to celebrate Harvest with a quiz, buffet and Café Church. Themes for the weekend linked the Charlie Mackesy book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with the parable of the sower. The corps reflected on the blessing of having different generations sharing in faith together, and how diversity and cultural expression make worship and life richer. – MD DUNDONALD The final monthly praise night for 2023 was attended by Belfast Citadel Songsters. Music items included a cornet solo by Bandmaster John Moore (Belfast Citadel) and it was an uplifting evening. Taking the theme Harvest Praise, corps officer Captain Philip Cole spoke on Psalm 107, reminding those present that God’s love endures for ever. The corps provided toiletries to residents of Centenary House Lifehouse and chaplain Major Deanna Dougan spoke on the work at the centre. – PC NUNEATON Harvest weekend commenced with a barn dance, which saw new people attending. The Sunday afternoon saw the relaunch of Messy Church, with families attending church for the first time. It was definitely a weekend of great celebration. – DS

HADLEIGH TEMPLE A vintage tractor and truck formed the backdrop for the community Harvest festival, held in the grounds of Hadleigh Old Fire Station. It attracted a good crowd, who brought produce to display on the tractor’s trailer. All the items went towards the corps food bank. – MC

HARVEST

IPSWICH CITADEL The food items donated during the Harvest festival were given to a local food bank. Men’s toiletries were given to residents at Lyndon House Lifehouse. – DC Salvationist 7 October 2023

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FUNDRAISING

OUTREACH

LLANELLI Despite the wet weather, there was fun, laughter and smiling as young people and leaders of the youth club completed a sponsored walk up Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons. Upon reaching the top they were joined by two young people from Newport Citadel. – AC

DUNSTABLE About 23 different families attended Messy Family Fun, held over three days. The themes included Stories of Jesus, Friends of Jesus and Miracles of Jesus. Each day included singing, stories, crafts and lots of mess and fun! Many encouraging relationships were made with the families and they were invited to attend the monthly Messy Church. – RC

OUTREACH

HARVEST

Celebrations at Sheffield Citadel include a beautiful painting

by Mike Hendy of a farm scene themed Go and Sow

HARVEST CLOWNE The final summer event at the corps was a game of Beetle Drive and a pie and pea supper. With 60 folks attending, the majority not linked to the Army, the event provided a great evangelical opportunity. A short talk was given by corps officer Captain Elaine Huddlestone and the Harvest celebration Sunday services were led by Lieutenant Chelsea Huddlestone (Longton). – GH

CHIPPENHAM A summer fun day organised by the community support worker was a wonderful success. Activities included Punch and Judy shows, a bouncy castle, a sensory play area for toddlers, sand play, cake decorating and an enjoyable free lunch.

A well-received component of the day was the school uniform giveaway, where parents could source suitable items for their children, ready for the start of the new term. – JD

HOMELESSNESS CAMBUSLANG Monica Lennon MSP visited the Eva Burrows Centre to see how the 1st Stop Project provides a safe and supportive environment for people experiencing homelessness.

Monica, who chairs the Scottish parliament’s Cross-Party Group on Drug and Alcohol Use, said: ‘The Salvation Army is at the forefront of evidence-based service delivery. ’ – AR

COST OF LIVING HARVEST MERTHYR TYDFIL Under the leadership of Cadet Paul Sass, the Harvest weekend began with collecting in the town for the Big Collection. A Harvest supper and quiz was well attended by members of Good Companions. The Sunday morning meeting was led by Cadet Paul and the evening meeting by Captain Emily and Lieutenant Dean Brill (both Malton). All food was given to the local food bank. – LB

GATESHEAD Coats, school uniforms and shoes were provided to more than 200 children as part of the Every Child Warm initiative. Now in its seventh year, it focuses on making the experience enjoyable for youngsters who can pick their own items and enjoy a snack. Northumbria Water, Citizen’s Advice Gateshead and Gateshead council were also on hand to offer advice on coping with rising bills. – AR

EVENT CHILDREN AND YOUTH LLANELLI In August the corps sent five of its young people, aged between 14 and 18, to attend a divisional summer camp in Worcester. They returned full of joy for their experiences of friendship, fellowship and worship. – AC 16

Salvationist 7 October 2023

WELLING Attendees at the weekly Open Door made Christmas cards. People enjoyed being creative and sharing memories and stories about the significance of Christmas. They used leftovers from other crafts, in keeping with corps efforts to be greener and more resourceful. – KS

NEW COMMITMENTS

SKEGNESS

REDDITCH

AMANDA Burrows was enrolled as a soldier by Captain Gayner Ward (Hucknall), who had originally welcomed Amanda as an adherent while previously stationed at the corps. In her testimony, Amanda challenged the congregation to be visible Christians, not only by wearing uniform, but also by the way they live their lives. Holding the flag is Divisional Envoy Colin Ward. – S-JG

SNETTISHAM

RITA Dempsey was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Emily Hague. Rita testified to the witness and love of God through the corps fellowship, as well as to the work of the Holy Spirit in her life, which led her to discover her purpose and calling as a soldier. Rita chose the song ‘I Want to Tell What God Has Done’ (SASB 852) to share the transformative power of God at work in her heart that compels her to continue to love and serve God and others. – EH

CLEVEDON

JUNE Grist, Betty Johnson, Sue Eldridge, Julian Little, Chris Chapman, John Wright, Carole Wright, Sandra Galpin, John Sleight and Bob Moretti were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain Lorraine Cole. The service was led by the adherents, who shared songs, Bible readings, prayers, poems and stories of God’s grace in their lives. There was much laughter and an overwhelming sense of joy, but also moments when their words challenged and encouraged the corps. – LC

SANDY Hurley and Beena Yesumerlin were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Dawn Evans. Sandy first came to the corps after the Covid-19 lockdowns. She had been receiving the newsletter from Rugby Corps, where her sister attends. The officer contacted Major Dawn, who then contacted a grateful Sandy. She soon made the corps her spiritual home, where she felt love, peace and acceptance.

Beena came to live in England with her children after her husband came over to work as a nurse during the Covid-19 pandemic. Although always attending worship at the Army since her marriage, she had not become a soldier. Beena attends with her husband and three children and says that acceptance and love are very important, both of which she found at the corps. – DE

CLITHEROE

ABIGAIL Gregory was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Aux-Captain Elizabeth Smith. Abigail has been attending the corps since she came to Clitheroe to live with her father, Nigel, who also attends. Abigail spoke about the hard times in her life and how attending the Army has helped her put her life in God’s hands and trust him with the future.

Abigail welcomes people with a smile and a hug as they come in on a Sunday morning and is a helpful member of the corps.

Abigail, Aux-Captain Elizabeth and Nigel are pictured with flag bearer Michael Williams and associate corps leader Territorial Envoy Brenda Wise. – ES

WHAT DOES BEING A SOLDIER OR ADHERENT MEAN? Find out more about membership of The Salvation Army and the different ways in which you can make a spiritual commitment at salvationist.org.uk/membership.

Salvationist 7 October 2023

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

Local officers appointed CSM JOYCE SHAW, Consett CS LORRAINE JACKSON, Consett

Wedding anniversaries Blue Sapphire (65 years) RAYLEIGH AND SHEILA MANNOUCH, Poole, on 4 October

Dedicated to God NOAH ARTHUR HUBBARD, son of Charlie and Michael, at Poole by Major Angela Bailey VANESSA PASUMARTHY, daughter of Aneesh and Prashanti Pasumarthy, at Shrewsbury by Territorial Envoy Andrea Hopkins

Retired officers’ birthdays MAJOR JEAN MIDDLETON, 85 on 19 October MAJOR MARGARET KINSEY, 85 on 20 October

Promoted to Glory BERT BEETON, Cottenham BANDSMAN STAN CRACKNELL, Felixstowe COMMISSIONER BARBARA CHIANGHNUNA from Aizawl, India, on 31 July MAJOR ERIC KING from Arrowe Park Hospital on 20 September DIVISIONAL ENVOY IRENE HODGINS on 20 September MAJOR MARY PRATT from her home on 20 September MAJOR JOAN DAFFON from Sandwell General Hospital on 26 September MAJOR JOY WEBB OF from Glebe Court care home on 1 October

Bereaved JOY IMPEY and Brian Beeton, both Cottenham, of their father Bert Beeton, Audrey Palmer, Waterbeach, and Pat Barnett, Leigh-on-Sea, of their brother MONICA CRACKNELL, Felixstowe, of her husband Bandsman Stan Cracknell MAJOR MARLENE KING of her husband Major Eric King MAJOR ALISON SMITH of her mother Divisional Envoy Irene Hodgins MAJOR MIRIAM WING of her stepmother Major Mary Pratt

ICO delegates The 255th session begins on 11 October MAJOR FRANCIS BISWAS, Bangladesh CAPTAIN JULIANO DORNELES DOS SANTOS, Brazil 18

Salvationist 7 October 2023

ENGAGEMENTS MAJOR LESLIE WISEMAN, Canada and Bermuda MAJOR ROODOLPH MEO, Caribbean MAJOR MATTHIAS LINDNER, Germany, Lithuania and Poland MAJOR SANTHA VALLI JEEVANANTHAM, India South Eastern MAJOR ALICE JOSE, India South Western MAJOR CHHAYA KHARAT, India Western MAJOR DARVIN CHRISTIAN, India Western CAPTAIN MOSES NJAGI, Kenya East CAPTAIN DAVID WAMBUA, Kenya East CAPTAIN CHUL-HO CHOI, Korea CAPTAIN HEE-YOUNG JI, Korea CAPTAIN HYUNG-RAN JO, Korea CAPTAIN SEUNG-CHUL OH, Korea MAJOR CHIN-SU PAEK, Korea CAPTAIN JI-HYUN SHIM, Korea MAJOR YOUNG-IL SON, Korea CAPTAIN SEUNG-WOONG YANG, Korea CAPTAIN SU-JEUNG YANG, Korea MAJOR ROBERT AKPAN ROBERT, Nigeria MAJOR KNUT HAUGSVAER, Norway, Iceland and the Færoes MAJOR REBECCA SAMUEL, Pakistan MAJOR VICTOR TASORI, South America East MAJOR COLLEEN HUKE, Southern Africa MAJOR NOBONGA ZULU, Southern Africa MAJOR REGULA KNECHT, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary CAPTAIN STIVINA SINANA, Tanzania CAPTAIN MESHARK MASIH, Uganda MAJOR SARAH BUTLER, United Kingdom and Ireland CAPTAIN DOMINIC EATON, United Kingdom and Ireland MAJOR SHAREN FURLONG, United Kingdom and Ireland MAJOR ALISHA CHOI, USA Central CAPTAIN JASON KNAGGS, USA Eastern MAJOR CRISTINA MURPHY, USA Southern MAJOR AMY PARK, USA Western MAJOR GAMUCHIRAI FOROMA, Zimbabwe and Botswana Translators CAPTAIN JOON-SIK IM, Korea MAJOR GEE-JEONG SHIN, Korea CAPTAIN SAENG-YON LEE, Korea MAJOR JUNG-HEE HWANG, Korea (serving outside home territory)

General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Sun 15 Oct – Tue 17 Oct Sri Lanka (South Asia Zonal Conference)

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Thu 12 Oct Sunbury Court (ICO Welcome Meeting) Mon 16 Oct – Fri 20 Oct Sri Lanka (South Asia Zonal Conference) Sat 21 Oct – Mon 23 Oct Sri Lanka Territory

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill Sat 7 Oct – Sun 8 Oct Maldon (140th anniversary) Wed 11 Oct William Booth College (Spiritual Day) Thu 12 Oct Sunbury Court (ICO Welcome Meeting) Wed 18 Oct – Fri 20 Oct Harrogate (Territorial Officers’ Councils) Fri 20 Oct St John’s Smith Square, London (A Tribute to Major Leslie Condon)*

Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main Sat 7 Oct – Sun 8 Oct Leigh-on-Sea (121st anniversary) Sat 14 Oct Gillingham (opening of preschool) Wed 18 Oct – Fri 20 Oct Harrogate (Territorial Officers’ Councils) *Commissioner Anthony Cotterill only

NOTICES Corps web training Updating your corps webpage is an easy way to help share information about your corps, including Christmas activities. Training sessions on how to edit corps pages are taking place in the coming weeks.

For more, email digital@salvationarmy.org.uk.

International Development Week International Development Week (14–20 October) is themed Global Community and explores what it means to be a community. It is an opportunity to celebrate and support the Army’s work tackling poverty and injustice around the world. For more information and resources, visit salvationist.org.uk/ resources/international-development-week.

SOUNDS Sunday Worship Major Malcolm Martin (Thornton Heath) shares a Harvest-themed Bible message. Can’t listen at 11am on Sunday? Catch up with the weekly podcast of Sunday Worship highlights, including music, prayer and a Bible message. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

O Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio, on the app or via your Alexa device.

ADVERTS

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HOUSEHOLD TROOPS BAND Bandmaster Carl Saunders Concert in Risca Primary School Hall, NP11 6DB Admission by ticket only: £10 per person Sunday 29 October Morning worship at 10.30am (free admission) Afternoon concert at 12.30pm (free admission) The Salvation Army, 66a Commercial Street, Risca NP11 6BA Saturday tickets available from Bandmaster Adrian K Browning Email adriankarlbrowning@gmail.com

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HEMEL HEMPSTEAD CORPS, WATERHOUSE STREET HP1 1ES Sunday 29 October, 10.30am

140TH ANNIVERSARY AND REUNION Worship meeting led by Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill Followed by a fellowship lunch and reunion All former members of the corps welcome For more information and to register interest, please email margaret.hills@salvationarmy.org.uk

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