SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army
No.1691 Price 60p
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 9 February 2019
STAIR TREKKING FOR THE SALVATION ARMY
PLUS INTERCULTURAL MISSION INSIGHTS
T CONTENTS
Quotes from the media News
3 4 and 5
Letters
6
Join the conversation 7 Wanted: sacred space for the future by Lieut-Colonel David Kelly
Light Bites
8
by Major Peter Mylechreest
Review For The World
8
by Paul Sharman
Thinkaloud
9
by John Coutts
Interview 10 and 11 A truly international movement Major Jonny Smith talks to Shanelle Manderson
Feature I Trek China Trek of a lifetime
12 and 13
by Trevor Caffull
Feature I Gifts in Wills How will you be remembered?
15
by the Individual Giving and Legacy Team
Bible study Be wise!
16 and 17
by Major Steve Dutfield
Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17 by Major Howard Webber
New commitments
18 and 19
Announcements Adverts
20
MORE than a few years ago an editor of Salvationist, long since retired, would – on rare occasions, mark you! – realise that circumstances had conspired to complicate his scheduled contents for a particular edition of the paper. Some promised features had failed to arrive on time; an important event was cancelled; a report of a major decision was delayed – yet we still had 24 pages to fill. All this forced the editor to ‘cobble together’ an issue from material that was available and from other features that had been held in reserve. The editorial team would then look at the new page plan and realise that the hurriedly redesigned edition of Salvationist had produced an unforeseen synchronicity. Then the bemused, yet delighted editor, would wryly observe: ‘You know, people will think we plan this paper!’ Of course, dear readers, I can assure you we do plan every issue but, just like a Sunday meeting plan, sometimes things have to be ‘reorganised’. This week, I confess, two features have arrived together that may not have been originally scheduled for this particular edition of Salvationist. One is Trevor Caffull’s excellent account of an unforgettable, ‘life-affirming’ experience, trekking along the Great Wall of China. The other is THQ’s Individual Giving and Legacy Team’s introduction to its new Gifts in Wills material, including observations on some commonly held misconceptions about the willmaking process. Trevor admits that he and his wife, Deborah, have kept a ‘bucket list’ since seeing the 2007 film of the same name. The expression comes from the term ‘kick the bucket’ – so a bucket list comprises a number of things people hope to do before they die. I suppose it’s timely, therefore, to suggest that making a will should be on everyone’s list! I think it was the Corrs who sang: ‘I wanna live before I die’ – and who doesn’t! But often it takes a little courage to step out and speak up, and, sometimes, we need wisdom to know when to remain silent. In this week’s Bible study Major Steve Dutfield urges readers to recognise the need to exercise good judgment in the face of opposition, as he examines Paul’s dilemma when faced with an opportunity to preach to a potentially hostile crowd. Steve asks us to consider if we can discern the right time to confront the unjust thoughts and attitudes of this world. Of course, all this talk of bucket lists, will-making and being wise should not blind the older generation to the need to consider those who will follow and, hopefully, benefit from the legacy we leave and they inherit. In his latest Join The Conversation article, Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel David Kelly discusses the need to make sacred space for the next generation. He observes: ‘Healthy, sustainable corps and healthy, sustainable faithbased organisations have this important thing in common: they all intentionally make space for the next generation that God is raising up.’ What legacy, I wonder, will I leave behind? What will your legacy be? When the scales are examined will we be found wanting? You might say, where’s there’s a will there’s a weigh!
14 and 21 to 23
The Salvation Army and me featuring Daniel Weaver
24
SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated
2
‘BUCKET LISTS’ AND LEGACIES
Salvationist 9 February 2019
From the Managing Editor, Stephen Pearson
‘
QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA
desks for young professionals who work remotely, open on-site gyms and host bicyclehire schemes as part of a £35 million drive to attract a more youthful crowd into its pews.
TEACHERS LACK TRAINING TO TEACH RE, STUDY FINDS
The funding will be shared by ten dioceses to set up worshipping spaces that are ‘far from the traditional image’ of a church, focusing on areas with large student populations.
The [Roman Catholic] Bishop for Prisons, Richard Moth, has welcomed the initiative of prison minister Rory Stewart to scrap jail sentences fewer than six months. Speaking after Mr Stewart told The Daily Telegraph that short sentences were long enough to do damage but too short to heal, Bishop Moth said: ‘To maintain a prison population of 83,450 in an estate that was built for far fewer is unsustainable, unsafe and ineffective.’ The bishop and the minister are to meet to discuss prison reform in the near future.
Nearly half of trainee primary teachers have had between zero and three hours of religious education (RE) training, new research has found. The National Association of Teachers of RE (NATRE) surveyed more than 500 primary teachers from across the country. A quarter of teachers reported that colleagues within their schools have a lack of confidence in teaching RE, both in terms of what to teach, but also how to teach RE. Ben Wood, NATRE Chair, said: ‘It is undoubtedly disheartening to hear such news, but not surprising. We know there are wonderful examples of high quality RE going on in primary schools, with excellent teachers who use the subject to help their students grow up with a broad understanding of and open-minded attitude to the world and the people who inhabit it. ‘But we also know that there are too many students who don’t get the quality of RE they deserve and are entitled to receive. This not only risks students’ own futures but also the future cohesion of our wonderfully diverse country.’ Wood added that the concerns are not limited to primary education. He explained: ‘A similar account emerges about secondary schools. ‘It angers me that young people are being denied an important part of their education.’
The Tablet
Premier
CHURCH TEMPTS YOUNG WITH GYMS AND WIFI Amid the melodies from the organ and quiet murmuring of worshippers at prayer, churches will soon be filled with the whirring of treadmills, tapping of keyboards and tinkle of bicycle bells. The Church of England is to offer
The Times
WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO WESTERN LIFESTYLE
and dairy industry, using plastic products and consumer electronics and buying unsustainable supermarket products’. The member of Climate Christian Action had been asked to help police with their inquiries after the pressure group held a series of actions… in Cambridge. But she told police that her crime was a joint enterprise and called for all levels of government to be charged with her… She had not been arrested or charged.
A Christian woman has handed herself into a police station pleading guilty to living a ‘normal Western lifestyle’. Angela Kalinzi Ditchfield admitted to ‘criminally damaging the world by living a normal privileged/western lifestyle involving using flights and cars, eating the products of the meat
The Church of England Newspaper
PRAISE FOR PRISON MINISTER
SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Major Tony Button – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 DTP OPERATOR Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne
ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4895 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445445 (option 1) (fax) 01933 445415 (email) subscriptions@sp-s.co.uk TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101 Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Grange Ltd, Southwick. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.
ISSN 2516-5909
SALVATIONIST ONLINE Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline Find Salvationist on Twitter twitter.com/@SalvationistUK
THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel David Kelly
Salvationist 9 February 2019
3
NEWS
The second-oldest surviving corps in the world celebrates 150th anniversary year CROYDON CITADEL TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill shared the weekend celebrations. The Territorial Commander is a former junior soldier of the corps and his parents were the corps officers during its centenary year. Corps officers Majors Lisa and Mike Lloyd-Jones initiated the celebrations on Saturday evening with a barn dance. The Sunday meeting was led by Commissioner Gill, who, for the young people, illustrated the power of the Holy Spirit. Bandsman Julian Sandford and junior soldier Grace Musuele gave their testimonies. Grace was asked what her greatest wish was for the corps and she confidently replied: ‘For everyone to get closer to God.’ The senior band played before the meeting began, the singing company sang ‘Take Up Your Cross’ and the YP band played ‘Procession And Praise’. The songsters reprised the song they sang at the territorial leaders’ installation, ‘Holy Spirit, Rain Down’. The TC took Back To The Future as the theme for a powerful Bible address based on words
from 2 Timothy. Recalling many happy memories of the corps, he said: ‘It’s great to look back, but we must not be so engrossed with the past that we try to recreate it. Nevertheless, we must “go back to the old wells” before daring to go forward.’ His challenging text to the corps was: ‘Fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you’ (2 Timothy 1:6). In the closing moments of the meeting there was a solemn response when many people made decisions at the mercy seat. The meeting closed with the song, ‘Lord, For The Years’ with the congregation declaring, ‘past put behind us, for the future take us’. After the meeting, while the band and others took part in the weekly open-air evangelism in the town centre, the territorial leaders attended the corps youth fellowship, and then took part in a question time, freely answering unscripted questions from corps members. – C. K. DONCASTER: The band visited HMP and YOI Doncaster, playing carols on various wings and other units. Prison director Jerry Spencer, Managing Chaplain Harish Massey and other members of staff joined them. The following day Prison Chaplains Majors Colin and Ria Campbell received positive feedback from prisoners and staff. A £300 donation from Serco, which operates the prison, has been promised to the band. – C. C.
MAIDSTONE: Gillingham Songsters took part in the Sunday evening salvation praise meeting, opening with ‘I Will Rejoice And Sing’. Songsters Sarah and Sherry Salcedo brought a duet, ‘Noel’, and Major Haris Giannaros (Gillingham) encouraged everyone to abandon themselves to Jesus. – G. P. 4
Salvationist 9 February 2019
HULL: Hull Citadel and Hull Icehouse united to form a band for the 30th annual Lost Trawlermen’s Day, an open-air service that commemorates the lost trawlermen of Hull. The event was well attended by members of the community, and the bishop of Hull, the Right Rev Alison White, brought the address. – M. K.
First-hand praise for Employment Plus NEWPORT CITADEL A NEWPORT woman has been singing the praises of Employment Plus – the Salvation Army programme that supported her getting back into work. Karen spoke at a meeting of the Institute of Employability Professionals about how Employment Plus had helped her. ‘I was a full-time carer for my mother until she passed away. She was living with dementia and I was her carer for the last five years of her life and so was
unable to work,’ said Karen. ‘Before that, I’d worked at the Patent Office. I’d also been a receptionist, worked in a factory, as a waitress and trained as a hairdresser when I left school. ‘My work coach from the Job Centre put me in touch with Employment Plus. Since I’ve been going to Employment Plus I’ve gained qualifications and that has made me more confident, which has been helpful at job interviews. ‘I recently had an interview – it went brilliantly and I’ve been offered a job as a support worker. I would recommend Employment Plus to anyone in Newport who is looking for a job.’ – I. R.
GREENLAND: A new charity postage stamp released by Post Greenland, will raise awareness and funds for The Salvation Army’s work in Nuuk with people experiencing homelessness. Each stamp, costing 16 krone (£1.87), will generate 1 krone for The Salvation Army. The stamp, designed by artist Maria Panínguak Kjærulff, portrays a group of people sharing a meal around a table – an everyday occurrence at The Salvation Army’s William’s Café in the capital – and incorporates the Army’s red shield. – A. R.
Michael Smith presents Chelmsford Carpet Bowl Club member Cyril Commons with the Friendship Cup; also pictured is club organiser David Hayward
BIG 200199
pray like a child
International
DAY OF PR RAYER for children and youth
International Day of Prayer for Children and Youth will encourage participants to dream big IHQ CSM Keith Adnams receives a retirement certificate from corps officers Majors Julian and Julie Rowley, acknowledging 22 years’ service as over-60 club secretary and leader of the luncheon club at Burton-on-Trent; Keith’s wife, Jean, has supported him faithfully with both roles
DREAM Big – Pray Like a Child is the theme of The Salvation Army’s International Day of Prayer for Children and Youth on Sunday 31 March, inspired by Ephesians 3:20 and 21. General Brian Peddle is encouraging corps to focus their ministry on younger people HARWICH: The 139th corps anniversary meetings looked at the past, present and future of the corps. History books were put on show and former corps officers Majors Barrie and Maria Sampson (Clacton) conducted the meetings. – B. Y.
during their meetings on this date. The General says: ‘We must accept responsibility for children, young adults and emerging leaders – equipping, growing, empowering and discipling our present and future Salvation Army.’ A range of resources has been produced to support the Day of Prayer. These include a tenday devotional and prayer resource, ideas for Sunday school activities, a sermon outline, children’s story and creative arts resources as well as music suggestions for bands, songsters and worship teams. A range of posters and multimedia images is available to promote awareness of the Day of Prayer, and a benediction by the General has been recorded for use in children and youth-focused meetings. – A. R. O For more information, and to download the Day of Prayer resources, visit sar.my/idpcy2019 Salvationist 9 February 2019
5
LETTERS
ARE WE FULLY EXPLOITING OUR STRENGTHS? SOME progress has been made over the years to involve the laity, including the introduction of the corps council, and broadening the responsibilities from census board to pastoral care council. David Newstead (Salvationist 19 January) has, however, raised pertinent questions concerning the extent to which this may be
implemented in regard to future developments in the territory. Recognising that, whatever changes may be planned and introduced, our prime purpose is the saving of souls, it is perhaps relevant to inquire how the knowledge, expertise and experience of Salvationists at the highest level in business, commerce and industry have been utilised in the past or are intended to be in future. Len Roberts, Hemel Hempstead
YORKSHIRE OR KENT? ALAN Bowd (Salvationist 26 January) points out that the tune ‘Cranbrook’ is best known as the Yorkshire ‘anthem’, but its birthplace is in Kent, and the original words relate to Bethlehem and not to Ilkley Moor. ‘Cranbrook’ was composed in 1805 by Thomas Clark, a shoemaker and Freeman of the city of Canterbury at a time when most churches sang only metrical psalms and biblical paraphrases. He was one of many musicians who provided livelier Christmas settings for ‘While Shepherds Watched’ – Nahum Tate’s rhyming version of Luke 2:8 to 14. A version of Clark’s original (words and music) can be downloaded via Cranbrook Town Band’s website. Alan rightly reminds us that many listeners will link the tune ‘Cranbrook’ with a Yorkshire moor, but I fear that the Christian associations of many other carol melodies are also fading fast. The traditional version of ‘While Shepherds Watched’ is an annual must sing for me. But last year I managed it only once, even though I attended several carol concerts and services, and when I asked some schoolchildren for a Christmas number, the whole class gave me a spirited rendition of ‘When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney’ followed by an uncertain attempt at ‘Away In A Manger’. John Coutts, Stirling
DEEPER CONSECRATION A LOVELY ‘God-incidence’, as my dear friend Marc Harry would put it, happened recently. In a band practice, Ken Smith’s 2018 brass arrangement of ‘In Deeper Consecration’ was put on the stands. A new piece to me and, although the source material was familiar, I had to go back to the songbook and check out the full version (SASB 712), realising that I only knew part of the chorus. I was also delighted to find a recording by Portsmouth Citadel Songsters in my collection. Within a few hours of this happening, my corps officer emailed me asking for 6
Salvationist 9 February 2019
a suitable songster piece that could be played during our rescheduled Commitment Sunday service, during the prayers. Not only was I able to play this track, to the surprise and delight of some of our older members, but also realise that some of our newer members, who aren’t acquainted with many Army classics, really loved the simplicity of its message. I’m grateful that this Army classic is still available, and also to Ken Smith for his recent arrangement. In the depths of my soul’s greatest longing I am coming, dear Saviour, to thee, Offering each thought and deed for refining; Let thy touch now descend upon me. Morvyn Finch, Woodbridge
IN SUPPORT OF THE TUNE ‘CRANBROOK’ BEING a Yorkshireman through and through, I couldn’t let Alan Bowd’s letter (Salvationist 26 January) go without comment. After all, when my wife and I retired we even named our house ‘Cranbrook’. I agree wholeheartedly that the use of certain tunes, like ‘Cranbrook’ and ‘Storm The Forts Of Darkness’, is totally inappropriate for use without appropriate reference to the words we associate with them. But I cannot agree to them not being used, nor do I suspect would the Founder, who is reputed to have said: ‘Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?’ As for ‘Cranbrook’ and it being the Yorkshire ‘anthem’: of course it is, but doesn’t Alan realise that Yorkshire folk pinched the tune from Thomas Clark’s A Sett Of Psalm And Hymn Tunes (1805)? Furthermore, does he not know the words of the celebrated hymn writer Philip Doddridge to which the tune was originally set? Grace! ’tis a charming sound, Harmonious to the ear; Heav’n with the echo shall resound, And all the earth shall hear. Grace led our wand’ring feet To tread the heav’nly road; And new supplies each hour we meet, While pressing on to God. Grace all the work shall crown, Through everlasting days; It lays in Heav’n the topmost stone, And well deserves our praise. As for the setting of the tune to the carol, ‘While Shepherds Watched’, I respectfully suggest that he listens to a full orchestra using the tune and, along with massed choirs, raising the roof in the likes of the Royal Albert Hall. Or for that matter, find a recording online and recognise that the tune offers much more than a ditty that we Yorkshire folk love. Oh, and by the way, the tune was in the Army tune book, three tune books back, and set to Isaac Watts’ wonderful hymn, ‘Come, Ye That Love The Lord’. Incidentally, the reason we named our house ‘Cranbrook’ was because it gives reference to my beloved Yorkshire roots and also to our roots as Christians, but it is also funny to hear fellow Salvationists whistling the tune when they visit us! Melvyn Ackroyd, Major, Bromley
Join the
conversation
WANTED
SACRED SPACE FOR THE FUTURE Lieut-Colonel David Kelly asks us to make sacred space for the next generation
T
HE idea of sacred space is not an uncommon one in The Salvation Army, and it means different things to different people based on their own experiences. In many corps, sacred space might refer to the hall, where people have come to faith and lives have been transformed. It might be the whole room or it might refer only to the mercy seat or place of prayer. The importance of this space cannot be overstated; setting aside a specific place to meet with God has been a vital part of the worshipping community since the book of Genesis. I have been in corps where this space was seen to be so sacred that there was an audible gasp when someone new to the Army came forward and actually sat on the mercy seat, though I am fairly certain God was happy just to see them there with an open heart – not to mention that calling it a mercy seat does imply it is OK to sit down. Sacred space might also refer to a time or physical space on our life journey where significant spiritual decisions have been made. For many Americans of my generation the divisional camp represents sacred space, where God called us to be his own or revealed a specific purpose for our lives. The importance of those places and times continues to impact us for years to come, and to us they are sacred.
But I’d like to suggest that there is other sacred space that is vital to the health and future of The Salvation Army. Healthy, sustainable corps and healthy, sustainable faith-based organisations have this important thing in common: they all intentionally make space for the next generation that God is raising up. They won’t look just like us, they won’t lead just like us, they won’t sound just like us, but they are very much God’s choice for the next generation! How does a healthy corps make sacred space? When a long-time CSM sees their influence for the future not in clinging to the role but in mentoring the next generation CSM, we create sacred space that God will bless. When a long-time music leader steps aside and encourages a young, aspiring music leader to test and develop their leadership ability, we create sacred space that God will bless. When the corps council not only adds younger members but actively listens and acts upon the ideas and perspectives of the next generation, we create sacred space that God will bless. When the worship needs of the next generation are identified and when the elements of worship important to the next generation are valued by our own, we create sacred space that God will bless. In the creation of this sacred space, we are making room for God to fully work in the hearts and gifts of our next generation. It will be different but it will be wonderful! God raises up great leaders for every generation but
providing room for them to expand their God-given abilities is vital if they are to reach their potential. A culture of true servanthood will permit us to make room and allowances and opportunities for our next generation to surpass us, and that should be our goal! This is equally true for healthy organisations. We should continually be looking around the table to see who is sitting on our decision-making groups and consider if we are making room for the next generation of leaders. If we want to hear all the perspectives that we need to hear and if we want to be sustainable for decades to come, the next generation of leaders has to be in the room with us, sitting at the table and fully participating in the planning process. The best generation of leaders should always be the next one but that will only happen as we intentionally create sacred space that gives each future leader room to become the very best version of themselves. And be assured, as they become the best version of themselves, so do we – a best version of the Army for this generation of ministry and the next. Join the conversation! This article also appears on facebook.com/SalvationistOnline where you can respond and ‘join the conversation’
O
LIEUT-COLONEL KELLY IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ
Salvationist 9 February 2019
7
LIGHT BITES
ZWISCHENZUG In an excerpt from his book Light Bites Major Peter Mylechreest encourages us to be open to God’s unexpected plans
C
HESS offers many tactics for achieving the overall objective of trapping the opponent’s king so that he cannot escape (checkmate). Among these is the zwischenzug. It’s a German word describing a tactic in which a player, instead of playing the expected move, first interposes another move that the opponent must respond to, before playing the previously anticipated move. In our lives we all plan our next move at one level or another – whether it’s a 20-year career development strategy or a one-off travel plan to get to a meeting or event. But we should be careful not to assume or expect a certain outcome.
God may have other plans! The New Testament letter of James warns against the arrogance of assuming that by planning we can determine our actions and their results: Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow… Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’ (James 4:13–15). We would expect the followers of Jesus to be missionaries just where they were. We would presume that if Philip were proclaiming the message of the Messiah successfully in Samaria, he would continue doing so there. But, unexpectedly, in obedience to the promptings of God, Philip left Samaria to go to a desolate road between Jerusalem and Gaza. It was there, in an unexpected way and in an unlikely place, that Philip encountered an important Ethiopian official and brought him to faith in Jesus.
When Philip had explained the Scriptures, the Ethiopian responded by being baptised. Then we read: ‘When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of God suddenly took Philip off, and that was the last the eunuch [the Ethiopian official] saw of him. But he didn’t mind. He had what he’d come for and went on down the road as happy as he could be. Philip showed up in Azotus and continued north, preaching the Message in all the villages along that route until he arrived at Caesarea’ (Acts 8:39 and 40 The Message). Oh, to be as open as Philip to God’s zwischenzug! Light Bites: Spiritual Food In Small Portions is available from SP&S priced £4.99 (plus postage and packing)
O
MAJOR MYLECHREEST LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LONDON
+ REVIEW
THE TROOPS JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (brass/choral) Paul Sharman reviews the CD For The World by the Household Troops Band
S
INCE the Household Troops Band was re-formed in 1996 the band has regularly produced CDs with attractive programmes and good quality playing. I was a member of the band from 1996 until 2003, during which time the annual recording session and summer tour were the mainstays of the band’s diary. It is much the same under Bandmaster Carl Saunders. For The World was recorded in 2018 for the band’s visit to Old Orchard Beach, Maine (USA Eastern Territory). The music takes us on a trip around the 8
Salvationist 9 February 2019
world, through the styles of the various items and through the nationalities of the composers featured. Keeping to the theme, as well as providing a convincing, concert-style, repertoire CD, is not always easy but it works effectively here. The band is on good form, and the musical challenges, presented by meeting only a couple of times a year, are mostly overcome. We start our journey in Canada with Kevin Norbury’s concert march ‘True North’. Following this is Sam Creamer’s ‘For The World’. With its use of ‘The World For God’, ‘Christ For The World, We Sing’, ‘For The World’ and ‘He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands’, this piece ties together the whole theme and reveals the reason why the band does what it does. Two soloists are featured: Daniel Robson (cornet) presents the classic variation solo ‘Napoli’ and Anthony Smith (euphonium) plays ‘Scottish Folk Variants’ revealing the skill that we
would expect from these fine players. The major work is Dean Goffin’s ‘My Strength, My Tower’, which is given a good performance, with some quality solo work. ‘Sunrise Over Blue Ridge’, ‘Myfanwy’ and ‘Here Is The Place’ are the more meditative offerings on the recording and these are contrasted with the upbeat ‘Nordic Polska’ and ‘Valero’. John Williams’ ‘A Hymn To New England’ and Peter Graham’s ‘Gaelforce’ feature, before the CD concludes with Erik Silfverberg’s setting of ‘A Celtic Blessing’ – a fitting end as we pray that wherever we may travel, God will always be with us. For The World is available from SP&S priced £13.95 (plus postage and packing)
O
Thinkalou d b
MAKING SENSE OF THE BIBLE
y John Coutts
W
HEN I was a small boy in Sunday school we used to ‘read round the class’ from m Bibles that weren’t very child friendly. y. We had the King James Version, in small print and with double columns. On the dark red cover were the words, ‘THE PROPERTY OF THE SALVATION ON ARMY, NOT TO BE TAKEN AWAY’. Following long-standing Bible Society ety policy, our copies of Scripture were printed ‘without note or comment’. Explanations were meant to come from om our teacher (in Salvation Army language, the company guard) with the help of the textbook (International Company Orders). But unprepared teachers would simply read us the accompanying story from The Young g Soldier – now Kids Alive! This annoyed yed youthful me, because I knew that those ose neglected International Company Orders were the work of my longsuffering dad – the future General Frederick Coutts. The Bible Society decided to translate and circulate the plain text of Scripture worldwide because controversial marginal notes had led to strife back in previous centuries. But ‘without note or comment’ was a practice that led soon to problems. Should inquirers begin reading at Genesis and keep going, only to flounder in the middle of Leviticus? And what were they to make, for example, of the claim that Babylonian babies ought to be smashed against a rock (Psalm 137:9)? Was this a bitter cry of rage or a statement of eternal truth? Under pressure from the mission field ‘notes and comments’ began to appear. HEALTH WARNINGS NEEDED? Those notes and comments were of course meant to explain the Bible, not excuse or criticise it. But recently the European Jewish Congress has requested that page margins in Bibles should include so-called ‘trigger warnings’ to highlight passages which have been used to encourage antisemitism. Biblical introductions should also include ‘cautions that... warn readers about antisemitic passages’ (see Salvationist 8 December 2018). Now, most of what Christians call the
Old Testament is written from the Israelite point of view, so can hardly be called ‘antisemitic’ if that means ‘anti-Jewish’. You could argue that the Hebrew Scriptures are anti-Philistine, Edomite or Amalekite, though all the peoples are called on to praise God together (see Psalm 67:5). But the real concern of those Jewish scholars is with antisemitic attitudes in the New Testament, notably but not solely in the fourth Gospel, which frequently refers to the opponents of Jesus as ‘the Jews’ – in John 20:19 and elsewhere in the King James Version – even though our Lord was a Jew himself. Christians must sadly admit that there is truth in the antisemitism charge. I can’t forget that the genial poet Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Canterbury Tales includes an appalling story – The Prioress’s Tale – about a Christian boy murdered by Jews because he kept singing hymns to the Virgin. It’s a vicious variation on the so-called ‘blood libel’, which is still circulating today. NOTES AND COMMENTS FOR A NEW GENERATION So, clearly the Bible always needs plenty of explaining, whether by teachers, preachers, commentaries or – yes – by notes in the margin. A good example of the latter can be found in the new youth
ed edition of the Good News Bible. IIt’s a heavyweight book – nearly one and a half kilograms on my scales – but an it’s definitely not heavy going. Youthful readers are provided with notes, rea puzzles and explanations, and offered pu ple plenty of wide margins in which to record their own comments, drawings rec and reflections. Free videos and an resources are available for the online res generation. ge On reading the Parable of the Sower O (Matthew 13:1–17), for example, you (M are invited to ‘doodle’ – in the space provided – the type of seed with which pro you identify. That’s fair enough for a yo parable, I thought, but how would the youth Bible deal with the really difficult bits? So I looked up the gang rape at Gibeah and its ghastly aftermath (Judges 19 and 20), wondering if the editors would discreetly skip it. But no – there, clear and plain in the margin is the comment: ‘This story is awful... difficult to read and hard to make sense of... but we see how one evil act can escalate with many ending up hurt.’ I haven’t found any marginal ‘trigger warnings’ against antisemitism but I notice that those hostile ‘Jews’ who keep appearing in traditional translations of the fourth Gospel have become ‘the Jewish authorities’ in the Good News Bible (John 20:19 and elsewhere). What could have been an explanatory note in the margin has become part of the text. So let’s praise the Lord for the youth edition of the Bible, and hope that many young people will read it, mark it, doodle in it – and go on to find a living faith. Good News Bible: The Youth Edition is available from biblesociety.org.uk priced £19.99 (plus postage and packing)
O
JOHN IS A SOLDIER AT STIRLING CORPS Salvationist 9 February 2019
9
INTERVIEW
A TRULY INTERNATIONAL Major Jonny Smith shares with Shanelle Manderson the importance of intercultural mission
T
HE Oxford dictionary defines intercultural as ‘taking place between cultures’ or ‘derived from different cultures’. With the Intercultural Mission Conference less than a month away, Major Jonny Smith explains the gathering’s focus: ‘The word “intercultural” needs a little more insight. When we looked at what this conference should be called we considered multicultural and multi-ethnic, but those areas are massive – they could mean so many things. ‘My view is that ethnicity is culture but culture is more than ethnicity, and so we’ve gone down the route of intercultural mission because it’s about us being willing to enter into other people’s cultures. I use the phrase: “Being willing to be mutually inconvenienced”. ‘So, for example, my kids got a Nintendo Switch for Christmas,’ Jonny continues. ‘They absolutely love it when I sit and play on it. It’s better than Xbox, but I do not long to go on the Nintendo Switch. The point is, it simply shows them that I am willing to enter into the culture of gaming, which they love. When I try to get them to enter into things that are important to me, it still
10
Salvationist 9 February 2019
may not be easy, but I believe that any relationship requires a willingness to enter into each other’s cultures.’ Jonny believes this willingness will lead to great things and, more importantly, mirrors Jesus’ behaviour. ‘When we read about the ministry of Jesus, he enters into many different cultural places,’ he says. ‘The woman at the well is a fantastic story where he enters Samaria, speaks with a single woman and then moves into her community for two days – no one else would have done that. So, actually, we should be willing to do this because we should model ourselves on Jesus.’ Jonny was encouraged to organise the first conference when he was appointed to his present role in 2016, and for the past two years has had around one hundred people meet together to hear the word, worship together and enter into each other’s cultures. With ethnic minorities set to make up a fifth of Britain’s population by 2051, this year the hope is for the conference to find better ways for The Salvation Army to journey and improve intercultural mission, with a focus on getting people together from a variety of different ethnic groups to be involved in the conversation. ‘As we’re getting more diverse as a country, on the whole, I’m not convinced The Salvation Army in this territory is really capturing the diversity that we’re seeing around us. I think we can do far better,’ says Jonny. ‘I often see corps that are starting to become far more culturally diverse, yet people outside the
Delegates at the 2018 Intercultural Mission Conference majority ethnic group are often not involved in the key conversations of corps life – this is crucial with intercultural mission. ‘If you look at midweek attendance at different clubs that are going on in Salvation Army centres, most corps now say they’re incredibly ethnically diverse, but the Sunday meetings are not. People ask, “How do we change that?” My approach is that we need to start preaching about this challenge; we need to study Bible verses and we need to be praying. If God is bringing a group of people to the Army on Wednesday, we also need to be thinking how we can be the church on Wednesday as much as Sunday. ‘Importantly, we need to have a time when all people from these different groups – Monday through to Sunday – can meet together to celebrate their unity in diversity. This is where we need people from all these different groups to gather together and talk through what a united gathering would look like. ‘And that’s what’s key with this conference: all people gathered together, from many different backgrounds, will be involved in the conversation and journeying together on
MOVEMENT
how we can make intercultural mission more effective within this territory.’ The weekend’s programme has been designed to be inspiring, informative and facilitate good conversations. Major Matt Spencer (New Addington) will be leading choral worship. On Friday evening, chaplain to the Speaker, the Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, will be sharing some words. Saturday will be a time when conversations can take place, and this will be facilitated by representatives from The Centre for Inclusive Leadership, an effectiveness practice that supports people to be their best selves and do their best work. Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill will be present throughout the weekend and will share a message on Sunday before the conference is brought to a close, hopefully with exciting ways in which everyone can move forward. Jonny’s passion for intercultural mission stems from ten years of officership at Southwark Corps. He lived in Essex for a lot of his life and after training at William Booth College was immersed in a hyper-diverse setting with his wife, Catherine. ‘Southwark was our first appointment,’
says Jonny. ‘It was a real eye opener because suddenly I’d gone from my white, middle-class culture to being with people from lots of different backgrounds, countries and cultures, and we were all meeting together to worship. That was a beautiful expression of church, a wonderful expression of the Kingdom – God’s Kingdom now. That’s where my journey started.’ There are many other examples of corps across the territory that have embraced intercultural mission, as Jonny is quick to mention: New Malden, Edmonton, Keighley, Belfast Citadel, Ilford, Glasgow City Centre and Clapton, to name just a few. ‘There are pockets where there are good things happening. I can’t say for sure what exactly they’re doing differently in comparison with other corps because everyone and everywhere is different. Perhaps they’ve taken on board that they’ve been appointed to the community as well as the corps. ‘Naturally, I think that if we’re in a community our prayer should always be: “What can we be to all this community? How can we be a multicultural church
that’s needed?” And people will say: “That’s fine Jonny, but I’m in a place where there are no people from different ethnic minority groups”, but you can still be a multicultural church. How can you be a church that is for all people in your community? It’s the same question. What’s key is that you really have to want this. We’ve got to think outside our walls and find ways of actually being with people.’ The conference is a great opportunity to help everyone move forward together interculturally. ‘I want to be authentic with this and really listen to what God is saying to those gathered,’ Jonny explains. ‘So, what things are we doing well, what are we not doing well and how can we do things better? I don’t know and, importantly, I do not want to come with preconceived ideas, as this can be unhelpful. Rather, I long to see the Almighty move among us and empower us like never before. That’s why we’re gathering people together. ‘I just want us to be a truly international movement in the UK because the international Salvation Army is in the UK, along with hundreds of thousands of people from every country in the world. May we long to see God’s Kingdom come and his will be done on this earth, as in Heaven!’ If you are interested in attending the Intercultural Mission Conference, from 1 to 3 March, contact Major Jonny Smith at jonny.smith@salvationarmy.org.uk
O
MAJOR SMITH IS INTERCULTURAL MISSION ENABLER, THQ Salvationist 9 February 2019
11
FEATURE Trek China
TREK OF A
LIFETIME Trevor Caffull shares highlights of an unforgettable, ‘life-affirming’ experience trekking along the Great Wall of China
L
IKE many people, my wife, Deborah, and I have kept a ‘bucket list’ ever since seeing the 2007 film of the same name. And top of the list throughout that time has been to visit the Great Wall of China, an iconic landmark and one of the ‘new’ seven wonders of the world. A chance meeting with Angela Carlucci and her Community and Events Fundraising team at THQ first alerted me to the possibility. That night I went home, informed Deborah of the opportunity and, without too much hesitation, we were among the first to sign up for Trek China. Our commitment from the outset was to raise nearly £3,000 each for The Salvation Army’s Emergency Response Services. We received fabulous support from friends, colleagues and fellow Salvationists and it was good to head off on the trek knowing that our fundraising target had been achieved. From the advance information provided by the organisers one thing was clear: this was not for the fainthearted – it was going to be quite a physical challenge! That challenge lay more in the gradients and huge flights of steps rather than the distance we would be trekking, so I made an early commitment to use no more lifts until the trek was over. Meetings on the ninth floor at THQ suddenly became a little more challenging! And so the day dawned. The group of 27 trekkers met our leaders – from trek 12
Salvationist 9 February 2019
tour partners Global Adventure Challenges – in Heathrow Terminal 3 at 6 am. It was the first time we had met as a group. We spanned a range of ages from early twenties to seventies, and we comprised Salvation Army officers, other Salvationists, a couple of non-Salvationist employees and a few people with no knowledge of the Army. By the time of our return home we would be united as a strong team, richer for the sharing of personal stories and backgrounds, and those without prior Army knowledge would have a greater understanding of the organisation, its beliefs and its social reach. The bonding of the entire group was indeed one of the highlights. The Great Wall of China is a truly extraordinary edifice. Its oldest parts were constructed as long ago as 700 BC and the entire structure was built, on and off, over a 2,000-year time span. Some people have asked whether we walked the whole length of the wall, unaware that it measures more than 13,000 miles in total. Based on the rate of progress achieved over our five-day trek, had our aim been to walk the full length we would have been due home in about five years’ time – assuming we had no rest days! In fact, the distance
‘
By the time of our return home we would be united as a strong team, richer for the sharing of personal stories and backgrounds
’
covered – about 50 km over the five days – belies the true challenge of the trek. Ten kilometres per day on the flat is relatively easy for anybody of reasonable fitness and mobility; the challenges here were steep gradients, occasional rough terrain and endless steep flights of steps. My Fitbit informed
Deborah and Trevor
me that, while I had trekked an average of 18,000 footsteps per day, I had actually traversed up and down the equivalent of 170 floors each day. That’s a lot of pressure on the knees! The trek took us to five different zones of the wall, which gave opportunity to see fully restored sections and almost derelict passages where, for safety reasons, we had to detour through light jungle areas before looping back to rejoin a safer section of the wall. The entire wall is made up of a series of passages linking more than 30,000 watchtowers. It was these that formed the real defence of the border with Mongolia – the primary purpose of the original construction. As we travelled across the miles between watchtowers the vista was extraordinary and eerily remote. If I had been told mid-trek that we had been dropped onto the moon’s surface I think I would have believed it – the landscape was distinctly lunar. Our comfort was aided by the wonderful weather conditions, which could hardly have
‘
If I had been told mid-trek that we had been dropped onto the moon’s surface I think I would have believed it
’
been more ideal – 18C and perfectly clear, blue skies. Perhaps the highlight day for many in the group was the climbing of the Heavenly Ladder – so called because, at its peak, this extraordinary stone staircase seems to disappear into the heavens. The day in question consisted of an ascent to the wall of 1,000 steps, followed by a trek through 11 watchtowers and extremely undulating terrain, before the final climb – a section of 455 steps that rose through a 45
degree angle. Apparently the world record for this ascent stands at 3 minutes 27 seconds – a record not in the least threatened within our group! There was a palpable sense of achievement as we all gathered for a group photograph at the summit. How does one sum up such an experience? What was my highlight? Was it the extraordinary vista that conjured up so many passages from the Psalms? (I commented to one officer in the group that this trek was a bit of a sermon heaven!) Was it the bonding of a random group of 27 individuals? Was it hearing Tom’s story? (Tom works in our Openshaw charity shop, now attends Openshaw Corps and has an inspirational testimony of how the Army helped to save him from an addiction of daily cocaine abuse.) Was it the Heavenly Ladder? Was it the fact that, as a group, we raised a total of more than £100,000? Or was it the quality time spent with Deborah in achieving one of our ‘bucket list’ challenges? In truth, it was all these things. A life-affirming experience that none of the 27 will ever forget. Thank you Angela and your team, thank you Global Adventure Challenges, thank you to our intrepid group of 27 and thank God for this amazing world in which we live, full of awe-inspiring beauty. O For
details of this year’s trek – Trek Cambodia – contact the Fundraising team on 020 7367 4819 TREVOR IS MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE SALVATION ARMY TRADING COMPANY AND A SOLDIER AT KETTERING CITADEL Salvationist 9 February 2019
13
ADVERTISEMENT
14
Salvationist 9 February 2019
FEATURE Gifts in Wills
HOW WILL YOU BE REMEMBERED? The Individual Giving and Legacy Team (THQ) introduces its new Gifts in Wills materials and addresses some commonly held misconceptions about the will-making process
I
N response to a growing number of supporters asking how to go about making a will and leaving money to The Salvation Army, the Individual Giving and Legacy Team has developed a new range of Gifts in Wills material. The new step-by-step guide to making a will includes a Will Planner, which helps to set out the information needed by a solicitor to draft a will, and a Personal Record of Documents and Information, which helps to lay out the information executors will need. These practical tools aim to demystify the will-making process. Primarily intended to help people recognise the advantages of having a will, the guide includes details of organisations offering additional information. The guide is applicable in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and while the law in Scotland differs in certain respects, the general information should still prove helpful. Accompanying the guide are two new In Our Prayers materials: In Memory cards and funeral collection envelopes. The In Memory card is blank inside for the sender to write a personalised message. The new funeral collection envelopes include all the relevant donor and Gift
Aid information and can be used by individuals and corps. After the funeral collection, cheques should be made payable to The Salvation Army and can be sent to the Supporter Care Team at THQ, which will bank the money and ensure all funds are allocated to corps as appropriate. The THQ team will ensure that thank you letters meet relevant data protection requirements. Cash should not be sent in the post. WHY SHOULD I MAKE A WILL? You can be confident your wishes will be met when you die; making sure everything goes to the people and causes close to your heart. A will makes it easier for the people you leave behind – you will be continuing to look after your loved ones by letting them know your wishes. Otherwise, doubts and disagreement might arise and your estate – your property, including cash and savings – might not go to the people you intended. A will can remove any uncertainties. If you have young children, making a will is even more important because it states who will take guardianship in the event of your death. CAN I WRITE MY OWN WILL? Yes, you can write your own will but, as it is an important legal document, dealing with the disposal of money and possibly your home and the guardianship of children, you must get it right if it is to be valid. A poorly worded will can create doubt over your intentions. A gift to ‘John Smith’, rather than ‘my brother John Smith’, could create havoc. This is why it is advisable to seek professional advice from a solicitor.
‘
You can be confident your wishes will be met when you die; making sure everything goes to the people and causes close to your heart
’
I DON’T NEED A WILL – WON’T EVERYTHING GO TO MY SPOUSE/ PARTNER WHEN I DIE? Assets held in your joint names will pass automatically to the survivor when one of you dies, but any assets held in your sole name will have to be transferred. Without a will the process is not straightforward. If you are not married, jointly owned assets will still pass by survivorship, but a partner does not have the same legal entitlement as that conferred on a spouse. A will is one of the few ways to be confident that a partner benefits when you die. For those who are not married it is also worth considering any life assurance or pension benefits that might arise in the event of your death. IS MAKING A WILL COMPLICATED? Many people put off writing a will because they do not know where to start. If the process is broken down into bite-sized chunks, it can make what feels like an enormous task more manageable. These materials can help to do that. IS MAKING A WILL EXPENSIVE? You can find a solicitor through The Law Society of England and Wales (020 7320 5650 or solicitors.lawsociety. org.uk). If your will is uncomplicated, it does not have to be expensive. The Salvation Army takes part in Free Wills Month during March and October each year and, if you are aged 55 or over, you can make an appointment with a participating solicitor (0845 020 4309 or freewillsmonth.org.uk) and have a simple will written at no cost. If you take part, there is no obligation to remember The Salvation Army in your will. The next campaign will be launched on 1 March. For a copy of the new guide and In Our Prayers materials please contact Legacy and In Memoriam Fundraising Manager Jackie Birch on 020 7367 4804 or jackie.birch@salvationarmy.org.uk
O
For queries about amending or making a will contact the dedicated legacy team on 0800 144 4774 or legacy.enquiry@salvationarmy.org.uk
O
Salvationist 9 February 2019
15
BIBLE STUDY
BE WISE! Major Steve Dutfield recognises the need to exercise good judgment in the face of opposition STUDY PASSAGE: ACTS 19:23 TO 20:1
R
ECENTLY my wife and I had the opportunity to visit Georgia, where we had lived and worked for a few years. While we were there, I was able to take in a few things that I had not been able to do when living in the country. One of these was to pay a visit to the Dinamo Stadium in Tbilisi, home of the former Soviet football champions and now the National Stadium for the Georgian football team. One evening I went there for a Nations League game against another former Soviet country, Latvia. The atmosphere was unbelievable, incredibly loud and could quite rightly be described as hostile. I was thankful that the Georgian team were victorious! I am sure many of us have been to similar highly charged events, whether a football match, a protest march or a tense gathering when opposing views are being aired. In some ways this is the situation into
Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day by Major Howard Webber
16
Salvationist 9 February 2019
which Paul stepped when he made his way once again to Ephesus. The world in which Paul lived was filled with a highly charged political, economic and religious atmosphere. Protests were the order of the day. It sounds familiar, doesn’t it? On this day, the protest into which Paul walked was one of his own making or, at least, of the making of this small band of followers of the Way. QUESTION O What challenges can you make, even as a small group of disciples, in the communities in which you live and work? To put it simply, challenging the idolatrous religious practices of the proud Ephesians soon began to hit some of them where it hurt the most: their pockets. To backtrack just a little, we need to recognise that the city of Ephesus was not some backwater town, but an important religious and cultural centre. It was the largest city of Asia Minor, with a population thought to be around 100,000. Above all else, it was famous as the home of the goddess Artemis. The devotion shown to Artemis could clearly be seen in the huge temple dedicated to her. This temple was massive, maybe the largest building in the Greek world, and today is considered to be one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.
As is still the case today, there were those who saw an opportunity for some moneymaking, selling silver shrines of Artemis and, no doubt, tacky tourist models of the temple itself. Into this situation the followers of the Way presented some serious economic pressures, as well as undermining the religious heritage of the people of Asia. What happened next was that one of those noisy crowds started to gather. Confusion reigned as some shouted one thing and some another. Most people didn’t even know why they were there, but they certainly didn’t want to miss out on this opportunity to protest and shout their allegiance to Artemis. A crowd, probably 25 per cent of the population of the city, filled the theatre. The whole place was in uproar as people rhythmically chanted for two hours: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ (19:28). QUESTIONS O What are some of the allegiances that people might be vocal about in our day? O What are the issues in your community that people may get agitated about? We find Paul in a bit of a quandary. He was an evangelist and, naturally, wanted to address the crowd. However, he was wisely held back from doing so by his disciples and even some of the officials
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
Listen, my son, and be wise, and set your heart on the right path. (Proverbs 23:19)
We have not known thee as we ought,/ Nor learned thy wisdom, grace and power;/ The things of earth have filled our thought/ And trifles of the passing hour./ Lord, give us light thy truth to see/ And make us wise in knowing thee. (SASB 630)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. (Psalm 111:10)
of the city. It wasn’t yet time for Paul to face the crowd, even though it may well have been the biggest audience he would have addressed to this point. So, thanks to the wise intervention of the city clerk, the riotous behaviour quietened down. Paul encouraged the disciples in Ephesus and set off for Macedonia. His day for defending the cause of the Way in Ephesus was not yet on the agenda. That would come soon, but for now, thanks to the wisdom of those around him, he would continue his travels.
‘
The devotion shown to Artemis could clearly be seen in the huge temple dedicated to her
’
QUESTIONS O How can you discern when it is the right time to confront the unjust thoughts and attitudes of this world? O Do you think there may even be occasions when it is right to challenge the prevailing religious culture, maybe even that of The Salvation Army? O Do you have the courage to stand up and be counted, even if it risks causing a riot? MAJOR DUTFIELD IS DIVISIONAL MISSION ENABLER, WEST SCOTLAND
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
I want thy wisdom from above,/ That I thy perfect way may see;/ To follow thee unblameable,/ Live thou thy life in me. (SASB 621)
But the wisdom that comes from Heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ( James 3:17)
Send down thy likeness from above/ And let this my adorning be;/ Clothe me with wisdom, patience, love,/ With lowliness and purity,/ Than gold and pearls more precious far,/ And brighter than the morning star. (SASB 730)
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. (Daniel 12:3)
Prayer Father God, forgive me when I have foolishly considered myself wise and made decisions within the limits of my human observations and understanding. Help me to more readily seek your discerning view of all that I meet and to respond with your wisdom.
Salvationist 9 February 2019
17
NEW COMMITMENTS
CLOWNE: As a committed Christian, Carol Holland started worshipping at the corps about five years ago, becoming involved with children’s activities and Messy Church. After being challenged during a sermon, Carol began her journey towards soldiership and was enrolled on Commitment Sunday by corps officer Major Elaine Holder. Also pictured is Carol’s husband, Graham. – M. N.
NEWTOWN: Daniel Jones was enrolled as a soldier by his mother, corps leader Territorial Envoy Samantha Jones. Also pictured is Daniel’s father, Ian, who joined other members of the congregation in going forward to pray a blessing over Daniel. – S. J.
ABERDEEN CITADEL: Having attended meetings occasionally with her aunt, Michelle McRobb was welcomed as an adherent member. After her aunt’s promotion to Glory, Michelle felt the call to return to membership. Pictured with Michelle is associate officer Major Gilly Hoitinga. – H. F. 18
Salvationist 9 February 2019
ANDOVER: Brennan Grace had been looking forward to his enrolment as a junior soldier for some time, and eagerly signed his promise when he was enrolled by corps officer Major Marilyn Curnow. As it is many years since a junior soldier was enrolled at the corps he has brought much encouragement to corps members. Brennan is pictured with Major Marilyn and Bandsman Ron Tonge, who is holding the flag. – S. C.
BOSCOMBE: Peter Evans, who was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major David Alton, has been a Christian for many years. He now feels the call of God to serve in The Salvation Army and that the Army is his spiritual home. – L. A.
WIMBORNE: Gordon Blackwell started attending the Powerhouse prayer group, where he felt able to ask questions exploring faith. Now welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Katrina Greetham, Gordon chose to receive his certificate in the prayer group meeting and was welcomed during the morning service. They are pictured with CSM Anita Mummery and Christine Ellis. – K. G.
WARRINGTON: Nicola Morris applied to be the care assistant at the corps day centre, little realising that this would lead to her being re-enrolled as a soldier 30 years after first becoming a soldier. Nicola was enrolled by Captain Julie Bovan (DHQ) and testified powerfully about the work God is doing in her life. As she signed the soldier’s covenant at the mercy seat, accompanied by Julie, members of the corps stood nearby in prayer. – V. B.
HULL ICEHOUSE: Vision and Commitment Sunday included the welcoming of two adherent members. Trisha Tudor and Kathe Hopcroft had worshipped at the corps for some time and felt it was time to take the next step on their spiritual journeys. Corps officer Major Hilary Naylor welcomed them. – H. N.
Some photos removed
TADCASTER: In the presence of family and friends, David Dixon became the first soldier to be enrolled at the corps for nearly 15 years. In his testimony, David challenged those present to go the extra mile, as his grandma, Edna Kitchen, and Michael Boughton (who held the flag), had done for him. Pictured with David, Edna and Michael are corps officers Majors Jackie and Michael Bainbridge. – M. B.
LISKEARD: Claire Thomas and John Bolton – who had been attending services for some time – were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Captain Julian Short. Claire attends with her three children, who are part of the growing Sunday school, and John first linked up with the Army through his friend, Youth Club Leader Lou Thomas. – J. W. Salvationist 9 February 2019
19
ANNOUNCEMENTS
ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CSM Jon Cole, Leeds Central O Songster Ldr Jonathan Allchin, Leeds Central MARRIAGE O Colin Thomas to Denise Jenkins at Cardiff Canton by Major Geoff Bonsell WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O David and Hazel Leonard, Staple Hill (14 February) Golden O Majors Bruce and Christine Tulloch (22 February) DEDICATED TO GOD O Katie, Bethany, Sophie, Evie and Lily, daughters of Kieran and Hannah Ellis, at Heckmondwike by Lieutenant Yong-Guen Lee O Molly Anne, daughter of Christopher and Laura Pennell, at Northampton by Major Janice Snell O Charlotte Louise, daughter of William and Hayley Corney, at Cardiff Canton by Major Elizabeth McCaw-Aldworth RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Captain Barbara Truffet (85 on 18 February) O Colonel Lawrence Fisher (85 on 20 February) O Captain Beryl Redhead
(80 on 22 February) Mrs Commissioner Brenda Coles (80 on 25 February) O Mrs Major Joyce Sneller (90 on 26 February) O Major Gerald Peacock (80 on 2 March) O
BEREAVED O Major George Hardy of his brother Bert O Shirley Newton, Crewe, of her husband Rtd Songster Ldr Charlie Newton, Jane Brill and BM Karl Newton, both Crewe, of their father and Margaret Mailey of her brother O Margaret Campbell, Bo’ness, of her husband Jim O Major Margaret Lawrance of her husband Major Jack Lawrance O Gail Stewart, Tunstall, of her husband Andy O Songster Frances Winch, Norwich Citadel, of her husband Gordon, Bandsman David Winch, Norwich Citadel, Bandswoman Valerie Robson and Trevor Winch, both Sunderland Millfield, of their father O Major Mervyn Marshall of his wife Major June Marshall and Bandswoman/Songster Linda Ledingham, South Shields, and Bev Wharram of their mother PROMOTED TO GLORY O Doreen Butland, Staple Hill O Major Jack Lawrance from Felixstowe Hospital on 26 January
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE: O ICO, Sun 10 Feb O Canada and Bermuda Territory (Canadian Staff Band 50th anniversary weekend), Wed 27 – Mon 4 Mar THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM: O ICO (farewell to session), Fri 15 Feb O India Central Territory, Wed 6 Mar – Sat 9* THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL: O Leicestershire (Central East divisional retreat), Mon 11 Feb – Wed 13 O Hoddesdon (divisional leaders consultation day), Fri 15 O Harlow, Sun 17 O Poole (Youth Makes Music), Fri 22 O Northampton (Intercultural Mission Conference), Fri 1 Mar – Sun 3 O Swanwick (homelessness conference), Mon 4 – Tu 5 O Ireland (divisional congress), Sat Sun 10 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES: O Poole (Youth Makes Music), Fri 22 Feb O East Midlands (divisional leaders retreat), Wed 27 – Fri 1 Mar O Yorkshire South with Humber (divisional officers retreat), Tu 5 – Th 7 *Chief of the Staff only
20
Salvationist 9 February 2019
TRIBUTE DOREEN BUTLAND, STAPLE HILL PROMOTED to Glory aged 91, Doreen Butland (née Belfield) devoted her life to serving others. Although born in the United States, Doreen grew up in Stockport. In 1949, after a call to officership, Doreen was commissioned as a member of the Peacemakers Session and was appointed to Kirkburton, West Yorkshire. Other appointments as a single officer included Milnsbridge, Chadderton, Upper Clapton and Ealing. In 1956 she married Howard Butland and the couple were appointed to Wadhurst, subsequently serving as officers in Dorking, Murton, Carnforth, Chingford and Coventry Foleshill. After leaving officership, Doreen and Howard ran children’s homes in the Midlands, before Doreen managed a retirement home in Eastbourne. Doreen and Howard retired to Bristol in 1996, soldiering at Kingswood. After Howard’s death in 1999, Doreen soldiered at Bristol Citadel and, finally, Staple Hill. Doreen is remembered for the warmth of her personality and her eagerness to help others. – C. H-J.
Did you know…? Salvationist is on Facebook WE UPDATE OUR FACEBOOK PAGE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK, GIVING YOU AN OPPORTUNITY TO O Catch sneak peeks at
upcoming features See the new cover early O Comment on articles O Ask us questions O Get advance notice on important news stories O Link to the Editor’s comment and our article of the week Like our page at facebook .com/salvationistonline to keep up to date O
ADVERTISEMENTS
Salvationist 9 February 2019
21-23
‘ Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army! We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…
DANIEL WEAVER Assistant National Transport Co-ordinator, Anti-trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, THQ How did you first come into contact with the Army? I’ve always known of The Salvation Army but my first contact was when I saw the job advertised for Assistant National Transport Co-ordinator. What made you want to work for the Army? I researched what the role entailed and what The Salvation Army stood for. I saw the amazing work carried out across a number of different fields – especially the field I work in today – and how officers and volunteers helped and supported vulnerable human beings, and I knew I wanted to be a small part of this big organisation. What is the most interesting thing about your role? Having the chance to talk to so many volunteers. The work they complete for our team is really amazing, and without them we would not be able to provide the service we do. Therefore, it is great just to have a chat with them over the phone or email regarding non-workrelated issues – often football! … and the most frustrating? Not being able to help the vulnerable people that need our support, either because they do not think it would benefit them or because there are complications with being able to collect them.
I saw the amazing work carried out across a number of different fields – especially the field I work in today – and how officers and volunteers helped and supported vulnerable human beings
’
What is your favourite kind of holiday? City breaks. I enjoy sightseeing, especially looking at architecture, and have a passion for history. I also enjoy visiting places that not many people have been to. I recently visited Vilnius in Lithuania, which is beautiful. The churches there are amazing.
What do you do in your spare time? I am a big fan of Wolverhampton Wanderers. I have a home season ticket and travel to the odd away game if the ‘other half’ allows it! As I used to play cricket, I enjoy a day at a test match too. Basically, anything to do with sport!
Which film would you like to be in and what character would you play? Star Wars. I love all the films and think I would enjoy playing any part that involved having a lightsaber battle with Darth Vader!
What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned? (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? by Oasis.
If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose and why? Martin Luther King Jr. I remember completing a school project about him when I was ten years old and was fascinated by all the work he did trying to rid the world of racism and injustice.
What is your favourite hymn or worship song? ‘Here I Am, Lord’. I remember singing this as I made my Holy Communion. If you could rid the world of one thing what would it be? Racial hatred. Do you have any hidden talents? Not a hidden talent, more of a weird talent. I can move my ears around, which, growing up, I found no one else could do! Which book would you want on a desert island? The Lord Of The Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? The best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.
Wh t sportt would What ld you compete t iin if you were in the Olympics? The luge at the Winter Olympics. I think it would be a thrill to be riding at such speed. What is your favourite food? Anything Italian. Wild boar ragout with tagliatelle and garlic bread are particular favourites.
What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess? The most valuable thing I possess would be my family and friends. Working within the Anti-trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit you realise how lucky you are and how it could be so different.