Salvationist 9 July 2022

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p / 9 July 2022

SALVATIONIST

A GROWING FAMILY AT DONCASTER PREVIEWING COMMISSIONING PAGE 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

GOVERNMENT ‘SHOULD DO MORE’ TO PROMOTE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

CHURCH LEADERS SHOULD TALK ABOUT PORN ADDICTION, SAYS CHARITY

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY PRAYING FOR PEACE IN EASTERN CONGO

The government could be doing more to make religious freedom central to its operations and culture, according to campaigners.

The Catholic Union is among those who urged the government to promote freedom of religion and belief around the world in a meeting [in June]…

The meeting came nearly three years after a report was published which called attention to the persecution more than 250 million Christians worldwide face for their faith, pointing to evidence that ‘Christians constitute by far the most widely persecuted religion’. The Truro report, commissioned in 2018 by then foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt ... outlined 22 recommendations which the government committed to implement in full.

Recommendations included [seek] a UN Security Council resolution urging governments in the Middle East and north Africa to protect Christians, consider imposing sanctions on perpetrators of human rights violations against religious minorities and [provide] religious literacy training to all Foreign Office staff at home and abroad.

Churches will be offered resources in a programme launched … to help them to address addiction to pornography.

The Naked Truth Project, a UK charitable venture to ‘open eyes and free lives from the damaging impact of porn’, is to allow churches to acquire membership status, giving their leaders access to resources and training to discuss and combat harmful effects of pornography on individuals and communities.

The Naked Truth Project’s founder and chief executive, Ian Henderson, said: ‘There are people in our churches and wider communities walking with addiction, betrayal trauma, relational crisis, breakdown, depression – all deeply impacted by pornography.’

The Archbishop of Canterbury has taken to social media to urge Christians to pray for the situation in eastern Congo.

The country is undergoing a resurgence of violence prompting more than 30,000 people to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring Rwanda.

The Congolese military is fighting M23 rebels, a group of mainly Tutsi fighters that were defeated in 2013 by the Congolese army and UN peacekeepers...

[The] Most Rev Justin Welby wrote on Twitter: ‘I’m praying for peace in eastern Congo… I’m praying that the population does not fall into the trap of violence [and] ethnic hatred… I pray too for the churches in their role as peacemakers.’

Church Times

Premier

The Tablet

The Times

CHURCH URGED TO AXE WEDDING FEE ‘DETERRENT’ The Church of England has been urged to abolish fees for couples marrying in its churches amid a sharp decline in the number of traditional ceremonies.

Blackburn Diocesan Synod has put forward a proposal to set marriage fees at nil or a minimal amount so that ‘everyone who wants to get married in church should be able to, without worrying about affordability’…

The proposals were put forward before a meeting of the General Synod, the church’s parliament, [this] month. They are due to be debated. However, with dwindling funds, the Church of England does not appear to be in favour of removing the fee…

William Nye, secretary-general of the Synod, said: ‘A wholesale elimination or reduction of the fee would be a poorly targeted intervention as many couples can afford to pay the fee, which represents a small proportion of the overall cost of their wedding. The income lost from setting the fee to nil or a nominal amount reduces the resource available to fund ministry, including in the poorest areas – at a time when many dioceses … are facing deficits.’

He added that a priest or rural dean has an option of waiving or reducing the fee in cases of ‘clear financial hardship’.

SALVATIONIST salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine Issue No 1866

CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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Salvationist 9 July 2022

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

FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

GROWTH POTENTIAL I’M sorry to say that I don’t have very green fingers. I do my best, and I’ve made a bit of a difference to our garden since moving in six years ago, but it’s hardly a Chelsea Garden Show prize-winner! Among several disappointments have been the sunflower seeds that I planted early in April this year. Not one of them grew into plants – maybe the birds got them. Just after that I discovered another packet of sunflower seeds that I’d put in my briefcase and forgotten about. They were given to me last year when my wife and I were leading the Harvest Sunday meeting at Doncaster. One of the young people, Isabelle, was giving out packets of seeds from sunflowers she had grown. She was asking people to plant them and send her a photo when they grew. There were three seeds in the packet, which I planted a few weeks ago. I’m now delighted to see one green shoot growing. I’ll be sending Isabelle a photo as soon as the flower appears.

Sunflowers aren’t the only things growing in Doncaster, as this week’s ‘We are The Salvation Army’ feature reveals. Two members of the corps writers’ group tell us how things are flourishing there, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, and liken it to Jesus’ parable of the mustard seed. They say: ‘Doncaster Corps has a place for everyone, from the young to the not so young, and those green shoots from our mustard seed are becoming a family tree.’

The pandemic has meant that many Army expressions are taking a fresh look at their mission. Findings by THQ’s Research and Development Unit may help with that. The unit surveyed corps to find out how Covid-19 has affected missional thinking and practice, and a new series of articles explores the key themes that have emerged. Amy Quinn-Graham begins the series by looking at prayer and lament.

In her ‘Preview’ article Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne, principal of William Booth College, looks ahead to next weekend’s Commissioning. She also looks back at the challenges the cadets have faced while being trained during the pandemic. Although difficult, those experiences will have helped equip them for the future. She says: ‘I am encouraged and delighted to have been part of their journey into ministry and I know that God will use them to change this world through his love and through the ministry of reconciliation to which they are called.’

I may not be an expert gardener, but I do know that difficult conditions aren’t always harmful to plants – they can be helpful. When a new plant is blown by the wind a hormone is released that stimulates the growth of cells and develops a stronger stem. And in dry soil the roots of established plants branch out sideways or go deeper in search of water. The growing root structure helps the plants stay healthy. In similar ways, although life’s difficult conditions can have damaging effects, many of us find that they also hold the potential for growth. As Paul reminded the Romans, ‘Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us’ (Romans 5:3–5).

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

4 to 8

News Prayer matters

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Mission and the pandemic Prayer and lament

9

by Amy Quinn-Graham

Reflection Snakes or ladders?

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by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

Preview Responding to God’s call

11

by Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne

We are The Salvation Army 12 and 13 We are growing the mustard seed say Janet Pope and Joyce Wrigglesworth

Reflection A note of encouragement

14

by Major Alistair Dawson

Reflection A foot in both camps

15

by Lyn Woods

Bible study Just once more, Lord

16 and 17

by Major Mal Davies

Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist

by Major Howard Webber

Reflection The grace of constancy

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by Major John Waters

Read with us 18 Called to Be a Soldier: Chapter 10 Testimony Blessed to serve

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by Stephanie Ruddy

Poetry corner New commitments

LIEUT-COLONEL JONATHAN ROBERTS Editor Salvationist

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19 20 and 21

Announcements

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Adverts

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Quiz Sunday school memories

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

Salvationist 9 July 2022

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NEWS

COMMUNITY

MUSIC

Lifehouse hosts health hub BLACKBURN THE Salvation Army hosted a health hub for people experiencing homelessness in the town.

Taking place at Bramwell House Lifehouse, the hub saw agencies gather for the day to offer support and information to residents.

Key organisations were there, including a mental health team, a dentist, a substance misuse team and healthcare professionals offering hepatitis C testing, along with a debt counselling service and the Army’s Employment Plus service, which offered tailored support to help people become job-ready.

The idea came from two social care students who are on a placement at Bramwell House.

Gemma Kearns from Hyndburn and Natasha Tantwala from Blackburn proposed the idea as a way to advise residents on what is available to them in the area to improve their wellbeing.

Colin Mottershead, the service manager of Bramwell House, said: ‘Many vulnerable people don’t have the motivation or courage to go out and meet with organisations that can help them, but our health hub was a great way to bring companies to them, signposting them in the right direction and providing another arm of support.

‘We’re strong believers that a Lifehouse is more than a place to stay; we aim to give residents a reason to get up in the morning and see themselves as people of the community and not just see the label of “homeless”.’ – AR

Salvationist wants to hear your news Corps press representatives can email salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good quality pictures may be included.

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Salvationist 9 July 2022

Concert raises funds for Ukraine SOUTHEND CHELMSFORD Band spent an afternoon presenting a bandstand concert in Priory Park before tea and a Music for Ukraine concert at Southend Citadel.

Those attending had the opportunity to stand while the band played ‘State Anthem of Ukraine’. This was followed by corps officer Major Andrew Bale offering prayer for the people of Ukraine and for Salvationists of the neighbouring countries giving humanitarian aid.

The main devotional piece was ‘Procession to Covenant’, which recalls the words ‘O love that wilt not let me go’. The march ‘Temple 85’ brought the evening to a happy conclusion. The concert raised £290 to support the Army’s relief work in Ukraine. – JT

£4,451 raised at art café SEE PAGE 5

276

junior soldiers enrolled SEE PAGE 6

1,211 referrals to food bank SEE PAGE 7

EVENT LONDON Major Yvonne Andrews (Morriston), with her daughter, Lieutenant Clare Kinsey (Bristol South), attended the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in honour of her late husband, Major Neville Andrews. He was promoted to Glory unexpectedly in February, but was originally invited in recognition of his hard work during 35 years of officership. Major Yvonne said: ‘It was a privilege and an honour to be invited in recognition of the service we had given but at the same time an emotional day because Neville was not with me. It was great to have Clare with me both to enjoy the occasion and to recognise all that she did during lockdown too.’ – AR

COMMUNITY

OLDHAM FITTON HILL The corps held an appreciation party for volunteers and their families to thank them for the work they do for the community. Corps officer Major Estelle Blake explained: ‘Volunteers help us make sure the work we are able to give, and the programmes we are able to run, happen. Volunteering isn’t just about helping out; it is about being an active and integral part of any organisation.’ Lisa is mum to a two-year-old and gives up a couple of hours a week to volunteer for The Salvation Army. ‘The Army was a big support to me when I had my daughter during the first Covid-19 lockdown,’ she said. ‘I want to give something back to them and to help those in the community that may be struggling.’ The corps volunteers are pictured along with Major Estelle and family worker Kim Rogers. – AR

ANNIVERSARY

CHATTERIS The corps celebrated its 135th anniversary with a packed weekend, starting on the Saturday by opening its doors to all.

Lots of memorabilia was on display, including photographs dating back to 1889, when the first soldiers were enrolled in the new hall. On the Sunday the corps shared lunch with ministers from other churches in the area. This was followed by a thanksgiving service led by Majors Joan and Stephen Gowler. – AR

ARMY NEWS

Fears for workless households as cost of living crisis grows UK THE Salvation Army has warned that government efforts to get people into work haven’t reached those furthest from the labour market as they struggle with rising living costs.

Data from the Office for National Statistics found an estimated 13.4 per cent of UK homes where no adult is in work, down 0.5 percentage points compared with the same period last year.

Rebecca Keating, director of the Army’s Employment Plus service, said: ‘A secure job with a decent wage is one of the best paths out of poverty. However, despite a record level of job vacancies, for many of the people who come to our food banks, shelters and support services, the usual routes to employment are blocked.

‘These are people who are desperate to work and make a better life for themselves but face obstacles, such as a lack of education or relevant skills, mental or physical health problems, are lone parents who can’t afford childcare or are facing housing challenges. The current government programmes designed to get more people into work simply don’t work for them.

‘Properly funding specialist support to help those struggling to enter the workforce is not just morally right, it’s also the only way the government can successfully rejuvenate local economies. We can’t just plough on having parts of the country with a high number of people who are not earning. This not only traps entire communities in poverty, but it deters private sector investment and undermines efforts to level up the UK.’ – AR

FUNDRAISING

MUSIC SKEGNESS Castleford Band presented an evening concert at the corps. The programme included ‘The Red Shield’, cornet solo ‘This Is My Story’ by Alun Perry, vocal solo ‘Amazing Love’ by Hannah Wainwright and ‘He Lives’. Earlier in the day the band also ministered by playing music in the high street. – TD

WHITEHAVEN The art and crafts café raised £4,451.38 for The Salvation Army’s Ukraine crisis appeal. The initiative came from corps folk who worked with the wider community, including nearby churches and businesses in West Cumbria. Pictured are Hazel Wigham, Claire Shackley, Barbara Wigham and Simon Denman. – BW Salvationist 9 July 2022

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NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

General enrols more than 550 soldiers CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE) GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle witnessed enthusiastic demonstrations of faith during their visit to the territory. As well as commissioning the cadets of the Messengers of Reconciliation session they met Salvationists and friends from across the Republic of Congo and Gabon.

The international leaders arrived at Maya-Maya International Airport, where they were welcomed by territorial leaders Colonels Eugène and Brigitte Odile Bamanabio. They later led a time of devotion at the territory’s training college, where the 24 cadets signed their covenants before presenting them to the General and Colonel Eugène. Leading a time

of devotion, the General told the cadets: ‘The covenant you make with God must be in your hearts.

God wants your hearts to be ready … [so] listen carefully to what he asks of you.’

Nzoko Corps hosted the Silver Star service, in which honour was given to 118 parents of cadets and lieutenants in recognition of the faithful influence they have had on their children.

The next day the international leaders led a music festival at the Army’s 50th Anniversary Congress Hall. The spirit of Salvationism was seen clearly in the 13 music brigades, which sang to the glory of God. Commissioner Rosalie offered a Bible thought based on Psalm 96 in which she reminded the congregation that people were created to give God glory.

The following day saw the General lead a men’s fellowship and Commissioner Rosalie lead a women’s ministries rally.

The highlight of the youth rally that evening was the spectacular sight of the General enrolling 276 junior soldiers. He called on the young Salvationists to remain faithful to God,

EVENT

SOMERCOTES After a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the annual Plant Fair and Coffee Morning returned with its best-attended event yet, raising £1,002 for Salvation Army work in the area. The community entered into the spirit of the event by not only buying plants, but also donating items from their gardens. Hot and cold drinks and homemade cakes encouraged people to sit down, engage in conversation and enjoy the friendly environment. – MH 6

Salvationist 9 July 2022

challenging them to live with confidence, consecration and courage.

God-honouring performances by youth brigades from across the territory included a worship group from Pointe Noire Division, Brazzaville 2 Divisional Band, a united singing company from Brazzaville, united drummers of Brazzaville, a worship group from Potopoto, ‘Les Jeunes Hommes de la Joie’ from Ouénzé and united Torchbearers from Brazzaville.

On Sunday morning The Salvation Army took to the streets of Brazzaville, with brass instruments playing and flags flying in a joyful, eye-catching

march of witness.

Upon returning to the 50th Anniversary Congress Hall, the General had the sacred task of commissioning the 24 cadets.

The final meeting included the enrolment of 277 soldiers.

The General expressed his amazement at the huge number of people dedicating their lives to God’s service. He was delighted to receive them as additions to the rolls in Congo and Gabon and welcomed them ‘in the name of Jesus Christ whom we serve’.

The ongoing legacy of a Spirit-filled time together was encapsulated by more than 100 young people responding to an appeal to become officers. – HZ

EVENT

NORWICH MILE CROSS Various organisations set up their stalls for a family open day, a fun-filled day for people living with dementia and their families and friends. From Punch and Judy to face painting and 1940s songs, it was a day for all organisations supporting those living with dementia and their families to show what amenities are available locally. Members of the corps dementiafriendly fellowship, Sunshine Café, talked of what the Army was available to do alongside therapeutic guinea pigs, specialised technology, Age UK and others. The corps also brought care kitbags and other information on the Army’s practical help that is shared in the community and beyond. – PR

COMMUNITY

Emergency clothing scheme helps struggling families OLDHAM FITTON HILL THE corps has launched the Emergency Clothing Project to support those struggling to make ends meet.

The project, which is in association with local community project Real Education Empowering Lives, provides pre-loved clothing to cover a period of seven days, saving people money as energy costs continue to rise. It recently saw 17 individual referrals in one day.

The scheme was set up by the corps family worker Kim Rogers.

She recalled the turning point for encouraging her to create the scheme: ‘A lady that was using our food bank service innocently asked if I knew whether a babygrow could be stretched as she was struggling to cope with the rate at which her baby was growing.

With the amount of money she had left after paying her bills, there was just no extra for more clothes.

‘If people are struggling with feeding their children, it is more than likely that they are struggling with clothing them too, and that is a worry that we hope to relieve.’ – AR

ANNIVERSARY

Faces old and new celebrate 30 years BRIGHTON BEVENDEAN PREVIOUS corps officer Major Pauline Fingland returned to lead the 30th corps anniversary, reassuring the congregation that Jesus is the great ‘I am’.

Many people connected to the corps sent greetings, including Major Philippa Chagas (Brazil) and Lieutenant Portia Stirling-Mack (Reading West).

Although it has been 30 years since Bevendean was granted full corps status, the Army has been working on the estate for a total of 56 years. – DT

PRESENTATION

EVENT

NORTH WALSHAM After 44 years’ service – including time as chaplain at Furze Hill House care home – corps officer Major Joy Caddy received a certificate of retirement from Major Michelle Wheeler (East of England DHQ) in her final meeting as an active officer. Also pictured is corps officer Major Richard Durrant. – JB

COMMUNITY

KILMARNOCK Following the tradition from previous years, the band and members of the songsters gathered in the town centre to play and sing songs of praise and encourage participants of the annual Roon the Toon race. The runners waved and clapped in appreciation as they passed. – EF

PENRITH The corps appealed for support in stocking the shelves of its food bank as more people struggled to afford food. Faced with the continued pressure of the rising cost of living, the corps saw referrals to its food bank soar in recent months. It supported more than 1,211 referrals in April alone, when the energy price cap rocketed up. Corps officer Major Carole Donaldson explained: ‘There is no typical template of a food bank user. Needing help can creep up quickly on anyone and something has gone wrong if people who are working can’t even afford to put food on the table.’ – AR Salvationist 9 July 2022

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NEWS

EVENT COVENANT FOCUS SUNDAY 10 JULY – CADET CHELSEA HUDDLESTONE ‘I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the Earth’ (Genesis 9:13). Lord, thank you for this covenant that you have made with the whole world. Help me to make this new covenant with you and help me identify those visible signs that remind me of this.

MONDAY 11 JULY – CADET MIRIAM SMITH ‘But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children – with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts’ (Psalm 103:17 and 18). Lord, as we remember the words of this promise, may we be ever more aware of how this truth shapes our own lives in you.

NORWICH MILE CROSS Graham Cole OBE, known for playing PC Tony Stamp in The Bill, shared his life story with people in a full hall. Throughout his presentation, he talked about his faith and how the Holy Spirit had guided him to accept or reject certain projects. He reminded those present that ‘the Governor’ was in control, and he sought to live under his protection and guidance. – PR

PRESENTATION

TUESDAY 12 JULY – CADET MATT STONE ‘You didn’t walk out and leave them for good; yes, you are a God of grace and compassion … loyal in covenant and love’ (Nehemiah 9:31 and 32 The Message). Thank you, God, that even when we forget you and get things wrong, you are loyal and loving. Help us to be as loyal in our love for you.

WEDNESDAY 13 JULY (COVENANT DAY) – CADET ABIGAIL GRAY ‘Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”

And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”’ (Isaiah 6:8). Lord, we remember the Messengers of Reconciliation today especially, as they prepare for Covenant Day. Allow their hearts to be open and receptive to your voice and call on their lives as they dedicate themselves to you in this way.

TOGETHER 2022 FOCUS

by Stephanie Lamplough (Assistant Director, Music and Creative Arts) THURSDAY 14 JULY Lord, we pray as Salvationists meet over the next few days for Together 2022, that the three events will intertwine into a magnificent celebration that is done in your name. We bring to you now all who have been involved in the months of planning for this gathering.

We know that at times it may have been difficult, but give them a new surge of energy and use everything that has been prepared. May your power fall upon those gathering, that people will be transformed and energised to engage in ministry in the communities in which they serve.

GUISBOROUGH Corps Secretary Mary White retired after 31 years of service. Corps officer Major Fiona Mugford recognised Mary’s dedication and commitment during the morning meeting, presenting her with a certificate, gift and flowers. – SS CHALK FARM People who were experiencing homelessness or were vulnerably housed enjoyed fellowship over a three-course meal at a community lunch. The event was held in partnership with Joining Communities Together and funded by Vabel. – MK 8

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FRIDAY 15 JULY Dear heavenly Father, we pray for travelling mercies for those attending, and for relationships and friendships as people gather together again, many for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. As Birmingham Citadel opens its doors for an afternoon of prayer, we pray for the work that it does throughout the city every day. We pray for a buzz and excitement that will begin today and continue to infiltrate the weekend. May this renew spirits and inspire Salvationists across the territory to go out in your name.

SATURDAY 16 JULY On a day that holds so much promise and excitement, Lord, we ask that you remain at the centre of everything. There will be so many opportunities for people to listen to your voice, whether that be through music, dance, sport, Bible study or worship. We pray for the inspiring stories that will be heard and for the people behind them that live out your commandment to love God and love others daily.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources Salvationist Salvationist 28 11 May June 2022 2022

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FEATURE I Mission and the pandemic

Prayer and lament Amy Quinn-Graham begins a series of weekly articles in which Research and Development personnel reflect on how our approach to mission has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic

M

EMBERS of THQ’s Research and Development Unit have been conducting territory-wide research into how Covid-19 has affected missional thinking and practice during the pandemic and beyond. Over the next few weeks we will feature some of the key themes that have emerged and reflect on how we can respond as individuals and local mission units.

This week we explore prayer and lament, themes that featured significantly in the research in allowing corps and centres to reflect on their missional role, rather than rushing to solutions. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of corps officers interviewed by phone claimed they felt God was telling them to slow down, reflect and spend time in prayer to discern how to move forward missionally.

It is now more than two years since we first encountered Covid-19 and, for some, the pandemic feels like a thing of the past. Restrictions have lifted and there are other crises grabbing the headlines. It can be tempting to assume that the pain of the pandemic has passed, that the time for reflection, prayer and lament has gone and that we are now in the action phase. However, many are still living with the consequences of Covid-19, be that the effects of long Covid, continuing to grieve the death of a loved one or – because variants of the virus are still in circulation – the fear of being vulnerable without the protection of restrictions. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘lament’ as ‘a crying out in grief’. For many people, there is still much to cry out in grief about.

Even for those who have resumed their pre-pandemic routines relatively unscathed, there is wisdom in taking time to reflect and question where suffering remains. After all, God meets us in our pain. Even when Jesus knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead, he still stopped and wept, mourning the loss of his friend (see John 11:32–35). Within Christian communities, lamenting can help people process what they’ve been through and recognise how God was with them even in their darkest moments, aiding them to trust in his presence and future provision. A biblical lament doesn’t stop at crying out in grief; it always leads to hope (see Psalms 6, 10 and 130).

What could lamenting look like for you or your corps? Here are some steps that individuals or groups could take to facilitate the process:

CREATE SPACES TO LAMENT Lamenting may look different from corps to corps. Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts offers these suggestions for groups: Storytelling Two or three people from your corps could record their stories from the pandemic to build solidarity and help people acknowledge or share their stories and experiences.

Dedicating a space People may need more than a one-off moment to lament. Why not dedicate a noticeboard or a corner of a room to lament, where people can write, draw or engage in other creative ways to process their experiences?

Utilising small groups If you have regular small groups that meet, why not dedicate some of the prayer time during those meetings to prayers of lament? This could also include a time of silence for people to respond in unstructured prayer as they feel prompted.

As an individual, you could map out your journey through the pandemic by drawing a river or road that takes you from your pre-pandemic experiences to now. Mark on the journey the places where you experienced pain, loss, frustration or despair. Spend some time in prayer with your map, crying out to God by naming each moment and the pain it brought and laying it at his feet.

LOOK BEYOND Of course, it is not only those within The Salvation Army who have been affected by the pandemic. Part of continuing to love our communities effectively may be providing them with space to lament as well. There is power in seeing the Church being brave enough to wail, weep and name the pain, but still choosing, ultimately, to trust in God. O For

START THE CONVERSATION Why not gather some people from your corps and start a conversation about lamenting? You could use the following prompts: O How do you feel about the idea of a lament?

O What would you find useful in processing loss from the pandemic, either individually or as a community?

O How can we create spaces to lament together?

resources that delve more deeply into the themes of this series and how to explore them using the Faith-Based Facilitation model, visit salvationist.org.uk/articles

AMY QUINN-GRAHAM Action Researcher Research and Development Unit, THQ

Salvationist 9 July 2022

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R RE EFL FLEC FLEC ECT TIIION ON ON REFLECTION

Snakes or ladders?

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

J

IM, a woman called Lily Reed, born in 1891, was Queen Victoria’s doppelgänger. Lily was also my grandma and she played snakes and ladders mercilessly.

My bottom lip would often quiver involuntarily when we played, as I took too long to throw a six to start, landed on a snake or felt that the game wasn’t fair.

A yellow card and a verbal warning were unhesitatingly issued for sulking. Any full-blown tears earned an immediate red card. The board was firmly closed and theatrically put back into the cupboard next to the fireplace. No video assistant referee to appeal – that’s life! We don’t mind climbing the ladders; it’s the snakes that get us down.

A neighbour of mine is very unwell.

Whenever he has a bad day caused by landing on one of life’s snakes, his response is: ‘You can’t always throw a six.’

Dashed hopes and dreams rarely come singularly. There are always snakes lurking somewhere in our private garden of Eden. As Claudius in Shakespeare’s Hamlet observed: ‘When sorrows come, they come not single spies but in battalions.’ It never ceases to amaze me just how much tragedy and disaster some people have to cope with in their lives. More snakes than ladders.

At such moments, we make the prayer from the musical Hello, Dolly!: ‘Don’t bring around a cloud to rain on my parade.’ Sometimes, however, it doesn’t just rain, it pours.

I wonder if anyone has ever designed a board game called Eve’s Snakes and Jacob’s Ladders. There are enough Bible passages about snakes to represent annihilated hopes and dreams. As for

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ladders, Jacob’s could climb right up from the bottom row to square 98. Bible references could be printed next to the snakes’ fangs, while verses about visions could be at the top of the ladders. If such a game is not yet on the market, then I shall register the intellectual property.

Want to buy some shares in my moneyspinning project, Jim?

Ron, as my great-uncle McSporran from Aberdeen would have said, ‘Thanks, but...’

As you suggest, the biblical symbols of the snake and the ladder are similar to those of the traditional board game but with one exception. In the Bible, Moses lifts up the image of a bronze snake as a symbol of healing in the midst of disaster (see Numbers 21:9 and John 3:14).

Could the apparent opposites of the snake (loss) and the ladder (gain) be combined in some way to show hope rising from the wreckage of catastrophe? The Dutch sculptor, Rudi van de Wint, produced exactly that in his creation Stairway to Heaven. Stark metal grids surround and guard its spiral stairway, which coils up a central pinnacle. He hoped that this memorial to the 1977 Tenerife airport disaster would give people a place where they could find inner peace.

In March that year, a bomb scare at Gran Canaria led to a KLM Boeing 747 being diverted to the secondary airport of Los Rodeos. It landed without incident.

After hours of waiting to resume the flight, the captain of the plane misunderstood an air traffic control message as permission to take off. The aircraft moved forward and accelerated to its take-off speed in excess of 100 mph.

Then, out of the fog, a second jumbo was seen on the runway.

In spite of desperate efforts by the pilots, the resulting collision produced one of the worst disasters in the history of aviation – 583 people died.

The depth of loss in the wake of this tragedy was nigh inconsolable. Mercifully, we are incapable of bearing the full weight of such mass grief; we experience pain and loss only as it touches us individually.

Because of that personal, individual dimension, ordinary people like us can draw on the insights of those who have experienced more than their fair share of ‘snakes’. We can be helped by how they coped as lost, alienated, hurt, damaged people.

We can rightly take comfort from the vision given to a single, hopelessly confused character: the spiritually and morally bankrupt Jacob. He saw a stairway spiralling up to Heaven, and in astonished wonder spoke for many of us, ‘Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not’ (Genesis 28:16 King James Version).

Rudi van de Wint’s sculpture nudges the grief-stricken to that same place. His creation reminds us of the coiling snake, symbolising both disaster and healing.

Transcending all catastrophes, the spiralling ladder speaks of an eternal reality that can never be extinguished.

RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL.

PREVIEW

Responding to God’s call

I

T was my pleasure to welcome viewers to the live-streamed Commissionings at William Booth College in 2020 and 2021 while we were under Covid-19 restrictions. It is going to be a real joy this year for me to welcome people to Commissioning as part of the Together 2022 event in Birmingham.

Commissioning will be on the morning of Sunday 17 July and you are welcome to share through a livestream if you are unable to join us in person.

Ten cadets will be commissioned as officers this year and appointed to various places across the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

Someone asked me recently if I was a little disheartened because there were just 10 people being commissioned.

I had to reply that I was in fact really encouraged. I asked the person to cast their mind back to a time nearly two and a half years ago when the majority of the country was in the first big lockdown due to the global pandemic. Many people were extremely fearful, hospitals and medical teams were overwhelmed, schools were closed, people were furloughed and companies were going out of business. Tragically, people were dying in countries around the world and no one knew what the future held.

In the midst of this chaos, when life itself was almost on hold, there were 10 people for whom online worship in their pyjamas with a cup of coffee was not

Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne looks ahead to the Commissioning of the Messengers of Reconciliation

enough; they heard and responded to God’s call.

These people contacted their Salvation Army leaders and made it clear that God still wanted them to go forward in response to his calling to be officers. They went through assessments during lockdown, with all that these involved. They left their workplaces, homes and schools, unable to meet and say goodbye to colleagues and friends in person. They left their home corps with no public farewells and arrived at the college in London with no public welcome.

Almost at once these 10 cadets went into a lockdown training programme in their small flats, missing out on practical placements and the usual fellowship shared. They were even unable to take part in singing and praying with others in person. The first time we were able to sing together was months after they arrived, when we went into the grounds of WBC, knelt on the damp ground and prayed: ‘Spirit of the living God,/ Fall afresh on me.’ And he did, as he always does!

During one of the most challenging times of this century 10 people were willing to see the needs of others, listen to God’s call and obey – just like the fishermen that Jesus first called. The Bible says: ‘Immediately they left their nets and followed him’ (Mark 1:18 Revised Standard Version). These were

the ordinary men – joined by other ordinary men and women – willing to hear and follow Jesus. Initially they were few in number, but they changed the world.

So, am I disheartened by a small number this year? Not at all! I am encouraged and delighted to have been part of their journey into ministry and I know that God will use them to change this world through his love and through the ministry of reconciliation to which they are called. Please pray for each of them as they approach this special time and take up their appointments and lives of service.

I believe that God will use their Commissioning to encourage and inspire us all. May we also find the courage not only to listen to God’s call but also respond and step out in his name and in love.

O View

the Commissioning livestream on Sunday 17 July at 10.30am and the sending out and celebration meeting at 3pm via youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

LIEUT-COLONEL JUDITH PAYNE Principal William Booth College

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There are hundreds of corps and centres in our territory, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this series we discover just that!

We are growing the mustard seed say Janet Pope and Joyce Wrigglesworth, members of the Doncaster Corps writers’ group

W

ELCOME to our church. Like so many corps we faced challenging times during the Covid-19 lockdowns. We are so grateful to have found – with God’s help – the solution to our problems.

We have always been a vibrant corps, something that has been mentioned by newcomers to our Sunday worship. Our smiling meeters-and-greeters in the foyer and welcomers at the front door chat with everybody as they arrive.

The church has excellent attendance and lots to offer different age groups, from a parent-and-toddler group and youth café to Cameo for people of a more mature age. We also remember those who are unwell or unable to

attend on Sundays and post them a recording of the meeting on DVD or CD. We have a number of charity shops in nearby villages. We also work alongside the council when there are flood alerts.

We all do God’s work with the purpose of bringing people to know Jesus and follow him.

This was happening until the first lockdown when, suddenly, the doors were closed and all activities ceased.

The church was a beacon of light and that light had gone out – or so it felt.

But our mustard seed never died.

We prayed for one another. A monthly prayer diary continued to be posted.

Zoom meetings brought the church together. We missed attending the

Coffee lounge

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Sunday meetings in person but, through technology, the corps officers delivered the word of God. Our young people signed into Zoom for weekly Bible studies, Sunday school and Guides. The light of hope shone within the church community.

Of course, the long-awaited next step came, and the doors were opened again.

Restrictions were applied, masks worn, one-way systems enforced, temperatures taken and online bookings required. Our mustard seed grew stronger roots.

A few more people began attending the church. Young green shoots from our mustard seed were seen through family worship and the youth café. This growing ministry is a blessing for the future of the corps.

To date, we have 90 per cent of our corps folk worshipping in the hall. It is wonderful to see so many seats occupied. The real volume, though, is found in the unlimited love that flows

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A note of encouragement Major Alistair Dawson encourages us to play our part, even if it is less than perfect

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N March I had the pleasure of attending a Blackburn Band rehearsal as they prepared for their 140th anniversary. I sat with the bass drummer, a lovely 84-year-old man with years of experience. The bandmaster, an expert in the art of managing expectations, stopped the band and told the drummer he was missing a part.

‘No, I’m not,’ the drummer said, as he studied his music. ‘I’m supposed to be resting there.’ He then took a second look and said with a giggle: ‘I’m playing the wrong piece!’

It reminded me of the Morecambe and Wise sketch in which Eric grabs his annoying conductor, ‘Andrew Preview’ (André Previn), by the jacket lapels, pulls him close and says: ‘I’m playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order!’

One thing I never do is make a mistake, for I always do things differently – such is the way of the clown that is me. The apostle Paul admitted something we all know so well when he said, ‘The good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do’ 14

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(Romans 7:19 King James Version).

We can enjoy the giggle that comes with my 84-year-old friend’s newly discovered understanding. But what about the rest of us? It really is easy to play all the right notes in the wrong order. And, of course, we always seek to play our part with the best of intentions.

There was a time when I was a proud member of Norwich Castle Songsters, under the leadership of Charles Goodman. He took me aside one day and said: ‘Major, I would like you to sing a part.’ I always sang the melody line with the women, simply to support them, but that did not please Charles. So I said: ‘Would you rather I sang tenor or bass?’ ‘Neither,’ he snapped. ‘I meant, apart from the brigade!’

A Daniel O’Donnell song says: ‘I’ve tried to be good, for I know that I should./ That’s my prayer for the end of the day.’ But sometimes the good that we would is simply not good enough, and we are set apart to face our own inadequacy.

In the band rehearsal they turned to a piece I knew well, ‘Treasures from Tchaikovsky’. It has a bass part that is extremely effective to the piece’s mood – the bass comes down the scale note by note, and that is repeated several times. I used to play it with Hereford Band. The band was good, but we had a bass player who had his own

interpretation of how the notes should be played – part of the ‘blast and blow school of divinity’ – and he certainly did it justice.

That man worked with me at Pritchard’s scrap metal merchants. He had an absolute torment of a life but, as a Christian in that workplace among its many uncouth workers, he was a saint in shining armour and was respected and loved.

There are a lot of people in our Army today who cannot reach the perfection expected of them. The music they have may be for the wrong piece, but we all have a part to play, whether in or out of the section we may love.

When I look back over the many enjoyable years of my Salvation Army life, the people who remain in my memory are not the perfectionists or the brilliant performers, but the casual souls who simply come to the Army. They are my Army of saints, people who have a love for God that is true and simple.

I meet them every Sunday at the corps where I soldier. They truly are the saints of St Austell – and I wouldn’t change them for the world!

MAJOR ALISTAIR DAWSON MAJ Retired St Austell

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A foot in both camps Lyn Woods highlights the challenge of putting God first in our lives

H

OW many of us have tried to live a Spirit-filled life of obedience, while still indulging in the material, financial and physical trappings of this world? I know I have.

At the same time as striving to please God and achieve holy living I have wrestled with all the unsettling feelings that having a foot in both camps brings.

It took me far longer than it should have to be convicted of the truth that it is not only unsustainable as a Christian but also completely against God’s will.

That is not to say that we shouldn’t strive to be the best possible version of ourselves or to be successful in our endeavours and enjoy the wonderful things life has to offer. But when our choices and activities are worldly or sinful or become our main focus as idols placed ahead of our one true God, or if our gifts are not used in the furtherance of his Kingdom, there emerges a real problem.

In the Old Testament the early prophets spoke many times on this important matter. Elijah stood before the people and asked, ‘How much longer will you waver, hobbling between two opinions?

If the Lord is God, follow him! But if Baal is God, then follow him!’ (1 Kings 18:21 New Living Translation).

The sin of the people had not been in rejecting the Lord but in trying to combine worship of him with worship of Baal, the Canaanite god. But worship of

the Lord left no room for other gods.

The people needed to be aware that continually switching from one side to the other was not right or in keeping with God’s commandments. They had a choice to make. Which camp were they in – the Lord’s or Baal’s?

In Matthew 6:24, Jesus makes a similar challenge in connection with material possessions. He tells the crowd: ‘No one can serve two masters.

For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money’ (NLT). Later, Paul tells the Christians at Corinth that they cannot worship the Lord and still take part in the pagan festivities of their former lives: ‘You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and from the cup of demons, too. You cannot eat at the Lord’s table and at the table of demons, too’ (1 Corinthians 10:21 NLT).

This doesn’t mean that a life lived according to God’s will – with our tent pitched firmly in his camp – will be bland or devoid of good things. Quite the opposite. Jesus promises that his followers will have life in all its fullness: ‘My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life’ (John 10:10 NLT).

There is real danger in having a foot in both camps. It can negatively impact our spiritual lives by lessening our devotion to God and our willingness to obey him

in all things. Our double-standards can also affect the people around us – our witness can be compromised, because actions speak louder than words, and we can find ourselves unable to see and respond to the needs of others.

May God guide us through his Holy Spirit to keep our feet firmly in the Lord’s camp.

Breathe on me, breath of God, Fill me with life anew, That I may love what thou dost love And do what thou wouldst do.

Breathe on me, breath of God, Until my heart is pure, Until with thee I will one will To do and to endure.

Breathe on me, breath of God, Till I am wholly thine.

Until this earthly part of me Glows with thy fire divine.

Breathe on me, breath of God, So shall I never die, But live with thee the perfect life Of thine eternity.

(SASB 294) LYN WOODS Editorial Assistant Salvationist

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BIBLE STUDY

Just once more, Lord Major Mal Davies looks at Gideon’s testing and re-testing of God

JUDGES 6:25–41

C

HAPTER 6 of Judges starts with the calling of Gideon, a ‘mighty warrior’ (v12) tasked with leading his people who – once again – had turned their backs to God. Gideon receives his first divine call to action and God asks him to tear down an altar to Baal (a foreign god) and an Asherah pole beside it. Asherah was the name of the wife of El, the chief Canaanite god and the pole would have been a wooden symbolic representation of her, akin to the totem poles used by many indigenous people in tribal worship.

Gideon did as he was requested and then built an altar to God where the altar and pole had been. This displeased the locals and they demanded of Gideon’s

Through the week with Salvationist – a devotional thought for each day

by Major Howard Webber

father, Joash, that he be presented to them and put to death.

Joash, however, defended his son: ‘Are you going to plead Baal’s cause? … If Baal really is a god, he can defend himself when someone breaks down his altar’ (v31).

QUESTIONS O Despite being unsure of God’s calling on his life and afraid of the consequences of his actions, Gideon does act. Can you recall a time you stepped out in faith and did something for God? O What were you scared of?

Having survived that minor threat, Gideon faces a much larger one – a massive army is assembled from different regions that are antagonistic

towards Israel, and they gather in the Jezreel Valley preparing to launch an attack.

The Spirit of the Lord comes upon Gideon (see v34) and he assembles a fighting force to confront the attackers.

QUESTIONS O Does this imply that the Spirit of the Lord wasn’t already with Gideon? (See also 1 Samuel 16:13 and 14, Judges 14:6 and 1 Chronicles 12:18.)

O How did the Spirit’s presence with us change after Christ’s ascension? (See Acts 2:4, 17 and 38, and John 14:15–17.)

Despite that, and even with God assuring him of victory (see Judges 6:14 and 16), Gideon is still uncertain. In verse 36 we read that Gideon strikes a deal with God in which he – seeking

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Immediately the boy’s father exclaimed, ‘I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief !’

(Mark 9:24)

In the past too unbelieving/ ’Midst the tempest I have been,/ And my heart has slowly trusted/ What my eyes have never seen./ Blessèd Jesus,/ Teach me on thy arm to lean.

(SASB 244)

Hezekiah had asked Isaiah, ‘What will be the sign that the Lord will heal me and that I will go up to the temple of the Lord on the third day from now?’

(2 Kings 20:8)

Prayer

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Father God, I do believe what you say and what you are capable of, but my faith is mixed with uncertainty and doubt. Forgive me and help me to take you at your word however unlikely or impossible your promise may appear.

assurance of God’s continued support – will lay a sheep’s fleece on the ground to see if, by the next morning, the fleece is wet with dew but the ground is dry.

And that’s what happens. At this stage, most of us would proclaim it a miracle and a sign from God and head off to assured victory, but not Gideon.

He wants to be doubly sure. So he asks God to do it again, this time reversed: fleece dry, ground wet.

God – ever patient – does it. That’s enough for Gideon, and he prepares his men for war.

QUESTIONS you have ever done your own equivalent of a fleece test, how did it turn out?

O Did you do a second test?

O If

In his book Just Do Something: A Liberating Approach to Finding God’s Will, US pastor Kevin DeYoung says that too many Christians are paralysed by indecision as they wait for God’s will to be revealed by a special sign. He suggests we should just love God fully and do what we want. Because that way, any decisions will be aligned with God’s will and pleasing to him.

DeYoung holds to Proverbs 3:5 and 6: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ The Message renders part of verse 6 as: ‘Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go.’

So the secret is not to seek God’s will on occasions, but to live within his will in everything and everywhere,

trusting God with ‘all your heart’ and in ‘all your ways’.

Gideon seems to still be learning that, if he surrenders himself fully to God’s will and trusts him completely, all will be well.

Not my own, not my own, Saviour, I belong to thee, belong to thee; All I have and all I hope for, Thine for all eternity.

(SASB 881)

MAJOR MAL DAVIES Editor-in-Chief THQ

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

When I ponder o’er the story/ Of my life’s defeat and grief,/ How much misery and blindness/ I can trace to unbelief !/ O how many fights I’ve lost,/ All for want of faith to trust!

(SASB 740)

Moses answered, ‘What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, “The Lord did not appear to you”?’

Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’

‘A staff,’ he replied. The Lord said, ‘Throw it on the ground.’ Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.

(Exodus 4:1–3)

Yes, dear Saviour, I will trust thee,/ Live by faith and not by sight,/ Knowing thou art close beside me,/ Giving victory in the fight./ Jesus, while thou art so near,/ I will never, never fear.

(SASB 740)

Gideon said to God, ‘If you will save Israel by my hand as you have promised – look, I will place a wool fleece on the threshing-floor. If there is dew only on the fleece and all the ground is dry, then I will know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you said.’ ( Judges 6:36 and 37)

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READ WITH US

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Called to Be a Soldier

The grace of constancy

CHAPTER TEN

Major John Waters continues a series of reflections on classic prayers

International Headquarters invites us to share in a worldwide reading and reflection plan, focusing on one chapter of Called to Be a Soldier each week

T

HE story of Jesus Christ is good news. To keep it to ourselves would not make sense.

As reconciled and transformed people, we have a story to tell. It is a message of reconciliation and transformation, a message that has the power to change the lives of individuals, to bring new life and purpose to communities and to influence the public life of cities and nations. It is a message of salvation.

We’re all called to share the truth, the good news of Jesus Christ, with those God allows our lives to intersect with.

The way we share the gospel will look different. We are different people with different gifts. Our lives are different.

The contexts in which we live are different. But the truth remains the same.

Whether evangelism is a gift we hold or is something we find a little uncomfortable, we all have good news to share. And we have a responsibility to share it – to be able to explain what we believe and why we believe it and to live in a way that makes it evident we are a follower of Jesus.

Loving God requires that we love others. Throughout the Bible, the people of God had been commanded to care for others, particularly for those on the margins of society or excluded from it. This is seen in the Old Testament Law, the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus and the practices of the early Church.

We are called to follow this example – to offer everyone respect, dignity and hope as people who are created in the image of God, loved by him and offered salvation through Jesus Christ.

We are an Army of salvation in a world that so desperately needs Jesus.

We all have a story of God’s faithfulness that no one else can tell. Let us echo the goodness of God to those we know and love, and to those we don’t, believing that lives will be transformed.

O For

more details find The Salvation Army International Spiritual Life Development on Instagram and Facebook @SalvArmySpiritualLife 18

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REQUENTLY the origins of a prayer – its author and the circumstance that inspired it – enhance its significance and meaning. But sometimes its provenance is difficult to ascertain, as with this week’s prayer.

It is found in the devotional volume Paradise of the Christian Soul: Enriched with Choicest Delights of Varied Piety.

Published in 1869, it was written by JM Horst and edited by the Rev EB Pusey. I have found no biographical description of the writer but Pusey was a well-known Victorian cleric and academic, being a professor of Hebrew at the University of Oxford. He was a leading light in the Oxford Movement, which, as noted in my last article, was opposed strongly by the Seventh Earl of Shaftesbury.

These religious disputes were often bitterly divisive and it is to the credit of church leaders in my lifetime that there is a greater sense of tolerance and an acceptance of each other, despite some differences in beliefs and practices.

Regrettably the current climate in the secular world is less encouraging, where lack of agreement gives rise to abuse. But let’s consider this prayer, which is especially suitable for us in the trying circumstances of continuing Covid-19 infections and the cost of living crisis, which is affecting many.

Give me, Lord, I pray thee, The grace and virtue of constancy And unwearied endurance, That so I may receive with thanksgiving Whatever thy hand may send Of calamity or distress in this life, May bear it patiently, Overcome it manfully, And, in every change and chance of life, May, with simple trust and resignation, Cast myself and all I have into the arms of thy good providence.

Amen.

A second prayer expresses the truth that this is possible when we have learnt to love as we ought.

Set my heart on fire with love of thee, Most loving Father, And then to do thy will and to obey thy commandments Will not be grievous to me.

For to him that lovest, Nothing is difficult, nothing impossible; Oh, may love fill and rule my heart.

Amen.

MAJOR JOHN WATERS Retired Biddulph Moor

TESTIMONY

Blessed to serve

Stephanie Ruddy (Ripon) introduces Brian and Pat Greensit, who found a place to serve God in the Army

Poetry corner New beginnings A poem for officers moving next week and for anyone facing change. It can be sung to the tune ‘Bethany’.

Lord, you give us new beginnings In our world from day to day; Help us to be ever thankful For your guidance when we pray.

Give us strength, Lord, as we journey, May we not forget to see That the love you give so freely Will be ours eternally.

B

RIAN and Pat, soldiers at Ripon, recently celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary. Members of the corps were invited to celebrate with them and their granddaughter made a wonderful cake. I asked them about their lives together and their work for the Lord.

‘We were married at Ripon Cathedral on 31 March 1962, a very windy day,’ Pat remembers. ‘We first met at Lawrence Ballroom in Ripon, where we spent Saturday evenings with friends dancing to rock’n’roll music and “The Last Waltz” by Engelbert Humperdinck.’

Pat was a nurse at Dr Barnardo’s children’s charity and Brian worked for the Co-op. They went to a Methodist church but did not attend regularly.

Years later, in 1993, a Salvation Army corps was planted in Ripon by Captains Alan and Carol Young.

‘One Christmas the band came to play on the green near our house and we went out to listen,’ recalls Brian.

‘Pat persuaded me to go with her to the Army carol service. After that we started to attend meetings every week.

We were made so very welcome that we couldn’t resist going. They treated you so well.’

Pat says: ‘It became like family after our three sons had left home.’

Brian and Pat were enrolled as soldiers and have been the backbone of the corps ever since. They have supported whatever activities the corps has provided in the community, always being the first to arrive and the last to leave, with no cup left unwashed!

Brian has served as corps sergeantmajor. He has also been the face of The Salvation Army in Ripon through his work as a herald, distributing the War Cry and Kids Alive! on Fridays in the marketplace, whatever the weather. When anyone stood in for him, people would ask where he was and said they’d keep their donation until he was back on duty.

‘I have been blessed with many opportunities to pray with local folk,’ he says.

Pat was a blessing to the Sunbeams parent-and-toddler group and the lunch club. She also served refreshments at outreach events, but preferred, as she says, to be ‘behind the scenes’.

Brian and Pat are servants of God who have played a large part in the life of Ripon Corps. They testify to God’s faithfulness through the years.

Lord, some doors may close for ever, Many will spring open wide; Help us not to dwell on failings, Help us leave our foolish pride.

Lord, you know our strength and weakness; Mould us into what you need, Make us more like you, our Saviour, Help us follow where you lead.

Lord, we pray for all your people Making moves to pastures new; Give them strength to walk your pathway, Give them grace in all they do.

Courage comes if they will seek it And your love their lives fulfil; May they listen as they seek you, Finding ways to do your will.

May we, Lord, be ever grateful For your guiding of our ways; In this ever-changing landscape We will serve you all our days.

Can we ever truly thank you For the times we call your name?

All our days shall be for you, Lord, And your glory we’ll proclaim.

MARK AYLING

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NEW COMMITMENTS

BATH TEMPLE The corps celebrated not only William’s eighth birthday but also his enrolment as a junior soldier. After attending preparation classes led by corps officer Major Richard Knott, he made his commitment to Jesus in front of his family and friends. More than 50 people attended the meeting, with some corps folk also watching via Zoom. The meeting was led by his grandmother, Major Jillian Bartlett.

William sang ‘My Lighthouse’ as his testimony. He was then enrolled by his grandfather, Major Kenneth Bartlett. – BH

NOTTINGHAM ARNOLD Charlie Mylechreest was enrolled as a soldier. He commented in his testimony that, although it can be difficult to live out his faith when others at school do not always agree with him, he is trusting in 1 Corinthians 3:11, which says: ‘No one can lay any foundation other than the one that is already laid, which is Jesus Christ.’

STAPLEFORD Craig Wicks and Jake Shelton were welcomed as adherents.

Jake first linked up with The Salvation Army as a child and has participated in the YP band, worship group and senior band. Craig was introduced to the Army by his wife and now considers the corps to be his home for worship. – FT

The hall was packed with people joyfully celebrating as seven new junior soldiers were enrolled and four teenagers became adherents.

The junior soldiers were Emilia, Lilly, Noah, Peter, Sophie, Esme and Marco. The adherents were Alannah, Georgina, Lewis and Zac. They have all been coming to the corps for some time, attending with their families or brought by kind neighbours. They enjoyed their membership classes, asking deep questions about God and faith as well as about The Salvation Army. Corps members rejoice in the living Christ and the way God is making himself known to young people. – JM BRAINTREE The corps was delighted to welcome Eve Radley as an adherent. Eve has been a Christian for many years and wished to continue her journey of faith within The Salvation Army. The occasion gave Eve an opportunity to publicly testify to her faith again and, gathered with friends, share a special moment to celebrate the occasion. – RW 20

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BOGNOR REGIS Corps officer Major Matt Butler enrolled Paul Ford as a soldier. They are both pictured with Corps Sergeant-Major Chris Lawton holding the flag. – AH AYLSHAM The corps was delighted to welcome Angela Beales as an adherent during its monthly Songs of Praise meeting. Angela first linked up with the Army in December 2019, when she enquired about volunteering and received an invitation to the carol service. Angela went along and has attended ever since. She also volunteers with the Samaritans and a local befriending scheme. Angela is pictured with corps officer Major Valerie Morgan. – VM

MERTHYR TYDFIL Barbara Oxenham was welcomed as an adherent.

As a child she attended Bargoed Corps, and in recent years has been a volunteer in the charity shop. After the closing of her previous place of worship, Barbara joined the corps Cameo club and started attending morning worship. Many friends and family shared in the occasion and Barbara chose ‘Blessed Assurance’ as her favourite song. Pictured with Barbara are Corps Sergeant-Major and Recruiting Sergeant Lynne Brill, corps officer Major Kevin Rand and flag bearer Robert Davies. – LB

NORWICH CITADEL Sam Grills became the newest soldier at the corps. He is a medical student at the University of East Anglia. His friends and family attended to support him and there was a wonderful spirit of togetherness. Sam spoke of the importance of his faith and how it had helped him discover his identity. People of all ages came forward in a response time as the congregation sang ‘King of Kings, Majesty’. Sam is pictured with corps officers Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer. – AG

FALMOUTH TEMPLE Ian and Sally Adams were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain Andrew Hammond. Following a recommendation from a friend, Ian and Sally started to attend Sunday meetings. They spoke of their love for Jesus and how they found the inclusive approach of the corps welcoming and participatory for all.

They are pictured with Captains Andrew and Nicola Hammond. – AH

REDRUTH ‘You can take the girl out of the Army, but you can’t take the Army out of the girl,’ testified Muriel Smith as she was enrolled as a soldier.

Having grown up in Blackpool within The Salvation Army, she felt she had come home after travelling the world with her husband’s work, raising a family and active participation at her local chapel. The warm welcome Muriel received at the corps confirmed God’s calling to her to become a soldier. She is pictured with corps officer Major Lisa Goble. – LG STROUD Divisional Commander Major Ian Harris, along with corps officer Captain Teresa Conway, enrolled Andy, Anna, Barbara and Ruth as soldiers and welcomed Anthony as an adherent. They have been an important part of the corps and its Celebrate Recovery programme for some time, taking steps into covenant after recruitment classes and prayerful consideration.

Each gave personal testimony and chose a song for the congregation to sing. The corps, which is part of the territory’s Recovery Church initiative, made their relatives and friends welcome and the Bible message was given by Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Jean Harris. – IH Salvationist 9 July 2022

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS The following promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 July O Colonels Yusak and Widiawati Tampai, currently serving as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Indonesia Territory, are promoted to the rank of commissioner APPOINTED Effective 18 July O Lieut-Colonels Graham and Kirsten Owen, divisional leaders (interim), Southern DHQ LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O RS Betty Grigor, Stornoway O RS Cass Jones, Wrexham O OSCS Glenys Prydden, Wrexham WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Rtd BM Brian and Songster Pearl Brown, Margate (20 July)

ENGAGEMENTS THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (welcome meeting), Thu 14 Jul O ICO (lecture), Tue 19 O Old Orchard Beach Camp, USA

Eastern Territory, Wed 20 – Tue 26 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 13 Jul O ICO (welcome meeting), Thu 14 O ICC, Birmingham (Together 2022), Fri 15 – Sun 17 O Derby Central (installation of East Midlands divisional leaders), Sat 23 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O WBC (Covenant Day), Wed 13 Jul O ICC, Birmingham (Together 2022),

Fri 15 – Sun 17

22

Salvationist 9 July 2022

Diamond O Majors Frank and Mavis Pascoe (21 July) Emerald (55th) O Dennis and Myra Adamson, York (22 July) DEDICATED TO GOD Mia-Rose Barbara Helen Sanford, daughter of Liam Sanford and Jayne Ulyatt, at Gainsborough by Captain Wendy Brown O Isaac Allchin, son of Danielle and Corps Youth Secretary Jonathan Allchin, at Leeds Central by Major Joy Allchin O

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS O Major John Roberts (85 on 17 July) O Major Pearl George (90 on 19 July) PROMOTED TO GLORY Doris Shotton, Kidderminster O Carol Purvis, Newcastle City Temple O Rtd SL Fred Selby, Rhyl, on 12 June O

BEREAVED Derek Shotton, Kidderminster, of his wife Doris Shotton O Kath Durrant, Kidderminster, of her sister Gloria Hiscocks O

WHAT’S ON THE ALL TERRAIN PODCAST The latest episode features Dr Russell Rook OBE who has previously worked for The Salvation Army, the Labour Party and numerous social enterprises and charities.

O Listen on Podbean, Apple Podcasts or Spotify or online at salvationist.org.uk/ all-terrain-podcast

TRIBUTES RICHARD SHEPPARD, STAPLEFORD RICHARD was born in Eastbourne in 1938 to a Christian family. He attended the Church of England until he joined The Salvation Army at the age of 14, when he attended the youth club. In 1956 he became a member of the Faithful session. In 1960 Richard joined the AA, where he became principal of the AA training college.

On retirement in 1993 Richard went back to his calling and opened South

Normanton Corps, staying there as an envoy until 2000, when he returned to Stapleford. Richard has been YPSM, corps cadet guardian and corps sergeant-major, as well as being a bandsman and songster.

In later years Richard focused on working with senior citizens and selling Salvation Army publications until ill health prevented him doing so.

Richard leaves his wife, Val, his daughter, Julia, his stepdaughters, Dianna, Trish and Emma, 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is sadly missed by all. – FS MARGARET SHAW, STAPLEFORD MARGARET was born into a Salvation Army family at Stapleford in 1931.

She was a member of the Sunday school and a soldier, being No 1 on the roll when she was promoted to Glory on 30 March.

Margaret was a uniformed Salvationist and sang in the songsters. She attended the home league and was treasurer for many years. Margaret also enjoyed helping out at the parent-and-toddler group for a number of years, helping out in the kitchen.

After her husband, George, passed away, Margaret attended the Sunday morning meeting with her son, Andrew.

Margaret, who leaves behind Andrew, was a wonderful Christian lady and had a lovely sense of humour. – FT ANSWERS TO QUIZ (PAGE 24) 1 b. In his hands 2 a. That God has pruned and caused to shoot 3 c. I’d thank you, Lord, for giving me wings 4 c. There’ll be danger on the way 5 b. One, two, Jesus loves you 6 a. A fountain flowing deep and wide 7 a. I love rhubarb crumble and custard 8 b. Doing good to all 9 c. There’s nothing that he cannot do 10 c. Ride in the cavalry 11 a. And the silk inside a chestnut shell 12 b. Do remember me 13 a. A circle big and round 14 c. For the Bible tells me so 15 c. In the morning 16 b. Standing in the need of prayer 17 a. Down in my heart 18 b. Swallow Jo, Jo, Jo, Jo? 19 b. Happy all the time 20 a. Thousands, millions

ARMY PEOPLE

ADVERTS TO LET ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment, pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hillwalking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

Southbourne, Bournemouth SOUTHERN BREEZE LODGE (adults only) Salvationist-owned guest house close to shops and beaches For more information please call 01202 427459 Email enquiries@southernbreezelodge.co.uk or visit southernbreezelodge.co.uk CHIPPENHAM Foghamshire SN15 1HB Saturday 24, Sunday 25 September

REUNION OF CHIPPENHAM BAND Weekend leader – Andrew Blyth, Music Editorial Manager (THQ) Saturday afternoon workshop followed by evening programme After having to postpone this event for two years we are holding a reunion of Chippenham Band. On Saturday afternoon there will be a band workshop/rehearsal followed by buffet tea, then an informal programme. If you are a past member of Chippenham Band and are able to join us for this special weekend please contact Diane Lloyd.

Tel: 07759 447984 Email: dianejlloyd@hotmail.co.uk

Can you help?

Everything that happens at New Wine’s summer event, United, is made possible by an incredible team of volunteers and, this year, there aren’t enough.

Can’t make it to Birmingham for Together 2022?

We are particularly short of volunteers for additional needs provision for Our Place and Access teams, who look out for and work alongside children and adults who have any kind of additional support needs.

Join us via livestream on Sunday 17 July at 10.30am for the Commissioning and Ordination of the Messengers of Reconciliation session and again at 3pm for the territorial sending out and celebration meeting. Highlights from the weekend – including worship, concerts, interviews and sports mission – will be available later via the UK and Ireland Territory’s YouTube channel

There are also places across stewarding, event support, catering, cafés and kids groups.

youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo

It’s more than an opportunity to serve the wider Christian family.

Volunteers become part of a friendly and faith-filled team, receive training and experience from some of the best practitioners in the country, and get to see God at work both in and through them.

Could this be an opportunity for you or someone you know?

Find out more: new-wine.org/teamstatus

Salvationist 9 July 2022

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Quiz…

SUNDAY SCHOOL MEMORIES

BY GARRY D REED

Fill in the missing lyrics from these Sunday school songs and choruses 1

He’s got the whole world… a. Under his feet b. In his hands c. On his mind

2

I want to be a tree that’s bearing fruit… a. That God has pruned and caused to shoot b. With some squirrels, oh so cute c. God’s love one cannot refute

3

4

If I were a butterfly… a. I’d fly to Heaven to be with you b. I’d rest in you and never fly by c. I’d thank you, Lord, for giving me wings

8

Jesus’ hands were kind hands… a. Helping all who fall b. Doing good to all c. Giving love to all

9

My God is so big, so strong and so mighty… a. The world is under his power b. My God always shows us the way c. There’s nothing that he cannot do

The journey of life may be easy, may be hard… a. But God is by my side b. The road may be bumpy and rough c. There’ll be danger on the way

14

Jesus loves me this I know… a. For he helps me when I grow b. For I hear it when the wind blows c. For the Bible tells me so

15

Praise him, praise him, praise him… a. In the evening b. In the noontime c. In the morning It’s me, it’s me, oh Lord…

16 a. Knocking hard upon your door b. Standing in the need of prayer c. Waiting still to hear your voice

I may never march in the

5

6

One, two, three, Jesus loves me… a. Nine, ten, it’s time to end b. One, two, Jesus loves you c. Four, five, six, your life he’ll fix Deep and wide, deep and wide, there’s… a. A fountain flowing deep and wide b. A valley where I can take a ride c. A river flowing by my side

10 infantry…

a. Shoot the artillery b. Zoom o’er the enemy c. Ride in the cavalry

11

Autumn days when the grass is jewelled… a. And the silk inside a chestnut shell b. And leaves mask ground in a rusty sheen c. And the magpies dart across the sky

17

Who did, who did, who did, who

18 did, who did…

a. Go to God in prayer? b. Swallow Jo, Jo, Jo, Jo? c. See Jesus on the cross?

19

I’m inright, outright, upright, downright… a. Joyful every day b. Happy all the time c. Grateful all day long

20

There are hundreds of sparrows… a. Thousands, millions b. Billions, trillions c. Hundreds, thousands

I love custard creams and Wall’s

7 ice creams,/ _____ / But none

compare to the love that’s there/ In my heart for my friend Jesus. a. I love rhubarb crumble and custard b. I love haddock, peas and burgers c. I love clotted cream scones with jam

12

13

Do Lord, oh, do Lord, oh… a. Do keep me safe b. Do remember me c. Do send your peace God’s love is like a circle… a. A circle big and round b. Surrounding all the world c. No ending can be found

I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy… a. Down in my heart b. Down in my soul c. Down in my feet

l Answers

on page 22