Salvationist 11 May 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1704 Price 60p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 11 May 2019

FELLOWSHIP AND BLESSING AT THE EASTER MUSIC COURSE

T CONTENTS

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

News feature 8 and 9 Easter Music Course exceeds expectations Interview I Richard Reddie Reddie to make a difference

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Viewpoint 11 Addressing knife crime and serious youth violence

by Richard Reddie

Global Army 12 and 13 A blessed and growing Army Adapted from an article in Others magazine

Feature I Being obedient Not a one-off decision

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by Cadet Nick Entwisle

Review 15 Always Believe! A Personal Journey of Faith reviewed by Major Rosemary Dawson

Preview 15 Nik King issues an invitation to the Symphony Sounds weekend Bible study Be obedient

16 and 17

by Major Steven Smith

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Freda Benneyworth

New commitments

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Letters

21 22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

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

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IN the past two weeks Salvationist has featured articles by a retired officer and an active officer on the theme Be Obedient. On page 14 this week Cadet Nick Entwisle provides the final article. We’ve included the series with this weekend’s Candidates Sunday in mind – a day on which we can consider what it means to respond to God’s call.

Each writer has approached the theme from their own unique perspective and given us a lot to think about. It’s become clear that there’s more to obedience than just saluting and going! For example, when Nick first thought about officership he admits to having had ‘doubts and concerns’ and wondered whether he was ‘good enough in God’s eyes’. Then he understood the need to trust God and to step out in obedience.

The need to trust and obey is also emphasised in this week’s Bible study on pages 16 and 17, where Major Steven Smith looks at the story of Philip. This Early Church evangelist was called to leave his successful campaign in Samaria and head for a spot in the desert that must have seemed a lot less promising. Nevertheless, he went – and God used him there.

While trusting and obeying are key to our response to God’s call – whether it’s a call to go somewhere or a call to stay and serve where we are – there’s something that comes before both these things: listening. And that is sometimes the most difficult thing of all.

How do we hear God’s voice? Most of us are familiar with the usual answers to that question: God speaks through the Bible, in our inner thoughts and feelings, through our circumstances and experiences, through other people and occasionally even audibly. Sometimes he speaks loudly and clearly; most of the time we need to tune in carefully.

Listening means being close enough to hear, which points to another vital element of obedience: our relationship with God. It’s in knowing him that we begin to recognise his voice, and it’s in deepening that relationship that we grow in our ability to listen.

Many people in our society would question the importance of obedience. ‘Why would you worship a God who demands your obedience?’ they might ask. ‘Doesn’t that restrict your life and take the pleasure out of it?’ They put the emphasis on freedom instead, with the assumption that freedom means being able to do what we want with our lives as long as it doesn’t infringe upon other people’s freedom.

But true freedom is not doing what we want; it’s doing what we were created for.

If God has made us for a purpose, then freedom comes from obeying the call to fulfil that purpose. That’s what brings deep peace and lasting joy, even if it’s a costly commitment.

If we think Candidates Sunday isn’t for us, apart from possibly giving to the candidates fund, perhaps we need to think again. God may not be calling us to officership, but he’s calling. He has a purpose to be worked out in us – both in the big-picture plan for our lives and in the detailed pattern of each day. Our response is to listen, to trust and to obey.

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Announcements

Adverts

CALL AND RESPONSE

Salvationist 11 May 2019

From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

Alcohol-free beer is being rolled out on tap in Britain’s pubs for the first time to meet rising demand from a growing band of ‘dry drinkers’ opting to ditch or cut back on the booze.

Brewers are pioneering new low-alcohol or alcohol-free brands, including lagers, ales and stouts, to attract non-drinkers.

Pepsi is now the biggest-selling drink sold on draught in Wetherspoon, outselling any of its beers.

COUNCIL SPENDING ON SERVICES FOR SINGLE HOMELESS PEOPLE DOWN £5BN IN NINE YEARS AS ROUGH SLEEPING SOARS

Sales of alcohol-free beer have surged in the past two years, making it one of the fastest-growing sectors in the drinks market. Some do it to save money, many do it for health reasons, while others ‘want to be in control of what they are doing’, according to one brewery boss.

Laura Willoughby, founder of Club Soda, which promotes cutting back on or giving up alcohol, said: ‘People are wanting to be healthier, and the brewing technology means these alcohol-free and low-alcohol beers taste much better.’

Council spending on services for single homeless people in England has plummeted by £5 billion in the last nine years, according to a new report, which has prompted charities to warn that many people have been left with no other option but to sleep rough.

PUBS TAP INTO TREND FOR ALCOHOL-FREE BEER

The Sunday Times

NEW NATIONAL STRATEGY TO TACKLE PROBLEM GAMBLING The Gambling Commission says under its three-year strategy they will cut gambling-related harm ‘much faster’.

The national strategy focuses on prevention, education and treatment and support for problem gamblers…

The Gambling Commission estimates that about 430,000 people are experiencing problems with gambling…

Marc Etches, head of the GambleAware charity, which contributed to the Gambling Commission’s National Strategy

to Reduce Gambling Harms, said: ‘Gambling is a serious public health issue in Britain with two million adults suffering some level of gamblingrelated harm, and for a few, gambling addiction ends in suicide.

‘Commitments by some in the gambling industry to reduce advertising and to increase funding for research and the prevention and treatment of gambling addiction are welcome but there is much more that can and should be done across the industry as a whole.’

Funding fell by 53 per cent between 2008-09 and 2017-18 – meaning local authorities now spend almost £1 billion less a year on these services across England compared with ten years ago, the research commissioned by the St Mungo’s and Homeless Link charities found.

Overall, more than £5 billion less has been spent on services for single homeless people over the past nine years than would have been spent had funding continued at 2008-09 levels.

During the same period, homelessness in England has risen dramatically, with the number of people sleeping rough now 165 per cent higher than it was in 2010.

The Independent

BBC

UK SAYS MOST IMPORTANT SIGN OF ‘A GOOD CHRISTIAN’ IS KINDNESS Kindness is the top sign of whether someone is a ‘good Christian’, a new poll of people in the UK has found.

Thirty-five per cent of respondents in a survey of approximately 2,000 people said they thought the trait was the top indicator.

But there was a considerable difference between the genders – with 42 per cent of women and 27 per cent of

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 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

men favouring kindness above other qualities.

Love (14 per cent), goodness (11 per cent) and faithfulness (6 per cent) completed the top four characteristics.

The YouGov and Yahoo UK poll found joy, peace, patience, gentleness and self-control were less popular – each garnering 5 per cent or less of votes.

Premier

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ISSN 2516-5909

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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

Salvationist 11 May 2019

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NEWS

Large crowds gather for Easter convention

Easter worship begins with Maundy Thursday meeting

BOSCOMBE

HINCKLEY CORPS officer Major Carol Evans led three thoughtprovoking Easter meetings. On Maundy Thursday the congregation met for a time of reflection in the main hall before sharing a light supper in an upper room. After this a drama presentation in the community hall depicted scenes from the betrayal of Christ. The evening concluded with an opportunity to approach the cross in the main hall and place a heart on it in response to all Jesus has done and is doing.

On Good Friday there were Scripture readings telling of events on that day, and an opportunity to place or nail a piece of black cloth to the cross symbolising the fact that here was a place to leave burdens of doubt, sin and worry. This was followed by a Churches Together walk of witness and service in the market square, supported by the band.

Easter Day was a day of rejoicing with a well-attended meeting when the black cloth on the cross was replaced by an abundance of flowers, symbolising the new life found in Jesus. – B. A.

People visit the Army for the first time BROMLEY TEMPLE MANY people, including some for the first time, gathered for a Good Friday meditation, which was followed by a united outdoor service with Bromley Churches Together.

Easter Day morning was a time of celebration, with a capacity congregation. The songsters sang ‘Throned In Majesty’ and newly commissioned Bandmaster Matthew Miles led the band playing ‘Written In Red’. The singing company contributed ‘Jesus Reigns!’

During the evening meeting, the congregation brought food and chose or contributed items for the meeting. – A-J. L.

The Army in Felixstowe takes advantage of the good Easter weather and marches back to the hall after open-air witness

The dance and timbrel group at Buckhaven contributes to worship during Easter week; the group’s presentations were appreciated by congregations in various venues 4

Salvationist 11 May 2019

THE four-day series started on Maundy Thursday with a meditation arranged by Bandmaster Howard Evans, supported by the band and songsters. With the theme, The Blood Of Jesus, the meeting was a time of devotional music and Scripture, culminating in a joint performance of ‘Written In Red’.

During the Good Friday meetings corps officers Majors David and Jane Alton demonstrated their own love for the crucifixion story. The YP sections supported the morning meeting when Major Jane spoke about Jesus’ walk to Jerusalem. The evening meeting was supported by the band, which played ‘The Christ Of Calvary’, and the songsters, who sang ‘When I Survey’. Major David dramatically portrayed his message of Behold The Man. The timbrelists opened the Saturday evening programme accompanied by the band playing ‘Finale From “William Tell” Overture’. Guest soloist Dudley Bright (trombone, Regent Hall) contributed his own composition ‘Life’s Command’. Vocal solos contributed by Gemma Hinchliffe included ‘The Shepherd’s Song’ and ‘They Could Not’.

The meeting concluded with the band playing ‘Resurgam’.

Easter Day began with a sunrise service on the clifftop.

The indoor meeting included the solo ‘The Victory Cry!’ played by Craig Snell. Major David spoke on the theme Behold The Man – Again, at the conclusion of which the congregation joined in singing the ‘Hallelujah’ chorus.

Following an open-air meeting and march of witness the convention concluded with the final meeting supported by corps sections and soloists, and Major Jane reminded the congregation that ‘this greatest day in history must be lived out in our lives every day’. – R. C.

Members of Norwich Citadel celebrate Easter in the city centre after a gathering of more than 250 people at the hall and a colourful Easter procession

Lifehouse receives donation of travel mugs LOGOS HOUSE THE next 45 men to move on from Logos House, Bristol, will receive a travel mug donated by Portishead Sainsbury’s and passed on by Portishead Rotary Club. These will be a parting gift and memento of the time the residents spent in Logos House.

Logos House is home to 93 men. Each resident is assigned a support worker, who gives support according to their needs and encouragement to work towards independent living. The services of Employment Plus are available three days a week.

Pictured are John Sleight and Sandra Galpin (Portishead Rotary Club), Fiona Winstone, Captain Martyn Watson and Nicky Pang (Logos House) and Sandra and Adrian Bailey (Clevedon). – M. W.

The Salvation Army – rehabilitation with innovation NORWAY

Easter is spelt out at Messy Church MAIDSTONE MORE than 30 children and their families attended Easter Messy Church, when various aspects of events were spelt out using the letters of the word Easter.

Set prominently in the room was a large cross displaying pictures and artefacts depicting scenes from Holy Week, and an animated video imagined

Jairus’s daughter and the boy who gave his lunch to Jesus discovering his death and resurrection.

The epilogue reminded those present of God’s great love. – G. P. Merthyr Tydfil Good Companions group enjoyed a visit from Welsh assembly member Dawn Bowden, who described how she became a member and gave an insight into her working life; the afternoon concluded with a question-and-answer session

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A CAR-WASHING service is among various programmes helping people who have suffered from social exclusion in Tønsberg, southern Norway.

The car wash is named Såpa, which translates as ‘soap’ and is redolent of the Norwegian Army’s motto ‘soup, soap and salvation’.

The car wash is supervised by Henning Wick, who has been in and out of rehab for 20 years.

Henning checks every car before it is driven off, and is an important role model for the other employees. ‘The only thing I demand of the others is that they don’t show up to work under the influence of drugs or alcohol,’ he says. ‘If they happen to have a

bad day, I send them home – but they are always welcome back.

I, for one, understand the importance of a second chance.’

The Army’s presence in Tønsberg extends beyond the corps. The car wash joins the corps, thrift shop, concert venue, café, bicycle workshop, textile production and print house as part of its service to the community. – G. S-S. CIRENCESTER: A capacity crowd gathered when corps leader Territorial Envoy Michala Lancefield led the Good Friday Churches Together service. This was followed by a march of witness and open-air service supported by the band. After the Easter Day meeting, the band played in the Market Place where many passers-by were contacted.

The band and songsters visited Paternoster House care home in the afternoon. – M. G. Salvationist 11 May 2019

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NEWS

Visitors join Easter celebrations STAPLE HILL THROUGHOUT Holy Week people had many opportunities to take part in various activities, including Easter crafts, an evening exploring the Easter message, a film viewing and a Maundy Thursday supper.

Good Friday began with the band playing Easter music in the nearby shopping area; members of the corps distributed hot cross buns. Several listeners attended the Good Friday meeting. The Bible message focused on Isaiah 53, and all the music sections participated.

Visitors and corps folk shared in worship on Easter Day, celebrating the risen Lord. – V. W. Bellshill Band leads the march of witness on Easter Day, concluding a weekend of great blessing and challenge under the leadership of Commissioners Janine and Robert Donaldson (IHQ)

SNETTISHAM: On Holy Saturday Major Lorraine O’Neill led a retreat day that began with a time of worship centred on the grave.

Afterwards, a faith lunch and relaxed style of worship took place, including craft activities, quizzes and a time of prayer. – M. J. 6

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Corps window decorated for Holy Week SHOEBURYNESS DURING Easter week Barbara Alston and Barbara Pavelin decorated an external window of the hall, showing scenes of various events from the first Easter, attracting the attention of many people.

Families attended a messy church event for the corps children, sharing together in arts and crafts activities based around the Easter story. Each family was given a book about Easter.

On Good Friday, the corps united with the nearby Baptist Church to share worship. The band played outside the hall on Easter Day, sharing the good news with people in the community. During the indoor meeting, each member of the congregation was given a chocolate egg to remind them of the new life received through Jesus. – R. D.

BELFAST CITADEL: To celebrate the 20th anniversary of an Easter campaign at the corps led by Commissioners Francy and Genevieve Cachelin, tape recordings made during the campaign were used as Bible studies for Holy Week this year. The Cachelin tapes, on the subject of the cross, were thought-provoking and relevant.

On Maundy Thursday many passers-by were contacted through shoeshining and coffee outreach. – N. M.

Llanelli corps folk gather at the Millennium Coastal Path on Easter Day for a sunrise service of praise and prayer led by corps officer Major Denise Cooper

DUNSTABLE: Easter Day began with a ‘Sonrise’ service on Dunstable Downs, attended by 100 people, including a number from other churches. In the evening the congregation was able to visit six reflective stations where they could take part in activities or engage in Table Talk discussions entitled So What? or Expect The Unexpected, in relation to their Christian experiences. – S. B.

LEIGH-ON-SEA: Holy Week included evening meditations and reflective music. After the Good Friday morning meeting the band played music on The Broadway, and corps folk gave out hot cross buns to many shoppers. On the morning of Easter Day nearby churches united for a sunrise service by the sea. Approximately forty corps folk enjoyed a full English breakfast. – P. J.

Easter meditation brings challenge TUNBRIDGE WELLS THE songsters were joined by the South London Fellowship Band on Monday evening of Holy Week for an Easter meditation led by South London Divisional Commander Major Val Mylechreest.

The band opened with the meditation ‘A Special Moment’ – music that focused minds on the cross – and the songsters sang ‘God So Loved The World’ and ‘Wondrous Cross’.

A multimedia presentation helped the sense of worship

by displaying graphics and words, which allowed the meeting to flow through without interruption.

The DC issued a challenge to see what Jesus sees when he looks at his people, reminding the congregation that he sees us just as we are. The band then played ‘Just As I Am’. Many people moved forward to take crosses from the holiness table, and the meeting closed with the songsters singing ‘Tell All The People’. – A. S.

Charlie Green shares an evening at Dunstable and challenges the audience to choose the right road with the song ‘God Goes Before You’

A series of Easter events at Swindon Citadel included weekday meetings of music and meditation and a Bible buffet, study and discussion; visitors were attracted to Easter Day’s Messy Church

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On Easter Day at Brechin a new mercy seat was dedicated

by Divisional Commander Major Denis Lomax; Arbroath corps folk visited for an afternoon of songs of praise

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NEWS FEATURE I Easter Music Course

Easter Music Course exceeds expectations IT was with excitement and anticipation that we arrived at the Easter Music Course, Barbara Gaze and Bandmaster Erik Gaze (both Plymouth Congress Hall) write. Having spent many years ferrying our excited children to Army music schools it was now our turn!

We were warmly welcomed into a lovely, friendly atmosphere and were soon meeting new people and renewing acquaintances. We had signed up for the brass programme and it wasn’t long before we were at our first rehearsal.

Under the expert direction of Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Brass/Choral) Paul Sharman (THQ) we were able to play a diverse selection of pieces, including Ray Steadman-Allen’s ‘Go Down Moses’, Bruce Broughton’s march ‘Hillcrest’ and Paul’s own march, ‘Win The World’. A particular highlight was Paul’s hymn tune arrangement ‘Renewing Grace’, based on the hymn tune ‘Chalvey’, reminding us of the

words ‘I have no claim on grace’ (SASB 463). While we listen to the grandeur of ‘Chalvey’ we hear a phrase of the tune to ‘Many Are The Things I Cannot Understand’ (SASB 876) played delicately by the baritones.

Each day included rehearsals, thoughtful and varied Bible studies led by visiting officers, entertainment and evening prayers.

On Tuesday evening, after a short band rehearsal led by Director of Music and Creative Arts Stephen Cobb (THQ), we enjoyed an excellent programme by Birmingham Citadel Band, led by Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough,, and were thrilled by the various soloists.

Further entertainment included the talent night and the Fifties night, which required us to dress in Fifties-themed clothing and, in groups, perform period pop songs. This was the source of much hilarity and the memories will

remain with us for a long time.

Evening prayers brought each day to a close and were led by Major Paul Johnson (Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls) who brought a delightful combination of hilarity and contemplation with his Through the Keyhole presentation.

All too soon, our five days together came to an end with the Musical Review from the band and singing group, as well as united voices and a timbrel display. It was a fantastic week that exceeded all expectations, and we left with promises to meet again next year.

Adrian Winter (Winton) caught up with a few of the 76 delegates, including some of the 20 who attended for the first time, to get their views of the week…

‘I’ve been coming for 15 years and gain so much spiritual guidance. I meet people from other corps from previous years who have become good, ¿UP IULHQGV ¶

‘I travel 1,000 km from Switzerland to come to EMC because of the comradeship, music making and teaching.

I look forward to it each year and hopefully will be back next year.’

KING’S PARK CONFERENCE CENTRE

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Pictures: KIRSTIE THORNTON

WE arrived on a sunny afternoon and met up with old and new friends, Yvonne Sparkes (Colchester Citadel) writes.

This year there was a change of staff, with Paul Sharman taking the band and Bobby Irvine (Ayr) taking the choir.

Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Creative Arts) Stephanie Lamplough (THQ) also brought her creative skills to the week. After our first rehearsal we shared a quiz time, then Major Paul Johnson brought the epilogue.

In Tuesday morning’s Bible study, led

by Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe (THQ), we looked at the disciple Peter and the events leading up to Easter. In the evening Birmingham Citadel Band brought a lovely, uplifting programme, with a lot of new music, and we enjoyed horn, trombone and euphonium solos.

The Bible study the next day, on the miracle of the five loaves and two fish, was led by Majors David and Kathy Betteridge (THQ). It made us think about how God can use ordinary people to influence others. Later, various people took part in the talent night.

Majors Ian and Tracey Mountford (Central East DHQ) led Thursday’s Bible study on the vine and the branches.

That evening was our Fifties night when we were split into groups to perform a song given to us and were judged on our performance.

On our last day we presented what we had learnt in the rehearsals during the week, with the band, choir and timbrelists taking part. Major Johnson

‘I come for the fellowship, for encouragement (musical and spiritual), for the Bible studies, to renew friendships and to make new friends.’

New delegates said…

‘After the week I now have more confidence in my playing. I found the EMC group and staff friendly and immediately felt part of the EMC family. I’m looking forward to next year and would highly recommend the course.’

‘I soon found out that this wasn’t just a music week but also a spiritual uplift week and a fun week. I was quickly made to feel at home and included.’

led a meeting that included a time of testimony, when a number of people spoke about how the week had blessed them. We had lots of fun and laughter, as well as inspiring God-given moments.

Why not join us next year!

‘My wife has been before and I was persuaded to attend. I found the week relaxing, although we did work hard in rehearsals. The other delegates were friendly and I found it easy to fit in and mix.’

‘I thoroughly enjoyed the week and have made many new friends. The course met all my expectations – even though I didn’t know what to expect! – and I would definitely recommend it.’

‘As well as the fellowship I gain increased knowledge of music and spiritual wellbeing. Also the food is excellent and the staff are friendly and helpful! This is one of my main holiday weeks and I look forward to it every year.’

‘This is my ninth year and I come back for the fellowship and spiritual guidance. I can easily talk to people in confidence. Everybody is supportive and people mix well with each other.’

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INTERVIEW I Richard Reddie

Richard Reddie was recently appointed Director for Justice and Inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI); he speaks about himself, his new role and his priorities

Reddie to make a difference WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND? I was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire.

My parents were part of the Windrush generation who migrated to this country from Jamaica in the late 1950s. I grew up in a religious home, and church played a central role in my upbringing.

When I completed my A levels, I moved to London to study and never properly returned to Bradford. After graduating, I tried to work only for organisations that allowed me to use my skills, experience and passions to effect change on a range of socioeconomic and political issues. I worked as deputy head of the London region for Christian Aid and was head of community engagement for the mayor of London. I see my present role in a similar vein.

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? Growing up in our family home, the Rev Martin Luther King Jr was second only to Jesus in importance! So I have always taken a keen interest in justicerelated matters, particularly those involving any fight for the rights, respect and contributions of vulnerable groups or communities.

I view our world as being profoundly unequal on a number of levels, and believe it is the responsibility of every Christian to struggle to make our world one that reflects the words of the prophet Amos: ‘Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing 10

Salvationist 11 May 2019

stream’ (5:24). I must confess that I am baffled by those who create a false dichotomy between the ‘spiritual’ and the ‘secular’. Jesus’ teachings clearly show us that the two are intertwined and that Christians must be at the heart of any struggle for justice, irrespective of where it is and who is involved.

WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? As Director for Justice and Inclusion, I co-ordinate CTBI’s asylum, refugee and immigration activities, focusing on the further development of the Churches Refugee Network and the emerging Church of Sanctuary movement.

I’m also responsible for bringing a fresh focus to issues of inclusion, including racial justice and the faith response to serious youth violence. And I will liaise with CTBI colleagues on spirituality, conflict and reconciliation issues involving identity, nationhood, unity and theology.

It will be important to have input into the collaborative Centre for Theology and Justice in Manchester and its work on belonging. The centre’s artist in residence project seeks to understand the role art and faith can play in serving a city that has witnessed terrorism recently, as well as in the past, and has stark inequalities between rich and poor.

WHAT IS TOP OF YOUR TO DO LIST? The first few months in the role have been an exciting and hectic combination

of meetings, getting up to speed with my brief and scoping out areas of work.

Among other issues, I will bring serious youth violence into focus and how the churches in Britain and Ireland can better respond to this appalling phenomenon. I will also pick up CTBI’s existing work on asylum and refugees.

The whole conversation around immigration and identity – in the light of Brexit, the Syrian refugee crisis and the Windrush generation scandal – is one that the churches must engage in and the Churches Refugee Network, which I now co-ordinate, is an excellent way to take this forward.

WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING? I’ve always been someone who likes to keep himself busy, and I use my spare time for writing and researching. Over the past decade I have written several books on everything from the transatlantic slave trade to a history of the New Testament Assembly Church in the UK, to tie in with their golden jubilee in 2011. However, I’m particularly proud of my publication, Black Muslims In Britain, which was the first scholarly research exploring the rising numbers of black people converting to Islam in this country. I’m considered an expert in this area, which is quite flattering but totally untrue!

O This interview first appeared in CTBI magazine

VIEW POINT

Addressing knife crime and serious youth violence I

N 2018 a spate of knife-related crimes resulted in more than 100 deaths, mostly of young men living in urban areas. Unlike in previous years, these incidents garnered significant media attention and a demand for authorities to take action. Serious youth violence is complex and entrenched, and cannot be resolved quickly or cheaply.

Leading practitioners argue that only a joined-up, multi-agency approach involving the police, schools, social services and youth and community workers, along with other civil society actors, can tackle the problem.

Churches have a key role to play.

But how can they harness the latent skills among their congregations in the most effective way?

Christian responses to serious youth violence tend to be local or regional in their remit, operate on shoestring budgets and are often led by people not considered to be expert practitioners. Because of their church and denominational affiliations, there have been some capacity issues, little scope for joined-up working or partnership and limited sharing of best practice.

As the new Director for Justice and Inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) I have been tasked to address serious youth violence as part of my portfolio. In a previous job I liaised with the government and civil society groups to devise ways of raising the attainment levels of

underachieving students. Many y of the strategies I devised in that role are transferable to this task, as s the evidence suggests that many of those caught up in this life of violence are invariably not in work or education.

It’s going to be important to encourage greater collaboration n and information sharing among g Christian organisations and church-related groups active in n this area. I want to ensure that there re is a four-nations dimension to my work and will be particularly liaising with churches in Glasgow to share how that city is bucking the trend in addressing knife crime and serious rious youth violence.

Jesus said that he had come ‘that they may have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). Tragically y those who should be tomorrow’s w’s doctors, teachers, lawyers, artists sts and preachers are buried in graveyards or incarcerated in jails. ails.

CTBI will work with Christians, churches, civil society organisations, councils and the e UK government to ensure that all those hose made in the image of God can enjoy the abundant life that Christ rist offers.

Many churches mark Racial Justice Sunday in February each ch year, and CTBI lists resources specifically developed by member ber denominations on its website (ctbi.org.uk/racial-justice).

The 8m-high ‘Knife Angel’ sculpture by Alfie Bradley is a tribute to victims of knife crime and is touring the UK during 2019; it was made by the British Ironworks Centre in Oswestry out of 100,000 knives confiscated or surrendered to police

O This article first appeared in CTBI BI magazine

Picture: ROSEMARY THORN

Last year was the worst for a decade in terms of the number of young people killed in knife attacks in England and Wales; Richard Reddie considers how churches might respond

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A blessed and growing Army How well do you know the Salvation Army world? This month we give an overview of the Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Territory

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HE Salvation Army officially began work in Papua New Guinea on 31 August 1956. Initially part of the Australia Eastern Territory, Papua New Guinea became an independent command in 1994 and gained territory status in 2000. Work began in the Solomon Islands (a South Pacific nation of hundreds of islands) in 2010 and was officially recognised on 1 February 2011.

PAPUA NEW GUINEA In this land of extreme beauty, poverty and social unrest, The Salvation Army focuses on a number of areas: the growth of the Church; social services, including restorative justice and settlement ministries; health services; education; and development projects. Three motels also help generate income for the territory. The Army’s ministries respond to the specific needs of the country.

In Top Town, just outside the city of Lae, there is a community of women, many with children, who are trapped in the sex industry to sustain a livelihood. Many of the women are victims of domestic violence, which is rampant in the country, while others are separated or divorced. This work is a matter of survival for them, as there is no social security in Papua New Guinea. The Salvation Army works with the children, providing a basic education.

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Salvationist 11 May 2019

‘We also have a unique fellowship here, a fellowship made up entirely of sex workers,’ explains Territorial Commander Colonel Kelvin Alley. ‘With the influence of The Salvation Army, the women have built their own chapel in the bush.’ Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Colonel Julie Alley adds: ‘The ladies came to our recent women’s Bible weekend and sold billums [handmade bags] to finance the trip. Ours is a community where they are loved and not condemned, and they know it. Women from divisional headquarters are also involved in teaching them skills to earn an income in other ways. Many made decisions for Christ that weekend.’

Education is a key focus in the territory, with several elementary and primary schools, a driving school, a computer school and a childcare centre. The Salvation Army is also focusing on teaching gender equality through its educational and corps programmes.

Health services are spread around the country, including in some of the nation’s most remote regions. ‘We have the best urban clinic in Port Moresby, run in partnership with USAID,’ says the TC. ‘This clinic serves the broader community – people who can’t afford health care – and specifically targets the high-risk population for HIV.’

Territorial Commander Colonel Kelvin Alley with new junior soldiers in the Solomon Islands There are four centres in the country that test for and treat HIV. There is also support for those suffering from tuberculosis, as well as maternal health and infant care services.

SOLOMON ISLANDS There are five expressions of The Salvation Army in the Solomon Islands: Gateway Corps, Gou’ulu Mission, Honiara Corps, Moscom Fellowship and Ramah Fellowship. They are spread across islands and seas, making travel, which is largely by small boats and trucks, challenging and time-consuming.

In the first 11 months of 2018, 23 senior soldiers and 45 junior soldiers were enrolled across the country.

Home leagues and Sunday schools are also growing, and there are six Wednesday night fellowship groups operating throughout Honiara, with an average attendance of 120 per week across all groups.

District Officers Majors Rob and Vanessa Evans, who are based in Honiara on the island of Guadalcanal, are focused on raising the profile of The Salvation Army in the country. ‘We’ve started by using the local coffee shop as our office, so everyone around knows us now,’ laughs Vanessa. ‘We recently had

THE TERRITORY AT A GLANCE

5,676 senior soldiers 4,317 junior soldiers 6,918 adherent members 62 corps 92 outposts 386 officers (312 active, 74 retired)

23 auxiliary-captains 6 envoys 18 cadets 340 employees

Women’s Bible weekend an emergency services trailer donated to us and are planning to use this for ministry during natural disasters, but also at events such as the upcoming general election. This will give us good exposure to the public.’

The Evanses are also focused on helping The Salvation Army in the Solomons become more self-sustaining. In partnership with Kokonut Pacific, the Army is planning to open a coconut oil-extracting plant on the island of Malaita to help fund mission in the country. ‘The Army already owns the equipment for this plant. We will employ locals in the operation, and the income the coconut oil brings will help us achieve our goal of eventually being self-funded,’ explains Vanessa.

Emergency response following an earthquake in 2018 Vanessa is the Solomon Islands District Director of Women’s Ministries.

‘It’s really hard here for women to get into leadership, and yet these ladies are some of the hardest working women I’ve ever met,’ she says.

In July The Salvation Army held a conference at Gateway Corps in northern Malaita, bringing together Gateway Corps, Honiara Corps and Moscom Fellowship for the first time. ‘During the conference they were dancing, speaking out and praising God that they were free from negativity and thinking they were not good enough for anything – which is what society teaches them,’ says Vanessa. ‘To see the spiritual change in the women was an absolute highlight for

me; that they were dancing and praising and not afraid.’

The Salvation Army is growing across the territory. ‘We are seeing many new corps openings, which is both exciting and a little bit scary,’ says the TC. ‘Our territory is ripe for the growth of the Church. People here value their Christian faith, they hear about The Salvation Army and want to be a part of this Movement.

‘Financially, we live on empty tanks, tipping in enough fuel as we drive in order to just keep going. The Lord blesses us though. He is faithful and we completely trust in him.’

O Adapted from an article in Others magazine

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FEATURE Being obedient

Not a oneoff decision The theme for Candidates Sunday on 12 May is Be Obedient. In previous weeks we heard from a retired officer and an active officer describing what being obedient to God has meant for them; this week the series ends with Cadet Nick Entwisle

I

WONDER what springs to mind when you hear the word obedience.

Thinking back to my childhood, obedience was all about following rules, doing what my parents told me to do or doing the right thing at school. In many ways I didn’t really have to think about it – I just did it, which is more compliance than obedience.

I suppose that, growing up, we don’t always choose to obey and we push boundaries to test what is right and wrong. As adults we become less dependent on others and have to make these decisions for ourselves. What about being a Christian? What does being obedient look like when we have faith?

In 2001 I started a career in music education, and ten years later I joined the senior leadership team of the school I was working at as an assistant head teacher. It was during this time that my wife, Jane, and I moved churches and joined The Salvation Army. It didn’t take long to settle in, and it wasn’t long before I was helping to lead worship on the piano and leading an enthusiastic group of singers for special services.

During that time I always felt that I wanted to be more involved but couldn’t see how I could possibly fit it in alongside my work commitments.

As time went on Jane began exploring her calling to full-time ministry, and I remember one day being asked by our divisional leaders whether I felt called to officership. I was initially shocked by the question, which really stopped me in my tracks and made me contemplate how God had been working in my life. I had 14

Salvationist 11 May 2019

the usual doubts and concerns about how the children would cope with such a big change, how our family would react and whether I was good enough in God’s eyes to have the privilege of sharing the gospel and serving a community in his name.

After much prayer, and many conversations and tears, I knew in my heart that God was calling Jane and me to officership and that we would have to trust him and ‘step out of the boat’ in obedience to follow Jesus.

So, we stepped out and it was not long before we were under the supervision of the division and the Candidates Unit in applying to become officers. I couldn’t see how this could happen alongside my work commitments but my obedience to God was honoured throughout this time – although an Ofsted inspection after a four-day assessment conference at the William Booth College was pretty intense!

Three years later, including almost two years at the college that have flown by, we are now approaching commissioning and looking forward to the next part of our journey at Deptford Corps.

Obedience is not a one-off decision; it is a discipline that needs to be maintained. I am obedient because God loves me so much that he sent Jesus to demonstrate this love so that we could all follow his example. In the words of Jesus: ‘As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love’ (John 15:9). In its simplest Old Testament meaning, obedience is ‘to hear’. We have to listen to God and

Cadets Jane and Nick with Samuel and Lucy accept Jesus as our saviour, but we have to remain connected to the vine to be able to bear good fruit, and this requires faith, obedience and discipline.

I think we can all make life far more complicated than it needs to be, and in the commotion of everyday life we often forget to listen to God. He has a great plan for us, and he wants to share it with us. We need to take time to be still and let God speak; to seek the example of Jesus through the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to breathe love and joy into our everyday situations.

When we walk with the Lord In the light of his word, What a glory he sheds on our way; While we do his good will, He abides with us still And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

(SASB 690) NICK IS A CADET IN THE MESSENGERS OF COMPASSION SESSION AT WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

+ REVIEW

A REMINDER THAT GOD IS IN CONTROL Major Rosemary Dawson reviews Always Believe! A Personal Journey of Faith by Janine Harrington

S

OME people seem to encounter more than their fair share of life’s trials and tribulations. Janine Harrington is certainly one of them.

Describing herself as having ‘a PhD in Life’, for the past 30 years she has chosen, through her work as a Christian counsellor and abuse consultant, to use her own rollercoaster experiences as a survivor of physical and sexual abuse to help children and adults come to terms with similar situations.

People who have suffered abuse often blame themselves, rather than the abuser. Janine seeks to explain that the only way to deal with such experiences is to work through them – to let them out

in the open and share with others. ‘Forgiveness isn’t forgetting; it’s about remembering… and letting go,’ she says.

Now she invites readers to share her personal journey, asking them what they might do in similar situations. She explores the age-old question, ‘Why do bad things happen for no apparent reason?’ – whether a betrayal of trust, a broken marriage or a life destroyed by the actions of another.

She recounts how a ten-year period of daily domestic violence stripped her of self-esteem and left her frail, vulnerable, afraid and alone.

So where does God fit into the picture? The answer, she says, may surprise you.

Throughout her struggles and ensuing health problems, there remained the seed of Christian faith, the heritage of her Anglican upbringing. With courage

and determination, this ultimately helped bring her back to ‘a mindset where God is in control of my life’ and gave her a renewed purpose for living. With God’s help, she has found the inner peace that had deserted her, and can accept herself as the person she has become. Janine is now a lay preacher and an adherent member at Filey.

This inspirational and candid book, which contains some helpful and thought-provoking meditations, represents the positive outlook which comes through her present battle with cancer: ‘Out of every negative must come a positive – the greater the negative, the more that positive must be.’

Always Believe! A Personal Journey of Faith is available from Amazon priced £7.99

O

PREVIEW Symphony Sounds

YOU’RE INVITED! Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Contemporary Music) Nik King issues an invitation to the Symphony Sounds weekend

M

USIC and Creative Arts presents the Symphony Sounds weekend, which will take place in Birmingham from Friday 31 May to Sunday 2 June.

Join us at 7.30 pm on the Friday for a concert at Birmingham Citadel featuring male vocal group FourHymn, brass sextet Vision Brass and Birmingham Citadel YP Band. Tickets may be reserved by contacting events@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

Saturday’s events begin with our free, informal foyer concerts from 2.15 pm, featuring Staines Songsters, the

Household Troops Band and Peterborough Citadel Songsters, as well as introducing the Maca Dance group.

The Symphony Sounds concert begins at 6.30 pm and features FourHymn, Bellshill Band and massed singing companies from across the territory, together with the International Staff Songsters and the International Staff Band. Visit thsh.co.uk to purchase your tickets or ring the box office on 0121 780 3333.

On Sunday 2 June the Music and

Creative Arts Leaders Councils take place at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. This is an opportunity for leaders of music and creative arts groups to enjoy worship without the pressure that leadership brings. Invitations have been sent via corps officers, so if you haven’t received these, please speak to them or contact the Music and Creative Arts Unit. There is no cost for this day, so be sure to sign up for what promises to be an uplifting event.

Find the most up-to-date news about the weekend by liking the Music and Creative Arts page on Facebook. We hope you will join us for a great weekend in the territorial calendar.

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BIBLE STUDY

BE OBEDIENT

EVEN WHEN IT SEEMS TO MAKE NO SENSE Major Steven Smith reminds us that God requires us to listen and be available STUDY PASSAGE: ACTS 8:26–40

‘W

HY won’t you do what I ask?’ is probably a phrase that you have used at some time, especially if you are a parent. But how willing are you to be obedient to God when he asks you to do something? In this study, we consider Philip’s obedience when God directs him to a new ministry that doesn’t make much sense to him.

QUESTION O How easy do you find it to do what God prompts you to do?

Why, Lord?

Obedience to God can be costly.

Sometimes, we might question God about what we sense he is calling us to do.

Philip was serving the Lord as a preacher in Samaria. He was drawing the crowds and amazing them with miraculous signs and miracles. His ministry was bringing great joy to many people (see Acts 8:5–8). I am sure that Philip was fulfilled in his ministry, so why

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

by Major Freda Benneyworth

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Salvationist 11 May 2019

would God call him to something else when he appeared to be so successful where he was?

When the Lord’s messenger appeared to Philip with a new assignment, it would have been completely understandable for Philip to have questioned: ‘Why me?

Why not somebody else who’s doing less than me? Who will do what I am doing now if I answer your call to go elsewhere?’

QUESTIONS O Do you think you are indispensable in your present ministry?

O Have you considered that, if God needs someone to do what you are now doing, he already has a plan?

Where, Lord?

It’s easy to be obedient when it suits us, or when the assignment looks attractive or carries more status. However, God told Philip to leave his fruitful ministry and go to a road in the middle of a desert. Why would God relocate a successful evangelist from a city to a desert?

In the late 1960s, when she sensed the prompting of the Spirit, Jackie Pullinger went to Hong Kong. For more than 50 years, she has served the drug addicts, gang members and prostitutes of that territory, and has seen many lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus.

I wonder how well known she would have been – and what impact she would have had – if she had simply remained serving at her church in London.

QUESTION O Are you too comfortable or content with your circumstances to be open to God’s prompting to a different assignment?

What, Lord?

Having travelled to the desert road, Philip heard another clear direction from the Holy Spirit to go alongside a chariot carrying an Ethiopian eunuch. He was chief finance minister of Queen Candace. Philip obeyed the prompting, as strange as it seemed.

Drawing alongside the chariot, he heard the man reading the Scriptures.

Here was a spiritual seeker, maybe he would have described himself as religious, but he was unaware of the gospel of Jesus.

Philip had the privilege of explaining the gospel and leading the man to salvation through faith in Christ.

How easy it would have been for Philip to wait for something that looked like a better opportunity! Had he done so, he would have missed the whisper of God that resulted in the conversion of the Ethiopian, who then took the message to his home country.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Who is it tells me what to do/ And helps me to obey?/ Who is it plans the route for me/ And will not let me stray?/ Who is it tells me when to speak/ And what I ought to say?/ That’s the Spirit! Holy Spirit!/ That’s the Spirit of the Lord in me!

(SASB 329)

‘So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ And God said, ‘I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.’

(Exodus 3:10–12)

Will you come and follow me/ If I but call your name?/ Will you go where you don’t know/ And never be the same?/ Will you let my love be shown,/ Will you let my name be known,/ Will you let my life be grown/ In you and you in me?

(SASB 695)

QUESTION O How do you respond to the gentle nudge of the Spirit to do something that seems to make no sense, or is something that you are not keen on doing?

Yes, Lord!

Philip gives us a fantastic example of what God can do through us when we simply trust him and act.

Paul also reminds us of God’s desire to work in and through us. He writes that God ‘is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that

is at work within us’ (Ephesians 3:20).

Unfortunately, God can do very little with someone who is not willing to say yes. Maybe we are so concerned about the cost of obedience that we neglect to consider the greater cost of disobedience. Every Christian is called to full-time ministry and full-time obedience, every hour of every day.

For some people, the calling is to be a Salvation Army officer, for most it is not.

But we must say yes when the Spirit speaks.

Say yes today, and see what God does through you. Your most important ability is your availability.

QUESTION O Despite the why, where or what of your calling to ministry, will you say yes to God, or will you risk missing out on what might have been?

MAJOR SMITH IS CORPS OFFICER, CHELTENHAM CITADEL, AND ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL CANDIDATES OFFICER, SEVERN AND SOMERSET

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple… ‘Woe to me!’ I cried. ‘I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty’… 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 6:1, 5 and 8)

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?/ I have heard you calling in the night./ I will go, Lord, if you lead me./ I will hold your people in my heart.

(SASB 1002)

These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: ‘Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans.

Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. As you go, proclaim this message: “The Kingdom of Heaven has come near.”

Heal those who are ill, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give.’

(Matthew 10:5–8)

Lord of life and love and power,/ In this sacrificial hour,/ We would dedicate to thee/ All we are for days to be./ We are eager to obey,/ Send us, Lord, into the fray;/ Fearless in thy name we go/ Forth to battle ’gainst the foe.

(SASB 606)

Prayer Gracious Lord, when I cannot understand what you want me to do and you seem to be leading me down an impossible path, help me to trust and to realise that your plan is far greater than I can ever imagine. May my obedience be willing and joyful.

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NEW COMMITMENTS

BOLTON CITADEL: Lorna Barnes was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Majors Liliane and Paul Westlake. Lorna, who is a songster, chose the testimony song, ‘Showers Of Blessing’. Pictured with Lorna are Majors Liliane and Paul and Recruiting Sergeant Christina Guthrie. – G. F.

SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING: Corps officer Major Granville Myers welcomed Joy Getliffe, Janet Hardy and Lesley Skinner as adherent members on Palm Sunday. They were supported by friends and family and warmly welcomed into the corps fellowship. – S. C.

BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL: Ernie Newton has been associated with the Army for many years, first in Gateshead and now in Brighton. Despite severe health conditions that necessitated a double leg amputation, he attends worship as often as possible and his faith remains strong. Having been taken through recruits classes

by Major Tom Calder, whom he had known previously in the north of England, Ernie was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Majors Elizabeth and Michael Lloyd. – B. W. 18

Salvationist 11 May 2019

EDINBURGH GORGIE: Corps officer Major Mark Gilden enrolled Jacob Barber and Katie Hall as junior soldiers, supported by their parents and Junior Soldiers Sergeant Betty McLeman. Jacob and Katie were presented with framed certificates. – L. C.

WISBECH: Adrian Casey was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Paul Cooper. Previously a minister in Elim Pentecostal Church, Adrian was the hall cleaner for the corps. After many conversations with Paul, Adrian gradually felt God calling him to his new spiritual home. – P. C.

BOURNE: Gerry Thompson was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Kevin Brown. Gerry testified that he had always belonged to a church but as he has enjoyed great fellowship at the corps he is pleased to be getting involved. – C. G.

MACCLESFIELD: Malcolm Worrall first linked up with the corps after learning to play the cornet in retirement and wishing to play in a Christian environment. Having helped the band for a number of years, he has made the Army his place of worship and was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Gareth Dickens. – G. D.

Some photos removed

SHAW: On Palm Sunday corps officer Major Nigel Tansley welcomed Lesley Treacher and Moira and Ian Procter as adherent members.

On Easter Day Major Susan Tansley enrolled Joshua Hamer as a junior soldier, the first for many years at the corps. He received a Bible and an Easter egg, which included the Easter story. – S. T.

MIDDLESBROUGH CITADEL: Corps officers Lieutenants Chris and Naomi Kelly enrolled their daughter, Grace, and Rafael Ishola as junior soldiers on Easter Day. ‘I’m In His Hands’ was played as they signed their promises at the mercy seat surrounded by family. Also pictured are flagbearer Kevin Booth, Jan Ballinger, who led the children through their lessons, and Lisa Booth, who helps to co-ordinate the children’s ministry. – C. K.

HINCKLEY: After an invitation to the indoor bowls fellowship, Jane Lightfoot and her husband, Terry, joined the women’s and men’s fellowships respectively. Jane began supporting various corps activities and now attends Sunday worship on a regular basis. She decided to make a further commitment and was welcomed as an adherent member on Palm Sunday by corps officer Major Carol Evans. In her testimony Jane spoke about her parents being good Christian examples, and how she has now found her faith again and a spiritual home. – B. A. EDINBURGH GORGIE: Corps officer Major Mark Gilden welcomed Alex Campbelltown as an adherent member. Although Alex has attended churches most of his life, he linked up with the corps through the community programme and has found his place as a fervent prayer warrior. – L. C.

BASINGSTOKE: Brenda King was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Rob Westwood-Payne on Easter Day as a sign of the new life she is living in the Holy Spirit. Brenda was welcomed as an adherent member on Easter Day last year, but felt God calling her to soldiership. She testified through the words of some of her favourite songs, and said she’s been changed and dares to be different. – R. W-P. Salvationist 11 May 2019

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Golden O Bandsman Graham and Margery Harris, Wellingborough (17 May) DEDICATED TO GOD O Christian David Adam, son of Adam and Saira Hall, at Sale by LieutColonel Valerie Jones BEREAVED O Major Alec Still, Southern DHQ, Captain Alison Stone, Regent Hall, Andrew Still, David Still and Derek Still of their mother Valerie O Major Jean Loxley, William Booth College, of her mother Eileen Thompson O Major Loes Palmer, Ipswich Citadel, of her mother Miep Geuze O Brenda Hussey, Staple Hill, of her brother Basil Packer O Celia Parkinson, Wakefield, of her sister Gwen Hudson O Lieut-Colonel Kenneth Hawkins, Zambia THQ, and Dorothy Whybrow, Peterborough Citadel, of their mother Alice

PROMOTED TO GLORY O Bandsman Jack Holt, Hinckley O Olive Rodgers, Sale

TRIBUTES JEAN OZOLS, NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE A WIFE, a mum to Kevin and Pauline, a grandmother and great-grandmother to six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, as well as an auntie, friend and neighbour – Jean was loved.

She was born and got married in Blaydon. After a time in Liverpool she returned to the town and linked up with Blaydon Corps.

Jean was a keen baker; her speciality was toffees, which were hugely appreciated as a source of income to the corps. She also had a real passion for knitting and would lovingly knit little bonnets for premature babies in the community.

It was with joy that Newcastle City Temple welcomed Blaydon corps folk into

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Sunbury Court (ICO) Sun 12 May O Buckingham Palace (garden party), Wed 15 O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (International Appointments Board), Fri 17 – Sun 19 O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 – Wed 22 O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham Citadel, Sun 2 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (farewell to session), Fri 17 May O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 – Wed 22 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Sheraton Skyline Hotel, Heathrow (SATCoL conference), Tu 14 May O Swanwick (chaplains conference), Fri 17* O Leek (YP anniversary), Sat Sun 19* O Renaissance Hotel, Heathrow (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 – Wed 22* O Myanmar (divisional leaders development), Mon 20 – Fri 31** O Prestonpans (centenary weekend), Sat Sun 26* O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Castleford, Sat Sun 19 May O Birmingham (Symphony Sounds), Sat 1 Jun O Birmingham (Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils), Sun 2 *Territorial Commander only **Territorial Leader for Leader Development only

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Salvationist 11 May 2019

the fellowship when Blaydon closed.

The bandsmen were often the recipients of Jean’s sense of humour, as she would tease them if Newcastle had lost a football match.

It was lovely to be in her company, for Jean was just that – lovely. – B. I. ANN BLACKSHAW, WINTON ANN joined The Salvation Army late in life after meeting and marrying Wesley Blackshaw. Following a visit to the Holy Land, Ann felt her calling to commit to soldiership.

Her Christian journey started at Croydon Citadel, where, along with Wesley, Ann became a songster. In retirement Ann and Wesley moved and transferred to Winton where Ann enjoyed singing in the songsters, and shared devotions with them a few days before her sudden promotion to Glory. Ann was a faithful Christian. – W. B.

Soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

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LETTERS

EYEGATE AND EARGATE

RITE OR RIGHT?

SOME corps still have open-air meetings. These days it can be more difficult to attract a crowd, but here are two ideas that might help us connect better with the public. Obviously location is an important factor, such as where people are

ONCE again we have celebrated Easter with the new dawn of hope for all despite the attacks on our Christian friends around the world.

However, Maundy Thursday has again raised the issue of the sacrament of the Eucharist and how and if we should partake of it. The rite requires the breaking of bread and sharing of wine as tokens of Christ’s body and blood as performed by our Christian brothers and sisters in other churches and with their own interpretation of the meaningfulness of it.

In recent times it would appear that some in our Army feel the need to emulate this sacrament and perform a parody of it by using the disguise of a ‘love feast’. Even more concerning, I was told by an officer that although no notification of this was given to folk attending meetings they would be able to use their own free will and choice in partaking or not. This is a false way of thinking, as present-day peer pressure and the need not to be out of the crowd severely limits that freedom.

William Booth made the choice (2 January 1883) on behalf of the Army that while we did not express opinions on what other churches may believe, we would not ourselves partake of the sacraments in any shape or form.

I have not seen any positional statement by the present or any other General to modify or change the Salvationist view on this matter. So, as far as I understand it, the position stated by Booth on behalf of the whole Army still remains valid.

We are not a pick ’n’ mix army, and officers and soldiers are bound by their covenant to conform to orders and regulations and to the traditions and customs of the Army. If they feel that the sacraments should now in some way be observed by the Army then they are free to make representations to our leadership for our position to be reviewed. If some feel they cannot stand on the Army’s position they must look to their own conscience and perhaps worship in other churches that more closely align with their thinking.

What cannot happen is that this back-door, insulting parody of the sacrament, being called by any other name and used in Salvation Army worship, is allowed to go unchallenged by our leaders.

Robert Campbell, Major, Lowestoft

walking by.

How about ‘plucking’ a youngster (with the parents’ permission, of course) from people looking on and handing the child a baton to conduct one of our hymns or marches? It guarantees lots of interest; and the younger the child the better.

Another idea is to use timbrelists (even one would do) to accompany our music. People are attracted by eyegate as well as eargate – ever seen a flash mob?

Even when there isn’t a band, a loudspeaker with subdued ‘canned’ music is a possibility.

Cliff Kent, Major, Beckenham

WE STAND FOR CHRIST DURING a recent medical consultation, my husband was asked if he had a religion and he answered ‘The Salvation Army’. The nurse then asked if that was Christian!

I have felt strongly for a long time that the disappearance of the cross (the Christian symbol) on our logos was not the right way to go. More than ever we need to advertise that we follow the teachings of Jesus.

If everyone obeyed the Lord’s commands – love your neighbour as yourself and treat others as you yourself want to be treated – the world would be a better place.

Please bring back the cross on everything that proclaims The Salvation Army.

‘I’ll stand for Christ’!

Valerie Barrett, Dronfield

Editor’s note: IN 1997 the International Spiritual Life Commission issued a statement on Holy Communion that included the following points: ‘No particular outward observance is necessary to inward grace... The Salvation Army rejoices in its freedom to celebrate Christ’s real presence at all meals and in all meetings, and in its opportunity to explore in life together the significance of the simple meals shared by Jesus and his friends and by the first Christians... Salvationists are encouraged to use the love feast and develop creative means of hallowing meals in home and corps with remembrance of the Lord’s sacrificial love.’ The findings of the International Spiritual Life Commission are outlined in Called To Be God’s People (1999) by Robert Street. The same author has more recently explored the topic of communion in In The Master’s Hands: Each Life Sacramental (2016).

Salvationist 11 May 2019

21

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Salvationist 11 May 2019

22-23

‘ 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…

MAJOR JANET ROBSON Territorial Candidates Director How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My parents are Salvationists, so they introduced me to the Army.

What made you want to become an officer?

The short answer is that God convinced me to do it.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Having the privilege of meeting people who want to say yes to God. What is the most frustrating thing about your role?

A long ‘to do’ list.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

That we’d love God and each other more.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Relaxing with friends.

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

I’d play Rita O’Grady, the main characterr in Made In Dagenham.

Majesty, worship his majesty, Unto Jesus be glory, honour and praise.

Majesty, kingdom authority Flow from his throne unto his own, His anthem raise!

(SASB 382) What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Football.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Wisdom!

What is your favourite food?

Greek.

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

A teleportation gadget so I could visit friends around the world more easily.

What languages do you speak?

Mackem.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

Wombling Songs, the first album by the Wombles (1973).

Did you have a nickname growing up?

I didn’t have a nickname when I was growing up but when I served in the East Scotland Division as the divisional youth officer I had the nickname ‘Jinty McGinty’.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!

The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him’ (1 John 3:1). I love what it tells us about our identity.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

Mary. I’d ask her to share her story about being the mother of Jesus.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

It’s impossible to say. God has spoken to me so many times through hymns and worship songs. I got saved in 1985 during a worship time at a corps cadet rally. The song being sung was ‘Majesty, Worship His Majesty’ (SASB 382). I’m thankful for the way God spoke to me through it all those years ago.

Is there something about life or the world you’ve never understood?

Why we don’t learn more from the past.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Injustice.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

The prime minister.

What do you do in your spare time?

Relax with friends. Play the piano. Walk.

Rest!

Which book would you want on a desert island?

What’s So Amazing About Grace?

by Philip Yancey.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Be yourself.

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess?

My digital piano.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Civil rights activist Rosa Parks. I’d love to listen to her tell her story.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Love God. Love others.

’

Martin Luther King Jr and Rosa Parks

Something interesting you might want to know about me is…

I travelled round the world with a friend when I was 21 years old.