Salvationist 12 February 2022

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SALVATIONIST TOGETHER TO LISTEN ENCOUNTER PRAYER GATHERING

WORKING FOR RACIAL INCLUSION PAGES 12 TO 15

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

‘UNSPEAKABLE CRUELTY’ OF THE HOLOCAUST ‘MUST NEVER BE REPEATED’ Church leaders have remembered the millions of Jews who died at the hands of the Nazi regime...

International Holocaust Memorial Day [is] held each year on the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp on 27 January 1945…

Pope Francis called Jews ‘a suffering people’ who ‘deserve peace’.

He said the world must never forget the ‘extermination of millions of Jews, people of various nationalities and religious faiths’ at the hands of the Nazis.

‘This unspeakable cruelty must never be repeated,’ he said.

The Pope, who visited Auschwitz in 2016, said it was especially important to educate younger generations about ‘the horrors of this dark page in human history’.

‘It must never be forgotten, so that we can build a future in which human dignity is never again trampled upon,’ he said...

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, also remembered those murdered during the Nazi genocide as well as ‘all subsequent genocides’.

He called on people ‘to stand against persecution because of identity or faith’.

‘May hatred be replaced by the love of God who calls each person precious,’ he said.

Christian Today

CHURCH’S REPUTATION IS ‘UNDER THREAT’ FROM NEGATIVE MEDIA COVERAGE

SCHOOL PUPILS IN DEPRIVED AREAS ‘MUCH LESS LIKELY’ TO HAVE COVID-19 VACCINE

A ‘plethora’ of negative news stories is threatening to undermine the good being done by churches across the country.

The warning comes after research

by PR agency Jersey Road found that an average of 150 pieces of negative media coverage are being published each month about the Church.

Kantar monitored media coverage of the Church over a period of three months starting from September 2021...

In response to the findings, Jersey Road has launched a crisis communications course for churches that offers practical guidance on how to prepare for, prevent and respond to a PR crisis…

[Jersey Road’s crisis communications lead, Sarann Buckby, said:] ‘It’s crucial for the future mission of the Church that leaders proactively ... respond to a media crisis with transparency, integrity and compassion.’

Pupils in the most deprived communities of England are ‘much less likely’ to have received a dose of a Covid-19 vaccine than those in other areas, new analysis suggests.

There are also likely to be sharp differences in take-up based on ethnicity, eligibility for free school meals and whether English is spoken as a first language…

Just over a third (36.1 per cent) of 12 to 15-year-olds at state-funded schools in the most deprived areas of England are estimated to have received at least one dose of vaccine, compared with 70.3 per cent in the least deprived areas…

Responding to the figures, Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, said... ‘It is vital that all eligible young people are able to receive either a first or second jab...

‘It is equally important … to ensure that young people and their families are provided with clear and reliable information so that they can make an informed choice.’

Christian Today

ITV News

CHRISTIAN CHARITY CALLS FOR UK LAW CHANGE TO PREVENT TRAFFICKING OF YOUNG GIRLS A Christian charity is calling for the law to be changed to prevent young girls being trafficked into the UK ... for sex.

Care is raising the issue after a BBC documentary revealed evidence that children as young as 10 are being trafficked to the UK and then sold on.

The charity says there needs to be a reform of laws around prostitution to prevent the trading in thousands of young victims.

Lauren Agnew, Care’s human trafficking and sexual exploitation policy officer [said:] ‘We’re advocating for the government to follow in Northern Ireland’s footsteps and implement the Nordic model...’

Under the Nordic law, sex buyers are criminalised while prostitutes are decriminalised.

Premier

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1845

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

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, 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 12 February 2022

DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org @SalvationistOnline

@SalvationistUK

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

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

WHOEVER HAS EARS A FEW weeks ago I met up with an old school friend for a meal in central London.

We recalled our school days and especially the teachers. There were some fascinating characters among them. Mr Jacklin, who taught woodwork, had played bowls for England and claimed to be a cousin of the golfer Tony Jacklin. Mr Thompson, the Spanish teacher, broke the Commonwealth Games marathon record in 1974, which he still holds, and was known for running in a string vest. Then there was the less sporty maths teacher, Mr Paice, who had flown in Lancaster bombers during the Second World War and who occasionally threw a blackboard rubber at any pupil not paying attention. Mr Fisk, the RE teacher, had a different way of getting us to listen.

‘Lend me your ears,’ he would say, a quote from Mark Antony’s speech in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. He might also have been echoing the words of Jesus: ‘Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear’ (Mark 4:9).

Listening was the purpose of the Encounter prayer gathering, reported in this week’s Salvationist. Not only ears, but also eyes, hearts and minds were used as delegates explored different ways of listening to God. The aim was to hear what God was saying to individuals, corps, centres and the territory as a whole.

One of the sessions focused on listening to God through journaling. Major Meshiel Brown, who led the session, gives more insights in her article. ‘I experience journaling as a conversation with myself, God and sometimes others who may choose to engage with my work,’ she says, and goes on to describe how her journaling has developed through drawing and painting.

On Valentine’s Day many people will send messages of love to others. In their ‘Reflection’ article, Ron Thomlinson and the Rev James Macfarlane say God also wants to communicate his love to us. Ron points to the many ways this has happened during Sunday meetings and Jim mentions a time when God got his attention while he was teaching a school class – without the need for a flying blackboard rubber.

God often speaks to us through other people as they share their thoughts and experiences. The Racial Inclusion Working Group (RIWG) has been listening carefully to people for many months, discerning what God is saying and proposing action steps for the territory. To mark Racial Justice Sunday (13 February) three members of the group write about the RIWG’s aims and the progress it has made.

Major Jonny Smith, also a member of the group, reflects on how God has spoken to him over the years to increase his understanding of intercultural living. Colonel Jenine Main, who co-chairs the RIWG, writes about the need to be ‘more welcoming, hospitable and inclusive of anyone who may be different from us’.

There are many voices speaking loudly to which we might lend our ears. But we need first and foremost to listen to God, not just lending, but giving him our full attention – then responding to what he says.

O give me Samuel’s ear, The open ear, O Lord, Alive and quick to hear Each whisper of thy word; Like him to answer at thy call And to obey thee first of all.

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News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

6

Self-Denial 2022 Kenya

7

George Obondo talks to Captain Jo Moir

My journal Journaling in pictures

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by Major Meshiel Brown

Reflection A gentle embrace

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by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

News feature 10 and 11 Encounter prayer gathering

by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Reflection Love God, love others

12 and 13

by Colonel Jenine Main

Feature Loving our neighbours

14

Reflection Bringing Heaven to Earth

15

by Major Jonny Smith

Bible study My light and salvation

16 and 17

by Captain Paul Williams

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Jane Kimberley

Reflection Putting on the armour

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by Brian Colley

Reflection Nothing too small

18

by Major John Waters

Review A Lent Journal

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reviewed by Emily Bright

Previews Dancing with Thieves

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Reflect with Sheridan New commitments

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Announcements

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Adverts

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring CT Rosalind Featherstone

From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 12 February 2022

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NEWS

Editor's note: Events reported were held in accordance with the Army’s Covid-19 safety guidance at the time.

ARMY NEWS

PRESENTATION

People of Peace winners announced STRAWBERRY FIELD

Jean Willows transfers to the Barton-upon-Humber band reserve after 39 years’ service playing horn and Yvonne Davies transfers to the songster reserve after 66 years’ service

MEETING

BRISTOL SOUTH The corps celebrated its YP annual prizegiving led

by Jonathan Searle (Boscombe). Jonathan spoke about being fearfully and wonderfully made and how God loves everyone. The corps was blessed to have so many families there for the meeting. – RC

ON International Day of Peace 2021 Strawberry Field launched an international search for the most inspiring ‘People of Peace’. The awards offer a unique way of celebrating the legacy of John Lennon and encouraging peace.

Debbie Hicks from the USA was the international winner. In 2006 her daughter, Timmaree, was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer and passed away two years later, aged nine. During long stays in hospital, Timmaree painted rocks to give to family, friends and hospital staff.

To honour Timmaree’s memory, Debbie created rock-painting kits to give to other children in the hospital, raising money through bake sales, garage sales and restaurant fundraisers.

Debbie has delivered more than 18,000 kits to Children’s Health of Orange County (Choc) hospital since 2009. She also leads Team Timmaree Rocks at the annual Choc Walk in the Park fundraiser at Disneyland, which has helped to raise $260,000 for the hospital. In addition, she is the director of an independent living service helping adults with developmental disabilities learn important life skills.

The judges felt that Debbie proved ‘not only to be resilient in challenging times’ but always put ‘others before herself ’.

The second adult winner, Sandra Hamilton from Liverpool, created an initiative to support children with complex needs during the pandemic. She was described as an ‘inspirational community leader’ who inspired others to ‘follow her lead to love, live and learn each day’.

Clarissa, the winner of the child award, was nominated for always trying to think of the next thing she could do to make someone smile, demonstrating peace throughout the pandemic and looking for new ways to support those around her in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.

The panel of judges included Major Kathy Versfeld, the mission director of Strawberry Field, BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Paul Beesley and author Charlie Roberts, a childhood friend of John Lennon. – AR

COMMUNITY WELLING As part of its new year celebrations the corps sent letters to every shop on the high street. Members took the opportunity to introduce themselves to neighbours and remind them who they were and what they stood for. Within minutes of receiving a letter, the nearby Worths Bakery offered to support the corps food bank twice a week by donating fresh bread and other products. The corps hopes to one day support the bakery in return. – KS Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

PRESENTATION WILLIAM BOOTH HOUSE LIFEHOUSE Tony Thornton, Homelessness Services Unit regional manager (North East), and Malcolm Page, assistant director of Homelessness Services (North), awarded long-service certificates to 12 members of staff. Those honoured were Kim Wallace, Pam Baldwin, Richard Bentley, Kath Ellerby, Kevin Watts, Daron Lewis, Ann Johnston, Iltaf Khan, Andrew Tate, Chris Willis, Mel Davis and Angie Waudby. Combined they have served a total of 300 years, with many individually working for more than 30 years. Service Manager Pat Tamminen said: ‘I am so proud of our staff for their dedication… The past two years have been unprecedented in terms of the challenges we’ve faced in trying to keep people safe during the pandemic. Despite this, staff members have continued to give their all and I can’t thank them enough.’ – HW

PRESENTATION

OUTREACH

SHOEBURYNESS Current and former corps officers joined together to celebrate and give thanks to God for the 50 years’ service of John Wilcockson as a local officer at the corps. John was presented with a book of messages of appreciation and a certificate to mark his service.

Pictured are corps officer Captain Clare Davis, Major Janet Thompson (THQ), the Rev Derek Thompson, Major William Fraser, corps officer Captain Rob Davis, Majors Amaro and Susan Pereira (Angola Command), Major Christine Fraser and John and Celia Wilcockson. – RD

ALNWICK The writings and poems of Salvationist Sheila Hay have been published in two books, My Mantle and Hineni: Here I Am Lord. Since she came to faith, Sheila has been gifted with the ability to write poetry and articles that honestly reflect the challenges and joys of her faith. Those who have read her work have been touched, enriched and encouraged. Sheila hopes the books will draw many more people closer to God. They can be ordered by emailing corps officer Major Alison Anderson at alison. anderson@salvationarmy.org.uk. – AA

COMMUNITY

PRESENTATION COMMUNITY BALLYMONEY As part of a Captain Tom 100 challenge, Dorothy Blair crocheted 100 baby blankets and matching caps for Billie’s Little Angel Gowns NI, a non-profit organisation supported by the corps. She is pictured with corps officer Captain Tim Cook. – JC

COMMUNITY GATESHEAD As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting the council’s refugee resettlement programme, more than 250 coats, shoes and other much-needed items were donated to people arriving in the area. – AH

Retiring songster sergeant Katrina Hunter receives a certificate of appreciation from Lincoln corps officer Captain Huw Dutfield and Songster Leader Malcolm Andrews

MEETING BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL When the first Covid-19 lockdown began in 2020 the corps started using Zoom on Wednesday evenings to chat. This proved so successful that ‘Zoomers’ logged on from as far away as Norway, Canada and South Africa. Guest speakers were invited once a month to share with those gathered. Although the corps programme is returning to normal, the Zoom chats will continue for a while longer. – BW

ST MARY CRAY The corps has been delighted to welcome new families and old friends to its newly launched Twisting Tots group. It is designed to encourage young families to worship and praise Jesus together.

Corps officer Lieutenant Emma Gorin hopes Twisting Tots will continue to thrive. – EG

MEETING CIRENCESTER A thanksgiving service was held for Roddy Baker, a long-time member of the congregation. So many members of the community wanted to be involved that the hall was too small to allow for social distancing. However, Canon Graham Morris offered the use of the St John Baptist church in the town centre. He took part in the service led by corps leader Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard. The band accompanied singing and people related their memories and appreciation of Roddy. – MG Salvationist 12 February 2022

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NEWS

PRESENTATION

GENDER JUSTICE

by UK Engagement Co-ordinator Hayley Still (THQ) SATURDAY 12 FEBRUARY Alongside the provision of group therapy for women, The Salvation Army in Tres Arroyos, Argentina, runs sessions for children aged 7 to 14 who are exposed to violence at home. The Learning through Play programme uses fun activities to encourage children to find non-violent responses to different situations. Pray that these young people will be safe from harm and that these sessions may help to break the cycle of violence within families.

STAINES The corps saw the retirement of Corps SergeantMajor Malcolm Janes and Corps Secretary Nigel Gardiner, after 25 and 14 years of service respectively. They were thanked for their commitment and godly service over the years. Their willingness to accept and carry out their service has been the best example of Christian local leadership. Their wives, Fiona Janes and Cein Gardiner, were also thanked for the cost their families often paid for such a commitment. Pictured are Nigel and Cein Gardiner, corps officers Majors Paul and Gill Billard, and Fiona and Malcolm Janes. – PB

COMMUNITY

SUNDAY 13 FEBRUARY We know that domestic violence is a global issue and one that affects people within The Salvation Army in the UK. As corps and groups use this year’s Helping-Hand Appeal resources, there will be women, children and men who have personal experience of abuse. We pray that leaders will be mindful and sensitive to this, open to hearing and supporting those who reach out, and that those people affected will have the courage and opportunity to seek help.

MONDAY 14 FEBRUARY Valentine’s Day is intended to be a celebration of love. Whatever your view, today will be challenging for many for a variety of reasons.

Romantic partnerships and marriage are supposed to be the closest of relationships, where you share life with the person you love and trust the most and with whom you can truly be yourself. Intimate partner violence is a violation of this trust and is contradictory to biblical teaching on loving and faithful relationships. Today, pray for people trapped in abusive relationships, for freedom and for healing.

THE LORD’S PROMISES

by CSM Karen Findlay (Wellingborough) TUESDAY 15 FEBRUARY – DEUTERONOMY 31:6 Lord, you promise never to leave me alone. Even when I can’t feel your presence, you are there. Thank you for your faithfulness. Teach me to rest in your presence and not be afraid or anxious. Lord, I trust you.

SALISBURY Re-Cycles, the pre-loved bike project, has grown rapidly in the past 12 months, with more than 100 donated bikes finding new homes. Employment Development Co-ordinator Cara Upham suggested using the project in tandem with the Employment Plus scheme hosted at the corps, with participants able to improve their bike repair and maintenance skills by helping with the checking and cleaning process. The pilot has led one volunteer to feel confident enough to start looking for a permanent position as a cycle technician in a bike shop. – MD

Did you know Salvationist is online?

O Read through archived issues O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the editor’s comment and our article of the week

Visit salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

WEDNESDAY 16 FEBRUARY – ROMANS 8:28 Lord, you promise to work all things together for the good of those who love you. I thank you for the reassurance of the promise that you are working in my life for my good. Help me to trust in you.

THURSDAY 17 FEBRUARY – EXODUS 14:14 Lord, you promise to fight for me. I pause and stand before you, acknowledging that you are God and you are in control. I rest in the promise of your protection.

FRIDAY 18 FEBRUARY – JAMES 1:5 AND JOHN 14:13 AND 14 Lord, you promise to supply wisdom and that all I need to do is ask.

As I come before you today, I ask for wisdom knowing that you will give it. Lord, I rest in you and listen. Give me the courage to act.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist 29 January 2022

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In the second of five articles, Captain Jo Moir catches up with George Obondo to find out how people are coping with the impact of climate change

Captain Jo Moir picture: Andrew King Photography

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S we move towards Self-Denial Sunday on 6 March, we are looking at how The Salvation Army is responding to climate change and caring for creation, one of the Army’s mission priorities. I have been getting in touch with people from around the world, asking what is happening where they are, talking to them about caring for creation and learning about the impact of climate change.

This week we hear from George Obondo, a project manager in Nairobi working on water, sanitation and hygiene, as well as food security projects across Kenya.

The Salvation Army in Kenya is growing. Its two territories now have more than 400,000 members, including junior soldiers. The country has seen economic growth but there is still widespread poverty. Subsistence farmers who rely on predictable rainy seasons have been hit hard by changing weather patterns.

HOW IS CLIMATE CHANGE HAVING AN IMPACT IN KENYA? Climate change has had a big impact. Weather patterns have become unpredictable and it’s a real

concern. Almost two thirds of Kenya is arid or semi-arid, experiencing severe drought. When you add that to climate change challenges, then the situation is desperate. Sometimes you find children, women and people with disabilities going without food or water. They suffer from malnutrition and communicable diseases, such as diarrhoea.

The big contributors to climate change are mainly in the developed world but the people who suffer the greatest impact and are most affected are the poor and vulnerable in this region.

Weather patterns have become unpredictable and it’s a real concern WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON TO DEAL WITH THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE? The project that I’m currently leading focuses on resilience. We are looking at water sanitation, hygiene, food security and issues of economic empowerment, but through the lens of resilience.

The starting point is for people to understand climate change so they can learn how to adapt and identify mitigation measures. For instance, we use boreholes fitted with solar panels. Instead of spending money on electricity, we encourage people to capitalise on free solar energy to power their water tanks. This is one of the

innovative ways of creating resilience.

Another is the use of sand dams.

WHAT IS A SAND DAM? To put it simply, a sand dam is a structure to collect water. It impounds, or collects, sand and water, and any excess water passes downstream.

Over time the amount of water rises. If you look at the arid vegetation around a sand dam, it begins to improve and flourish.

WHAT IMPACT IS THE WORK HAVING? The United Kingdom and Ireland Territory has supported a number of sand dams and these are very successful. It’s a slow process, but the dams we built five years ago have made a difference to agriculture, food availability, tree planting, the general climate, livestock and water availability to households – a huge impact!

O This article is based on a video that can be viewed at youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

CAPTAIN MOIR IS TERRITORIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Next week Colonel Yusak Tampai in Indonesia

Salvationist 12 February 2022

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Journaling in pictures To mark the publication of A Lent Journal, four people reveal how journaling helps them connect with God – this week, Major Meshiel Brown (Poplar)

I

HAVE been on a journaling journey for more than 20 years. In the early days I assumed it meant keeping a record of life day by day, like Phileas Fogg in Around the World in Eighty Days or the great explorers of Antarctica or Mount Everest – reflecting on and recalling the excitements, challenges and steps of that day, then writing them down for future reference.

However, that is not what journaling is for me, although it often does hold something important for the future.

I was introduced to journaling through therapy, as I was encouraged to write down my feelings and how I saw them impacting my behaviour. It quickly became something I found really helpful in my normal life setting, initially as more of a reflective way of living, then as a way of praying.

Journaling has gone through changes as I have changed. It has not remained static through different stages in life.

Journaling has adapted to fit my need at the time – whether that’s been in the midst of depression, illness, grief, spiritual growth, changes of appointment, family times of rejoicing and, recently, living in the darkest and most painful days of grief and loss I’ve ever known.

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

I experience journaling as a conversation with myself, God and sometimes others who may choose to engage with my work. Writing my thoughts down enables me to stop overplaying things in my mind. I can come back to them later and rethink, dwell on and pray over them.

In the past five years my journal has taken on a totally new direction and now I find myself journaling through drawing and painting.

During the first Covid-19 lockdown of 2020 I spent Monday nights from 11pm to 3am in prayer for friends and family, for our Salvation Army and its mission and whatever God laid on my heart.

The difficult thing was that I couldn’t verbalise my prayers. Nothing would come out of my mouth. No matter how hard I tried, I was speechless. My instincts took me to a more creative way of praying through journaling. I’d done it before, so I decided to see what God and I could come up with.

My pictures became my journal and my prayers. Some were complete in a night and others I returned to over a number of weeks as more came out of them, as God spoke into them and as I saw grace being poured over those prayers.

Take this picture (left), for example. It started as a heart, as I was thinking about someone I loved very much who had recently died. As I painted, I wanted to add more colour – but the more I added, the more the heart became hidden.

The disappointment of that was with me as I went to bed and slept.

But when I returned the next day to that picture, I came with

Matt Redman’s song ‘The Heart of Worship’. Thinking about it on a personal level helped me see that sometimes we can’t add colour to something that is too painful. Sometimes we just have to sit with it and see it for what it is. On a wider scale I thought about how, as a church, we can bury the heart of worship, Jesus, under a lot of other stuff.

Journaling for me is a special time when I know God comes near to me.

Sometimes I feel as if I’m drawing a picture to go on God’s fridge, as a child might do for a parent. To receive words of prophecy in a picture is incredible and wonderful – it’s confirming and a blessing.

I’m so glad that you don’t have to be an artist to use pictures in prayer and journaling. God gets me, he knows where I’m coming from and, through the creative ways he’s led me to, has enabled me to go deeper with him.

O A

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Lent Journal is available from sps-shop.com/ books for £5 (plus postage and packaging)

A gentle embrace

REFL RE FLEC FLEC ECTI TION ION N REFLECTION

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

Picture: © Tracey Emin. All rights reserved, Dacs 2021

J

IM, let me tell you about Bert. Although Bert is obviously not the man’s real name, he personified all that is nasty about some ex-military corps sergeant-majors. Now in the great garrison in the sky, Bert was also a frequent testifier in Sunday meetings, addressing us as though we were a bunch of hapless squaddies. He aggressively rubbed spiritual scouring pads over our souls.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, a large, heart-shaped neon-light creation above one of the majestic staircases at an Amsterdam art gallery stated: ‘You forgot to kiss my soul.’ How I would have loved to have seen that writ large in our old corps hall!

That fluorescent statement led me to make a list of moments when on Sunday mornings, through other people, my soul has gently been embraced by the Spirit. The warm greeting from the welcome sergeant making me feel I belong. The pianist prayerfully setting the spiritual scene before a meeting and choosing just the right music for the collection. Hearing the thoughtfully spoken prayer of a fellow pilgrim leading me into God’s presence, comforting and encouraging me. Listening to the words of testimony inspired by the Holy Spirit to meet some silent, hidden need in me or someone else. Spirit-led pieces from the music sections and a sermon that was seemingly just for me. The benediction, the handshake and ‘God bless you’ from the meeting leader at the door. Being among fellow disciples after the meeting drinking coffee. All these moments enable the Eternal to kiss my soul.

Rationally, it is impossible to kiss a soul. But in the realms of literature, music and spiritual experience we know it is possible. I can recall some unforgettable moments when I have felt God embracing me. How deeply disappointing it is if I leave a meeting without that experience.

Ron, we all have stories of special moments when something almost incidental in a service becomes the vehicle of the inexpressibly wondrous.

As a young captain I was stationed at a small Scottish corps in a tough neighbourhood. My spirits were in no way dampened by my duties, but large gatherings at territorial level meant a move from my customary improvisation to pin-sharp precision.

At the end of one such event, when everyone was heading home, a songster brigade were singing a blessing.

Still stuffing books and programmes into a briefcase at first I didn’t notice the background farewell. But a few strains began to sink in. It was then that I sat back in my seat and listened.

The songsters were singing ‘The Greatest of These’.

To use your phrase, Ron, it was not just that my soul was kissed, it seemed that the very heavens opened and my soul was engulfed by sheer beauty.

The very angels of Bethlehem could not have transported me to a higher realm than I knew in those moments.

The embrace of the Spirit also comes in the midst of the ordinary, even in places we might consider spectacularly hostile. In one of my career ‘gaps’ I found myself teaching religious education at a large secondary school. Teaching reluctant fourth-year

pupils can be like giving lessons in etiquette to mafiosi. On one occasion the lesson was proceeding routinely. An excellently illustrated book on the teaching of Jesus was holding interest. I was almost on autopilot as the lesson unfolded. Then came the light bulb moment. The pupils noticed nothing.

I continued with the lesson, but the words in a large dramatic caption struck home with irresistible force: ‘Love your enemies and do good to those who persecute you.’

There was no escaping the power of that command. Years later I learnt that the renowned economist EF Schumacher had made the same discovery. He wrote, ‘What is the best method of education?… You must love the little horrors.’

Such high moments of illumination are, of course, the sole prerogative of God. They are given in the depths of divine providence. But we can put ourselves at the disposal of such gracious incursions of the Spirit. That beautiful songster piece speaks directly of such an attitude: Love never faileth; Love still prevaileth; Lord, in me thy love enthrone!

Whatever we do in that spirit, however humble, opens channels through which God can gently embrace everyone’s soul.

RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL Salvationist 12 February 2022

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NEWS FEATURE

Delegates in listening mode at

HAYES CONFERENCE CENTRE, SWANWICK FOCUSING on the question ‘What is the Spirit saying to the Church?’ delegates experienced a weekend of prayer, worship, teaching and fellowship at the Encounter prayer gathering, reports Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts.

Assistant Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Christine Kingscott welcomed everyone, explaining that the gathering was ‘all about listening to God’.

In her introductory remarks Territorial Prayer Consultant Lyndall Bywater expressed the hope that they would not only hear a word from God for themselves and their local setting but also for the wider Salvation Army. Everyone’s contribution to the weekend mattered, she said, in the same way that every piece of a jigsaw puzzle is important in completing a picture.

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

In a creative dialogue, and using a mix of images and readings, territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill focused on the early Army and pointed to several ‘significant things to remember and hold on to’. These included the place of young people, the priority of holiness and discipleship, reliance on prayer, the importance of innovation and boldness, and a vision of ‘the world for God’.

The Saturday sessions introduced ways of listening to God. Captain Vanessa Coleman (Buckingham and Central South DHQ) demonstrated Godly Play and explained how God can speak through it. Delegates then had the opportunity to try Godly Play in small groups using a script and objects from a box on their tables.

Major Beverly Baker (THQ) explained a way of listening to God through Scripture – called Lectio Divina – by using the acronym ‘Soap’: Scripture, observation,

application and prayer. Everyone was invited to reflect on 1 Peter 2:4–10, thinking particularly about what God was saying to the Army.

Major Meshiel Brown (Poplar) highlighted another way of listening to God: prayer journaling, including drawing and colouring as well as writing. Everyone had the opportunity to ‘get creative’ in this way and allow God to speak to them.

There was also an opportunity for people to go outside and find a place to listen to God by meditating on what they could see in the world around them.

Saturday evening was set aside for ‘listening through empathy’ as delegates heard the stories of people involved in Core Recovery Church – worshipping communities designed specifically for those struggling with addiction. Three speakers talked about people experiencing ‘hurts, habits and hang-ups’ and how Jesus is at work in their lives: Captain Teresa Conway (Stroud), Major Mary Wolfe, a

Encounter prayer gathering DELEGATES’ THOUGHTS NICKY WARING STROUD I’m part of the Core Recovery Church and God has been building us into a real community.

I came to the prayer gathering to encourage other people and to see what God’s saying to us all. One of the highlights of the weekend was what the TC shared on Sunday morning. It was spot on for where we are as a corps and The Salvation Army as a whole.

retired officer who runs a Core Recovery Church in Neath, and Paul Huggins, the chaplain at Charter Row Lifehouse who helps lead the Oasis community, which is rooted in Core Recovery Church principles.

At the end of the session Naar MfundisiHolloway (THQ) spoke about the listening phase of the territory’s Structure Co-ordination and Design Project, which aims to support local mission flourishing, and invited delegates to pray for the territorial leaders and others with territorial responsibilities.

On Sunday morning the TC spoke about pioneering in the territory as well as the need for some of the valued but established work to be done in new and innovative ways. He illustrated this by referring to London’s sewers, where new systems are being built and some of the Victorian network is being renewed. Turning to an Old Testament image he mentioned a tunnel that King Hezekiah arranged to

have built to divert spring water into Jerusalem in the late 8th century BC. He said the Army needs to allow ‘the living water of Christ – that will sustain us and enable us and give us life and bring us freedom and fruitfulness – to flow into our hearts and lives’.

The final session included worship, time for prayerful response and another Godly Play story brought by Captain Vanessa, in which delegates were invited forward to rearrange objects on a story board to illustrate what God was saying to them.

Throughout the weekend there was the opportunity to spend time at prayer stations set up in the chapel and to place Post-It Notes on the wall of the main conference room so people could share what they had heard from God. Having been able to listen to God in various ways over the weekend, delegates were encouraged to go on listening and to be responsive to him as they returned to their own settings across the territory.

MAJOR MARJORY PARROTT SWADLINCOTE I’ve been coming to these prayer weekends for a long time. It’s just brilliant to get together with people who are serious about praying. This time I wanted to listen to what God was saying for the future of The Salvation Army.

I feel we need to focus on the name of Jesus and ask ourselves how powerful we will allow that to be in our lives and ministry. I’ve been struggling a bit with how we can be effective as we come through the Covid-19 pandemic, so the weekend was a reminder that God has a plan for us.

EVIE LOVE HIGH WYCOMBE This was my first prayer gathering. What drew me was that friends who’d been before were really uplifted and enthusiastic. I came to give myself more to God and to ask for his guidance and his love. I feel very much that that’s happened this weekend. The testimonies from the Core Recovery team were very impactful for me – also Anthony and Gill’s talk about going back to our roots. I will definitely come again and I would encourage anyone to come and be willing to experience it.

Salvationist 12 February 2022

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REFLECTION CTI O REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION ON

Love God, love others Colonel Jenine Main suggests we need to be more intentional about welcome, inclusion and hospitality

I

N recent days my mind has been turning to the plight of refugees who are so desperate to come to the UK that they will risk their lives and the lives of their children to cross the English Channel. They set off in dinghies not suitable for sea crossings, often with tragic consequences.

Watching the TV, my heart was warmed by the sight of police officers and coastguards welcoming those stepping on to shore with towels and blankets. But what awaited them next?

Where would they find themselves and what conditions would they be living in?

I also have in my mind the images of those who remain in the Calais refugee camps in horrendous conditions. They have risked everything to escape from the horrors of their homelands and now endure freezing, dirty, inhospitable surroundings.

Bromley Temple youth group

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

Recently I was challenged by a picture

by Tim Sanders (above) that I saw on social media. It reminds us of those refugees crossing the Channel, obviously depicting a family that could so easily be Mary, Joseph and Jesus.

How does this challenge us in the welcome we are prepared to give to refugees coming to the UK? The corps where I soldier has recently been privileged to welcome a refugee family as part of a community sponsorship project. The lead members of the group have worked tirelessly to raise money, secure housing and complete all the paperwork and requirements outlined by the Home Office.

The family arrived in October and a group from the corps has very warmly welcomed them and done everything possible to help them settle in – from arranging the children’s school places and English lessons for the parents at the local college to setting up bank accounts and taking the children to the dentist. It has been hugely rewarding to see a young family safe and secure. We have done everything we can to make them feel welcome and included in our country, town and culture.

The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland has recently published its intention to ‘Love God, Love Others’,

followed by the vision statement: ‘Fullness of life for all with Jesus.’ Both are based on words of Jesus, who further expands on how we show love to others through the story of the good Samaritan. The story tells of a Jewish man who was attacked by robbers on the way to Jericho and left for dead. Two Jewish religious men walked by, but a Samaritan man, who generally would not associate with a Jew, stopped to help, took him to a safe place and paid for his care. This Samaritan truly showed love for others.

There are many other stories in Scripture that illustrate welcome and hospitality to strangers and foreigners.

There is the beautiful story of Boaz showing welcome and hospitality to Ruth (see Ruth 1–4), the story of the Shunammite woman making a room always available in her home for the prophet Elisha (see 2 Kings 4:8–10), Lydia urging Paul and his missionary friends to stay at her house (see Acts 16:15) and many more.

How good are we at showing this kind of welcome and hospitality to people we don’t know or who are different from us?

It is a strong theme running through the Old and New Testaments, yet in our 21st-century culture being welcoming to others is sometimes neglected or assumed without being intentional.

A meeting of the RIWG

How good are we at showing welcome and hospitality to people we don’t know?

Recently The Salvation Army launched the Race Inclusion Working Group (RIWG), a diverse group of employees, officers and soldiers endeavouring to engage every aspect of the Army in thinking more intentionally about welcome, hospitality and inclusion, specifically towards people from minority ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

Jesus spoke of loving God and loving others as the greatest commandments.

The RIWG wants to encourage every person involved in The Salvation Army, whether a soldier, adherent, friend, employee or volunteer, to actively find

ways to be more welcoming, hospitable and inclusive of anyone who may be different from us – to go out of our way to ensure that everyone feels included.

The good Samaritan was willing to go out of his way, possibly making a detour on the route to his final destination, as well as going out of his way to pay for the care for the Jewish man. How good are we at deliberately placing ourselves among people who are different from us in order to learn from them, value them and find ways to ensure they are included? The Christian message of welcome, inclusion and hospitality that Jesus demonstrated reaches beyond race. Ultimately the message is the same for everyone, whatever our differences.

We are all made in the image of God – and the human race, in all its variety, reflects God’s perfect image. We are all created in God’s image with a part to

2020 Intercultural Mission Conference

play in the Church, which is one body (see 1 Corinthians 12:12–27) – we would not want to miss out on the gifts and skills that others may have because we have neglected to welcome or include them.

I think that very few people are intentionally exclusive, but I do wonder whether some of us intentionally do enough to ensure everyone is included, involved and valued. To be fully inclusive we need to invest time and energy in getting to know others and realising the value they can add and then finding ways to utilise the gifts and skills they bring.

The prayer of the RIWG is that our multi-faceted Army would be seen as the most welcoming, hospitable and inclusive place in the communities with which it engages – the place where diversity is celebrated, where congregations are enhanced because of that variety and where loving God is demonstrated by loving others.

‘In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilised, slave or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us’ (Colossians 3:11 New Living Translation).

COLONEL MAIN IS TERRITORIAL SECRETARY FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT Salvationist 12 February 2022

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FEATURE I Racial Inclusion Working Group

Loving our neighbours To mark Racial Justice Sunday (13 February) three members of the territory’s Racial Inclusion Working Group (RIWG) tell Salvationist what the group aims to achieve LINDA McTURK KILBURN WHEN thinking and praying about Racial Justice Sunday, it’s essential to consider the territory’s motto, ‘Love God, Love Others’. If we truly value everyone with the same dignity, regardless of their background or circumstances, our actions must reflect Jesus’ instruction to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (Mark 12:31) and treat everyone with the same respect as we have for ourselves.

We don’t always get things right within the Church and there have been instances of discrimination and lack of inclusion – even within the Army – that have caused hurt to others.

The RIWG is working towards tangible actions to help our Movement become more inclusive. The things that we aim to achieve include creating more theological resources for corps to advocate and ensure inclusivity in their congregations, and helping to educate and spread awareness about the need to be inclusive of everyone, regardless of their background.

We are making progress, but there is still much more to be done to adequately address racial inclusion in the Army. For example, I would like us to have a system of accountability to safeguard everyone from acts of discrimination and prejudice.

The steps the RIWG is taking are positive, but there is a long road ahead.

I hope that, in the coming months, more people will be willing to join us in this challenging but hopefully fruitful journey towards loving our neighbours as ourselves.

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

SARAH LADIPO RECRUITMENT MANAGER, THQ IN January 2021 I was invited to join the RIWG. My immediate reaction was: ‘What does God want and what can I contribute?’ I am passionate about racial inclusion but I didn’t want to be part of a group for the sake of it. I paused and reflected.

As I responded to say yes, I became more intrigued and excited about the RIWG. I devoured the papers I was sent and took time to understand the group’s mission of ‘seeking ways to confront and fight against racism within The Salvation Army’.

I hoped that I would be among others who had a passion for Christ, his word and what he has to say about racial inclusion. When the day arrived for the meeting, I joined online and mostly observed employees, officers and corps members deeply and articulately expressing their desire to see Godfocused change within The Salvation Army. I knew I was in a group that was not afraid to challenge, find solutions, question and reflect on issues around racial inclusion.

Has it been easy? Absolutely not. I have spoken to people who do not see a problem, but it does not deter us and we press on. Has the fire gone out? No. In fact, I believe it is burning more fiercely and nothing has extinguished our commitment.

Jesus calls us to love God and love our neighbours. That call continues to remind me why the group is needed.

MAJOR MARK HERBERT DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, SOUTH EAST THE challenge to be racially inclusive has demanded something from me personally. As a white male within our Movement, when I meet with the RIWG I am in the minority for the first time in almost 37 years of officership. My membership of this group demands from me that I listen and then listen a bit more and learn from the shared experiences. Racism is real, it runs deep, even if unintentional. To be racially inclusive demands from me a willingness to recognise the problem and then confront it.

Racial inclusion for us as a Movement is equally demanding. The problem is so big that we have struggled to be clear about first steps.

Without action we only have words, and words are not enough. I’m excited by the prospect of creating safe spaces, the opportunity for people to become inclusive mission advocates in corps, centres and offices and the thought of fellowship over coffee as we learn together in small groups.

The RIWG is demanding! The group’s collective passion, determination and wisdom tell me that this is not a silent body. The membership wants the best for the Army and longs for the day when everyone who walks through our doors feels they have a voice, equal opportunity and that they belong – a small but significant way to love God and love others.

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TIO ON REFLEC REFLECTION CTION

Major Jonny Smith reflects on the way his understanding of intercultural living has grown over the years

M

Y journey towards an intercultural desire and understanding started in 2001.

I had moved to William Booth College in Camberwell, south London, to train to become a Salvation Army officer.

However, I had baggage! For the previous 29 years of life, I had simply hung out with people who looked like me. The only understanding I had of life in a place such as Camberwell was through the newspapers, which I now see were incredibly misleading.

After two years of training – which also included getting married – my wife, Catherine, and I were appointed to Southwark Corps, where we were handed a diverse church community and a leadership team that was reflective of this. With my background it took much time – and patience from others – for my understanding of what was required to be part of a multicultural church to develop.

One of the key reflections I have is that there is a real requirement as disciples of Jesus to be willing to enter other people’s cultures, as much as we perhaps expect them to enter our own.

I always say that this is not just an essential good idea for ministry in any setting, but a God idea lived out by Jesus. We see an example of Jesus living out an intercultural way in John 4, where he talks with a Samaritan woman.

As I began to pray, live out and preach about an intercultural way, I found it of crucial importance to find safe places to say how I was feeling and to ask many questions around cultural differences.

Equally, I needed to encourage people to find safe spaces where questions and feelings that they had could be talked through.

Catherine and I were at Southwark for 10 years. There were incredible times and tough and challenging times, yet the whole journey has played a huge part in my passion and desire for intercultural mission.

Two pieces of Scripture have become important to me on this journey.

Genesis 1 talks about humankind being made ‘in the image of God’ (v27).

As I have met people from all around the world, so my image of God has been expanded and gone from the white, long-haired and blue-eyed Jesus to a completely diverse one. What a gift God has given to us that his image is before us in any of the people we meet.

The other is Revelation 7, which gives a beautiful image of Heaven, where people from all different cultures come together and worship God – ‘a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb’ (v9). Jesus made it clear to us that we are to pray for the Kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done ‘on Earth as it is in Heaven’ (Matthew 6:10). Therefore, we passionately need to be making Revelation 7 a tangible reality in our neighbourhoods. When people can see that the Church – the foretaste of what will be – is diverse, then I firmly believe that this gives our communities an incredible hope.

How they are in need of that kind of hope! I would challenge anybody reading this to observe the community in which your corps or church gathers.

Ask yourself two questions. First, do those who gather to worship represent the wider community where they meet?

And second, does the leadership team reflect those who are gathered? If the answer to these questions is no, I would simply encourage you to desire this intercultural journey and, in so doing, help Revelation 7 to become a tangible reality in your neighbourhood.

I am completely convinced that if we are to model the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth, then we need to be passionate about intercultural living. It is not enough to just tolerate one another, we need to be willing to enter each other’s spaces and we need to be willing to be mutually inconvenienced.

When we do this, we start to create together a beautiful and larger story than the one we started with.

O This

article first appeared in Racial Justice: What’s It Got To Do With Me?, which is free to download from ctbi.org.uk/racial-justice-sunday13-february-2022

MAJOR SMITH IS INTERCULTURAL MISSION ENABLER, THQ Salvationist 12 February 2022

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BIBLE STUDY

Capttain Paul Willliams considers how we react to life e’s challlenges

PSALM 27

T

HE slogan ‘keep calm and carry on’ featured on posters designed by the government in the run-up to the Second World War. These posters were intended to motivate the British public but were never circulated. In the early 2000s a few copies resurfaced and the slogan seemed to resonate with something in contemporary popular culture, as it ended up being printed on novelty mugs and tea towels.

QUESTION do you react in the face of difficulties and challenges?

O How

The expectation in much of our society is to deal with crises calmly and without complaining. Overtly emotional

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

by Major Jane Kimberley

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

responses are not welcome and the ‘mustn’t grumble’ attitude has long been a way of life. There is a risk, however, that such a response minimises the significance of the difficulties faced.

In our study passage, although the situation in which the psalmist finds himself is difficult to discern, verses 2 and 3 seem to suggest he is facing armed conflict and is in great danger.

However, the psalmist testifies to his confidence and trust in God: ‘My heart will not fear … I will be confident.’

Are his enemies really going to ‘devour’ him (v2)? Whatever the situation the psalmist is facing, his anger, fear, frustration, grief and disappointment are not bottled up but are cried out to God, whom he affirms in verse 1 to be his light, salvation and stronghold.

QUESTION O To what extent is crying out to God something we find acceptable?

Crying out to God in this way is known as a lament. In his lament, the psalmist does more than merely describe what challenges he is facing. He does not complain or brush aside his circumstances as inconsequential. He requests – and he expects – God to intervene in his situation: ‘Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me’ (v7).

The psalmist’s end goal is twofold.

First, that God will bring an end to his suffering. Second, that God will make his presence known to him once again: ‘One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,/ Christ, the true, the only light,/ Sun of righteousness arise,/ Triumph o’er the shades of night;/ Dayspring from on high, be near;/ Daystar, in my heart appear.

(SASB 249)

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.

(1 Peter 2:9)

O disclose thy lovely face!/ Quicken all my drooping powers;/ Gasps my fainting soul for grace/ As a thirsty land for showers./ Haste, my Lord, no more delay;/ Come, my Saviour, come away.

(SASB 249)

Pii ure: Pict re Nic N hola holass Sampso Sampso ps n / Unsp pso plash

gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple’ (v4).

QUESTIONS with God’s immensity, it is easy to minimise the situations we face. Have you experienced this temptation?

O When addressing God while facing a challenging situation, do you simply express your feelings or do you make specific requests?

remembers that God hears him and is with him.

QUESTION do you feel when prayer requests seem to go unheeded?

O Faced

O How

When we are in times of trouble, it is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we must face these challenges alone and in our own strength. This sense of abandonment is evident as the psalmist cries: ‘Do not hide your face from me’ (v9). However, simply crying out to God seems to serve the psalmist as a reminder that he is not alone. He

We neither hear of a response from God nor of a resolution for the author’s situation. However, between the author’s initial cries and the end of the psalm, it seems that something has changed.

The psalm concludes on a high note with a reaffirmation of the psalmist’s confidence in God’s faithfulness and goodness. In the face of all his suffering, he comes to a decision: ‘Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord’ (v14).

Laments take up a large proportion of the Psalms, which is evidence that

crying out to God is an acceptable and biblical response to hardship. ‘Keep calm and carry on’ is certainly not a mantra that the psalmist would endorse.

He unhesitatingly cries out to God, not only to moan but also to make a specific request for God’s intervention. This process allows him to remember the reality of God’s faithfulness and then face the challenges that are before him.

Remembering that God is interested and able to intervene, what are the situations you need to cry out to God about?

CAPTAIN WILLIAMS IS CORPS OFFICER, BASILDON

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.

(Isaiah 9:2)

Dark and cheerless is the morn/ Unaccompanied by thee;/ Joyless is the day’s return/ Till thy mercy’s beams I see,/ Till thou inward light impart,/ Glad my eyes and warm my heart.

(SASB 249)

‘I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen – that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.’

(Acts 26:22 and 23)

Visit, then, this soul of mine,/ Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;/ Fill me, Radiancy divine,/ Scatter all my unbelief;/ More and more thyself display,/ Shining to the perfect day.

(SASB 249)

Prayer

Dear Lord, I thank you because you are my light and salvation. Like the psalmist, I can say that you are the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?

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REF RE FL LE EC CTI CTI TION N REFLECTION

Putting on the armour

Major John Waters continues a series of reflections on classic prayers

Brian Colley (Clowne) continues a series of reflections on verses from Psalms But you, Lord, are a shield around me (Psalm 3:3)

W

E are told that this psalm is another composition of David, from the time he was forced to flee from his son, Absalom. In the first two verses there is a suggestion that many people are saying God will no longer help the writer.

However, he knows better. Remembering past help in times of trouble he affirms his faith in God, stating he is not afraid.

Finally, there is a prayer for help and blessing.

David says what all Christians can say – anyone who comes to know God can repeat this: ‘But you, Lord, are a shield around me.’ David had experienced fighting and would have known the benefit of carrying a shield, which could be a lifesaver. He was also spiritually aware, having experienced God’s forgiveness and salvation.

The apostle Paul was later to recognise the need of both a physical and spiritual shield, but he went even further. He said: ‘Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes’ (Ephesians 6:11). He was not only advising how to defend but how to attack. God is our shield against the Devil, but we have an ongoing battle on our hands keeping him at bay.

David and Paul stress the importance of a spiritual shield in all circumstances. We must never let God down by letting our guard down. The fight is continuous and the Devil is clever enough to catch us in an unguarded moment if we leave ourselves open to his attack.

This spiritual armour is effective and will keep us well protected at all times. God is our shield and will always be our best form of defence.

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Salvationist 12 February 2022

Picture: Shvets Production / Pexels

REFLECTION REFL RE FL LEC ECTI TION TI ON

Nothing too small I

GNATIUS of Loyola (1491–1556) was the founder of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) within Roman Catholicism and the writer of The Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, a pattern of nourishment and development that is still followed by many Christians. Here is one of his fine prayers: Fill us, we pray thee, with thy light and life, That we may show forth thy wondrous glory.

Grant that thy love may so fill our lives That we may count nothing too small to do for thee, Nothing too much to give And nothing too hard to bear.

There is something inspiring about great sacrifices and something heroic about the patient bearing of suffering, but the little things seem to lack these qualities and perhaps that is why they may be neglected.

In A Practical Treatise on Christian Perfection William Law tells of Clemens, who ‘has his head full of imaginary piety’.

Law writes: ‘He is often proposing to himself what he would do if he had a great estate. He would outdo all charitable men ... he would allow himself only necessaries, that widows and orphans, the sick and distressed might find relief...

‘Now Clemens has a modest estate which he spends upon himself ... he might live on a third of his

fortune but he does nothing that is in his power, but pleases himself with what he would do if his power was greater.’

When Samuel Brengle, a doctor of divinity, wanted to become a Salvation Army officer, William Booth tried to dissuade him on the grounds that his academic background ill-suited him for the rough and tumble of those early days. Brengle persisted and joined a group of trainees. Mundane tasks were part of that training and when Brengle was assigned to clean the boots of his comrades he began to question his decision. But prayerfully he came to the conclusion that it was necessary, to be true to his calling, to do even the smallest act of service as if it was for his Lord.

Commissioner Arch Wiggins wrote a song for songsters, ‘So Take Me, Lord’, with music by Lieut-Colonel Ernest Rance. Each verse was suggested by the humility of Jesus.

The song ends: I only ask That in the lowest, meanest task, My service be complete.

The fact that there is little glamour in, or recognition of, such service is its attraction, for it is more easily given in a disinterested manner, unalloyed by any sense of human reward. Loyola’s prayer retains its resonance for all who try to follow Christ.

MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR

REVIEW

An opportunity to reflect War Cry Staff Writer Emily Bright reviews A Lent Journal, a new Army publication

F

OR some, Lent may instil a lingering sense of dread at having to give something up, whether that’s no longer buying chocolate or fasting from screen time. In my case, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

But the six-week period, which starts on Ash Wednesday and finishes at Easter, also represents an opportunity for reflection and prayer.

It echoes Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness before he embarked on his ministry. It’s easy to forget that, for Jesus, it was a period of preparation, perseverance and time in the presence of God. We too have an opportunity to seek out God’s presence and prepare for Easter.

In that spirit, A Lent Journal provides a

refreshing opportunity to reflect on a series of 40 hymns, songs and Bible passages, with each two-page spread exploring a different aspect of the gospel.

Peppered with praise anthems such as ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘At the Name of Jesus’, ‘Before the Throne of God Above’ and ‘Crown Him with Many Crowns’, there are plenty of familiar lyrics to enjoy, which can provide fresh inspiration for devotional times. Each song is followed by a short Bible verse and a separate ‘day-by-day through Lent’ section that offers a reference for an additional Bible passage.

There’s also space to doodle or write down impressions and observations that the pages inspire. The brevity of each

entry makes it easier to integrate journaling into a daily routine.

As a print journalist by trade, I should theoretically find journaling easy, but a blank page fills me with dread. However, these in-built prompts help to generate thoughts and observation.

To me, the prospect of developing a new spiritual habit is far more attractive than giving something up for the sake of it. However you approach Lent, this is a handy aid for delving deeper in your faith.

Lent Journal is available from sps-shop.com priced £5 (plus postage and packaging)

O A

PREVIEWS

Dancing with Thieves

Reflect with Sheridan

by Cally Magalhães

by Sheridan Voysey

‘W

A

HEN you help people who have nothing, then you realise you have everything.’ Cally Magalhães’ memoir invites us to accompany her on her journey from England to India and Estonia, and finally to São Paulo, Brazil.

We join her as she follows a trail of signs and blessings to bring relief, hope and healing to people who need help, wherever they may be – in the streets, the favelas, the prisons or hidden under bridges.

Magalhães describes in detail the transformational work of The Eagle Project, which uses drama workshops and restorative justice in Brazilian prisons.

Magalhães chronicles a life based on faith and gratitude, describing the positive change one person can bring to many people’s lives – transforming the world one person at a time. with Thieves is available from amazon.co.uk priced £8.45 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle ebook priced £7.99

O Dancing

UTHOR and broadcaster Sheridan Voysey draws on personal experience and Christian faith to explore the greater meaning to be found in the world around us. The book reflects themes of joy, wonder, meaning, belonging, callings, compassion, seasons, change and hope.

It aims to help readers of all ages and life stages create a pause in their day, whether in the quiet early hours, as the night falls or somewhere in between.

The text is largely based on the author’s contributions to BBC Radio 2’s Pause for Thought. Including 72 reflections around a variety of themes with photographs, the book invites readers to pause and reflect upon contemporary issues through a Christian worldview. with Sheridan is available from amazon.co.uk priced £10.49 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle ebook priced £9.97

O Reflect

Salvationist 12 February 2022

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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance at the time.

KILBURN Jason Reid and Dennis Ajufo were welcomed as adherents and Linda and Stuart McTurk were enrolled as soldiers. Jason was introduced to the corps

by Dennis, so it was lovely to see them make this commitment together. Linda and Stuart said that signing the Soldier’s Covenant was them coming back to God.

In January Betty Hammond renewed her Soldier’s Covenant 60 years after first signing the Articles of War – and she is still going strong! She is pictured with corps officer Lieutenant Jen Barker. – JB

SALISBURY Jackie and John Page have attended the corps for some time with their daughter, Jess, and felt led to confirm their commitment by becoming adherents. Recruiting Sergeant Major Christine Parkin guided the couple through their journey towards this commitment. She is pictured with the new adherents, who were welcomed into the corps fellowship on Covenant Sunday by corps officer Captain Martin Davison. – MD

FALMOUTH TEMPLE Stephen Willoughby was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Andrew Hammond.

Four years ago, Stephen started to attend the community café and progressed to volunteering, serving across a range of ministries. Thereafter Stephen started to attend meetings.

He testified to his love for Jesus and thanked the corps folk for their warm welcome. He is pictured with Captains Andrew and Nicola Hammond. – AH 20

Salvationist 12 February 2022

STIRLING Corps leader Territorial Envoy Sandy Reynolds enrolled Bob and Morag Miller as soldiers. Bob and Morag had previously been active at Oban Corps. On moving to the area they linked up with a local church, but then felt called to resume worship and service with the Army. – DL

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Majors Jean and Roy Brown (24 February) DEDICATED TO GOD Jake Daniel, son of Gaby and Paul Silcock, at Lurgan by Major Russell Tucker

and Oliver Beacham of their father, Major Rodney Beacham, Poole, of his brother O Pauline Langham, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, of her husband B/Reservist Michael Langham, Kath Heap, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, of her brother

O

RETIRED OFFICERS BIRTHDAYS O Major James Rorie (80 on 20 February) O Major David Dalziel (80 on 22 February) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Peter Topping, Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh O John Cates, Felixstowe O Harry Price, Redruth O Trevor Beacham, Leigh-on-Sea O B/Reservist Michael Langham, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls BEREAVED O Major Kay Barclay of her sister Jackie Barwick O Maureen Topping, Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh, of her husband Peter Topping O Thelma Beacham, Leigh-on-Sea, of her husband Trevor, Marcus Beacham

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O ICO, Thu 10 Feb – Sun 13 O Liberia, Tue 15 – Mon 21 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (lecture), Tue 15 Feb O ICO (farewell meeting), Fri 18 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Bournemouth (TYB and TYC), Wed 16 Feb THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Bromley Temple, Sun 13 Feb* O Bournemouth (TYB and TYC festival), Fri 18 *Colonel Jenine Main only

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory LONG SERVICE 25 years O Major Tracey Palmer, Papua New Guinea Territory ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES BRAM HOLLAND, GLOUCESTER BRAM was ‘small in stature but a giant Christian’. Born near Maesteg, he moved to Finchley at an early age. He saw action with the regular army in Italy, Egypt and Palestine during the Second World War. He worked for the Salvation Army Assurance Society and in 1952 moved to Gloucester. He became a valued part of the corps, joining the songsters and becoming the torchbearer leader. He was also the young people’s sergeant-major at Brockworth, a Gloucester outpost.

He loved tending his garden and was a devoted husband to Sylvia, whose death devastated him. His family was always important to him but especially so at that time.

Bram will always be remembered for his broad smile, handshake, welcoming words and encouragement as the welcome sergeant.

He eventually moved into a retirement complex and was happy there. Sadly, he was called Home two weeks before the band went to play carols to the residents. – AB MARGARET WILSON, BURTON-ON-TRENT MARGARET’S introduction to The Salvation Army was as a child, when her father asked her which Sunday school she would like to attend. Her answer was ‘the one with the band’, and her lifetime involvement with the Army commenced.

She became a junior soldier at Luton Temple and then a senior soldier, as well as a corps cadet, songster and company guard. During this time she met Robert and they married and moved to Burton-onTrent. While at Burton-on-Trent she made significant contributions to the corps as company guard, songster, timbrel group leader, songster secretary, corps cadet guardian and corps youth secretary.

Margaret loved playing her timbrel and was always full of life. It was a shock, then, that she succumbed to Covid-19 and within a very short time was promoted to Glory. – KA

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Issued by Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant and correct as of 3pm on 7 February CHANGES TO COVID-19 RULES Governments are continuing to ease Covid-19 restrictions, so before restarting or adjusting activities, or reopening premises, make sure your risk assessments reflect the latest changes. Pay attention to ventilation, hygiene measures and cleaning.

CARE HOMES England Plan B restrictions have been removed for care homes. There is a move towards ‘visiting in all circumstances’ and out-of-the-home visiting with no self-isolation period where residents are double vaccinated.

Scotland The recommendation is no more than three visitors per resident.

PLACES OF WORSHIP England There are now no restrictions on group sizes or the number of people attending communal worship or significant life events.

While legal requirements for social distancing and face covering no longer apply, government guidance suggests people ‘continue to wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces where you may come into contact with other people you do not normally meet’. It remains important to be considerate of different personal choices, for instance to ‘provide the opportunity and space for others to reduce close contacts if they wish’.

Scotland Guidance has been updated but retains some requirements, for instance face coverings remain mandatory.

Salvationist 12 February 2022

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ADVERTS

Save The Date Friday 15 – Sunday 17 July 2022 International Convention Centre Birmingham

Commissioning, Congress and Symphony Sounds

EXETER TEMPLE Friars’ Walk Sunday 6 March 3.30pm

TEMPLE PRAISE Exeter Temple Band, Songsters and soloists Followed by refreshments Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’ EX1 1DE Exit at the top and turn right

MORE FROM MY HEADMASTER’S STUDY The first booklet of sermons by Matthew Cammish, From My Headmaster’s Study, was hugely successful, requiring many reprints.

A sequel is now available free of charge.

Email martinrobins@btinternet.com for a copy.

Join our 2022 London Marathon team!

Were you successful in the ballot?

It would be fantastic if you joined Team Sally Army to raise money for our work with people experiencing homelessness. If you would like to take part for another Salvation Army project close to your heart or you would like to run for your corps, you are very welcome to do so.

Didn’t get a place?

We do still have a few charity places available, so if you are interested and have not submitted your application yet, please go to salvationarmy.org.uk/run/ london-marathon-2022 for more information on how to apply or you can email challenge@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

Let’s get as many people as possible running for the Army in 2022 – please spread the word among your family, friends and colleagues.

22

Salvationist 12 February 2022

TO LET MAJORCA Beautiful, well-equipped apartment. Two double bedrooms (sleeps two to six). Walk-in-shower, second toilet. Near seafront, amenities. Large balcony, lovely view, quiet area. Competitive prices. Email carol@ckendall.co.uk or tel 07308 506064.

FREE WEIGHT LOSS MENTORING Seven sessions. Text Jenny 07955 222055 or email jennymann18@outlook.com.

SOUTHEND CITADEL 42 Clarence Street Saturday 12 March 7pm

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS IN CONCERT Tickets: gallery £12 and ground floor £10 both reserved (refundable if cancelled due to Covid-19) For tickets or other information email southend2022issvisit@btinternet.com or telephone Keith on 01702 585323 Sunday morning meeting 10.30am. Afternoon concert 3pm. Free

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

ADVERTISING RATES ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£6.40

£9.00

26 – 35 WORDS £11.60

3

£15.45

£21.70

£27.80

Extra words over 35 – 26p per word CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

26 – 35 WORDS

1

£9.00

£12.50

£14.00

3

£22.50

£31.25

£35.00

Extra words over 35 – 30p per word BOXED ADVERTISEMENTS: Single column – 32.5 mm (w) Double column – 69.5 mm (w) SIZE

SINGLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

SINGLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES

DOUBLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

28 mm

£15.00

£36.00

£30.00

DOUBLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES £72.00

61 mm

£26.00

£65.00

£52.00

£130.00

94 mm

£55.00

£137.50

£110.00

£250.00

127 mm

£65.00

£155.00

£130.00

£315.00

PAGE ADVERTISEMENTS: Quarter page – 127mm (h) X 88 mm (w) Half page – 127 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) Full page – 258 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) SIZE

1 ISSUE

3 ISSUES

QUARTER PAGE

£180.00

£450.00

HALF PAGE

£340.00

£850.00

FULL PAGE

£675.00

£1,687.00

ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. ALL ADVERTS CARRIED IN SALVATIONIST ARE SUBJECT TO HOUSE STYLE AND ARE CARRIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

Salvationist 12 February 2022

23

‘‘

I have enjoyed being part of the Salisbury Corps fellowship for 40 years and I am looking forward to the next 40!

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

’’

CORPS TREASURER ROSALIND FEATHERSTONE Salisbury

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

Queen Elizabeth II.

How did you first come in contact with The Salvation Army?

I had a Saturday job as a teenager at a toy shop and the owners were Salvationists. I became friends with the Salvationists who frequented the shop and they invited me to the Army.

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

Lindt chocolate.

What is your favourite food?

Pasta – my favourite dish is lasagne.

What is your day job?

For the past 21 years I’ve worked for a private pension provider.

What do you do in your spare time?

I support my husband when he plays in Masters squash tournaments in England. He also plays in international competitions, which has involved travelling to New Zealand, America, Sweden and Poland. I also assist at England Masters squash tournaments, inputting results.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Table tennis.

Apart from English, what languages do you know?

I studied French and German at school.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Cruising. It’s great waking up in a diff di ffer ff eren entt co country without having to p ck my ba pa bags g aga gs gain in. in

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

They have already revived my favourite – drainpipe trousers!

What made you want to become a soldier?

I felt welcome and at home in the Army fellowship.

Picture: Josiah Weiss / Unsplash

What was the first record, tape or CD that th a you owned? at One On e St Step ep Bey eyon o d... by Madness. on I the Is h re som met ethi ethi hing ng abo b u utt lif ife eo orr the world wo rld yo rl you’ve you u’ve nev eve err und nder erst stoo ood?

Wh W hy so some me m e peo eople le su suff ffer ff er mor er ore e th than an otthe o hers r .

If you coulld rid d the he wor orld orld ld of o on ne th hing, wha hatt wo woul uld d itt be? e?

War. War Wa r.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Woody Woodpecker, because my maiden name was Wood.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

All of Psalm 121. It gives the assurance that the Lord is with me at all times.

I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from?

My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth.

He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

The Lord will keep you from all harm – he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and for evermore.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘And Can It Be That I Should Gain?’

(SASB 241).

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

Facebook – reception permitting!

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My photos, which bring back plenty of memories.