C0 M91 Y76 K0 (Pantone 185) From generation to generation
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AS many Salvationists gather in Birmingham this weekend for Together 2025, a time of celebration and commissioning, we do so under the banner Mission 160: From Generation to Generation. That theme recognises and celebrates that we are all part of the family of God, from our oldest to our youngest, and we each have a part to play in that family.
The Salvation Army has been proclaiming that message of unity and belonging for 160 years, but the call is to go deeper, to share further, to pass on the good news.
This week’s issue captures a flavour of Together 2025 if you are able to attend, but also invites you to be part of it if you can’t be there in person. As we hear from some of those who will be sharing at the weekend, be inspired, be encouraged: God is at work in his Army and he has work for us to do.
On Sunday, new officers will be commissioned and sent out into the mission field, but we will also return to the communities where God has placed us to proclaim his gospel. Wherever you are this weekend, may you sense God’s presence and feel his call to know him better and to tell others what we know.
Visit salvationist.org.uk
160 years! Territorial leaders’ video from Poplar
Ordained and commissioned What does it mean?
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
From generation to generation
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main encourage us to consider how we are leaving a legacy of faith, hope and love
IT is with immense joy and heartfelt gratitude that we welcome Salvationists from across the UK and Ireland to Birmingham this weekend for Together 2025. This extraordinary gathering unites us as we celebrate 160 years of The Salvation Army – of faithful ministry, mission and service in the name of Jesus Christ.
Our theme, Mission 160: From Generation to Generation, calls us to reflect on the vital role each of us plays in sharing the good news of Jesus with the next generation. Together, we are building a stronger, more fruitful Salvation Army – one that carries forward our mission with passion, purpose and unwavering faith. May this time together encourage us to examine how we are leaving a legacy of faith, hope and love that will inspire and empower those who follow in our footsteps.
During this event, we will join in prayer and celebration as the cadets of the Champions of the Mission session are ordained and commissioned as
lieutenants. Their commitment to serve as Salvation Army officers is a testament to the transformative power of God’s call. As they embark on their first appointments, we pray that God’s Holy Spirit will rest upon them, equipping them with strength, wisdom and unwavering faith for the journey ahead.
Let us also pray that God’s Spirit will move powerfully among us during this gathering. May this time of fellowship deepen our faith, strengthen our resolve, and inspire us to discover new and innovative ways to make faith accessible to the next generation. We trust that God will use our time together to renew our spiritual vitality and empower us for the days to come.
We are grateful to the planning team and to all who have worked diligently behind the scenes to make this event a reality. Their dedication and vision have set the stage for what we believe will be a transformative and unforgettable experience. Thank you for your faithful service.
There are lots of ways in which you can join in Together 2025 where you are. In addition to this issue of Salvationist, you can live-stream all the main sessions on Saturday and Sunday online at youtube. com/salvationarmyvideo. There are also live updates at salvationist.org.uk and on the @SalvationistUKI Facebook page, plus a Bible message from newly commissioned Lieutenant Amy BaylissFox on Salvationist Radio’s Sunday Worship at 11am and 6pm.
Wherever you are, as we join together in worship, prayer and celebration, may our bonds of fellowship grow stronger and may our hearts be filled with hope for the future of The Salvation Army. Together, let us honour the past, embrace the present, and commit ourselves anew to the mission of bringing Christ’s love to the world.
COMMISSIONERS
JENINE AND PAUL MAIN Territorial Leaders
Picture:
Andrew King
Photography
Michael Gwazai Bexleyheath
‘Overtime’ by Chris Brown
I like it because of the tempo and beat. It’s very upbeat and uplifting, and those two are kind of hard to mix together when you’re making a song. I hope to make a song like that in the future.
‘Lead Me On’ by Chandler Moore
Even though I do wrong, God still loves me the way I am. He loves me beyond my mistakes, beyond my wrongdoings. It’s so comforting to know that.
‘Trust in God’ by Elevation Worship featuring Chris Brown
This is a very nice song where you can just be in the moment while worshipping. It’s very comforting to know you can put your trust in a higher power. It has a special place in my top five songs.
‘You Say’ by Lauren Daigle
God can see from millions of perspectives, but we only see from one, and that perspective may be negative. I can trust in him because he knows there’s a good thing in me, even though I think negatively about myself.
‘Gratitude’ by Brandon Lake
This one is talking about giving thanks to the Lord. In our daily lives, we talk to people, we have a home, shelter, food and I feel we have to show him so much more gratitude for the things we have.
• Michael is taking part in Saturday’s 7pm session at Together 2025. This playlist is based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people as they share five tracks they love. Listen at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.
‘I am focused on who I am in God’
Canadian Staff Songster Julianna Gerard (Oshawa Temple) testifies to trusting God in a deeper way
IAM one of the newest members of the Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS). I’m 23 years old and I work as a paramedic. I grew up attending The Salvation Army in Oshawa, Ontario, and I still attend today. I am a fifth-generation Salvationist. While I grew up with a faith, I really came into my relationship with God after working at the Salvation Army Jackson’s Point summer camp through the intentional conversations with great friends and mentors. I found that every summer at music camp, I felt such a deep connection with God through music. Singing and playing in the band really became a crucial part of my faith journey. Over the past year, I’ve been in recovery from a back injury I sustained at work. It happened the day after I auditioned for the CSS! I was full of excitement and hope, but was hit the very next day with a lot of fear and confusion. As a paramedic, my identity is deeply tied to serving
others. So when I found myself unable to help, a wave of fear and confusion set in. Why would this happen now? I had followed what I believed to be God’s call, so why did I feel so lost?
In that season, I was forced to sit still. Not only physically, but emotionally and mentally. In that stillness, something happened: I began to sense God gently asking me to trust him in a deeper way. Not just with my calling or career, but with my whole self, my uncertainty, my identity, even my physical pain.
It wasn’t easy. But, through little moments, in conversations with fellow Christians and quiet encouragement from God’s word, I realised he hadn’t forgotten me. Instead, he was inviting me to refocus. To shift my gaze from what I do to who I am in him.
God used this pause to reveal the noise that had distracted me, even in good things. He reminded me that my greatest calling is not a job title, but a surrendered heart. I felt him calling me back to trust; to submit my confusion and fears and let him shape my steps. And he did. Slowly,
Proverbs 3:5 and 6 say: ‘Trust the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.’ As I return to work – still healing and still learning – I do so not with all the answers, but with a heart that trusts him more. I’ve seen how God uses the moments when we feel lost to realign us with his purpose, to deepen our trust, and to show us that our impact is never limited to what we do. It’s found in who we are becoming in him.
The Canadian Staff Songsters are taking part in Saturday’s 8pm session at Together 2025. Watch the livestream at youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo
HAND TO HAND
by Major Lynne Shaw (THQ)
What does Hand to Hand depict?
It’s a watercolour painting. In the centre are three hands from people of different ages layered one on top of the other. Only the top hand is painted with all its details. Around the hands are leaves and flowers, with colours reflecting the changing of the seasons. Across the painting are two chains of dots in white, almost like strings of different-sized pearls.
How was it made?
I drew and painted the baby’s hand first. Then, for each layer, I drew leaves and flowers, painting the top layer with the most definition. Once that was fully dry, I drew more leaves and flowers as if they were behind the previous layer. I used what’s known as negative painting to loosely fill the background – each layer was slightly darker. It’s a fun process!
I spent time preparing for the hands by studying images and my own hands. I drew around mine for the big hand and scaled it down for the middle hand. For the baby hand, I just took the plunge!
The chains of dots were created with masking fluid. I painted everything else before peeling it off – which is great fun! – and revealing the chains. That meant I didn’t quite know what the piece was going to look like until the end.
What inspired it?
Thinking about the theme for Together 2025, I looked at how other people had portrayed the phrase ‘from generation to generation’. I like the idea of people being connected to one another, which is shown in the dots on the curving lines. I also like how hands of different ages can show the generations in a family.
Another metaphor is the changing seasons of our lives and the way one leads into the next in a continual cycle of generations. This is shown by the leaves, colours and flowers.
The techniques I used build up depth, which can be another metaphor for how generations guide and follow each other. We’re a people with a story that, in some respects, goes back thousands of years. We don’t live in the past, but we build upon it, and we pass things on. Some things fade into history, others remain, but they will all always be part of our story.
If you’re at Together 2025 in person, check out Hand to Hand alongside other works of Salvationist art in the art gallery!
Your generation
Major Kerry and Lieut-Colonel Nick
Coke call us to pass the baton of faith between generations
IT’s 29 October 1965, and a young man in his final year of university reaches across to the record player and slips on the brand new record he bought earlier in the day. Before he can settle back into his seat, the guitar, drums and bass kick in. The sound is raw, powerful and rebellious – it takes him by surprise. Then the vocalist joins the fray. The voice emerging from the speakers is urgent – angry, even. He clocks the lyrics of the first verse through the snarling, stuttering vocals:
‘People try to put us d-down/ Just because we get around/ Things they do look awful c-cold/ I hope I die before I get old./ This is my generation/ This is my generation, baby.’
For 3 minutes and 18 seconds, his attention never wanes. He’s captured by the moment. For the first time, it’s as though his ears have been exposed to the sound of his generation. Not his parents’ generation. Not his grandparents’ generation, but his generation.
That young man was Nick’s father, 60 years ago, and that record – My Generation by the Who – now sits neatly in his record collection. Hearing the song that day, Nick’s father said, was the moment he knew that the world had pivoted on its axis. For him and his friends, the old had passed and the new had come – this was now their time!
Generational thinking can often become a contest. Older generations can be tempted to think the world is going to hell in a handbasket because of the attitudes of younger people. Younger generations can sometimes conclude that the ‘old fogeys’ are simply out of touch. It has ever been thus.
The Bible is not oblivious to this. In Psalm 78:5–8 we read: ‘He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the Law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. They would not be like their ancestors – a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose hearts were not loyal to God, whose spirits were not faithful to him.’
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How do you think about generational differences?
When have you found yourself wondering about the attitudes and behaviours of older or younger generations?
How do you manage any tensions?
Throughout the Old Testament, the necessity of ensuring that the next generation is rooted in God’s Law is of paramount importance. Time after time, the writers press this point home (see Psalm 145:4 and Deuteronomy 4:9). God’s commandments are not simply for the present generation but for their descendants and their descendants’ descendants. This is a long-term project with older generations required to take responsibility for passing on the faith. Given the tendency of generations to rub up against each other, it is perhaps with some comfort that we also read that God does not stand aloof but plays an active role. The
paradigmatic Scripture in this regard can be found in the establishment of God’s covenant with Abraham: ‘I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you’ (Genesis 17:7).
In covenant, God takes the initiative, establishing a relationship with people that will last for generations. The profound implication of this covenant is that it binds the people of God together even in – especially in – difficult times.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
How seriously do you take the responsibility to nurture the faith of those coming after you?
Where have you seen God at work through intergenerational activity?
The Bible also provides practical advice on how to pass on the baton of faith.
Deuteronomy 6:4–7 identifies that ordinary actions are more important than grand gestures: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.’
We may endlessly agonise or deliberate over how best to influence the next generation but living by example and talking about our love for God in the
PSALM 145:4
ordinariness of life is surely the best place to start. It is without doubt that younger generations will absorb notions of what it looks like to live God’s way simply through observation. St David summed this up rather beautifully with: ‘Do the little things.’
PAUSE AND
REFLECT
What does it look like to do the little things in a way that models Christian life to younger people?
How does your corps fellowship live by example?
In 2 Timothy, there’s a rather poignant line that’s easily missed: ‘I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also’ (1:5).
Timothy, then, is a product of the influence of two generations: the sincere faith of Lois and Eunice provided and nurtured a path for him to find faith in Jesus. No doubt many little things – a helpful prayer, Scripture, instruction – were passed down to Timothy over the years.
May we, like those who have gone before, take responsibility to pass on the good news of Jesus from generation to generation.
SATURDAY 12 JULY: CARE FOR CREATION – WATER SECURITY
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship MAJOR
Mali faces a critical water security crisis as global warming increases the length of the dry season; women and children must walk further in search of water. Pray for Salvation Army staff preparing to provide boreholes and hygiene education to children and families.
by Major Heather Poxon (Territorial Environmental Officer)
Lord, as we prepare for Commissioning, we are grateful for your guidance. Grant us wisdom to discern your will, and courage to follow the path you’ve set for us. Surround us with humility and ground us in your word, enabling us to lead with compassion and serve with integrity. Bless our families with peace and, as we start our ministry, deepen our calling and reveal your purpose in our lives. by
Cadet Emma Scott
MONDAY 14 JULY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – NORTH SCOTLAND DIVISION
God is opening doors of opportunity, particularly as we partner with other churches, schools and community groups. Pray we will know when to take hold of fresh opportunities and when to let them go.
by Major Gillian Jackson (Divisional Commander)
TUESDAY 15 JULY: SERVING AND CARING – AGE AND LATER LIFE
Thank you for being there in life experiences, good and bad. For those approaching later years, help us to embrace and enjoy life. We pray for older people who are struggling with infirmity, illness, limited mobility and loneliness. May they meet and get to know you even more. Bless those who are committed to caring for the elderly. Fill them with energy and teach them how to bring love and support to those finding ageing difficult.
from the 2025 Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging Resource Calendar
WEDNESDAY 16 JULY: GROWING IN FAITH – ENABLED SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA
This year marks 50 years of the Enabled summer event, and we pray for all those attending this week. May the presence of God be tangible; may the message of God’s love be clear and heartwarming; and may there be more joy and laughter than ever before.
by
Lyndall Bywater
(UKI Boiler Room Team)
THURSDAY 17 JULY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – LIBERIA, SIERRA LEONE AND GUINEA TERRITORY
Pray for the work across Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. Guinea is one of the newest countries to receive the Army and already has 120 officers, 19 cadets and more than 8,000 soldiers. Give thanks for this testimony of many lives changed. Pray for peace across the whole region and ask God to protect and provide for Salvationists there. Pray for territorial leaders Lieut-Colonels Luka and Rasoa Khayumbi and Lieut-Colonels Dieudonné and Edith Louzolo. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 18 JULY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – GENDER IDENTITY
We ask for strength to stand against intolerance and ignorance directed at transgender individuals. We thank you for transgender members and employees who share their stories with us, fostering understanding and respect. We ask your blessing on them and their families as we journey together in mission, growing as disciples of Jesus.
by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?
Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
‘Our greatest asset is our people’
As Together 2025 welcomes special guests international leaders General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, the General talks to Major Julian Watchorn
As you travel around the Salvation Army world, what do you see that would encourage Salvationists in this territory?
People. Our greatest asset is our people. We have people in 134 countries endeavouring to proclaim the good news of the gospel. The reality of the Kingdom now and the Kingdom to come is made possible because of people pointing the way to Jesus. People are doing that everywhere our flag flies – that stuff’s going on! It’s going on through the hands, the feet and the voices of our people, and that’s a beautiful thing. I celebrate that and I’m meeting people from all over the globe who are passionate and committed to the mission and ministry of The Salvation Army, preaching the good news of Jesus Christ and meeting human need in his name in the best way they can.
As you travel the Army world, what do you see God reviving?
Again, it’s people! He’s reviving people. I see a renewed confidence in the power of the gospel to transform people’s lives. That’s where we’re seeing real growth –where people are confident to tell the Jesus story unapologetically and where there is a renewed appetite for prayer. It is going back to basics.
We have to guard against mission drift. God has commissioned this Army to demonstrate his love in both word and deed, and we must ensure that our focus and our priorities remain true to that mandate. We can’t be so busy painting the boat that we forget the passengers that might want to get on board.
So, where we are seeing innovative programming, growth and strength, we need to endorse it, equip it, promote it, celebrate it. Is it possible for dry bones to live again? Absolutely, but we’ve got to go deeper. We’ve got to create and reach out; we’ve got to make disciples.
If our corps are not vibrant and flourishing places, we’ll miss the wave of
the Holy Spirit, because young people want to go where it’s happening – and I think we’ve got work to do.
I truly believe that if we can engage with Gen Z now, we will secure The Salvation Army for the next 50 years. That’s the vision we need to capture. We need to have young people falling in love with Jesus. Have them fall in love with the gospel, with God’s mission to redeem, to restore, to renew that which belongs to him. You want to end wars? You want to bring peace? You want to solve hunger? Capture the hearts of 18 to 30-year-olds with the love of Jesus and they’ll turn the world upside down.
In 30 years’ time, what would you love to see as the Army’s legacy? What hopes do you have for future generations of Salvationists?
God is doing something with our youth, so we have a duty to invest in them. They will be our legacy. But we have to be convinced about it ourselves. We are shepherds. Peter tells us to set an example to the flock. So how we carry ourselves, what we get excited about, what we get into, what we pursue now –that’s what we need to communicate.
In a turbulent world impacted by war, geopolitical tension, poverty and the climate crisis, how can we speak Jesus into situations on a local, national and international level?
I think The Salvation Army’s best contribution, in terms of a global response, is the way we conduct ourselves – the way that people experience us when they encounter us. They need to see that we are peacemakers, demonstrators of love, people who pursue grace and forgiveness and hope. Wherever anybody encounters The Salvation Army, they should experience people who are living differently for the Kingdom, being
salt and light. It’s time for us to be really salty. It’s time for us to be bright lights. Scripture says you’ll ‘shine like stars’ (Philippians 2:15 International Standard Version).
We have a good story to tell. If we’re going to be disciples of Jesus, we want to do what Jesus did, because when we do, we become salt and light – a healing balm and hope for a hopeless world. I want an Army that’s doing that.
The theme of Together 2025 is Mission 160: From Generation to Generation. As we mark the Movement’s 160th anniversary, is there something that encourages you about how God is still using his Army?
Once again, it’s people! I am encouraged that we have people who are passionate about the Kingdom and the King. We’ve got lots of people who are bringing their passions and their talents and their skills to serve the mission of the Army. That’s a beautiful thing.
I come to Together 2025 celebrating that. Across the UK and Ireland and the world, there are thousands of people who are stepping up. People who believe that we are a vehicle that enables them to live out the calling of God on their life as Jesus people. We’ve got to value them, we’ve got to encourage them and we’ve got to release them – to let them do their thing. I want us to be a Movement that tells the story of God’s love manifested in the vision of Jesus Christ and to do so in innovative, creative ways.
What are you and Commissioner Bronwyn most looking forward to at Together 2025?
Celebrating people. Seeing Jesus in the faces of the people who gather. We’re looking forward to the movement of the Spirit that we know is going to come as we gather in his name over the weekend.
At the Welcome to the High Council, you wrote four words on a prayer card: grace, peace, wisdom and courage. What would you write on a prayer card now? Have those four words changed? I think those words would stay the same. If I was going to add to them at all, it would be stamina! The office of the General is demanding. I am blessed with tons of energy and passion, but I would ask that God would continue to renew that daily.
And, if I could add anything else, I think it would be prayer for our families. They are a long way away and, although very supportive and pleased to release me and Commissioner Bronwyn to our callings, we know that our office and commitment come at a price.
As part of Together 2025, people are sharing songs or hymns that inspire them. Is there a song that inspires you in your Christian journey?
‘My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine,/ For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;/ My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art thou,/ If ever I loved thee, my Jesus’, ’tis now’ (SASB 878).
If you had to give your testimony in one word, what would it be? Grace. It’s all about grace.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN
Champions of the Mission
IHAVE been a part of The Salvation Army since I was a baby, but I didn’t truly grow in my relationship with God until I was 21. As people began asking me questions about God and The Salvation Army, I realised I didn’t have a clear understanding of either, but I wanted to.
My journey towards officership has been long and sometimes challenging. Whenever the term ‘officership’ was mentioned, I would experience a physical reaction – my heart would race and I would feel butterflies in my stomach. However, I always dismissed it as something that didn’t apply to me and continued with my everyday life.
Shortly after getting married, I sensed that God was calling my husband, Johnathan, to officership, and I was content with my role as what I called ‘the supporting spouse’. But God had other plans.
In the span of a couple of months, I went through four different jobs and got turned down for what I thought was my dream job. However, I found that it didn’t bother me. I remember being on a camping holiday, sitting around a campfire with Johnathan, discussing our future. Before I realised what I was saying, I expressed that God was calling me to officership.
Fast forward seven years: as I prepare to sign the Officer’s Covenant, I have witnessed God at work every single day. Through a series of complex health challenges, a season as a territorial envoy, and now as a cadet in the Champions of the Mission session, God has been equipping, guiding and calling me to journey with him and his mission.
As I get ready for my first appointment in Brechin and Forfar, I am excited to see what God has in store for me and the community I will be serving.
Champions of the Mission
Amy Bayliss-Fox Cannock to Abergavenny
Cat Brown Worthing via Deal to Brechin with Forfar Employment Plus
THIS has been a seven-year journey during which I have been shaped and moulded by God, allowing me to discover my true identity. Coming from a spiritualist background before finding the Army and God, I have had to explore and work out my faith. This process has led me to question who I am and ultimately resulted in me being diagnosed with dyslexia as a territorial envoy and, more recently, with autism. As someone who has struggled with self-identity, these diagnoses have been pivotal moments for me.
God called me before I even understood who I was or what I could do through him. He has challenged me to become the person he knows I can be and has surrounded me with people who have helped me grow.
My experiences at Penge Corps and during a split summer placement at Norton and Stowmarket Corps have shown me that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible, allowing me to develop both practically and spiritually. During personal challenges in college, I found refuge in God’s fortress and experienced his love in profound ways.
As I step out as a Champion of the Mission, I recognise that college has been a transformative space where God has worked in my life. Through exploring doctrine and spiritual formation, among other topics, I have deepened my relationship with God. I entered training confident in my understanding of my faith, but I leave with much stronger roots and a deeper reliance on him, recognising that there is still so much more to learn.
I look forward to continuing my journey of growth alongside other disciples as we walk together. I continue to walk in obedient faith, ready for the adventures ahead of me as I live out my covenant with God.
Johnathan Brown Worthing via Deal to Brechin with Forfar Employment Plus
Hannah Carr Norwich Citadel to Longton
Imrich Carny Armáda Spásy Margate to Southwark
Terezie Carna Armáda Spásy Margate to Southwark
Johnathan Brown
Worthing via Deal to Brechin with Forfar Employment Plus
Cat Brown
Worthing via Deal to Brechin with Forfar Employment Plus
As the new lieutenants
are commissioned, four of them share their stories
Terezie Carna
Armáda Spásy Margate to Southwark
ALL journeys start somewhere, and mine started 14 years ago in a town called Opava in the Czech Republic. I did not plan that my life would turn out the way it has, but our God is a God of miracles, and so it was with me. The good news came to me, and my heart started to burn with love.
My family and I were looking for a church to belong to. We longed to know Jesus in every way, and to understand what he had prepared for us. God had a different plan again and showed my husband we must sell everything we own and follow him to Margate in the UK.
It was in Margate that God showed us The Salvation Army, where Czech-speaking officers served. This is where my journey of faith and understanding began.
God worked on my character, repaired relationships in the family, blessed us with more children, of which we have five today.
One day in church, God showed me my corps officer and told me: ‘Don’t look at what she’s doing, but how she’s doing it. I want you to do it too.’
It was not easy to accept this calling, but God is always gracious to us, and that is why my husband heard the calling in his life too.
What I had to start with was to realise that I am not called because of my knowledge or abilities: I am called by his grace, and love and by my willing heart to go where he leads.
I leave everything behind me and embark on this journey of officership.
In Isaiah 6:8, God asks: ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ Isaiah responds: ‘Here am I. Send me!’
Today I am a cadet, a Champion of the Mission, but soon I will be a lieutenant.
Oliver Dobson UAE, Middle East Region to Welwyn Garden City
Emma Scott Forest of Dean to Margate
Adam Silcock Lurgan to Darlington
Emma Scott Forest of Dean to Margate
MY faith journey began in a little Methodist chapel where my grandmother, a lay preacher, shared hope and truth. As a child, life at home was hard, and I learnt to wear a brave face. But behind that mask, I carried deep hurt. My grandmother’s unwavering faith and gentle strength anchored me and, though I couldn’t name it then, God was planting seeds in my heart.
As I grew older, that hurt turned into bitterness. I came to The Salvation Army 11 years ago as a single mum and an alcoholic, with no need – or so I thought – for God. But something about the love and authenticity of my corps officer made me curious.
I became an adherent, then a soldier, but sensed God was calling me to something more. I attended Design for Life and there God lifted a veil: for the first time in my life, I saw myself through his eyes. He revealed a calling to officership, which terrified me. I began the process, but life got in the way.
Since being at college, I often hear God saying: ‘Stop, look, and listen.’ Like Balaam, I’ve realised how spiritually blind I can be – even without a talking donkey to wake me up! In the stillness, God has opened my eyes to his work in my life, in community and in family.
I’ve found joy in reflection and have learnt that serving isn’t about rushing, but about growing into a more disciplined disciple, grounded in Christlike love.
Today, I understand that being a champion of God’s mission means listening for his voice, responding to need and guiding others with grace. It means helping build inclusive communities where all are welcome.
I walk forward with a heart willing to listen, hands ready to serve, and a life devoted to building God’s Kingdom.
Watch the livestream of Commissioning at 10.30am and the sending out of the new lieutenants at 3pm on Sunday 13 July at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo
As we witness these solemn moments of commitment and dedication, join with us in prayer for the cadets, their families and their future ministry.
From generation to generation
Mike, Alfie and David (Sunderland Millfield) talk faith and family
How does faith play a role in your family?
David We’ve always been very open and at ease with each other as a family. I have no hesitation in going to my dad, Mike, with a faith or life issue. When I was a child, Mam and Dad would pray with me before bedtime every night and really taught me how to pray. We’ve continued that with Alfie and his sister, Penny.
How do you support, encourage and learn from each other?
Mike We talk about what the Lord is doing for us, with us and through us. We share our challenges and joys. All experiences are valid.
David It’s a privilege to be able to talk with each other openly and pray with each other. We’re all at different stages of our faith journeys and have different experiences to share and learn from.
Mike At our corps anniversary in March 2024, an invitation to approach the holiness table was given, as a sign that we desired more of the Lord and of the Holy Spirit. I stepped forward and found a real presence of the Holy Spirit. Moments later, Alfie was standing next to me, giving his grandad support. All who gathered that morning
witnessed Alfie’s childlike, innocent and uncomplicated faith, which taught and encouraged us all.
David Dad’s always been a great model of values for me and my brother, but also to our two children as a grandfather of faith. He has great integrity and humility.
Mike I’m not perfect, but David looks beyond that, to a dad who’s learning from Jesus.
What’s been the most exciting moment in your faith journey?
Alfie Becoming a junior soldier, which made me feel closer to God. And writing for Kids Alive! earlier this year about the fruit of the Spirit and treating others as you would want to be treated.
David Seeing God’s plans for my life coming to fruition, especially my family.
Mike I was the first Salvationist in my family. My friend had been invited to the Army, and I happened to ask him where he was going. I went with him and something very exciting happened: the Lord spoke to me and began his work in me. Being saved has underpinned my life.
What talents do you use at church?
Alfie I’m learning to play piano and
play at grade 6 standard. I’m starting to learn some of the pieces to accompany the songsters and I’m the first junior member to join our senior band.
David I’m a secondary school teacher of computing, which means I often get talked into anything tech-related at the corps! It’s an immense privilege for me to also be leading 10 young people through junior soldier’s classes.
Mike I’m not a very good brass player, but I enjoy being part of the band. The songsters have always been special to me, and I enjoy singing with them. I also play guitar a little.
What’s your favourite thing about the Army?
Alfie Everyone at the corps feels like my extended family – they’re part of me.
David Being part of something bigger, a worldwide Salvation Army family. The welcome people give – and the mentoring and support through the years – is incredible.
How have your relationships with God changed over time?
Mike I’ve drawn closer to God over the years, and I recognise his voice better these days. I’m more aware of when he is moving me to go in a certain direction, to do something, to talk to somebody. I probably argue with him a little less now! David It’s grown deeper. The Covid-19 pandemic forced us to stop, and we found ourselves with a lot more time to do other things. To stay connected you really had to put the effort in. That was a huge time in my life when things got a bit more serious between me and God.
What are you each looking forward to at Together 2025?
Mike The Canadian Staff Songsters. Alfie The International Staff Songsters. David Talking with General Lyndon Buckingham and Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main on stage – what a privilege!
• The Smith family are taking part in Saturday’s 6pm session at Together 2025. Watch the livestream at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo
Sing together!
As Community Voices takes part in Together 2025, choir leader Hazel Dukes talks about their inspiration and mission
How did Community Voices come about?
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, Burtonon-Trent Corps had a small songster brigade and band. When the Baptist church the corps uses for weekly activities reopened, things had changed. We were concerned about the way forward. After some time and much prayer, our corps leader at the time, Major Conny Vogler, asked the leadership team to consider commencing a community choir.
I was approached to become the choir leader. That was a real shock at first! It was something new, and I thought of many reasons why I couldn’t do it. But, after a lot of thought, prayer and support from others, I decided I would, in faith, take on the challenge.
What happened next?
We produced leaflets and posters. The posters were put up in shopping precincts and corps members did a leaflet drop in the streets around the church. At the first meeting in September 2022, 16 people came, 2 of them ladies who’d seen the poster in the town centre.
We meet fortnightly on Thursday afternoons and currently have about 30 members ranging in age from mid-fifties to mid-eighties. Corps Sergeant-Major Christine Mortimer leads some of the songs too.
It’s really good! Everybody speaks to everybody. We sing, then have refreshments and fellowship, then sing some more. We always finish with a reading and a short prayer.
Where do you sing?
We began to take part in Sunday meetings and now take part on a regular basis. Most of the choir joins us on these occasions.
We’ve also developed an outreach mission and regularly go out into the local community to give concerts and programmes in residential homes and community centres. At Christmastime, we have a busy schedule of carol services and concerts. And we’ve also formed a timbrel brigade!
What’s the choir’s mission? What are its hopes for the future?
I feel the choir is meeting a need in both the corps and the community, and I believe it’s God’s will – and with his guidance – that the choir will develop further as a way of spreading the gospel and bringing others to Christ. A couple of the choir have become adherents, and one has become a soldier. As ‘A Million Songs’ by the Joystrings says: ‘The melody starts when I’m thinking of Jesus, my Lord.’
How are the choir feeling about singing at Together 2025? It’s fantastic that we’re going. When we were invited, there was a bit of fear and trepidation and I think they’re a bit apprehensive, you know. But then I thought it would be good to show what a corps can do! I said to them: ‘If you sing like this, it’ll be fine!’ And if people sit and see us, they might say: ‘Oh, we can do that!’ It’s fantastic, really.
Getting to know... Pat
Where are you from?
I was born in the Swadlincote area and have lived here all my life.
What do you do now?
Before I retired, I was the manager of a care home. I now run a market stall for a local charity and raise funds for other local charities too.
What are some of your hobbies? Knitting, meeting people and singing.
How did you join the choir?
I was invited by my friend, Carol, who belongs to the corps.
What’s a favourite song to sing?
‘There Is a Name I Love to Hear’ (SASB 94) to the tune of ‘The Happy Wanderer’.
What’s a favourite song to listen to?
The wartime song ‘Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer’.
How do you feel about coming to Together 2025?
I’m looking forward to it, as I’ve never been to a major Salvation Army event. I feel very proud that the community choir has been invited to take part.
Mind the gap!
THE SLATE CONFERENCE CENTRE
THE 2025 Riverbank Women’s Conference – themed Mind the Gap! – opened with a powerful message from Director of Family Ministries Major David Betteridge, reports Rachel Gotobed (Family Ministries Department). He reminded delegates that ‘minding the gap’ is more than a safety announcement – it’s a spiritual calling to bridge divides across generations, cultures and perspectives –and warned that acting on assumptions about others, and how we believe God will work, may widen the gaps rather than bridging them.
On Saturday morning, guest speaker Rachel Turner – founder of Parenting for Faith – brought a powerful exposition of 1 Corinthians 12, helping everyone see we are each God’s gift to one another. Belonging isn’t about fitting in, she explained: it’s about our shared identity in Christ. Guided by the Spirit’s leading, Rachel then explored how we can close the gap between ourselves and God by cultivating connection in our daily lives.
Saturday evening brought intergenerational fun with a revival of The Generation Game – featuring dancing, headdress-making, impromptu acting and, of course, the classic conveyor belt challenge. A retiring collection raised support for the Helping-Hand Appeal, focused this year on food security in Zimbabwe.
Tola Doll Fisher, editor of Woman Alive magazine, celebrated the power of sisterhood on Sunday morning, reminding us that ‘one woman’s breakthrough is another’s blueprint’. Deputy Director of Family Ministries Liz Hall challenged delegates to live out the change experienced over the conference. The heartfelt testimony of a Ukrainian refugee left everyone visibly moved, as we prayed for missing children.
Worship leader and songwriter Lucy Grimble led inspiring worship that beautifully enriched the whole weekend, enabling women to encounter God and respond.
‘The presence of God was tangible over the weekend. I loved it! God created us to be family with each other.’
Jill Grinsted
‘The Generation Game was hilarious! I just loved how the Clapton SA Dance Group expressed their love for God through their dancing.’
Joan Morgan
‘My highlight from the weekend was spending time with my mum, grandma and church friends. Standing beside other generations of women showed me that God stands by my side and that’s such a wonderful thing.’
Rebekah Grinsted
‘God surrounded us at the conference this year and I encountered him through everything that was discussed in sessions, worship and being asked to come before the cross and accept him.’
Gemma Buckley
‘I encountered God in the most incredible weekend that I’ve ever had in my faith journey!’
Louise Haines-Wilcockson
‘I could feel his presence so strongly when we were all worshipping together, his Spirit just moving through that room. Gave me goosebumps!’
Bev Revell
‘The togetherness, friendliness and enthusiasm of the whole congregation was wonderful and the sincerity of the young people showing us new ways to worship was so helpful to me.’
Hazel Burgon
‘It was indeed a beautiful, amazing weekend full of fun, laughter and moments of reflection where we all were able to feel God’s presence.’
Christine Crewes
‘What a truly amazing weekend of worship, prayer, tears, challenge, change, movement, healing, knowing, confirmation, journeying, dancing, laughter, joy, inspiration, friendship, fellowship and then some.’
Verity West
Ann Howlett-Foster’s graphic recording captures the heart of the conference
HISTON Leaders, mentors and supporters came together to celebrate 15 Growing Leaders graduates in the East of England Division. Throughout the 10-month course delegates learned how to be leaders who are dependent on the grace of God, confident about who they are in Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit. During the meeting, inspiring testimonies were given about how Growing Leaders has equipped and empowered participants. – JD
COMMUNITY
STROUD A new Toddler Support Group is providing a space where families can find connection, support and a sense of belonging. The group is open to mums, dads, grandparents and carers. The group’s sessions are run by Hayley Rowley, a ministry and management apprentice, with years of experience as a qualified nursery nurse. ‘Our mission,’ she said, ‘has always been to serve our community in practical and meaningful ways.’ – AR
MEETING
BALHAM Pentecost was celebrated in style, with people attending from around the Salvation Army world. The Lord’s Prayer was prayed in the language most comfortable, just as they did on the first Pentecost. With so many languages and traditions in one room, everyone agreed that this is what Heaven must sound like! – MB
LONG EATON People of all ages took part in a vibrant Father’s Day praise meeting. Young people used their musical talents, with a baritone solo from Antoni, a vocal duet from Maya and Martin and a piano solo from Ethan. The newly formed senior timbrelists performed impressively to ‘Star Lake’, and the young people’s band, singing company and senior band contributed thought-provoking items. Bandmaster Christopher Dove played a moving cornet solo to conclude the message. After the meeting the congregation enjoyed refreshments and time to share together. – CW-H
EVENT
BECCLES Divisional Leader Major Howard Russell officially opened the new priority car park at the corps. – LW
ARMY NEWS
Army changes older people care model
THQ
THE Salvation Army has announced it will transition from providing residential care for older people to grow its community-based support model.
Shifting focus from residential settings to community-based support will help reach deeper into communities and support more people who are isolated and vulnerable, particularly older people living in poverty.
The Army currently runs 11 residential care homes across the UK and already has a large network of community support for older people. Work is under way to actively explore transferring six care homes to alternative providers and there has already been positive industry interest. However, a formal consultation is due to begin on the possible closure of the remaining care homes: Davidson House and Eagle Lodge in Edinburgh, Holt House in Manchester, The Hawthorns in Buxton and Dewdown House in Weston-super-Mare.
Director of Older People’s Services Glenda Roberts said: ‘Our residential care homes are places of great love and care, but they do not have the specialised clinical expertise required by an ageing population who are increasingly developing more complex conditions. Our buildings would also require significant modernisation.
‘It would take many millions to change our staffing, governance and expertise to be able to offer the specialised nursing required and to adapt our buildings. Other care home providers are better placed to meet the complex and changing clinical needs of older people.’
Glenda added: ‘Corps already support thousands of older people every week and building on this community work will mean we can reach even deeper into communities to support many more vulnerable older people.
‘Taking action now will allow us to reach more people in the future but we know how difficult residents and our staff will find this news. Our immediate focus is on our current residents, their loved ones and of course our staff while we make this change.
‘We are doing everything we can to support all those affected by this process and have set up a dedicated team to provide support. There will be a formal consultation period with our care home staff who have worked hard to ensure our residents are always surrounded by love, friendship and support.
‘Following the consultation, if a home does close, our focus will be to settle every single resident into new accommodation with the support of our partners. Community chaplains will also continue to work with residents to ensure a consistency of pastoral support.’
There is no formal timetable for the remaining six care homes, but work is under way to explore whether the homes could transition to alternative providers. – AR
Employment Plus celebrates gold
THQ
EMPLOYMENT Plus representatives celebrated winning the Gold Professional Excellence award from the Institute for Employability Professionals (IEP).
The Army is one of only four organisations to have received this award, which is given in recognition of exceptional commitment to advancing professional development and striving for excellence within the employability sector.
IEP’s group chief executive officer, Scott Parkin, said: ‘The Salvation Army is one of our longest-standing corporate affiliate partners, and their commitment to professional development and frontline excellence truly sets them apart.’
Employment Services Director Rebecca Keating added: ‘Employment Plus is thrilled to receive this recognition from the IEP. Employment Plus believes that valuing and empowering practitioners through professional development enhances our services and outcomes.’ – AR
EVENT EVENT
EVA BURROWS LIFEHOUSE Chaplain Julie Taylor arranged for a group of Ukrainian ladies to attend Riverbank for a second year, thanks to sponsorship from Family Ministries. There were two from the original group last year and four new people this year. The group were deeply blessed and one of the ladies gave her testimony at the end of the final session. This resulted in a standing ovation and several people reaching for their hankies. – JT
MUSIC
WESTON-SUPER-MARE Members of Staple Hill Band joined the corps as part of its ongoing Sound Forth Praise weekends. Naomi Blowers (Staple Hill) excellently led an inspiring service that challenged people to consider carefully the choices they make and the roads they follow. A vocal solo from Emily Elliott reminded everyone to walk with Jesus and trust in him. The band brought a moving rendition of ‘Guardian of My Soul’ and the congregation was challenged to ‘arise’ and ‘storm the forts of darkness’. The corps is grateful to the band for its visit and support. – DL
COMMUNITY
BARTON-ON-HUMBER The weekly Learning, Enjoyment and Friendship Social club is sowing seeds of creativity and friendship while tackling loneliness and isolation in the community. Open to all, people enjoy crafts, games, conversation and worship. Corps leader Major Joy BeckettBrown explained: ‘It gives people the chance to escape looking at the same four walls and have a conversation with somebody that they wouldn’t have had if they had stayed at home.’ – AR
LEIGH-ON-SEA Corps leader Major Rob Davis, Territorial Community Engagement Lead Debbie Charles and manager of the Malachi Project (Southend) Louise Merrells attended a Churches Together event called Nowhere to Lay My Head. They were joined by representatives from the council, other churches, Christian homelessness charity Hope three16 and the South East Alliance of Landlords, Agents and Residents. It is hoped this initiative will encourage greater cooperation to improve housing issues across the city. – RD/CD
EVENT
DUNSTABLE Pentecost was celebrated with a café church praise party. A game of pass the parcel involved discussing Isaiah 11:2 before joining in up-tempo songs that reflected the joy of Pentecost. In the afternoon, Messy Church members carried on the celebrations and the band accompanied hymns at the annual Whipsnade Tree Cathedral service. – RC
ECUMENICAL
CIRENCESTER The band provided music for the Churches Together in Cirencester annual Pentecost service, led by the Rev Matt Frost and corps leader Major Bryan Lang. Every local church was represented in a congregation of more than 500 people. – MG
HEATHER Prince, Ruth Mann and Gill Cross were welcomed as adherents by corps leaders Captains Lizette and Paul Williams. Heather needed to find somewhere new to worship and, along with a friend, started attending the corps. She introduced her two young granddaughters to Sunday children’s activities and got involved too. Ruth called into the corps job club to volunteer to help with the corps community programme and, later that day, was preparing and serving refreshments at the Friends Together group! She now does the same at the job club and has found a church to worship at through her volunteering. Gill heard the band playing Christmas carols in the town centre and accepted an invitation to the corps carol service. Gill started worshipping regularly at the corps and helps with the community programme. – DA
DAMILOLA Popoola was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Captain Amy-Jo Battersby, supported by Corps Sergeant-Major Seun Ogungbure. Dami came to Glasgow to study and is now a healthcare worker. She came to the Army after being invited and felt so welcome that she made the step to become an adherent. – A-JB
JEAN Kemp was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Major Shirley McKenzie during the Connect Group. Jean has had links with the corps for many years. – SM
FAMILY and friends witnessed the enrolment of Charlotte by corps leader Major Jim Duff. Charlotte chose the Rend Collective song ‘Hallelujah Anyway’, reminding the congregation to praise God in all circumstances. Charlotte is pictured with corps leaders Majors Jim and Sharon Duff and Sue Haywood, who led Charlotte’s recruit classes. – JD
PARKHEAD
CORPS leader Major Deborah Feeley enrolled Tendai Matope as a soldier. They are pictured with Major Deborah and Recruiting Sergeant Christine Moreton, as well as Keith Matope, who transferred from Kettering Citadel. – DF
RUSHDEN
DARLINGTON
DONCASTER
Wedding Anniversaries
Golden (50 years)
LIEUT-COLONELS GILLIAN AND WILLIAM HEELEY on 19 July
Promoted to Glory
STANLEY RICHARDS, Exeter Temple
MARION FARMER , Birmingham Citadel, on 2 May
MAJOR STEPHEN GRINSTED from Princess Royal University Hospital on 24 June
ISOBEL COYLE, Cowdenbeath, on 1 July
Bereaved
GAYNOR SHARMAN and Tim Farmer, both Birmingham Citadel, of their mother Marion Farmer
MAJOR CAROLE GRINSTED of her husband Major Stephen Grinsted, Susan Prodgers, Bromley Temple, and Major Stewart Grinsted of their brother, Benjamin Grinsted, Edward Grinsted and Andrew Grinsted of their father
ICO delegates
The 262nd session begins on 16 July
MAJOR KATE BAUDINETTE, Australia
MAJOR TRACEY DAVIS, Australia
MAJOR TIMOTHY ANDREWS, Canada and Bermuda
MAJOR GERMANIE GACHELIN, Caribbean
CAPTAIN ROLIAMS LEANDRE, Caribbean
MAJOR ANNI LINDNER, Germany, Lithuania and Poland
MAJOR B J MADHUSUDHAN RAO, India Central
CAPTAIN RAHEL SUBASH, India Central
MAJOR SANDEEP MASSEY, India Northern
MAJOR VIJI ARUMAIDAS, India South Eastern
MAJOR RAVINDRA RAVI GAIKWAD, India Western
CAPTAIN SUJI SHALINI, India Western
MAJOR EDITH JUMA, Kenya West
CAPTAIN SE WEON HAN, Korea
CAPTAIN HYE JUNG CHANG, Korea
CAPTAIN ALONSO NYEMAH, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea
CAPTAIN EMELIA BANDA, Malawi
MAJOR HORÁCIO CHAMBE, Mozambique
CAPTAIN MARC POTTERS, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia
CAPTAIN SHANE HEALEY, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa
MAJOR VAKATOTO WAWA, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa
MAJOR DANIEL EKONG, Nigeria
MAJOR LORETA CARBONELL, Philippines
CAPTAIN RODRIGO CORRAL ROY, South America East
MAJOR RICARDO ARIAS ALANEZ, South America West
CAPTAIN ILONA KONOVALOVA, Sweden and Latvia
MAJOR JANICE SNELL, UK and Ireland
CAPTAIN LYDIA BARTLETT, UK and Ireland
MAJOR PHIL LAYTON, UK and Ireland
CAPTAIN JOSHUA JOSH POLANCO, USA Central
MAJOR ELAINE CANNING, USA Southern
MAJOR KIMBERLY CUNDIFF KIM, USA Southern
CAPTAIN KEVIN POPE, USA Western
MAJOR CHRISTOPHER HAMEENDA , Zambia
CAPTAIN ALETA CHEMHURU, Zimbabwe and Botswana
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Fri 11 Jul – Sun 13 Jul Birmingham (Together 2025)
Sun 20 Jul – Thu 24 Jul Denmark and Greenland Territory
Sat 26 Jul – Wed 30 Jul Norway, Iceland and The Færoes Territory
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill
Thu 24 Jul – Sun 27 Jul Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Fri 11 Jul – Sun 13 Jul Birmingham (Together 2025)
Tue 15 Jul King’s Park Conference Centre, Northampton (Enabled Summer Extravaganza)
Thu 17 Jul Sunbury Court (Welcome to ICO Session 262)
Sat 19 Jul – Mon 21 Jul Guernsey
Thu 24 Jul Chester-le-Street (Installation of divisional leaders)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development
Colonel Julie Forrest
Fri 11 Jul – Sun 13 Jul Birmingham (Together 2025)
NOTICES
Songs of Praise
The Rev Kate Bottley celebrates 160 years of The Salvation Army in this episode broadcast on BBC One on Sunday 13 July at 12.15pm. It is then available on BBC iPlayer for 12 months. Watch online at bbc.co.uk/iplayer
Understanding singleness
The UK and Ireland Territory is taking part in international research that aims to gain a deeper understanding on people’s views, feelings and experiences of being single. To learn more or to take part, visit sar.my/singleness before 31 July.
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Cadet Amy Bayliss-Fox, who is being ordained and commissioned as a lieutenant on Sunday morning. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Morning Praise with Kids Alive!
Get your day started with half an hour of music, prayer, a thought and lots of giggles! Listen on Saturdays from 7.30am to 8am. Can’t tune in on Saturday morning? The broadcast is also repeated in full on Sundays at 9am and Mondays at 7.30am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
JOHN TISSIMAN DUDLEY
JOHN was born in 1937. As a baby he was taken to the home league by his mother. Years later, in the corps cadets, he met Doreen. They were married for 63 years before her promotion to Glory in 2023.
John and the family moved around the country with work, and he attended several different corps. He finally settled at Dudley, where he was corps sergeant-major for 27 years. John was a businessman and used the opportunities afforded to him to witness. Seated next to Lord Hattersley at a function, inspiration for the book Blood and Fire came during their discussion about the goodwill work of The Salvation Army.
John was awarded an MBE in 2007 for services to engineering. He was promoted to Glory on 12 April. John is missed by his family and all those who knew and loved him. – AR
ELLA MURRAY INVERNESS
ELLA Murray (née Muir) was promoted to Glory on 12 March, aged 99. Ella entered the training college from Leith Corps in 1946, becoming part of the Warriors session. She was a Goodwill officer for 28 years.
Her Christian love and compassion were evident in every appointment, particularly when she was appointed to Inverness with the added responsibility of being a part-time probation officer, a challenge which she enjoyed.
Her wise counsel helped many of her clients turn their lives around. Ella was held in high esteem by Highland council. In Nottingham, she worked with families experiencing homelessness, before serving in Stratford, east London.
Ella moved to Inverness following her marriage. She became recruiting sergeant, running the charity shop for many years. Her last year was spent in hospital and a nursing home.
Ella was a Warrior to the end. – BS
CHRISTINE GARRAD LOUTH
BORN in March 1955, Christine attended the corps in Skegness. She was enrolled as a soldier by Colonel Reg Bennett when she was 15. Christine enjoyed singing in the singing company and songsters, performing solos and presenting timbrel displays.
One highlight was Butlin’s week, which she attended for many years with her mum. Given great support by her mum and dad throughout her life, the last 10 years were spent in supported housing and at Louth Corps, where family members attended.
A large congregation gathered for the celebration of her life, which commenced with ‘Star Lake’ and with a number of those present playing timbrels.
The singers group provided three items, ‘Sunshine’ from her singing company days, her current favourite ‘Devoted to Me’ and the afternoon concluded with a very rousing performance of ‘Beyond the Blue’, with many of the congregation joining in the chorus. Christine would have enjoyed it. – DG
ANN BELL BURGESS HILL
ANN Bell (née Payne) was born in Wembley in 1933. Following disruptions caused by the Blitz, she attended Harlesden Corps with her mother until she married Alan in 1954.
Ann and Alan had three children and served God and The Salvation Army at a number of corps, including Dartford, Birmingham Citadel, Bromley Temple, Regent Hall, Tunbridge Wells, Hove and finally Burgess Hill. Ann was gifted with a wonderful voice through which she ministered in the various songster brigades as well as outside choral societies.
Ann was promoted to Glory on 27 April and will be sadly missed by her two surviving children, four grandchildren and six greatgrandchildren. – MB
MAJOR ANTONY CLIFTON
TO the world,
Antony wore many hats: major, spiritual leader, friend. ‘The officer who knelt to pray.’ To us, he was simply husband, dad, grandad. He dedicated his life to helping others, his compassion knowing no bounds. His kindness and humility no doubt will continue to radiate through those who knew him.
Antony lived a good life and had such a positive influence on hundreds of people, always at his happiest when spreading the gospel. A true preacher man, you just couldn’t help feeling such positive energy when spending time with him. Antony always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart and a spring in his step. If yellow was a person, it was he.
We are grateful to have had Antony in our lives. Our memories of love and laughter remain. We thank God for his life of service to God and others. Because love doesn’t end with goodbye. – HM
MARILYN JONES PENTRE
MARILYN lived out her faith in a quiet and understated way, being enrolled as a soldier at Pentre after her chapel closed. Marilyn, or Auntie Mar, had a love for work with children, joining the parentand-toddler group team and later a parenting programme that began at the corps.
Marilyn also joined the songsters, deploying her secretarial skills to the full when she became songster librarian. However, it was Marilyn’s behind-the-scenes ministry, the encouraging words and kind actions, that marked her out as a true disciple of Jesus – small things, maybe, but making a lasting impact on others and the Kingdom for her Lord. – MH
Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
