Salvationist 12 oct 2013

SALVATIONIST

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 12 October 2013 // No. 1419 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

Pages 12 – 14

CONTENTS 3.

FROM THE EDITOR

12.

4.

PAPERS This week’s quotes from the papers and Caption competition 5. – 9. & 21.

NEWS Indonesia // IHQ // William Booth College // Glasgow // Coventry City // Blackpool Citadel // Bletchley // Barrow-in-Furness // Batley // Chesterton // Clevedon // Aylesbury // Oldbury // Southsea // Boston // Hadleigh Temple // Middlesbrough Citadel // Bristol Citadel // Boscombe // 8.

NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

10.

Speak up

6.

SHARING THE WORD

11.

MISSION MEANS...

Rediscovering the Gospels 12. – 14.

FEATURE Tariro – An ongoing story 15.

God at work

FEATURE

16.

BIBLE STUDY What price the Army’s cup of tea?

17.

NEW COMMITMENTS

18. & 19.

LETTERS

20. & 21.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

22. & 23.

ADVERTS

24.

9.

THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated 2

Salvationist 12 October 2013

PAPERS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS POVERTY MORE THAN MATERIAL WANT – NICHOLS Poverty can be seen in the loneliness suffered by old people, poor parenting and the distraction offered by superficial pursuits, [says] Archbishop Vincent Nichols…

‘We see every human being through the eyes of faith, each person endowed with God-given dignity, born and flourishing in relationship to others and to God. ‘This suggests that we need to have eyes for the poverty which robs people of these truths: the relational poverty experienced by so many elderly people today; the poverty of parenting which undermines family life and even children’s health; the spiritual poverty of those fed on an exclusive diet of superficial excitement or much worse…

‘These are poverties made more visible in the light of faith and in that same light we can act to relieve them.’

The Tablet

INDIA GETS ITS FIRST WOMAN BISHOP

The Church of South India has consecrated its first woman bishop.

On 28 September the Rev E Pushpa Lalitha was consecrated Bishop in Nandyal in the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh…

In a statement… Bishop-elect Lalitha said: ‘My parents had decided to dedicate me to the Lord even before I was born, as they had already lost two sons. My life has been God’s mercy, and I wish to be his servant for life.

The Church of England Newspaper

REPORTS WARN OF THE TRAPPED

People who live a ‘payday-loan lifestyle’ are using one high-cost loan to pay off another in order to afford basic foodstuffs, [says] a leading debtcounselling charity…

The charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) made this observation as it released the results of a survey showing that four out of five of those who had responded (78 per cent) and who had taken out a payday loan had done so to afford food.

A grandmother who was forced to hide in a basement without food, and in fear the crying of her granddaughter would alert armed men to their presence, provided one of the harrowing testimonies in a new report from Save the Children on the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

The report Hunger In A War Zone… warns that hunger is now a ‘grave threat facing Syria’s children’. It describes a situation in areas under siege, including Homs, Aleppo, Idleb and Damascus, where nearly two million people are ‘unable to access food, afraid to drink the water’.

Church Times

Church Times

PAYDAY LOANS USED TO STAVE OFF HUNGER

PICTURE CAPTION COMPETITION Melbourne Staff Bandsman Stuart Lees has some fun on The Mall during the ISB120 celebrations in London. Send your suggested captions for this picture to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk with the subject line ‘Picture caption competition’, or by post to Salvationist, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN. A selection of the best captions will be printed in Salvationist next month.

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Salvationist 12 October 2013

PAPERS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS POVERTY MORE THAN MATERIAL WANT – NICHOLS Poverty can be seen in the loneliness suffered by old people, poor parenting and the distraction offered by superficial pursuits, [says] Archbishop Vincent Nichols…

‘We see every human being through the eyes of faith, each person endowed with God-given dignity, born and flourishing in relationship to others and to God. ‘This suggests that we need to have eyes for the poverty which robs people of these truths: the relational poverty experienced by so many elderly people today; the poverty of parenting which undermines family life and even children’s health; the spiritual poverty of those fed on an exclusive diet of superficial excitement or much worse…

‘These are poverties made more visible in the light of faith and in that same light we can act to relieve them.’

The Tablet

INDIA GETS ITS FIRST WOMAN BISHOP

The Church of South India has consecrated its first woman bishop.

On 28 September the Rev E Pushpa Lalitha was consecrated Bishop in Nandyal in the Southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh…

In a statement… Bishop-elect Lalitha said: ‘My parents had decided to dedicate me to the Lord even before I was born, as they had already lost two sons. My life has been God’s mercy, and I wish to be his servant for life.

The Church of England Newspaper

REPORTS WARN OF THE TRAPPED

People who live a ‘payday-loan lifestyle’ are using one high-cost loan to pay off another in order to afford basic foodstuffs, [says] a leading debtcounselling charity…

The charity Christians Against Poverty (CAP) made this observation as it released the results of a survey showing that four out of five of those who had responded (78 per cent) and who had taken out a payday loan had done so to afford food.

A grandmother who was forced to hide in a basement without food, and in fear the crying of her granddaughter would alert armed men to their presence, provided one of the harrowing testimonies in a new report from Save the Children on the humanitarian crisis in Syria.

The report Hunger In A War Zone… warns that hunger is now a ‘grave threat facing Syria’s children’. It describes a situation in areas under siege, including Homs, Aleppo, Idleb and Damascus, where nearly two million people are ‘unable to access food, afraid to drink the water’.

Church Times

Church Times

PAYDAY LOANS USED TO STAVE OFF HUNGER

PICTURE CAPTION COMPETITION Melbourne Staff Bandsman Stuart Lees has some fun on The Mall during the ISB120 celebrations in London. Send your suggested captions for this picture to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk with the subject line ‘Picture caption competition’, or by post to Salvationist, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN. A selection of the best captions will be printed in Salvationist next month.

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Salvationist 12 October 2013

INTERNATIONAL NEWS The Holy Spirit’s presence is felt as the General and Commissioner Silvia Cox lead celebrations INDONESIA GENERAL André Cox and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Silvia Cox enjoyed a packed itinerary during their visit to the territory, which included centenary celebrations in Central Sulawesi.

The international leaders were welcomed by territorial leaders Commissioners Michael and Joan Parker and senior officer leaders.

More than 1,000 people attended the Celebration of Praise in Jakarta at which Commissioner Cox preached to a capacity crowd. Dozens of seekers responded to the appeal by kneeling at the mercy seat.

A businessmen’s lunch in Jakarta to launch the territory’s new strategy for public relations and fundraising provided an opportunity to highlight the ministry and work of The Salvation Army to invited guests, including the Swiss Ambassador.

The General thanked those in attendance for their support and outlined the importance of The Salvation Army’s integrated mission. He told his audience that the territory’s 100 schools, 20 hospitals and clinics and 20 homes for children and older people are all part of Salvationists’ expression of love for God and their neighbours.

Speeches, music, cultural dance and the support of Camberwell Citadel Band (Australia Southern) made for a very special event.

The 30 members of the band also travelled with the General to Palu, Central Sulawesi, for meetings to celebrate 100 years of Salvation Army ministry in the region. Around 4,000 people, including government officials

A bamboo band performing in Palu

and ecumenical leaders, attended the Centennial Congress.

Visitors from Australia, Singapore and The Netherlands shared in the celebrations, and the opening programme was

attended by the Minister of Religious Affairs. The General challenged the congregation to lead upright lives and to make the future years even greater than the past.

Aged 7 to 25? Tell the General what you think of The Salvation Army IHQ GENERAL André Cox has launched a new initiative to give younger members of The Salvation Army an opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and dreams. ‘Tell the General’ invites children and young people between the ages of 7 and 25 to submit short videos of themselves talking about the joys and challenges of being part of the international Church.

Openness and honesty are the buzzwords of the project.

‘I would like contributors to speak freely – to give their candid views, not just what they think I might want them to say,’ explains the General.

While there are no topics that are barred, the General has devised five questions to help focus contributions: 1. Which activities do you most enjoy taking part in at The Salvation Army?

2. What else could your corps or division do for you and your friends?

3. What’s it like to be a young person in your corps? (for example, Do you feel accepted and included? Are your views valued?)

4. How would The Salvation Army have to change to become the church of your dreams?

5. If you could say just one thing to the General, what would you want him to understand?

Participants are asked to upload their videos – of no more than 90 seconds’ duration – to YouTube and then to submit the link to the special web page at http://sar.my/tellthegeneral. The closing date is 1 November and full terms and conditions are available on the General’s website.

A selection of entries will be used to guide discussions at the General’s Consultative Council in January 2014. – A. R.

Special features during the congress included O a praise and worship meeting at which Commissioner Hans van Vliet (TC, The Netherlands and Czech Republic) encouraged the 3,000-strong congregation to be the salt of the earth O the opening and dedication to God of the new Woodward corps building by the General O councils attended by more than 500 officers O seminars for local officers and for youth O a special Sunday school for more than 700 children and their leaders.

Many of the young people responded to the message by Commissioner Silvia Cox and moved forward to kneel in prayer. Commissioner Cox also spoke at a women’s rally where 240 women made a public response to the Bible message.

At the men’s rally Colonel Peter Walker (Australia Southern) spoke about the importance of the altar. Many people responded to the colonel’s challenge by kneeling at the mercy seat.

A cultural evening of music and dance portrayed the rich diversity of the island of Sulawesi. Traditional bamboo bands, a string ensemble, timbrels and vocal groups wearing colourful traditional costume enhanced the evening.

Camberwell Citadel Band again provided excellent support.

At the Sunday praise and worship finale the General officiated at the enrolment of more than 200 new soldiers. After the General gave the Bible message the altar call resulted in a large number of seekers committing themselves to a life of following Christ, with many responding to the call to serve the Lord as officers.

During their time in Palu the General and Commissioner Cox visited Salvation Army facilities including a school, hospital and nursing academy (which has 450 in training at the moment) as well as several corps.

– B. W. Salvationist 12 October 2013

5

NEWS A fanfare for the Heralds of Grace WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE A FANFARE heralded cadets of the Heralds of Grace Session as they marched into the assembly hall to be greeted enthusiastically by the congregation.

Principal Lieut-Colonel Anthony Cotterill welcomed everyone including representatives of cadets from Denmark and the Netherlands and Czech Republic. Following the singing of ‘Now Thank We All Our God’ and the chorus ‘Thank You For Saving Me’, Colonel Knud David Welander (TC, Denmark) offered prayer.

Territorial Candidates Director Major David Kinsey, in presenting the 29 cadets to Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams, said there were 8 married couples, 3 single men, 5 single women, 1 distance learning cadet and 4 married cadets training alone but fully supported by their spouses. The average age of the cadets is 36 and there are 19 children of cadets. The TC invited family, friends and divisional leaders to stand with the session to acknowledge their influence on the cadets’ lives. The TC handed the cadets to the college principal remarking: ‘In two years’ time we will have them back!’ Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton introduced the Heralds of Grace sessional song – words by Major Janet Martin (WBC) and music

by Major John Martin (London Central DHQ).

A fanfare greets the cadets

The cadets’ children, from toddlers to young teenagers, won the hearts of the congregation with their item ‘Welcome To The College’.

Cadet Carol Rasmussen testified ‘it’s all about grace…’ as she expressed her testimony in the form of a letter from God that concluded: ‘This is a stepping stone into your future as an officer and the future is at your feet.’

Colonel Sylvia Hinton (THQ) introduced further testimonies.

Cadet Wendy Watkins described her experience as being rather like a rollercoaster – exciting but scary – and spoke of an amazing God. Cadet Chris Still testified to a God who gives confidence and equips, empowers and inspires.

Commissioner Marianne Adams brought the Bible reading from Isaiah 41 and East Midlands Youth Band, which supported throughout the weekend, contributed ‘Guardian Of My Soul’.

The TC’s message focused on

offered prayer before the final song ‘O Jesus, I Have Promised’.

– J. K.

Commissioner Clive Adams

the way that heralds need to communicate God’s grace to people in need. He urged listeners to absorb the context of the message of grace saying: ‘It may change the way you relate to people... Start as you intend to finish and maintain a deep, authentic relationship with Jesus.’

During the singing of ‘In The Secret Of Thy Presence’ many people went forward to the mercy seat. Assistant Principal Lieut-Colonel Gillian Cotterill

The Heralds of Grace present their sessional songl

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Salvationist 12 October 2013

Sunday morning LIEUT-COLONEL Anthony Cotterill led a suitably themed meeting based on Grace.

The cadets, many joined by family and friends, filled the assembly hall and joined with the congregation to sing ‘God Of Grace’ and ‘Only By Grace’.

The young people – ‘kidettes’ – participated, learning about the riches of God’s grace which then led to testimonies. Cadet Katy Hillary shared her journey to faith and her hope to inspire friends and family to look to Jesus, and Cadet Dylan Nieuwoudt spoke about his desire to fulfil God’s calling in his life.

The singing of ‘Amazing Grace’ fittingly led to a time of prayer to mark the day of prayer for victims of human trafficking, followed by the Bible reading from Ephesians 2.

In his message, Lieut-Colonel Cotterill encouraged the cadets to embody their session’s name and shared a time in his life that exemplified grace, demonstrating that heavenly expenses cannot be bought. He advised cadets to live out grace in every aspect of their lives, declaring: ‘Grace should be the hallmark of everything we are and everything we do.’ Many people knelt at the mercy seat in acts of rededication. – L. B.

NEWS

Musicians consider their attributes Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner

COVENTRY CITY

Marianne Adams (centre) and Head of Public Affairs Dr Helen Cameron (THQ) meet with Minister of State for Care and Support Norman Lamb at the LibDem party conference in Glasgow where they discussed the work of the Army’s Family Tracing Service

CAPTAINS Leanne and Martin Cordner (Anglia DHQ) led band weekend at Nettle Hill Conference Centre.

Throughout the weekend the

Community café reopens BARROW-IN-FURNESS CORPS folk held a rededication service following the reopening of the refurbished community café and acknowledged the vital contribution of the volunteers who make the initiative possible.

The café, which regularly serves up to 250 customers each week, was in need of a fresh look and so Cumbria Probation Service provided community service workers and local businesses donated refurbishment materials.

The team took great care with the project and, in some cases, even continued to work on after

their statutory hours in order to reopen the café on time.

– M. D.

Fellowship reunites BATLEY

Wing Chaplain Major David Kidd enrols cadets at the awards ceremony for the Bletchley Squadron of the Air Training Corps

SALVATION Army Medical Fellowship (SAMF) members met for a day of worship and fellowship.

SAMF Secretary Joyce Houldridge led worship and brought a

band and congregation were invited to focus on Lord, I Come To You and consider different elements within the worship song of the same name. On Saturday afternoon Captain Leanne Cordner led encouraging worship sessions and asked musicians to consider what negative characteristics in their lives they could ‘bin’ and list positive attributes about their fellow section members.

Captain Martin Cordner led the music teaching, bringing a new understanding of the powerful message of God’s love.

On Sunday the captains led meetings focusing on The Light Of The World. – H. P. BLACKPOOL CITADEL: A buttie and bargain event raised £319 for the Bridge Project, a corps project which supports the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in the area. Tesco supported by providing products to sell and volunteers sold refreshments. – B. T.

Bible thought based on selected verses from the Psalms, all emphasising the word ‘trust’.

After lunch Matthew Duffy led songs and a sketch, followed by a time of discussion about the future of SAMF. The day finished with a Gaelic blessing and the singing of ‘Bind Us Together’. – G. G. Salvationist 12 October 2013

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NEWS

WEEK 33 Monday 14 October 2 Corinthians 12 – Paul talks about the ‘thorn in his flesh’ and God’s grace O vv1–4: Paul thinks it is possible for a person to be transported (by God) from earth to Heaven. Is this a helpful affirmation of the plausibility of a future rapture of the Church?

O v7: do you have any idea what Paul’s ‘thorn in the flesh’ might be?

O Why was Paul given this ‘thorn in the flesh’? Could this be a reason why sometimes we have permanent irritations or obstacles in our lives?

Tuesday 15 October 2 Corinthians 13 – Paul gives final warnings, and then greetings O v11: sound advice for Christians – aim for perfection; listen to Scripture’s appeal; be of one mind; live in peace Wednesday 16 October Galatians 1 – The churches in Galatia are accused of entertaining false doctrine O vv6–9: these sound like strong words, perhaps reflecting their importance. Can we afford to take them any more lightly 2,000 years later?

Grow-your-own project helps feed vulnerable people CHESTERTON ONE HUNDRED people gathered as the corps launched a new community allotment.

Divisional Commander Major Samuel Edgar attended the event along with Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Paul Wood, who officially opened the site.

As well as individual allotments, a community allotment allows people to grow vegetables to be used at the corps. Surplus vegetables will be sold back to the community.

‘The community is coming together to help to grow vegetables and fruit which will be used to help feed vulnerable people in need who visit us here every day,’

said community centre manager Teresa Dunn.

She added: ‘The new allotment will provide fresh food at an affordable cost and will help to improve people’s diets.’

The corps, which owned the unused land, applied for £35,000 of funding from Tesco and the Aspire Group.

The site was refurbished in 18 months with the help of the Aspire Group, who used the project to give new opportunities and training to apprentices in horticulture.

The picture shows the Mayor of Newcastle (Councillor Edward Boden), Doris Boden, corps officer Major Rose Denyer, Will Nixon (Chief Executive, Realise Foundation), Major Samuel Edgar, Major Neil Denyer, Teresa Dunn and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire. – A. R.

Thursday 17 October Galatians 2 – Gentiles should not have to follow Jewish customs O vv1 and 2: is this the same revelation that Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 12?

O vv11–14: does knowing the flaws of some of the great apostles help add to Scripture’s reliability and authenticity?

Friday 18 October Galatians 3 – Salvation comes by faith, not through observing the law O Do you know people who say they hope they are good enough to be saved (get to Heaven)?

O Do you ever take time to consider that God loves you regardless of how faithful and obedient you are?

O Is it tempting to think that salvation can be earned through being good Christians?

O Why is it important to recognise that our efforts cannot help earn our salvation?

O Salvation comes by grace through faith alone. Although this is true, can it be a difficult doctrine to accept?

At Clevedon corps folk and visitors enjoy a ‘blow and bite’ event raising £200 for corps funds; participants could sponsor the band to play a tune, conduct the band or play an instrument

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Salvationist 12 October 2013

NEWS

John Spellar MP (far right) visits the Employment Plus team at Oldbury to see how the scheme helps unemployed people to find sustained employment; with him are corps officer Lieutenant Lydia Bartlett, Life Coach Rubia Begum, NCG Intraining Contract Manager Lee Horley, former service user Stacey Bryce and Principal Life Coach Kiran Basra

Messy Church celebration AYLESBURY TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams and divisional leaders Majors Paul and Jenine Main joined with Messy Church members to celebrate its first birthday at the corps.

Many families have joined Messy Church in the past 12 months and more new families attended the celebration.

– J. S.

Southsea Band concludes its summer season of open-air seafront meetings; the programme culminated in four people attending Sunday meetings

Boston Band plays at the Community Showcase as one of the Town Mayor’s chosen charities; leaflets detailing corps activities

Coach driver Trevor Thorn

were distributed at the event

(Hadleigh Temple) displays a certificate of appreciation as

Middlesbrough Citadel

he retires after 49 years’

corps officer Major John

Bandsman Jamie Williams

service; during this time he

Ager proudly displays his

(Bristol Citadel, right) and

has driven for the ISB, ISS

medal after completing a

friend Richard Irwin-Porter

and ICO, as well as serving

10k road race in 56 minutes

take part in the Bristol Half

his own corps. He has visited

and 18 seconds, raising more

Marathon to raise funds for

250 corps in the UK and 50 in

than £600 for The Big

rebuilding the corps

Europe

Collection

community and family centre Salvationist 12 October 2013

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SHARING THE WORD

Speak up Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Marianne Adams contemplates her role

R

ECENTLY, while contemplating my present role, I became aware of the enormous influence the women of the Booth family have had on the responsibilities that are now entrusted to me. As Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, I am appointed to preach and teach, sharing with my husband the ministry of leading meetings and preaching. I am asked to oversee all types of ministry by women, for women and their families. Another of my responsibilities is to ‘seek to be informed regarding issues affecting women and families in society’. In this area I ask myself, ‘Where do I start?’

Many of the multifaceted issues we are faced with in our rapidly changing world affect not only ‘women and their families’ but have far-reaching effects on neighbourhoods, countries and the world population.

Thanks to the United Nations, the World Health Organisation and other associations, we are encouraged to focus on a number of significant issues during the month of October. It is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and there are also a number of significant days: International Day of Older Persons; International Day of Non-Violence; International Day of the Girl Child; International Day for Eradication of Poverty; Anti-Slavery Day. The purpose of these days is to dedicate time to observe issues of international interest or concern, to commemorate, promote and mobilise people for action. The issues of domestic violence, poverty and modern-day slavery affect our society here in the 10

Salvationist 12 October 2013

United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland as well as in other countries around the world. Please join me in taking time to look at these issues.

I began to wonder what the Booth women would say and do when faced with the issues of our modern-day society. Catherine Booth was wide awake to the issues in her time.

She walked the streets and saw families broken by alcoholism and abuse, young girls trapped in slavery, children being neglected, and women held back in ministry. The problems may have seemed insurmountable.

However, that did not prevent Catherine from doing something about them.

She visited families, supported the midnight stations and used the rostrum and her pen to speak out on issues that affected women, children, families and societies.

You may enjoy, along with me, the recently published book, William And Catherine by Cathy Le Feuvre.

The sayings and writings of the Booth women are relevant today.

Let us join Major (Dr) John Read in his ‘Freedom Prayer’ – a resource for Anti-Slavery Day on 18 October: O Creator God, for freedom you made us, in your image and likeness you created us, free to love and be loved.

We pray against all powers and people that conspire to destroy your children’s freedom, trap them in poverty, steal their power and render them vulnerable to systems and schemes which make them slaves.

O We pray for leaders and legislators, activists and agitators, and people of compassion everywhere, that they may be strong and effective in their plans

and actions to protect the vulnerable and secure their freedom.

O Saviour God, for freedom you have redeemed us, to be restored in your image and likeness, free to love and be loved. We pray for children, women and men – the victims of human trafficking, tricked, trapped and trafficked into, out of and around our land. We pray for their freedom.

We pray that in their captivity you will look upon them and give them hope.

We pray for their liberation, healing and restoration into the perfect freedom of the children of God. O Helper God, for freedom you are with us, recreating us in your image and likeness, free to love and be loved. We pray against those who recruit, move, harbour or receive children, women and men through the use of force, coercion, abuse, deception and all other means for the purposes of exploitation.

O We pray for those who work alone and together to discover, liberate and restore children, women and men who have been trafficked as slaves.

We pray they will be given all the resources of finance, time and strength they need as they bring freedom to the victims of human trafficking.

O Three in One God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, for freedom you made us, redeemed and recreated us, free to love and be loved. We pray your Kingdom come. We pray justice and mercy flow like streams. We pray freedom for all your children.

In Proverbs 31:1–8 we read words from a mother to her son and I want to share the challenge of some of those words with you: ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy’ (v8).

COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS

FEATURE

REDISCOVERING THE GOSPELS Chick Yuill presents the fifth in a six-part series entitled Mission Means...

DALLAS Willard, who died in May this year, was one of the most insightful writers on discipleship. His book The Divine Conspiracy is widely recognised as a classic work on the topic of spiritual formation. But he could also compress his understanding of what it means to be an authentic follower of Jesus into a couple of brief sentences: ‘As Jesus’ disciple, I am his apprentice in Kingdom living. I am learning from him how to lead my life… as he would lead my life if he were I.’ There’s the principle of true discipleship expressed in the simplest words; being a disciple of Jesus means learning from him and living like him.

The challenge for us is how we put that principle into practice in our everyday lives. How do we, living as we do 2,000 years after the earthly ministry of Jesus, learn from him?

The answer is glaringly obvious: we learn from Jesus, we observe his life and we hear his words by reading the Gospels. We know almost instinctively that this is the right place to start.

So when we want to tell our children about Jesus we go to the stories of his life and teaching recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But as we grow older, it becomes all too easy to neglect the Gospels. Sometimes that’s because we simply don’t give enough time to reading the Bible. Or it can happen because we associate the Gospels with childhood and begin to think that all the ‘adult teaching’ in the New Testament is to be found in the Epistles and the Book of Acts. Of course, they’re important and should form part of a healthy diet of Bible-reading. But it’s no exaggeration to say that the Gospels

remain foundational and that it’s time for us to rediscover them if we want to be apprentices of Jesus.

Here’s a very simple but very effective way to do that. All it takes is a willingness to spend a little time in the company of Jesus each day.

First, read a short passage from the Gospels – Mark’s Gospel is a good place to start. Then as you reread it, ask yourself these questions O What’s God doing here?

O What does it tell me about Jesus?

O What does it teach me as a disciple?

O What difference will this make to me tomorrow?

‘‘

BEING A DISCIPLE OF JESUS MEANS LEARNING FROM HIM AND LIVING LIKE HIM

’’

Of course, this takes a little bit of application, but as you practise this simple discipline – and you can do it either by yourself or with a fellow Christian – you’ll begin to discover the life of Jesus, to hear the voice of God and to discern the Holy Spirit working in your own life.

The best way I can explain how this happens is to tell you about the way in which Mike Leigh, the British movie and theatre director approaches his work. When he’s selected the actors for a particular production, he doesn’t send them a script to memorise.

Instead, he gathers them together and

outlines the basic plot of the drama.

Then he works with them over a considerable period, individually and as a group, through imagination and improvisation, helping them to explore the life and personality of the character they’ll be portraying. By the time they begin to film the movie, the actors are not just reciting lines they’ve learnt.

Rather, they’re so immersed in the role that they naturally and readily respond to each situation in character.

If you’ve seen a Mike Leigh movie, you’ll know just how powerful the end result can be.

A similar process begins to happen when we read the Gospels attentively.

We’re not ‘learning a script’ or mastering a set of rules about discipleship. Rather, we’re seeking to become so immersed in the life and ministry of Jesus that, slowly but surely, we begin to speak and act in every situation just as he would speak and act. Mike Leigh’s process with his actors takes weeks and even months.

The process of disciple-making is the work of a lifetime. But it will ultimately produce results that no movie can ever hope to match.

CHICK IS A FREELANCE WRITER AND SPEAKER Salvationist 12 October 2013

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FEATURE

Tariro – an ongoing story In this story of tariro (Shona for hope) shared with the men, women and children of Chiweshe by The Salvation Army, Major Sandra Welch reflects on a visit to Howard Hospital (Zimbabwe) THE blazing heat of the noonday sun beats down on the vehicle as we make our bumpy way down the dusty road en route to Howard Hospital. The land is parched, the air is dry and hot with a hint of smoke. People smile and wave, or glance quizzically as we go by.

We drive past animals gently grazing in the fields, a river where groups of women busily wash their clothes, while others transport bulky bundles of firewood on their heads and children freely roam, clambering over rocks and playing in groups. Eventually we arrive at the hospital at the end of a rutted road.

A HISTORY OF HOPE

Pictures: JOHN MURRAY

The Salvation Army has been serving the people of Chiweshe since 1923 when Howard Institute, a school, was founded some 80 kilometres north of Harare. The need for quality medical services became apparent as Salvation

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Salvationist 12 October 2013

Army officers with little medical training initially carried out these services. The hospital was opened in September 1928, with a nurses’ training programme being added a year later.

Since then the hospital has provided first-class medical care to the people of the area. Today the hospital offers its services to more than 250,000 people in and around the rural community of Chiweshe.

The 144-bed hospital runs a considerable number of communitybased programmes, inpatient and outpatient care as well as a mobile clinic that provides immunisation and family health programmes in rural areas. With the advent of the HIV/Aids pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, the hospital began offering wideranging treatment at the Tariro clinic through a counselling centre

and antiretroviral therapy. In addition to this there are a number of orphaned and vulnerable children’s programmes and child sponsorship for children affected by HIV/Aids.

Thomas Moudyiwat, a headman in his community for 27 years, said: ‘Howard is our hospital and it helps the community very well.’ He said that he prayed the hospital would maintain its valued position in the community because in helping the area it helps the whole nation. He explained that people travel quite a distance to access the medical services provided. The hospital has a reputation as a centre of excellence and it is common practice for government hospitals to refer patients there.

HOPE FOR TODAY

The hospital has a nurse training centre offering a primary care course, a diploma in midwifery and a sixmonth advanced midwifery course.

The first is two years in duration and prepares nurses to work in rural clinics.

It enables young men and women to embark on a career serving people who are in great need of medical help and care. At present there are 40 student nurses involved in the training programme. Major Joan Gibson, a UK officer on international service, is a highly experienced clinician who heads up the programme. The student nurses undergo a rigorous selection process through the health and medical council before training.

Approximately one thousand babies are safely delivered at the hospital each year. There is a mothers’ shelter for

women who are 34 to 35 weeks pregnant but live some distance from the hospital.

They stay in the shelter until after their babies are born.

Mothers are kept in the hospital for three days to ensure they make a full recovery after the birth. During this time they are taught basic hygiene and how to care for their babies. Great emphasis is placed on breastfeeding. The hospital has a small neonatal unit which provides more specialised care for up to eight babies. Family child health programmes include antenatal and postnatal clinics, family planning, immunisations, good nutritional information and general support and guidance.

The hospital is not exempt from problems or political and social upheaval. Medical cases with complications are referred to

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60 INPATIENTS WERE TREATED EACH NIGHT...

ON AVERAGE 150 PEOPLE A DAY ATTEND THE OUTPATIENT DEPARTMENT, THE ANTENATAL CLINIC [AND] THE TARIRO CLINIC

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Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare (the largest hospital in the country) but rural clinics continue to refer patients to Howard Hospital for care.

In the first half of 2013 some 60 inpatients were treated each night, the majority in the maternity ward.

On average 150 people a day attend the outpatient department, the antenatal clinic, the Tariro clinic and other community-based services such as home-based care and programmes for orphans and vulnerable children.

Following the departure of the previous chief medical officer in 2012, the number of patients and surgical procedures was reduced as complicated cases were referred to the provincial hospitals in Harare and Bindura – an accepted practice for a rural district hospital. However, the hospital continued to maintain a surgical capacity with Doctors Museka and Chikwenjere who are trained to perform a number of surgical procedures, including caesarean sections. Historically there has not always been a trained surgeon on site.

BRIGHT HOPE FOR TOMORROW

Plans to complete the new buildings that commenced in 2000 are now under way and have been agreed by CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Salvationist 12 October 2013

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FEATURE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

the hospital management team, the Zimbabwe Territory and IHQ. While this capital project is taking place, the Canada and Bermuda Territory is ensuring the effective operation of the hospital through an agreed sustainability plan. It is hoped

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PRACTISING MEDICINE IN RURAL AFRICA PRESENTS...

CHALLENGING CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT [DR ZAIA] SAYS: 'I SEE MIRACLES EVERY DAY – I DON'T ONLY BELIEVE, I SEE'

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that the new building will be completed in 2014. Funding to complete the building work has been donated by the USA Eastern Territory. The move to the new premises will result in changes that will improve the quality of sustainable care, and plans will be developed locally.

The hospital’s volunteer programme which drew in medical staff from overseas is planned to restart. Dr Zairemthiama (Dr Zaia), formerly chief medical officer at Chikankata Hospital (Zambia) took up his appointment at Howard Hospital in August. Dr Zaia knows that practising medicine in rural Africa presents difficult and challenging circumstances, but says: ‘I see miracles every day – I don’t only believe, I see.’

Swedish surgeon, Dr Per-Göte Lindgren, has also been appointed to Howard to train the existing medical team in more advanced surgical procedures and to strengthen the health system at the new hospital.

His focus will be surgical training and

he will also oversee the move into the new building and the development of management and clinical systems to improve the quality of care and services.

The period 2004-2012 saw the development of an extensive surgical programme at the hospital which, in some respects, went beyond the hospital’s capacity in terms of nursing care, support services and laboratory capacity. Before 2003, the hospital operated at the level of a rural district hospital, with some additional services depending on the capacity of the staff at the time. The intention is to return to this sustainable level of working.

The Tariro HIV programme continues.

Changes in government policy have meant that more people can access their antiretroviral drugs closer to home.

The programme for expectant mothers with HIV to receive antiretroviral treatments prior to the birth of their babies is unchanged.

The story of tariro (hope) which began more than 80 years ago continues in the Chiweshe community as The Salvation Army works to improve the hospital services and remains committed to its future serving the complex and challenging country of Zimbabwe.

MAJOR WELCH IS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND EDITOR, THE OFFICER, IHQ 14

Salvationist 12 October 2013

FEATURE

GOD AT WORK Specialist nurse Claire Randell speaks openly about nursing and her faith I AM blessed to be doing a job I love.

My speciality is urology – which includes kidneys, bladders, prostates and all the tubes in between! I qualified 17 years ago and now work in a team of three.

A major part of my work is spending time with patients as they receive a diagnosis of a urological cancer. The team also runs a telephone support service for patients and nurse-led clinics to provide follow-up care for long-term patients.

I deal with young lads diagnosed with testicular tumours and with the more mature end of the spectrum, particularly prostate cancer patients.

Most of my patients are men as urological cancers are more common or exclusive to men, but their partners and families are often involved in discussions.

Whenever I turn up in a clinic room the consultant knows there is bad news to be told.

My role is to support patients through their initial reaction to what is devastating news. I discuss with them what their diagnosis means and how the disease will impact them; what treatment choices are available; the effects of that treatment both short term and longer term; and end of life issues. I consider it a huge privilege to do what I do and believe that God has shaped my path for me to be in this role. To be with someone at what is likely to be one of the most vulnerable times of their lives is being at the very centre of what it is to be human, and for many it is the first time they have had to face their mortality.

It is at this time that I learn from my

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patients about their ability to understand what is happening and the manner in which they deal with the issues their diagnosis throws at them.

I am not allowed to discuss my faith with a patient, unless one happens to ask, but I know that God is at work in my dealings with them.

My patients, their spouses and family are often very emotional; God gives me the compassion and ability to empathise with what they are going through. 1 Peter 3:8 speaks about being ‘compassionate and humble’ and Romans 12:15 says ‘mourn with those who mourn’.

Some patients are very angry; God gives me the words to work through this with them until they are at a stage where they understand and can accept, although some never get there.

Sometimes people challenge the profession with criticisms over timing, lack of clarity, conflicting advice or

We enjoy one another’s company, have fun together, and talk freely and openly about our views and opinions.

This inevitably means talking about my faith and how it affects my perceptions and judgments, and about my family’s involvement here at Boscombe Corps. Three of us are regular churchgoers. Recently, it has been exciting to witness the ripple effect and hear others in the department talking about their beliefs.

There are still areas I need to work on. It is easy to get bogged down with almost constant restructuring and recommendations by management.

Criticisms of the NHS can also be demoralising. It is easy to feel inadequate and sometimes discussions with patients or other staff members make me feel uncomfortable and underqualified both professionally and spiritually. Colossians 1:10 says: ‘Live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God.’ I have lots of prayer times throughout my day – often in my office and sometimes out loud when I am struggling to focus.

On my daily cycle to work, I pray for people on my prayer list, and I always finish my work prayer with something like: ‘Give me strength, Lord, to be all that you need me to be, understanding and eloquence to be what my patients need me to be and intelligence and organisation to be what my colleagues need me to be.’

The words may change depending on the situation I am in, but I always try to put God first.

IT HAS BEEN EXCITING TO WITNESS THE RIPPLE EFFECT AND HEAR OTHERS IN THE DEPARTMENT TALKING ABOUT THEIR BELIEFS

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information and explanations that they do not understand; God gives me the grace to not take these challenges personally.

Colleagues may deal with things differently, but God has softened me and maybe they see that things can be dealt with differently. On occasions they have mentioned this and changed their practice as a result.

Some patients want to keep fighting their disease. They endure debilitating treatment, medications or surgery, often significantly reducing their quality of life, but giving them a few extra days or weeks. God enables me to put my own feelings and opinions aside, to concentrate on what the individual feels is right for them.

God is at work in the surgeons I work with, although they may not all be aware of it. Their skill and commitment to what they do are outstanding and so much is required of them on many levels.

He is also at work within the team.

CLAIRE WORSHIPS AT BOSCOMBE CORPS Salvationist 12 October 2013

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BIBLE STUDY

What price the Army’s cup of tea?

Major David Cavanagh contributes the second in a three-part series, The Whole Gospel For The Whole Man

T

HE Salvation Army’s cup of tea is a potent symbol of its reputation for providing practical care.

Salvationists of a certain generation will remember being approached in the street by total strangers who insisted on giving generously – all because the Army gave grandad a cuppa 60 years earlier during the Second World War. We have a fine reputation as a caring Christian organisation. My impression, though, is that many Salvationists have an uneasy conscience about our social ministries. While grateful for the public’s recognition and support, many are concerned that, because of government funding requirements, our social programmes are often run by professionals who – while undoubtedly good people – do not share our faith in Jesus. There seems to be a widespread anxiety that we are betraying the gospel by employing non-Christians to carry out the Army’s mission.

The first Christians would have understood such concerns. In Mark 9:38–41, the disciples tell Jesus they stopped a man casting out demons in his name because he wasn’t part of their band. Much to their surprise, Jesus replies that they were wrong, because ‘whoever is not against us is for us’ (v40). Not only that, Jesus then blesses any cup of water given out of respect for him.

So what price the Army cuppa? Jesus affirms actions akin to the practical, caring ministries for which The Salvation Army is renowned. We don’t know how much the anonymous exorcist understood of Jesus and his message; 16

Salvationist 12 October 2013

he may have had rather muddled ideas, like Apollos (Acts 18:24 and 25).

We know only that he must have been broadly sympathetic towards Jesus and Jesus welcomed his enthusiastic commitment. We should be similarly grateful for our social staff.

Let me be clear, I am not suggesting such professional service accomplishes our mission by itself, even in the restricted setting of the social centre.

Still less am I suggesting that such professionals are ‘anonymous Christians’ who are saved, even if they don’t know it. By no means! I am, however, suggesting their service can be Christian ministry even if they are not professing Christians.

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GOD CAN USE THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW HIM TO ACCOMPLISH HIS PURPOSES

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According to the Bible, God can use those who do not know him to accomplish his purposes. For example, the Persian emperor Cyrus played a key role in allowing the Jews to return from exile in Babylon to their homeland, even though he was a pagan who owed no allegiance to the God of Israel.

Rather than depriving ourselves (and those we serve) of the insights and skills of qualified professionals just because they do not share our faith, we should welcome their involvement. We often assume that belief must come before action, but

a different and more complex pattern emerges in one account of the calling of the first disciples (Luke 5:1–11).

Jesus is being mobbed by the crowds, and asks Simon Peter to lend him his boat as a floating pulpit. It is only afterwards that Jesus calls Peter and his friends and they leave everything to follow him. Here, action precedes faith as Peter lends Jesus his boat; indeed, having a role to play perhaps helps awaken faith.

Corps should save souls and meet the needs of suffering humanity; social centres should help people rebuild their lives and invite them to meet God and experience his love.

Our ministry must synthesise professional practices and practical spirituality. Our theology must draw on deep affinities between concepts such as the imago dei (creation in the divine image and likeness), incarnation and full salvation and the social sciences’ understanding of human dignity, potential and flourishing.

Our mission must hold together the healing of the spirit and of the body, the renewal of the individual, of society and the whole world.

MAJOR CAVANAGH IS GENERAL SECRETARY, ITALY AND GREECE

NEW COMMITMENTS

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1. CHRISTINE FORD Soldier PRESTON CHRISTINE trained as a midwife at the Mothers’ Hospital in London and was an officer. After marrying Roger, the couple attended church but eventually began attending Army meetings again. Christine felt the Lord calling her to renew her covenant with him and was enrolled by corps officer Major Maggie Cadogan. – A. F. 2. JOHN BAILEY Soldier WINTON TWENTY years ago, John was an active Salvationist but he slowly drifted away from God and eventually left the Army. Just over a year ago, John felt God leading him back and so began attending worship with his parents at Wimborne, where he felt he could offer his experience as a military bandsman to teach brass instruments to young people. John acknowledged that this time his commitment to God will be different and challenged the congregation to reach out to people and invite them in. Surrounded by family and friends from both corps, John was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Paul Johnson. – J. J. 3. & 4. DOROTHY TUCKER Soldier ISABELLE DRY, BENJAMIN DRY, MERIT HABIB Junior soldiers BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL DOROTHY, Isabelle, Benjamin and Merit were warmly received by the fellowship as they were enrolled as a soldier and junior soldiers, respectively. The children each received a children’s Bible from the

4. corps. In a moving moment, the parents of the new junior soldiers knelt at the mercy seat as their children signed the junior soldier’s promise. Dorothy is pictured with her family and friends. – Y. R. 5. RUTH JACKSON Adherent member BOSTON RUTH grew up in the corps and has been involved in many corps activities ever since. She chose ‘In Christ Alone’ to express her personal testimony. Corps officer Major Sarah Price welcomed Ruth as an adherent member. – D. C. 6. ELAINE CRADDOCK Soldier STOTFOLD ELEVEN years ago, Elaine realised her life needed to change. The support from family, friends and corps folk enabled her to come to faith and she became an adherent member. Having made a further commitment as a soldier, Elaine is proud to wear her uniform as a witness to God’s transforming power and is actively involved in corps programmes. On his farewell Sunday, corps officer Major Chris Davidson enrolled Elaine as a soldier. – H. T. 7. ED O ESCANO, TANAKA MUZIRA Junior soldiers WORCESTER CORPS officer Captain Carole Donaldson enrolled Ed and Tanaka as junior soldiers. The boys expressed their faith and aim to follow Christ. – C. D. Salvationist 12 October 2013

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LETTERS CHANGE THE TRIMMINGS I FREELY admit to now being bigheaded, after visiting SP&S to purchase a new Salvation Army cap, complete with officer trimmings! As I gazed admiringly into the mirror to view a slightly bigger size than the one I had been wearing, I became conscious of the fact that men’s head wear has not changed very much during the last one hundred years, or so. There was one change about sixty or seventy years ago when bandsmen’s caps had a kind of half strawberry embroidered in the middle of the cap with what I can only describe as leaves sprouting from it.

On the cap The Salvation Army is repeated twice, once on the badge with lettering so small so as not to be seen more than two feet away, and again in larger-than-life lettering stretching over the outside of the forehead from ear to ear.

Why should officers’ badges (mounted on cloth background) be different to bandsmen’s and soldiers’ badges? Caps are only used outside and, even then, the public has no idea of rank within our organisation.

Our present Salvation Army uniform, in my opinion, is really smart and presentable, but there’s room for improvement with men’s head wear.

Could this be one reason why our much loved and cherished young people hesitate from wearing dated headgear?

George Whittingham, Major, Bromley

GLAD WE WENT IT would have been the easiest of decisions not to make a round trip of 350 miles to Harrow for the hall dedication and reopening. To say we are glad we took the harder option is an understatement. The underlying atmosphere of thankfulness to God for his faithfulness to the church and its fellowship since 2000 was tangible.

The service, led by divisional leaders Majors Paul and Jenine Main, was a thanksgiving but also an encouragement to the corps family.

Personal memories of connections with the corps from the DC and the exhortation by Major Jenine Main to ‘keep open and widen the curtains’ helped to create a special atmosphere

FIT FOR MISSION MORE than 40 years ago, as a cadet, I was asked by a college officer to go into a butcher’s shop and ask the butcher if he knew Jesus. I entered the shop in fear and trepidation, waited in the queue and when it was my turn to be served, I couldn’t muster the courage to ask the question and instead inquired as to how much the sausages cost!

In those days we were often asked to go in twos and hold open-air meetings, walk the streets of Soho visiting nightclubs in case anyone needed to talk to us and were encouraged to be creative in witnessing for the Lord. Some of our methods for reaching others have significantly changed but Commissioner Clive Adams, writing in Salvationist (21 September), under the heading ‘Finding ourselves fit for mission’, states: ‘We confirm that our missional objective has not changed – the making of disciples of Jesus, God’s sole, life-transforming solution for the whole being, through our work 18

Salvationist 12 October 2013

of being in God’s presence. In true Army fashion the choice of music greatly enhanced the thanksgiving. At the end of the service an ensemble from Central Southern Area Fellowship Band played an arrangement of ‘Lord, You Know That We Love You’. One line in the song says ‘Lord, build us up again’. Without doubt that ‘Faithful God’ (also used in the service) has and is doing just that at Harrow.

We thank corps officer Captain Pauline Milner and her church family that we were able to be part of this special event and pray God’s continued presence and blessing in all that will happen at the corps.

Carolyn and Trevor Gargett, Woodhouse

of saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity.’

I was heartened recently when I heard that a second-year cadet on summer placement had suggested that sometimes it might be appropriate for uniformed Salvationists occasionally to meet their child at the school gate wearing their uniform. We know from experience what a powerful tool our uniform is and how enabling it can be in terms of others seeking us out. We have advances in modern technology that can be effective tools in respect of evangelism and I see no reason why we can’t integrate new and old methods in order to win souls for Christ. What is imperative is that corporately we set out to become effective in our mission whatever methods we use.

The Territorial Commander is asking us to be fit for mission and my prayer for all those involved in mission is found in the words of Bramwell Coles: ‘Lord, for thy service, fit me I plead.’

Kate Cousins, Great Ayton

LETTERS

Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE BAND? I AM trying to identify the band in the accompanying photograph, which came into our possession during the corps centenary year. The International Heritage Centre has not been able to help us. We have been informed of the exact location in Letchworth and that it was taken in 1923. That’s where the information stops. The bandsmen have quite distinctive hats that someone may recognise.

David Fisher, Letchworth

UNFAIR POLICIES SEVERAL interesting articles relating to food banks have recently appeared in Salvationist and references to the Army’s food banks feature in postal appeals. All readers should welcome support for needy families in situations beyond their control.

However, recently some charity leaders involved in food distribution have questioned whether such charitable work is, in effect, supporting unfair and unjust government policies.

There are many professing Christians in all parties in the House of

DON’T FORGET THE MESSAGE I RECOGNISE that a great deal of planning, thought and effort go into a corps carol service. I also appreciate that it should be a shop window in terms of welcome, warmth and presentation.

However I feel that the exposition of God’s word is sometimes an afterthought. Carol service leaders

FACING UP TO PASTORAL CARE

could – for example – offer a short exposition of the Incarnation.

Remember that non-churched folk are more likely to attend church at Christmas.

At Cardiff Cathays for some 40 years we have held a carol service for people with learning disabilities and their carers. Such ventures need to be bathed in prayer.

IN 2013 there are far more ways to keep in touch with friends than there were 15 or 20 years ago. The advent of emails and social networking sites has made keeping in contact so easy.

A friend recently sent me an email that included a vision of a Salvation Army meeting of the future where we are urged to turn on various electronic devices to follow the Bible reading and during the offering there is the opportunity to give by using mobile phones to transfer money directly into the corps account. I know some people already use e-readers and tablets to follow the Bible reading, or for songster music, but the final suggestion of the plan was that we could follow the corps officer on Twitter for counselling and prayers. I sincerely hope that we never get to this stage in pastoral care.

I know that I have sent emails of support and prayer to friends who are experiencing a difficult time. It is quick, easy and non-confrontational, but is it sufficient? From personal experience, it may not be. A telephone call may be marginally better as a first avenue of care and support, but even that may be inadequate.

In most cases pastoral care needs to occur face-to-face even if one – or both – of the parties finds it difficult.

Kevin Chubb, Cardiff

Doug Taylor, Benfleet

Commons where also there appears to be a flourishing Christian fellowship. In the light of a recent interview in Salvationist (15 June) with Corps Sergeant-Major Ian Payne of Bromley Temple, who urged more readers to become actively interested in politics, should we ask why it is that charities are having to support families and aged individuals who are on the receiving end of unfair policies created and supported by fellow Christians in Parliament?

The Rev Dr Gerald Paisey, Uphall

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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 5 September: O Major Anthony Colclough, additional appointment, Men’s Ministry Resources Officer, Adult and Family Ministries, Programme Service, THQ Effective 3 October: O Lieutenant Nicola Brooksbank, additional appointment, Associate Candidates Officer, London South-East O Lieutenants Graeme and Zoe Smith, additional appointments, Associate Candidates Officers, London South-East O Major Iain Stewart, additional appointment, Associate Candidates Officer, London South-East O Major Lynda Connelly, additional appointment, Area Safeguarding Officer, West Scotland O Major Alison Logan, additional appointment, Area Safeguarding Officer, West Scotland Effective 18 October: O Major Jacqui Wright, Chaplain, Thorndale Lifehouse (Family Centre), Belfast, Social Services, THQ and Divisional Support Officer, Ireland Effective 7 February 2014: O Major Fred Thompson, Llanelli LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED Lieut-Colonel David Burrows, Harrow O RS Janine Skinner, Leighton Buzzard

Richardson, Leicester South, of their mother Audrey Darby, Muriel Burridge, Swansea, of her sister O June Midgley, Norwich Citadel, of her husband, Bandsman Brian Midgley, Alison Skuse, Sharon Moore and Joanne Moye of their father RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: O Major Jean Lapper (85 on 15 October) O Mrs Major Gladys Oliver (95 on 18 October) O Aux-Captain Clara Wilson (80 on 21 October) PROMOTED TO GLORY Commissioner Margaret King from Southern Africa on 14 September.

Margaret was born in Cape Town and commissioned as an officer in 1935.

She married Lieutenant Hesketh King in 1937. For 19 years they served at the Rondebosch Social Farm (now the Hesketh King Treatment Centre), during which time their children, Cath, Maxwell and Barbara, were born. In 1947 they had the responsibility of relocating the farm to Muldersvlei.

In 1972 they became the first South Africans to be appointed territorial leaders of Southern Africa. They had

additional responsibilities for Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho and St Helena, which entailed much travel by car and ship as air flights were too costly at the time. They retired in 1979. Commissioner Hesketh King was promoted to Glory in 1990.

A deeply caring person, Mrs Commissioner King was always willing to stop and share a word of encouragement or comfort. In her 90s when infirmity made public ministry more difficult, Mrs Commissioner King found a unique ministry praying for people with special needs, keeping in touch with people on her prayer list by telephone. She was promoted to Glory at the age of 101.

O Mrs

O Eileen

Stevens, Hastings Citadel CT Alfred Willis, Leicester Central O Bandsman Les Trory, Lowestoft South O Rtd

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UK Territory LONG SERVICE 35 years – O Major Jane Kimberley, Communications Service, THQ. 30 years – O Major Dolores Thomson, Stranraer

O CT

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden: O Gerald and Mildred Arnold, Worthing (17 October) O Bandsman/Songster Bernard and Songster Irene Miller, Coventry City (19 October) DEDICATED TO GOD O Macy Janet, daughter of Michael Busby and Theresa Maleary at Thornaby by Major Keith Williams O Eve, daughter of John and Sarah Joy at Trowbridge by Major Kelvin Lang BEREAVED John Ager, Middlesbrough Citadel, of his father Fred O Eileen Clayton, Birmingham Erdington, of her husband Denis O Carl Darby, Tustin Ranch, USA Western, Sheena Rudd and Claire O Major

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Salvationist 12 October 2013

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL ANDRÉ COX AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: O South America West, Tu 8 Oct Mon 14 O USA Southern (Pan-American Conference), Wed 16 - Mon 21 O Kenya East, Fri 1 Nov - Tu 5 O Kenya West, Wed 6 - Sun 10 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER WILLIAM ROBERTS) AND COMMISSIONER NANCY ROBERTS: O ICO, Th 17 Oct, Tu 29 O Germany, Fri 8 Nov - Sun 10** THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS) AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: O Swanwick (officers councils), Mon 14 Oct - Wed 30 O Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow (Territorial Congress) Sat Sun 3 Nov THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: O Swanwick (officers councils), Mon 14 Oct - Wed 30 O Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre, Glasgow (Territorial Congress), Sat Sun 3 Nov COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: O International Doctrine Council, Mon 21 Oct - Th 24 COMMISSIONER GILLIAN DOWNER: O Hong Kong and Macau (including China Task Force), Th 10 Oct - Sun 20 COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: O USA Southern (Pan-American Conference), Wed 16 Oct - Sun 20 COMMISSIONERS JOASH AND FLORENCE MALABI: O Mozambique, Fri 4 Oct - Sat 12 O Rwanda and Burundi (installation of command leaders), Th 17 - Mon 21 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: O Sheringham, Sat Sun 20 Oct INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: O Birmingham Citadel, Sat Sun 27 Oct **husband will not accompany

RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 October: O Captain Brian Chambers out of Carrickfergus in 1998 O Major Peter Disney with Major Dawn Disney (née Walkes) out of Derby Central in 1971 and last appointments Divisional Support Officers, West Midlands CLIVE ADAMS, Commissioner, Territorial Commander

ICO DELEGATES THE 219th session of the International College for Officers runs from 16 October to 9 December. The delegates are: O Captain Scott Allen, Australia Eastern O Major Nicola Novell, Australia Southern O Captain Nipu Baroi, Bangladesh O Major Ebeneser Nogueira, Brazil O Major Wendy Broome, Canada and Bermuda O Major Sherma Evelyn, Caribbean O Major Abraham Lincoln Mudda, India Central O Major Vanlalfela, India Eastern O Major Samuel Ramlal, India Northern O Major Vijaya Ashok Sundar, India South Eastern O Major Samuel Babu, India South Western O Major Harish Uttam Katanavre, India Western O Captain David Centeno, Mexico O Captain Amelia Nhaduate, Mozambique O Major Catharina Wubbema, The Netherlands and Czech Republic O Major Ezekiel Akpan, Nigeria O Major Sandra Barth, South America East O Major Mattias Nordenberg, Sweden and Latvia O Major Mary Ngocho, Tanzania O Major Topista Wasilwa Muyama, Uganda O Major Sally McBride, Captain Bill Dolling, United Kingdom O Major Collette Webster, USA Central O Major Janet Ashcraft, USA Eastern O Lieut-Colonel Kelly Igleheart, USA Southern O Major Brian Saunders, USA Western

TRIBUTES JOHN ALLEN, CHATHAM JOHN was born in Leicester in 1933. As a young man he joined the Navy and travelled extensively.

His attraction to uniform was maintained when he joined the Post Office in Chatham, where he lived with his wife Sylvia. He first attended the Army following an invitation to a meeting at a local school. When Sylvia decided to join him at the Army his joy was complete, and together they became adherent members. Following her promotion to Glory, John decided to become a soldier.

As welcome sergeant, his firm handshake and happy smiling face mirrored the welcome he had received himself at that first school meeting. John was a lovely man who is sadly missed, but never forgotten. - M. S.

MRS (OLIVE) RUTH CLARKE, STAMFORD RUTH was born in Chester-le-Street in 1920 and attended the local corps. During wartime service as a WAAF radio operator she worshipped at Chelmsford.

Returning home, Ruth was singing company leader for several years and in demand as a vocal soloist. A primary school teacher, in 1955 she relocated to Croydon and was a songster and singing company leader.

Following marriage to Darrell – an RAF serviceman – in 1960, frequent moves hindered Army service. The family later returned to Chelmsford, where her children, Margot and Simon, became active Salvationists.

Ruth also worshipped at Hedge End, Fakenham and Stamford – near her officerdaughter – before entering residential care aged 92.

She relied heavily on God’s strength, comfort and support. – M. W.

RETIRED ENVOY MRS GWENDOLINE GRAINGER, MAIDENHEAD GWEN was born at Wokingham in 1919.

Her family were Methodists, but Gwen defected to the Army Sunday school.

Inviting Christ into her life in the 1920s, she became a person of firm conviction and commitment to God’s service.

After marriage to David, the family served at Wokingham – where, as YPSM, Gwen influenced many young lives – and Maidenhead. Following his promotion to Glory in 1974, she sought further service through home league leadership and became a divisional envoy at corps including Kingston, Wokingham and Chesham.

In retirement Gwen continued membership of the home league, over-60 and Cameo clubs. At the age of 90, she initiated a Cameo meeting for residents at her sheltered accommodation. Many thank God for her life and influence. – P. H.

Representatives from Poole Maternity Unit receive 595 handknitted woollen hats for newborn and premature babies from Boscombe’s Crafty Ladies fellowship

Salvationist 12 October 2013

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ADVERTS

Salvationist 12 October 2013

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Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each day Saturday May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

(Psalm 141:2)

Sunday Crown him the Lord of peace, Whose power a sceptre sways From pole to pole, that wars may cease And all be prayer and praise; His reign shall know no end, And round his piercèd feet Fair flowers of Paradise extend Their fragrance ever sweet.

(SASB 156)

Monday But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere.

For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.

(2 Corinthians 2:14 and 15)

Tuesday Songs of salvation are sounding Joyfully all the time; Rivers of grace are abounding In every land and clime; Life-giving waters are flowing Freely from Calvary; Heavenly breezes are blowing, Fragrance of purity.

(SASB 383)

Wednesday Then Mary took about half a litre of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. ( John 12:3)

Thursday His name yields the richest perfume, And sweeter than music his voice; His presence disperses my gloom And makes all within me rejoice.

(SASB 318)

Friday More than all my lips may utter, More than all I do or bring, Is the depth of my devotion To my Saviour, Lord and King.

Nothing less will keep me tender; Nothing less will keep me true; Nothing less will keep the fragrance And the bloom on all I do!

(SASB 591)

Praying around the world... Southern Africa The Salvation Army is committed to eliminating human trafficking in the territory and recently attended a sexuality exhibition in Johannesburg to distribute anti-human trafficking material and literature about The Salvation Army. Please pray that through the Army’s presence, the message of God’s love and hope will shine through.

Zimbabwean fisherman by JOHN MURRAY