Salvationist 13 April 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1700 Price 60p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 13 April 2019

DOING THEIR BEST SALVATION ARMY SCOUTS AND GUIDES

BAL O L PLUS G RMY THE HONG KONG AND MACAU COMMAND A

T CONTENTS

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

Feature I Lent resources Lent focus

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by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts

Lent reflection The words from the cross

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by Major John Waters

Global Army 10 and 11 Impacting communities Adapted from an article in Others magazine

Feature I Territorial Guiding and Scouting 12 and 13 Being prepared to support guides and scouts

by Simon Hope

Preview I Musical Theatre Day A triple-threat triumph

14

by Stephanie Lamplough

Interview Becoming generous disciples

15

with Denise Wilkinson

Bible study Suffering and death

16 and 17

by Major Roger Batt

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley

New commitments

18

Letters

19

Announcements

20 and 21

Adverts

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

A WILLING SACRIFICE A FEW years ago I decided to explore the area around IHQ, where I was based at the time. So for a year I used some of my lunch breaks to walk every street within London’s Roman city wall – and I discovered some fascinating places.

One discovery was Postman’s Park, which has a moving tribute to ‘heroic selfsacrifice’. It consists of a wall of plaques that describe how ‘everyday heroes’ lost their lives trying to save others. For example, one says: ‘William Fisher, aged nine, lost his life on Rodney Road, Walworth, while trying to save his little brother from being run over, July 12, 1886.’ A more recent plaque says: ‘Leigh Pitt, reprographic operator, aged 30, saved a drowning boy from the canal at Thamesmead, but sadly was unable to save himself, June 7, 2007.’

Sacrifice is generally thought to be an admirable thing. Although our society often emphasises self-fulfilment, self-gratification and self-improvement – all achieved by the easiest route possible – people still see value in sacrifice, even if they wouldn’t want to experience too much of it themselves!

The attitudes and actions of some people stand out from the culture of selfobsession, though. There are those who make sacrifices in order to reach a goal, such as athletes who give their time, spend their energy and adopt a rigorous lifestyle to achieve success. Our news pages this week include a report about Ian Richards, a world record-breaking Salvationist athlete, who is sure to have shown sacrificial dedication and discipline in achieving his success.

There are also all kinds of self-giving acts that are carried out to bring some good to the lives of others or some benefit to a cause people believe in. Parents might deny themselves expensive holidays or a larger house in order to afford a better education for their children, and people may be willing to do low-paid work or voluntary service overseas instead of a well-paid job at home. I’m sure you can think of many more examples.

If any group of people know what sacrifice means, it ought to be those who believe in the one who gave his life for the world and who are called to follow in his footsteps.

How might following Jesus sacrificially look for us today? The interview with Denise Wilkinson on page 15 gives part of the answer. She tells us that the Give to Grow programme is changing its name to Generous Discipleship because the emphasis is on giving all we have to God, not just our money. She points to the example of the 1st-century Christians in Macedonia who ‘placed themselves completely in God’s hands and allowed him to direct their lives and their giving’.

As we enter Holy Week and approach Good Friday, we may be moved by reflecting on the sacrifice Jesus made outside a city wall. More than that, we may be challenged to offer ourselves to him – willingly, generously and sacrificially – and allow him to take and use all that he has given us.

Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.

(SASB 208)

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featuring Alex Phillips

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

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Salvationist 13 April 2019

From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

COUPLES HAVE LOST FAITH IN RELIGIOUS WEDDING SERVICES

‘Zs HAVE DIFFERENT NOTION OF FRIENDS’

Religious ceremonies featured in less than a quarter of marriages as the number of couples choosing to marry in a place of worship dropped to an all-time low, figures show.

Young people ‘lack self-awareness’ in assessing the medium to long-term effects of social media on their mental wellbeing, a new report says.

There were 60,069 religious marriages in England and Wales in 2016, down by 4.1 per cent on 2015 and accounting for just 24 per cent of weddings, the Office for National Statistics said. Church weddings and other religious ceremonies accounted for 85 per cent of all marriages in 1900 and 66 per cent in the late 1960s.

The proportion dropped to 50 per cent in the mid-1970s and stabilised until the Marriage Act 1994. The act meant that couples no longer had to decide between a civil ceremony at a register office or a religious ceremony in church and could choose from grander civil venues such as hotels, stately homes or castles. The number of civil marriages now accounts for 76 per cent of weddings.

The Times

A NEW VIEW OF AGEING THAT RAISES QUESTIONS ‘Within a generation we will have to get rid of this idea of retiring. A 70-year-old should be somebody who goes to the office every day.’

The observation was made by Sanjeev Sanyal, global strategist at Deutsche Bank, commenting on a report that by 2050 the number of people aged over 65 will outnumber children

aged 5 and under for the first time in human history – a scenario with huge implications for government and business, including where to find future generations of taxpaying workers…

Global demographics are demanding a new view of ageing. The postretirement years are no longer seen as a swift descent into frailty, but as an extended middle age that can be fruitful and productive.

The Church of England Newspaper

The report, Gen Z: Digital Generation, published by Youth for Christ, says: ‘Many young people do not recognise that they might be addicted to their social media accounts or that social media may increase anxiety.

‘Generation Z seems to focus upon the immediate effects of social media as positive and calming, without giving much consideration to the longer-term implications upon who they are.’

Of the 1,001 teenagers interviewed for the study, 56 per cent said that social media made them happier; fewer than 5 per cent said that they felt more anxious or less confident respectively.

The report says: ‘There is a possibility that this generation has become so acclimatised to digital dependency and anxieties associated with social media that they are no longer recognised on their radar…’

The report also argues that social media and online dependency has changed the way in which young people think about relationships with their peers.

Church Times

PRO-LIFE STUDENTS DEFEAT ATTEMPTED BAN Students from the University of Glasgow have defeated an attempt to ban their pro-life group after issuing a legal challenge.

Glasgow students’ union had sought to prevent Glasgow Students for Life’s affiliation… But the latter argued successfully that this contravened the Equality

SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Tony Button – (tel) 020 7367 4893 Major Margaret Bovey DTP DESIGNER Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

Act 2010. Grace Deighan, the society’s president, said: ‘Given that there are pro-abortion and pro-euthanasia groups affiliated, we believe that it is only fair for the pro-life argument to have a place at the despatch box.’

Catholic Herald

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ISSN 2516-5909

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

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ALEX ROTAS

NEWS

Salvationist Olympian breaks world record TORUN, POLAND BRITISH Olympian Ian Richards, a Salvationist at Worthing, broke the world indoor record for the 3,000m race walk in the men’s 70 to 74-year-old age group (M74) at the World Masters Athletic Championships Indoor. Ian’s time of 15 minutes 19.64 seconds was almost 20 seconds faster than the previous world record, and by winning his race he helped Britain’s M70 team win silver medals for the championships.

Ian represented Great Britain in the men’s 50km race walk at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, finishing in 11th place, and won the M65 5,000m race walk at the World Masters Athletics Championships Indoor four years ago. – A. R.

LEICESTER SOUTH: Swansea Songsters presented three music-filled meetings to capacity congregations. The Saturday festival included ‘Hymns And Arias’, ‘Wonder, Love And Praise’ and ‘One Day’, a 25-minute musical accompanied by a multimedia presentation. – W. B.

Eaton Bray corps hall is full on Mother’s Day, with new people, children from the club and learner musicians included in the congregation 4

Salvationist 13 April 2019

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE: More than 60 people gathered for a weekend of teaching and fellowship in connection with South London Division’s Growing Leaders Programme. The weekend had two streams – youth and adults – and included time for networking, prayer, worship and lots of laughter. The final session, led by Divisional Commander Major Val Mylechreest, brought the two streams together. Many people responded to an invitation to dedicate their lives at the mercy seat. – I. W.

Introducing the international liaison officer for dialogue on human sexuality IHQ ON behalf of the General, the Chief of the Staff has announced the appointment of Major Julie Forrest as the international liaison officer for dialogue on human sexuality.

This appointment comes after consultation at the International Conference of Leaders in November 2017, which agreed to a commitment to ongoing dialogue and the preparation and distribution of resources to assist conversations in territories around the world.

Out of this dialogue came a recommendation that a ‘champion’ be appointed at IHQ to encourage and support the efforts of territories in carrying out conversations on this theme.

Julie will be the point person

at International Headquarters.

She will work with territories, commands and regions in gathering feedback on present efforts, engaging with point persons in each location and, where requested, facilitating training opportunities for conversation facilitators. Julie will also work closely with the International Social Justice Commission, International Theological Council and International Moral And Social Issues Council, as further resources are developed.

The Chief of the Staff encouraged people to pray for Julie ‘as she assumes this key role in enabling Salvationists’ dialogue around the world about this important element of holy living in the 21st century’. – A. R.

Several animals attend a bring your pet to church day arranged by the parent-and-toddler group at Eastbourne Old Town

Thai TV company visits Salvation Army bus project CARDIFF

On her 89th birthday Nan Buchanan retires from active service at Erskine; Nan is pictured with the two youngest members of the corps, Cameron and Lois Hutt, and corps officer Major David Wing

THAILAND’S PPTV spent an afternoon and evening filming The Salvation Army’s bus project in Cardiff, as part of the ‘Around The World With Karuna’ series, which reports on social, political and cultural issues.

The Salvation Army’s bus parks in Cathays Park, Cardiff ’s civic centre, five evenings each week and works with other charities helping people experiencing homelessness to find a bed for the night, and provides refreshments, warm clothing and bedding.

After receiving permission from the Army to film the bus project, the company decided to make a report about homelessness in Cardiff and what is being done to help those experiencing it.

‘The bus project is part of an Army tradition of going out on the streets to meet people in need and providing support,’ said Yvonne Connolly, Homelessness Services Unit Regional Manager. ‘It was a pleasure to welcome PPTV and we thank them warmly for taking an interest in our work.’ – A. R. Salvationist 13 April 2019

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NEWS

Waltham Abbey corps officer Major Sharon King presents a bouquet to Rene McCracken on Mothering Sunday, which was Rene’s 100th birthday

KILMARNOCK: Sarah McDonald and Ruby Whitaker hosted a fundraising ceilidh to support their respective future ventures. Sarah is hoping to join a school aid programme visiting Malawi next year, and Ruby is visiting Japan this year with the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra.

Friends formed the ceilidh band for the evening. – E. F.

BIRKENHEAD: An afternoon prayer walk in the town centre included prayers outside supermarkets and a coffee shop where people will be able to see the Good Friday walk of witness. – A. T.

Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

A representative from The Lions Clubs International, Christine Scriven, presents Market Rasen corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter with a cheque for £200, which will go towards the community fund; also pictured are programme manager Corps Treasurer Ida Franklin and charity shop volunteer Tom Steer 6

Salvationist 13 April 2019

CLOWNE: More than 50 people attended a Thursday Night Together bowls evening arranged by Tony Heap. The eight competing teams brought laughter and cheers from the audience, and raised £130 for corps funds. Pictured with Tony is the winning team of Matt Widdowson, James Baddams, Alex Sennett and Jordan Coates. – M. N.

SOUTH LONDON: More than 300 people from throughout the division gathered for spring tea parties at Staines and Catford, themed Bloomin’ Marvellous. The event featured the divisional band, Staines Ladies’ Voices, Bromley Community Choir, the South London Fellowship Band and the DHQ team, who not only led the event but also formed a ukulele band. Guest soloist Jonathan Searle (flugelhorn, Boscombe) played at both events and Director of Family Ministries Major David Betteridge (THQ) was the guest speaker. The events raised £600 for the helping-hand appeal. – I. W.

Salvation Army rehabilitation clinic receives praise GLOUCESTER HOUSE

PAISLEY: A capacity crowd attended the first family service when the recently formed learners band took part. The young people and adult learners featured ‘Jericho’ and ‘Silver Trumpet’, after which Abigail McDonald and Harmonie Heron used sign language as ‘Father, We Adore You’ was played. James Barton-Crawford was the bass soloist and his sister, Abbey, joined Anneroy and Rhiah RakeshKannen in playing the cornet trio ‘Abide With Me’. – C. T. Josephine Cooper, Joan Barber, Dorothy Jones and CSM Mary Booth arrange Mother’s Day gifts at Tunstall

GLOUCESTER House is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation clinic that houses 13 people. In its annual report the Care Quality Commission gave the clinic an overall rating of ‘outstanding’. The report notes that staff respect the residents’ privacy and dignity, valuing them as individuals and treating them with compassion and kindness.

One resident said that Gloucester House is a loving and caring environment and it gives people space to identify issues and deal with them. Another resident stated that he had been ‘loved back to life’.

Susan Tollington, service manager of Gloucester House, said: ‘This is a caring, calming and supportive environment where we recognise and understand the damage caused to individuals, families and communities through substance misuse. This latest report really is testament to the hard work, professionalism and kindness of our talented team and I am very proud of them.’ – A. R.

One-man sleep-out to fight homelessness LOCHGELLY HARRY Webster made the corps proud when he undertook a lone sleep-out to raise money to help people experiencing homelessness. He also happened to choose the coldest night of the year to do so.

He pitched his one-man tent in Benarty Miners Memorial Garden, not only raising money but also attracting a lot of interest from the community, which gave him an opportunity to highlight the work of The Salvation Army.

Harry presented Assistant Territorial Director of Homelessness Services (North) Malcolm Page with a cheque for £2,445, which will support Edinburgh’s Niddry Street Regener8+ Project. – M. M.

BIRKENHEAD: Members of the Mother’s Day congregation wrote blessings and placed them on a cross, while being encouraged to pray aloud at the same time.

Corps officer Major Jonathan Hamilton spoke about the ‘Spoon family’, relating spiritual lives and gifts to spoons. Everyone celebrated with the mothers present, and reflected on the special women in their lives. – A. T.

On Mothering Sunday at Waltham Abbey each mother present received a music box and a pot plant

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Helen Bowman from Ringwood Corps celebrates her 105th birthday

Guisborough corps pianist Joan Welburn, aged 90 and registered blind, plays piano for three hours raising more than £700 for cancer research; her repertoire included Army marches, songs and hymns, classical tunes, songs from musicals and wartime favourites Salvationist 13 April 2019

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FEATURE Lent resources

LENT FOCUS

by Secretary for Spiritual Life Development LieutColonel Jayne Roberts URING this final week of Lent, and over the Easter weekend, you are invited to pray with Scripture, to meditate on God’s word and seek to apply the daily text personally.

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Sunday 14 April – Palm Sunday ‘Jesus found a young donkey and sat upon it, as it is written: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt” (John 12:14 and 15).

Jesus entered Jerusalem as a humble pilgrim. Did anyone in the city recognise that this was the fulfilment of Zechariah’s ancient prophecy? May our hearts be full of praise today for our humble Lord.

Monday 15 April ‘The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Very truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it

produces many seeds’ (John 12:23 and 24).

Jesus continues to teach his disciples, even in his final days. May we pray for a willingness to commit our lives to the Lord, whatever the cost, that we may be fruitful disciples.

Tuesday 16 April ‘And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself’ (John 12:32).

Jesus said this to show the kind of death he was going to die. These words have been fulfilled through the years. The cross of Calvary has changed the world. Pray that during this Holy Week the witness of Christ’s followers will continue to bring people to Jesus.

Wednesday 17 April ‘It was just before the Passover Festival. Jesus knew that the hour had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end’ (John 13:1).

Take time today to think about the love expressed here by Jesus for ‘his own’, his disciples. How might this prompt you to express love in actions and attitudes to those closest to you?

Thursday 18 April – Maundy Thursday ‘Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him’ (John 13:16).

Jesus shares precious truths about being a servant and being a messenger. Let us pray that we may not only know but also do these things and enjoy the blessings promised by our Lord.

Friday 19 April – Good Friday ‘When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit’ (John 19:30).

On this day Jesus was crucified on the cross of Calvary. From the moment he said ‘It is finished’ our salvation was assured. Thank you, Jesus, for your amazing love!

Saturday 20 April ‘Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders’ (John 19:38).

May this verse inspire prayers for followers of Christ who, even in our day and age, must be secret disciples in lands where Christians are oppressed and persecuted. May God grant them his strength and protection.

Sunday 21 April – Easter Day ‘Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed’ (John 20:8).

On this Easter Day may we be found rejoicing with those who have not seen the risen Christ but who nevertheless believe.

Let us thank God for the blessings received during our Lenten journey. He is risen! Hallelujah!

The Lent Focus appears in Prayer Matters, January to April 2019

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LENT R EFLE EF LECT LE CTIO CT ION IO N LENT REFLECTION

The words from the cross Major John Waters continues his series for Lent, reflecting on ‘the word of triumph’

‘I

T is finished’ (John 19:30). In Greek the saying we considered last week, ‘I am thirsty’, is a single word of just four letters, and this week’s saying is also brief. In English we need three words but in Greek it is just one word – tetelestai – one triumphant acclamation: ‘It is finished.’

It is possible, but not certain, that John gives us the word that is simply described by the other evangelists as a ‘loud cry’. If we are right in thinking that the cry of despair – ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Mark 15:34) – reveals Jesus as accepting and suffering the ultimate consequence of sin, then this shout shows that he also emerges from that despairing abyss.

But what was finished? The verse does not give any detail. The same Greek word is used previously in John 19:28: ‘Later, knowing that everything had now been finished…’ In this case the English translation of the Greek tetelestai is ‘everything had now been finished’, but again the verse provides no detail of what Jesus had in mind.

We are, however, provided with a clue by the phrase that follows these words in verse 28: ‘…and so that Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” He was then offered wine vinegar. We may then suppose that what has been finished is the fulfilment of the series of Old Testament references, in this case Psalm 69:21: ‘They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.’ But it can just as correctly be linked with what precedes verse 28. The verse begins with the word ‘later’ – literally ‘after this’ – which in Greek suggests an indeterminate length of time and may refer specifically

to the Crucifixion, described in verses 23 to 27, or to much more.

Of course, this fulfilment of Scripture is more profound than the mere ticking of Old Testament texts and, however it is translated, we may deduce that in the life of Jesus the purpose of the Scriptures had been accomplished.

There was nothing left undone, nothing still to be done. All that the Father had desired and expected had been offered to the world; both the revelation of love and the deed of love were complete. In Jesus’ life the good news of redemption had been personified, so that the great cry of ‘It is finished’ is not the weary outburst of defeat but a declaration of victory – an anticipation of the Resurrection.

The powers of death have done their worst, But Christ their legions hath dispersed: Let shouts of holy joy outburst, Alleluia!

(SASB 233) Still on the cross and not yet dead, Jesus is confident in the justness of his cause and in the mercy of the Father. We cannot be sure which saying is the precise wording of the

‘loud cry’, or even whether that was another word altogether, but we can be assured that on the lips of Jesus ‘It is finished’ expresses the confidence that will also be considered next week in the final saying, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ (Luke 23:46).

But, before we conclude this week, it might be profitable to look at another occurrence of the word ‘finished’ that is used in a similar context. As the apostle Paul contemplates his probable execution, which he likens to an offering, he writes his testimony: ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith’ (2 Timothy 4:7). What he meant by this is probably expressed in the charge he gives to his young friend in the preceding verses – to work tirelessly, courageously and with due care in proclaiming the gospel – which is summed up in the final phrase: ‘Discharge all the duties of your ministry’ (v5).

Although there may be different ways of accomplishing that charge it remains the vocation of the disciple. And, as in Jesus, the medium and the message become one, so that we are called to be like him, to live and be the good news, and to finish and fulfil the duties of our ministry.

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All that the Father had desired and expected had been offered to the world; both the revelation of love and the deed of love were complete

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MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR

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Impacting communities

G How well do you know the Salvation Army world? This month we give an overview of the Hong Kong and Macau Command

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HE Hong Kong and Macau Command includes Hong Kong, Macau (Special Administrative Regions of the People’s Republic of China) and mainland China. The command is part of The Salvation Army’s South Pacific and East Asia Zone.

Self-Denial Appeal Walkathon, Hong Kong HISTORY The Army’s first service in China was to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees in Peking (now Beijing) in 1916 after an unstable political environment had forced millions of people to move there for food and shelter. The Army expanded across mainland China over the following decades, establishing hospitals and orphanages in places like Beijing, Shijiazhuang and Tianjin.

The Army reached Hong Kong in 1930 where the government asked it to work with girls and women. This was directed from the North China Territory (Peking) until 1935, when the South China Command was established in Canton to promote wide evangelistic and welfare operations. In 1939 Hong Kong became the Army’s administrative centre.

In the early 1940s, during the SinoJapanese war, The Salvation Army set up food kitchens to feed thousands of hungry refugees daily. When the Second World War ended in 1945 schools and orphanages were opened to meet the needs of children.

Political unrest in China resulted in the Army’s services being suspended in 1951. However, the social environment in Hong Kong throughout the 1950s became stable and the Army established schools and provided social services to cope with the increasing welfare demands of the community. As services expanded to include emergency relief, recycling and family 10

Salvationist 13 April 2019

Lam Butt Chung Memorial School, Hong Kong

Learning Lear Le a ni ar ning ng tto o co cook ok a att Jo Joy y Fa Fami Family mily mi ly Integrated Service Centre, Macau Inte In tegr te grat gr ated at ed S e vi er vice ce C entr en trre, e, M acau ac au

stores, corps were also opened in various districts.

The Salvation Army re-established its presence in China in 1988 when a major earthquake struck the Gengma County of Yunnan. Emergency relief and rehabilitation work was carried out in Qiao’ai village.

A pioneer officer was appointed to the Special Administrative Region of Macau in 1999 and Salvation Army work officially began there in March 2000 with the establishment of the Iao Hon Corps and Community Service Centre.

In 2001 a Salvation Army officer was appointed to the North/North Eastern Project Office, Beijing, and by 2007 the Army had established a permanent base in the north district.

the Joy Family Integrated Service Centre in 2014 and the Macau Learning Centre in 2017.

As part of the Whole World Mobilising campaign in 2017 the command shared God’s love in action through 160 community activities, including home visits, Bible study camps, seminars, carnivals, community prayer activities and concerts. Many new people were contacted and introduced to the ministry of The Salvation Army.

The Army’s regional offices in the Yunnan and Sichuan provinces of mainland China received official government recognition and registration in September 2017. This gave them legal approval to conduct activities such as disaster relief and recovery, community development, social services, educational programmes and – at the invitation of Provincial Christian Councils – permission to partner local congregations in religious activities.

RECENT PROGRESS In recent years, two important Salvation Army centres have been established –

Supporting survivors of the earthquake in Yunnan Province, China, 2014

INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS Several international Salvation Army projects are active and making an impact in communities.

Left Behind education project This project aims to promote mental health for rural children in China who are left behind when their parents leave home to work in other locations.

Children are given a counselling-based art and drawing book containing art exercises, emotional education and storytelling. This content invites children to express their distress and the hardships they face, through art, and with a trusted adult. The project has brought benefit to almost 3,500 children and 91 teachers.

Assistance to people with disabilities In May 2008 an earthquake of magnitude 8 on the Richter scale struck Sichuan Province, causing huge damage to Mianzhu City and leaving more than 1,800 people with permanent disabilities. The Salvation Army partnered the Mianzhu Federation for the Disabled to provide suitable auxiliary facilities for the 180 disabled families in

Mianzhu City, helping them to overcome their difficulties and start a new life.

The project provided training in relevant skills and knowledge, psychological counselling with faith-based facilitation and caring for volunteers. This enabled people living with disabilities to care for themselves more effectively, and participate more confidently in daily life and community activities. They were encouraged to express and release emotions such as sadness, sorrow and anxiety brought about by the earthquake.

The project also resulted in a greater awareness of those with disabilities and concern for them.

Agricultural training and microcredit groups These projects aim to help poor fruit growers through professional training programmes to improve their skills and reap a greater harvest. Two project villages had a 100 per cent attendance rate. The participants improved their skills and showed more enthusiasm in learning technical skills.

The Salvation Army has also launched poverty alleviation projects in many places in Luoyang City, and fruit farmers are some of the beneficiaries. These

THE COMMAND AT A GLANCE

2,496 senior soldiers 442 junior soldiers 20 adherent members 53 officers (34 active, 19 retired)

2,546 employees 16 corps 21 institutions 31 schools projects are often focused on women, who are left behind when their husbands leave the farms to find work in cities.

The Salvation Army hopes to extend the project further, lifting more farmers out of poverty and improving their lives.

O Adapted from an article in Others magazine

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FEATURE Territorial Guiding and Scouting

BEING PREPARED TO SUPPORT GUIDES AND SCOUTS Members of the Territorial Guiding and Scouting Advisory Board tell Simon Hope about some exciting developments

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HE Salvation Army has had strong links with the BadenPowell (B-P) organisations (Girlguiding and Scouts) for more than a century. In fact, in the early days, Robert Baden-Powell (the founder of Scouts) corresponded with William Booth about the potential of a partnership, with the idea that working hand in hand would greatly benefit each other. Today there are around 130 guiding and 20 scouting units sponsored by Salvation Army corps up and down the territory.

The aims of the B-P sections have always complemented those of the Army. They include the development of the physical, emotional and spiritual characteristics of young people, with the aim of helping them become valuable members of society. The Salvation Army works alongside the groups to reach out to young people everywhere, even going as far as to appoint territorial guide and scout co-ordinators. These co-ordinators make up the Territorial Guiding and Scouting Advisory Board alongside members of the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit.

The spiritual aspect of the wider guiding and scouting movement has waned over time, but Salvation Armysponsored groups take special interest in the faith lives of their members.

‘It’s not necessarily about coming along to church parades,’ explains Rob Christie, Group Scout Leader for 4th Medway (Salvation Army) Scout Group.

‘It’s more about the way leaders act and the way the programme is run completely in line with Army beliefs.’ To this end, a lot of Salvationist leaders will finish group meetings with prayer, which 12

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The 4th Medway (Salvation Army) Scout Group, based at Chatham Corps, is the first to receive the Corps Officer Award

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The aims of the B-P sections have always complemented those of the Army

is not common among non-Salvation Army units.

To emphasise this spiritual aspect the Army is continuing to build closer relationships between individual guide and scout groups and their corps.

‘It’s very much about acknowledging the group as part of the whole church,’ says Children’s Specialist for Leader Development Tracy Wood (THQ).

‘They’re not just a bolt-on. There are lots of things that you can do, but you’ve got to have the right leaders to acknowledge that each other exists.’

One thing that guiding and scouting is well known for is the opportunities it gives to achieve awards and badges.

The Army has had its own badge – the General’s Award – for a long time, but only a handful of people have achieved it in the past ten years. This is probably because of its level of difficulty and inaccessibility.

’

In an effort to make the award more attainable, and to deepen these links between B-P groups and their sponsoring corps, the board has created a series of three lesser badges to work as stepping-stones: the Corps Officer, Divisional Commander and Territorial Commander Awards. These are available only to Salvation Armysponsored groups.

Territorial Guide Co-ordinator Sue Matthews explains what the new awards entail: ‘The Corps Officer Award is for beavers and rainbows (five to eightyear-olds). They’ll have to be able to recognise the corps officer and YPSM, take part in an act of worship and know who William Booth was. They will also be introduced to the Army flag and will have to colour it in. It involves a lot of activity and meeting people, and it will be the first step in introducing the young people to the building that they’re in and some of the activities that go on there.

‘The awards then build up. The Divisional Commander Award is for the

RECOGNISING A LIFETIME OF SCOUTING

Neil Bolland (left)

TERRITORIAL Scout Co-ordinator Neil Bolland has served scouting for more than 50 years. Salvationist caught up with him to learn about some of his experiences…

Neil, what drew you to scouting all those years ago?

In 1967 as I travelled home from work I would pass the Army hall in Batley. On Tuesday evenings I would see ten or twelve cubs waiting for their leader to arrive. After a few weeks the number of boys waiting got smaller and smaller and was down to five or six.

I approached our officer about my concerns and he suggested that I ‘fill the void’ for a month or so. Our officers changed about a month later and our new officers suggested I should carry on the job – and so I did!

What has been your biggest highlight?

My biggest and most satisfying scouting highlight has been our friendship with a group from southern Sweden.

It was our first international experience and we decided that we would visit southern Sweden, choosing to camp at Hörr’s Nygård campsite in Skåne. During the first few days a small group of scouts arrived from Vellinge Scout Group. We got on extremely well together and talked about meeting again.

Over the next 25 years our troops camped together every 2 years, alternating between our countries. We had our own flag and our camp group was called VellBat, a combination of Vellinge and Batley. While the connections between troops slipped away with changes in leadership, many friendships are still as strong as they originally were.

next age group and introduces the brownies and cub scouts to more people in the corps and more of the things that go on during the week. By the time they get to the General’s Award (for age 14 years or more) they should be challenging their faith a little bit and running meetings and worship sessions.

‘We just felt that there was something needed before that top level because, in the old system, they suddenly started it at 14 years old and were expected to have a lot of knowledge and understanding about the Army, and they might not even be Salvationists. The

What could you say to encourage more people to get involved in scouting?

It doesn’t matter whether you are a child or an adult, if you truly involve yourself in scouting there are so many positive life-changing opportunities lying in wait.

You belong to a group of friends who immediately embrace you into the scouting friendship. B-P sections provide countless opportunities to learn new and useful skills.

What was your favourite scouting experience?

There have been lots and lots of happy and useful experiences over the years. Seeing young people achieve their scouting dreams and overcome personal difficulties, and listening to scouts who recall how scouting helped them in their adult working life are high on my list.

new awards will help members learn exactly what it means to be a member of a sponsored unit.’

Another new resource designed to bring the Christian influence back into guiding and scouting is the Army’s new B-P prayer manual. Your Prayer Manual For Outdoor Adventures is designed to help guides, scouts and leaders better connect with God through daily Bible readings, activities, applications and prayers.

‘Other countries have used prayer books for guides and scouts for a long time,’ says Rob. ‘We would go to international jamborees with our pieces of paper that were nothing special and everyone else would be pulling out wonderful waterproof things that they’d obviously developed over years.’ The advisory board launched the booklet during last year’s territorial camp, using it to guide the entire week’s programme and tie everything together. It was a great success.

For the upcoming Scoutmob 2019 –

The Salvation Army’s World Jamboree – guides and scouts from up and down the territory will be travelling to France to celebrate the centenary year of French Salvation Army scouting. This year members from the UK and the Republic of Ireland have relinquished their scrappy bits of paper and will instead be prepared with their brand new prayer manuals.

Your Prayer Manual For Outdoor Activities is available for free by contacting the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit at THQ at youthchildren@salvationarmy.org.uk

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For more information about the Army’s guiding and scouting programme, including the location of your nearest group, contact Sue Matthews at sue. matthews@salvationarmy.org.uk, Neil Bolland at neil.bolland@talktalk.net or the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit by emailing youthchildren @salvationarmy.org.uk

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PREVIEW Musical Theatre Day

A TRIPLE-THREAT TRIUMPH Assistant Director for Music and Creative Arts (Creative Arts) Stephanie Lamplough shares how Musical Theatre Day is still alive and thriving

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AST year’s Musical Theatre Day set out to bring the Army’s musical theatre heritage back to life for a new generation. While initially unsure how well the day would be received, the Music and Creative Arts Unit (MACA) recognised that there was a lot of interest in musical theatre, especially among young children.

‘At first we were a little unsure,’ explains Steph. ‘We weren’t sure if we would even get 25 to 30 people. That’s what we were aiming for. In the end we had a total of 57! We’ve set a limit of 60 delegates this year because 57 worked perfectly.’

After the resounding success, MACA is hosting another day of singing, dancing and drama, this year on 4 May. Just like last year, young people will have the opportunity to take part in all three disciplines involved in musical theatre. The fact that everyone gets to take part in everything is a key part of the day. Steph says: ‘We got a lot of feedback last year, and a lot of the young people said they enjoyed the fact that they didn’t have to pick just one. If you go to summer school you often have to pick a single subject. But in musical theatre it’s called a triple threat because all three disciplines are of equal importance.’

This year’s featured musical is Booth,

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Salvationist 13 April 2019

written in 2000 by Graham Lamplough and Major Richard Mingay (Regent Hall). ‘My initial instinct was to go for another Gowans and Larsson musical,’ explains Steph. ‘But I thought it was important to shake it up a little. I think it’s really important to show that there are other Army musicals out there and that the two Johns actually inspired other people to write.

‘Booth highlights the ideas of human trafficking and The Salvation Army’s campaign to raise the age of consent, which are so topical at the moment. But it also brings to light the relationship between William and Catherine. It has the historical facts but also a lot of comedy and light-heartedness. It’s a well-rounded show.’

The inspiration for Booth came from a desire to write an inspirational, but relatable, history of The Salvation Army.

‘It captures the enthusiasm of all those early officers,’ Richard enthuses. ‘Booth himself was only 36 years old at the time of starting the Christian Mission.

We think of him as this old guy in his eighties with his great long white beard, but he was young, really energetic and fit.

‘We also tried to capture the darkness and evil that was about, and Booth’s early, primitive, Salvationist theology of soup, soap and salvation. It was all about getting men and women out of the darkness of sin and into the colour of salvation.’

The young people will also have the opportunity to perform a variety of songs from contemporary musicals led by specialist teachers in singing, dancing and drama, culminating in a concert at the end of the day.

‘

It captures the enthusiasm of all those early officers

’

‘It’s a massive day,’ Steph says. ‘It starts at 9 am for registration and the concert finishes by 9 pm, so it’s shattering but well worth it. Last year everybody enjoyed it so much. And what was really nice was the fact that most people came on their own from corps.

They didn’t come in big groups so they made lots of new friends.

‘I remember that MACA director Stephen Cobb noted that, out of the 57 children who attended, he knew only a few of them. So about 50 kids were new to MACA; they didn’t go to TYB or TYC and they haven’t gone to any of the other events that we run. Now they have found something within MACA that they enjoy. It was a no-brainer to do the day again.

‘One of the aims of Musical Theatre Day is to give the children an opportunity to meet up with friends they made last year. We want to rekindle friendships and encourage new ones.

We hope that the young people will look forward to going and having a good time together.’

Musical Theatre Day takes place on 4 May at Regent Hall. Download an application form by visiting salvationarmy.org.uk/mmu-events

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For more information about music and creative arts events and activities contact MACA at music@salvationarmy. org.uk or contact your Regional Specialist for Music and Creative Arts

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INTERVIEW

BECOMING GENEROUS DISCIPLES The Give to Grow programme is changing to become Generous Discipleship. But it’s more than just a new name, as Generous Discipleship Co-ordinator Denise Wilkinson (THQ) explains to Salvationist WHAT WAS GIVE TO GROW AND WHY IS IT CHANGING? Give to Grow has been running since 2008, after having been introduced as Planned Giving in the 1990s. It is a biblical resource to help people understand the importance of giving generously and sacrificially. Over the past five years around sixty corps have taken part at some point, and it has definitely made a difference, helping people to consider their monetary giving. One corps is undertaking its tenth renewal this year, which is an excellent achievement as the corps family has taken ownership to ensure that giving remains an essential part of its spiritual development.

However, comments from corps across the territory highlighted the need for change, so some corps leaders met with a group from THQ to discuss what was working well and what needed to be changed to make the teaching more relevant.

WHAT WAS THE OUTCOME? U CO Traditionally, when we talked about giving, it was about giving our money. In ng ourselves back to reality it’s about giving God so that he can use everything we ort our corps. As have to offer to support e should talk about followers of Christ we giving in terms of ourr time, skills and ur money. That’s abilities as well as our e discussions. what came out of the ard from still wanted The people we heard the four principles of Give to Grow: -to-lay teaching, biblical teaching; lay-to-lay which means getting people within the

corps to talk to others in the corps; an act of hospitality that brings people together, usually a meal; and an act of commitment or pledge. However, it was felt that the emphasis should be broadened so that all areas of giving were included.

This new emphasis is reflected in the new name, Generous Discipleship.

While the theme of the teaching will be under the banner of ‘Generous Living – Generous Giving’, exploring what it means to use the ‘currencies’ God has given us – our time, skills, abilities and money – we still need to remember that being generous in other ways does not negate the need to be faithful in the giving of our financial resources.

Just think about God’s creation and how he has provided everything we have. His generosity sets the example we should reflect in our own giving.

WILL IT BE RUN IN A NEW WAY? We will still invite corps to do a threeyear cycle, as it’s about the journey of developing and growing in our understanding of what God expects from us. We now suggest that the whole corps community should be involved, as we have people connected to our corps who might not be part of the worshipping community. Some of our most generous people, particularly with time and skills, are those that are not there on a Sunday, yet they come and share with us by volunteering, helping with foodbanks or serving in a café. There is much that we

can learn from their generous natures.

The advisers now work in a much more flexible way with corps. This enables us to tailor what is required to meet the specific needs of a corps, thus negating ‘one approach fits all’. In most cases the conversation doesn’t start with a question about money, it starts with: ‘Tell me about what you do here and why you’re doing it.’ It’s a missional conversation not a financial conversation, and it opens up all the different areas that corps might need to look at.

Sometimes that will be about money, but we hope it will include other areas of mission and interaction with the community.

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE? We already have a number of resources on the Enabling Mission website and are looking to include additional Bible studies and links through to other resources that corps can download and use.

WHEN IS GENEROUS DISCIPLESHIP BEGINNING? It’s available now! We’re already in conversation with corps, the divisional mission enablers are getting the word out and we’re going to introduce it at a number of divisional events.

Over the past couple of years I have regularly returned to the words of Paul, writing about the Macedonian churches: ‘They gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability’ (2 Corinthians Co t a s8 8:3). They gave everything they had, des despite having very little, because they had placed themselves completely in God’s hands and allowed him to direct their lives and their giving – even then tthey didn’t think it was enough! It wo would be great if we could follow the Ma Macedonians’ example and become the g generous church that God wants us to b be.

For more in information about Generous Discipleship vvisit enablingmission.org. uk or call Denise De on 020 7367 4935

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BIBLE STUDY

Suffering and death Major Roger Batt explores the differing responses onlookers have to Jesus STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 23:26–49

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HEN one of our children was young, they had to go to a dental hospital to have a number of teeth extracted. As they lay on the bed waiting for the operation, I had an overwhelming desire to take their place. I wanted to take their pain rather than see them suffer. If ever I needed an up-close reminder of what Jesus went through in his suffering and death for me, then here it was.

QUESTION O What experience has led you to consider what Jesus went through in his suffering and death for you?

In our Scripture passage, we see how a number of people got caught up in the suffering and death of Jesus and how their stories connected with Jesus’ story.

The first person we read about is Simon from Cyrene. Here was someone who lived a long way from Jesus – Cyrene was more than 700

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

by Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley

miles from Jerusalem – yet, in carrying the cross, Simon came very close to Jesus in his suffering.

QUESTION O How do you seize moments to celebrate how Jesus has taken you from a distant place of suffering without him to a place of rejoicing and living with him?

In the crowd, some women saw Jesus and responded to his suffering as they ‘mourned and wailed for him’ (v27). Jesus noticed them and their reaction. He engaged with them, saying: ‘Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children’ (v28).

These women were different from those who had called out for Jesus to be crucified. However, in calling them ‘daughters of Jerusalem’, Jesus identified them as part of this crowd and this city.

Although they witnessed his suffering, they failed to see their need to mourn over their sins and

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals – one on his right, the other on his left.

There is a green hill far away,/ Without a city wall,/ Where the dear Lord was crucified/ Who died to save us all.

(SASB 203)

Jesus said: ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.’ And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

(Luke 23:34)

(Luke 23:33)

Prayer

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Lord Jesus, thank you for dying that we might have our sins forgiven. We have a debt of love that we can never repay. Help us to share the knowledge of that love with our family, friends, neighbours and others we meet.

recognise Jesus as their saviour.

Effectively, Jesus was saying: ‘You see me in my suffering, but you don’t know me in my suffering.’

QUESTION O How do we create a rhythm in life where we stop to say to Jesus: ‘I want to know you in your suffering and I want to know you in my suffering’?

In many ways, Simon and the women were innocent bystanders who got dragged or drawn into being part of Jesus’ walk of suffering through the streets of Jerusalem.

By contrast, the criminals who were crucified next to him, were guilty participants in Jesus’ suffering and death.

Two criminals were led out with Jesus to die. Their reactions of being with him in death typify people’s responses to him.

One hurls insults and mocks his miraculous powers; the other asks Jesus to remember him when he comes into his Kingdom.

We are told nothing about what Jesus says to the one who hurls the insults. However, to the one who shows remorse and repentance, Jesus assures him: ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43).

QUESTION When we find ourselves standing

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between sin and sorrow, what can we learn from Jesus about how to respond?

We also see that others contribute to or get involved in Jesus’ suffering.

Some people stood watching, while the rulers sneered at him saying: ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One’ (v35).

Soldiers also join in. They challenge him, saying that as the King of the Jews he should have the authority and power to save himself.

The cruelty of obvious and blatant suffering is going on here. The very nature and purpose of God in Jesus is being attacked and accused on all levels – physically, emotionally and spiritually.

QUESTION O When the authority Jesus has placed within us is under attack, how do we react?

Eventually, we come to the place where Jesus’ suffering comes to an abrupt end. Darkness falls over the whole land. To the black skies Jesus calls out: ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ (v46). When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Jesus’ suffering and death cause different reactions in those standing nearby. Luke tells us that a centurion – one of his military guards –

experiences something deeply significant and sacred, and, seeing what had happened, praises God and says: ‘Surely this was a righteous man’ (v47).

For others, Jesus’ suffering and death are traumas that cause great sorrow as ‘they beat their breasts and went away’ (v48). For those who knew him, Jesus’ suffering and death were deeply sobering as they ‘stood at a distance, watching these things’ (v49).

QUESTION What do Jesus’ words ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ mean to us?

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As we begin our journey into Holy Week, may our prayer be: Lord, make Calvary real to me.

MAJOR BATT IS DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, NORTH-WEST ENGLAND AND NORTH WALES

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

O dearly, dearly, has he loved/ And we must love him too,/ And trust in his redeeming blood/ And try his works to do.

(SASB 203)

Then he [one of the criminals] said: ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.’

He died that we might be forgiven,/ He died to make us good,/ That we might go at last to Heaven,/ Saved by his precious blood.

(SASB 203)

It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the Temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.’ When he had said this, he breathed his last.

(Luke 23:42 and 43)

‘

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing

’

(Luke 23:44–46)

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NEW COMMITMENTS

Some photos removed

MINSTER: Corps officers Captains Katy and Luke Johnson enrolled (back) Reuben and Esther Johnson, Tiggy Were and Sarah Odero, and (front) George and Ben Horsley and Raphy and Euphy Were as junior soldiers. The children took part throughout the service and, after they were enrolled, chose the song ‘We Are The Free’ to celebrate their special commitments. – L. J.

HECKMONDWIKE: Rachel Armstrong was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Lieutenant Hannah Lee. Rachel testified that God had led her to The Salvation Army and, sharing verses from Philippians 4:11–13, said that through strength from God she had learnt to be happy in all circumstances, and God had enabled her to make positive changes in her life.

Pictured with Rachel and Hannah is Major Ray Mackereth, holding the flag. – H. L.

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD: Corps officer Major Peter Clark enrolled Oran Smyth as a junior soldier.

Oran was able to answer correctly several questions about the Army flag, and tribute was paid to Sandra Wilkinson, who guided him through his preparation classes. Oran expressed a determination to tell his friends about Jesus. – R. B.

LUTON: Collean Jeche was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Ralph Walker. Collean is a high school teacher and is part of the leadership team teaching teenagers in Sunday school. He is also a member of the senior band, having taught himself to play the trombone. – R. W. KEIGHLEY: Corps officer Lieutenant Rebecka Cotterill welcomed four adherent members and enrolled one soldier, all of whom spoke of the warm welcome they received at the corps and looked forward to serving the community through the Army. Pictured are new adherent members Julie and Ian Newbold and Esther and Harry Carson, and new soldier Kath Foster.

David Longstaff is holding the flag. – B. C. 18

Salvationist 13 April 2019

LETTERS

STONES CREATING MAJOR RIPPLES AS I began reading through Major Robert Stones’ responses to ‘The Salvation Army and me’ questions (Salvationist 23 February), I quickly realised that the men living in our residence needed to hear his story or, more specifically, his testimony.

First, I was hooked that he followed the Salvation Army band to the corps and stayed. My great-grandfather did that as well, and seven generations have been impacted.

Second, he heard his captain’s message on salvation and wondered whether he was really saved or not. He made it his business to become a real child of God. Third, he and his yet unknown wife were called to officership, a call they answered, and then served faithfully until retirement. They ran the race and were deemed worthy.

Finally, he found that new ways are not always necessary, but that sometimes the tried and true ones still work.

These four topics have been taught at our centre regularly, which is why his testimony stood out and why I thought it appropriate to remind the men of this.

So, for the Sunday morning holiness meeting on 10 March I taught again the necessary truths that the major outlined and has lived his life modelling.

But it didn’t stop there. I taught the men his favourite songs, ‘The Golden Stair’ and ‘I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord’. They really liked them both.

Together we read and pondered his favourite Scripture passage: Psalm 139. We discussed his favourite books, the Left Behind novels, which I have already been encouraging our guys to read.

Finally, we discussed the importance of family, which he so thoughtfully included.

Major Stones, I just wanted you to know that your interview was our holiness meeting’s order of service that day, and 14 men went to the mercy seat at the conclusion.

Chas Engel, Captain, Adult Rehabilitation Center, Trenton, New Jersey

THE JESUS PLAN

AFTER reading Ian Scott’s article (Salvationist 23 March) about each corps needing to develop their mission plan, we would like to share The Jesus Plan, which we are working on here in Birkenhead.

In one of our meetings the leader asked us to sit quietly and ask Jesus, what we could do for him. After a few minutes I felt and saw (spiritually) a large shiny apple in my hands, and I said: ‘What now, Lord?’ The apple split in half and lots of seeds fell out. ‘What now, Lord?’ I asked. ‘Plant them,’ was the reply. ‘What then, Lord?’ Jesus said: ‘Watch and pray.’ We knew we had to make a renewed effort to spread the gospel.

We had cards printed and these help us now in our witness; they are among our tools to spread the word of God, and we give all the glory to God. On every fifth Sunday we have a prayer night with prayer stations, and all those who are able to, go out into Birkenhead town centre to prayer walk and make contact with people. A number of people have been spoken to directly, including a gang of young lads on cycles, street drinkers and passers-by in the main shopping street. Some people wanted to speak about faith while others voiced concerns about the needs of the community.

Joan Hubber, Birkenhead

THERE’S NOT ENOUGH CASH FOR HERALDS I WONDER if heralds are noticing, as I am, the decline in revenue from their pub or high street goodwill donations because of the increasingly cashless society.

As a regular ‘pub-boomer’, I am finding that many people would be willing to give but, for reasons of convenience or personal safety, they do not carry cash and instead make over-the-counter payments by card.

Will the time come, I wonder, when heralds will have to consider carrying a method for card transactions as well as the traditional tin?

Stuart Gay, Divisional Envoy, Blackpool Richard Smart, Promotions and Marketing Co-ordinator (THQ) responds: First of all thank you, and all the heralds, for the excellent work you do selling the War Cry and Kids Alive! It is really appreciated and newspaper revenues and friendly conversations are holding up well despite the move to a cashless society.

There is more need for our ministry on the streets not less! Things can quieten down after Christmas and then cheer up in the summer months – so please persist.

With regards to contactless payments, as you may expect we are actively considering a pilot with new mobile technology. There are new ways of combining the traditional tin and contactless/credit card payment – so we are looking to this in the future as a great opportunity. Please watch this space!

We are determined to march with the times as the War Cry approaches its 140th anniversary on 27 December 2019.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 14 March O Major Lynne Clifton, Fresh Expressions Leader, Sheerness Effective 28 March O Lieutenant Emma Jones, associate officer Thornton Heath Effective 4 April O Major Kathryn Woodhouse, additional appointment, Area Safeguarding Adviser, Anglia O Major David Emery, Chaplain to the Welsh Assembly Members Effective 11 July O Lieut-Colonel Anwyn Mingay, Pokesdown O Major Estelle Blake, Oldham Fitton Hill and Territorial Chaplaincy Officer (Anti-trafficking and Modern Slavery) LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O YPSM Hannah Potter, Addlestone O BM John Barrett, Market Rasen MARRIAGE O Scott Watson to Esther Sellers at Leek by Captain Nicola Brooksbank WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O David and Enid Kennard, Worthing (19 April) Golden O Bandsman Brian and Helena Hillson, Peterborough Citadel (12 April) DEDICATED TO GOD O Rafael, Matthew, Michael and Favour, sons and daughter of

Gboloahan Ishola and Ayusola Odunsi, at Middlesbrough Citadel by Lieutenant Naomi Kelly RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel John Dangerfield (85 on 21 April) O Major Nina Turner (80 on 22 April) O Captain Joyce Stott (85 on 26 April) BEREAVED O CS Margaret Harris, Malvern, of her husband Rtd CSM David O Janet le Tissier, Guernsey, of her husband Kenneth O Jack Moore, Belfast Citadel, of his wife Pat, Barbara Moore, Belfast Citadel, and Valerie Thompson, Kirkwall, of their mother PROMOTED TO GLORY O B/Reservist John Wiseman, Chester-le-Street O Ethel Carlisle, Belfast Citadel O Brenda Benest, Guernsey OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory LONG SERVICE 35 years O Commissioner William Cochrane, Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory O Major Susan Walters, Ringwood RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 April O Major Antony Godwin out of Cheltenham in 2003 and last

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Peterborough Citadel (Palm Sunday), Sat Sun 14 Apr O India South Western Territory, Wed 24 – Sun 28 O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 – Fri 3 May O Sunbury Court (ICO session 241), Th 9 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (lecture), Tu 16 Apr O Croydon Citadel (Easter), Th 18 – Sun 21 O USA (National Advisory Board meeting), Tu 23 – Sun 28 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Bishop’s Stortford (Palm Sunday), Sun 14 Apr O Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls (Easter), Fri 19 – Sun 21 O William Booth College (spiritual day with cadets), Th 25 O Budapest (European Zonal Conference), Mon 29 – Fri 3 May O Pentre (140th anniversary), Sat Sun 12

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appointment Tiverton Major Pearl Thomas (née Sheppard) out of Cwm in 1981 and last appointment Pentre O Major Christine Whittingham (née Worraker) out of Canvey Island in 1992 and last appointment Bury St Edmunds O

ANTHONY COTTERILL, Commissioner, Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES MAJOR JACK LAWRANCE BORN in Ipswich in 1927, Jack linked up with The Salvation Army in his twenties and was converted in a meeting led by Major David Hazelwood. He became a soldier and then a bandsman at Bramford Road, Ipswich, and leader of the corps cub pack. He also enjoyed sailing and running in his spare time.

He felt an unexpected call to officership and entered the Ambassadors Session, beginning 41 years as a corps officer. He was married in 1957 to Margaret Ford, also from Bramford Road, and their three children, Wesley, Jacqueline and Kelvin, each played their part in family life.

In retirement Jack undertook many tasks in the corps and loved sharing the vegetables he produced on his allotment.

He was saved to serve. – J. F. CYRIL AMBROSE, CLACTON CYRIL linked up with the corps during the Second World War when he was posted with the Royal Marines. Here he met and married Eileen. Their early years of marriage were spent at Cyril’s home corps, Bradford West Bowling, before they returned to Clacton. Along with other bandsmen, Cyril played a significant part in the rescue operation after the 1953 east coast floods.

He would encourage many of the young people on the estate where he lived to attend the Sunday school, which resulted in him bringing carloads of children to the hall every Sunday. When the corps purchased a minibus Cyril

became one of the main drivers, spending much of his Sunday transporting people to the meetings.

As a military man, Remembrance Day was an important annual event for Cyril. In later years, when he was unable to march, he would still be there to lay a wreath on behalf of The Salvation Army.

– V. R. JOAN JEFFERY, NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE BORN to Salvationist parents, Joan grew up in Aldershot where she met and married Alec. Eventually they moved to Southsea, where Carole and Malcolm were born. Subsequently they moved to Germany as envoys where they served at various appointments on red shield work for more than 20 years, returning to look after Devonport House, Plymouth, where Alec was promoted to Glory.

After another spell in Germany, Joan retired and returned to England and linked up with Carole at Newcastle City Temple, where she became a valuable member of the corps family.

Joan was well known for her happy smile and her impish sense of humour.

She was a dedicated fundraiser, usually through her knitting, and many corps members now possess her lovely knitted dolls.

Her service at Newcastle City Temple also included managing the charity shop and distributing periodicals.

Joan maintained her faith despite her frailty in later years and was loved by all at the corps as a quiet, unassuming lady with a great sense of humour and full of joy. – B. I. CATHERINE MILLAR, KIRKCALDY CATHERINE was born in 1929, and gave a lifetime of service to Kirkcaldy Sinclairtown (latterly Kirkcaldy) Corps, serving 32 years as singing company leader and 22 years as corps secretary.

Catherine was a songster for 75 years, and after marrying Andrew in 1951, supported him as songster leader for 32 years.

Catherine and Andrew celebrated their blue sapphire (65 years) wedding in 2016.

Catherine worked in the medical records department of Victoria Hospital for many years, and both there and in the corps she was a constant witness and encourager. She is remembered for her resolute faith, positive attitude, genuine interest in people and a sincere and devoted love for her family and friends.

Catherine is fondly remembered by daughters Margaret, Linda and Janis, son-in-law Greg and grandchildren Emma and Martin. – M. D. GORDON WINCH, NORWICH CITADEL GORDON was born in 1932 and attended Sunderland Citadel when he was 12, developing a keen interest in brass bands. While on national service with the RAF, he conducted a number of station bands. Returning to the North East, he soldiered at Sunderland Millfield, Horden, where he was the young people’s band leader, and Sherburn Hill, moving to Norwich in 1978.

In retirement, Gordon established a video/DVD ministry at Norwich Citadel, a resource that has become invaluable to those people unable to attend Sunday meetings.

Gordon leaves his wife, four children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

– D. W. JOYCE NEASHAM, GUISBOROUGH JOYCE was enrolled as a soldier in 1941.

She was a bandswoman during the war and in later years became songster sergeant, YP worker, leader of a woman’s craft group and helper in the Golden Years meetings. She was an excellent baker and was always found in the kitchen whenever any catering was required.

Joyce was a quiet lady but made her presence felt in a useful and hands-on way that will be greatly missed. Her simple but remarkable faith assured her of the home in Heaven that Jesus promised to those who trust and follow him. – S. S.

OLIVE CHARLTON, KIRKCALDY OLIVE was born in 1923 and taken to the Army as a baby. She went on to become a lifelong Salvationist, serving the Lord as a soldier for 80 years. In 1946, after being a member of the band and songsters at Knottingley, Olive married Bob and moved to Hetton-le-Hole where she continued to serve the Lord in the corps.

In 1991, Olive and Bob moved to Glenrothes, attending the corps at Kirkcaldy until her promotion to Glory.

Olive was a loving, caring person, who helped many people. She loved reading her Bible and sharing precious prayer time with the Lord, often testifying about his presence in her life.

She is greatly missed by her family and friends, who take comfort in knowing Olive is now safe in the arms of Jesus. – T. J. MARGARET MORRIS, PENTRE MARGARET came into contact with the Army in Cardiff when she was in less than favourable circumstances.

Moving to Pentre, she remained an active and loyal soldier working at the over-60 and luncheon clubs and attending the Bible study group.

Alongside a friend, Margaret spread the word through War Cry sales in 33 pubs and clubs. In 1993 the local press said of her efforts, ‘She took her bonnet, not bullets, and her Bible rather than bayonets into the beery world of pints and parties. Her lovely smile was her only offensive.’

Margaret is remembered for her kindness to people young and old, especially at birthdays. Her life was one of service and dedication to the Lord, her family and her friends. – G. T. Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Salvationist 13 April 2019

21

ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 13 April 2019

22-23

‘ Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army!

We’ve asked various people to tell us about themselves. This week…

ALEX PHILLIPS

Shine, Jesus, shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory; Blaze, Spirit, blaze, Set our hearts on fire!

’

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

I’d like to meet Queen Mary and ask her about her son, Prince John, who had special needs; also John Langdon Down, who was the first person to describe Down’s syndrome.

Volunteer, Croydon Citadel How did you first come into contact with the Army?

Through someone at a special needs dance group that I used to go to.

What made you want to volunteer for the Army?

I was looking for a new job in catering and Major Christine Piper suggested I should try The Salvation Army in Croydon.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Meeting new people and cooking.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

I like holidays with groups of other people, and holidays with my family.

If you could be in a film, which would it be?

I’d like to be in any musical. I like Mamma Mia!, The Sound Of Music, Hairspray and Fiddler On The Roof.

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

I can do anything anyone else can do.

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

Dark chocolate.

What is your favourite food?

Meat and fish.

What do you do in your spare time?

I help with a brownie pack. I also go to the gym and enjoy cycling and going to the cinema. I attend Croydon Citadel, read books and watch DVDs, videos and TV. I do jigsaw puzzles.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

Psalm 150, because it is all about praising God. ‘Praise the Lord. Praise God in his holy temple. Praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his powerful acts. Praise him because he is greater than anything else. Praise him by blowing trumpets. Praise him with harps and lyres. Praise him with tambourines and dancing. Praise him with stringed instruments and flutes. Praise him with clashing cymbals. Praise him with clanging cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord’ (New International Reader’s Version).

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

Mary. I’d ask her what Jesus was like as a baby.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’ by Graham Kendrick. His niece is a friend of mine!

Lord, the light of your love is shining, In the midst of the darkness, shining; Jesus, Light of the World, shine upon us, Set us free by the truth you now bring us.

Shine on me, shine on me.

Shine, Jesus, shine, Fill this land with the Father’s glory; Blaze, Spirit, blaze, Set our hearts on fire.

Flow, river, flow, Flood the nations with grace and mercy; Send forth your word, Lord, and let there be light.

(SASB 261) If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

War. Did you have a nickname growing up?

Danda.

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

Something to keep all my socks in pairs.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

Dad’s Army: The Complete Scripts.

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

Walk away from conflict.

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

My photographs of family and friends.

Something interesting you might want to know about me is…

I am the middle one of three. My older sister is married and has my nephew, Lucas. My younger brother is married and has my niece, Lila.