Salvationist 13 August 2022

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p / 13 August 2022

SALVATIONIST

MUSIC SCHOOL STRIKES A CHORD

SOMETHING FRESH AT FAVERSHAM PAGES 12 AND 13

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

UKRAINIAN REFUGEES HAVE A ‘TASTE OF THEIR PREVIOUS LIFE’ THANKS TO BIKE CHARITY Ukrainian refugees have said they have experienced ‘a taste of our previous life’ because of a charity which gives refurbished second-hand bikes to those who have been displaced.

Charity The Bike Project … takes second-hand or abandoned bikes, mends them and provides them to refugees and asylum seekers living in London and Birmingham.

Kateryna Herych, 38, fled Kyiv, Ukraine, on April 26 with her eight-year-old daughter Daniella Googe…

The pair have used their bikes to explore new places in London, with a trip to Richmond Park to see deer being cited as a highlight of their visits…

Viktoriia Korneiuk, 27, a lawyer who came to London a month ago from Ukraine, was excited to receive an orange bike from the charity…

She [said] that the project is ... ‘important’ ... because it allows refugees to ‘integrate into society’…

Katherine Potsides, the events manager at Herne Hill velodrome, which has been a donation centre for The Bike Project for over a year, said: ‘Giving refugee families access to a working bike is a really important way of getting people settled into their lives here.’

ITV News

SOCIAL HOUSING: VOW TO BUILD 1,000 HOMES IN WALES AMID BACKLOG

CHURCH OFFERS OVERNIGHT CAMPING TO AVOID CLOSURE

The Welsh government has promised 1,000 new homes to help people stuck waiting for accommodation.

The £62m social housing scheme includes bringing unused properties back into use quickly, converting buildings, manufacturing modular homes and might involve turning offices into homes…

The homes will not have to meet the usual standards for new social housing…

Of the £62m, roughly £12m is being spent on bringing 400 homes back to use which are already owned by social housing providers but need significant work.

A further £12m will be spent on modular homes which are built in a factory.

Campers are being invited to have overnight stays in a Victorian church to help save the building from closure.

St Dona’s church in Llanddona, Anglesey, is believed to be the first church in Wales to offer the experience of church camping or ‘champing’ for tourists.

The idea came about after the church was mooted for closure, so parishioners wanted to find other ways to use it…

The Right [Rev] Mary Stallard, assistant bishop in Bangor ... said...

‘There was something unique about the experience of sleeping in a church. I found an ambience of holy hospitality’.

BBC News

BBC News

WINDRUSH GENERATION MAKES OUR CULTURE RICHER, SAYS PRINCE WILLIAM AS MONUMENT UNVEILED AT WATERLOO Black men and women are still facing racism and discrimination in modernday Britain in a nation that would be poorer without the efforts of the Windrush generation, the Duke of Cambridge has said.

William was speaking as he and the Duchess of Cambridge attended the unveiling of a national monument at London’s Waterloo station to celebrate the dreams and courage of the Windrush generation who came to help Britain rebuild after the Second World War. The monument is a 12-ft statue – of a man, woman and child in their Sunday best standing on top of suitcases – that was unveiled … to mark Windrush Day… William said: ‘We know without question that the Windrush generation have made our culture richer, our services stronger and our fellow countrymen safer.’

William also spoke of the Windrush scandal which began to surface in 2017 after it emerged that hundreds of Commonwealth citizens, many of whom were from the Windrush generation, had been wrongly detained, deported and denied legal rights…

Communities Secretary Michael Gove described the event as a ‘historical and profoundly moving moment’ but also said ‘sorry’ for the pain which had been caused by the Windrush scandal.

ITV News

SALVATIONIST salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine Issue No 1871

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

EDITOR Major Mal Davies

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MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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Salvationist 13 August 2022

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

@SalvationistUK

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Mal Davies TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

Harmony and discord I GREW up at a corps with a big songster brigade, a large singing company, very accomplished choral leaders and a dozen people you could call on for a vocal solo.

My partners in crime, Kelvin and Les, and I would sit together in meetings and by the time we were teens we would easily sing three-part harmonies and, occasionally, compete to put in the highest tenor part.

Mischievous as we were, we would also have fun from time to time by putting in the most outrageously discordant parts we could! I distinctly recall getting ‘the look’ from our corps officer as I attempted to sing every note in a song flat.

Harmony, of course, isn’t just a musical term. Romans 12:16 advises us to ‘live in harmony with one another’, and we talk about seeking harmony in our families, workplaces, churches, governments and so on.

In this issue of Salvationist you will find much evidence of harmony, and also some discord. Pages 8 and 9 include reports from the recent Territorial Music School held at William Booth College. Captain Jo Moir writes that, along with the music sessions there was Bible teaching, worship and fellowship.

First-time participant Mia said: ‘They made me feel so welcome. I was scared being new at first but quickly knew that this was a place I could be myself and belong.’

This is harmony – when people come from all different directions and backgrounds and form a whole. They’re united by a common love of Christ.

On pages 12 and 13 we read about the inspiring ministry at Faversham Fresh Expression, where people are broadening their understanding and lived experience of faith, church and community. They’re finding – in new and exciting ways – how these things co-exist in harmony.

But we also live in a world that knows discord and disharmony. On page 15, Army researcher Dr Rebecca Harrocks writes about social inequalities and issues such as domestic abuse, unemployment and poverty. She advises us to respond both practically and prayerfully.

I’m reminded of the passage in 2 Corinthians 5 where Paul says that ‘Christ’s love compels us’ (v14) to engage in the ‘ministry of reconciliation’ (v18) and that we are to act as ‘Christ’s ambassadors’ (v20).

This is perhaps nowhere more needed at the moment than in our journey with people who identify as LGBTQ+. On pages 10 and 11, youth specialist Matt Perkins talks about a resource for helping people talk about identity and gender issues.

Matt writes that while the training material was created with young people in mind, it is ‘open to all, and the high engagement in the training from the wider congregation reflects the need, interest and importance for all to actively engage in the conversation around LGBTQ+ issues.’

Harmony and discord. If you asked an LGBTQ+ Christian which of these words best described the Church’s attitude to them at the moment, which word do you think they would pick?

In the Bible study, from Numbers 13, we can read about discord in the Israelite camp. Moses sent some spies into the Promised Land to see if it was safe for them.

They came back with a mixed report: ‘It looks great! But the people are big and scary.’

The Israelites didn’t know what to do and dissension arose.

But their trust in God won through and they went forward and found their new home – just as God had promised. Perhaps that’s the secret to overcoming discord: trust in God, listen to God, obey God. Three-part harmony.

MAJOR MAL DAVIES Editor Salvationist

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

Prayer matters

7

News feature Territorial Music School changes key but not focus

8 and 9

by Captain Jo Moir

Feature Learning to understand

10 and 11

by Matt Perkins

Pioneering ministry Walking testimony

12 and 13

by Simon Hope

Stories of transformation 14 Phil Stoddart: Help in the darkest hour

by Major Rosemary Dawson

Mission and the pandemic Wicked issues

15

by Dr Rebecca Harrocks

Bible study A crucial crossroads

16 and 17

by Captain Tom Dunham

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Jane Kimberley

New commitments

18 and 19

Letters

20

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Edgar Balfour

FRONT-PAGE PICTURE Donald Montgomery SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated

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NEWS

ARMY NEWS

EMERGENCY AID

Army warns of ‘school holiday hunger’ fears UK FAMILIES could struggle to properly feed their children over the school holidays, The Salvation Army has warned.

The Army has seen unprecedented demand from worried parents in recent months as the cost of living has risen. Teachers, health visitors and GPs are referring children at risk of going hungry to the Army, and it expects to provide thousands of cooked meals and food parcels to children during the summer.

Community Manager Carol McKean (Sheringham) said: ‘I constantly hear the phrase “I’ve never had to claim benefits before”, normally said by people crying in the office, who look broken asking for help. I know that for these people, we are the last resort.’

Amanda, a mum from Swindon, used to run her own company but fell on tough times when she fled an abusive relationship.

She said: ‘The children have school meals and, when they don’t have these during the holidays all day long, they are telling me they’re hungry. Though my children are entitled to food vouchers, the amount has been halved despite prices going up. I’ve worked out I am £165 short every month, and that’s just for my bills.’

Many corps and community centres across the territory plan to provide free food for children during the school holidays. Gateshead will offer free breakfast and lunch for children, plus food to take home to their families twice a week. Glasgow City Centre will serve hot meals for up to 60 primary school-age children. Reading Central will give healthy meals to families in partnership with schools. In the South London Division a summer camp will give free places to children whose parents are struggling financially and guarantee them three meals a day.

The Army is calling for the government to introduce longterm help for people struggling with the cost of living, for the government’s 60-day ‘breathing space’ scheme to cover existing universal credit debt and for the expansion of free childcare provision.

Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant said: ‘Emergency government payments to help low-income households with rising energy costs will certainly bring desperately needed relief to struggling families. But these short-term measures only provide a temporary sticking plaster on a long-term crisis. To protect people from sinking further into poverty over time we are calling for all benefits intended to help people on low incomes to keep up with inflation.’ – AR

Army supports emergency workers amid heatwave UK THE Army has been providing refreshments and emotional support to fire and rescue services, as they respond to incidents triggered by the hot weather.

As a member of the Voluntary Sector Emergency Group, the Army works closely with government and voluntary sector colleagues to respond to major incidents, as well as heatwaves and other severe weather events.

Territorial Emergency Response Officer Adrian Clee said: ‘Our fire and rescue services face horrendous conditions during hot weather. Our teams are always ready to roll their sleeves up and come alongside the emergency services, supporting them [and affected communities]. It enables them to have the chance to relax their tunics, cool down and rehydrate before going on with their vital work.’ – AR

PRESENTATION

COMMUNITY READING CENTRAL The Lunch Bunch is serving free healthy meals and offering fun activities for children to help struggling families this summer. Corps officer Major Beth Maddern said: ‘It is a friendly, inclusive, welcoming group and that is important to us as part of the Church, demonstrating that we love God and love others. Reading is a welcoming place for new families from places such as from Ukraine and Hong Kong, and The Salvation Army want to help make everyone feel included.’ The corps is providing 50 spaces for families to join in activities such as crafts as well as enjoy a healthy lunch. – AR 4

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BANGOR Lilian Colvin received a long-service award as she retired after 57 years as a songster. A few weeks earlier she retired as a helper for music and movement group Sally’s Songs. She is pictured with her husband, Henry, and corps officers Majors Linda and Scott Cunliffe. – LC

PRESENTATION

Hythe Bandmaster Richard Carroll receives a retirement certificate from Divisional Commander Major Mark Herbert, after almost eight years with the fellowship band

PRESENTATION

READING WEST The fellowship recognised Bandsman Stan Harris with a long-service award for his 74 years as a drummer, while also celebrating his 90th birthday. Corps officer Lieutenant Portia Stirling-Mack presented the award and Stan’s son, David, prayed with him. Everyone was invited to lunch in the community hall afterwards. – PS-M

EVENT

Children from Yeovil’s parent-and-toddler group receive books at the annual YP prizegiving and teddy bears' picnic

Lieutenant James Pegg (Feltham) celebrates his first year of officership with cake and a card from corps folk

COMMUNITY

BIRKENHEAD The corps teamed up with Churches Together in Merseyside to provide 10 chaplains to Wirral council as part of a joint effort to tackle knife crime. The famous Knife Angel sculpture, which comprises 100,000 confiscated knives and weapons, was on display at the entrance to Birkenhead Park throughout July, and the chaplains offered spiritual and emotional support to anyone coming to see the 27-foot statue. Corps officer Captain Samantha Hamilton said: ‘The partnership being forged between the Army, Wirral council and other churches in the area is an important one for us and a great opportunity for our support and presence to help provide healing to those involved in knife crime.’ – AR

EVENT

HYTHE An evening of fellowship, scones and songs of praise featured music from the South East Fellowship Band and Shepway Voices Community Choir. Marilyn Simpson, Mave Bradley and corps officer Lieutenant Sue Shorland-Compton kindly prepared the cream teas, which were enjoyed at the interval. – SS-C Salvationist 13 August 2022

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NEWS

OUTREACH

FUNDRAISING Brighton Congress Hall members begin weekly open-air witness in the car park after Sunday morning meetings

EVENT

BRADFORD CITADEL More than 20 people enjoyed the first Messy Church at the corps in two and a half years. They explored the story of Jesus calling the first disciples and, through various ‘fishy’ crafts and games, considered what it is to be a follower of Jesus. The time concluded with an intense game of flappy fish and a meal. – CW

Nine-year-old Leon (Southport) donates his hair to the Little Princess Trust, raising £1,000 for the children’s cancer charity

EVENT

CLEVEDON The corps celebrated the 50th anniversary of its ladies fellowship group. This group has only had one leader during this time, Hilary Tinkling, and she received a long-service award to honour her 50 years of faithful service. – LC

COMMUNITY

HEDNESFORD A friendship café is offering people in the area the opportunity to chat and enjoy tasty food. Predominantly for social interaction, the café is also helping people during the cost of living crisis. There are no charges, but collecting boxes are available for people to ‘pay as they feel’. David, who is homeless, said: ‘There aren’t many places that have somewhere like this. You can come here and get a conversation and a hot meal. I leave with a smile on my face … [and] the food is amazing!’ – AR 6

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MAIDSTONE The young people and Acting YPSM Nathan Cripps organised a YP celebration featuring Bible-themed fun and games.

These included pass the parcel to signify the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and pin the tail on the donkey to represent Jesus healing a blind man. There were quizzes and Bible stories illustrated by pictures and puppets. The Family Brass Band performed and the wider corps took part in singing and other activities. The young people were then presented with a Christian book or CD to take home with them. The fun continued later with a picnic lunch and games in a park – an opportunity to relax in God’s fresh air. – GP

ANNIVERSARY FAMILY FOCUS

by Rachel Gotobed (Outreach Mission Partner, Family Ministries Unit)

TADLEY The corps celebrated 125 years of ministry in the town with a weekend of music and prayer led by previous corps officers Majors Claire and James Hill (Winton) and divisional leaders Majors Mike and Lisa Lloyd-Jones. On Saturday a reunion band, songsters and timbrel group met for rehearsals before tea and an evening programme. On Sunday the reunion band and songsters took part in worship along with former officers and soldiers of the corps, who joined in the weekend.

This was followed by a celebratory lunch. – SM

COMMUNITY

SUNDAY 14 AUGUST Pray for families around the world who, for many reasons, are separated.

May they find ways to keep in contact with their loved ones and, where it is possible, for them to be reunited soon. As members of God’s family, pray that we would welcome and show hospitality to all in need.

NORTH EAST ENGLAND DIVISIONAL FOCUS

by Captains Angelique and Cor Van der Woude (Divisional prayer co-ordinators) MONDAY 15 AUGUST ‘And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the day of Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 1:6 Good News Bible). Loving God, I am overwhelmed thinking of your loving care for me from the moment of my birth. I remember all those who work at Divisional Headquarters. May they know your power at work in their lives.

Amen.

TUESDAY 16 AUGUST ‘I have asked the Lord for one thing … to live in the Lord’s house all my life’ (Psalm 27:4 GNB). Loving God, I thank you for being my permanent point of call. Help me to recognise you as my most faithful companion who is with me wherever I go. I pray this too for all the corps, community centres and other expressions of The Salvation Army in the division.

Amen.

POTTERGATE ARC Staff at the drop-in centre have been honoured for their work in the Covid-19 pandemic with a commemorative blue plaque on behalf of the lord-lieutenant for Norfolk, Lady Dannatt. The centre was open seven days a week throughout the height of the pandemic, providing information, advice and support to people sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness. Centre Manager Nicola Darkins said she was proud of the team for all their efforts. – AR

COMMUNITY

WEDNESDAY 17 AUGUST ‘I have made you and I will carry you’ (Isaiah 46:4). Beautiful Saviour, I am so thankful that your love for me never grows old! Help my love for you to grow deeper. May the families of the corps officers, envoys and corps leaders in the division know this too. Amen.

THURSDAY 18 AUGUST ‘He reached down from on high and took hold of me’ (2 Samuel 22:17).

Dear heavenly Father, thank you because I know that I can face any battle with you at my side. I pray for the residents of Swan Lodge Lifehouse and their staff. Take hold of their lives too, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

FRIDAY 19 AUGUST ‘Trust in God at all times, my people. Tell him all your troubles, for he is our refuge’ (Psalm 62:8 GNB). Help me, God, to not hold back in talking with you when I have got something on my heart. Thank you for your listening ear. Be a refuge today to those who need it. Amen.

Staff members from The Works present Majors Alan and Carole Donaldson (Penrith) with donated books to give to families

SATURDAY 20 AUGUST ‘The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come’ (Proverbs 4:18 GNB). Guiding Jesus, please lead me along straight paths; I want to see your light shine brighter in me each day. Be a light to all the children and youth who are part of the division. May they too shine like stars for you. Amen.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources Salvationist Salvationist Salvationist Salvationist 1328 11 August 23May June July 2022 2022

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Picture: Martin Davis

NEWS FEATURE

Territorial Music School changes key but not focus WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE NEW venue, new subjects, new delegates, new music, but Territorial Music School (TMS) 2022 had the same mission and vision, reports Territorial Communications Officer Captain Jo Moir.

Held for the first time at William Booth College – the territory’s home of learning – young adults aged from 16 to 30 gathered for the first time in person since 2019 for a week of music, creativity, Bible teaching, worship and fellowship. Director of Music and Creative Arts Dr Stephen Cobb shared that it was a privilege for a new generation of young people to be in this historic Salvation Army site.

Regular TMS attendees studying brass and vocal main options were joined by delegates attending for the first time, who were warmly welcomed and included into 8

Salvationist 13 August 2022

the community through a new musical theatre option.

‘They made me feel so welcome. I was scared being new at first but quickly knew that this was a place I could be myself and belong,’ said 19-year-old Mia. Theatre is nothing new to The Salvation Army, with some of its earliest hymns adapted from music hall tunes. General Evangeline Booth used drama as an evangelistic tool and the legacy of the Gowans and Larsson musicals continues to this day. Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Creative Arts) Stephanie Lamplough explained that she saw a generation of young people with a passion for theatre and a passion for Jesus with no outlet to express themselves. At TMS they learnt together how to use this medium to

challenge and inspire people and glorify God. ‘New’ blended with the ‘established’ throughout the week with subjects ranging from brass masterclasses to dance and multimedia. However, discipleship remained the focus of the week, as delegates were encouraged to deepen relationships with their chosen subjects. Cell groups also enabled conversations to flourish around the theme Love God, Love Others.

A capacity crowd packed into the Assembly Hall at the end of the week for the newly formatted final festival. Integrating an interval complete with tea and cake outside, the evening of worship in two acts

Picture: Donald Montgomery

The brass band perform during the final festival A SENSE OF COMMUNITY

The whole school Picture: Donald Montgomery

The musical theatre group perform during the final festival had something for everyone. In a departure from previous years there was just one brass band who worked with different conductors throughout the week to bring a range of challenging pieces including Sam Creamer’s ‘Happy Song!’ and Martin Cordner’s powerful ‘Boundless Spirit’. The Founder’s words from ‘Send the Fire’ resonated through the building as the band presented ‘Truth Aflame’ by Kevin Norbury. The band embraced different genres and their message was enhanced by the use of multimedia created during the week by TMS delegates.

The vocal main study group – under the leadership of Sue Blyth – brought together

THIS year’s venue was a good change, writes Joe Pearson (Cannock). The sense of community from going to TMS is brilliant as you are able to go, not knowing anyone, and find new connections. This stems from all the members of staff as they are all for encouraging young people to explore their faith and are passionate about The Salvation Army.

I chose brass band as my main study, which included three rehearsals a day with three influential leaders of music: Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel), Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Brass and Choral) Paul Sharman and Director of Music and Creative Arts Dr Stephen Cobb.

We explored a variety of music and words associated with a message of God and becoming better players. As my option I chose SATB choir with Music Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ), who helped with emphasis on the words and the meaning behind them to explore the connection we have with God. In free time, all students were able to have fellowship and share faith together in the main central hub, where there was plenty of seating, drinks and a pool table.

As the eldest Bible study group (25-plus) we discussed different aspects of our world, day-to-day lives and how we could show

musicianship and clarity in their renditions of classics, including ‘Part the Waters’, ‘Take My Hand’ by Alan Williams, and the premiere of ‘Just Let God Love You’, a new song by TMS staff member Andrew Wicker, with words by Keith Banks. The SATB choir presented Andrew Blyth’s rousing ‘My Father’s House’ and Joy Webb’s ‘The Candle of the Lord’.

The musical theatre ensemble – who were accompanied by the house band – explored the concept of belonging using contemporary show tunes, including ‘You Will Be Found’ from Dear Evan Hansen and ‘Reflection’ from Mulan. Their section

Joe Pearson God’s love through encouragement to the younger delegates.

I led Vespers (prayers) on Tuesday night, using the theme of the week, God’s Love.

We used the song ‘Jesus Loves Me! This I Know’ (SASB 807) and this affirmation kept appearing throughout the week – including singing it at the top of the William Booth College tower to all of London.

If I could ask anything from the people who are reading this, I would ask you to carry on encouraging young people in The Salvation Army and carry on praying for people’s different situations in this ever-changing world.

concluded with the application of Scripture to express the power of Jesus to bring true belonging.

Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Major Helen Schofield challenged everyone present to pray for their young adults, to include them in every aspect of their corps life, to ask them about their walk with Jesus and, importantly, to then listen.

As the evening concluded with a wholeschool benediction written by Andrew Blyth, there was the sense that something established and significant – and yet new and pioneering – was emerging in this historic Army space.

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FEATURE I An Introduction to Pastorally Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People

Matt Perkins introduces a new resource that’s helping people talk about gender and identity

I

N corps and youth groups throughout The Salvation Army, there are young people who identify as LGBTQ+ and we want to provide a welcoming and inclusive space for them all.

By the age of 18, young people who identify as lesbian, gay or bisexual are twice as likely to suffer from clinical depression and, by 21, are four times more likely to self-harm with ‘suicidal intent’, compared to their heterosexual peers. Discrimination, stigmatisation, feelings of loneliness, social isolation, shame, fear or rejection – all of which have been experienced in childhood – are given as contributing factors to this.

The Church should be a safe place where young people can escape some of these risk factors but, historically, it has all too often contributed to and reinforced them. LGBTQ+ people of faith may feel that their sexuality or gender identity are at odds with their beliefs, and this can sometimes be exacerbated in faith communities. We want The Salvation Army to be a part of the ongoing movement to change that.

Like anyone else, LGBTQ+ young people have hopes, dreams, ambitions and beliefs, and deserve compassion, respect, support and inclusion. We have a responsibility to promote respect and tolerance across all our provision, and challenge and address the prejudice they face, which is often caused by ignorance.

Captain Ian Hammond (Ivybridge) is just one example of a local leader living this out, providing a weekly corps drop-in for young people in the LGBTQ+ community.

‘We live out love, the love of Jesus,’ he says. ‘Let’s not get stuck on the theology of an LGBTQ+ group, let’s do the love and be allies. Let’s be with them, let’s create those safe places for them.’

As we love, care for and accept the 10

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young people we serve, we hope we can start to rewrite a narrative of marginalisation and discrimination. It is not enough to see our LGBTQ+ young people surviving; we want to see them thriving.

THE TRAINING An Introduction to Pastorally Supporting LGBTQ+ Young People is a training programme developed in response to conversations with youth workers and leaders, who told us that they were feeling ill-equipped, and even nervous, to have conversations about gender and sexuality with their young people.

After a lengthy development period,

WHAT DOES LGBTQ+ STAND FOR? LGBTQ+ stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (or questioning) and more. In use since the 1990s, the initialism – as well as other common variants – functions as an umbrella term for sexuality and gender identity.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT THE TRAINING? ‘Really helpful for stimulating conversation and for promoting grace and reflection.’

‘Thought-provoking, helpful, eye-opening.’

‘Really helpful – a good mix of input, conversation and opportunity to think about specific issues.’

‘At the end of the training, I had someone ask to take the microphone as he had something to say. He proceeded to come out to everyone publicly. He said that it had never been easy and that he had always known something was not right but, after our session, he felt it was the right time to tell his church; he felt safe to do so.’

‘I recently told friends at my local running club about The Salvation Army’s training on how to pastorally support LGBTQ+ young people. It got them really excited as many of them work with children, some of whom identify as LGBTQ+ and some are parents of children who are LGBTQ+. A number of the group’s members now want to go through the training. This all happened while out for drinks – it’s some of the most fruitful ministry I’ve been involved in recently.’

effective pilots with youth workers, and the backing of leadership, we launched this training resource in the summer of 2021. To date, more than 800 people have attended the training.

It is designed to equip youth leaders with knowledge and information to engage with young people around identity and gender and to be able

to offer loving, compassionate and inclusive pastoral support to LGBTQ+ young people in the church community.

However, it is relevant to all who may wish to deepen their understanding in this area.

The content seeks to help the participant understand something of what it’s like to be an LGBTQ+ teen

in the Church and to give them a vocabulary to be able to engage in conversations around the issues they may be facing. It refuses to address the ‘argument’ for one side or the other, but instead helps to start a conversation from a perspective of love and pastoral care for young people.

The training is facilitated in person by divisional youth specialists and takes just over two hours. It is a varied programme, including group discussion, games, teaching and a Q+A session.

We discuss sexual orientation and gender identity in real-life contexts using Diversity Dice by Frontier Youth Trust and consider five practical actions for pastorally supporting LGBTQ+ young people.

We also hear several insightful and moving video testimonies filmed by the Video Production Unit. To truly understand the lives of young people who identify as LGBTQ+, we must listen to the story of their journey.

Each participant receives a detailed guide with a summary of the course content.

Although originally aimed at youth leaders, this training is open to all, and the high engagement in the training from the wider congregation reflects the need, interest and importance for all to actively engage in the conversation around LGBTQ+ issues.

O Get

in touch with your divisional youth specialist for training dates in your area, or contact the Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit for more information at youthchildren@salvationarmy.org.uk

MATT PERKINS Youth Specialist (Leader Development) Youth and Children’s Ministries Unit

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FEATURE I Pioneering ministry

Walking testimony Continuing a series on pioneering, Pioneer Leaders Beth and Jon Munn update Simon Hope on the work of Faversham Fresh Expression

FIND OUT MORE Visit pioneerbitesize.com Listen to the podcast at sapioneering.captivate.fm @SAPioneering @PioneeringSa @pioneeringsa

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LL pioneering takes a unique approach. To engage with people on the margins of church, a fresh expression must know what its community needs and be willing to respond accordingly. For Beth and Jon, this took shape in answering God’s call to simply ‘be in this place’.

Salvationist last caught up with the team in 2020, a year into their ministry.

Since then, ‘three pillars’ have presented themselves that Beth and Jon use to address the mission of discipleship, outreach and evangelism.

THE CHOSEN As the Covid-19 pandemic rolled on, it became apparent that there were people wanting to connect with God who considered their literacy skills to be a barrier to joining a Bible study.

With inclusivity at the heart of their response, Beth and Jon launched a Bible study with a difference.

Instead of focusing on the written word – which had the potential to leave people feeling alienated – they took the group through the story of the gospel as presented in TV show The Chosen.

The atmosphere is welcoming and casual, the principal intention being to connect with the journey of Jesus and to encourage each other in digging deeper.

‘It’s such a blessing to do this,’ Jon admits. ‘We’re journeying with people who have lost their faith or recently come to faith.’

‘There are people here who are confused and lost,’ adds Beth. ‘They are turning to substances or tarot cards or crystals. When we started, I felt God speaking to me saying, “I’m here, but no one’s listening.” And we’re the walking testimony in that. We’ve been through similar valleys, and it drives me every day.

‘We have a passion for inclusivity, but this year God has really laid young adults and mental health on our hearts.

We’ve had so many conversations about mental health in our Bible study, as God has brought people through traumatic relationships with the Church. Much of what is happening in our Bible study, as well as throughout the Church today, is a deconstruction of people’s perceptions of what faith and church are.’

COMMUNITY WARDROBE Complementing their ‘love God’ discipleship is ‘love others’ outreach.

Fruitful outreach doesn’t just respond to a specific need, it also taps into what people care about. The Community Wardrobe scheme is an example of this.

Operating as a sort of swap shop, it provides pre-loved school uniforms free of charge. The team encourage people to donate old uniforms in exchange, but there is no expectation or pressure. In fact, the team have been so blessed with donations that they currently don’t have capacity for more.

‘We had a young mum come to us with two sets of twins,’ Beth recalls. ‘She could afford to get them uniforms each but using the Community Wardrobe meant that she could save enough money to have a day out with them in the summer holidays.

‘That really feeds into the values that we hold. We want to invest in the town’s community, and family is key to that. As people face this cost of living crisis, I know a resource like this is going to be a beacon.’

The programme extends beyond the benefits of helping those struggling to afford school clothing. It also touches on a hot topic that affects everyone and is close to the heart of the fresh expression: environmentalism.

Buying brand-new school uniforms and disposing of the old ones every year is a wasteful practice. The opportunity to give pre-loved uniform a longer life is a sustainable way to care for creation. This has led people who aren’t struggling monetarily to engage in the uniform exchange, playing their part to protect their planet.

Bridging the gap between the outreach and discipleship is the final of their three pillars: digital evangelism.

An important part of any Salvation Army fellowship is taking the gospel to the streets. Jon explains how they felt God calling them to evangelise in every ‘street’ where people are. Nowadays, this includes the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and even TikTok – massive digital thoroughfares that see immense traffic every day.

To meet these denizens of the world wide web in their own domain, the team

have been crafting bitesize gospel nuggets for each platform, proclaiming the good news and demonstrating that church is more than a single building on a single day.

Moreover, the message that you can meet the Messiah on your mobile is only step one. The follow-up goal is to bring this digital audience into a deeper conversation about big issues and how the Bible interacts with them.

The At the Table podcast combines the intimacy of small group discussions with online availability across the globe.

Co-presented by team members Joe and Lucy Halliday alongside Beth and Jon, the podcast is an honest expression of four friends bringing their questions to Jesus and having fun while doing it.

Although the team have taken a break from recording, the first two seasons of the podcast are all available online and the team is preparing to launch a third season soon.

‘We have had so many great conversations with people who are housebound but found us on social media and journeyed with us,’ Jon explains.

This three-pronged mission is simple yet unique, and Beth reminds us that it is something God can produce through anyone: ‘We challenge people that God can do this through anyone who responds to his call. Everybody in our team is retired or works a secular job.

What God can use you for is endless, and we’re excited to see where he takes us next!’

O Check out favershamsa.org.uk for links to the At the Table podcast, YouTube videos, Spotify playlists, social media, a mailing list and much more

SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Next time Sam Ellison introduces us to the territory’s Online Corps

Salvationist 13 August 2022

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FEATURE I Stories of transformation

Phil Stoddart: Help in the darkest hour Major Rosemary Dawson continues a series in which she remembers some of the inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry

T

HIS is one of the saddest stories I have ever had to write, but it is also a wonderful example of Christian faith and forgiveness in extremely tragic circumstances.

In the early hours of 1 July 2006, Heather and Phil Stoddart received a phone call that changed their family’s life for ever. Their daughters – Claire, 18, and Jenny, 15 – had been involved in a horrific car crash on their way home from a concert in Ipswich. Five people died: the two girls, their friend and two passengers in the other car.

Claire was about to study pharmacy at university. Jenny was soon to be baptised at their church.

Phil recalled that dreadful night: ‘The call from Ipswich Hospital said that our daughter had been taken there after a crash. Jenny was coming back with a friend, so we assumed it was Claire.

Police later told us they had found a mobile phone, but the driver – Claire – had been airlifted to hospital in Great Yarmouth. We knew then it was Jenny we were about to see.

‘A scan confirmed our worst fears; she was brain-dead. Soon afterwards, we heard from the Yarmouth hospital that Claire had also died.

‘We wanted to get home for our two younger children, then aged 12 and 6, and drove back to Lowestoft – passing the actual diversion for the crash site – to the home of our church leaders, where lots of people had gathered. We cried and prayed together, very aware of their love and support.

‘As Christians, Heather and I strongly believe that there is life after death, and that our daughters are with God in Heaven. That was – and still is – a great comfort to us.

‘At home, the shock was beginning to hit me. I didn’t have the strength to stand up any longer, and went into the garden to be alone.

‘I can’t really explain what happened next. I had some kind of vision – a brilliant light shone round me and a man in shining garments appeared. I knew 14

Salvationist 13 August 2022

The Stoddart family, Christmas 2005 without a doubt that it was Jesus. The feeling of inner strength I gained from that experience was amazing.’

The couple later learnt the accident happened as Claire’s car was climbing a hill on the A12 near Blythburgh in Suffolk, notorious for long unlit stretches of road and hazardous bends. It was hit head-on by a car that was travelling the other way, overtaking on their side of the road.

The 22-year-old driver, who suffered multiple injuries, was convicted of causing death by careless driving while unfit through the effects of alcohol. He served a prison sentence.

How did Phil feel about him?

‘While we were at the hospital, God gave me some crystal-clear instructions,’ he remembered. ‘For my own peace of mind, it was imperative I should not blame the driver, God, Claire or myself for the accident.’

At one time, obeying God would never have crossed Phil’s mind.

‘I had moved to Lowestoft in 1984 and was looking for answers to life’s big questions,’ he explained. ‘I passed myself off as an atheist, but when I was angry or frustrated I had no trouble blaming the God I didn’t believe in, and when I was desperate – guess who I turned to! Eventually my intellectual fight with God turned into a spiritual experience.’

Phil felt deeply for people going through bereavement without a personal faith: ‘I just can’t imagine how we would have coped without it. People say, “How can you forgive the person who caused the accident?” My reply is that God knows exactly how I feel because his own son died on the cross. For me to forgive that person might seem like a massive ask but, because I obeyed God by not blaming anyone right from the start, it isn’t. This proved so important for my own recovery. Instead of being consumed by bitterness or revenge, the greater battle is losing my daughters.

‘Letting go is far from easy, but we have found comfort and reassurance in God’s promise that we will meet them again in Heaven.’

Phil described the family’s struggles to come to terms with their loss in his book, A12 to Heaven: Can Anyone Help in the Darkest Hour?. It is also a testimony to God’s goodness.

O Based

on an article published in the War Cry, 16 August 2008

MAJOR ROSEMARY DAWSON MA Retired St Austell

FEATURE I Mission and the pandemic

Wicked issues Dr Rebecca Harrocks concludes a series of weekly articles in which Research and Development personnel reflect on how our approach to mission has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic

T

HE previous article in this series considered how the pandemic might exacerbate existing social inequalities, making some people more vulnerable. This week delves a little more deeply into the subject of inequalities, which was one of the most recurrent themes in the research.

The ‘submerged tenth’ is the 10 per cent of the population that William Booth said was living permanently in poverty. He also used the analogy of a cliff fall to explain that, while saving a person who has fallen into the sea is appropriate, it is much better to tackle some of the issues at the top of the cliff that caused that person to fall in the first place.

‘Wicked issues’ is the name given to these kinds of social or cultural problems, which are complicated, interconnected and have no easy solutions. For example, the wicked issue of the pandemic is worsened by wicked issues such as climate change, homelessness, domestic violence, unemployment and other socio-economic factors, making it nearly impossible to resolve fully.

Wicked issues can be overwhelming, but do not let this stop you taking action. These are some of the wicked issues that have been exacerbated by Covid-19:

DOMESTIC ABUSE Domestic abuse can take the form of physical violence but includes much more than this: emotional or psychological abuse, coercive control, sexual abuse, financial abuse, stalking and online abuse can all be forms of domestic abuse, and the psychological effects from abuse often last much longer than the physical ones. Domestic abuse disproportionately affects women, but it can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation or social standing.

UNEMPLOYMENT Unemployment related to the Covid-19 pandemic impacted some groups and sectors more than others, such as people working in hospitality, manufacturing, retail, the arts and the entertainment and recreation industries, as well as workers under the age of 25 and older than 65. The long-term economic impact of the pandemic on employment is likely to reverberate down the years.

POVERTY The governments’ financial support measures prevented this situation from being much worse, although it is too soon to know what the long-term effects of the pandemic on poverty will be. The closure of the UK government’s furlough scheme, the ongoing impact on businesses, and long Covid – which 1.8 million people in the UK are currently suffering from – are some of the poverty-related challenges that are likely to echo long into the future.

DIGITAL EXCLUSION Digital inclusion was essential during the height of the pandemic for people to access education and services, attend virtual medical appointments, make essential purchases, access news and information, and stay socially connected.

People who are more likely to face digital exclusion include those who are unemployed or on lower incomes, older people and people with disabilities.

HOW DO WE EQUIP OUR RESPONSES? Jesus is regularly shown praying, especially around significant events, and so it should be with equipping our responses. The first step in knowing how to respond to the many inequalities caused or exacerbated by the pandemic is to approach the Lord in prayer and ask for his guidance and wisdom. The issues and inequalities are many and you may need to think prayerfully through the questions of what you can do, and who and which inequalities you will prioritise in your response.

Social injustices and wicked issues are often closely interrelated. For example, if you are a woman living in poverty or someone with a disability, then you are statistically more than twice as likely to experience domestic abuse. In turn, domestic abuse is often a factor in women’s homelessness, substance abuse and poor mental health, so planning support services for people who have experienced domestic abuse should also consider how to assist survivors with other common issues they may face.

It is important to join the dots in our responses to these multiple and complex issues. As part of doing so and using resources wisely, you may wish to consider what other services or organisations are working in your community and whether you can work in partnership with any of them.

Working in collaboration with others can open you up to new insights, increased capacity and new audiences, to name a few advantages. If you are clinically vulnerable, please consider a less frontline and high-risk role by responding in an equally valuable manner such as prayer support.

O For

resources that delve more deeply into the themes of this series and how to explore them using the Faith-Based Facilitation model, visit salvationist.org.uk/resources

DR REBECCA HARROCKS Action Researcher Research and Development Unit, THQ

Salvationist 13 August 2022

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BIBLE STUDY

A crucial crossroads Captain Tom Dunham challenges us to move forward in faith NUMBERS 13

M

Y guess is that many of us fear change and feel some anxiety about it. And then there are some who approach change with great expectancy and excitement. I definitely fall into the first category. But I think we would all agree that change is necessary to move forward.

QUESTIONS O How do you react to change?

O Is there any area of your life where you’re avoiding change because you are comfortable?

As we come to Numbers 13, we find that the Israelites are at a crucial point in their journey as they stand on the brink of the Promised Land – a land flowing with milk and honey that God has promised to them. Throughout

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

by Major Jane Kimberley

Genesis and Exodus, we read about his promise a number of times. The Israelites have faced much change in their past, and there is more change on the horizon as they finally approach this new land.

In a practical move, God commands Moses to send out spies to explore the land and report back. Verses 4 to 15 outline the names of the leaders trusted with this important task, one from each ancestral tribe. The 12 spies travel for 40 days surveying the land and see nothing that the Lord has not already told them. We must also remember that God has promised victory to the Israelites so all they need to do is trust his word.

QUESTIONS are the visionaries in your corps, those we should be seeking to listen to as God shows them new opportunities?

O Who

O When have you taken time to listen to the needs of your local area to see what God reveals?

The spies return with their report. They confirm God’s promise that this is indeed a land that is flowing with milk and honey.

They even return with a branch of fruit as evidence. At this point, there should be praise and thanksgiving of God’s promise followed by a readiness to enter the land.

However, the tone changes as the spies continue: ‘But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large’ (v28).

The majority of the spies are filled with doubt and great concern regarding the perceived strength of the people in the land, the fortification of the cities and the tribes already living there. They are filled with fear at the prospect of moving into the land and believe that they will fail.

Despite recognising the truth of God’s

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.

(Isaiah 58:11)

Guide me, O thou great Jehovah,/ Pilgrim through this barren land;/ I am weak, but thou art mighty;/ Hold me with thou powerful hand./ Bread of Heaven,/ Feed me now and evermore.

(SASB 27)

For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.

(Proverbs 11:14)

Prayer Lord, you know all things. Help me to remember this when I have choices to make and may I trust you to guide every step.

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Salvationist 13 August 2022

promises, it’s a report filled with unbelief and a lack of faith in God. It appears that they are focused on what their armies can humanly achieve rather than on what God can achieve through them.

QUESTIONS O What obstacle are you currently facing that looks impossible to overcome?

O As you think about that obstacle, what promise from God do you need to be reminded of?

Despite all the other voices, Caleb speaks up with courage and says: ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it’ (v30).

Caleb and Joshua, who speaks later (see Numbers 14), believe the promises of God. They are willing to follow through with obedience, faith and trust.

We must not underestimate the courage that Caleb has in going against

the opinion of those who have already spoken. How easy it would have been for him to doubt his own convictions and go along with the others!

QUESTIONS O Have you ever been afraid to speak up for what you believe is right when surrounded by others who believe something different?

O How can you become more courageous in your faith? Take some time to meditate on Philippians 4:13.

strength or on what God is able to do through us.

We might feel anxious, but shifting our focus can help change our perspective on moving forward. It will give us courage and confidence to move forward into the future that God promises, rather than being stuck where we are out of fear.

Caleb and Joshua’s courage to report back with confidence all that God had promised must have been rooted in a confidence in God’s promises and character. Just as the Israelites faced a new land, we today are often faced with new opportunities or responsibilities. At such times, we have the choice to focus on what we are able to do in our own

CAPTAIN TOM DUNHAM Corps Officer Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Open thou the crystal fountain/ Whence the healing stream shall flow;/ Let the fiery, cloudy pillar/ Lead me all my journey through./ Strong Deliverer,/ Be thou still my strength and shield.

(SASB 27)

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.

(Proverbs 16:9)

When I tread the verge of Jordan,/ Bid my anxious fears subside;/ Death of death and Hell’s destruction,/ Land me safe on Canaan’s side./ Songs of praises/ I will ever give to thee.

(SASB 27)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

(Proverbs 3:5 and 6)

Salvationist 13 August 2022

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NEW COMMITMENTS

LEEDS CENTRAL The corps enrolled several new soldiers in June. Jeffrey Kanyama testified how the Lord had called him to move from being an adherent to becoming a soldier, mentioning the influence his family and friends from the UK African Fellowship had upon this decision.

Joyce Appleyard had been a member of The Salvation Army in her youth in Canada and had served in the Red Shield canteens in Libya. She chose Psalm 121 as her testimony. Tina Johnson moved to the UK from Nigeria several years ago. She was impressed by how the corps served the needy during the Covid-19 pandemic and was determined to become part of it to support others. Ayotunde Adewusi, also from Nigeria, gave his testimony in song and dance and, as he shared the joy of the Lord, other members of the UK African Fellowship at Leeds Central joined him in dancing on the platform. Pictured from left to right are Recruiting Sergeant Major Kath Ward, Jeffrey, Tina, corps officer Major Cliff Allchin, Joyce, Ayotunde and corps officer Major Joy Allchin. – CA

LEIGH-ON-SEA Jonathan Davis was enrolled as a soldier by Lieut-Colonel George Pilkington. During the Covid-19 pandemic Jonathan spent much time studying the Bible and, as a result, grew in faith and became a regular attendee at the corps. At the enrolment, Jonathan was supported by members of his family and received a prayer via a video link from his uncle, Captain Ian Hammond (Ivybridge). – PJ

BASINGSTOKE The corps welcomed Margaret Garland as an adherent in June. Margaret had been a member of other churches in the town after drifting away from the Army, but now feels she has returned home. She thanked corps members for their love and support and pledged to continue her ecumenical service as a Salvationist. Pictured with Margaret is corps officer Lieutenant Rob Westwood-Payne. – RW-P STAPLEFORD

CLOWNE At the 135th corps anniversary in June, corps folk welcomed Pauline Rowland as an adherent. She came to the Army through a personal invitation when feeling lonely, and testified that she had ‘met’ Jesus and many new friends at the corps. She is pictured with then Divisional Commander Major Brian Slinn. – GH 18

Salvationist 13 August 2022

The corps welcomed Mollie when she was enrolled as a junior soldier in June by corps officer Major Jayne Nicoll.

Her father, Nic, is seen holding the flag. Mollie’s grandparents attended in support. – FT

LIVERPOOL WALTON Andrei Ioanitiu and Katherine Baker were welcomed as adherents.

They have attended for a couple of years now, along with their respective families, and together made the step of officially recognising the corps as their place of worship. The corps folk are praying for them as they continue their faith journeys. Pictured are Recruiting Sergeant Jeanette Griffiths, corps officer Major Chris Herbert, Katherine and Andrei with his daughter, Sofia. – JG

NORTH WALSHAM Lilley, aged eight, and Lucy, aged ten, were enrolled as junior soldiers in June by corps officer Major Richard Durrant. They arrived at the corps five years ago, after their mum, Rachael, rededicated her life and returned to the corps after being away for 25 years. Both Lilley and Lucy were supported in preparing for their junior soldiership by corps member Vicky Siggins. Having recently restarted the children’s club after the Covid-19 lockdowns, the number of members doubled from five to eleven by the third week, as the children who returned invited their friends. Lucy and Lilley played their part by bringing their cousin, Joey, along. Pictured are Major Richard, Lucy, Lilley, Bandmaster Martin Siggins and Vicky Siggins. – JB

ATHERTON Family and friends gathered to support Victoria Welch as she was enrolled as a soldier. Corps officer Captain Darron Boulton led the enrolment, spoke about the founding years of The Salvation Army and read from John 12:26. Corps folk also enjoyed cakes baked

by Andrea Boulton. – VW

CONSETT Lorraine Jackson was enrolled as a soldier and Rebecca Waters was welcomed as an adherent in June by corps officer Major Ian McCredie. Lorraine and Rebecca testified about the influence Lorraine’s late husband, David, had on their Christian journeys. Lorraine began regularly attending the corps as one of the band’s six brass players when Covid-19 restrictions were easing. She felt part of the corps fellowship and decided to make it her spiritual home. Lorraine invited Rebecca to a service where she too was made welcome by the corps family, and this persuaded her to become an adherent. Pictured are Majors Ian and Pam McCredie with Lorraine and Rebecca. – HM

WELLING Eileen first arrived at the corps five years ago when she brought her great-granddaughter to the parent-andtoddler group. Over time she participated in groups and activities and eventually joined the worshipping community on Sundays.

Eileen testified that, despite having been a Christian for almost all her life, she had never been part of such a loving church until she joined the corps. Eileen was supported by her family and friends, including her greatgranddaughter, and was enrolled by Major Joan Clark. The enrolment had a profound impact on the corps folk and prompted someone to decide to become an adherent.

Eileen is pictured with Major Joan. – KS Salvationist 13 August 2022

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LETTERS

GOALS WITHOUT CONFLICT

League officers at work in camp – ‘War Cry’, 1900

MISSING ON PURPOSE READING ‘A Conflict of Opinion’ (Salvationist 2 July) reminded me of my dad, who was 19 when the Second World War broke out and who was in effect an only child after his sister had died of tuberculosis two years earlier.

His parents had been officers until they resigned for health reasons and they must have agonised over Neil being called up to serve King and country. They accepted that he had to go and left him in God’s hands.

Dad had poor eyesight all his life, but dutifully accepted a rifle and aimed at the targets in basic training. ‘Cochrane!’ barked the sergeant. ‘How many rounds have yer fired?’ ‘All of them, sir,’ replied the hapless Neil. ‘Give us yer rifle back, lad, you’ve missed every one.’ His rifle was exchanged for a radio and he joined the Royal Corps of Signals, gaining high marks in Morse code exams and spending the next six years passing messages from the front line back to headquarters.

He was in God’s hands indeed, and more than once escaped death or serious injury by inches. He went on to serve God at Bradford West Bowling – later Bradford Citadel – until he was called Home at the age of 90. He used his musical talents in the band and songsters and as corps pianist and never lost his sense of gratitude to God, his sense of humour – or his ability to communicate in Morse code.

It is only in the past couple of years that I have wondered if he missed the targets on purpose.

Mary Tyler Knottingley

FAITH IN THE TIME OF CHOLERA CHOLERA is a pernicious public health issue, but the history of the fight against it offers some interesting insights into the relationship between faith, belief and science. Filippo Pacini originally embarked on theological studies before switching to medicine. By the mid-19th century, he and his London-based physician colleague, John Snow, were part of an international community fighting cholera, albeit working independently.

Theologian John Haught proposed the so-called confirmatory approach towards the relationship between science and faith. Scientists derive theories – often quite intuitively – and test them against empirical evidence. This requires a logical way of thinking. Logical thinking ultimately relies on the human brain. In faith we believe that the human brain is the design of God. So, good science research is arguably an act of faith.

Kevin Chubb Barry 20

Salvationist 13 August 2022

THE article in 2 July Salvationist, dealing with the Army’s attitude to war, referred to Shaw Clifton’s Crown of Glory, Crown of Thorns. I read that book soon after its publication and was gratified to learn of the attitude of our three Generals who were in office through the Boer War, the First World War and Second World War. I remember being told at school about the formation of the United Nations, with 51 countries pledging their support for its aims. Its number has now increased to 193 member states. It is gratifying seeing more countries having gained independence and freedom to manage their own affairs. Most of this was achieved without conflict. That indicates that conflicts are not necessary to achieve worthy goals.

One has to wonder how things would have been handled if Evangeline Booth had not retired before the Second World War. Michael Bennett Thame

IS YOUR CORPS ONLINE? MY family have had the good fortune to be invited to partake in a few Bible studies over Zoom led by Willenhall Corps, which we had no previous connections with, mostly because of chatting to one of its members on social media. This prompts me to ask: where possible, could corps running Bible studies or prayer groups using Zoom or similar facilities please advertise it outside their Facebook pages? I am sure that there are plenty of corps who continue to use online means to share God’s word.

Morvyn Finch Woodbridge

LETTERS Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out and charitably expressed’.

Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.

ADVERTS BOARD MEMBER AND INDEPENDENT OPERATIONS COMMITTEE MEMBER Remuneration: Board member £4,000 per annum / Operations committee member £2,000 per annum

PERSONAL MAJOR BRIAN SLINN would like to express thanks to all those who have sent cards and greetings on his retirement from active service. Your kindness and generosity in all that has been expressed is greatly appreciated and more than can be individually acknowledged. We press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us (see Philippians 3:14).

We have two leadership vacancies where you have the opportunity to come and join us on either our board or our newly formed Operations Committee, where you will play a key role in strengthening our governance framework on our mission to transform lives.

TO LET

The Salvation Army Housing Association (Saha) is a registered provider of social housing that is part of the wider Salvation Army family. We started developing housing and services in 1959. We currently own more than 4,000 homes and are a specialist provider of support and housing across England.

TOPSHAM, DEVON Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

We’d love to hear from you if you have strong housing sector experience, have held a senior leadership position in another registered provider, have experience of overseeing high quality services to those in greatest need in our society, and are able to commit up to approximately 15 days / 8 days per year respectively to this work.

For more information about Saha, and to view our recruitment packs for these roles, please visit our website (saha.org.uk/ recruitment-packs). In the recruitment packs, you will find more information about these positions and how to apply.

Closing date: 12 noon on Friday 19 August Operations committee member interview date: Tuesday 13 September Board member interview date: Tuesday 20 September

ALTEA, SPAIN Modern two-bedroom, two-bathroom heated apartment, pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hillwalking. Warm winter area. Airport transfers available.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

LISTINGS ONE-TO-ONE MENTORING For help solving problems and to make progress in your life with an experienced mentor. Please text Jenny on 07955 222 055 or email jennymann18@outlook.com. I am an experienced leader and Salvation Army adherent. HND Business and Finance, Dip. Counselling, qualified weight loss leader.

MGS works professionally providing O COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION MGS works with relationships and other life experiences MGS is confidential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

RECRUITING NOW

ADVERTS

COMMUNITY MANAGER BROMLEY TEMPLE

Bromley Temple is looking for a community manager to be responsible for the day-to-day running of a busy and vibrant community programme.

This will include creating a warm welcoming place, working with corps activities, employees, volunteers and outside agencies to ensure a safe and healthy environment.

As the successful candidate you will be highly motivated with excellent administrative, communication and organisational skills as well as being able to develop appropriate community work and line manage staff members and volunteers as necessary.

SALARY £27,217– £29,650 per annum dependent on experience WORKING HOURS 35 hours per week minimum CONTRACT Permanent

O Experience of developing effective community projects for a diverse range of participants O The ability to prioritise, organise and manage a busy workload to meet objectives

CLOSING DATE 2 September

O Experience of managing the physical infrastructure of buildings that are accessible to the public

INTERVIEW DATE 12 September

O Experience of working with volunteers There is an occupational requirement for a practising Christian for this post and the successful candidate must be able to work within The Salvation Army’s Christian ethos and key values: integrity, accountability, compassion, passion, boldness and respect.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMME MANAGER NEWPORT CITADEL

DETAILS 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme

To be successful in the role you will be able to demonstrate:

RECRUITING NOW

ADVERTS

As a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

We are looking for an experienced community programme manager. We aim to serve and support those in the local and wider community irrespective of their background. With a view to growing our engagement with the community, we have created this role to help us deliver a wider and more exciting range of programmes within our hall, café and charity shop.

As the community programme manager, you will: O Be accountable for all people-related activities of your direct reports (recruitment, performance management, learning and development) – it is essential that you can demonstrate experience of this O Oversee and run all aspects of the drop-in service, charity shop, food bank service and café O Provide ongoing pastoral and spiritual support to members of the community, and lead regular worship and prayer sessions O Contribute significantly to the development, monitoring and reporting of overall operational objectives O Be an active and visible leader within the corps and the wider community O Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all stakeholders O Be accountable for the effective management of the corps finances O Be responsible for ensuring that the corps buildings are suitably managed, maintained and equipped O Managing an effective volunteer programme This role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate is a committed and practising Christian in sympathy with the doctrines of, and supportive of the purposes and the aims and objectives of, The Salvation Army.

SALARY £13.73 per hour WORKING HOURS 25 hours per week CONTRACT Permanent DETAILS 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays; a contributory pension scheme; season ticket loan; an employee assistance programme CLOSING DATE 21 August INTERVIEW DATE To be confirmed

As a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK, and an enhanced DBS disclosure.

CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

Salvationist 13 August 2022

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CT Caitlin Morton, Airdrie O RS DE Gerry Ranachan, Govan WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Platinum O Derek and Myrtle Hillier, Bangor (8 August) Emerald (55th) O Majors Lynda and Maurice Hunt (26 August) Golden O Eileen and Howard Marshall, Reading Lower Earley (19 August) RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS Major Rodney Beacham (80 on 21 August) O Major Maureen Baxter (85 on 22 August) O Major Elizabeth Gauton (80 on 24 August) O Major Joy Webb (90 on 27 August) O

PROMOTED TO GLORY Dorothy Tonks, Douglas, on 27 July O Major Jessie Cotton from Emberbrook Care Home on 29 July O

BEREAVED TE Andrew Tonks, Carnforth and North West DHQ, of his mother Dorothy Tonks

O

OFFICIAL GAZETTE RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 August O Major Carol Back out of Farcet in 1982 and last appointment Leighton Buzzard O Major Diana Bennetts out of Torquay in 1996 and last appointment Dereham

Major Joan Burton out of Goole in 1978 and last appointment IHQ O Major Anthony Colclough out of Droitwich Spa in 1991 and last appointment Derby Central O Major Richard Durrant out of Lowestoft South in 1986 and last appointment North Walsham O Major David Evans out of Maidenhead in 1984 and last appointment Territorial Ecumenical Officer, THQ O Major Margaret Fozzard out of Bristol Easton in 1979 and last appointment Dublin South and Dublin HSU Family Services O Major Haris Giannaros out of Regent Hall in 1997 and last appointment Gillingham O Major John McCombe out of Burton-on-Trent in 1977 and Major Jennifer McCombe (née Hart) out of Fordingbridge in 1977 and last appointment WBC O Major Ian McCredie and Major Pam McCredie (née Davis-Chamberlain) out of Leicester Castle in 1993 and last appointment Consett O Captain Nicola Muir out of Winton in 2010 and last appointment AO, Winton O Major Gerald Nicoll and Major Jayne Nicoll (née Rowlands) out of Blackpool Citadel in 2000 and last appointment Stapleford O Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare out of Catford in 1980 and last appointment Assistant Principal, WBC O Major Brian Slinn out of Sheffield Citadel in 1977 and last appointment DC, East Midlands DHQ O Major Philippa Smale out of Regent Hall in 1981 and last appointment Cardiff Ely O Major James Williams out of Liverpool Belle Vale in 1972 and last appointment Chelsea O

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Malawi Territory, Mon 8 Aug – Sun 14 O Zambia, Mon 15 – Sun 21 O Ghana, Mon 22 – Tue 30

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Salvationist 13 August 2022

TRIBUTES RUTH EVES, WREXHAM RUTH was born in 1932 in Saskatoon, Canada, into a family of Salvationists, who returned to Liverpool Dingle Corps in 1933.

The family were evacuated to Prestatyn during the Second World War. Ruth worshipped at the following corps: Wallasey in 1944, Edge Hill in 1956, Kensington in 1960, Clubmoor in 1970 in the Liverpool area, and finally Wrexham Citadel in 1977.

Ruth was active in the songsters, band and as YPSM and over-60 club secretary.

She married Ted in 1953 and over the next 10 years had three boys and a girl, David, Brian, Keith and Gilly. Ruth enjoyed flower arranging, lace, poetry and prose, and self-published three books.

The sales of her first book financed the provision of clean water for a boy’s home in India. Further proceeds were donated to the Army’s anti-trafficking work.

Ruth was promoted to Glory on 15 June aged 89. – GT RUTH THOMAS, RHYL RUTH was born in Leigh, Lancashire, in 1933. She attended Sunday school, later becoming singing company leader, then songster leader. She responded to God’s call to officership, entering the training college in the Courageous session. She was appointed to Bedlington and Winterton.

When she was appointed to Holyhead she met Eifion Thomas, who became her husband. They became envoys at the corps. In 1970 they moved back to Lancashire, where Ruth and Eifion were active local officers at Leigh. By this time they had two children, Christopher and Sian. They returned to their beloved Wales in 1980, worshipping at Rhyl.

Ruth became YPSM then singing company leader. Later she became home league secretary, taking part in the band and songsters.

Ruth’s faith never wavered. She was promoted to Glory on 4 May 2020.

She is sadly missed by her family and many friends. – CT

JEAN ARUNDEL, KNOTTINGLEY JEAN first came to the Army as a child and over the years took on roles in the home league, parentand-toddler group, lunch club and over-60 club.

Her home was always open after the Sunday night meeting and a place to count up after door-to-door collecting. It was also the hub of fundraising efforts. Jean became a well-known figure as she sold the Army papers in a shopping precinct and became ‘The Salvation Army’ in that part of Knottingley.

Jean was a prolific knitter and made hundreds of garments for premature babies. She was bereaved of her husband, John, in 2018 and her daughter, Janine, last year and missed them both dreadfully. Her daughter, Jayne, and the wider family know that she is now reunited with them and with the Lord she loved. – MT

DAVID SMITH, SHERBURN HILL DAVID was born in 1941 into a Salvationist home in Pittington.

He attended the corps there before transferring to Sherburn Hill. He attended divisional and national music schools and later joined the band and songsters. It was at the corps that he met Gladys and they married in 1962.

They had a daughter, Karen, and two sons, Andrew and Stephen.

David was commissioned as songster leader in 1972, a responsibility he held faithfully for more than 50 years. David also served as a member of the divisional advisory board and was divisional youth chorus leader. Following his retirement, David worked as a prison chaplain at HMP Frankland in Durham.

Recently, David had suffered from health problems, but he never lost his faith in God. David was promoted to Glory on 25 April. He is greatly loved and missed by his family and many friends at the Army. Well done, good and faithful servant. – DB

LES ROUTLEDGE, CARLISLE LES was born in 1927 and served at the Army in Carlisle all his life. After service with the YP band, he became band leader and progressed up to the senior band where he was bandmaster from 1956 to 1960. He was again appointed bandmaster in 1965 and served in this capacity until his retirement in 1994.

Les led the band on numerous weekend campaigns around the territory.

He married Janet Johnston in 1951 and they recently celebrated their 71st anniversary. He was a proud husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

Major Malcolm Routledge conducted his uncle’s funeral. Les’s grandsons and grandson-in-law carried him on his final earthly journey to the strains of Les Condon’s ‘Call of the Righteous’. – MS Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

Copy should be sent to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

Salvationist 13 August 2022

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‘‘

Amazing love!

How can it be That thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army. We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves. This week…

EDGAR BALFOUR KIRKWALL How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My wife and I were Church of Scotland members and moved to a new area. We knew family members who worshipped at the Army and decided to try it too. We never regretted that decision.

What made you want to worship at the Army?

It was a friendly place, and the message was strong and well delivered and explained. Also there was a good mix of modern and traditional songs – with a kind of quirky Salvation Army vibe!

What is your day job?

I am a project manager for Orkney Food and Drink, and Creative Orkney.

I am responsible for organising events an disseminating information and to members.

What is the most interesting thing about your job – and the most frustrating?

I get to visit exhibitions across the K and a organise events locally, which UK iss great gre reat at fun. The most frustrating thing is the th h number nu num um of members who don’t reply to my emails asking simple questions!

(SASB 241)

What one thing would you change about the Army?

I can’t think of anything major. It isn’t perfect, but then neither am I, for sure.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Sun, sea and sand. Preferably in the south of France.

If you were to create a slogan for your e? life, what would it be? ce There, but for the grace of God, go I. song ng’’ If you had a ‘theme so song’ er you that played whenever wh hat walked into a room, what would it be? e Chain’ aka the Fleetwood Mac’s ‘The e Grand Prix theme tune.

Which book (apart from the Bible) would you want on a desert island?

Top Gear magazine or Autocar.

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

Football. They don’t have Olympic car racing … yet!

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

Family time.

’’

What do you do in your spare time?

I am involved with sport locally as well as being a (very average) DIY-er.

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

Smash Hits ’73.

What is your favourite Bible verse and why? really have a favourite one.

I don’t d There are different verses that I go T to at different times in life. That’s why the Bible is so unique and helpful.

Which Bible figure would you like Wh meet and what would you ask to me them? them Maybe Peter. I would ask how he felt about Mayb denying Jesus before the Crucifixion, and how it affected him later in life.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

Again, too many to choose from – but I do like ‘And Can It Be?’ and ‘My Lighthouse’.

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

Hate. Easiest thing to say – hardest to achieve.

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

Being a bit of a control freak – one of my previous company chairmen told me that ‘a good manager ger er delegates hi hims himself msel ms elff el out of a job’!’!

Do you have ve any hidden n talents?

I can juggle e and play the clarinet. arine n t. t But not at the same time – and neither very well!