Salvationist 14 dec 2013

SALVATIONIST

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 14 December 2013 // No. 1428 // Price 60p

// Also available digitally

Preparing the pathway Pages 14 & 16

CONTENTS 3.

FROM THE EDITOR

10.

4.

QUOTES This week’s quotes are from Nelson Mandela; Picture caption competition 5. – 9.

NEWS Uganda // The Philippines // Deptford // Hamilton // THQ // UKT // Dunstable // Murton // Norwich Mile Cross // London Central // IHQ // Louth // Tiverton // Sutton-in-Ashfield // Worthing // Southampton Sholing // Sherburn Hill // Hoxton // Maidstone // Wellingborough // North-Western // Sunderland Millfield // Willenhall // Bristol Easton // Staple Hill // Parkhead // Barrow-in-Furness // Oldham Roundthorn // Newcastleunder-Lyme // 8.

5.

NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

10. & 11.

Lockerbie remembered

FEATURE

12. & 13.

FEATURE Empowering radical disciples 14.

SHARING THE WORD We saw his glory with our own eyes 15.

My Dear General

REVIEW

15.

The wrong track!

TRAIN LINES

8.

16.

BIBLE STUDY Anticipation versus reality 17.

LETTERS

18. & 19. NEW COMMITMENTS 20. & 21.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

22. & 23.

ADVERTS

24.

THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

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

Salvationist 14 December 2013

FROM THE EDITOR

A CHANGING WORLD JUST over 50 years ago President John Kennedy was assassinated. It was news that shocked the world at the time and in recent weeks the question being asked through the media was: Where were you when it happened? You might clearly remember or maybe, like me, you recall hearing the news but not where you were or what you were doing at the time.

However, if you asked me where I was in 2001 when the twin towers of the World Trade Center were attacked on 9/11 – I could tell you. I was at a conference at Swanwick and remember watching the TV coverage in disbelief as the towers were struck by terrorist-controlled planes and then, so soon afterwards, crumbled to the ground in a massive dust cloud. The destruction resulted in numerous fatalities and changed for ever the lives of so many ordinary people.

The same could be said of events 25 years ago when a terrorist bomb, placed in a suitcase aboard Pan-American flight 103, exploded above the town of Lockerbie. The shock and sadness that this act of terrorism brought to a small rural community, and to families elsewhere anticipating the arrival of loved ones for Christmas, are incalculable. Those who were there, and those who lost loved ones, will never forget exactly where they were and what they were doing when the terrible news broke.

Into that scene of carnage The Salvation Army, together with other voluntary organisations, gave practical and spiritual support to emergency services personnel, local people and bereaved families. On pages 10 and 11 we share the experience of Colonels Derek Elvin and John Flett, who were at the scene with other Salvation Army personnel.

SALVATIONIST GENERAL INQUIRIES (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Laura Barker – (tel) 020 7367 4893 Kersten Rieder – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Captain Andrew Stone – (tel) 020 7367 4892 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza – (tel) 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Archie Bagnall – (tel) 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino – (tel) 020 7367 4881

They will never forget the events of that appalling tragedy, nor will the bereaved families or service personnel drafted in to assist with the forensic and clear-up operation in the town and surrounding moorland area.

Where there’s a need there’s The Salvation Army – so the saying goes. Volunteers with various skills from Scotland and south of the border assisted with the relief operation, which continued in the community for some considerable time and resulted in the opening of Lockerbie Corps – a new beginning in the town.

Whether in the aftermath of a terrorist atrocity or natural disaster, The Salvation Army responds in the name of Christ with practical and spiritual support for devastated communities. Although the world has changed in so many ways since the Lockerbie disaster, human need remains much the same – and God’s gift of his only Son to a needy world is as relevant as ever.

In recent days as tributes have been paid to the life of Nelson Mandela, the world has been reminded of how the courage and conviction of one man in his fight against the injustice of apartheid brought about change within South Africa and far beyond. On page 4 this week instead of quotes from the papers, we have included quotes from Nelson Mandela that reflect the heart of a man who said: ‘As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same’.

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4895 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445451 (fax) 01933 445415 (email) keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk DIGITAL SALVATIONIST Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline

Subscribe to Salvationist via Apple’s App Store, or Google Play Store for Android devices

A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © André Cox, General of The Salvation Army, 2013. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity.

The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Clive Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Martin Hill

Salvationist 14 December 2013

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QUOTES

NELSON MANDELA 1918–2013 ‘NO ONE IS BORN HATING ANOTHER PERSON BECAUSE OF THE COLOUR OF HIS SKIN, OR HIS BACKGROUND, OR HIS RELIGION. PEOPLE MUST LEARN TO HATE, AND IF THEY CAN LEARN TO HATE, THEY CAN BE TAUGHT TO LOVE, FOR LOVE COMES MORE NATURALLY TO THE HUMAN HEART THAN ITS OPPOSITE.’

‘To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.’

‘I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.’

‘I have walked that long road to freedom.

I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come.

But I can only rest for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.’

‘It always seems impossible until it’s done.’

‘Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.’

‘AS WE LET OUR OWN LIGHT SHINE, WE UNCONSCIOUSLY GIVE OTHER PEOPLE PERMISSION TO DO THE SAME.’ ‘Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great.

YOU can be that great generation.

Let your greatness blossom.’

‘AS I WALKED OUT THE DOOR TOWARDS THE GATE THAT WOULD LEAD TO MY FREEDOM, I KNEW IF I DIDN’T LEAVE MY BITTERNESS AND HATRED BEHIND, I’D STILL BE IN PRISON.’

PICTURE CAPTION COMPETITION What are Major Paul Johnson (Winton) and Major John Randle discussing at the bar?

Send your suggested captions for this picture to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk with the subject line ‘Picture caption competition’, or by post to Salvationist, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN. A selection of the best captions will be printed in Salvationist next month.

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Salvationist 14 December 2013

INTERNATIONAL NEWS The General and Commissioner Cox bring challenge and encouragement UGANDA FROM the moment they touched down at Entebbe airport, General André Cox and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Silvia Cox made clear their reasons for being in Uganda – to ‘share with people the love of God’ and to ‘see what God has done in the territory’.

These were the words of greeting that the General shared with the group that welcomed the international leaders. The welcome party included territorial leaders Colonels Benjamin and Grace Mnyampi, THQ staff, cadets and Salvationists.

The next day, Friday, after an open-air meeting in Kampala and a march of witness back to THQ almost 700 people attended a holiness meeting during which cadets sang, there was Maganda dance, and the presence of God was keenly felt.

The Ugandan Government was represented by Simon Mulongo MP – a Salvationist.

The General told the congregation that God called The Salvation Army to save souls and serve suffering humanity – and that all God’s people need to be filled with the Holy Spirit. In her Bible message Commissioner Cox spoke about being God’s temple. Many people moved forward to the mercy seat to receive God’s blessing.

The next day the General led a youth rally at Buwambingwa Corps while Commissioner Cox took charge of the women’s ministries rally at Bumbo Corps.

The General told his young congregation that they were ‘not only the Army of tomorrow but I believe strongly that you are also the Army of today’.

Those present at the youth rally worshipped with vigour and prayed with fervour. In his

Bible message, the General challenged people to live close to and remain in Jesus Christ. He challenged the young people to make the choice to serve Jesus instead of the world.

More than 100 seekers made the right choice at the mercy seat at the conclusion of the message.

At the women’s ministries rally, Commissioner Cox challenged the congregation to ‘walk

worthy’ before God. Walking, she explained, is moving forward step by step. She called on her women listeners not to depend on others to help them spiritually but to stand on their own feet and start walking.

Sunday morning began with more than 3,000 Salvationists marching to worship, and the international leaders took the salute. Set against the beautiful countryside, worshippers filled

More than a quarter of a million meals provided as Salvation Army plans long-term response in partnership with other NGOs THE PHILIPPINES INTERNATIONAL Emergency Services Officer Damaris Frick, serving on the ground in The Philippines since November confirmed that The Salvation Army is making significant progress in responding to the extraordinary and desperate need of Filipino people. The Army continues to provide lifesaving support to those needing assistance and has distributed the equivalent of 273,315 meals.

Local Salvation Army officials were quick to employ community members to assist with cooking, cleaning and shopping. This partnership is valued and important, as the Philippines population is keen to assist where possible in their own recovery effort.

The medical team continues to work well and has been well received. Given the large number of team members, consideration was given to visiting different barangays (districts) in Dulag in addition to the work in Tacloban. On Saturday 30 November the team opened an afternoon clinic in Nula Tula and saw 103 people who required medical attention.

Also, at the request of the Philippine Ministry of Health, the medical team began a vaccination programme.

The Salvation Army team also conducted an aerial survey of one of the more remote islands.

Damaris reports: ‘We joined forces with the World

many marquees arranged around a large cross that offered a focal point upon which to reflect and at which to kneel. During the holiness meeting, the General described Jesus as being a door, saying that if people want a good relationship with God, they must go through that door.

Countless people chose to respond to the General’s invitation to kneel at the cross of Christ.

– E. B.

Food Programme (WFP) and United Nations Humanitarian Air Service to undertake a small assessment flight to see one of the islands that reportedly hasn’t received any assistance.

Unfortunately the helicopter couldn’t land anywhere on the island but the observation showed that most houses on this island seemed to be intact. The trees and electricity poles were still standing and there were boats out on the sea. We also had a good overview of Tacloban and Dulag, and the devastation there was significant and obvious.’

Speaking of The Salvation Army’s partnerships with other NGOs in the region, she continued: ‘We are in ongoing conversation with WFP, the food cluster and the Department of Social Welfare and Development with regards to our future distributions. The overall feeling is that it would be best for the coming four weeks to have a few regular locations where The Salvation Army will provide food on a weekly basis and this falls in line with the Government’s strategy.’

The value of partnership and working together is evident with the experience and valued training of the International Emergency Services team continuing to play a vital role in keeping The Salvation Army at the forefront of relief operations.

Finally, conversations with communities, cluster members and government officials have proved beneficial as The Salvation Army is already reviewing recovery projects such as roofing and provision of vegetable seeds. This was the first step in what will be a long-term operation for the Army and partner agencies as together they work to help rebuild the islands. – J. M. Salvationist 14 December 2013

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NEWS A retreat for all

#appy Christmas!

DEPTFORD

UKT

MORE than 70 people, aged from 10 months to 90 years, met at William Booth College for a retreat entitled Inside Out led by corps officers Captains Kevin and Wendy Stanbury, with teaching by Majors Mark and Lindy Rose (WBC).

The day celebrated the many years of God’s faithful honouring of prayer, with teaching also focusing on the need to be clothed in humility, compassion and patience when working within the church and wider community.

Interactive children’s teaching illustrated the need for Christians to be clean on the inside and out.

The day concluded as it began – in joyful worship – including the song ‘I Am A Friend Of God’, challenging all to remember their part in furthering God’s Kingdom. – K. S.

THE territory has launched The Great Salvation Army Christmas Card Off to share greetings with vulnerable and lonely people this Christmas.

The territory aims to collect 50,000 signatures on the e-card, which can be found by visiting christmascard.salvationarmy .org.uk.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams, who was the first to sign the card, said: ‘Beneath the sleek design of this e-card lies the beating heart of our Christian message – that whoever you are, whatever circumstances befall you, you are never beyond hope and so long as you trust and believe in the goodness of others, you will never stand alone.’

Users can choose from one of five messages and share that message on Facebook, Twitter or Google Plus, make a donation and even play a digital cornet!

Once tallied, the greetings will be distributed to The Salvation Army’s Lifehouses and care homes for older people across the UK. The e-card will be online until the end of December.

– A. R.

Carol service to be broadcast on the web THQ SALVATIONISTS and friends around the territory and the wider Salvation Army world are invited to join Territorial Headquarters’ officers and staff for the THQ carol concert via a live stream. The service will be broadcast from www.salvationarmy.org.uk/THQcarols on Thursday 19 December at 8.45 am. The concert will include international guests serving in Australia and India and Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams will bring the Christmas message. – A. R.

HAMILTON: Major James Williams (THQ) led the 128th corps anniversary weekend, which included former members of the band and songsters joining present members in a Saturday night festival of praise led by Derick Kane (THQ). – D. Z.

Young people and youth workers at Dunstable enjoy an adventure weekend in the New Forest and get to know God and each other better

Young people from Murton celebrate the 131st corps anniversary with one of the members of Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band, which led an open-air meeting, march

Stowmarket Band leads Sunday worship at Norwich Mile Cross using the theme

of witness and festival

Faith Reborn

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Salvationist 14 December 2013

NEWS The General pays tribute to Nelson Mandela IHQ

Diverse global prayer gathering MORE than 40 people assembled at Regent Hall for the first divisional global prayer gathering; 54 flags adorned the balcony, acting as a reminder of the diversity within the division.

Everyone considered their roots but also their dreams for the future and Major Diane Henderson (DHQ) challenged the congregation to consider their journey to the cross and how everyone is united in Jesus.

The evening concluded with a powerful time of prayer with delegates praying in their own language. – S. W.

LOUTH: The corps presented £322 to Tony and Linda O’Sullivan from Help For Heroes. Funds were raised through a Saturday evening concert by Phoenix Choir and through donations in the meeting. – B. S.

TIVERTON: The timbrelists and choir joined South-Western Divisional Fellowship Band in St Peter’s church for a festival of praise. The band played a varied programme to the mostly non-Salvationist audience and the choir sang snippets from Glory! – B. G.

LONDON CENTRAL

An evening of praise and worship

NEWS IN BRIEF

SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD

O Worthing Band and

DERBY Central Band presented an evening of praise to a capacity congregation. Soloists were Martyn Page (euphonium) and Wendy Jordan (vocal) and Helen Peaple gave her testimony. – K. L.

Songsters presented a concert raising £700 for St Barnabas House Hospice.

O Southampton Sholing raised £2,000 through the corps Winter Sale. O A charity concert at Sherburn Hill by variety group

Meg Hillier MP (centre) meets jobseekers on the Employment Plus scheme at Hoxton

GENERAL André Cox has paid tribute to Nelson Mandela in a letter to the family of the former South African president.

The General explained that his years spent in Africa had given him ‘a sense of the measure of Madiba’s life and influence’.

‘So many have already spoken eloquently or written lucidly,’ wrote the General. ‘I would simply wish to salute a great man – one whose character was nourished by hope, expressed through forgiveness, and testified to through reconciliation.’

He concluded: ‘I pray that you would each know the Father of compassion and God of all comfort drawing so very near to you. During this Advent season, may you each experience fully the peace of the Christ child.

The Jolly Boys raised almost £400 for the lunch club.

O John Edwards kindly built and donated an Armistice memorial garden to Sutton-inAshfield Corps.......................... ...............

WELLINGBOROUGH: Songster weekend commenced with a thoughtful and inspiring programme by Leicester South Songsters. On Sunday Major Christine Kilpatrick and members of the host songsters led the morning meeting. In the evening, soloists Pam and Terry Wright and Dereck Wears (Kettering Citadel) and siblings Lewis and Ava Mobbs (Masquerade Junior Choir) participated in café church. – F. P.

The General and Commissioner Silvia Cox spent four years as leaders of The Salvation Army’s Southern Africa Territory. As The Salvation Army’s first African-born world leader it is appropriate that he should pay tribute to the man who has been called the greatestever African.

Commissioner William Langa (Territorial Commander, Southern Africa) said in a statement: ‘Mr Mandela’s immeasurable contribution to South Africa cannot be overstated. His commitment to helping the poor and vulnerable, and his pursuit of reconciliation in our divided society was a shining example to those of us who serve the Lord Jesus Christ through The Salvation Army.

Salvationists throughout the world have recognised his statesmanship and moral leadership. May his soul rest in peace in the everlasting arms of Christ.’ – A. R. MAIDSTONE: South London Fellowship Band played host to Medway Band to celebrate the 110th anniversary of the birth of Eric Ball. The evening began with the host band playing ‘Star Lake’ before the visitors played ‘Torch Of Freedom’. The programme included ‘The Gospel Feast’, ‘The Old Wells’ and the meditation ‘Songs In Exile’. The bands combined to present ‘The Kingdom Triumphant’ and brought the evening to a rousing conclusion with the march ‘Torchbearers’. – M. H................

NORTH-WESTERN: Women from around the division gathered at Warrington Corps for the annual Time Out Day, giving them a break from daily life for worship, reflection on God’s word, fun, good food and fellowship. Guest speaker Sarah McKerney spoke on the theme Women Of Power and all the women left with a copy of a prayer encouraging them to be women of power and to make a difference in their communities. – S. M.

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NEWS

Members of the corps fellowship at Sunderland Millfield celebrate the success of the annual shoebox appeal

WEEK 42 Monday 16 December Hebrews 2 – The author warns his readers to pay careful attention to sound teaching O v4: should the wonders and signs we read about through Acts be seen as short-term aids that helped Christianity get started or are they miracles we should expect to continue seeing?

O vv14 and 15: does the author indicate that he believes the Devil is real or merely symbolic of evil?

O Why is it important to recognise that Jesus was fully human?

Tuesday 17 December Hebrews 3 – The Jewish readers are warned against unbelief O The whole chapter seems to be a warning against unbelief. Why do you think the author had become so concerned about this?

Wednesday 18 December Hebrews 4 – All who come to God through trusting Jesus will enter a Sabbath rest O vv1–13: is the Sabbath rest when we get to Heaven or does it start from the moment we accept God’s gift of salvation?

O v15: despite being fully human and being tempted as we are, Jesus did not sin. Could this be possible without the belief (see Romans 3:23) that he was also fully divine?

Thursday 19 December Hebrews 5 – An expectation to move from being infant to mature believers O v11: was the author more concerned about the potential unbelief of some readers or about the possibility that they were no longer even trying to understand?

O vv12–14: would you agree that the author is suggesting the need to go beyond the fundamentals of their faith?

O Would you describe your spiritual life and faith as being in infancy or as mature?

O How has your faith developed in the past year?

Friday 20 December Hebrews 6 – The author lists some of the ‘elementary teachings’ we are to go beyond O vv1–3: would you have considered these subjects to be classed as ‘elementary teachings’?

O How familiar are you with these subjects?

O v2: ‘the resurrection of the dead’ is classed as an elementary teaching. Should our resurrection be a more familiar topic in meetings?

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Salvationist 14 December 2013

Children at Willenhall show the books presented to them by Divisional Envoy David Harrison

Children gather for the Space Academy holiday club at Bristol Easton

STAPLE HILL: A Sunday celebration featured musicians Vivienne and Lydia StoneFewings (Birmingham Citadel) as special guests. Lydia, who is to move to New Zealand for work, gave her testimony and spoke of the challenges she has already faced, believing they will help her in the future as she follows God’s leading in her life. – V. W.

PARKHEAD: Major Margaret Yuill and her husband, Chick, led a weekend entitled Living Well In A Changing World.

Sometimes humorous presentations reminded people of the importance of making Jesus the focus of their lives and of making disciples of those who had not heard about his love. The fellowship was blessed and challenged by the couple’s ministry. – A. D.

NEWS

All ages celebrate Newcastle-under-Lyme’s 130th anniversary with a disco; former corps officer Major Diane Watson led Sunday meetings

Refurbished building is prayer-walked BARROW-IN-FURNESS A CAFÉ church celebration service, giving thanks for a recent refurbishment, included a prayer walk of the public areas of the building – the community café, refitted shop and parent-andtoddler room. For many people attending the event this was their first experience of prayer-walking.

The refurbishment has added a new vitality to the community outreach of the corps, with customers appreciating the newlook café and shop facilities.

Major Mark Billard (DHQ) is pictured in the shop with volunteer Barry Thomas.

– M. D. Through the sale of goods andl hot lunches at the Autumn Fair,l corps members at Oldhaml Roundthorn raised £950l

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FEATURE

LOCKERBIE REMEMBERED Salvationist recalls the part played by The Salvation Army in the aftermath of the Lockerbie disaster, 25 years ago

ON the evening of Wednesday 21 December 1988 Pan American Flight 103 exploded over an area of southwest Scotland. A bomb in a suitcase was the cause of the explosion and all 259 people on board were killed.

A large section of the plane landed on Sherwood Crescent in the small town of Lockerbie destroying some of its houses, creating a deep crater in the road and setting off an explosion and fire that destroyed other homes and killed 11 residents. Another section caused damage and destroyed a house in Park Place. The nose cone landed some miles away at Tundergarth and small fragments of the plane, its contents and passengers, were scattered over hundreds of square miles of the uplands of southern Scotland.

Unlike other emergency situations, there were few people requiring medical help for injuries. Those most affected by the disaster were the relatives of the deceased, the residents of the town of Lockerbie and the emergency workers.

INITIAL RESPONSE

Major John Flett (Scotland THQ) learnt of the disaster through a TV news flash. He called Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Bramwell Baird and asked how he might assist. He was told to meet up with the emergency response unit at Laurieston and was joined by divisional leaders for South-West Scotland Majors Derek and Mary Elvin. The unit assembled with a convoy of ambulances that were given a police escort to Lockerbie.

On arriving in the town, John was asked to report to Inspector George 10

Salvationist 14 December 2013

Stobbs at the high school to identify a classroom for use as a control centre.

Telephone links were installed to enable liaison between the emergency services and THQ. Derek was asked to go to Sherwood Crescent where the mobile unit served refreshments to emergency services personnel.

‘‘

JOHN WAS INFORMED ‘YOUR UNIFORM IS YOUR AUTHORITY TO GO WHERE YOU WANT, AT ANY TIME’

’’

During the night, Inspector Stobbs asked if The Salvation Army could assist in a sensitive way in Park Place where debris and bodies had fallen.

He was concerned that residents would awake to disturbing sights and believed that if Salvationists called at every house it would give them some reassurance and needs would be identified.

Quite early in the emergency it became evident that security was a major issue. Special ID cards were issued to everyone at the scene, with the exception of The Salvation Army.

John was informed: ‘Your uniform is your authority to go where you want, at any time.’

HUMAN RESOURCES

The scale of the operation meant that more resources were needed. With the

help of THQ, volunteers with specific skills were drawn in from other parts of Scotland and northern England.

When reinforcements arrived, they were carefully briefed and monitored and given the simple advice to look out for each other and be constantly aware of people needing support and reassurance.

LOGISTICAL RESOURCES

When reinforcement police officers arrived and a large number of young soldiers were drafted into the rescue team, a regular supply of refreshments and toiletries was needed. Captain Trevor Porter, corps officer at Carlisle Temple, responded to this need by persuading city businesses to help.

His greatest achievement was to find a number of the ‘brick like’ cell phones for the mobile units. Lockerbie residents made generous gifts of food for distribution to the thousands of personnel who were engaged around the clock in disaster duties.

THE DEVELOPING PROGRAMME

At first Salvationists tried to cater for all the emergency workers but soon recognised that this was too much for them. The Women’s Royal Voluntary Service set up a restaurant at the school kitchen and served meals there. Salvationists concentrated on serving the people who were out in the town and the surrounding countryside.

This included a large number of service personnel who were tasked with finding and identifying debris from the crash that had to be logged before being removed.

The Salvation Army maintained a canteen at Sherwood Crescent throughout the emergency and this became a point of contact and support for the residents.

Salvationists also established a regular canteen at the mortuary.

Attempting to identify the broken bodies was a very demanding and difficult task for all involved.

Workers were provided with a place where they could have a few moments of peace and officers were there to offer comfort and spiritual help along with practical support.

John liaised with clergy to plan a Christmas Day service for victims’ families who were mostly from the USA. The service was scheduled to

Salvationists give assistance at the Lockerbie disaster site

follow a private briefing meeting between airline authorities and relatives.

However, the ministers quietly withdrew when they realised the raw grief and anger of the relatives.

A few moments later John left the building and was standing in the playground with Major John BrookSmith. Some of the relatives noticed them in their uniforms and, in their grief, threw their arms around them.

DEALING WITH STRESS

More than 200 officers and volunteers gave their services. Many used their Christmas break from work to help.

All were interviewed before they began work and were allocated tasks appropriate to their capacity. At the end of a reasonable shift, they were asked to leave so as to ensure that over-tiredness did not add to the trauma of the work they were doing. At the end of the shift every helper was debriefed.

Throughout the emergency Salvationists became aware that many people in the town were suffering from high levels of stress and would need continuing support. The social services department – the lead agency – was overwhelmed by the numbers involved.

Clergy in the area were also experiencing stress. Major Mary Elvin and Lieutenant Caroline Docherty,

corps officer at Annan, agreed to go to Lockerbie one day each week to offer help. At first this was done on an informal basis, but soon a number of homes were opened to them and the Catholic priest made a room available in his church, placing a Salvation Army crest in the window.

During the next 18 months this work developed into in-depth counselling for those in greatest need.

In addition, Mary offered to help a number of Strathclyde police officers who were suffering following their work at Lockerbie. The Salvation Army held a debriefing session in Glasgow for everyone who had helped.

Although this was of some value, the long-term effects of working at Lockerbie resulted in some officers withdrawing from pastoral work in subsequent years.

FINISHING THE JOB

After the main emergency work concluded responsibility for maintaining the presence of The Salvation Army was passed to other colleagues and the volume of work gradually decreased. During the final phase, a GP’s wife agreed to become an honorary Salvationist and to maintain the work for as long as was necessary.

The Chief Secretary and John Flett were invited to lunch by the Scottish Police Federation and presented with a substantial donation in recognition of the Army’s services to the police.

Territorial Commander Colonel Dinsdale Pender and John Flett met Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Lord King, Chairman of British Airways. They thanked the Army for being so deeply involved at this time of international tragedy. Letters of thanks were also received from the Regional Council and from Sir Hector Munroe MP. Salvation Army team members were presented to the Prince of Wales when he visited the town. He expressed appreciation for their services. At the request of Sir Hector Munroe, The Salvation Army was awarded the British Empire Medal for its work at Lockerbie. Derek and Mary Elvin attended the unveiling of the Lockerbie memorial at the Dryfsdale cemetery and the anniversary services held at Lockerbie and Heathrow.

However, the best outcome of the work came some years later when The Salvation Army established a small centre in the town. This still functions and has become part of the community, serving the people faithfully when there is no immediate emergency.

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FEATURE

Empowering radical disciples After six months in their appointments, Majors Mel and Kath Jones speak to Kersten Rieder about their new roles in developing the territory’s spiritual life WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS IN MINISTRY? Kath: Prayer is important to me, as are people, and I feel I am able to be a good listener and have discernment.

Creative worship is important in helping people engage in a different and helpful way.

Mel: Just to mention, Kath trained as a nurse and a midwife and is originally from the North East – she is brilliant with children. When it comes to creativity we recognise that spirituality is different for everyone. I’m from North Wales and studied Natural Sciences (Physics and Mathematics) at Cambridge University, which affects the way I think. In terms of ministry I am strategic – I like facts and working with the key points of an issue.

Because of my strategic thought processes, I love looking for patterns and playing around with information.

I am passionate about teaching and I believe the Bible is critically important.

I also have a particular interest in Salvation Army history. IHQ is in the process of editing a book I wrote about holiness in the early Salvation Army and I hope it will be out next year.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CALLING TO OFFICERSHIP Mel: After university I originally offered to go with Voluntary Service Overseas, but then thought, ‘That’s ridiculous!

Why am I offering to go with them, when I’m a Salvationist?’ But I didn’t 12

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want to commit the three years required by the Army to go overseas and so the candidates secretary said he would like me to run Hoxton Corps in the East End of London. I can remember saying yes before I realised I’d said it out loud! It was a great experience because it was totally different from anything I’d done before.

It was during that year I experienced conversion. I had been a ‘head’ Christian and it all had made sense to me, but I wasn’t a ‘heart’ Christian.

That concerned me. Living, practical ministry is what made my faith real, which was a big thing for me. There is a danger for us to get lost in discussions about the philosophical concept of Christianity.

God’s call and go into officership as a single person. Within that month I met Mel. I think God wanted me to state my commitment out loud.

So when Hubert mentioned that envoy, something within me said ‘and that’s the person you’re going to marry’. So we met and I asked God to help me with this because I didn’t know how it was all going to work out. Then Mel asked me out – on a soup run! At Christmas, we visited my parents and went for a walk; he stopped and just asked me to marry him. I said I was not sure I could do that because I was going to the training college the next year.

He simply replied: ‘And I’m coming with you.’

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FAMILY

Kath: When I was 14, in the final meeting of a corps cadet house party the speaker mentioned there was a shortage of officers. In that moment I knew that is what I had to do.

When I told my staunch Salvationist parents they very much urged me to do something else first. So I trained as a registered nurse in Lancaster and then went to The Salvation Army’s Mothers’ Hospital in London to train as a midwife. I was a candidate then.

It was Colonel Hubert Boardman who suggested that I went to Hoxton because there was a need for help.

He also mentioned that an envoy was appointed to the corps. Prior to that moment, the thought of being a single officer didn’t really appeal to me, but I distinctly remember coming to the point when I knew I had to be obedient to

Kath: We have three adult sons – David is acting chief inspector for the Metropolitan Police and married to Ellen.

They have a gorgeous son, Wilfred, our first grandchild. Then we have Matthew, an architect who will be married next year. Our youngest, Jonathan, is head of department for theology and philosophy at Wallington Girls School.

They are all doing very well and it is lovely that we all live in London.

WHAT WAS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE APPOINTMENT? Mel: Bristol Citadel – we worked in the inner city for six years, just after the 1980 race riots. It was great, yet demanding, but we had a good time there. I think we achieved a lot in the corps and I

have great respect for the members who are there year after year. It’s in the middle of the red light district and we could fill books with stories. It alters your thoughts about theology and mission when you’re actually dealing with people in deep need and you’re living among them.

Kath: College was our happiest appointment. We absolutely loved being there.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST REACTION TO YOUR NEW APPOINTMENTS? Mel: We were extremely happy – we retire fairly soon and desired to do something where we could be involved in ministry and concentrate on just that. The General wanted every territory to have a secretary for spiritual life development, so it seemed a good match.

Kath: They play well to our gifting.

Mel mentioned about teaching, and he loves it. That’s when he comes alive, if you like. But we’ve always worked together on things, so we feel fortunate to have joint appointments at this stage.

A BLANK SLATE APPOINTMENT – IS IT EXCITING OR DAUNTING? Mel: It is both a blessing and a challenge, because you walk into the office and there is nothing but an empty room. I’m comfortable with that. I am trying not to decide too quickly what I am going to do – I want to listen to people first. So far, it is coming together quite nicely. There are already a lot of good resources available, so we don't see a need to create more. We think we need to highlight things that are happening across the territory about spiritual life in the Army. We spoke at officers councils and are scheduled to lead eight divisional retreats this coming year. But I believe it’s all about getting out there and creating discussion through lots of teaching. I’ve devised a questionnaire on the spiritual disciplines for background information – what Salvationists actually use, what matters to them, what kind of meetings they

would like to go to, who they think is responsible for their spiritual life, etc.

Kath: There is a hunger among Salvationists generally for going deeper and revisiting certain things. A lot of elements seem to be coming together – conversations we’ve had with people, affirmation at officers councils and hearing what people were saying they needed. As a result we’ve had lots of invitations. There is a movement of the Spirit, and that is exciting.

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN DOING FOR THE PAST FEW MONTHS? HAVE YOU IDENTIFIED ANY SPECIFIC AREAS OF NEED AND/OR INTEREST? Mel: We’ve been listening to people and gathering information from the questionnaire, from the Research and Development Unit and the training college. I’m in the process of pulling that together. We are pleased to be responsible for the Brengle Institute again and are planning a divisional one for Salvationists. In terms of areas of need, there is an immense ministry potential for encouragement. I studied leadership in the New Testament and discovered that one thing that a leader does is encourage. Too often we can preach and make people feel bad from the platform, when actually people should come to a meeting and leave feeling good about themselves.

So, where Salvationists are trying to seek God’s face and want to deepen their spiritual life, we should encourage them in that. The second area is teaching and a ministry of edification.

We see ourselves as trying to help Jesus’ disciples who want to live holy lives, and provide teaching for that.

Swanwick showed us that there is a hunger for biblical teaching. The third aspect is about empowering people and having Spirit-filled followers achieving God’s mission. The early Army’s desire was to save souls.

But, strategically speaking, I believe a leader should go out and make disciples. In turn, they will go out and save souls and serve suffering humanity. If those in leadership spend all their time saving souls, and

not helping those souls become disciples, then I would be concerned.

The Founder said we’re making a rope of sand if we don’t train our soldiers.

We need active soldiers; we are called to be radical disciples of Jesus.

When you make disciples, then the salvation and serving of community happen naturally. At corps level, many folk are already doing it and recognising the importance of discipleship.

Kath: I major on the encouraging.

A lot of people just want someone to get alongside them and encourage them in what they are doing. A lot of it is just listening.

HOW CAN THE TERRITORY BENEFIT FROM YOU AS A RESOURCE? Mel: We are available to do retreats that involve teaching over a few days.

Our diary is already busy for 2014 but we welcome the opportunity to be involved if suitable dates can be found.

Kath: We also have a prayer weekend in January that will have more than 130 delegates attending. It shows again that there is a hunger for spiritual things.

Mel: If people contact us we would be happy to signpost them towards resources already out there. We also hope that through officers councils we have been able to empower and inspire some corps officers. We hope that we can be an encouragement to corps folk. We are also responsible for the Prayer Network, who do great work, and so we are looking at strategy and implementing a few exciting ideas about how we can help the prayer life of the territory. However, our main job is to be a catalyst: encouraging and edifying – joining up all the good things that are happening in the territory.

We just want to play our part and help all the great people in this territory to be all that they can be in Christ.

MAJOR MEL JONES IS SPIRITUAL LIFE DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY; MAJOR KATH JONES IS ASSISTANT SPIRITUAL LIFE DEVELOPMENT SECRETARY Salvationist 14 December 2013

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SHARING THE WORD

We saw his glory with our own eyes Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Marianne Adams reflects on Christmas experiences

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LOVE Christmas. Ever since I was a little child the month of December has filled me with joy and expectation. This feeling has remained with me for more than 50 years. It is not based so much on pure white snow, decorations, gifts, food and all the other things that glossy magazines and adverts focus on.

No, Christmas is so much more. It is memories of people and experiences that have taken place over the years.

I have had glimpses of the glory of Christ in my neighbourhood, in my family, in the activities at The Salvation Army and in the world.

John 1:14 gives me a definition of Christmas: ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.

We have seen his glory.’

The Message says it like this: ‘The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighbourhood. We saw the glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and out, true from start to finish.’

As a young child it was an extended family preparation and celebration, with aunts, uncles, grandparents and cousins who we met many times during the month of December. The joy of Christ entering our world was expressed through making Christmas decorations, cleaning, baking, helping each other and learning and singing carols that were passed on from one generation to the next. I saw some of Christ’s glory in the joy that was shared.

As a ten-year-old, I realised for the first time in my life that life could be hard for many people. Christmas Eve was spent with homeless people.

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Some of them were war veterans with alcohol addictions. They had lost so much: their homes, work and family relationships. They had dressed up in whatever they were able to find in their bags of belongings and they were sitting around tables, ready to be served their Christmas meal. I observed the expressions on people’s faces.

There were smiles, joy, shiny eyes and tearful eyes. The carols that were sung by 200 men – whose voices increased in confidence with each verse – have never left my memory. The glory of Christ filled that corps hall in the same way it filled a smelly stable, and I saw the glory. I hope the men did too.

Years later my family attended a Christmas play in sunny South Africa.

The ‘actors’ were abandoned children that had found safety in a children’s home, called Ethembeni, run by The Salvation Army. An unwanted baby had been found in a rubbish bin a couple of days earlier, and now he was taken into a safe home where lots of carers would look after him and where he and the rest of the children would be given a brighter future for years to come.

I saw some of Christ’s glory at Ethembeni, the place of hope, where small abandoned children were dressed up as Mary and Joseph, shepherds, kings and angels.

They surrounded the crib where this beautiful little baby, rescued from the rubbish bin, was resting. The children made the story of Christmas come alive again.

It is a story that reminds us that God reaches out to a broken, dark world – and people still see glimpses of his glory. His glory can be seen through

the outreach that is being done by people in corps and centres all over the territory. It is an outreach done with outstretched hands, warm hearts, joyful words and sharing through music. As you sing some of the words written by Nahum Tate in the song, ‘While Shepherds Watched’, let it be your prayer and your wish for this December that somebody will get a glimpse of God’s glory and experience that Jesus Christ has moved into the neighbourhood to be with them.

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

All glory be to God on high, And to the earth be peace; Goodwill henceforth from Heaven to men Begin and never cease!

COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS

REVIEW and TRAIN LINES

A CLEVER PRESENTATION OF ARMY HISTORY Lieut-Colonel Jenty Fairbank reviews My Dear General – Letters To William Booth From The 21st Century by Wesley Harris THEY say ‘Never judge a book by its cover’, but in this case you might be tempted to disregard the wisdom of the ages. One hundred years after his entry into Heaven, what would the Founder think of the 21st-century Salvation Army?

In 40 letters to ‘My dear General’ this intriguing question is posed by Commissioner Wesley Harris, who is dedicated to keeping his ‘inky fingers’ on the pulse of the Movement.

He reminds the Founder (and consequently us, his readers) of happening after happening in Booth’s long life – a clever way of presenting early Army history for those who are perhaps unfamiliar with its main events.

And for those of us who thought we

knew those main events inside out, there are some intriguing surprises, often arising out of Salvation Army folklore. For example, in one letter Wesley Harris writes: ‘I once heard of a retired officer who treasured a pair of your old boots. When young he had been dealing with a seeker at the mercy seat in a big meeting and you were hovering nearby. You noticed that the lieutenant had holes in the soles of his shoes and you kindly offered to give him a pair of your own boots.

He was so thrilled that he felt he could never wear the boots himself but at sales of work he would let people touch them – if they put something in the collection! I’m not sure what you would think about that!’

THE WRONG TRACK! Major Val Mylechreest helps us keep on track JUST a quick question: If I take a wrong turn in the car or jump on the wrong train, why is it that it never happens when I have time to spare to enjoy the scenery? It’s never on a day when I have half an hour to fill and can simply sit back, enjoy the experience and leisurely find the right time and place to make a U-turn when possible.

It’s when I’m rushed or hurried or stressed or chasing from one appointment to another that I run along the wrong corridor, up the wrong staircase, into the wrong tunnel and onto the wrong train. There is only one option: get off at the earliest opportunity, retrace my steps and start again.

Isn’t life a little like that?

It’s worse for me on a mainline train because, if a mistake is made, I can end up miles from my planned destination.

I find I can never totally rely on electronic notice boards.

I will never understand why they leave it to the last minute to indicate the platform I’m due to depart from. I suspect

At the end of each letter the author suggests questions for group discussion or individual reflection, followed by a relevant Bible passage and prayer topic. These are wellgrounded, dropping us firmly back into the 21st century where, long after we’ve finished the book, we’ll be pursued by such questions as, ‘If Booth were here today, what do you think he would say about T-shirts that use his image or words?’ And, related to that, ‘What legacy will we leave and what sort of Army are we passing on to the next generation?’

My Dear General is available from SP&S priced £8.99 (plus £4.95 postage and packing) O

there must be rail staff who are only too well aware of the platform, but are in a position to see us rushing to get to the right place at the right time. Just a theory of course!

Even when I have picked up the appropriate platform from the board, I still have to check with the staff by the ticket machine, the staff by the train, any staff on the train and, then (embarrassed as I am to have to admit it), I check with someone – anyone – making the same journey.

Only then can I relax.

On our spiritual journey it is so important to stay on track.

I have spent a lot of time, effort and energy journeying in life with good people who have, for whatever reasons, simply made wrong choices or decisions and the simple (and scriptural) truth is realising that the only answer is for them to retrace their steps and start again.

Ask the questions. Believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts. Surround yourself with a fellowship, a small group of trusted friends, mentors and ministers who will lovingly keep you on the right track. And if you find you have made a mistake – turn to face the right direction and start again.

MAJOR MYLECHREEST IS ADULT AND FAMILY MINISTRIES OFFICER, THQ Salvationist 14 December 2013

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BIBLE STUDY

Anticipation versus reality Major Mark Bearcroft presents the third in an Advent series by UK officers serving overseas STUDY PASSAGE: ISAIAH 40

L

AST July we received a Skype call from our daughter, a student at Greenwich University.

She had just realised that she wouldn’t be able to participate in the traditional stirring of the Christmas pudding!

We laughed, because such a statement seemed silly from a teenager about to undertake a tour of India on her own. But then we realised that our Advent traditions provided a recognisable stability in a family that seems to celebrate Christmas differently each year according to our appointment. So we made the pudding during her visit in August (when it was 48ºC outside) and stored it in the fridge until December!

Advent and Christmas in the Middle East are completely different from the commercialised anticipation in the West.

You can still find Christmas decorations in the shops and Santa sets up a base in the indoor ski centre, but for Christians it is very different.

If we go carolling, it is to the homes of Salvationists – inside, with the door shut. It’s about meeting together to worship, which can be difficult as most people have to work on Christmas Day. Last year our carol service in Sharjah was at 6 am – the only time we could get on the Christian compound – and fitted in with those not given time off by their employers. In Abu Dhabi we met in a party hall complete with balloons and a sticky floor.

Advent is all about preparation.

In the West we prepare our homes and decorate them in all sorts of ways.

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We prepare our food – Christmas favourites are shopped for or made.

Carol books are dusted off, the box of dressing-up stuff is rediscovered and the Christmas hampers and toys begin to pile up.

Certainly, for the Salvationist, Advent is busy, busy, busy. We are preparing for the festival, preparing for the celebration – but are we ‘preparing the way’?

‘‘

ADVENT IS ALL ABOUT PREPARATION

’’

We have joint responsibility for the corps in Oman, in the southwestern corner near the border with Yemen.

Salalah is an ancient town, whose claim to fame is that throughout history it has produced the best frankincense.

The trees here would have secreted the resin that formed part of the first Christmas present. It also has a thriving Salvation Army corps. It doesn’t have officers, but between ourselves and Majors Stewart and Heather Grinsted, we try to get there four times a year.

The most direct route is to take the three-hour flight across the Rub’ al Khali – the ‘Empty Quarter’ – the largest sand desert in the world. An alternative is to drive from where we live in Dubai, which involves crossing the border into Oman and taking the 1,400 km road to Salalah, which skirts the edge of the Empty Quarter.

The road is reasonably straight, very sandy and hot. You don’t undertake this journey unless you have confidence in your vehicle and carry plenty of

water and a spade to dig yourself out of drifting sand. If you come across someone in trouble, the parable of the good Samaritan should be acted out regardless of faith or nationality.

We’ve done the journey twice, and each time we’ve been reminded of these verses from Isaiah: ‘Prepare ye in the wilderness the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed’ (40:3–5 Revised English Version).

The second time we made the journey, we saw great improvements in the road. There were some dual carriageways; dunes had been ploughed through to make the road more level; the way was wider and straighter. A highway had indeed been prepared across the desert.

Surely this is what Advent is about.

Our preparation should be about making the pathway by which God comes to us as open and clear as possible.

MAJOR BEARCROFT IS ASSISTANT REGIONAL OFFICER, MIDDLE EAST REGION, BASED IN DUBAI

LETTERS ‘IN CHRIST, RECONCILING’ PETER BALE raises a serious point in his comment about the song, ‘In Christ Alone’ (Salvationist 30 November). It is a fine song spoilt by that one line, ‘the wrath of God was satisfied’. The concept of satisfaction is the cause of disquiet and in the context of the verse the implication is that God the Father and God the Son are somehow at odds with each other and that the suffering of Jesus was necessary to placate the Father’s wrath.

There is no doubt that the theory of Atonement is complex and difficult and the various suggestions all appear to raise as many problems as they solve.

The idea, for example, that Jesus is like the whipping boy of the 15th and 16th centuries who receives the punishment merited by the prince’s misdemeanours (Substitution) seems immoral to some and, likewise, the idea that the suffering of Jesus appeases the Father (Satisfaction) is thought improper and is perhaps the least helpful explanation of how atonement works.

Philosopher Herbert Hodges wrote that ‘the problem of the Atonement is a real

and recurring problem, and at its heart is the question: why a cross?’ He goes on to suggest that the merit of Jesus’ death lies not in the pain and suffering but in the unswerving obedience, of which the willing acceptance of that pain was merely the crowning proof. An obedience that cancels the disobedience of the first Adam. This is surely a helpful suggestion.

At all events, any theory of Atonement becomes defective at the point at which it sets the Father and the Son somewhat against each other. As Paul so profoundly puts it in the Epistle to the Corinthians: ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself.’

John Waters, Major, Biddulph Moor

A STATEMENT OF FAITH

IS GOD’S WRATH SATISFIED?

READING through Salvation Army doctrine, I see that the wording in the fifth paragraph declares: ‘We believe that… by disobedience… all men have become sinners, totally depraved, and as such are justly exposed to the wrath of God.’ The next paragraph has the basis of our faith: ‘We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has by his suffering and death made an atonement for the whole world so that whosoever will may be saved.’

Surely the line from ‘In Christ Alone’ that says, ‘Till on that cross as Jesus died the wrath of God was satisfied’, is in itself a complete statement of faith and is what all Christians believe!

Jesus gave us the victory. I pray that the Army will continue to embrace this beautiful song.

LIKE Peter Bale (Salvationist 30 November) I had concerns about a phrase in the great song ‘In Christ Alone’, but then I remembered the words of Paul, ‘God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself’ (2 Corinthians 5:19 Authorised Version).

However, I have greater concern with the last verse, which suggests that nothing can ‘pluck me from his hand’.

Granted, if we are ‘in Christ’ we are secure, but can be lost if by neglecting the things we have heard we ‘should let them slip’ (Hebrews 2:1 AV).

We have used gospel songs from non-Salvationist sources, with blessing, for many years, but each needs to be carefully considered in order adequately to reflect our understanding of Scripture.

Angie Trorey, Lowestoft

Alan Bennett, Major, Hadleigh

THE JIGSAW OF ATONEMENT CORRESPONDENCE in Salvationist regarding the hymn ‘In Christ Alone’, written by Keith Getty and Stuart Townend, could be a useful platform for debate and teaching about theology and doctrine.

I understand that a number of Christian groups and individuals have questioned the appropriateness of this song for congregational singing and inclusion in denominational hymnals.

The discussion appears to focus on one line. I believe some good Christian folk regard this line as a poor or misleading reflection of the doctrine of Atonement.

Down through the ages Christian thinkers have proposed a number of models of Atonement – based on their reading of Scripture and personal reflection. Indeed, it would appear that William and Catherine Booth may have differed somewhat in their approach to the doctrine of Atonement. It would take an article if not a small booklet to fully discuss this subject; sufficient to say that each model of Atonement might be regarded as a piece of a jigsaw which, when placed with its partner, makes a beautiful whole.

No doctrine should be regarded in isolation. In his writings, philosopher of religion Professor Richard Swinburne skilfully links the Atonement and the Incarnation. And indeed ‘In Christ Alone’ also refers to the Incarnation.

The sentiments expressed in ‘In Christ Alone’ are basic yet profound and the music is melodious, lending itself to congregations large and small.

Kevin Chubb, Cardiff Editor’s note The song ‘In Christ Alone’ will be included in the new songbook; correspondence on this topic is now closed.

Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address.

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

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NEW COMMITMENTS

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1. DANIEL SEARLE Adherent member PLYMOUTH EXETER HALL WHITLEIGH CORPS officer Captain Kelston Stanford welcomed Daniel as an adherent member. Daniel has attended the corps for many years and testified that he felt God wanted him to make this commitment. As part of his service to God, Daniel plays Eb bass in the band. – K. S. 2. LES PEPPERDINE Adherent member BOSTON LES felt he had wandered away from God but, through people at the corps keeping in contact with him, he found his way back to the Lord and the Army. Family members supported Les as he was welcomed by corps officer Major Mark Price. Les thanked the corps fellowship for its continued support and requested the song ‘All To Jesus I Surrender’ and for the songsters to sing ‘Jesus Thou Art Everything’ as both songs have a special meaning for him. – M. P. 3. MILLICENT WALLWORTH, GEOFFREY WALLWORTH Adherent members TAVISTOCK MILLICENT and Geoffrey were welcomed to the fellowship as adherent members in a meeting led by former corps officers Captain Penny Sullivan and Major Carol Lockhart pictured with LieutColonel Joan Williams. – L. P. 18

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4. & 5. NOMBULELO (BULE) KADIEGE, EVELYN SCOTT Adherent members READING WEST WHEN Bule, who previously lived in South Africa, visited the corps and experienced the love and unity of the fellowship, she realised it was where she belonged.

For Evelyn, going to the corps brought back memories of when she was a junior soldier. Now she hopes to follow Jesus and be a good Christian.

Bule and Evelyn were welcomed into the fellowship by corps officer Captain Annette Guest. – G. T. 6. JASMINE WADLAND Junior soldier LAUNCESTON JASMINE was enrolled by corps officer Major Dawn McGarvey.

She is the first junior soldier at the corps for many years. – L. P. 7. JOY MARSHALL Adherent member LEICESTER SOUTH FAMILY and friends supported Joy as she was welcomed as an adherent member. After losing her mother last year, with Christmas approaching, Joy and her daughter Su decided to volunteer at the Army’s Christmas dinner. The warmth and friendship experienced during the day led them to attend Sunday meetings. – L. H.

8. THOMAS BARNES, BROOKE RICHARDS, LILY ROBERTS Junior soldiers BARTON-UPON-HUMBER CORPS folk welcomed Thomas, Brooke and Lily as they were enrolled as junior soldiers.

Thomas returned to the corps with his sisters a couple of years ago and is a keen participant in Sunday meetings.

Brooke has attended the Army with her grandmother since birth and enthusiastically collects tithes and offerings in the morning meeting.

Lily came to the Army through her mum, who attended as a young person and wanted to give her daughter a good start in life. After an invitation from a Sunday school teacher, Lily and her mum regularly attend Sunday worship. – N. C. 9. DUNCAN MCCULLOCH Adherent member BLACKPOOL SOUTH DUNCAN was introduced to the Army through the outreach ministry of the band at his residential home. He started attending Sunday worship and enjoys the fellowship. He was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officers Majors Peter and Patricia Exon.

10. EMILY HOLMES Junior soldier WINSFORD FAMILY and friends supported Emily as she was enrolled as a junior soldier by Cadet Brian Ward (Stockport Heaton Norris).

She shared her testimony through music as she played ‘Aurelia’ with the band. Emily is pictured with No 1 on the roll, Olive Dunning.

– J. C. 11. DANIEL WILKS Soldier CONSETT CORPS folk greeted Daniel as corps officer Captain Heather Alston enrolled him as a soldier. Daniel testified to his love for Christ and The Salvation Army, and thanked the primary and Jam club for teaching him about Jesus. He pledged to do his very best to be a good soldier. – H. K. 12. ELLISON HART, CATRISE HART, TREARNA HART Junior soldiers CRADLEY HEATH CORPS officer Captain Liz Hancock was thrilled to enrol eight-yearold triplets Ellison, Catrise and Trearna as junior soldiers. They marched into the hall behind the flag to ‘The Young Salvationist’ before introducing the congregation to their favourite songs ‘These Are The Days Of Elijah’, ‘Have You Ever Stopped To Think How God Loves You?’ and ‘Jesus Loves Me’. The children said they wanted to make this commitment because they love God and want to learn more about him. Ellison shared a prayer expressing their desire to encourage others to follow Jesus.

The triplets are pictured with the corps officer, family and YPSM Gail Westwood-Payne. – L. H.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff: Effective 1 April 2014: O Lieut-Colonels Andrew and Yvonne Westrupp (currently serving in New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga) to be Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Papua New Guinea, with the rank of colonel. They succeed Colonels Neil and Christine Webb, who will be taking up new appointments at IHQ. LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED Naomi Kelly, Edinburgh City

O YPSM

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond: O Rtd BM David and S/Reservist Audrey Mortlock, Reading Central (26 December) Golden: O Alan and Pam Hair, Gainsborough (28 December) O Majors Michael and Sheila Warden (1 January 2014) DEDICATED TO GOD Nana Konadu, daughter of Kofi and Vivian Osei Aboagye, by Major Alison Hudson; Anthony Patrick Hudson-Whitney, son of Anthony and Claire Whitney, by Major Iain Hudson, both at Reading Central O William James, son of David and YPBL Sarah Stanley, at Leigh-on-Sea

by Major Teresa Carmichael O Oliver James, son of James and Rosalynd Dawson; Alexander Steven, son of Steven and Lindsey Goodger, both at Leicester South by Majors Chris and Lin Herbert O Lillian Vivian, daughter of Tim and Karen Farmer, at Birmingham Citadel

by Major Mandy White O Orla, daughter of Bandsman/Songster Scott and Susan Dunn; Alexa Ann Christine, daughter of Mark and Alana Boyd, both at Parkhead by Captain Linda Dunlop O Kayla Rebecca, daughter of Gavin and Lisa Smith; Luke William Douglas, son of Michael and Donna Lodge, both at Colchester Citadel by Major Margaret House O Layla Poppy, daughter of Cameron and Stephanie McNicholl, at Leek by Major Margaret House O Scarlett

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O Andrew

Stuart, son of Stuart and Sarah Rose, at Shildon by Major Linda Watson O Jacob Jonathan Mark, son of Jonathan and Karen Davies, at Maesteg by Major John Pugh BEREAVED O Major Gael Huggins of her sister June O Joy Hendry of her husband Albert, Chris Hendry of his father, both Worthing, B/Reservist Robert Hendry, Wellingborough, of his brother O Margaret Burton, Stapleford, of her husband Bandsman Lawrence Burton O S/Sec Miriam Dawson of her husband B/Colour Sgt Roy Dawson, Bandsman/Songster Stephen Humphrey of his stepfather, both Newbiggin-by-the-Sea RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: O Major Marjorie Stokes (85 on 18 December) O Captain Margaret Peacock (85 on 25 December) O Major Marjorie Astill (80 on 28 December) PROMOTED TO GLORY Lieut-Colonel Margaret Jeffs from London on 29 November O Major Doreen Jones from Bridgend on 2 December

TRIBUTES (GEORGE) FRANKLIN GRAY, BROMLEY TEMPLE FRANKLIN was born to a Salvationist family in Nunhead in 1920 and entered the training college in 1939. He left the ministry during the war years and joined the RAF. After demobilisation in 1947 he remained in RAFA and moved to Manchester, becoming CSM at Star Hall.

Following a move to Northumberland, Franklin became Director of Mencap National College, Dilston Hall, and was active in a local church and Hexham Rotary Club.

In 1992 Franklin rejoined The Salvation Army at Southampton Sholing, and – after marriage to Hilda in 1993 – soldiered at Bromley Temple.

He leaves a son and two grandchildren, together with members of Hilda’s family.

– T. G. Please note that soldiers’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 120 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

O Mrs

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UK Territory MARRIAGE Sarah Kind, William Booth College, to Andrew King on 23 November

O Major

LONG SERVICE 35 years – O Major Margaret Ord, London NorthEast DHQ CLIVE ADAMS, Commissioner, Territorial Commander

ON THE AIR O BBC

Radio Scotland 92–95 FM (and online at bbc.co.uk/scotland): John and Heather Coutts have recorded Advent services for New Every Morning (6.30 am) on the theme of Light A Candle For Christmas. The programmes will be broadcast each Sunday during Advent.

O BBC local transmitting of Celebrating Christmas With The Salvation Army: BBC Jersey 6 pm, 24 December; BBC Cambridge 1 pm, 25 December; BBC Radio Cumbria 1 pm, 25 December; BBC Coventry and Warwickshire 5 pm, 25 December; BBC Tees 6 pm, 25 December and BBC Lancashire 7 am, 26 December.

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL ANDRÉ COX AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: O India Northern, Fri 3 Jan - Tu 7 2014 O India Eastern, Wed 8 - Mon 13 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS) AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: O South and Mid Wales, Sat Sun 15 Dec O Visits to Central London social services centres, Wed 18 O THQ (carol service), Th 19 O Hadleigh Employment Training Centre (carol service), Mon 23 O West Scotland, Sat Sun 5 Jan 2014 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: O St Helier, Sat Sun 15 Dec O Romford, Sun 12 Jan 2014

BRENDA CRAIG, PENGE THE daughter of officers, Brenda was born in Sunderland in 1941. She spent many years in ministry with the Army’s Social Services in Birmingham, Belfast, Jersey and Ware, as well as a period of time at THQ. Brenda was a beautiful pianist and in recent years used this gift in the home league.

Her witness for the Lord was amazing; she could not resist sharing her faith with others.

In recent years Brenda’s health deteriorated, resulting in a liver transplant, which proved to be beneficial. Poor health returned this year and Brenda has now entered eternal life with the Lord Jesus, whom she loved and served. – K. M.

MRS EILEEN STEVENS, HASTINGS CITADEL EILEEN was a talented musician and conductor and played the piano and accor-

dion. As a young woman she was singing company leader, the deputy songster leader and organist for many years and accompanied the singing during summer beach meetings, pedalling away on the old Triumph organ.

With her late husband Tony, Eileen was the other half of the ‘double-act’ that ran the Silver Threads Club most successfully for 25 years. This period saw a club membership of more than 100, with its club choir and drama group featuring regularly at divisional and national over-60 club events.

After Tony’s death in 1989, Eileen succeeded him as over-60 club secretary for a further ten years.

Her encouragement to others is sadly missed. – M. S.

RETIRED BAND SERGEANT EDDIE PAPPS, DUNSTABLE EDDIE’S passion was to share his love for God and encourage others. He often did this by offering one of the ‘Jesus’ name boards he made using his woodworking skills and

promising to pray for people – usually on the spot, there and then.

Eddie joined the Army in his early twenties. For many years he was ‘Skip’ in the scout group and also served as singing company leader, songster, CSM and band sergeant.

He was a faithful soldier all his life and had a huge influence for good in the corps.

Arthritis dominated the last 40 years of his life, but Eddie was resolute in his faith and trust in God. – M. N.

DENIS CLAYTON, BIRMINGHAM ERDINGTON A LIFELONG Salvationist, Denis grew up at Birmingham Citadel.

He later transferred to Aston, where he met his wife Eileen. They had five children. After 40 years at the corps, Denis transferred to Erdington, where he was singing group leader for 11 years. He could not read a note of music, but was a great leader and very popular.

Denis, who drove the minibus for Salvation Army day centres for many years, was a loving family man and a great Christian example. – A. C.

Salvationist 14 December 2013

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Salvationist 14 December 2013

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Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each day Saturday ‘Which is easier: to say, “Your sins are forgiven,” or to say, “Get up and walk”?

But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.’ So he said to the paralysed man, ‘Get up, take your mat and go home.’

Then the man got up and went home.

(Matthew 9:5–7)

Sunday There’s no other name but this name, And no other name will do.

There’s no other name but Jesus For folk like me and you.

For no other name brings pardon And sets everybody free.

There’s no other name but Jesus For you and me.

(SASB 71)

Monday ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to

proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

(Luke 4:18 and 19)

Tuesday Say, is there a name to live by?

Is there a name for joy?

Is there a name to change men, Their hate and greed destroy?

Have we a name for healing?

Have we a name for peace?

Have we a name for freedom, Deliverance and release?

(SASB 71)

Wednesday And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

(Ephesians 2:6 and 7)

Thursday Say, is there a name for meaning?

Is there a name for might?

Is there a name for mercy, A name for life and light?

Have we a name for laughter?

Have we a name for grace?

Have we a name for glory Transcending time and space?

(SASB 71)

Friday More than we ask!

God’s promises are true.

He gives much more than we are due.

Abundant grace for every task – Abundant joy – abundant peace, Abundant love, and love’s increase.

Thank you, Lord.

Praying around the world... Denmark In winter the temperature often falls well below freezing. Pray that the Army will have enough resources to support homeless people for whom a bed is a matter of life and death rather than an item of comfort.

Pray also for young people involved in the teenage discipleship Transformer programme, that they will be a blessing to their communities.

Stars. Picture: ADAM STEPHENSON