Salvationist 14 September 2019

SALVATIONIST

No.1722 Price 60p

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 14 September 2019

Back to uni Equipping Christian students PLUS ISS SEASON PREVIEW

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

REPORTS OF MODERN SLAVERY INCREASE BY 30 PER CENT IN WALES New data from the National Crime Agency shows a 30 per cent increase in reports of modern slavery cases across Wales in 2018.

The statistics show there were 251 referrals of potential cases of modern slavery last year compared to 193 in 2017. Of the 251, 125 were children and 126 adults.

Many victims of modern slavery come to the UK to try and escape abuse but then become vulnerable to exploitation.

Most of the 251 cases involved victims whose country of origin is the UK but victims originally from Vietnam, Sudan and Albania were also reported.

The 30 per cent increase in 2018 follows a 56 per cent increase the year before that.

ITV News

CHURCH PLEDGES TO FIGHT CRISIS OF CLIMATE CHANGE

80 PER CENT DECLINE IN RELIGIOUS FUNERALS AS MOURNERS OPT FOR GOLF COURSES AND ZOOS OVER CHURCHES Instead of services in crematoriums, churches and cemeteries, Britons are instead opting for increasingly quirky ways to mourn their loved ones.

The Co-op, the UK’s largest national funeral provider… published a report revealing that since 2011 there has been an 80 per cent decline in religious funerals.

Eight years ago 67 per cent of people requested traditional religious services and just 12 per cent were non-religious.

However, by 2018, just 13 per cent wanted a religious funeral.

Undertakers have reported a ‘staggering shift’ towards unique, secular ceremonies. Among the more niche requests, there have been milk floats, canal boats, converted steam trains and quad bikes being turned into hearses.

The location of funerals has also provided opportunities for the more imaginative mourners. Zoos, buses, a cattle auction house, next to the 18th hole on a golf course – and even a McDonald’s Drive Thru – have hosted processions for the deceased. A total of 77 per cent of Co-op’s employees have had requests for funerals to be held outside of traditional religious settings.

The bishops of England and Wales have declared an unprecedented ecological crisis and called on Catholics, their parishes and dioceses, to change their lifestyles to tackle climate change.

They announced that they would review the bishops’ conference’s 2002 letter on the environment, The Call of Creation, and would update it to reflect the present situation and to promote good practice within the Church.

‘We need a more considered relationship with our God, our neighbour and the Earth through the way we manage our resources as a Church,’ they write.

‘We, the bishops of England and Wales commit ourselves and invite our people to engage in this urgent challenge, so that together we show leadership by our actions.’

The Telegraph

The Tablet

Premier

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

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Salvationist 14 September 2019

CHURCHES URGED TO BRING THEIR ‘SOCIAL IDENTITY’ TO TOXIC ONLINE PLATFORMS Churches across the country are being encouraged to have an online presence to promote positive social spaces for the public.

It comes after research from the Royal Society for Public Health revealed how social media makes people feel.

The study showed content that triggers negative memories, the fear of missing out and pressures from celebrities and influencers were among the most toxic.

People ranked memes, access to learning resources and understanding diverse cultures as among the most meaningful.

The Scroll Free September campaign is encouraging the public to take a break from their social media accounts for the month of September in a bid to build more healthy relationships with online platforms.

ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4883 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445445 (option 1) (fax) 01933 445415 (email) subscriptions@satcol.org TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101 Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

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

Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline

Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

GOING BACK WHILE standing in a supermarket queue a few days ago I noticed a poster advertising a ‘Back2Uni’ sale. There were special offers on George Foreman grills and Russell Hobbs toasters, kettles and irons. Things have certainly changed since I was a student!

Most school pupils are now back in the classroom and university students are beginning to return to their studies, where they’ll be joined by those making the transition from school or college to university.

Student life can be enjoyable and fulfilling, with opportunities to explore unfamiliar ideas, engage in fresh experiences and make lifelong friends. But the pressures of study and the need to manage a student budget mean that life can also be stressful.

For Christian students there is the added challenge of living as faithful disciples of Jesus.

On pages 12 and 13 we learn how Gareth Evans has been involved with the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship, supporting Christian students in their spiritual growth and outreach. He speaks about the opportunities and the difficulties they face, and is glad to know that he has been able to help them over the past year.

A different kind of ‘going back’ will happen this weekend when many churches take part in Back to Church Sunday, an initiative that involves church members inviting friends, family and work colleagues. Since it began in 2004 thousands of people have accepted a Back to Church Sunday invitation, most of whom have had some previous church connection.

Of course, people are welcome to come back to church at any time of the year, and the Salvationist new commitments pages often include those who have returned to the Army and made fresh faith commitments. That’s the experience of two people featured on pages 14 and 15: Michaela Park and Gordon Smith, both former soldiers who have been re-enrolled in the past year. It’s clear from their testimonies that, having been through trying circumstances that taught them significant lessons, they have rediscovered the grace of God in a new and deeper way.

There are many other kinds of ‘going back’. I’m sure we know of people who have returned to work after a career break, moved back to a place where they once lived, renewed old friendships, resurrected a hobby or project, rejoined a club or returned to some activity or role in church that they’d previously given up. We may have done one or more of these things ourselves.

Picking up the threads after a break can be difficult, but also enriching. The experiences of those going back to university and back to church illustrate this.

Students won’t repeat all they’ve done the previous year but will begin a new stage in their studies as they move towards graduation. Those who return to church bring something of what they’ve been through during their absence – whether their experiences have been positive or negative – into their renewed commitment, giving them deeper insights into God and themselves.

If ever we face the prospect of going back to something, may we also find ourselves going forward, allowing what God has taught us to help us understand him more and serve him better. And if we’re not having a ‘going back’ experience, let’s remember to pray for and support those who are.

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 8

News feature 8 Herald challengers hit the streets Feature 9 Rediscovering the value of Army uniform

by Major Marcus Mylechreest

Preview ISS: A season of celebration

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by Cliff Matthews

Resources 11 From Steptember to Walktober

by Lieutenant Pip Chisholm

Interview 12 and 13 Uniting students for Christ Gareth Evans speaks to Simon Hope

Testimonies Coming back to God

14 and 15

by Michaela Park and Gordon Smith

Bible study 16 and 17 The parable of the sower

by Lieut-Colonel Goff Payne

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Melvyn Knott

New commitments

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Letters

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Announcements Adverts

20 and 21 21 to 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Ruth Kilian

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 14 September 2019

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NEWS

Division celebrates leaders at every level DEVON AND CORNWALL AN enthusiastic and expectant congregation gathered for the divisional celebration of leadership, which was attended by territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill.

Supported by the Divisional Mission Band and Exeter Temple Songsters, new officers were welcomed, 26 local officership appointments were recognised and Candidate Elliot Kervin was farewelled to William Booth College to take his place in the forthcoming Messengers of Grace Session.

Commissioner Gill interviewed delegates on the Growing Leaders course and Commissioner Anthony spoke powerfully from Isaiah 61, challenging everyone to go out to the margins and be the good news. – F. B./S. W.

Grosvenor Lifehouse and supporters raise awareness of the Army’s work in west Belfast as part of the city’s Féile celebrations

Exeter Temple Band visit Brixham for an open-air meeting on the quay

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Salvationist 14 September 2019

Lieut-Colonel Brian Knightley OF presents music certificates to Eaton Bray Band members Alex Sherwood and Freddie Silver after they passed their Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams

CIRENCESTER: At the invitation of the town council, the band presented a two-hour programme in the Abbey Grounds. During the programme, corps folks handed out copies of the War Cry and Kids Alive! and engaged with listeners. Later, the band travelled to Lechlade-on-Thames, where they united with members of Oxford Band to provide music on the banks of the river for the annual Churches Together Songs of Praise. – M. G. MORLEY: Youth leaders organised two events to stay in touch with families in the community during the summer break. The first was Messy Church, attended by nearly 80 people. The second was a three-day superhero holiday club, where young people explored their talents through crafts and games and discovered how God uses ‘ordinary’ people to do amazing things. The club concluded with a special time of worship, when three young people committed to following Jesus. – R. W. Cirencester Band played hymn tunes in the centre of town, while corps members spoke to shoppers and distributed leaflets and copies of the War Cry and Kids Alive!

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Tunbridge Wells YP and workers past and present attend the YP anniversary; YPSM Lynda Spinney was presented with a retirement certificate for 25 years’ service by Majors Keith and Shona Pike (IHQ)

Corps officer Major Teresa Everett presents seven children from Portsmouth North Noah’s Ark parent-and-toddler group with a colouring book of 365 Bible stories to celebrate their graduation

Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication.

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

BELFAST: Children enjoyed a holiday club based on the theme Mission: Possible at Glen Alva Family Centre. The week was organised by chaplain Simon Arthur. He used a wordless book to illustrate the life of Jesus and taught the kids the importance of remembering John 3:16. – S. A. Salvationist 14 September 2019

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NEWS

Winton Bandsmen Peter Best and Callum Noble-Gresty take part in Prudential RideLondon; they cycled 100 miles, raising £1,600 for Ukraine: Vision of Hope 2020

Families see owls up close at one of Southwick Community Project’s many community fun days held over the summer

SWANAGE: Ringwood Band joined the corps for the conclusion of the town’s RNLI Lifeboat Week. Open-air ministry was shared on the seafront in the afternoon before the visiting band accompanied the RNLI service at Swanage Lifeboat Station in the evening. Celebrations concluded with songs of praise on the quay. Divisional leaders Majors Gregory and Priya Morgan supported throughout the day, and good contacts were made and prayers shared. – K. G.

TAUNTON: At a three-day holiday club children learnt about God’s awesomeness through the story of Joseph and experienced what it was like to live in Egypt. Activities included crafts, cooking and singing.

Pictured with the children are corps officer Lieutenant Theresa Torr, divisional leaders Majors Ian and Jean Harris, Chief Secretary Colonel Lee Graves and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Debbie Graves. – T. T. Leek raised more than £200 for YP work through a coffee morning and table-top sale; the event was well attended by corps folk and members of the community

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On his retirement, Penge Bandmaster LieutColonel Alan Read received a certificate of appreciation for many years of service

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Teignmouth and Newton Abbot Bands open Teignmouth Carnival week

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Salvationist 14 September 2019

Risca celebrates the 17th year of its children’s holiday club with Rocky’s Plaice; children from the community learnt about Bible stories and took part in games, crafts and dancing

Snettisham hosts a ceramic painting afternoon, raising £316 for Theresa’s Tiny Treasures; the charity supports families who have lost a baby during pregnancy or soon after birth

Hucknall supports the town community day, arranged by the rotary club; corps literature was distributed and many contacts were made

FELIXSTOWE: CSM John Ellitson welcomed 30 young people from China and South Korea to Sunday morning worship. The guests, who were attending summer school at Felixstowe International College, joined in activities with youth from the corps. The college has a long association with the corps, with pupils regularly attending Sunday morning meetings. – D. A. facebook.com/ salvationistonline @SalvationistUK

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NEWS FEATURE

Herald challengers hit the streets UK AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND

Herald Michael Scott witnesses on Southend high street

THE 2019 Herald Challenge saw a number of people selling the War Cry and Kids Alive! on the streets for the first time, writes Promotions and Marketing Co-ordinator Richard Smart.

Across the territory 54 corps took part, encouraging people to try their hand at being a herald for an hour a week during July. This was an increase on the 34 corps that took part during the last Herald Challenge in 2017. The herald challengers, who had to be soldiers or adherent members aged 16 years or above, joined the more than 1,000 heralds who already sell the Army papers to the public every week. Each participating corps received 20 additional copies of the papers free of charge for the four weeks.

Many of the challengers spoke of the positive responses they had received from the public, and some have offered to continue selling the papers weekly as heralds for their corps. One person who decided to continue this ministry is Michael Scott at Southend Southchurch.

‘I felt it would not be easy for me to stand in the high street and sell the War

Cry and Kids Alive! ’ he said. ‘But I am so delighted that I was chosen for this marvellous job.

‘It was a wonderful experience to interact with people. I not only collected donations for my corps but also witnessed to my Lord.

‘I am humbled when people are complimentary towards the Army, and that people trust us and tell us their stories. One woman from Ireland said that the Army helped her when she was experiencing homelessness in Belfast. One man told me that he doesn’t give to any other charity, but he does give to the Army.

‘It is wonderful when you say “Thank you and God bless you” to people when they donate. A lot of them say “God bless” back, which is pleasant. I also love it when people give money to their children to come up to me; this is the way they learn to give.

‘It is good to know that people read the War Cry and Kids Alive!, which might bring them to Christ and to the Church, even if not to The Salvation Army. It is a great thing to be involved with.’

SHERINGHAM: Norfolk Fellowship Brass gave a concert to a large congregation at the Seaside Special evening. Major Mark Sawyer (Norwich Citadel) compèred the concert, which was the band’s 17th year participating in the event. Solo items were brought by Gordon Evans (tuba), Ray Todd (cornet), Mark Giles (euphonium), Iain Sturgeon (clarinet) and Lynette Sturgeon (vocal). – M. W. 8

Salvationist 14 September 2019

FEATURE My dissertation explained

Rediscovering the value of Army uniform In this monthly series SISTAD* students tell us about their degree dissertations. Major Marcus Mylechreest’s dissertation for his MA in Mission was called, ‘Clothed in righteousness: a theology of Salvation Army uniform as an aid to holy living’

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ROM the earliest days of The Salvation Army new converts and members adopted a particular style of clothing. Beginning with simple emblems and ribbons to adorn daily outfits, a uniform soon developed as a way of declaring publicly that the wearers were fully devoted Christians in God’s Army.

Stories of public humiliation and persecution of those who chose to don a uniform adorn the early pages of Salvation Army history. This was an age of passionate witness to the world of God’s transforming power and boldness to stand firm in the ranks of The Salvation Army. These visible soldiers were prepared to proclaim the gospel in evangelistic mission and in service to those in need.

In our contemporary context there remains, to a degree, a public awareness of the practical help available from a Salvationist, but what does the uniform say to the world today? Or, more fundamentally, what does the uniform say to the one who wears it? Is there still value in the use of Army uniform or has it simply become a form of corporate dress?

Through my study, I attempted to rediscover an early purpose for uniform and its potential use today. Viewed through the lens of the Army’s Wesleyan heritage of salvation and sanctification, and a broader understanding of

sacramental theology, my dissertation proposed that the wearing of uniform could be understood as a means by which God’s grace can be brought to mind and received.

It partly highlighted the use of religious clothing within biblical history and by clergy in churches through the ages, but it mainly looked at the purposes and possibilities of uniform within The Salvation Army.

It is often acknowledged that the self-titled Captain Elijah Cadman first proposed the idea of a uniform at the 1878 War Congress, stating: ‘I would like to wear a suit of clothes that would let everyone know I meant war to the teeth and salvation for the world.’ Up to this point the dress code for the Christian Mission evangelists was a black frock coat, tall hat and black tie.

As the idea of a uniform developed it was Bramwell Booth who raised the level of perception beyond mere material properties. Reflecting on the early years of The Salvation Army in Echoes And Memories, he recorded that the uniform was much more than a form of clothing to distinguish membership in a particular organisation or ‘a badge of office or rank’. For Bramwell, and for officers and soldiers at the time, the uniform represented ‘the great principles for which we were contending and was rich in many sacred associations for those who wore it’.

Early editions of Orders And Regulations devoted four pages to the value of wearing uniform. Not only was it

to be a public confession of the wearer’s salvation, it was also a means of delivering them from temptation, of providing occasion for talking about God, of drawing attention to the Army and of exercising self-denial.

Over the years the emphasis on the multiple applications for uniform wearing has been narrowed down from several pages to simply a couple of paragraphs in the latest soldiership training course.

Only the defined purpose of the uniform as a means of witness remains.

A significant focus of my dissertation was to reclaim the original intent of the uniform as a witness to one’s self. One of the ways in which this can be accomplished is to tell a new story about the ‘S’s on the collars or lapels.

Despite extensive research I could not find any official meaning for these letters; they have been open to various interpretations. What is clear is that the ‘S’ intertwined with the cross on the crest does officially stand for ‘Salvation’ and it would seem that this is also what the ‘S’s on the uniform stand for.

This simple device, however, could be a means by which we remember our status in Christ every time we put the uniform on: every soldier is ‘Saved’ and ‘Sanctified’.

This short overview of my dissertation does not permit space to further outline the theological value of the uniform, which has the potential for missional, holy intent. Suffice it to say that Salvationists today might find it helpful to reflect on an article of clothing for which Bramwell Booth claimed many sacred associations. *SISTAD is the territory’s School for In-Service Training and Development, which provides courses for officers and employees, plus open learning courses for everyone; visit salvationarmy.org. uk/SISTAD for details MAJOR MYLECHREEST IS CORPS OFFICER, NOTTINGHAM ARNOLD Salvationist 14 September 2019

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RESOURCES Prayer Walktober

From Steptember to Lieutenant Pip Chisholm introduces a tool designed to help us pray for our communities

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EING part of a corps that does not do door-to-door collecting can make raising money for the Big Collection a bit of a challenge, so I have come up with an idea to raise money at Mirfield: a few corps members and I are taking part in a sponsored walk this month called Steptember.

This got me thinking about whether we could have another event follow on from it. I decided to go for a walk and pray about it, and God pointed out something obvious: surely the natural follow-up to a walking event is another walking event. The difference would be to use it to pray for our community.

Out of this was born Prayer Walktober.

Many of us recognise the importance of praying for our community. The main aim of Prayer Walktober is to support

this by getting people who are praying for the community into the community.

I brought the idea to the Territorial Prayer Network Co-ordinator Captain Pauline Milner, who graciously got on board with it.

Prayer Walktober is a resource involving four prayer walks that people can do at any time during October. Each walk has a key area of focus: education, emergency services, local government and other churches. The resource gives some guidance as to what people may want to pray into, but this is by no means an exhaustive list.

I am keen that this is not simply another thing the Army expects us to do; I appreciate that it will really resonate with some people and not with others, and that is OK. Ephesians 6:18 says: ‘Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.’ There is no one-size-fits-all way to pray. So, if this is not your thing, do not worry about it, just keep praying in the way that suits you. How we pray is not important; the important thing is that we do.

Those who find Prayer Walktober a helpful way to engage in prayer for their community will discover how simple and adaptable it is: it can be done on your

own or with others; it can take less than half an hour or last much longer; it can take place at a time that is convenient for you; and even the order of the prayer walks is not set in stone.

Prayer Walktober is a tool we can use to help us on our prayer journey. My prayer is that some people will find it useful and that it might encourage people to pray in a way they have not tried before.

I keep coming back to the verses in Exodus 34 where Moses is asking God to be with the people despite their apparent shortcomings. In response, God makes a covenant with Moses that he will do amazing things and perform wonderful works that will show the people just how great he is. I am sure we all long to see God do something similar in our own communities!

O For more information about Prayer Walktober email saprayernetwork @salvationarmy.org.uk or call 020 7367 4539 LIEUTENANT CHISHOLM IS CORPS OFFICER, MIRFIELD

PREVIEW ISS 2019-20

A season of celebration International Staff Songster Cliff Matthews looks ahead to the brigade’s 40th year of ministry

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EXT year marks the 40th anniversary of the International Staff Songsters (ISS) in their current form. The group exists to share the good news of Jesus through song wherever it can. The first word we sang back in 1980 was ‘Jesus’ in the song ‘Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee’, and he remains at the forefront of all we do.

Every season is exciting as we go to different places during our regular weekend visits, presenting concerts and leading worship. We also have opportunities to record CDs and downloads, including a follow-up to the successful A Gowans Legacy, which is due out this autumn. The album is masterminded by General John Larsson (Retired), who arranged its thematic journey and wrote the music and cover notes for many of the tracks.

One of the songs that Richard Phillips recently wrote for us is a setting of ‘The Prayer Of Jabez’. The prayer asks God to enlarge our territory, so when we considered how we could celebrate 40 years of ministry, we gave thought to that – then things got exciting!

Our anniversary celebrations will start at Regent Hall in January 2020. The Saturday evening will see a joint concert with the International Staff Band, something that hasn’t happened since the ISS inauguration, although we have shared a platform with them on numerous occasions.

If you have been to any of our concerts in the past few years you will have heard at least one of the four ‘Choral Symphonies’ that Richard Phillips has composed with words by Stephen Pearson. It has been a dream of Richard’s to have these sung with an orchestra, and that will come true in two ways. There will be an orchestra at Fairfield Halls in March for a unique concert, supported by Aled Jones, where all four symphonies will be sung along with other items. We will also be

recording these pieces in October. We are, as always, grateful to Richard and all those who write words and music that can be used by all music ministry groups. This particular offering was not just a labour of love but hard work as well.

At this event, and at the Regent Hall concert in January, we will honour the contributions of past members, who have been invited to participate. (We have tried to contact as many of them as we can, but if you know someone who hasn’t heard from us, please ask them to get in touch.)

Almost two years ago we were thrilled to be able to visit two prisons in Gloucestershire. What an opportunity that turned out to be! It was a joy to see people who might not normally attend worship interested in hearing about Jesus, and we know that the Lord’s influence has continued there. We pray for the same when we visit prisons in the Exeter area in May. A new opportunity provided by modern technology is our virtual choir, which lets you join with other choirs in an anniversary performance of ‘Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory’.

Finally, we will be spreading our wings and visiting the USA and Canada for Easter, with a tour finishing in Toronto.

There is much to look forward to, much to pray for and much to be grateful for, but in all things we give the glory to God, and work to spread his name abroad. Past experience has shown that music – particularly music with powerful words – can stir the heart and, in what perhaps is old-fashioned terminology, ‘bring the wanderer home’.

2019

Leicester South

21 and 22 September Bristol Easton

12 and 13 October Louth

16 and 17 November Territorial Carol Concert Royal Albert Hall

4 December

2020

ISS 40th Anniversary launch with ISB Regent Hall

18 January Regent Hall

19 January Sunderland Millfield

8 and 9 February A Choral Symphony: Celebrating 40 years of the ISS Fairfield Halls, Croydon

7 March Croydon Citadel

8 March Tour of USA and Canada

3 – 13 April Exeter Temple

16 May HMP/YOI Exeter and HMP Channings Wood

17 May Symphony Sounds Birmingham

30 May O The deadline for submitting recordings to our virtual choir is 30 November 2019. More information is available at salvationarmy.org.uk/iss

Music Leaders Councils Birmingham

31 May

Salvationist 14 September 2019

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INTERVIEW

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Going along to a Christian union was one of the best decisions I made

Uniting students for Christ As a new university year begins Gareth Evans talks to Simon Hope about the blessings found in Christian unions

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P and down the country, students are gearing up to start university or return for another academic year. But they are not the only ones going back to school. A cohort of former students will be travelling to universities for a different reason: to equip and train the next generation of disciples.

These former students are relay workers, sent out across the country by the Universities and Colleges Christian Fellowship (UCCF). The organisation gives university students opportunities to hear and respond to the gospel, and relay workers are one of their main resources.

This past academic year Salvationist Gareth Evans was charged with preparing students at Royal Holloway 12

Salvationist 14 September 2019

(pictured on the front cover) to share the good news of Jesus Christ. Throughout the year Gareth and his counterparts in other universities enabled Christian students to lead Bible studies with non-Christian friends, encouraged them to attend events that expanded and deepened their faith and came alongside them to support their personal spiritual formation.

‘It’s always really exciting to see students arrive with one mindset and then, even if it’s nothing to do with you, see how God works in them,’ Gareth enthuses. ‘The biggest excitement has been seeing how the people I’ve worked with have flourished and grown in their love of Jesus and their confidence in witnessing to their friends.’

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UCCF also equips students with physical resources. Among the wealth of powerful and informative literature is the Uncover series, which helps those who have never led a Bible study before to do so. Gareth found it particularly helpful.

The most recent instalment, Uncover Mark, is a set of eight studies designed for a Christian to work through Mark’s Gospel with a non-Christian friend.

University is often a formative time for students. While Gareth recognises the stigma around ‘the student lifestyle’, he assures parents they need not worry. In fact, he encourages students to engage in the experience.

‘Three years really do fly by,’ he says.

‘Take the opportunity to join the clubs, the sports teams and the Christian unions and go to events to meet people, because you’ll make amazing lifelong friends while at university.’

He also recognises the difficulties that many young Christians face in going to church: ‘The fact is, when you’re away from home, the decision to go might be more difficult, might be more countercultural. Finding a good church to be a real home away from home is perhaps the best piece of advice I could give to students!’

With the new academic year looming, Gareth looks to continue his work with Christian unions, but in a new direction.

He will still support Christian students at university, but as an InterAction worker with the Austrian Student Mission, or Österreichische Studentenmission (ÖSM). Along with UCCF in the UK, ÖSM is part of the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), which supports Christian unions in universities worldwide.

Now based in Vienna, Gareth will help to lead an international group of students from universities across the city. While similar in content, Gareth’s work this academic year has a vastly different scope.

‘There are probably between 150 and 200 people working for UCCF in the UK,’ he explains. ‘In Austria I’ll be part of a team of seven. That just highlights the difference in resourcing and manpower.’

Even with a small team, God’s good work is progressing. The group in Vienna, which began several years ago, is continuing its mission to spread the gospel in the city.

‘Amid the challenges there’s a lot of excitement,’ Gareth affirms. ‘It’s not like I’m somewhere where nothing is happening. I’m a part of something that’s already started to get going, which is great!’

Gareth cannot say for sure how God might use him in the future. What he can say is that he puts his trust in God, and he encourages anyone considering joining a Christian union, to do the same.

From those not attending university this year, he asks for prayer and support.

‘It’s great work,’ he concludes. ‘Every year people who might never have heard of Jesus come to know him, and God does amazing things through them.

I think it would be great for people to pray that God continues to do this again and again.

‘In a lot of churches, people know about Christian unions before they go to university. But it’s not something that I, or others I have met who grew up in The Salvation Army, knew a lot about.

‘I would encourage people heading off to university to check out Christian

union groups and events because, certainly for me as a student, going along was one of the best decisions I made. I met amazing friends and got more excited about evangelism and reaching out to my peers than I had been before. It really transformed my life and it’s important that people pray into more of that.’

O Find out more about your university’s Christian union at uccf.org.uk O Learn more about the worldwide Christian union community at ifesworld.org O If you would like to support Gareth you can call him on 07710 280382 or email him at gazzaevans97@gmail.com Salvationist 14 September 2019

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TESTIMONIES

Coming back to God For Back to Church Sunday (15 September), two soldiers who were re-enrolled at Edinburgh Gorgie this year share how they returned to the Army

MICHAELA PARK I WISH I could say I come from a happy, loving family, but that isn’t the case.

Love, nurture, praise and attention didn’t come as part of the package. I was repeatedly told that I wasn’t wanted, so I found myself searching for those things in other ways.

Thankfully I had some sort of structure behind me from the Army that taught me boundaries and safety, which I didn’t have because of my dysfunctional background.

I was eight when I became a junior soldier at Glenrothes, but I grew up and away from God. Although I continued to go to the Army throughout my teenage years, I didn’t pray, read my Bible or act the way I should. Even so, I became a soldier at the age of 17.

In 2014, two years later, I got into my first relationship and we moved into our 14

Salvationist 14 September 2019

own house. Within a month I was expecting a baby. It was then that I first came to Edinburgh Gorgie, thinking my whole future was planned out and steady.

Isabel was born in 2015 and all of a sudden I was in charge of this tiny human with a blank canvas for me to fill.

I didn’t realise she would dictate so much of my life. I had post-natal depression and was admitted to the mother and baby unit at St John’s hospital in Livingston for a month when Isabel was only three weeks old.

I was diagnosed with a mental health illness when I was 22 and finally had an explanation for all my quirks and faults growing up.

Isabel’s dad and I separated two weeks after my diagnosis and suddenly I was a single mum. I felt like the whole world had turned on me, including God for giving me this life to live. I started drinking alcohol most days, turning to it for comfort and as an escape from the life I had.

At the beginning of 2018 I started taking drugs and drinking excessively and I made some really bad choices.

One night I was so out of it I didn’t know where I was or how I was getting home. I was lost.

But God picked me up. I don’t know what happened, but it happened there and then. He reminded me of the person he created me to be and that this wasn’t it.

I was at my most broken and had hit rock bottom, but it was there that I realised that God was my rock. In the days after, I prayed for the first time in a while. I prayed for signs, a way out, for someone to come along and a chance to turn my life around for good.

The next Sunday I woke up and decided to go to the corps for the first time in about four months. I felt fresh, like it was a brand new day. God had given me a chance to turn things around again. I went along and got chatting to Adam, who made me

found/ So let the sun come streamin’ in/ ‘Cause you’ll reach up and you’ll rise again/ Lift your head and look around/ You will be found.’

That is my journey so far. My mess has become my message, and my tests have become my testimony. It wasn’t easy to go back into uniform because I was so worried and full of fear in case I failed again. But I knew God was telling me to trust him and do this. Last year I gave away my old uniform, thinking I was never going to use it again and that I was done with that part of my life. I can almost hear God laughing at me for thinking that way!

My life never made sense and I didn’t understand why those stages of my life happened, and I don’t understand the things I deal with now, but in hindsight I’m beginning to see where it all fitted into place from the very start. If I can love even one person the way I’ve been loved then I’m on the right path.

promise I’d be back the next week. God answered my prayers by putting Adam in my path.

At summer school last year I had the pleasure of spending a lot of time with Vicki – another person God placed in my life at just the right time. She reminded me of how important my testimony could be to someone who might need to hear it.

I doubted my place at Gorgie for a long time and was looking for excuses not to come. I am so thankful that God showed me my place in this world and brought Isabel and me here, where I can continue my journey with the people I consider family. We’ve been accepted and shown what it is to be loved by God through them.

The girls chorus at summer school sang a song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen that says: ‘Even when the dark comes crashin’ through/ When you need a friend to carry you/ And when you’re broken on the ground/ You will be

GORDON SMITH MY early Christian development was founded in the United Free Church of Scotland and through the Boys’ Brigade, where I formed a solid foundation on which to build my Christian life.

There are two passages in the Bible that have influenced my life. First, the parable of the good Samaritan who tended the injured man at the roadside and transported him to a place of safety and treatment. This passage inspired my choice of career and I spent 35 years with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

I first came into contact with The Salvation Army in 1989. I had been sharing with a colleague, Keith, that I was finding it difficult to settle into a spiritual home in Inverness. Keith was a Salvationist and invited me along to meetings at the corps. I was amazed at the warm welcome my family and I received.

I decided to become a soldier and it was Keith who led me to the mercy seat and prayed with me as I made my commitment to God. After soldiership classes it was my joy to be enrolled as a soldier. The day was made even better when at the same meeting my wife and 15-year-old twins were welcomed as

adherent members. We enjoyed worship at Inverness until my career took me to the Scottish Borders and subsequently to Edinburgh.

In 2002 I suffered severe depression because of stress and the break-up of my marriage. This led me to take early retirement and I found myself in a very dark place, thinking nobody could help or even cared.

My one daily activity was reading from The Word For Today. This is when the second of the two influential passages came to me: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight’ (Proverbs 3:5 and 6 New American Standard Bible).

These words made me realise that I was leaning on my own thoughts, and that, in all I was going through, God cared for me. I realised then that I had to put my trust in him.

In time my health improved and I felt able to face people again and return to worship at the Army. I was also able to take up part-time employment in the retail industry, which I still enjoy to this day.

Following my mother’s promotion to Glory three and a half years ago I suffered a setback with my depression, although I was happy that she was with the Lord, whom she loved and served.

During this time I felt the need to move from the Army and join my local Church of Scotland, to serve in the community where I lived. I later realised this was a mistake and came to the conclusion it may have been what I wanted but not what God wanted, although I do believe sometimes God takes us out of a situation for a while to allow us to realise his plan for us.

After seeking God’s will for me I returned to the Army. It was a joy to be re-enrolled as a soldier at Edinburgh Gorgie and I look forward to what God has planned for me in the future.

The one thing I am certain of is that today I’m in his hands. Song 450 in The Song Book Of The Salvation Army has been a lifetime favourite of mine, going as far back as my Boys’ Brigade days.

The chorus says: ‘We have an anchor that keeps the soul/ Steadfast and sure while the billows roll.’ I am so glad to testify that through my storms of life God has been my anchor. He holds me steadfast and sure, grounded firm and deep in his love.

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BIBLE STUDY

The parable of the sower Lieut-Colonel Goff Payne reminds us that cultivation of heart and mind is vital to growth STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 8:1–15

A

FEW years ago, my youngest daughter took part in a Tough Mudder competition. Apart from the fun of being on an obstacle course, it’s a great excuse to have fun in the dirt.

What is your response to dirt? Do you avoid it, sweep it under the carpet or instantly wash it away?

In Genesis 2:7 we read: ‘God formed man out of dirt from the ground and blew into his nostrils the breath of life.

The man came alive – a living soul’ (The Message).

God similarly formed the animals and birds, all from the dirt of the ground. In Hebrew, the word for Adam comes from adamah meaning ‘ground’, ‘earth’ or ‘soil’. Our word ‘human’ comes from the Latin word humus – meaning ground or earth. We are inextricably linked with the

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

by Major Melvyn Knott

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soil. Some might say we are divine dirt.

Some commentators suggest that the parable of the sower is to do with dirt. After all, Jesus speaks about the seed falling in four different types of earth – a path, stony ground, a thorny patch and good soil. In each case, the seed – the word of God – is the same.

It is the ground that differs. Could Jesus have been playing on the understanding that we are created from soil and, as such, are recipients of the spiritual seed being sown?

QUESTIONS Is it enough simply to scatter ‘seed’ in the hope that it falls on receptive ears?

O Does the gospel message we present need to be changed depending on the ‘soil’ of the hearer?

O Why or why not?

O

In Jesus’ day, as in many parts of the world today, there was a heavy dependency on crops for life and livelihood. Harvests in Jewish culture were celebrated throughout the year – at the end of Passover (first fruits), at Pentecost (harvest) and at the Feast of Shelters (the end of harvest). There was a strong focus on thankfulness for God’s provision.

A good harvest is dependent on a number of factors, including the right amount of rainfall and sunlight and the condition of the soil. The first two ensure the correct moisture content and temperature for the seeds to germinate and grow well. However, if the soil is poor, germination is unlikely and something more is required.

A farmer will also cultivate the ground onto which he scatters seed.

This might mean the use of rather

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10 and 11)

Every promise we can make,/ Every prayer and step of faith,/ Every difference we can make/ Is only by his grace./ Every mountain we will climb,/ Every ray of hope we shine,/ Every blessing left behind/ Is only by his grace.

(SASB 699)

They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit. ( Jeremiah 17:8)

Salvationist 14 September 2019

smelly silage or fertilisers, or the use of pesticides to keep unwanted bugs away from a growing crop.

Some Christian outreach methods seek to cultivate the soil of human experience. In the early days of the Alpha course, organisers quickly recognised that people were more likely to open up to discussing Christian faith if food and friendship were part of the cultivation process. So meals and small groups were introduced and still are an integral part of the approach.

QUESTIONS O What can we learn from the Alpha course or other outreach methods we have experienced?

O To what extent might some methods be outmoded because of how society has changed?

When Jesus spoke of the good soil, he was pointing out an unlikely productivity target for local farmers: a 100-fold yield is almost unheard of, even with modern farming techniques. But Jesus was using a farming idiom to explain something about the Christian life: those who follow him should be fruitful.

In John 15:1 and 2, Jesus declared: ‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.’

When vines are pruned, they are cut right back to the lower shoots. This improves the fruit-bearing yield.

The parable of the sower is not only about sharing the gospel message but also about receiving it. A gardener prepares the soil and prunes where necessary. If we are to be ‘good soil’

and fruitful as followers of Jesus, cultivating our hearts and minds is vital.

QUESTIONS How do we prepare our hearts and minds before we worship?

O After a meeting, what do we do to ensure that we gain from it?

O How can you cultivate a receptive heart?

O

Let Jesus have the last word: ‘The seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop’ (v15).

LIEUT-COLONEL PAYNE LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN SHEFFIELD

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Let us go out into the world with love in our hearts./ Let us go out into the world with love in our hearts./ Love is patient, love is kind/ And leaves selfishness behind;/ Let us go out into the world with love in our hearts.

(SASB 925)

‘I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.’ ( John 15:1 and 2)

Go forth and tell! The doors are open wide:/ Share God’s good gifts – let no one be denied;/ Live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose,/ Your ransomed powers for his sole glory use.

(SASB 922)

‘Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.

Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.’ ( John 15:4 and 5)

Prayer Heavenly Father, thank you that you entrust me to be your servant where you have placed me. May my daily living produce much fruit in your name.

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NEW COMMITMENTS

WINSFORD: Hazel and Mike Buck were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Major Dawn Lacey. Hazel and Mike are faithful and supportive members of the corps. They are pictured with CT Jean Craven. – M. B.

EASTBOURNE CITADEL: Paige Gartshore was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Liz Oliver. Paige is an active member of the singing group and is following her grandfather’s example by learning to play the cornet. She confidently made her promise supported by her family.

Also pictured is Iris Tipping, who guided Paige through preparation classes. – I. O.

LANGLEY MOOR: Corps officers Captains David and Lorna White welcomed Brooklyn Sams as a junior soldier. Brooklyn has attended the corps since she was small. Now, aged 16, she has answered the call of God on her life. She progressed through junior soldier classes with flying colours and is a fine example to younger members. – L. W.

NEWTOWNARDS: Corps officers Captains Matthew and Sam Brown were pleased to welcome husband and wife Andrew and Patricia Morehead as adherent members. – M. B. 18

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PENZANCE: Ruth Johns linked up with the corps through the lunch club and, having received a warm welcome, decided to attend Sunday worship. Although a Christian all her life, she felt called to make the corps her church after an orientation afternoon organised by Recruiting Sergeant John Gosling. Ruth was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Vincent Wall; they are pictured with John and BM Graham Berriman. – V. W.

FELIXSTOWE: CSM John Ellitson enrolled Katherine Idehen, Oliver Beaumont and Isabella Scott as junior soldiers, supported by YP leaders. Katherine and Isabella were also commissioned as junior musicians. – D. A.

BLACKPOOL CITADEL: Terry Maddy, formerly a bandsman in another corps, was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Sandra Fisher (Blackpool Team Ministry) supported by Adherents Secretary Valerie Eccles. – T. M.

LETTERS

THE CORPS OF THE MATTER

GROWING OLD REMAINS A RICH PRIVILEGE

I WOULD like to take issue with Michael Bennett on one aspect of his letter arguing for the use of ‘chapel’ to describe Army corps (Salvationist 24 August).

I agree a change of description is necessary. I am disappointed when speaking with long-standing Christians who express surprise when told the Army is a church. This is especially worrying because if Christians do not realise this, it inevitably follows that non-Christians, who may feel the need for a church, are unlikely to consider the Army. We are an evangelistic movement so language is of vital importance.

People need to know immediately what we stand for and I do not think ‘chapel’ will adequately describe that. The description in most need of change is ‘corps’. In the written word, this is inevitably followed by ‘(church)’, which is an admission that non-Salvationists do not generally understand this description. So, why use it?

I favour ‘church and community centre’ as this helps people realise that our ‘churches’ are places where people can find spiritual guidance and help with other needs as well.

Ray Dickinson Eastbourne

IN response to the article ‘Later life in all its fullness’ (Salvationist 10 August), let me list those of the Bible of a certain age that had so much life to live! Methuselah, Abraham and Sarah, Moses, Simeon and Anna.

To quote David Winter in At The End Of The Day: ‘Until relatively modern times, old age was not regarded as depressing, but as a rich privilege, even a sign of divine blessing. It had its drawbacks but age was credited with wisdom born of experience, with patience and a kind of dignity. The really old were treated with something approaching awe.’

A UNIFORM TO REVERE? I WAS amused and pleased by the letter from Trevor Middleton (Salvationist 3 August) about a recent photo that featured a male cadet not wearing a tie and female cadets in revere collar shirts. One could almost argue that a shirt with a top button suggests it should be fastened and a tie worn.

Having become somewhat ‘cravatophobic’ many years ago, I have found it very difficult to find men’s shirts with a revere collar. I was reminded of an earnest debate I once had on this subject with someone from SP&S at a congress.

This ended as a chicken and egg situation: they would not supply men’s revere collar shirts until they were certain they would be purchased, but we could not buy them unless they were on sale.

In the 1980s there seemed to be a brief appearance of safari suits, comprising a revere collar shirt with trousers in identical cloth. On a visit to what was then Bombay (now Mumbai) these appeared to be a standard business suit for men. I brought one back with me, and (with a slight modification) it still fits.

There is also the question of colour: in the recent heatwave the Department of Health and Social Care made the point that we should all be wearing light colours to keep cooler and avoid heatstroke. Many uniforms and work dress codes from the police down require dark clothing and jackets for men, despite occasional high temperatures. In Salvationist 13 July there was a photo of some Salvationists in Tanzania, with the man wearing a white suit and a jacket but still wearing a tie.

We are told climate change will mean more frequent high temperatures. One can still be smart with fashions and uniforms designed for this: will we see navy blue replaced by light grey, plus revere collar shirts for both sexes?

Wesley Paxton Annan

What all of us see are the outward signs of growing old; even if disease or changed body chemistry alter behaviour and slow down reactions, the essential heart or soul, the person inside, is still present and alive, still enthusiastic, still wanting to share and participate.

Far from feeling sorry for ourselves we seem to spurt on with those jobs that need to be done (with maybe time running out). Grandparents seem to be looking after the next generation of children, playing games and driving them around – very different to when my grandparents were alive!

Older people are living and looking a lot younger these days.

We are often surprised when someone says they are reaching their 90th year.

The reason retired people are running most of the activities in corps is because young couples having to work is the norm these days, unlike when I was at school. My mum could go along and help at an afternoon meeting or organisation, as many, like her, did not work all day in an office or factory.

Many natural gifts and acquired skills survive largely untouched by the onset of age. Something like cookery lessons can be shared with younger people or how to make and mend things. How about gardening for a few hours with refreshments, or regular quiz nights with mixed-age teams?

These are all good outreach activities.

There are positive benefits in older people’s ministries.

Sharing the prayers, issues and concerns of younger and older people in our services can make us value what we really want to say to God and what God wants to say to us in these moments of time.

J Davy Southampton Salvationist 14 September 2019

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 15 August O Territorial Envoy Mark Simpson, Murton O Major Andrea Still, additional appointment, Area Safeguarding Adviser, Southern Division O Major Cindy Stanford, additional appointment, Area Candidates Officer, Southern Division O Major Sarah Murray, additional appointment, Area Safeguarding Adviser, Central South Division O Majors Ged and Jayne Nicoll, additional appointment, Sleaford Effective 19 August O Lieutenant Emma Francis, associate officer, Livingston Effective 29 August O Major Christine Comely, Assistant Spiritual Programme Director, William Booth College Effective 23 September O Territorial Envoy Michala Lancefield, Trowbridge O Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard, Cirencester Effective 24 October O Territorial Envoy Lexie Andrade, Springburn Effective 1 November O Major Ray Charlton, Reading West

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O SL Kevin Gray, Felixstowe O YPSM Lindy Evan-Yates, CSM Daniel Smith, CS Camille SmithPhilips, all Aberdare O Cameo Ldr Valerie Chaplin, Dereham MARRIAGES O Gavin Rothery to Naomi Lewis at Woking by Captain Megan Kervin O John Thurston to Janet Graham at Woking by Major John Martin O CSM Daniel Smith to CS Camille Philips at Aberdare by Major Martyn Clements WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Brian and Mavis Clements, Leeds Central Golden O Majors James and Margaret Prescott (26 September) DEDICATED TO GOD O Nanahene Jeremiah Obrempong Aduse-Poku, son of Nana and Mavis Darkwa, at Reading Central by Major Richard Welch O Alex Neil and David Callum Macmillan, sons of Malcolm Campbell and Charlotte ColamAinsworth, at Stornoway by

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Uganda Territory, Th 12 Sep – Tu 17 O Finland and Estonia Territory, Th 19 – Sun 22 O Sunbury Court (General’s Consultative Council), Tu 24 – Th 26 O IHQ (Family Day), Sat 28 O New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory (congress and commissioning), Mon 30 – Mon 7 Oct O Democratic Republic of Congo, Th 10 – Sun 20 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O South London divisional celebration, Sat Sun 15 Sep O Renaissance Hotel (General’s Consultative Council), Tu 24 – Th 26 O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 Oct THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Manchester (Homelessness Services Partnership Trophy), Wed 25 Sep* O William Booth College (welcome to the new session of cadets), Sat Sun 29 O Warwick (territorial leaders conference), Mon 30 – Th 3 Oct O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 O William Booth College (Territorial Advisory Council), Fri 11 O Sunderland Millfield, Sat Sun 13 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Leigh-on-Sea (Harvest weekend), Sat Sun 15 Sep O Hadleigh Farm Estate, Th 19 O Cradley Heath (installation of divisional leaders), Sat 21 O William Booth College (welcome to the new session of cadets), Sat Sun 29 O Warwick (territorial leaders conference), Mon 30 – Th 3 Oct O Harpenden, Sat Sun 13 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O USA Central Territory, Tu 17 Sep – Mon 23 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Leicester South, Sat Sun 22 Sep *Territorial Commander only

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Salvationist 14 September 2019

Lieutenants Callum and Emma Newton RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Alan Bennett (90 on 25 September) O Major Florence Jenkins (80 on 28 September) BEREAVED O Songster Mary Millest, Scunthorpe, of her son Ian, BM Eric Millest, Blackburn, and Paul Millest of their brother

TRIBUTES MARY BUTCHER, READING CENTRAL BORN in Sheffield in 1930, Mary joined the Army after her friend, Betty Wileman, invited her to Sunday school. In 1947 Dennis moved to the area and met Betty at Sheffield Citadel. They married in 1951.

Mary was a songster and served in many roles at the corps, including songster secretary, primary sergeant and singing company leader.

In 1971 she and Dennis moved to Reading with their children, Wendy and Timothy. Mary served for many years in Reading Central Songsters and as songster secretary. She was treasurer for the Central Club for the Retired for ten years, organising holidays and days out, including a trip to Holland.

Mary loved spending time with her five grandchildren, taking them to interesting places. She taught the girls to knit and they taught her to use a computer and mobile phone! Before Mary became ill SALVATIONIST PRICE INCREASE After careful consideration the price of Salvationist will rise from 60p to 70p a week from the 5 October 2019 issue. This is the first increase since April 2006, when the price rose from 50p. Production costs have not stood still over the past 13 years and, while a price increase has been resisted for some time, it is now unavoidable. If Salvationist kept pace with inflation since 2006 the price would now be 86p!

she spent many hours knitting for her new great-granddaughter.

Although quiet, Mary had a great influence and was a lovely Christian lady. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ – T. B. RICHARD CRUMP, WORTHING RICHARD was born in Worthing in 1936. He was in the YP band and progressed to the senior band, where he played until retirement. His great love was cricket, which he played until ill health prevailed.

He was a builder by trade and a true Christian gentleman: kind, loving and helpful in every way to anyone he came into contact with. He was always ready to help in any situation.

His funeral was well attended by people from all aspects of his life – Salvationists, cricket club members, friends and neighbours – as well as his family. He is greatly missed by his wife, Mary, his four children, ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He is now at peace. – M. C.

JANET LE TISSIER, GUERNSEY JANET Le Tissier was a lifelong Salvationist. Her parents took her to L’Islet Corps, where her father was a bandsman, and she came to love the Army from an early age.

During the occupation of Guernsey in the Second World War, Janet was evacuated with her cousins and her mother to the UK. The family were billeted in Eccles and the corps became the family’s spiritual home for five years. It was here that Janet became a junior soldier and singing company member.

In 1945 Janet returned to Guernsey, where she completed her education, married her husband, Ken, raised three sons and later welcomed grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the family.

Aside from working in shops and for the Guernsey Electricity Board, Janet served the Lord as a songster, assistant singing company leader, home league member and parent-andtoddler helper. – J. H.

RAYMOND JUSTICE, WORTHING RAY was born in Sutton in 1931 and was taken to the corps as a child by his parents. He became a junior soldier and also joined the YP band. He was a skilful euphonium player and later became deputy bandmaster.

He married Audrey Farley and in 1960 they moved to Worthing with their five children. Ray served as bandmaster from 1964 to 1967, songster leader from 1967 to 1983, and then bandmaster again until 1986.

After his retirement and the loss of Audrey, he married Ruth, and they enjoyed 29 years of happy marriage.

Ray’s illness was short and unexpected.

He demonstrated his love of Christ in all things and is remembered for his encouragement, sense of humour, friendship and caring nature. He is sadly missed by Ruth, his children and his corps family. – R. J. facebook.com/salvationistonline @SalvationistUK

Salvationist 14 September 2019

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 14 September 2019

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

We’ve asked some of them to tell us about themselves. This week…

‘

The Army felt like a second family. It was a natural part of my growing up, physically and spiritually

If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

I would have to be the fairy godmother in a Disney film, always trying to put things right, or the comic relief, making people laugh.

RUTH KILIAN Ramsgate How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was born into it. My parents were officers.

What made you want to become a Salvationist?

The Army felt like a second family. It was a natural part of my growing up, physically and spiritually.

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

Everything will be all right in the end. If it is not all right, it is not the end.

What do you do in your spare time?

If I can spend any spare time catching up with friends or family, that is great.

Otherwise, I enjoy building Lego sets; I find it so relaxing.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Holidays at home, where I can spend quality time with my family and friends, or a trip to Walt Disney World Resort, where I don’t have to be a grown-up.

hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11). It reassures me that nothing we go through is in vain; everything is for a reason, because God only wants the best for us.

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

Greed and lies both come at the top of my list. If these were eliminated, many other bad things would not exist.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

Maggie Smith or Julie Walters would be great to spend the day with, because they make me laugh so much. I like to be with people who make me happy.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

Any book by Gervase Phinn, who writes about his adventures as a school inspector in Yorkshire.

What is your day job?

I have worked in the Europe Zonal Department at International Headquarters since the end of 1989, with a short break in 1991.

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

The stories I hear from around the world never cease to amaze me. The resilience and commitment of some Salvation Army personnel are insurmountable. I sometimes get frustrated when my ‘boss’ changes every three years or so, even though I should be used to it by now. Then I remind myself that I am the richer for getting to work with those who replace them.

’

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

‘Fight Song’ by Rachel Platten or ‘I’m Never Giving Up’ by Sweet Dreams.

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

With some parts of the world suffering from drought, my invention would be something to desalinate enough seawater for everyone’s daily use.

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

Be more concerned about your character than your reputation. Your character is who you really are; your reputation is merely what others think you are.

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

The Smurf Song by Father Abraham.

I was very young!

What is the most valuable thing in your life?

Family and true friends, who are there to support and love me whatever happens – without them, nothing else is worth having.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you

Something interesting people might not know about you is…

I once did a solo parachute jump for charity – once was enough!