Salvationist 15 August 2026

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SALVATIONIST SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT SHARING THE GOOD NEWS

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Good news!

WHEN was the last time you told someone about Jesus? Not just who he is, but who he is to you and the difference – the joy, the hope, the forgiveness, the peace – he makes in your life. As an old song asks: ‘Would you know why I love Jesus, why he is so dear to me?’

We can be tempted to make sharing the good news a task on a to-do list – and then try to make this big gesture less daunting by telling ourselves to push through our nerves.

But this mission priority – as we explore in this issue of Salvationist – isn’t a chore to be afraid of; it flows out of relationship with Jesus.

When we rely on ourselves for confidence, we forget that boldness comes from the Holy Spirit, from who and whose we are in Christ. Note the order of the words in Acts 1:8: ‘You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.’ Starting with God, not ourselves, refills and empowers us to share the good news in a way that’s authentic and attractive.

Instead of speaking solely about faith, how often do you speak and act from faith?

Instead of trying to create opportunities for evangelism, how often do you pray for them, for inspiration and courage?

Being a witness happens when we live out our faith every day, in our actions, relationships and even in small ways. Because evangelism isn’t separate from discipleship – after all, there’s always more good news to discover for ourselves. Isn’t that something worth sharing?

IVAN RADFORD Editor

EXPLORE MORE ONLINE

Visit salvationist.org.uk/ recommended-content Explore resources and reflections to help and inspire you to share the good news

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Territorial Music School Being faithful

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Salvationist 15 August 2026

8+9 CURIOSITY AND COURAGE

10+11 EVANGELISING IN THE EVERYDAY

12+13 SUMMER OUTREACH

14 DISCIPLES JOURNEYING TOGETHER

6+7 BIBLE STUDY

SALVATIONIST Issue No 2076

EDITOR Ivan Radford

FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth

ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope

INTERNATIONAL LEADERS General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden

TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Andrew Stone

PROOFREADER Chris Horne CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101 © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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

Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. @SalvationistUKI

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the 2011 New International Version (Anglicised), unless otherwise stated

@SalvationistUKI

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TRENDING

Welcome home

With The Odyssey out in cinemas, Captain Chris Button reflects on the importance of welcoming strangers

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HEN we stop showing hospitality to strangers, we start to lose our identity. This is the message of Christopher Nolan’s new take on The Odyssey. Homer’s Odyssey is one of the oldest stories in the western world.

There have been dozens of translations, adaptations and stories based on the tale of a complicated man trying to find his way home after using cunning and deception to end a decade-long war.

In the film, characters talk about the ‘law of Zeus’. This law is the main driving force behind the catastrophes that Odysseus

Reflect and respond Reflect on Hebrews 13:2 and Matthew 25:35–40.

What does hospitality look like to you?

What would it mean to treat strangers as if they are Christ?

What can your corps do to show hospitality to people in your community?

What can you do to welcome new people on a Sunday as if they were Christ?

survives on his journey home. The law of Zeus required people to welcome a stranger and show them hospitality, because they never knew whether the stranger was a god in disguise.

The film repeatedly shows the consequences of breaching hospitality.

Odysseus and his men become increasingly destructive and cruel, pillaging and killing, turning on each other, breaking every rule they once held to be sacred. Their fall into barbarism began with a single choice. That choice, intentional or otherwise, was to stop seeing strangers as people.

The importance of hospitality is built into Christianity as well. Hebrews 13:2 says: ‘Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it’ (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition). Welcome people, show them hospitality, because you never know if a stranger will turn out to be an angel in disguise.

But this isn’t just about giving a visitor a cup of tea and a biscuit. It goes deeper, right to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.

How we treat the stranger reveals who we are, just as Circe in The Odyssey reveals the truth about Odysseus’s men. How we treat people we don’t know, we have no

connection to and who are nothing like us shows what kind of person we are. It is easy to care about people we know or who are like us. But caring about the stranger? That can be incredibly difficult. It goes against some of our most basic instincts. Our brain is designed to make us wary and untrusting of strangers, because strangers can be dangerous. Our pain, our suffering and our trauma can all make it more difficult to trust strangers. That’s what happened to Odysseus and his men. We need God’s help to overcome it. That’s what holiness is about.

The Bible tells us to treat strangers as if they were angels, to love our enemies and, like the good Samaritan, to care for people in need. St Benedict wrote in his ‘rule’ for monks that they should treat every stranger as if they were Christ.

Imagine what the world would be like if we all treated strangers as if they were Christ. Everything would be different. But that odyssey has to start with us – with our relationship with God, and with the small choices we make every day.

CAPTAIN CHRIS BUTTON Corps Leader Stroud

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TESTIMONY

Not of myself, seconds with... but of God EXPLAINED Herald

/ˈhɛr(ə)ld/ ■ n.

A HERALD is a Salvationist who sells the Salvation Army papers – Kids Alive! and War Cry – on the high street and in public places.

Kids Alive! is the UK’s only Christian weekly comic for kids. It features Bible stories, competitions, puzzles and activities. War Cry covers culture, current events and human-interest stories from a faith perspective.

Heralds are not the same as charity street collectors. They are selling the papers, not asking for donations. While street collecting requires local authority permission, War Cry and Kids Alive! are both registered newspapers, and so can be sold on public land without a licence. On private land, the permission of the landowner must be given.

For many heralds, a central reason for their volunteering is the opportunity of outreach and sharing about Jesus. Heralds provide a friendly, localised face of The Salvation Army and being a presence on the high street enables them to build links with their community and strike up conversations about Christianity.

Selling the papers also directly benefits corps funds. Corps can order copies for heralding of War Cry for 20p each and Kids Alive! for 25p each. Both papers have a cover price of 50p, which means each paper sold translates into profit.

Any corps member can become a herald, and a herald can volunteer as much or as little time as they like.

• Interested in becoming a herald?

Speak to your corps leader or visit salvationist.org.uk/heralds for more information.

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Princess Tomlinson (Llanelli) testifies that she is where God wants her to be

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HEN I first started attending The Salvation Army, I felt incredibly empty and lonely.

There was only one other person of my background and culture there, and I struggled to see how I would fit in. For about 10 years, I carried that sense of isolation, constantly wondering if this was truly the place for me.

But God had a plan for my time of waiting. One Sunday, as I sat in the hall, I heard his voice speak clearly to my heart, ‘This is where you belong’.

It was a powerful moment, but I wanted to be sure this call was from the Lord and not from my own flesh or self-pride. In quiet prayer, I asked God for a confirmation: ‘If this is truly your voice, please have Captain Karen approach me and ask me to become a soldier.’ I didn’t want it to be about my

own ambitions; I wanted it to be entirely about his will.

God answered that prayer perfectly.

Not long after, without me saying a word to anyone, Captain Karen approached me and asked if I would consider becoming a soldier. That was the exact confirmation I needed. It brought to mind Isaiah 43:1: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’ I knew then he had chosen this specific place for me.

Responding to that call has completely transformed my life. Today, I am proud to have been enrolled as a Salvation Army soldier. God took a decade of loneliness and filled it with deep purpose, a loving community and a clear mission. I am no longer an outsider – I am exactly where God wants me to be, serving him with a grateful heart.

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear what you are thankful to God for!

Get in touch at salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

SPOTLIGHT ON…

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Gateshead Intentionally sharing Jesus Integrating identity I’ve been corps leader here for seven years, supported by my wife, Young People’s Sergeant-Major Bethan, and the wider team.

About three years ago, we did a teaching series on the Army’s values, mission priorities and vision, and revisited our programme to ensure we’re making these a priority. It was about integration – working together to support the mission priorities, values and vision so that everyone can experience fullness of life – and it’s made a huge difference!

As part of our Sunday teaching, we hold discipleship groups, including for the youth and children. We started seeing volunteers and team members thinking intentionally about how we share the gospel, nurture disciples, care for creation and go about things like social justice.

Intentional invitation Sundays always include an intentional response to God’s word, and that works hand-in-hand with nurturing disciples.

When we invite people to follow Jesus, we also give them opportunities to grow through membership and discipleship classes, and we challenge them to make commitments to God and to the life and mission of the corps.

During the week, it’s more about building relationships of trust where we can witness to the people we work with. Providing community is key, and we make sure people feel they belong and have space to explore what we’re about and who Jesus is. We invite them to events and tell them that we’re going to share about Jesus. People attend knowing there’s going to be a sharing of the gospel message and that we’ll be seeking a response. Over the past three years, we’ve seen families looking for a place to make their spiritual home and others coming to Jesus for the first time.

Throughout the year, we pray intentionally for specific people to make commitments and, at the end of the year, we look back and see who’s done

Pentecost Sunday in the corps back garden that, who is exploring and where we can continue to invest. It’s worked for us, and we’ve seen more commitments made and church and mission growth.

Growing fruitfully We’re praying for more volunteers and people who are growing as disciples to step up to nurture disciples. The harvest is plenty and we want to undertake even deeper work.

Many people travel some distance to partake in our programme. We’re finding out who is not coming to the programmes, who is not at the church, which cultural groups and people in our locality are not here. We want to go out, but when we bring people in, we want to make sure we look after them. It’s not just about numbers; we want to follow up well, visit and support people and make sure fruitfulness continues.

We have recently welcomed Community Centre Manager Craig Hilton to our team as part of making room for growth that is sustainable.

We’re praying for continued funding for that role, which is key to supporting our mission spaces during the week.

We want to see them transformed and witnessing to the power of the gospel.

We want to listen to God, each other and the community in a deeper way so that we can love and serve them faithfully. There are many people we’re praying for, and we want to be brave about that and have the courage to continue sharing. I’m praying for them to grow in courage and boldness to share the gospel, believing that God is at work and the gospel still has the power to save and transform lives.

Fast facts DIVISION North East CORPS LEADER Captain Tony Kakande FIND US ONLINE salvationarmy.org. uk/gateshead

Praying and listening We’re praying for new opportunities to share the gospel in our community, especially with people struggling with addiction. We’re praying for an opening to do more than just giving them food.

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BIBLE STUDY

Sing of his wonderful acts!

Major Graham Mizon encourages us to say thanks to God PSALM 105

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AS there nothing that David could not do? In his youth, he was a shepherd (see 1 Samuel 16:11). We famously know that he slew a giant with a pebble (see 1 Samuel 17:49 and 50), and that he became arguably the most successful military leader in biblical history (see 1 Samuel 18:5). He built a regional empire, established Jerusalem as a unified spiritual capital and paved the way for his son, Solomon, to build the first Temple in Jerusalem. He was also an extraordinary musician; he played the lyre (see 1 Samuel 16:18) and composed music.

He even made bespoke instruments for his musicians (see 2 Chronicles 7:6). And if that wasn’t enough, God appointed this ‘man after his own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14) king, reigning for a total of 40 years (see 2 Samuel 5:4 and 5).

PAUSE AND REFLECT Whatever gifts and talents you may have, thank God for the ways he uses you in his service.

The book of Psalms, like the Pentateuch – the first five books of the Bible – before it, is divided into five books. Psalms 105 and 106 bring the fourth book to a close. They are a pair of historical hymns celebrating God’s deeds, especially reflecting on events recorded in the Pentateuch. While the author of Psalm 105 is not named, it is traditionally attributed to David. The first 15 verses are also found in 1 Chronicles 16:7–36, which is given the title ‘David’s Song of Thanksgiving’ in translations such as the New King James Version. It is a hymn that 6

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encourages people to remember God’s goodness and faithfulness over the years.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Using a song, spend some moments praising God for his faithfulness and goodness, eg, ‘Forever’ or ‘Goodness of God’.

The song ‘Goodness of God’ includes the words: ‘All my life you have been faithful. All my life you have been so, so good.’ Psalm 105 goes on to say that the faithfulness and goodness of God are anchored in a covenant relationship that God has maintained with his people over many generations. In fact, the word ‘covenant’ is used consecutively in verses 8, 9 and 10. David states that, although this covenant was established through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob many generations ago, God ‘remembers his covenant for ever’ (v8).

This covenant line continues through Joseph, used by God to protect his people during a period of famine. Later, during four centuries of exile in Egypt, ‘the Lord made his people very fruitful; he made them too numerous for their foes’ (v24).

The covenant was eventually ratified at Mount Sinai, also known as Mount Horeb, where God met with Moses.

The fifth book of the Pentateuch is Deuteronomy. Rather than a standard narrative, it is essentially a collection of three sermons delivered on Mount Nebo by Moses to a new generation of God’s people. They were about to enter the Promised Land after 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. After sitting through three long sermons, you might expect the congregation to die.

On this occasion it was the preacher who breathed his last! He was 120 years old.

Moses’ first sermon focused heavily on the past. He urged this new generation to remember that they were a continuation of the covenantal line, especially since most of the previous generation had died in the wilderness (see Numbers 26:63–65). Repeatedly, Moses told them to ‘remember well what the Lord your God did’ (Deuteronomy 7:18).

PAUSE AND REFLECT Deuteronomy 6:4–9 contain a daily Jewish prayer called the Shema.

Reflect on the teaching that ‘these commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts’ (v6) and that you should ‘impress them on your children’ (v7).

In what ways can we ensure God’s words are on our hearts so we can live them out?

In what ways can we ensure God’s words are on our lips so we can share them with the next generation?

When referring to God’s people, the word ‘righteous’ or ‘righteousness’ is found approximately 140 times in the Psalms alone. For example, ‘the righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him’ (Psalm 64:10). The concept of righteousness implies being in a right relationship. It’s a powerful reminder that a covenant is a relational bond. God and his people are in a relationship that began with Abraham and continues through the generations.

This covenantal line finds its fulfilment

To read the full, unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship.

SATURDAY 15 AUGUST: CARING FOR CREATION Creator God, sometimes the challenge to change attitudes feels like an uphill struggle. Help us live out our commitment to caring for our planet. Make us effective and joyful advocates; may joy soften hearts and change minds.

SUNDAY 16 AUGUST: SABBATH PRAYER Eugene Peterson wrote: ‘Our souls are formed by what we cannot work up or take charge of. We respond and enter into what the resurrection of Jesus continues to do.’ Let resurrection life fill you again. Listen to ‘’Mid All the Traffic of the Ways’ (SASB 777) at youtu.be/Ps6OwAq8xq4 and ‘Share My Yoke’ at youtu.be/ jOISuYrBtmE.

in Jesus, as foretold in Jeremiah 31:31–34.

Paul writes in Romans 10:3 of the Israelites: ‘They were ignorant, you see, of God’s covenant faithfulness, and they were trying to establish a covenant status of their own’ (New Testament for Everyone).

Yet, because we are in Christ Jesus, we can rejoice that nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus (see Romans 8:39).

MONDAY 17 AUGUST: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS Imagine bringing your heart as a cup to God. Spend time allowing him to fill it.

It can be easy to talk ourselves out of being generous with our words or sharing who God is in conversation. Picture your heart bubbling over and know the God of abundance invites us to share freely just as he does with us.

PAUSE AND REFLECT Meditate on Philippians 3:7–11 and consider Paul’s plea that, in knowing Christ Jesus, we receive a ‘righteousness that comes from God’ (v9 Good News Translation).

Psalms 104, 105 and 106 are a trilogy of psalms that all begin and end with a variant on ‘praise the Lord’, or ‘hallelujah’ in Hebrew. Because of this, Psalm 105 effectively begins and ends with a hallelujah – a joyful note on which to conclude our Bible study!

PAUSE AND REFLECT Consider the spiritual and wellbeing benefits of beginning and ending your day by thanking God. What will you thank God for at the end of this day?

MAJOR GRAHAM MIZON

TUESDAY 18 AUGUST: SERVING AND CARING ‘Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen… Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?’ (Isaiah 58:6 and 7). How can we avoid dividing people into deserving and undeserving? How can we ensure our care for others remains willing, generous and unprejudiced?

WEDNESDAY 19 AUGUST: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION God longs for justice for all. Let these songs stir a deeper longing for justice in your heart: ‘Faithful (They Need Christ)’ at youtu.be/F0UuPKQ1-3Y and ‘Don’t Tell Them Jesus Loves Them’ at youtu.be/LDf3S7fKb2I. THURSDAY 20 AUGUST: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY Today, we pray for the India South Eastern Territory. To better understand the challenges the Army faces here, why not do an internet search to find out some of the most recent stories? Reflect on how events might affect Salvationists there.

FRIDAY 21 AUGUST: GROWING IN FAITH Growing is a vital and natural part of God’s creation. We may feel growing as a disciple requires a vast amount of effort and discipline on our part. Discipline is a great quality to cultivate, but the moment we allow God to plant us in the soil of love, we begin to grow. Our roots go down, our branches reach wide and our lives bear fruit. Do you need to put yourself in the hands of the Gardener again today?

PRAYER REQUESTS Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.

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INTERVIEW

Saffron Jenkinson (Mission Resources) introduces an evangelistic leaflet to help continue faith conversations What is Curious about Christianity?

It’s an evangelistic leaflet that serves as a natural extension of an initial encounter. It’s designed to facilitate conversation – to further relationships and help make people feel more confident in conversations about Christianity. You don’t have to panic about having all the answers. If a person scans the QR code on the leaflet, they are taken to salvationist.org.uk/ explore-christianity, where they can explore further. It leaves them with autonomy and relieves you of a moment of pressure – and no one wants to make someone feel pressured accidentally.

What led to it being created?

We realised there was a growing desire from corps leaders to have this kind of resource. Our prayer is that it resources not only people to share the good news, but also leaders to equip their congregations. We hope it will spark conversations and help that equipping process. There was a leaflet used in the past that was quite informationheavy – this new leaflet is designed to be shorter and snappier, to come earlier in someone’s faith journey. We have also developed four discipleship resource webpages, which are linked to from the Curious about Christianity webpage: building community, building devoted lives, building biblical knowledge and building bold witnesses.

We can forget that evangelism and discipleship are connected, can’t we?

When we think of things in our lives we’re excited about, even a new TV show, we naturally bubble up and talk about them. Sometimes we have to reignite the spark, to get back to a place of ‘yes, this 8

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is good news’. Speaking to people who are curious about Christianity benefits them, but it also sparks a curious heart within you. It can lead you to think about or defend your faith in a way that’s exciting. When we talk about Jesus in a conversational, relational way, it’s mutually beneficial.

That makes sense, because sharing the good news is about building relationships, isn’t it?

Yes. It’s also about being led by the person – they’re not just there for us to go out and convert. Each conversation is an encounter, an opportunity to be more open about your life and beliefs.

A book I’m reading at the minute called The Familiar Stranger explains that, where before people wanted things to be proven intellectually, now people are seeking experiences. Someone can’t really debate your own experience, can they? That’s a really powerful thing. What’s exciting about sharing the good news person-to-person are those relatable moments where people can see for themselves. Jesus would say, ‘Come and see.’ That’s essentially what we’re doing: ‘Come and see.

Come to our corps. Here’s a leaflet that can show you more.’

Why do some people find sharing the good news scary?

I think we can get caught up in how we will be perceived or insecurities about our own knowledge. Yes, it is important in the sense of people’s salvation, but we want to help get rid of the fear of this being a huge thing – we want to help make it part of your everyday conversations and an overflow of your life as a Christian.

That then allows the Holy Spirit to move through you in a natural way.

Where can people use Curious about Christianity?

Everyone’s at different stages of evangelism in their lives, so they can use the leaflet in different places or bring it with them to an event for a specific person.

Maybe they’ve been speaking to their neighbour and this leaflet is the next step!

• To order copies, visit tsa.link/curiouschristianity-leaflets. Each pack contains 25 leaflets.

The leaflet introduces what a life with Jesus looks like and invites people to explore how to become a Christian: You are loved God knows you, loves you without limit and desires a relationship with you.

You are forgiven We all get things wrong, but as we learn to live life alongside Jesus, the Son of God, we get the offer of a fresh start each day.

You are chosen God created you with purpose – and the more you know him, the more you’ll understand it.

You are supported God is your constant companion whom you can trust and depend on.

You are accepted Life with Jesus isn’t something you earn; the Bible tells us it’s a gift of grace, received through faith.

REFLECTION

Love, not fear

Major Phil Layton encourages us to turn to the Holy Spirit for the conviction to share the good news

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USED to think that sharing the good news about Jesus was a scary thing to do, best left to others. But when the Holy Spirit convicted me of my human fear and pride, and through Scripture reminded me of the mission of Jesus – to seek and to save the lost (see Luke 19:10) – I was led to wonder: Do I love others enough to tell them about Jesus? What would the consequences be of not telling them? It would perhaps make my life more comfortable, but what about their lives? Would they be better off if I introduced them to Jesus? Of course!

We have been given the commission, as ambassadors of Christ, to implore people to be reconciled to God (see 2 Corinthians 5:20).

If the only way to be reconciled to God is through the repenting of our sin and trusting in Jesus as our Saviour – and it is the only way (see John 14:6) – then why would I hesitate from telling others about this truth? Surely to not share the good news either implies that it is not worth sharing, or that the people I live, work or socialise with, or pass by in the street, are not worth saving.

These thoughts truly bother me – as they should.

Convicted by the Holy Spirit to love God and to love others, it is not enough for me to be charitable, provide food parcels or fight for social justice. Although these issues are important, we must never lose sight of our priority to seek the lost, proclaim the gospel and make disciples – it is the reason why Jesus came.

To share the good news, what I need is not ‘less fear’, but ‘more love’ – because if I truly love God and love others, then I will tell them about the necessity and urgency of repentance and trust in Jesus as our Saviour from sin.

What about fear, pride, ridicule, ostracism or persecution? To overcome these, I prepare and equip myself with the help of the Holy Spirit, I consider what Jesus went through for me, and I consider the eternal destination of the lost.

How do I go about sharing the good news?

In any and every way that the Spirit nudges me to do so.

I find much fulfilment in putting gospel tracts through people’s doors or handing them out outside our church, or giving neighbours Christmas and Easter cards

with a gospel message inside, or sending Christian videos and asking for feedback.

The most joyful experiences are when I simply pray for opportunities for one-toone encounters, for gospel conversations with individuals – for example, by speaking of my own need for Jesus or by using major life events as launchpads for conversations. More people want to talk about the afterlife than we realise.

The Bible is very clear about the need and the importance of sharing the good news of eternal salvation by grace, through faith in Jesus. All Christians are expected to be witnesses for Jesus, fishers of people, ambassadors for Christ.

I am by no means an expert at this, but when I pray for opportunities, I then become more aware of them. The Holy Spirit’s nudge helps me to put love into action and share the good news of who Jesus is.

One day, my life will be over. All I want to hear is my Master saying the words ‘well done, good and faithful servant’. And so, for the rest of my life I am committed to asking the Holy Spirit to show me more opportunities to share the good news.

MAJOR PHIL LAYTON Corps Leader Upper Norwood

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Salvationists share opportunities God has given them to spread the good news in their week

Where will you be on Monday morning?

You might be at school, college, work, a job centre, a supermarket, a garden centre.

Wherever you are, you’ll often be surrounded by people who don’t follow Jesus, and you may be the only Christian they know.

How can we live well for Jesus in our daily lives, as people who have been sent out of our corps to make disciples (see Matthew 28:19) and proclaim his lordship (see Colossians 1)?

How do we approach every context with an awareness that we are Christ’s representatives, even in a slow moving supermarket queue?

How do we live as whole-life disciples in the places where we live, work, rest and play?

• Read Major Michael Hutchings’ full reflection at salvationist.org.uk/everyday-disciples.

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Danii

Lucia

God has given me opportunities to share Jesus by sharing the hope he’s brought into my life. Whether that’s through conversations with women in recovery, speaking at Salvation Army events, or telling my story in ways that point people back to him, my prayer is always the same: that people leave with more hope than they came with.

I share Jesus on TikTok and YouTube. My God-given talent has led me into creating social media channels featuring my hand-drawn animations of Bible verses. It reaches a wide audience every week and is a great part of my artistic ministry.

Andile By sharing my personal testimony in my territory and community and schools. Also, through preaching and worship and kids’ ministry outreach and many more I could count many times!

Bill I’m ex-BBC local radio (and a former TSA press officer!). I now make podcast features aiming to let non-Christians know about the huge range of ways Christians make a difference: food banks, parent-and-toddler groups, Street Pastors, climate change protests.

(I interviewed one of the TCs for that!)

Carol Our latest foster children’s mum asked if they could bring their Bibles and she would like them to read a page each day. This is where God moves in ways we do not expect, let alone plan for.

Our foster children are nurtured, prayed for and supported by Boston Salvation Army throughout their journey, whether that be adoption, short stays or longer term.

Thank you, Lord!

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Jessica When I joined The Salvation Army here in Sweden.

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Margaret Through my role as a charity shop manager and community worker, listening and talking to individuals I encounter on a daily basis at Hackney Mare Street Salvation Army.

Nicola One of my opportunities to share Jesus comes through weekly corps online Zoom praying. It reinforces my faith through the power of prayer. We share how we are and any prayer topics we want to be included. It connects us to God and each other and helps us share the word of Jesus and the Bible. It’s another tool in helping me keep my faith, as I can’t always be present at the Sunday service. Sharing Jesus’ name is caring through prayers.

Lindsey God gave me gifts to create and make, leading to starting my small business, Faith and Mustard, to spread the good news!

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Katy Off for a training run and someone noticed my SA training top. I was able to talk to them about why I was running and also invite them to church. I was able to leave them with a bag designed by our summer school and an ice cream. Here’s hoping we see him at church soon!

Based on a Facebook post from @SalvationistUKI. Visit tsa.link/4hLROSt to read even more responses!

Erinne I graduated from my local ARC (Adult Rehabilitation Center) in 2008 and didn’t really stay connected. Fast forward to 2022 and our new officer started doing a Bible study twice a month with the ladies there and asked me to join her. For three and a half years I went with her to help with the Bible study and connect with the ladies in a way that our officer, not having a recovery background, couldn’t quite fill.

Now I have had the opportunity to lead the Bible study, pour into them in a way that also fills me with hope and encouragement.

I am so grateful to be able to give back to a programme that saved my life when I needed it most.

Liam My poetry. Like the one that I used when I was made a soldier.

• Read Liam’s poem, Soldier Enrolment, at tsa.link/4hLROSt.

From @SalvationistUKI on Instagram:

@imsamueltaylor Yes! Shared about my faith with some family friends who don’t believe.

��

@stelly68 Told a friend I’d pray for a situation knowing she isn’t a Christian.

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Assistant Major Lynne Shaw finds out Assembly Editorial how primary school hymns are helping to build bangers mission and community

W

HO knew that the songs we sang at school in the 70s, 80s and 90s could get a whole crowd on their feet?

After music teacher James Partridge put up a popular video during the Covid-19 lockdowns called ‘top 10 primary school assembly bangers’, he made a show out of it. Now, corps and centres are building on this phenomenon to connect with people and open the door to meaningful conversations.

Swindon Citadel

Coventry City

Hadleigh Farm Estate

Having attended a couple of James Partridge’s Primary School Bangers shows I had remarked they were like being at church, but with more enthusiastic singing! Nostalgia for school days is quite big among millennials, but it’s something that also has universal appeal.

Thriving parent-and-toddler groups and Messy Church bring many families into our hall. We wanted to attract these families into other activities, including our monthly café church meetings, and the assembly bangers theme seemed ideal. It was great to see people attending their first Sunday worship with us.

We used the theme throughout the meeting, providing classic school puddings and maths and music exam papers on the tables for people to have fun with. God-focused discussions helped deepen the faith of more seasoned members, and were a great starting point for those attending for the first time to hear about life with faith and Jesus.

Assembly bangers have helped our monthly café church continue to be ‘church done differently’ and connect Sunday worship with our weekly programme. God is honouring our willingness to try something different.

For several years, we’ve hosted an annual Songs of Praise. Inspired by James Partridge’s appearance on the BBC’s Songs of Praise, we adapted our event to focus on assembly songs, aiming to connect with people who had previously engaged with the corps via family events, community activities or online.

People voted for their favourite songs, which created our top 10 countdown.

Corps Sergeant-Major Mark Street, a primary school headteacher, hosted the event, with the band accompanying. The songsters contributed a song too.

People shared why they chose songs and Mark included school-themed quizzes, a school prayer and a Bible message.

Many of the 120 people who attended don’t regularly attend Sunday worship, but a number signed up to receive information about future events. The event also strengthened our relationship with the council as we seek ways to work together, particularly in family ministries.

Assembly bangers work because it starts with something familiar and meaningful, and creates a natural opportunity to build relationships, share faith and invite people in.

There are lots of possibilities.

The team creates welcoming opportunities for children and families, including monthly Muddy Church events that encourage exploration, community and faith outdoors. We wanted to include communal singing to attract walkers in the park, but found it difficult to engage the group – between 60 and 350 people – in singing songs they don’t know.

It seemed the perfect time to tap into the assembly bangers trend, as parents can sing along with their children to songs from their school assemblies.

The session started with a Guess the Name of the Song picture trail.

The answers formed the song list for the evening and our crafts activity involved creating percussion instruments. We also served bangers and chips to eat while we were singing. We’ll be looking at including assembly bangers at future Muddy Church events!

Through listening for what God has to say to us about our Muddy Church community, we’re reminded to listen more to the response and reaction of the group rather than our perceived views of what ‘church’ should be like.

Andrew Wicker

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Salvationist 15 August 2026

Stuart Wallis

Zena Österberg

Pastoring and provision Editorial Assistant Lyn Woods finds out how Salvationists are sharing the gospel in the festival scene Latitude Festival

Reading Festival

I am a festival pastor at Latitude Festival. This year I am working nights, which involves patrolling in twos or threes around specific areas where the night entertainment is. Festival pastors are here to support those attending. This can include giving directions, giving first aid, giving out our famous Freddo chocolates or being a listening ear.

The festival pastors include Christians from different churches in Suffolk. Together, we help bring a sense of peace.

We have a prayer space, run by Lowestoft Chaplaincy, where people can get glitter blessings. It acts as a rest spot for people looking to escape the crowds and noise.

When I look at the life Jesus lived, he was practical and he was where the people were. I feel festival pastors imitate Jesus by doing this. In the Bible it talks about how the things we do for others – like feeding and clothing them – we also do for God. We are commanded to care for God’s creation.

Many people today don’t go to church or haven’t experienced the love of God. As festival pastors, we get to show that love.

People often ask about our faith when they read ‘pastor’ on our high-vis wear.

This year, for the first time, festival pastors were invited to the First Light Festival in Lowestoft, which is the only free beach festival in the UK. Again, our role was to support the welfare of people attending, particularly young people, by patrolling the beach and having positive engagements.

The Salvation Army has been supporting Reading Festival for over 50 years. The festival attracts about 90,000 people daily, making it one of the largest music festivals in the world.

The Army makes a valued contribution to Festival Republic’s safeguarding team through our highly dedicated team of brilliant volunteers led by Ian and Jacqui Clack and Hayley and Jan Scott.

Last year, the team manned a marquee that was open 24/7 from Wednesday to Monday. A total of 120 hours, it was a well-planned operation! The team was responsible for the planning, organisation and smooth running of the whole operation, both on and off site. Forty-two volunteers, each working six-hour shifts, welcomed more than 5,500 festivalgoers, offering tea, coffee, hot chocolate, soup, rolls, muffins and canned water.

As well as offering practical help, the marquee promoted the ongoing work of The Salvation Army through an audiovisual presentation. It emphasised how the Army is both a church and a charity. A beautiful cross gave people the opportunity to leave prayer requests and take complimentary wristbands and leaflets, emphasising a positive Christian message.

At local level, we continue to demonstrate how effective faith in action can be through our annual mission at the festival.

Alaina Sandford (Beccles)

Majors David and Sarah Murray (Reading Central)

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INTERVIEW

Exploring together Rob Warburton (Portsmouth Citadel) explains how a course is helping to nurture disciples and share the good news What is the ALIVE course?

It’s a five-week series of videos produced by Christian organisation Hope Together. It uses Bible characters who encountered the risen Jesus to explore love, hope, peace, freedom and purpose.

It’s a similar model to the Alpha course: each session has a 20-minute video before an opportunity to discuss with some questions.

Why did you start running the course?

As a corps, we’re keen to provide people with as many opportunities as possible to be discipled. We’ve found that happens best in small group settings, where people can be honest and open and there’s room for conversation. We can all learn from each other and support one another. So we saw ALIVE and thought we could add

it to what we already do, which is the Alpha course and The Bible Course.

How does ALIVE sit alongside Alpha in helping people explore the good news, as well as discover it for the first time?

Part of the reason why I like ALIVE is because, unlike Alpha – which takes you right back to the basics of who Jesus is – it focuses on who Jesus is, what happened at Easter and the fact that he rose again. Good Friday wasn’t the end!

My heart, and the heart of the church here, is for people to come to know Jesus. I’ve been a Christian for years and I still found it really helpful to explore the topics and truly understand how transformative a relationship with Jesus can be.

What kind of people have taken part in ALIVE? This was the first time we ran it and we made it available to anybody and everybody. Some attendees are part of the corps and would identify as Christians, and others are in a searching stage of their journeys – it’s quite a mixed group. There have been lots of conversations about real love, real peace, real freedom, everlasting hope and how you only really encounter these in a relationship with Jesus. We’ve seen people’s understanding increase when they realise what real love looks like. ALIVE has given them more information, another part of the puzzle to help them understand more about who Jesus is and what having a relationship with him means.

Will you run ALIVE again?

Our plan is to continue to do what we’ve done for a number of years now.

In September, the Alpha course and The Bible Course will restart, and we’ll be running ALIVE again two or three times a year. A lot of churches might run it just after Easter – that would be a really key time to do it – but I don’t think you have to only do it then. We started the series of videos in July and it’s worked perfectly well.

What role does community play in people journeying together as disciples?

We’re not meant to do life alone, that’s not how God intended us to live, so our heart is to connect people with our community. We’re encouraging attendees to sign up to the other courses and we’re connecting them with the fellowship generally. All three courses provide opportunities for growth, discipleship and relationship.

• Find out more about ALIVE at hopetogether.org.uk/ALIVE, the Alpha course at alpha.org.uk and The Bible Course at biblesociety.org.uk.

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ARMY UPDATES

INTERNATIONAL

Faith, fellowship and young voices SWITZERLAND

ECUMENICAL HUDDERSFIELD The corps joined more than 150 people for a lively Churches Together in Huddersfield North West outdoor gathering. The morning included a band, crafts, drama, prayer cards and refreshments served from a Salvation Army emergency response vehicle. The event offered a warm expression of unity and community faith across the area. Corps leader Lieutenant Abigail Gray is pictured with Curate Alison Grant and the Rev Abbie Palmer of St Stephen’s Church, Lindley. – AG

FUNDRAISING KNOTTINGLEY The congregation from Knottingley United Reformed Church joined for an afternoon tea and a Last Night of the Proms concert performed by members of the Knottingley Silver Band. The event raised £800 for the Royal British Legion. – MT

GENERAL Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham joined 1,200 officers, soldiers, employees, friends and supporters from the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory at the Thun-Expo conference centre for!a!praise weekend.

Themed Thy Kingdom Come, the weekend festival brought people of all generations together for worship, teaching, interactive workshops, community activities, games and fellowship. Following months of preparation, around 200 volunteers gave their time to help deliver the event, which followed the territory’s 2022 gathering, Out of the Box. In his plenary message, based on John 20:26–28, General!Lyndon challenged those gathered to recognise the kingship of Christ in their own lives. He said: ‘The Salvation Army recognises itself as surrendered to the leadership of Jesus. He is the General of The Salvation Army.’

Preaching from the Sermon on the Mount, Commissioner Bronwyn reminded participants of their calling to live as people of God’s Kingdom. ‘We are his Kingdom people here on Earth,’ she said.

In a deliberate departure from usual protocol, the General was interviewed on stage by young people, with no member of!territorial leadership alongside him. This was a conscious decision by the Swiss organising team to ensure that young people were not only spoken about but actively involved in shaping the event. The entire weekend was also hosted by people in their early twenties, marking another significant first for the territory. In reflection, then Lieut-Colonel Heidi Imboden, project lead for the event, said that, while the effort involved had been considerable, the outcome was priceless.

During the international leaders’ visit, they travelled to!Chillon Castle for a historic meeting with President Guy!Parmelin. The meeting was the third known encounter between a Salvation Army General and the Swiss government, following previous meetings in 1891 and 1979. – AR

FUNDRAISING CHATHAM The South London Fellowship Band and the singing!company came together for a concert to raise funds for!the Army’s Matumaini School for disabled children in Tanzania. The Tweenagers group, who organised the concert, have supported the school for many years and raised in excess of £32,000. Both ensembles thrilled the large audience with a!wonderful array of musical items. One special item featured the Chatham members of the band, who accompanied the singing company in a joyous rendition of ‘A Miracle of Grace’.

More than £1,000 was raised on the night. – GD

FUNDRAISING DRIFFIELD The corps had the privilege of hosting the Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble, which drew a large crowd and raised over £500 for the new building fund. More importantly, we got to share the gospel with many people. Having hired the local Methodist church on a very hot night, the doors were open, drawing attention from the public house across the road. – DJ Salvationist 15 August 2026

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ARMY UPDATES

ARMY NEWS

General appoints Commission on Membership, Covenant and Belonging IHQ FOLLOWING fruitful discussions at the International Conference of Leaders in March, the General has appointed a Commission on Membership, Covenant and Belonging.

The Commission’s principal purpose is ‘to analyse and determine The Salvation Army’s membership structures in alignment with Army doctrine, Orders and Regulations and other official Army publications’.

Its work will be guided by a commitment to doctrinal fidelity, covenantal integrity, holiness formation, mission integration, ecclesiological clarity, global unity with contextual wisdom, and youth and intergenerational formation.

The Commission aims to strengthen Salvation Army discipleship by fostering clearer belonging, deeper covenant teaching, meaningful service, robust holiness formation, authentic youth engagement and greater ecclesiological clarity across the global Movement. Its vision is to help The Salvation Army become more welcoming without becoming less covenantal, more contextual without becoming fragmented, more accessible without becoming vague and more missionally effective without becoming less holy.

The General has appointed an 11-member Commission, co-led

by Commissioner Geoff Webb (IHQ) and Colonel Dean Pallant (Germany, Lithuania and Poland Territory), with representatives from across the international Salvation Army. Members are Major Amy Reardon (IHQ), Colonel Bishow Samhika (International College for Officers), Lieutenant Emily Betts (IHQ – Americas), Commissioner Evie Diaz (USA Central), Commissioner Henrik Andersen (IHQ, based in Sweden), Major Juanita Wright (IHQ – Youth), Songster Leader Karl Westwood (UK and Ireland Territory), Lieut-Colonel Nigel Cross (Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory) and Commissioner Yusak Tampai (IHQ – South Pacific and East Asia Zone).

The General will also be appointing consultant members to provide additional expertise, including Territorial Leader Commissioner Jenine Main.

Corresponding members will be engaged throughout the process, ensuring voices from young people, South Asia, Central and Southern America, and other parts of the international Army are heard.

The Commission will work to an ambitious timetable, with territorial leaders consulted at key stages. Its recommendations will be presented to the International Conference of Leaders for consideration in November 2027.

Your prayerful support for the Commission will be gratefully appreciated as it undertakes this significant work for the future of The Salvation Army. – AR

Salvationist wants to hear from you!

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk to tell us about your events, outreach, fundraising, mission and more.

Good quality pictures may be included.

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Salvationist 15 August 2026

EVENT CATERHAM Crafters from our Crafty Coffee Beans group entered a scarecrow festival. Weeks of knitting, stitching, crocheting, embroidering and stuffing led to the creation of Major Sunny, who took furlough from his field duties to join our carnival, church worship and other events. To the crafters’ joy, Major Sunny took first place in the scarecrow competition, and it was a joy to see Barbara Milson – who leads the group – receive the certificate. – AF

ANNIVERSARY BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL The 143rd corps anniversary was celebrated with a visit from Eastbourne Citadel’s band, songsters and singing group. Major Ralph Walker (Eastbourne Citadel) led a blessed morning meeting followed by open-air witness. Some passers-by accepted invitations to share in a fellowship lunch. Brighton Bevendean Corps joined the celebrations as the anniversary launched a new era with the start of a monthly Sunday school. The corps is a growing, inclusive community that opens its doors to the whosoever in every way possible. This has led to the growth of our congregation over the past three years and now the blessings of a Sunday school. Praise God! – KN

ANNIVERSARY HECKMONDWIKE To celebrate 145 years of ministry, the corps donated children’s items via Huddersfield to Ukraine Humanitarian Aid. Volunteer Janet Devine said: ‘We had the idea of trying to get to 145 items to mark 145 years. In the end, we collected in total 115 pairs of pyjamas, 500 sets of underwear and too many sweets to count!’ – AR

HOMELESSNESS

Grant supports Army housing provision ENGLAND THE Salvation Army has been awarded £1.07 million by grant-making charity Benefact Trust to expand its supported housing provision.

With resources under increasing pressure, local authorities in England must apply strict eligibility criteria to prioritise groups such as families with dependent children and people with significant needs, which can leave many people in crisis with nowhere safe to live. It is projected that more than 100 people will be assisted through this grant. Those who might benefit will include people who do not meet strict legal ‘priority need’ criteria and emergency cases where people are legally ineligible for housing because it was considered that they made themselves ‘intentionally homeless’ or have no recourse to public funds due to their visa or immigration status.

Nick Redmore, Director of Homelessness Services, said: ‘We are extremely grateful to Benefact Trust for this generous grant. It will make a significant difference to our ability to fill a critical gap in the current homelessness system and provide vital assistance to people who without our help would be left stranded.’

Paul Playford, senior grants and programmes officer for Benefact Trust, said: ‘The Salvation Army’s commitment to offering dignity, safety and hope align deeply with our values.

This funding will help ensure that people who fall through the gaps in the system are not forgotten but given the chance to rebuild their lives and given the opportunity to flourish.’ – AR

COMMUNITY

NUNHEAD The corps café sponsored the food stall at a school fair – providing, preparing, cooking and serving food. In September, the corps will begin Starfish Mentoring and a reading outreach programme there. Running the café at the school had a huge impact, and the school community have shared how great the Army has been and that they love how invested we are in the community. – KS

EVENT

Rose garden unveiled STRAWBERRY FIELD A ROSE garden dedicated to Sir George and Lady Judy Martin was donated by Cliff Cooper, CEO of Orange Amps and a patron of Strawberry Field.

As a patron of Strawberry Field, Lady Martin wanted to create a space of peaceful reflection where people could sit and look across to the famous gates surrounded by her favourite roses. Spanning 95 square metres, the accessible garden includes a water feature, a circular raised rose bed and seating areas.

Strawberry Field Mission Director Major Michelle Huggins and Divisional Leaders Majors Ian and Tracey Mountford were among guests. Major Michelle said: ‘We look forward to welcoming visitors to reflect in the garden.’ – AR

CHILDREN AND YOUTH PAIGNTON A special Sunday meeting led by Lieut-Colonel Angela Irving celebrated the children under the theme These Are a Few of My Favourite Things. The meeting included the children sharing what they like about coming to the Army, with some answers bringing smiles to faces. They shared favourite Bible stories and songs, which were sung with great enthusiasm. Six-year-old Arthur shared that one of his favourite things is playing cornet. Despite losing a tooth in the meeting, he played a cornet solo for the first time in public to rapturous applause. Lieut-Colonel Angela encouraged the children in an interactive sharing of the parable of the prodigal son, before each child received a Sunday school prize. – AI

COMMUNITY COVENTRY CITY Over the years, several corps members made St Catherine’s Lodge their home, helping build strong and lasting links between the corps and the residential home. As a gesture of appreciation, residents organised a coffee morning and presented a donation to the corps in recognition of the Army’s ongoing work across Coventry. Assistant Corps Sergeant-Major Ian Potter accepted the cheque on behalf of the corps, joined by members of the visiting team. – SW

ENVIRONMENT SWINDON GORSE HILL The charity shop hosted a fashion show for 115 people to encourage a recycle and reuse ethic. As an Eco Church, the corps is committed to caring for creation. All outfits modelled were donations to the shop. There was not a spare seat as guests enjoyed the beauty and value of pre-loved clothes. – HP Salvationist 15 August 2026

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

Local officers appointed BANDMASTER PHILIP CRAIG, Margate

Dedicated to God THEO-JAMES MARTIN TEASDALE and Darcy-Rae Teasdale, children of Kelly Searson, at Ripley by Major John Parrott MIA ANN MICKLEWRIGHT, daughter of Curtis and Sam Micklewright, at Leighton Buzzard by Captains Lillian and Rodney Bean

Promoted to Glory RETIRED SONGSTER LEADER GILBERT CLARK, Edinburgh Gorgie, from Colinton Care Home, Edinburgh BANDSMAN AND COLOUR SERGEANT BRIAN MCMANUS, Bristol South SONGSTER MAUREEN PAYNE, Brighton Congress Hall MAJOR ANDREW HAMILTON from his home on 3 August

Bereaved LOUISA CLARK, Edinburgh Gorgie, of her husband Retired Songster Leader Gilbert Clark, Hazel Farrer, Pauline Emeny, Geraldine Fergusson and Donald Clark of their father PAT MCMANUS, Bristol South, of her husband Bandsman and Colour Sergeant Brian McManus MAJOR LINDA HAMILTON of her husband Major Andrew Hamilton, Heather Moir and Stephen Hamilton of their father

Retirements from active service Effective 1 August MAJOR GARY CHATBURN out of Feltham in 1987 and last appointment Bromsgrove and Evesham MAJOR WAYNE DUFFY out of Grimsby in 2009 and last appointment Glasgow West and Chaplain, William Hunter Lifehouse, Glasgow MAJOR DEBORAH FEELEY out of Irthlingborough in 2006 and last appointment Rushden MAJOR LYNN GIBBS (née Baxter) out of Regent Hall in 1984 and last appointment IHQ MAJOR RAELTON GIBBS out of Regent Hall in 1984 and last appointment IHQ MAJOR DEBORAH NIELD (née Lewis) out of Macclesfield in 1997 and last appointment Bury St Edmunds and Lavenham MAJOR ALAN NORTON out of Sittingbourne in 1983 and last appointment Slough MAJOR MARIAN PARKER out of Leicester South in 1993 and last appointment Hendon MAJOR ANN PUGH (née Johnson) out of Swansea in 1998 and last appointment Abertillery 18

Salvationist 15 August 2026

ENGAGEMENTS

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Thu 20 Aug South East Division

NOTICES

Children and Youth Voice survey: Have your say!

The Children and Youth Department are working with Participation People to better understand how children and young people are listened to, valued and involved across The Salvation Army. We are encouraging all adults to complete a 15 to 20-minute survey to share their experiences and insights. Your feedback will help shape future developments and ensure the voices of children and young people are at the heart of everything we do.

Complete the survey at surveymonkey.com/r/TSADiagnostic. The survey is also featured in the 15 August issue of Kids Alive!, for children to have their own say!

Independent Safeguarding Review: We need your help The Salvation Army has commissioned an external organisation to conduct an independent safeguarding review across our territory. We work with some of the most vulnerable people and so it’s essential that we have the most robust safeguarding processes in place, which is why INEQE Safeguarding Group is conducting the review. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and so everyone is encouraged to take part. Responses are submitted directly to INEQE and are anonymous and confidential. Please complete the survey most relevant to you by 4 September at ineqe.com/TheSalvationArmy.

International Youth Congress 2027: Applications open The UK and Ireland Territory has been allocated 23 places at the next International Youth Congress, a global Salvation Army gathering for 2,500 young adults in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Apply by 6 September 2026 for the opportunity to worship together, explore God’s calling and develop leadership gifts alongside peers from across the world. For more information, visit tsa.link/iyc2027.

The Big Connection 2026 From fundraising toolkits and project ideas to posters, leaflets and outreach materials, resources to help you plan and promote this year’s appeal are now available at tsa.link/ big-connection-resources. Corps can continue to use it to support local mission and ministry, a local social work expression or another corps.

Dementia awareness autumn courses Older People’s Ministries is offering online training opportunities this autumn.

Introduction to Dementia explores how to support those living with dementia and their care partners. Dementia: Don’t Forget Me explores dementia-friendly churches, the biblical mandate to care for those living with dementia and appropriate pastoral responses. Contact olderpeoplesministries@salvationarmy.org.uk to book your place and request Zoom details.

Singing by Heart leaders training Supported by Music and Creative Arts, this course is for anyone interested in running a Singing by Heart dementia-friendly programme. Contact ali.thornton-dean@ salvationarmy.org.uk to request Zoom details.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship From 2 to 30 August, Sunday Worship invites us to take a digital Sabbath through a repeated, stripped-back programme that encourages us to embrace rhythms focused on rest, presence and discipleship. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

NEW COMMITMENTS

RIPON THE corps was delighted to celebrate the enrolment of Imogen, Shami and Evie as junior soldiers – a joyful and significant step in their faith journeys! Corps leader Major Pam Ralph-Barratt, along with Sheila Atkinson, helped guide the girls through their lessons with care and dedication. During the enrolments, Major Pam shared a reflection, drawing on her connection to Catterick Garrison. She spoke about the parallels between military soldiers and junior soldiers, and that we are all called to sign up, suit up and be sent out on a mission to shine brightly for Jesus in the world. – PR-B

OXFORD AND ABINGDON WE were delighted to welcome Kirsty Hunt as an adherent.

It was great to have something so special to celebrate, and to hear Kirsty share something of her journey. It was also good to share cake after the meeting! – PS-M

GILLINGHAM DURING Pentecost celebrations, Sarah Wootton was enrolled as a soldier. Sarah thanked the corps family for their prayers and support during a difficult time in her life. She spoke of how she looks forward to continuing her Christian journey.

Sarah is pictured with corps leaders Captains Martyn and Steph Bellshaw (now at Hove) and Corps Sergeant-Major Andy Millest. – JM

FOLKESTONE ON Easter Day, Dave Morgan was welcomed as an adherent, supported by his two sons and their families. Dave spoke of how, despite some difficult years, God has always been there with him and how he now felt able to settle down with the church fellowship. – AS

GATESHEAD ON Pentecost Sunday, Charlie, Menare, Jessy, Alex, Toby, Danielle, Naomi, Elim, Deborah, Lydia, Nat and Jason were enrolled as junior soldiers and Emmanuel, Vicky and Senait were enrolled as soldiers. They were supported by our youth and children’s team, led by Young People’s Sergeant-Major Bethan Kakande, and the leadership team who supported our adults in their membership classes. We take discipleship and leadership development very seriously, and building relationships across generations and cultures is key to this investment in our mission priorities and our vision to be an intercultural and intergenerational community of faith. Also pictured are children’s team workers Helen Birchall and Stephen Birchall, who is holding the flag. – TK

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