Salvationist 16 May 2020

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1756 Price 70p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 16 May 2020

‘But I trust in your unfailing love’ (Psalm 13:5)

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

BRITS TURNING TO PRAYER IN LOCKDOWN, RESEARCH SHOWS Thousands of people in the UK are turning to prayer during lockdown, according to new research. Nearly a quarter say they have watched or listened to a religious service.

According to a poll of 2,101 adults, 44 per cent say they pray, and among those who pray, 33 per cent say that they have prayed since the Covid-19 lockdown because they believe it makes a difference.

The research, by Savanta ComRes1 for the Christian relief and development agency Tearfund, found that 24 per cent of UK adults have watched or listened to a religious service since lockdown, on the radio, live on TV, on demand or streamed online.

This jumps to... 76 per cent among regular churchgoers. One in twenty UK adults who say they have watched or listened to a religious service since lockdown, also say they have never actually gone to church...

Among those who pray, more than half have prayed about family members, a quarter have prayed for frontline services and one in five say they have prayed for someone who is unwell with Covid-19...

Dr Ruth Valerio, global advocacy and influencing director at Tearfund, said: ‘It is encouraging to see the number of people in the UK praying during such a challenging time...

Prayer and practical action go handin-hand, and are both crucial ways of responding... We are calling more people to pray and take action.’

The Tablet

MONEY WORRIES IN PANDEMIC DRIVE SURGE IN ANXIETY Nearly half of people in Britain experienced ‘high anxiety’ as the country’s lockdown began, an Office for National Statistics (ONS) survey suggests.

Anxiety levels were highest among an estimated 8.6 million people whose income fell, according to the weekly survey on the impact of coronavirus.

Renters and the self-employed were also particularly affected.

Measures of well-being were at their lowest levels since records began in 2011, the ONS said.

The survey’s finding suggested that more than 25 million people – 49.6 per cent of over-16s in Britain – rated their anxiety as ‘high’, more than double the amount who did so at the end of 2019.

Those suffering the greatest level of worry were an estimated 2.6 million people who said they were struggling to pay bills.

BBC News

A collaborative music video recorded by UK Christian artists from their homes during lockdown has been watched over a million times on YouTube.

The Blessing UK was orchestrated by worship leader Tim Hughes and... the collaboration spans over 65 churches and Christian movements in the UK, including New Wine, the Church of England, Elim, the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Hillsong and The Salvation Army.

The song was originally sung

by Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe and Elevation Worship.

Organisers said... ‘Standing together as one, our desire is that this song will fill you with hope and encourage you.’

Christian Today

CHRISTIAN CHARITY ISSUES PPE A Christian charity has released £194,000 worth of personal protective equipment (PPE) kits for essential religious and charity workers, the vulnerable, and those conducting frontline work in the community across the UK. Samaritan’s Purse say the PPE kits, labelled as Community Care Kits, along with grants of £1,000, £3,000, and £5,000 aim to resource churches, charities and organisations supporting communities through the coronavirus outbreak...

Each Community Care Kit is stocked with 100 FFP1 disposable face masks, 50 FFP2 disposable face masks, 100 pairs of disposable latex gloves, 100 pairs of disposable nitrile gloves and 2 litres of alcohol-based hand sanitiser...

Darren Tosh, UK Executive Director of Samaritan’s Purse said: ‘Our experience... has taught us that during times of crisis like this, meaningful partnerships can be forged between churches and their communities... The Church has an opportunity to boldly show compassion to their communities, and as many church workers are considered to be essential in working with the most vulnerable amongst us, they need protective equipment... to carry on their work.’

Church of England Newspaper

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GENERAL Brian Peddle

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Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Major Godspower Anozie – 020 7367 4893 ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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LOCKDOWN WORSHIP SESSION CLOCKS UP OVER A MILLION VIEWS

Salvationist 16 May 2020

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CONTENTS

HONEST TO GOD JAMES Marriott, deputy books editor for The Times, has noted the growing popularity of poetry during the coronavirus outbreak. Explaining why this might be, he wrote: ‘Poetry provides the greatest consolation in times of crisis. The great poets lead us away from the fretting of everyday life and towards the central mysteries of life: its strangeness, its beauty and its sadness.’

While we may not agree that poetry provides ‘the greatest consolation’, it is true that poetic writing, especially if it has a spiritual flavour, can speak to our hearts and draw us nearer to God. Psalms is the Bible’s book of poetry and, even though it was written around 3,000 years ago, vividly reflects our own thoughts and feelings. The 16th-century Reformer John Calvin called the book of Psalms ‘an anatomy of all the parts of the soul’ because ‘there is not an emotion of which anyone can be conscious that is not here represented as in a mirror’.

Brian Colley has been looking at how particular verses from Psalms speak to us today in our ongoing series of short reflections. On page 20 he looks at Psalm 86:11 – ‘Teach me your way, Lord’ – and suggests that these words are ‘something Christians should pray daily if they want to be more Christlike’.

In his ‘Thinkaloud’ article on page 15, John Coutts remembers a line that he had sung as a child to help him through a ‘scary’ situation. He only discovered years later that the words were from Psalm 28. ‘Where better to look for light at the end of the lockdown tunnel than in the Psalms?’ he asks.

On page 17 Major Howard Webber considers two poetic works in the Army’s song book that, like psalms, can give us light in our darkness: ‘Hold Thou My Hand’ and ‘Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us’.

The ability of psalms to reflect a range of emotions is seen in the two main types: hymns of praise and psalms of lament. Hymns of praise, such as the shortest psalm, Psalm 117, highlight reasons to exalt God, while psalms of lament can question God and express doubt, sorrow and sometimes anger. Psalm 13 is an example: ‘How long, Lord? Will you forget me for ever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart?’

Tony Rogers also has questions for God on page 13, where he shares his feelings at the death of his son. Some of us may be asking questions and feeling desperate at this time. Like the psalmist, a healthy relationship with God allows room for that kind of open expression of our thoughts and feelings.

While it’s important to be honest to God, lament does not need to have the final word. In the psalms of lament there’s usually a turning point where the psalmist begins to reaffirm his confidence in God and express his praise.

Whatever our feelings during these days of restriction and loss, may we be able to bring them to the Lord in prayer, sense his presence and begin to sing his praises.

‘But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.’

(Psalm 13:5 and 6)

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Quotes from the media

2

Message from the Territorial Commander

4

News

5 to 7

Prayer pointers

7

News feature 8 and 9 Army’s ‘newest’ countries join fight against coronavirus Viewpoint A time for renewal?

10

by Captain Rebecka Cotterill

Diary of self-isolation Just keep swimming! Week 7

11

by Major Karen Sandford

From the archive Thank God for open doors!

12

by Tony Rogers

Reflection What is God’s plan?

13

by Tony Rogers

Five marks of mission Seeking to transform unjust structures

14

by Major Heather Grinsted

Thinkaloud Wallace and I

15

by John Coutts

Reflection Agents of the Lord’s favour

16

by Major Gregory Morgan

Feature Prayer songs for our time

17

by Major Howard Webber

Bible study Moses makes excuses

18 and 19

by Major Gareth Heward

Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19

by Major Lynda Levis

Letters

20

Reflection The way of holiness

20

by Brian Colley

Resources Ideas for all ages Announcements

21 22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Ken Elliot

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

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Knowing God’s presence and peace

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OME of us are dealing with big stuff right now: bereavement, illness, sadness. And for those who’ve simply been inconvenienced by the lockdown, the novelty has worn off and many are feeling the sadness of not being able to do the things we would love to do and see the people we would love to see. It’s quite natural that we might be feeling the heaviness of all that is happening.

I hope you’ve learnt that it’s possible to take some time out, to breathe in, to meditate and to receive peace from God and sense his love in our hearts and lives.

London has become very quiet.

Where Gill and I live there are usually planes going into Heathrow every 60 seconds from early in the morning until late at night. It’s quiet now because so many planes are parked up at airports, going absolutely nowhere.

When I saw pictures of that I was reminded of a time when I took a group of young people from our corps in Hemel Hempstead to Babushkino Corps in Moscow. We had twinned with them, so seven of us were going there to take a group of kids on a holiday and supply some emergency equipment.

I’d been to the Aeroflot office in London to ask if it we could take the emergency equipment on the flight, knowing we were only allowed 20kg each. They assured me that it would be 4

Salvationist 16 May 2020

fine. However, when we got to Heathrow, the check-in staff said they were not going to allow us to take the extra luggage without paying a significant amount of money. Eventually we came to a compromise: we would be able to accumulate the luggage weight. So, with seven of us and 20kg each, we were allowed 140kg. We put each bag on one-by-one, and when we got to the last one the weight on the digital scale went up and down until it rested at 139.7kg.

One of the girls said: ‘It’s a sign! God’s got something to say to us. It must be Psalm 139:7.’ She pulled out her Bible and read, ‘Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?’ Then the passage continues: ‘If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast’ (vv8–10).

You can imagine we were all laughing, but we were also relieved. It has stayed with me ever since and it’s marked in my Bible, ‘Moscow weigh-in, 12 July 2001’. Wherever I go, I know that God is with me. I hope you also know that in your circumstances.

Psalm 139 has many other things to say to us, and it culminates with these wonderful words: ‘Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting’ (vv23 and 24).

When I was a divisional youth secretary running a summer school in Birmingham, I went down to the sports field where the archery was set up. The kids asked me to have a go, so I picked up the bow, selected an arrow, took my

aim and let fly. Believe it or not that arrow flew through the air and landed right in the centre of the target – bullseye! My mistake was picking up a second arrow and proving that the first one was just a fluke.

Scripture says we all fall short of the mark. In fact, the Greek New Testament word that is often translated as ‘sin’ means ‘to miss the mark’.

I miss the mark all the time and I guess you probably do too. But Jesus saves us from our sin and its consequences. When we come to him and allow him to deal with the offensive ways within us, he makes us one with himself.

The Message paraphrase of 1 John 2:12–14 says: ‘I remind you, my dear children: Your sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name. You veterans were in on the ground floor, and know the one who started all this; you newcomers have won a big victory over the evil one. And a second reminder, dear children: You know the Father from personal experience. You veterans know the one who started it all; and you newcomers – such vitality and strength! God’s word is so steady in you. Your fellowship with God enables you to gain a victory over the evil one.’

The Psalmist says if there’s anything offensive within us search it out, Lord.

And John says we celebrate the victory of Jesus, which enables us to be one with him.

That brings me great comfort and I hope it brings you great comfort as well.

Whatever your circumstances are, may the peace of Christ be with you and his Holy Spirit live in you and shine through you for his glory.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This message is based on a video released by the TC that can be viewed at facebook.com/SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/user/salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

The Salvation Army calls for government to support vulnerable people UNITED KINGDOM THE Salvation Army and 23 other charities have called on the government to help the most vulnerable people obtain food, including over-70s, people with disabilities and unpaid carers.

The charities fear that a lack of support could see a spike in avoidable hospital admissions stemming from hunger and malnutrition.

Vulnerable people with a high risk of infection received letters telling them to shield themselves at home and are given priority for food delivery, but many are struggling to get food delivered. Others who find shopping for food challenging in normal circumstances because of sensory or physical impairments or mental health issues have also found that the lockdown is making it more difficult to obtain food.

The letter called on the government to ensure that: supermarkets help everyone with a disability, with those at increased risk from the coronavirus and unpaid carers getting priority access to supermarkets and home food delivery; the government works with charities such as the Army, so that no one misses out on the support they need to access food; the government clearly outlines the help available to people struggling to get food supplies. – AR O The government has responded positively to the letter, including providing £16 million for charities helping vulnerable people obtain food

LONDON: The Salvation Army was featured in an episode of the BBC Two programme Inside The Factory, which focused on soup.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill spoke from Poplar Corps approximately 39 minutes into the episode about William and Catherine Booth’s mission to feed the many people living in poverty when the Movement began. One of the Army’s incident response vehicles serving firefighters was also highlighted. The episode is available to watch on BBC iPlayer until 26 May. – NR

Volunteers support victims of modern slavery DORSET VOLUNTEERS from Winton and Boscombe have pooled donations of food and toiletries from nearby Marks & Spencer and Tesco stores to provide support packages for victims of modern slavery in the area.

The Salvation Army holds the government contract to manage specialist support for all adult victims of modern slavery in England and Wales, which is delivered through a network of safe houses and outreach programmes run directly by the Army and a number of partner organisations.

Despite the current challenges due to the coronavirus pandemic, staff and volunteers are doing everything possible to provide high quality care, keep victims safe and help them continue their recovery.

Andrew Wileman (Winton) said: ‘When we dropped off the donations, the support workers were thrilled and told us what a difference it would make in helping the people in their care to minimise contact with the outside world and reduce the risk of infection.’ – AR

Army launches ‘operation food parcel’ UNITED KINGDOM IN response to shortages faced by food banks across the UK, the Army has launched an appeal to wholesalers, supermarkets, philanthropists and the corporate sector to help provide bulk donations of nonperishable food.

While food banks received a welcome boost from Morrisons’ pledge to provide £10 million in food, the Army has warned that

this will not be enough to help the many thousands hit hardest by the impact of the pandemic who are falling in between government support schemes.

‘So much more needs to be done to meet the rapidly growing need,’ said Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill. ‘Our food banks are braced for a double impact. Firstly, thousands are

suddenly out of work and many will be visiting a food bank for the first time. Secondly, the lockdown, while essential to protect lives, is putting new pressures on families who will be making universal credit claims and waiting five weeks for a first payment, in addition to the delivery of the government’s new food vouchers if their children receive free school meals.’

Due to lockdown measures, the public can no longer bring

Central South Divisional Commander Major Ray Brown presents a one-man open-air meeting from his balcony – one of three on consecutive Sundays

donations to food banks and centres directly. Instead, bulk food supplies from the corporate sector are being managed centrally and distributed via the Army’s nationwide network to people who can no longer feed themselves or their families and are cut off from other sources of help.

People who wish to help can donate money to The Salvation Army online to buy supplies for food banks and food parcel delivery schemes. – AR Salvationist 16 May 2020

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NEWS

International support and local knowledge save lives BURKINA FASO INTERNATIONAL funding and local knowledge have helped people stay safe during the coronavirus pandemic, raising the profile of The Salvation Army.

Burkina Faso was one of the first countries in western Africa to be affected, and the government reacted quickly, with the population already six weeks into lockdown.

Captains André and Nana Fatouma Togo said: ‘We all knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but the measures have generally been accepted and people are trusting the government to save their lives.’

The officers’ ongoing contact with the community highlighted that people were finding it difficult to get hand sanitiser and cleaning equipment, so they applied for Rapid Response funding from IHQ. With this money, and some additional local contributions, Captains André and Nana obtained hand sanitiser gel and hand-washing equipment.

‘Our response began in the communities in which we work,’ they explained. ‘We then contacted the local community mayor to offer support for

others. He expressed concern for the well-being of the women who sell in local markets. So we handed equipment to the mayor’s office, to be distributed.’

The handover was covered by national TV and other private media. For a country where The Salvation Army has only been officially ministering since 2018, this was an opportunity to let the public know that The Salvation Army is in Burkina Faso to serve everyone.

‘Until now, people haven’t known The Salvation Army very well but, through this support to the most vulnerable in our communities, God is opening up an occasion for them to see what the Army is and what we can do.’ – AR

New ways of working WOKING

Local resident Vanessa Lambert at the corps food stall

HYTHE: Support from the community and local businesses has allowed the food bank to continue supporting the rising number of people in need. The team received seven car loads of provisions from TK Maxx in Folkestone and a bumper donation of food from Morrisons. An online fundraising appeal set up by the corps raised £2,000 in the first few weeks.

Corps officer Captain Callum McKenna said: ‘I’d like to say a huge thank you to the people of Hythe and surrounding areas! The generosity, creativity and collaboration of our community will serve us well during this difficult period.’ – AR 6

Salvationist 16 May 2020

ON the day before the lockdown, a neighbourhood group gathered at the corps to hear from Interim Executive Chair for Innovate UK Ian Campbell and Alison Campbell on how to be supportive neighbours during the pandemic. The corps has good relationships with the people living on a neighbouring estate, and volunteers safely knocked on doors to check on their well-being. A food stall was also set up outside one resident’s home.

The corps has adapted to new ways of worshipping, establishing a pastoral care telephone team to ensure that no one misses out on conversation and connection with other corps members. A new Bible study group and the monthly men’s breakfast began using Zoom, which also facilitates a monthly YP movie night. Sunday worship, which is posted on Facebook, has been enjoyed by people as far away as South Africa. – MH

LONDONDERRY: A group from The Sally Anne Knitters started to knit ‘fiddle blankets’ for people living with dementia.

Set up by Nicola Henderson to help a friend who is living with dementia find a creative outlet, the group spans a range of ages and knitting abilities and has become a great way for friendships to be formed. Since the lockdown the group has continued to knit in isolation, with the first fiddle blanket passed on to corps member Isobel McClean (pictured). – JM

EDINBURGH: Niddry Street Regener8+ Project and Pleasance Lifehouse are both responding to the coronavirus crisis by continuing to provide vital help in the form of telephone support, hot takeaway food and addiction drop-in services. Susan Grant, who runs the centre’s programme, says their focus is on keeping in touch with people to ensure no one is forgotten during the outbreak. – AR

Army responds to General’s call to prayer IHQ SALVATIONISTS and friends around the world responded with passion and compassion to General Brian Peddle’s call for the international Salvation Army to ‘follow the sun’ and pray from sunrise to sundown for the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.

Starting when the sun rose in Samoa and carrying on for more than 36 hours until the sun set in Hawaii, the ‘tsunami of prayer’ that had been called for by the General picked up pace quickly and didn’t ease off as it followed the light of the sun across the globe.

Prayers were shared in corporate online worship and prayer meetings, and also through individual and family times of devotion, and between staff and service users. Just as the coronavirus does not discriminate between rich and poor, believer and unbeliever, the wave of prayer was helped on by people of many races, languages, economic positions and social standings. – KS

Prayer pointers Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts introduces prayer topics for each day of the week

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URING these challenging days we are all invited to pause at noon each day to unite in prayer. This specific time will not be possible for everyone but whenever you take time to pray, the following subjects are offered, which particularly relate to concerns around the pandemic. Different topics will be published each week.

Monday Governments around the world as they analyse information each day that will inform decisions affecting people’s daily lives.

Pizza night provides much-kneaded relief

Tuesday

STREET

School pupils and students for whom this would usually be a season of intensive preparation for important exams.

CORPS leaders Territorial Envoys John and Louise Melia have been working with nearby pizza company Pizza and Puppets to feed families hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The company has a mobile pizza oven that it usually takes to festivals during the summer.

They asked if they could put on a pizza night to feed some of the people who come to the corps for food parcels and support.

More than 40 families whose children attend Elmhurst Junior School and Hindhayes Infant School received a delivery during the evening.

Volunteers have provided food parcels for those in need with support from supermarkets in the area, including Morrisons and Lidl, and the corps has

secured £4,500 in funding to allow them to buy food at wholesale prices.

Territorial Envoy Louise said: ‘As well as the food parcels, we are collecting and delivering prescriptions, doing shopping for those who can’t get out, walking pets and trying our best to serve the most vulnerable in our town in any way that we can.’ – AR

Wednesday People who are weary from caring for family members, and friends and neighbours who depend on them, yet faithfully continue to care for and serve others.

Thursday All NHS staff, care workers in every setting and the key workers on whom we all rely. We pray for the chaplains who work in hospitals, prisons and residential homes.

Friday People with mental health needs who may not be able to access support groups and therapy at this time. We pray for all who are suffering from anxiety, depression and sleeplessness, and who are struggling to find hope and purpose in life.

Saturday Lord, today we ask for strength and guidance to meet whatever personal challenges these days in lockdown bring. As the restrictions begin to lift, give us patience to keep living and working safely.

Sunday PENRITH: A Meals at Home initiative is supporting vulnerable older members of the community during the coronavirus crisis.

More than 100 three-course meals have been delivered, and each recipient also gets a friendly wave and listening ear if they need social interaction, while adhering to social distancing guidelines. – AR

We pray for corps and centres throughout The Salvation Army that are providing opportunities to unite in prayer and worship online and via printed matter. We praise you, Lord, for a growing awareness of your presence among us, though we cannot gather together at this time. Thank you for the many ways that music and song, which you have inspired, are blessing your people.

O Something

fun this week: Creative Play, a web page that provides ideas to keep children entertained during lockdown. Find it at savethechildren.org.uk. It’s worth a look, even if you don’t have children in the house!

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NEWS FEATURE

Army’s ‘newest’ countries join fight against coronavirus IHQ THE Movement’s work in Burkina Faso and Gabon formally began two years ago, and exploratory ministry in northern Thailand is not yet officially recognised.

However, responses to the coronavirus pandemic are now under way in all three of these countries, as well as in those with an established Salvation Army presence.

Each response is culturally appropriate and carefully designed to meet the specific needs of communities, in co-ordination with relevant governments, local authorities and other agencies to ensure that nobody is overlooked.

AFRICA Burkina Faso Supplies of handwash and soap have been sent from the capital Ouagadougou to Bobo-Dioulasso Corps – about 300 km away – for distribution to the most vulnerable people, in liaison with the mayor’s office.

Markets have closed in this community, leading to financial hardship for those reliant on trade.

Gabon The Army is supporting the World Health Organisation’s efforts to curtail the spread of the coronavirus in Gabon, one of the earliest countries in Africa to record a confirmed case. Plans are in progress to distribute hygiene information leaflets, soap, sanitiser, disinfectant and buckets to 300 vulnerable families in the capital Libreville.

Republic of the Congo Families in six of the most impoverished suburbs of the capital, Brazzaville, where loss of employment due to coronavirus restrictions is widespread, are being supported with emergency food parcels of rice, salt fish, beans, sugar, oil and powdered milk. Approximately 1,580 recipients will also receive bars of soap and plastic bags to remove potentially contaminated waste safely.

Malawi The Army is using radio broadcasts to share information about disease prevention with hard-to-reach groups, such as those living in 8

Salvationist 16 May 2020

Thailand slums, migrants and people experiencing homelessness. Around 2,250 vulnerable people in Blantyre will receive food packages and soap. A number of 20-litre buckets with integral taps will also be distributed to strategic locations.

Uganda Food relief and healthcare information is being provided to families in the Babu Patel locality in Jinja, a community with little or no income, where the coronavirus crisis is giving rise to malnutrition. The Army is distributing maize flour, beans and cooking oil to 1,000 of the most vulnerable families.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitiser will be made available for the five health centres in the Kawempe region.

About 20,000 bars of soap and hygiene information will also be given to vulnerable families around the Kizanyiro area, which has seen the greatest number of suspected cases in the country.

SOUTH PACIFIC AND EAST ASIA Thailand A pioneer team in the Army’s fledgling work in the country has responded to a call for aid from Chiang Mai’s city governor by distributing parcels with dry food, hand sanitiser and bottled drinking water to vulnerable communities, as well as to individuals who have tested positive for the

virus. Salvation Army officers and staff have also given face shields to frontline workers in three hospitals and a police station.

Malaysia The Army has made a public call for donations of masks, sanitiser and other hygiene necessities for the most vulnerable people in the community. Army social centres have introduced precautionary measures such as daily temperature checks, the recording of names for contact tracing and robust hand-washing and cleaning regimes.

In Melaka, the corps officer and team have developed a makeshift kitchen and are delivering cooked food around the neighbourhood.

Teams in the capital Kuala Lumpur have special clearance to pass through roadblocks in order to deliver food parcels to vulnerable families, including migrant workers and refugees. By the end of April more than 2,200 meals, 500 food parcels and 2,500 masks had been given out.

Myanmar The country’s Council of Churches, which includes the Army, is assisting the government with coronavirus treatment costs. At the time of writing, the Army has met the costs of treating 20 patients, including blankets and food. About 500

vulnerable families will also receive food parcels containing rice and dhal.

Singapore The Army and partner organisations are distributing PPE and other hygiene necessities to immigrant workers through outreach project The Sojourn Programme.

They are also working with a logistics company to supply 20,000 care packs to the city’s most vulnerable people.

SOUTH ASIA India In Chandigarh, the Army will assist local government and other humanitarian agencies in distributing food parcels, hygiene advice and soap to 1,725 families in need of aid.

Sri Lanka In addition to meals, the Army is providing 1,600 vulnerable families with soap, laundry liquid and hand-washing materials. An emergency feeding programme will also ensure that the 100 people most at risk receive a hot meal daily for at least 20 days.

EUROPE Færoe Islands The Salvation Army’s shelter in Tórshavn has become the central food distribution point for people in need across the islands.

Iceland Gift certificates for grocery stores have been handed out in the capital Reykjavík, where there is a high public demand for food. There is also an Army telephone service for people who are afraid or lonely.

In Akureyri, the corps has facilitated some special gatherings with appropriate social distancing for young people from disadvantaged families.

Slovakia The Army is meeting the needs of a largely Roma population in Pezinok and Plavecký Štvrtok. Food aid has been provided to around 140 people and face masks have been produced to meet demand. Miňo Krajcovic, who is responsible for the Army’s work in Pezinok, says: ‘We’re part of this community, and we will do whatever we can to help people back to their feet, even in these extremely difficult times.’

Spain Madrid Central Corps is running a food distribution programme for people in extreme need, including older people and those sick with the virus. In partnership with the Food Bank of Madrid, the corps will become the primary organisation for distributing food in the Salamanca neighbourhood. Spiritual support is also being offered.

Spain

USA

AMERICAS AND CARIBBEAN Brazil At the request of the civil defence administration in São Paulo, the Army will provide hot meals and snacks for around 75 vulnerable people every day, for an initial period of two months. Daily distributions are also providing hygiene kits to the city’s 3,200 street dwellers.

Haiti The Army is providing hand-washing facilities and disease prevention advice to around 21,000 people and will equip the health clinic in Couyot with public hand basins. The Army’s healthcare facilities are working with the government health agency to implement a preventative plan for reducing human-to-human contact, which includes communicating basic information and training influential people in the community.

USA Large teams of Salvation Army helpers in San Francisco are giving hundreds of people without shelter pre-prepared meals from more than 40 outdoor locations across the city every day.

In greater New York, the Army’s volunteer team has swelled by nearly 1,500 people. It has partnered Port Jervis City School District to feed children in need of breakfasts and lunches while remote schooling.

Food distribution to vulnerable people continues across the city. Eduard from the Bronx said: ‘I know The Salvation Army will help me whenever I need some help.’ – AR O The

latest video message from General Brian Peddle can be viewed at vimeo.com/ salvationarmyihq or facebook.com/ GeneralBPeddle Salvationist 16 May 2020

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VIEW POINT

A time for renewal?

Captain Rebecka Cotterill explains why the coronavirus pandemic could provide a unique opportunity

L

EADING thinkers predict that the world will never look the same again, as the coronavirus pandemic threatens globalisation at its core. In the future we will refer to the world before and after the pandemic.

I am on maternity leave, so life in lockdown does not look much different from my everyday life before the outbreak. In the midst of nappy changes and feeds, I couldn’t help asking the question: What is God saying to us as a Movement?

Theologian Richard Rohr has said that we are experiencing ‘a highly teachable moment’. Between the restrictions, suffering, hardships, remote working, change, isolation, grief, conference video calls, daily exercise and anxiety, we have an opportunity to learn great things.

So, what are we learning as an organisation?

John Milton’s famous line in Paradise Lost has perhaps never been more apt: ‘The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.’

Let’s make this hell of rapid change and disruption to normal processes and rhythms a heaven for growth and development, and use it as an opportunity for organisational change.

The war against Covid-19 will reveal our adaptability and resilience. Within a couple of weeks of the lockdown I began to see change in our Movement: new ways of training cadets, creative online gatherings and initiatives in response to the crisis all over the territory.

In addition to these encouraging 10

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stories, I have seen glimpses of culture change in terms of operations within the Army. For example, I have received daily communication from senior leadership, with a constant flow of information from all relevant units. It has offered direction, transparency and helpful resources, and I have been surprised by how connected and invested I have felt in our mission because of this. Communication has the potential to shatter the ‘us and them’ attitudes between corps, DHQs and THQ as we all focus on the mission of responding to need.

An opportunity for organisational change has been thrust upon us whether we want it or not. The health crisis is forcing us to remobilise to fight injustice, isolation and poverty. We have all had to quickly adapt, be spontaneous and invent new ways of doing mission.

As the entire territory’s efforts go towards responding to the pandemic, we are being realigned as one. And when I say we, I mean everyone who identifies as being part of The Salvation Army: employees, officers, pioneer leaders, cadets, adherent members, friends, soldiers, attendees and volunteers. This realignment will look different depending on our contexts – whether we are key workers or those who contribute by staying at home.

Regardless, this is when our Kingdom values, our Christlike attitudes, our Imago Dei (image of God) reflecting purposes will come alive! We can each do our part: little or big, publicly or quietly, on social media or in nontechnological, creative ways. If we dare and boldly display the gifts of being an

Army whose strength is to adapt, we have an opportunity for renewal and revival – we can come alive by plunging into love.

This is not the time for us to moan, be disillusioned or use demoralising language – this is the opportunity to move, and move in new ways, all in the same direction.

Let us stop trying to reinvent activities that are not missional and, instead, reimagine our response and resource the real needs of our communities.

Let us stop the business of selfimprovement, church-growing models and dead traditional gatherings, and be taken on the adventure of following the wind of the Spirit to new land, to the place where we belong, to where there is need. Let us forget about politics, bureaucracy or past leadership disappointments, and allow the grass roots to evaluate and mould the shape of our Movement.

If this is a highly teachable moment, let us use it and set off a wave of change that aligns us as one, setting alight a new energy of love in this God-raised Army so that we move in unprecedented ways into uncharted territories.

The world will not look the same again after the coronavirus pandemic, nor will The Salvation Army. Let us welcome change and let the need of the world drive us to our roots.

CAPTAIN COTTERILL IS SUPPORT OFFICER, INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS OFFICE, THQ

FEATURE I Self-isolation

JUST KEEP SWIMMING! DIARY OF SELF-ISOLATION WEEK 7 Major Karen Sandford (Harlow) continues her day-by-day account of life in lockdown DAY 43 Tuesday 28 April A friend popped over to pick something up.

I can’t remember the last time I saw her, so we stood on the doorstep for half an hour.

It’s the ordinary things I miss the most, like inviting friends in for a cuppa.

I spent an hour in an online consultation with my therapist. I can’t have my regular treatment, so this is the next best thing. It was lovely to see her, to be listened to, heard and treated accordingly. I felt much better afterwards.

It has been a day of calls, organising and admin.

I’m really enjoying the pastoral calls and the prayers with people that bring a moment of Heaven to Earth.

DAY 44 Wednesday 29 April Today’s headlines from Testosterone Towers: Nathan broke his ‘no napping at 4 pm’ rule; Chris announced ‘I’m back!’ and received a high five; Daisy skilfully rearranged all the cushions; Ryan sang to himself as he worked; Joel cooked dinner; and I signed up to do a fundraising swim.

Along with the rest of the world, we’re finding it tempting – but impossible – to plan ahead. I was reminded of Matthew 6:34: ‘Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow’ (The Message).

DAY 45 Thursday 30 April The pool was colder than the sea in February.

I tried to imagine I was swimming off Battery Rocks, Penzance, with the sun on my face. Then there was a gust of wind and I remembered I was in a paddling pool in Essex and it was 12 degrees.

The corps charity shop is closed and the activities that generate income are not able

to take place, so I’ve been doing admin for fundraising all day. I’ve never been good at asking for financial support – I’ve always left it to Chris – but I’m pleased to have set up two pages for the corps on JustGiving, including one for my swim. Hopefully I can hand the finances back to Chris now. My work here is done.

DAY 46 Friday 1 May My boys are not perfect. They argue, wind me up, tell bad jokes, make a mess around the place and sometimes say rude words.

However, they are also funny, generous, kind and sometimes thoughtful. They were at their best last night. One of their girlfriends had terrible family news and, quick as a flash, they were there for each other.

I went to bed frustrated and angry that life is so awful at the moment, and that they are too young to be dealing with all this stuff. As I heard them chatting afterwards, I was proud of them and who they are becoming.

As parents, all we can do is love our children, trust them, hope for them and pray.

The rest is up to them. And God.

DAY 47 Saturday 2 May Saturdays in lockdown are not my favourite days. I miss my swimming friends. I miss the lake. I miss normality.

I’d been looking forward to a long swim.

The water has been cold in the rain this week, so I haven’t been able to stay in very long. But today I did half an hour and swam 825 metres. Boom!

I was sent a recording this week of my future daughter-in-law singing with her sister. ‘You’re a good, good Father, it’s who you are... And I’m loved by you, it’s who I am...’ I’ve played it over and over on a loop in my head today.

Saturdays are still not my favourite, but I feel loved. Cherished. Understood.

DAY 48 Sunday 3 May It was International Dawn Chorus Day, so at 8 am I went on a virtual walk with my friend Jenny. It was incredible hearing the birdsong, seeing the views and listening to Jenny’s bird impressions as she identified them for us.

It gave me thoughts about singing a new song, which I shared with the corps in our Zoom meeting.

We heard the news that a friend from my teenage years had passed away. We were in the songsters together, went to Chicago together, prayed together and got engaged about the same time. My song today is one of lament.

I’m so grateful she was my friend. Her influence in my life goes far beyond the few years when we attended the same corps. I’m praying for her family and all those who had the blessing of having her in their lives.

DAY 49 Monday 4 May I decided to put a few meetings in place to help us deal with the current situation and the days and weeks ahead. Our community co-ordinator, Lorraine, and I talked about ways we could work and maintain our well-being. There were real moments of connection, understanding and the sense of being a team. We achieved loads in those two hours, including a survey for THQ. I know!

It meant I could hear from God in the meetings that followed. As I tuned into the online Pioneer Gathering, I heard again the truth that there is not a human culture in existence that the Holy Spirit cannot break into. I know that, but sometimes I forget.

Today marks the end of week seven in lockdown. We’re still here, still speaking and still laughing.

O To

read Karen’s daily posts in full, go to karensandford.blogspot.com Salvationist 16 May 2020

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FROM THE

ARCHIVE

I

N February [2015] I responded to a call for qualified nurses to travel to Sierra Leone to help fight the ebola epidemic. This was my first time responding to a humanitarian crisis; it opened my eyes and other senses to a world that previously I had experienced only through the television and newspapers. In equal measure it was a test of and an affirmation of my faith.

In our Salvation Army hall at Swinton we have a banner that declares: ‘See, I have set before you an open door’ (Revelation 3:80 KJV). The slightly open door allows a light to shine through and presents us with a promise of a better future. The thing about most doors is that they can be locked from the inside or from the outside. ‘No entry’ or ‘Authorised personnel only’ signs are often displayed.

As a qualified community nurse, I have had the privilege of entering many doors to provide physical, emotional and, to some degree, spiritual care. My clinical skills allow me to enter hospital wards and patients’ homes and my special security clearance allows me to enter prisons.

My faith in stepping through some doors has been tested. Setting off on a journey, I stepped through my front door not knowing if I would come back; 12

Salvationist 16 May 2020

‘

It opened my eyes and other senses to a world that previously I had experienced only through the television and newspapers

’

I stepped through airport doors, an aeroplane door, a coach door, a car door, training room doors and, eventually – in full personal protective equipment – through the door that led into the ebola treatment ward in Kerrytown, Sierra Leone.

This would be a test of my resilience and the skill of the team around me; it would also test the will to survive of the patients and relatives of those within the ward and those without.

I had chosen to enter through this door. The patients had no choice; they entered with fear in their eyes and would live or die, often in distressing circumstances.

Those who survived faced acceptance and stigma in equal measure – along with the prospect of an uncertain future.

Yes I cared for them, comforted them, held them, cleaned them, prayed for and with them, and shared the written word with them while others listened.

I shared words from the War Cry, Salvationist and the Bible. For others the simple gift of a cross, pressed gently into their hand, was sufficient.

For some, acceptance and comfort were shared through a nod or a gloved handshake. Seeing the smile from a five-year-old survivor playing with a game that had just been given to her was a blessing beyond words. Yet the same eyes seeing and knowing so much at such a young age caused me to wonder what would become of her.

As much as I gave I received back in abundance. I gained a painful, wider, first-hand understanding of the inequality that exists in our world, but also a heart-rending humility, through witnessing how people with so little materially can teach us what an abundance of faith and a belief and passion for Jesus can overcome.

The Lord has opened many doors for me; some I walked through not fully understanding what I was experiencing.

Perhaps, one day, I will understand more.

I pray that God will continue to open doors.

O This article was first published in the 22 August 2015 Salvationist

REFLECTION

What is God’s plan?

Tony (Swinton), who is now an infection control nurse lead for a hospital trust, tells us about his experience of God in recent days

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Y 2015 Salvationist article was written on the crest of a wave, following my safe return from looking after patients with ebola. In that article I intimated that God opens and closes doors, perhaps guiding us along a certain way like the pinball flippers on a pinball machine.

In 2016 God closed one door firmly in my face when my son died in an accident at work. It’s not the order of life for a child to die before their parents. I still find it hard to forgive God for that accident and the continued pain and tears and distress of my son’s children.

The doors were also closed at the coroner’s office, employers, unions, solicitors, barristers. None of them were willing to take up the challenge – to stand up, accept responsibility and make a difference.

In life and in death, we are here to make a difference and there should be meaningfulness. How was my son’s death meaningful? What was and is God’s plan?

Doorways I want to open a door I saw in a dream, That is closed.

It’s an open secret That everybody knows.

It doesn’t have a handle Or a lock for a key; There’s no doorbell Or knocker, No letter box No notice to say ‘Go away’.

There’s not even a spy hole Looking out at me.

My wife, a Jesus-loving and devoted Salvationist, left full-time teaching to find a doorway into The Salvation Army – a door that is open and getting wider. I continue to work in the NHS, ensuring that there is an honest, open and accountable culture, where some doors are open and where there needs to be a foot in doors that are closing. I am trying desperately to be meaningful and make a difference.

My wife and I both look after my son’s boys, encouraging reading and fostering faith, community and love. They both recently enrolled as junior soldiers at Swinton, along with 19 others. One grandson said he would like to work for the Army in the future. Will that door be open?

When my wife and I have both gone through the final doorway into the waiting room, meeting those that have

There’s no number On a door you go through When your number’s up; No address, No postcode.

It’s not on a road Or street Or cul-de-sac.

It’s a one-way Dead end, No way back.

People find it easily Without a map, And seem to go Through it regularly, But never reappear.

gone before, we hope we can see the final blueprint. We hope our pain will disappear as all is revealed and perhaps, God willing, we will be able to glimpse back through the doorway every now and again to know that all is well.

Faith is believing that God has a plan that, while living, we are not privileged to view. We need to have faith and trust that the keeper of 1,000 doors in the escape room of life is a caring games master with a master plan.

My colleagues and I are incredibly busy during the coronavirus pandemic, but I am using what I learnt from my ebola days to help guide staff. Without that experience, the loss of my son and God’s thousands of other daily nudges in direction, I would not be where I am now.

Although I haven’t attended The Salvation Army as often as I used to since my son’s death, God opened the creative trapdoor within my mind, revealing a pathway to writing poetry that has been read and shared across the internet. Maybe not opening a door to salvation, but perhaps the electronic equivalent of ringing on the doorbell and slipping a spiritual note under a locked door.

‘

Faith is believing God has a plan that we are not privileged to view

There’s never been a letter Sent from there; No return to sender.

It only opens one way: Inwardly.

No one’s ever seen And returned to say What’s inside.

The light so intensely bright, 24 hours a day, Does not seem to Frighten the people as They hesitate momentarily At the opening.

They seem to know

’

The residents that are there.

A last look back once more, A longing to stay This side of the doorway, But in they go.

Trepidation with calm, No fear.

The door slowly closes, The light gets dim.

Silently it shuts Until it opens again, So that others, One by one, May follow in.

Salvationist 16 May 2020

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FIVE MARKS OF MISSION

Seeking to transform unjust structures Major Heather Grinsted explores the fourth of the territory’s five marks of mission

P

EOPLE have always found ways to exploit other people. Each story is unique, of course, but underneath them all are the same ugly features of fallen humanity: greed, power, insecurity, lust and selfishness.

Countering those ugly characteristics is another set of stories: William Wilberforce, the evangelical who worked tirelessly to end the evil of the slave trade; Florence Nightingale, who trained and organised nurses to care for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War and became known as the founder of modern nursing; Martin Luther King Jr, who acted out of a conviction derived from Scripture and his experience of God’s grace to work for equality and justice. We could also think of Mother Teresa, Albert Schweitzer and William and Catherine Booth – all people of faith who took a brave stand against the evils of injustice. And we know that those stories are not just restricted to famous people.

The fourth of our territory’s five marks of mission resonates deep within me. I grew up in a country in Africa where the stark divide between the races was the beginning of my understanding and desire to see God’s justice in the world.

In Scripture, I see again and again God’s call to justice, which makes me

14

Salvationist 16 May 2020

think how great it would be if we lived in a world without crime, drugs, adultery, lying, greed, slavery or corruption.

What are the unjust structures in our society in 2020? I suggest that these, among others, might come up: housing and homelessness, relative poverty and austerity measures, educational and employment opportunities, benefit systems and modern slavery. Where do we start to transform?

Essential to our relationship with God are three requirements succinctly expressed by the prophet Micah: ‘And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (6:8). It was my father’s mantra, and he certainly passed it on to me.

This combination of faith, mercy (or peace) and justice is reiterated in other parts of Scripture (see Matthew 23:23 and Romans 14:17). The Bible does not present them as competing, nor does it suggest that one flows out of the other; rather, they are a triangle that forms the basis of our relationship with God. Each of the above texts places justice or righteousness first, so justice is not an optional extra. As the source of justice God expects his people to be his means of bringing justice to bear in the world, proclaiming abundant living.

Jesus, the incarnation of God’s justice (see Luke 4:18), challenged injustice (see Luke 13:10–17), engaged in protest (see Luke 19:45 and 46) and addressed structures that were wrong (see Luke 14:5).

In a speech to a group of Berlin pastors in 1933, Dietrich Bonhoeffer famously suggested that the Church ‘is not simply called to bandage up the wounds of victims beneath the wheels of injustice but to drive a spoke into the wheel itself’. So I see my ministry as not only bringing people to Jesus who offers salvation from their sin but also offering redemption to people who are being sinned against.

That ministry has led me to work in the Middle East and the UK for the protection of people who are victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

Scripture tells us we are created in the image of God and every person is equally cherished by him. Consequently, we should work to wipe out all forms of modern slavery.

THE FIVE MARKS OF MISSION O Proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ O Making, teaching and nurturing believers O Responding to human need by loving action and relationships O Seeking to transform unjust structures of society O Striving to safeguard the integrity of creation I believe The Salvation Army should be committed to achieving justice by working with everyone involved and with projects all over the world – providing vital support to help victims recover and thrive, talking about this issue with the public and politicians, raising awareness and support for the long-term integration of survivors and, dare I say it, finding ways to engage with the traffickers and challenge them to stop.

We need to consider our contribution to a culture that, whether intentional or not, enables injustices to continue.

Demand for cheap goods, cheap labour and cheap sex has created the setting for modern slavery, with a supply of vulnerable human beings tricked by the false sale of hope. Let us try to change that world to one of equality and enough, in which the misery of modern slavery is impossible.

MAJOR GRINSTED IS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ANTI-TRAFFICKING AND MODERN SLAVERY, THQ

Thinkalou d b y John Coutts

Wallace and I D

URING the coronavirus lockdown I take my daily walk to a little park just round the corner. There’s hardly anyone around and I have plenty of time to look down at the swaying daffodils and up at the tower that looms tall on the crag above my head. It’s the National Wallace Monument, commemorating Sir William Wallace – the man from Braveheart, if you can remember the film. Scotland’s national hero is big round here. We have the Wallace High School, a pub called The William Wallace and, confusingly, two sets of Wallace Gardens.

William Wallace and I have several things in common. For starters, we both wanted Scotland to win the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. I’ve been a fan of his since the age of nine or so, when I learnt about his brilliant strategy at the battle. His army was outnumbered, which is normal for Scotland – even today we have only two professional rugby teams – but he cleverly waited until half the English force had crossed the River Forth and then charged to victory.

At that tender age, of course, I had no idea what battle was really like. A contrasting view can be found in 1066 And All That, the classic spoof history book by WC Sellar and RJ Yeatman.

Here we learn that the gallant English knights, who were normally natural winners, lost again at nearby Bannockburn in 1314 because of unfair tactics deployed by Robert the Bruce.

‘When I became a man,’ wrote Paul (1 Corinthians 13:11 King James Version), ‘I put away childish things.’

It was natural for a nine-year-old to think of armed conflict as a kind of

international football match. But grown-ups know better. At a time when national borders are climbing higher, the threats of coronavirus and climate change warn us all that the entire human race, with its many divisions, is in the same fragile boat.

Second, like William Wallace, I am a Christian, although I understand my faith in a different way. In this time of pandemic I self-isolate to keep the invisible bug at bay. Sunday worship at our corps is via Facebook, and daily meals for people experiencing homelessness are served as takeaways.

In a time of plague, however, Wallace might have gone on a pilgrimage to pray for deliverance – perhaps to his favourite shrine of St Margaret in nearby Dunfermline. In his day, most people would have understood the coming of pestilence as God’s punishment for national or personal sin – an idea that now would be seen as absurd or even offensive in much of the western world. But if the coronavirus pandemic is not punishment for sin, then what is it? God moves in a mysterious way, but how?

I believe that every advance in science and medicine – which has helped keep me alive to write this article – comes as a new revelation of God’s wonderful creation. How then do we understand the working of his providence in the light of the evergrowing insights of evolutionary biology? Answering that question is one of the biggest challenges to Christian thinking today.

I also find help in the Psalms, as did William Wallace. As a child I

sometimes had to walk home during the wartime blackout. It was scary, so I used to sing over and over again the words, ‘The Lord is my strength and my shield’.

But where on earth did I hear and remember them from? Many years passed before I discovered that I had been quoting Psalm 28:7.

William Wallace also loved the Psalms, and kept a personal copy of the Psalter through all his victories and defeats. It was taken from him after his betrayal and capture, but before his hideous execution in London he begged that it might be given back. His last wish was granted, and he gazed at the beloved book until he died.

So, where better to look for light at the end of the lockdown tunnel than in the Psalms? For Wallace, as he was cruelly dragged into the valley of the shadow of death, that light still shone in eternity.

My guess is that he might have prayed, like our Saviour, in reference to Psalm 31:5: ‘Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit’ (Luke 23:46 KJV).

For nine-year-old me, walking in total darkness underneath an overhanging elm tree, there was the hope of glimmering twilight beyond, then the welcoming warmth of home. No wonder I chose Psalm 28:7.

The Lord is my strength and my shield.

I prayed that promise then and I commend it now. But there are plenty of other good Scripture verses to be found.

Do take a look, if you haven’t already.

JOHN IS A SOLDIER AT STIRLING Salvationist 16 May 2020

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION N REFLECTION

Agents of the Lord’s favour Major Gregory Morgan reflects on the fourth of the five marks of mission, developing thoughts presented in his book Partnering With God

I

N my office you will find a reproduction of an icon of St Luke. It is a replica of one painted in the little 12th-century Church of St Luke in Kotor, Montenegro.

Why? Because Luke is my favourite Gospel writer and I love to search tiny chapels or great cathedrals for representations of him. Sometimes, rather than a man, you will find St Luke represented by a winged bull – but that is a story for another day.

Luke is my favourite Gospel writer because of the way he explains the down-to-earth implications of faith for our daily lives. Some of the other Gospel writers are more subtle, less focused on the practical implications of following Jesus or more focused on supernatural imagery, but Luke just tells us straight.

Which brings me to the wonderful encounter we discover in Luke 4:14–30.

Here is Jesus, very early in his earthly ministry, reading from the prophet Isaiah and claiming the words as his own. Luke gives us Jesus’ personal mission statement: proclaiming good news for the poor, freedom for prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind; setting the oppressed free and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favour. Here we find a mission where good news is spoken but also a mission with deeply practical implications for those who are oppressed by society.

We like to spiritualise these things, but in Luke’s Gospel we are not dealing with the poor in spirit or the spiritually oppressed. Jesus proclaims a mission that is deeply concerned about the injustice inherent in society. He says clearly that he has come to make a real and tangible difference to the lives of people that society mistreats. We see throughout Luke’s Gospel that Jesus has an agenda that includes societal transformation and standing with the 16

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Church of St Luke, Kotor marginalised against injustice.

As Salvationists, this is our heritage.

Not simply in the story of Jesus but in the lived history of The Salvation Army.

We know our history as people who care for the poor with practical love and care, but we seem less connected with our story as societal reformers. One noteworthy example is in the 1890s when William Booth challenged work practices in the match-making trade that could prove fatal, established a safe and viable alternative, paid a fair wage and thereby transformed a whole industry.

There are contemporary examples here and around the world, but do we see transforming unjust society as an essential part of our mission today?

Perhaps the big picture of challenging an unjust society seems overwhelming or out of reach for us as individuals.

Perhaps a more personally achievable way of working for a just society is to consider our role as stewards of all God has created. Everything that we have belongs to God and we are custodians of these resources. How do we live positively when all we have is a resource on loan from God? As we value and care for all God has given, our choices are guided by an ethical care for fellow workers here and in the developing world. We will consume in a way that does not see other people or the environment harmed. We will seek to live out of a posture of generosity as everything we

have is a gift from God to be shared with all his creatures.

Jesus’ mission statement in Luke 4:19 ends with, ‘To proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour’. This phrase takes us to a concept outlined for the Israelites in Leviticus 25: the year of Jubilee. This year was one of liberation when all debts were cancelled, all slaves were released and property was returned to its original owner. It was God’s way of saying that, if life has gone bad and things have turned sour, here is a chance to start afresh. Your broken life can begin again and all is renewed.

Jesus’ mission is to proclaim the Lord’s favour here and now – to challenge systems that oppress and destroy. People in slavery shall be free.

Structures that harm will be set aside.

God’s Kingdom will come on Earth as in Heaven.

We are agents of the Lord’s favour. By the ethical choices we make and the issues of injustice we challenge may people know that they are in the very presence of the Kingdom of God. O Partnering With God: Being A Missional Salvationist by Lynette Edge and Gregory Morgan will be available from SP&S in the near future MAJOR MORGAN IS THE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, SOUTHERN

FEATURE Hymns of faith

Prayer songs for our time Major Howard Webber highlights the work of two hymn writers whose words continue to help people at difficult times HOLD THOU MY HAND FRANCES Jane Crosby (1820–1915), known as Fanny Crosby, wrote more than 8,000 hymns and gospel songs, even though she was well into her forties when she wrote the first one.

She was just six weeks old when she had an eye infection that was mistreated by an unqualified doctor. It resulted in her total blindness. She was still very young when she decided not to let that spoil her life. At the age of eight or nine she wrote: Oh, what a happy soul I am, Although I cannot see, I am resolved that in this world Contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy That other people don’t!

To weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot nor I won’t!

Fanny was usually a cheerful individual but she went through a dark period,

Fanny Crosby

which resulted in her crying out with a prayer that I’m sure reflects what many people are feeling just now: ‘Hold Thou My Hand!’ (SASB 758). The words of this prayer song are a reminder of how dependent on God we ought to be but perhaps have not been.

We have a tendency to think of ourselves as self-sufficient and independent, merely asking God to help us – only crying out as a child to its parent when things become dark or difficult and we cannot see where everything will lead.

Perhaps we will all learn some lessons from what we are experiencing that will draw us closer to God and sustain a deeper relationship with him when this crisis has passed.

Hold thou my hand! so weak I am, and helpless, I dare not take one step without thy aid; Hold thou my hand! for then, O loving Saviour, No dread of ill shall make my soul afraid.

LEAD US, HEAVENLY FATHER, LEAD US JAMES Edmeston (1791– 1867) was an architect and surveyor by profession who loved literature and wrote around 2,000 hymns, at one point writing a hymn every Sunday.

In the architectural world he became famous for having trained Sir George Gilbert Scott, the first in a family line of eminent architects. Scott’s grandson, Sir Giles Gilbert Scott, designed the William Booth College at Denmark Hill as well as the UK’s iconic red telephone box and a number of well-known buildings.

‘Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us’ (SASB 504) is sometimes known as the hymn to the Trinity, with each of its three verses addressing a different person of the Godhead.

I feel that the first verse is a wonderful prayer for today, with its reference to the

James Edmeston world’s ‘tempestuous sea’. How we long for God to lead us over these troubled waters – with worries about coronavirus and its effects on our families, work, finances and the future – that would otherwise threaten to sink us.

It calls on God to guard us, guide us, keep us and feed us – four things that are very much on our minds at this time – with the awareness that there is no one who can really help us but God himself.

None of the experts around the world truly knows where all this is leading and what life will b like on the other side be of o it.

The truth is, whatever we w may lose and even if things are never the same t again, we are still richly a blessed. We want for b nothing if we are truly n God’s G children, having been adopted into a deep intimate relationship with him through the wonderful work of his son, our Saviour, Jesus.

Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us O’er the world’s tempestuous sea; Guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us, For we have no help but thee, Yet possessing every blessing If our God our Father be.

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BIBLE STUDY

Moses makes excuses Major Gareth Heward reassures us that God equips the called EXODUS 3:10 TO 4:17

O

NE could be forgiven for feeling sorry for Moses. All of his life’s adventures up until our study passage had been recorded in relatively few verses. Everything from birth and bulrushes to murder and escaping as a fugitive – before finally settling down to married life, fatherhood and a steady job – in just 22 verses.

QUESTIONS would you distil your life story into a few sentences?

O Would there be much about God in that account?

O How

There was no record of God impacting those early years of Moses’ life. He was born into a Levite family. The tribe of Levi was set apart to serve God, but his adoption into the Egyptian royal

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

by Major Lynda Levis

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Salvationist 16 May 2020

household precluded him from following his tribal role. However, it is clear that God was working his purposes out in this man. It is often only with hindsight that one realises that every experience is a usable element in the emerging picture of God’s plan.

Moses is minding his own business – or rather his father-in-law’s business – when he is suddenly called from his shepherding duties by a messenger speaking from the heart of a burning bush. Moses finds himself barefoot on holy ground in dialogue with God. Moses hears the woes of his people outlined and God’s great plan to rescue and relocate the entire Israelite population to a land already full of numerous tribes. Then comes the hammer blow: God is sending him, Moses, to front the whole campaign.

Moses responds in the way anyone in his position would. First, with a question

of adequacy: ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?’ (3:11). It is noteworthy that, time and again, God calls those who feel inadequate, not the brash or the self-confident. (See Judges 6:15, Isaiah 6:5 and Acts 9:11–14.)

So what is God’s response to human inadequacy? Simply this: ‘I will be with you’ (3:12). The security of knowing God’s presence as we go about God’s purpose can safely hold even the most fearful of followers. Moses, though, is not so easily convinced.

QUESTION O Think of a time when a faith task has filled you with dread. What gave you reassurance?

Moses’ next question to God is one of identity: ‘Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, “The God of your

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ ( Joshua 1:9)

Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed,/ For I am thy God, I will still give thee aid!/ I’ll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,/ Upheld by my gracious, omnipotent hand.

(SASB 804)

But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’

(2 Corinthians 12:9)

Prayer Lord, without you I am weak; without you I have nothing. I thank you that when you offer me your hand you offer me your strength and every resource I need. Let me take your hand, forget myself and go with you.

fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” Then what shall I tell them?’ (3:13).

God replies: ‘I am who I am’ (3:14).

A commentator in New Living Translation Study Bible Notes notes: ‘It speaks of a God who is self-sufficient, self-existent, all-encompassing and without limitations.’ The God who goes with Moses is above and beyond all.

God addresses Moses’ question by reminding him of God’s knowledge of the situation, the end goal, the strategy to be adopted, the challenges to be faced and the resources available.

Moses begins to sound more desperate: ‘What if they do not believe me?’ (4:1). This time it is a question of authority. Who has the right to represent God to the world? In response, God demonstrates three examples of miraculous signs: Moses’ staff is turned into a snake and back again; his hand

becomes leprous and is healed; and he is instructed how to turn water from the Nile to blood. As the unfolding events in Exodus go on to testify, Moses discovers that when God gives authority, the recipients have all they need to fulfil God’s plan.

Years later, Paul writes that ‘Jews demand signs’ (1 Corinthians 1:22).

Just a few verses later, he points out that ‘God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong’ (1:27).

God invests authority in the person of his choosing. We are to recognise, though, that any authority we have is not our own. Paul also writes: ‘If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves’ (Galatians 6:3).

Therefore, we are to avoid the temptation to flaunt our own skills.

If we are to boast at all, it should be about what God is able to do.

QUESTION O How does an understanding of God’s nature give you confidence?

At the end of our study passage, Moses pleads: ‘I have never been eloquent…

Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else’ (Exodus 4:10 and 13). It is often said that God seeks availability above ability. But when Moses raises the question of ability, God reassures him that, with all the resources of Heaven, and the companionship of his brother, Aaron, he is the right person for the task.

Was Moses making excuses or was he seeking reassurance? Who can be sure?

God’s provision, though, was enough – more than enough.

MAJOR HEWARD IS CORPS OFFICER, GLOUCESTER

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

When we have exhausted our store of endurance,/ When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,/ When we reach the end of our hoarded resources/ Our Father’s full giving is only begun.

(SASB 30)

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

(2 Timothy 1:7)

All things are possible to God,/ To Christ, the power of God in man,/ To me, when I am all renewed,/ When I in Christ am formed again,/ And witness, from all sin set free,/ All things are possible to me.

(SASB 485)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:13)

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

LETTERS

A CHALLENGE AND AN OPPORTUNITY THE coronavirus pandemic seems to have influenced some notable changes in the thinking, feeling and behaviour of a significant number of those calling on the services of MGS Counselling.

A notable example is the disturbing effect ‘isolation’ seems to have on some people at a time when what is needed is calm and disciplined behaviour. Another change appears to be the way in which, during most counselling sessions, the narrative moves quickly from relationship issues to deeper levels of life and death, belief or unbelief, God, humankind and the future.

Over the past weeks we have been encouraged by repeatedly hearing how many Salvationists throughout the territory are ministering, working beyond the call of duty to meet individual and community needs. On learning about such inspiring responses, I was not surprised to hear a Baptist colleague say, ‘What a challenge and a great opportunity the Army has.’

Jorgen Booth Major Worthing

PAYING RESPECTS AT HOME THANK you for the website URL you posted in your ‘Prayer pointers’ (Salvationist 25 April, p5). This was a link to guidance on how to pay respects at home during these difficult times.

My wife unfortunately lost her grandmother last week. Due to health problems herself, she is adhering to the government shielding advice and was therefore sadly unable to attend the funeral. We followed the link and were able to pay our respects at home with some of the readings and prayers that were offered.

We found this a tremendous source of comfort in what has been a difficult time and wish to thank you for the information.

Matthew Galloway Carlisle Editor’s note: The website link referred to in the letter above was highlighted in Salvationist’s weekly ‘Prayer pointers’ column. Virtual Funerals – Liturgies And Words For Our Digital World is a resource published by the United Reformed Church, which contains prayers and readings for people to use on the day of a funeral for anyone who is unable to attend a service under the current restrictions. It is available at urc.org.uk/information-guides.

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

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

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The way of holiness Brian Colley (Clowne) continues his series of reflections on verses from Psalms Teach me your way, Lord (Psalm 86:11)

P

SALM 86 is made up from other psalms and Scripture verses. It is a series of short, earnest prayers that plead and praise: ‘I am poor and needy’ (v1), ‘I call to you all day long’ (v3), ‘For you are great’ (v10) and ‘I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name for ever’ (v12).

The psalmist seeks to learn God’s way. It is the way of holiness. There are many different ways to describe holiness but they all mean the same thing: being perfect, Christlike.

Jesus said the pure in heart are blessed ‘for they will see God’ (Matthew 5:8). This is something we can do on a daily basis – see God in every situation we encounter. We can observe the care of a nurse for someone and see God in that act. We can look at the worst sinner and yet see God in that person as they seek his forgiveness. A parent lovingly looking at their child can show us God. There are also many instances where God can be seen in nature.

‘Teach me your way, Lord’ is something Christians should pray daily if they want to be more Christlike. This must be the desire of everyone striving to be holy.

To be like Jesus!

This hope possesses me, In every thought and deed, This is my aim, my creed; To be like Jesus!

This hope possesses me, His Spirit helping me, Like him I’ll be.

(SASB 328)

RESOURCES

Ideas for all ages Salvationist highlights some resources and information from the Mission Service that can support individuals, families and corps FAMILY PRAYERS AND GRACES The Family Ministries Unit, supported by the Resource Hub, publishes Family Prayers and Graces for every day of the week. They appear on Facebook (sarmyfm) and Twitter (@UkiFamily) every Wednesday, supporting the weekly Faith@Home sessions, and can be downloaded from salvationarmy.org.uk/coronavirus-and-internalinformation.

The idea was suggested by Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill. His concern was to support families spiritually as they spend days together during lockdown. The prayers and graces are suitable for people of any age living with family as well as people living alone and connecting with family and friends over social media.

VENTURE OUT FURTHER These new sporting resources can be used by anyone doing physical exercise during the pandemic. There are six sporty aspects of the venture to consider: motivation, game plan, teamwork, competition, result and purpose. They are mainly centred around Romans 12.

These are an extension of the daily Venture Out resource released a few weeks ago, but you don’t have to do them all at once. You can work your way through each aspect over a period of time – for example, one a week – or if you have a virtual small group you could pick a different one each time you connect. Work through the questions or just pick those most relevant to you.

Venture Out and Venture Out Further are available on the Enabling Mission Unit’s website (enablingmission.org.uk) and Facebook page (SArmyMission).

AGE TO AGE TELEPHONE SESSIONS For people who do not have access to internet technology and are unable to get out, Age to Age may provide an opportunity to build relationships and community with the older people of your corps through a telephone Age to Age conference call.

The sessions can be done with a maximum of five people, including the facilitator, or on a one-to-one basis.

Further information is available from andrew. wileman@salvationarmy.org.uk.

THE ALL TERRAIN PODCAST A new episode, recorded live at the Youth and Children’s Ministries conference in February, features guests Nik and Emma Pears. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean.

HELPING-HAND APPEAL THQ’s International Projects Office and the Family Ministries Unit have worked together to research and resource the annual helping-hand appeal for many years.

This year’s appeal, Unseen Promise, focuses on the Philippines where The Salvation Army is raising awareness of the reality of trafficking, mobilising communities to protect themselves, supporting survivors and helping to improve opportunities at home so the drive to leave is lessened.

Resources for the appeal include videos, creative family worship, a prayer diary, stories and a downloadable money box template. These, together with weekly challenges to help increase awareness of this year’s project, are at salvationarmy.org.uk/unseenpromise.

CHILDREN’S DISCIPLESHIP MATERIAL A new resource has been created to support children’s discipleship online in response to a time of social distancing. It is designed for children’s ministry leaders working with groups of children aged 7 to 12 via video-calling platforms but could be adapted for use in the home as a family.

The theme of the material for the next three months is based on the teachings of Jesus in the Gospels as well as 1 Corinthians 13:13: ‘And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.’

Each week includes content for a 30 to 40-minute session under the headings Start It, Sing It, Tell It, Action It, Pray It. There are also Explore It (For Me) and Explore It (Together) resources to send to families to explore the theme further.

The material is available from the Youth and Children’s Ministries Facebook page (youthchildrenSA).

Knowing where to look for appropriate resources can be quite daunting, so the Facebook page also links to a Children’s Ministry Resource Guide, as well as a document called Games for Children and Youth Online, which has more than 50 ideas for games to play with children and youth over video calls. Split into various categories, there are ideas to help build relationships with and between young people online.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Majors Bryan and Alive Snell (30 May) O Ian and Janet Sharp, Clowne (20 June) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Margaret McCaig (80 on 30 May) BEREAVED O Gavin Straw, Carla Harvey, Madeline Warren and Maria Straw-Cinar, all Thornton Heath, of their father Jeffrey O Major Paul Westlake, Bolton Citadel, Beverley Abbott and Ursula Westlake of their mother Major Joyce Westlake O B/Librarian Brian Wicker, Sunderland Millfield, and Major Tim Wicker of their father Wilfred O Eunice Taylor, Sutton-in-Ashfield, of her husband Thomas, Major Sarah Price, East Midlands DHQ, and Rachel Taylor of their father O Eilen Doncaster, Boscombe, of her husband Roy, Alan Doncaster, Cambridge Citadel, and Gill Thomas of their father O Jean Harris, Birmingham Citadel, of her husband Bandsman/Songster Phil Harris O Major Meshiel Brown, Poplar, Penny Martin and Nigel Cowles of their father John Cowles O Joan Davis, Chatham, of her husband John, Gregory Davis and Jeremey Davis, both Chatham, of their father O Paul Groom, Reading Lower Earley, of his wife S/Reservist Claudette Groom O Major Robert Campbell of his sister Joyce Brown PROMOTED TO GLORY O Major Joyce Westlake from St Bridget’s nursing home, Bournemouth, on 24 April O Betty Demery, Skewen O Ken Martin, Skewen O Major Millicent Straker from Dewdown House care home, Weston-super-Mare, on 30 April O David Kellaway, Winton

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Salvationist 16 May 2020

O

Major Jacqui Griffiths from her home during the weekend of 2 May

Editor’s note: The 9 May Salvationist mistakenly announced Major Joyce Howlett’s 85th birthday. However, Major Howlett was promoted to Glory on 24 March. We apologise for this error.

TRIBUTES PEGGY MITCHELL, DARTFORD MARION, known as Peggy, was promoted to Glory at the age of 95. She was a long-standing Salvationist and a soldier at Dartford.

During the Second World War, Peggy worked as a wireless operator in the Royal Air Force and trained in Morse code to pass information to and from pilots flying over enemy territory, a role of which she was very proud. At her memorial service, the Dartford corps officers gave a personal tribute by playing a message to her in Morse code.

Peggy brought a quiet dignity to the corps and is greatly missed. – ED

BETTY DEMERY, SKEWEN BORN in Briton Ferry in 1930, Betty was brought up a Methodist. She moved to Skewen on marrying John in 1950. She attended The Salvation Army after the birth of their children, Kay and Paul, becoming an adherent member in 1983.

Betty’s generous and caring nature marked her out as special. A devoted mother and grandmother to James, Katie and Bethan, she was tireless in supporting family, neighbours and friends. She had a particular love of children and delighted in working with the Busy Bees parent-and-toddler group.

After John’s death in 2012, Betty’s health started to fail. She was particularly concerned about her loss of sight and lost her confidence to go out.

Nevertheless, her faith, though severely tested at times, remained a constant source of comfort. One song held a special place in her heart and sums up that faith: ‘Jesus, Thou Art Everything To Me’ (SASB 502). – SL

LIEUT-COLONEL PETER WARD BORN into a Methodist family in Bath in 1935, Peter attended several Sunday schools.

When he was five, his mother died and he went to live with an aunt who was a soldier at Bath Citadel. He always spoke warmly of the support and love shown to him by the corps folk. From the age of 18 he spent three years’ National Service as an RAF wireless fitter, serving mainly in the Middle East.

During his teenage years Peter became friendly with Jean Spencer, a holiday visitor to Bath. On release from the RAF he moved to her home town of Grays and became fully involved in the corps. They married in 1958, and over the next 12 years Peter served as YP band sergeant, corps cadet guardian and corps sergeantmajor. The couple had three children.

In 1970 Peter and Jean entered the International Training College, then served as corps officers at Streatham Vale, Prescot, Bradford Temple and Hull Icehouse. However, in 1982 Jean developed leukaemia and was promoted to Glory that year.

Peter continued to serve at Morley and Ramsgate, and in 1986 married Captain Brenda Tulloch. Further service took them to five fulfilling years in L’Islet, and then to divisional and THQ appointments until he retired to Basingstoke in 2000. There Peter was an active and valued soldier despite increasing ill health and physical incapacity. He remained an inspiration to the end due to his solid faith, immense courage and inimitable sense of humour. – BW

MAURICE ELDRIDGE, SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING MAURICE was brought up in a Dr Barnardo’s home, an experience that influenced his later life. The circumstances of how he became a Salvationist are unfortunately unknown, but after transferring from Eastleigh to Southampton Sholing, he joined the band and eventually became assistant YPSM. Maurice was always ready to give his testimony and offer a prayer in Sunday meetings.

Together with his wife, Freda, he became a foster parent, opening his home to disadvantaged children and giving them the love and security of a Christian home. Under his influence they all attended Sunday school.

In later years, persistent health problems prevented him from attending the corps. His last months were spent in a nursing home, from which he was promoted to Glory. He is warmly remembered by his friends at the corps and much missed by Freda and his extended family. – BE

EDITH TAYLOR, ABERTILLERY EDITH Rayment was taken as a child to The Salvation Army in Abertillery. She married Don Taylor and supported him in his corps appointments, notably the Sunday school, where she provided musical expertise for their plays.

Edith’s love of singing was a great asset to the songsters and singing company, her soprano voice enhancing their contributions. She was songster leader for a short time and when she relinquished the position she continued to use her voice for the brigade. Don was promoted to Glory in 2016 and Edith’s health declined from that time.

She moved into a care home but lived for the day when she would be reunited with Don. She was 91 when she got her wish and together they are serving the Lord in Glory. – AB

GEOFF PLATT, NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE BORN in 1936 to Salvationist parents Edward and Winifred, Geoff began his Salvation Army life at Hockley, Birmingham, where he was dedicated.

He entered the training college in 1954 and was appointed to Norwich Citadel, then as the youth officer at Newcastle City Temple.

Later, Geoff moved into a career as a successful businessman, before returning to Army employment in the Public Relations Department and eventually taking charge of PRO work in the North East. He brought his career

qualities to his work and had considerable success in attracting new contacts. He was later appointed MBE for his work for the Army.

At Newcastle City Temple Geoff was torchbearer secretary and played in the band until retirement. He coped with a

number of health setbacks before suddenly being promoted to Glory.

The huge number of tributes on Facebook reflected his quality as an encourager, mostly of young people, and his life as a Christian gentleman. He is greatly missed at the corps. – BI

By popular demand MGS continues to work effectively for you and yours!

Providing counselling – therapy – mediation – teaching MGS works with relationships and other life experiences

MGS is CONFIDENTIAL – PROFESSIONAL – EXPERIENCED Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the team on the MGS mobile phone 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

Are you in need of some daily hope during this lockdown?

We have a new FREE telephone line for you to ring to hear comforting hymns, daily prayers ­ĊÌ īÐŦÐÆĴðďĊĮȘ

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‘

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

KEN ELLIOT

’

(Ephesians 2:8)

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

Happiness.

What is your favourite food?

Fish and chips.

Carlisle How did you first come into contact with the Army?

After a date with my now wife Linda.

What do you do at the Army?

I felt a calling to become a soldier.

I was then asked to take over as young people’s sergeant-major and later corps treasurer. After I retired I applied for the community assistant role.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Meeting all the parents and toddlers at our Mainly Music and Sally Tots groups.

What do you do in your spare time?

I like to play golf and snooker.

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

One of my brothers purchased my first three records for me. They were, From A Jack To A King by Roger Miller, Take These Chains From My Heart by Ray Charles and Love Me Do, the Beatles’ debut single.

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

Discus or shot put. I was the school champion and district record holder.

Is there something you’ve never understood?

How Christians cannot always work together to promote God. If you could rid the world of one thing what would it be?

Poverty or suffering.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

If I could have a series of books, it would be the 16 Left Behind books by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Relaxing on a beach or by a swimming pool at a resort.

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

General William Booth, just to see the joy he brought to people and to try and catch that enthusiasm that we as a Movement seem to have lost.

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

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

For no other name brings pardon And sets everybody free, There’s no other name but Jesus For you and me.

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

Donald Trump, just to see what he does in a day and if he is the person he’s portrayed as.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

Do away with the red tape that can hold some corps back.

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

Back To The Future. I’d play Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘There’s No Other Name But This Name’ (SASB 96).

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God’ (Ephesians 2:8). It reminds me that I cannot do anything for God on my own or boast about it, but with his grace I can do anything.

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

Noah. Did he at any time think he was stupid building the ark?

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

Louis Armstrong’s ‘What A Wonderful World’, just to keep reminding me of the wonderful world God gave us.

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

Try to be kind to everyone.

What are the most valuable things you possess?

Life and love. My life, because I had a heart attack nearly two years ago, and the love of God, my family and friends.