SALVATIONIST ESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMY www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 18 August 2012 No 1360 Price 60p
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FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS
18 August 2012
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NT E R E F F I D LEAGUE IN A
Aguero celebrates the goal that won the league for Manchester City
writes PHILIP HALCROW
FOLLOW that! The Premier League kicks off today (Saturday 18 August). But will the next nine months reach the fever pitch of last season, which was so gripping that Nick Hornby wrote an ebook about it?
Nick Hornby
Seven hundred and sixty games – plus European, FA Cup and League Cup matches Turn to page 3
PETER BYRNE/PA Wire
EXCITING SEASON PICKS UP A BOOKING
Q IT’S ALL KICKING OFF IN THE PREMIER LEAGUE Q THE ONLY WAY IS ETHICS – FASHION DESIGNERS SET UP WORK FOR TRAFFICKED GIRLS Q NET GAIN – ONE YEAR AFTER THE JAPAN EARTHQUAKE Q SPORT – INVESTING IN YOUNG PEOPLE IS WORTH ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD
Q FLYING HIGH AT THE PORTSMOUTH INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL Q PATCH’S PAWS FOR THOUGHT Q IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU IN YOUR SPACE Q SET SAIL WITH PIRATE PETE
THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS WHATSOEVER THINGS ARE BEAUTIFUL
The Vatican Museums have begun an experimental plan to capitalise better on their world-famous art collection as a way of spreading the gospel… The museums began making two priests ‘available’ to visitors should anyone be inspired by the beauty of the art treasures to seek a spiritual word… The presence of the priests could... highlight that the via pulchritudinis (path of beauty) is a way for people to come to know God. The Tablet
A PILGRIMAGE TO THE HEART OF NARNIA
As [Rowan] Williams identifies, a key theme of the Narnia books is the insight that ‘the real world’ is less real than we are encouraged to suppose – and that a far realer reality lies about us if only we recognise it. From Salley Vickers’ review of The Lion’s World by Rowan Williams in The Times
YOUR CHURCH NEEDS YOU
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Thousands of homeowners living near ancient churches potentially face large bills for the upkeep of their fabric… Anglican authorities are… writing to parochial church councils to encourage them to register what are called ‘chancel repair liabilities’. These date back… to the Reformation period and the Dissolution of Monasteries. Those who took over what had been monks’ land took on the responsibility for repairing the chancel… in the local church. These remain on the statute book.
British MPs have rejected by just three votes a… Bill aiming to make it a legal requirement for retailers to label halal and kosher meat… The halal share [of the UK meat market grew] from 11 per cent in 2001 to 25 per cent [in 2010].
The Daily Telegraph
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TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101 SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson Tel: 020 7367 4894 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter Tel: 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza Tel: 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael Tel: 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino Tel: 020 7367 4881 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven
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18 August 2012 SALVATIONIST
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COMMENT
Bill Booth’s Army
I ‘I have a treasured letter in William Booth’s handwriting… in which he makes reference to the day when “millions and millions of happy, holy Salvationists will have a blessed meeting in Heaven”. What a task for the recording angel responsible for statistics!’ (General Wilfred Kitching, taken from The Officer, 1965)
N order to finance my way through training college, I sold – courtesy of an advertisement in Salvationist – a handwritten letter from William Booth to his publisher. It fetched a decent price, so I have no regrets and I feel privileged ever to have owned such an artefact. I guess it’s fair to say William Booth still divides opinion. It’s an understatement to say he did so while he was alive and now, a century after he laid down his sword, he somehow manages to do the same. There were those who regarded him as an eccentric autocrat. Others thought he was the best thing since the Old Testament prophets. For my money, he was a mixture of the two – a holy hybrid. However, anyone who can carry on preaching
in the open air while someone parades a great big camel in front of them – as Booth did when a circus owner got the hump during his message – deserves nothing but respect. The writer Adrian Plass, in his foreword to a little book I wrote years ago and which has served our Movement well by keeping the dust away from other books in SP&S ever since, wrote that he knew little about The Salvation Army and thought General Booth was a public telephone kiosk! General John Larsson has penned an article commemorating the promotion to Glory of William Booth on 20 August 1912 – one General’s warm tribute to another. You’ll find it on pages 12 and 13 and I commend it to you – so too Laura Barker’s review, on the back page, of a DVD produced to commemorate the date. What, I wonder, might anyone write about you and me in a hundred years’ time? If the Lord sees fit to bless me with grandchildren, they might possibly remember me as the old man who sat in the corner humming Army tunes to himself, but will they remember me as someone who preached Christ in word, thought and deed? Another General – John Gowans – related the story of a lieutenant whose heart was in his boots. He felt he was getting nowhere fast in his appointment and was on the verge of composing his letter of resignation. Along the street came some members of a cult, knocking on doors, on a recruitment drive. The lieutenant’s nextdoor neighbour stopped them in their tracks when they reached his house and – mid-conversation – said: ‘If ever I want to know anything about Jesus, I’ll ask the man next door.’ The man next door, that is, whose Christlikeness had made much more of an impression than he realised. It’s a reflection of 2 Kings 4:9, if you’d care to look that verse up. I think William Booth would approve. MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR
TMS NEWS FEATURE
HEARTS ON FIRE
BIBLE STUDY
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Pages 4 – 6
Financing the mission
Abraham
Page 11
Page 15
Army people, engagements and tributes
NEWS Pages 7 – 10
SittingbourneYeovilConsett SunderlandMillfieldArbroathHullIcehouse SouthamptonShirleyWrexhamSkewen StepneyBurtonuponTrentJarrow ColchesterCitadelLincolnBovingtonRipley SouthamptonSholingHeathrowWeymouth LondonNorth-EastSunburyCourtBangor WellingboroughBristolKingswoodStockton Doncaster
FOCUS ON THE FOUNDER
LETTERS Pages 16 & 17
A century ago Pages 12 & 13
REFLECTION
Pages 20 & 21
NEW COMMITMENTS Pages 18 & 19
ADVERTS Pages 22 & 23
The tiger in the cage Page 14
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SALVATIONIST 18 August 2012
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TMS NEWS FEATURE Pictures: PAUL HARMER
Young Salvationists motivated to be the Army of the future Gillian McCredie (Wrexham), a vocal delegate at this year’s Territorial Music School, reports from the week Sunbury Court YOUNG adults from across the UK – as well as some from Scandinavia and The Netherlands – descended on Sunbury Court for Territorial Music School (TMS) 2012. Once again it was great to be in a place that has seen so many decisions made for God, and the week that would follow would surely see more of the same. TMS 2012 attracted the highest number of new students and staff in recent years – with lots of new faces came lots of new friendships to be made – and what better way to get to know each other than a school sports day. The sports day kicked off the week’s theme – Motivate – bringing everyone together to cheer on team-mates in three-legged, wheelbarrow and egg-and-spoon races, and finishing with a tug-of-war. The winning team captain was so proud he even wore his medal for the Final Festival! This created the first of many moments of fun and laughter; others included the Quiz Night, TMS News and the many midnight water fights! It is safe to say that all the fun helped forge many friendships. Students were privileged to have the new territorial leaders, Commissioners André and Silvia Cox (pictured below with Captain Peter Renshaw), with them in worship on Sunday morning. The Territorial President of Women’s Ministries was interviewed and when asked what she thought of the territory provoked a cheer when she said: ‘You’ve got it all!’ She continued: ‘But I’m not sure that you’re joining the dots... you’re not all moving in the same direction.’ The Territorial Commander reminded everyone that by the grace of God people are no longer slaves to sin, but they must continually make a choice, for they cannot be self-serving and serve God. This began corporate worship with positivity
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and challenge, giving everyone plenty to think about. Worship continued under the leadership of Majors Mark and Linda Herbert (THQ) as we looked at Paul’s letter to the Philippians. We spent time thinking about the people who have motivated and encouraged us in our Christian journey, were blown away by the honesty of staff members who were interviewed throughout the week, and sought to know Christ for ourselves so that we might show Christ to others. Our final time in worship together also gave us opportunity to write messages of thanks and encouragement to our new friends. The majority of the week was spent in rehearsals, but hot weather, cramped conditions and lack of sleep were not conducive to hard work. Fortunately, we had excellent leaders to whip us into shape. Sue Blyth (Gainsborough) brought her musical knowledge and heart for God into the Girls’ Chorus. She willingly shared her own experiences in a bid to help us understand the meaning of the words we sang and encouraged us to sing with a heart that would convey their meaning to the listeners. Andrew Blyth (THQ), Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) and Iain Parkhouse (Croydon) led individual bands – as well as having a lot of fun and making great music, the bandmasters spent time highlighting the words associated with the melodies used and
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in bringing out the imagery of the music. This was particularly evident in both the midweek and final festivals, where bandmasters mouthed the words as they conducted. Monday evening gave us a great opportunity to get to know our international guests – Majors Len and Heather Ballantine (Canada and Bermuda Territory). Len and Heather spoke about their time in the UK as well as the exciting work they are doing at Yorkminster Citadel, Toronto, and we were blessed by Len’s music. The Girls’ Chorus and ‘A’ Chorus had the pleasure of Len’s leadership for the week. It was fantastic to work with
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TMS NEWS FEATURE
such a man of God and great Army musician, who is held in such high esteem and who has influenced generations of Salvation Army music-makers. Naturally, we sang many of Len’s compositions and arrangements, gaining more understanding of how and why these songs were written. This year’s ‘A’ Band, led by Territorial Music Director Stephen Cobb, had a staggering turnover of members compared to recent years – only five members had previously been part of the band. The new Recording Band elective spent rehearsal time helping the Music Ministries Unit with the new songbook by recording
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some of the new arrangements for the tune book. Those not involved in the recording spent time putting their own stamp on the march ‘Rosehill’ in the Swing Band elective. Much fun was had by all. Wednesday’s midweek festival is always a highlight, and the bands and choruses put together a programme of contemporary and traditional music. Iain Parkhouse pointed out that the vast majority of his band, prior to TMS 2012, had not heard, never mind played, ‘Here At The Cross’ by Ray Steadman-Allen. With this realisation, Len Ballantine emphasised that we must not lose our great heritage of Salvation Army music. My personal favourites included ‘Shine As The Light’ (Peter Graham), ‘Festivity’ (Leslie Condon) and ‘Guardian Of My Soul’ (Darren Shaw) from the bands and the beautiful songs sung by the Girls’ and ‘A’ Choruses, ‘Your God Will Come’ (Nick Robertson), ‘Words Of Life’ (John Martin) and ‘Lead Me To The Rock’ (arranged by Len Ballantine). Another highlight for many was Thursday night. Although this was not the traditional ‘emotional devotional’, it was a perfect example of God’s plans superseding our own. After a few congregational songs, Heather Ballantine led us in a time of testimony. As is often the case, people were at first reluctant to speak, but as one person had something to say God sparked a word from someone else, so the momentum grew as people shared their experiences. The presence of God was almost tangible and after an hour-and-a-half of testimony we prayed together and ended our evening inspired by our peers to be brave, because if we want a Salvation Army in the future then we need to be The Salvation Army here and now. The final full day at Sunbury began with a buzz as we had lots to look forward to. As we put the finishing touches to our pieces and planned the final pranks, we reflected on all that we had experienced and began to think about going home. The final of the football was followed by the staff-versus-students
match – won by the staff for the first time in years! Our evening was spent in our very own Olympic Celebration with a live band, photos and traditional Friday-night fireworks, accompanied by the Olympics Opening Ceremony – a great final night together. As we woke on Saturday morning, had our final breakfast and began the clean-up, many could not help but feel nostalgic as next year’s TMS will not take place at Sunbury Court. We were sad to leave after such a fantastic week, but look forward to returning to the new and improved Sunbury Court at some point in the future. Saturday’s Final Festival was the culmination of an excellent week of fun, friendship and faith challenges. We pulled out all the stops and put together a great musical programme. The Girls’ Chorus sang Len Ballantine’s ‘If... Then’, the lyrics of which are based on words from Philippians and reminded us of our teaching throughout the week. There are too many highlights from the night to name them all, but the whole school coming together for a final ‘Alleluia’ was great to be a part of. It is safe to say that we returned to our homes wanting to know Christ, encouraged to share our faith and motivated to be The Salvation Army now and into the future.
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TMS NEWS FEATURE
Young musicians provide fitting conclusion to week Reading TO review the Territorial Music School week solely through attendance at the Final Festival is like judging a marriage simply on the wedding day. However, it is an opportunity for the interested onlooker to gaze through the window and wonder at the potential represented in these young people. In some cases, four generations of families have been students at TMS, and the impact on all delegates is incalculable. Staged at the Hexagon Theatre, the traditional Final Festival, presented with minimal introduction, flowed across the range of brass music presented by three bands and the ‘A’ Band, with vocal music from the Girls’ Chorus and mixed vocal ‘A’ Chorus, plus the ubiquitous timbrel routine. Bandmasters Iain Parkhouse (Croydon), Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) and Andrew Blyth (THQ) led individual bands – numbering around 28 players each – and selected, in the main, a march and a ‘big’ piece. These ranged from the evergreen classic ‘Praise’ through to ‘The Last Amen’ and the relatively recent Martin Cordner work ‘Day Of Freedom’. Either by design or accident much of the music delved into by the bands took as the reference point and inspiration the Second Coming. Heady stuff, both musically and theologically. The 48 girls of the vocal ensemble were privileged that this year regular leader Sue Blyth (Gainsborough) was joined by Major Len Ballantine (Canada and Bermuda Territory). Len and his wife, Heather, were the school’s international guests and played a rich role in the worship and pastoral life of the school. Perhaps for many of the girls in this young chorus, this was their first encounter with the major in anything but a name on the top of a vocal copy. They responded as one to his experienced and
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sensitive leadership and training, producing throughout the evening a natural, youthful sound of vocal beauty and clarity. There was nothing flash or showy about the songs presented under the major or Sue, but a sense of worship and reverence was evident throughout. ‘The Mask’ – a new song by Rob Little and Andrew Mair – was premiered and was particularly applicable in its style and sentiment to a group of young Christian women wrestling with the contemporary pressures and opportunities of 2012. The second half introduced the ‘A’ Band under the leadership of Territorial Music Director Stephen Cobb and the ‘A’ Chorus with Major Ballantine at the helm. In introducing the ‘A’ Band, Stephen highlighted the huge turnover and development of the school, by admitting that only five of the 2012 band had featured in ‘A’ Band in previous years. This was not in any way reflected in the performance, which had notably impressive contributions by Jay Abbott (soprano cornet, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls) and Jonathan Evans (trombone, Romford). The young bandsmen were privileged to have studied and then delivered a world premiere of a new work – the ink barely dry on the page – by Steven Ponsford, ‘The Day Of The Lord’. Dealing with the challenging subject matter surrounding the Second Coming, this was music that had an instant appeal and an ability to take the listener on a thematic journey of challenge and inspiration. Fine music; fine performance. The musicians were later loosed in young Australian composer Sam Creamer’s infectious salsa-setting ‘Faith Is The Victory’. Major Ballantine’s tenure as leader of the International Staff Songsters in the 1990s was ground-breaking and highly influential on groups and leaders across the UK. His leadership of the ‘A’ Chorus took many of those present back to those days, as his unique leadership style encouraged and cajoled the best out of this group of vocalists.
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The contrasting styles of ‘Whom In Heaven Have I But You?’, ‘Make His Praise Glorious’ and the revered love offering ‘More Than Wonderful’ brought the audience to a time of reflection and final contemplation by the school’s spiritual director, Major Mark Herbert (THQ). Finally, the whole school, accompanied by the ‘A’ Band, united to sing the reflective ‘Alleluia’. Perhaps not the conventional ‘tub-thumping’, boisterous conclusion we often hear at the end of music school festivals, but a serious work of just two words – ‘alleluia’ and, finally, ‘amen’. It seemed a fitting way to end this expression and demonstration of a week’s hard work and worship. – J. B.
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NEWS Families experience God Sittingbourne EIGHT families from the corps community programmes attended a residential weekend – developed by corps officers Major Robert Jepson and Captain Julia Jepson – to focus on family values. The retreat at The Oast Houses, Northiam, was organised to encourage families to look at God’s values to enhance family life. The relaxed yet purposeful programme
Young people offer inspiring meeting Consett THE corps welcomed Birmingham Citadel YP Band for an Olympic-themed weekend. The young musicians excelled themselves in the three meetings they delivered, offering tenor horn, cornet and guitar solos. In the
Music celebration evening
focused on three important aspects: Praise, Listen and Value. Divisional Youth Officer Captain Lynne Clifton and a
team of corps children’s workers provided great activities for the children as the parents participated in parenting seminars. Activities included entertainment from the Christian illusionist Steve Price, swimming, a treasure hunt and film night. On Sunday the families experienced Messy Church, where they were able to find their place in the extended family of God’s Salvation Army. It is hoped the experience will create more opportunities for each family to spend quality time together. – R. J.
Yeovil KINGSBURY Episcopi Band joined the corps for a music evening – attended by council dignitaries – as part of the ongoing 130th corps anniversary celebrations. The band played ‘HM Jollies’, ‘Chicago’, ‘Amazing Grace’, ‘Welsh Rhapsody’ and a swashbuckling piece from Pirates Of The Caribbean. Yeovil Band began with the samba ‘Fruit Of The Spirit’ and Songster Rosemary Mitchell sang ‘The Servant King’. A trombone trio offered ‘I Will Follow Him’, followed by ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ and ‘Jubilee March’. The bands then combined at the conclusion of the evening to play ‘Simple Gifts’ and ‘Dance Like David’. – C. W.
Saturday evening concert, the band played a variety of pieces and the young timbrelists performed a routine. The Sunday morning meeting featured ‘Go The Distance’ from Disney’s Hercules, an inspiring testimony and a beautiful vocal solo entitled ‘Castle On A Cloud’. On Sunday afternoon the young people delivered another inspiring meeting. – H. K.
More than 60 people – including some new families – attended the All-lympics party at Hull Icehouse; through crafts, games, songs and interactive storytelling, everyone learnt about being on God’s team
Valedictory visit Sunderland Millfield THE young people set off in torrential rain for their last visit to Hamsterley Forest before its demolition. The young people have visited the site annually for 25 years. The children enjoyed a mini-
Olympic Games night, learning survival skills with a forest ranger and swimming. A talent night and a reunion on Sunday, attended by more than 100 people, took the form of an organised walk through the forest, a visit from children’s entertainer Majic Mick and a time of worship and thanksgiving. – S. W.
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The Parkinson group – who meet monthly at Arbroath Corps – exhibit work produced during an art programme; the members were introduced to a number of different media and styles of work using the theme of Travel as their inspiration
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NEWS
Concert supports charities Southampton Shirley THE hall filled with eager listeners when Woodfalls Band visited for a joint charity concert with the singing company. The band, led by Paul Lovatt-Cooper, presented a varied programme including ‘Horizons’ and ‘Vitae Aeternum’. During the second half, the band donned less formal attire and presented its winning programme from a recent entertainment contest. The evening was rounded off with a fantastic xylophone solo by Paul, followed by the finale, his composition ‘Fire In The Blood’. The concert benefited the Naomi Hospice For Children and Osborn, a Ugandan child sponsored by the singing company. – A. L.
Visiting band’s festival of praise
Young people express their hopes Wrexham THE youth group, Evolve, led a weekend on the theme Running The Race. An exciting atmosphere filled the hall on Saturday evening for Wrexham’s Got Talent where many corps members performed a variety of interesting acts. On Sunday morning members of the congregation were encouraged to use creative prayer to focus their thoughts on the Olympics and their own personal journey through life. Members of the youth group prepared talks, testimonies and prayers, all of which provided challenge and encouragement. The weekend concluded with café church, a new venture at the corps. This took the form of a chat-show-style evening where Evolve members were interviewed about youth events they had participated in and spoke about their hopes for the year ahead. – C. J.
Skewen READING Central Band offered a Saturday evening festival of praise at the Memorial Hall. The programme started with ‘Ein Feste Burg’, ‘Cairo Red Shield’ and ‘When I Survey’. Bandmaster Paul Mortlock said the band members are servants of God and quoted from John 12:26. Mark Dallas (cornet) and Retired Bandmaster David Mortlock (piano) offered solos. In their testimonies YPSM Russell Crosby encouraged people to be empire-builders, James Cassidy spoke about choices in life and Songster Leader Karen Smith discussed how everyone needs light. The programme ended with ‘All Through The Night’ and ‘Love Changes Everything’. – S. L.
Corps folk mesmerised by message Burton upon Trent A CAPACITY congregation – including members of the weekly War Games group, who were attending an Army meeting for the first time – met for a Meeting With A Difference. Christian magician and entertainer Mark Harrington captivated the audience not only with his illusions but also with the enthralling way he bases his tricks on the gospel message. – K. A.
Children present inaugural performance Stepney TWELVE excited children from the Smartcrew after-school drama group – set up by Territorial Drama Co-ordinator Keith Turton – gave their inaugural
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performance in the musical Jonah, in a modern reworking of the story. Helped by corps officers Captains Kerry and Nick Coke and musician Tom Daggett, the children acted, sang and danced their way through seven songs. For many in the large audience it was their first time at the Army. – P. R.
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Carol Hall, the ladies fellowship leader at Jarrow, is appointed a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow in recognition of her work in South Tyneside, including for the Operation Christmas Child and Turn On The Tap appeals
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NEWS Dual celebration Colchester Citadel IN a double celebration, the corps commemorated the hall refurbishment and the 130th corps anniversary. Lieut-Colonels Carol and Ivor Telfer (THQ) cut the ribbon to officially reopen the building and Divisional Commander Major Carol Bailey, Divisional Director for Business Administration Shirley Buck and Deputy Bandmaster Trevor Smith spoke. The colonels are pictured (right) with corps officers Major Margaret and David House and the Mayor (Councillor Christopher Arnold).
Divisional Commander LieutColonel Mike Caffull presents Ripley’s Corps Sergeant-Major Stan Williamson with a certificate acknowledging his retirement after 47 years’ as a local officer, spanning nearly a third of the Army’s history in the area
As part of Back to Church Sunday, past and present corps
People see what the Army’s about Lincoln CORPS folk celebrated the 136th corps anniversary and gave thanks for their 100-yearold citadel building. An open day on Saturday allowed people to see what The Salvation Army is all about, locally and internationally. In the evening Grenville Burn (Upper Norwood) led a thanksgiving service attended by the Deputy Mayor of Lincoln (Councillor Pat Vaughan). Grenville also led Sunday meetings, entertaining children and adults with sleight of hand and interesting stories. He challenged the congregation to pray for the needs of the corps and to invite people to come and share with them. CSM Callum Newton, junior soldier Chiara Botham, Retired CSM Wilf Abbot and Grenville are pictured cutting the anniversary cake. – P. N.
Bovington Red Shield Defence Services provide refreshments at Wool during the Olympic Torch Relay; centre manager Alan Smith and his wife, Doreen, pictured with Torch ambassadors, distributed 400 special edition copies of ‘Kids Alive!’ and ‘The War Cry’
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members, along with some new people, filled the hall. – J. P.
Young people get stuck in Burton upon Trent MANY new children attended the YP day, attracted by publicity in a newspaper. Divisional Children’s Officer Richard Prescott led the day and the morning, themed Through The Roof, featured a prizegiving and items from the children. After lunch the young people made leaf collages, decorated plates and made bird feeders at the God’s Creationthemed Messy Church. – K. A. Southampton Sholing: Focusing On The Goal was the theme for the inaugural Cameo Sunday, led by Majors David and Margaret Scott. The Cameo Choir presented an item for the first time and corps members took part in the meetings, contributing prayers, testimonies and a vocal solo accompanied by guitar. – B. E. Airport chaplains Majors Betty and Melvyn Ackroyd, alongside other faith leaders, visit the prayer room construction site at Heathrow to discuss plans for further prayer rooms; the majors have worked alongside BAA to assist with the design and delivery of new multifaith prayer facilities
Salvationists at Weymouth take advantage of the Olympic Torch Relay to distribute hundreds of special editions of ‘The War Cry’ and ‘Kids Alive!’ to excited people lining the streets of the seaside town, which hosted the Olympic sailing events; the team was supported by Tony Cade (Winton) who served free Traidcraft tea and coffee from the Southern Division support vehicle
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NEWS
Essential celebration
Delegates consider music-making London North-East A FILM clip of Julie Andrews singing ‘The hills are alive with the sound of music’ acted as a welcome to guests Lieut-Colonels Peter and Sylvia Dalziel at the divisional Adult And Family Ministry Celebration Day at Clacton’s Princes Theatre. Lieut-Colonel Peter Dalziel commented on the theme, The Sounds Of Music, and reflected on the Army’s rich and varied expressions of music-making. The divisional fellowship band played ‘Bandology’ and ‘All Through The Night’ while Hadleigh’s Silver Service Songsters and timbrelists offered colourful contributions.
Mark Evans (Bangor) completes a 300-mile Paris to London bike ride to raise funds for Bangor and Hendon Corps; he was accompanied by his brother, Jonathan (Hendon)
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Alton Park Junior School Choir provided further variety to the afternoon by singing ‘Jumping For Joy’ and an enthusiastic Mexican wave song. Besides music-making, the afternoon provided reflective periods led by members of Harlow Home League. Their leader, Liz Harrod, sensitively played a saxophone solo, ‘Jesus, What A Beautiful Name!’ – S. H.
Sunbury Court PLACEMENT leaders, corps officers, youth officers, friends and family gathered to see the Essential trainees graduate from ALOVE’s gap-year programme. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate all that God has done in the Essential trainees’ lives in the past 11 months. The young people discussed how they had seen God at work in the past year through conversations, serving the community, cell groups, spoken prayers of children and mentoring sessions in schools. Territorial Youth Secretary Major Mark Sawyer encouraged
Under two flags Bristol Kingswood THE host corps and Staple Hill Bands amalgamated to lead the Armed Forces Day parade, headed by the corps flags. The honour was in recognition of the Army’s work with the military.
Stockton Band and Songsters present a two-hour programme in the park; during a break the musicians distributed information about meetings, activities and the work of The Salvation Army
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the young people by saying that they had made a difference in the lives of others. Lieut-Colonels Carol and Ivor Telfer (THQ) presented the graduates with their certificates and a Bible passage chosen especially for them. The Essential graduates will now move on to a range of opportunities including Essential2 Candidate Stream and children’s and youth work. – H. K. Wellingborough: Corps folk distributed special editions of The War Cry and Kids Alive! as the Olympic Torch passed through the town. Two singing company members also requested 200 copies of Kids Alive! to hand out to their school friends. – F. P.
Hundreds of people lined the streets to watch the parade, which included the standards of the Royal British Legion and Armed Forces personnel. The bands played ‘Under Two Flags’, ‘Cairo Red Shield’ and ‘Victors Acclaimed’. – M. B.
More than 100 children and adults take part in the Doncaster Family Fun Day; a variety of activities – including bouncy castles, facepainting and a barbecue – kept young and old entertained
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HEARTS ON FIRE
Financing the mission by Territorial Commander Commissioner André Cox
W
E live in troubled and uncertain times, to say the least. Never a day goes by when we are not confronted by the economic difficulties and the extreme fragility of the world’s financial markets, which seem to totter on the brink of collapse. Some analysts are calling the present financial crisis the worst since the devastating depression in the 1930s. I was reading in the press recently about several European countries that are no longer able to raise money on the global financial markets. Therefore they are unable to roll over their sovereign bonds, bringing ever nearer the real threat of a dangerous escalation in the European debt crisis. Central Bank governors and finance ministers have been meeting with regular monotony and linking up constantly by way of conference calls in efforts to avert disaster – seemingly with little effect. The blame game is in full swing with no one apparently willing to take the lead or the decisive action needed to improve the situation.
Increasingly it is impossible for us to ignore the effects as they touch us in our everyday lives. Governments are struggling to balance budgets and reduce borrowing. Here in the UK, the Government has announced sweeping reforms to the welfare system – hailed as the most significant shake-up in more than 60 years. The fallout will, possibly, have a dramatic impact on vulnerable members of society.
economic turmoil and the uncertainties that prevail are a God-given opportunity for us to witness to our unshakeable faith in God for his provision to meet our every need. God is calling us to live our lives in a manner that is consistent with the values of his Kingdom. He is calling us to live counterculturally and he is calling us to live with uncompromising convictions in a world that bows to the gods of secularism and materialism. There are, however, challenges on the road ahead. Our corps will increasingly be placed in the front line of responding to real needs in the communities in which we are placed. This is a time when we will all have to roll up our sleeves and go into action! This situation calls us to a greater commitment and we need to do more than simply meet together and worship on a Sunday. In the soldier’s covenant we state: ‘I will be actively involved, as I am able, in the life, work, worship and witness of the corps, giving as large a proportion of my income as possible to support its ministries and the worldwide work of the Army.’ This may be a tremendous challenge but let us seize this wonderful opportunity for the gospel message in a world of fast-changing and shifting values. Could it be, however, that some of our corps reflect or – worse still – contribute to the economic reality of our times by living beyond their means? How I pray that Salvationists are characterised and recognised by sacrificial giving when it comes to the Kingdom of God! Much more can be achieved if we are faithful in our financial giving for the building of the Kingdom. Malachi provides us with a timely reminder of God’s economy: ‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of Heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it’ (3:10 New International Version). It takes great strength of character to match the theory of what we say by the lives that we live. Character is what enables us to do what is right even when it is difficult to do so. Q
‘The present economic turmoil and the uncertainties that prevail are a God-given opportunity for us to witness to our unshakeable faith in God’
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It is also likely that these reforms will have a significant impact on the funding streams for many of our homelessness and shelter programmes. We take pride in the fact that The Salvation Army is a significant provider of social services but this present crisis will demand more from us than mere self-satisfaction. I do, however, believe that the present
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General John Larsson (Retired) reflects on the promotion to Glory of William Booth
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T 10.13 pm on Tuesday 20 August 1912 – almost exactly a century ago – William Booth was promoted to Glory. When, at 9 o’clock the next morning, officers and staff arrived at International Headquarters, they were stunned to read the simple message in the window: ‘The General Has Laid Down His Sword’. William Booth had lived 83 years, four months and 10 days. He had fought the good fight. In 60 years as an evangelist he had travelled 5,000,000 miles, preached on 60,000 occasions, raised up an Army at work in 58 countries and had influenced millions for Christ. Booth had crossed Jordan. THIS SIDE OF JORDAN The announcement sparked a whirlwind of activity. Chief of the Staff Bramwell Booth set in motion the arrangements for
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the funeral, began preparing responses to the thousands of tributes that were pouring in and by 4 pm was himself the General – appointed by his father when the ‘sealed envelope’ was opened. It was like a royal succession. ‘The General is dead, long live the General!’ On the evening of Thursday 22 August, the body of William Booth was taken to Clapton Congress Hall to lie in state for public viewing on Friday and Saturday. Starting at 5 am and continuing until 10 pm, two continuous streams of people passed through the barriers on either side of the catafalque, surrounded by an honour-guard of officers, to view the body of the Founder clad in his navy uniform and crimson jersey. More than 50,000 people passed by the glass-covered coffin on the first day alone. Such was the throng that the lying-in-state was extended to include Monday and Tuesday as well. On Wednesday evening 28 August, 25,000 Salvationists crowded into the mammoth Olympia Hall for the funeral service. Public address amplification had not yet been invented and only those near to the platform would have been able to hear the speakers. Every member of the congregation was therefore issued with a 51-page script of the service. In the printed programme each part of the proceedings
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was numbered and during the meeting posters with large numbers were held up to indicate the point in the proceedings that had been reached. So when, for example, a certain number was held up, the congregation rose to its feet (as instructed) and sang ‘There Is A Better World, They Say’. The effect of 25,000 voices blended in harmony was electrifying. The funeral service ended, as had all of William Booth’s meetings, with a mercy seat appeal. On 29 August, London came to a standstill for the funeral march from International Headquarters in Queen Victoria Street to Abney Park Cemetery – a distance of more than five miles. Seven thousand Salvationists, including forty bands, formed up on the Embankment stretching back one and a half miles from Blackfriars Bridge to Charing Cross. The day was designated a half-holiday and more than two million people, some standing twenty-deep, watched as the horse-drawn bier, followed by a seemingly endless procession of Salvationists, passed by.
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FOCUS ON THE FOUNDER At the cemetery it took an hour before the last of the marchers arrived. The two-hour committal service mingled triumph with personal and poignant grief, culminating in the congregation singing ‘Servant Of God, Well Done!’ as the coffin, with cap and Bible, was lowered into the grave. ‘The most striking note in the remarkable procession and ceremony,’ reported The Times, ‘was the air of gladness pervading the ranks of the Army. The Salvationists are undismayed by the death of their Chief, the father of the family. This is one of the things they have learnt from him and it is one of the secrets of his influence.’ William Booth would have shouted a loud ‘amen’ to that! Perhaps he did – from the other side of the river.
And when Booth halted by the kerb for prayer He saw his Master through the flag-filled air. Christ came gently with a robe and crown For Booth the soldier, while the throng knelt down. He saw King Jesus. They were face to face, And he knelt a-weeping in that holy place. Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb? Whether this side of Jordan or the other, whether on earth or in Heaven, whether told by people or by angels, the promotion to Glory of William Booth was an event never to be forgotten! Q
THE OTHER SIDE OF JORDAN On the other side, things had not stood still. It is only by faith that we can try to picture what happens across the river. However, when faith is married to an imagination as vivid as that of poet Vachel Lindsay, our hearts can be lifted with joyful wonder as we ‘watch’ William Booth leading into Heaven the vast number of people he has won for Christ. The epic lines of Vachel Lindsay’s ‘General William Booth Enters Into Heaven’ have become classics: Booth led boldly with his big bass drum. (Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?) The saints smiled gravely, and they said, ‘He’s come!’ (Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?) Walking lepers followed, rank on rank, Lurching bravoes from the ditches dank. Drabs from the alleyways and drug fiends pale – Minds still passion-ridden, soul-powers frail! Vermin-eaten saints with mouldy breath, Unwashed legions with the ways of death – (Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?) Every slum had sent its half-a-score The round world over. (Booth had groaned for more.) Every banner that the wide world flies Bloomed with glory and transcendent dyes. Big-voiced lasses made their banjos bang; Tranced, fanatical, they shrieked and sang: Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb? Hallelujah! It was queer to see Bull-necked convicts with that land make free. Loons with trumpets blowed a blare, blare, blare – On, on, upward through the golden air. (Are you washed in the Blood of the Lamb?) Booth died blind, and still by faith he trod, Eyes still dazzled by the ways of God. Booth led boldly and he looked the chief: Eagle countenance in sharp relief, Beard a-flying, air of high command Unabated in that holy land. Jesus came from out the courthouse door, Stretched his hands above the passing poor. Booth saw not, but led his queer ones there, Round and round the mighty courthouse square. Yet in an instant all that blear review Marched on spotless, clad in raiment new. The lame were straightened, withered limbs uncurled, And blind eyes opened on a new, sweet world…
The Founder’s son, Bramwell Booth, leads mourners
The Gowans and Larsson musical The Blood Of The Lamb is based on Lindsay’s poem. The CD John Larsson Plays ‘Glory!’ And ‘The Blood Of The Lamb’ features piano arrangements and includes a 32-page booklet of lyrics by John Gowans. The CD is available from SP&S priced £9.99 (plus £2.95 postage and packing) or download for £7.99 from spstunes.com. It is also available from www.amazon.co.uk (Visit www.johnlarsson.com for further information.)
REFLECTION
The tiger in the cage Major Charles Durman reflects on the dangers of temptation
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HE writer Adrian Plass tells of a married woman who caught the 6.30 train to town every weekday morning. One day she noticed a handsome man. He was there again the next morning – and the next. They got chatting and shared coffee together until one day she realised she was falling in love with him. Worried, she decided to ask her best friend for advice. It just so happened that her best friend was her husband, so she sat down in the kitchen and told him what had happened. He remained calm, walked over to her and put his arm around her shoulder, simply saying: ‘Change trains. Catch the 7 am instead.’ Just that – ‘change trains’. She followed his advice and the man was no longer any part of her life. The temptation had been removed. Within this story lies the theology of the power of Christ at work within us – the same power that raised Christ from the dead, active in the lives of his followers (see Romans 8:11). When the Holy Spirit lives within us, we no longer need to fear or obey the
Devil. While we insist on remaining in control of our own lives, we have little to defend ourselves with, but when Christ is in control the Devil is powerless. I am fascinated by tigers – their strength and sleek beauty. If you visit a zoo and stand outside the tiger’s cage you can watch it pace back and forth. It can’t hurt you. You can even go quite close to the cage and still it cannot harm you. However, the minute you step
Lord. Satan may well be an expert in seduction, but those who place their trust in Christ have a far greater power to call upon (see 1 John 4:4). Often, though, we insist on getting ‘into the cage’. We sometimes demonstrate a mad, adrenalin-rush mentality. It’s almost as though we are playing a game of ‘chicken’ with the Devil, deliberately putting ourselves in the way of temptation. This may be some kind of independent posturing challenge to Satan whereby we seek to prove our own strength. Do we venture into the arena of temptation in order to show our non-Christian friends that we are normal people – just like them? If so, this raises the question: If Christians are just like non-Christians, what’s the point of believing? Aren’t Christians ‘in the world not of it’? Jesus, in John 17, prayed a wonderful prayer for his disciples, based entirely on the premise that their behaviour would mark them out as different. The values, standards and attitudes should be markedly different to those of ‘the world’. Eugene Peterson paraphrases Psalm 19:13 as ‘Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work’ (The Message). We think we know our strengths and weaknesses, but we might do well to think again. Rather like the person who demonstrates addictive behavioural traits, yet claims to be able to change his or her behaviour at any time, we think we are in control. The Master Deceiver, though, knows us better than we know ourselves. Thankfully, so does God and he wants us to walk in his Spirit and in his strength. Not only that – he makes it possible for us to do so. God’s promise is reliable: ‘All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it’ (1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message). So, let’s not be silly! Enduring temptation – and triumphing in Christ – in the pursuit of God’s glory is very different from crossing temptation’s path in pursuit of our own pleasures. Q
‘This raises the question: If Christians are just like non-Christians, what’s the point of believing?’
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into the cage, you might well end up as dinner! We have nothing to fear as long as we stay out of the cage. Similarly, we have nothing to fear from Satan while we depend on Christ. Our own strength will fail us, but his will not. Satan has no power except that which God allows him to use. For sure, the Devil is a powerful adversary and we need to be alert to his wiles, but we do not need to fear him if we trust the
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Q Major Durman is Administrator, Cambria House Lifehouse, London
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BIBLE STUDY
Abraham Captain Scott Linnett begins a three-part series on Old Testament patriarchs
STUDY PASSAGE: GENESIS 24:1–9
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N Exodus chapters 2, 3 and 4 the Lord is recorded referring to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as those to whom promises were offered and with whom covenant had been made. Given the evident importance of these patriarchs, each will be considered, albeit briefly, during three Bible studies. Abraham, hearing the call of God, sought to respond obediently and – despite a few poor decisions along the way – demonstrated marked faithfulness over many decades. Genesis 24:1–9 describes a conversation between Abraham, advanced in years, and one of his servants. In spite of all that God had accomplished in and through Abraham’s long life to that point, he did not indulge in idle reminiscence but was seeking to safeguard the future for his descendants: God’s chosen people. Specifically, the servant was tasked with securing a wife for Abraham’s second son, Isaac. Much wisdom can be garnered from this exchange between Abraham and his servant, not least the fact that an exchange of views took place at all. For a man who was rich in livestock, silver and gold, and viewed as a mighty prince by the Hittites of Canaan, it is somewhat remarkable for those times
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that any dialogue was entered into with his servant. Abraham’s gracious approachability reflects an appreciation of human dignity – of those made in the image of God. Evil mars and defaces this image and the biblical account of Abraham’s own call from God immediately follows a description of the triple marks of evil – human rebellion (Genesis 3), human wickedness (Genesis 7) and human arrogance (Genesis 11). In the course of a few days at Llanelli, time was spent with a recently divorced Polish alcoholic, an indebted Mancunian ex-convict and a locally raised, soonto-be-parent drug addict. Each bore the image of God, yet also displayed the fallenness of creation. How might a glance at Abraham in Genesis 24:1–9 inform a helpful, godly response to such individuals (and others) for that moment and for their future? Abraham, though clear in his instructions, is not unreasonable in his demands. Cognisant of the current family situation, he recognises the increasingly urgent need to address it but does not place undue pressure on his servant. Indeed, no oath is sealed until the servant is reassured that he is free to return to Abraham even if the required task is not achieved. The sense that
one would be welcomed back having failed to complete a given task, however vital, reveals a patience that refuses to condemn and an understanding that accepts another way may need to be found. Abraham, though directive, is not prescriptive and though firm, remains flexible. He and his servant can each identify the desired result; both are fully aware of the ultimate goal, but the servant is not encumbered with endless detail. The opportunity to demonstrate initiative, display insight alongside common sense and draw on personal experience, all empower the servant to flourish in his new responsibility. The task is significant indeed. It relates not only to Abraham and Isaac, but also to their future family and God’s grand narrative of redemption! The servant, then, is supported, resourced, equipped and – most importantly for his self-worth – trusted. In sending the servant away with definite but not dogmatic instructions, Abraham affirmed him and also confirmed that he would experience an accompanying divine presence. The unfailing availability of God’s supply was promised. At a time when crucially important decisions were necessary, this divine strengthening and guidance would have been all the more important. The servant, therefore, is not allowed to depart from Abraham without being offered nourishing, enriching hope. He is perfectly positioned, under God, to act in ways that will shape the future generations. Many centuries later, John 15 describes how Jesus – appointing his disciples to bear fruit – promised they would be accompanied by the Advocate: his Holy Spirit. This pattern of divine purpose and presence has continued ever since. Interestingly, at no point within Genesis 24 is the servant ever named – he remains anonymous throughout. He could be anyone. Indeed, he might be someone you will meet – possibly even tomorrow. In what ways could you, like Abraham, affirm an individual’s human dignity, demonstrate a patience that refuses to condemn, offer instruction that facilitates initiative and give the glorious, unfailing hope of God? Q Q Captain Linnett is corps officer, Llanelli
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LETTERS
Q First calling is to follow Christ
Q Let’s have more exuberance
I AM concerned that the article ‘Wanted: Salvation Army officers’ (Salvationist 21 July) implied that this was the only path to ‘full-time ministry’ where young people can be ‘available to be used by God’. Mark Greene, Executive Director, The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity, suggests that the Church ‘no longer has a theology of calling’ because it has lost the sense that God might call someone to a secular job and that call may be just as ‘strategic’ in God’s economy as pastoring a church. He argues that, from this standpoint, a hierarchy has emerged which elevates the status of ‘full-time Christians’. As someone who has devoted a lifetime to full-time service in the NHS, I find it difficult to accept that God would choose a few to serve in areas of eternal consequence while others are left to focus on less important matters. I think the focus should be to help our
young people reach an awareness that our primary calling is to follow Christ and, when we discover who God is, any and every sphere of our lives can become fulltime ministry. Sheonagh Brook-Smith, Edinburgh
FOR the first time in more than a quarter of a century, I have visited the Wednesday evening informal concert at the Territorial Music School. It was a wonderful evening. Praise God for such a great group of young Salvationists and staff, who give up their time to make God-glorifying music together! To reach such high standards by Wednesday evening is a remarkable achievement. As a bandmaster I was left reflecting that while I love the power of our devotional music, it is very sad that the sense of exuberance, so obvious at this event, is sometimes frowned upon at corps level. The result often is that anything other than a dull, slow, mezzo piano is upsetting. The impact can be seen in the age profile of many of our bands. Thankfully the Territorial Music School shows that it doesn’t have to be this way. Adrian Lyons, Colchester
forth my immediate reply: ‘Because young people are not challenged about officership today!’ Rarely have I heard any reference to officership from an Army platform in recent years. My call to officership was insistent and people challenged me about it. As a young person of 18 years, I knew what God wanted me to do but I did not want to. I did not feel I could fulfil the demands of officership. But when God calls, he equips. Officership has given me opportunities second to none. Much of my ministry has been within the social services of The Salvation Army. My life has been enriched by people I have worked for and with and there have been opportunities beyond my wildest dreams! Have I had difficult times – yes, but who hasn’t? Have I always agreed with Army regulations? No. At one stage it was necessary to resign from officership because of the difference in age when marrying a fellow officer. Was there hurt and sadness? Yes, but not resentment
because that is destroying. God’s grace was sufficient and we took our places as soldiers at a corps in the South West. Sadly our time together was brief and later came the request to return to officership. (Of course this was last century!) Would I take the path of officership again? Yes! Only I would respond more readily to God and take him at his word. I am convinced that God is still calling young people to serve him. God is awesome – and whatever the future holds we are in his hands. The God we serve cares and understands. Young people – step out in faith and take God at his word. He will never fail you. I share a quote from the paraphrase of Psalm 23 by Leslie Brandt: ‘Whether his course for me points to the mountaintops of glorious joy or to the valleys of human suffering, he is by my side.’ Hallelujah! Joyce Holmes, Mrs Major, Bournemouth
Q God calls and cares THE question in Salvationist (21 July): ‘Why aren’t more young people pursuing full-time ministry…?’ drew
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LETTERS
Q Govaars’ legacy lives on I READ with interest the Editor’s Comment (Salvationist 28 July) referring to the Leighton Buzzard YP Band founded by Captain Gerrit Govaars in 1916. Major Poxon wondered what had happened to those children ‘after they had ceased kicking stones on their way to practices’. My photograph answers that question. It shows Captain Govaars with ten of the original eleven members when he visited the corps in the late 1940s. As you can see the young boys having grown into young men are proudly wearing their Salvation Army uniforms. (Incidentally, according to the corps history book Captain Govaars also started a ‘Girls Songsters’.) These young men became stalwarts of the corps, taking on local officership
and were faithful to the promises they made. Their faithfulness and Christian living left a legacy we still celebrate. Through the vision and foresight of Captain Govaars we now have two vibrant young people’s music sections,
songsters and a senior band, which all continue to be an integral part of our worship each Sunday. Praise the Lord! John Quick, Leighton Buzzard
Q Jewellery helps trust I WAS interested to read the letter from Richard Bradbury entitled ‘Salvationist lives on!’ (Salvationist 28 July) about how old copies of the paper are recycled. For a number of years, The Kenya Trust has been selling similar jewellery made by people with HIV/Aids supported by The Salvation Army. All profits from the sale of this jewellery, and other items made in Kenya, help The Kenya Trust support the social and music programmes carried out in Kenya. If you would like to know more about our work please contact us through our website (thekenyatrust.org.uk) or call me on 01905 453922. Patricia Owen, Birmingham
Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address Q Please remember, letters for publication in Salvationist should be carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed Q Not all letters can be printed Q The Editor reserves the right to edit letters or print extracts Q Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
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NEW COMMITMENTS Alison Sykes Isabel Roberts Soldiers GOLDTHORPE ALISON became involved with the corps through the parent-andtoddler group. She quickly became an active participant in corps life and was welcomed as an adherent member. Eighteen months ago Alison experienced a spiritual awakening and fully accepted the work of the Holy Spirit in her life. Since then she has become more involved, making the decision to become a soldier. In her testimony she said: ‘God is doing amazing things in Goldthorpe and I am so pleased I am part of God’s plan to bring his love to this community.’ Isabel attended the Friday coffee mornings and gradually became interested in corps life and started attending meetings in 2009. Her involvement led her to make a commitment to Christ on Pentecost Sunday in 2010 and she has never looked back. A busy mother with four young children to look after, she still finds time to help with various corps activities. She made the decision to become a soldier after attending Bible study classes, where she experienced the Holy Spirit calling her to commit her life to further service. At her enrolment, she declared her Christian duty was to ‘rejoice, obey, serve, evangelise and be God’s light in people’s darkness’. Alison and Isabel were enrolled by corps officer Captain Adrian Lee. – A. L.
Rita Baker Soldier PAIGNTON RITA has been an adherent member for a number of years and recently felt compelled to take a further step of faith and was enrolled as a soldier. She was supported by the corps family and a number of friends who came to share the occasion. In her testimony, Rita mentioned some of her recent difficulties but also her belief that with Jesus near to her she will be able to cope. Rita was enrolled by corps officer Major Denise Brine. – D. B.
Rachel Davis Soldier SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD RACHEL grew up in the Army and enjoyed being involved in YP activities and the divisional youth chorus. She gave a forthright testimony to a hall filled with family and friends and referred to the song ‘Surrounded By His Love’. Corps officer Major Stephen Naylor enrolled Rachel as a soldier. – E. F.
Thomas Elliott Cameron Elliott Junior soldiers CHESTER-LE-STREET THOMAS and Cameron were introduced to the Army by their Salvationist grandparents. Corps officer Major Nicola Barker enrolled the brothers as junior soldiers. – G. C.
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Marlene Forrest Sheila Brown
Gerry Lyons Linda Lyons
Charles Mitchell George Raine
Brian Muir Adherent members LOCKERBIE THE corps officer conducted Marlene’s husband’s funeral three years ago and she was invited by a neighbour to attend the meetings. She has attended ever since. She never felt adequate enough over the years, but recently felt God guiding her to step out in faith and become an adherent member. Sheila was invited to the corps by a friend and was instantly touched by the warm welcome she received. She has attended the Sunday meetings for the past two years and decided to deepen her commitment by becoming an adherent member. Gerry and Linda have attended the corps for four years. Having a very strong faith and witness, they recognise that church happens every day as a way of life in Lockerbie Corps and they are proud to be part of it. Charles has attended the meetings and activities for several years after being invited by a friend. He attended Sunday school and church many years ago but had drifted away, though he never lost his faith. During his time at Lockerbie, he has listened, learnt and enjoyed the worship and fellowship and decided the time was right to become an adherent member. George was a soldier at Lockerbie but stayed away for some years. In recent months he returned to find a warm welcome and decided to become an adherent member. Brian was introduced to the lunch club last year when he moved to the town. He started faithfully attending Sunday worship and Bible study which led him to decide to deepen his commitment. The new adherent members were welcomed by corps officer Major Jim Prescott. – K. R.
Mariam Tadros Junior soldier BRIGHTON CONGRESS HALL MARIAM and her family linked up with Brighton Congress Hall some months ago and have continued to worship at the corps. She was enrolled by corps officer Major Jørgen Booth and was accompanied at the ceremony by Benjamin and Isabella Dry, who are soon to be enrolled as junior soldiers. – B. W.
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NEW COMMITMENTS Colin Lines Julian Sydenham Soldiers TIVERTON CORPS folk, friends and family – including family members from Australia – joined the celebration as Colin and Julian were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Diana Bennetts. Colin and Julian led the meeting, as they wanted to witness through song and testimony. God was given all the glory in how he had worked in their lives, and in his testimony Julian challenged all present to ‘meet with Jesus’. Friends joined together to form a small band and other musicians added to the congregational singing. – D. B.
Kathleen Randall Doreen Byrne Soldiers EASTLEIGH TWIN sisters Kathleen and Doreen attended Sunday school as children but went to different churches as adults. When they first attended a meeting at Eastleigh they experienced the warmth of the fellowship and a sense of finally finding their true church. Kathleen made the decision to become a soldier and was pleased to witness Doreen also confirming her desire to be a soldier. They were enrolled together by corps leader Territorial Envoy Margaret Moore. They now testify to a feeling of being ‘in the right place’ as they put their love, faith and commitment in service to God. – M. M.
Janet Deacon John Deacon Soldiers LEICESTER SOUTH JANET and John were Methodists when they occasionally went to Army meetings. Later they started to regularly attend Leicester South and as adherent members they looked after the visitors’ canteen at HMP Leicester. They joined a weekly cell group at the corps and as their spiritual life developed, they felt called to make a further commitment. Corps officer Major Chris Herbert enrolled Janet and John as soldiers. – B. B.
Kerry Weekes Helen Lister Soldiers
Phillip Bambury Adherent member PONTYPOOL IN recent years Kerry and Helen both struggled to overcome addictions and it was a great joy that their perseverance led to commitment. Phillip returned to the Army and has been attending regularly since being bereaved of his wife. Corps officer Lieutenant Elizabeth Di-Palma enrolled Kerry and Helen as soldiers and welcomed Phillip as an adherent member. – C. D-P.
Saied Palizdar Adherent member IPSWICH PRIORY ORIGINALLY from Iran, Saied became a Christian six years ago in Turkey. After moving to Ipswich, he went to the Elim Church with his daughter. His wife attended English classes at the centre and then became a volunteer. She enjoyed it so much that she brought Saied, who volunteered in the charity shop and credit union. Both started to attend on Sundays. His daughter spoke about answered prayer because her father had linked up with The Salvation Army. Saied chose the song ‘Down At The Cross’ as his testimony and centre officer Major Wendy Goodman welcomed him as an adherent member. – W. G.
Joel Harrison Olivia Pickering
Freya Siddle Harry Siddle Junior soldiers Bridget Callen Adherent member BANGOR BRIDGET started to attend home league and Senior Challenge when she was going through a very dark place in her life. She made friends at these groups which helped to lift her out of isolation. She was invited to join the timbrelists and the friendship of the group made her feel that she belonged and influenced her decision to make a commitment. She described her life as much simpler and happier since she involved the Lord in her everyday activities. Corps officer Captain Gordon Tucker welcomed Bridget as an adherent member. – A. R.
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MORLEY JOEL is the son of corps officer Captain Tracy Harrison. Olivia, Freya and Harry started to attend as toddlers and have attended worship with their families for some time. All four were enrolled as junior soldiers on YP anniversary Sunday. – T. H.
PLEASE note when submitting pictures: they can be posted to the Salvationist office as photographs to be scanned or emailed to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk as digital images with a resolution of at least 200 dpi. Please do not send paper printouts of digital pictures.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 19 July: Territorial Envoy Beverley Waring, Associate Officer, Wath-on-Dearne. Effective 26 July: Territorial Envoy Lynette Skutt, Community Chaplain, Liverpool, North-Western DHQ; Majors Kathryn and Tom Stirling, Learning and Development Officers (Open Learning), School for In-Service Training And Development, William Booth College. LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED CS Julie Williamson, Stapleford. WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond: Eric and Mrs Jean Orton, Nuneaton (30 August). Golden: Colin and Mrs Maureen Springate, Gillingham (1 September); Dep BM Keith and CT Mrs Pam Johnston, Hadleigh Temple. DEDICATED TO GOD Poppy May, daughter of James and Sarah Spinner, at Margate by Major Thea Wood; Sarah Kathryn, daughter of Jonathan and Judith Wood, at Sunderland Millfield by Major Eddie Arnold. BEREAVED Div Envoy Eunice Blakey of her husband Alan; CS Norman O’Malley, Cowdenbeath, of his mother Jean; B/S/Reservist Hugh Robinson, Parkhead, of his wife Rtd S/Sgt/S/Reservist Nessie Robinson; Christine Snead, Staines, of her husband Michael. PROMOTED TO GLORY Betty Wilson, Belle Robinson, Newcastle City Temple. Major Marjorie Howell from Birmingham on 4 August. A close friend, Major Brenda Bradbury, lives in Birmingham. Brigadier Kathleen Morrissey from Burnhamon-Sea on 5 August. A nephew, Mr Paul Coombes, lives in Burnhamon-Sea.
OFFICIAL GAZETTE UK Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 August: Major Robert Barham-Hall with Major Denise Barham-Hall (née Barham) out of Wakefield in 1985 and last appointment Driffield. Major Sheila Biddle out of Birmingham Citadel in 1983 and last appointments Chaplain, Cedar House Lifehouse, Newcastle upon Tyne, and Alnwick. Major Glenis Bonsell (née Allinson) out of Tavistock in 1983 and last appointments Darlaston
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and Chaplain, Shepherd’s Green House Lifehouse, Birmingham. Major Wendy Chambers (née Desborough) out of Nottingham Arnold in 1995 and last appointment Bury St Edmunds. Major Antony Clifton out of Brighton East in 1981 and last appointment Swadlincote. Major Gwen Cox (née Lord) out of Chelmsford in 1980 and last appointment Gatwick Airport Chaplaincy. Major Robert Davies out of Cardiff Ely Stuart Hall in 1969 and last appointment Newbiggin-by-theSea. Major Heather Durrant (née Empson) out of Lowestoft South in 1986 and last appointment Associate Officer, Bourne. Major John Irvine with Major Brenda Irvine (née Schofield) out of Burnley Citadel in 1977 and last appointment King’s Lynn. Major Graham Kinsley out of Thetford in 1970 and last appointment Director, Family Tracing Service, THQ. Major Peter Leech out of Prescot in 1972 and last appointment Worthing with Major Iris Leech (née Hanson) out of Weston-super-Mare in 1971 and last appointments Worthing and SISTAD Practitioner Tutor, William Booth College. Major Carol Lockhart out of Gosport in 1980 and last appointment Newquay. Captain Harry McMillan out of Dundonald in 1999 and last appointment Enniskillen. Major Peter Mylechreest out of Bognor Regis in 1968 and last appointment Boscombe. Major Sidney Pinches out of Clapton Congress Hall in 1974 with Major Georgina Pinches (née Burridge) out of Littleport in 1974 and last appointment Haverhill. Major Margaret Prescott (née McIntyre) out of New City Road in 1987 and last appointment
ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL LINDA BOND: ICO, Sun 19 Aug, Wed 22; Ghana, Th 30 - Sun 2 Sep (revised dates); International College for Soldiers, Sun 16 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON) AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON: ICO, Fri 31 Aug; International College for Soldiers, Mon Tu 18 Sep** THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: West Scotland (Scotland Council), Th 30 Aug; Preston, Sat Sun 2 Sep; London North-East (installation of divisional leaders), Mon 3; South and Mid Wales (installation of divisional leaders), Sun 9 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: West Scotland (Scotland Council), Th 30 Aug; East Scotland (installation of Divisional Commander), Fri 31; South London Retired
18 August 2012 SALVATIONIST
Lockerbie. Major Robert Smart with Major Violet Smart (née Garrad) out of Oakengates in 1982 and last appointment Wisbech. Major Sylvia Watts (née Allison) out of Tunbridge Wells in 1972 and last appointment Swindon Citadel. Major Barry Willson out of Letchworth in 1970 and last appointment Lowestoft Citadel. ANDRÉ COX, Commissioner, Territorial Commander
TRIBUTES MAJOR BRIAN FARRANT BORN to Salvationist parents at Haverhill, Suffolk, in 1935, Brian Farrant gave his heart to Jesus at a very early age, beginning a real and personal relationship with the Saviour. This deep relationship was evident throughout Brian’s life. At Haverhill, he served the Lord as record sergeant, singing company leader and YPSM. In 1958 Brian married Margaret Sanders and they were blessed with two lovely children, Kevin and Adele. In 1968 work took the family to Ilkeston in Derbyshire, where Brian’s mobility was greatly impaired as the result of a serious industrial accident. Doctors declared that he would never walk again, but they did not take into account his strong will and im-
Officers Fellowship, Fri 7 Sep; Southsea, Sun 9; Bognor Regis (New Horizons), Fri 14 Sun 16 Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring: Australia Eastern, Th 16 Aug Tu 28; Australia National Secretariat, Wed 29 - Fri 31; Australia Southern, Sat 1 Sep Sun 9 Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder: USA Western (Territorial Bible Conference), Th 23 Aug - Fri 31 Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina: Mozambique (installation of territorial leaders), Fri 17 Aug - Sun 19; Kenya West, Tu 28 - Mon 3 Sep **husband will not accompany
ON THE AIR BBC Radio 2 (88–91 FM): Sunday Half Hour (8.30 pm) will feature Birmingham Citadel Band and Songsters on Sundays 19 August and 23 September.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS plicit faith in God. He not only walked again, he took his place in the corps as a bandsman, songster, YPSM and deputy songster leader. With great joy, in 1977 he and his wife became divisional envoys at the small corps in Horncastle. Later appointments included Sleaford, as auxiliary-captains, and Long Eaton, Nottingham Aspley Green, Birkenhead and Wallasey, as captains, and reopening the work in St Helens. Further appointments followed at Ipswich Bramford Road with Whatfield, Sheffield Woodhouse and Mosborough, Northampton East and Morecambe, from where they retired in 2001. For five years the couple made their home in Crewe before transferring to Tunstall. Despite severe mobility problems, the major again took his place in the music sections and had the privilege of leading meetings when needed. His life and ministry spoke clearly of the Lord, whom he dearly loved. The influence he had on those he served was evident in the number who travelled great distances to attend his service of thanksgiving. This included tributes from the major’s grandchildren for the good Christian example he had given them and one on behalf of his brother Colin to someone who was always helpful and supportive, despite his own difficulties. Major Brian Farrant was more than a respected Salvation Army officer – he was a true man of God. – M. F. MAJOR JANE WOODHOUSE JANE WOODHOUSE was born in Southampton in 1927. According to her own testimony, she was ‘saved in the juniors at the age of eight, became a singing company member and later a corps cadet, songster and pub-boomer’. Leaving school, after two years’ commercial training she became a shorthand typist at the Gas Company at 15 years of age. ‘When the industry was nationalised I became private secretary to the Gas Board Secretary for the South of England and worked in that capacity for several years before entering the training college in 1950.’ Her first appointment after commissioning – to Wellington, in Somerset – was also to be her only corps appointment. A year later, Jane was recalled to the training college, where she served for the next 14 years in various capacities in the Education Department. She left the college in 1966 for IHQ, serving for seven years in the Public Relations Department. Her secretarial skills were further utilised by a short period as assistant to the Medical Missionary Secretary, and another in the America section as assistant to the UnderSecretary for North America and Austral-
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asia. Her last appointment in 1976 was to the South Asia Department as Assistant Under-Secretary for India, where she remained until retirement in 1988. After retirement the major became very much part of the corps fellowship at Bromley – continuing her ministry through her own Bible study group, by weekly prayer and intercession and in supporting the organisation and effectiveness of the care groups. In all this she demonstrated total commitment to the corps through regular attendance at worship and being active in supporting and caring for all she could – as many have cause to witness. In retirement the major offered the fruits of her life experience and a deep and mature commitment to the Lord Jesus. This was expressed in her teaching and pastoral care, a ministry which continued to within weeks of her promotion to Glory. Many gathered to thank God for Major Jane Woodhouse and to rejoice in the reward of her faithful and rich service, the outcome of her faith. She is greatly missed from the fellowship of Bromley Temple. – B. S. MRS ELSA SAVILLE, CLACTON BORN into a Salvationist family at Wood Green, Elsa grew up in the corps and became a songster soloist. For many years she also served as songster sergeant. Elsa loved travelling and through this met her husband, Ken. They married in 1958. They travelled widely together and often spoke about their travels at over-60 clubs and home leagues at various corps. In retirement they lived at Frinton-on-
Change to Handbook Of Doctrine ON behalf of the General, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry Swanson has announced a change of wording for a paragraph found on page 11 of The Handbook Of Doctrine (Chapter 1 – For further exploration – 1.A.3). Following consultation with the International Doctrine Council and the International Management Council, the General has decided to change the paragraph that reads: ‘The inspiration of the Bible provides a foundation for our understanding of the reliability of the divine revelation in Scripture. It is uniquely inspired in a way that is different from other writings or works of art. However, this does not mean that the Bible is infallible or inerrant, so that it is incapable of misleading and contains no human error. Whereas we believe that the overall message of the Bible is in-
Sea, worshipping at Clacton since 1988. They sat quietly on the back row, from where they had a valuable ministry of encouragement and prayer to many in the congregation. Elsa was promoted to Glory after a serious stroke and is missed by all who were touched by her gentle spirit and ministry. – V. R. MRS PEGGY EDWARDS, CLEVEDON PROMOTED to Glory at 94, Peggy came to the Army through open-air ministry. An enthusiastic worker, she was a well-known figure at flag days and carolling. In her eighties, Peggy ran children’s Bible activities as well as a home group for friends and neighbours in Nailsea, where she lived. After being widowed, she trained as a nurse at 56. In retirement she worked tirelessly for community projects, the Alzheimer’s Club and church unity. She also set up a transport project taking local people to hospital appointments. This hard work was recognised by a visit to a Buckingham Palace garden party. Peggy was greatly saddened by her daughter’s recent death. She is loved and missed by her son, grandchildren, greatgranddaughters and friends. – J. P. PLEASE note that soldiers’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 120 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.
spired and reliable, each individual passage must be read and interpreted carefully, in context, and with careful reference to the whole of biblical truth.’ The present paragraph could be wrongly understood as meaning that parts of the Bible could be misleading. Effective immediately, this paragraph will be replaced with two paragraphs to read: ‘We believe the message of the Bible is inspired and reliable. However, each individual passage must be read and interpreted carefully, in context and with reference to the whole of biblical truth. ‘We affirm that we can rely upon the Scriptures for instruction and guidance in matters of divine truth and the Christian life, because in Scripture we meet the Word of God himself, Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit who inspired the writers also illumines those who read its pages and leads them to faith.’ The new wording will be reflected in future printings of The Handbook Of Doctrine.
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SALVATIONIST 18 AUGUST 2012
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DVD REVIEW Laura Barker reviews William Booth: A Passion For The Poor, produced by the Salvation Army Video Production Unit It’s no easy task to document the life of William Booth and tell a meaningful story in 30 minutes. The Video Production Unit (VPU) has successfully compiled a visually exciting film, capturing the essence of William Booth’s passion: serving suffering humanity. The film, set for release on 20 August – the centenary of the Founder’s promotion to Glory – recaptures significant events in Booth’s life, from his childhood in Nottingham, moving to London and witnessing poverty, through to his laying down his sword in 1912. VPU director John Anscombe wrote the script and in discussing the DVD said: ‘When looking at William Booth’s life, the thing that struck me was his passion for the poor. It was interesting to see how that developed. When he started, it was as an evangelist setting out to save souls. That was his motivation all the way through his life – and Catherine’s – but he realised you couldn’t divorce someone’s soul from the conditions in which their bodies were placed and their financial constraints. It was interesting to see how that passion for the poor developed and was his motivating force.’ Majors Anne Read, Gareth Dickens and Mark Sawyer comment on key moments that shaped the Salvation Army legacy, from the Sheffield riots, the campaign to raise the age of consent to 16 (at which it remains today), the Hadleigh Farm Colony and the Army’s pioneering work with homeless people. The film
allows viewers to see how Booth developed his thirst for social justice, a topic still relevant following the ‘I’ll Fight’ Congress. The film is presented by Sue Radford (former Sky News newsreader and Border TV presenter) speaking from many well-known locations: The William Booth Birthplace Museum, the Blind Beggar pub, IHQ and lesser-known locations such as the chapel where William and Catherine were married. The team located the pawnbroker’s in Kennington where Booth worked, a previously unknown location. A striking feature of the film is the digital enhancement of old photographs. Salvationists will be familiar with some images, but freelance editor Jon Bagge has done amazing things with the pictures, creating a 3D effect and bringing them to life. The unit has also sourced unseen film footage from the 1900s, from the British Film Institute and Salvation Army archives. The footage has been digitised to HD quality. The DVD also features original music composed by Mike Roberts. The combination of contemporary locations, old footage and digitally enhanced photographs creates an exciting montage that will keep viewers engaged and which makes this a modern-day account of the warrior General’s passion for the poor. The focused topic reminds us of William Booth’s lasting legacy. Even 100 years after the Founder’s death, this production couldn’t be more relevant. The DVD includes the following bonus features: an HD version of the film to watch on a computer and a ‘before and after’ section of the digitally enhanced photographs. Q William Booth: A Passion For The Poor is available from SP&S priced £14.95 (plus £2.95 postage and packing)
BIBLE VERSE
PRAYER
I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy. (Psalm 140:12 New International Version)
Heavenly Father, we pray for those still trapped by poverty, that you will inspire and use your people to give, to help and to care. Amen.
PICTURE OF THE WEEK
Thelnetham Windmill, Suffolk. Picture: ANDREW WILDING