Salvationist 18 June 2022

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p / 18 June 2022

SALVATIONIST PIONEERING MINISTRY IN WESTFIELD

SHEPPEY’S SUPERMARKET ON WHEELS PAGES 12 TO 14

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

WOMEN ARE MORE LIKELY TO BECOME HOMELESS AFTER BEING RELEASED FROM PRISON THAN MEN, ANALYSIS SHOWS

CHRISTIAN CHARITY URGES GOVERNMENT TO BACK GAMBLING LEVY TO HELP MOST VULNERABLE

SKATEBOARD HERO OF LONDON BRIDGE ATTACK ON COURSE TO BE MADE SAINT

Once women have been released into homelessness, they are often more vulnerable than men due to factors such as domestic abuse or sexual exploitation, campaigners have said.

It comes as an independent report into HMP Bronzefield – the largest women’s prison in the UK – found that 65 per cent of women were being released without safe and sustainable accommodation to go to.

According to Ministry of Justice statistics, 12.8 per cent of women who were released from prison ended up either homeless or rough sleeping in the year 2020/21, compared with just 11.8 per cent of men. But an independent report from women’s institution HMP Foston Hall found that 20 per cent of women were released without a home to go to.

Dr Jenny Earle, from the Safe Homes for Women Leaving Prison initiative, said that vulnerable women who are released from prison into homelessness are ‘set up for failure’.

‘Given [the] strong links between being released into homelessness and reoffending, it’s madness that the government hasn’t done more to improve housing support on release’…

Dr Earle said the government needs to use a ‘slightly different approach’ for resettling women in society than [it does] for men because women are subject to gendered vulnerabilities…

Transitional accommodation services, such as hostels, are oriented towards men rather than women. Although women-only hostels do exist, there are not enough, she said.

Christian charity Care says the UK government will fail in its duty of care, if it does not back a statutory levy on betting companies…

Ross Hendry, CEO of Care, a social policy charity that leads campaigning for betting reform at Westminster, said: ‘Gambling related harm has a huge impact on people’s lives, resulting in debt, depression, alcoholism, homelessness and even suicide.

‘On average, one person commits suicide every single day as a result of gambling harm. Yet legislation remains out-of-date, and regulation remains lax…

‘Gambling addiction has grown exponentially in recent years.

There are thought to be around 400,000 addicts in the UK, including 55,000 children.’

Relatives of Ignacio Echeverría, the ‘skateboard hero’ of the 2017 London Bridge terrorist attacks, are receiving support from the Catholic Church to launch an official campaign to make him a saint.

His family have announced that they are working with the church to open a process of canonisation for the former banker, who used his skateboard to save the lives of two people who were being attacked by terrorists.

The push for sainthood was in part inspired by words expressed by the Pope shortly after the attacks…

Echeverría has already been recognised with several posthumous honours for his bravery.

Premier

The Times

i News

Church Times

SALVATIONIST

CHRISTIAN CLIMATE ACTIVISTS ARE MISSIONARIES, BISHOPS ARE TOLD The Church of England should see climate activism as an aspect of mission and stand in solidarity with protesters, an open letter … argues.

Twenty clergy are among the 79 signatories to the letter, which was sent to the Bishop of Norwich, the Right Rev Graham Usher, in his capacity as the C of E’s lead bishop on the environment.

The letter, which is endorsed by the campaigning group Green Christian, notes that the C of E’s fifth ‘mark of mission’ is ‘to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the Earth’…

Several C of E priests have been arrested for their part in climate protests.

salvationist.org.uk/media/magazine Issue No 1863

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MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, George Tanton, Lyn Woods, Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

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LIVING WITH GOD-LED PURPOSE

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 9

Prayer matters

I READ last week that Rick Warren, the American pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Church, is retiring as leader of Saddleback Community Church in California.

Whenever I hear the words ‘purpose-driven’ I remember the story of an Israeli tour guide who was explaining to a coach full of tourists how shepherds in the Middle East would always go ahead of their flock rather than driving them from behind.

Suddenly a passenger called out, ‘Look, there’s a flock of sheep on that hillside, and the shepherd is driving them from behind.’ The tour guide peered through the window, then announced: ‘Ladies and gentlemen, that is not the shepherd, that is the butcher!’

Rick Warren also understood that being driven can be a negative thing. In The Purpose Driven Church, he wrote: ‘Every church is driven by something,’ and suggested tradition, personality, finances, programmes, buildings or events as examples. These aren’t bad in themselves but they shouldn’t drive a church, he said. Instead, a church needs to define why it exists and allow that purpose to direct everything that happens.

Members must discern ‘how God desires to use them’ – then their church will be God-led and purpose-driven.

Two articles in this week’s Salvationist highlight ministry that is God-led and purpose-driven. In the next in our series on pioneering ministries, Ryan Wileman tells us about the Army fresh expression on the Westfield estate in Sheffield. He began work there as a community mission facilitator, getting involved with local people so that he could ‘see what God was doing and join in’. Ryan describes this as missio Dei, a Latin term meaning ‘mission of God’. Instead of allowing preconceived ideas to drive the work, he took time to engage with people, listen and understand how God was already at work on the estate. Being God-led has helped him define his purpose and is bearing fruit.

Fresh Expressions Leader Major Lynne Clifton gives an example of a similar approach in her work on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. In November 2020, during a Covid-19 lockdown, she was part of a community forum that discussed the role of food banks and how families could be given long-term, holistic support. That led to the Sheppey Support Bus project. She says, ‘We see our service through the Sheppey Support Bus as part of God’s mission in our community. We are privileged to join in with all that God is doing.’

If churches can be driven by harmful forces, so can individuals. In another of her ‘Stories of transformation’, Major Rosemary Dawson writes about Simon Pinchbeck, who said, ‘Money became my god.’ This obsession destroyed his career in the police force, but his life was turned around by the love of Jesus.

Any one of us can be compelled by forces and influences that harm us, sometimes described as ‘the world, the flesh and the Devil’. But Christians are expected to respond to a different influence, the voice of Jesus. He referred to himself as the ‘good shepherd’ who ‘calls his own sheep by name and leads them out’ ( John 10:3). By following him we find our purpose in life – and in doing that, we discover the truth of his promise: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full’ ( John 10:10).

Pioneering ministry Missio Dei

9 10 and 11

Ryan Wileman talks to Simon Hope

Feature 12 to 14 Helping tight budgets stretch further

by Melita Day-Lewis

Stories of transformation 15 Simon Pinchbeck: A complete turn around

by Major Rosemary Dawson

Bible study 16 and 17 Sin, confession and repentance

by Major Cliff Allchin

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

Reflection Finding joy

18

by Brian Colley

Reflection In conversation

18

by Major John Waters

New commitments

19

Book review Wings of Faith

20

reviewed by Commissioner Keith Banks

Read with us 20 Called to Be a Soldier: Chapter 7 Adverts

21

Announcements

22 and 23

Quiz

LIEUT-COLONEL JONATHAN ROBERTS Editor Salvationist

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

Salvationist 18 June 2022

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NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

MUSIC

Salvation Army responds to elementary school shooting TEXAS FOLLOWING a fatal mass shooting at the Robb Elementary School, The Salvation Army of San Antonio has been providing much-needed support in the city of Uvalde. The attack saw 21 fatalities and at least 17 more people injured. Among those killed were 19 elementary school students aged nine and ten.

In the wake of this tragedy the Army’s incident commander, Major Carolynn Webb, mobilised the San Antonio canteen, which was positioned at the school’s Incident Command Post. Once set up, the crew served sandwiches, snacks, coffee and cold drinks to the first responders.

The Salvation Army has partnered with a local family resource centre, where three officers, who are emotional and spiritual care specialists, are providing direct personal support to families.

Another Salvation Army response is a collaboration with Canines for Christ, an organisation that works with responders to provide enhanced supportive care through specialist workers and therapy dogs. Due to this partnership an additional six Salvation Army teams are providing emotional support to those affected, with three teams stationed at the family resource centre and three teams on site at the school.

Major Carolynn and her team continue to have a presence in Uvalde, co-ordinating with local and state emergency management to provide the best possible support. – AR

Corps press representatives can send news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures may be included.

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

Blackburn Band play at East Lancashire Cricket Club for a Jubilee celebration

9,795

survivors of trafficking supported internationally SEE PAGE 6

125

PRESENTATION LONDONDERRY Mamie Moore’s 56 years of service as timbrel group leader were celebrated. Corps members are grateful for her faithful service and the influence she has had on many children and adults over the years.

To the delight of the congregation, Anne and Esther played timbrels to ‘Star Lake’, which Mamie taught them when they were just 10 years old. – JM

ECUMENICAL

years of corps ministry SEE PAGE 6

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children attend new Messy Church SEE PAGE 7

£2,042 raised for hospice SEE PAGE 7

SHOEBURYNESS Majors David and Sarah Evans (THQ) led a united church service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Taking the theme What Does Unity Mean for Us as Churches?, the service saw many members of churches within the Shoeburyness and Thorpe Bay area gather for worship and fellowship. Majors David and Sarah were presented with the book Humble Church to mark the occasion. – RD/CD

ANNIVERSARY

MALTBY The Yorkshire Fellowship Band helped raise funds for Cancer Research in celebration of the 109th corps anniversary.

A Saturday concert raised more than £600 for the charity, which is close to the hearts of many people in the corps. Divisional Mission Enablers Majors Carolyn and Paul Wilson led Sunday worship and challenged everyone present to continue ‘building together in love’, inspired by Ephesians 4:16. After morning worship, Maltby Band shared ministry outside the hall and gave out copies of Kids Alive! to local children. – LM

PRESENTATION

MUSIC

Concert raises funds for Ukraine FAKENHAM FAKENHAM Fellowship Band’s first concert since December 2019 raised more than £1,000 for The Salvation Army’s humanitarian aid in Ukraine and eastern Europe.

Held in the parish church with an appreciative congregation, the building was bathed in blue and yellow lights to symbolise the Ukrainian flag. The programme included ‘Under Two Flags’, ‘Celebration’ and ‘The Light of the World’. Daryle Taylor presented the trombone solo ‘There Will Be God’ and corps officer Captain Gemma Allen played the flute solo ‘A Little Night Music’.

Divisional Area Officer Major Michelle Wheeler spoke about the work The Salvation Army is doing in Ukraine and neighbouring countries and the concert concluded with Norman Bearcroft’s stirring march ‘Temple 85’. – AA

EVENT

Sunderland Millfield corps officer Major Linda Billard and Songster Leader Andrew Mair present long-service awards to Songsters Joy Laing (54 years), Mike Smith (52 years) and Margaret Frost (70 years)

EVENT

Corps members at Ipswich Citadel hold a build-your-owncrown tea party at their Jubilee celebrations

EVENT

Messy Church at Morley commemorates the Queen’s faithfulness to God and the nation

Twenty members of the Carlisle Corps New Beginnings Fellowship Group begin Platinum Jubilee celebrations with a tea party Salvationist 18 June 2022

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NEWS

ANTI-TRAFFICKING

ANNIVERSARY

New report offers glimpses of the Army’s global impact NEW YORK THE Salvation Army’s International Social Justice Commission (ISJC) in New York City has launched a landmark report on its global response to modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT). Everyone Everywhere outlines progress towards achieving a strong and sustainable MSHT response in every Salvation Army territory, command and region.

The 42-page report includes a letter of gratitude from the International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council.

The report celebrates and acknowledges how many people around the world are making a difference, while addressing MSHT within their communities. A key impact outlined in the report showcases how The Salvation Army supported 9,795 survivors in 2021 – a 70.7 per cent increase since 2020.

The report also provides an update on the Army’s focus to further expand survivor inclusion and engagement around the world.

Another key indicator of progress highlighted in the report is how 100 per cent of territories who reported to the ISJC at the end of the year are active in prayer, while 94 per cent are active in raising awareness and prevention efforts.

The report highlights four main global goals: strengthening systems, growing leaders, educating and equipping, and mobilising to respond holistically.

There are 117 territorial or national contact persons around the world who lead and co-ordinate responses within their territory or country.

The focus of the year was to make sure everyone was aware of the resources and translations available for non-English speaking individuals and communities. The Global Resource Library was launched as a centralised and accessible hub for all MSHT response resources. Sixtyfive per cent of territories who responded have completed the action plan and intend to implement it.

Everyone Everywhere provides readers with highlights of actions undertaken through the year to address a range of focus areas, including prayer, prevention, participation, protection, partnership, prosecution and policy.

‘From corps officers in the Uganda Territory practising restorative justice by providing counselling sessions to offenders of MSHT, to the Sweden and Latvia Territory assisting with Sweden’s largest case of human exploitation in modern-day history, The Salvation Army has a unique role in partnering with God and others to help make justice, freedom and shalom a reality in the communities we are a part of,’ said Priscilla Santos, international MSHT response co-ordinator. ‘While no one can end MSHT alone, everyone everywhere can do something.

And together, we’re getting closer every day.’

O Everyone Everywhere is available to download from salvationarmy.org/isjc. – AR

FUNDRAISING CLOWNE The fellowship hosted a hugely successful Spring Fair, raising more than £552 for corps activities through the sale of donated and crafted items as well as baked goods. More than 60 people attended, including non-Army folk. The day proved to be a superb means of outreach. – GH 6

Salvationist 18 June 2022

125 years of fellowship and faith WILLIAMSTOWN A PACKED hall brought a sense of normality to the 125th corps anniversary meeting led by Majors David and Michele Emery. It was also David’s last official duty as an active officer before entering retirement from his appointment as chaplain to the Welsh Assembly. David linked up with the corps at an early age and grew up in its fellowship alongside Michele. They both supported the corps over the past 18 months while it was unofficered.

During the meeting, the past work of the corps was celebrated, and testimonies were given by retired YPSM Margaret Jones, CS Edward Beach and CT Beryl James. An excerpt was read from Captain Thomas Cadwaladr Parry’s The Old Glory Shop, a history of the corps from 1897 to 1951: ‘The corps cannot live upon its history. It may be inspired by it, but it must live in the present day and believe that the God of those early battles is the God of today… Sin may not display itself just as it did in the time of the Army’s beginnings, but it is as real and widespread as ever it was and we must continue to attack it.’ Pictured are Majors David and Michele with gifts presented by the corps as tokens of gratitude. – EB

COMMUNITY

BRISTOL SOUTH The hall doors were opened to the community and corps members to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. They enjoyed crafts, cream teas and special Jubilee hot chocolate, while corps folk had meaningful conversations with families from the community. The band joined people from Filwood Community Centre at the market to take part in music ministry. – RC

LIFEHOUSE

FUNDRAISING CHESTER-LE-STREET Corps member Alan Taylor has organised charity concerts for a number of years to raise funds for worthy causes.

This year the Durham-based St Cuthbert’s Hospice was chosen.

Hosted in the hall, the large audience was treated to an excellent evening of music conducted by Houghton Brass leader, Michael Franey. Four guest vocalists also delighted those present with their contributions.

Items included the band and the singers uniting to perform ‘One Day More’ from the musical Les Misérables. The band’s contributions included other songs from the shows and Alan performed an Eb bass solo, ‘The Bare Necessities’. Army compositions included Darren Shaw’s ‘Guardian of my Soul’. Pictured is Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, presenting a cheque for £2,042 from the proceeds of the performance to hospice representative Ann Sultman. – GC

MEETING

HAMILTON Corps members gathered for a day to study the Old Testament through physical expressions and movements as part of the Walk Through the Bible project. A group of women from a church in Callander also joined in, and everyone was enthusiastic to learn. All agreed that it was a great day of fellowship and fun, while gaining important Bible knowledge. Pictured is the ‘Offerings and Feasts’ action. – JT

BookTrust NI and Thorndale Family Centre team up to inspire love of reading BELFAST BOOKTRUST NI teamed up with Thorndale Lifehouse to provide reading packs for vulnerable families. BookTrust NI promotes reading for pleasure across communities and is bringing the joy of books to children at the centre.

The centre provides support for struggling families, including a homelessness resettlement scheme and a parenting assessment programme.

Director of BookTrust NI Chris Eisenstadt said: ‘We know the benefits children and families get from developing a love of books early in life. This partnership with The Salvation Army enables us to put books directly into the hands of families. We’ve included a mix of old and new favourites and some in dual language representing a diverse range of cultural backgrounds.’

Chaplain Lieutenant Amanda Sewell said: ‘We’re delighted to be working with BookTrust NI to be able to give our families some much-needed inspiration and joy through the stories in these books.’

The centre plans to run a book club and reading groups to encourage families to read, not only to overcome the reading gap caused by the pandemic, but also to promote wellbeing. The dual language books also encourage children to continue to use and develop their first language as well as English. – AS

MEETING

EVENT PARKHEAD Bellshill Band presented an evening of music to raise funds for the Army’s response to the Ukraine crisis. Beginning with the ‘State Anthem of Ukraine’, items included ‘Be Still’, ‘And Can It Be?’ and ‘Triumphant Prospect’. Bandsmen Chris Keane and Cameron Shanks, who had previously volunteered in Ukraine, brought a Ukraine presentation. Soloists were Bandsman Alex Ramsay (cornet), with ‘Glory to His Name’, YP Band Leader Chris Shanks (euphonium), with ‘Locomotion’, and Songster Leader Marjory Watson, who sang ‘Glory to His Name’. During the singing of ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’ a collection for the work in Ukraine raised £705. Allan Scott testified and Assistant Band Sergeant Dorothy Neil brought a devotional thought. – AD

MALTON A brand new weekly after-school Messy Church has opened with 21 children participating alongside their parents and grandparents.

After a snack they looked at the question, ‘Who is Jesus?’ which was explored through crafts, Lego challenges and Godly Play. Great fun was had by all! – EB Salvationist 18 June 2022

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NEWS

EVENT

PRESENTATION BOOTH HOUSE The Lifehouse in Swindon has been working in partnership with the Devon and Wiltshire Fire Service for residents to complete the Spectra course. The development programme uses firefighting activities and the mentoring role of fire service staff to encourage, support and develop life and work skills within a positive environment. Courses offer an engaging programme of activity with individualised learning plans that provide challenge and support to gain new skills, confidence, self-worth and a plan for their next steps. Three residents completed and received their certificates during a passing out parade in May, completing two demonstrations.

The first involved rescuing casualties from a road traffic collision, taking turns to use cutting equipment, before securing the casualties alongside paramedics. The second saw the team rescue a mother and child from a smoke-filled building, with residents controlling the water supply, arranging equipment, climbing ladders and entering the building. The individuals then had the opportunity to meet the adult community learning team to explore further training. – JO

DROITWICH SPA Over a number of months, members of the Droitwich Salvation Army Preschool and Friendship Group have met to play games, engage in craft activities and, most significantly, talk together. The Platinum Jubilee provided the perfect opportunity for a right royal intergenerational celebration. Everyone played pass the parcel, the children asked the grown-ups about their memories of the Coronation and other aspects of their life, and shared what they hoped to do when they were older. The children had decorated cakes, there was a visit from ‘the Queen’ and everyone sang the national anthem and other songs together. – MM

EVENT

EVENT

SUNDERLAND MONKWEARMOUTH Jubilee celebrations began at the corps with the lighting of a beacon. This was jointly undertaken by the five Army corps and centres in Sunderland and organised by Swan Lodge Lifehouse. The corps then celebrated with a Jubilee meal attended by more than 70 people. Everyone enjoyed a Jubilee celebration cake made by corps officer Major Elizabeth McCaw-Aldworth. – DM-A

MIDDLESBROUGH CITADEL As part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the Let’s Connect group shared memories and memorabilia of the Queen and royal events, such as Trooping the Colour and royal garden parties they had attended. Cards sent from Her Majesty to corps members on their golden wedding anniversaries were also shown. New members have joined the group recently, with some coming through the work of the corps charity shop. – KC

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

EVENT CHESTER-LE-STREET The parent-and-toddler group members celebrated the Platinum Jubilee by making crowns so they could pretend to be royal for the morning. They celebrated by singing songs, including ‘The Grand Old Duke of York’. – GC

PRESENTATION THE LORD’S PRAYER FOCUS

by Major Pauline Milner (Prayer Network) SUNDAY 19 JUNE – ‘YOURS IS THE KINGDOM, THE POWER AND THE GLORY FOR EVER AND EVER’ The Lord’s Prayer, as we commonly recite it, concludes with a trumpet blast of praise. These words do not appear in the prayer as Jesus taught it, though such doxologies appear in other biblical texts. Lord Jesus, thank you that real power and glory is found in obedience, forgiveness, humility, grace, justice and love. In praying these words today, we declare and pledge our allegiance to the Kingdom of God and dedicate our lives to making it a reality here on Earth. Amen.

FOCUS ON PEACE

by Hannah Kingston (Resource Hub)

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD Shirley Pemberton received a long service award for 70 years of outstanding service as a songster, many of which were spent as songster secretary. Shirley is pictured with Songster Leader Andrew Mair. – AM

EVENT

MONDAY 20 JUNE Lord, when we are busy and our minds are racing, help us to find ways to slow down and focus our thoughts on you. May we bring you into every element of our daily lives, finding reassurance from the deep peace we experience within our hearts by spending time in your presence. Amen.

TUESDAY 21 JUNE ‘And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:7). Lord, we thank you that in difficult situations, when facing uncertainty and worry, the peace we experience through you exceeds anything we can imagine or understand. Help us to know this truth and turn to you in all situations. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 22 JUNE Lord, we thank you that your perfect gift of creation can help us to encounter moments of peace in our daily lives. May we take time to stop and experience your peace through the beauty of the sky, the sun, the moon, the stars, the trees, the rivers, the sea, the fields, the flowers and all other examples of your creation in front of us today. Amen.

THURSDAY 23 JUNE ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace’ (Numbers 6:24–26). Repeat these verses throughout the day as a prayer for yourself, for your family, for your neighbours, for your friends and for our world.

FRIDAY 24 JUNE Prince of Peace, forgive us for the times when we have put our trust and hope in things other than you. May we find rest and peace in knowing that you have a plan for our lives and comfort in the knowledge that you have sent your angels to watch over us. Amen.

Merthyr Tydfil Cameo club celebrates the Jubilee with afternoon tea

MUSIC CIRENCESTER The band provided music for the resumption of the annual Barnsley Village Garden Festival after the Covid-19 restrictions. They played in the centre of the village as 2,000 visitors and residents enjoyed the gardens at several public locations and a number of private residences. – MG

JEHOVAH GOD FOCUS

by Major Christine Kingscott (Assistant Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) SATURDAY 25 JUNE – JEHOVAH Today, take some time to read Exodus 3:11–14. God appears to Moses out of the burning bush and tells him he is to return to Egypt, intercede with Pharaoh and lead the Israelite people to the place God has prepared for them. When Moses asks, ‘Whom shall I say sent me?’, God says, ‘Say “I AM” has sent me.’ What is God asking you to do? Is he calling you to some specific ministry?

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationist.org.uk/resources

FEATURE I Pioneering ministry

Missio Dei Continuing a series on pioneering, Ryan Wileman introduces Simon Hope to Westfield Fresh Expression

Opening of the new playground

P

IONEERING ministries are all shaped by their context and so vary vastly from one to the next. One constant, however, is how pioneers help people on the margins of church and society to encounter God. In September 2015 an organic missional approach was launched on the Westfield estate in Sheffield, with Ryan appointed to ‘go into the community, see what God was doing and join in’.

As a community mission facilitator, Ryan began living a missio Dei approach – immersing himself in the community and seeking to discern what God was already doing on the estate. This meant a long period of simply listening to and observing the community before deciding what the ministry would even begin to look like.

This ‘blank sheet’ approach can be disconcerting, but it can also be liberating, allowing the pioneer to join in with and enhance what is already happening.

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

A key outcome of this process was a need to focus on being ‘guest’ not ‘host’.

People are generally familiar with the topdown structure of leadership, but it is not the only model. In fact, this alternative power dynamic – taking part rather than orchestrating – is a good example of ‘sideways’ leadership, which has been a feature of much of the work in Westfield.

‘If we look at the majority of Jesus’ ministry,’ Ryan explains, ‘most of what he did took place in someone else’s space. I think there is something to learn from this practice. As a guest, you are entering into someone else’s space, and with that kind of approach comes vulnerability. By allowing ourselves to be the guest, we are ceding power to local people.

‘Faith is better caught than taught. Our approach to ministry has been to seek to live a life of love, peace, kindness and integrity, and to invite questions about our lifestyle and what motivates it.

‘In many ways there are similarities here with how the Army grew. Many people got involved with what the early pioneers were up to and they learnt faith along the way.

In the same way, Jesus invited people to journey with him and learn alongside him, teaching them when they asked questions.’

Ryan continues with an example of missio Dei in action. ‘Six years ago, the community had no playgrounds. When we arrived, we joined a campaign group of residents to lobby the council to build a park. We were told that, if we wanted a park, we would have to fundraise for it ourselves. So, we did!

‘I joined the group after about a year of being in the area as I felt it was good for the estate. It really fell within the category of Isaiah 61:4: “They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”

Missio Dei A Latin theological term that can be translated as ‘the mission of God’.

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine states: ‘Our mission is God’s mission. God in love reaches out through his people to a suffering and needy world, a world that he loves. In mission we express in word and deed and through the totality of our lives the compassion of God for the lost.’

Castle play area

Westfield flats

Easter Messy Church

‘When our playground finally opened, it was a moment of real celebration for the community, and it has been great to see the park being used as a place for kids to play and parents to meet.’

In similar ways, Ryan has become involved with all sorts of programmes in the community, including the Sheffield Futures Youth Club, the South East Sheffield People Keeping Well project, the S20 Food Bank and so much more.

In partnership with a nearby Anglican church, the Army also runs a regular Messy Church at a primary school and hosts similar faith-based activities in the community centre.

The beauty of missio Dei is that anyone can get involved and this has inevitably led to Ryan working hand-in-

hand with organisations and individuals from all walks of life. His wife, Kathryn, has played an important role in forging a link with Shortbrook Primary School, where she works within the business and administration team.

‘Over the years,’ she says, ‘we have had a lot of behaviour issues in the school, which have been really tough on the mental health of children and staff.

Throughout this, I was able to ask our church support network to pray for the school, obviously without breaking any confidences with specific details. I have also been journeying with a colleague who is starting on a Christian journey.

‘Where I am is a great resource for God. I am able to sit and talk to parents who are having a hard time and, where

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necessary, through links that we have in the community, I have been able to refer or signpost them to relevant services for additional support.’

A recent survey in the area highlighted the fact that, through this missio Dei approach, members of the fellowship – as representatives of God and The Salvation Army – have become a valuable part of the community, coming to understand the complex needs of individuals and groups.

One resident said: ‘The Salvation Army knows of the depth of deprivation and need in Westfield. I find it reassuring that a Christian group is addressing the real need.’

‘I believe that we are here to help build the Kingdom of God in Westfield,’ Ryan affirms, ‘to help the community become more like Heaven, to help people fulfil their God-given potential and to point out that God is already in them.

‘There are still many unresolved questions related to what God is doing in Westfield and how we fit into his purpose.

But I believe that, if we are faithful and keep listening to what he is saying to us through his people already here, one day we will live our way to the answer.’

SIMON HOPE Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Next time Bethany and Jonathan Munn introduce Faversham Fresh Expression

Salvationist 18 June 2022

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FEATURE I Sheppey Support Bus

Helping tight budgets stretch further Major Lynne Clifton tells Melita Day-Lewis about a new mobile supermarket on the Isle of Sheppey

H

OW many people have had ‘bus’ and ‘bus driver’ on their prayer list? Fresh Expressions Leader Major Lynne Clifton did, and saw both prayers answered!

Sheerness Corps, on the Isle of Sheppey off the coast of Kent, is part of the Sheppey Community Development Forum – a partnership of various organisations working together on the island to make a difference to residents facing food poverty. The island is considered an area of social deprivation, with many low-income earners and few employment opportunities.

During the Covid-19 lockdown in November 2020, at a monthly online meeting, the forum discussed the high demand on food banks and what could be done to help families long-term.

‘We began to talk about setting up a social supermarket, where people pay to become part of a scheme to access more affordable food on a regular basis, and where there is dignity and choice,’ says Lynne.

‘We also talked about wrap-around care to help people with their budgeting, fuel poverty and other challenges they

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

were facing, and about finding ways to help them release more money for their households – not knowing what was around the corner with the current cost of living crisis!’

The east of the island has little access to services for people without transport, so the forum began ‘to dream about a mobile way to take services all around the island’ and went away to look at how much it would cost to buy a bus.

At their next meeting the dream had started to become a reality – the Travelmasters bus company on the

island had donated an old red doubledecker to the forum.

They approached East Coast Works, a renovation company in Faversham, about making the bus ‘fit for purpose’.

It could easily be done – at a cost.

‘We didn’t really have the money,’ explains Lynne, ‘but we started putting feelers out to various businesses, organisations and charities, and the forum partners, including The Salvation Army, said “What can we give to make this happen?”

‘Our divisional headquarters put a donation into the pot and so did lots of other organisations. I did a sponsored walk and raised several thousand pounds that way. By September 2021 we had our bus – completely kitted out – and hit the road!’

Every bus needs a bus driver and, at a time when there was a national shortage of HGV drivers, a retired bus driver from the community, Mike, volunteered his services.

‘That was a massive answer to prayer,’ laughs Lynne. ‘Mike didn’t want to work full-time anymore but wanted to give something back to the community one day a week. He’s been brilliant! It’s

Charlie Buckingham with Ella Marrett-Gregory, Oasis, Naomi Oulds, Morrisons community champion, and Kerry Sweet, Sheppey Support Bus co-ordinator remarkable that we found someone we didn’t have to pay in the middle of the HGV driver crisis.

‘In fact, God’s provision has been incredible at every stage of the journey so far. Mike was due to go on holiday and we didn’t have a replacement. He thought of someone who was delighted to have been asked, so now we have a substitute driver as well. What a faithful God we serve!’

A bus isn’t the only vehicle that has been given to the project. A refrigerated van picks up the fresh produce from the Morrisons distribution centre the day before the bus goes out and follows the bus the next day to keep replenishing supplies.

‘Feeding Britain kindly donated the van,’ explains Lynne. ‘I drive it for the pick-ups and another volunteer drives it on the day we go out with the bus.’

The Sheppey Support Bus – with a new white look and the statement ‘Helping tight budgets stretch further’ on

PEOPLE WE HAVE SUPPORTED One woman said she was worried about what she thought were ghosts in her house and asked if we could do anything about this. I got hold of the Church of England diocesan deliverance ministry team and they made an appointment, came over and together we went to pray in her house.

Another woman was walking along the road where we had just pulled up the bus. I said, ‘Hello there, have you heard about the Sheppey Support Bus?’ She burst into tears and said she was feeling suicidal and had planned to end her life. We brought her on board the bus, made her a cup of tea, chatted to her and got in touch with the community warden. We set up some support for her to be visited. Although she’s not in need of any food support, she started to come every week for the company and now she comes and makes tea for everybody else. She has also joined the weekly Salvation Army Bible study. She was in a desperate place that day and she will say, ‘I was walking in the right place at the right time. It was meant to be that I was there.’

We also helped a woman who lives in a one-bedroom place, who received a fuel bill for £2,300. She couldn’t get through to Citizens Advice and she tried to contact a moneylender because she didn’t have the money to pay the bill. She was receiving 15 calls a day from these moneylenders, and she was beside herself with worry. I was able to put her in touch with the fuel and water adviser who stopped the demands from the fuel company, had a payment plan put in place and visited her at home to see how she’s using her fuel and what can be done. We also went to read her meter, because she didn’t know how to do the readings, and linked her up with some other support as well.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 X Salvationist 18 June 2022

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FEATURE I Sheppey Support Bus

Major Lynn Clifton with Steve Chalke, Oasis Trust, Tim Lambkin, Travelmasters, and Paul Murray, Isle of Sheppey Oasis Academy

W CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 the side, as well as the logos of partner organisations – started operating fully in the first week of November.

One day a week it visits four stops, including the two most remote areas, Warden Bay and Leysdown, as well as Minster and Sheerness.

Members of the social supermarket pay a monthly fee. For £28 a month a family receives 20 items of ambient produce every week – items that can be stored at room temperature, such as pasta, sauces, beans, tea, coffee and toiletries. A single membership of £14 guarantees individuals 10 ambient items a week.

‘That’s the minimum they’ll get,’ enthuses Lynne. ‘Morrisons gives us masses of fresh food. Most weeks I collect a pallet of fresh food from the supermarket, so members have as much of that as we can divide between everybody. Chiquita, which has a warehouse at Sheerness docks, gives us 300 bananas a week.’

As well as the social supermarket, there is a support hub on the upper deck of the bus.

‘Some of our partner agencies come on board the bus regularly, including Barclays Bank employees offering budgeting support, community wardens, the probation services officer, a fuel and water adviser and volunteers from Sateda, a domestic abuse support charity,’ says Lynne.

She adds: ‘The bus has wifi, so partners who can’t release people to be 14

Salvationist 18 June 2022

on the bus every week can be contacted about questions and referrals, such as Christians Against Poverty, Citizens Advice and the Department for Work and Pensions.

‘We have ideas to develop the support deck and help people save money in other areas: we want to get Quit Smoking nurses on board and there’s a man who wants to help people with digital inclusion, so they can apply for jobs online.’

Lynne emphasises the joy of working in partnership with other organisations and that they are ‘stronger together’ and better able to meet the needs of the community with ‘some joined-up thinking’.

Due to the sharp increase in living and fuel costs, the social supermarket has already reached its membership capacity of 100 households and is operating with a waiting list.

‘The numbers we support have spiked suddenly and we need to respond quickly, but not in a rushed way that is going to overburden us. We’re relying on volunteers and it takes a whole day to pick up and prepare stock, and then a day to run the project. So we will need

volunteers for another two days, not just one,’ says Lynne.

In her work on the bus, Lynne has the support of another Sheerness employee – Charlie Buckingham. Charlie was originally on a six-month placement through the government’s Kickstart scheme and is now employed by The Salvation Army as a part-time community support worker. He created the Sheppey Support Bus website and Facebook page.

‘Charlie made a significant contribution,’ affirms Lynne. ‘The bus project couldn’t have happened without his skills. He has his own story – he used to access food banks, so is passionate about helping the community.’

Lynne, too, is passionate about the project. ‘It’s all about people – we seek to serve every individual who connects with us, with respect and dignity, demonstrating that they are valued. We strive to take time to listen, to see how we can support them and help them to thrive. We try to offer people choices and hope.

‘We see our service through the Sheppey Support Bus as part of God’s mission in our community. We are privileged to join in with all that God is doing and serve others in this very practical way, offering our time, talents and energy to God as an act of our worship.’

MELITA DAY-LEWIS Former Editorial Assistant Salvationist

FEATURE I Stories of transformation

Simon Pinchbeck A complete turn around Major Rosemary Dawson continues a series in which she remembers some of the inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry

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N obsession with money and a serious assault charge against a fellow officer ended a 23-year high profile career with the Metropolitan Police for Simon Pinchbeck.

That obsession also led him into a dangerous liaison with the very people he once tried to apprehend.

‘I went from hero to zero – from being a respectable police officer to no better than a common criminal,’ he confessed.

‘Money became my god. I didn’t care where it came from or how I got it. I was near rock-bottom when God used a reformed villain to get me back on the straight and narrow.’

Joining the Met in 1976, Simon walked the beat in north London before becoming part of the Territorial Support Group, which specialised in public order policing.

‘I was also the Met’s boxing champion,’ he said, ‘and played rugby for the police and other clubs. That was the best period in my career.

‘I was about 40 when I moved to Enfield with my wife and our two young boys. I suppose I had a midlife crisis; I was with a younger squad, all single guys, and adapted to their lifestyle of pubs and clubs. I tried recreational drugs and steroids and could drink for the whole police force. I didn’t care about my family; I just wanted to be out with the lads.

‘We had access to information when organised violence was going to happen.

I was right in the thick of the action, addicted to the excitement. That kind of 24-7 job didn’t help my marriage either.

‘Then I got into a fight with another police officer and knocked his teeth out.

I was suspended and put on a criminal charge. After a five-day trial at the Crown Court I was acquitted but given a “medical discharge” from the Met. ‘I became increasingly attracted to a more criminal way of life, and that greed led to my downfall. At the gym I mixed with men with money and power from the criminal fraternity. They persuaded me to speculate in a get-rich-quick scheme in Spain. I didn’t smell the rat; I only saw the pound signs.

Simon (right) boxing for the Met

‘That was the last I saw of my cash,’ Simon said ruefully. ‘Discovering I’d been set up was the lowest point in my life. All my access to money had gone, and I was deep in debt. I had no friends left in the Met; even the criminals didn’t trust me!

‘I was at the gym one Saturday, plotting revenge, when I saw a once notorious drugs baron – now a Christian – on the rowing machine. I thought, “If God can do it for him, maybe he can do the same for me.”

‘So I got talking to him, about life in general and about God. He’d been a football hooligan and I’d chased him all over the terraces – now he was teaching me about God! ‘After meeting up a few times, he suggested I go to church. I was brought up a Catholic but, to me, “church” just meant saying lots of prayers. I’d sworn on the Bible many times during my career, but it could have been a women’s magazine for all it meant.’

Still angry and bitter towards the people who conned him, Simon eventually went to a service at Holy Trinity, Brompton, where Nicky Gumbel – the minister who pioneered the Alpha course – prayed with him.

‘Undergoing the course taught me what it meant to be a Christian and helped me make a proper commitment to God,’ recalled Simon. ‘I asked him to

bring peace into my life – and he did. All the anger, bitterness and resentment about the past went from me. It was an amazing feeling.’

Simon was also reconciled with his father, who was undergoing treatment for leukaemia. Simon prayed with him, asking that he be given peace of mind.

‘When he died I had a great sense of peace because he had a knowledge of God,’ he said. ‘If I’d hung on to my resentments, he wouldn’t have had that.’

Simon’s life had completely turned around, as he explained: ‘In the past I tried to fill the hole in my life with money, clairvoyants and books telling you how to change your life. They didn’t work. It took me 40 years of going round in circles before I found the love of Jesus and became a complete person.

‘I still find it hard to be a Christian,’ he said, ‘but now I know I don’t have to struggle alone. If I do stumble, I know I can ask forgiveness and be helped along the way.’

O Based

on an article published in the War Cry, 4 August 2007

MAJOR ROSEMARY DAWSON MA Retired St Austell

Salvationist 18 June 2022

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BIBLE STUDY

Sin, confession and repentance Major Cliff Allchin considers God’s solution for people who have sinned against him ISAIAH 59

S

OMETIMES in our walk of faith we are faced with a question that strikes at the heart of God’s nature and his relationship with humanity. The question is often framed by the contrast between life’s pain and God’s love and omnipotence.

Isaiah 59 begins with a form of that question. The prophet asks: If God has not saved his people from their trials is it because he lost some of his power? The answer to this dilemma is not an easy one, for sometimes the problems we face are of our own making.

QUESTIONS O Can you remember a time when you questioned the presence of suffering in God’s world? What pain were you going through?

O Were you able to solve this question of pain?

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

by Lieut-Colonel Brenda Oakley

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

The Jewish people are in exile in Babylon. They are perplexed. They feel that God has somehow let them down and they begin to question his power and authority.

Isaiah concludes that God’s power has not dimmed and that the problem lies with the people. They have sinned – in their actions and their words (v3), by withholding justice with a lack of integrity (v4) and by taking wrong paths that are evil, crooked, violent and devoid of peace (vv5–8).

The result of this sin is that the Jewish nation is lost. The people have lost their standards of justice and righteousness.

They are lost as a blind person can be in darkness, and deliverance seems far away (vv9–11).

QUESTIONS O Carefully consider the images that Isaiah draws in verses 3 to 11. How do they speak to us?

O Can any of the errors of Jewish society that Isaiah depicts be seen in our own society? Who is responsible? (Read Amos 5.)

Verses 12 to 15 are, as one Bible commentator says, a ‘reality check’. The evidence of the sins committed by the Jewish nation is so heavy that the people are haunted by them. These verses resemble the anguish of Shakespeare’s Macbeth and his guilt-ridden angst: ‘Will all great Neptune’s ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No, this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red.’

QUESTION O How does sin separate us from fellowship with God, and with what results (v2)? (Read Genesis 3:16–23.)

The remedy for the Jews who are in exile begins with confession. Isaiah

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Able to save, able to keep,/ Yes, my Lord is able./ Giving me grace, giving me power,/ Yes, my Lord is able./ He has turned the darkest night to day,/ That’s the reason I can say:/ He’s able to save, able to keep/ Is Christ, my Saviour.

(SASB 235)

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear.

(Isaiah 59:1)

He came to give us life in all its fullness,/ He came to make the blind to see,/ He came to banish death and doubt and darkness,/ He came to set his people free./ He liberating love imparted,/ He taught men once again to smile;/ He came to bind the broken hearted,/ And God and man to reconcile.

(SASB 139)

Prayer Heavenly Father, we ask your forgiveness for the many times we have failed you, when sin has taken hold of our lives and led us away from you.

Help us to be more aware of your presence as your Holy Spirit seeks to guide and direct us.

recognises and confesses that their sins of rebellion and revolt – of treachery, oppression and injustice – have caused this departure from God’s blessings (vv12 and 13). Perhaps we, too, need to recognise that sometimes the situations and the crises we face are because of our own faults and failings – that we have sinned and need to confess that sin.

Isaiah focuses on the people’s offences, sins, iniquities, rebellion and treachery against the Lord (vv12 and 13). He says God looked and was appalled that there was no one who could stand in intercession for these people, none who could intervene (v16). God alone could achieve redemption for them through his servant.

In this lesser-known Messianic prophecy we are shown the nature of the Redeemer and the depth of his work of grace – a ministry that includes a new covenant of God’s Spirit being upon his people: the faithful, the righteous, the penitent (vv16–21).

QUESTION O How do we see Isaiah’s prophecy fulfilled in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

In her song ‘There Is a Green Hill far Away’, Cecil Frances Alexander writes of Jesus: ‘There was no other good enough/ To pay the price of sin’ (SASB 203). Sin, confession and redemption can be described as the three phases of our salvation: O ‘All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God’ (Romans 3:23).

O ‘If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9).

O ‘In him [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us’ (Ephesians 1:7 and 8).

PRAYER Father God, I acknowledge that I have sinned. You see all things. You know when I have sinned because I have been tired and weary or because of my rebellious nature.

Father, I claim your promise today of forgiveness that is offered through the shedding of Christ’s blood on the cross.

Purify my heart once again by the Holy Spirit. Renew your Spirit within me.

Help me to live that redeemed life, fully aware of the riches of the grace you have lavished upon me.

MAJOR CLIFF ALLCHIN Corps Officer Leeds Central

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

For our offences are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us. Our offences are ever with us, and we acknowledge our iniquities.

(Isaiah 59:12)

Dear Lord and Father of mankind,/ Forgive our foolish ways;/ Reclothe us in our rightful mind;/ In purer lives thy service find,/ In deeper reverence, praise.

(SASB 456)

‘As for me, this is my covenant with them,’ says the Lord. ‘My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants – from this time on and for ever,’ says the Lord.

(Isaiah 59:21)

By the love that never ceased to hold me,/ By the blood which thou didst shed for me,/ While thy presence and thy power enfold me,/ I renew my covenant with thee.

(SASB 634)

Salvationist 18 June 2022

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI TION TI REFLECTION EC ON

REFLECTION EC CTI O ON REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI TION

Finding joy

In conversation

Brian Colley (Clowne) continues a series of reflections on verses from Psalms

Major John Waters continues a series of reflections on classic prayers

You will fill me with joy in your presence (Psalm 16:11)

P

SALM 16 is a lovely psalm ascribed to David, someone who had exemplary faith in God. He states he will have nothing to do with false worship and recognises that those who do serve false gods only know unhappiness. He himself has the joy of serving the one true God, for he says, ‘You will fill me with joy in your presence.’

Many people think happiness can be achieved by worshipping false gods, although today they are well disguised and not recognised as such. Even some Christians at times are guilty of putting false gods before the one true God in whom they place implicit faith.

Material possessions, a position in the world, a hobby, a sport or a musical instrument could all take precedence in life – and then what was pleasure becomes an obsession and can eventually make us miserable. Rather than gaining something, we can lose everything.

Keeping up with the Joneses is not always easy. It can mean spending more than can be afforded. Investing to make more money could be dangerous if it is a risky gamble. Accepting a promotion at work can be more time consuming – meaning family is neglected – or stressful, leading to a nervous breakdown. A costly hobby can mean using money that should be used on more important needs. Any of this could lead not to happiness but misery, at the same time fracturing a relationship with the Lord.

David recognises that the road of the world leads to death and decay, but God’s road leads to Heaven and eternal happiness. As the old song says: ‘When we all get to Heaven,/ What a day of rejoicing that will be!’

(SASB 676).

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

I

N its purest essence, prayer is nothing more – or less – than a conversation with the Lord. I am much moved by just such a conversation recorded by William Cowper, the distinguished 18th-century poet and hymn writer, in his poem ‘The Contrite Heart’.

The Lord will happiness divine On contrite hearts bestow; Then tell me, gracious God, is mine A contrite heart or no?

I hear, but seem to hear in vain, Insensible as steel; If aught is felt, ’tis only pain, To find I cannot feel.

I sometimes think myself inclined To love thee if I could; But often feel another mind, Averse to all that’s good.

My best desires are faint and few, I fain would strive for more; But when I cry, ‘My strength renew!’

Seem weaker than before.

Thy saints are comforted, I know, And love thy house of prayer; I therefore go where others go, But find no comfort there.

O make this heart rejoice or ache; Decide this doubt for me; And if it be not broken, break – And heal it, if it be.

Perhaps more of us, and more often than we would wish, identify with some of the thoughts in this conversation.

How many of us, for example, find attendance at church less satisfying than we hope – and what a challenge to those of us who lead those times of corporate worship!

A more familiar prayer of Cowper’s, ‘Walking with God’, is also a mixture of disappointment and yearning.

O for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame, A light to shine upon the road That leads me to the Lamb!

Where is the blessedness I knew When first I saw the Lord?

Where is the soul-refreshing view Of Jesus and his word?

What peaceful hours I once enjoyed; How sweet their memory still!

But they have left an aching void The world can never fill.

(SASB 612) But he returns to a more optimistic note; this conversation ends with hope and a sense of fulfilment.

So shall my walk be close with God, Calm and serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road That leads me to the Lamb.

The promise of Jesus is that those who truly seek will surely find!

MAJOR JOHN WATERS Retired Biddulph Moor

NEW COMMITMENTS

EDMONTON Corps officers Captains Dawn and Glenn Roden welcomed Martin Afriyie, Regina Matthews and Nadia Kamara as adherents. All three expressed their love and gratitude to God for leading them to this point in their spiritual walk with Jesus. They pray that God will continue to lead and direct them in publicly expressing their faith.

– GR

PENARTH Corps officer Captain Mark Kent welcomed Annie Donnelly as an adherent. – CP HORSHAM The corps was delighted to welcome Chrissey Young, Elaine Gillett, Eunice Mills, Emma Noda, Moy Arguelles, Neomi Lopez and Lettie Wylei as adherents. They are pictured with corps officer Major Ann Stewart. – IF

NORWICH CITADEL Ann and Kevin Cobbold were enrolled as soldiers. They are local funeral directors and their work is very much part of their vocation and ministry. Both talked about their journey of faith and the love they have for Jesus. The meeting concluded with their favourite song, ‘In Christ Alone’ (SASB 861). They are pictured with corps officers Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer. – AG

NORTH WALSHAM Wendy McManus, Tricia and Len Hook and Janet Grimes were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Richard Durrant. Wendy spoke of being deeply impressed with the warmth of the fellowship when she accompanied her Salvationist parents, who moved to the area and transferred to the corps. Len and Trish were supported by the corps when their home was flooded. This led to them attending – even though Len confesses he was an ‘outright agnostic’ – and then later making a commitment. Janet first attended the lunch club leading to her attending the Sunday meetings, where she also found Christ. Also pictured is Jim Brown with the flag.– JB Salvationist 18 June 2022

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READ WITH US

BOOK REVIEW

A captivating ‘must-read’ biography Commissioner Keith Banks reviews Wingss of Faith by Dawn Volz z

Called to Be a Soldier CHAPTER SEVEN International Headquarters invites s us to share in a worldwide reading ga and nd reflection plan, focusing on one e chap chapter of Called to Be a Soldier each week

A

NYONE who, at the age of 95, iss prepared to undertake a skydive e to raise funds for The Salvation Army must not only have cast-iron nerves but an n abundance of confidence and courage. ge.

Harry Read was one such man.

Dawn Volz, who worked for many years in the Australia Southern Territory’s Editorial Department, tells the remarkable story of this widely respected and much-loved Salvation Army officer. His lifetime of service and achievements in two armies were honoured with admittance to the Order of the Founder, The Salvation Army’s highest award, and the Chevalier award by order of the Légion d’Honneur, the highest French order of merit.

You could be forgiven for thinking that Dawn Volz joined Harry on his skydive because she gives a most insightful overview of his life and service, sharing so much detail about this remarkable man in a captivating ‘must-read’ style.

It is the story of a Yorkshire-born, cricket-loving man, who had a passion – naturally – for Yorkshire puddings, who served his country with distinction, who had an unmistakable call to be a Salvation Army officer, who was blissfully in love with his wife, Win, and who was lovingly committed to his family.

You will read about the tragic heartaches and joys that life brought to him. You will smile at his wit and be in awe of his entrepreneurial genius and the seemingly endless creativity that flowed from his mind and heart. You will be humbled by this spiritual giant of a man and the way his courageous thinking and bold leadership strategies in all his appointments – from corps officer to divisional commander and British Commissioner – influenced the shape of Army ministry and enhanced its impact. It is no wonder that, as the book points out, he so very nearly became the General.

Harry Read gave thousands of poems to the world, each one born out of his life in Christ. A selection of these is included in the book, as are stories that bear witness to his skills as a preacher, leader, poet and pastor. Harry Read was an outstanding communicator, a compelling innovator, an inspired motivator and a friend to many. He is quoted in the book as saying, ‘Salvationism is an engine-room kind of word,’ a statement clearly revealing the man and his convictions.

When you have read this book, you will conclude that he was a major component of that engine!

F

ROM the very beginning, God’s desire has been for us to flourish in relationship with him and with other people.

As part of the family of God, our identity is grounded in Christ. We are all valuable, we are all equal, and this truth should define how we treat one another.

As Christians, we consider marriage a divine gift – an expression of mutual love, enriching and empowering each partner and diminishing neither. It is a reflection of God’s love for humanity and the self-giving love between Christ and the Church: a sharing of life; a willingness to serve one another in love, to forgive and be forgiven, and to grow together; a relationship lived in the presence of God; a foundation for nurturing others.

Marriage is a covenant and a calling – but not a calling for everyone. Against a background where Judaism viewed singleness as a sign of God’s disapproval, Jesus taught that the single life was to be respected and considered equally honourable with married life in the Church. Whether married or single, our relationships and family life should be defined by consent, respect and sacrificial, Christlike love.

God’s love is intimate and invested. It is constant and covenantal. It is dignifying rather than degrading. It does not use and abuse. It does not take advantage for a short-lived thrill. It is not rooted in selfish desire but in self-giving faithfulness.

The way we live our lives, in marriage or singleness, can bear witness to all these things. In a world where instant gratification, casual relationships and self-indulgence are encouraged, we are called to live differently.

We, the people of God, exist to point people to God. Our lives can serve as the embodiment of God’s best for humanity – a vision of freedom, honour and dignity.

O For

of Faith is available from amazon.co.uk priced £9.99 (paperback), £14.99 (hardback) or £5.99 as a Kindle ebook.

O Wings

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

more details find The Salvation Army International Spiritual Life Development on Instagram and Facebook @SalvArmySpiritualLife

ADVERTS CHIPPENHAM Foghamshire SN15 1HB Saturday 24, Sunday 25 September

REUNION OF CHIPPENHAM BAND Weekend leader – Andrew Blyth, Music Editorial Manager (THQ) Saturday afternoon workshop followed by evening programme After having to postpone this event for two years we are holding a reunion of Chippenham Band. Saturday afternoon there will be a band workshop/rehearsal followed by buffet tea, then an informal programme. If you are a past member of Chippenham Band and are able to join us for this special weekend please contact Diane Lloyd.

Tel 07759 447984 Email dianejlloyd@hotmail.co.uk

at London School of Theology Our undergraduate degrees combine academic rigour with real world applicability:

PAIGNTON Saturday 2, Sunday 3 July Visit of

Theology | Counselling | Music | Worship

SALVATION BRASS

Or study as a postgraduate for an MA, MTh, MPhil or PhD

Saturday 7pm Preston Baptist Church Sunday 10.30am Salvation Army hall Tel 07919 568873 Email paignton@salvationarmy.org.uk

Our programmes are quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.

Join us at an LST Open Day on 10 May or 18 June, or an online open event on 10 June.

MARKET RASEN John Street LN8 3HH Saturday 2 July 6.30pm

Register free at www.lst.ac.uk/home/open-days. We will also be at Big Church Day Out, New Wine and David’s Tent.

CORPS ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION The visit of Barton-upon-Humber Band and Songsters Supported by home corps sections Tel 07948 998507

London School of Theology | t: 01923 456000 e: enquiries@lst.ac.uk | w: lst.ac.uk

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£6.40

£9.00

26 – 35 WORDS £11.60

3

£15.45

£21.70

£27.80

Extra words over 35 – 26p per word CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

26 – 35 WORDS

1

£9.00

£12.50

£14.00

3

£22.50

£31.25

£35.00

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

TRIBUTES

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O BM Alan Norman and CSM Collean Jeche, Luton

MAJOR ALAN HICKMAN ALAN left his home corps of Leeds West Hunslet, together with his wife, Marie, to become an envoy at Skipton before entering the International Training College in 1970. Appointments followed in the Shetland Islands and the east end of Glasgow, South Shields, Sheffield and northwest England. Overseas appointments included Singapore and Malaysia, and the Red Shield Services in Germany. Short appointments came to Kuwait and Sipovo in Bosnia, which involved setting up a feeding programme.

One of Alan’s proudest legacies is the Hopehaven centre for special needs children in Melaka, Malaysia, which he started with Marie in 1978. The school is still running today and, during his year as president of Keighley Rotary Club in 2013–14, Alan fundraised for new play equipment for the school.

Throughout Alan’s ministry he set up numerous lunch clubs to help alleviate loneliness and worked to help alcoholics, people with learning difficulties and with communities in deprived areas. He also enjoyed youth work and organised youth clubs, occasionally doing Christian clowning!

Until his final illness, Alan had an active retirement, taking up corps appointments at Brighouse and Wick, going on to the high street with the War Cry, serving on the town council – including a term as mayor of Skipton from 2018 to 2019 – and conducting worship in churches. He was also a

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Barry and Ruth McQuire, Leeds Central (30 June) Golden O Peter and Valerie Scott, Staple Hill (3 June) O Majors Alan and Carolyn Read (30 June) DEDICATED TO GOD O Thea Lorraine Cooke, daughter of Emily and Matthew Cooke, at Wrexham by Major Sandy Davis O Mirren Summer Taylor, daughter of Graham and Rosie Taylor, at Edinburgh City by Captain David Gosling PROMOTED TO GLORY O Ruth Sheppard, Staple Hill, on 25 May O Major Roy Brown from his home in Edinburgh on 1 June O Major Handel Everett from his home in Bournemouth on 5 June BEREAVED O Francis Sheppard, Staple Hill, of his wife Ruth Sheppard, David Sheppard of his mother O Major Jean Brown of her husband Major Roy Brown O Major Lilian Everett of her husband Major Handel Everett, Commissioner Denise Swansbury and Major Teresa Everett, Christchurch, of their father

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O USA Western Territory, Mon 13 Jun – Sun 26

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O SALT College, Nairobi (AFCO XIV), Fri 24 Jun – Fri 1 Jul

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O WBC (South London Divisional Celebration), Sat 18 Jun – Sun 19

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

Rotarian, a street angel and a champion of fair trade. Alan is sadly missed, not only by his family, but also by the many lives that he touched. – MH/RG PETER MILLEST, BARTON-UPONHUMBER THE son of Bramwell and Ivy, Peter was born in 1953. His family worshipped at Ashby Corps (now Scunthorpe). After becoming a junior soldier, he learnt to play the tenor horn and eventually moved to euphonium. As a senior soldier, he developed musically and spiritually under the direction of his father, who was the band leader.

Peter was encouraged to attend Tylney Hall and Cobham music schools. In later years he enjoyed playing at the Easter Music Course and also in the East Midlands Fellowship Band. He held the positions of YP band leader and songster leader. Twice a year, in the summer and at Christmas, he organised the band to play in the marketplace of a nearby corps.

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, Peter played tunes at his garden gate to encourage his neighbours. His other interests were photography and woodwork.

Widowed at an early age, he leaves two sons and a sister. – AN GRAHAM EVANS, BRISTOL KINGSWOOD FRIENDS and family at Bristol Kingswood celebrated the life of Graham Evans.

Graham was a gracious, committed Salvationist, a loving husband, a caring and affectionate father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend who was known for his kindness.

He was always happy to work in the corps by playing in the band, visiting people, collecting, picking up folk for meetings, giving them lifts home and much more. Graham was a Salvationist who thought about others not himself.

He was born in Cwm, a mining village near Ebbw Vale, in 1931, later moving as a child to Bristol Kingswood with his family. At the age of 10 he learnt to play cornet and 10 years ago received a certificate celebrating 71 years as a bandsman, recognising his faithfulness

Sacriston Church North Scotland Division

HOLY HOLLY SPIRITCONGRESS HO CONGR ONGRE ESS

Drop inside D Youth Cafe cchat today! Table Tennis Saturday turday ay y 14 14 and Sunday Sunday y 15 15

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ANSWERS TO PROPHET OR LOSS QUIZ (PAGE 24)

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Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

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

1 b. Jonah 2 a. Moses 3 a. Amos 4 c. Isaiah 5 b. Nathan 6 c. Elijah 7 c. Jeremiah 8 a. Enoch 9 c. Belshazzar’s feast (see Daniel 5) 10 b. Micah 11 b. Jonah (the pop-cantata was ‘Jonah-Man Jazz’) a. Malachi (see Malachi 4:5) b. Ezekiel c. Obadiah a. Hosea a. Honey (see Ezekiel 3:3) b. A swarm of locusts (see Joel 1:4) a. Elijah c. Elisha (see 2 Kings 2:23 and 24) b. Obadiah

DENNIS SHELTON, LOUGHBOROUGH DENNIS was a Leicestershire man, never moving far from his roots in the Loughborough area.

His familiar greeting of ‘ay up, me duck’ echoed loudly in the minds of all who knew him.

Introduced to the Army as a youngster, he drifted away in his youth, but returned at the invitation of a corps member. He found his spiritual home, serving as colour sergeant for 33 years and continuing to supervise the ‘proper use’ of the flag well into his retirement.

He married Dorothy in 1972 and they would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in August.

Dennis was a man of quiet but unshakeable faith and, in his final weeks of illness, took great joy in telling those closest to him that he had seen Jesus at

his window and knew he was on his way home – a journey he faced without fear and with real anticipation.

Well done, good and faithful servant of Christ! – AP

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and loyalty. Graham also received his long service award.

He is greatly missed, but his influence is his memorial. Servant of God, well done! – KS

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Salvationist 18 June 2022

23

Quiz…

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This prophet went in one direction, having a whale of a time, when God told him to go in the other. a. Amos b. Jonah c. Hosea This ‘water baby’ later had a whole nation following him from one country to another. a. Moses b. Ezekiel c. Abraham A cultivator of sycamore fig trees, this shepherd was sent

by God to prophesy against corruption, dishonesty and mistreatment of the poor. a. Amos b. Habakkuk c. Elijah ‘I am a man of unclean lips,’ said this prophet. He also had a vision of a suffering servant of God. a. Nahum b. Ezekiel c. Isaiah

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while incarcerated in a cistern.

He is sometimes called ‘the weeping prophet’. a. Elijah b. Aaron c. Jeremiah

Michael Hurd wrote a religious pop-cantata about this prophet, including the lines: ‘The Lord he pondered a subtle plan:/ He looked around for a righteous man;/ Saw _____ sittin’ ’neath a pineapple tree,/ An’ the Lord he said: “That’s the man for me.”’ a. Isaiah b. Jonah c. Ezekiel

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Which Old Testament book prophesies Elijah’s return ‘before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes’? a. Malachi b. 2 Kings c. Nehemiah

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A well-known spiritual tells of one of the prophets: ‘ _____ saw that wheel/ Way up in the middle of the air/… Now the little wheel runs by faith/ And the big wheel runs by the grace of God.’ a. Malachi b. Ezekiel c. Haggai

This prophet was taken aloft in a

Name the prophet with a sinking

The phrase ‘the writing’s on the wall’, describing an impending disaster, originates from which story involving Daniel? a. The lions’ den b. The fiery furnace c. Belshazzar’s feast

Bethlehem. The 33rd book of the Old Testament bears his name. a. Haggai b. Micah c. Malachi

6 whirlwind. On another occasion

7 feeling – he sank in the mud

Who is regarded as the first prophet in the Bible?

A controversial MP shared his name. a. Enoch b. Moses c. Zechariah

This wise man prophesied that

Who confronted King David over

he woke up to discover food cooked by an angel. a. Zephaniah b. Elisha c. Elijah

Test your knowledge of Old Testament prophets with this quiz by Garry D Reed

10 the Messiah would be born in

5 adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband? a. Elijah b. Nathan c. Jonah

PROPHET OR LOSS?

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Anthony Trollope wrote about a calculating curate, the Rev _____ Slope, in Barchester Towers.

His Christian name was that of a minor prophet. a. Zephaniah b. Amos c. Obadiah A 2012 film, Amazing Love: The Story of _____, is about which prophet? a. Hosea b. Obadiah c. Nahum Ezekiel was commanded to eat a

16 scroll and found it tasted as sweet as what? a. Honey b. Manna c. Apple juice

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What did Joel prophesy about? a. A deadly disease b. A swarm of locusts c. A gigantic earthquake This prominent prophet

18 opposed King Ahab and Queen Jezebel’s attempts to make the worship of Baal the official religion of Israel. a. Elijah b. Zechariah c. Malachi

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When a group of impolite youngsters laughed at this prophet they were attacked by two bears. a. Obadiah b. Micah c. Elisha Which Old Testament book has only one chapter? a. Haggai b. Obadiah c. Zechariah O Answers

on page 23