Salvationist 19 February 2022

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

70p / 19 February 2022

SALVATIONIST

GOD’S WAY WITH ME ICO DELEGATES TELL THEIR STORIES

CARE KITBAGS MAKE A DIFFERENCE PAGES 12 AND 13

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

ARCHBISHOP PRAISES QUEEN’S CHRISTIAN FAITH ON HER HISTORIC PLATINUM JUBILEE The Archbishop of Canterbury has paid tribute to the Queen’s 70 years on the throne as a ‘symbol of stability and hope’...

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee [is] the first for a British monarch. The Queen, 95, acceded the throne after the death of her father, King George VI, on 6 February 1952.

She … spoke of her hope that the jubilee would ‘bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities after some difficult times’...

‘As I look ahead with a sense of hope and optimism to the year of my Platinum Jubilee, I am reminded of how much we can be thankful for,’ the Queen said…

Archbishop Justin Welby invited Christians to pray that God would ‘continue to strengthen and guide’ the Queen, and ‘bless her with continued health and wisdom’…

‘As we mark the anniversary of Her Majesty’s accession to the throne, we give thanks for her dedication to us all, and her faithful witness to Jesus Christ,’ [he said].

Christian Today

CHRISTIAN CHARITY WELCOMES ‘HISTORIC’ DOWN’S SYNDROME BILL Campaigners are backing a bill designed to improve the rights of people with Down’s syndrome.

The Down’s Syndrome Bill is completing its final stage through parliament and if passed would place a duty on public bodies to meet the needs of people with the condition.

It has been introduced as a Private Member’s Bill by former GP Dr Liam Fox and is co-sponsored by cross-party MPs and politicians from across the political divide...

James Mildred from [Christian charity] Care [said] … ‘We’ve been very aware of the discrimination and structural inequalities that people with Down’s syndrome face ... and we think that the provisions in this bill will ensure a much greater level of support...’

If passed, a Down’s Syndrome Act will be established – the first of its kind in the world.

It will improve the provision and outcomes for all those living with Down’s syndrome in England. This will encompass, amongst other areas, maternity care, education, health and social care and employment.

The rise in modern slavery over the past few years represents an ongoing challenge to anti-trafficking campaigners, the first European conference of the Santa Marta group was told.

The conference took place in Cologne, Germany, and online on the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking… Its objectives were to … eradicate modern slavery, provide information, encourage action and co-operation and develop an action plan.

Former metropolitan police chief Kevin Hyland was among the speakers. He said … that the number of victims of trafficking had risen since 2014, the year Santa Marta was founded. Although the number of slavery and trafficking prosecutions dropped due to the coronavirus, Hyland noted, cases brought to trial had already been in a steep decline...

Other speakers … warned that the economic foundations of human trafficking remained intact and may even have been reinforced by the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic.

Premier

The Tablet

THE STRONG THRIVE, THE WEAK SUFFER: WELBY CHALLENGES THE PANDEMIC NARRATIVE Communities must learn to look at the world as a single unit, rather than through ‘the lens of narrow nationalism, factionalism, politics, economic union or self-selecting group’, the Archbishop of Canturbury has said.

Archbishop Welby … spoke of the experience of meeting leaders of different faiths from around the UK. It had made plain how much overlap there was when meeting the challenges and opportunities of the pandemic – notably, loss of confidence about all communal life. ‘One person put it best when they said it was as though the pandemic had caused us all to “lose the muscle memory of how to be together”.’

Covid had shown unequivocally that individualism and atomisation were both illusion and fantasy, the Archbishop said.

Church Times

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1846

CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, 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 19 February 2022

HUMAN TRAFFICKING ON THE RISE, CONFERENCE TOLD

DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org @SalvationistOnline

@SalvationistUK

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

FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

NORMAL SERVICE? TWO years ago the word ‘coronavirus’ made its first appearance in Salvationist.

The 15 February 2020 issue reported that a Salvation Army emergency response team was at Solar Campus in Wallasey ‘ready to provide food, refreshments and support to the families and friends of people in isolation at the nearby coronavirus quarantine centre’. Those in isolation had returned from Wuhan in China.

At that time Army life was going on as normal, as reflected in other Salvationist reports that week. The male vocal group FourHymn had been to Lurgan for the 140th corps anniversary, 33 volunteers at Stapleford’s Nicely Saved charity shop and Sanctuary coffee shop had received certificates of appreciation, the first cohort of young adults had successfully graduated from the Strawberry Field Steps to Work programme and the territorial commander had installed Lieut-Colonel Judith Payne as principal of William Booth College. I was interested to read what the new principal preached about on that occasion. She stressed that God’s plan was to work in and through us to share his love in the world.

In mid-February 2020 we had little idea of what was about to happen and how the coming pandemic would affect our personal, family, work and Army lives. Neither did we know that the need to share God’s love, which the principal had highlighted, would demand the extra commitment of energy, resources, imagination and compassion from Salvationists and volunteers in this territory and across the world.

The Salvationist news pages in the months that followed demonstrated that. One innovative venture that began during the pandemic is featured this week. Pat and Richard Thorpe at Norwich Mile Cross Corps had the ‘God-led idea’ of providing Care Kitbags containing basic toiletries and other items for people experiencing homelessness when being discharged from hospital.

Two years on from the start of the pandemic, although Covid-19 is still with us, life in the UK is returning to some sort of normality. The government recently dropped its work from home guidance and, in a few days, all Covid-19 regulations will be lifted in England, with other UK nations likely to do the same soon. Instead, people will be relied on to take personal responsibility for their behaviour.

Signs that normal service is being resumed are also appearing in the Army world.

This week’s issue includes testimonies from three delegates at the International College for Officers. The college, based at Sunbury Court, hosts four sessions a year for officers from around the world, but these were suspended in March 2020. The first session since then is now under way and three delegates share their inspiring stories.

Other indications of a return to normality feature in our news pages, including the International Staff Band’s first in-person programme for two years – a Saturday night festival at Regent Hall, appropriately titled Together Again.

Perhaps the idea of normal service being resumed isn’t quite accurate. Although much will be the same, the experiences of the past two years are bound to influence people’s attitudes and actions from now on. And because our calling is always to serve the world as it is, not as it was, we may need to find new ways of sharing God’s love.

To serve the present age, My calling to fulfil, O may it all my powers engage To do my Master’s will!

(SASB 946)

From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

2

News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

6

Self-Denial 2022 Indonesia

7

Colonel Yusak Tampai talks to Captain Jo Moir

My journal Freedom to think

8

by Liz Hall

A word from William God’s giving

9

ICO testimonies God’s way with me

10 and 11

Feature One bag at a time

12 and 13

by Simon Hope

Reflection Fix your eyes on Jesus

14 and 15

by Nicola Walmsley

Bible study 16 and 17 Apest: The gift that keeps on giving

by Major Mark Herbert

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Jane Kimberley

Review Sharing the Easter Story

18

reviewed by Major Cliff Allchin

Previews On Retreat with Henri Nouwen

18

by Chris Pritchett and Marjorie Thompson

Seeing Differently

by Simon Cocksedge, Samuel Double and Nicholas Alan Worssam

Reflection Learning to serve

19

by Major John Waters

Reflection Daring to sing

19

by Brian Colley

New commitments

20

Announcements

21

Adverts

22 and 23

Quiz Bible challenges

24

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

Salvationist 19 February 2022

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NEWS

Editor's note: Events reported were held in accordance with the Army’s Covid-19 safety guidance at the time.

ARMY NEWS

MUSIC

One in three rough sleepers under 35 LONDON THE Salvation Army has warned that many young people are on the cliff edge of homelessness as new figures for London show that one in three rough sleepers is under the age of 35.

The Combined Homelessness and Information Network (Chain) quarterly report shows that 2,949 people slept rough in the capital between October and December 2021, a 1 per cent rise on the previous quarter. Of this figure, 1,314 people slept rough for the first time, 45 per cent of the total figure.

The Salvation Army recently released the results of a survey of more than 2,000 UK adults aged 18 to 30, which found that, despite nearly half (48 per cent) being in full-time jobs, thousands live hand to mouth, with those in work just as likely as unemployed people to need charity support.

The government has pledged extra funding to tackle homelessness, but The Salvation Army has warned that support is also needed to target the underlying issues and root causes of homelessness.

Nearly one in five (19 per cent) of people aged 18 to 30 said they were behind with their rent or mortgage, and The Salvation Army is warning that with the rise in the cost of living, including increasing energy bills and the planned national insurance rise in April, many young people are at greater risk of homelessness.

The Army is calling for the government to act immediately to provide stable long-term housing for those who were helped as part of the Everyone In scheme, as well as accommodation combined with specialist support to help address issues such as poor mental health or addiction. – AR 4

Salvationist 19 February 2022

ISB plays together again REGENT HALL FOR the first time in two years the International Staff Band (ISB) stepped on to a platform to perform a music programme, aptly named Together Again. The event delighted an audience of more than 250 people and was emotional for performers and listeners alike.

Launching their new CD, Powerhouse, the ISB presented the festival in a format of three sections.

The first section featured music from the CD. First up was Nicholas J Samuel’s ‘Legacy of Faith’, a collage of quotes from classic Salvation Army music laid over the tune of ‘Praise, My Soul’.

This flowed into Paul Sharman’s setting of ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’, followed by ‘Rhapsody on St Francis’ by Andrew Wainwright. The first section ended with two technically challenging pieces, ‘Toccata Fire!’ by Steven Ponsford and ‘Powerhouse’ by Kenneth Downie.

In the second section, Bandmaster Stephen Cobb led the listeners through a number of pieces recently presented to the Territorial Music Council: ‘A La Manera’, ‘Evening Variations’, ‘Prelude on Ascalon’, ‘Groove Hosanna!’ and ‘Wonder’.

The evening concluded with a Bible reading brought by the executive officer of the ISB, Major Paul Kingscott, Wilfred Heaton’s ‘Praise’ and a flawless performance of ‘So Glad!’ by William Himes, featuring flugelhorn soloist Richard Woodrow (Norwich Citadel). ‘The Kingdom Triumphant’ left the audience with the words ‘Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!/ God appears on Earth to reign’ ringing in their ears.

Together Again was Bandsman Stuart Hall’s final performance with the ISB, having served for 24 years in the trombone section. He said: ‘It’s been an honour and a privilege to play in the ISB. I’ve so many memories of weekends, recordings and tours. And it was fitting that my final concert was at Regent Hall, which was one of my first weekend engagements with the band.’ – PH

Did you know Salvationist is online?

O Read through archived issues O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the editor’s comment and our article of the week

Visit salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

1,314

first-time rough sleepers in London SEE PAGE 4

1,000 teddy bears donated for children SEE PAGE 5

£750

raised for Youth Alpha project SEE PAGE 5

COMMUNITY

Retired nurse donates 1,000 teddy bears HUDDERSFIELD A RETIRED nurse has donated 1,000 teddy bears to the corps for children in need or those who have suffered trauma, including Afghan refugees.

Lynn Howarth, who started collecting the teddy bears in the 1990s, dropped off two cars-full of the cuddly toys with her husband, John.

Lynn said: ‘I read an article appealing for teddies for children who had lost everything in a fire or had suffered trauma, so I decided to donate them. They were doing nothing up in my attic and a lot of them are brand new.’

Corps officer Major Chris Lee said: ‘We are planning to host a drop-in for Afghan refugees, so a lot of these toys will be distributed to children who have fled from there and are experiencing trauma. We know Lynn’s donation will help bring some comfort to children who are going through a tough time, or make life a little easier for struggling families.’ – AR

CORPS

BOGNOR REGIS Learning Disability Inclusion Development Manager Chris Stringer (THQ) led worship. He challenged everyone to be fully aware of people with disabilities and to welcome them, ensuring that worship is fully inclusive. Sarah Boote-Cook gave a moving testimony about often feeling uncomfortable at church with her disabled daughter. Chris also showed videos of the Enabled summer school, taught the congregation sign language to a song and led a workshop in the afternoon. Pictured are Chris, Sarah and corps officer Major Matt Butler. – AH

ENVIRONMENT UKI In the wake of COP26 – the UN climate change conference in Glasgow – the Moral and Social Issues Council (Masic) ran a second webinar called Being Fruitful, which explored related ethical issues. The webinar focused on caring for creation and the climate crisis through a panel discussion hosted by Major Kerry Coke (Raynes Park). If you missed it, or want to watch it again, the webinar is available at salvationarmy.org.uk/beingfruitful with optional subtitles. Corps and centres are encouraged to join an eco-scheme and/or the Environmental Champions Network. – JR

MUSIC

PRESENTATION RUTHERGLEN Billy Nuttall retired as corps secretary after 23 years of service. He was supported by family and friends. This marked a lifelong commitment and calling, especially to the marginalised. Many in the town have benefited from Billy’s help. Although taking a small step back, he will still be on the high street selling Army papers and keeping connected to everyone he has come to know over the years. – CW BOGNOR REGIS The new contemporary corps band made its debut on Covenant Sunday. The band, which includes guitarists, a flautist, keyboardists, a drummer and singers, added depth to the worship. It has also given some people the opportunity to support the music ministry of the corps for the first time. – AH Salvationist 19 February 2022

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NEWS

PRESENTATION THE LORD’S PROMISES

by CSM Karen Findlay (Wellingborough) SATURDAY 19 FEBRUARY – ISAIAH 40:28–31 Lord, you promise that I can turn to you for strength. You give limitless power to the weak and increase the power of those who need it. Today, lift me up on the wings of eagles that I may soar with you above all the challenges of the day.

PENZANCE Corps officer Major Vincent Wall presented certificates of recognition and appreciation to Corps Secretary Mel Thomas and Corps Sergeant-Major Marian Gosling, as well as corps council members Quartermaster Liz Thomas, Corinne Hitchens and Stephanie Bateman. All five recently retired from their positions and Major Vincent thanked them for their support in the corps mission. Each certificate was accompanied by a personal letter of thanks for their service from divisional leaders Majors Stephen and Amanda White. The five members are pictured with Major Vincent and acting Corps Sergeant-Major Beryl Pollard. – VW

ECUMENICAL

BALHAM A large crowd from more than a dozen local churches, including the corps, joined in worship for the first time since the Covid-19 lockdowns at St Mary and St John the Divine church.

Corps officer Major Joanne Moody took part in the Back Together service, and Epiphany carols were sung by Chantons!

– a newly formed choir of singers from local churches led by Salvationist Di Berry. The joyful spirit of the afternoon continued over refreshments served in a packed hall after the service. The occasion demonstrated the strength and unity of the local Christian family, as did the evening Zoom meditations every night that week. – DB

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Salvationist 19 February 2022

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SUNDAY 20 FEBRUARY – JOHN 1:12; PSALM 51:17 Lord, you promise to forgive me. I acknowledge the amazing grace that you freely give to me. I praise you for the truth that I can walk in the freedom of your forgiveness.

MONDAY 21 FEBRUARY – JUDE 1:24 Lord, you promise to keep me from falling. I come before you with confidence because of your unfailing love for me. I move from this place with confidence because you walk with me and will keep me from falling. You are a great God!

DIVISIONAL PRAYER

by Prayer Co-ordinator Captain Sara Duffy (West Scotland) TUESDAY 22 FEBRUARY ‘I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours’ ( John 17:9 English Standard Version). Being the prayer co-ordinator and able to pray with those across the West Scotland Division is a privilege. Often I get prayer requests to pray for an individual, families, corps, officers, Lifehouses, centre managers and staff. Please join me in praying for the people of West Scotland today.

WEDNESDAY 23 FEBRUARY On a monthly basis I produce a prayer calendar leaflet. On each day there will be one or two groups to pray for, ensuring that officers and corps, the DHQ team, service hub, Lifehouses and Housing First, centre managers and staff, charity shops, retired officers, officers’ children, along with the emergency services, are surrounded in prayer.

Please join me in praying for these different groups of people today.

THURSDAY 24 FEBRUARY ‘Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed’ ( James 5:16 ESV). During the Covid-19 pandemic we have all had to adapt to different ways of working, and praying with others has mostly had to be over Zoom. We get together for a divisional virtual prayer gathering which is well attended and very powerful. We thank God for this opportunity.

FRIDAY 25 FEBRUARY Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been many in need of prayer. Some of our staff in our Lifehouses contracted the virus and it was a privilege to pray for them, offering help where we could. ‘I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul’ (3 John 1:2 ESV ).

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist 29 January 2022

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In the third of five articles, Captain Jo Moir catches up with Colonel Yusak Tampai to find out how people are coping with the impact of climate change

Captain Jo Moir picture: Andrew King Photography

I

N these weeks leading up to SelfDenial Sunday on 6 March, we’re hearing from people from around the world about how The Salvation Army is caring for creation and responding to climate change. This week Colonel Yusak Tampai, the territorial commander in Indonesia, highlights the Army’s work in that country.

Indonesia, which is the fourth most populated country in the world after China, India and the USA, is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, as well as rising sea levels and shifts in rainfall patterns.

The Salvation Army has been in Indonesia for more than 127 years and now has almost 48,000 soldiers in more than 300 corps and outposts.

The territory also runs more than 100 schools, six hospitals and various clinics as well as children’s homes and older people’s care homes.

HOW DOES THE CLIMATE AFFECT INDONESIA? The climate, in terms of the rain season and dry season, has not been

stable. Often we have longer rain seasons and the rain is much heavier compared with previous years. That causes lots of floods and landslides.

Some of our own Army people have lost their lives because of these disasters. Army buildings and officers’ quarters have been damaged and corps people have had their property damaged. So most of our people understand the importance of caring for creation.

Indonesia has beautiful beaches, but they have been damaged by plastic in the sea WHAT PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS ARE IN PLACE TO DEAL WITH THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE? One of a number of ways that we have been trying to deal with the impact of climate change is through education on environmentally friendly farming.

We are initiating training through agriculture initiatives, informing people of the importance of running their farm in an environmentally friendly way.

At the same time, in urban settings, there is the problem of rubbish. As a Church, we need to find ways of introducing how we manage rubbish better, so that, for example, people are more aware of the importance of handling plastics that may damage our sea. Indonesia has lots of beautiful

beaches, but they have been damaged by plastics in the sea.

HOW CAN WE IN THE UK AND IRELAND PRAY FOR YOUR TERRITORY? I would suggest that you pray for the implementation of Vision 21/25, which has the theme ‘consecrated for mission beyond borders’. That means we would like to make sure that people’s consecration is emphasised and thought of – that discipleship, soldiership, is part of the focus for the territory. But at the same time we long to see The Salvation Army expanding to different islands and we are excited about that. We also want to move towards being a territory that is fully self-supported so that we are able to provide support for other territories less privileged than we are.

That’s the sense of call that we have with Vision 21/25.

O This article is based on a video that can be viewed at youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

CAPTAIN MOIR IS TERRITORIAL COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Next week Major Loraine Medina in Costa Rica

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Freedom to think To mark the publication of A Lent Journal, four people reveal how journaling helps them connect with God – this week, Deputy Director of Family Ministries Liz Hall (THQ)

I

N the summer of 2020 I went to the Creative Christianity summit and joined a session on Bible journaling. I thought, ‘That feels good, I’ll give that a go.’ So, I got into what is called messy journaling, where your thoughts inspire a picture.

My inspiration sometimes comes from listening to a podcast that captures my imagination and makes me feel like I want to journal in a creative way. I’ve got a notebook that I use, as well as acrylics, watercolours, pencils and stuff to stick and glue. After decorating the page, I’ll either write or print something that reminds me why this page came about.

I think there is a big element of reflection in journaling. I am very extroverted, but I have discovered in the past three years that I need space to sit and mull things over. Being busy with my hands helps free my mind to go off at a tangent. For instance, there might be a piece of Scripture that stays with me that I play with in my mind and pray about as I’m drawing.

Journaling is a tool for my own personal spiritual development, but it also includes my praying and my Bible reading, as well as other reading.

I have an Instagram page, which is @Cerulean_Socks, where I post some of my journal entries. I’ve also got a Facebook page dedicated to journaling and I went through a phase of journaling live so that people could see the process online. That’s because I very much want other people to join in and find what I’ve found: the freedom that comes with journaling.

It keeps my hands happy and it

Being busy with my hands helps free my mind to go off at a tangent 8

Salvationist 19 February 2022

enables me to think more deeply about things I wouldn’t have time to think about if I weren’t doing that. It’s nice to look back on the entries and see where God has been faithful or be reminded of a recurring motif or Scripture.

I use ordinary shop-bought notebooks, but you can also buy journals that are pre-prepared to give you things to think about. In A Lent Journal, I like that there are Bible verses and song lyrics to prompt you. For instance, there’s one page that has the line: ‘I believe that God the Father can be seen in God the Son.’ That song jumped out at me, and I’ve got an idea of how I want to capture my thoughts around that.

Lent itself is a time of getting ready, a time of preparation. One year I tried to do a watercolour painting every day for 40 days. Towards Easter they got very Scripture-focused, with my thoughts and prayers centered around that.

While I’ve been journaling, I’ve been trying to set aside time each day for it, so that means when Lent comes it won’t feel like a chore. I’ve already set time aside to do something, and Lent will be 40 days of focus towards preparing for the celebration as well as the grief and bereavement of Easter.

To those who haven’t journaled before, I would say just start – even if it means simply writing down whatever is in your head when you wake up in the morning. People often think that journaling has got to be deep or profound, but it can be what you need it to be.

Maybe have a pad and a pen by you when you pray. You could

write down in your time of prayer how you feel God is communicating with you in your thoughts, as well as the way you feel and the things distracting you. Write those down as well because they’re markers of a time when you were with God, either when it was easy to engage with him or it wasn’t.

To Salvation Army officers who are maxed out – already setting time aside for Scripture, prayer, study and sermon writing – I’d say don’t carve out more time, use the time you’ve already got.

It’s about enriching what you’re already doing.

Journaling doesn’t work for everybody.

But it will resonate with some people and can become part of their spiritual discipline. So give it a go and see what happens.

O A Lent Journal is available from sps-shop.com/books for £5 (plus postage and packaging)

A WORD FROM WILLIAM

God’s giving Continuing a monthly series of messages that William Booth sent to corps to be read in Sunday meetings 5

J A N U A R Y

O

1 9 0 8

NE of the most frequently quoted texts in the whole Bible is John 3:16: ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (King James Version). No passage is oftener on the lips of Christian people and it is certainly worthy of all the honour it receives.

Notwithstanding all the references made to these wonderful words, the practical lesson which they contain is very often overlooked. Some people talk on this text as if the gift of Jesus was only intended to soothe the wrath of an angry God. Others speak as if the sacrifice to which it refers atoned, once for all, for our sins and that, since he died, we have nothing to do but believe it.

Now such statements cannot be correct. They represent God as an avenging enemy instead of what he is, our heavenly Father, and they make our salvation depend upon mere belief instead of on a life of faith and Christlikeness.

Let me tell you what the Bible really means.

God, looking down on the world, saw how ignorant we were as to sin, righteousness and judgement. He sent his Son Jesus Christ to dispel this ignorance and instruct us in the things concerning our salvation.

Then God, knowing how much easier it would be for us to learn the truth and practise it if we could see someone living it out before our eyes, sent

Jesus to be our example as well as our teacher.

God saw that, before we could act out what we were taught, the old sins must be forgiven. So he freely gave his Son to die for our sins, and that gift shows the wonderful love of the great Father.

That seems to me to be the unmistakable meaning of this text. But let me come closer to your hearts. What is the practical bearing of this love on your lives?

You Salvationists say you are followers of God and that his Spirit dwells in you.

You say that you love the world, which means that you love the ignorant and unkind and bad people around you. Is this so in reality or is it only talk? God gave proof of his love. What have you given the world in proof of yours? What are you giving today?

For example, how much of your thought does it really receive? Do you ponder over its sins and miseries and dangers and coming doom? I have no doubt you have many important matters to consider; but surely the honour of God and the needs of souls demand a little of your time and thoughts. Suppose you were to set apart a few minutes every night and morning to think about people’s sins and sorrows, the sacrifices God has made on their account and what you ought to do in the matter.

Then let me ask, how much of your sympathy and feeling do you give? Does your heart ever ache? Do your eyes ever weep when you see men and women forgetting the love of the Father and

trampling on the blood of his Son? Does your soul ever groan as you watch them giving themselves up to wickedness and running down the broad road that leads to destruction? How much grief does a perishing world get from you?

And how much real labour do you devote to the world’s salvation? I dare say that many of you work very hard at your daily callings. But if you came home one evening, and found your neighbour’s house on fire, you would forget the toils and fatigues of the day and rush to the rescue of those in danger. And, no matter how you toil in other ways, you must be able to lend a hand to pull poor sinners out of the fire.

Then there is another equally practical question. How much money do you give to help to carry on the blessed work of salvation? If it were all added together, what would it amount to? If you were called to Heaven today, and the account of your actual givings to God was read out before the angels, would it make you blush for shame or rejoice with true joy?

Perhaps you are inwardly replying to my questions, ‘I have but poor gifts and very few precious things, and little money to give.’ Well, that may be quite true and yet, if you are making good use of what you have, that is all God asks.

So come along my comrades and let us begin the giving business once again.

First, let us give ourselves to God and then our loved ones – and then resolve to spend and to be spent according to our different abilities for the salvation of the world.

Salvationist 19 February 2022

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ICO TESTIMONIES

God’s way with me Three delegates from the 248th session at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development share their testimonies

CAPTAIN ALEJANDRO GALLARDO Sweden and Latvia Territory MY father is Chilean and my mother is Swedish. They met in Chile and were both serving as officers in The Salvation Army. Together with my three sisters and a foster brother, I grew up in a loving and caring family.

My grandmother moved in with us and became very important for my sisters and me. There were always people in our home. People in need, friends of the family and members of the corps. We always had cats, dogs, birds or mice – our home was crowded and noisy!

Growing up in Sweden, looking different, being different from others and having problems pronouncing the words right, caused bullying in school.

However, thanks to the love I always felt from my parents, it did not have a bad effect on my life. As a child my faith in Jesus was very strong and I knew I was loved.

Growing up and becoming a teenager I got new friends, played soccer and tried tobacco and alcohol.

Church was no longer relevant to me.

It was a period that lasted for a couple of years. Then some of my Christian friends invited me and my other friends to a Christian youth event. We entered the hall where I immediately

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Salvationist 19 February 2022

felt God’s presence and it took hold of my heart. I saw the joy in the other teenagers – a joy I did not have. What had I missed? My non-Christian friends left but I stayed.

I went to another meeting held at a sport arena; my father was there.

During the meeting I struggled with mixed feelings. I knew in my head that God was for real, but I also knew what I had been doing. I was not God’s perfect child. I was not worthy of his love. A thought went through my mind that God would never accept me.

Suddenly I saw my father and went to him. He hugged me, I felt his warmth and smelt the scent of his uniform and I suddenly heard another thought in my mind: ‘Alejandro, I love you.’ I started to cry and felt a wave of love go through my body. It released me totally. I was forgiven, free and loved by God. My encounter with God has lasted for more than 35 years.

Today I serve as an officer at Västerås Corps. The name of my session was Messengers of God’s Love, and I have learnt that love overcomes everything. It has been a pure joy to be a messenger of love to people in need and see how love changes everything. I am so thankful to my friends who invited me to that youth event.

MAJOR MARK WAGHORN United Kingdom and Ireland Territory AT a young age my sister and I were taken by my grandparents to Sunday school at a Baptist church, but I stopped going when I was seven.

From then I had no church connection until I was 13 years old.

A new music teacher, a Salvationist from Grays, started at my school.

Grays Corps had a rock band, Lightway, and when they were playing locally our music teacher invited children from school to go and see them. There were a few from school who would go each time, my older sister being one of them.

One weekend Lightway were playing in Maldon. My sister was going and, being an annoying younger brother, I invited myself along to see

what it was all about. That evening the Holy Spirit came into my life. I went to the mercy seat and gave my life over to God at the age of 13. From then on, Grays Corps became my spiritual home.

In August 1998 I was attending a youth work training session held at Shoeburyness Corps. The whole evening, God was saying to me: ‘I’m not calling you to do youth work, I am calling you to be a Salvation Army officer – and one day you will have a corps just like this one.’

I didn’t want to hear that. I was happy and content with my life. I was happy in work and loved my ministry as corps youth secretary, believing that was all that God wanted from me.

I didn’t want to leave what was known and dear to me. I didn’t want to leave my comfort zone. I was not academic – I had left school with very few qualifications. I lacked confidence in myself, I was shy and liked to hide in the background. I wasn’t from a Salvation Army family. I just wasn’t good enough. What would my family say? Why would God call me? I was terrified!

In November that year I gave in to God’s calling. I was commissioned as an officer in 2003 and appointed to Welwyn Garden City Corps, then to Shoeburyness in August 2008 – the corps where God had first called me to officership 10 years before. I have been at Belfast Citadel since 2015.

I never felt worthy or adequate for God’s calling upon my life. Yet, when I look back over the past 19 years of officership, it has been such an adventure and God’s blessings have been endless. I cannot do it in my own strength but, whatever I face, when I place it in God’s hands his faithfulness and mercy never fail and the Holy Spirit equips and empowers me for whatever God calls me to.

CAPTAIN SEOYOUNG YOO USA Eastern Territory AS the plane took off from Philadelphia to Heathrow, I burst into tears, asking God: ‘Why me? Why now?’ I had so much to care for back home, so flying to London – two of my absolute favourite things – felt so meaningless.

However, as the plane was reaching the sky of beautifully lit-up London, I felt this gentle reminder from God: ‘I am bringing you back to the place where you prayed, laughed, cried, overcame challenges, made lifelong friends, grew in faith, had realisations of my calling and started following me.

And you will see what my hands have brought you through.’

I might have needed that breather.

My husband and I were commissioned as Disciples of the Cross in 2014 and have been serving at Philadelphia Citadel Corps and Korean Corps since July last year. The joy in our ministry is people. I consider the people I meet in ministry to be family, regardless of their age, gender, nationality, race or background. They are my grandparents, parents, uncles and aunties, sisters and brothers, nephews and nieces.

My biological family was not very supportive about me being an officer, although they were Salvationists. My parents supported me to study English and for a degree in the UK and wished me to live a life of earthly abundance. Who would want their precious daughter to walk the way of

the cross when prosperity is almost guaranteed on the other way?

However, I broke their wish by meeting a boy who was a candidate, and we dreamt of serving God together. They could not agree with me meeting him or following the call to officership, so I was left alone at my wedding without any family members attending.

Life would have been a lonely journey without God, especially for the couple of times when I got so sick that I faced a life-or-death situation. Each time I prayed: ‘God, would you really take my life like this? People will laugh at how I wanted to follow you and all I got was death. Heal me and use me, Lord.’

I have significant markers in my life when I was so ill that all I could do was to surrender to God – during preparations for the wedding, pregnancy, the time at the college for officer training and my days as an officer. That built a total trust in God for his healing power.

There has never been a place where his hands have not led, healed, touched, restored or rescued me. God not only restored my relationship with my parents but gave me an evergrowing family with my beautiful children, Eugene and Euan. He is a healer, guide, provider, Saviour and Lord. I am not envious of those who hold the prosperity of the world, because I have abundant blessings from Heaven. I love you, God.

Salvationist 19 February 2022

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FEATURE I Care Kitbags

One bag at a time Pat Thorpe introduces Simon Hope to a fruitful community venture that anyone can get involved in

N

ELSON Mandela once said: ‘We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.’ While this is a lovely sentiment, the power to make a difference often feels far out of reach in everyday life. What can we really do? It is this very question that led a corps and community in Norwich to discover an exciting and fruitful ministry – the Care Kitbag.

Pat Thorpe and her husband, Richard, were drawn to Norwich Mile Cross Corps and became soldiers in 2017. Hailing from a Church of England background, they have long fostered a deep love for people. That care and compassion led to the birth of this fast-developing homelessness venture.

CARE KITBAG CHECKLIST

soap and shower gel

a flannel

deodorant

shampoo or dry shampoo

a toothbrush and toothpaste

sanitary towels

a brush or comb

tissues

breakfast bars or

sugar-free sweets a hat, scarf and gloves dark-coloured socks

underwear

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Salvationist 19 February 2022

It all started in the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, when Pat’s father, Maurice, was hospitalised following severe chest pains. While lying in A&E at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, he overheard another patient explaining to her doctor that she was experiencing homelessness. A true man of God, this touched Maurice deeply and he spoke of it often after he was discharged. He grappled with one question the most: what could the family practically do to make a difference?

The first step they took in figuring out a solution was prayer. This led to what Pat calls a ‘God-led idea’.

‘We thought, what if we could provide a bag of basic toiletries and things, which could be accessible at the hospital,’ she shares. ‘That way, if someone who was experiencing homelessness came in, they would at least have a bag of items to take out with them. And we could put in a message of hope, a prayer and a list of organisations that could help them.’

Thus, the Care Kitbag ministry began.

The new venture could only work if it was entirely community driven. The first hurdle to overcome was sourcing the bags themselves. Buying enough bags alone would have required an intense bout of fundraising, before even thinking about the items to go inside.

Thankfully, the Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers, alongside some particularly crafty members of the corps, came to the rescue.

By upcycling unused duvet covers, fabric scraps and

other odds and ends, they started producing a steady supply of drawstring bags.

The next step was to get the essential items to go inside. This is where the community had an opportunity to shine.

‘Everybody was so embracing of the idea,’ Pat enthuses. ‘The Women’s Institute (WI) are also running with it because they say it’s something they feel they can do.

‘We are very aware of the fact that these items cost money. When you start putting flannels, soap and toothbrushes in, it can add up. But you haven’t got to do it on your own. Some people team up to buy items together. And there’s no time limit, so some people get a bag and add the odd thing every now and then. The nice thing about it is that anyone can get involved.’

Some people even chip in by providing lots of one specific item. One corps member has a knitting group at her sheltered housing complex that focuses on making lots of hats and scarves to go in the bags. A member of the Norfolk Knitters and Stitchers is also donating her speciality craft: Kevin the Hedgehog.

The knitted critters are sold for £1 in the charity shop and all funds go towards filling kitbags.

Once the bags are full, it is time to give them out. Distribution first began at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

‘There was me floundering,’ Pat adds, ‘trying to find who I needed to get hold of and who I could talk to. But the chaplaincy is always a good place to

Kevin the Hedgehog

Buy a Bar project

We could provide a bag of basic toiletries and things, which could be accessible at the hospital start – they thought it was a great idea!

‘The big thing we went for is that the bags need to be accessible 24/7. We were so concerned that they’d be locked in somebody’s office. So the area we’ve got is accessible to the Red Cross, A&E and mental health services, which means the bags are ready for anybody who needs them.’

After setting up at the hospital, the ministry quickly expanded. Care Kitbags are now being given out through St Martins Housing Trust, Pathways, the YMCA and Shelter.

Over the Christmas period, the team again got thinking. Pat was struck with the harsh reality of Christmas without a home or family. ‘We took some bags to St Martins and asked what happens there at Christmas. The lady explained

Richard and Pat Thorpe

Snowmen how they try to give everybody a gift and we came away thinking that there must be something we could do. But it’s an expensive time of year; people already have presents to buy and everything’s gone up in price. We didn’t feel like we could ask for another load of bags.

‘That’s when we had another God-given idea: we called it Buy a Bar. We asked corps members and the WI to simply buy and wrap a 200g bar of chocolate and write a message of love on the front. I got back to St Martins and asked if 75 bars would be enough and they said it would not only cover both hostels but also the emergency bed hostel.

‘It’s something that people felt they could do. It cost less than £2 and showed people that we care. We don’t always know what to do, and we can’t change things by ourselves, but together we can make a little bit of a difference.’

In the end, the team took 147 bars of hand-wrapped and signed chocolate – weighing almost 30kg – to St Martins, delighting the staff and guests.

‘During the Covid-19 lockdowns, the Care Kitbags have given the corps and

Kitbags for St Martins friends an opportunity to care as they put these bags together,’ says corps officer Major Paul Robinson. ‘When people come to the corps for help, an immediate supply is available, enabling those in need to be supported.’

A member of the British Red Cross at the hospital spoke about an encounter they had: ‘A gentleman experiencing homelessness came in asking for help and a hot drink. I took his details and arranged hostel accommodation and he left with one of your bags. He was taken aback by what was in it. It’s really good to have been able to give him something “special”.’

Sadly, after igniting the spark of the ministry, Maurice was promoted to Glory on 6 October last year. But, by the power of his passion, concern and care, he leaves behind a beautiful lasting legacy that continues to make the world a better place, one bag at a time.

SIMON IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST Salvationist 19 February 2022

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Fix your eyes on Jesus Nicola Walmsley encourages us to lift our heads and look to God when times are tough

R

ECENTLY I’ve felt the need to remind myself to fix my eyes on Jesus. So many situations have arisen that have tugged at my heart and I have physically felt heartache. I’ve written about the heart in Salvationist before, with heartache being no stranger during extreme grief, but now I feel compelled to write about eyes.

God’s word encourages us to fix our eyes on him. The world would seek to distract us, vying for our attention and focusing our thoughts on things that can make us worry. Current affairs and personal circumstances can cause us stress and drain our stamina.

In 2 Chronicles 20 King Jehoshaphat calls out to God in prayer, when faced with the vast army of Moabites, Ammonites and Meunites who were advancing to wage war on him. He ends his prayer with: ‘We do not know what to do, but our

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eyes are on you’ (v12). I know the feeling of not knowing what to do, while also realising that prayer is the best thing to do. When everything around me seems like shifting sands, I have been reminding myself to keep my eyes on God, for he is faithful.

I know I am not alone in feeling like this, as I hear many heartbreaking stories when talking with friends, family, colleagues and customers at work. So many of them have experienced trouble and heartache during the Covid-19 pandemic. Life goes on and we still face trials of every kind.

Reading through the book of Psalms we see David crying out to God on many occasions, especially when faced with calamity – and he seems to have plenty of it!

In Psalm 25:15–18 he cries out for mercy: ‘My eyes are ever on the Lord, for only he will release my feet from the snare. Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish. Look on my affliction and my distress and take away all my sins.’

David was no stranger to heartache.

In one of his later psalms he says: ‘But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge’ (Psalm 141:8). Even through all his cries and outpouring of great anguish he admits he fixes his eyes upon God and finds refuge in him. We would do well to follow David’s example.

The apostle Paul also reminds us to look with the eyes of faith: ‘Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away,

Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up!

yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal’ (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up!

I love the photo (above) of my brother, Tim, looking heavenwards while sitting in his boat on the Murray River in Western Australia. It was taken about a month before he was suddenly promoted to Glory and reminds me to lift up my head and fix my eyes on Jesus.

Sometimes our human understanding gets in the way. When

confronted with trouble it is easy to see problems and impossibilities. But looking with the eyes of faith we are reminded who God is – and he is bigger than all the challenges we face. ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight’ (Proverbs 3:5 and 6).

Psalm 121 also reminds me to look upwards: ‘I lift up my eyes to the mountains – where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He will not let your foot slip – he who watches over you will not slumber’ (vv1–3).

In Psalm 77, after David pleads with God for help and cries out in his distress, he finally reminds himself of God’s miracles. Considering his mighty deeds, David admits: ‘What god is as great as our God?’ (v13).

I’ve been listening to a beautiful song

by Philippa Hanna called ‘You’re Still God’. The words are encouraging, reminding me to fix my eyes on Jesus, because he still reigns and he’s still God. Here are some of the lyrics:

When all foundations have been shaken, When I’m left standing in the dark, And all I feel is my heart breaking, You still reign and you’re still God… Though I can’t see what’s before me, I know that I can trust your heart, And this one truth will be my story: You still reign and you’re still God...

And when my enemies surround me I’ll trust the victory of your cross, And fix my eyes upon you, Jesus, For you are God and I am not.

You are good and you are faithful, As you have been from the start; You’re working all things for your glory, ’Cause you still reign and you’re still God.

May we not lose heart in all the challenges we face, but fix our eyes on Jesus, as we are encouraged to do in Hebrews 12:1–3: ‘And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.’

NICOLA IS COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-INFURNESS

God is bigger than all the challenges we face

Salvationist 19 February 2022

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BIBLE STUDY

Apest: The gift that keeps on giving Major Mark Herbert introduces the concept of fivefold ministry

EPHESIANS 4:11–13

T

HE word ‘Apest’ might be new to you. The acronym outlines a deep-rooted biblical principle we find in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians: ‘Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ’ (Ephesians 4:11–13).

QUESTION you read these verses, did you notice where ‘Apest’ came from?

O As

The South East Division has produced

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

by Major Jane Kimberley

an introductory video about Apest, which can be watched online at youtu.be/ ntex0r5SpoM. I quote from the video: ‘The picture the Bible gives for what the Church should look like is one that is alive, colourful and vibrant. In the New Testament, we’re told the Church is called to be one body: united, strong, together. At the same time, the Church, and the people who make it, aren’t called to be the same. We’re made, shaped and gifted differently, and bringing our different colours to the painting is what makes the Church come alive in abundant colour. The letter to the Ephesians tells us that this diversity is expressed in Apest.’

Over the next few Bible studies in Salvationist, each of these functions will be explored in more detail, but here is a brief outline:

Apostles: The darers, the risk-takers, the adventurers, the entrepreneurs; those who push the Church ahead to new frontiers. You will hear the apostles say, ‘Let’s do this.’

Prophets: The justice-seekers, the seers, the intuitive; those who understand where we are and can see where we’re heading and call us back to our purpose and destiny. You will hear the prophets say, ‘Don’t forget this.’

Evangelists: The relational, the communicators, the salespeople and the storytellers; those excited by the good news and who can’t wait to reach out to others with it. You will hear the evangelists ask, ‘Can I tell you this?’

Shepherds: The carers, the nurturers, the guides; those who welcome in the outsiders, gather in the saints, give good advice and a warm embrace. You will

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Blest be the tie that binds/ Our hearts in Christian love;/ The fellowship of kindred minds/ Is like to that above.

(SASB 812)

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.

(Acts 4:32)

Before our Father’s throne/ We pour our ardent prayers;/ Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,/ Our comforts and our cares.

(SASB 812)

Prayer

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Salvationist 19 February 2022

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me just as I am.

May your love shine through my life to others. Help me to discover the gifts you provide to build your Church.

hear the shepherds ask, ‘Are you OK with this?’

Teachers: The wise, the theologians, the philosophers; those who provide instruction and insight into the truths of God in the Scriptures and help us grow up into the disciples we’re called to be.

You will hear the teachers say, ‘This is what this means.’

As we consider how Apest can be embedded into our lives and ministry, we must keep in mind the truths that come from our study passage.

Jesus has given Apest to the Church.

The Greek word for ‘given’ is a defining word that describes an event that has an authentic and permanent meaning for faith. It is a turning point in our understanding of how we should serve.

Jesus equips his disciples to do his work. So, who among us are the

apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds or teachers?

As a follower of Christ, each of us needs to grasp how God has created us and where we fit. Every believer needs to discover – and then work to – their Christ-given strengths to build up the body of Christ, the Church. The word ‘equip’ could also mean ‘mend what is broken’. We need each other. If our corps are to be healed, restored and functioning well, then we need Apest.

Without Apest we do not fully mature in our faith and practice – considering what our personal role is helps us to mature. Such understanding involves taking hold of what Christ has given us and making ourselves available to serve.

Over the years, our Movement has seen the ministry of shepherds and teachers bless many people. Historically,

though, the Movement came into being and brought salvation to millions through the availability of apostles, prophets and evangelists. Is it time to identify the apostles, prophets and evangelists again?

QUESTIONS O Who are the apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds and teachers in your corps fellowship?

O Can you identify your own ministry?

Where does this ministry fit in your corps?

MAJOR HERBERT IS DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, SOUTH EAST

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’ ( John 13:34 and 35)

For I’m building a people of power/ And I’m making a people of praise/ That will move through this land by my Spirit/ And will glorify my precious name./ Build your Church, Lord, make us strong, Lord,/ Join our hearts, Lord, through your Son;/ Make us one, Lord, in your Body,/ In the Kingdom of your Son. (SASB 813)

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!

(Psalm 133:1)

God of grace and God of glory,/ On thy people pour thy power;/ Now fulfil thy Church’s story,/ Bring her bud to glorious flower./ Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,/ For the facing of this hour.

(SASB 814)

Salvationist 19 February 2022

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REVIEW

A useful Lent resource Major Cliff Allchin (Leeds Central) reviews Sharing the Easter Story by Sally Welch

A

S the search for good Lenten material continues, this book is a useful resource for any church or corps to add to their collection.

Sally Welch, a co-director of the Centre for Christian Pilgrimage, is a committed pilgrim. With this seven-week study she guides us on our pilgrimage, helping us uncover our own personal struggles. Beginning with repentance, she pilots us through forgiveness, hope, trust, sacrifice, love and change. Each weekly section is structured to include listening, understanding, reflection, living, telling, sharing and becoming.

The course is extremely well written, beautifully crafted and easy to follow, although I feel it is best suited for the more experienced follower of Christ than

one who has just begun their pathway.

Welch uses her many experiences from life as a parish priest and family days during Covid-19 lockdowns as the opening into different aspects of the Easter story for each week of Lent.

They read like a series of congruous magazine articles and through them we receive a guiding light for the different Bible texts she has chosen.

The book’s subheading is ‘From reading to living the gospel’. That teases us into an understanding of its purpose, although it reaches a surprising conclusion. The course includes many well-known and obvious texts, but there are some real left-field choices – none more so than the one for Easter Sunday, Mark 16:1–8, the original conclusion of the Gospel.

I have a couple of minor niggles with the course. First, it would not be a cheap course for a corps or church to follow. Second, the dates included for each day are for a specific year, 2022.

These niggles do not, though, detract from the wonderful teaching that will inspire, stretch and challenge those who choose this book for their Lent course.

You will be encouraged not just to read the book, but to live the lessons learnt. the Easter Story is available from sps-shop.com priced £7.99 (plus postage and packaging)

O Sharing

PREVIEWS

On Retreat with Henri Nouwen

by Chris Pritchett and Marjorie Thompson

T

O mark the 25th anniversary of the death of Henri Nouwen, one of the most beloved spiritual writers of contemporary times, this retreat companion offers a guide for spiritual transformation and growth based on Nouwen’s own writings and experience. Nouwen’s own spiritual journey, marked by a restless quest and yearning for an experience of the divine, led him down paths familiar to many spiritual seekers today. The questions he wrestled with are the same that speak to our own hearts: Who am I? Who is God? How do I know God loves me? Where is God when suffering surrounds me? How can I find interior peace in anxious, troubled times?

On Retreat with Henri Nouwen provides a retreat experience for individuals and churches seeking to renew their purpose and self-understanding. It offers connections to contemporary life, points for reflection, prayer pauses for contemplation and prompts for engaging in one’s own spiritual quest, whatever shape it may take.

Seeing Differently

by Simon Cocksedge, Samuel Double and Nicholas Alan Worssam

T

HIS book brings together the stories of St Francis – his preaching to birds, rejection of wealth, caring for lepers, befriending of animals and living simply, his poetry and hymnody in praise of creation that is still sung today – and the influential writings and examples of Franciscans who have followed him, and draws them into conversation with contemporary concerns for the planet.

It gathers 800 years of accumulated wisdom and practical examples of how Franciscans have found ways to live at home and at peace with creation. It explores that long tradition and experience to ask what lessons can be drawn for today to challenge and enable readers to revisit their own relationship with creation.

Differently is available from sps-shop. com priced £13.99 (plus postage and packing)

O Seeing

Retreat with Henri Nouwen is available from sps-shop.com priced £10.99 (plus postage and packing)

O On

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Salvationist 19 February 2022

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

Daring to sing

Major John Waters continues a series of reflections on classic prayers

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

Learning to serve L

AST week we considered a prayer from Ignatius of Loyola.

A second prayer of his is, I would guess, rather better known. It is also a series of aspirations; each line is provocative and challenging and cannot be addressed to God without serious thought.

Dearest Lord, Teach me to be generous; Teach me to serve thee as thou deservest; To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to heed the wounds, To toil and not to seek for rest, To labour and not to seek for any reward Save that of knowing that I do thy will.

The final five lines to some extent define the third – what it means to serve God. Service to God is to be found in the service of those with whom we have to do. What does it mean to serve God as he deserves to be served in the light of all he has done for us in Christ Jesus?

To do so is to be unselfish in that service, to be less worried than we often are about its recognition by others and to be unconcerned with its demands.

We may think that this is a prayer for perfection and perhaps, in its entirety, it is not often answered.

But it is what it suggests – an aspiration. And if we were to bear it

in mind in every relevant situation we would find that the requests may be fulfilled when our will is set to follow the way of the Lord.

As with much of our spiritual development, we do not start by looking at the whole canvas of life in its generality but at the particular occasion in which we find ourselves, whether that be a single act or an engagement over a prolonged period of time.

The former was the trap into which Charlie Brown of Peanuts fame fell, saying, ‘I love mankind – it’s people I can’t stand!’ But this prayer can only be answered in meeting with the particularities of our lives; an encounter with a person or the challenge of a single event. It is in these immediate concerns that faith is exercised, challenged and strengthened.

The words of John Gowans are most apposite, for many have found his thoughts to be borne out by personal experience of divine expectation and of grace received to meet it: ‘Don’t assume you cannot give what he’ll demand/…

For he gives to those who ask his grace for every task’ (SASB 490).

Loyola, I am sure, would have said amen to that.

MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR

How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?

(Psalm 137:4)

I

N Babylon we find the children of Israel asking how they can still sing about God as captives in a place totally alien to them.

Their captors demanded, ‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’ (v3). Obviously they found this very difficult to do as they pined for their homeland, longing to be free.

There are Christians today who face a similar situation every day, mixing with people who are strangers to God’s principles, sometimes in an alien atmosphere. Still the Lord’s song has to be sung when it is asked for.

Those who live a sheltered spiritual life can sometimes find it difficult to maintain their standards when they are taken out of that environment. This is when the Lord’s song must be sung. ‘If all were easy, if all were bright,/ Where would the cross be, and where the fight?/ But in the hardness, God gives to you/ Chances of proving that you are true’ (SASB 691).

Those captives were eventually freed and they sang praises to God for their deliverance.

It takes courage to sing the Lord’s song, but if it is not sung then that strange land could become a permanent prison. Many who have wandered away from God find themselves in that situation, captive to vices and unable to escape. If only they would sing the Lord’s song, the song of their spiritual homeland.

Today Christians are captive in a world that is lowering God’s standards, a world where speaking out or complaining can lead to persecution and even prosecution.

The Lord’s song needs to be sung even louder. ‘Dare to be a Daniel,/ Dare to stand alone,/ Dare to have a purpose firm,/ And dare to make it known’ (SASB 521).

Salvationist 19 February 2022

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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance at the time.

PONTYPOOL Corps officer Captain Andrew Warriner welcomed Sandra Warburton as an adherent. Sandra testified that she accepted Jesus as her Saviour as a child and decided to link up with The Salvation Army because of her neighbour, Kath Adkins. Sandra is pictured with Captains Andrew and Lorraine Warriner. – AW

HAVERHILL Jane Bean was welcomed as an adherent. A Christian for many years, her first experience of The Salvation Army was at the age of five when she heard a band playing on the beach near Liverpool. Jane loved the music and has been drawn to the Army ever since. She attended the corps Cameo group before the Covid-19 pandemic. When Sunday meetings were able to restart, she was invited along by her friend, Phoebe. The corps was delighted to welcome her into the family. Jane chose the song ‘I Serve a Risen Saviour’ to express her faith and trust in God. She is pictured with corps leader Territorial Envoy Alison Day. – AD

RUGBY Pauline Beasley was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Anne Myers.

Pauline has been attending the corps with her husband and mother for a few years and became involved with the parent-and-toddler group, Christmas present appeal, songsters, band and prayer group. Her love for Jesus and encouraging spirit are a great influence in the corps. – GJ

SHAW On Covenant Sunday the corps had the privilege of welcoming Alan Ingham, Judith Taylor and Althea Jackson as adherents. Alan was associated with the corps in his YP band days, Judith was associated with The Salvation Army through her grandmother and Althea was introduced to the corps by a long-standing friend. All three are regular attendees and have taken on corps work whenever they can. They are pictured with corps officers Majors Nigel and Sue Tansley, who conducted the service.

Holding the flag is Corps Treasurer Alan Taylor. – DC

SUNDERLAND CITADEL Florence Flett attended the corps as a teenager.

When she met her husband, they moved to a new spiritual home within the Methodist Church, where they remained for many years. However, when their church closed, and following her husband’s promotion to Glory, Florence felt God was calling her back to her roots. She was welcomed back into the corps family on Covenant Sunday and was enrolled as a soldier by divisional mission enablers Majors Carrie and Philip James. They are pictured with Hereward Hanson, Home League Secretary Sheila Morgan and Corps Sergeant-Major Valerie Sinclair. – JJ

20

Salvationist 19 February 2022

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 4 April O Lieut-Colonel Nigel Schultz, Secretary for Business Administration, Southern Africa Territory O Lieut-Colonel Judith Schultz, Secretary for Spiritual Life Development, Southern Africa Territory Effective 22 April O Majors Gail and Peter White, Clydebank Effective 1 July O Major Mark Rose, Divisional Commander, North London O Major Lindy Rose, Divisional Leader for Leader Development, North London Effective 14 July O Major Pam Pitt, Assistant Divisional Commander, East of England O Major Janet Robson, Assistant Divisional Commander, East Scotland O Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer, Territorial Candidates Directors, William Booth College O Captain Althea Bawden, Assistant Principal, William Booth College Effective 1 October O Major Paul Billard, Divisional Commander, Severn and Somerset O Major Gillian Billard, Divisional Leader for Leader Development, Severn and Somerset

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Liberia, Tue 15 Feb – Mon 21 O Mozambique, Tue 1 Mar – Mon 7 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O South Asia virtual zonal conference, Mon 21 Feb – Wed 23 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Sunderland Monkwearmouth, Sat 26 Feb – Sun 27 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Northampton, Sat 26 Feb – Sun 27* *Colonel Jenine Main only

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O Deputy Child Protection Officer Janine Jacobs, Ipswich Citadel WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Majors Mary and Robert Johnson (26 February) DEDICATED TO GOD Seth, son of Lieutenants Josh and Vikki Herbert, at Winchester by Lieutenant Stephanie White O Jonah, son of Adele and Thomas Barker, at Clowne by Major Elaine Holder O Lilia Paige Ann and Jamie Logan Edward, children of Jess Strudwick and Luke Grant, at Woking by Major Margaret House O

RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS O Lieut-Colonel Raymond Oakley (85 on 28 February) O Major James Brown (90 on 2 March) O Colonel David Napier (90 on 2 March) O Major Fay Lewis (85 on 3 March) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Brian Sharp, Basingstoke O David Stevenson, Newcastle City Temple O Diane Clark, Newcastle City Temple O Rosalie Cooper, St Helens, on 27 January O David Alston, Sale, on 27 January O Major Raymond Bates from his home in Romford on 4 February O Major David Cozens from his home in Lincoln on 5 February O Major Doreen Hobson from Villa Adastra care home on 6 February O Major Pearl Thomas from Grange University Hospital on 7 February BEREAVED O Susan Turrill, Basingstoke, and Debbie Williams, Norwich Mile Cross, of their father Brian Sharp, Keith Sharp, Aberdeen Citadel, and Ruth Wood, Basingstoke, of their brother O Heather Richardson, Newcastle City Temple, of her father David Stevenson O Bill Clark, Newcastle City Temple, of his daughter Diane Clark O Wendy Gover, St Helens, and Major Paul Cooper, Cottenham, of their mother Rosalie Cooper

Major Conny Vogler, Burton-onTrent, of her father Erich Vogler O Captain Heather Alston, Rayleigh, of her father David Alston O Jessie Stock of her husband David Stock, Major Judith Nkounkou, IHQ, and Nigel Stock of their father O Major Dawn Bates of her husband Major Raymond Bates O Major Kay Cozens of her husband Major David Cozens, Captain Mark Cozens, Batley, of his father O Stephen Hobson, Bradford Orchard, of his mother Major Doreen Hobson, Major Mildred Crookes of her sister O Major Gethin Thomas of his wife Major Pearl Thomas, Bethan Kakande, Gateshead, and Cerys Cotterill, Lewisham, of their mother O

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 February O Major David Chadwick out of Southampton Shirley in 1980 and last appointment Personnel Service, THQ O Major Anne Myers out of Cwmbran in 1978 and last appointment Rugby O Major Kathryn Stirling (née Ward) out of Dundee Central in 1985 and last appointment WBC ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES DEREK CUMMINGS, KIRKCALDY DEREK had a great love for music, which gave him opportunities to serve the Lord in his own way. He was a quiet man and was very intelligent, articulate and thoughtful, always concerned about others, while having many health problems.

For many years Derek faithfully attended the Army, playing piano for all occasions, including Sunday services and home league singers and over-60s events. He is greatly missed and, like all true soldiers of Christ, leaves a big footprint that only God can fill. – DA Salvationist 19 February 2022

21

ADVERTS SOUTHEND CITADEL 42 Clarence Street Saturday 12 March 7pm

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS IN CONCERT Tickets: gallery £12 and ground floor £10 both reserved (refundable if cancelled due to Covid-19) For tickets or other information email southend2022issvisit@btinternet.com or telephone Keith on 01702 585323 Sunday morning meeting 10.30am. Afternoon concert 3pm. Free

TADLEY Mulfords Hill RG26 3LJ Calling all former bandsmen, bandswomen, songsters and soldiers of Tadley Saturday 9, Sunday 10 July

125th CORPS ANNIVERSARY Led by Majors Claire and Jamie Hill

MORE FROM MY HEADMASTER’S STUDY

We are forming a reunion band and songsters to take part.

Rehearsals on Saturday afternoon 9 July. If you would like to be part of this then please email stewart.madden@ salvationarmy.org.uk or call 0118 9815013

The first booklet of sermons by Matthew Cammish, From My Headmaster’s Study, was hugely successful, requiring many reprints.

A sequel is now available free of charge.

Email martinrobins@btinternet.com for a copy.

Looking to adopt a novel approach to Lent?

Look no further than the latest publication from Shield Books, A Lent Journal.

Dedicated to the six-week period that symbolises Jesus’ time in the wilderness, the book features 40 entries to inspire your time with God from Ash Wednesday up until Easter and features: O Popular

hymns, such as ‘At The Name of Jesus’ linked Bible verses O Suggested Gospel readings to help you delve deeper O Space to add your own artwork or reflections O Thematically

Offering a succinct snapshot of Scripture and worship songs, A Lent Journal can easily slot into your devotional time. Give it a go and re-energise your routine.

Buy your copy of A Lent Journal today from sps-shop.com/books for £5 (plus postage and packaging).

22

Salvationist 19 February 2022

TO LET

ADVERTS

AUDIO CONTENT EDITOR TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS, LONDON SE1

An exciting new opportunity is available for someone who wants to influence communications and mission both internally and externally for The Salvation Army.

The audio content editor will create and co-ordinate audio content for a new website (salvationist.org.uk) as well as oversee the day-to-day running of a Salvation Army online radio station.

Fernbank Street, Glasgow G22 6BD

WORKING HOURS Minimum 35 hours per week

Saturday 26 February 2pm

CONTRACT

25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time); a contributory pension scheme; an The successful candidate will help to realise the potential of employee assistance audio content for The Salvation Army and also oversee the development of an online radio station within the new website. programme Audio content is becoming increasingly important to the Salvationist community, with faith podcasts and online worship becoming a part of daily Christian life.

Working with teams across the organisation, the audio CLOSING DATE content editor will support territorial communications Monday 28 February strategies and campaigns by producing content that appeals INTERVIEW DATE to Salvationists of different ages and backgrounds.

To be confirmed This position is based at Territorial Headquarters at 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN, however flexible working is available.

The audio content editor will answer directly to the online content editor and also to the assistant secretary for communications (internal).

Messages of appreciation by email to westscotland@ salvationarmy.org.uk or by mail to West Scotland DHQ, 4 Buchanan Court, Stepps G33 6HZ

EXETER TEMPLE Friars’ Walk Sunday 6 March 3.30pm

TEMPLE PRAISE Followed by refreshments

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK and DBS/PVG disclosure. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

ADVERTISING RATES ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events UP TO 15 WORDS

VALEDICTORY SERVICE

Exeter Temple Band, Songsters and soloists

If you wish to help The Salvation Army further its digital footprint across the UK, Ireland and beyond, this exciting missional opportunity could be just what you are looking for.

NUMBER OF WEEKS

SPRINGBURN

SALARY £32,557 per annum

Launching in spring 2022, salvationist.org.uk will be the Permanent position go-to digital platform for people linked to The Salvation Army.

The site will also offer devotions, articles, news and resources. DETAILS

While the role has no direct reports, the audio content editor will lead a team of passionate volunteers and will also liaise closely with a range of Salvation Army units and leaders to ensure broad coverage of Army mission activities.

MAJORCA Beautiful, well-equipped apartment. Two double bedrooms (sleeps two to six). Walk-in shower, second toilet. Near seafront, amenities. Large balcony, lovely view, quiet area. Competitive prices. Email carol@ckendall.co.uk or tel 07308 506064.

16 – 25 WORDS

26 – 35 WORDS

1

£6.40

£9.00

£11.60

3

£15.45

£21.70

£27.80

Extra words over 35 – 26p per word

Park at ‘Cathedral and Quay’ EX1 1DE Exit at the top and turn right

MGS works professionally providing O COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION MGS works with relationships and other life experiences MGS is confidential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events 16 – 25 WORDS

£9.00

£12.50

26 – 35 WORDS £14.00

3

£22.50

£31.25

£35.00

Extra words over 35 – 30p per word

ANSWERS TO QUIZZES (PAGE 24)

BOXED ADVERTISEMENTS: Single column – 32.5 mm (w) Double column – 69.5 mm (w) SINGLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES

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PAGE ADVERTISEMENTS: Quarter page – 127mm (h) X 88 mm (w) Half page – 127 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) Full page – 258 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) SIZE

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ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

Who am I? 1. Jonah 2. Miriam 3. Joseph 4. Abraham 5. Hosea 6. Zadok 7. Abigail 8. Goliath 9. Jesse 10. Melchizedek 11. Sarah 12. Gideon

SINGLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

SIZE

Bible maths Numbers in parentheses show the result of each calculation

UP TO 15 WORDS

1

1. 8+84 (92) 2. 10 (102) 3. 12x12 (246) 4. 7 (239) 5. 6x6. Square root = 6 (233) 6. 10 (223) 7. 40x30, 10 (343) 8. 40 (303) 9. 7x13 (394) 10. 18 (412) 11. Salvation

NUMBER OF WEEKS

Salvationist 19 February 2022

23

Quiz…

BIBLE CHALLENGES

by Garry D Reed Picture: Fa Barboza / Unsplash

BIBLE MATHS How many days old was Jesus when presented at the Temple?

Add this to the age of Anna the prophet.

Both are in Luke 2.

1

2

Add the number of lepers mentioned in Luke 17.

Add the total of this calculation: the number of apostles (see Matthew 10) multiplied by the number of sons of Jacob (see Genesis 35).

3

4

Subtract the number of churches in Revelation 2 and 3.

Subtract the square root of this 5 calculation: the day on which ‘all the creatures that move along the ground’ were created (see Genesis 1) multiplied by the number of stone water jars at the wedding at Cana (see John 2).

Subtract the number of Egyptian

6 plagues (see Exodus 7–11).

Multiply the number of years that

7 King David reigned by his age

when he was crowned (see 2 Samuel 5).

Divide this answer by the number of commandments God gave to Moses.

Add the result to your running total.

Subtract the number of years the 8 Israelites wandered in the wilderness (see Joshua 5).

Multiply the number of times Naaman, commander of the Syrian army, immersed himself in the River Jordan (see 2 Kings 5) by the total number of times the priests marched around Jericho (see Joshua 6). Add this to your current total.

9

WHO AM I? Identify these Old Testament characters from the clues A prophet with a book of the Bible named after him. His name means ‘dove’. Michael Hurd composed a popular musical about him called _____-Man Jazz. He had a whale of a time.

1

A prophet who, for a while, had leprosy. As a child she helped her mother hide her baby brother, Moses.

During the Exodus she sang to the Israelites after Pharaoh’s army was destroyed in the Sea of Reeds.

2

Jacob and Rachel’s first son. In Genesis 37 we might well read about his watery, sinking feeling. He was successively a wealthy farmer’s son, incarcerated, a slave, a servant, a prisoner and a government minister.

3

Regarded as the founder of the Jewish nation, revered by Muslims and Christians. He grew up in the prosperous town of Ur in Mesopotamia.

He was married to Sarah and his nephew was Lot.

4

A prophet who denounced the

Add the number of people killed 10 when the tower in Siloam fell on them (See Luke 13).

Your total should be a three-digit number. The hundreds digit is the chapter in Acts; the tens and units give the verse. What is the significant first word of this verse in the New International Version and the Good News Bible? (It is the fourth word in the King James Version and the Revised Standard Version.)

11

5 Israelites for their idolatry but

showed that God loved them nonetheless. His name means ‘he saves’. A Gowans and Larsson musical is named after him.

He was joint high priest in King David’s reign and crowned Solomon as the next king of Israel. In 1727 Handel composed an anthem for King George II with this priest’s name, and it has been sung at the coronation of every British monarch since.

6

This woman saved her husband,

7 Nabal, from King David’s fury. After Nabal’s death she married David. On one occasion she cooked 200 cakes of pressed figs. Her name featured in a 1977 Mike Leigh play, _____’s Party.

A Philistine who stood about 3m tall. His name means ‘soothsayer’ or ‘exile’. An anagram of his name, ‘goal hit’, is appropriate as during his last battle he was hit in the forehead.

8

The grandson of Ruth and Boaz.

His name means ‘king’ or ‘God’s gift’. He was a wealthy resident of Bethlehem and was father of David, the future king of Israel.

9

One of the Bible’s most mysterious people, he is reported as being ‘without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life’ (Hebrews 7:3). He was king of Salem (Jerusalem), a priest and he blessed Abraham.

10

A woman whose husband was also her half-brother. Add an additional ‘a’ to her name and you get an anagram of a desert. In old age she became the mother of Isaac.

11

Originally with little self-confidence, this man followed heavenly guidance with signs of a wet, then dry, fleece to encourage him to lead his warriors. A Christian association takes his name – they are most recognised for distributing Bibles free of charge.

12

O Answers on page 23