Salvationist 19 may 2012

SALVATIONIST ESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMY www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 19 May 2012 No 1347 Price 60p

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PAPERS War Cry y THE

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Est 1879

No 7065

FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS

19 May 2012

THE LIGHT HAS COME THE WAIT IS OVER writes NIGEL BOVEY THE Olympic flame is coming to a street near you. Starting today (Saturday 19 May) at Land’s End, an army of runners will carry the torch the length and breadth of the UK. While on its travels, it will be within viewing distance of 95 per cent of the population.

Ignited by the sun’s rays in Olympia, the flame will burn continuously throughout the four-yearly Turn to page 3

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Q LISSA HERMANS TALKS ABOUT HER DIAMOND JUBILEE SINGLE

Q JOIN IN WITH NATIONAL SMILE MONTH Q WWAKD? WHAT WOULD ALIVE KIDS DO? Q PICK OUT PATCH – WHICH PAGE WILL HE BE ON? Q GET WRITING WITH CREATIVE CORNER

Q WHAT’S THE ATTRACTION OF THE RECORDBREAKING PICTURE ‘THE SCREAM’?

Q THE OLYMPICS ARE GETTING CLOSER

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS NO MONEY FOR OLD POPE, SAY FLAT HUNTERS

Germany: The Pope’s former flat has left prospective tenants unexcited.

The home has been offered for rent in an advert including Pope Benedict’s phone book entry, which confirms he lived there from 1959 to 1963. But unlike his old Volkswagen car, which recently sold for £130,000, the threebedroom property in Bonn has failed to spark a bidding war.

Metro

PLANTING THE FAITH

A garden created as an aid to catechesis is one of the many ideas mentioned in a new booklet for Christian gardeners.

The author of Gardening For God… suggests a special bed with appropriate plants to ‘assist the teaching of points in the catechism’. For instance, a bed for the ‘Fruits of the Holy Spirit’ has the vine or turnip to represent charity, crocus for joy, rose for peace, leek for patience and so forth… the planting includes hemlock to represent death and devil’s bite for Hell.

From Notebook in The Tablet

THE GOD FACTOR

PULLING UP FOR A PRAYER

Tulisa claims to have found God. ‘I needed some sense in my life so reconnected with my faith,’ she says.

A new ‘drive-thru’ service in Florida offers customers something different from car washes and burgers: prayer…

Volunteers from a Pentecostal church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, have been on its forecourt… offering to pray with people who pull over…

The pastor of the Christian Life Centre, Sol Levy, told the Associated Press that many of those who called in had never been to church and were often ‘at the end of their rope’…

Mr Levy said… the aim was still to get people to come to church ‘and have a relationship with Jesus’.

From The Green Room in Metro

Church Times

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101 SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson Tel: 020 7367 4894 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter Tel: 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza Tel: 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael Tel: 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino Tel: 020 7367 4881 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

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19 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

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COMMENT

Whose mind is stayed on thee I The coat of arms of Archbishop Vincent Nichols – as mentioned in the Comment

NEWS Pages 4 – 9 & 19

FinlandandEstoniaEasternEuropeUKT North-WesternHalifaxPaisleyPrescotHorden TunbridgeWellsKidderminsterStanford-le-Hope SouthandMidWalesYorkshireMiddleEast HoveSouthseaBurnleyCoventryCityHarpenden BelfastTempleLeadgateWintonHartlepool HawickHytheWrexhamNewbiggin-by-the-Sea

AM indebted to Commissioner Paul du Plessis for kindly drawing my attention to Dementia Awareness Week. So too to my colleagues Majors Jane Kimberley and Bruce Tulloch for the excellent material on pages 12, 13 and 24.

Dementia – and its truly frightening bedfellow Alzheimer’s disease – cannot, by definition, possibly make for easy or amusing reading.

Those illnesses, with their mercilessly cold, relentless grip, leave nothing cheerful in their icy wake. They reach, like bindweed strangling that which is beautiful in a garden, way beyond the ‘mere’ disturbance of brain patterns and deterioration of normal thought processes, to – piece by piece – disrupt and dismantle lives, families and relationships.

There is a horrible, haunting sadness about the onset and progress of dementia.

Frankly, it can come to resemble a living death, claiming multiple victims and inflicting lasting emotional scars.

There remains, though – even in the face of odds that can appear overwhelming – the underpinning steadfastness of the astonishing truth that ‘love never fails’ (see 1 Corinthians 13).

I once emailed the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster, the Most Rev Vincent Nichols – we share a birthday, incidentally – inviting him to tell me his favourite verse of Scripture. He graciously responded with his Episcopal motto: Fortis ut mors dilectio, meaning ‘Love is as strong as death’, taken from Song of Songs 8:6 and 7: ‘Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away’ (NIV).

I have rarely been so struck by such a beautifully resilient collection of words.

This, for me, is when love gets iron-tough, cast in the furnace of devotion – when caring for a loved one whose mental faculties are waning means attempting to help that person with menial tasks that, once upon a time, they could have managed with ease, while wanting for them all the dignity in the world; handling one who remains cherished and respected with the intimate care afforded a baby, yet remembering the achievements of that person’s life.

All this, often, against a heartbreaking, chilling backdrop of a partial or complete lack of recognition and the reluctant acceptance of the fact that having a proper conversation with one’s beloved ever again is unlikely.

Working on the balancing act known as the art of being strong but gentle is no mean undertaking, yet it is exactly what is called for, even – or perhaps especially – when there is little or no hope of comfort save that of knowing Archbishop Nichols’ motto is utterly reliable. It might, at times, be all there is – but it is enough.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

LETTERS

FEATURE

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Page 10

Advising an Army

Army people, engagements and tributes

Page 14

ALOVE UPDATE

Pages 18 & 19

Moulded for ministry

BIBLE STUDY

Page 11

Confronting the powerful

ADVERTS

Page 15

Pages 20 – 23

FEATURE

Understanding dementia

NEW COMMITMENTS

Pages 12 & 13

Pages 16 & 17

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SALVATIONIST 19 May 2012

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NEWS General’s visit brings challenge Finland and Estonia THE visit of General Linda Bond to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, was marked by times of influence and inspiration. A day spent with delegates to the Nordic Leadership Development Institute was followed by a public meeting attended by Salvationists from across the country.

The Nordic Leadership Development Institute gave a week’s training to Salvation Army officers from Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia and Romania. The General spoke to delegates about leadership and

Salvation Army standpoints on many important topics. Responding to questions from the officers, the General provided information regarding doctrinal issues, the importance of prayer in work

and in personal life, discipline in spiritual life and carrying out the duties of an officer.

In the evening meeting at Tallinn United Methodist church, Salvationists from all

The General shares in practical and spiritual ministry Eastern Europe FROM muddy village roads to Spiritfilled meetings, General Linda Bond experienced the breadth of Salvation Army ministry during her visit to Moldova.

Meetings took as their theme the international vision – One Army, One Mission, One Message – and Moldovan Salvationists grasped the opportunity to celebrate being part of the global Salvation Army.

The visit commenced on Friday with officers councils and a dinner meeting with the Territorial Executive leaders. On Saturday morning the General – accompanied by territorial leaders Colonels Kenneth and Paula Johnson – visited the village of Cucuruzeni, that day’s location for the Army’s mobile medical clinic, which has operated in Moldova for 13 years.

The project provides free medical care to residents of remote villages. The Mayor (Petru Cocerva) and Dr Nikolai Caraman, who works in the mobile clinic, met the General.

Before touring the clinic, the General gave a Bible message to 200 patients. She reminded them that God works through the hands of earthly physicians.

Afterwards, she spoke to doctors and patients, including an elderly deaf woman who had received a hearing aid from The Salvation Army.

The Mayor thanked the General for the outstanding work of the Army in Moldovan villages and then escorted her to the homes of two families. The General had to cross a muddy road to reach the people, but it was worth it to see the joy of a disabled man who received a wheelchair from the Army.

General Bond is pictured with the Mayor (right), the territorial leaders (back) and villagers.

The General enrolled 12 senior soldiers and 25 junior soldiers during the soldiers rally in the afternoon, which began with a traditional Moldovan welcome of bread and salt. The General shared that soldiership is not about being a member of a corps – it is much, much more. She described soldiership

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as ‘radical discipleship’ and told the new senior soldiers that it will cost them a lot – all their time and each of their tomorrows – to be radical disciples.

The Sunday morning holiness meeting included a powerful call from the General for people to lead holy lives. She challenged her listeners to have a personal relationship with the Lord, to be eager to be holy, to believe it is possible to be holy and to be ready to dedicate their lives totally to the Lord. It was a time of worship and dedication, with 20 seekers kneeling at the mercy seat.

During Sunday lunch the General met cadets of the Disciples of the Cross Session. She encouraged them and staff from the territory’s Institute for Officer Training to know and live the doctrine of Jesus so that they will be able to communicate Christ unashamedly.

On Sunday evening the General participated in a question-and-answer session at a crowded and loud young adult fellowship. The General shared from her heart, talking about key issues of Salvation Army doctrine and policies. She spoke about her calling and her daily schedule, and answered questions about Salvation Army distinctives.

The General pleaded with the young people not to go away from the Lord. This, she explained, will come at great personal cost but it will lead to new life in Christ. – S. S.

Estonia corps came to listen to the General and share in fellowship. The congregation included around twenty men from Hope House, the Salvation Army rehabilitation centre in Tallinn. God has performed great miracles in the lives of these men. They have experienced God’s love as they have been helped and cared for by the Army. As a result of this transformation, many want to serve God and their neighbours as Salvation Army soldiers.

The meeting was led by territorial leaders Commissioners Dick and Vibeke Krommenhoek and Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Arja Laukkanen.

Olav Pärnamets, Senior Pastor of the Tallinn United Methodist Church, gave the opening prayer and prayed especially for the General and the work of The Salvation Army. He praised God that his mother was led to faith by an Estonian Salvationist 78 years ago.

In response to her welcome by Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek, the General spoke about her pleasure in visiting Estonia and the country’s reputation as people who gain strength when they gather together to sing. The theme of song was continued in skilful singing by the host church’s Credo-Allika Choir.

After Envoy Inge Ojala-Pihlaja testified, Anneli and Evelyn Aavik sang a beautiful duet before the General gave her Bible message.

She challenged Salvationists – and all Christians – to follow Jesus and do his will in their lives. At the end of her message the General invited people to the mercy seat. Many knelt at the altar or stood in front of it, seeking the face of God and showing a willingness to serve him.

After the meeting the General took the opportunity to personally greet people. – A. M.

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NEWS UKT COMMISSIONERS André and Silvia Cox were warmly welcomed as the new leaders of the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland in a meeting led by Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton at THQ. The tone was set for the theme of the meeting when a band led

by Kevin Ashman (Music Ministries Unit) played ‘Be Thou My Vision’. The Chief Secretary spoke about ‘the cycle of the year moving on within God’s plan and purpose for The Salvation Army’. Alluding to having said farewell to Commissioners John and Betty Matear just a few days earlier, Colonel Hinton bade the new leaders welcome, confident that change is a hallmark of ‘a dynamic, living Movement’.

Executive Secretary Colonel Sylvia Hinton prayed for the new territorial leaders, asking the Lord to help them, and The Salvation Army, to remember the importance of seeking first the Kingdom of God. Helen Robinson (Director, Employment Services) shared words of hope and vision, reminding everyone that The Salvation Army must always be motivated by the love of Christ. She then outlined her ideas of what she would like to see from territorial leadership: ‘Vision and passion – not afraid to take new risks, safe in the knowledge of God’s provision.’

Communications Secretary Lieut-Colonel Marion Drew,

PICTURES: Brent Forrest

A warm welcome

representing the Cabinet, greeted the commissioners as ‘God’s people’. The colonel remarked on how much officers and employees at THQ had appreci-

ated the commissioners taking the opportunity to ‘go walkabout’ during their first few days on the building, meeting and greeting people.

The Territorial Commander (pictured left) shared Psalm 32, explaining that he and Commissioner Silvia Cox (below) already felt very much at home.

‘We never look back,’ he said, referring to Army service on different continents and stressed the fact that the Lord had chosen them and appointed them to this territory. Quoting Jeremiah 1:7, the TC emphasised his confidence of being in the right place at the right time.

The Territorial President of Women’s Ministries brought a message based on the same psalm, clearly explaining that people’s status as Salvationists and Christians is based upon

having their sins forgiven. Only then, she explained, could they share the message of forgiveness with others and claim God’s promises in their lives. She highlighted the importance of Bible reading and prayer.

It was abundantly evident that Commissioners André and Silvia Cox are joyous people who love God, their family and The Salvation Army. A great deal of humour filtered through the meeting and Commissioner Silvia Cox made it clear that forgiven people should be rejoicing people.

Photographs of the commissioners’ family were brought up on a screen before Ira Thomas (piano, MMU) once again led the congregation in heartfelt worship. The TC closed the meeting with words of benediction. – S. J. P.

faithfulness during highs and lows in her life. In his message, Divisional Youth Officer Ryan Parkin encouraged delegates to find the passion that drives them and use it so that they become more like Christ as they participate in mission. People responded by writing these passions down on large pieces of paper rolled out across the hall.

The afternoon was packed with choices of seminars and workshops including a twoon-two football cage, art and music.

In Exploring Mission, Lieutenant Laura McLean (Liverpool Walton) challenged young people to take up the many vocational mission opportunities available. Exploring Faith – facilitated by Berri and Callum McKenna (Ellesmere Port) – provided space for delegates to ask, and try to answer, some of life’s hard questions.

After a tea of hamburgers, hotdogs and doughnuts, delegates gathered for the final session, featuring a performance from the divisional S3 youth choir. During his message, Territorial Envoy Craig Gaudion (Liverpool Stoneycroft) asked: ‘Why even bother doing what we’re doing?’ and implored young people not to get caught up in the motions of serving God, but to remember the reason for mission.

After the response time the meeting ended on a high with an impromptu conga-style glory march. – C. M.

Young people encouraged to find passion that drives them North-Western ‘JUST start by telling God you love him,’ instructed worship leader Matt Leeder (Carus, Chelmsford) to more than 130 young people and leaders gathered at Liverpool Walton for divisional youth councils.

The weekend, themed Boundless: Mission And Worship, started with a workshop for worship bands. Throughout the workshop Matt encouraged delegates to think beyond the musical role of worship leaders and the young people were excited about opportunities to put into practice what they had learnt.

On Saturday evening a new initiative, an 18 to 30s gathering, was incredibly successful as dozens of young adults gathered together to chat, worship and eat pizza. For some it had been a long time since they had attended an Army event, and for others it was their first.

The main programme commenced with worship on Sunday morning. Many were moved by inspiringly honest testimonies from Cadet Rebecca Zünd and from Emma Jeffries (Moreton) who testified to God’s

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Halifax: A coffee morning raised more than £220 for The Salvation Army’s overseas drought relief work. Rachel Marshall and a team of volunteers provided tea, coffee and biscuits in addition to cakes, sweets and fancy goods. – L. H.

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NEEDED 11 MAY

NEWS One hundred years young

Commissioner encourages international vision Paisley COMMISSIONER William Cochrane (IHQ) conducted the 130th corps anniversary celebrations, which began with a celebration meal for more than 70 people. During his epilogue, the commissioner reminded the congregation of the message about the commencement of Army work in Paisley that reached London 130 years ago.

The commissioner conducted Sunday worship, supported by YP and senior music sections.

Fiona Wilson, a newly enrolled soldier, opened the meeting in prayer. During the meeting corps folk were invited to build an Ebenezer by placing a stone on a cairn, with each stone representing something they wanted to thank God for.

In his address, Commissioner Cochrane referred to the various times that William Booth visited Paisley and the number of people who turned out to hear him. His challenging address reminded the congregation of the international vision and mission priorities of One Army, One Mission, One Message and encouraged the corps folk to continue to adopt those priorities.

The picture shows Commissioner Cochrane with two of the oldest soldiers and many new corps members. – M. L.

Kidderminster Jam clubs share an evening praise celebration following the prizegiving

Saturday night café Horden THE corps held a Saturday Café Night where the young people took orders and served food and drink to the rest of the corps folk.

The newly formed guitar group provided entertainment, with the youngest member, Kati Joe Russell, performing a vocal solo. Two younger members of the singing group, Harry Campbell and Amelia Swan, charmed the audience with their singing of ‘The Wiggly Waggly Worm’ A quiz caused a lot of laughter and a singalong was greatly enjoyed at the end of the evening. – M. S.

Quiz Night guests at Stanford-le-Hope help raise £135 for corps funds

Children from Prescot ParentAnd-Toddler Group arrive at the park after a sponsored toddle and pram push, raising more than £260 for the Army’s Growing Hope helping-hand scheme

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Tunbridge Wells A CAPACITY audience attended an evening of music to commemorate the 100th birthday of Mrs Lieut-Colonel Eileen Thomas. The surprise event – organised by members of the colonel’s family – was supported by the South London Fellowship Band, with special guests Nigel Parrington (Salvation Army Housing Association), Major James Williams (THQ) and divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels Anthony and Gillian Cotterill.

The band provided a varied programme, starting with the rousing march ‘The Witness’ in recognition of the session from which Mrs Lieut-Colonel Thomas was commissioned in 1934. This was followed by ‘Songs Of The Morning’ and ‘I’ll Walk With God’.

The band also presented a strong repertoire of solo items, including ‘Zelda’ (Daryl Scholes, cornet), Mozart’s ‘Fourth Horn Concerto’ (Roger Gadsden, tenor horn) and ‘Ransomed’ (Ken BonsorWard, euphonium) – all of which were well received.

Vocal items included soloist Les Swift with ‘You Raise Me Up’ and band songs ‘Sound The Battle Cry’ and ‘Rock Of Ages’, which brought particular blessing.

Roger Gadsden presented the Bible reading and discussed how much the world has changed over the past 100 years but reminded everyone that God is the same yesterday, today and for ever.

Nigel and Major Williams presented a tribute with extended words of congratulations on behalf of the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Barry Swanson) and the Territorial Commander.

Lieut-Colonel Thomas gave humbling words of thanks and expressed her joy at how much God had blessed her life.

An appeal, made by Major Williams in aid of residents of Sunset Lodge and Charles Court, raised £770 through the collection.

– C. H.

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NEWS Captain David Womersley (Abertillery) and Major David WIse (Williamstown) perform the sketch ‘Over The Garden Wall’

Hundreds join Highway Of Hope

South and Mid Wales GROWING Hope was the theme for the division’s adult and family ministries rally held at the Princess Royal Theatre, Port Talbot.

Guest Major Catherine Wyles (West Scotland DHQ) blessed rallygoers with her ministry through word, drama and song.

The 325 members of the congregation watched a presentation that highlighted the help and support Salvation Army International Development (UK) gives to small-scale, rural farmers through the FARM project. A helping-hand stall and a collection raised £700 for the project.

Prayers were led by Llanelli Men’s Fellowship and Williamstown Home League, who reminded everyone of God’s greatness.

Guest pianist Karl Westwood played Schubert’s ‘Impromptu In G Major’ and ‘For His Love Remains The Same’, a beautiful piece from the musical Hosea.

The President’s Award was presented to Cameo member Joyce Duckfield (Nantymoel) and Cwmbran’s newly formed timbrel group delighted the gathering with their display to ‘Follow’.

Two Essential trainees, Andy Pocock and Ben Askew, along with Major Kim Wilson (Abergavenny) brought a music item and reminded folk that God is an awesome God. – M. E. Picture courtesy of The Argus, Newsquest Sussex

Yorkshire THE Mayor of Scarborough (Councillor John Blackburn) joined nearly 500 adult and family ministry members at The Spa, Scarborough, for the annual rally, themed Highway Of Hope.

Divisional leaders LieutColonels Bill and Gill Heeley led two sessions based on the helping-hand project. Guests Lieut-Colonels Peter and Sylvia Dalziel presented a repertoire of music and brought the word of God to an attentive crowd and Major Howarth (East Midlands DHQ) sang two items.

Yorkshire Fellowship Band provided music and groups from Castleford and Bradford Citadel led prayers.

Pictured are Major Ann Radford (DHQ), Major David Howarth, Lieut-Colonels Sylvia and Peter Dalziel and LieutColonels Gill and Bill Heeley.

– A. R.

Farm hands

Bandmaster Brian Carter teaches the Mayor of Brighton and Hove (Councillor Anne Meadows) to play the cornet during Hove corps anniversary weekend when members of the community were invited to Come And See

Sheikh receives yearbook Middle East HIS Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, a member of the Abu Dhabi ruling family, invited Assistant Regional Officer Major Mark Bearcroft to a majlis – a traditional Arab meeting. The occasion gave opportunity to meet other guests and members of the ruling family.

The major spoke to the sheikh about The Salvation Army and presented him with a copy of The Salvation Army Year Book. – A. R.

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Army’s Titanic involvement discussed Southsea STEPHEN SHAW (Southampton Sholing), a former shipbuilder in Southampton, enthralled Cameo members with a talk about RMS Titanic. Stephen dressed in White Star Line uniform (see picture) and displayed many images of the ship. On 27 April 1912, two weeks after the tragedy, The War Cry published an article entitled ‘The Salvation Army and the Titanic’. This reported the disaster, naming the Salvationists on board and those who were lost. One of the survivors was Elizabeth Nye of Folkestone Corps who became Mrs Colonel Elizabeth Darby. When news of the disaster came through, The Salvation Army stepped in to organise food, insurance payouts and pastoral visits to seamen’s families, most of whom lived in Southampton. Bramwell Booth encouraged everyone to pray and General William Booth and Evangeline Booth both sent messages of support and prayer. Booth House, the Army Lifehouse in Southampton, was originally The Seamen’s Mission where many of the ship’s crew resided.

In a touching moment, Stephen reminded everyone of how the musicians on board continued to play ‘Nearer My God To Thee’ as the ship sank. – T. M. Woodhouse: Captains Dawn and Gary Lacey (Sacriston and Sanctuary 21, Durham) led a Spirit-filled prayer weekend. On Saturday church members joined with the corps for teaching on intercessory prayer, particularly for the community. On Sunday many people responded, some publicly, to the message from Acts 12. – D. G.

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NEWS Weekend rally attracts large congregation Southsea LIEUT-COLONELS Peter and Brenda Ward led adult and family ministries weekend meetings, which began with a rally on Saturday, when many home league and Cameo members took part.

Guest vocalists from Gosport, Elaine Carter and Jo Warren offered a duet and the home league singers (pictured) sang ‘Loving World’ and ‘Friendship Song’. Seven churches and corps were represented in the congregation. In her address, Lieut-Colonel Ward said everyone is the apple of God’s eye, in which they are loved and protected. The rally concluded with afternoon tea.

Sunday morning worship, themed The Vine And The Branches, began with the congregational song ‘All Creatures Of Our God And King’. The singing company sang ‘Hallelujah, Salvation And Glory’ and the YP band played ‘Deep And Wide’. Flo Cann and Pat Hawley sang ‘Help Me To Make A Difference’ and Julie Bradbury gave a personal and encouraging testimony.

In the evening worship, Margaret Hardyman gave her testimony after which the songsters contributed ‘You Are The Light’. In her address, LieutColonel Ward gave the challenge: ‘Are our lives as good on the inside as they appear on the outside?’ The weekend concluded with the congregational song ‘God Of Grace And Glory’. – T. M.

The Blu Crew fundraising team provides a spectacular evening of music at Burnley raising £600 for Pendleside Hospice and Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice

Coventry City Songsters attend a retreat at Nettle Hill Christian Conference Centre; Cadet Leanne Wallis shared two sessions using innovative worship and teaching methods

Salvo Brass visit raises funds Members of Belfast Temple knitting and crochet group present their handiwork to Pamela McCambley (fourth from left) from Sleeping Angels, a group that provides tiny items of clothing and blankets for premature and stillborn babies

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Harpenden AT the packed St George’s School Chapel, Salvo Brass presented a range of music including ‘Time To Say Goodbye’, ‘Exeter Temple’ and ‘Seize The Day’. Numerous solos and duets were included in the programme. The ensemble was supported by the chapel’s chamber choir.

More than £600 was raised for the corps building project. – R. W.

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NEWS Alive to tell the story Leadgate THE music and drama group presented its eleventh religious musical, Alive To Tell The Story – a tale told by Bible character Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, which incorporates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.

All seats were sold out for both nights of the production and Lazarus (played by Ken James) asked the audience which character they identified with. The audience were told that whoever they identified with, the story could speak hope into their hearts.

Throughout the 12 years of the group’s existence, many audiences have been moved by their productions, resulting in several people joining the group and attending the corps. – D. P.

Uplifting weekend with youth chorus Hawick ‘ENJOYABLE’ and ‘uplifting’ were two of the comments from corps members after a visit from the East Scotland Divisional Youth Chorus for a Saturday evening cabaret.

The opening number, ‘Church On Fire’ set the tone for the weekend and compère Lieutenant Gavin Friday (DHQ) quickly built up a rapport with the audience, resulting in much laughter and banter.

Solo items added to the musical feast.

The chorus returned to lead worship on Sunday and volunteers doubled the size of the corps band for the day. The singers demonstrated their versatility with thoughtful arrangements of ‘Grace Alone’

Music festival aids summer mission Winton SOUTHERN Divisional Youth Band presented a music festival supported by soloists Alex Ramsay (cornet, Govan) and Ross Mercer (vocal, Boscombe), raising £1,000 for a summer mission to Ukraine.

and ‘Somebody Prayed For Me’.

Chris and Naomi Kelly led the meetings and brought reassurance of God’s perfect strength and the challenge to surrender everything to Jesus.

– S. T.

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Alex played ‘Concerto For Trumpet’ and ‘Don’t Doubt Him Now’ and Ross sang ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘I’ll Walk With God’.

The youth band opened the evening with ‘Ein Feste Burg’ and concluded the programme with ‘Camp Happyland’.

Deputy Bandmaster David Ramsay originated the mission to Ukraine 16 years ago, in what is now a biennial ministry. In the summer, 35 volunteers from various corps will arrange three children’s events in Vasilkov, Donetsk and Simferopol and will renovate a Salvation Army centre near Kiev. – G. M.

Hythe corps officer Captain Phil Layton poses with his medal after completing the London Marathon in 4 hours and 17 minutes, raising £2,500 for The Salvation Army

Corps looks to the future to mark anniversary Hartlepool THE seventh corps anniversary, marking the merging of Hartlepool Temple and Hartlepool Citadel, included the dedication of a new flag with the prayer that the symbolism of its yellow, red and blue would continue to bear witness in the town. Corps officer Major Pauline Ingram and CSM John Poxon held the flag as guest leader for the anniversary meeting, Major Stephen Poxon (THQ), prayed God’s blessing on the corps for many years to come.

A number of visitors helped to swell the congregation as an atmosphere of faith and optimism prevailed.

After a period of some uncertainty, the corps is now looking to God to lead them into a new chapter of work and outreach.

The picture shows Major Poxon cutting the cake with No 1 on the roll, Connie Fothergill. – A. R.

A Welsh celebration Wrexham THE corps hosted a praise evening entitled A North Wales Celebration.

The songsters from Connah’s Quay (pictured) and Rhyl and a combined band from Coedpoeth and Rhosllanerchrugog joined the host music sections, while Mold provided a dramatic Scripture presentation. Majors Mike and Lynn Highton (North-Western DHQ) compèred the evening and a collection raised £230 for Salvation Army International Development (UK). – C. D.

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LETTERS

Q We need a national day of prayer IN 1942, King George VI called for a National Day of Prayer. Britain faced dark times that year with enemy bombing raids on our cities at night, especially London. We also had food rationing and general shortages.

Fortunately, by that time, the Battle of Britain had been won and we no longer faced the threat of invasion. However, our Forces were really up against it with an enemy who was greater in number than us and much better equipped.

During my teenage years I lived with my stepfather, who was the vicar of Christ Church in Chesham, Buckinghamshire.

On the Sunday morning of that National Day of Prayer, the church was packed, with people standing at the back. My stepfather took the great Bible, from the brass eagle lectern, into the pulpit and read out the first verse of Psalm 46, ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble’, going on to verse 10, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’.

I remember seeing newspapers and cinema newsreels the following week

showing pictures of churches all over the country crowded out with people.

Something very remarkable also happened that year. There was an amazing, abundant harvest; this was especially welcome when our seaborne supplies were under the most severe attack from enemy U-boats. Then, not very long after that, came the wonderful news of the defeat of Rommel’s Afrika Korps, at El Alamein, with hundreds of enemy soldiers surrendering to General Montgomery’s 8th Army (also known as ‘The Desert Rats’). Winston Churchill declared then that, as far as the war was concerned, it was ‘the end of the beginning’.

Seventy years on, a considerable number of people in this country face hard times and financial difficulties. There is high unemployment and an uncertain future for a great many of our population, not to mention the national debt!

Would it not be good if, during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, we had a National Day of Prayer? Imagine people flocking to a place of worship on the appointed day instead of going to the shops or car boot sales!

History tells us that when people pray, when they really pray, then things happen!

George Twitchen, Major, Norwich

Q Let’s go digging!

WITH reference to the letter in Salvationist (3 March) featuring the re-engraved Victorian penny depicting a Salvation Army officer, which I mentioned in my recent Treasure Hunting magazine article, ‘Coin And Token Finds’, I write to say that about ten years ago I made contact with The Salvation Army.

I suggested that if the Army would allow a detector search of land it owned at Hadleigh, Essex, finds of Salvation Army-related coins, tokens and artefacts would almost certainly come to light; and that – as is common practice in the hobby – finds would be shared with the permission giver.

At the time I failed to interest anyone in my proposal, but I’m now hoping that the photograph in Salvationist of the

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19 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

re-engraved penny has sparked some enthusiasm.

The accompanying images show another find of a type that I can almost guarantee will come out of the ground around the Hadleigh site. It’s a token used to pay people who worked there.

Many Salvation Army badges, as well as those ‘Free cup of tea and a bun’ tokens Army officers used to hand out in the East End circa 1880-1920 must have been lost at Hadleigh.

Let’s find them together!

I can be contacted via email (fletchnews@btinternet.com).

Ted Fletcher, Purley

Q Spiritual people bring blessings WE have just received the 28 April edition of Salvationist and, as I always do, I commence by reading the editorial, which is always so informative, down to earth and inspiring. I wish to thank you for comments particularly in respect of the Matears.

We were stationed in West London when John Matear was commissioned as an officer and we recall him representing his session in the valedictory speech and my husband and I said to each other: ‘Here is a man who is going to go far!’ Then to our delight the Matears were appointed to our division and we found them to be totally dedicated and, yes, that ‘tender heart’ was noticeable then already. Holiness of life seemed to be not just a motto but certainly a way of life with them. I salute, with you, a couple who have certainly touched the lives of many for good.

I also wish to pay tribute to the first Kenyan to become territorial commander for his territory – Commissioner Joshua Ngugi OF, who was promoted to Glory at the beginning of this month. When we served in East Africa, we used to visit him and share our concerns for the territory. We always came away thoroughly blessed, having been in his presence. What a perfect gentleman! But more than that, a man indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

I shall ever be grateful for the fact that our paths crossed those of the Matears and Commissioner Ngugi. They have enriched our lives! My husband joins me in sending best wishes to Commissioners John and Betty Matear as they continue to serve the Lord in Nottingham.

Barendina de Vos, Colonel, South Africa

Q Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

ALOVE UPDATE

Moulded for ministry Past and present trainees share how ALOVE’s Candidate Essential programme helped, and is helping, prepare them for ministry

Lieutenant Laura McLean, associate officer, Liverpool Walton LIEUTENANT McLean is in her first year of officership. She reflects on how ALOVE’s Candidate Essential programme helped her step out and trust God for her future: ‘Having grown up in the Army, I had many people tell me I would be an officer. This is something I always denied would happen but in October 2004 God called me to officership. I just knew it was right.

‘I had a long journey to William Booth College, really struggling to know when the right time was to enter training. I heard about the Candidate stream of Essential, which would provide me with an opportunity before college to experience leadership and learn from experienced officers. God taught me so much.

‘Placed at Nottingham Arnold under the leadership of the corps officers, I was involved in a variety of aspects of corps life – from helping with toddlers attending children’s club to working in, helping renovate and, at times, running the charity shop. I also had the opportunity to lead worship, preach, participate in a funeral, carry out visitation and be part of the leadership team in order to find out what officer ministry was really like.

‘The year boosted my confidence, stretching and challenging me in a safe environment. A spiritual mentor supported me, encouraging and offering feedback, which was vital in helping me on my

‘As a child I had an “I can’t do it” attitude; I still have those moments now, but I have learnt that God never sets me a task I can’t do when I rely fully on him. I know there will be many more challenges to face, but I also know officership is God’s plan for my life and I trust in him for the future. The most important lesson I have learnt is to trust God and listen for his leading.’

Matthew Stone, Bristol Citadel MATTHEW is a Candidate Essential2 at Bristol Citadel. He shares his calling to officership and the leadership lessons he has learnt: ‘From very early on during my Essential1 gap year, God was guiding my steps towards Candidate Essential.

Throughout my Essential1 placement at Staines, I was left in no doubt about what I needed to do and continued discovering what it was God wanted for me.

‘During my two years on Essential, I have never had an opportunity to be bored – there has always been something to do or somewhere to be. Since being in Bristol, I’ve experienced a lot more of the corps officer’s role and been exposed to far more of the behind-the-scenes work, including administration and personnel. I have had the opportunity to lead and preach in many different corps meetings, special occasions and even different countries – although that isn’t strictly part of the course!

‘The community element of this placement – coming alongside the community and helping people in their moment of need – has been truly enjoyable.

‘I’ve learnt a lot. I’ve been able to see other people’s leadership in a variety of situations and then been able to consider and discuss what happened, what could have happened and what I might have done. I’ve been able to look at my own gifts, qualities and abilities and see how I can use them.’ Q

‘The most important lesson I have learnt is to trust God and listen for his leading’

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

journey towards WBC. Such preparation for future ministry allowed me to “access officership” before becoming an officer and I was able to see the associated joys and frustrations.

‘Looking back on my first year of officership, I can see how incredibly helpful it was to gain insights and experiences of how different corps function – from the small inner-city corps I grew up in to Arnold’s cell church. I had no previous understanding of cell church, but it is something I am now passionate about and which has influenced and impacted my ministry. In my first year I have been able to implement a youth cell, working alongside the vision that the youth already had.

Candidate Essential is a special track of the Essential gap year programme run in partnership with the Candidates Unit and ALOVE. Designed for young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who want to explore their calling to officership, it provides the opportunity to serve at an Army placement working alongside corps officers and gain valuable experience and preparation for spiritual leadership. To find out more, contact ALOVE by email (alove@ salvationarmy.org.uk) or telephone 020 7367 4555.

SALVATIONIST 19 May 2012

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ge d i l r A e l l uci L v e y to r R t s e i h n i t d m n ke o s t a h y g i e l l r e a e i t b m n o e m i s m K d e e yd an she J b p l r d e o j e h t a c o M ffe bt a b e o r a C s e e in and Ela hose whose liv t

ce, said: ‘The level en er nf co 12 20 tia en em speech to the D ockingly low… In less sh THE Prime Minister, in a is tia en m de of s es ing and awaren h a million. So my ac of diagnosis, understand re ill w tia en m de ith w mber of people than ten years… the nu e national crisis it is.’ th e lik is th at tre to t go e’ve argument today is that w

ember struggle to rem e er things they w e ? bl mes ra tia na , cu en in mber of about to do What is dem s. la term for a nu om el cent pt br re d m um of sy re ti d an ils ta is re an and de ge, a id s of signs Dementia rl nd A ki e e ill it m c at sa u th e L e th v n leave ing unawar The Re events. This ca t and conditions shar lis emory but are ia m c e s e p ct or s fe m af ty is it zzled, ili it b pu ow me know them feeling Most people kn learning disa in for gin la l functions. So p be ta a n en h ca c m it r d. e n te he ar im ot ita le -t irr art ed to upset or mpromises may be surpris an honorary p use HS Trust, co N over-65s, but h in lt a on e m H It may also ca m l co ta n mber of nu ing infancy. up a r ud in cl ve Sandwell Me y in co ilit – e to ab ag them at any cognitive dementia ressive loss of withdraw ible to recall og ss by pr po a es lti im is e cu or er ffi speaks about lt di Th difficu g ople. . This makes it , use reasonin and avoiding pe dge and skills being underental functions le m le ow op ith kn w pe in to pe ta co re ad men le d d n de an an e ca n e A ag tio us , TI st tra or es id EN In m DEM experienc cluded. Po ntain concen ex ai d m , an d ills ve sk com lo ng be olvi ds and appreciated, un significant and and problem-s . e families, frien ns av io s le at n on the tu iti ca si of r g nd e in ilia fferent co d this understand to make sens previously fam a number of di a Christian, I fin of s by As ere rn ed g.

Th tte . us lin pa tly ca gg d is en a ru an ptoms to make carers st independ Dementia d ration. The sym g it. Some y calling is to try an in ne M us . ds ge in le ca ar e de s w ab n ad to ai pt on m iti br ce ve is unac beha causing everyone on the cond ve g . in lie ly be nd t ow I pe sl e an e de us un or vary ress m behaviour and difference beca brain change and others prog of n ds tio lt ra rio . cu rio pe od ffi t te G di en de rmitt increasingly the image of of discovery, result in rapid and others inte many journeys entia er to manage regular decline si , ow ea ow e sh kn ar e I have been on e new world dem to m t m So ge cur ovement. So me how to oc pr eve ht at im nt ug th d ta ce s an re ge ve n g io an ha llin reca which stabilisat people with The brain ch to , lt. te te cu la ua ffi re ct di d ma e flu s an s or m ant to symptom people. Patient empathise with and others are the signs and ht me that if I w d ug e. an ta in v e s cl ha tim ha de be s er d us od be serio mfort zone they live an dementia. G accumulate ov ress, al outcome will outside my co og tu io go pr en ev to of ev Pr If e . rn ed . th es rs tte ne I liv the pa of their connect, even though e shoes of othe ible to predict grouped le to t walking in th nd what gh it is not poss ge that can be ta ou an rs th ch de becomes unab Al and learn abou of un es to k ur or at e w fe t ag st on us m al m ay m e fin w yd , e co tion has stage and manage ever we are to help there are som tia. This convic rly stage, mid en ea m as o de m to ith e d p w ag rre lo e to deve At this st it is like to liv together, refe s that opportunities on up iti ng nd de ki tia d co ta e en an e ar m m ed e de e ther distress resulted in dementia. people with atment. portant becaus ion ing, listening to . leviated with tre diagnosis is im al es rly nc be everyday situat Ea n rie insight by read ca pe d ex ch te hi ed ac w at d of ul e an m m si ly n in so us ge , al g tia ken serio ofession As brain de mimic demen and participatin ed through pr ga tia should be ta in in en lp ga m he e l de ar n, op of ts tio e pe gh en tiv d interv plinary final stage, Signs indica Additional insi rly diagnosis an ion, multidisci ea ct re e fle at re su ic d en un an nt to m n y ne to com on quickl observatio t and from perti ality of life. into their is d discernmen sional lly has insight to maintain qu es ua of on us sense of what rs pr pe on by discussion an rs d te pe l and genera imp dementia, a nces, suppor y it e rie or d ag pe fin st em le ex m rly al op ea rm on pe te In pers shortm lties including . They might at risk of beco cognitive difficu training. attention span

Elaine Cobb, Direct or of Older People’ s Services, THQ, explains what’s ha ppening for people with dementia in Salvation Army ca re homes

fulfilling this role (co ntact Associate Te rritorial Chaplainc Officer Major Gillia y n Tribble on 020 73 67 4879 or Elaine 020 7367 4878 fo on r more details). Ch aplains receive tra ALZHEIMER’S So including end of life ini ciety statistics ind ng ca re an d leading worship icate that two third dementia live in th with dementia. Th for people s of people with e community and e ho m e m an ager supports the a third in care hom cent of residents in the spiritual prog chaplain es where 65 per are likely to have ramme who, toge a form of dementia ther with clergy fro All 16 Salvation Ar ot he r de . nominations, leads m my care homes ar prayers and worsh e registered for de and 3 have desig residents are invite ip to which mentia care nated units for pe d.

Th is ye ar at The Salvatio ople in the more ad dementia. Staff ar Services Confere n Army Social vanced stages of e trained using th nce delegates we e Jackie Pool Asso re introduced to th System – a recogn Sc rip ture Union books ciates ProActive e ised tool that focu Words Of Peace, ses on understan its impact on daily Words Of Faith an Words Of Hope – ding the disease, living and how be d de vo tional material spec st to communicate A staff member fro communicate with ifically designed to with the resident. m each home rece pe op le with dementia. ives the initial traini a dementia cham Knowing the back ng and becomes pion who in turn tra ground of a residen ins others. Training live television mon t is crucial in prov go od , appropriate care is received via a thly broadcast thro iding . ugh which staff qu via phone-ins. Th Ea ch resident has a life estion an expert e training is produc history book, helpi ed by the Christia Care Channel and understand more ng staff to n company Aged is recorded on DV about a person’s D so that all staff, life and this is a us staff, can benefit. co mmunication aid. including night eful This training highli At one home, sta ghts care needs inc care. ff noticed that a re with dementia kept luding spiritual sident removing an umbr ella from a stand, Where there is a ch which she prompt aplain at a home, ly sta rte d to unfold and th residents, family m staff have someo to understand this, en fold up. Trying embers and ne who is suppor they discovered sh tive to them and to needs. Unfortuna e had worked at an um brella factory and their spiritual tely, some homes refolding the umbr do not have a chap People’s Services ella was somethin remembered and lain and Older would welcome int g she could still do to pe erest from lay Salva rfe ct ion. This connectio wi th th e pa tionists in st was particularly n helpful to her durin anxiety or confusio g times of n. Q

wing

increasingly difficulties are ntia, cognitive on struggles n deterioration eable as a pers dementia, brai rs such live to le me more notic ab reflex behaviou ss le clude cause loss of them and is ill w ing and may in nd ov ou m ar d ey ld an th or ng ay ew pi w e ee sl th . in g, es seizur changes as swallowin usual velopment of e are likely to be may show in un ousness and de ci ch hi ns w co rs un he ot rs? d relate to ges make it nds and care ds. These chan families, frie e on ds ng en ct ra fri st pa ticipated moo d e im an th e ily ith that fam al to cope w What about th ern. lties often so slight nc e cu ffi ar co for the individu r di s e fo ge e ar an e us er ch ca em as no is stage, th Early stage th th In er id s s. ns te gn si g ea co n in cr or is a cogn them, age whe d times and re do not notice ring the mid st du re e he bl e w ea es d tic Th an . ents, places an no e t al ar os vidu Dementia is m know who they ual for the indi ay struggle to may seem unus an earlier era s friends as they in d g om in pt an liv s m e sy ilie ar d m ey an hard for fa on lly rs na pe io ve as though th e ot rtful when they th em d e it an d and find hu changes ar ills are lost ha sk ey nt th ated ar or p le hi y ills sl ns sk ou living relatio eone else or tre miss the past care and daily taken for som is m , ed is gn o perform selfreco are no longer risks. coming . be er of ng ra er st ng with the person a da as in with ilies are faced m pe fa co ost people are e, to ag rs st ou al nse In the fin tive behavi d try to make se evelop maladap the end of life an g d in an ar g ne tin to us in ns. is can be exha s accumulate of dementia. Th h feelings they ses and change ility ab r ei they go throug th neration increa as se g lo in to lm y el re he lik w e er ar ov tia ake Studies into ca le with demen able to share. ersation and m nv un el o co fe to in e ay ge ar m ga gs hen feelin most coherently, en es show that w ring this stage tic du a t ac in er pr po e gg e tri ar m n d said. At so with they ca n reflection an difficult to cope tions gnise their ow ss. In le st re d t unhelpful reac possible to reco an l ed ra cle of natu bu e , disorientat cy th ed ds us ar nf w co e to , ag st ity ming lo in negativ e of final st g as in at ph in g lm in cu os cl the

can result individual. This nships in sound relatio use of the ca be g in fractur comfortable un powerful and ered by the emotions trigg entia brings. changes dem ord, help My prayer is: ‘L y in every or gl me to see your Q person I meet.’

site re b e W sa e e c r u h reso ed on t w e i ge v a e p r back

FEATURE

Advising an Army Major Philippa Smale spends time with the Territorial Advisory Council

R

EPRESENTING nearly every division, 21 members of the UK Territorial Advisory Council met for three days in April to deliberate and enjoy fellowship.

Chairperson Stuart Bate (North-Western) says: ‘The council provides a unique resource to the territory, acting as a sounding board for the views of lay Salvationists. Its purpose is to consider topics relevant to the UK Territory and offer recommendations to territorial leadership.

‘Previous TAC weekends have focused on Personnel, Communications, Business and Finance and Programme. A key element of recent weekends has been the presence of those department heads and we have been able to offer a lay Salvationist perspective on topics such as officer moves, the Army’s response to the Big Society and ethical donations.’

Members are drawn from a wide range of age, experience and Army service and their occupations include teachers, IT specialists, Army employees, a legal secretary and a pharmacist.

Divisional commanders nominate three possible candidates to become members of the council and the Territorial Commander selects one of them. The usual term of membership is four years (eight meetings) although that is not a hard-and-fast rule. Stuart is in his fifth year, this being his second meeting as chair.

The TAC has a steering group and is

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19 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

supported by Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Colonel Sylvia Hinton (THQ liaison officer) and council secretary Major Jill Miller.

The prevailing attitude of members is that it is a privilege to be on the council.

They feel that they make a difference and this infuses their deliberations with energy.

Vascular scientist Julia Mapstone (South and Mid Wales) was attending her first TAC. She said: ‘Sometimes territorial decisions seem to be remote from corps life. The council gives us the opportunity to understand how decisions are made and we can also feedback on how those decisions are working – or not – at corps level.’

Kevin Hopton (Northern) said TAC is an opportunity for information to ‘travel upwards from grassroots level and downwards from leadership level’.

On the Friday evening, Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton gave an update on recommendations made at the last TAC, then handed over to Territorial Evangelism Secretary Major Drew McCombe.

This latest gathering of the TAC focused on the Programme Service. The major gave an overview of the service’s operation before introducing the first topic for discussion – Rediscovering Ancient Rhythms For Mission. He raised the issue of how the Army is declining in the territory, asking the council to consider three areas: factors working against or hindering spiritual life within The Salvation Army; investment needed to sustain spiritual life within corps and centres; changes that could be made to sustain, resource, train and release spiritual life leading to effective mission.

On Saturday, after a time of worship, TAC members split into

groups to discuss these topics in depth.

A feedback session followed, where groups presented recommendations to be put before the TC. Major Heather Poxon (THQ) gave a presentation on the department she heads: Salvation Army International Development (UK). She began by saying she needed advice, so where better to go than to an advisory council! Her concern was raising the profile of community development (in developing countries) in UK corps and centres and she made available many of the resources produced

by SAID (UK) for TAC members to study.

Again there was time for discussion and feedback, and the major addressed areas of concern.

The last official part of the Saturday programme was a five-minute presentation

by Stephen Wray (Ireland). He addressed the issue of whether the Army’s leadership style is autocratic or democratic. These presentations are an opportunity to make suggestions concerning areas for future discussion.

On Sunday morning the TAC met for the final presentation. Major Anne Read (Anti-Trafficking Response Co-ordinator, THQ) spoke about how fair trade makes a difference to people in danger of being trafficked and exploited.

Her areas of concern were: What are the barriers preventing The Salvation Army embracing fair trade willingly, wholeheartedly and joyfully and how can those barriers be removed? What would be the impact on The Salvation Army’s reputation if we fully embraced fair trade and what would be the impact if we did not? How should the prayer ‘Your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’ impact our shopping?

After feedback and the presentation of recommendations there was a lively discussion on shopping and the effect that buying fairly traded goods might have on the way people shop.

The council meeting concluded with worship led by Majors Alan and Linda Aggett (THQ). Q

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

BIBLE STUDY

Confronting the powerful The last in Major Leanne Ruthven’s three-part series about Jesus and justice

‘W

HERE two or three or more humans are together, there is power,’ writes Australian author and pastor Rowland Croucher. ‘Power is not evil in itself. But power is often abused when in the hands of selfish humans.’

Having previously considered some of the ways people are excluded and the cultural factors that influence attitudes, we now turn to this issue of power.

‘As followers of Jesus,’ says the Army’s International Social Justice Commission study Jesus And Justice, ‘our vision for a more just world is dependent on two primary “delivery systems”: social order and spiritual transformation.’

In Luke 19:1–10 we read that Jesus invited himself to the home of a tax collector named Zacchaeus, where he challenged this powerful man’s unjust behaviour. We noted last week that tax officials were considered undesirables because of their reputation for getting rich at the expense of others and for collaborating with the hated Romans.

Yet as a result of this meeting, Zacchaeus’s life was changed. Not only did he share his wealth and make restitution for his wrongdoing, he and his ‘house’ found salvation (v9). Jesus inviting himself to the house of a ‘sinner’ led to social revolution

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

in a community and spiritual transformation for a number of people.

To consider: To what extent is the Church prepared to challenge unjust behaviour on the part of powerful individuals or institutions?

Jesus also confronted those who claimed religious power; in his day this was the Pharisees and scribes. They were the religious elite, enforcing not just the religious Law but the laws of the state as well. Jesus’ teaching, his popularity with the rank-and-file and his criticism of these leaders naturally led to conflict.

In Luke 6:1–11 we read that the Pharisees challenged Jesus and his disciples about picking grain and eating it on the Sabbath. Then, on another Sabbath, Jesus healed a man’s hand, deliberately provoking the religious powerbrokers. These were the leaders who would rather see rules obeyed than hungry people fed and the disadvantaged restored to fullness of life.

‘According to Jesus, some religious matters – such as justice, mercy and faith – are more important than others,’ says Jesus And Justice. ‘Religion that majors on minors is oppressive.’

To consider: Where should we look for our sources of religious authority?

How can we protect ourselves from

abuses of religious power? Who has the responsibility of keeping religious leaders accountable?

Then there is the issue of political power.

‘No political system is perfect,’ notes Jesus And Justice. ‘Many Islamic republics institute religious oppression.

Some monarchies and dictatorships are intolerant to religious diversity. Marxism and communism remove social space for God and replace it with atheism. Even democratic societies are pressed with the evolving will of the people and their perpetually changing beliefs and preferred behaviours.’

In Mark 12:13–17 we see hypocritical leaders trying to trick Jesus into choosing between God and the State, to which he responded: ‘Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.’

Jesus’ followers are to fulfil their obligations to both God and State.

But where governments fail to act justly, neglecting the vulnerable members of society, how should God’s people respond?

Again we find our directive from Scripture, where we see Jesus confronting James and John about their request for prestige and position (Matthew 20:20–28).

This episode demonstrates how far off the mark they and the rest of the disciples are about the nature of the coming Kingdom, and it gives Jesus the opportunity to remind them what true power really looks like. While others might be tyrannical rulers who ‘lord it over’ their subjects, Jesus said: ‘Not so with you’ (v26). True power is about serving, not being served.

To consider: How do we hold our political leaders accountable? How do we apply the ‘Not so with you’ principle to our own lives and that of our church communities?

Where there are two or three, or more, of us humans together, power will always be an issue. But, as Jesus And Justice reminds us, we have an example in Jesus who ‘lived right and righted wrongs’. As his followers we have the mandate and the means to do the same: ‘To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly’ with our God (Micah 6:8). Q To coincide with the ‘I’ll Fight!’

Congress a Social Justice Conference will be held at Regent Hall on Friday 25 May. Q Major Ruthven is Editor-in-Chief and Publishing Secretary, THQ

SALVATIONIST 19 May 2012

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NEW COMMITMENTS

Margaret Thake Soldier

Pat Blatch Richard Blatch

Ahmed Wurie Florence Yeboah

Michelle Blackledge Reg Plowman

Victor Sifelani John Lane Adherent members

Sue Colson Sally Bushnell Soldiers

HOXTON MARGARET returned to the Army a few years ago and became an adherent member. She assists with the drop-in and day centre and feels now is the right time to deepen her commitment by becoming a soldier.

Florence and her father, Ahmed, previously attended other corps, but when they moved into the area they decided to link up with Hoxton.

Victor stepped inside the corps building when it was raining and has attended meetings ever since, appreciating the caring atmosphere and the friendly congregation.

John has attended the day centre and Sunday meetings for several years and felt it was time to make a commitment.

Corps officer Major Mike Smith enrolled Margaret as a soldier and welcomed Victor, Florence, Ahmed and John as adherent members.

– M. S.

Tina Masters-Penfold Jodi Haley

Chris Rowsell Mike Rowsell Adherent members GOSPORT MICHELLE has attended the corps for some time and recently decided to become a soldier.

Pat and Richard, a married couple, were invited to the Alpha course and have been attending worship ever since. They both decided that soldiership was for them after attending an open recruits class.

Reg used to be a soldier and after attending another church rejoined the corps and asked to be reinstated as a soldier.

Sue was a soldier, but moved away because of military commitments. She recently retired back to the area and wished to be reinstated as a soldier.

After accepting an invitation to an Alpha course, Sally started to worship at the corps again and also decided to be reinstated as a soldier.

Chris and Mike have been attending the corps for quite a while and decided to accept the invitation to become adherent members.

Corps folk, friends and family supported the new soldiers and adherent members on their special day as corps officer Major Steph Fallows enrolled Michelle as a soldier and Major Peter Fallows enrolled Pat, Richard, Reg, Sue and Sally as soldiers and welcomed Chris and Mike as adherent members. – P. F.

Alysha Haley Emily Dececio

Zoe Whiting Junior soldiers HORSHAM TWO years ago, when children’s ministry was launched at the corps, Tina, Jodi and Alysha started to attend the Kids Alive Club on a Friday. Soon afterwards they began worshipping on Sundays and are now an important part of the corps family.

Emily started attending the corps with her mum and brother, and Zoe was encouraged to attend by Grace, the corps officers’ daughter.

During their enrolments the junior soldiers knelt with prayer partners to sign their promises and Karen Everest, the children’s ministries officer, shared a promise with each of them. Each was then presented with a Bible. Corps officer Captain Ian Woodgate enrolled the five new junior soldiers. – I. W.

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19 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

Dawn Dean Lou Park Adherent members HARWICH DAWN was invited to help in the charity shop by a corps member and has since volunteered for many years. She also attends the Sunshine fellowship where she is treasurer. She thanked the corps members for their warmth, love and care. Dawn also said how significant God was in her life.

Lou gave some insight into how, as a young Jewish evacuee, he had been sent to a Salvationist family and how this made a real impression on him, so much so that he eventually became a Christian and later a minister in the Congregational Church, travelling to many parts of the country. Lou also thanked the fellowship and said that he felt really at home in The Salvation Army. Corps officer Lieutenant Andrew Jarrold welcomed Dawn and Lou as adherent members. – A. J.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

NEW COMMITMENTS Lee Wright Danielle Taylor Soldiers EDINBURGH GORGIE LEE is from a non-church family and his first contact with the Army was through the Wednesday Kidz Club. When he was too old to remain a member of the club, he became part of the leadership team.

From there he attended the youth fellowship and eventually accepted an invitation to Sunday morning meetings. He testified that he always felt he belonged in the Army and from the outset knew which path he wanted to follow.

Danielle belongs to an Army family and grew up as part of the singing company and YP band. It was when she attended music school – and she admits she attended for all the wrong reasons – that she was made aware that her relationship with God was not as strong as it should be. This was the turning point in her journey of faith and she made the resolve to become a soldier, understanding fully what this decision meant. It was at the All Scotland Youth Councils last year that this decision was affirmed and she now looks forward with enthusiasm to building her relationship with God. Corps officer Major Mikael Ljungholm enrolled Lee and Danielle as soldiers. – L. C.

Pauline Murray Adherent member GUISBOROUGH AS a child, Pauline attended the Methodist Church. She was introduced to the Army through the Care and Share shop after speaking to a volunteer who invited her to attend home league meetings. She gradually felt that there was something more for her to discover about God and started to attend Sunday meetings and now, three years later, she has decided to make a commitment. Corps officer Major Mark Price welcomed Pauline as an adherent member. – S. S.

Don Ware Jan Ware Adherent members WREXHAM DON and Jan became involved with the corps because of their interest in charitable giving in the community. This in turn led to them supporting the churches’ Feeding The Roofless initiative, which involved the Army. They began to attend meetings regularly and decided to become adherent members. They were welcomed into the fellowship by corps officer Major Ian McCredie. – C. D.

Vera Riley Adherent member OLDHAM ROUNDTHORN IN her testimony, Vera spoke very proudly of the Christian influence of her sister Armintha, who had encouraged her to attend worship at the corps. She thanked all the corps members for their warm welcome, friendship, prayers and support in her spiritual journey. Vera chose the song ‘Blessèd Assurance’ as part of her testimony and was surrounded by many supporters as prayers were offered up for her.

Corps officers Lieutenants Ian and Wendy Hall welcomed Vera as an adherent member. – I. H.

Kath Pearson Soldier SHILDON KATH, who previously went to the Army as a child, has attended meetings at Shildon for two years. In her testimony, she said she thought going to the meetings ‘would be enough’, but as time went by she realised this was not the case and she needed to make a commitment to God and the Army. She concluded her testimony by saying: ‘I know it won’t always be easy but I am ready to face the challenges ahead.’ Corps officer Major Linda Watson enrolled Kath as a soldier. – L. W.

George Anderton Junior soldier Don Oag Adherent member PRESTON GEORGE was supported by his family as corps officer Major Carole Babstock enrolled him as a junior soldier. George has attended the corps since he was a baby and was very proud to read the junior soldier’s promise in front of his family. His witness has led to other young people showing an interest in becoming junior soldiers.

Don was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Babstock. He has been a volunteer in the IT suite for several years and attended worship after an invitation from the corps officer. Don had spent many years away from The Salvation Army but testified to the sense of belonging and the belief in God that have been apparent in his life since worshipping at the corps. – C. B.

Alan Farge Adherent member Caitlin Saunders Junior soldier CARDIFF CANTON CAITLIN could hardly wait to be enrolled as a junior soldier. She was excited as she marched into the hall behind the flag. She confidently read the junior soldier’s promise and was enrolled by corps officer Major Sharon Willetts. – G. W.

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RINGWOOD ALAN learnt to play an instrument in the Boys’ Brigade and over the years has played in many bands. A work colleague, Bob Southcombe, invited him to band practice. Alan later took up the offer and the band made him very welcome and supported him through his wife’s death and his own bouts of illness. Corps officer Major Stuart Risdale welcomed Alan as an adherent member.

– S. R.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 16 May: Major Deborah Stevens, Wakefield.

Effective 26 July: Majors Peter and Stephanie Fallows, Basingstoke; Captain Janine Lewis, Gosport.

Effective 1 October: Major Norma Paget, Wimborne.

PALACE VISIT Majors Denise and Robert Barham-Hall, Driffield, have received invitations to a Buckingham Palace garden party on 22 May. LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED CS Susan Priday, YPSM Sharon Stevens, Hull Icehouse.

LOCAL OFFICER RETIRED SL Dennis Harrison, Darlaston (after 30 years).

MARRIAGE Mark Brown to Felicity Fairclough at Kirkcaldy by Captain Philip James.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Diamond: Keith and Mrs Hazel Brown, Croydon (2 June).

BEREAVED Major Anne Read and Major David Tribble, both THQ, of their mother Lieut-Colonel Mrs Elizabeth (Betty) Tribble; Songster Jane Stickland, Woking, of her mother; S/Sgt/Bandswoman Joyce Whittaker, Gateshead, of her daughter Deborah Scott; Julie Gale of her husband Norman, Stephen Gale of his father, both Winton; Olive Matthews of her husband Denis, Gary Matthews of his father, both Staple Hill; Barbara Collingwood, Staines, of her husband Trevor; Mary Scandrett, Belfast Sydenham, of her husband Raymond; Songster Susan Marshall, Guisborough, of her father.

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: Mrs Colonel Rita Baird, Wakefield (85 on 27 May); Major Robert Dalziel, West Wickham (85 on 30 May).

Retirement addresses: Major Christine Fraser, Whittlesey; Majors Betty and Richard Jones, Norwich; Major Jean Dimbylow, Newport.

PROMOTED TO GLORY Songster Nora Beeston, Gateshead.

Aux-Captain Albert Webster from Christchurch on 3 May. Mrs Aux-Captain Audrey Webster lives in Bournemouth.

Lieut-Colonel Mrs Elizabeth (Betty) Tribble from Bournemouth on 10 May. Lieut-Colonel Derrik Tribble lives in Bournemouth.

DEDICATED TO GOD Jordan Joshua, son of Anthony and Plaxedes Charambamwe, Rosie Drew, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Collier, at Oakengates Telford by Captain Tim Wills.

ENGAGEMENTS

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina: Kenya East, Tu 22 May - Sun 27

GENERAL LINDA BOND: ICO, Mon 21 May; UK, Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27; USA Western, Fri 1 Jun - Mon 11; Mexico, Tu 12 - Mon 18

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street: UK, Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON) AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON: The Philippines, Wed 23 May - Sun 27; ICO, Fri 1 Jun THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX Regent Hall (Social Justice Conference), Fri 25 May; Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: Regent Hall (Social Justice Conference), Fri 25 May; Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27; Halifax, Sat Sun 17 Jun* Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring: Japan, Mon 28 May - Mon 4 Jun

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19 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

International Staff Band: Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May International Staff Songsters: Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May *wife will not accompany

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UK Territory MARRIAGE Major Philip Garnham, Raynes Park and William Booth College, to Cadet Annette Wicks on 5 May. PROMOTION To major – Captain Sharen Furlong, Heckmondwike.

ANDRÉ COX, Commissioner, Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES LIEUT-COLONEL LINCOLN PARKHOUSE LINCOLN, who was born in 1931, was a fourth-generation Salvationist and grew up with his brother Howard and sister Evangeline in the home of officer-parents, establishing his own faith.

At 18 he was conscripted into the Royal Air Force. His faith was severely challenged at this time, but he was also firmly convinced of his calling to officership. On returning home to Rotherham – and while his father was concluding the salvation meeting – he entered the hall, made his way to the penitent form and offered his life for full-time leadership.

Entering the training college in 1953 as a cadet of the Shepherds Session, he was appointed sergeant before receiving his first corps appointment to Stocksbridge.

In 1956 he married Lieutenant Charlesina Cameron, the start of a lifetime partnership as officers and raising a family of three lively boys.

Everyone who knew Lincoln could not fail to catch something of his warm, enthusiastic and extremely energetic nature. He developed a unique ministry, often using crazy illustrations like jumping over the mercy seat or lying prone on the floor to get a point across.

A ‘people and hands-on person’, his care and concern reflected his sessional name; he always sought to encourage, counsel and support wherever possible.

Many bear witness to the profound effect Lincoln’s ministry had on their lives.

Always an avid reader (evident in his well-prepared meetings), his knowledge extended to many and varied subjects.

In retirement he loved supporting elderly people at Hoxton Goodwill Centre – not only driving their minibus, but also advising and helping them with their emotional and practical needs and laughing about the number of ‘girlfriends’ he had there.

He delighted in music. At an early age he learnt the cornet, enjoyed playing handbells with the family and was a self-taught pianist. He also found joy and blessing in the role of executive officer for Enfield Band, meticulously preparing for every festival and meeting and enjoying their fellowship.

He was never more fulfilled than when spending time with his wife Ina, family and friends – especially his five grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

His family have taken comfort and been moved by the many wonderful words of reassurance that this officer and caring gentleman was most certainly a true servant of God. – L. B./E. B.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS ALBERT GRASSHAM, EASTBOURNE CITADEL ALBERT’S enrolment at Manchester Temple in 1939 began a journey of fine soldiership and musicianship, including skills as deputy bandmaster and opportunities to excel in local officer roles for 35 years in Dudley, Eastbourne, Bexleyheath and Southend.

A Daily Light book presented by Manchester Temple Band became Albert’s guide through difficult times. Following RAF service in India, his sales management skills in work and life endeared him to many people.

In retirement, Albert enjoyed fellowship with the East and South London Fellowship Bands. A caring role brought strength of character while nursing his first wife Agnes through cancer. His later marriage to Joan brought contentment.

This lovely, smiling, Christian gentleman is sadly missed by family and friends. – P. D. MICHAEL GILL, BATH CITADEL BORN in 1947, Mike was introduced to the Army by his future wife Penny. Following their marriage in 2001, Mike decided to make a commitment to the Lord by becoming an active adherent member. He supported as many events as possible and especially enjoyed Christmas collecting. Although ill and undergoing treatment, Mike also collected last December because he didn’t want to let anyone down.

A practical Christian, he always had an

encouraging word and was a reliable support. He never wanted to be late and liked things well organised – even to the point of choosing the songs for his funeral.

Mike enjoyed his family, particularly supporting Penny’s children and grandchildren.

He was a friend to many and is sorely missed.

– P. F. RONALD WEBB, CLEVEDON RON was born at Westonsuper-Mare in 1925. He served in various local officer positions at Weston, Oxford and Clevedon – working tirelessly in organising, leading and participating in the music sections. His wife Barbara came to the Army through the sunbeams and life-saving guards.

Ron and Barbara married in 1947 and celebrated their 65th anniversary – a special day for them – a few days before his promotion to Glory.

Ron was a perfectionist and every little detail was important to him. This was evident in home and corps life. Their daughter Paula remained in Oxford when they returned to Weston in 1969.

Ron is remembered as a kind, courteous and caring man. – P. L. MRS IRIS ROBERTSON, CHELTENHAM PROMOTED to Glory at 85, Iris was a lifelong Salvationist. She joined the singing company as a girl, later becoming leader and sergeant. Her one

desire was to influence the children for the Lord, whom she loved, instilling good Christian principles.

A songster, Iris loved to sing – sharing her Christian experience and giving great blessing through her beautiful solos.

Involved in all aspects of corps life, in recent years she used her talents as leader of the home league singers.

She was very special to many people and her caring generosity is a precious memory.

Her faith kept her strong and gave her trust for the future. Iris loved Jesus, lived Jesus and has now gone to be with Jesus.

– B. S. PETER ALLNER, POOLE PETER grew up at Parkstone, where he enjoyed participating in the band and songsters and met his wife Margaret. They spent many happy years there before transferring to Wimborne. The couple did not attend the Army for many years because of Peter’s shift work.

As Peter approached retirement, he desired to dedicate his life to the Lord, and – with his wife – became a soldier at Poole where he attended the Alpha course and Bible study.

He resumed service with the band and songsters and enjoyed Christmas and Annual Appeal collecting. Ill-health latterly prevented his attendance.

Peter celebrated his 80th birthday and diamond wedding two weeks before his promotion to Glory. He leaves his wife, son and daughter. – G. G.

‘I’ll Fight’ Congress webcast

Band celebration Newbiggin-by-the-Sea CONSETT Band’s visit for band weekend began with Friday Night Is Music Night. The programme included euphonium soloists Christian Marklew and Ken James and vocalist Philippa Martin who was joined by Bethany and Hannah Sellers to sing ‘Someone Cares’.

In Sunday meetings, led by the corps band, the congregation participated in a singalong when the band played the march ‘Promises

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Of God’. Other items included monologues

by Roy Dawson and vocal solos by Stan Wearmouth (Felling Male Voice Choir).

– P. H. Winton: Corps officer Major Paul Johnson surprised corps minibus driver Malcolm Harrison with an Exceptional Service Award.

Malcolm has faithfully driven the minibus for 30 years and many people have been able to attend meetings because of his loyal service.

– G. T.

UKT THERE are only a few tickets left, with restricted view, for the ‘I’ll Fight’ Congress at the Royal Albert Hall on 26 and 27 May. However, the IHQ strategic information team will provide video streaming of all three meetings. Some corps, centres and people at home and overseas are planning to participate in the Congress by viewing online at salvationarmy.org.uk/congress The Sunday morning meeting will include the installation of territorial leaders Commissioners André and Silvia Cox by General Linda Bond.

The words of the songs will be shown on screen to enable participation.

For more information telephone 020 7367 4860.

SALVATIONIST 19 May 2012

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SALVATIONIST 19 MAY 2012

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POEM Some day, however…

Some day, however, Sadly you will frown fleetingly at an open but silent inbox.

Some day your call will hang unanswered in the empty air And you will wonder, maybe start to worry.

But comfort will not come, not ever.

My life will have shut fast, sudden, and its absence will echo desolate for a while in the silent halls of your secrets.

It could be worse.

Some day Time may have struck, slammed hard into this scattered brain, or slowly dripped and drained its memories away.

Your face, your smile, your voice, none will be familiar any more and you may ache at my blank eyes and unseeing stare.

The slurring speech, the unhinged words could grate and jar your senses, crack your heart, and pity, welling up, will spill out and overwhelm your soul.

Or, even more bewildering, you’ll watch uncomprehending as I slowly change before you, as gradual age in incremental stages

RESOURCE Dr Jennifer Bute used to be a GP but retired with early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Since then, she has made it her passion to try to help people understand the disease, which she describes as ‘a great opportunity, a God-given unexpected gift to understand this hurt section of society’.

Her website (gloriousopportunity.org) contains a video and resources that would be helpful to anyone who wants to gain a greater understanding of dementia. It has been compiled by Jennifer who has a threefold perspective as a doctor, a carer – who cared for her father when he had dementia – and through her personal experience of living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Various modules cover a range of subjects including diagnosis, speech and questions, agitation or confusion, feelings, carers and caring tips. One section focuses on visitation and offers practical

Some day, however… you’ll realise that was not me.

Somewhere, elsewhere, though far away is still the me you knew, that loved you and that always will.

So please turn away, dismiss your distress, forget what I have become.

Go ahead and dry your tears, remember only what you knew was true is still true in eternity.

Major Bruce Tulloch

help for visitors. Jennifer observes: ‘People with dementia can become muddled, anxious and frightened and may have trouble recognising people. Their behaviour can be unusual and awkward and they may find it hard to express themselves or understand people. However, feelings remain, as does spiritual awareness. Visits can stimulate warm feeling, bring comfort and reaffirm spiritual truths.

‘The person might well forget that you visited, but the warmth and feelings of your care will not be forgotten. You may be distressed by their condition but your visit will have lessened their isolation and loneliness. Feelings remain when facts are forgotten.

‘It appears that the spiritual being remains true to the end and does not degenerate in the same way as the brain. So I can still show love and care. I will still be able to pray and be sure of the future. In Heaven there will be no tears or sorrow for you or me.’ – J. K.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Rhino, Moremi Game Reserve, Botswana. Picture: CHRIS HORNE

sours my apprehension, crabs my comprehension cages my character for ever.