Salvationist 1 February 2020

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www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 1 February 2020

Growing and serving in Burkina Faso

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

UNITED STAND IS TAKEN ON ANTI-SEMITISM The 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz should be used ‘to come before God in worship, conscious of our need for forgiveness, but committed to action that would seek the common flourishing of all’, the Archbishop of Canterbury has said.

In a statement… in advance of Holocaust Memorial Day… Archbishop Welby said: ‘The Holocaust, the Shoah, remains a unique stain on the history of Europe, and a chilling reminder to me of how millennia of Christian anti-Jewish hatred could provide a seedbed for such evil.’

The Council of Christians and Jews (CCJ) has released a prayer for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day. It was launched at an event in the House of Lords…

The chair of the CCJ, the Bishop of Lichfield, Dr Michael Ipgrave, said: ‘Through prayer, we will be asking Christians to remember the pains of the past, and to recommit to a better future for all people, and in particular to commit themselves to combating anti-Semitism, which is a scourge in our society, and our world.’

The chief executive of the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, Olivia MarksWoldman, said: ‘This year, we reflect on the theme Stand Together. In the run-up to the Holocaust, and in each subsequent genocide, perpetrators took deliberate steps to stop their designated victims living, studying and working alongside their neighbours…

We need to show solidarity to others.’

Church Times

SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 1 February 2020

UNIVERSAL CREDIT ‘SENDING PEOPLE INTO ARMS OF LOAN SHARKS’

SEX AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TO BE COMPULSORY IN WALES

Universal credit fuels debt problems for low-income claimants, forcing many into destitution and driving others to loan sharks to get cash for basics such as food, clothes and heating, a leading charity has claimed.

StepChange, the UK’s largest debt charity, said problems relating to universal credit’s design – in particular the five-week wait for a first benefit payment – made it harder for its financially vulnerable clients to manage their money.

It called for significant changes to the design of universal credit to make it fairer, more flexible and generous for the very poorest claimants, nearly half of whom had taken out loans to pay for basic living essentials over the past year.

Parents will no longer have the right to withdraw children from lessons about relationships, sexuality and religion, the Welsh government has confirmed.

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said the move would be tested next year before becoming statutory when the new curriculum is launched in 2022…

HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust tweeted it was ‘great news for young people in Wales’, adding: ‘RSE lessons will give pupils skills for life and no one should stand in the way of this.’

But Humanists UK, which campaigns for a secular state, said it was ‘particularly concerned about the scrapping of the right to withdraw from RE in faith schools, because such schools will still be able to teach the subject from a faith-based perspective’.

The Guardian

BBC News

CHURCH OF ENGLAND INVESTS IN SCIENCE EDUCATION FOR NEW PRIESTS People training for the priesthood in the Church of England are set to benefit from financial help to learn about the link between science and faith.

As part of the multimillion pound project called Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science, grants will be made available to support those training… to learn about everything from artificial intelligence to attitudes towards science and faith within the church and wider society.

Under the new plans, the Church of England will also be investing further in conferences to educate senior church leaders and clergy in areas of scientific interest…

The Archbishop of Canterbury… said: ‘I am delighted that this project is... promoting the significance of healthy and informed engagement with science to church leaders of all levels.’

Christian Today

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ISSN 2516-5909

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

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CONTENTS

WORKING WELL WITH PEOPLE I RECENTLY came across some quotes highlighting the importance of working in partnership with others. Helen Keller, who was left deaf and blind after a childhood illness but went on to become an author and political activist, said: ‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.’ Another American author, Louisa May Alcott, whose book Little Women has just been made into a successful film, said: ‘It takes two flints to make a fire.’ They make good points, which are illustrated by a number of articles in this week’s Salvationist.

Project Malachi, featured on pages 8 and 9, is an initiative of Ilford Corps that addresses the needs of rough sleepers by providing ‘pop-up’ housing. The imaginative idea grew from a gift of £5 donated by a young boy called Malachi.

Significantly, it has been a joint effort. Senior faith leaders in the area have lent their support and, as well as funding from the Army, the local authority and the business community have helped financially. Without these partners the project would not have got off the ground.

The importance of partnerships is also emphasised on pages 10 and 11 in the interview with Nigel Hills, the chief executive of the Salvation Army Housing Association (Saha). Financial partnerships with the government and lenders are important, as are partnerships with the Army and other agencies that run the services in Saha properties. Saha is also seeking to work with the Army through the Bridging the Gap initiative. Residents are encouraged to visit nearby corps and link up with activities there. Nigel highlights places where this kind of interaction works well and believes it can also happen elsewhere.

Working with other people to deliver a service can make the work more effective.

That’s even more the case when the people we are working with are those we are seeking to serve. Tony Daniels explains this ‘asset-based approach’ on page 14.

The article takes some thinking through, and you may need to read it twice to really get to grips with it, but Tony makes some important points. He says we shouldn’t just look at people’s needs, thinking we’re the ones with the skills and resources to help, and that we know what’s best for them. That approach focuses on the deficits in people and communities. Instead we need to look for their assets – knowledge, resources and creativity – and support them in using those assets to help themselves.

A good example of an asset-based approach can be seen in the Army’s work in Burkina Faso. It’s the focus of this year’s Self-Denial Appeal and is featured on pages 12 and 13. A project in the capital, Ouagadougou, involves women with incomegenerating skills in an Army project to make and sell soap and butter. When someone is trained, they pass their expertise on to others. The Army has identified the knowledge, resources and creativity these women possess and has helped them harness it.

Whether it’s working with others to provide a service or working with people who need support, the words of a third American woman, politician and social worker Barbara Ann Mikulski, ring true: ‘Each one of us can make a difference. Together we make a change.’

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 6

News feature Celebration starts ISS 40th anniversary year

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by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Feature 8 and 9 Pop-up housing to bring down rough sleeping

by Melita Day-Lewis

Interview 10 and 11 ‘We are making a real impact’ Nigel Hills talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Feature Breaking new ground

12 and 13

Viewpoint Serving with a ‘glass half full’

14

by Tony Daniels

More rear-mirror views Booth the prophet

15

by General John Larsson (Retired)

Bible study A transformed life

16 and 17

by Major Pat Brown

Through the week with Salvationist

16 and 17

by Major Howard Webber

New commitments

18 and 19

Announcements Adverts

20 21 to 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Major Steve Wilson

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 1 February 2020

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NEWS

Corps and community hub opens in city centre DUBLIN CITY THE Salvation Army has officially opened a new corps and community hub in the heart of Dublin.

Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill cut the ribbon on the building, which houses Dublin City Corps. The centre includes a social enterprise café alongside a hub for the central support teams that help the corps serve vulnerable people in the area.

Dublin City Corps was on Lower Abbey Street for more than 100 years before moving out 8 years ago because of high maintenance costs. Despite not having a permanent base, the corps has grown and is now a thriving multicultural family

congregation with worshippers from 17 countries.

Corps officers Captain Tim and Lieutenant Charlotte Lennox received the keys to the state-of-the-art centre, which will enable them to demonstrate God’s love to more people in the community through practical and spiritual support.

Tim said: ‘The new building will house our weekly worship services, which are informal and contemporary in nature.

We are planning a range of community activities, groups for parents and toddlers, English language classes for migrants, student meals and children’s activity clubs.

‘The great thing about the café is that we will be able to offer training placements for people from our shelters and family hubs in Dublin to help give them the confidence and training to get back into work.’ – A. R.

Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill cut the ribbon

Family and friends from Connah’s Quay celebrate Phyllis Tovey’s 100th birthday

Lieut-Colonel Audrey Neal receives a certificate from Divisional Commander Major Brian Slinn recognising her work as a local officer at Chesterfield

Barbara Jones transfers to Cardiff Canton songster reserve after 63 years of service; she is pictured with Songster Leader Christine Saunders and corps officer Major David McCaw-Aldworth

Hinckley corps officer Major Carol Evans thanks Carole Taylor for 21 years’ service at the day centre; she will be missed by staff, volunteers and clients 4

Salvationist 1 February 2020

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Community ministry receives commendation EAST GLASGOW

Barbara Roberts transfers to Merthyr Tydfil songster reserve after many years of faithful service and Bandmaster Howard Roberts receives recognition for 24 years of heralding; also pictured are CSM Lynne Brill and corps officer Major Lynne Collins

DAVID Linden, MP for Glasgow East, presented East Glasgow Team Ministry with a commendation from the House of Commons, thanking all the volunteers for their work during Christmas.

The award was received on behalf of Dennistoun, Parkhead and Shettleston by corps officer Major Colin Bradshaw.

Their team ministry includes two community drop-ins and three food banks, run throughout the year, as well as a Christmas Day meal. The corps also work with partners to help prevent children from falling into addiction and to rehabilitate adults. They have recently seen a rising number of requests from social services and other third sector agencies. – C. B.

Retiring Songster Leader Patricia Gowenlock and Bandmaster Colin Wood are thanked for their service at Worcester on Vision and Commitment Sunday, led by divisional leaders Majors Ian and Jean Harris; also pictured is corps officer Major Diane Henderson

Twenty-six of Clowne’s Girls Adventurers take a trip to see ‘Dick Whittington’ at Sheffield City Hall, along with their leaders, parents and little brothers

PETERBOROUGH CITADEL: Singer Charlie Green (Droitwich Spa) was a guest at the annual Volunteer Thank You event, performing a range of songs to say thanks to the team of corps volunteers. Representatives from all areas of the community programme were present, including the good neighbour scheme, lunch club, charity superstore, community hub and debt advice centre. More than 70 people attended, which is only a small percentage of the total number of volunteers. The corps also thanked Volunteer Recruitment Co-ordinator Colin Wise, who is retiring in March after many years in the role. – G. C.

UPPER NORWOOD: Young people led the morning meeting on the theme Live, Laugh And Love. The recently formed youth group introduced the congregation to the song ‘Reckless Love’. Three children (pictured, front row) received prizes for their attendance last year and took part during the service. Parents and friends attended, many for the first time. – R. C. Salvationist 1 February 2020

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NEWS

Blue plaque marks first corps band CONSETT A BLUE heritage plaque has been unveiled to mark the location of the world’s first Salvation Army corps band.

The lord-lieutenant of Co Durham, Sue Snowdon, unveiled the plaque placed at the hall, speaking about her previous links with The Salvation Army.

In attendance were Divisional Commander Major David Burns, Bandmaster Philip Baker and local councillors.

Following the ceremony, Sue joined members of the public inside the hall to view a small exhibition and have refreshments while the band played carol requests.

The unveiling of the plaque follows two years of work by Band Secretary Mel Soulsby, who said that the presentation sealed a great year of celebrations to mark the band’s 140th anniversary.

Consett Band was started by

four musical steel workers in 1879. George Storey, James Simpson and Robert Greenwood joined Bandmaster Ned Lennox to play carols on the street that Christmas. This tradition continued in 2019 with carolling in the town and is hoped to

continue for many years to come.

‘Our musicians have held fast to the message of transformation and hope that a relationship with Jesus can bring – and this is the message the members continue to share today,’ said Philip. – H. M.

DUNSTABLE: To kick off Vision and Commitment weekend, 45 corps members took part in a 24-hour prayer event organised

by Adherents Secretary Sue Leadbeater.

Each person spent at least one hour in prayer and participants visited nine prayer stations arranged throughout the centre. Many found the opportunity to spend uninterrupted time in prayer beneficial and an ideal way to begin the new year. The event ended with a time of praise and worship. – S. B.

Sarah-Jane Gay and Kate Henderson (both National Housing Federation), Helen Wilson (Founder's House), Lieutenant Daniel Holland (Homelessness Services) and Nigel Hills (Saha)

National Housing Federation backs call for more supported housing UK

BRISTOL EASTON: The corps again hosted the Bristol Churches Winter Night Shelter for the first week of the new year. As well as a bed and a three-course meal, guests were offered a welcome pack, shower, change of clothing and breakfast in the morning.

They were appreciative of the long opening hours, peaceful atmosphere, good food and care. The shelter will continue to run at other churches for a total of 12 weeks. – M. G. 6

Salvationist 1 February 2020

CHIEF Executive of the National Housing Federation Kate Henderson visited Founder’s House Lifehouse to discuss changes needed to end rough sleeping, a key manifesto pledge from the new government.

Kate said: ‘We welcome the prime minister’s commitment to eliminate homelessness and rough sleeping. Housing associations play a key role in this and want to do more. There are also key structural changes that are needed to make this a reality, including government investment in new social homes, a fair and effective welfare system and secure, long-term

funding for support and supported housing.’

In December the government announced £260 million in funding to help councils support people experiencing homelessness and those at risk of losing their homes.

The Salvation Army is calling for more investment in supported housing, 90,000 more low-cost homes to be built every year and an increase in the value of the local housing allowance, so that three in every ten rented homes are affordable to people on benefits and low incomes.

Saha Partnership Manager David Blower said: ‘The work of Saha and The Salvation Army is key in helping people to get off the streets and break the cycle of homelessness. It is clear that government action is required to end the current homelessness crisis.’ – A. R.

NEWS FEATURE

Celebration starts ISS 40th anniversary year REGENT HALL AN enthusiastic congregation greeted the International Staff Songsters, who marched into the hall to launch their 40th anniversary year as the International Staff Band played ‘Celebration’, reports Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts. The festival began with the anthem ‘Far Above All’ and ‘O Love’, before a prayer

by ISB Executive Officer Major Noel Wright.

Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft, the group’s first leader, was not able to attend but featured in a video wishing the group a happy anniversary. The video also showed him at the 25th anniversary in 2005 explaining how they were formed and recalling the first song they had presented at their inaugural festival: ‘Jesus, The Very Thought Of Thee’. The song had begun with soloist Jacqui Proctor, and those moments were relived as a recording of her singing the first verse was played before the current ISS joined in.

Staff Songster Leader Dorothy Nancekievill welcomed everyone and invited ISS alumni to stand and be greeted by the congregation. A special welcome was given to Canadian Staff Songster Leader Major Len Ballantine, a former leader of the ISS, who said: ‘Each leader has given something distinctive and important to the personality and the ministry of the International Staff Songsters.’

After the ISS had sung ‘Choral Symphony No 4 (Symphony Of Life)’ another former leader, Music Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ), interviewed Len about his time as leader from 1992 to 1998. Andrew acknowledged the other leaders, deputy leaders and pianists, along with everyone else who had given their talents to the group’s ministry through the years.

The ISB contributed a number of pieces, including ‘Variations On Was Lebet’, ‘The

Andrew Blyth interviews Major Len Ballantine

Staff Songster Leader Dorothy Nancekievill conducts the ISS

Spirit In Me’ and Len Ballantine’s swing arrangement of ‘Go Down, Moses’, which Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb invited him to conduct.

The ISS brought ‘Ubi Caritas’ and a vocal arrangement of the band piece ‘Light-Walk’, which included a flugelhorn solo by Staff Bandsman Richard Woodrow.

A video presented the ISS 40 Virtual Choir in which a number of corps songster brigades, as well as the Melbourne Staff Songsters and the ISS, each sang lines of ‘Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory’ before they all joined together in the final verse.

Andrew led the ISS in ‘Compelled By

Love’, for which he had written the music to Stephen Pearson’s words.

In moments of reflection Len read from John 14, reminding the congregation of Jesus’ promise of peace, and the ISS sang the beautiful ‘Jesus Himself Drew Near’ unaccompanied.

Before the evening’s finale Dorothy referred to the mission of the ISS and expressed her

‘

Each leader has given something distinctive and important to the personality and the ministry of the International Staff Songsters

’

thanks to the songsters who ‘gladly give their time and effort to be part of this group and to sing for the Lord’. The ISS and the alumni were then led by Len in ‘Sing For Joy’ and ‘More Than Wonderful’.

After a prayer from ISS Executive Officer Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts, the ISS and alumni sang John Rutter’s ‘The Lord Bless You And Keep You’ accompanied by the ISB. The ISB concluded an evening of celebration with Norman Bearcroft’s march ‘Temple 85’.

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FEATURE Project Malachi

Captain John Clifton

Pop-up housing to bring down rough sleeping Melita Day-Lewis explores Project Malachi, a new solution to homelessness pioneered

by Ilford Corps

‘D

EAR Salvation Army, here’s £5 that I got from the tooth fairy.

I’m sending it to you so you can build homes for people who are homeless.’

A few years ago a young boy called Malachi sent Ilford Corps a letter along those lines. The corps took him at his word. His gift has since turned into nearly £5 million, which has been invested in an innovative pop-up building to provide housing for rough sleepers.

Called Project Malachi after that faithful young giver, the building is being erected by The Salvation Army in 8

Salvationist 1 February 2020

partnership with Redbridge council and will open its doors to residents soon.

The semi-permanent housing, which is located on a temporary site in the town centre, is cheap and quick to build and will be easy to relocate.

Corps officers Captains John and Naomi Clifton have pioneered this fresh solution for rough sleepers in Redbridge.

‘The project really began with the work we do through our night shelter, which has been running since 2011,’ says John.

‘Over the years, we realised that although the night shelter helps keep people alive in cold weather, it’s not a long-term base where people can improve their situation. Project Malachi will give people a base to do that.’

John had been looking for the right space for a long-term solution for some time when the derelict Gilderson and Sons Funeral Directors building on council-owned land became available.

This site, which is a short walk from Ilford Corps, is historically significant for the church. The Salvation Army has been present in the borough for more than 130 years. In 1886, after the Army marched from Stratford to Romford, Lieutenant William Hunter returned to Ilford and rented Gilderson’s upstairs room to begin the Army’s work in the area.

One hundred and thirty-four years later – on that same site – Project Malachi will open its doors.

The corps initially looked at refurbishing the original building, but with the ongoing regeneration of Ilford’s town centre, the council would have eventually demolished it and the money invested lost.

After visiting pop-up housing projects in Ealing and Lewisham, the Ilford corps officers saw the value of a permanent yet mobile and flexible building on a temporary site, where unused land

Project Malachi support workers

‘

Although the night shelter helps keep people alive in cold weather, it’s not a long-term base where people can improve their situation.

Project Malachi will give them that

could be put to use quickly, without needing to find funds to purchase it.

They suggested a similar solution to the local council. The result was Project Malachi, whereby the council would demolish the derelict building, lease the land to The Salvation Army for five years and fund the capital costs of a pop-up building (£2.5 million), while the Army would invest more than £1.9 million in the project. This portion would go towards running costs, support for residents and a staff team comprising support workers, a service manager and night concierge. After five years, the The project under construction

’

Army would have the option to buy the building for £1 and, if necessary, move it to a different site, or relocate the modular units in smaller clusters.

Project Malachi has galvanised the whole community.

‘Alongside Naomi and I, the project has a sponsoring committee of senior faith leaders in the area, who have standing in the community and a strong interest in addressing homelessness, which is something we all have in common,’ John enthuses.

‘They’ve supported us in many different ways. They’ve provided political and fundraising support and about one hundred people came with us to the planning committee meeting. We had a brass band and the flag, and we marched to the town hall.

‘We’ve also had a lot of financial support from the business community through an initiative called Redbridge Together.’

Even before the building is completed, other corps have shown an interest in the concept: ‘We’ve had a couple of calls from corps leaders who’ve said, “We’ve got an extra car park that we don’t use, what if we put five units on it? That would address street homelessness in our area.” We think it

is a model that could be replicated elsewhere.’

The design of the building is simple, with 42 individual modular units and a permanent bicycle workshop downstairs for the corps Recycles initiative. Each unit is a self-contained furnished studio with a kitchenette and a separate toilet and shower.

Twenty-seven units will be for people able to claim housing benefit, which helps towards the project’s funding, and fifteen will be available free of charge.

These are for residents who have the right to work but can’t claim any benefits, who need an initial base for two to three months or who are in very serious need, where another few months on the streets would be lifethreatening.

‘Unfortunately, a lot of people are in that situation in the area,’ says John. ‘A number of rough sleepers have died in Ilford over the past couple of years – about one a month.’

Of those who died, many were people with no recourse to public funds, such as refugees whose status is in limbo while they wait for visa applications to be approved, or immigrants trying to get into work. Even with support from organisations such as Ramfel (Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex and London) the process takes time, and applications are difficult to resolve when people are sleeping on the streets.

‘We are currently working with a cohort of people based on the rough sleeping count in 2017, which was when we started Project Malachi. There were about 65 people on the streets at that time and we’re focusing on housing this group first.

‘Of those, nearly 50 have no recourse to public funds and have been on the streets for more than two years, some of them for as long as ten or twelve, some trafficked here, some with visa issues,’ explains John.

He adds: ‘When Ilford began, the first building was the Hospital Chapel, which was a tiny church set up to look after lepers. Then businesses and residential accommodation grew up around it.

That’s how the town started – the church caring for people nobody else cared about.

‘It’s exciting that we’re repeating that story almost 1,000 years later. I believe that the corps and Project Malachi will make a big difference.’

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INTERVIEW

‘We are making a real impact’ Saha Chief Executive Nigel Hills talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about the mission of the Army’s housing association

L

AST year was a significant one for Nigel Hills. Thirty-five years after joining the Salvation Army Housing Association (Saha) as a finance officer he was appointed its chief executive.

Nigel began his working life in a bank but before long decided on a change of direction.

‘The opportunity came up to work for Saha,’ he remembers. ‘At that time it only had ten hostels and one housing scheme, so I thought long and hard about it. But the reason for coming into this organisation was about doing something that served a purpose.’

Housing associations are not-for-profit providers of social housing, and Saha, which is registered to work in England, is one of more than 1,500 associations in the country.

‘The housing association movement consists of many different sorts of organisations,’ explains Nigel. ‘The large ones have taken over the social housing role of councils and provide tens of thousands of family homes. Saha falls into the section known as supported housing providers. We have 4,300 units of accommodation. A unit could be a room in a Lifehouse or it could be a house or flat.’

Supported housing involves more than simply providing accommodation, and what Saha offers reflects its strong connection with The Salvation Army.

‘We’re not totally owned by The Salvation Army, but we are controlled by it, and the synergy between Saha and the Army enables us to do together so much more than we could do on our own,’ says Nigel.

‘Our missions are intertwined: we’re motivated by transforming lives. At our annual general meeting a young woman spoke about her difficult family background and how coming into one of our properties had transformed her life.

Transformation can take different guises.

For some people, it will be finding a real experience of Christ. That may not be the majority of people, but if that happens it is fabulous.’

The relationship between Saha and the Army is enhanced by the fact that Nigel is a Salvationist and the chairman of the board is former Territorial Commander Commissioner John Matear.

‘I can’t speak highly enough of John,’ enthuses Nigel. ‘He’s been our chair for the past seven years. He devotes so much time to going round all sorts of provision and engaging with tenants.

There’s a high level of respect.’

Other board members play an important part as well.

‘We had a board strategy day recently and I was struck by how they all buy into the mission,’ Nigel adds. ‘One of the new members became aware of the Army because her son did some work experience there. She buys into the mission through his experience of working with the Army. They are a very supportive board, fully aligned with the mission.’

Saha was established in 1959 but it wasn’t until 1974, when the Housing Act allowed for generous grants, that the organisation took huge strides forward.

Saha was able to refurbish existing Army properties and build new provision with 100 per cent government funding.

The funding situation is more

Copper Beech Hub and accommodation challenging today, says Nigel: ‘Grants are only available for 20 per cent of the costs. We now have to look at debt finance from traditional banks, including Reliance Bank. The rent has to cover the debt repayments and it becomes a bit more of a difficult mix.’

Saha’s provision is quite diverse.

There are 1,704 bed spaces in accommodation managed by other agencies, which includes 35 Lifehouses run by the Army’s Homelessness Services. It also provides 1,270 general needs homes – houses or flats for families and individuals. Student accommodation is offered in a 159-room property in Waterloo. There are 291 homes for people aged over 55, and 58 bed spaces available in registered care homes. In addition, Saha’s housing management service supports 855 Salvation Army properties, most of which are retired officers’ accommodation.

Saha recently expanded its work through the acquisition of a housing association that was in difficulty.

‘The regulator asked us to take over another Christian housing association called Chapter 1,’ explains Nigel. ‘It’s changed the face of the organisation. We used to be an enabler – we’d own a property, we’d refurbish some property, and that would enable support work to be carried out, predominantly by the Army.

In former Chapter 1 properties Saha now directly employs staff who are involved in providing care and support packages.

‘We did already have some directly managed supported housing in what we call Foyers. We have three of them – places where accommodation and education opportunities are provided for young people.

‘I was at the Braintree Foyer recently

and sat in on their discovery college, where residents aged from 16 to their early 20s were talking about issues they’d have to face when they go out into the big, wide world – things like trying to pay their bills, budgeting and where to get advice. The staff member who ran the session had been a Foyer resident, then he worked at the Foyer and was also at the Lifehouse nearby.

There’s great interaction between the Foyer and the Lifehouse, and with the Braintree corps officer.’

Nigel would like to see Saha and corps working together in an initiative called Bridging the Gap and points to places where this is already working.

‘We have a property close to Harlesden Corps and I know there’s an interaction there. One of our residents is now an adherent member. At St Helens we have a community right on the edge of the corps and Bridging the Gap works well. Sale is another place.

We built at the back of the hall and a lot of the residents use the services during the week. This sense of community should be encouraged. We can tell tenants what the Army offers, whether that’s a lunch club, debt counselling, interest groups or a spiritual home.’

Looking back at his reason for joining Saha in 1984, Nigel says it’s the same today: ‘This new role has energised me even more because I’m able to get out and about seeing what we do. Working with The Salvation Army we are making a real impact and transforming lives, which is exciting.’

For more information on Saha and the Bridging the Gap initiative, visit saha.org.uk

O

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FEATURE Self-Denial Appeal

Breaking new ground Salvationist highlights the work and mission of The Salvation Army in Burkina Faso, which will be supported by this year’s Self-Denial Appeal

I

N 1886 William Booth encouraged Salvationists: ‘Go without something and give what you would have spent to The Salvation Army’s work.’

More than 130 years later Army corps around the world still play their part by giving to the Self-Denial Appeal to support the Army’s global mission. Last year the appeal raised £1.25 million in this territory, more than ever before.

The money given goes to places that need it most, places such as Burkina Faso, where the Army is building from very small beginnings.

Captains André and Nana Togo were appointed in 2015 to begin Salvation Army work in the country. They are from neighbouring Mali and were the first Salvationists enrolled in that country ten years ago. They trained as officers in the Democratic Republic of Congo and served in Zimbabwe before moving to Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou.

‘It is exciting to see how quickly the work has grown,’ enthuses Nana. ‘When we arrived here we started meetings in our home. We bought land in 2017 and started Ouagadougou Corps when the building was ready.’ The corps, which is based in the Bonheur Ville district, now has 93 adult members and 15 junior soldiers.

Working and living in the city has challenges and earning a liveable wage is hard, particularly for women who, in most cases, are looking after children as well.

In response to this challenge, the corps set up a soap-making project to 12

Salvationist 1 February 2020

Captains André and Nana Togo

train women with income-generating skills.

Bars of soap and traditional soap balls – which are extremely popular – are sold along with other products in the market and local shops. The women work as a collective and pool the income they receive. Once someone is trained, they pass their knowledge on to others.

The women also produce shea butter, made from the seeds of the shea tree.

Shea butter, which is now fashionable all over the world, has been used in west Africa for many years.

‘It’s good for the skin, even if it’s messy and hard work to make in 30C heat,’ laughs Nana.

Another corps project is a juice production enterprise. Nana explains: ‘We recycle bottles by cleaning and sterilising them. Then we fill them with different juices. We label the bottles here before they are sold in local shops.

All the profits go towards school fees for the local children.’

Funding towards the infrastructure that makes such projects possible comes, in part, from the Self-Denial Appeal.

In the short time André and Nana

‘

We would like to dig a borehole for water… that will make a big difference for our work and the community

’

have been in the Bonheur Ville district they have been working hard to connect with the community.

Nana met Mary, a widow, while getting to know people in the neighbourhood.

Mary had been struggling to feed and clothe her children since her husband died. She is a highly skilled weaver of cloth and had a loom, but couldn’t afford to buy yarn.

The Salvation Army gave Mary the materials she needed to start a cloth-

‘

We feel so blessed that the Army has grown so much

’

making business and helped her get orders for her cloth. Now Mary is making a modest income.

‘I thank God for sending the Mother [Nana] to my door. Things are difficult for me but I have joy in my life because God is sustaining me.’

Mary hopes her work will develop to include training some of the ladies who want to learn how to use a loom and make cloth.

One of the corps community outreaches included a pétanque tournament. Burkina Faso was a French colony until the 1960s and it is common to see pétanque, a game similar to boules, played in the streets.

André explains: ‘This is a tournament with the men of the community against

the men of the corps. It’s a way of building fellowship and bringing people together in the community.’

‘After that outreach some of the local men have started to come along on a Sunday,’ adds Nana.

Five miles south of Ouagadougou is the suburb of Poessin, the capital’s poorest community. The Army began its work here two years ago, building a training centre where practical workshops for women in the community take place.

‘We started running literacy projects with the aim of helping some of the women who missed out on school to read and write,’ says Nana.

Women who have graduated from that programme also learn needlework skills at a sewing workshop. Even though equipment is very basic they have made good quality items of clothing, sometimes with cloth made by women from Bonheur Ville.

Ouagadougou’s population is growing and many people are moving to Poessin, but there is no running water or electricity in this part of the city. Water has to be collected from a standpipe two miles away, a job traditionally done by women.

‘We would like to dig a borehole here,’ says Nana. ‘That will make a big difference for our work and for the whole community.’

There is now an Army outpost in Poessin with eight Salvationists.

Lieutenant Canzir, one of three newly trained officers born in Burkina Faso, has been leading the work for about four months.

HOW CAN YOU HELP? O Put a little money in a collection box each day O Give up some little luxury or treat and put aside the money saved O Give the amount you might otherwise have spent on a restaurant or day out O Maybe donate a week’s salary in the service of the Lord. Your corps officer or treasurer can help you find the best ways to do this

‘I help the women to change their lives, first by offering advice and then by teaching sewing,’ she explains. ‘I advise them when they’re in difficult times and I do my best to help them when they lack basic needs.’

Four years ago there were only eight Salvationists in Burkina Faso, but today there are two corps – including one in Bobo-Dioulasso, the second largest city in the country – and three outposts, with a total of 182 soldiers, 73 junior soldiers and 36 local officers.

‘We feel so blessed that the Army has grown so much,’ testifies Nana. ‘We have seen some incredible things.

There are plenty of challenges here.

Poverty is widespread and The Salvation Army doesn’t have the resources to solve all the problems. But I see that we are making a difference in people’s lives.’

O The 2020 Self-Denial Appeal runs through February, with an offering taken up in corps on Sunday 1 March Salvationist 1 February 2020

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VIEW W POINT

Serving with a ‘glass half full’ I T is no longer rea reasonable asonable na na for social work professionals care or social wor rk pr rofessionals or volunteers to assu ume me a monopoly of assume knowledge or expertise s in regard to the se presenting needs of in ndiividuals and individuals communities.

No longer are we prim primarily marily looking at deficits or problems tha at need fixing that – rather, we are called tto od iscern surfeits, discern local knowledge, resourc resources, r es e , expertise and acumen that presen nts itself within an presents individual and community ty context. ty An asset-based approach to our service delivery means to always approach the individuals s and communities we seek to sserve erve with a ‘glass half full’ mentality. A As s people of faith and God’s Kingdom we w are called called by hope, and thereby calle ed to imbibe, same ignite and inspire the sam me in others – good, to look constantly for the g oo od, the compassion, the joy, the ccreativity reat a ivity and the love in others. aspiration This is the gold-standard d as spiration for an asset-based approach th tthrough hro ough all Army. expressions of The Salvation o A rmy.

Centralised services such h ass the Services Army’s Homelessness Serv vices e and Older People’s Services, in lilline ne e with the wider,, nationally y mandated ssocial ocial care oc

14

Tony Daniels explains the advantages of asset-based approaches to service delivery

providers’ agenda, have sought to adopt fresh approaches, structures and semantics in their delivery. For example, moving towards methodologies such as ‘psychologically informed environments’, which seek to ensure that service users’ experiences and environments do not necessitate the constant retelling of negative or life-limiting narratives.

Some of our corps community services – and other expressions within the Army – are still wrestling with the challenge of migrating from a gift-based model of service delivery. This model invokes sentiments such as ‘Be grateful for what you get from us’. It contrasts with the asset-based model, which invokes sentiments such as ‘What can we volunteers and professionals learn from your multi-layered experiences?’ and ‘How can we work together to harness the rich resources that lie within you and your community for the sake of the Kingdom?’

What this tends to mean in terms of the ‘daily grind’ of a corps or centre is that the asset-based approach is inextricably linked to its forerunner: the person-centred approach. That focuses on the individual’s p personal needs,, wants, desires and goals, wants goals as they define them.

Both of these worthy and aspirational methodologies are delivered within a very nuanced continuum.

Due to this, it is highly unlikely that many corps, expressions or centres that theoretically align their services or mission with assetbased or personcentred approaches will achieve a 100 per cent success rate in terms of consistently delivering against them.

The barriers to adopting an asset-based approach

are attitudinal and not necessarily intentional. Primarily, the foundational paradigm needed is constant reflective practice. That is, possessing – or having a desire to develop – the ability and skill of continually asking searching questions about the power dynamics faced by those we seek to serve. For example, does our mentality towards individuals and communities foster a crucible for ‘divine alchemy’ that leads to transformation, interdependence and co-production, as opposed to the well-meaning, old school gift-based model interventions that do more harm than good?

Ultimately, we seek to listen hard to those within the marginalised communities we journey with. We hope with open and expectant hearts that they too share their goodness, kindness and hope on our paths.

Whatever comes out of hard listening and our desire to seek God’s will with individuals within our communities – namely, seeing Christ in them – it must result in services that are fully shaped by those we purport to serve. Could that be part of our genuine service and ministry to God? Is he not seeking those that worship in Spirit and truth?

Furthermore, doesn’t truth often speak to the heart of an issue – to the very core motives behind our service or worship, which have the potential to inadvertently beguile or liberate its beneficiaries? Is this perhaps why the apostle Paul suggests that in all our doings we should seek to walk circumspectly?

This is Kingdom business and serious stuff, especially when the God of the universe is entrusting us to display his Kingdom asset-based mentality to his creation.

TONY IS TERRITORIAL DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES

MORE REAR-M MIR RRO OR

BOOTH THE PROPHET

General John Larsson (Retired) shares fascinating glimpses of the early Army – 1890-1912

F

ROM his middle years onwards, William Booth ‘looked like a prophet, roared like a lion [and] acted like a General’, wrote Bernard Watson in Soldier Saint.

Historian St John Ervine filled out the picture: ‘Booth, as he aged, became beautiful. The word is deliberately used.

When he came on to a platform, his tall figure, surmounted by a magnificent head in which deep eyes brooded like an eagle’s instantly commanded the attention of his audience.’

In meetings where no formal introductions were required, William Booth would go straight to the reading desk to establish contact with the audience, often with bantering words.

‘Everybody that is glad to see the General, say amen!’ he jested when visiting a location in the USA. ‘Everybody bound to get a blessing, General or no General, say amen!’ And he then warmed up the audience with words of greeting, encouragement and challenge before calling for the first song to be sung.

‘His voice is against him, he has the Nottingham sing-song, but this has no effect on the burden of his tale,’ recorded his future biographer Harold Begbie when accompanying him on a tour. ‘There is a nobleness of diction in his oratory. It is all simple and rugged and real.’

‘Until the time came when he was to preach, he would crouch in his chair,’ described St John Ervine, ‘one hand thrust through the opening of his long frogged coat, as if he were trying to warm it on his red jersey… But his air of remoteness, as his officers knew, was extraordinarily deceptive, and he would suddenly show that his mind was absorbed in the meeting. Once, when

Commissioner Howard said, “Shall we sing hymn number…?” Booth banged his fist on the table and said, “No, Howard, we will sing hymn…!”’

Here was the General taking command, and the audience loved it.

When the prophet rose to preach, ‘his opening was customarily quiet, almost lamb-like’, remembered Bramwell Booth. ‘It was an astonishing contrast – his striking and aggressive appearance, and the gentleness with which he began to talk.’

But the lamb-like opening was deceptive. ‘The passion in him soon became apparent,’ continued St John Ervine, ‘and he would begin to gesticulate, not with his hands, but with his whole body. He would point with himself rather than with his hands, and

as the long frame swayed forward – not from side to side, but to and fro – his tongue gathered strength and the words hurled themselves from his lips like thunderbolts from Heaven. And those who had come to listen to him for fun, or because they were curious about this odd preacher, either straightened themselves in their seats and sat bolt upright, as if they were under some compulsion, or cowered from him, afraid lest he should haul them to the penitent form and make a show of them before their respectable friends.’

When a lion roars at you, you pay attention.

The effect of William Booth’s preaching over a lifetime remains incalculable. But here are some pointers. Bramwell Booth reckoned that in his father’s 60 years of evangelistic campaigning, he preached between 50,000 and 60,000 sermons. And historian RG Moyles estimated that William Booth in his lifetime preached to 15 million people.

Nowadays radio, TV, film and the internet can multiply a speaker’s reach a millionfold. But in William Booth’s era, a preacher could only reach those who heard him live, person to person. And among them William Booth stood supreme. William T Stead wrote in 1912 that General Booth was the one man of his day ‘who has been seen by the greatest number of human eyes, whose voice has been heard by the greatest number of human ears, and who has appealed to a greater number of human hearts than any man who has ever lived upon this planet’.

And every one of those 15 million who heard William Booth in his prophetic role heard the roar of a lion.

Salvationist 1 February 2020

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BIBLE STUDY

A transformed life Major Pat Brown reminds us to show our true Christian colours through testimony and hospitality STUDY PASSAGE: ACTS 16:11–15

L

ET me ask you a question: Are you a green or a red kind of person? Perhaps you’re more yellow or grey? Or maybe you veer towards pink or cream? As we leave behind what has been called the ‘bluest’ month of the year, we could be forgiven for seeking some colour in our lives.

So, what’s your colour of choice?

Our study passage this week centres on Lydia, a woman described as a ‘dealer in purple cloth’. Perhaps in our world of bright, multicoloured textiles we can’t grasp the significance of this but, in New Testament times, purple cloth was hugely expensive and desirable. Purple dye came from the juice of tiny sea snails – and thousands of snails were needed to produce only a small amount of dye. If you could afford to wear purple, you were wealthy indeed.

Luke, the writer of Acts, tells us that

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

by Major Howard Webber

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Salvationist 1 February 2020

Lydia sold purple cloth. Her business took her hundreds of miles from her home in Thyatira to trade in the city of Philippi. There is no mention of a husband, but we can assume Lydia was a wealthy, successful businesswoman in her own right – otherwise, she could not afford to trade in such luxurious cloth. She had her own home in Philippi, perhaps used as a second home for her household when they travelled there.

Despite the demands of her business, we read that Lydia was also a faithful ‘worshipper of God’ (v14). She took time to go to the place of prayer on the Sabbath.

There was no synagogue in Philippi.

It seems Lydia and the other Godfearing women there followed tradition and established a place of prayer at the side of the river just outside the city.

While she was there she met the apostle Paul and her life was transformed.

QUESTIONS O Do we always take time to go to those places where we can expect to encounter God? O How easy is it to make time in our busy lives for him?

Paul had already completed one successful campaign across Asia, but he and his travelling companion Barnabas had a disagreement and the two men parted company (see Acts 15:39). Paul set out again, this time with Silas, to continue to preach the good news.

In our last study passage, we read how Paul wanted to go back to Asia to continue his ministry, but was called in a dream to Macedonia and therefore headed for Philippi, the leading city of that district. The Spirit of God said no to Paul’s own plans, but that same Spirit went ahead of Paul to prepare the heart of someone else: Lydia.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshipper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message.

(Acts 16:14)

Come in, my Lord, come in/ And make my heart thy home;/ Come in and cleanse my soul from sin/ And dwell with me alone./ Thyself to me be given,/ In fullness of thy love;/ Thyself alone wilt make my Heaven/ Though all thy gifts remove.

(SASB 411)

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

(Ephesians 1:18 and 19)

‘The Lord opened her heart’ (v14), writes Luke. The door to Asia might have temporarily closed, but the gateway to Europe was beginning to open.

QUESTION O It is said that when one door shuts, another door opens. Have you found this to be true in your life of faith?

Lydia was a worshipper of God who had come to meet with the other women gathered to pray and worship together.

Commendable though it is to go to a place of worship, attending worship alone is not enough to save us. As Paul joined the women by the river that day, Luke tells us that Lydia actively listened to the message he preached. So it was that the Spirit of God opened her heart to receive that message. She heard.

She received. She believed. And life was never going to be the same for her ever again.

QUESTIONS In the last worship service you attended, how actively did you listen to God? O Did you anticipate God speaking directly to you?

O How did you prepare to receive a message from him?

O

It’s interesting to see how quickly Lydia demonstrated her transformed life in two particular ways – testimony and hospitality. Lydia accepted the gospel message and shared it with the members of her household. They were also baptised into faith. Lydia then invited Paul and his travelling companions to stay at her home. She had to persuade them, but it seems they did for a time.

QUESTIONS Who was the first person you testified to after your conversion?

O How quick were you to share the message you’d accepted for yourself?

O

Testimony and hospitality are two practical expressions of a transformed life. In the years to come, Philippi was to be home to one of the strongest churches of the Christian faith. A church prepared to support Paul as he journeyed across the Roman Empire. A fellowship of believers that Paul could write to with affection, warmth and gratitude because they had learnt to be generous, hospitable and faithful.

The beginnings of this new church all started with the conversion of Lydia, the dealer in purple cloth – the first documented convert to Christianity in Europe.

MAJOR BROWN IS DIVISIONAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT, CENTRAL SOUTH

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus,/ To reach out and touch him and say that we love him./ Open our ears, Lord, and help us to listen./ Open our eyes, Lord, we want to see Jesus.

(SASB 386)

For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

(2 Corinthians 4:6)

Silently now I wait for thee,/ Ready, my God, thy will to see,/ Open mine eyes, illumine me,/ Spirit divine.

(SASB 786)

The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.

(Psalm 119:130)

Prayer Father God, open my heart as you did Lydia’s, so that on hearing your voice or reading your word, your light may illuminate my whole being with a deeper understanding and a fuller knowledge of God’s glory displayed in Jesus.

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NEW COMMITMENTS

SALISBURY: As part of the 141st corps anniversary celebrations Julie Telford, Helen Blake and Alison Blake were welcomed as adherent members by divisional leaders Majors Gregory and Priya Morgan (not pictured). Also pictured are corps officers Lieutenants Martin and Vicky Crawford and Recruiting Sergeant Major Christine Parkin. – V. C.

ARMÁDA SPÁSY DOVER: Nikola Horvathova, Daniel Portelik, Erik Turtak, Maria Turtakova, Richard Gabor, Natasa Horvathova (Misa), Natasa Horvathova, Peter Horvath, Zdena Horvathova, Irena Horvathova, Barbora Hankova, Tibor Horvath, Michaela Lakatosova, Bronislava Turtakova and Maria Portelekova were welcomed as the first adherent members of the fresh expression, which opened its doors a year ago. They are pictured with Fresh Expression Pioneer Leader David Frater (Armáda Spásy Gravesend). – K. B.

ARMÁDA SPÁSY CHATHAM: Gabriela Balogova and Patrik Horvat were welcomed as adherent members by Major David Blowers (Armáda Spásy Margate). They testified to God leading their lives as they made the corps their spiritual home. They are pictured with Major Kathryn Blowers.

ARMÁDA SPÁSY CHATHAM: Denisa Balog and Alex Horvath were welcomed as adherent members by Major David Blowers (Armáda Spásy Margate) and Fresh Expression Pioneer Leader Roman Mukula.

Some photos removed

PAISLEY: An invitation to attend band practice led Audrey McCrone to work with the learners band. A regular attendee at worship, Audrey felt the time had come to take a step of faith and became an adherent member. She is pictured with corps officer Major Alex McNee. – A. M. 18

Salvationist 1 February 2020

ARMÁDA SPÁSY CHATHAM: When Margita Balogova travelled to the UK from a small village in Slovakia, she left behind her parents and 19 siblings to live with her aunt and uncle in Chatham. She did not know that this would be the beginning of renewing her relationship with God and finding a spiritual home in The Salvation Army.

Having met her husband at the corps, Margita has now taken the next step and been welcomed as an adherent member. – K. B.

CWMBRAN: Amelia was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Stuart Ashman during the YP carol service. She is pictured with her grandmother, HLS Jean Gillett, who stepped down from playing piano for the singing company after 35 years. – S. A. KILMARNOCK: Corps officers Captains Emma and Les Heal enrolled Margaret Evans as a soldier and welcomed Irene Gee as an adherent member, inviting them to cut the 137th corps anniversary cake. Margaret linked up with the corps through a member who volunteered at the charity shop. On attending a meeting she was struck by the warmth of the corps family and felt she had found her new spiritual home. She has become involved in many corps activities. Irene was dedicated to God in the Army as a baby.

Throughout her life she has attended other Christian churches. On hearing about the corps Knit and Natter fellowship, she decided to attend a Sunday meeting as well. She immediately felt at home and believes that God directed her back to the Army. Irene is a regular worshipper and a keen Knit and Natter participant. – E. F. LUTON: Robin Dzikiti, who was welcomed as an adherent member in 2018, decided that the only way for him to follow God was to become a soldier. Flanked by his wife, Leah, Robin was enrolled by corps officer Major Ralph Walker. Robin has been a tower of strength and an amazing witness to his faith, and the corps is blessed to have him and Leah as part of the church family. – R. W.

LIVERPOOL STONEYCROFT: Peter and Taryn Prescott were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Lieutenant Sam Tomlin. – S. T.

SUTTON-IN-ASHFIELD: Elaine Rowley, a volunteer in the charity shop, was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Captain Deborah Oughton. They are pictured with Elaine’s aunt, Cynthia Densham, who encouraged Elaine on her journey. – D. O. Salvationist 1 February 2020

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 1 February O Major Godspower Anozie, Communications Officer, THQ

husband Rtd CSM/SL Stewart Stoker, Christine Copeland, Cheltenham Citadel, Avril Lawrence and Yvonne Morton of their father PROMOTED TO GLORY Mitchell, Dartford

O Marion

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Emerald (55th) O Majors Barry and Sandra Guy (13 February) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Mrs Lieut-Colonel Cox Crowhurst (90 on 9 February) O Commissioner Marian Howe (90 on 9 February) O Lieut-Colonel Joyce Mason (90 on 9 February) O Commissioner Margaret Taylor (80 on 13 February) O Major Catherine Pell (85 on 14 February) O Major John Turner (80 on 14 February) BEREAVED O Helen Lyons, Staple Hill, and Kevin Stone, Bristol Kingswood, of their mother S/Reservist Mavis Stone, Doris Pearce, Staple Hill, of her sister O Heather Stoker, Maidenhead, of her

TRIBUTES MAJOR HENRY WELLMAN HENRY Wellman, born in 1934, was led to the Lord by his best friend, Brian, during his service with the Royal Army Medical Corps. Returning home, he attended the Anglican Church but through the friendship of another friend, Major Kath Dolling, made his home at The Salvation Army in Chesham. We thank God for the faithfulness that marked Henry’s life from the time he heard a call to become a follower of Christ and a subsequent call to become an officer, which resulted in him leaving his home corps for the International Training College to become a member of the Pioneers Session in 1958.

Lieutenant Henry Wellman was

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O India Western Territory, Mon 27 Jan – Mon 3 Feb O ICO, Th 13 O ICO, Sun 16 O Zimbabwe and Botswana Territory, Mon 17 – Tu 25 O Aberdeen Citadel (140th corps anniversary), Fri 28 – Tu 3 Mar THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Korea Territory (installation of territorial leaders), Th 6 Feb – Sun 9 O Brazil Territory (welcome to cadets), Th 13 – Mon 17 O ICO (farewell to session), Fri 21 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O WBC (public welcome to the principal), Sun 2 Feb O WBC (first year cadets teaching module), Tu 4* O Aberdeen (Scotland Council), Th 6 O Basingstoke, Sat Sun 9 O Poole (Youth Makes Music festival), Fri 21 O Poole, Sat Sun 23 O Warwick (youth and children’s workers conference), Sat Sun 1 Mar THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O WBC (public welcome to the principal), Sun 2 Feb O Aberdeen (Scotland Council), Th 6 O Central East (divisional officers retreat), Mon 10 – Wed 12 O Poole (Youth Makes Music festival), Fri 21 O Herts and Essex Division, Th Fri 28 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Poole, Sat Sun 23 Feb INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Sunderland Millfield, Sat Sun 9 Feb *Commissioner Gillian only

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Salvationist 1 February 2020

appointed to Somerton Corps and then Melksham with Trowbridge. In 1961 he was appointed to Warminster then Highbridge. This was followed by six months as the youth officer at Boscombe, then appointments at Alderney, Stockwell and Epsom. In 1966 Henry transferred to the Men’s Social Services. In 1970 he married Captain Frances Mary Deakins and together they served in several corps including Sheffield Park, Stocksbridge, Hounslow, Hayes, Greenford, Buckingham, Coventry Stoke, Bromsgrove and Stratford-upon-Avon, from where they retired in 1999.

During retirement Henry and Mary found joy in worshipping at Coventry City. Henry’s encouragement and care of others helped many on their faith journeys. A unique character who shared his love for God with everyone he came into contact with, Henry always carried his Bible and never went anywhere without his small wooden cross.

Henry was unwell and confused towards the end but always clear about his faith, and he remembered with fondness his years of service as an officer.

He is missed by his wife, Mary, son, Philip, and family, along with his extended family at Coventry City Corps.

Well done, good and faithful servant of God! – V. S.

CHRISTINE MURRAY, COALVILLE CHRISTINE was born into a Salvationist family in 1946.

Together with her parents, twin brother, Alan, and elder sister, Jean, they served at Coalville. Christine became a singing company member and corps cadet and later became a songster and member of the band. She was appointed singing company leader and songster leader.

Christine met Raymond and they married in 1971. They had two boys, Matthew and Jonathan. She enjoyed helping at the corps charity shop and community centre, and attending the Holiday Plus Fellowship gatherings.

Due to a long illness she was promoted to Glory on New Year’s Eve. She is sadly missed by her family and all who knew her. – R. M.

ŕž’INVITATION

Light, life and love T

HE 2020 territorial congress will be on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October at the International Convention Centre Wales in Newport.

Whatever expression of The Salvation Army you belong to, territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill invite you to this inspiring weekend of worship, preaching and Bible-based teaching. There will be something for everyone in our Salvation Army family, as we join together to pray and to praise and glorify God. As well as attending yourself, why not sponsor a member of your corps or centre? You could invite a young person to sessions for children and youth, or a neighbour or work colleague to discover more about Light, Life And Love, the theme of the congress.

Save the date now, so you don’t miss out.

Tickets are expected to go on sale by May. O Look out for further details in future issues of Salvationist or at salvationarmy.org.uk/ territorial-congress-2020

Salvationist 1 February 2020

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 1 February 2020

22-23

‘

The most valuable thing I possess is my sense of humour All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

MAJOR STEVE WILSON Divisional mission enabler, South and Mid Wales What made you want to become an officer?

A song by the Housemartins called ‘Sitting On A Fence’. I was 30 and was sitting on a fence and life made no sense.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Meeting ordinary people who are being extraordinary people and doing extraordinary things.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

Negative conversations and negative attitudes.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

The long kind – in the Alps with my wife, Kim, and our caravan.

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

‘Patch’ in Patch Adams. He was brave enough to be himself and to challenge the status quo, caring for and having a positive impact on people and bringing joy into their lives, even when it meant breaking the rules.

If you were to create a slogan for your life, what would it be?

Don’t measure goodness by what you don’t do, what you deny yourself, what you resist or whom you exclude.

Measure goodness by what and whom you embrace, create and include. It’s inspired by the sermon in the film Chocolat.

What do you do in your spare time?

Walk, talk, eat food, listen to music and spend time with family and friends.

If you could bring back any fashion trend what would it be?

Homemade tank tops and two-tone skinny trousers.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

One of my favourite reassuring Bible verses is Romans 8:34, especially the phrase that tells us that Jesus ‘is also interceding for us’, or as The Message puts it, ‘is in the presence of God at this very moment sticking up for us’.

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

Ananias. I’d ask: ‘How long did you wait outside the house of Judas on Straight Street before going in to lay hands on Saul? How long did you stay for and what did you talk about?’

’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

I have so many: ‘Cornerstone’ and ‘Oceans’ by Hillsong Worship, ‘You Say’

by Lauren Daigle, ‘Reckless Love’ by Cory Asbury and ‘O Church, Arise, And Put Your Armour On’ (SASB 819), a great rallying call.

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Rats. Also, hatred and suspicion – they destroy relationships and good things.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Massa, short for mass of bones (I was skinny).

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

It could only be one person: Kim. If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

A real beam-me-up-Scotty gadget like the transporter in Star Trek.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

If I Could Tell You Just One Thing by Richard Reed. This is an inspiring book that I hope would keep me connected to the world and people beyond the island.

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

The theme tune for Looney Tunes or the ‘Peter Gunn Theme’ from The Blues Brothers.

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

It’s the little things that give you away, so do them.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My sense of humour.