Salvationist 20 July 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1714 Price 60p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 20 July 2019

Extraordinary!

WAG Weekend 2019

See pages 12 and 13

PLUS SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN DUBLIN

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHURCH ACCEPTS MARRIAGE BETWEEN PEOPLE OF THE SAME GENDER – WITH A CATCH The Church of England has given its blessing to marriage between two people of the same gender... but only if they were man and wife when they originally took their vows.

The church’s teachings state that marriage should only be between a man and a woman, but bishops have now been asked to resolve a thorny question over the church’s position on oppositesex married couples who remain married after one transitions to a new gender, thereby creating a same-gender

couple of two men or two women…

Church policy holds that it is willing to marry couples where one member has a gender recognition certificate, so that they are legally recognised as of opposite gender at the time of their vows.

The Bishop of Newcastle has now confirmed that the church would not deem a marriage between a man and a woman to be invalid if one later changes gender, adding that it would never press any couple to divorce.

RELIGIOUS HATE CRIME ON THE RISE IN LONDON

Five of the UK’s biggest gambling companies have committed to pay around £60 million a year towards treatment for problem gamblers.

In response to growing calls to address the harms caused by gambling addiction, William Hill, Ladbrokes Coral, Paddy Power Betfair, Skybet and Bet 365 have agreed to increase a voluntary levy on their profits from its current level of 0.1 per cent to 1 per cent by 2023…

Separately, over the next four years, the firms have pledged to cumulatively spend £100 million on addiction treatment and co-operate with health organisations to determine where support is most needed.

Research by Faith and Belief Forum and the Department of Psychosocial Studies at Birkbeck showed that Jews and Muslims are particularly vulnerable to religious discrimination.

The study found that fear and division between faith groups was growing as a result of the incidents.

Researcher and co-author of the report, Jonathan Smith, told Premier that an increasing exposure to hate crimes is part of the problem: ‘The ability for people to witness hate crimes both in person and also online as videos are spread means that people are exposed to a crime and this actually creates more possibilities that people will then go ahead to perpetrate more hate crimes.’

Mr Smith warned that media attention can develop unhelpful stereotypes of religious groups and that people must be mindful of how they respond to them.

‘It communicates a message that certain groups don’t belong, and when people watch this it motivates people in different ways...’

The forum is calling on the Church to take positive action and lead the way in promoting solidarity and tolerance to those facing discrimination.

The Independent

Premier

The Times

UK GOVERNMENT URGED TO TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS The UK government should be prepared to impose sanctions against countries that persecute Christians, a report commissioned by the Foreign Office has recommended.

It should also adopt a definition of anti-Christian discrimination and persecution, similar to those applied to Islamophobia and antisemitism, the report says. British diplomats and other Foreign Office staff, both in the UK and abroad, should have mandatory training in religious literacy in order to equip them to understand the scale and significance of the issue.

The Guardian

GAMBLING FIRMS COMMIT £60M A YEAR TO TREATING ADDICTS

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 20 July 2019

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THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline

Find Salvationist on Twitter twitter.com/@SalvationistUK

SMALL STEPS AND GIANT LEAPS FIFTY years ago, on 20 July 1969, the Eagle landed on the moon and Neil Armstrong set the first human foot on the surface as he said, ‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’

There’s been debate over whether what he actually said was ‘a man’, which would have been grammatically correct, but the most recent analysis of the recording shows that he didn’t. Nevertheless the words without the ‘a’ are regarded as poetic, having rhythm and symmetry that capture the mood of the moment.

As well as poetry there were elements of spirituality surrounding the first and subsequent moon landings. Buzz Aldrin followed Armstrong onto the moon a few minutes later but before they took those steps Aldrin spoke to Mission Control and the wider world: ‘I would like to invite each person listening in, wherever and whomever he may be, to contemplate for a moment the events of the past few hours and to give thanks in his own individual way.’ For Aldrin that meant observing the Lord’s Supper in the lunar module.

Two years later James Irwin became the eighth man on the moon, spending his time collecting rocks and conducting experiments. At one point the equipment for an experiment wasn’t working so, although only a nominal Christian, he prayed about it. He then sensed the overwhelming presence of Jesus – an experience that changed his life. Within a year of his return from the moon Irwin had formed an evangelistic organisation called the High Flight Foundation. ‘As I travel around,’ he said, ‘I tell people… that Jesus walking on the Earth is more important than man walking on the moon.’

That thought is taken up by John Stott in his book The Contemporary Christian, where he compares and contrasts the moon landing with the Incarnation. Both are described as a ‘mission’ and involved ‘a sensational, cross-cultural journey’. But that’s where the similarities end, Stott says. Those who walked on the moon were protected from their environment by space suits and an oxygen supply. They made a superficial visit, only scratching the surface. When Jesus walked the Earth he embraced all that it meant to be human – becoming vulnerable, ‘being made in human likeness’ (Philippians 2:7), plumbing the depths of our experience.

Stott goes on to say that ‘all authentic mission is incarnational mission’ and points to Frederick Booth and the early Salvation Army in India as an example. They adopted an Indian lifestyle in order to communicate the gospel effectively.

Incarnational mission and ministry are not just for people who travel to different cultures. Each of us is called to step into other people’s worlds, prepared to understand their perspectives and identify with their experiences, and allow the love of Jesus to be seen in our words and actions.

Although the Son of God who walked the Earth is a better model for Christian mission than the men who walked on the moon, we can still be inspired by their courage, skill and determination. And, when we take our own small steps or giant leaps of service for God, we can experience, as many of those astronauts did, a deeper and richer encounter with him.

CONTENTS

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

News feature 8 and 9 WAG 2019 delegates explore the extraordinary in the everyday Interview 10 and 11 Journeys back to Heaven Sam Seabridge speaks to Simon Hope

Feature Making a hub a home

12 and 13

by Shanelle Manderson

Feature Jesus and Me on Alderney

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Pauline Redhead tells the story of Alderney’s Jam club

Feature Tackling root causes

15

Matthew Sowemimo speaks to LieutColonel Jonathan Roberts

Bible study

16 and 17

Go! I am sending you

by Lieutenant Charlotte Heward

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Philippa Smale

New commitments

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Letters

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Announcements Adverts

20 and 21 21 to 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Veronica Williamson

From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

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NEWS

International Theological Council publishes new resource IHQ

CLOWNE: The 132nd corps anniversary weekend began with a visit from the Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls YP Band. The congregation enjoyed an entertaining programme with a range of music, including some new arrangements. The band and vocal soloists gave polished and professional performances. – G. H. BARROW-IN-FURNESS: The corps raised £400 through a series of community events, including cake sales, coffee mornings and bring-and-buy days. The funds were raised to support the Strawberry Field project in Liverpool ahead of its opening in September.

Fresh Expression leader Lieutenant L ouise Brown (Strawberry Field) led Sunday meetings at the corps, explaining the rationale behind the centre and giving an update on its progress. – M. D. BROMLEY TEMPLE: A c apacit y congregation welcomed the Gary Bonner Singers from California. They opened the first performance of their Sing Praise UK tour with ‘Sing For Joy’ followed by ‘We Believe’, featuring soloist Sarah Graham. The evening brought inspiration and challenge, and concluded with ‘All Glory Be To God’.

Everyone enjoyed an uplifting and blessed evening. – A-J. L. 4

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Stuart Woodley presents a cheque for £597 to Isle of Wight corps officer Captain Rodney Bean; Stuart raised the money by taking part in the Isle of Wight Randonnee, a 100km cycle rally

THE Salvation Army’s International Theological Council (ITC) has produced a resource to help Salvationists and friends understand the basics of biblical interpretation.

The three-page document, Tools For Interpreting The Bible, was put together by council members and takes the reader through a five-step programme, including prayer, contextual considerations and cross-referencing.

The publication was launched at the most recent meeting of the ITC, held at Sunbury Court.

General Brian Peddle opened the gathering with devotions followed by his keynote address.

The ITC is made up of officers and lay personnel from 13 territories and commands across The Salvation Army. It meets twice a year and exists to support the General’s request for theological issues to be discussed and for him to be informed of any specific matters that arise. The ITC works closely with both the International Moral and Social Issues Council and the International Social Justice Commission. – J. K. O Tools For Interpreting The Bible can be downloaded from sar.my/ itctools

Bristol’s mayor Marvin Rees visits Employment Plus at Bristol Citadel; he was introduced to the programme

by Director of Employment Services Rebecca Keating

125 years of Salvation Army ministry despite rebuilding from earthquake INDONESIA GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle visited the Indonesia Territory to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Salvation Army ministry starting in the country.

The international leaders were greeted by a salute from cadets on arrival and presented with traditional scarves and flowers.

The next day the General and Commissioner Peddle, accompanied by territorial leaders Commissioners Jenny and Peter Walker, travelled to Palu in Central Sulawesi, where many parts of the city are being rebuilt after the damaging 7.5 magnitude earthquake in September 2018. The General, keen to show support and encouragement to the community, travelled through some of the affected areas to witness the devastation.

Recording a video message to Salvationists worldwide, he described Indonesian Salvationists as ‘people of faith’ for whom ‘it is a long journey to recovery’. ‘But the spirit of the people is undaunted!’ he added.

He later signed plaques for three corps buildings severely damaged by the earthquake that had since been refurbished.

In nearby Maranatha some 17,000 Salvationists and friends gathered at a football ground where the international leaders addressed the crowd, speaking

powerfully about working together and interfaith harmony.

Acknowledgement was made of the Army’s service and ministry in Indonesia, and people affected by the earthquake gave poignant testimonies about how God kept them safe. Sacred moments followed General Peddle’s address when the invitation was given to come forward for prayer.

Returning to the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, the international leaders led the commissioning meeting for 32 cadets of the

Messengers of Compassion Session. Meaningful moments followed the Declaration of Faith with the General telling the new lieutenants that ‘the Spirit of the Lord is on you, and anointing you to preach the good news’. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle spoke encouragingly to the new lieutenants and more than 60 people responded to the Holy Spirit during an altar call.

In the closing moments General Peddle thanked officers and soldiers for their faithfulness. – K. S. / J. S.

SKEGNESS: Boston Band led an open-air meeting in the shopping precinct prior to morning worship at the corps. In the afternoon the visiting band presented an open-air concert, which attracted a number of people, including those who had recently returned to The Salvation Army after many years away. – T. D. Corps folk and friends at Leeds West Hunslet host an afternoon tea, raising £320 for the Big Collection

Birmingham Citadel corps officers Major Adrian Allman and Captain Clare Allman present Ian Dixon with a certificate of retirement after 36 years of service as corps treasurer and 13 years as a band local officer; a tribute from the corps was shared and former corps officers sent words of appreciation Salvationist 20 July 2019

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NEWS

INVERNESS: The annual corps strawberry tea raised a total of £950 for the Big Collection. As well as sampling the home baking and other mouthwatering delights the audience enjoyed a programme that included Highland dancing, puppets, vocal, piano, violin and instrumental solos and songs by the newly formed community choir. The evening also included a silent auction for items donated by nearby businesses and restaurants. – C. W.

Corps celebrates 120th anniversary LOCHGELLY

Beattie Sandell, who was welcomed as an adherent member at North Walsham last year, celebrates her 100th birthday with more than 100 people; she received a video message from singer Charlie Green and instead of presents, £500 was raised and shared between the corps and the charity East Anglian Air Ambulance O Marc

Harry (Lincoln) visited Burton-on-Trent for an inspiring café church meeting interspersed with humour, vocal and euphonium solos, a forthright testimony and a Christian message 6

Salvationist 20 July 2019

DIVISIONAL Commander Lieut-Colonel Carol Bailey and local councillors joined a capacity audience at St Serf ’s church as East Scotland Divisional Youth Band opened the 120th corps anniversary celebrations with ‘Highland Cathedral’, accompanied by Territorial Envoy Andrew Howe (Buckhaven) on bagpipes.

The band and East Scotland Divisional Youth Chorus presented an excellent, varied programme and Buckhaven youth worship dance group contributed.

Territorial Envoy Andrew shared his experience and spiritual journey, paying tribute to the help and guidance he received growing up in Lochgelly. Special guest Major Joy Paxton, who grew up in the town, addressed the congregation, saying: ‘You can take the person out of Lochgelly, but you can’t take Lochgelly out of the person.’

The DC presented Sarah Gourdie with a certificate of appreciation, flowers and a letter from the Territorial Commander for more than 70 years of service.

Major Joy led the Sunday meeting, focusing on God’s goodness over the years and all that has been achieved. She encouraged everyone to remember they can move forward with confidence that the future is secure in God’s hands.

Messages from several former corps officers from up to 50 years ago were shared, and the recently formed choir sang for the first time. Gourdie, the oldest soldier, and Luis Cuming, the youngest junior soldier, cut the anniversary cake. – M. M.

NORTH WALSHAM: Children from Clic kids club attended a special Pirates Praise party, which included songs, stories, games and crafts. Everyone dressed up as pirates and corps officer Major Richard Durrant was ‘Captain Fearless’. The central theme was the story of the storm at sea in the Gospels and how God is with everyone in all situations. – R. D.

SOUTHAMPTON SHIRLEY: A fantastic time of celebration and worship marked the YP prizegiving, led by Lieutenants Martin and Vicky Crawford (Salisbury). Corps folk shared in a picnic lunch in the park followed by fun and games for all ages as they celebrated the young people and the blessing that they are to the fellowship. – S. U.

Volunteers at Lockerbie are presented with certificates of appreciation before enjoying tea and cake together

LLANELLI: Divisional leaders Majors George and Jeanne Baker and corps officer Major Denise Cooper led the Sunday morning meeting. The divisional leaders gave a brief insight into their lives and thanked the Lord for his love and care throughout their years of service. Major George brought the message, and certificates of appreciation were presented to volunteers before Major Denise expressed her thanks for the volunteers’ dedication and time. – T. C. facebook.com/ salvationistonline twitter.com/ @SalvationistUK SHOEBURYNESS: A Messy Toddlers event with the theme of God’s Creation encouraged parents and children to take part in different activities. Parents and children were told the story of creation and reminded that they have a special place in it. – C. D.

Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

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NEWS FEATURE

WAG 2019 delegates explore the extraordinary in the everyday HAYES CONFERENCE CENTRE, SWANWICK HOW do you capture the spirit of a gathering that brings together more than 270 women and a few ‘odd men’? It is joyful, exuberant, chat-filled, worshipful, inspiring, humbling, tender, ‘brown paper packages tied up with string’ and so much more.

It is Women And God 2019, writes Major Noreen Batt (North West England and North Wales DHQ).

In his welcome Director of Family Ministries Major David Betteridge expressed the desire that when everyone went home others would realise that they had been in the company of Jesus, like Peter and John in Acts 4:13.

With the words of Romans 12:1 and 2 pulsating through every session, the invitation was loud and clear: ‘Take your everyday, ordinary life… and place it before God as an offering… Fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out… God brings the best out of you’ (The Message).

Guest speakers Commissioner Eva 8

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Kleman (IHQ) and Rachel Turner (Bible Reading Fellowship) deftly explored the power of an ordinary life that is offered to God. Commissioner Eva urged captivated listeners to ‘never underestimate what God can do and never underestimate yourself ’.

The stories of Lydia, probably Europe’s first Commissioner Eva Kleman

Christian (see Acts 16:11–15), and a very small group of elderly Swedish Salvationists, who were determined that their community was not going to be without a corps ministry, were inspiring examples of what can happen when we ‘use what we have, be

who we are and do what we can’.

Rachel determined that if this generation wants its children – and everyone else – to find God they will do so not in Church structures and schemes but in the boring and ordinary details of life – as we walk, talk, rest and work – sharing what we discover of God on the way. Rachel challenged the gathering to create windows in their lives so that others could see and hear what real, authentic life with God is like – whether it is facing cancer or being dedicated to cooking pancakes for the youth group.

The power of story to convey the extraordinary things that can happen when ordinary lives are offered to God was evident through the messages but also as three women in the gathering were celebrated for their extraordinary love, faith and grace: Territorial Envoy Alice Swain (Mold), Beverley Johnston (Edinburgh Gorgie) and Major Denise Brine were each thanked as representatives of all those who discover the extraordinariness of God in difficult times and places and in devoted service to others.

Music Is Magic concert

Territorial Envoy Alice Swain signs her debut book

Poignant moments were shared as Alice opened a window into her personal story of discovering God in profound sorrows and joys as she introduced her newly released debut book, Flourishing In The Wilderness, written for others who are looking for God in their desert places.

All kinds of opportunities were offered throughout the weekend to explore the theme and to relax. There was something for everyone: a film night; a Would I Lie To You?-inspired session featuring expert and not-so-expert liars; workshops that provided a chance to sing, dance or do craft; opportunities to learn about Community Shares, which is the project for the 2019 helpinghand appeal, the Parenting For Faith course, the W course and the Army’s anti-trafficking and modern slavery work; and a chance to visit the prayer space or simply rest, chat with friends and enjoy the sunshine.

There was an exuberant celebration of song and movement on Saturday evening as David Stanley and a small group of young adults with learning disabilities from the Music Man Project brought the unique Music Is Magic concert. From the hushed

tones of ‘Kum Ba Yah’ to the joyfully energetic ‘High, Low, Middle!’ – including a tango worthy of Strictly Come Dancing by Family Ministries Specialist Dean Coates and partner – the young people inspired tears and laughter with the sheer joy of their music and the freedom to be their true selves.

Major David Betteridge

Major David summed the evening up when he thanked them for offering their ‘joy and pleasure, not only in music, but in life’. The evening concluded with a fun auction of donated hats and scarves modelled by the youngsters, which resulted in the giving of £900 for the

helping-hand appeal.

Sunday’s worship focused on the expectation that God will do extraordinary things with the gift of our ordinary, everyday lives. Commissioner Eva reminded everyone that whenever God makes a request of his children he also makes a promise, just as in Romans 12:1 and 2 when he promises to bring out the very best of us.

‘The more I narrow my focus on him, the more he widens my perspective and my freedom. The more I give up, the more I become me. The more I give him my full attention, the more he brings out the best of me.’

Tender moments of response, followed by joyous celebration in sung worship, brought WAG 2019 to an end – or was it just the beginning?

How do you capture the spirit of such a gathering? Pour it into ordinary and everyday lives totally offered to God in the expectation that he will keep his promise and bring out the best of us. Imagine the extraordinary stories that will be shared by more than 200 women and a few ‘odd men’ at Women And God 2020!

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INTERVIEW

Journeysi back toi Heaveni

18-year-old singer-songwriter Sam Seabridge (Birmingham Citadel) speaks to Simon Hope about his EP, Difficult Decisions

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WHAT INSPIRED DIFFICULT DECISIONS? I grew up in a very musical Salvationist family and around the age of 14 I began writing songs. I used to play trombone in Droitwich Spa YP Band and now I play bass guitar with Birmingham Citadel YP Worship Band.

Early last year I really wanted to start putting my music out there, so I began to put together some songs. It was a few months later when I announced to my family and friends that I was going to release these songs. It was actually through some connections in The Salvation Army that I was able to get the extended play (EP) record professionally recorded. It all came about very quickly.

Each song has its own influence. I think that in terms of religious influences there’s one particular song, ‘A Way Back To Heaven’. There was a point in my life when I was unsure whether I really wanted to follow God. But after attending a summer school a couple of years later, I decided that I wanted to put my full commitment into him. I reflect all of this in the song.

A way back to Heaven, open up the gates It was real, he’ll carry the weight Did I fool you? Have a little faith There’s no illusion, just an empty wraith (‘A Way Back To Heaven’) Another, ‘The Melancholy Cycle’, talks about my mental health journey. I think people can be very closed about their mental health and that’s how I felt to start with. I was reluctant to talk about it. But after opening up to friends and family I’ve been a lot more open about it.

That was the main aim of Difficult Decisions, really. I wanted to let the music tell my story. And since releasing the EP I have performed it live in several locations, including West Midlands youth councils in 2018 and O Swing All Ye Faithful at Birmingham Citadel.

The place to be Staring down death’s door Right in front of me Been begging for sin to let me free My mind’s full of static My heart’s in a panic Didn’t think I would want it but now I’m sat here Forced to have it (‘The Melancholy Cycle’)

HOW HAS MENTAL HEALTH INFLUENCED YOUR MUSIC? I’ve put out a video on my YouTube channel where I dive into more detail about my whole mental health story, but I think it’s important to raise these issues, especially among younger people. Some young people aren’t necessarily brave enough to open up about their mental health, and I was hoping that by making the video and putting out songs such as ‘The Melancholy Cycle’ I might encourage others to open up too.

I think that it’s OK not to be in a good place sometimes. But we also need to know that there will always be someone there to speak to us, whether we realise it or not. I opened up to someone I wouldn’t have imagined I’d open up to but that was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I think people can be scared of having a negative influence on others by talking about their problems but it can really be one of the best decisions you ever make – it certainly was for me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG ON THE EP? I think that would have to be the one that’s been the most successful, ‘Journeys Round Alaska’. It just has such a catchy feel-good tune. It was the first song I put out there before I announced I was releasing an EP and I got a lot of positive feedback from it.

That’s what pushed me to keep making music.

Since then it’s had more than 3,500 streams on Spotify and I’ve been able to connect with a worldwide audience.

And because of the success of the EP, I’m currently writing a full-length album, which I’m hoping to release at the end of this year.

‘Journeys Round Alaska’ is a song about two lovers but the story really comes through in the music video. It talks more about emotions. You get a lot of modern mainstream songs about lovers and how they feel about each other but I wanted to express a different side of love.

While the lyrics may sound like your typical love song, the music video goes deeper and talks about male emotions. A topic in the news recently has been how men need to express their feelings more. So that’s what I’ve tried to do with this song and music video.

WHY DO YOU WRITE MUSIC? People go through stuff that you don’t necessarily see and I think music is a way of expressing this. It’s like a different language for me. It’s the way I communicate best. I just hope my songs can have an effect on others in a somewhat positive way.

I’m not fussed whether people try to look for messages in the lyrics or if they just listen to my music – I’m happy regardless, to be honest – but I want to put Difficult Decisions out there because it’s the best way that I can express myself.

As well as that there will always be a religious influence on my music, even if it’s just a small bit, and if people ever ask I’m always happy to talk about my upbringing in the Army. It’s always going to be part of my life – I grew up in it and I plan to continue attending for as long as I can.

Do you remember journeys round Alaska?

The memories a lifetime won’t regret You had me, I had you, we were having a bonanza When you cut our love off like a tourniquet And I thought that you’d break all your promises To do what’s best for you and me And I thought that you’d try to be more positive But instead I watched as you set me free (‘Journeys Round Alaska’) WHERE CAN PEOPLE FIND YOUR MUSIC? Difficult Decisions is available on all online streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music and Google Play Music.

People can also find all the tracks on YouTube alongside covers of other songs and a variety of other videos. Finally, my Facebook page (facebook.com/ samseabridgemusic) is where I post updates about upcoming music.

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FEATURE Family hubs

Making a hub a home With family homelessness on the rise Shanelle Manderson finds out how Army family hubs in Ireland offer more than a place to rest

H

AVING a place to call home is a fundamental human right. But imagine not having a say in where you’d like to sleep and being told that you and your family will have to live in a B&B or hotel room. Every activity, from meals and children’s homework to interaction with friends and family, would take place in that single room and there would be no cooking or washing facilities. This is the reality for many families experiencing homelessness who are trying to access permanent housing in Dublin.

There is a vast family housing crisis in the Republic of Ireland’s capital city. In May this year, according to Focus Ireland, 1,275 families were experiencing homelessness. In October last year 1,709 families were accessing emergency accommodation; this included 3,725 children. A lack of social and affordable housing has led to skyrocketing rents across the city. This, coupled with a scarcity of rental properties because demand far outweighs supply, has led to more families experiencing homelessness.

This rising need for accommodation has led to the opening of two Salvation Army family hubs in Dublin: at Clonard Road in December 2017 and Greencastle Parade in June 2018.

‘Our family hubs provide temporary emergency accommodation for families experiencing homelessness who are deemed to be in accommodation that falls short of meeting individual needs,’ 12

Salvationist 20 July 2019

explains Robert Byrne, the service manager for both. ‘The service is housing led, with a priority of working closely with families to identify their strengths and address any potential barriers preventing them from availing independent accommodation.’

Families are referred to the hubs through the Central Placement Service, operated by Dublin Region Housing Executive (DRHE).

‘They are put in touch with the hubs based on family composition and, at times, previous or existing links to the area,’ says Robert.

‘So if a child is attending a school in a particular area, or their family lives in that area, DRHE will do its best to locate them in a hub close to those support networks,’ adds Homelessness Services Unit Assistant Regional Manager (Ireland) Stephen Potter.

The hubs house 53 families across both sites. Constructed as either modular or adapted properties, they provide each family with their own room, an en suite bathroom, a TV and sofa,

table and chairs, a desk and a bunk bed. There are four training kitchens, which are available for residents to use within specific times, as well as communal dining rooms. Families also have access to laundry rooms on each floor, a toddler room and a library.

While hubs are not ideal, they offer the first step in bringing families in distress into a more cohesive and structured environment that allows for greater development options for children and a community setting for families as a whole.

Research by Royal Holloway, University of London, has shown that living in hotels for extended periods of time has many repercussions for

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A wide range of activities is offered at the hubs to develop family structures, in particular the development of child support

families. Children’s development can be stunted – such as toddlers not learning to crawl or walk due to lack of space – daily routines tend to be disrupted, not being able to cook has health implications because of a lack of nutrition and family social time reduces.

‘Through our work within the hubs, we have identified that many of the families we engage with display poor coping mechanisms and an initial inability to regulate emotion within a community setting,’ says Robert. ‘This is seen as a direct impact of long-term inadequate housing provision.’

‘Family homelessness can also put stress on parental relationships,’ Stephen adds. ‘And, depending on the age of the child, they may question why the situation is happening to them or if it’s their fault.’

A wide range of activities is offered at

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the hubs to develop family structures, in particular the development of child support and family reunification. These include arts and crafts for children and adults, afterschool clubs, gardening, basic stretching activities for children and seasonal events and outings, such as cinema and museum trips and visits to the zoo. External services also include a one-to-one weekly meeting with a community health nurse and creative writing sessions for children delivered by award-winning authors.

The accommodation allows more time for housing needs to be assessed and provides a more structured approach to assisting families in finding their permanent home.

‘We recognise that the desire of all our families is to have the “forever home”, and so we aim to rehouse families as soon as possible to prevent any

potential institutionalisation,’ says Robert.

Service users are expected to link up with specialist support workers dedicated to resettlement. They help families navigate their way through that system, dealing with housing assistance payment – a form of social housing support provided by local authorities – viewing properties and negotiating with landlords.

The importance of families establishing strong relationships with external agencies before moving on is acknowledged and key workers are therefore assigned to assess service users’ needs and help forge those connections.

‘It is hoped that families with external support from the community will be in a better position to sustain their accommodation. This will prevent them from re-entering the homelessness cycle,’ Robert explains.

Since opening the hubs a total of 52 families between both centres have been successfully rehoused. Plans for the future include a new model of family support.

Stephen adds: ‘Family services are quite a big part of our work in Ireland. As well as the hubs in Dublin we also have four family services in Belfast. The model we are working on will draw on the insights of our existing services and those elements of best practice so they can be replicated across the board. The staff members in our hubs vary in profession, from psychologists to teachers or social workers, and are committed to getting people out of difficult situations. Having spent years working in homelessness services, they have a lot of expertise. We’re trying to put that in one place so we can continue to provide the best service possible.’

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FEATURE I Alderney Jam club

Jesus and Me on Alderney Pauline Redhead tells the story of Alderney’s Jam club

Pauline with Vanessa Cardenas and Irene Le Provost

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LTHOUGH Alderney is the smallest Channel Island with a Salvation Army corps, it has a big sense of community and many people have really stepped up under local leadership while we have been unofficered.

For quite a while there had been little YP work. Then, three years ago, I challenged a young mother, Lisa, to consider taking up the leadership of a Jam (Jesus and Me) club. Along with two other women, who each had an interest in YP work, we met to pray and evolve a plan of action.

There was no big drama; we simply saw a need and tried to meet it. The challenge we faced was somehow to include four very young children and two babies into our corps programme.

They already attended meetings on Sunday mornings, so the venue was familiar to them, which was a good start.

Within weeks the original group of six became an assembly of fifteen and then kept growing until there were more than twenty! A pattern of play, learning and worship emerged, and we regularly included crafts, singing and dancing.

Our hall is very small and the imbalance of age groups soon became obvious. A few of the older children supported the little ones but our activities became restricted because of 14

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the lack of space. Despite this, we were still able to rehearse for a nativity play, which the children presented at a nearby hospital, a care home and twice at the corps.

Lisa then approached the head teacher of the island’s all-age school.

He happily agreed to let the Jam club use the main hall at the end of the day.

While this new venue was great, it meant that we could not include children younger than primary school age or older than junior school age, because they come out of class later.

Since then the parents and children have had the opportunity to attend barbecues and a Saturday open day.

We had a tremendous holiday club last summer supported by a few helpers from an Elim Pentecostal church on Guernsey. We also had a visit from the ‘Vicar of Baghdad’, Canon Andrew White, who came after receiving a vision from God and addressed a meeting at the corps.

Then our wonderful Lisa went and moved to the mainland with her husband and family – we were bereft!

Now left with only three leaders, there was an obvious choice as to who should take up the mantle.

While Vanessa primarily speaks Spanish, her English is good and she has a passion for God and for young people. Her original responsibility was

for the craftwork, and she was superb at that. Now she prepares all the activities, including sourcing videos and worship and action songs, which we choose in our planning meetings. The leadership team also includes our two island vicars, who stepped in when Lisa moved on.

Not long ago, in his article ‘Does your corps have a mission development plan?’ (Salvationist 23 February), Major Ian Mountford asked: ‘Where is your corps on its missional journey?’ For us on Alderney, the missional journey of the Jam club has challenged us. Will it actually bring people to Jesus?

To help ensure that it does we underpin all our attempts at building up the Kingdom of God with our love for Jesus, and we hold on to Jesus’ words: ‘The Kingdom of God is in your midst’ (Luke 17:21).

Our vision for the coming months and years is to establish a Messy Church.

We see this as a potential way forward in getting people, young and old alike, into the hall.

We continue to uphold our teaching and enthusiasm in prayer and we are always learning modern ways of working. We want to convey how important it is to avoid relegating the mighty works of God to the past. We know that he is willing and able to lift us up even when we doubt our own ability.

INTERVIEW

Tackling root causes Head of Public Affairs Matthew Sowemimo (THQ) tells Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about himself and the work of the Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT? I first became interested in politics at the age of 15 after hearing a powerful speech by former cabinet minister Shirley Williams about tackling poverty and inequality in Britain. When I was 18 I went on a school politics day at Queen Mary University of London, which further fuelled my interest. At university I deepened my level of community engagement, getting involved in student union politics, volunteering with St Peter’s church in Manchester and becoming a member of the Christian Union. Three members of my family saw their Christian calling as very much based on ‘faith and works’.

WHERE DID YOU WORK BEFORE COMING TO THE SALVATION ARMY? I worked for a series of campaigning charities. I was campaigns manager at the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society and I have worked at the Epilepsy Society and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

My time at the MS Society became a real crusade. When I started in my role a breakthrough drug called beta interferon was being rationed and health services to treat MS were subject to big variations across the country. Many people who were diagnosed at that time were given no counselling or proper support and were cut adrift by the health service.

I began working with the Society’s branches to help give people a voice in the services they used. It was immensely satisfying to complete my work in those places, leaving people with a place at the health service table and with growing levels of confidence to represent their own needs.

At a national level I devised and

implemented a campaign for better standards of healthcare for people with MS that culminated in a lobby of parliament attended by 1,200 people.

Working together with MS Society campaigners from across the country we secured funding for beta interferon to be prescribed for all eligible patients.

What I learnt from my past campaigning involvement was the importance of developing compelling evidence in support of change so that policymakers in Whitehall have to take your arguments seriously. Individual stories are important but policymakers also need statistical evidence so they can see patterns of need and disadvantage.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL POLICY UNIT? The purpose of our unit is to tackle the root causes of poverty and inequality that corps and centres deal with on a day-to-day basis. In his book In Darkest England, William Booth said there was a need for a practical plan and concerted action to tackle poverty. He said that focusing on individual cases was insufficient as a response. The unit’s work very much sits within that tradition.

The Lord’s Prayer says ‘your will be done, on Earth as it is in Heaven’, and part of our calling in the Army is to bring about a socially just world.

On a number of issues national policy changes could address the underlying reasons that make people vulnerable to poverty. One example is the five-week wait that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has put in place before claimants can receive payments of universal credit.

Our unit also draws upon the practical

experience and insight gained by our corps and centres and takes these lessons to national policymakers. For example, when I visited Blackpool Citadel I was told about the significant number of universal credit claimants who were in rent arrears. We have subsequently emphasised the link between universal credit and indebtedness to the DWP. WHAT ARE THE UNIT’S CURRENT PRIORITIES? The unit’s key policy priority areas are homelessness, universal credit and modern slavery and human trafficking.

We arrived at these having considered the areas where the Army’s work could give us an authoritative voice in national policy development and where we could take advantage of external opportunities.

For example, the Army is one of the largest providers of homelessness services in the country. Therefore, we have important insights to share about the distinct needs of people we support in our Lifehouses.

The government has set a target to eliminate rough sleeping in England by 2027. This gives the unit an opening to press our arguments for a reversal of the substantial cuts that have been made to the Supporting People programme, which helps fund the support given to people experiencing homelessness.

We want to work more closely with Army corps. By harnessing their voices at national level we can become more influential with policymakers.

O If you want to keep in touch with the Public Affairs and Social Policy Unit’s work you can join the Public Affairs bulletin mailing list by emailing public. affairs@salvationarmy.org.uk Salvationist 20 July 2019

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BIBLE STUDY

Go! I am sending you Lieutenant Charlotte Heward reminds us that each believer is called to be God’s messenger STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 10:1–24

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RAVELLING in obedience to the call of God is one of the central images in Luke’s Gospel. In this passage from Luke 10 we see Jesus commissioning 72 disciples and sending them out as messengers, not unlike the commissioning of the Messengers of Compassion in recent weeks or my commissioning as a Messenger of the Gospel in 2018.

Jesus sends out his disciples to places that he is about to visit. In his commissioning we sense the urgency of the task ahead as he would have known that this would be the last time he would visit these places. In the same way that Jesus sends out the disciples, Jesus sends out each believer in him – no matter who we are – to prepare the way for him.

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

by Major Philippa Smale

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It is not always easy. Jesus warns that he is sending us out ‘like lambs among wolves’ (v3). But it is vital that we listen to his urgent call to ‘Go!’ and tell people: ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you’ (v9).

QUESTION O The call to ‘Go!’ will be different for each of us. Where has the call of God taken you?

Jesus instructs the disciples not to be distracted by belongings or people they meet on the road. He tells them to look for people of peace once they reach their destination.

If they find someone who ‘promotes peace’, they are to stay, to drink and eat, and to heal those who are in need and tell them: ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you.’

The message of Jesus was a message of peace – peace with God and peace with one another. Jesus warns that not everyone will be receptive to this message but some will. Some people will nurture us by giving us rest or food to eat, whereas others will need to hear that message or experience the healing that Jesus can bring. Some may do both.

Many of us can recall times when we sought to minister to someone else, only to be ministered to ourselves. Jesus tells us to dwell with such people and proclaim that his Kingdom is near.

QUESTIONS O What distractions have you faced on your journey?

O When have you been a person of peace?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’

(Luke 10:1 and 2)

Revive us, Lord! Is zeal abating/ While harvest fields are vast and white?/ Revive us, Lord, the world is waiting,/ Equip thy Church to spread the light.

(SASB 818)

When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal those there who are ill and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you.’

(Luke 10:8 and 9)

Prayer Lord Jesus, what a privilege it is to work with you and to be part of your rescue mission here in this world. Keep us faithful and true and always willing to go where you send us.

Jesus says that when we are not welcome, we must still proclaim that his Kingdom is near but then wipe the dust of the town from our feet (see vv10 and 11). By wiping the dust from our feet we are not only leaving the place, but we are also leaving the place behind us.

There may have been times when we have tried to share the good news of Jesus yet people have not responded with welcome. In the instruction to the disciples to wipe even the dust from their feet we can find a release. We must move on from our disappointments and leave them behind. It does no good to carry them with us.

Jesus said: ‘Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me’ (v16). Here we are reminded that it’s not about us. It’s all about Jesus.

QUESTIONS O Can you think of a time when people have not welcomed the message you have shared?

O What would it mean for us to wipe the dust from our feet and move on?

The 72 disciples ‘returned with joy’, saying: ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name’ (v17).

Jesus affirms the power and authority that he has given them as messengers of the good news, but he warns them against misplaced ambition. He says: ‘I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven’ (vv19 and 20).

QUESTIONS verse 18. What does it mean to you?

O What can we learn from Jesus’ response?

O Read

Jesus turned to his disciples and said: ‘Blessed are the eyes that see what you see’ (v23).

Advice from one Messenger of the Gospel to another: Go, and go boldly!

The way was never promised to be easy, but to follow God’s calling is the greatest adventure.

Where is God calling you to go next?

LIEUTENANT HEWARD IS CORPS OFFICER, IPSWICH BRAMFORD ROAD WITH HADLEIGH

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Your Kingdom come around and through and in me;/ Your power and glory, let them shine through me./ Your hallowed name, O may I bear with honour,/ And may your living Kingdom come in me./ The Bread of Life, O may I share with honour,/ And may you feed a hungry world through me.

(SASB 850)

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.

(Luke 10:19 and 20)

Let nothing draw me back/ Or turn my heart from thee,/ But by the Calvary track/ Bring me at last to see/ The courts of God, that city fair,/ And find my name is written there.

(SASB 79)

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.’

(Luke 10:21)

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NEW COMMITMENTS

SWADLINCOTE: Former YPSM Janet Whitehead heard the call to return to uniformed service and was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major John Parrott. CSM Norman Bannister offered a prayer of blessing for Janet prior to her sharing her testimony. – J. P.

GATESHEAD: On his farewell Sunday corps officer Major Mark Dooley welcomed Peter Goodwin and Chris Moses as adherent members. Peter wanted to make this commitment because he loves the fellowship and care the corps has given him. He is a keen member of the Just Older Youth group. Chris is a former Sunday school member and returned to the corps after moving back to the area. He worships with his family and testified to the difference the corps family has made to his life. Peter is pictured with Audrey Slator and Chris with Joyce Whitaker, their respective pastoral carers. – A. H.

CLAY CROSS: Major Bernard Pyman welcomed four new adherent members: Kath and Patrick Patterson and mother and son Mary and Anthony Stafford. – B. G. STAPLEFORD: Tony Aitken, a friend of The Salvation Army for many years, was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Beverly Baker. Pictured with Tony are David Hallam and Christine Dunmore, who have helped him on his spiritual journey. – F. T.

FAILSWORTH: Harry and Jake Hoy were excited to be enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Annette Allen. Corps folk, family and friends supported the boys as they made their junior soldier’s promises. Harry and Jake shared what Jesus means in their lives and were encouraged to continue being ‘superheroes’ for Jesus. – A. A. 18

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BANGOR: Julia Gillen was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Linda Cunliffe, a year after the enrolment of Julia’s daughter, Rebecca. The pair prayed together as Julia signed her soldier’s covenant. Julia also shared an inspiring testimony of God’s transforming power at work in her life. – L. C.

LETTERS

LOVE FEASTS AND LAST SUPPERS

LIKE Major John Waters in his letter (Salvationist 22 June), I was introduced to the love feast by the much loved and well-respected Commissioner Harry Read, then Captain, and one of my training officers at Denmark Hill back in the 1950s.

Are we to assume that Major Robert Campbell (Salvationist 11 May) has never attended a meaningful Maundy Thursday event or that any he has attended have been poorly planned and presented?

Either way, to describe any colleague’s attempt at interpreting such an important event in the gospel narrative as ‘a parody’ does seem a little harsh. Surely, the love feast and the Last Supper are two entirely different events in the life of any contemporary congregation. I make that comment as a non-academic who has attended and occasionally led both – the Last Supper as a piece of drama – during various corps appointments and as a divisional commander at the invitation of corps officers.

Scripture for a love feast is usually drawn from the New Testament letters of John with his strong emphasis on our need to ‘love one another’ and with no mention of bread or wine. While there are equally powerful words on loving each other in the upper room discourse it seems best to stay with John’s letters to avoid any confusion.

Any officer will be able to testify to the many Salvationists who give prominent display in their homes to a painting, woodcarving or sculpture depicting the Last Supper. Does that reflect a secret yearning maybe? I am also aware that when some of our Scandinavian friends are appointed to the UK they will make connection with a local church in order to share communion.

Maundy Thursday worship seems the ideal opportunity to, as the International Spiritual Life Commission suggests, ‘explore together the significance of the simple meals shared by Jesus and his friends’. Is that possible without at least looking at the Last Supper? Of course not all are comfortable with such exploration but ministry has to be about more than making people comfortable: it is also about making them think.

For me, the zenith of any dramatic presentation of the Last Supper is the scene in the Gowans/Larsson musical Son Of Man. During the scene depicting the Last Supper Jesus sings, ‘Drink this wine, break this bread,/ Of my life it is a token;/ For my blood shall be spilled/ And my body shall be broken./ A new covenant is made/ Between man and God,/ And the covenant is sealed/ With my blood! With my blood!’

A few seconds later the chorus join in this moving refrain. I have used this music several times as the background to Maundy Thursday worship. Please note both writer and composer each went on to become the General.

Ray Kirby, Lieut-Colonel, Selby

HOPE AND RESPECT FOR REFUGEES LET us remember that behind the dramatic figure of more than 71 million women and men forced to flee war, conflict, persecution and violence are real stories of loss and struggle, of courage and strength. Let us work together to give refugees and displaced people hope in the future.

We are thankful for those who protect refugees and respect the rights of those displaced.

Bigboy Sibanda, London

AND THE AWARD GOES TO…?

I HAVE been privileged recently to be present when the two granddaughters of Commissioners Henry and Jessie Bowyer, who were promoted to Glory in 1963 and 1957 respectively, were looking through items of theirs that had been lovingly stored for almost 60 years. This was the first time the granddaughters had seen most of the belongings and it was extremely moving to witness their response. Although Hazel, the elder of the two, has some memories of her grandfather, especially when she was standing on the pavement in Bromley watching the funeral cortege, led by the International Staff Band, Lemoyne has no memories of her grandparents at all. Sifting through boxes of papers and photographs made the lives of these two people become real to them and they were especially interested in their long service awards.

On the reverse side of these awards is written ‘Lieutenant Colonel Henry G Bowyer’ with the addition of ‘Amand Singh 1903–1933’, and for ‘Lieutenant Colonel Jessie Bowyer’ the addition of ‘Pavitra 1910–1935’. From 1927 until 1947 the couple had served in Kenya, India South, Ceylon and South Africa, and Hazel and Lemoyne would love to know the translation of the names on the awards. Are there any readers who would be able to help them piece together the lives of these two servants of God? Please make contact through Salvationist, which will pass on any information to them. Thank you.

Kate Cousins, Middlesbrough Citadel

WANTED: CHRISTIAN POEMS I AM a soldier at Milton Keynes writing an anthology of Christian verse. I am looking for Christians to send me poems. I have a few that people have sent me but need many more. I would be grateful if readers could send me their poems for inclusion. My email address is sfcm@usa.com.

Arthur Rowley, Milton Keynes

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE MARRIAGE O Bandsman David Back to Bandswoman Rochelle Meers at Ipswich Citadel by Major Linda Watson WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Bandsman Derek and Songster Sylvia Bennett, Newbiggin-by-theSea (31 July) Emerald O Colonels David and Kathleen Guy (8 August) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Ruth Goodridge (90 on 2 August) BEREAVED O Ruth Justice, Worthing, of her husband Rtd BM Ray Justice, Major Tim Justice, Herts and Essex DHQ, Vivian Heward, Paul Justice, both Worthing, and Mark Justice of their father O Major Deanna Dougan, Centenary House, Belfast, of her mother Fiona Dougan O Malcolm Wiltshire, Staple Hill, of his brother Bob O Major Jennie McCombe, William Booth College, of her sister Maureen Turner

PROMOTED TO GLORY Aux-Captain Ken Beard from Doncaster Royal Infirmary on 5 July

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OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory PROMOTIONS To captain O Lieutenant Hilary Borthwick, Kendal O Lieutenant Darron Boulton, Atherton O Lieutenant Louise Brown, Strawberry Field Fresh Expression Leader O Lieutenant Teresa Conway, Stroud O Lieutenant Ben Cotterill, Mission Service, THQ O Lieutenant Rebecka Cotterill, Mission Service, THQ O Lieutenant David Donaldson, Inverness and Chaplain, Inverness Resettlement Unit O Lieutenant Kate Donaldson, Inverness and Chaplain, Inverness Resettlement Unit O Lieutenant Caron Doyle, Maldon O Lieutenant Tom Dunham, Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh O Lieutenant Ben Ellis, William Booth College O Lieutenant Kate Gregory, Deal O Lieutenant Emma Heal, Kilmarnock O Lieutenant Les Heal, Kilmarnock O Lieutenant Sarah Johnson, Sacriston O Lieutenant Megan Kervin, Bishop’s Stortford

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O USA Eastern Territory (Old Orchard Beach camp meetings), Th 25 Jul – Fri 2 Aug O Zimbabwe (regional home league conference) Wed 7 – Sun 11* O ICO, Thu 8 and Sun 11** O Ayr, Sat Sun 18 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Zimbabwe (regional home league conference) Wed 7 – Sun 11 Aug*** O New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory, Sun 11**** THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Devon and Cornwall Division (celebration of leadership), Sun 21 Jul O Bath (Territorial Music School) Sun 28 O Cheltenham (Enabled Summer School of Arts final festival) Fri 2 Aug O Bath (Territorial Music School final festival) Sat 3 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O William Booth College (Summer College worship), Sun 28 Jul * World President of Women’s Ministries only ** The General only *** World Secretary for Women’s Ministries only **** Chief of the Staff only

Lieutenant Wendy Leisk, Hamilton Lieutenant Berri McKenna, Hythe O Lieutenant Callum McKenna, Hythe O Lieutenant Sarah Oliver, Ealing O Lieutenant Jonathan Pitts, Oldham Roundthorn O Lieutenant Sarah Pitts, Oldham Roundthorn O Lieutenant Debbie Saunders, Eccles O Lieutenant Leanne Wallis, Leek O Lieutenant Brian Ward, Booth House, Swindon O Lieutenant David White, Langley Moor O Lieutenant Lorna White, Langley Moor O Lieutenant Claire Whybrow, Bradford Citadel O O

ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES ROSALIND BURKE, SHIREMOOR ROSALIND was born in 1948 to the Fitzpatrick family.

Upon leaving school she became a dressmaker by trade until she joined the British Army in 1971.

It was at Mill Hill in London that she met Anthony Burke, and they married, setting up home in Germany. They returned to England with their family in 1980 and Rosalind became a foster parent, influencing many lives over the years.

Rosalind was enrolled as a soldier at Shiremoor. She led the toddler group, luncheon club and corps girl guiding groups, of which she was later made district commissioner within North Tyneside.

Rosalind was promoted to Glory after showing great strength and courage through her terminal illness. She was unafraid of the coming days, and her wish was that God be given the glory.

Rosalind’s life will continue to be celebrated by her family and the corps. – F. S.

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MAJOR AUDREY WHITEHEAD BORN in 1930 in Sutton Coldfield, Audrey and her sisters first attended the Army at Leicester North Evington, where she was a singing company member, corps cadet, songster and record sergeant. She met her future husband, Ernest, at the corps, and they married in 1954. Responding to God’s call to officership, they entered training in 1959 as cadets in the Greathearts Session. They were blessed with the arrival of Grahame into their family during their first appointment at New Bradwell, then Gareth when they were stationed at Brixham.

Over the years their corps appointments included Corby, Hayle, Tavistock, Hednesford, Thurso, Ayr, Edinburgh Congress Hall, Nottingham New Basford, Scunthorpe Ashby, Derby Temple, Camborne and Redruth. When Ernie was appointed to National Headquarters, Audrey assisted at the

training college nursery, a role she thoroughly enjoyed. She later worked in the Public Relations Department. During that time, they shared fellowship with the corps at Chalk Farm and Ilford.

When Ernie had a stroke and was confined to a wheelchair, Audrey stepped into the role of carer, looking after him at home until his promotion to Glory ten years later. During that time they moved to Hadleigh to be nearer their family and worshipped at Hadleigh Temple.

As Audrey’s physical health started to fail, she moved to Bradbury Home, Southend-on-Sea, where she still had a vital ministry as leader of the weekly prayer meeting. She engaged with other residents through conversation and offered a listening ear.

Her family members recognise and give thanks to God for the significant influence that Audrey had on their lives.

She loved her children and grandchildren deeply and would always be ready to listen and understand. She lived the life of faith with the hope of eternity and of being reunited with her precious Ernie. – G. W. / A. W.

GAIL STEWART, TUNSTALL GAIL Stewart was born in Hartlepool and had two younger brothers, Ray and Lee. A staunch Salvationist, she soldiered at Harlow, Upper Norwood and Croydon Citadel.

Gail spent most of her working life as a pharmacy technician, employed by Boots at Mayday Hospital in Croydon and Princess Royal University Hospital in Farnborough.

She was commissioned as a member of the Overcomers Session in 1976 and was appointed to Longton, followed by The Haven community home for children. She met her late husband, Andy, at Upper Norwood and they were married in 2007 before moving to Biddulph and enjoying three years of faithful service at Tunstall.

The sudden promotion to Glory of both has been a challenge to those who came to know and serve with them.

– M. H.

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 20 July 2019

22-23

‘ Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army!

We’ve asked some of them to tell us about themselves. This week…

VERONICA WILLIAMSON (Sheringham) How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My parents were Salvationists at Southend Citadel and I was first introduced to the Army as a newborn babe when I was dedicated at home, as I was not expected to live.

What made you want to become a Salvationist?

I wanted to become a Salvationist because it is a wonderful way to show Christianity in action and I am grateful for the opportunity this affords me to share the gospel.

What do you do at the corps?

My role differs from day to day. I can be heading up a team for our youth club, working with our bereavement care group or dealing with someone who requires a food parcel or just needs to talk. My role as corps secretary requires that I support the day-to-day needs of the corps. I enjoy meeting people and I like to be busy.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

I love exploring and learning the history of the places I visit. Cruises are great because you can visit so many places, often waking up in a different country each day.

What do you do in your spare time?

Reading, watching films, going to the theatre, going for meals with friends and spending time with my three children and their families.

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

(SASB 861) If you could be in a film, which would it be and what character would you play?

Mary Poppins, playing the title character so I could learn to fly with an umbrella, dance with penguins and have all sorts of exciting adventures – being ‘practically perfect in every way’ while helping to sort out the problems of life.

If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Marie Curie. I did a school project on her and have since reread her life history. She was the first woman to win a Nobel prize and the only person to win twice and in two different sciences. She gave her life to discover radium and polonium. Her huge contribution has benefited many, including me.

What is your favourite food?

My last meal on Earth would have to be toad-in-the-hole followed by lemon meringue pie.

What was the first record, tape or CD that you ever owned?

Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen by Neil Sedaka, which I received for my 16th birthday.

What are your favourite Bible verses?

Romans 8:38 and 39, which remind me that nothing can ever defeat me because God is so strong. I sometimes forget that amid the pace of life.

’

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

Andrew the disciple, who had a great talent for introducing people to Jesus. I would ask questions such as: ‘How do you best bring people to Jesus?’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

The song that is foremost now is ‘In Christ Alone’ (SASB 861).

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

Selfishness.

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

Long before the WWJD logo came out my father used to tell me that in any given situation ask yourself, ‘What would Jesus do?’ and act on it.

What do you value most in life?

My children Phillip, Naomi and Sarah, my daughter-in-law and sons-in-law and my six lovely grandchildren, together with my corps family.

What else do you think people would be interested to know?

My mother’s family originated from St Helena. In 2008 my husband and I visited the island on the RMS St Helena.

Besides doing some family research we were able to join in and worship with fellow Salvationists – a great experience and privilege.