Salvationist 21 August 2021

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

RISE IN CANDIDATES FOR RELIGIOUS STUDIES AT A-LEVEL RENEWS DEMAND FOR MORE RESOURCES A marked increase in the number of students taking Religious Studies (RS) at A-level – bigger than for either history or political studies – has led to renewed calls for greater protection for the subject and a national plan to resource it. Figures ... show that 16,665 students took the subject this year: an increase of 6.1 per cent on 2020, and an overall increase of 49.5 per cent since 2003.

Professor Trevor Cooling, who chairs the Religious Education Council of England and Wales, said: ‘The government should recognise the essential role that RS plays in ensuring young people receive a balanced education, helping create a more cohesive society and supporting a vibrant economy by preparing employees and future business leaders for the globalised workplace.

‘We urge it to fund a national plan for RS to ensure it is properly resourced and taught by professionally trained teachers.’

Church Times

TRAFFICKING VICTIMS NEED MORE TAILORED SUPPORT

'WAKE UP WORLD!' SAYS BISHOP AFTER CLIMATE REPORT

Trafficking victims in Northern Ireland need more ongoing support, says Christian Action, Research and Education (Care).

The warning from the Christian advocacy group follows the release of government figures showing a staggering 750 per cent increase in human trafficking cases in Northern Ireland ... in the past eight years.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the figures ... ‘may be influenced by factors such as increased awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking, and improved identification by statutory bodies of potential victims’...

Lauren Agnew, human trafficking officer for Care for NI, is calling for more work to be done to identify victims and ensure that they receive ongoing support...

Agnew said there needed to be a ‘key focus’ on ensuring a ‘stable pathway to recovery’ for victims so that they can ‘begin to rebuild their lives following their escape from modern slavery’.

The bishop of Norwich is calling for immediate action after a major UN report on climate change warned that ‘the worst is yet to come’.

The report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts more extreme weather of the kind seen across Europe this summer, where there have been record deadly floods.

Other devastating impacts include rising sea levels and an acceleration in the rate and extremity of famines, droughts, deadly heat, diseases and species extinction.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the warnings contained in the report were a ‘code red for humanity’...

Responding to the report, Bishop Graham Usher said...

‘Wake up world!... It is time to … take action now.

‘We are already seeing the effects of the climate emergency around the world... It is our moral duty and a Christian calling to do all we can to try to turn the tide.’

Christian Today

Christian Today

FEWER ARE WALKING DOWN THE AISLE ... AND DIVORCES SURGE The divorce rate has risen tenfold in the 50 years since 1961 and fewer people are choosing to get married, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

In a report on how life in Britain has changed over the past half-century, the ONS analysed census data on rates of marriage, living conditions and home ownership. It found that people were getting married later in life, living in less crowded homes and more likely to own their own home.

While the majority – 68 per cent – of people aged 16 and over were married in 1961, this fell to 49 per cent in 2011. However, the proportion of marriages ending in divorce increased tenfold as divorce laws were eased.

In the 1960s, the divorce rate was only 0.8 per cent but this rose to 9 per cent by 2011.

Divorce rates increased steadily but started to drop after 2003 as fewer people married and were typically getting married later in life – marriages at older ages tend to be less likely to break up.

The Times

SALVATIONIST

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GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

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

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

GETTING THE MESSAGE ACROSS MANY of us send abbreviations and emojis in texts and other types of informal messages. In a recent poll 54 per cent of people said they regularly use the acronym ‘LOL’, which stands for ‘laugh out loud’, and the bright yellow smiley face is probably the most popular emoji. These quick and easy ways of saying something aren’t always understood, as one former prime minister found out when he sent ‘LOL’ in response to someone’s sad news, thinking it meant ‘lots of love’. Now the smiley face is proving controversial. Some people in the Generation Z age bracket – those born between the late 1990s and early 2010s – are objecting to it. While others take it at face value, they see it as patronising or ironic.

Getting a message across in a way that is appealing and easily understood is something the Kids Alive! team does every week. What began as The Little Soldier, then became The Young Soldier and later Kids Alive!, will be 140 years old next week.

To mark that anniversary we hear from those who produce it. They give insights into their roles and what they like about the UK’s only weekly Christian comic for children – and Kids Alive! Editor Justin Reeves features in ‘The Salvation Army and me’ on the back page.

Lieutenant Faith Thompson writes about Stornoway Corps in the ‘We are The Salvation Army’ article. One key to good communication is to understand the people we are trying to reach. That’s something the Stornoway corps folk do. As Faith says, ‘They know this community, they know the people and they want to bring them into God’s Kingdom.’

Our practical service can often be a means of communication. That has been evident during the pandemic, as corps have focused on meeting needs. It’s also something Russell Rook is keen on seeing happen throughout the Church and wider society. He talks about the work of the Good Faith Partnership, which brings together faith leaders, politicians, NGO leaders, business people and academics to address difficult problems.

Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant introduces this year’s Big Collection, revealing some fresh approaches that corps might want to consider. As well as collecting money, the appeal can be a way to communicate what we do and why we do it. He says it ‘helps remind us of the integrated, holistic, God-given mission of The Salvation Army – and gives us an opportunity to explain it to the public.’

Major Nigel Bovey is a seasoned communicator, having been editor of the War Cry for many years and the author of numerous books. Emily Bright interviews him about his new book, Browsing the Bible, and asks about another that is soon to be published.

Nigel also reveals which secular book has influenced him and what he would want to read on a desert island.

In his interview Nigel says that the main subject in Jesus’ teaching was the Kingdom of God, and adds, ‘He does more than talk about it. He lives the Kingdom… Bringing good news is not only about talking but doing.’ Among the keys to communicating the gospel, this must surely be one of the most important. We may understand the people we are trying to reach, and communicate with clarity, but our witness will be undermined if our deeds don’t match our words. That’s the kind of integrity we need if we're to have any hope of getting the message across.

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 6

Prayer matters

6

News feature TMS students together for a day

7

Feature Meet the team

8 and 9

by the Kids Alive! staff

Interview Far stronger together!

10 and 11

Russell Rook talks to Melita Day-Lewis

We are The Salvation Army 12 and 13 We are encountering God says Lieutenant Faith Thompson

On my bookshelf Summer Book Club: Browsing the Bible

14

Major Nigel Bovey talks to Emily Bright

Feature The Big Collection

15

by Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

Bible study All change

16 and 17

by Major Mal Davies

Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist

by Major Jane Kimberley

Viewpoint Does prayer work?

18 and 19

by Major Dave Groves

Reflection Power in prayer

19

by Major Jim Bryden

Reflection Going for gold

20

by Trevor Caffull

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Justin Reeves

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 21 August 2021

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NEWS

COMMUNITY

MUSIC

Students donate bikes to Recycles scheme CAMBRIDGE STUDENTS at the University of Cambridge mobilised to collect and donate bikes at the end of their study courses, to give new life to their pre-loved cycles and provide vital resources for The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) was approached by Else Ellermann, a student at Wolfson College and a member of the Global Shapers Community, to form the partnership.

Else said: ‘As Cambridge is known to be Britain’s everyday cycling capital, it seemed very fitting to pass on iconic symbols of our city’s transport to a worthy cause.’

More than 40 bikes were donated to Recycles, a Salvation Army social enterprise that creates opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness and gives them a new project and motivation for a better future.

There are several Recycles partnerships in the UK, including a flagship operation in Swindon, and two are part of SATCoL donation centres in Hull and Chesterfield.

All the bikes are safety-checked and repaired by fully trained mechanics, before being sold at an affordable price that raises funds for the Army.

Gareth Samuel, development support co-ordinator at SATCoL, said: ‘We are very thankful to all of the students at Wolfson College for their bike donations and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.’ – AR

EVENT

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

Black Dyke and Boscombe Bands unite BOURNEMOUTH IN glorious summer weather, Black Dyke Band visited Bournemouth for the conclusion of their Pathway to Performance bandstand tour, made possible with funding from the Arts Council.

Boscombe Band were invited to share the occasion, which attracted hundreds of listeners, including holidaymakers and members from nearby Army centres. The emotion of hearing live music and seeing friends for the first time in many months was palpable as magnificent sounds filled the air.

Commencing at the Fisherman’s Walk bandstand, Boscombe Band performed for the first time in 16 months, opening with ‘Prelude on “Old Hundredth”’. This was contrasted by the cornet solo ‘Breathe and Be Still’, played by Band Sergeant Craig

Snell. Other contributions included a new arrangement of ‘How Great Thou Art!’, ‘Anthem of the Free’ and ‘The Pioneers’, conducted by the Black Dyke musical director, Nicholas Childs.

The unique sound of Black Dyke Band was heard to good effect, even when numbering only 16 players. Their varied programme included trios from the cornet and trombone sections, a performance of ‘Grandfather’s Clock’ from euphonium soloist Daniel Thomas and, of particular delight, a medley of tunes from West Side Story.

The afternoon session took place in Pine Walk. The bands presented a similar programme to a larger, equally appreciative audience. Deputy Bandmaster Kevin Whittingham honoured his late father, Boscombe flugelhorn player Ged Whittingham, by conducting Black Dyke Band in ‘The Redcliffe March’.

The day concluded with xylophonist Gareth Hand performing Bach’s ‘Toccata and Fugue in D minor’. – RC ANGLIA Children from Norwich, Lowestoft, Stowmarket, Dereham and Felixstowe gathered in Diss for a fun day. More than 30 children aged between 7 and 12 attended the Great Picnic, taking part in sports, crafts, minuteto-win-it games and singing. Mags Stokes, a children’s worker from Stowmarket, organised the day on behalf of Anglia DHQ. She said: ‘For a lot of these youngsters it would have been the first time out of their bubbles. Children and young people have been fundamentally affected by this pandemic, so events like this are essential to help them get back on track. It was lovely to see the children gelling together nicely in their teams and being happy to support each other.

Thank you to everyone who worked together to make the day such a success.’ – AR

PRESENTATION

Housing First project praised by government CARDIFF

BIRTHDAY Grace Friar celebrates her 100th birthday at a surprise party organised by other volunteers from the Berwick Corps Harvestfield Furniture Project

PRESENTATION

COMMUNITY

Retired CSM Tom Saunders receives a Certificate of Appreciation and Recognition from divisional mission enabler Major Robert Elliott (Devon and Cornwall) for 61 years’ faithful and loving service as a bandsman at Barnstaple and Plymouth Congress Hall

OAKENGATES Salvationist Alan Olver, who is the voluntary CEO at homelessness shelter Maninplace, has been appointed MBE in the Queen’s birthday honours list for his outstanding contribution to the community in Telford and Wrekin. For 40 years Alan has worked tirelessly to develop services that act as a voice for marginalised and vulnerable people, creating accommodation and support services appropriate for the needs of people who have experienced rough sleeping or homelessness. – AR

A SALVATION Army project offering permanent housing and support for people who struggle with long-term homelessness has been praised by the Welsh government.

Housing First in Cardiff provides people with a safe and warm home, then tackles the issues that led to homelessness in the first place. Recognising it as a best practice model, Housing First Cardiff is the second service in Wales to receive accreditation from the Housing First Network, run by Cymorth Cymru (the body for providers of homelessness, housing and support services) and supported by the Welsh government.

Climate change minister Julie James, MS, who oversees housing, presented the team with the award during an online event.

Catherine Docherty, Housing First outreach service manager for The Salvation Army, said: ‘Our approach is about stability for the vulnerable and marginalised. Our team gets to know clients and supports them with whatever they need for as long as they need, whether that’s advocacy, managing benefits, attending appointments or help with life skills or substance misuse.

‘Often our staff are the only people our clients have a stable and kind relationship with. On average, they have spent 14 years living in a cycle of rough sleeping or unstable accommodation. Many have suffered trauma, been in care or in prison, and have complex needs. The majority are people that other services have found challenging to support.

‘It can be really challenging work, so to have the Welsh government, Cymorth and the Housing First Network acknowledge what we are doing is fantastic.’ – AR SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING CSM Steve Shaw, his daughter, Hayley, and two friends completed a sponsored non-stop run across the Ridgeway, totalling 62 miles in 18 hours and 13 minutes. They raised £1,250, which will help procure a gazebo and some tables for the community street café. – BE

FUNDRAISING

Has your corps resumed its weekly programme or meetings? Salvationist wants to hear your news. Corps press representatives can email salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

Salvationist 21 August 2021

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NEWS

MEETING CREATIVE PRAYER FOCUS

by Stephanie Lamplough, assistant director of music and creative arts (THQ)

HISTON The corps property recently underwent a transformation, with the construction of a new building and the refurbishment of the main hall. The hall was dedicated by the recently retired divisional commander, Major Martin Hill, at the first in-person corps meeting in 15 months. Major Martin and the team at THQ were instrumental in bringing about this milestone. The corps is grateful for the support received from divisional, regional and territorial colleagues, especially Senior Project Manager Gary Cole (THQ). The ribbon was cut by No 1 on the roll Joan Foster and the youngest junior soldier, Chloe-Marie. – RS

EVENT

SATURDAY 21 AUGUST – GIVING PRAISE TO GOD Have you ever tried a creative prayer walk? As you walk, take in the beauty of the world God has made. Stop and touch things that appeal to you. Thank God for the world and the bounty of creation.

Find something that no longer has any life (perhaps a dead leaf ), hold it and think about God’s act of giving his own Son to die for us.

Now find something living, hold it or look at it and thank God for the assurance of new life, for Jesus’ resurrection and the promise of eternal life for all. Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for the promise of new life and the evidence of it everywhere I look. You have created a beautiful world, and I am sorry for the times when I have not appreciated or respected it. Thank you for the gift of your Son and that through his death I may receive eternal life. Amen.

SUNDAY 22 AUGUST Return to the wool plait you may have made on Monday and hold it between your fingers. Place your thumb on the first section where the wool strands cross over. Think about our first topic of prayer, ‘myself ’.

After a while lower the thumb to the next section and think about the second topic, ‘others locally’. Continue to do this, moving through the sections and thinking of family, others in the world, God’s creation and the promise of new life. Dear Lord, I bring all that has been on my heart and lay it at your feet. I do this knowing that you are an awesome God and nothing is too big for you. I want to praise you for all that you are and all that I can be when I place my trust in you.

Be with me and all whom I have prayed for this week. Amen.

LIVING IN GOD’S COVENANT FOCUS

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts, secretary for spiritual life development (THQ) The theme of Living in God’s Covenant was explored in January and during Lent this year. You are invited to consider your personal covenant with God once again, reflecting prayerfully on verses from The Song Book of The Salvation Army.

ENFIELD Football Fever was the theme for the YP annual.

The meeting began inside the hall, where corps officer Major Sharen Furlong reminded those gathered of the importance of getting excited for Jesus and listening to him in order to do their best. At ‘half-time’, the congregation moved outside into the heat of the garden, where further comparisons were made between the YP as a team and a football team. A quiz followed, with penalties taken to decide the final result. Having been apart for so long, those attending enjoyed seeing the young people and their families sharing in united worship once again.

Corps folk were thrilled to be able to hear live brass music and to sing at the tops of their voices. The excitement continued with a barbecue, sports and water balloons. – MG

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

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MONDAY 23 AUGUST – SASB 670 Reckon on me following thee,/ Living for ever thy servant to be;/ Cloudy or fine, Lord, I am thine/ Until thy face I shall see.

TUESDAY 24 AUGUST – SASB 699 Every promise we can make,/ Every prayer and step of faith,/ Every difference we can make/ Is only by his grace.

WEDNESDAY 25 AUGUST – SASB 635 King of endless worth, no one could express/ How much you deserve./ Though I’m weak and poor, all I have is yours,/ Every single breath.

THURSDAY 26 AUGUST – SASB 550 I stand in Christ, with sins forgiven;/ And Christ in me, the hope of Heaven!/ My highest calling and my deepest joy,/ To make his will my home.

FRIDAY 27 AUGUST – SASB 615 I come to thee with quiet mind,/ Thyself to know, thy will to find;/ In Jesus’ steps my steps must be,/ I follow him to follow thee.

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

NEWS FEATURE

TMS students together for a day WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE HOPES for a residential Territorial Music School (TMS) week were dashed by the extension of coronavirus restrictions in England. However, the Music and Creative Arts team wanted to provide the opportunity for young people from across the territory to meet, make music and share in worship – so 76 students and staff came together for a TMS day, writes Paul Sharman, assistant director of Music and Creative Arts.

Director of Music and Creative Arts Dr Stephen Cobb welcomed everyone at the start of the day. He spoke of how the WBC assembly hall is a sacred place within The Salvation Army and prayed that the students would feel God’s presence through all that would happen during the day.

After a brief welcome session, the students went to their main rehearsals for band or female vocal. Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) led his band through such classics as ‘Able’ and ‘The Present Age’, while for the band led by Bandmaster Howard Evans (Boscombe), Eric Ball’s ‘The Old Wells’ was contrasted with some brand new music from Olaf Ritman, ‘Evening Variations’, and a premiere read-through of a new euphonium solo written by Howard himself, ‘Soliloquy No 2’, expertly sight-read

by Andrew Hedley (Chester-le-Street).

This event was the first time in nearly 16 months that many of those present had played in a group of more than six. Everyone quickly got back into it and began to enjoy playing music together in a Salvation Army group once again.

The same could be said of the female vocal group. Congregational singing has not been allowed for many months, and all amateur singing has been restricted to just six indoors. So it was a real joy to hear the group, led by Bandmaster Andrew Blyth (Peterborough Citadel) and Songster Leader Karl Westwood (Bromley Temple), rehearsing Len Ballantine’s ‘Closer Than’ and ‘I Miss My Time with You’, along with a new arrangement of the spiritual ‘My Father’s House’, by Andrew.

As well as enjoying making music together, it was evident that the students just wanted to be together and mix with their friends. There was plenty of time to do that over coffee and a barbecue lunch taken outside on a lovely sunny day.

The day concluded with a time of worship led by Territorial Youth and Children’s Secretary Major Helen Schofield. It included a prayerful walk around the college grounds and the opportunity to sing in worship together. There was also a time of testimony, and members of staff read Bible verses that were given to the young people from officers around the territory. Territorial

leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill, who joined with students and staff for worship, offered their own verses of encouragement. The event came to a close with everybody joining together to sing the TMS benediction.

TMS 2021, even though it was only for one day, was special for all those present.

To be together, to make music together, to share in fellowship and worship are all things that we have not been able to do for many months. Seeing so many young people in our territory energised to do these things once again was an uplifting sight for us all.

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FEATURE I Kids Alive! 140

Meet the team

As Kids Alive! nears its 140th anniversary on 27 August we introduce some of the team behind the UK’s only weekly Christian comic for children*

CARA MOTT

IBUKUN BAKU

DEPUTY EDITOR I joined Kids Alive! 12 years ago, having previously studied media at university. It seems like yesterday!

My role involves all sorts of different and interesting tasks. I write a lot of the copy included in each issue, design a couple of pages, sort out the competition schedule and read and respond to emails. I also proofread pages and communicate with other team members about what’s going to be in each issue.

The part I most enjoy writing is KA! World, because it involves learning about subjects and condensing lots of information into easy-to-understand articles.

However, my favourite part to read is Your Space, because I love seeing the creations our readers come up with and learning about them in the Reader Profiles.

I think Kids Alive! is a really valuable tool for communicating with children about Christianity in a fun way. It’s also a great way for children’s workers to develop connections with kids who attend their corps or church – whether they are regular attenders or only just starting to get to know Jesus.

The Kids Alive! team is the best! I love working with them. But it wouldn’t be much of a comic without our awesome readers and the people who sell and distribute it. So, thank you for all you do to get our comic into the hands of children.

KA! JAM CO-ORDINATOR I’ve been with Kids Alive! for eight years. Before that I worked for a literacy charity called Springboard for Children after training to become a primary school teacher.

I am responsible for KA! JAM (Jesus and Me), a Bible-based activity club. Members learn about Jesus’ life and ministry by working through activity sheets that take them on a journey through Mark’s Gospel.

They also learn about the early Church by studying the book of Acts.

Each member receives a personal letter providing feedback, and when they complete certain stages they are presented with a certificate and book award. They also receive a quarterly newsletter, which showcases the wonderful work members have done and includes a Bible story, an activity to complete and competitions to enter.

Kids Alive! and KA! JAM present Bible truths in a way that children can readily understand. They encourage children to reflect on what’s been shared and actively apply it to their daily lives. Because KA! JAM is a personal journey the members can work at their own pace, making it easy to include studying the Bible as part of their regular lives.

The two sections I look forward to reading each week are KA! World and Your Space. I always learn something new from KA! World and am constantly encouraged to do more to play my part in making the world a better place. In Your Space, I love seeing how the kids have interacted with the comic.

I think it’s amazing that for 140 years The Salvation Army has provided such a wonderful resource to aid children in their spiritual walk. I pray that Kids Alive! will continue to be a blessing to kids for many, many more years.

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

Celebrating the 140th anniversar y of Kids Alive!

PHILIPPA MARTIN GRAPHIC DESIGNER I joined the team in 2018 and was very excited. Not only had I managed to get a job that used my qualifications, but it was for Kids Alive!. It is an amazing feeling to play a part in producing the magazine that I read keenly as a child.

From a very young age I loved to draw, and from around 16 I knew I wanted to go down a creative path of some sort. At 18 I went to Loughborough University and studied Textile Design: Innovation and Design. It was a four-year course, and I spent the placement working for various fashion and textile design companies. I then worked at New Look before getting my job with Kids Alive!.

I design most of the pages each week. My favourite parts to design are the front cover and page 3, which includes the editor’s comment – that’s the page where I can be the most creative, and I love a challenge!

My favourite parts to read have to be the cartoon strips. I love seeing what the illustrators come up with week by week.

Their creativity is amazing!

MELITA DAY-LEWIS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT (KIDS ALIVE! AND SALVATIONIST) I started in February 2018. Before that I was in a pastoral role on a leadership team serving a church in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

My role involves writing and editing copy and proofreading pages. I also do admin around competitions and prizes, and send out complimentary copies and gifts to children who have contributed to the comic.

Writing for children is always fun, but knowing that a lot of the content you write is sowing seeds of truth, faith and spiritual encouragement into young lives is very special – it’s a real privilege and a great blessing. I thank God for my work almost every day.

I love the Bible cartoon and comment. They bring the Bible alive and help children get to grips with its meaning.

I also love Your Space, which features contributions from the children. I never get tired of reading Reader Profiles and seeing the colourings, news and poetry that readers have sent in.

I think Kids Alive! is a fantastic magazine! The content is fun, bang up to date and interesting, and the design is vibrant and appealing to kids. It’s a brilliant resource for discipling children in their faith and encouraging healthy lifestyles, mental wellbeing, spiritual growth and faithinspired acts of love and kindness. It’s also a great tool for reaching out to children and families who don’t know about Jesus or who aren’t involved with the Army. * Kid`s Alive! Editor Justin Reeves features on the back page.

Salvationist 21 August 2021

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INTERVIEW

Far stronger together!

Russell Rook speaks to Melita Day-Lewis about the Good Faith Partnership and how it supports churches and finds solutions to difficult problems

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

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ORE than 47 million people in the UK have received at least one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine – almost 90 per cent of the adult population. Nearly 76 per cent of adults have been fully vaccinated so far.

This is one of the more successful rollouts of the vaccine globally, but there is always a story behind the headlines.

One of the challenges the government faced was resistance to the vaccine within several hard-to-reach groups.

Some of these groups were not easily accessible to or had a poor relationship with government, and others had theological, moral or cultural concerns.

Salvationist Russell Rook is the founder of the Good Faith Partnership (GFP), a social consultancy that helps create solutions to some of society’s most difficult problems.

He explains how GFP drew in churches and many Salvation Army corps to be part of the solution to this resistance through the YourNeighbour project. It was created at Easter in 2020 as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic to help equip churches to serve their communities in transformational ways and increase their impact. In the first six weeks it built a network of more than 1,100 churches and denominational partners.

‘We talked to the government about the tremendous reach of the Church to people of all kinds of backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures – not just Christians, but people of all faiths in the community – and about doing something together,’ enthuses Russell.

GFP approached major denominations, including The Salvation Army, to talk about changing perceptions, sharing the good news about the vaccine and creating hope.

They brainstormed together and hired health marketing and behavioural science specialists to help them understand the issue. Out of this partnership, the Vax Campaign was launched.

‘The campaign seems to have been powerful and helpful. The Church in the UK has saved lives through it, there’s no doubt about it,’ Russell says. ‘In particular, black majority churches and some of the international churches in the UK have done an amazing job in reaching their communities.’

Some churches became Vax centres, provided online training or held Q&A events. Resources from church leaders, theologians, scientists and healthcare professionals about the vaccine were made available through the project’s website, YourNeighbour.org.

The Army is a personification of spirituality with its sleeves rolled up and that’s so important in a crisis ‘It doesn’t surprise me that The Salvation Army was one of the earliest partners,’ says Russell. ‘Anthony Cotterill, Dean Pallant, Adrian Clee and different people at territorial headquarters were fantastic in asking “What can we do?” The Army is a personification of spirituality with its sleeves rolled up and that’s so important in a crisis.

‘I think the pandemic has made us realise we are far stronger together!

We’ve benefited from national leaders wanting to work together.’

Besides raising money for church projects helping communities through the crisis and with post-pandemic recovery, YourNeighbour helps church leaders make the best decisions about which programmes have a proven impact and what organisations can help them deliver quality interventions.

Russell adds: ‘We also want to tell their stories. We all know of fantastic programmes being run by Christian organisations that are at least as good as those delivered by other charities or government agencies. We think the Church is doing a fantastic job and we want to increase reports of good news around the country!’

One example was Lockdown Hunger, which saw more than 2.8 million meals delivered to families in need during the school holidays, with an estimated 5 million meals per month provided by UK churches during the pandemic – and again, The Salvation Army was a key partner.

Russell feels it is important to make the government aware of the Church’s amazing work in communities. He is well placed to ‘step between’ the government and faith leaders.

After many years working with The Salvation Army’s renewal and mission network, Roots, overseeing the territory’s youth ministry and helping plant Raynes Park Corps in southwest London, Russell worked for the Labour Party.

When Labour lost the general election in 2015, he and fellow worker Tim Livesey founded the Good Faith Partnership.

Russell states: ‘In our work in politics we were aware of two things – politicians often don’t understand faith communities and there is a silo mentality when it comes to dealing with problems. We

wanted to see what would happen when we took really difficult problems, such as the refugee crisis, and brought together different groups of people to find solutions – including faith leaders, politicians, NGO leaders, business leaders and academics.

‘We find people who want to make a difference in the world. We want to do good work – meaning we want to do things that actually work, that have an impact.’

He asserts that GFP is not a faith-based organisation but a ‘faith-inspired one’.

Besides the YourNeighbour project, it is involved in a wide range of issues, such as refugees and immigration, financial inclusion, debt management and work with Christians in the Middle East.

One of GFP’s latest projects is the Freedom of Religion or Belief Forum, which brings faith groups and civil society organisations together to enable the British government to fight persecution around the world.

When asked whether working with multi-faith leaders and those of no faith presents difficulties, Russell says: ‘Sometimes! Bringing together a diverse group of people creates a tension, but that tension is mostly creative rather than destructive. It’s a strength not a weakness and it creates more possibilities than problems.’

Russell thrives on challenges and creative entrepreneurship. ‘A lot of my role is developing new projects. I think that my strength, and certainly my passion, is starting new things that have a positive impact on people’s lives.’

Asked what lies ahead, Russell says: ‘You can build certain things in a crisis that you couldn’t build in normal times.

Miraculously, more than 40 national denominations and organisations and about 1,500 congregations have come together in this crisis through YourNeighbour. Now we’re starting to ask God about what he wants us to do next. The way churches have worked together is truly unique, and it will be great to work out how we can harness that for the future!’

MELITA IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST Salvationist 21 August 2021

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There are hundreds of corps and centres up and down the UKI Territory, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this series, Salvationist discovers just that

We are encountering God says Stornoway corps officer Lieutenant Faith Thompson

T

HERE is a great Christian presence on the Isle of Lewis, with lots of churches. Moving here mid-pandemic – after being newly commissioned in July 2020 – my husband, Lieutenant Christopher, and I have learnt from conversations with our congregation and community that the corps welcomed people to a variety of weekly activities and was involved with groups across the Western Isles. We have a small building compared to many corps, but worship included lots of singing, contributions from the band and interactive discussions. We also have an emergency vehicle, which provides support with outreach at major incidents.

Since March last year the corps has been running a food bank, which provides essential resources for those impacted by the pandemic. We have seen how the food bank is a valuable pastoral resource, enabling us to have conversations with people, understand what they are going through and signpost them to the best available help.

Each week we provide a couple of three-hour sessions, with more than 12

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110 people attending each time. While the main food bank in town uses a referral system, ours does not. Having this anonymity in such a close community has been important for those who come to us for help. Many have never needed assistance before Covid-19 but, due to circumstances, needed a little extra help.

We’ve not only helped by giving food but also toiletries, heating, baby bank items, clothing and winter essentials, as well as books, DVDs and toys for children. Though this will not be a permanent resource, it has helped us understand our community. We’ve also built relationships with those who donate to us. The impact has been incredible, showing kindness to those we live among and providing a listening ear in times of isolation.

As we arrived on the island during lockdown we had many housekeeping tasks to do before safely reopening.

This included socially distanced seating arrangements, removing unnecessary items from the hall and deep cleaning everything. The food bank outgrew the hall in its response to need so, along

with our baby bank, we moved to the golf club. Due to our Covid tier, we were able to reopen for worship during Harvest last year and, apart from two months at the beginning of 2021, we have held worship meetings in the hall every Sunday. These are repeated on Thursdays, online and in our Sunday Link magazine.

We also made some changes to facilitate our mission and ministry. We installed a new, larger TV to allow people to see the screen if they have to sit further back because of social distancing.

We updated our Facebook page, which is now used regularly as a platform to communicate with the community. We made our mission statement visible from the street using printed blinds so people can see our focus: ‘We exist to worship God, to support each other and to serve our community.’

We are the face of The Salvation Army in the Western Isles. As such, there are some clear identity statements we make in our day-to-day routine. Both Christopher and I wear our uniforms everywhere we go. We feel it is an easy way for people to identify us and

Lieutenants Christopher and Faith approach us for conversation. Similarly, our volunteers have the red shield visible. Some of our soldiers have had conversations on the bus as they travel to our Thursday worship meetings.

There is a great sense of community in each town and village, which makes our island so interesting.

Many would say we are known for our music. Our band, which was reintroduced a few years ago, was used for carolling and worship pre-pandemic.

However, what really makes us The Salvation Army is our love for the people. We love to be the listening ear and the welcoming face that show Christ’s values to those with whom we come into contact. Despite being doctrinally different from churches around us, we are known for our commitment to God and for living out our faith in practical ways.

We experience a slower pace of life than many people on the mainland and have a different focus. Being an island community, isolation can be a difficult factor, especially when restrictions made visiting family and friends elsewhere in the UK challenging.

As one of the smaller churches in the area, we are known more for our social work, which is both a blessing and a frustration. It means we can interact with a vast array of people each week and have great conversations, but it also means that we are seen as a place for donations of all kinds. This shows the generosity of those around us, but we don’t have the capacity to store everything. It is hard to say no but, over the past year, we have had to turn away furniture, bedding, school uniforms, wardrobes, appliances, garden equipment and much more besides. However, we have accepted many donations of food and toys. We gave out more than 235 good-quality toy parcels last year, thanks to the generous donations of our community and local businesses.

We have some of the best corps members an officer could want. Despite age and mobility issues, they are keen to get back out selling Army papers, visiting, cleaning the hall, making tea, supporting activities and taking part in worship. The members make the corps.

They know this community, they know

the people and they want to bring them into God’s Kingdom. Though we may not have as full a programme as before lockdown, they really support one another and their leaders, and they look forward to things adapting and to new things emerging after the pandemic. We are excited to see what God has in store and what we can learn from them.

We’re praying that over the next few months we will have a clear idea of the way ahead so that we can use our emergency vehicle to support the local emergency services as well as our missional opportunities across the Western Isles. We are currently looking for volunteers and hope to start training exercises for this before too long. We want to encourage new volunteers from our community to get involved.

Like many corps that are beginning to reintroduce programmes, deciding what needs to stay and what needs to go, we pray that Stornoway will keep focused on Jesus amid it all – and that through this we will be able to provide a safe place for people to come and encounter God. Salvationist 21 August 2021

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ON MY BOOKSHELF: SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST

Browsing the Bible In this series, Shield Books authors talk about the books they’ve written and the books they love – this week Emily Bright interviews former War Cry editor Major Nigel Bovey WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE BROWSING THE BIBLE? For 24 years I was on the staff of the War Cry, writing about the Bible in an obscure, less obvious way.

My ministry over 40 years as an officer has always been about teaching what the Bible says – and during that time I recognised that for many Christians, let alone nonChristians, the Bible is like an iceberg.

People don’t know 80 or 90 per cent of it. What I wanted to do through Browsing the Bible was, in palatable, bite-sized chunks of about 350 words, to faithfully distil the essential message of each of those 66 books.

It’s for the reader who genuinely wants to know more but is put off by the length and scale of the Bible.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OVERARCHING THEMES YOU CAME ACROSS? I conclude that you cannot understand the New Testament and who Jesus is unless you have seen the context and landscape in the Old Testament. You don’t need to have the full colours and all the details, as long as you have the impression of where the whole of the Old Testament leads. Without the Old Testament, the New Testament doesn’t make a lot of sense.

WHAT DO YOU HOPE READERS WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THIS BOOK? The Bible is not about head knowledge. It’s not about being able 14

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to remember and quote verses. The essential message of the Bible is about the heart. The Bible speaks to us, and it doesn’t matter at what level we come to it.

COULD YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT KEYS OF THE KINGDOM, WHICH IS BEING RELEASED LATER THIS YEAR? Keys of the Kingdom grew out of studying and researching the Gospels when I was writing Browsing the Bible.

When you go through the Gospels, particularly Matthew, Mark and Luke, time and time again Jesus is talking about one subject: the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God. You can’t escape it. Jesus talks about the Kingdom more than he talks about love, forgiveness, faith and Hell.

And of course, he does more than talk about it. He lives the Kingdom, and the concept that he has come to bring the good news. Bringing good news is not only talking but doing. So when he said the first shall be last and the last first, it was seen in the way that he treated people who were marginalised. Who’s the greatest in the Kingdom? It’s not the rich and the famous, it’s the little child. And it’s not only a radical message about the Kingdom and its values, there is also a life-changing reality. Jesus can change our lives, if we want him to.

WHICH SECULAR BOOK HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST? Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome, which I came across when I was about 10 years old. The book opened up for me this whole sense of children being allowed to have adventures without the authority of parents around. I read the whole series. I guess that was foundational in my love of the outdoors. I now live on the river Exe, on the estuary.

IF YOU COULD TAKE ONE BOOK TO A DESERT ISLAND, APART FROM THE BIBLE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I think I would juggle between three items. First, I’m going to choose Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack. I was once a maths teacher and I could have hours of endless fun looking through statistics. Interestingly, Wisden tells us that Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, took two first-class wickets, and one of them was none other than the great master himself, WG Grace.

That then would be joined by a huge book of plain paper, so that I could write more novels. I would also have a photo album of my family and friends, because if lockdown has taught us anything, it’s the importance of relationships.

O Browsing the Bible is available from sps-shop.com priced £8 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £7

To hear the conversation in full, find the Shield Books Summer Book Club podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com

PREVIEW

The Big Collection Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant looks ahead to this year’s appeal and highlights some important changes

T

HANK you for your amazing work and service throughout the pandemic. It has been a tough 18 months and, sadly, the effects of Covid-19 will be with us for a long time.

Inevitably, the number of people turning to The Salvation Army for support will increase in coming months. The 2021 Big Collection provides us with a valuable opportunity to invite people to donate money so that our Army can help and love others in the name of Jesus.

We want to breathe new life into the Big Collection by giving corps an opportunity to say where the money is used. In doing so, we hope to create a stronger link between people who give time, energy and money and the people who benefit from that generosity.

You might wonder why The Salvation Army still needs corps to raise money for the Big Collection – especially as the amount raised has halved in the past 20 years. However, in a normal year, the Big Collection still raises more than £1.3 million. We need to be good stewards of the resources with which God continues to bless us.

In 2020, despite not being able to do house-to-house collecting, the Big Collection raised 62 per cent of the 2019 total. Thank you to those corps that showed their practical support and love for our social ministry.

The Big Collection is the only annual fundraising campaign from which every penny raised goes towards our territory’s social services. It is also an important opportunity for corps members to support and learn more about our amazing work – from Lifehouses for people experiencing homelessness, to safe houses protecting victims of trafficking and modern slavery; from programmes helping people get a job and learn new skills, to finding missing relatives or helping people out of debt – and more!

So what is changing? First, we are not

setting corps targets at THQ. We leave that decision to your corps leadership, who know your circumstances and capacities. This is a most unusual time, so we don’t want to add to your burdens, but we want to make the most of our opportunities. Please do everything you can – this is important Kingdombuilding work. Nearly all corps commit and contribute to the Self-Denial Appeal for the Army’s work overseas, so we ask people to feel as passionate about needs in our own country. Corps with a nearby social centre can approach the centre with the hope that some of the residents and staff might volunteer to help with the collecting. This initiative would also show the residents how some of the money that they benefit from is raised.

The second change is asking corps to choose where the money they raise for the Big Collection is spent. Previously, all the money has gone into the Social Work Trust to be used where it is most needed.

This year, corps have a choice in where the money is allocated within the Social Work Trust. We hope this will help you communicate more clearly why we are raising money and how the money will be used. Corps can choose from the following options: O A specific

Lifehouse – perhaps one close to the corps

O A specific

older people’s residence Services O Anti-trafficking and modern slavery work O Employment Plus O Family Tracing O Prison Ministries O Work with people who are refugees or asylum seekers O Addictions

If corps don’t indicate a specific area, the money will be generally used in the Social Work Trust as in previous years.

Some people still find that houseto-house collecting is productive.

In other parts of the country it is no longer feasible for many reasons. But fundraising can be done in as many ways as you can imagine!

More than the money, though, the Big Collection helps remind us of the integrated, holistic, God-given mission of The Salvation Army – and gives us the opportunity to explain it to the public.

Let’s use the Big Collection to celebrate what God is doing through the Army as God’s Kingdom comes on Earth as it is in Heaven.

LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ Salvationist 21 August 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

All change Major Mal Davies continues his four-week series on Jonah

JONAH 3

I

N last week’s study, we read how Jonah prayed from perhaps the oddest place in history: the belly of a large fish.

Jonah prayed believing that God would spare his life. Well, he was indeed spared and in chapter three we see him arriving in Nineveh, as God had originally requested. The chapter opens with this line: ‘Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.’

QUESTIONS O Is God quick to get your attention or can it take some time?

O Has God ever told you something and you initially ignored the message, hoping it was wrong?

In chapter one, when God first spoke to Jonah, it says: ‘But Jonah

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

by Major Jane Kimberley

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish’ (v3). Later, in chapter three, it simply says: ‘Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh’ (v3). What a difference a sea trip makes! Jonah has learnt the hard way that it’s always best to obey God and attend to his requests.

The same verse adds that Nineveh was a big city and took three days to travel through, which would make it extremely large. God refers to the city as ‘great’ three times, noting that more than 120,000 people lived there (see Jonah 1:2, 3:2 and 4:11).

In Genesis 10:11 and 12, a cluster of towns – Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah and Resen – are referred to collectively as ‘a great city’. So, the reference to Nineveh might be to the broader municipal region. While you could walk across the City of London in one day, walking across Greater

London would take somewhat longer.

The pivotal event in the book of Jonah comes in chapter three, and it happens very quickly. Jonah is warning the people about destruction in verse 4, then: ‘The Ninevites believed God’ (v5). And just like that a city changed.

QUESTIONS O Can you recall a time when you were speaking to someone about faith and explaining the gospel and, suddenly, the penny dropped and they realised God loved them?

O Maybe you’ve seen a conversion take place in a meeting and someone’s life being immediately changed. How do you feel when you see this happen?

The king of Nineveh declares that his subjects will all call on God,

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

I’ll go in the strength of the Lord,/ In paths he has marked for my feet;/ I’ll follow the light of his word,/ Nor shrink from the dangers I meet./ His presence my steps shall attend,/ His fullness my wants shall supply;/ On him, till my journey shall end,/ My unwavering faith shall rely.

(SASB 959)

It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

(Romans 15:20)

I’m not ashamed to own my Lord,/ Or to defend his cause,/ Maintain the honour of his word,/ The glory of his cross.

(SASB 859)

change their poor behaviour and seek God’s mercy. The decision pays off: ‘When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened’ (v10).

While this shows a merciful God, willing to compromise and accept those who truly repent, it also raises a large theological issue. Did God know he was going to spare the people of Nineveh before they repented? What God had planned on doing, he didn’t do. Was he wrong to begin with?

One of God’s key attributes is omniscience, which, of course, includes knowing the future. The verses ‘I know the plans I have for you’ (Jeremiah 29:11) and ‘before a word is on my tongue, you, Lord, know it completely’ (Psalm 139:4) attest to this.

So how is it that God can plan on doing ‘A’ but then he does ‘B’? Does he know all along that he will end up doing ‘B’?

There are times when God seems to change his mind. For example, we read in Exodus that while Moses was absent, the Israelites fashioned an idol – a calf made of gold – and God said he would destroy them. But Moses pleaded for them and God ‘relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened’ (Exodus 32:14).

It seems that one of God’s attributes – his mercy – sometimes overrules his omniscience. God, it has to be said, just can’t help himself. When mercy is required, God will even change his plans to extend it.

In Jeremiah 18:1–12, the Lord shows the prophet a potter at work at his wheel, shaping and reshaping

clay. God says that, similarly, he has the authority to shape and to reshape his plans if he so chooses.

QUESTIONS O We can’t make demands of God, but have you ever asked God to change a plan or to act in a certain way? Why, and what happened?

Next week, Jonah yells at God.

MAJOR DAVIES IS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

‘And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.’

(Mark 13:10)

A charge to keep I have,/ A God to glorify,/ A never-dying soul to save,/ And fit it for the sky.

(SASB 946)

‘Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness.’

(Acts 4:29)

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

(SASB 946)

Prayer Dear Jesus, you are relying on me, and all who call you Lord and Saviour, to share your gospel with others.

Often it seems so hard but please give me the wisdom and courage I need to share the good news each day.

Salvationist 21 August 2021

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VIEW V VI IEW W POINT

Does pray prayer ayer work work? rk??

Major Dave Groves recalls answers to prayer that he has experienced

A

LETTER in Salvationist (19 June) wondering if prayer worked started me thinking. I’ve always believed that God is my Father, that he’s interested in me as a person and that nothing is either too big or too small for him to be concerned about. At the same time, I’ve recognised that two things are important: my faith and God’s will.

My faith is important because, if I expect nothing I shall receive nothing. If I don’t believe God hears and answers my prayers, then why waste time? Faith brings persistency and, if something is important enough to me to pray about, I must ‘pray without ceasing’ (1 Thessalonians 5:17 King James Version). This attitude of mind sorts out priorities and allows God to observe just how much an answer really matters to me.

God’s will also comes into the picture.

Can I believe that an affirmative answer will benefit both me and the Kingdom?

Selfish and short-sighted prayers don’t deserve answers because they are ill considered. No wonder nothing happens.

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I recall various situations over the years. My home corps was Birmingham Harborne, which I first attended aged 18 and where, in due course, I became young people’s sergeant-major. A new lieutenant arrived as part of the ‘May change’ and the welcome meeting was arranged for the same day. I was an apprentice compositor in the printing trade and, unfortunately, my boss saw that my asthma was making it impossible to set type, so he sent me home. Wheezing and shaking, I sat by the kitchen fire feeling too unwell to attend the meeting. It was a small corps and I knew there would be only a few there. So, not wanting to let the new officer down, I went. It was a long meeting, and when I returned home the kitchen fire had gone cold. I felt wretched and miserable as I tried to pour milk into a glass for a hot drink. Shaking badly, much of the milk landed on the floor. It was the final straw. In desperation, and without thought, I cried out: ‘O God, if you really care, take it away.’ Suddenly a hot band about the width of a car tyre circled my

waist and moved slowly up my chest and round my head. Then it was gone. So was the wheeziness, the shaking and the cold.

I was terrified and went straight to bed with a hot water bottle in case it was just my imagination!

I became an officer and, some years later, my wife and I were appointed to the Birmingham Division. She desperately needed a non-uniform coat. We had little money and, despite looking in various places, found nothing we could afford.

Weeks passed and the need became urgent. We decided to search again, but where? ‘We didn’t pray before,’ I said to my wife. ‘Let’s ask God to show us where to go.’ We prayed and settled on a visit to Wolverhampton. The shopping centre was in view when a diversion took us round the back of the building where we discovered a car park and escalators leading to the centre. As we were about to descend we saw a row of shops either side, and outside one was a rail of ladies’ coats.

There were three she liked – all at £30!

We had two children. Clare experienced hearing and co-ordination problems, and we never saw her crawl or attempt to stand. We were moved to a corps in the Stoke area. To our surprise, we found a church offering NHS help to children like Clare and an experimental group, the first in the county, offering learning support.

She quickly caught up and started school with no disadvantages. God gave what we hadn’t even asked for!

The children were soon riding bikes but the house was on a busy dual carriageway and we had no garden. We were told to expect a move, so I asked God for a decent-sized house, with a park nearby, somewhere safe for the children to ride their bikes and a friendly corps.

We moved to Cardiff Canton, where the quarters was a former small hotel with five bedrooms. A park was just up the street and the children could ride safely on a road alongside it with almost no traffic. ‘We’re strawberry picking tonight for Saturday’s tea, if you’d like to come,’ said the corps secretary.

We spent our first evening laughing and eating strawberries in fine company.

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

POWER PRAYER IN

Three wonderful years passed without a single cross word or friction of any kind. All those prayers had been answered.

We retired with no savings, but out of the blue came an opportunity to work as a prison chaplain. My wife became the manager of a corps charity shop.

We saved enough to buy what retirement required.

Does prayer work? For me it does, but don’t ask me why – especially when something I consider worthy and important is answered by silence. There is no rational reason why it should work or logical reason why it shouldn’t. It’s all of God, so why miss out on what is beyond my comprehension?

I’m fully aware that some would dismiss my experiences as nothing more than coincidences. A few odd happenings in a lifetime might well be, but too many so-called coincidences have happened to allow me the luxury of such a conclusion.

We can allow ourselves to be too influenced by an unbelieving world, and the constant slow drip of atheistic thinking wears faith away. Peter wrote: ‘Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 3:18). Faith is the evidence of growth in grace that stems from an increasing knowledge of Jesus Christ and his will for us and our world. As we mature in spiritual things the word of God takes on new meaning and prayer becomes a joyous experience.

Christianity is more than a doctrine or belief. It has to become a lifestyle of which prayer becomes a natural part.

Paul put it wonderfully well when he wrote: ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances’ (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Those three things are a recipe for a joyful life. Paul proved it and so can we if we simply remember that ‘all things are possible with God’ (Mark 10:27).

MAJOR GROVES LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN NOTTINGHAM

Major Jim Bryden considers some of Jesus’ teaching on prayer

W

HAT does prayer mean to you?

Do you struggle with it? Do you value it? Is it about asking God for this and that and mostly walking away empty-handed? Or perhaps we know better than that and follow the popular acronym ACTS: adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. At least if this is followed faithfully, then we’re on a journey of meaningful, challenging and effective prayer practice.

When we read the Gospels we realise Jesus was a master teacher. Not known for his philosophical or deep theological arguments, he chose to express profound eternal truths in simple stories, parables, thought-provoking questions and allegories. Where authentic power in prayer is concerned, the lesson of the vine and the branches in John 15:1–8 hits the bullseye. Jesus is the vine and we are the branches. Choice grapes are only possible when the branches are connected to the vine and undergo pruning. Any branch severed from the vine is discarded then burnt.

Often in prayer we bring our wish list and try to get God to do things our way.

This is a major mistake. Jesus says, ‘If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you’ (John 15:7) – and, for many, the words ‘ask’ and ‘wish’ relate to getting what they want. But there are also the words ‘remain in’, which speak of an intimate relationship with Christ. Some believers are so uniquely immersed in God’s word and will, where the power of the Holy Spirit is active in their asking and longing, that God’s will is prayed for and done. Fanny Crosby expressed it like this:

Consecrate me now to thy service, Lord, By the power of grace divine; Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope And my will be lost in thine.

(SASB 586) It comes down to being empowered

by God’s Spirit, grafted into his Son and steeped in his word, so that our prayers are as Jesus’ would be. ‘Whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I’ll do it’ (John 14:14 The Message). This is power in prayer.

It is not sourced from our input, however disciplined and dedicated. It is only possible when we are in communion with God. O the pure delight of a single hour That before thy throne I spend, When I kneel in prayer, and with thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!

(SASB 586) I invite you to spend some precious time in prayer, pondering these Scripture verses that shed light on power in prayer: 2 Chronicles 7:14; Matthew 6:8; Luke 6:12 and 11:9; Romans 8:6 and 12:2; 1 John 2:17 and 5:14 and 15; and James 4:3.

MAJOR BRYDEN LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BELLSHILL Salvationist 21 August 2021

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI TION REFLECTION EC CTI O ON

Going for gold Trevor Caffull considers the importance of being the best we can be

‘G

OLD!/ Always believe in your soul,/ You’ve got the power to know/ You’re indestructible,/ Always believe in, ’cause you are/ Gold.’ Those above a certain age may recognise these lyrics from the 1983 Spandau Ballet song, appropriately titled ‘Gold’. It was a big hit in its day, as were the hairstyles and outfits of this iconic New Romantic band. Gary and Martin Kemp, who went on to be a loveable rogue in EastEnders, and Tony Hadley strutted their stuff fairly impressively for a good few years before they all fell out and took each other to court.

So why am I indulging in this pop nostalgia? Simply because the song was on my mind during the Tokyo Olympics. After a year’s delay, Olympic fever gripped us again and, as if by

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

magic, we all became instant fans of and experts on sports varying from sculls canoeing to BMX biking and taekwondo – in spite of the fact that few of us take any interest in any of these pursuits in the roughly 1,450 days between Olympic Games – or in this case, the 1,797 days since the previous Games in 2016.

In this respect I was every bit as hooked as the next person: my first question every morning was, ‘Have we won any more medals?’ I’m no lover of swimming, but Adam Peaty and his team-mates had me on the edge of my seat shouting at the TV screen, almost as if my personal volume output was what was propelling them. These are the Olympic Games and, as a nation, we go wild for them every time they come round.

It is the dream of every competitor at the Olympics to achieve gold, and we celebrate each and every one almost as if they were a member of our own family. Suddenly the country is united and we are all in it together.

I am struck by the fact that it pretty well seems to be all about gold. And while a dedicated pursuit to be proven the best is admirable, surely there has to be more to it than that. If a competitor achieves their personal best in an Olympics heat but fails to qualify for the next stage, should they be delighted or disappointed? Whichever one of these emotions the competitor experiences, you can be quite sure that we’ll not hear their name again for some time. Press and TV reporters are not too interested in covering a glorious 6th place in the heats, even if it was a personal best. But I’m rather stuck on this question: if a gold medal winner achieves that heroic status without getting close to their personal best, while another competitor beats their best but loses in the heats, who delivers the greater achievement?

The fact is, we can’t all be Olympic gold medallists – only a tiny percentage could even dream of that. Many of those who compete at the Olympics know they have little chance of such a

distinction, and there are literally millions for whom simply competing at the Games would be way above the reality of their expectations. But every single one of us can achieve a personal best, whether that be in amateur pursuits of swimming, running, taekwondo or even tiddlywinks. The best we can do is to give the best we can. This applies not just in sports, but in all walks of life.

It’s worth remembering then that, while we might not get any gold medals hung around our necks, giving of our best, being the best we can be, is what really counts and what can make a real difference in the lives of others.

Marianne Farningham seemed to understand this so well in penning the words of song 598 in our songbook.

Just as I am, young, strong and free, To be the best that I can be For truth and righteousness and thee, Lord of my life, I come.

With many dreams of fame and gold, Success and joy to make me bold; But dearer still my faith to hold, For my whole life, I come.

And for thy sake to win renown, And then to take my victor’s crown, And at thy feet to cast it down, O Master, Lord, I come.

I hope you enjoyed the Olympic Games and will enjoy the Paralympics that start in a few days’ time. Cheer on Team GB for more medals (not forgetting Team Ireland for some in our territory), but remember: it’s not all about winning, it’s about being the best we can be.

TREVOR IS SATCOL MANAGING DIRECTOR AND A SOLDIER AT KETTERING CITADEL

ADVERTS

Are you coming to study at Reading University?

The three Reading corps would love to welcome you and support you in any way we can.

Please contact us as follows: Reading Lower Earley Corps Jacqueline and Roger Coates Lower.earley@salvationarmy.org.uk 07776 965781 Reading Central Corps Adrian and Beth Maddern Reading.central@salvationarmy.org.uk 0118 9583019

On 7 and 8 September, the Emergency Services Show will be held at Birmingham NEC and The Salvation Army will have a display there. The show will feature 450 stands and have more than 10,000 visitors.

Reading West Corps Portia Stirling-Mack Reading.west@salvationarmy.org.uk 07823 747954

If you are interested in attending or taking your volunteers, go to emergencyuk.com/why-visit to register for a free ticket.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Platinum (70th) O Gracie and James Denny, Invercairn (25 August) Blue Sapphire (65th) O Rtd CT Michael and Pat Bennett, Reading Central (1 September) Emerald (55th) O David and Grace Guy, Jersey (29 August) O Lieut-Colonels Gilbert and Reidun Ellis (3 September) Golden O Rtd SL Paul and Pauline Ling, Stowmarket (28 August) DEDICATED TO GOD O Edward John Owen, son of Gareth and Rebecca Owen, at Guernsey by Major Claire Hill RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major George Whittingham (95 on 28 August) O Major Pamela Edwards (80 on 30 August) O Lieut-Colonel Patricia Atherton (85 on 31 August) O Major Dorothy Brevitt (85 on 1 September) PROMOTED TO GLORY Millie Moran, Birmingham Citadel O Robert Johnson, Sunderland Millfield on 24 July O Eleanor May Goode, Hereford, on 26 July O TE Gordon Lovie, Brechin, on 7 August O Lieut-Colonel Howard Grottick from Twin Oaks nursing home, Norwich, on 8 August O Ruben Martin, Bromley Temple, on 8 August O Hazel Thompson, Chester-le-Street, on 9 August

Major Liz Hancock, Newcastle City Temple, of her father Nicolas Hancock O S/Reservist Brenda Driscoll, Staple Hill, of her son Geoffrey Driscoll O Denise Johnson, Sunderland Millfield, of her husband Robert Johnson, Jayne Smyth, Sunderland Millfield, of her father O Major John Howarth of his sister Margaret Chadwick O TE Ann Lovie, Brechin, of her husband TE Gordon Lovie O Lieut-Colonel Patricia Grottick of her husband Lieut-Colonel Howard Grottick O Songster Kay Martin, Bromley Temple, of her husband Ruben Martin, Major Janet Martin, Camberwell and WBC, of her father O

WHAT’S ON SHIELD BOOKS SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST In Episode 4 of this podcast series, Promotions and Marketing Co-ordinator Emily Bright (Publishing Department, THQ) interviews Major Nigel Bovey about his book Browsing the Bible.

O Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com

O

BEREAVED O Gamu Shanu, Birmingham Citadel, of her mother

TRIBUTES JOHN MARSHALL, GUISBOROUGH JOHN was born in Stanley in 1936 and attended the corps there from a young age. He entered the training college in 1954 as part of the Soulwinners session and was commissioned in 1955.

Following several corps appointments, he left officership to marry his first wife. They settled in York and had two sons. John was fully committed to the ministry of the corps

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Bromley Temple, Sun 29 Aug

22

Salvationist 21 August 2021

and held a number of local officer positions.

Following his second marriage to Susan in 1999 they both transferred to Guisborough Corps and happily settled into the fellowship there. John was fully active within the sections until illness prevented him from being involved but he continued to serve as best he could.

John is sadly missed by all those who knew and loved him. We can truly say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’

– SS JEAN BACON, BURTON-ONTRENT JEAN was born in Burton in 1934 and lived there all her life. Brought up by her aunt and uncle, she had a sister and three brothers.

On marriage to John Bacon they welcomed two daughters and had an important influence on many lives. Jean always wanted a full house, and one of their ministries was to foster children, welcoming many into their home over more than 20 years.

One of their foster daughters began attending Sunday school and, for her enrolment as a soldier, Jean and John came with her to the Army together with four other family members, all of whom found a spiritual home at the corps.

Jean became a soldier, helped with the parent-and-toddler group and served as home league treasurer.

Her influence lives on. – KA KEVIN YOUNG, EDINBURGH GORGIE KEVIN was born in 1957 and moved to Gainsborough in 1963. He learnt to play the trombone and his excellent musicianship was recognised when he was awarded a place with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain.

In 1975 Kevin met Elizabeth when her family moved to Gainsborough from Scotland. They married in 1979 and had a son, Jonathan.

In 1988 they moved to Scotland and transferred to Edinburgh Gorgie. There Kevin took his place in the band and songsters and featured as a trombone

ADVERTS soloist on many occasions, bringing great blessing and challenge to those who listened.

Kevin loved the Lord and this was evident through his personality; he was gentle and caring, humble, a great encourager, an attentive listener and possessed many more fine qualities that are too numerous to mention.

He was a devoted husband and father as well as grandpa to his grandson, Terry, and is greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Well done, good and faithful servant!

– EY

TO LET ALTEA, SPAIN. Modern two-bedroom, twobathroom heated apartment, pool, tennis, garden, garage. Shops, restaurants, beach close, hillwalking.

Warm winter area. Airport transfers available.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

TOPSHAM, DEVON. Two-bedroom cottage overlooking Exe Estuary and hills. Local shops, inns, teashops, walks. Coast, moors, Exeter nearby.

Tel 02920 759314 or email dee.jones@virgin.net.

FLAT FOR RENT Penge Corps, Maple Road, SE20 8JB, has a one-bedroom flat for rent. Flat contains a living room/ kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom.

Also includes fridge/freezer and washing machine. £800.00 pcm (utilities not included). Penge East and Penge West train stations are a 10 minute walk from the flat. Bus stop to central London, and local shops two minute walk. Contact penge@salvationarmy.org.uk

STUDYING IN YORK?

MGS works professionally providing O COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION

Are you coming to study in this great city?

Be sure to link up to the corps, where a warm welcome awaits you.

Meals arranged and student / young adult fellowship (Covid allowing!)

Are you in need of some daily hope during this lockdown?

MGS works with relationships and other life experiences

We have a new FREE telephone line for you to ring to hear comforting hymns, daily prayers ­ĊÌ īÐŦÐÆĴðďĊĮȘ

MGS is confidential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

For further details tel Cynthia Smith on 07961 586465

Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

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Salvationist 21 August 2021

23

‘‘‘

The way it’s gonna be The world is gonna see A little bit of Heaven In my life

’’’

‘The Way It’s Gonna Be’

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…

JUSTIN REEVES Editor of Kids Alive!

How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was born into a Salvation Army family.

What made you want to work for the Army?

I’ve been involved in Army children’s ministry since I was 16. My professional background was design for print and I used to work for the Western Morning News Company in Plymouth. When a job came up at Kids Alive!! it seemed like a natural fit. Twenty-two years later, I’m still here.

What is the most interesting thing about your role – and the most frustrating?

The best bit of my job is hearing from the readers – they come out with some brilliant stuff! I wish more children’s leaders would get in touch to let us know what’s going on at their corps. We have this fantastic resource – no other church has a children’s comic – that can be used to encourage and empower children.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

I’d love to see the Army become a more diverse and inclusive Movement.

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

With all the reading I’m doing about The Little Soldierr at the moment, I’d like to meet the paper’s first official editor, Captain John Roberts. It would be great to hear what his inspiration was and how the paper was produced back in the day.

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

Poverty.

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

Fear of failure will hold you back!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can blow up balloons with my nose.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

I’ve recently got back into running, so the 5,000 or 10,000 metres.

What is your favourite food?

I love roast dinners and curry, but I think pasties win. How about a spicy roast dinner pasty?

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

The Madness album One Step Beyond…

What is your favourite Bible passage?

Mark 10:13–16 really speaks into my ministry and the lives of my three daughters, all seven and under. I love that the Bible includes a direct invitation to our children from Jesus and encourages grown-ups to emulate their openness to the Kingdom.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

A mixture of sightseeing and relaxation.

Chuck in a pasty, an ice cream and a cream tea, and I’m happy. I love being in the West Country, especially Cornwall.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

I like ‘The Way It’s Gonna Be’ by Duggie Dug Dug, and recently a friend introduced me to ‘Goodness of God’ featuring Michael Bethany. The way he leads worship is like joy personified.

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

The Karate Kid. In my early teens I was a dead ringer for Ralph Macchio, who plays the lead character, Daniel LaRusso.

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

I’d bring back hat wearing, and we could doff our hats to each other – a pretty Covid-safe way of greeting people.

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

I’m a bit of a Stephen Fry fan, so I’d quite like to spend a day in his company.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

The Mirror and the Light, the last book in the Wolf Hall trilogy by Hilary Mantel.

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

I’m quite a friendly chap, so maybe ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’ by Randy Newman.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My wedding ring.

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

Pinned up next to my desk at THQ is a quote from the editor of the Ipswich Post: ‘Always look out for somethin’ that ain’t quite right, boi!’