Persecution to power
PENTECOST saw people from all around the known world gathered in Jerusalem and thousands who heard the good news came to faith in Jesus. This did not sit well with the political powers of the time and persecution soon followed, which led to many fleeing to places of safety, taking the good news with them. One such city of sanctuary was Antioch – a rich cosmopolitan city, then part of Syria –about 300 miles north of Jerusalem, but with a very diverse population.
In Acts 13:1–5, we see evidence of the diverse nature of the early Church, as some of its leaders are named and their heritage indicated. They came to Antioch because they had experienced persecution but, in coming together, they discovered a peace and a power that founded the Church. It was here that followers of Jesus were first called Christians.
Culture creates community and, when it is shared, we are all the richer for it. This week’s issue of Salvationist ties in with the Intercultural Weekend taking place this weekend in Derbyshire. It celebrates examples of where this is done well within this territory, and encourages each of us to look for ways to be together in Christ.
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips
PROOFREADER Chris Horne
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INTERNATIONAL LEADERS
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
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© The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
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FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth
YOUR NEXT MISSION…
With Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning out now in cinemas, Calum Montgomery reminds us that God sees beyond our past
IREMEMBER watching a DVD of Mission: Impossible III and being hooked. I went back and rewatched all the Mission: Impossible films and kept up with each new release. Whether it’s the epic stunts or end-of-world storylines, they are a staple of the action genre.
Now, 29 years after the first film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning is out in cinemas. Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) and the rest of the Impossible Mission Force face a new threat, the Entity. The Entity is an evil artificial intelligence (AI) capable of hacking nuclear systems, sending out convincing false messages and editing any data. No one knows who to trust. Every country wants to gain control over the Entity and the only person able to save the day? Ethan Hunt.
The film has callbacks linking back to the very first film in the franchise. One of the Entity’s most dangerous skills is the ability to predict the future based on what it’s seen before. Hunt needs to stay one step ahead, constantly thinking: ‘What is the last thing the Entity would expect me to do?’
Like most AI systems, the Entity is limited to what it’s seen before: people’s past patterns and behaviours. Most of our technology today does the same thing – it sees what we like, what we scroll away from and decides what to show us next. While algorithms and AI can spot patterns, they can’t tell us why. Why, in the Mission: Impossible films, does Ethan Hunt constantly break the rules? Why does he always save his team?
The line that follows Hunt throughout the film comes from Eugene Kittridge, director of the Impossible Mission Force: ‘Our lives are the sum of our choices and we cannot escape the past.’ It’s a great line, something you’d expect just before the screen goes black and the credits roll.
Of course, we’re shaped by our past, our choices and experiences. But we’re also so much more!
It’s easy to get stuck in our past patterns, to believe our future will look like our past. In a world that is so datadriven – judging and predicting, based on our past watches, purchases or likes – it can be easy to feel like you are stuck in a loop, a never-ending season, that whatever you do, nothing changes.
But God invites us to more, to something new. Just look at Jesus’ genealogy in Matthew 1. Generations of beauty from brokenness, it is full of God’s grace flowing throughout history. God isn’t limited by an algorithm or our past: he sees more. During Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, one character refers to the Entity as the ‘Anti-
Reflect and respond
Look back at your own life. What would be included in your spiritual genealogy? Who or what has helped shape your relationship with God?
Look forward. What kind of season are you in?
Where is God calling you to go next? What is your next mission?
God’, a being so focused it can’t see past your past. God, on the other hand, sees your future despite your past!
The world might try to define us by what we’ve done or who it thinks we are, but we are defined by God’s love for us. We are loved, despite our past mistakes. We are loved despite our history.
God loved us long before we knew him. 1 John 4:10 reminds us that he loved us first. God doesn’t look, judge and predict based on the past: God transforms us into something new. His love for us breaks us out of the past and into new life with him.
CALUM MONTGOMERY
Picture:
‘God is
by my side’
with...
Tom Hollidge Bath Citadel seconds
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Tom, married to Beth with two daughters, Poppy (4) and Florence (2).
I’ve just been commissioned as young people’s sergeant-major and I’m also an architect.
What’s your favourite Bible passage?
In the Old Testament, when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are thrown into the fiery furnace in Daniel 3. In the New Testament, when Jesus feeds the 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish in Matthew 14.
What’s your favourite hymn? ‘King of Kings, Majesty’.
What are you praying for?
For more volunteers and leaders in our young people’s team and for God’s plan for my life to continue to be revealed.
How did you first get involved in the Army?
Beth introduced me to the Army when I first moved to Bath.
What do you love, or not love, about the Army?
I love that the Army has and still spreads the good news of Jesus Christ through words and deeds.
What’s your most-used app? Spotify.
Which emoji sums you up best?
• Tom has been accepted as a candidate for officer training. Is God calling you to spiritual leadership? Find out more at salvationist.org.uk/calling
Amelia shares how The Salvation Army has helped her grow in faith
IBECAME involved in Oldbury Salvation Army at the age of seven, attending the weekly Kidz Klub every Friday night. I enjoyed taking part in activities such as Messy Church, the children’s big day out and staying away at junior camp. I now attend Shockin, the youth club for older children, and volunteer as a young leader for Kidz Klub. Every year, I attend West Midlands Summer School, which helps me to develop my understanding of God and shows me new ways I can worship.
During my time with Oldbury Salvation Army, the activities I have participated in have helped me to strengthen my relationship with God. I use the skills from those activities to help me in my daily life. I am thankful for all the help that the staff put into the youth events, as these help not only myself but others in my community to connect with God, each other and the Church.
I have recently joined NeXus, the West Midlands Division’s youth choir, and the youth worship band, which allows me to praise God in different ways. I enjoy the wide range of activities offered to me and I am grateful that everyone is welcome, and everyone has an equal opportunity their ability, race or gender.
Overall, The Salvation Army has given me a safe, inclusive space to connect with like-minded others, where we can all receive
Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk.
support and feel valued. The Salvation Army has taught me that, even in challenging times, God is with me and I am never alone. I am stronger with the skills I have learnt, and I am able to face challenges in my life with the support I have.
I can follow my path knowing God is by my side and look forward to facing future life events, knowing that I will be supported by various positive role models from the church and that God is with me.
LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON
THESE words came to me ahead of Father’s Day, based on ‘anyone who has seen me has seen the Father’ (John 14:9) and ‘I and the Father are one’ (John 10:30). It seems to me that there are a lot of Christians who haven’t woken up to the implications of what Jesus was saying.
Like Father, like Son. Please note – we are One!
If you look at me, It’s him that you’ll see.
Some thought him severe, But now I am here.
Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
Some believed him to be Quite different from me.
Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
I came from ‘above’
To show you his love. Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
I want you to see
How he is like me.
Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
See how I weep, God’s love isn’t cheap.
Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
You must leave in the past Concepts that don’t last. Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
I come as your friend, Grace without end.
Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
If it’s him you would see
You’ll find him in me.
Like Father, like Son, Please note – we are One!
COMMISSIONER ROBERT STREET
EXPLORING LEADERSHIP
THANK you to the Candidates Unit team for the great experience at Exploring Leadership Day. It was inspiring to meet so many people, worship together and learn so much from each other. We were really blessed and touched by the testimonies shared in a very creative way and the word of God shared by Lieut-Colonel Mark Herbert. We all felt the Spirit of God working. It was something that we needed to hear and felt that God is speaking to us. We believe God has something great planned for all of us and he is calling us for his purpose. The whole event could not have been more inspirational. The seminars
VISIONARY IDEAS
READING Major Lynne Shaw’s interview with Captain Wendy Watkins about family camps (Salvationist 17 May) led me to wonder how many others of William Booth’s visionary ideas are still thriving today. Hadleigh Farm has been the centre of camps for decades. My first Scout camp (SA Barking troop Scoutmaster George Watkinson) was on the slope
we attended were around The Whole Life and Being Courageous, in which we learnt so much about how our lives can make a difference in other people’s lives often without us knowing, plus being courageous can also mean to have courage to put a stop on the things holding you back. We have shared our experiences with our friends and church members in our Sunday testimony period and they seemed really inspired by it. We would recommend Exploring Leadership Day to everyone.
MARTINA MASIH, SHILLING MASIH, ELSIE CHEPCHIRCHIR, BONIFACE TARUWEDZERA SALISBURY
beneath the castle tower at Hadleigh. The year was about 1950. At broadly that same period, the Girl Guide troop from Northampton camped in the huts provided. This I recall, because those Guides attended a Sunday afternoon meeting, and Jeffrey – the son of the then corps officers at Leigh – and I went along, but we left that meeting, taking one of those girls for a walkabout
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ON EXPLORING
LEADERSHIP
DAY
That day was very pivotal in my journey and God gave me confirmation of my calling
Sue Harris
in the area. It poured with rain, and we were soaked. My mother ‘confined me to barracks’ at home until the Guides left camp to return to Northampton. In later years, Ray Steadman-Allen memorialised the camp in his band march ‘Hadleigh Camp’. To those who have contributed, and still do so, to this living tradition, may all strength continue to be yours.
MAJOR HOWARD SERCOMBE
Blessed are those who mourn
Major Malcolm Martin wonders if the deepest joy stems from coming through the most difficult times
MATTHEW 5:4
‘THE spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me; he has sent me to bring good news to the oppressed, to bind up the brokenhearted … to comfort all who mourn’ (Isaiah 61:1 and 2 New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition).
There are striking parallels between the Beatitudes and Isaiah 61, perhaps understandably so given Luke’s account of this prophetic text as foundational for the ministry of Jesus (see Luke 4:16–21). The various declarations in Matthew 5 demonstrate that Jesus stands firmly within the Jewish tradition of proclaiming the blessings of God.
The Old Testament includes Beatitudetype statements within the wisdom and prophetic traditions. Wisdom writers – generally concerned with offering practical advice for successful living – observed that those in fortunate circumstances should be understood as blessed (see Job 1:10 and Proverbs 28:20). The prophets – who more frequently addressed situations of crisis – declared that those facing challenging circumstances would be blessed in the near or distant future (see Jeremiah 17:7 and 8 and Isaiah 25:8).
The biblical exploration of God’s transformational blessings eventually leads to a confident assertion: ‘Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.’ (Revelation 21:4 NRSVUE). If taken in isolation, the statement ‘blessed are those who mourn’ (Matthew 5:4) seems wholly incongruous, even more so if the alternative translation of ‘happy’ is deployed. The noted 20th-century preacher Martyn Lloyd-Jones observed: ‘The world would, and does, regard a
statement like this as utterly ridiculous.’
The sense of being blessed within these statements is significantly deeper than the momentary feeling of being happy. The blessings of God are an objective reality, not a subjective state of mind –these are statements of fact, not just whimsical aspirations. Contrary to the repeated assertion in Pharrell Williams’s song ‘Happy’, happiness is not the truth. But blessedness is.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Read Isaiah 61:1–4, perhaps a couple of times to enhance the impact of these promises.
How might these declarations of good news comfort someone facing challenging circumstances?
A strictly literal reading of this Beatitude might consider that it applies only to those suffering personal bereavement, rather than a broader anguish in the face of intolerable circumstances. At the other extreme, it can also be tempting to view mourning in an overly spiritual sense, to consider that it refers solely to awareness of personal wrongdoing, rather than comprehensive despair at the way things are in the wider world.
From the life of Jesus, we see mourning in connection with personal bereavement and the grief felt by others (see John 11:35), as well as tears over the corporate failings of society (see Luke 19:41–44). The expressions of lament that form the largest category of biblical psalms address varied circumstances, including personal failings and contexts of communal desolation.
There is, therefore, a strong biblical foundation to use the language of
mourning in a broad sense. Blessed are those who have lost loved ones or things they hold dear, whose heartbreaking sorrow moves them to tears. Blessed are those discouraged by extreme polarisation of discussion and diminished civility in public life. Blessed are those who grieve the demonisation of the ‘other’, who are dismayed by situations of oppression and injustice. Blessed are those who lament the persistence of destructive conflicts and the disproportionate loss of civilian lives. Blessed are those dismayed by the destruction of the world’s resources. Blessed are the faithful followers of Jesus who mourn the loss of right relationships, who lament the condition of God’s people and who pray for God’s Kingdom to come more fully in our lives and our world.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Reflect on these lyrics: ‘Knowing my failings, knowing my fears,/ Seeing my sorrow, drying my tears./ Jesus recall me, me reordain;/ You know I love you, use me again’ (SASB 715).
How might lament be incorporated appropriately in your personal devotions and corporate worship? Robert Browning Hamilton highlights the scope for learning from experiences of sorrow in his poem ‘Along the Road’:
I walked a mile with Pleasure; She chattered all the way, But left me none the wiser For all she had to say.
I walked a mile with Sorrow And ne’er a word said she; But oh, the things I learnt from her When Sorrow walked with me!
As with all the Beatitudes, the second part of this statement is as important as the first. ‘For they will be comforted’ offers a positive promise that mourning will be transformed.
There are many biblical examples of how situations of sorrow can be transfigured. Ecclesiastes 3:4 notes that there are occasions for weeping and mourning, alongside those that call for laughter and dance. In Jeremiah 31:13, all generations share the joy of dancing when mourning is turned into gladness. Jesus promises his disciples that their ‘grief will turn to joy’ (John 16:20) and Revelation 7:17 speaks of a time when every tear will be wiped away.
There is a future beyond mourning. However, perhaps the deepest joy stems from coming through the most difficult times, having drawn upon the comfort offered by God and other people.
Paul reminds us to exercise compassionate comfort in all circumstances: ‘Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn’ (Romans 12:15). In this way, we can all experience what it is to be truly blessed by God.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Meditate on Isaiah 40:1–11.
How do these promises, together with the Beatitudes, help you understand God’s transformation of the status quo?
MAJOR
MALCOLM
MARTIN Corps Leader Thornton Heath
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 21 JUNE: CARE FOR CREATION – GOD AND GARDENING
It’s time to lift some of the bulbs that have finished flowering for the year so they can be stored and replanted. Pray for people who are coming to the end of a particular season in their lives or who are needing to take a break and have a rest from something they’ve been doing. Pray that God will wrap them around in love and restore them for what is to come next.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
SUNDAY 22 JUNE: SABBATH PRAYER – GOD, THE FAITHFUL FATHER
Faithful God, we pray for situations where human relationships have broken down. We pray your love will break through and heal broken hearts. Thank you for standing with arms open wide when we run to you. We praise you because there is always a way back if we have wandered away. by Karen Findlay (Wellingborough)
MONDAY 23 JUNE: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – BOLDNESS IN SHARING JESUS
Loving Lord, I often offer reasons for holding back when it comes to testifying to your love for me and your power at work in my life. Enable me to be bold in my witnessing and determined to share with someone how much I value having Jesus in my life. Fill me with that power today.
by Major Jill Miller
TUESDAY 24 JUNE: SERVING AND CARING – CREATIVITY
Triune God, thank you for your creativity, which shines through in the lives of your people. Thank you for ways your creativity is shown in the vocations of all those who say ‘yes’ to you and who follow your directions. Give us the wisdom and courage to stand still, waiting for you to direct our next step. Surprise us again with your creativity in our lives. by Captain Cor van der Woude (Bury)
WEDNESDAY 25 JUNE: GROWING IN FAITH – DESIGN FOR LIFE (27–29 JUNE)
Jesus, thank you for the Design for Life weekend. We pray that those coming to this weekend will make space to listen to and hear you, and that they will follow your instructions. We pray they will experience the overflowing abundance you promise. by Captain Cor van der Woude (Bury)
THURSDAY 26 JUNE: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – SWEDEN AND LATVIA TERRITORY
As Sweden and Latvia mark Midsummer, when the most northerly parts see midnight sun, we pray Isaiah 58:10 over everyone connected with the Army in the territory –that, as they spend themselves on behalf of those in need, pray God’s glory will shine through them, and the darkness will become as light as day. Pray for the territorial leadership team, Colonels Bo and Christina Jeppsson and Lieut-Colonels Robert and Anna-Maria Tuftström. by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 27 JUNE: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – OPPRESSION AND INTOLERANCE
In his resurrection, Jesus restores life and peace in all creation. Comfort, we pray, all victims of intolerance and those oppressed by their fellow humans. Remember in your Kingdom those who have died. Lead the oppressors towards compassion and give hope to the suffering. Through the same Jesus Christ. based on a prayer published by the Church of England
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?
Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
Look and see
Major Jonny Smith shares a vision of God’s diverse, intercultural Kingdom
‘ILOOKED … and I saw’ is something John writes several times in Revelation. He’s trying to get his audience to grasp the revelation that God has given to him. Anyone who has journeyed with me for the past 24 years will know that the Book of Revelation, particularly chapter 7, is something very dear to my heart.
In 2002, both my wife, Major Catherine, and I – appointed in 2003 –were appointed to Southwark Corps in south London. At the time, the borough had about 350,000 people within it, with roughly 350 mother languages spoken. Coming from Hadleigh in Essex, my eyes were opened: as I looked at the community I was in, I saw I was co-leading a corps that matched it. In that moment, my heart for intercultural mission was born.
I didn’t realise it at the time but those 10 years at Southwark were when my eyes were first opened to the vision of the Kingdom that John refers to in Revelation 7. People from all different backgrounds and nations coming together and worshipping God – I looked and I saw this happening right before my eyes.
In various communities today, both inside and beyond church buildings, I am seeing multicultural and intercultural gatherings are two different realities.
Being intercultural requires a willingness to enter another person’s culture, just as you expect them to enter your own. It also has an inevitability of inconvenience – and that needs to be mutual! When I have seen people enter each other’s cultures, and mutual inconvenience has been accepted, the outcome has been something beautiful and powerful – something I believe John is trying to get across to us in Revelation 7. It is an inevitability for John, yet it is something Jesus encourages disciples to long for, as they pray and live out the Lord’s Prayer: ‘Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10).
As we look at the news today, we see voices that are different to that of John’s Kingdom-now vision. These voices are causing division across the world, which is causing deep distress and disharmony. As I have looked and seen different expressions of intercultural corps up and down this territory – including Dublin City, Belfast Citadel, Livingston, Croydon Citadel (I could go on!) – I have been given a wonderful glimpse of unity in diversity. The revelation given to John all those years ago is a powerful proclamation of the Kingdom of God here on this Earth!
I am convinced that the future of our territory – at local corps, divisional headquarters and Territorial
Headquarters – will include people from all different backgrounds and cultures. I am convinced that the future of officership will be diverse, and that this will only happen if we see local leadership teams journey towards a greater diversity.
Look and see what is happening in your community. Is that community reflected in your corps from Monday through to Sunday? If it is not, why and what are you prepared to do about it? If your community is reflected in your corps, how is your leadership team reflecting your congregation? If it is not, what areas do you need to address for this to happen?
My passion for intercultural mission has grown over the years, and, although I am soon to change appointment, intercultural practice is embedded deep in my heart and will always be a way of life I want to see and live. My prayer is that we will continue our intercultural journey as a territory, where the whosoever will continue to be welcomed, embraced and involved, and influence at any place that has the Salvation Army logo on it.
MAJOR JONNY SMITH Territorial Intercultural Mission Officer Coordinator THQ
‘If our focus is on Jesus, our differences diminish’
Major Florence Shein (IHQ) shares some thoughts from her contribution to the Intercultural Weekend
Tell us about yourself!
I’m Major Khin Myat Thu Shein, Florence, from Myanmar, part of the Singapore, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand Territory. After completing my officer training in New Zealand, I’ve had the privilege of serving in Myanmar and Singapore. Currently, I serve as the under secretary for the Army’s South Pacific and East Asia Zone at International Headquarters. Throughout my journey, I’ve found deep fulfilment in my work within social services and children’s homes, as well as serving in ministries among multi-ethnic communities.
Why are you taking part in the conference?
I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces and transformative opportunities. It’s an honour to share the passion God has placed in my heart and to learn from others who are also striving to foster intercultural understanding. This conference brings together like-minded individuals who are actively shaping multicultural communities into truly intercultural spaces. I look forward to engaging in conversations that inspire change.
What’s your workshop about?
Myanmar is a strong Buddhist country and an ethnically diverse nation, and it’s been ruled by the military for a long time. In my workshop, I’ll share what it means to be a Christian and a Salvationist in Myanmar, as well as my personal
experiences of serving in this unique and complex cultural landscape. My hope is that participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in ministering within such a diverse society.
You’re giving the sermon on Sunday. Can we have a sneak peek?
The theme for the weekend is I Looked, and I Saw, inspired by Revelation 7:9–17. This passage offers a glimpse of Heaven – the vision God revealed to John – and we find three powerful revelations.
First, a revelation of salvation. Before the throne and the Lamb were a great multitude of people from every nation, tribe and language who have heard the message of salvation and accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. Everyone has the equal privilege to encounter Jesus and experience a transformed life. The gospel is for whosoever and salvation is for all. The good news is not to be exclusive but to be inclusive.
How do we as Christians and as a Church, take that invitation into everyday life? How are we participating in the Great Commission of Jesus Christ to spread the gospel to all nations of the world? Is our church truly reflecting the inclusivity of Heaven? Are we actively sharing the gospel in ways that break barriers rather than build them?
Second, a revelation of hope. John sees a crowd dressed in white robes
– those who have endured great tribulation for their faith. Christianity can be costly, particularly in certain cultures where following Jesus means significant sacrifice – even life itself. The Book of Revelation was written to persecuted believers, reminding them that God sees and hears their pain. Our eternal hope lies in his promise to wipe away every tear. This gives us the courage to press on.
Are we aware of the suffering in our own congregations? How do we offer tangible encouragement to those enduring hardship for their faith?
Third, a revelation of true worship. In Heaven, every nation, race and language are unified in worship before God. Their focus is singular – exalting the King of Kings. In the Church, we must embrace the culture of Jesus and the language of love. When our focus is fixed on him, our differences diminish. True worship cannot flourish if we cling to what separates us. We need to prioritise Christ above cultural and our differences.
Is our worship centered on Christ? Do we create an environment where cultural differences fade in light of his glory?
• For more information about the Intercultural Weekend, visit salvationist. org.uk/events/intercultural-weekend or email intercultural.mission@ salvationarmy.org.uk
‘It’s who we are’
Captain Adrian Allen (Stotfold) talks to Lyn Woods about intercultural mission and his new role as territorial intercultural mission officer coordinator
What is intercultural mission?
There is no one simple definition of intercultural mission. Intercultural mission seeks to create environments and church communities where everyone feels welcomed, valued and included. When this happens, the church is a celebration of the diverse cultures that sit within the fellowship.
How did your new role come about?
I’ve been part of the territory’s intercultural mission team for almost two years. I was asked to take on the additional appointment of territorial intercultural mission officer coordinator, starting in July, because of the passion I have for supporting and connecting others, ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. This role connects the wider intercultural team with THQ and with activities throughout the territory.
Why are intercultural mission specialists important?
They’ve always been important, because we’re here to bridge cultural gaps, promote understanding and unity and equip our churches and centres to effectively serve the diverse communities we live in. The UKI Territory has become increasingly diverse, and we want to foster inclusive environments, challenge any biases and help churches to engage in mission more effectively, recognising that God’s work is global and not exclusive to one single culture.
What are you most looking forward to?
Working with other like-minded people, seeing how good intercultural mission works and helps communities flourish and how we can champion this for the whole territory.
How do you see the role evolving for you in your community?
I leave it up to God, knowing that he has the journey planned out and all I need to do is have the courage to take one step at a time.
What benefits does intercultural mission bring?
Building bridges, promoting inclusivity and enhancing understanding and empathy. It helps foster a global mindset, strengthens communication and leads to greater insights and perspectives by us all being together. It brings such richness to church and to friendship groups.
Is there Scripture that resonates with you interculturally?
Revelation 7:9 and 10 is our desire to see Heaven on Earth. In Genesis 1:26 and 27, God said: ‘Let us make mankind in our
image, in our likeness.’ As such, every person is uniquely made in the image of God. Wherever we call home, whatever our family heritage or our differences, as we read in Galatians 3:28: ‘You are all one in Christ Jesus.’
Who inspires you in intercultural mission?
Martin Luther King Jr, in his famous ‘I have a dream’ speech, said that we should be judged on our character and not the colour of our skin. I would rather look at love than judgement, but if I am to be judged, may it be on my character rather than what I look like.
The Right Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin, the Bishop of Dover, felt the call of ministry at the age of 14, but was in a denomination that did not accept women as ministers. Through her faithfulness and perseverance, God created a path for her.
For more, visit salvationist. org.uk/ our-values or scan the QR code. This article The Salvation of respect.
article The key value salvationist.org.uk/values or scan
Captain Adrian Allen
‘Every person has something to bring to the table’
Major Mark Waghorn (Dublin City) shares his experiences as an intercultural mission officer
EVER since I was a child, I have had a passion for travelling and experiencing other cultures. Over the years, I have made several mission trips to Africa, Asia and South America. I have been asked many times whether I feel called to serve overseas, however when I see the growth of The Salvation Army and Christianity in other parts of the world, I don’t feel justified to work in mission overseas. While I was in college, two people suggested that I have a calling to work with migrants in the UK.
I was commissioned in 2003 and went to my first appointment in Welwyn Garden City, then a corps on the verge of closure, comprising 12 elderly white British people. On my second Sunday, a Salvationist from Zimbabwe turned up, followed a few weeks later by a Salvationist from India. I was there for five years and the corps continually grew. By the time I left, we had an average Sunday congregation of 30 to 40 people of all ages from 8 different nations.
In my second year, an African
Night was held at Luton Corps that I encouraged my corps folk to go to. I borrowed a minibus to take people –none of the African corps members were able to go, but eight of the elderly, white British members went. On the way home they said they wanted more of that type of worship. The next meeting, the whole corps were up dancing and marching around the hall – the corps
Pope Francis, the first Latin American Pope, embodied the vision of togetherness and a mutual respect that isn’t merely an ideal, but building for a more peaceful and inclusive world. Also, my aunt. We call her ‘Mother Angela’. She’s a black, female high Anglican minister, which is very rare. She’s gone through many challenges in her ministry, breaking down barriers and stereotypes in her own church. When I see her, I realise what privilege I have, and I want to challenge stereotypes and call out prejudices too.
Our Sunday meetings went from one hour of traditional Salvation Army to up to two hours of vibrant worship of all styles. Our open prayer times could be over 20 minutes of people praying in their own languages. During testimony times, people would spontaneously jump out of their seats as they worshipped and testified.
The reason it grew was because those 12 people had been faithful prayer warriors for years – and, when the new people came, they reached out in love and inclusion. In turn, the new people invited their friends and families, because they were loved and embraced.
For the past three years, I have been the corps leader at Dublin City, where we have a growing congregation from 12 nations. Many travel up to two hours to worship. Everyone is loved and included equally.
We have so much to learn from each other and every person has something to bring to the table. One hundred years ago, missionaries were going from Europe to all over the world. Today, God is sending missionaries from all over the world to us. My prayer is that we embrace and include everyone in Kingdom work.
others brought many people from different cultures to the corps and, in turn, created a culture of fostering relationships in the wider worshipping community.
The people who came into the corps would invite other friends and the corps grew to be a very diverse community. Every so often I go back there and it’s still evident today – the catalyst was the corps officer at the time showing that love to others from a different background.
article demonstrates Salvation Army’s value of compassion. For more, visit salvationist.org.uk/values scan the QR code.
demonstrates Army’s key value respect.
Do you have any memorable intercultural mission stories or memories?
During my time working in the north east, a corps officer there engaged with many people seeking asylum in the UK. That example of love and going the extra mile for
Culturallyconnected
Culturallyconnected
Clapton
Situated in Hackney, Clapton Salvation Army is a reflection of the surrounding community, with a congregation made up of all walks of life – a wide spread of ages, ethnicities and socio-economic backgrounds. Who you find in the church on a Sunday is who you would find on the street any day of the week!
What I really love about our church is that everyone is invited to participate and get involved. From the youngest to the oldest, we recognise that everyone has something to offer – a story, a skill, a smile. The congregation value each other and look out for one another. We celebrate with each other, pray with each other and are like family to one another.
The leadership of our church is also representative of this intercultural ethos, and our leadership team is made up of different backgrounds, skills, and experiences and expectations of church life. Underlying everything is an unwavering commitment to loving one another and welcoming the whosoever.
We are often challenged to consider who in our community might be marginalised and how we can share God’s loving welcome with them.
Clapton loves to celebrate. It’s an opportunity to share in traditional food, music, clothing, customs and, above all, to enjoy and embrace the diversity of our church. At Clapton, everyone is invited to the table. Clapton is family.
Helen Pegram
Salvationist hears from some of the corps who are embracing diversity, inclusion and intercultural ministry
Parkhead
Over the past three years, the corps has diversified in just about every possible way. I don’t think that we could honestly say that we intentionally embraced an intercultural mission. I think what happened was that God kept bringing people and the church kept loving them. It didn’t matter who the people were, where they had come from or what their background was or who they loved. What mattered was that God brought them to the front door at Parkhead Corps, and they found a family here who embraced them – and then quickly became Parkhead Salvation Army with us.
The community is incredibly diverse in itself. There is a lot of temporary accommodation and people pass through from all walks of life. There
is a lot of need in the area and so there are natural gathering places where the breadth of the community comes together to support each other. We have such spaces in the corps too, both when we worship and when we gather for programmes through the week.
We are working hard to learn about each other, but also to recognise that with every new person who comes along, we as a church change. This is a really positive thing. Our internal culture is changing – who we are and what we do, what the corps looks like is all different, because there is so much diversity in the corps. And it’s exciting. I often think that within our chaos is a beautiful small glimmer of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Captain Amy-Jo Battersby
Belfast Citadel
Our congregation has become increasingly diverse in recent years. We are blessed to have members from or with family links to Zimbabwe, Nigeria, China and India, worshipping alongside those native to Northern Ireland. This growing diversity reflects not only the changing demographics of our city, but also the welcoming and inclusive spirit of our church family.
Embracing an intercultural vision has had a profoundly positive impact on our congregation. It has enriched our worship experience, deepened our sense of community, and allowed us to better reflect the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ. Cultural expressions such as music, dance and prayer from different nations have brought new energy and joy to our services. It has also fostered mutual learning, respect and spiritual growth as we celebrate the ways God is at work.
Intercultural ministry at the corps is visible and active. We intentionally create space for different cultural expressions in our worship and events. For example, our African group often leads Sunday services, bringing vibrant music, expressive praise and dynamic preaching that resonates across cultural boundaries.
We encourage participation from all backgrounds and aim to build relationships that go beyond Sunday fellowship. Our popular Global Praise meetings often include food, music and traditions from the various cultures represented, helping build a stronger and more unified community. We see intercultural ministry not as a programme, but as a way of life where everyone has something valuable to contribute and where Christ is glorified through our diversity.
Reginald Vellem
Grays
Grays has grown exponentially over the past three years, and we have responded to the growing diversity of our congregation accordingly. In 2020, our church was predominantly white British, with a handful of children and young people in an otherwise older congregation. By the work of the Holy Spirit, the power of prayer and a vision for radical welcome, we are now a multi‑ethnic, multi generational church with nine different nationalities, and a third of our church is under 25.
Intercultural ministry has been an organic change in our corps, since those who have joined us in recent years have wanted to get involved in the daily life of the church. There are no barriers to anyone joining our choir or band, participating in our worship or serving in our community programme. Our corps has had to change because our people have changed. Leading up to our 140th anniversary celebrations last year, we preached about how God is transformational, relational and welcoming, and how that translates
to our life as a church living with arms wide open. Yes, we have had to challenge unconscious biases, encourage people to embrace the ‘other’ – anyone who is different from them – and, in response, we have changed our leadership structures to welcome and embrace all ages, abilities and ethnicities. Our leadership team now reflects our church, which better reflects the community in which we live and serve.
The impact of embracing an intercultural vision for our church is yet to be seen in its entirety, but our church is becoming a more inclusive, all embracing and welcoming church, where people feel they belong. Our worshipping community continues to grow, and mission in, for and with our community is thriving. We still have a long way to go, but we are confident that, by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit at work, we will see a little more of God’s wonderful, intercultural Kingdom at Grays.
Lieutenant Gill Feltwell
Cheltenham
The corps family has, for many years, been diverse in nature, something that has continued to grow in more recent years. The impact of having an intercultural focus has made us become more aware and appreciative of those who make up our congregation and how we can learn and listen to different cultural practices, ways of worshipping and lived experiences.
In a recent intercultural Sunday celebration, the corps responded using different coloured and patterned material in creating a tapestry – a visual reminder that is hung in our entrance of how unique we all are and what a beautiful, albeit messy, community we can be when we all take our place and are woven together.
We sit down monthly and share a corps meal together where we welcome people to bring foods that they would eat at home, which results in a great, diverse feast! We are also trying to be conscious in promoting diversity within our corps by making sure our leadership team has diverse voices, the images and videos we use in gathered worship are diverse and ensuring our Sunday welcome team is representative of the church, as well as seeking opportunities to use different songs with heritage in the countries represented in our corps. These are just small steps as we continue on our journey to live out the values of intercultural ministry where all are valued and belong.
Captain Rachel Dunham
• What does your corps fellowship look like? We’d love to hear what’s happening where you are! Get in touch with us by emailing salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk
Willenhall
Over the past three years we have seen a growth in the number of people attending from different cultural backgrounds. Numerous families from across Asia and Africa have joined with us. This has been a mix of Salvationists moving to the UK, some connecting with the Army after years away since living in the UK and others who have not had any Army connections in the past. It feels like, once they learn that there is a warm welcome here, they tell others too. The impact has been a richness in experiences of different cultures, languages, worship styles and especially food. It feels like everyone has had to make adjustments to welcome the unfamiliar. This has been celebrated and embraced beautifully, as new friendships have been formed and people have learnt to try new things. Intercultural ministry is something we are exploring and learning about, finding our way as we go. We have broadened the corps council and pastoral care council to include people from other countries. The leadership team is being strengthened with new people coming into positions as well as leading worship and preaching when required. Regularly in worship we include and experiment with traditional worship songs in Hindi, Shona, Portuguese and other languages. The Zimbabwean praise group feature monthly in our services and lead us in energetic songs of joy. Our prayer times are so rich now as people are encouraged to pray in their mother tongues, often allowing prayer to flow from the heart without worrying about translation. The Bible is also read in multiple languages sometimes. By celebrating diversity in our corps, we are also honest with each other about our lack of understanding about other cultures. This is met with people who are more than willing to share and educate us as we grow together.
Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls
COMMUNITY
RUSHDEN Royal British Legion Rushden Branch President David Hawkins presented the stole at the inauguration of Major Pauline Cook as padre and Major Richard Cook as assistant padre to the branch. – RC
REMEMBRANCE
POOLE The corps celebrated VE Day with an afternoon tea, followed by a 1940s singalong. People shared memories with much laughter, and a great time was had by all. The hall was suitably decorated, with a huge Union Jack the same size as the one that flies at Buckingham Palace. – KG
ANNIVERSARY
LEICESTER SOUTH The corps – formerly Leicester Castle –launched a whole year of 20th anniversary celebrations, organised by Songster Cheryl Northwood. Two hundred past and present members attended a screening of the featurelength Pudding on a Film, produced by Louise Bawden. It showed the corps from before its inception to the present day, with photographs and interviews. There was a poignant moment when Caitlin Potts provided artwork set to music to remember those promoted to Glory during these years. This was followed by a time to mix and reminisce over puddings. Celebrations continued on Sunday led by Major Norman Ord, who was appointed to the corps 20 years ago with his late wife, Major Christine. Musical sections took part, including the songsters singing ‘Moment by Moment’, the song they sang in the first meeting in the building. The major reminded everyone of their inheritance and encouraged all to continue to build with vision, faith and commitment. – MR
ANNIVERSARY
FAULDHOUSE The 135th corps anniversary celebrations were marked with a full hall throughout the weekend. An Old-Time Gospel Singalong on Saturday night featured hymns of yesteryear. The weekend was led by previous corps officer Captain Lorraine Cole (Clevedon) and Sunday morning worship took the form of thanksgiving as well as encouraging the corps to continue the mission of those soldiers who laid the foundations of the corps. A Café Church celebration concert in the afternoon included solos from Alwyn Mathie and David Martin, before Aiden Gall played the bagpipes and led the congregation in singing a hymn to the tune of ‘Highland Cathedral’. The corps look forward to what God will continue to do in and through them. – RR
COMMUNITY
EBBSFLEET Plans for a mobile community space have moved forward after funding was secured for a vehicle. The specially adapted vehicle will mean The Salvation Army can bring vital services directly to where people live, work and gather and will be used for a variety of activities. Pioneer Leader Louise Finch said: ‘We are thrilled to be taking this significant step.’ – AR
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
HUCKNALL The children of the recently launched Sunday school, along with the children and family worker, planned the corps celebrations for the International Day of Children and Young People. The children were eager to take part and led prayers, sang a solo and spoke on the theme of Look Up. The children encouraged people to look to Jesus in their lives. The congregation were very encouraging and said how amazing the youngsters had been. – GW
COMMUNITY
SALISBURY Since its launch in 2021 the corps Bicycle Recycling Project has renovated 1,000 bikes. The volunteerpowered initiative has raised £100,000 for community programmes. The volunteers include Robin, Fergus, Sergei, Richard and Stephen. Stephen, 50, began volunteering five years ago after connecting with Employment Plus. He has renovated over 300 bikes himself. – AR
CONNAH’S QUAY
SHIRLEY Langton and Michelle Francis were welcomed as adherents by corps leaders Captains David and Eveline Haines on Easter Day. Both have very much become part of the corps fellowship, especially through our coffee morning, and felt they wanted to make a further commitment, which has given the whole corps a lift. Michelle shared her testimony about God calling her back to faith and how she sees Jesus within corps members. – DH
BIRMINGHAM CITADEL
JAMIE Ellison was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Major Ian Standley. Jamie testified about his spiritual growth and read words from his favourite song ‘My Lighthouse’. – RO
PAT Critchlow, Phil Critchlow and Jean Kirk were warmly welcomed as adherents by corps leader Captain Tim Swansbury. Pat, Phil and Jean became part of the corps following the closure of their previous church. Les Ashton was enthusiastically enrolled as a soldier. Les was saved following an invitation to the coffee morning and then the Bible study group. Family and friends joined to celebrate with the corps these new commitments, and all that God is doing. – TS
ELI, Enya and Emily-Grace were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps leader Major Katerina Lennox. Enya read Psalm 8, Emily-Grace prayed and Eli gave the blessing at the end of the meeting. They are pictured with corps leader Major David Lennox and Songster Leader Tina Rowland, who guided them through their junior soldier classes. – VR
JANET Skett was welcomed as an adherent by Divisional Commander Major David Taylor during our corps anniversary celebrations. Jeanette Stott was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Major Mark Lewis. – ML
WIGAN
ROTHERHAM
MAJOR MIRIAM SCUTT
MIRIAM McGilchrist was born on 7 October 1941 in Grangemouth, Scotland. It was at youth councils at the age of 17 that Miriam answered God’s call. She entered the Servants of Christ session at the International Training College.
Miriam was commissioned in the Royal Albert Hall and appointed to Scotland. After her promotion to captain in 1966, she was appointed to three corps in the Manchester area, which was responsible for her support of Manchester United.
In 1969, Miriam crossed the Irish Sea for appointments in Dublin, Coleraine and Shankill. This was a very challenging time, as Miriam encountered some difficult situations due to the Troubles in Northern Ireland. In 1974, Miriam returned to her native Scotland for 10 years and had appointments at five corps, including Kirkwall. By 1984, Major Miriam was appointed to Weymouth and Dorchester, 620 miles away on the south coast. In 1986, Miriam moved to Northampton East for five years and was a great influence, especially to the young people. Then a call to Belfast Temple came.
In 1993, Miriam was appointed as divisional secretary for East Scotland. Four years later she was appointed to THQ and, in 1998, Miriam was appointed to Penge. Three years later, after meeting Charles, Miriam returned to THQ, where she continued until her retirement in 2006.
On 7 June 2003, Miriam married Charles, and they settled into active roles at Bedford Congress Hall. A year later, Miriam became the retired officer visitor for the area, a role she faithfully fulfilled until her stroke.
Miriam’s ministry will be acknowledged with thankful hearts by the many people she richly blessed, and Miriam’s legacy will be measured by her faith, preaching and commitment to the teaching of Christ. Miriam really was a Servant of Christ and will be greatly missed by all. – CS
DESMOND BROWN GUISBOROUGH
BORN in Oakengates in 1942, Des and his younger brother, Haden, worshipped at many corps as they moved regularly with their Assurance officer parents. Their final move was to Middlesbrough, where Des joined the band. There he met and married Val and they had four children. Des was band secretary before being commissioned corps treasurer, a role he held for almost 40 years. The Army, after his family, was his life and he used his practical skills fixing heating and lights. Recently Des and Val transferred to Guisborough Corps but, due to his failing mobility, Des wasn’t able to attend regularly. He was promoted to Glory suddenly after a brief stay in hospital.
Des is now with the Lord he loved and served. His family are grateful for the love and Christian example he provided them. – SS
EVA TAYLOR BLACKPOOL CITADEL
EVA and her husband, Albert, transferred to Blackpool Citadel from South Elmsall Corps in 1960, quickly becoming an active and faithful part of the fellowship. Eva embraced new opportunities, joining the songsters, supporting the young people, and becoming a stalwart of the Young Wives Club, where her famous ginger cookies and cakes became legendary fundraisers.
A loving mother to her four daughters, Eva’s caring spirit touched many through roles as an assistant to the recruiting sergeant and then as a member of the pastoral care council, gently guiding others in their faith journeys and praying daily for those she helped. Eva never lost her deep compassion for others.
In later years, she remained active, knitting blankets for neo-natal units and creating cards to encourage others.
A woman of wisdom and compassion, and deeply faithful, Eva gave almost 65 years of gracious service to Blackpool Citadel, but a lifetime of devotion to God. – NC
MAJOR ANTONY CLIFTON
TO the world, Anthony wore many hats: major, spiritual leader, friend. ‘The officer who knelt to pray.’ To us, he was simply husband, dad, grandad. He dedicated his life to helping others, his compassion knowing no bounds. His kindness and humility no doubt will continue to radiate through those who knew him.
Antony lived a good life and had such a positive influence on hundreds of people, always at his happiest when spreading the gospel. A true preacher man, you just couldn’t help feeling such positive energy when spending time with him. Antony always had a smile on his face, a song in his heart and a spring in his step. If yellow was a person, it was he.
We are grateful to have had Antony in our lives. Our memories of love and laughter remain.
We thank God for his life of service to God and others. Because love doesn’t end with goodbye. – HM
DOROTHY McILROY CLYDEBANK
DOROTHY was born into a Salvationist family at Sunderland Monkwearmouth and came to faith as a child, being led to Jesus by her mother. Her faith was to guide her throughout her life, drawing her firstly into the Women’s Royal Naval Service and then Queen Alexandra’s Royal Naval Nursing Service.
Following her discharge from service, Dorothy worked in the health services in the UK and Canada. In the latter part of her career, she served on the Mercy Ships.
Following her retirement, Dorothy moved to Clydebank to look after her father. She was active in the corps as a songster, a children’s worker and as part of the carers team. A student of Scripture and corps prayer warrior, Dorothy was loved and respected by all.
A sudden diagnosis of terminal cancer did nothing to shake her faith in the Lord, who loved her and in whose presence she now rests. – DL
Accepted as candidates for officer training
TOM HOLLIDGE, Bath Citadel
BETH HOLLIDGE, Bath Citadel
International appointments
The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 October
COLONELS JOHN AND LANI
CHAMNESS, officers of the USA Western Territory, as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries/Territorial Secretary for Leader Development (Officers), Australia Territory
MAJOR MARGARET McLEOD, officer of the Canada and Bermuda Territory, is appointed as Chief Secretary, Canada and Bermuda Territory, with the rank of colonel
Wedding anniversaries
Diamond (60 years)
COLONELS ANNE AND GRAEME HARDING on 12 June
BILL AND PAT IONS, Newcastle City Temple, on 3 July
Emerald (55 years)
MAJORS MICHAEL AND RUTH APPLETON on 6 June
MAJORS GORDON AND RUTH DOWNEY on 6 June
MAJORS JEFFREY AND SANDRA WILLS on 13 June
Golden (50 years)
MAJORS ALAN AND LINDA AGGETT on 14 June
MAJORS GRAHAM AND HÉLÈNE CAREY on 14 June
MAJORS GEORGINA AND SIDNEY PINCHES on 28 June
Promoted to Glory
MAJOR TREVOR SMITH from Cheltenham General Hospital on 5 June
MAJOR HELEN WATTERS from Ulster Hospital, Belfast, on 7 June
Bereaved
MAJOR ALAN WATTERS, Isabel, Miriam and Shaun of their mother Major Helen Watters
Promotions
To major – effective 6 June
CAPTAIN VALENTINA WEARMOUTH, Camberwell
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham Fri 20 Jun – Tue 24 Jun Denmark and Greenland Territory Thu 26 Jun – Mon 30 Jun Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Fri 20 Jun – Mon 23 Jun South West Division (Penzance, Redruth, St Ives, St Austell, Falmouth Temple)
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Fri 20 Jun – Sun 22 Jun The Hayes Conference Centre (Intercultural Weekend)*
*Colonel Peter Forrest only
NOTICES
Addictions training for corps
Join specialists in a series of monthly online training sessions for people in corps settings to increase their understanding of addiction and how to give effective support. The sessions will equip attendees with approaches and tools to work with people affected by addiction. The next will take place from 9.30am to 11.30am on 24 June and focus on understanding addiction. For more information, email addictionservice@salvationarmy.org.uk
National Churches Trust survey
Help policymakers, media outlets and the wider public better understand the challenges faced by churches and the vital work that they carry out in communities. The survey is available until 30 June at tsa.link/national-churches-survey
Act Now, Change Forever
On Wednesday 9 July, the Climate Coalition is organising a mass lobby in Westminster that will bring thousands of people together to ask MPs to protect the country’s health, nature, communities, climate and future. There will be a prayer vigil outside parliament’s gates and various stalls at the Queen Elizabeth II Centre. Register at theclimatecoalition.org/act-nowchange-forever. To find out more, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk
Take part in the Army’s global spiritual life survey!
A new survey is setting out to better understand the spiritual life of the international Salvation Army, to identify where the Army is thriving spiritually and where growth is needed. You are invited to respond thoughtfully and honestly. There is no age limit: your experience matters and every response will help create a fuller picture. Responses are anonymous and will be analysed by the spiritual life development team at IHQ. Take part by 22 June at sar.my/spirituallife
160 years on: What are your hopes for The Salvation Army?
For the 160th anniversary of The Salvation Army in July, we want to know what your hopes and dreams are for the future of the Movement. Where do you see the Army in 160 years’ time? Tell us your one-word prayer at tsa.link/160-prayers
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Captain Rob Westwood-Payne (Maidenhead). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
No Age Limit
Salvationist Radio’s show reminds listeners that there is no age limit to what we can do for God or what God can do for us. Join Andy and Ali from Older People’s Ministries for an hour of music, chat and testimony. This month features guest International Projects Office UK Engagement Coordinator Hayley Still (THQ). Listen live on Sunday 22 June at 5pm. The episode is repeated on Friday 27 June at 11am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
ADVERTS
BRADFORD CITADEL, BD6 1NS VISIT OF SALE CORPS BAND
Saturday 5 July, 7pm
An evening of music to celebrate our 30th corps anniversary Tickets £5 (under-18s free) Contact bradford.citadel@ salvationarmy.org.uk or 01274 677591
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