Salvationist 22 January 2022

SALVATIONIST For everyone everyone linked linked to to The TheSalvation Salvation Army Army

70p/ /22 22January January2022 2022 70p

FIRST STEPS FIRST STEPS AT WILLIAM WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE COLLEGE

DONCASTERWRITERS’ WRITERS’WAY WAYWITH WITHWORDS WORDSPAGES PAGES 10 10 AND DONCASTER AND11 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

SIGN PLEDGE TO MAKE 2022 A YEAR OF CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY, SAYS CHARITY FOUNDER Christians are being urged to sign up to a pledge committing to offering hospitality to a stranger this year.

The charity co-ordinator and director of Afghan Welcome, Dr Krish Kandiah, is pioneering a new way of encouraging practical action in the spirit of the gospel…

The Hospitality Pledge (hospitalitypledge.org) encourages people to take three simple but meaningful actions each week to show welcome, including to those who are experiencing loneliness, homelessness or who are seeking asylum.

Dr Kandiah has been speaking to Premier about the idea: ‘I believe hospitality is one of the discerning and defining features of what it means to be a Christian… Offering kindness, compassion and welcome to people in need, that’s what it means to follow in Jesus’ footsteps…

‘So we came up with this suggestion of making 2022 a year of hospitality and encouraging Christians … to think about what they can do to make their families and their churches more welcoming to other people.’

Premier

IN-WORK POVERTY BLIGHTING YOUNG LIVES, SAYS SVP In-work poverty is having a devastating effect on children, according to a report by the St Vincent de Paul Society.

The report, Stealing Futures – In-Work Poverty and Its Impact on Children and Young People … draws on a recent study from the Institute for Public Policy Research, which found that rates of poverty in working households increased to a new high of 17 per cent in the first quarter of 2021, equivalent to more than one in six households…

The report says that … rising housing costs, low wages, unaffordable childcare costs, compounded by growing inflation, and the pandemic are leaving a rapidly growing number of working households in poverty…

‘Growing up in a household experiencing in-work poverty has a deep and lasting impact on children,’ said SVP National President Helen O’Shea...

‘We need a strong commitment from the government to tackle this hidden crisis, including policies to tackle insecure work, the high cost of childcare and low wages.’

The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for a new ‘covenant’ on social care between the state and the people, similar to the provision of the NHS and education, which makes ‘absolute value and dignity’ the top priority…

[Justin] Welby was speaking out before a parliamentary battle over the funding of social care. A new tax and a cap on care costs to prevent most people from having to sell their homes are at the heart of the government’s proposed reforms of the sector, which affect 11 million people in the UK as carers or care recipients…

Welby is pressing for a more profound reform. ‘You have to have a covenantal approach which says regardless of who you are, of your economic value, of your utility, society covenants to give you the best possible care it can as you approach the end of your life,’ he said.

That means making social care ‘a community obligation, not just a family obligation’.

The Tablet

The Guardian

NORTH LONDON CHURCH BECOMES FIRST HEALTHY HEALING HUB Christ Church, Southgate, in north London, has become the first Healthy Healing Hub, offering support for the health and wellbeing of the local community in a Christian context.

The hubs are an initiative of the Guild of Health and St Raphael, which regards the ministry of healing as intrinsic to the Church’s mission.

Its chief executive, the Rev Dr Gillian Straine, has said... ‘If you show people that you care, and that the Church can be a place of health and healing, then the Church will grow…’

Churches signing up have access to resources and training to deal with issues of mental health. The guild also … encourages leaders to go to their local GP surgeries, engage with public health and open up conversations about using church buildings for the purposes of community health.

Church Times

SALVATIONIST salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1842

CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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PROVIDE SOCIAL CARE ON PAR WITH NHS OR EDUCATION, SAYS JUSTIN WELBY

Salvationist 22 January 2022

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@SalvationistUK

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE? THE long-running BBC TV series Who Do You Think You Are? explores the family history of celebrities to find their interesting, surprising and sometimes notorious ancestors. Series 19 will air later this year, but some readers might remember an episode in 2006 featuring broadcaster Jeremy Paxman. He admitted not having shown much interest in his family history, but what the programme unearthed moved him deeply.

In 1894 his maternal great-grandmother had been left a widow with nine children.

Having no income she applied for poor relief but was turned down because she had an illegitimate child. On a visit to Glasgow, Jeremy met Commissioner Keith Banks who informed him that the Army had welcomed and supported his great-grandmother and the children. She became a Salvationist and one of her daughters, Jeremy’s grandmother, became an officer.

‘There’s a little bit of Salvation Army blood in your veins,’ the commissioner told him. ‘I’m afraid it’s a bit diluted with beer these days,’ Jeremy joked. He later reflected: ‘When you discover somebody’s life story and the adversity they faced, of course it has an effect on you and I was terribly moved.’

Our family histories contribute to who we are, but other factors are also important.

In his Bible study Major Tim Johnson points to our spiritual family as key to our identity. He considers who we are and what we are called to become – children of God ‘at home in the light of God’s love and presence’, who are called to express that identity in the way we relate to other people.

Major Alistair Dawson reflects on the way God shapes our identity. He says: ‘God is the one who created us, who is driving us forward and who is recreating us into the person he wants us to be.’ That makes each of us unique – and rather than trying to be like anyone else, we need to be ourselves, he suggests.

In his article on Heaven, John Coutts also considers who we are. Some people believe that the essential ‘me’ is closely linked with the physical brain, but there is more to it than that, he affirms. He goes on to look at the idea of us as ‘persons-inrelationship’ with the hope of resurrection, which means our identity is not bound by Earth – we are citizens of Heaven.

Cadet Jon Hampton has found part of his identity in his calling to officership and as a member of the Reflectors of Holiness session. In his ‘Column from the college’, he looks back at his first term at William Booth College and at how his identity is being shaped through learning experiences and encounters with staff members, fellow cadets and people he meets in ministry.

There has long been a debate about whether who we are is due to nature or nurture – whether our personality depends on our genetic make-up or our life experiences.

For the Christian there is another factor, which the apostle Paul identifies: ‘By the grace of God I am what I am’ (1 Corinthians 15:10).

No matter who we are by birth or what our lives have made us, this is the most important thing. Our true identity is found in the grace of God, which makes us his children and enables us to live for him.

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

2 4 to 8

News Prayer matters

8

Preview Introducing... Together22

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by Stephanie Lamplough

Feature Winning words

10 and 11

by Melita Day-Lewis

Column from the college 12 and 13 An exciting adventure with God

by Cadet Jon Hampton

Reflection I’m glad I’m me

14

by Major Alistair Dawson

Thinkaloud What on Earth’s happening to Heaven?

15

by John Coutts

Bible study Live in the light

16 and 17

by Major Tim Johnson

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Howard Webber

Reflection Bearing good fruit

18

by Brian Colley

Reflection You do not leave me

18

by Major John Waters

Letters

19

New commitments

20

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Louise Anderson

FRONT-PAGE PICTURE Andrew King Photography

From the editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 22 January 2022

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NEWS

Editor's note: Some events reported took place before the current Covid-19 restrictions.

EMERGENCY AID

C CHRISTMAS

Army responds to tornado-hit communities USA THE Salvation Army responded across five states to serve first responders and survivors of tornadoes that caused devastation across the Midwest and southern regions.

Food and drinks were provided along with emotional and spiritual care. The Army in Madisonville (USA Southern Territory) served approximately 1,000 meals to first responders and displaced people. A team from Owensboro provided meals to emergency responders in Ohio County and the Nashville Area Command deployed two mobile canteens to assist in feeding displaced residents in Bowling Green. Meals were also served to residents of two nursing homes and support was given to people in shelters.

An Army canteen from Jackson, Tennessee, supported survivors, workers and emergency responders in Mayfield, Kentucky, which was badly hit. A team led by Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Director Bo Sells helped the Army in Paducah provide food, clothing vouchers and other supplies to sheltered residents and families.

Tornadoes also touched down in Illinois and Missouri. The Midland Division EDS (USA Central Territory) provided support in Augusta and Defiance, Missouri, and Edwardsville, Illinois, with efforts concentrated on a destroyed retail warehouse in Edwardsville, where workers were trapped.

The EDS team provided hydration and snacks to first responders and utility workers and supported 10 fire departments at the disaster.

The area commander in Nashville, Major Ethan Frizzell, said: ‘As we serve meals to more than 400 seniors who have been without power since the storms, we are reminded how often church is found outside the building.

When we show up on short notice to provide meals, comfort and support, love wins and hope marches on.’ – AR 4

Salvationist 22 January 2022

About 600 people attend Bath Citadel’s carol service, led by corps officer Major David Wise and the band

1,000

toys distributed in Bath SEE PAGE 5

£1,500

to help families in need SEE PAGE 7

PRESENTATION WINSFORD In a ceremony postponed from 2020, Corps Treasurer Jean Craven and Cyril Craven were appointed Honorary Freemen of Cheshire West and Chester at the historic Chester town hall. They were nominated in recognition of their tireless work supporting the community in Winsford and the surrounding district over many years and especially through the Covid-19 lockdowns. Jean emphasised that they were just part of a team at the corps and that their motivation was firmly rooted in serving Jesus. After the ceremony the sheriff of Chester, Councillor Jill Houlbrook – who has family links with Iran – was interested to learn of the corps ministry with Iranian asylum seekers. – GD

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GLOUCESTER The songsters met in the city centre to present an hour of carols to shoppers and passers-by. Despite the small numbers and the cold wind, many people stopped to listen and talk to corps folk. – AB

200

people attend outdoor carol service SEE PAGE 7

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PRESENTATION

Teddington Corps lunch club members celebrate Christmas with a meal and quiz

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD Songster Muriel Bradwell was recognised for her 67 years of loyal service to the songsters. Muriel, now residing in a care home and unable to attend the corps, is pictured with her three daughters, Karen Raine, Janet Bradwell and Dawn Winch, and granddaughter, Danielle Winch, all of whom are active songsters at the corps. Many members of the songsters were present to be part of the occasion and shared a short open-air carol service for the residents of the care home and members of the community. – AM

C CHRISTMAS

READING LOWER EARLEY More than 100 members of the community shared in carol singing and mulled fruit punch in the hall car park. As the evening drew to a close, everyone lit candles to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the greatest gift. For many this was an opportunity to sing well-known carols. One visitor attended Sunday morning worship the next day. – RC

C CHRISTMAS A Bath Citadel team prepares 500 food bags to distribute over Christmas along with 1,000 toys; items were donated through the Sally Anne coffee lounge, nearby schools and the Freemasons

HYTHE Dozens of children in Kent who would have gone without presents received a gift to open on Christmas morning, thanks to New Romney Youth Football Club. The club supports a charity each year at Christmas. When committee members noticed an advert for the Army’s Christmas appeal they thought it would be the perfect cause to support. Ethan, who plays for the club’s under-nine team, raised £325 to buy presents for patients in the Padua ward at the William Harvey hospital in Ashford. When he found out about the club’s appeal, he decided to split the gifts between the two causes.

The donations helped towards giving food parcels to more than 100 families and toys to more than 250 children. – AR Salvationist 22 January 2022

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NEWS

COMMUNITY

PRESENTATION

Former rough sleepers start new year in new flats LIVERPOOL A CONCERTED effort to build on the achievements of the Everyone In scheme led to the redevelopment of two apartment blocks into 28 new homes for people moving on from Salisbury House Lifehouse and the YMCA St Helens Hostel.

Champions Court in Appleton Road was redeveloped by Torus Housing, supported by St Helens council and funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Rough Sleeping Accommodation Programme.

The Salvation Army provides 24-hour support to residents, helping people to continue overcoming the complex reasons for their homelessness, such as mental ill health, domestic violence, relationship breakdown, childhood trauma or addiction. The funding covers one full-time support worker, two part-time assistant support workers and two night workers.

Champions Court Support Worker Saeid Jamali (left) said: ‘[A year ago] a lot of our residents would have been on the streets, in a hotel or in a hostel. Now they have their own home. They are nice flats, it’s a safe and warm environment and it will make a massive difference to them. I can see in their faces since they’ve moved in there’s a big change in how they feel.’

Homelessness Services Unit Regional Manager (North West) Robert Long said: ‘These flats are for people who have been homeless and are now ready to make that next step to independence. By providing them with a safe and warm place to stay, with the support they need for up to two years, they will be in a good position to then move into independent housing.

‘By freeing up spaces in supported accommodation like Salisbury House Lifehouse and the YMCA hostel, we can help more people off the streets and get them the support they need to tackle the root causes of homelessness.’ – AR

CHRISTMAS INVERNESS The corps distributed more than 300 grocery vouchers to families across the Highlands during December. This was in addition to its biweekly food bank, which ran throughout 2021. – CW Salvationist wants to hear your news Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good quality pictures will be included.

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Salvationist 22 January 2022

GOVAN During the carol service Corps Youth Secretary Jillian Gemmell (left) and Primary Sergeant Alison Gibb (right) were acknowledged for their commitment as they retired from their roles.

After eight years as CYS, Jillian has now taken on the responsibility of divisional youth specialist. Alison worked with the primary for 34 years and many people in the congregation were part of the primary during her tenure. The corps thank God for Jillian and Alison’s service and know they will continue to support and encourage the young people. – DG

CHRISTMAS

STOCKPORT CITADEL The corps prepared toy parcels for more than 430 children in need and food and gift parcels for 50 young people leaving care. Matthew Galbraith is pictured celebrating having completed packing the food parcels with the help of his mother.

Matthew volunteered as part of the Archbishop of York’s Young Leaders Award with his school. – JA

CIRENCESTER Covid-19 restrictions made the usual carol service unviable, but arrangements were made to use the playground of a nearby primary school for an outdoor service, including an adapted Nativity presentation. A good number attended and enjoyed hot drinks and mince pies courtesy of a hot drinks van and the hall kitchen. The stable, which had been constructed in the hall, could not be moved, but the front windows of the hall were used to illustrate a silhouette of the manger scene for passers-by. – MG

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SUDBURY When the corps decided that the carol service should not proceed as planned due to safety concerns, the council allowed an outdoor carol service around the town Christmas tree. God provided a PA system as well as carol sheets printed in advance by a local sponsor.

People queuing in the town hall for their Covid-19 booster jab were encouraged to join and, in the end, more than 100 people turned up to sing by candlelight and glow stick, dress up for a pop-up Nativity scene and hear the gospel. – RH

Inverness Band spread the Christmas message in the district around the hall

COMMUNITY Hamilton corps officer Captain Wendy Leisk gives £1,500 of Aldi vouchers to Linda Welsh, manager of Burnbank Family Centre, for vulnerable families to buy groceries

CHESTER-LE-STREET A number of the band played carols to members and guests at Durham County Cricket Club's annual Christmas dinner. The club’s members donated £400 towards the toy appeal. – GC

HECKMONDWIKE The usual weekly attendance doubled for the community carol service. Everyone was asked to wear a tea towel or piece of tinsel to join in as a shepherd or angel. After the meeting people enjoyed mince pies and hot drinks. – JD

PRESENTATION Gravesend corps officer Major Kathryn Blowers presents Corps Treasurer Carol Williams with a retirement certificate recognising her 33 years of service

CHRISTMAS More than 200 people attend an outdoor carol service organised by Churches Together in Harlington and led by Dunstable Bandmaster Tommy Spratt Salvationist 22 January 2022

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NEWS

NORTH LONDON

by Divisional Prayer Co-ordinator Major Meshiel Brown (Poplar) SATURDAY 22 JANUARY ‘I, the one speaking to you – I am he.’ In John 4:26, Jesus declares himself as the Messiah to a Samaritan woman – in her day, a nobody! Do we write people off? Or do we see them as Jesus does?

CHRISTMAS COVENTRY CITY Approximately 700 children received gifts at Christmas thanks to generous donations from members of the public, as well as charities, churches, hotels, schools, car manufacturers and other businesses. The Coventry Riders Action Group also donated funds towards the appeal. They are pictured with members of the band, who played at Coventry Transport Museum as part of their carolling programme. – AR

SUNDAY 23 JANUARY ‘Just then his disciples returned and were surprised to find him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”’ (v27). The disciples know better than to question Jesus’ actions.

Jesus welcomes all. Do we? Do you? If not, why not? As people meet this weekend for the Encounter prayer gathering, let’s ask Jesus to speak clearly to us about the way forward for The Salvation Army as a church, but also for each of us as we seek to bring God’s Kingdom to the whosoever.

GOODNESS OF GOD

by Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Contemporary Music/Song) Nik King MONDAY 24 JANUARY ‘I love you, Lord,/ For your mercy never fails me.’ Each prayer for this week is based on a portion of the lyrics for the Bethel Music song ‘Goodness of God’. Have a listen to the song each morning while you are praying, meditate over each line and ask God to reveal himself to you. Take some time this morning to tell God you love him and what he means to you. ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness’ (Lamentations 3:22 and 23 New Revised Standard Version). Thank God for new mercies each day.

TUESDAY 25 JANUARY ‘All my days/ I’ve been held in your hands.’ This morning, as you listen to the song, acknowledge and thank God that he has carried you, is with you and goes before you. You can rest assured he has you safely held in his hands.

DERBY CENTRAL Seven-year-old Finley donated £500 worth of toys to the corps present appeal. Finley was inspired to do something for charity after watching the London Marathon in October and ran a 5km race to raise the funds. Corps officer Major Jill Colclough said: ‘There were some very happy children in and around Derby thanks to Finley and his very kind gesture.’ – MC

WEDNESDAY 26 JANUARY ‘From the moment that I wake up/ Until I lay my head/ Oh I will sing of the goodness of God.’ Perhaps set yourself a challenge today: instead of having a nominated prayer time, chat with God at regular intervals throughout the day. What do you notice about how your day goes or how you feel? When you lay down your head this evening, thank God that you have been able to journey with him.

THURSDAY 27 JANUARY ‘And all my life you have been faithful/ And all my life you have been so, so good.’ Take some time to reflect on the times in your life when God has shown himself to be faithful to you. Father, thank you for showing your goodness to me, even in times when I didn’t recognise or acknowledge it.

Help me become more attuned to your voice and the Holy Spirit’s guidance in my life. Amen.

Heckmondwike Band members play carols on kazoos for the congregation to guess during the Boxing Day meeting 8

Salvationist 22 January 2022

FRIDAY 28 JANUARY ‘With every breath that I am able/ Oh I will sing of the goodness of God.’ Here is a challenge that may be easier to say than put into practice. Pray for God’s help as you strive to sing of his goodness each day. ‘I will sing of the goodness and lovingkindness of the Lord for ever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness from generation to generation’ (Psalm 89:1 Amplified Bible).

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

PREVIEW

Introducing… Together22 Assistant Director of Music and Creative Arts (Creative Arts) Stephanie Lamplough looks ahead to a new territorial event in July

A

LL systems are go as we prepare Together22, a new and exciting territorial event that will take place in Birmingham from 15 to 17 July.

What exactly is it? The name of the event is key to explaining its objective: bringing together three significant Salvation Army events under the same umbrella. During the weekend we will celebrate Commissioning, congress and Symphony Sounds in a new way. All three will entwine into a magnificent celebration of the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, and everyone is invited.

The event will begin on Friday evening with a prayer launch and walk around the weekend’s venues: the International Convention Centre and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. This will be followed by a festival given by the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters.

Prayer, Bible study and worship will

join hand-in-hand with music and other creative expressions throughout the weekend to initiate an infusion of creative worship – all things that The Salvation Army does so well.

On Saturday there will be practical workshops, masterclasses, busking, mini-concerts and missional outreach as well as opportunities for young and old to relax, meet with friends and share in fellowship in a unique and celebratory way.

The Saturday evening gathering will feature musical performances, video presentations and interviews that will celebrate good news stories and mission at work. All this will culminate in congregational worship. This new format will hopefully be inspiring, informative and thought-provoking.

The Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games begin later that month, so the date and venue provide a fantastic opportunity for the Sports Ministry team to work with the city, and there will be opportunity for participation in park runs, as well as other sporting activities throughout the weekend.

There will, of course, be plenty for young people to enjoy as well, with a mixture of separate venue activities and the opportunity to join in all-age worship.

On Sunday morning the commissioning of the Messengers of Reconciliation session will take centre stage. Anyone who is there for the weekend will be invited to join in this special occasion before celebrating together in a ‘congress-style’ afternoon meeting.

In short, there really will be something for everyone! It may be that you come to the weekend only wanting to attend one particular element, but we are sure that you will leave having experienced so much more.

As well as bringing together aspects of Commissioning, congress and Symphony Sounds, the vision of Together22 is to give Salvationists from across the territory an opportunity to join together in person. As we consider the territorial theme, ‘Love God, Love Others’, it is the perfect opportunity to bring together in Christ the communities in which we worship and serve.

We know these are big plans, but we believe that God will be present in this new and exciting vision. Planning is well under way and the buzz around the event is growing.

There will be lots more information available in the coming weeks and months, but if you have any questions please contact events@salvationarmy. org.uk.

Salvationist 22 January 2022

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FEATURE I Lake Side writers’ group

Winning words The writers’ group at Doncaster Corps tell Melita Day-Lewis about their weekly get-togethers for creativity and fellowship

T

ANKAS, villanelles, sestinas and pantoums are bread and butter for a group of writers at Doncaster Corps. To the uninitiated these words might sound like delectable edibles the group enjoy at their weekly gatherings, but they are in fact styles of writing that they have tried out – along with haikus and limericks.

On the day the group members were interviewed, everyone wrote a calligram for the first time – a poem written within the shape of the object being described (in this instance, the sun) – before they shared creative pieces with a Christmas theme. Even six-year-old Faith, who had come along during half-term with her grandmother, Sylvia, read out a poem she had written.

These Christmas poems and prose were later printed in a booklet that was Sun calligram by Joyce Wigglesworth

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Salvationist 22 January 2022

sold to friends and family, raising well over £100 for the corps. They are currently working on another booklet for Easter.

Margaret Baker started the group more than 13 years ago and is still actively involved.

‘I came to the corps in 2006 and went on some courses to do with progressing in my faith. It was suggested that I start a Christian writers’ group, so we began in July 2008 and we’ve been running ever since,’ she says.

When she became busy with other activities Margaret asked Joyce Wigglesworth to take over the group, which meets on Wednesdays in the corps building.

‘I’ve enjoyed doing it,’ says Joyce.

‘We do quite a lot of writing and there’s

From left to right – Ray, Dorothy, Kathleen, Joyce, Janet, Sylvia, Susan, Pauline and Margaret with Faith plenty of laughter when we share our pieces. We always start with a reading or hymn and finish with a prayer. We feel that it’s important to put God in our meeting. We now have a Bible study on alternate Wednesdays, run by Janet Pope.’

The group also gets together so members can help each other, and are free to share their problems.

Janet affirms: ‘God has always been at the centre of the fellowship. We laugh, we have tears, we can share – it’s confidential and we’re very sensitive towards each other. There are no judgemental attitudes. We’re all on the same level and we’re all learning together.’

Each meeting involves a five-minute writing task before the members share creative work penned at home in the weeks before. They are also given a ‘challenge’ – the title of their next piece of writing for the group – before the meeting closes.

The group had to stop meeting in person when the Covid-19 lockdowns began. ‘We felt lost with nothing to do and time on our hands,’ says Janet.

To their delight, they were able to start meeting over Zoom. Many of the writers didn’t have access to the internet, so the corps set up a Zoom telephone meeting and Janet learnt the IT skills needed to host it.

The group’s booklet of creative writing

‘At first it was difficult hearing different voices and recognising them, but eventually we all learnt to respect each other, not override one another, listen to whoever was talking, pause and wait for the next person,’ Janet enthusiastically explains. ‘It was a great success and it kept the fellowship going!’

Margaret adds: ‘I think the continuity has been so important over the months.

Every Wednesday morning we could talk to each other on the telephone, and now we can meet face to face. It’s kept us all in touch and supporting one another right through.’

The writers were eager to share why the group is important to them.

Margaret feels that the process of creative self-expression as a Christian is an important way of sharing faith with others: ‘Being creative is so important to us, especially when we’ve all been isolated for a while.’

Kathleen Roos agrees: ‘Putting down on paper the many thoughts and feelings that I forget to express or that come up at an inappropriate time means a lot to me because it’s an extension of myself.’

‘I’ve always written and it’s a way to express and arrange my thoughts,’ adds new member Ray Guffick, who made the group laugh with his comic poem.

‘When I first became a Christian I was given the gift of writing poetry and, although I haven’t written for many

KNOW YOUR TANKAS FROM YOUR PANTOUMS Tanka A Japanese poem with a set pattern of 31 syllables Haiku A three-line Japanese poem with a set pattern of 17 syllables Limerick A five-line comic form of verse, with lines one, two and five rhyming Villanelle A poem with 19 lines, with two lines recurring throughout and each line ending with one of only two rhymes Sestina A poem with six stanzas of six lines each, followed by a triplet, and each line ending with one of six words Pantoum A poem with four lines for each stanza and lines two and four of each stanza repeated as lines one and three in the next

years, I would like to get back into it again.’

Dorothy Sparrow writes evocative poems about experiences from her youth. She says diffidently: ‘I hadn’t really written creatively – I’d written letters in offices, but I hadn’t thought about writing in this way. It brings back a lot of memories that I’ve not thought of for a long time.’

‘I just love writing!’ enthuses Joyce.

‘When I was a girl I used to learn things by heart and enjoyed speaking them out. I became a teacher and still loved writing.’

‘Since retiring I’ve written and published a book – a very ordinary romance novel called Once Bitten, after the saying “once bitten twice shy”,’ she laughingly adds.

Author Linda K Sienkiewicz said: ‘The act of writing is closely tied to empathy and the inner connectedness we have as human beings.’ The Doncaster writers’ group reflect this. They not only enjoy the opportunity to express their writing talents and share their Christian faith with others in a creative way, they encourage and care for one another, as well as support the corps with the funds they raise.

O Email

doncaster.corps@ salvationarmy.org.uk or telephone 01302 538248 to buy a copy of the Christmas booklet

MELITA IS EDITORIAL ASSISTANT, SALVATIONIST Salvationist 22 January 2022

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An exciting adventure COLUMN FROM THE COLLEGE

Cadet Jon Hampton reflects on his first term at William Booth College

W

HEN looking at social media at the end of 2021, I often saw posts about how people were glad that the year was coming to an end, normally followed by a list of all the negative things that had happened.

The past two years have been difficult for everyone, with many of us missing regular contact with family and struggling for lots of other reasons.

When reflecting on a year just gone I have always been intentional about looking at the positives – finding the incredible and exciting things that God has done. This gives me the lift I need and the enthusiasm to push on and see what God has in store for the next year.

Last year brought an abundance of blessings to me and my family, which included moving to a little oasis in London called William Booth College.

In Joshua 1:9, God says: ‘Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’ God called me and my wife, Debs, into officership and it’s fair to say I had some real fears about the idea of leaving things behind and following my calling.

I had the best job in the world, lived in the sunshine city of Manchester and had a wonderful corps family at Sale.

However, God knew what he wanted us to do, and I am reminded when I read Joshua 1:9 that God is with us! The adventure we have embarked on as a result of this has already been nothing short of exciting and inspiring.

We arrived at WBC at the end of August and the first term has been full of insight, laughter, love, challenges and some long nights working. But at the 12

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The Reflectors of Holiness welcome meeting

Tour of the East End

centre of it all has been the overwhelming presence of God. Within the first few days we met the members of our session, the Reflectors of Holiness, and we have all become good friends who enjoy fellowship with each other. This started early on with our barbecues in the quad, where everyone brought an abundance of food to share – so much so that we had to

have extra barbecues to use it up! The session is a diverse group of ages and personalities, which has given it the feeling of a big family at times. Everyone has loved congregating in the quad for social times and games.

We had an amazing welcome week, which included worship, Walk through the Bible sessions and introductions to the WBC staff team. There were also

with God

Barbecue on the quad

Jon, Debs and their children

pizza nights and a game of real-life monopoly, where we raced around London taking selfies.

I have loved learning at WBC. Diving into the Old Testament and discovering the context behind passages has been insightful. The mission studies and sure foundations classes have been exciting and the sessions looking at the Army’s doctrines have brought excitement and challenges. The knowledge and passion of the tutors are something I would love for other people to experience. Many of them have a talent for bringing the Bible to life and changing our understanding of things we’ve looked at differently in the past.

Importantly, we have also focused on spiritual formation and how we can be disciplined in looking after our spiritual wellbeing and our relationship with God. The Reflectors of Holiness session has been fortunate in the sense that we have had opportunities that our wonderful second-year colleagues missed out on due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mission Placement Week was one of those opportunities. I had the pleasure of being sent to work with Major Janet Martin and Major Catherine Smith at Camberwell Corps. We also have our Personal Initiative Projects, which saw me and three other members of the session join in the chaplaincy team at King’s College Hospital. I could write a book about how much happened during our short time at the hospital,

some of it involving side-splitting laughter as well as more serious moments. The opportunity in these projects to work in an environment we are passionate about or want to gain experience in is phenomenal.

Christmas at college was slightly different from the norm, but it would be wrong for me not to mention what a beautiful time of year it was for the residents and staff members. Decorating the college marked the start of the Christmas season for many of us. It was great to be able to sing carols and worship together with everybody as we switched on the lights. Carolling in the community was new to me as I am not musical – but I can’t wait to go out and do it again.

The first term has posed a few challenges, including the pandemic, settling into a new environment, learning to move on from things we loved doing before, essays and late-night library trips – but there has also been an overwhelming amount of blessing, affirmation, laughter, fun, fellowship and friendship.

Most important, though, has been the presence of God in everything that we do. That has made this first term so beautiful. I am sure I speak for all the Reflectors of Holiness when I say that, if you have a call on your life, remember the words of Joshua 1:9. I can tell you from experience: when God is with you, there is nothing to be afraid of.

Salvationist 22 January 2022

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REFLECTION

I’m glad I’m me Major Alistair Dawson reflects on the meaning of authentic identity The simplicity of her presentation was her greatest strength.

Many of us have poems that we like to repeat – so this is mine, which I found in a library book many years ago: Lord, I’m glad I’m me.

I don’t want to be anybody else.

Today, I’m going to celebrate me, And it’s going to be a wonderful day.

Lord, I’m glad I’m me, Because I am unique and you made me so.

I am unique, not only in my fingerprints, But in my personality.

I can only be authentic if I am myself.

A

FTER 40 years of sitting in the congregation and listening to people speaking, can I make a confession that I trust will be good for my soul? If I know where they are going or what is coming, I switch off immediately.

I am dedicated to surprise – anything else is complete boredom. That is me! I love originality, creativity and, especially, things that grab my attention.

I used to be the leader of a men’s fellowship group and my rule of thumb was at least 20 surprises to the hour.

For years, I have survived on the unexpected, and always delight in attention-grabbing opportunities.

We are all originals, and in Jesus we see the original and intended shape of our lives. People forget that God is the one who created us, who is driving us forward and who is recreating us into the person he wants us to be. To quote Harry Emerson Fosdick from The Meaning of Prayer, ‘He lifts us up from the obscurity of our littleness; he picks us out from the multitude of our fellows; he gives to our lives the dignity of his individual care.’

For those who holiday in Sheringham on the north Norfolk coast in August, the place to be on a Monday evening is The Salvation Army for the Visitors Night programme. It is unique and hilarious, offering a variety show that is second to none. Everybody attends with great expectations, but on one occasion the excitement looked as 14

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though it was heading for disaster: a little old woman shuffled her way on to the platform, struggled with her glasses and unfolded a crumpled sheet of paper. She was, we were told, going to read her poem.

We waited, not knowing whether to laugh or cry, and in a hesitant fashion she read to us the following: I don’t want to be anyone but me, For what you get is what you see.

I almost destroyed myself Trying to be someone else.

But now I breathe more easily, Although, perhaps, imperfectly.

But I’m an original.

Please don’t tear me apart; I may need some restoration, But I’m still a work of art.

Questions have been asked of me About my humble pedigree, And some have stuck their knife in me To test my authenticity.

Sometimes a masterpiece I see, That could destroy my philosophy.

Sometimes I wonder why I am here Or hold my pedigree so dear.

My Master says I cost the earth, When people ask him what I’m worth.

Nor does he care what I have done, When I just tell him I’ve become His very own original.

I believe you can see all the good there is in me, And that your love always transforms.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, And it is how you see me through your Eyes of love that really matters.

I want to borrow your eyes to see myself your way.

Today, I shall walk tall.

Yes, Lord, I’m glad I’m me!

I can always remember, as a nineyear-old in the Pentre Sunday school in south Wales, singing my little heart out with the chorus: ‘G-double-O-D, good,/ G-double-O-D, good,/ I want to be, more like Jesus,/ G-double-O-D, good.’

I didn’t want to be unique or original or different. I just wanted, in my own boyish way, to be like Jesus. Why? Because Jesus was me at my very best, my most accomplished. In fact, he was all that I wanted to be.

As the years have passed and I’ve grown older, I now realise what the poem in that library book was trying to tell me: I can only be authentic if I am myself.

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL

What on Earth’s happening to Heaven?

‘W

E believe in life before death.’

Some years ago Christian Aid campaigned with that phrase.

‘Great slogan,’ I thought, ‘but do we still believe in life after death?’

A similar idea occurred to the Anglican priest and broadcaster Angela Tilby, who wrote in the Church Times in April 2020, ‘I personally know many priests who do not believe in life after death, preferring to dwell on hope for a better world.’

Such views are not limited to Anglicans.

Via Zoom I recently attended the funeral of an exemplary Christian – a lifelong activist in the local church and in society.

But we were told that the deceased was not concerned about whether she would be reunited with God. To know and serve him here below was sufficient.

Contrast that with the faith of the New Testament, which affirms that Christ is risen indeed and that believers will be raised with him. The apostle Paul was in no doubt: ‘If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied’ (1 Corinthians 15:19).

If people’s hope of Heaven is fading, let’s consider why.

CHANGING TIMES, CHANGING ATTITUDES Life in the ancient world, without anaesthetics or adequate sanitation, could be nasty and short-lived. No wonder people hoped for something better in the great beyond. But today heart transplants and hip replacements can help to prolong our existence here below. I often hear heartfelt testimonies, but few of them look forward to the joys of Eternity.

Great advances in neuroscience have

revealed the close link between our brains and our personalities. Blips in my grey matter keep me company as I write this article and occur in yours as you read it. But if the essential ‘me’ is so closely linked with my physical brain, then does ‘brain-dead’ mean ‘done for’?

Arguments such as these can seem sadly persuasive to the modern mind and help to erode the Christian hope of Heaven.

PERSONS-IN-RELATIONSHIP Yet such reductionist ideas are selfcontradictory. Cut my head open and you will find grey gunge, not thoughts.

Nonetheless, thinking is still real. You can share my thoughts as well as having your own responses while reading this article. You can even understand the thinking of someone long since dead by looking at words on a page. Yes, our brains work through electrical impulses, but the world of the mind and mutual awareness are real. We can understand each other’s thinking and get to know and love each other.

So, while thanking God for every advance in neuroscience, we can affirm the reality of persons-in-relationship – which we could call ‘souls’. But souls don’t have to be immortal, so let’s turn to the idea of resurrection.

THE GOD OF THE LIVING Consider the debate between Jesus and the sceptical Sadducees, who try to ridicule the very idea of resurrection by asking a trick question about a woman who was married to seven men in a row (see Mark 12:18–27). They call for proof

Thinkalou d b y John Coutts

from their Scriptures, the Law of Moses.

Jesus replies by telling them that the idea of resurrection is implicit in the revelation of God at the burning bush. ‘I am ... the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’ (Exodus 3:6), God told Moses, not the ‘late Abraham, the deceased Isaac and the much-lamented Jacob’. Far from playing with words, our Lord affirms that God’s goodness is not restricted to space and time. His love for the patriarchs – and by extension us – extends far beyond the bounds of space-time, overflowing from here into eternity.

Let’s not be afraid to affirm the good news of life before and after death.

NOTIONS OF HEAVEN This still leaves us wondering what Heaven could be like. Many traditional ideas from bygone centuries – harps, crowns and robes of white – seem slightly comical nowadays. Once again help comes from Paul, who quotes Isaiah: ‘“What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived” – [these are] the things God has prepared for those who love him’ (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The reality of Heaven goes far beyond our limited imaginations. In Luke 13:29 our Lord compares the Kingdom of Heaven to a great feast, where no doubt a good time is had by all. I’m happy to hope for that.

JOHN SOLDIERS AT STIRLING Salvationist 22 January 2022

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BIBLE STUDY

Live in the light Major Tim Johnson reminds us of how we should live as children of God

1 JOHN 1:7–10 AND 3:1–10

‘W

HERE do you live?’ I asked a new acquaintance in Harare. ‘I live in Mount Darwin,’ was the reply. (Mount Darwin is about 90 miles from the city.)

Realising my mistake, I then asked, ‘And where do you stay?’ ‘Oh, I stay in Avondale’ (a suburb of Harare).

For Zimbabweans, you live where your people are from. You may stay somewhere else – indeed, you may have been born and brought up there – but the place you go home to is kumusha, the homestead where your family lives.

John writes his letter to a group of believers and we need to read it with that collective, community experience in mind. Note all the uses of ‘we’, ‘our’

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

by Major Howard Webber

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Salvationist 22 January 2022

and ‘us’ in 1 John 1:7–10. We each play our part in living the life of light where we are – that’s the challenge of holy living – but as the people of God we have a calling to a common understanding of the gospel. We are sinners, but God in his grace and mercy has forgiven us and purified us from all unrighteousness.

Our home is in the light. We do not always occupy it, because our failings mar us and bar the door to us. But – hallelujah! – God is always ready to cleanse and receive us again. We are always part of his people, even if we’re not at home at any particular instant.

Perhaps invite a good friend of faith to read with you the song ‘We Have Not Known Thee as We Ought’ (SASB 630) and pray it through with them.

QUESTION O As you spend time in prayer, is there value in sharing a common confession of both sin and grace received?

In his Gospel, John writes that we are ‘children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God’ (John 1:13). In 1 John 3:1–10, John reminds us that we are gifted, redeemed and named people: we are the children of God. We have this undeserved honour because of God’s undying, gracious love. This is not a static moment of perfection, but a place to grow from.

We’re not there yet! What we will be has not yet been made known.

Ask God for a vision of what you might be and where the next step in your discipleship journey lies.

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

God’s love to me is wonderful!/ He lights the darkest way;/ I now enjoy his fellowship,/ ’Twill last through endless day./ My Father doth not ask that I/ Great gifts on him bestow,/ But only that I love him too,/ And serve him here below.

(SASB 25)

See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him.

(1 John 3:1)

Though it be the gloom of night,/ Though we see no ray of light,/ Since the Lord himself is there/ ’Tis not meet that we should fear./ Night with him is never night,/ Where he is, there all is light;/ When he calls us, why delay?/ They are happy who obey.

(SASB 689)

QUESTION have you grown in character to be more like Jesus?

O How

1 John 3:6–8 needs to be handled with care, because the English translation can lead us to condemn ourselves or others when there is no need. To be human is to err and to fall short, not only of God’s glory, but also of his intention for us. That is how we live – in the muddling through, of God guiding, of us falling over and getting up again by God’s grace and trying again to live to his design and plan.

We get it wrong repeatedly – we mess up, we fluff our lines, get angry, hurt others and ourselves – and it seems like we can’t help it (see Romans 7). If we read verses 6 and 8 with this in mind, does that mean we are not God’s children?

In verse 6, the Amplified Bible gives us a sense of the Greek text – that no one who abides in God ‘deliberately, knowingly and habitually practises sin’.

We may find ourselves staying at an address on Sin Street, but it is not where we live. If we confess our misdeeds to God, ‘he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness’ (1 John 1:9), and we can move home again.

John closes our study passage with the reminder that our lives should show that we love one another. Jesus’ words at the Last Supper, as recorded in John’s Gospel, are deliberately echoed here: ‘A new command I give you: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another’ (John 13:34 and 35).

QUESTION O What acts or words of love and respect could others see and hear from you that would indicate your love for Christ?

The acid test is love. How will we show to each other – and to God – that we are at home in the light of God’s love and presence?

MAJOR JOHNSON IS CORPS OFFICER, OXFORD

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings. They feast in the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

(Psalm 36:7–9)

Saviour of light, I look just now to thee;/ Brighten my path, so only shall I see/ Thy footprints, Lord, which mark the way for me;/ Light of my life, so surely thou wilt be,/ O man of Galilee!

(SASB 274)

For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

(Psalm 56:13)

Draw me closer, Lord, to thee;/ May my life a blessing be;/ May it be a life of love;/ Lord, supply me from above./ Now, Lord, let my light so shine/ That the world may know I’m thine;/ May I bear much fruit in thee/ That will stand eternally.

(SASB 162)

Prayer Father, I have a tendency to be drawn into the shadows. Hold me firmly and keep me focused on living in your light, living to please only you.

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REFLECTION CTI O REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION ON

RE R EFL FLECT ECTI EC TION IO ON N REFLECTION

Bearing good fruit

Major John Waters continues a series of reflections on classic prayers

Brian Colley (Clowne) continues a series of reflections on verses from Psalms For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

(Psalm 1:6)

C

S Lewis wrote that the psalms should be read as poems if they are to be understood, otherwise we could miss what is in them or think we see what is not there.

He also said that they are ‘not doctrinal treatises, nor even sermons’.

Many people have been helped by reading the same verse of a psalm over and over again, with just that text leading them to God and the peace that he alone can give. Not all those people would have regarded Jewish history as important for the meaning of the verse, nor would they have been bothered about delving too deeply into the mind of the psalmist – they simply allowed God to speak through his inspired written word.

Some will probably remember verses of psalms from Sunday school, when passages of Scripture were often memorised. There are an unknown number of people who once attended a place of worship and left in their teens, but always remember the standards they were taught. Some are now returning in their later years to the church they first worshipped at as youngsters. The Salvation Army is seeing soldiers and adherents being made, which is proof of that.

Here in Psalm 1 the good person is compared with the evil person. We are told that the one who rejects evil is happy.

A beautiful word picture illustrates how the follower of God’s law will be spiritually fruitful, ‘like a tree planted by streams of water’ (v3).

On the other hand, the ungodly have no such permanency: ‘They are like chaff that the wind blows away’ (v4).

There is no in-between, no middle-of-theroad alternative. The good will go to Heaven, while the ungodly will perish in Hell: ‘For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.’

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You do not leave me A

S with many hymns, prayers are frequently composed not in some kind of spiritual vacuum but against the perspective of a particular experience, whether fleeting or of longer duration. That perspective, while not altering the meaning of a prayer, adds a degree of poignancy and power to it. Such is the case in this reflection.

In the security of the USA, to which he had travelled for a lecture tour, German pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer did not think he could speak to his people and their needs without sharing their pain. So he returned to his home country, where his outspoken criticism of National Socialism led to his arrest on 5 April 1943. He was eventually imprisoned in the Flossenbürg concentration camp, where he was executed two years later.

The day before his execution was a Sunday, and a fellow prisoner recalled: ‘Pastor Bonhoeffer held a little service and spoke to us in a manner which reached the hearts of all, finding just the right words to express the spirit of our imprisonment and the thoughts and resolutions which it had brought.’

During the two years he was held at Flossenbürg, Bonhoeffer managed to write letters and papers. Much has survived, including this prayer written one Christmas:

O God, early in the morning I cry to you.

Help me to pray and to concentrate my thoughts on you; I cannot do this alone.

In me there is darkness, But in you there is light; I am lonely, But you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, But with you there is help; I am restless, But with you there is peace.

In me there is bitterness, But with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, But you know the way for me.

I think he would have approved of a saying of William Blake: ‘God is within, and without! He is even in the depths of hell!’

If Bonhoeffer could know this in the hell that was Flossenbürg, how much more easily should we! As Eric Ball wrote in the songster piece ‘Morning Song’: You are here, Lord Jesus…

I shall know your presence, Christ of my ev’ry hour.

MAJOR WATERS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BIDDULPH MOOR

LETTERS

MOVING THROUGH SUFFERING I READ with interest ‘How do we move through suffering?’

(Salvationist 11 December) and would like to add some personal thoughts and experiences, which may broaden the exploration of the subject.

I would like to comment on author Matt Little’s assertion that ‘the stigma that used to surround mental health is being dismantled’, where he discussed ‘high profile personalities ... showing courageous vulnerability despite the potential backlash’.

While I agree in part, as someone who has experienced serious mental health issues for the past 22 years I have personally experienced stigma alongside many of the people who continue to be my friends. Many of us had to retire early, including a care home manager, a primary school teacher, a senior school teacher, a physiotherapist, a young man halfway through university, who will never be able to complete his course, and me, a probation officer.

All of us would agree with Matt that the only way to deal with suffering is to face it head-on – the truth is that we had little choice. Enduring mental health problems are lifelong experiences, as are the stigma and discrimination that come with them.

My experiences have confirmed there is little change in attitudes towards people living with mental health problems.

Unlike some of my friends I do have a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ and The Salvation Army has always been my spiritual home.

However, I would like to feel that The Salvation Army incorporates mental health within its wider training programmes, so that a broader understanding of mental health is achieved.

I thank Matt for the reminder that, even if there is no end in sight, we can face the suffering knowing that Jesus is right there with us and that he calls us gently not to give up hope.

Kate Cousins Middlesbrough

ON THE SUBJECT OF HELL MANY people struggle to come to terms with the concept of Hell, as described by the phrase ‘the endless punishment of the wicked’ in doctrine 11. For some, the concept is outdated, but Hell cannot be so easily dismissed.

The New Testament alone has more than 160 references that warn of Hell and more than 70 of them were uttered by Jesus. There are such phrases as ‘weeping and gnashing of teeth’ (Matthew 8:12), ‘outer darkness’ (Matthew 25:30 New Living Translation) and ‘tormented in this flame’ (Luke 16:24 New King James Version).

Jesus made a sharp contrast between believers and unbelievers.

Some people dismiss Hell because they conclude that God’s love will gather everyone into Heaven. This is a back door theology called universalism – the belief that every human being will finally come to enjoy the everlasting salvation that Christians experience in the here and now. Is this something that is expressed by Peter when he writes that Jesus ‘went and preached to the spirits in prison’ (1 Peter 3:19 NLT)? Could this be the gospel of the second chance?

Notwithstanding that none need perish for Christ has died, we still need a definitive answer on this subject.

Cliff Kent Major Beckenham

A SENSE OF SELF-WORTH IN the 20 November 2021 issue of Salvationist there was a report of the 2021 Officers Councils, where the main topic was identity. Never has there been a better time for such discussions, for there has been a sharp increase in young people who, feeling unloved and unwanted, have taken their own lives. How grateful am I to those in the Army who created within me a feeling of self-worth and belonging.

As a corps cadet, I learnt to sing with assurance: ‘Now I belong to Jesus,/ Jesus belongs to me,/ Not for the years of time alone,/ But for eternity’ (SASB 874). If it had not been for such love and devotion, would I still be here at 89? How many of those who played with me in the YP band or sang in the singing company were lost because of unkind words or having heavy burdens placed on young shoulders?

At Leytonstone the youth had Sunday night fellowship to discuss things that were of concern to them. One night they were talking about becoming soldiers. One young woman declared that she would like to be a soldier and wear a uniform, but for ‘that bonnet’. She was given time to work things out and, less than a month later, she was in full uniform, bonnet and all. (Later she was the first to buy her hat from SP&S!) Joe Schultz Bournemouth

A PERFECT WORLD I AM grateful to Major Nigel Bovey for his Bible study ‘The reason for the season’ (Salvationist 4 December 2021). Major Bovey asserted that God created a perfect world. However, may I respectfully suggest that this is not the case. The Creation story does not mention the word ‘perfect’, rather the expression ‘and God saw that it was good’ (Genesis 1:25) and also ‘it was so’ (Genesis 1:24). The first time the word ‘perfect’ appears in Scripture is in relation to Noah (see Genesis 6:9 King James Bible).

My observation is in no way a criticism. I am merely pointing out that, theologically speaking, God’s plan was never to create a ‘perfect’ world to rival Heaven, but to create an environment where the pinnacle of his creative power (humankind) could ultimately achieve a heavenly state (perfection) through Jesus Christ.

John Laverick Bedlington

Salvationist 22 January 2022

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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held before the current Covid-19 restrictions and in accordance with Army safety guidance at the time.

MIDDLESBROUGH CITADEL John, Nigel, Elizabeth and Gustavo were welcomed as adherents. All are committed members of the corps and use their initiative to help things run smoothly. They testified that their love of God is lived out through their service to him and each of them is deepening their relationship with God. – NK

LEICESTER SOUTH Paul Boyer and Frances Black were enrolled as soldiers by corps officers Majors Michelle and Carl Huggins respectively. Paul and Frances have been involved in the corps for many years but felt called to more active involvement. For Paul this was a recommitment to soldiership, having previously decided to serve for a number of years as an adherent. As the moving spirit of the Alpha course at the corps for several years, Paul testified to the impact conversations with those new to faith had on him. This was instrumental in his decision to return to soldiership. In her testimony, Frances shared how she had worshipped at the corps for many years as an adherent. She testified to the support and warmth offered to her by the fellowship and that she now felt she was being called to join her husband in serving Christ as a soldier. Paul and Frances are pictured with Major Carl, CSM Julian Potts and Recruiting Sergeant Maureen Stevenson. – BB

RISCA Sue Strong was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Kingsley Layton. – JB 20

Salvationist 22 January 2022

NORTH SHIELDS Isabel was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Barry Ashton. She was supported by her family, the corps family and some school friends who attended The Salvation Army for the first time. Isabel signed her promise at the mercy seat, kneeling with Major Barry and her father, YPSM Neil, during which the melody of the song ‘With All I Am’ was played. When asked why she wanted to be a junior soldier Isabel confirmed that she loved Jesus and wanted to show his love to other people. – SC

GLOUCESTER Dave Hunter-Hamblett (second from left) heard the call from God to return to the Army after 40 years of attending other churches in the area. Wherever he attended, he used his musical talents to praise God, helping and teaching others to do the same. He often attended music events at the corps and always felt a warm welcome. Dave returned in 2019 and keenly joined in the music practices over Zoom during the Covid-19 lockdowns. Known to many in the corps, Dave willingly resumed his place in the band’s trombone section and the songsters’ tenor section. In re-signing the Soldier’s Covenant he publicly declared his love for his Lord, despite many difficult times in his life. He feels he is back where he belongs. – AB

ADVERTS SOUTHEND CITADEL Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March visit of the

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS Please note these dates, further information to follow

ADVERTS

RECRUITING NOW IHQ ASSISTANT HEAD OF FINANCE INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

An exciting opportunity has become available for the position of IHQ assistant head of finance working within the International Headquarters (IHQ) of The Salvation Army, one of the largest voluntary organisations in the world covering 132 countries. The IHQ assistant head of finance serves as a key resource for the organisation and supports the IHQ head of finance in management of accounting, administrative and financial activities with a particular emphasis upon policy development, seeking excellence and sector-leading practice in compliance and statutory reporting. This is an exciting time for the department following recent implementation of new accounting software (NetSuite) at IHQ as part of a global software rollout covering more than 85 countries and the post holder will line manage the head of a team providing support to Salvation Army territories around the world as part of the software implementation.

Role responsibilities: O Assist the IHQ head of finance (UK operations) to ensure fulfilment of statutory reporting requirements for two registered charities and a registered company O Serve on a wide range of boards, councils and committees for oversight of operational matters and development of policy frameworks O Oversee selected tendering and procurement projects for material contracts and international schemes O Devise and implement processing protocols for large material contracts and international property schemes in consultation with stakeholders O Advise leadership on issues relating to UK charity law, company law, tax regulations and other areas of practice working with in-house legal counsel and external legal, tax and governance advisers as required O Progress additional reporting due to the status of an IHQ entity as a public interest entity (PIE) and devise and implement new policy protocols in areas such as environmental reporting, resilience, audit and assurance and payment practices O Line manage the head of the Financial Accounting System Support Team providing support to Salvation Army territories around the world as part of the global NetSuite software implementation

STARTING SALARY £70,116.42 plus a travel to work allowance up to £3,400 WORKING HOURS 35 per week CONTRACT Permanent position DETAILS 25 days’ annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays per annum; Contributory pension scheme; Generous travel to work allowance CLOSING DATE Monday 7 February

Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January is a day to remember the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust and the millions of others killed under Nazi persecution as well as in later genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

A resource to help mark the day is available from the Council of Christians and Jews. It includes materials written by contributors from across the UK and from a variety of Christian denominations. There are poems, an exposition on Scripture readings, prayers and a reflection on one day in the life of Jane Haining, a Scottish ‘Righteous Among the Nations’.

Download the resource from ccj.org.uk/resources

As a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

Candidate requirements: O Certified Public Accountant, CA, ACCA or equivalent O At least 10 years’ experience in senior finance roles O Team management experience O Knowledge of UK charity law and company law O Knowledge of UK Charities SORP (FRS 102) is preferred O Experience of developing and maintaining financial and accounting policies, procedures and controls (10 years’ experience) O Willingness to undertake occasional international travel O Willingness to work within the Christian ethos of The Salvation Army and in sympathy with the aims and objectives of The Salvation Army

For a full application pack visit our website on salvationarmy.org/ihq/jobs-portal Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

Salvationist 22 January 2022

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O Dep BM Dot Condon-Howard, Waterbeach O YPSM Taryn Parker and Prayer Co-ordinator Mike Rosevear, Maidenhead O CT Zoe Bott, Gainsborough WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Emerald (55th) O Commissioners Janet and Robert Street (4 February) DEDICATED TO GOD O Hettie Grace, daughter of Carla and Thomas Hall, at Castleford by Major Colin Stevens O Olivia Grayce, Isla May and Lola Jay, daughters of Christina Kitching and Jordan Hills, at Guisborough by Major Fiona Mugford RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Dorothy Stevenson (85 on 1 February) O Aux-Captain John Broadbent (90 on 2 February) O Major Mavis Atkinson (85 on 4 February) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Kathleen Hall, Tunstall O Songster Lorraine Torode, Southampton Sholing O Shirley Clowes, Castleford O Norah Barker, Gateshead O Stanley Sutton, Eston, on 22 December O Major Brenda Beunders from Hollins Park care home, Macclesfield, on 26 December O Rtd BM Keith Fry, Cwm, on 26 December O B/S/Reservist Robert Perkins, Staple Hill, on 1 January O Raymond Funnell, Ipswich Citadel, on 5 January

Edgar Mitchell, Ipswich Citadel, on 7 January O Commissioner John Swinfen from Nesbit House care home on 8 January O

BEREAVED O Major Ray Ebden of his sister Kathleen Hall O Captain Georgina Symons, Histon, of her mother Mary Catlow O Major Linda Charlton of her mother Milly Teasdale O Lita Sutton, Eston, of her husband Stanley Sutton, Christine Campbell, Chester-le-Street, and Valerie Brown, Middlesbrough Citadel, of their father O Marlene Fry, Cwm, of her husband Rtd BM Keith Fry, Martin Fry, Bandswoman/Songster Denise Fry, Cwm, and Bandswoman/Songster Claire Brill, Merthyr Tydfil, of their father, Bandswoman/Songster Rosemary Hunt, Cwm, of her brother O S/Reservist Pauline Perkins, Staple Hill, of her husband B/S/Reservist Robert Perkins, Simon Perkins and Janine Jenkins, Staple Hill, of their father O Enid Funnell, Ipswich Citadel, of her husband Raymond Funnell O Commissioner Norma Swinfen of her husband Commissioner John Swinfen, Martin Swinfen, Bromley Temple, of his father

TRIBUTES GORDON KIRSOPP, EDINBURGH GORGIE GORDON was an engineer in the petrochemical industry and, as a managing director, travelled to many developing countries with his work.

His Salvation Army leadership started in Kirkcaldy, where he was appointed

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Swanwick (prayer gathering), Fri 21 Jan – Sun 23 O Annual territorial envoy seminar, Fri 28 O Larne, Sat 5 Feb – Sun 6 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Dunstable, Sun 6 Feb

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Salvationist 22 January 2022

cub leader. Due to work, Gordon and his late wife, Miriam, relocated to Southport, where he became YP band leader, and then to Stockport Citadel, where he was bandmaster for 30 years. During this time he led the brass sections at the divisional music school and conducted the youth band.

He retired to Edinburgh Gorgie, playing in the band and taking on the YP band ‘temporarily’. Nine years later he had a proficient YP band. He was also deputy bandmaster for the Scottish Fellowship Band.

Only God knows the full extent of Gordon’s ministry. Gordon visited the sick and encouraged many. He was a Christian gentleman, a great ambassador for God and a blessing to all those whose lives he touched. – LC ALEC HALL, BRAINTREE BORN in June 1932, Alec was a thirdgeneration Salvationist brought up at Margate Corps.

He entered the training college in the Shepherds session and became a sergeant in the Soulwinners session. He served in the South Yorkshire Division in the late 1950s before finishing his brief term of officership in 1963 at Crowland, Lincolnshire, where the family were welcomed into the corps.

Alec later served at Southend Southchurch, as band sergeant at Hadleigh Temple and as YPSM and corps cadet guardian at Margate. He also served as Friendship Club leader at Minster and continued to play in the band.

Alec’s wife, Diane, and his children are proud of the love and care he showed to everyone whose path he crossed. He championed those who suffered injustice and his love for his Saviour influenced his fellow Christians, neighbours, friends and colleagues. Alec’s life was one of joy, a gift he gave freely. – CM ANNA MCBRIDE, LURGAN A LIFELONG Salvationist, Anna Thomas was born and raised in Ballymena, where she lived in close proximity to the Salvation Army hall and played in the band.

Anna moved to Lurgan in the early 1950s. She was an active member of the corps, attending the home league and home league singers. She was also a

songster and helped at the luncheon club every week.

Anna married Joe, who sadly passed away in 1983, leaving her a widow for more than 35 years.

She was No 1 on the roll and had a ready wit, a solid faith and a strong testimony.

Anna is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Majors Ian and Sally McBride and David and Nicola McBride, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, of whom she was very proud.

Well done, good and faithful servant. – GW

SHEILA RAYNER, WREXHAM SHEILA Blowers was born in 1935 in Maldon, Essex.

As a junior soldier at Maldon Corps, she was quiet but strong in her personality, work, faith and love for others. In 1954 she entered the training college as a cadet in the Soulwinners session, and that sessional name summed up her life.

After serving in various corps, she married and continued in local leadership at Chelmsford and later at Wrexham, teaching and witnessing

MGS works professionally providing O COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION

at churches and with the hospital chaplaincy team.

A few days before her promotion to Glory on 3 December 2021, Wrexham Band played outside her apartment and Sheila sang: ‘But O I ask today/ That grace and strength be given/ To keep me fighting all the way/ That leads to God and Heaven!’ This was her final testimony.

Sheila was much loved and is missed greatly by many people, especially her family.

Servant of God, well done. – JW

Did you know Salvationist is online?

WE UPDATE OUR WEBSITE WEEKLY, GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO

MGS works with relationships and other life experiences MGS is confidential, experienced and free

Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Reading – MGS works throughout the UK)

O Read through the latest issue from 3pm on Thursdays O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the editor’s comment and our article of the week O View archived issues

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Salvationist 22 January 2022

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‘‘

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

My Father’s house has many rooms

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…

LOUISE ANDERSON Deputy Songster Leader, Clevedon How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I went to the Brownies with my aunt, who was a Salvationist and a brownie guider.

’’

(John 14:1 and 2)

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

Florence Nightingale. I would like to hear about her experiences during the Crimean War and how she realised that cleanliness and order would make such a difference to the survival of her patients.

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

Swimming. I swam for my home town when I was a teenager.

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

The Queen.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can remember every registration number for all the cars my dad had when I was growing up and the cars I have owned.

What is your favourite food?

If I had to choose one thing, it would be my mum’s homemade lasagne.

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

To Kill a Mockingbird, which I first read at school. It teaches us a lot about racial inequality, injustice and the destruction of innocence. It also addresses class, courage, compassion and gender roles.

What do you do in your spare time?

I love to read, particularly murder mysteries, and I enjoy crochet, knitting and needlework.

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

‘Cool for Cats’ by Squeeze.

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

One Step Beyond… by Madness.

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

God will work in his time, not ours.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

I would like it to be more inclusive.

What is your favourite Bible passage?

John 14:1 and 2. Jesus is reassuring us that there will be room for us in Heaven.

What are the most valuable things you possess?

My faith and a sense of humour.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

I love to explore new places, but I also enjoy sitting by a pool and reading a good book. My fiancé, Phil, and I plan to travel when we retire and have lots of places on our list.

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

Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth. I would ask her how she felt when she learnt she was pregnant and felt the baby move when Mary visited her.

Something interesting that people migh ightt wa want nt to kn know ow abo bout ut you is…

I ha ave ve had glilide derr flflyi y ng yi g les esso sons ns.

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

I would play Mary Poppins. She always sees the positive in every situation and makes everyone feel better.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’ (SASB 456), especially these words: ‘Speak through the earthquake, wind and fire,/ O still small voice of calm!’

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

I’m just me, take it or leave it!

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Blue Knees. My friend’s brother couldn’t pronounce ‘Louise’.

What made you want to become a soldier?

I felt that this was what God was calling me for.

What is your day job?

I was a nurse but am now caring for my future father-in-law at home.

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

The most interesting thing is that I never know what each day will bring. The most frustrating thing is that I never know what each day will bring!