Salvationist 23 feb 2013

SALVATIONIST

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 23 February 2013 // No. 1386 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

GOING FURTHER FOR FARMERS Pages 12 and 13

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CONTENTS 3.

FROM THE EDITOR

4.

PAPERS This week’s quotes from the papers 5. – 8.

12. & 13.

NEWS

IHQ // UKT // Yorkshire // Parkhead // Milton Keynes // Hednesford // India // Japan // Gateshead // Stranraer // Isle of Wight // Rushden // Burton upon Trent // Southsea // Oldbury // Tiverton 9.

LETTERS

10. & 11.

ICO FEATURE

God’s way with me 12. & 13.

Go further for farmers

5.

FEATURE

14.

REVIEW Holiness: A Radiant Relationship 14.

TRAIN LINES

An inspector calls 15.

Glimpses of God

5.

10. & 11.

BIBLE STUDY

16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS 18. & 19.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Army people, engagements and tributes 20. – 23.

24.

ADVERTS

14.

THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated 2

Salvationist 23 February 2013

FROM THE EDITOR

RIGHT CHOICES OUR ancestors, who mainly relied on eating locally sourced food in season, could never have imagined the choices and availability of food and products that we have today. With 24-hour shopping and massive superstores, we expect to be able to purchase almost anything at any time from anywhere.

However, the demands of consumers not only provide a market for business opportunities but also the potential for the unscrupulous to exploit the vulnerable for profit. The busy pace of life and free availability of so many products mean that, as consumers, we might not always stop to consider the production chain.

The horsemeat contamination of food products in our shops has raised a number of issues that we will continue to hear about for some time. However, it shows that things are not always what they appear to be and that everyday food may have travelled many miles before it reaches our plates.

The scandal highlights just how little we know about the source of the products we consume and the routes they have taken to reach us.

Fairtrade Fortnight, which begins on 25 February, focuses on the need for farmers in the world’s poorest countries to be paid fairly for the goods they work hard to produce.

These two weeks are a time for us to stop and think about the impact of our actions on others. Whether we purchase tea bags or T-shirts we are encouraged to look for the Fairtrade mark on the packaging and labels. Would any of us really feel good about our purchases if we knew that someone, maybe even a child, had been exploited in the production process?

Goods that seem such a bargain may well be helping to keep a family in poverty by preventing them from

SALVATIONIST GENERAL INQUIRIES (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist (fax) 020 7367 4691 EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker – (tel) 020 7367 4893 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kersten Rieder – (tel) 020 7367 4894

developing their livelihoods because of inadequate payments.

The poorest, most vulnerable people are prime targets for exploitation by those who seek to profit from the demand we create.

On pages 12 and 13 Carl Jobson points out that, even in times of recession, consumers are choosing not to abandon their global neighbours – which is good news. Who would have thought that right choices made during a shopping trip could be turned into a fight for social justice?

Continuing on an international theme, on page 7 we share news of General Linda Bond’s visit to India Central Territory where 8,000 Salvationists met to experience a time of spiritual renewal. The report states that hundreds of people responded to a call to the mercy seat, many with tears rolling down their cheeks! Even though we live in a very different world to our ancestors, the power of God to reach individual lives remains unchanged.

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4883 (email) advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH (tel) 01933 445451 (fax) 01933 445415 (email) keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk DIGITAL SALVATIONIST Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline

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DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza – (tel) 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael – (tel) 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino – (tel) 020 7367 4881

A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed

by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2013. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Clive Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Martin Hill

Salvationist 23 February 2013

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PAPERS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS GENERAL JOHN GOWANS: AFFABLE AND ENERGETIC LEADER OF THE SALVATION ARMY WHO DID MUCH TO MODERNISE ITS VICTORIAN RULEBOOK General John Gowans was the international head of The Salvation Army from 1999 to 2002…

He wrote more than 200 worship songs…

As General he addressed the decline in recruitment in Britain and mainland Europe and reformed the conditions of service for officers. He presided over the Millennial Congress in 2000 – 20,000 people met in Atlanta, Georgia, the largest gathering of Salvationists ever.

Gowans accepted the need to change the Army’s image but be robustly defended the Army’s social work, which he said was sophisticated ‘and as good as anybody’s’…He reintroduced an emphasis on lifelong learning for Salvationists…

Gowans was known for his cheerfulness, his infectious smile and his ready laugh. He tended to eschew simple handshakes in favour of a firm hug.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx From an obituary in The Times

A RADICAL LAST ACT Pope Benedict’s resignation confounds the simple binaries of liberal or conservative by which papal actions are routinely measured…

[His] startling abdication demonstrated that Benedict’s understanding of papacy is radically different not only from that of Papa Wojtyla, but of most of his 20th-century predecessors…

From this apparently most conservative of popes comes a radical insistence that the pope is a functionary, and when he ceases to be able to discharge his function, then he must consider his position. Pope Benedict 4

Salvationist 23 February 2013

prefaced his resignation with a declaration that he acted ‘having repeatedly examined my conscience before God’. His retirement is no mere matter of personal convenience, an old man’s surrender of an unbearable burden: it had become for him a demand of conscience.

The Tablet

LENT CALL TO SLOW DOWN The Rev Canon Dr Stephen Cherry, author of… Time Wisdom For Ministry… has issued a challenge for this Lent time aimed at getting people to give up being busy – if only for half an hour per day to prove to themselves that their lives are not out of control and to discover some of the simple joys of living without doing…

Canon Stephen Cherry of Durham Cathedral is suggesting that people give up busyness, believing this will give people a chance to review their priorities and adopt a kinder and sustainable way of living that will lead to people being both more spiritually alert and more generous and patient with others.

The Church of England Newspaper

MRS TIGGYWINKLE SEEKS SAFE HOME IN CHURCHYARD

Parishes in the UK are being asked to join a survey designed to find our more about hedgehogs’ patterns of behaviour, which will be used to provide practical conservation action.

Hedgehog numbers in Britain are declining by 3 to 5 per cent each year… The Anglican Church’s 10,000 churchyards could provide safe havens for them…

Judith Evans, who promotes the Living churchyard scheme for St Albans diocese, said: ‘Like all animals, hedgehogs need food and shelter…

‘The… scheme encourages the creation of compost heaps and log piles, which, as well as acting as a larder containing slugs and other invertebrates, provides shelter.

Church Times

NEWS International Headquarters welcomes new Chief of the Staff and World President of Women’s Ministries

General Linda Bond welcomes Chief of the Staffl Commissioner André Cox and World President ofl Women’s Ministries Commissioner Silvia Coxl

IHQ THE welcome meeting for Chief of the Staff Commissioner André Cox and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Silvia Cox had an upbeat atmosphere and sense of affirmation. General Linda Bond told the congregation at IHQ that it was a special day for The Salvation Army.

The ground floor was filled with IHQ officers, employees and delegates from the International College for Officers. Also present were the Chief ’s mother, Mrs Commissioner Hilda Cox, cousins Jean-Daniel and Annette Chevalley – who had travelled from Switzerland – and former colleagues and Army leaders, including General John Larsson (Retired), Commissioner Freda Larsson and Commissioner Gisèle Gowans.

In his prayer Commissioner Lalkiamlova thanked God for calling Commissioners André and Silvia Cox into ministry and asked him to bless and fill them with the Holy Spirit so they would fulfil his purposes.

In her words of welcome to the WPWM, Commissioner Janet Street said that she did not need to convince the commissioner of the value of women’s ministry around the world and the strength of women and their beautiful trust in the Lord because of the new world president’s vast experience in women’s ministries. Commissioner Street went on to say that IHQ is a window on the world, providing a global viewpoint and many opportunities.

In her response Commissioner Silvia Cox said that she looked forward to discovering the IHQ family and the world family of Salvationists. She thanked her officer parents who showed her how to live for Christ. The commissioner explained that throughout her officership God had given her Scripture verses that helped and shaped her life. For her appointment as WPWM she shared with the congregation a verse from Isaiah 43: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’

Soloist Lieut-Colonel Rob Garrad then sang ‘Christ Of Glory’.

Welcoming the commissioners to IHQ, the General said that God had equipped them for these appointments because between them they have a wealth of cross-cultural experience. In taking up their new appointments, she added, they become part of a unique IHQ

family where Jesus Christ is central and there is ‘a unity that comes from the Holy Spirit’.

In his message the Chief reflected that he had realised the truth in the saying ‘actions speak louder than words’. He went on to say that the world would be a different place if Christians had the ability to reflect to perfection the things they believe. He reminded those present that they are called to be witnesses of another Kingdom, another reality and higher way, and that they should strive to emulate Christ’s example. He warned that ‘faith can be a veneer when it should go deeper’.

He concluded by saying: ‘We are called to be one Army, to speak with one voice, to serve with undivided hearts, to be one people.’

In taking up this appointment Commissioner André Cox follows in the footsteps of his father Commissioner Ron Cox, who served as Chief of the Staff from 1987 to 1991. – S. W.

Commissioner André Cox addresses the meeting

Annual Review is now available UKT THE territorial Salvation Army Annual Review 2012 is now available on the internet at www.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki AnnualReview. The report demonstrates the scope and diversity of The Salvation Army’s work and ministry, ranging from engaging with young people, influencing government policy, supporting and training vulnerable people and the enriching work of Salvation Army corps and centres.

Hard copies are being sent out to all DHQs, corps and social services centres across the territory. – A. R. Salvationist 23 February 2013

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NEWS Church leaders take action against tax avoidance

Musical blessings at anniversary weekend

YORKSHIRE

THE West Scotland Youth Chorus visited to start the 127th corps anniversary celebration weekend.

The evening started with ‘Praise His Holy Name’ setting the tone for the weekend. Other items included ‘Great Is The Lord’, ‘Under His Wings’ and ‘People Need The Lord’.

The programme included contributions by a brass group and timbrelists, a euphonium solo from Chris Shanks and a vocal duet from Lauren and Shelley

D I V I S I O N A L Commander Lieut-Colonel Bill Heeley joined other church leaders in Yorkshire to address the issue of tax justice. To mark Poverty and Homelessness Action Week the DC and senior church leaders from the West Yorkshire Ecumenical Council wrote letters to their MPs and MEPs demanding political action on tax dodging.

The 14 signatories pointed out that tax dodging is an injustice that keeps some people poor while others get richer. Christian Aid estimates that tax dodging by some unscrupulous multinational companies costs developing countries at least $160 billion a year, a figure one and a half times the global aid budget.

The letter asks Yorkshire MPs and MEPs to ensure the UK takes a lead in promoting transparency in tax affairs, in closing tax avoidance loopholes and encouraging the prosecution of tax evaders. – A. R. SNETTISHAM: The band ministered at a united churches service in remembrance of 25 people who lost their lives during the 1953 North Sea floods. – M. J.

PARKHEAD

Picken. George Wyles offered his personal testimony.

The weekend leaders Lieut-Colonels Alan and Alison Burns (THQ), who cut the anniversary cake, encouraged the congregation to be there for the community. – A. D. ABERTILLERY: Major Jenny Barwise and Captain Michael Barwise (Cardiff Grangetown) conducted Adult and Family Ministries meetings themed Living Water. The weekend was followed by a rally supported by the band, a male voice ensemble and Abertillery Youth Drama and Dance Company. – A. B.

Divisional Children’s Officer Alison Dare (Northern) presents prizes to children at Milton Keynes

PETERHEAD: Chris Still (Aberdeen Citadel) led YP Sunday themed Superheroes, and the congregation were encouraged to be superheroes for Jesus. The evening café church included a quiz and group activities. – B. W. WELLINGBOROUGH: Corps officer Major Paul Church launched Self-Denial at the corps. During café church, Councillor Tom PartridgeUnderwood gave an interview and shared his testimony on how Psalm 139 influenced his conversion and his life since. – F. P. 6

Salvationist 23 February 2013

Charity walker Andy Peddle sings to the Little Stars parent-and-toddler group at Hednesford

NEWS Thousands meet for spiritual celebrations INDIA CENTRAL UP to 8,000 Salvationists gathered from across the vast territory to meet under the leadership of General Linda Bond. The visit was a time of spiritual renewal for many people and included the awarding of The Salvation Army’s highest honour – the Order of the Founder.

A day after receiving an enthusiastic welcome at Chennai Airport, the General travelled to Periamet to open and dedicate to God a new Human Resource Development building, which will be used by the community. At a civic meal in the evening, church leaders and local government representatives spoke warmly about the ministry of The Salvation Army. The General told her audience that India needs Christ. She emphasised the importance of prayer, saying: ‘I believe that if we pray the Lord will move with power.’

The next day at the officer training college compound in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh,

The General installs new territorial leaders JAPAN SALVATIONISTS from around the territory made their way to Tokyo to share in fellowship under the leadership of General Linda Bond. Meetings included the retirement of the territorial leaders and the installation of their successors.

In the Sunday morning holiness meeting, having entered the meeting to music from the Japan Staff Band, the General commended the impact of relief efforts which were carried out in the country after the earthquake and tsunami of March 2011, supported and prayed for by the worldwide Army.

The General enrolled nine soldiers before introducing the new Chief Secretary LieutColonel Kenji Fujii and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries Lieut-Colonel Chiaki Fujii, who shared their testimonies.

The united songsters from the TokyoTokaido Division sang.

In her Bible message the General challenged the congregation to pursue holiness.

She described holiness not as a matter of exterior deeds and words, but a heart-cleansing experience of transformation and full obedience to the Lord. Responding to the altar call, 56 people knelt to seek the blessing of a clean heart.

thousands of young people gathered for a youth congress. Crowds cheered the international leader’s progress to the venue and in some places young people presented cultural dance items by the roadside.

Territorial Commander Commissioner M. Y. Emmanuel led the youth congress, which featured a song by young people from Vijayawada Division and cultural items from Chennai Division and Rebala Corps. Captain Elizabeth Nelson (IHQ), who accompanied the General throughout her visit, encouraged the young people to commit themselves to the Lord. Nurses from Evangeline Booth Hospital presented a tambourine item.

The General told the young people: ‘You are the Army!’ She commended them for being from a generation that treats women with dignity, that stands for social justice and that brings people to faith. ‘This is your day,’ she said. ‘Stand for Jesus!’

After the General’s message, hundreds of young people made their way to the mercy seat in acts of consecration and rededication.

In the evening, thousands of Salvationists

were joined by church and other leaders, including the Right Rev Sunil Bhanu (Lutheran bishop) and the Right Rev M. D. Prakasam (Roman Catholic bishop).

In a special moment, the General awarded the Order of the Founder to Corps SergeantMajor N. L. Victor from Hyderabad Temple, in recognition of his exceptional service to God through The Salvation Army.

In her Bible message the General told the congregation that everyone needed God’s salvation, irrespective of their place in society.

She explained that God didn’t call people to be religious but rather that they should be relational, passing on the love of God to others.

When the Territorial Commander called people to the mercy seat for prayer, hundreds responded – many with tears rolling down their cheeks.

At the end of the meeting the General took time to meet many members of the congregation.

The visit concluded with two sessions of councils for officers. – B. S.

Commissioners Makoto and Kaoru Yoshida were presented with retirement certificates which remarked on their sincere, encouraging, influencing and challenging service that advanced the Army’s mission at home and abroad. These qualities had been clearly seen during their almost six years of territoThe General installsl rial leadership. Members of the territorial leadersl family were invited to stand with Commissioners Jiro andl the commissioners before the Keiko Katsuchil General shared words of thanks and prayer, followed by the Later, laughter and joy filled the hall during couple’s faithful testimonies. The congregaa new year luncheon for 385 Salvationists. tion responded with warm applause.

The Japan Staff Songsters item ‘I Surrender The General introduced herself proudly as a true sister to those who had gathered – To The Lord’ helped to prepare the hearts because of their shared identity as children of and minds of the congregation for the installation ceremony of the new territorial leaders.

God through Jesus Christ.

She presented Bibles to five 20-year-olds The General solemnly led the ceremony to celebrate their coming of age on New before offering prayers of dedication.

Commissioner Jiro Katsuchi stated his Adult Day – a traditional Japanese celebration marked by a national holiday on the determination to live and die for Christ.

Monday – and encouraged them to go with The General spoke about the International God. Salvationists sang the territorial theme Vision – One Army, One Mission, One chorus for the Year of Youth before the new Message. She said that The Salvation Army TC, Commissioner Jiro Katsuchi, gave the needs leaders who are Spirit-filled, missionBible message, stating his intention to reach possessed and who are people of integrity and young people’s souls by every way possible. influence. Under the guidance of the Holy Salvationists, employees and friends of the Spirit, 19 people responded to the altar call.

Army from around Japan gathered in the Afterwards, a long line of Salvationists afternoon for the retirement and installation greeted the General and the territorial ceremonies of the territorial leaders. leaders. – K. S. Salvationist 23 February 2013

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NEWS International congress will mark Army’s 150th anniversary IHQ THE Congress Planning and Advisory Council (CPAC), which represents the five international zones of The Salvation Army, met for a two-day exchange of ideas and strategies ahead of the International Congress in 2015.

The congress, to be held from 1 to 5 July 2015 at The O2 arena in London, will observe the 150th anniversary of The Salvation Army.

Recommendations from the CPAC will be presented to the General for her input and decisions and will be implemented by the Congress Office. The congress liaison officer for UKT is Melvin Hart (THQ).

He can be contacted by email (melvin.hart@salvationarmy.org.uk) or by phone 020 7367 4863. – A. R.

Divisional Commander Major Darrell Thomas, the Mayor of

Corps folk at Stranraer receive a cheque for £500 from the

Gateshead (Councillor Malcolm Brain) and contractors break

Stranraer and Rhins Young Farmers Club; the funds will be used

ground at the site of Gateshead’s new hall

for community projects, including food parcels

ISLE OF WIGHT: At the Jewish Society Holocaust Memorial Day service, Major Heather Poxon (THQ) spoke about her time in Rwanda following the 1994 genocide. Major Poxon also led the Sunday morning meeting with the theme Forgiveness. – A. W. SOUTHSEA: Army bonnets added effect to a nostalgic meeting that included old Army choruses, songs and band and songster music, interspersed with Bible readings. The band commenced with the march ‘Bognor Regis’, part of which was sung by the band to the accompaniment of the bass and percussion sections. The opening song ‘O That’s The Place’ set the scene for many old choruses chosen by members of the congregation. Although a light-hearted and nostalgic meeting, the gospel message was strongly proclaimed.

– T. M. 8

Salvationist 23 February 2013

RUSHDEN: Birmingham Citadel Band brought blessing with a Saturday evening programme to commence the 130th year of Army work in the town. Items ranged from ‘Soli Deo Gloria’ to the classic march ‘Liberator’ and included solos from Neil Blessett (tenor horn), Mark Sharman (trombone) and David Taylor (euphonium). – G. E. BURTON UPON TRENT: The songsters and timbrel group joined with Uttoxeter Town Brass Band in an evening of music and fundraising in aid of a forthcoming visit by Chalk Farm Band. – K. A.

The Mayor of Tiverton (Councillor Tom Lindus) is flanked by Major Lindsey Toy (DHQ) and Corps Treasurer Bob George at Tiverton’s 129th corps anniversary

OLDBURY: Andy Peddle chatted to corps members, staff and Employment Plus participants as he arrived at the corps, having travelled 3,700-miles of his 9,200-mile walkathon. – R. S.

LETTERS

RELATIONAL EVANGELISM: THE WAR CRY AND THE LANDLORD I LIKE a round of golf occasionally. I often go on my own and meet up with interesting people. I have become good friends with a clown and juggler, a retired professional footballer, a Gurkha and a few business people. I played with a colleague DC a couple of years ago and we saved an old man’s life – but that’s another story.

It doesn’t take long for the conversation to reach the question of one’s profession. For a Salvation Army officer, the sharing of this information has a bearing on the rest of the round – the most common reaction is: ‘Oh, I’ll have to watch my language then!’

Playing golf recently, I met two gentlemen, who I’d never met before; they invited me to join them as we began our round. (Golf is a very sociable sport.)

They discovered I was a Salvation Army officer and I discovered that they were landlords. One owns a restaurant, the other a pub. Not only that, but Alan is the chair of the Licensees Golf Association in Scotland. We had a great afternoon and found the juxtaposition of our occupations quite amusing.

The Licensees Golf Association was planning its annual dinner, and Alan, who was organising the event, talked about gifts for the raffle! At these events the charity raffle is often a feature of the

evening. He indicated that it would be good to acknowledge The Salvation Army for selling papers in Scottish pubs over many years. I told him that we now have an app, and that people can purchase subscriptions for The War Cry to read on smartphones and tablets.

The outcome of this is that they are offering a prize of two annual subscriptions for The War Cry! While we do not really approve of raffles, the fact that two more people will be reading The War Cry for a whole year is worth praying about. Who knows how God might use this evangelistic medium!

I assure all readers that I won’t be buying a ticket, but I do thank God for opportunities to share my faith in everyday situations, and I pray, in the beautiful words of the late Lieut-Colonel Colin Fairclough’s prayer: ‘That the world will ever see, Christ, and only Christ in me.’

Alan Burns, Lieut-Colonel, Loanhead, Scotland

CAN ANYONE DATE THESE PHOTOGRAPHS? IT was so good to read ‘Sixty seconds with the ISB’ in Salvationist (19 January). The feature reminded me of two old photographs of my father, Bandmaster William Isaac Cooper, with Rivershall Southsea 2 Band.

I wonder if anyone can give me a possible date for these photographs.

As my father was one of the last to go into the First World War (and was wounded in Northern France), I wondered if the smaller picture was the older – my father is second from the left on the back row. On returning from the war he may have had to take up the baton as the larger picture shows a much-depleted band with mostly very young or elderly people – and even women!

Prudence Wiseman, New Milton

Salvationist 23 February 2013

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ICO FEATURE

GOD’S WAY WITH ME Captain Gordon Cotterill (Sutton) talks to fellow delegates from Session 216 at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development

MAJOR EDITH LOUZOLO, CONGO BRAZZAVILLE

THE major is the territory’s assistant training principal – and the mother of two boys and two girls.

Edith’s arrival as a baby was a source of inspiration and blessing to her own mother, who was a big influence on her life. In order to care for her family, Edith’s mother started a small business that grew in reputation. As Edith grew up she spent more time helping in the business, travelling abroad to purchase goods for sale and acquiring good business skills. Everything was leading to her becoming the person to continue the family business.

It came as quite a shock when Edith felt that God’s direction was to be

different – that she was to become more involved in Kingdom business as a Salvation Army officer. God wanted Edith for his work.

‘Why can’t God call your younger sister?’ was her mother’s disappointed response! Undeterred, Edith commenced the process towards officership and in 1992 she and her husband were commissioned and appointed to Loutété Corps outside Brazzaville.

Her officership has undergone the challenges of war and serious illness, but throughout their varied ministry, including time as corps officers in Belgium, the major has held on to Psalm 27:4 as a source of inspiration and comfort: ‘I have asked the Lord for one thing; one thing only do I want: to live in the Lord’s house all my life, to marvel there at his goodness and to ask for his guidance’ (Good News Bible).

MAJOR ROB VINCENT, USA SOUTHERN

THE major grew up as a Roman Catholic. The first calling in his life came when he was 13, which he felt was for the priesthood. He continued his education and thought nothing more about his calling until his early twenties.

‘‘

IT CAME AS QUITE A SHOCK WHEN EDITH FELT THAT GOD’S DIRECTION WAS TO BE DIFFERENT – THAT SHE WAS TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN KINGDOM BUSINESS AS A SALVATION ARMY OFFICER 10

Salvationist 23 February 2013

’’

Seeking to get more out of church and the fellowship of other believers, Rob went on a spiritual retreat. While he was praying the Lord’s Prayer the Holy Spirit came over him and Rob asked Jesus into his life. The calling to full-time ministry was reconfirmed.

While seeking further guidance, he was a boy scout leader at Sanders Corps, where he found himself getting more and more involved. Rob met his wife

‘‘

SEEKING TO GET MORE OUT OF CHURCH AND THE FELLOWSHIP OF OTHER BELIEVERS, ROB WENT ON A SPIRITUAL RETREAT. WHILE HE WAS PRAYING THE LORD’S PRAYER THE HOLY SPIRIT CAME OVER HIM AND ROB ASKED JESUS INTO HIS LIFE

’’

Janine during work at a Salvation Army summer camp. They were commissioned from the Ambassadors for Christ Session in 1989.

The couple have four children; one is an officer and another a cadet. They have been officers for 24 years, through six corps appointments, two years’ service as the South Mississippi Recovery Commanders following Hurricane Katrina and two area command appointments.

Now God has placed them in a new ministry, working among men with addictions. God is still having his way!

commissioning in 1984. What they didn’t know was that their offer would take 25 years to be realised!

Those 25 years were marked by a reoccurring focus in the major’s quiet time, as he shared with God his frustration in what he saw as God’s will for his life not being realised.

protection, his providence and the fulfilment of his promises.

The major sees himself as being ‘disproportionally blessed’ as each of his children has moved into a deeper and more meaningful relationship with God. His daughter and son-in-law are corps officers, his eldest son and daughter-in-law are first-year cadets and his youngest son finds fulfilment in service with the Australian Navy and a ministry as bandmaster at his corps.

‘‘

In 2009 God spoke into that frustration: ‘Look around you. Look at what I have given you – you have had all these years with your children, and now each is making their own way in life. Rejoice in what you have had.’ Not long after this insight, he and his wife were approached about their willingness to serve in Papua New Guinea.

He has now seen first-hand, sometimes in demanding circumstances, God’s

THE CALLING TO OVERSEAS SERVICE HAS ALWAYS BEEN WITH PHIL AND HIS WIFE DESLEA, WHO EACH SENSED GOD’S DIRECTION EVEN BEFORE THEIR COMMISSIONING IN 1984

’’

MAJOR PHIL MAXWELL, PAPUA NEW GUINEA

‘TO look at God’s way in me is to see clearly how God, in miraculous and surprising ways, has mapped out my life and my experiences,’ says the major. He captures the significance of the last four years in PNG by describing them as ‘most exciting and confronting’.

The calling to overseas service has always been with Phil and his wife Deslea, who each sensed God’s direction even before their Salvationist 23 February 2013

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FEATURE

Go further for farmers At the start of Fairtrade Fortnight Carl Jobson, Salvation Army International Development (UK), speaks about Fairtrade as an act of justice

I

CAN’T start the day without a coffee. It’s not about the taste, it’s all about the caffeine and its ability to transform me from not being a morning person into at least being able to perform basic functions.

It wasn’t until I took part in Live Below The Line for the first time back in 2011 that I realised just how dependent I had become on those little beans of life.

Living off just £1 of food and drink a day meant that even these basic luxuries would be off the menu. It didn’t go well – by the second day I had a huge headache as my body expressed its displeasure at the lack of the caffeine that it had become used to. Needless to say, I found a way to fit value coffee into my budget for the following year’s challenge.

It works the other way too. I do my best work when I’m sat in a coffee shop, a huge vat of Fairtrade coffee spurring me

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on to productivity. Before you get too worried, I’m really only a two-(or on a bad day three)-coffee-a-day man so I have my dependency under control, but there’s no doubt that this is what it is – a dependency that helps me do my work effectively and continue to earn a living.

I always try to make sure that the coffee I’m drinking is Fairtrade because farmers need to receive a fair price for their crops to be able to support their family and strengthen their community.

Buying Fairtrade isn’t merely a nice thing to do – throwing a bone to the ones who produce the food and drink we consume – it’s an act of justice.

Let’s stick with coffee for a moment, and imagine you are standing in front of a shelf full of different brands. How do you choose which to go for? Do you look at the price, the attractiveness of the packaging or the little blue and green Fairtrade mark?

This Fairtrade logo is still the best, and often only, way to look at these products and have confidence that the producer at the opposite end of the supply chain is receiving a good, stable and fair price for the produce they are working hard to grow.

We are all having to make our money go further at the moment and it’s all too easy to take a look at this shelf (or a shelf of tea, sugar, bananas, chocolate or any of the other 3,000-plus Fairtrade products available) and reach for the one that may be slightly cheaper yet doesn’t have the Fairtrade mark on it. However, next time you look at these products take an extra moment to think about the effect it could have on the producers. After all, small farmers often struggle to provide for themselves and their families and they’re hit hardest in uncertain times.

Fairtrade provides them with the security of knowing they’ll receive a fair price for their crop and the long-term stability that comes from having a better relationship with their buyer.

The good news is that you won’t be alone: despite the recession, Fairtrade sales continue to increase. In the UK, sales of Fairtrade products increased by 12 per cent on the previous year. Part of this is because big product ranges are using Fairtrade ingredients, but it is also because we consumers are considering the implications of how we spend our money and we are not abandoning our global neighbours for the sake of a few pennies.

This is great news, but we still need to go further. That’s the theme of this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight, to go further for Fairtrade. By doing this, we can help

even more farmers enjoy the benefits of receiving a stable and fair price for their produce and ensure they can better support their families and invest money into their community.

Another great way to go further for farmers and the millions of others going hungry this year is by using your voice.

Last month, more than 100 organisations (including The Salvation Army and the Fairtrade Foundation) launched the

‘‘

THIS CAN BE A LANDMARK YEAR IN THE FIGHT AGAINST GLOBAL POVERTY AND HUNGER

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Enough Food For Everyone IF campaign.

This highlights the injustice that in a world where there is enough food for everyone, still one in eight people goes hungry every day. We’ve also seen news reports claiming that as much as half of our food is wasted. Despite this, 2013 could be the beginning of the end of hunger…

O IF we give enough aid to stop children dying from hunger, and help the poorest people feed themselves O IF we stop big companies dodging

taxes in poor countries, so that millions of people can free themselves from hunger O IF we stop poor farmers being forced off their land, and use crops to feed people, not fuel cars O IF we force governments and big corporations to be honest and open about their actions that stop people getting enough food.

These are big challenges, but they are achievable IF enough of us stand up to take action and compel our leaders to listen and respond. The UK is once again hosting the G8 meetings in June and the Prime Minister has already put tax and transparency on the agenda.

The Government is also on course finally to fulfil the 40-year-old commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of GDP on overseas aid, a campaign success from Make Poverty History in 2005 – the last time the G8 was in town.

Despite this, we are going to see the strong and clear action necessary only if we rise up and show those in power that we mean business, that we are not just going to accept hunger on this scale as a reality that will always be there, that we believe one person going hungry is unacceptable. Close to one billion going hungry is nothing less than a global emergency that needs to be addressed.

This can be a landmark year in the fight against global poverty and hunger

IF you use your voice to take action for our global neighbours. And don’t forget to put your money where your mouth is and buy Fairtrade.

O

To find out more and sign up to Enough Food For Everyone IF visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/if (paper sign-up forms and resources to engage your corps are also available from the International Development department: tel 020 7367 4777 or email id@salvationarmy.org.uk).

O

Fairtrade Fortnight 2013 will run from 25 February to 10 March.

Find out more at www.fairtrade .org.uk/gofurther

CARL IS INFORMATION AND RESOURCES OFFICER, SALVATION ARMY INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (UK) Salvationist 23 February 2013

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REVIEW and TRAIN LINES

IN PURSUIT OF HOLINESS Cadet Matthew Brown reviews Holiness: A Radiant Relationship by Australian author Lieut-Colonel Ian Southwell FROM the beginnings of The Salvation Army, in a great period marked by the holiness movement, Salvationists have been defined by their desire to be raised up as a ‘holy people’. But what does it mean to be holy? Lieut-Colonel Ian Southwell seeks to bring clarity to what he says has become a confused concept in Christian teaching, often thought of as being legalistic and strictly about rules to be followed.

Southwell is very aware of the differing views captured by the teachings of Brengle, Coutts and so

many others. He unites his years of ministry experience with that of his understanding of holiness teaching in clear and understandable language.

In essence, he seeks that beautiful declaration of John the Baptist as being at the heart of his message: ‘He must increase, I must decrease.’

As a fervent follower of the holiness teaching of early Salvationists, particularly Brengle, I find this easy-toread book appeals to my desire to see more Salvationists and friends getting together under the banner of true holiness – becoming a perfected people who, being aligned to Christ in every step, see the amazing transformation and radiance of Christian holiness.

Using the familiar image of a multifaceted diamond, Southwell takes the reader on an exploration of a Christian lifestyle with Christ at the heart.

Using what he calls the AARC of growing relationships (Awareness, Attention, Response and Commitment), he creates a structure – including end-of-chapter discussion questions – that allows for groups of readers to grow together in understanding the beauty of Christ in the heart.

He leaves no stone unturned in his

AN INSPECTOR CALLS Major Val Mylechreest helps us keep on track I DIDN’T know there were official ticket inspectors on the Underground. My honest question would be to ask why, because I can barely get through the ticket barriers with a trusty up-to-date Oyster card let alone manage to get through without one. But obviously people do – apparently often enough to require the occasional inspection.

I have had two such experiences in the past six months.

The first inspector was a very attractive, middle-aged woman who looked great and obviously loved her job. Much like an air hostess, she boarded our carriage and gently made her way through, checking relevant details and printing out tickets for those who had ‘forgotten’ to purchase or for whom the ticket machines were ‘out of order’. Either way – job done.

The second inspector – obviously just back from a mercenary trip overseas somewhere – literally ran and jumped onto the carriage just as the doors were closing and stood menacingly in a Rambo stance with his pen in one hand and 14

Salvationist 23 February 2013

mission to give the reader the full map on how one might reach such a glorious and radiant relationship where Christ moulds us, creates in us and, ultimately, makes us new.

O

Holiness: A Radiant Relationship is available from www.salvationarmy .org.au/supplies A$15

MATTHEW IS STUDYING AT WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

his automated electronic ticket checker in the other. There was an audible gasp from the unsuspecting, half-sleeping collection of commuters when he bellowed: ‘Tickets!’ As he swaggered through the carriage we all fumbled guiltily or nervously for tickets that we really hoped were valid.

As he passed and ‘zapped’ our tickets, he simply said ‘cue’ which was an abbreviated version of ‘Thank you’ – at least that’s what I assumed. Oh my! Then it happened. One poor man was caught. He had boarded the train a zone early.

(This may not mean a lot to non-commuters but to regular travellers – and certainly to this inspector – it was a very big deal.) The man offered to pay but was told he needed to get off the train at the next station where the inspector’s trusty partner was waiting to administer a hefty fine and a warning.

People often see God at either end of the inspector spectrum: a soft and gentle, somewhere in the clouds, looking down and loving God, who is happy as long as we are happy, or a tough, stern God, never pleased, always looking out for our mistakes and always wanting to catch us out and make us feel guilty.

Thank God, the God I know is somewhere very much in between: disappointed in our failings yet waiting to love and encourage his children, who are usually to be found somewhere in between too.

MAJOR MYLECHREEST IS ADULT AND FAMILY MINISTRIES OFFICER, THQ

BIBLE STUDY

Glimpses of God Canon David Winter continues this York Course series for Lent with The Son Who Is The Way, The Truth And The Life

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HE God of the Bible is a God who wants to be known. This in itself is an amazing concept: that the Creator of the Universe, the infinite power that brought all things into being, actually wants us to know what he is like and invites us to come to him.

This is the great invitation of the Bible: ‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29:13).

It’s up to us human beings to do the seeking, asking and knocking (Matthew 7:7). But it’s up to Almighty God to show himself to us and invite us to come into his presence.

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JESUS IS THE WAY IN THE SENSE THAT HE IS THE PATH AND – MORE THAN THAT – THE GUIDECOMPANION. HE TAKES US TO GOD

’’

Sometimes the invitation is put the other way round (see Revelation 3:20). Holman Hunt’s painting of Christ knocking on the door is often used to urge people to ask Jesus into their lives.

But in fact it’s a whole Church that’s inside and the Son of God who’s outside – pleading to be let in.

If God is almighty and all-knowing, we are dependent on him to let us know what he is like. The universal witness of the Bible is that he has done that gradually, over long ages.

FROM GLIMPSES TO THE FULL PICTURE Once our understanding of God was fragmentary and partial, but the Bible takes us from glimpses of the truth to a clearer vision and the full picture (Hebrews 1:1 and 2).

But how exactly are we supposed to ‘see’ God, or ‘find’ him? The human search for God, as the Bible relates it, has followed many paths. One is the lived experience of those who believe in him and live by that belief. Somehow, we can often ‘see God’ in them. For other people, the path is the mystery of our very existence.

LOOKING AT CREATION When we look with senses alert at creation, we may share the awe and wonder of Psalm 19:1. Romans 1:20 makes the same point even more directly. However, in today’s scientific and technological world people tend to be more sceptical. It is, after all, one thing to believe that God exists. It is quite another to believe that we can know him, or that he makes himself known to us.

THE SCRIPTURES Most of us need a more specific path to the knowledge of God. The Bible offers an inspired ‘scrapbook’ – records, stories, visions, poems and songs, which tell how people have encountered the Divine. Some parts will be more relevant to us than others.

FROM SEARCH TO DISCOVERY Turning that search into discovery is the real problem, as the first disciples also found. When Thomas asked: ‘How can we know the way?’ Jesus memorably replied: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life’ (John 14:5 and 6). So what did he mean?

Years ago I worked in Jerusalem. A colleague asked an Arab man the way

to the Damascus Gate. The man didn’t point or give directions. He took him by the elbow and said: ‘I am the way.’ He led him there! Jesus is the way in the sense that he is the path and – more than that – the guide-companion. He takes us to God. The culmination of our search for God is his Son, Jesus. This swaggering claim (John 14:9) has stood the test of time. If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus.

Those very Scriptures, which point to the God we seek, finally tell us the story of Jesus – the culmination of the human search for God and of God’s search for us.

COME AND SEE! That’s always been the divine invitation.

You’re looking for answers or explanations. Your ‘god’ is a mystery, sometimes a frightening one. If there is a Creator, a heavenly power who shapes our lives, what is he (or she or it) like?

Well, ‘Come and see!’ Look at the world you live in. Lift your eyes to the stars. Look into your own imagination and that of others. See the signs of love in human relationships, the touch of a friendly hand, the enfolding arms of a nursing mother. Best of all, look at Jesus.

O For more information about York

Courses tel 01904 466516 or visit www.yorkcourses.co.uk

CANON WINTER IS AN AUTHOR AND A FORMER HEAD OF RELIGIOUS BROADCASTING AT THE BBC Salvationist 23 February 2013

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NEW COMMITMENTS

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1. & 2. BILL MITCHELL, BARBARA MITCHELL Adherent members HIGH WYCOMBE BILL and Barbara decided to make a public declaration of their commitment to God and the Army. They have been worshipping at the corps for a number of years in addition to participating in the over-60 and luncheon clubs.

Bill, originally from Wales, first had connections with the Army at the age of three. Corps officer Captain Hilary McClintock welcomed Bill and Barbara as adherent members. – H. M.

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3. MARION NICHOLSON Soldier BEVERLEY JONES, EMMA ELCOAT Adherent members BOLTON CITADEL SIX years ago Marion returned to the Army with her daughter Beverley after being invited to a carol service.

Marion testified to Psalm 34 being influential in her decision to become a soldier. Emma returned to the Army three years ago, having previously been involved in the corps.

Corps officer Major Fiona Broom enrolled Marion as a soldier and welcomed Beverley (pictured left) and Emma as adherent members. – G. F. 4. ELIZABETH GRAHAM, ELIZABETH SHAW Adherent members HAMILTON A YEAR ago, Elizabeth Shaw rang the corps officer to inquire about volunteering opportunities. She started helping in the café and with the parent-and-toddler group. Elizabeth Graham also started volunteering at the café; they became friends and began to attend Sunday worship together. After taking recruits classes, the two Elizabeths decided to make a firm commitment and were welcomed as adherent members. – D. Z. 5. ANN STEWART Soldier ROTHERHAM HAVING been away from the Army for several years, Ann felt the Lord prompting her to return. She started attending Sunday worship with her husband and granddaughter. Feeling the urge to recommit her life to God, she decided to become a soldier. Ann testified to her life being complete and wanting to serve the Lord by helping others. Corps officer Major Ernie Huby enrolled Ann as a soldier. – J. H.

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6. & 7. CAROL BRIDGE, NEIL ARMSTRONG Adherent members RIPON CAROL, who is blind, started attending the meetings last year after she had been volunteering for the lunch club setting tables. Neil came to the Army through Ripon’s employment and resource centre and he gave his life to God during a recent 24-7 prayer week.

Carol and Neil were welcomed into the fellowship as adherent members. – S. N. 8. GWEN WILLIAMS Soldier GORSEINON GWEN started attending home league again in April last year, but found she could not get to Sunday worship because of a lack of public transport from her village. She moved back to Gorseinon and began attending the meetings, deciding to renew her commitment as a soldier. – L. B.

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9. & 10. HELEN RANDLE, JANET REYGAN Adherent members ECCLES HAVING moved to the area for work, Helen found a warm welcome at the Army. She shared a favourite Bible reading from Isaiah 6, testifying about the impression it had made on her.

Coming from an unchurched family, Janet went to church one day at a young age and never looked back. She was drawn to the Army’s commitment to practical Christianity and chose ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah’ to support her testimony.

Corps officer Lieutenant Jane Bishton welcomed Helen and Janet as adherent members. – J. B. 11. & 12. CAROL MADDAMS, MARGARET NEWMAN Adherent members RUSHDEN CAROL and Margaret live in the same street and started attending the corps on Back to Church Sunday in 2011.

They decided to become adherent members and were welcomed by corps officer Captain Mike Smith. – M. S. 13. SOPHIE STREET Junior soldier DUNSTABLE COMMISSIONER Robert Street (IHQ) enrolled his granddaughter Sophie as a junior soldier. She said: ‘I want to be a junior soldier to show that I care and love Jesus.’ Her friends supported her as she signed her promise at the mercy seat. – J. B. 14. – 16. JACK WHITE, HARVEY TEDDER, SEBASTIAN FARRELL Junior soldiers STAINES JACK, Harvey and Sebastian were enrolled by corps officer Major Christine Perkins on Commitment Sunday.

They all attend the midweek Trax children’s club. – C. P.

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17. DOREEN BURLOW Soldier BLACKPOOL SOUTH DIVISIONAL Envoy Stuart Gay enrolled Doreen as a soldier. Doreen shared how God had been with her during a testing time of illness. To illustrate her testimony she sang her favourite song, ‘I Live For Jesus’. – M. L. Salvationist 23 February 2013

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 25 July: O Major Michael Highton, Divisional Commander, Yorkshire, with the rank of lieut-colonel O Major Lynn Highton, Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Yorkshire, with the rank of lieutcolonel O Major Drew McCombe, DC, NorthWestern O Major Beverley McCombe, DDWM and Divisional Director for Personnel (Officers), North-Western O Major Mark Herbert, Territorial Evangelism Secretary, Programme Service, THQ O Major Linda Herbert, Assistant Adult and Family Ministries Officer, Programme Service, THQ O Major Noel Wright, Territorial Candidates Director, William Booth College O Major Colin Cowdery, Assistant Territorial Evangelism Secretary, Programme Service, THQ O Major Rosemary Cowdery, Assistant Safeguarding Officer (Policies and Training), Personnel Service, THQ O Major Michael Lloyd-Jones, Territorial Youth Secretary, Programme Service, THQ O Major Lisa Lloyd-Jones, Assistant Territorial Youth Secretary, Programme Service, THQ

LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED Susan Brighton, CCMS Alan Patterson, Staines O CYS Jacqueline Clayden, Letchworth O CMS

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Golden: O Rtd CT Derek and Mrs Jean Grimshaw, Barnsley (9 March) DEDICATED TO GOD Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Mark and Sarah Skinner, at Regent Hall by Major Graham Mizon O Joel William Thom, son of Stuart and Rosemary Elliott, at Staines by Major Peter Leech O Evie, daughter of Chris and Alex Higgins, at Harpenden by Captain Ralph Walker O Seren

BEREAVED O B/Reservist Marcus Gaudion, L’Islet, of his wife S/Reservist Sylvia Gaudion, Major Richard Gaudion, Regent Hall, Major Andrew Gaudion, Woodford, Meryl Childs, L’Islet, of their mother O Major Esther Cole, Chaplain, Catherine Booth House Lifehouse, Portsmouth, of her daughter Alice Sawyer O Margaret Belcher of her father Peter Stein; S/Reservist Madge Rickards of her son Peter Rickards, both Staple Hill O Jean Poole of her husband William (Bill), Hazel and Mike Poole of their father, all Sutton

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL LINDA BOND: O Korea, Tu 19 Feb - Wed 27 O UK, Bedford, Sat Sun 3 Mar O Sweden, Fri 8 - Mon 11 O Chalk Farm (IHQ officers councils), Fri 15 O Switzerland, Th 21 - Tu 26 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: O Kenya West (installation of territorial leaders), Th 28 Feb Mon 4 Mar O Denmark (installation of territorial leaders), Sat Sun 10 O Chalk Farm (IHQ officers councils), Fri 15 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS) AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: O Swanwick (Social Services Conference), Wed Th 7 Mar O West Midlands, Sat Sun 10 O Anglia, Sat Sun 17 O William Booth College (spiritual day), Wed 20 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: O Pentre, Sat Sun 24 Feb O William Booth College (spiritual day), Th 28 O William Booth College (Exploring Leadership Day), Sun 3 Mar O Swanwick (Social Services Conference), Mon 4 O Fraserburgh, Sun 17 O Pakistan (Commissioning), Tu 19 - Mon 25 COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: O ICO, Fri 1 Mar O USA Eastern (IMASIC), Mon 4 - Fri 8 COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: O Latin America North and South America West, Fri 22 Feb - Th 7 Mar COMMISSIONERS ROBERT AND JANET STREET: Feb

O UK,

Hemel Hempstead (retirement), Sat 23

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: O Castleford, Sat Sun 24 Feb

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Salvationist 23 February 2013

O Hazel

Pegg of her husband Rtd BM Brian Pegg, Nigel and Heather Pegg of their father, Keith Pegg of his brother, all Sheringham O Songster Kathleen Sheridan, Chester-le-Street, of her husband CSM/Bandsman Brinsley Sheridan O Marlene Longbottom, Clowne, of her brother Peter PROMOTED TO GLORY Janet Paull, Rugby O Olive Brown, Sittingbourne O Songster

TRIBUTES LIEUT-COLONEL CLIFF HURCUM THE youngest of five children, Cliff Hurcum was born in Pontypool, South Wales. As a young lad he and some other boys listened to the local Army band holding an open-air meeting in their village of Penygarn. The bandmaster invited them to follow the band to the hall and Cliff subsequently began attending Sunday school, where he met Ann. They became childhood sweethearts, eventually marrying in 1960.

With a keen sense of calling, the couple entered training for the 1962-64 Heroes of the Faith Session, followed by appointments at West Croydon and Battersea. Transfer to the Caribbean Territory in 1967 brought corps ministry in Jamaica and Trinidad.

Returning to the UK in 1971, Cliff took study leave before taking up a corps appointment at Camborne. Divisional youth secretary responsibilities in the Northern and North London Divisions were followed by appointments as National Corps Cadet Secretary, National Youth Officer for Programme, and – in 1987 – as Divisional Secretary in Southampton. Corps ministry at Reading Central preceded divisional leadership of the Bristol and South-Western Divisions.

In 1999 the colonel became Secretary for International Training and Leadership Development at IHQ. During this period he visited many Salvation Army territories.

A year before retirement in 2003, he was Training and Development Manager for London North-East Division. His ministry continued into retirement, including responsibility for Manningtree Corps and active involvement at Ipswich Citadel.

Due to home circumstances he left school at 15 but later pursued further study, gaining

a teaching certificate and a BA with the Open University. He also became a graduate of the Institute of Personnel Management and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development.

As a leader he was forward-thinking and innovative, with fine qualities of heart and mind. Many have testified to his wholehearted approach to officership, his influence, encouragement and smile. He is remembered as a true Christian gentleman.

He enjoyed writing. He produced plays, poetry and short stories, much of which was published. He also loved walking and gardening and was a Welsh Rugby enthusiast.

A caring family man, he is sadly missed by his wife, four children, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The colonel bore his illness with great courage. When told that cancer was drawing his life to an end, he replied: ‘I have my faith in the Lord. He is with me.’ – A. H.

COLONEL TREVOR TRIBBLE TREVOR TRIBBLE was born into a strong Salvationist family. At one time there were at least four Tribble officers in the Lord’s service. As a teenager, Trevor was an active member of Exeter Temple Torchbearers – leading meetings, preaching and playing his saxophone. During National Service he learnt that if he trained as a teacher he would become a sergeant, so quickly discovered a vocation for teaching!

Hearing God’s call in 1958, he entered the Pioneers Session together with his wife Muriel. Volunteering for overseas service, in 1959 they sailed to the Kolanya Institute in Kenya with their two boys. The journey took three weeks by sea to Mombasa, two days by train and another by car.

It was a truly pioneering appointment: the mission station had no electricity and the nearest tarmac road was 40 miles away. When they left in 1964, Trevor was in overall charge of a boys’ school, a girls’ school, a nurses’ training school, a hospital and a thriving corps.

Returning to England (now with three boys), and transferred to Men’s Social Work, he joined his brother Derrick at House o’ the Trees – an approved school for boys in the Rhondda Valley – where his sons gained Welsh accents and a sister. Two years later he became officer-in-charge of Ripon Lodge, a boys’ home in Camberwell.

His ability to manage large projects was recognised, and in 1971 the family moved to

Victoria Home in Whitechapel and then to Booth House. In 1975 Major Tribble became director of the entire complex, consisting of both men’s hostels, an eventide home and an alcohol dependency unit.

In 1977 he was appointed a divisional officer in Scotland and during this time was integral in the amalgamation of the Men’s and Women’s Social Services in Scotland.

His family remember him as a helper, never happier than when wearing the nylon jacket of a social services officer and getting involved – whether having tea with elderly people, talking to teenagers or visiting the families of alcoholics to replace Christmas presents sold to pay for drink.

During the final phase of his officership at social services headquarters, he served as Provisional Officer, London, Secretary for Personnel and Training, Assistant Social Services Secretary and, finally, in 1994 as Social Services Secretary for the UK Territory.

The Tribbles returned to Exeter after retirement in 1997. The colonel took up corps invitations as a dynamic and challenging preacher and also served as Divisional Commander for South-Western for a time.

Retirement was overshadowed by the increasing ill-health of his wife, to whom he was a devoted carer. His own health deteriorated after her promotion to Glory in 2008, but he was always philosophical and even cheerful as his strength diminished.

Sharp in mind to the end, he was promoted to Glory four weeks after moving into a nursing home. He moved on without regret, without looking back, with a sense of a job well done – an attitude typical of his entire life in the service of God and The Salvation Army. – A. T.

RETIRED SONGSTER LEADER HOWARD MASON, ABERTILLERY PROMOTED to Glory aged 88, Howard was brought to the Army as a baby. He held a number of leadership positions, including corps secretary, songster leader, over-60 club secretary and band sergeant. He was also quartermaster, doing repairs to the hall and quarters.

The torchbearer youth club Howard helped to run was the means of attracting young people to Army attendance and soldiership.

After relinquishing over-60 club duties,

Howard devoted his time to the corps charity shop until failing health prevented this. He was disappointed that he was unable to collect for the Annual Appeal for the same reason.

Howard loved sport, but his family, God and the Army were his life. – A. B.

MRS REBECCA (BETTY) CARTWRIGHT, KNOTTINGLEY BETTY was born in Sunderland in 1917.

She became a domestic servant in Knottingley as a teenager and was held in high regard by her employers for the quality of her work.

She married Jim in 1939 and they had two boys, Allen and David. Betty did not let her tiny stature stop her from working tirelessly for the Army – whether scrubbing the hall floor, baking, selling papers, begging ration coupons to help people buy uniforms or collecting from five houses to everyone else’s three.

Until overtaken by ill-health she was a valued member of the songsters and as a result of her exceptional memory was often called upon to perform recitations. – M. T.

MRS JEAN ARMSTRONG, MAIDENHEAD JEAN wanted to be a children’s nurse or a Salvation Army officer, but asthma meant that neither was possible.

She once testified that her disappointment was God’s appointment, but instead served the Lord as a company guard, songster, singing company pianist and over-60 club secretary.

She married Bill – the deputy bandmaster at Carlisle Citadel – in 1950. Six years later they moved to Barnstaple with their children, Muriel and Kevin, and in 1966 to Bristol Citadel where Jean became YP treasurer and Bill the bandmaster. He died in 1983.

In 2001 Jean moved to Maidenhead, nearer her family, including five grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

She left instructions that her funeral should be ‘bright and cheerful’ – a fitting epitaph. – M. G. Please note that soldiers’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 120 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

Salvationist 23 February 2013

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Salvationist 23 February 2013

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

Tuesday

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures for ever.

His name the sinner hears, And is from sin set free; ’Tis music in his ears, ’Tis life and victory!

New songs do now his lips employ, And dances his glad heart for joy.

(1 Chronicles 16:34)

Sunday O enter then his gates with praise, Approach with joy his courts unto; Praise, laud and bless his name always, For it is seemly so to do.

(SASB 3)

Monday Thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.

(Romans 6:17)

(SASB 62)

Wednesday Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(Ephesians 5:19 and 20)

Thursday From the heart of Jesus flowing, Cometh Heaven’s peace to me,

Ever deeper, richer growing, Through the cross of Calvary.

Passing mortal understanding, Yet to seeking ones made known, And, for all the race expanding, Gift of God unto his own.

(SASB 539)

Friday Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

(Colossians 3:15 and 16)

Praying around the world… Germany and Lithuania Staff-Captain Fritz Schaaff was saved in New York and appointed to Switzerland, but could not resist taking the message over the border to his fatherland, Germany, in 1886. Work commenced in Lithuania in 1998, leading to the formation of the Germany and Lithuania Territory in 2005. The territory is also responsible for work in Poland. The territory, led by Colonels Patrick and Anne-Dore Naud, comprises 72 officers, 703 employees, 48 corps, 40 institutions, 889 soldiers, 484 adherent members and 68 junior soldiers. The territory is looking to the future for its Vision 2030 strategy focus. Pray that the territory will be strong, modern and efficient and will continue to take Christ to the people.

Lemur spotting in Madagascar. Picture: CHRIS HORNE