Salvationist 23 November 2019

SALVATIONIST

No.1732 Price 70p

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 23 November 2019

Taking the lead New territorial envoys tell their stories

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

UK BETTING FIRMS COMMIT TO FIVE PLEDGES FOR SAFER GAMBLING The UK betting industry has devised five safer gambling commitments, as the… sector attempts to avoid having new regulations imposed on it by central government...

It… follows years of criticism that betting companies have failed to take seriously the risk their products pose to some customers.

Chief executives of ten of the UK’s best-known gambling groups – including Bet365, William Hill and the Ladbrokes and Coral owner GVC, said the commitments represented ‘the most comprehensive set of measures from a wide group of leaders across the sector to support the UK Gambling Commission’s national strategy to reduce gambling harms’.

The five pledges, which will be independently monitored and publicly reported on, are to: prevent underage gambling and protect young people; increase support for treatment of gambling harm; strengthen and expand codes of practice for advertising and marketing; protect and empower… customers; promote a culture of safer gambling...

One of the first actions announced is a four-year national programme to educate young people, to be delivered by two charities, GamCare and the Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust, and funded by a £10m grant from the industry.

The charities will work with young people, their families and support workers to improve awareness and understanding of the risks associated with gambling.

The Guardian

SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 23 November 2019

NOAH’S ARK DOCKS IN UK

CAMPAIGN GOES DIGITAL

A... replica of Noah’s ark has docked in Ipswich, sailing from the Netherlands.

Designer of the 70-metre long boat, Dutch artist and TV producer Sir Aad Peters, said it is not a Christian centre, but instead hopes the ark can be a centre of learning, where people from a range of cultures and beliefs can come together and share their stories.

Inside the vessel are sculptures telling the story of the Bible, as well as a museum which includes a... tree of life.

The ship arrived at Orwell Quay... and Sir Aad Peters hopes it will be there for at least three months.

Over 500,000 visitors have stepped on board the dog friendly ark since it first set sail in 2010, previously having visited Germany, the Netherlands and Norway.

The evangelist the Rev Canon J John has launched a major initiative entitled Jesus Christ – The Truth.

An introductory video was released… and will continue with daily one-minute stories of personal and inspirational reasons why people believe that Jesus Christ is the truth.

A local campaign will focus on London, with adverts being taken out at 47 London Underground stations. Backed by Christian leaders… the campaign asks Christians to tell their own stories.

There are also resources for those exploring faith and the series is accompanied by a book…

The canon said… ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the truth. As we approach the season of Christmas, we felt it was right to speak about Jesus in public spaces…’ He said that the Underground adverts would be seen by 3.5 million people.

Premier

The Church of England Newspaper

POLICE SURVEY REVEALS CRIME WAVE IN AND AROUND CHURCHES A catalogue of thousands of crimes… at places of worship over the past two years has been revealed in a report published… by the Countryside Alliance.

The figures were described as ‘extremely distressing reading’ by the Alliance, which obtained them from UK police forces through Freedom of Information requests… In total, the number of crimes reported to have taken place in or around places of worship since January 2017 was 20,168.

Mo Metcalf-Fisher of the Alliance said… ‘There are likely many, many more incidents like these recorded, but that haven’t been disclosed to us. As a society… we need to be much more vigilant when it comes to watching over churches and places of worship by reporting suspicious activity.’

Church Times

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 445445 (option 1, option 1) (email) subscriptions@satcol.org TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 0845 634 0101 Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

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

Find Salvationist on Facebook www.facebook.com/salvationistonline

Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

GETTING FIRED UP I’VE been on a number of job interview panels, and in recent years I’ve noticed that on their application forms people are keen to say what they’re passionate about. It might be a hobby, a community project or a campaign that they’re involved in. While it’s good that applicants can show they’re rounded people, with interests outside work, I sometimes wonder if some of them are overstating their enthusiasm. What often comes across is that they are passionate about being passionate.

That’s not to downplay the value of passion. It is important, but it has to be genuine.

Perhaps the word should be reserved for things that really fire people up. After all, the dictionary defines passion as ‘a strong and barely controllable emotion’ or ‘an intense enthusiasm for something’.

Our social media age has encouraged something called ‘virtue-signalling’, where people highlight their support for the latest good cause. The term was first used by James Bartholomew in a 2015 article for The Spectator to mean ‘public, empty gestures intended to convey socially approved attitudes without any associated risk or sacrifice’.

By contrast, in his article on page 15, Major Steve Smith insists that passion should lead to action that may be costly for us, and that genuine passion endures – it is not a passing fad that can be set aside when something more interesting comes along. He explores The Salvation Army’s values statement on passion, which says: ‘We are passionate about unconditionally demonstrating God’s love to everyone.’

Passion is mentioned by two of the new territorial envoys featured on pages 12 to 14. Matthew Brake says his passion is to ‘care for those in our communities who need our support’, and Karen Hook tells us that she became a territorial envoy because of her passion to ‘engage and minister to the vulnerable, broken and lost of society’. Both Matthew and Karen, along with the other territorial envoys, demonstrate the kind of genuine passion that motivates them to act and may involve sacrifice.

Although he doesn’t mention passion in his Bible study on pages 18 and 19, Captain Mark Read shows how it was at work in the Early Church, which demonstrated a concern for equality and ‘radical inclusion’. So passionate were Paul and Silas about demonstrating these things that it landed them in jail.

It’s no surprise that the early Christians behaved that way, since Jesus himself demonstrated a passion for justice on a number of occasions. Injustice made him angry when the disciples tried to stop children coming to him (see Mark 10:14) and when people wanted to use a man with a shrivelled hand as a test case on Sabbath observance (see Mark 3:5). The most memorable occasion was when he overturned the tables of the money changers in the Temple (see Matthew 21:12). His passion for justice revealed itself in righteous anger – or, as William Barclay in Crucified And Crowned calls it, ‘the wrath of a pure love’.

Unconditionally demonstrating God’s love is not a matter for virtue-signalling or cool contemplation – it’s something to get fired up about.

God, you are waiting, Your heart is breaking For all the people who live on the Earth.

Stir us to action, Filled with your passion For all the people who live on the Earth. (‘Filled With Compassion’, Noel and Tricia Richards)

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 8

Preview Writers still wanted

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by Rebecca Goldsmith

Feature 10 and 11 Beating the drum for Jesus

by Melita Day-Lewis

Feature 12 to 14 Territorial envoys make their mark Feature Values: Passion

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by Major Steve Smith

Interview 16 and 17 Putting a twist in the tale Major Andrew Stone speaks to Peter Younghusband

Bible study Kingdom of equality

18 and 19

by Captain Mark Read

Through the week with Salvationist 18 and 19

by Major Freda Benneyworth

Announcements

20

New commitments

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Adverts

22 to 24

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

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Picture: COPYRIGHT THE VATICAN

NEWS

Steep rise in British people forced to work as slaves THQ

World leaders meet the Pope VATICAN CITY GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle visited Vatican City for conversation with the Pope.

During the visit, the accompanying delegation – Secretary for International Ecumenical Relations Commissioner Betty Matear, Officer Commanding Italy and Greece Command Lieut-Colonel Massimo Tursi and Private Secretary to the General Major David Williamson – met with Cardinal Koch, Bishop Farrell and Father

Avelino Gonzales of the Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.

In a warm and open discussion the prospect of continued conversations was discussed and the General underlined the areas where The Salvation Army and the Roman Catholic Church share common challenges in helping the poor and marginalised. The discussion focused on effective mission, evangelism and serving suffering humanity.

General Peddle had a time of private conversation before the Army representatives were presented to the Pope. General Peddle presented his message and Pope Francis responded.

The General then prayed

LEIGH-ON-SEA: Major Donald Montgomery (Sale), a former member of the corps, led a musicians weekend. Open rehearsals for brass players and vocalists took place before a buffet tea and a Music and Song praise meeting. During family worship on Sunday Major Donald made many references to unusual musical instruments from around the world, getting the young people involved. The congregation appreciated the thoughtprovoking ministry. – P. J. 4

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with the Pope.

During the visit, the delegation received privileged access to the Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.

It is intended that this historic visit will be followed by a series of meetings, which will strengthen relationships and co-operation in areas of mutual concern and service.

In his address, the Pope said: ‘It was by encountering members of The Salvation Army that I received, many years ago, from my grandmother, my first lesson in ecumenism – I was four years old! Their example of humble service to the least of our brothers and sisters spoke louder than any words.’ – E. M.

Shaw CT Alan Taylor sounds the Last Post and Reveille for the Royton Royal British Legion branch

ACCORDING to a new Salvation Army report, 136 British nationals over 12 months needed help from The Salvation Army’s network of safe houses and outreach workers. This is an increase of 58 per cent, making British victims the fifth most common nationality accessing specialist support.

The rise was most likely a result of gangs trafficking drugs into rural areas, a practice known as ‘county lines’. The report also revealed a worrying trend called ‘cuckooing’, where dealers take over a vulnerable person’s home as a base and manipulate them into working for them.

Major Kathy Betteridge, director of the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, said: ‘It’s appalling that anyone is forced to work as a slave, whether a British national or a victim from across the world.

‘Our report shows that gangs target vulnerable people, often with mental health issues, to act as drug runners or to move cash. However, people are also being forced to work as slaves in places such as farms, car washes and even nail bars.’

Managing the government’s human trafficking victim care contract, the Army provides safe houses and outreach support services for victims. – A. R. O If you suspect someone is being forced into slavery, call the confidential referral helpline on 0300 303 8151 WALTHAM ABBEY: Majors Ann and David Radford led the 134th corps anniversary meeting. The congregation was encouraged to think about new beginnings but not to forget about the past. – S. K.

Celebrating SAHA at 60 IHQ THE Salvation Army Housing Association (SAHA) celebrated its diamond anniversary at International Headquarters.

Since its inception in 1959, transforming lives has been at the heart of SAHA, which provides affordable accommodation, advice and support to single people and families.

Current and former residents and staff spoke at the event about their time with SAHA and how it

had positively influenced their lives.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill and Commissioner John Matear, chair of the SAHA board, also delivered speeches. They echoed sentiments heard throughout the afternoon and emphasised the importance of the relationship between SAHA and the Army.

After the celebration, guests were invited to view the SAHA residents Transforming Lives exhibition at Gallery 101. This featured paintings, letters, pictures, crafts and sculptures showcasing different interpretations of what Transforming Lives means to them. – K. S.

Women experience God’s presence at retreat

Salvation Army supports floodaffected residents

YORKSHIRE SOUTH WITH HUMBER

DONCASTER AND SHEFFIELD

BECOMING was the theme for the divisional ladies retreat, inspired by Michelle Obama’s memoir.

Seventy-eight women met for a Sunday gathering, where Divisional Leader for Leader Development Major Lynn Gibbs led worship. Guest speaker Major Val Mylechreest (DC, South London) gave the women an opportunity to explore the theme in relation to their lives, capturing their attention and imagination with three sessions: Becoming Me, Becoming Us and

THE Salvation Army offered refreshments and provided emergency accommodation for people affected by the severe weather in the area.

Doncaster Corps opened as a rest centre for people evacuated after the River Don burst its banks and flooded homes. More than thirty people from Fishlake sought refuge on the first day.

About fifty people used the rest centre the following day, with thirty staying for a hot meal and ten sleeping overnight. The hall continued to serve as a rest centre into the next week.

Charter Row Lifehouse in Sheffield also provided shelter to rough sleepers as part of the local authority’s severe weather emergency protocol. This vital support can make the difference between life and death for rough sleepers who are already vulnerable to the elements on the streets. – A. R.

Becoming More. Referring to her own experiences, Major Val encouraged everyone to consider their personal worth and potential. Many women shared verses from Psalm 139 that related to their situations.

In moving, Spirit-filled moments during the final worship session, women shared stories and their spiritual and life

Birmingham Citadel Bandsman Harry Browning sounds the Last Post in front of more than 21,000 fans at Birmingham City v Fulham; the band also provided music for the Birmingham Remembrance Sunday service

experiences, including accounts of personal tragedy and grief, as well as God’s healing; some chose to do this through pictures and objects.

God’s presence was felt in many ways throughout the day.

After a fellowship meal, the women left with the instruction: ‘Become what God wants you to be.’ – J. K.

SNETTISHAM: Almost 70 full English breakfasts were served at the third Community Big Breakfast, which brought a number of new faces to the corps. So many people turned up that extra tables and chairs had to be found and extra supplies fetched in. – A. K.

Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication.

Copy should be sent to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

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NEWS

Going deeper in prayer WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE THE Salvation Army Prayer Network (SAPN) held a Vision Day to pray together, listen to God and discuss how to encourage and raise the profile of prayer in the territory.

The outcome was a revised strategy for providing prayer resources and support to corps and divisions, including the process for encouraging and helping identify prayer leaders and divisional prayer co-ordinators.

SAPN has identified five types of prayer innovation, in which it will invest. These include community prayer rhythms, prayer as mission, prayer and social justice, prayer hubs and placing prayer at the heart of things.

The team hopes to support corps exploring prayer rhythms, in which the whole community participates and which underpins every aspect of church life.

The team believes that prayer is an effective driving force behind evangelism; some corps have invited the public to encounter God through prayer in a safe and peaceful place, and others are using mission tools such as Healing on the Streets or Prophetic Prayer Stalls.

SAPN wants to explore the power that’s released when prayer and social justice are brought together, as well as support those seeking to achieve this.

The team recognises that some corps are catalysts for corporate, united prayer in their community or division. These corps can become hubs where people from a wider area pray together.

SAPN also highlights the Ephesians 4 ‘fivefold’ ministries teaching and the opportunity for innovation it provides. The team is keen to help corps get to grips with how the Apest roles (apostles, prophets, evangelists, 6

shepherds and teachers) might enrich their prayer lives.

A key element of SAPN’s strategy is its network of prayer leaders, including officers, local prayer leaders and divisional prayer co-ordinators.

The number of divisional prayer co-ordinators has increased in recent years and many divisions have reported favourably on the difference having one makes.

They help teach, inspire and encourage prayer in corps and divisions, provide resources and create a network of intercession that supports the Army’s mission. SAPN aims to have a prayer co-ordinator in every division. – A. R. O For more information contact SA Prayer Network Co-ordinator Captain Pauline Milner on 020 7367 4531 or email saprayernetwork@salvationarmy. org.uk

Celebrating two decades of older people’s fellowship PORTSMOUTH DIVISIONAL Commander Major Gregory Morgan and the deputy lord mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Ben Dowlin, joined the 20th anniversary celebrations for a Salvation Army scheme that brings friendship and joy to lonely and isolated older people.

The Good Neighbours Project was first launched in Buckland

Salvationist 23 November 2019

Worthing Band continues the proud tradition of joining the town’s Remembrance Sunday parade and service

and Landport in 1999 when the Army realised that many of the people it was visiting with its meals-on-wheels service needed company as well as a daily meal.

Today, its team of 62 volunteers reaches out to 162 people across the city with befriending or telephone support.

‘As well as being a source of company, we also look out for and support older people to live safely and independently by providing helpful advice on issues such as avoiding falls around the home,’ said Ros Fraser, who manages the project.

‘I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 20 years – including Portsmouth city council and our wonderful volunteers.’ – I. R. O The Good Neighbours Project is looking for new volunteers.

For further details call 02392 890 958 or email haven. goodneighbours@salvationarmy. org.uk facebook.com/ salvationistonline @SalvationistUK

New incident response vehicles unveiled LONDON THE Salvation Army has unveiled two new state-of-the art vehicles to respond to emergencies in the capital and provide refreshments for London Fire Brigade crews dealing with urgent situations.

Designed to operate as mobile canteens, the distinctive red vans will be based at Shoreditch and Acton fire stations. By spring next year a third vehicle will be located at Bexleyheath, providing an entirely new fleet across the city.

The Army has worked closely with London Fire Brigade for more

than 35 years. Pan London Emergency Response Co-ordinator Major Karl Gray, who has been part of the Army’s emergency response at the Grenfell Tower fire, the Croydon tram crash and terrorist incidents, said: ‘We see our support for emergency personnel and local communities at emergencies as a vital part of our work.’

‘Everyone loves to see the canteen van turn up at an incident,’ affirmed London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner, Safety and Assurance, Richard Mills. ‘It’s not just about the refreshments – the volunteers always come with a smile whatever the time of day.’ – A. R.

Gloucester corps members receive first aid certificates from CSM Sue Matthews; among the recipients were corps officers Majors Gareth and Susan Heward

New hall and community centre open LARNE

Waltham Abbey corps officer Major Sharon King presents Don Cramp, Audrey Charles and Brian Charles (front row) with long-service awards for 69 years’ service in the band and songsters; Pauline Radford, Dave and Dot Darton, Rosemary Manning, John Radford, Brenda Square and Angela Schroeter also received long-service awards

THE mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Maureen Morrow, opened the new hall and community centre, with Divisional Commander Major Paul Kingscott offering a prayer of dedication.

About one hundred and forty people attended the event, which featured a Salvation Army band, face-painting and a buffet.

The new corps building, which is in the town centre, is a former

electrical shop and has been transformed to accommodate the Sunday and midweek programmes. The open-plan design also offers a quiet area, with magazines and books available to read, borrow and buy. The carefully considered interior uses colours to help those who struggle with dementia and loneliness.

Corps officers Captains Annemarie and Philip Cole believe these premises offer a safe, practical environment for the community, while also being a place where worship and fellowship can be strengthened. – P. C.

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NEWS

Govan Songsters give God the glory BOSCOMBE GOVAN Songsters presented a vibrant programme of music during a weekend visit. On Saturday, their enthusiasm and energy were evident from the opening songs, ‘The Spirit Of The Lord In Me’ and ‘The Reason We Sing’, which were interspersed with prayer.

‘Count Your Blessings’ followed a vocal solo by Major Tracy Bearcroft (Govan), after which the timbrelists performed to ‘Scottish Melodies’ and the songsters presented the tongue-tying ‘Just Like John’.

Boscombe Band played ‘Music Maker’ and Moira Wilson featured in the songsters’ rendition of ‘In A Moment’.

The final part of the

programme included ‘He Had To Hold To Calvary’ and ‘The Power Of The Cross’, with solos by Audrey and Matt Ramsay. ‘From The First Hallelujah To The Last Amen’ was a fitting finale.

Sunday morning’s theme was The Power Of A Song and Commissioner Keith Banks

spoke about Paul and Silas singing in prison in Acts 16 and the jailer’s subsequent conversion.

Govan Songsters sang ‘Somebody Prayed For Me’ and Boscombe Singing Company also participated.

A short programme on Sunday afternoon included ‘Bound For

Peterborough Citadel Band shares musical ministry SCARBOROUGH

Clowne Salvation Army Boys Adventure Corps joins the band and other corps members for a Remembrance Sunday service

PETERBOROUGH Citadel Band opened an evening festival with ‘Washington 125’. Soloist Nathan Bright (horn) brought ‘Don’t Doubt Him Now’ before the congregation joined in singing ‘Who Is On The Lord’s Side?’.

Guest soloist Songster Leader Sue Blyth (Peterborough Citadel) sang ‘Now I Belong To Jesus’ and ‘I Am Safe In Your Arms’.

In lighter moments, Martin Blessett’s solo ‘Bare Necessities’

Shoeburyness parent-and-toddler group and Sunday school enjoy a firework party; more than 50 people attended

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Salvationist 23 November 2019

The Promised Land’ by Govan Songsters and a medley from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Boscombe YP Band. The united songsters brought the weekend to a close with ‘To God Be The Glory’, which summed up the feelings of everyone involved. – R. C. brought laughter as he dressed to suit the part.

Major Gary Chaundy (Peterborough Citadel) led Sunday morning worship, basing his thoughts around the hope of Christ and the glory of God. In the afternoon, a relaxed programme included contributions from Scarborough Songsters, and Martyn Hobbs’s Bible thought reminded everyone of the importance of encouragement.

During the meeting Music Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ) recognised Songster Leader Howard Moxon’s 45 years of service; he has also served as singing company leader and bandmaster. – J. M.

PREVIEW

WRITERS STILL WANTED Inspired by In Darkest England? Rebecca Goldsmith invites you to contribute to a major publication for 2020 Deep within the human soul...

I was born in 1967...

‘It’s like a different lifetime,’ said my friend...

I didn’t know there was a day and a night...

T

HE lines above, as varied as they are, have one thing in common: they are all taken from submissions to the In Darkest England Writers’ Initiative.

Regular readers of Salvationist may recall an article that featured in March launching our appeal for writings dedicated to the spirit and vision of William Booth’s In Darkest England And The Way Out. Since that initial call for submissions we have received a number of entries, including poetry, testimonies, short stories and reflections. But there is still time and we would love to hear from you.

The In Darkest England Writers’ Initiative is focused on the most popular work of William Booth. Published in 1890, In Darkest England And The Way Out was the blueprint of his vision for social action.

It proposed to combat the plight of the destitute by housing the homeless, training the unemployed and providing people with a means to have a livelihood free from poverty.

The publication outlined his plan for three self-sustaining communities: the City Colony, the Farm Colony and the Colony Over Sea, which would act as ‘harbours of refuge for all and any who have been shipwrecked in life’.

William Booth went on to define his practical ideas for housing women, children and out-of-work men, assisting released prisoners and sheltering alcoholics. Nearly 130 years on, much of the Army’s current social work has its roots in the Darkest England scheme. If you would like to read In Darkest England And The Way Out for yourself, a free ebook can be downloaded from gutenberg.org/ebooks/475.

We are encouraging new and experienced writers to compose and submit a piece inspired by In Darkest England And The Way Out.

Do you have a remarkable story, a theological lesson or a moment of personal or corporate inspiration to share?

Please send it to us for inclusion in our anthology.

There are no limits to the genre of writing that can be submitted. We only ask that the work is no longer than 3,000 words and that no quoted material under copyright is included (published poetry, for example).

Material may be cited from The Song Book Of The Salvation Army or other works published by The Salvation Army, provided they are clearly referenced.

Unless it is your own story that you are happy to tell, please anonymise any testimonies or true-to-life stories.

Submissions cannot be returned to you, so

please ensure that you have copies of any submitted material before sending.

We look forward to hearing from you and hope that this initiative will be the inspiration you need to put your ideas on paper. Happy writing!

O Submissions can be emailed to rebecca. goldsmith@salvationarmy.org.uk or posted to Publishing Department, Territorial Headquarters, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN O Please include your name, address and email address or telephone number O The deadline for submissions is World Book Day – 5 March 2020

REBECCA IS BOOK EDITOR, THQ Salvationist 23 November 2019

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FEATURE Bert Hazelwood

Beating the drum for Jesus On the drums with the Kenny Scott Trio

Bert Hazelwood, one of the oldest drummers in the territory, shares his life story with Melita Day-Lewis

P

ERSEVERANCE – a mixture of staying power, endurance, dedication, commitment and faithfulness – is a quality that is encouraged and honoured in Scripture.

Salvationist Bert Hazelwood has it in abundance. He has been playing the drums at Lowestoft South for more than 90 years.

Having lived in Lowestoft most of his life, he linked up with the corps when he was five years old. His sister, who was involved with the Life Saving Guards (later Guides), invited him to a meeting.

‘I wasn’t really interested at first, but I thoroughly enjoyed it when I went,’ Bert enthuses.

Part of the attraction was the band.

Bert didn’t know anything about music, but when the band started up he was fascinated and was irresistibly drawn to the drums. ‘The bandmaster asked if I would like to learn to play the drums.

“Cor,” I said, “Yes, please!” And from then on I played in the band. I didn’t 10

Salvationist 23 November 2019

want to know anything about other instruments – I was dead keen on drums! I’m now 95 and still playing them!’

Bert – who is one of the oldest drummers still regularly playing in the territory – not only plays the bass drum every Sunday at meetings, but also plays a full drum kit every Thursday, accompanying a pianist, to entertain folk at the luncheon club. He even arrives early to help set up, laying the tables and putting out the crockery.

Bert keeps his drumming skills sharp by practising at home, playing along to jazz CDs on his own kit. Drumming isn’t his only passion, however.

‘I have always loved model railways,’ he explains. ‘I now have what I’ve wanted since coming out of the armed forces: a Hornby train set. It’s my pride and joy!’

With more than nine decades under his belt, Bert has a wealth of stories to

tell. When he was a schoolboy he worked part-time giving children rides on donkeys. ‘There were 20 donkeys,’ he recounts. ‘“Jokey” Jones was the owner. We used to go from Claremont Pier to Carlton Road and then turn around and come back – for just a sixpence!’

In the 1930s boys could leave school at the age of 14 and start work. Bert was 15 when the Second World War began. He worked in the Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, putting cordite in bullets at the filling factory until he was called up.

One day he came home for his dinner and a letter was waiting for him. Bert recalls: ‘I thought, “Who the heck has

Bert (back right) playing with an early orchestra

Bert in the armed forces during the Second World War

written to me?” I opened up the letter and it said that I had to report at 8.40 am to Lowestoft station the next day!’

He remembers his first drill: ‘They took us on parade and we had yard brushes, not rifles. I thought to myself, “This is a right old do. We ain’t got guns!” It was a bit like Dad’s Army,’ he laughs.

Bert was placed in the catering corps, which he really enjoyed, and served in Scunthorpe, Manchester, Carlisle and York. With his natural musicianship and love of drumming, he also played in the military orchestra.

One of his best gigs was with the armed forces near the end of the war: ‘We were playing in Carlisle at a big dance for officers. I was in my glory!

That really was a wonderful occasion!’

Another special memory was hearing Glenn Miller and his band play at the armed forces canteen in London.

After the war, the first thing Bert did

was to look in the papers to see if a drummer was wanted for a dance band: ‘I applied and auditioned for one band and they were so pleased with me they said, “You’ve got the job!”’

The band was the Kenny Scott Trio, comprising piano, saxophone and drums.

‘We played all over Lowestoft – at dances, birthdays, anniversary celebrations – and in all the holiday camps,’ says Bert.

In the 1930s and 1940s big band music and ballroom dancing were a vital form of entertainment on piers and at holiday camps. However, when small ‘home’ organs came on the market, entertainment managers laid off many dance orchestras and jazz bands.

‘As soon as the organs came in, we lost the holiday camp gigs,’ Bert explains. ‘They only had to pay one person, instead of a number of musicians in a band. We had to find private gigs instead.’

Bert has persevered through many such challenges and difficulties over the years. He worked for British Railways laying tracks and points until the infamous Beeching cuts, when the chairman, Richard Beeching, outlined plans to close more than 2,000 stations and cut 5,000 miles of railway line. The restructuring resulted in tens of thousands of redundancies, including Bert’s.

For a while he worked for Eastern Coach Works, a bus and train bodybuilder based in Lowestoft. After a takeover by British Leyland the company closed and Bert had to retire.

He lost his wife, Marjorie, to asbestos cancer after 61 years of marriage.

Bert and Marjorie on their wedding day

‘It was very hard, still is,’ says Bert.

‘Marrying Marjorie was the best thing I ever did. I met her in the army – we were cooks together in the officers’ mess. We had a wonderful partnership.’

Bert and Marjorie had four daughters.

They sadly lost a daughter to multiple sclerosis and their eldest daughter is living with the condition.

Bert has also been diagnosed with cancer.

‘I value being alive, but I’ve put my life in the Lord’s hands,’ he affirms. ‘I said to the surgeon: “I’ll pray to the Lord and if he wants me, he’ll take me, and if he doesn’t, he won’t.” And that’s what I’ve done. I have peace.’

James, the brother of Jesus, wrote in his letter to the Early Church: ‘We count as blessed those who have persevered’ (James 5:11). Through personal tragedy and difficulties, Bert has never doubted God’s love or goodness.

‘Jesus has certainly looked after me, in more ways than one,’ he declares. ‘I always keep in mind the wonderful things he does for me.’

He also testifies to The Salvation Army’s support: ‘The Army has been wonderful. I don’t know how to repay them. I so appreciate what they do – they don’t know how much! I love the people and the officers. I sincerely thank them.’

Bert’s commitment and faithfulness brings to mind a quote by novelist and historian Thomas Carlyle: ‘Permanence, perseverance and persistence in spite of all obstacles, discouragements and impossibilities: it is this that, in all things, distinguishes the strong soul from the weak.’

Salvationist 23 November 2019

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FEATURE Territorial envoys

Territorial envoys make their mark MATTHEW BRAKE Brixham I HAVE been a TE since March this year, having previously been a secondary schoolteacher.

During the application process I learnt so much about the peace God gives us when we obey him.

It’s a joy and a privilege to lead Brixham and to share the hope we have in Christ with others, whether during Sunday worship, the weekly programme or through summer open-air meetings.

We have been blessed by seeing the Holy Spirit at work.

In our recent Harvest meeting we explored Leviticus 23:22, which speaks of providing for the poor and the foreigner by leaving the edges of the field for them. This passage sums up my passion as a church leader: to care for those in our communities who need our support.

During the past seven months my own daily devotions have become more important to me than ever, as a chance to reflect, listen to God and continue studying the Bible.

I’m blessed to have the support and advice of many people within the Devon and Cornwall Division, as well as members of our corps. I look forward to what God has in store for us in the future.

KIM WHYARD Cirencester I HAVE always known that you do not have to work full-time in the Church to be an effective witness and a true disciple. During my secular working life I have been blessed to 12

Salvationist 23 November 2019

serve through many different roles in corps, including corps cadet guardian – probably my favourite – band sergeant and corps mission secretary.

But as my business skills developed, I increasingly wanted to use them directly to build God’s Kingdom rather than to create profits for a company.

One day, while out picking blackberries, God clearly spoke to me, indicating that he had hand-picked me for a particular task. But what was it? I completed a spiritual gifts questionnaire in the hope that it would give me some answers, but I still couldn’t see where God was leading me. He gave me an image of a ‘Kim-shaped’ hole, which I took with me to Design for Life. There, I received confirmation that the hole I needed to fill was that of a TE. I won’t pretend it’s been an easy journey but I do know that I am in the right place and that God is already blessing me abundantly in my appointment.

MARK SIMPSON Murton I WAS introduced to the Army when I was 12 years old when the envoy and corps sergeant-major from Murton came to my grandmother’s house. I gave out envelopes for the annual appeal and was invited to the corps. I attended and instantly experienced the love of Jesus.

I quickly became involved and sensed the call to proclaim the gospel.

I often think of Jesus using the boy in John 6:9 with five barley loaves and two fish.

It was a privilege to serve with Divisional Envoy Iris Jones OF for a

Pictures: ANDREW KING PHOTOGRAPHY

Eight territorial envoys share their stories as they begin their service as corps leaders

‘

I won’t pretend it’s been an easy journey but I do know that I am in the right place and that God is already blessing me abundantly in my appointment

’

‘

God began changing my heart through a need to lead a children’s club at my corps

’

industry to enter full-time ministry. God began changing my heart through a need to lead a children’s club at my corps. He truly blessed this time, and that ministry became my priority.

While visiting my husband’s placement corps in 2015, I heard God speak through the words of the Territorial Commander, telling me to stop teaching and give 100 per cent to church ministry.

I have been privileged to start this work at Ramsgate. Following God’s plan is an amazing and joyful adventure, and it is so reassuring to know he is there before me, guiding me, carrying me sometimes and strengthening me with the power of his Holy Spirit.

number of years as the corps sergeantmajor. I was self-employed as a gardener for some years and, until 2015, I was employed by The Salvation Army with the aim of becoming a TE. In May this year I went for a walk, intentionally to hear from the Lord. I met a man who shared his life story and I just knew it was affirming my availability.

I often testify with the song ‘Lord, I Would Be Available To Serve Where There Is Need’ (SASB 603).

Looking back at my assessment conference, it was helpful to share my story of God’s hand on my life, making me the person he wants me to be – and he is still at work! It’s a story I want to share wherever I go.

HEATHER WHITEWOOD Ramsgate GOD richly blessed my life with Christian parents, a Christian husband, three wonderful children and financial stability – so worshipping him was easy.

However, the tragic deaths of my mother and brother caused me to enter a bleak period and question my faith.

Keeping God at a distance, I threw myself into teaching but continued to attend church.

In 2013 God called my husband to leave his wonderful job in the chocolate

KAREN HOOK Sanctuary 21 (Durham) and Crook IT was at the age of nine that I felt God’s prompting and call to be a Salvation Army officer. In the years that followed this calling became more real and I knew in my heart this was the path my life would follow. This calling was fulfilled in May 1989 when I was commissioned as part of the Ambassadors for Christ Session.

However, circumstances led me down a different path, and for the past 17 years I have taught literacy in a comprehensive school. But during these years the Holy Spirit has been at work in my life, challenging me about that initial calling. In 2018 I once again said ‘yes’ to God as I responded, along with my husband, Darryn, to be a TE. This decision was in response to a real passion and conviction God laid on my heart to engage and minister to the vulnerable, broken and lost of society. I thank God for the missional opportunities I have now been given to share the gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed at Sanctuary 21 and Crook.

Continued on page 14 Salvationist 23 November 2019

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FEATURE Territorial envoys

Continued from page 13 DARRYN HOOK Sanctuary 21 (Durham) and Crook IT was at Commissioning six years ago that I felt God’s fresh calling on my life. Soon after this God unexpectedly guided me from working in statutory youth work into an employment role for The Salvation Army at Sanctuary 21. In this role I had the privilege to work on the front line of ministry, with many marginalised people who were lost and broken. I contented myself that this ministry was fulfilling the call of God on my life. However, when my wife, Karen, told me in 2018 she also sensed God’s fresh calling on her life, we felt a strong conviction that God was leading us back into ministry we had previously shared as officers. Our response to this call led us to apply to be territorial envoys.

I have a real heart for mission and want to serve the purposes of God in this generation. I give thanks to God for his guidance and work of grace in my life, and the wonderful opportunity Karen and I have to serve him as territorial envoys just where he has placed us.

ESTER NELSON Upper Norwood with West Norwood I COME from a long line of temperamental Vikings. And I’ve always been a rebel – now I’m a rebel for Jesus!

I’ve never been much of a follower, but have always been happy to lead a team. Speaking on behalf of the marginalised, underprivileged, oppressed or abused has always had my heart and has been a big part of my life over the past two decades.

While I don’t come from a Salvationist background, I’ve known about the Army my entire life – although I thought it was simply a charity, like the Red Cross. I soon learnt how wrong I was.

It was around 4 am, during a Whole World Praying event, that I was called.

Soldiership was fine with me, but 14

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‘

God reminded me who he created me to be, and that anything less would be dishonouring to us both

’

officership? I ran in the other direction and argued. But over the next few years, God reminded me who he created me to be, and that anything less would be dishonouring to us both.

Early in 2016 I stopped running. I promised him, finally and without reservation: ‘Whatever you ask, my answer is yes. No matter what.’

Exactly six months later, I stepped off an aeroplane onto British soil for the very first time.

PAM RIPPER Staveley with Worksop I WAS called for further service when I was 16 years old. I enjoyed service through the corps cadets, songsters and YP sections at Sheffield Citadel.

My husband and I were commissioned divisional envoys for the South Yorkshire Division and worked for God in the area. We transferred to Clowne and I was commissioned corps cadet guardian in 1991. During this period I was encouraged to lead Staveley Society and look for a building for this new group.

My calling was confirmed when I was asked to help lead at Staveley. I have worked here, with God leading, for 23 years. It has been a privilege to see the corps develop in that time.

God spoke to me through my divisional commander at a retreat and challenged me to think about becoming a TE. I thought I was too old and I didn’t know I could. But, with a supported journey, I am thrilled to say God has called me to be a TE and to serve him in Staveley and Worksop. I give him all the glory.

Want to know more?

Territorial Candidates Director Major Janet Robson answers some questions about being a territorial envoy What do territorial envoys do?

The day-to-day role of a territorial envoy serving as a corps leader is the same as that of a commissioned officer serving as a corps officer.

They receive an allowance on a similar basis to officers.

Who can become a territorial envoy?

Territorial envoyship offers a great opportunity to serve in spiritual leadership. It is open to any soldier within the age limits: the lower age limit for acceptance is 18 and the upper limit is 65.

What is the length of service?

Territorial envoys tend to ‘sign up’ for a minimum of three years, with some serving much longer than that. Many serve in their own division.

How do people become territorial envoys?

Applications are processed through the corps officer to DHQ, which then liaises with the Candidates Unit to support the application process.

Anyone entering into service as a territorial envoy receives on-the-job training and support from William Booth College.

FEATURE I Values

Passion

Loving with a passion In the final part of our series on the values that shape the work of The Salvation Army in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Major Steve Smith looks at Passion

‘P

ASSION’ is a word that can be used in all kinds of contexts, but is it a word that people commonly associate with The Salvation Army or the wider Christian Church?

Passion elicits a sense of excitement, enthusiasm or another strong emotion that results in action being taken.

William Booth was genuinely passionate about addressing the plight of the poor and those living without a relationship with Jesus. Salvation Army history records him challenging his son, Bramwell, as to whether he was aware that people experiencing homelessness slept on the bridges of London. When Bramwell revealed that he was, the response from his father was a call to action: ‘Go and do something!’

In that moment, the DNA for the Army’s passion about unconditionally demonstrating God’s love to everyone was established.

Being passionate does not mean that we are always moved to do the right thing. When Peter saw that Jesus was going to be arrested, his response was to draw his sword and cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant (see John 18:10). Fortunately, Jesus was on hand to make good the damage.

I do wonder, however, if it might be better for Jesus’ followers to have a little more enthusiasm for doing something, rather than stand by in the face of injustice. Passion and passivity cannot coexist; passion produces action.

As followers of Jesus, we are unlikely to be passionate about demonstrating God’s love to others if we are not living in awe and wonder of his love for us. It must be the love of Christ that compels us (see 2 Corinthians 5:14). The events surrounding the suffering and death of Jesus on the cross were the ultimate demonstration of his love for us. Even those very events are known as the Passion, a reference to the Latin root of the word, which means to endure and suffer. Do we sometimes lack passion because we are not willing to pay the price of demonstrating love to those whom we feel don’t deserve it?

Unconditionally and passionately demonstrating God’s love is costly and often a bit messy. We must fix our eyes on Jesus, remember his passion for us and never lose heart when we face opposition (see Hebrews 12:1 and 2).

Or, in the words of John Gowans, we must be willing to say: ‘I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost;/ I’m called to live to love and save the lost’ (SASB 649).

A number of years ago I became good friends with someone who was passionate about fitness and running. At the time there was little in life that interested me less. However, my friend was so enthusiastic about running that he eventually convinced me to start the Couch to 5K running programme. Before too long that passion rubbed off on me and I found myself running regularly, and reaping the benefits. The thought was planted, the first step was taken and passion grew.

What do you fill your mind with? What do you read? What do you watch? Who is your inspiration? We are likely to be most passionate about the things we allow our minds to dwell on. If we do not intentionally fill our minds with things that result in passion for matters of enduring importance, we can become passionate only when these matters are highlighted by current events. We can be passionate about climate change only if Greta Thunberg or Extinction Rebellion are in the news, about rugby only during the World Cup or about politics only in the weeks approaching a general election. Many people are passionate today but passive tomorrow.

So how does The Salvation Army become increasingly passionate about demonstrating God’s love to everyone?

The first step is remembering that The Salvation Army is not ‘them’ or ‘that’ or ‘it’; The Salvation Army is us. Let us pray that passion will truly become an irrefutable value, embedded deeply in our attitudes and driving our actions. In the words of songwriter Josh Gauton: ‘Stir a passion in my heart, God, let it overflow.’

Feeling passionate? Don’t hold back or pull away – step out and step up. Go and do something!

The six values statements are available at salvationarmy.org.uk/ our-mission-vision-and-values

O

MAJOR SMITH IS A DIVISIONAL MISSION ENABLER, SEVERN AND SOMERSET DIVISION Salvationist 23 November 2019

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INTERVIEW

Putting a twist in the War Cry Editor Major Andrew Stone tells Peter Younghusband about his debut novel Son Of The Father WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO WRITE A NOVEL? I’ve heard some people say that there is a book inside everybody and I had often wondered if that was true for me. As War Cry Editor I have the opportunity to write every week, which is fantastic, but I was curious to see how different it would be to write a 90,000-word novel compared to a 350-word editorial.

WHAT IS SON OF THE FATHER ABOUT? It’s about Barabbas, the man who was released from prison instead of Jesus in the hours leading up to the Crucifixion.

The story imagines Barabbas’s life prior to that point and the immediate impact his release had on him. It is definitely not a historical record of Barabbas.

Other than the mentions in the Gospels, there are no other facts known about him. However, there are legends and I kept some of those in mind.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE IT? My inspiration came from a service one Holy Week when Barabbas’s release was briefly mentioned in the way it often is in those services. My mind was drawn to wonder who he was, what had led him to a point in his life where he was awaiting execution and how he reacted to his release.

At that point, I wasn’t contemplating writing a book about it but, as those small seeds took root in my mind, I found a story developing. Given my curiosity about whether I could actually write a novel, it seemed an obvious starting point for a book.

SOME PEOPLE VIEW BARABBAS IN A NEGATIVE LIGHT BASED ON HIS CRIMINAL PAST. OTHERS SEE HIM AS A MISUNDERSTOOD MAN, PERHAPS A PRODUCT OF HIS SOCIETY AND UPBRINGING. WHAT VIEW HAVE YOU TAKEN? My experience of people who have got caught up in criminality is that they are 16

Salvationist 23 November 2019

often a mixture of all the views that you’ve mentioned. But just because someone has done something wrong and ended up in the justice system does not necessarily mean they are a ‘wrong’ person.

Within Son Of The Father Barabbas has a mixture of all these factors contributing to him ending up in prison.

But readers will also see another factor in his personality throughout his story: he knows he has made bad decisions and that those decisions have impacted him and others. He wants to atone for those actions. His biggest problem is that he doesn’t always know the best way to do that.

SO DID YOU COME TO LIKE BARABBAS IN THE PROCESS OF WRITING THE STORY? Most of Son Of The Father is told directly from Barabbas’s point of view.

We get inside his head and find out how

he’s thinking and feeling about things.

He is very much an antihero. He committed crimes bad enough to warrant being executed so it’s not always easy to like him. However, as his story unfolds, we come to understand him and the external factors that made him the person he is. With that knowledge and understanding, I think we warm to him and find ourselves cheering him on by the end.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE TITLE SON OF THE FATHER? There are two reasons for choosing this title.

The first is that there is a commonly held view that, in Aramaic, Barabbas means ‘son of the father’ and so, in a way, the book is called ‘Barabbas’.

The other reason is that one of the themes of the story centres on Barabbas and his relationship and interaction with his father.

tale THE LIVES OF BARABBAS AND JESUS INTERTWINE IN THE NOVEL AND WEAVE TOGETHER THEMES OF LOVE AND SACRIFICE. CAN YOU EXPAND ON THIS? One thing we can sometimes forget when we’re reading the Gospels is that the towns, villages and even cities were relatively small compared to many towns and cities today. Part of the premise of the novel is that Jesus and his followers would have been members of fairly small communities. Therefore, there are people Barabbas knows who also know Jesus. This means that there are a number of characters in Son Of The Father who, like Barabbas, only feature in a couple of verses in the New Testament, but we get to know a little bit better via my imagination. By doing this I’ve been able to weave into the story biblical themes and an account of some of Jesus’ ministry through the eyes of Barabbas, who is not a part of Jesus’ group of followers and is certainly not a believer. The story also shows the impact Jesus’ followers can have on those close to them who do not believe themselves.

WHAT BIBLICAL MESSAGE OR THEMES HAVE YOU INCLUDED? The one central truth that I hope anyone reading the book will discover is that, regardless of what a person may have done, how many mistakes they may have made or how many times they have tried to put things right, they can always be saved from their situation, and if necessary themselves, by Jesus.

No one is beyond his redeeming grace.

SOME AUTHORS FIND DEPICTING JESUS IN THEIR NOVELS A DAUNTING TASK. HOW DID YOU APPROACH IT? When I read about Jesus’ ministry on Earth I see that he was a person who attracted people to him, was able to hold the attention of individuals and huge crowds and he cared about people

some things back to allow the story to develop as it’s being read.

DID YOU PLOT THE STORY OUT BEFORE YOU STARTED WRITING OR DID YOU WRITE AS IT CAME TO YOU? I knew my start and end point and I knew the other characters who would make up Barabbas’s life and their connection, or lack of connection, to Jesus. However, the journey took some unexpected twists as I was writing.

There was even one time when a twist came in the story that took me so much by surprise that I had to go back through the previous chapters and rewrite parts so that it worked!

‘

I wondered who Barabbas was, what led to him awaiting execution and how he reacted to his release

’

regardless of who they were. In Son Of The Father there aren’t huge chapters where Jesus is the main character, but when he is in a scene I have tried to depict him as the type of person I would want to spend time with.

WHAT KIND OF REACTION ARE YOU HOPING FOR? I hope people will enjoy reading Son Of The Father and that they will be intrigued by the way some familiar Gospel stories are threaded through the book. I also hope, regardless of how well they know these stories, that they will be surprised by some of the twists that the story takes. Knowing the Bible stories may make the twists even more surprising!

I hope, too, that Christians who read this book will appreciate what I’m trying to do and see that the story has been constructed and written in a way that will encourage them to recommend it to their non-Christian friends.

Son Of The Father is available from SP&S priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing) and as an ebook from amazon.co.uk

O

WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF WRITING THE NOVEL? Finding the time to do it! With work, family, friends and other interests, carving out time – and some peace and quiet – was a challenge. The other discipline I had to learn in my writing was not to reveal everything too quickly. As a journalist, writing is normally all about giving as much information as quickly as you can in a limited number of words. In a novel, you have to remember to hold

Peter’s full interview with Andrew can be read at perspectivebypeter.com

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PETER IS A CHRISTIAN REVIEWER, INTERVIEWER AND BLOGGER Salvationist 23 November 2019

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BIBLE STUDY

Kingdom of equality Captain Mark Read invites us to consider our approach to others STUDY PASSAGE: ACTS 16:11–34

S

OME television comedies are timeless – shows that, even though they are more than 30 or 40 years old, are still well worth a watch.

Sadly, you can also come across some old programmes that display troublingly blatant racism, sexism, homophobia and other prejudices.

An ancient Israelite prayer may be a surprising place to find what might be considered similarly blatant prejudice.

However, a Jewish scripture (Tosefta Berakhot 6:23) contains a prayer of three blessings for an Israelite man thanking God for not making him a woman, a slave or a Gentile. Possibly in response to this, Acts 16 includes three brilliant episodes to demonstrate the equality within the Early Church.

Paul and Silas meet a new church in Philippi that seems to be predominantly made up of women. While not

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

by Major Freda Benneyworth

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uncommon to us, remember that Paul was a Pharisee who may have prayed the words of that prayer, and Lydia, whom they met in Philippi, was a Gentile woman.

What prompts Paul’s new attitude of equality? Paul would not have understood his experience on the road to Damascus as a conversion to a new religion as we often impose. Instead, it was a revelation of Jesus as Lord that prompted a dramatic transformation in Paul’s way of being. This transformation was demonstrated in many ways, but here it is evident in the respect he shows to Lydia. Their discussion of Scripture is not just pleasantries or chit-chat. This was the pattern of Jewish teaching: Scripture, interpretation and dialogue. As anyone leading a Bible study will know, genuine dialogue requires equality. Any sense of hierarchy can prevent real, searching discussion.

QUESTIONS O How should we treat those we talk with?

O If we assume the position of expert when talking about faith and Scripture, how might that affect discussions?

O How do we show that we value the significance of someone else’s experience?

Lydia is intelligent, respectable, wealthy and devout. Without lessening the significance of her inclusion within the Early Church, there is a contrast to be made with Paul and Silas’s following encounter: a female slave who is manically harassing them. Economically, socially and spiritually, she is in contrast to Lydia.

Paul meets Lydia with a rational, polite discourse; he meets this slave with a short, sharp exchange. We must not, however, confuse this with Paul simply shouting at her. He is liberating

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

In Christ there is no east or west,/ In him no south or north,/ But one great fellowship of love/ Throughout the whole wide Earth.

(SASB 1006)

For God does not show favouritism.

(Romans 2:11)

For the healing of the nations,/ Lord, we pray with one accord,/ For a just and equal sharing/ Of the things that Earth affords./ To a life of love in action/ Help us rise and pledge our word.

(SASB 1000)

Salvationist 23 November 2019

Prayer In a world of stark inequality, help me to hold on to the truth that we are created as equals in your likeness and that you have no favourites. Your love, grace and forgiveness are available to all.

May equality be my daily watchword in my relationships with others.

her; no longer will she be exploited by her owners.

When the Church engages in this type of radical inclusion – that raises others from being means of economic production – it leads to opposition from those who were collecting the profits.

When addicts reach sobriety, their dealers are unhappy. When those accommodated in inadequate housing are rehomed, their landlords are angry.

When those struggling beneath debt find a way out, the short-term loan companies or their loan sharks are incensed.

Practising and creating equality is not just being polite to others; it can be a powerful act of justice. In fact, Paul and Silas go to prison because of this encounter for ‘throwing our city into an uproar’ (v20).

QUESTIONS O Recall the people you have met this

week. Did you see them as equals?

Why or why not?

O How can we meet those who are oppressed in some way with hope and a means of liberation?

Our study passage leads us swiftly to a Roman jailer who completes our triptych of a woman, a slave and a Gentile. He is not seeking a deeper understanding of faith like Lydia. He is not trapped in exploitative oppression or in need of liberation like the woman. He is indifferent, perhaps a retired Roman soldier turned civil servant; jailing Paul and Silas is just his work. He is someone from the heart of Roman culture and needs to see the gospel lived out tangibly for it to have any impact. And so he does. Paul, Silas and the other prisoners, compelled by the prayer and worship, remain in their cells.

Acting counter-intuitively they demonstrate the grace of the gospel.

QUESTION How do we engage with those who are indifferent to us?

O

Our study passage ends in antithesis to where we began with the Jewish blessings: with three pictures, not only of inclusion and equality, but also of a faith that is willing to respond appropriately and courageously to those previously treated as ‘others’. A faith that challenges the patriarchy and sexism that devalued women, a faith that upsets the city by participating in liberation and a faith that disrupts the ordinary by living out the topsy-turvy Kingdom on Earth.

We must ask ourselves: do we have such a faith?

CAPTAIN READ IS CORPS OFFICER, NORTH DEVON CORPS

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptised into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

(Galatians 3:26–28)

In our prayers we must remember/ That our family is worldwide,/ For all people are your children/ And the ones for whom you died./ So no selfish prayer we offer/ But to you we gladly bring/ All who live here on this planet;/ May we serve you as our King.

(SASB 743)

This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

(Romans 3:22–24)

They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,/ And sit down in the Kingdom of God;/ Out of great tribulation to triumph and rest/ They’ll sit down in the Kingdom of God./ From every tribe and every race,/ All men as brothers shall embrace;/ They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west,/ And sit down in the Kingdom of God. (SASB 1011)

Salvationist 23 November 2019

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE MARRIAGE O Karl Westwood to Lauren Elliott at Bromley Temple by Captain Jo Moir WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Maurice and Ruth Hawker, Exeter Temple (5 December) Golden O CSM Russell and Mary Chalmers, Parkhead (4 December) DEDICATED TO GOD O Evelyn Alice, daughter of Joel and Joanna Thomas, at Cheltenham Citadel by Majors Mel and Steve Smith O Joshua James, son of Carl and Christina Gunn, at Cheltenham Citadel by Majors Mel and Steve Smith O Joshua Luke Philip, son of Richard and Naomi Deacon, at Bromley Temple by Major Mervin Baker O Lucy, daughter of Andrew and Amy Yates, at Bromley Temple by Major Alison Hudson

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major William Tomkinson (85 on 1 December) O Lieut-Colonel Moragh Rowlanes (80 on 7 December) BEREAVED O Major Terry Andrews, of his wife Major Gillian Andrews O Songster Sandra McGowan, Exeter Temple, of her husband Songster Mac McGowan O Mary Lewis, Weston-super-Mare, of her husband Roy, Major Deborah Nield, Bury St Edmunds and Lavenham, Hazel Cooke and David Lewis of their father O Captain Alison Friday, Bristol Citadel, of her mother Doreen Buckley PROMOTED TO GLORY O Major Gillian Andrews from Felixstowe Hospital on 28 October O B/Reservist John Aitchison, Sale O Margaret Walsh, Kirkcaldy O Roger Barnett, Sleaford O Denis Fothergill, Sale

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Nairobi (Africa Zonal Conference), Sat 16 Nov – Sun 24 O Nairobi (Africa Zonal Women’s Ministries Conference), Sat 23 – Wed 27* O USA National (Red Kettle Kick-off), Mon 25 – Sat 30** O New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory (commissioning, retirement of Commissioners Andrew and Yvonne Westrupp), Wed 4 Dec – Mon 9 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Kenya East Territory (commissioning), Th 5 Dec – Tu 10 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Gloucester (140th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 24 Nov O Territorial Appointments Conference, Sat 30 O Royal Albert Hall (Territorial Carol Concert), Wed 4 Dec O Westminster (national church leaders’ breakfast), Th 5 O Carlisle, Sun 8 O William Booth College (spiritual day with cadets), Wed 11 O Reading Central (Reading area retired officers fellowship), Th 12 O League of British Muslims UK (annual celebration), Th 12*** O Royal Courts of Justice (carol service), Wed 18 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Kettering Citadel (ISB weekend), Sat Sun 24 Nov O Anglia retired officers Christmas fellowship meeting, Fri 29 O Territorial Appointments Conference, Sat 30 O Royal Albert Hall (Territorial Carol Concert), Wed 4 Dec INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Kettering Citadel, Sat Sun 24 Nov O Royal Albert Hall (Territorial Carol Concert), Wed 4 Dec INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Royal Albert Hall (Territorial Carol Concert), Wed 4 Dec *World President of Women’s Ministries only **The General only ***TC only

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Salvationist 23 November 2019

TRIBUTES PHYLLIS MILLS, SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD BORN in 1926 to Salvationist parents at South Hylton, Phyllis, together with her two sisters, was taught the stories of Jesus. When the corps closed the family transferred to Sunderland Millfield, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

During the Second World War Phyllis and her elder sister went to work for the Red Shield Defence Services in Perth. This led to a wartime romance for Phyllis when she met Tommy, a regular soldier, whom she married in 1946.

Life for Phyllis changed in the light of Tommy’s overseas postings to Paris, Nairobi and Kenya, where they made Salvationist friends, particularly in Kenya.

Notwithstanding ill health, Phyllis continued to ensure that worship remained a priority until she was promoted to Glory – a fitting tribute to a mother, grandmother and lifelong Salvationist. – E. F. NORMAN HULL, BARROW-INFURNESS NORMAN was born in Belfast in 1934.

His work as an electrician took him to Lancashire, where he met his wife, Sylvia. The couple were married in 1959 and were blessed with two sons, Ian and Alistair.

Norman found Jesus while attending a Salvation Army meeting at Nelson.

The experience profoundly changed his life and he started an ongoing transformation that allowed him to share his faith easily with those he met.

Moving to Barrow in 1976 for his work, the family linked up with the corps and Norman became welcome sergeant and helped in the youth club.

Norman was a gifted communicator and used his gift for humour to help make people feel welcome, wanted and at home. He intentionally spent time in the corps café and lunch club just to be with people. Servant of God, well done. – M. D.

NEW COMMITMENTS

LURGAN: Adam Cree was enrolled as a soldier by Lieut-Colonel Roland Sewell. – G. W.

DEREHAM: Corps officer Major Diana Bennetts enrolled Pat Catchpole as a soldier. Pat and her husband, Roger, have attended the corps for 14 years. Pat gave thanks to the fellowship for their wonderful support in the past few years. She said she has known that God has been beside her and that this was the right time to make a deeper commitment. – D. B.

THORNABY: Julie Fallis has attended the corps for a number of years and became an adherent member four years ago. Earlier this year she decided to take the next step on her Christian journey, and was enrolled as a soldier by associate leader Territorial Envoy Norma Phillips. Pictured with them are CT David Helm and Bandsman Melvyn Dickinson (holding the flag). – C. H.

EDINBURGH GORGIE: It was a day of celebration when corps officer Major Mark Gilden enrolled Isabelle, the youngest member of the Cook family, as a junior soldier. Pictured with Isabelle are her siblings Ava, Charlie and Owen, and YP Recruiting Sergeant Betty McLeman, who guided all four members of the family through preparation classes. – L. C. ABERDEEN CITADEL: Barney Crockett was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Lieutenant Helen Froud. Barney, who has returned to the Army, testified that God had called him back to faith, and thanked his family for their patience with his journey. – H. F.

facebook.com/salvationistonline @SalvationistUK Salvationist 23 November 2019

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Salvationist 23 November 2019

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