Salvationist 23 October 2021

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHURCH SHOULD PAY REPARATIONS FOR ROLE IN SLAVE TRADE, SAY THEOLOGIANS

ABSENT OVERSEAS VISITORS FORCE STAFF CUTS IN WESTMINSTER AND ST PAUL’S

BEAUTIFUL NEW ARTWORK OF 77 CROSSES UNVEILED AT GLASGOW CHURCH

Reduced working hours for staff and further redundancies have been announced at Westminster Abbey, as it continues to grapple with the fallout from the pandemic and the collapse in overseas visitor numbers.

The majority of the abbey’s staff have been asked to accept reduced working hours to cut the wage bill, but there is to be a further round of redundancies this autumn, on top of the 20 per cent cut in staff suffered last year...

Opening hours and worship will not be affected by the cut in staff hours, they said.

Although visitors have returned, the continued absence of overseas tourists in particular has affected heritage buildings in London, including the abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral. More than 90 per cent of the abbey’s income comes from its entrance fee, as does two thirds of <UIF JODPNF GPS 4U 1BVM’s>.

A striking new piece of public artwork has been unveiled at a Glasgow church.

One of the walls at St Rollox Church in Sighthill has been adorned with 77 crosses fashioned out of concrete.

Entitled ‘Assembly’, the piece was created by prize-winning sculptor Michael Visocchi and features 33 different styles of Christian cross – one representing each year of Jesus’ life before he was crucified.

Visocchi won the £45,000 commission after being selected by a jury chaired by the Rev Jane Howitt, the congregation’s minister...

Mr Visocchi said ... ‘The idea is that each cross represents the diversity of people who attend St Rollox Church.

‘It’s a metaphor for what goes on behind the walls, and the work’s title references the General Assembly of ministers and elders of the Church of Scotland.’

Church Times

Premier

The Church has a moral obligation to pay reparations for its involvement in the slave trade, a panel of Christian thinkers has said.

Professor Robert Beckford told a panel discussion hosted by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland that reparations were a necessary part of the Church’s repentance and restitution for the profits made off the back of slavery.

He said the Church had been ‘so slow to respond’ to the issue of racial injustice, despite it being known that churches and church leaders owned slaves and plantations, and received compensation from the British government when the slave trade was eventually abolished...

Beckford said that while there was a ‘lack of moral courage’ within Church leadership to address the issue, justice ‘must happen because our faith demands it’.

In closing, he said it would be a ‘powerful witness’ if the Church acknowledged its ‘original sin’ in failing to recognise the humanity of victims of the slave trade.

‘By atoning for that and reconciling for that, I don’t think there’s a more powerful witness,’ he said.

The discussion was held as part of Black History Month in the UK.

More than 400 international health organisations and professionals, representing two thirds of global healthcare workers, have signed an open letter calling on politicians to consider the health benefits of climate action ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow.

‘We know that climate change is impacting people’s health, this is increasingly visible around the world. We also know that many solutions to address climate change offer tremendous health co-benefits,’ said Dr Jeni Miller of Global Climate and Health Alliance, the organisation which drafted the letter...

The letter lists seven million premature deaths a year due to pollution and disturbance of global food systems by extreme weather as some of the health detriments caused by the climate crisis. It also argues that the costs of policies such as improving the cleanliness of air and water and creating more secure food supplies would be offset by savings in healthcare costs.

Christian Today

The Guardian

WORLD LEADERS URGED TO CONSIDER HEALTH BENEFITS OF CLIMATE ACTION

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2

Salvationist 23 October 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

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

CONTENTS

LASTING CHANGE TWELVE years ago I had the opportunity to go with a group of divisional leaders on the Journey programme. It involved travelling to another territory, getting to know the Army there, understanding the culture of the country and doing some practical work to support the mission. The group went to Malawi, which is one of the world's least developed countries. As well as visits to several corps and a stay at the training college in Blantyre – named after the birthplace of David Livingstone, the 19thcentury missionary who explored that part of Africa – we spent some time in Mchinji.

The town is famous because the singer Madonna adopted a child – ‘baby David’ – from its orphanage. Our reason for visiting was quite different! We spent some time with the children at the Army’s anti-trafficking project – a residential centre where boys and girls who had been rescued from traffickers took part in a three-month rehabilitation programme before returning to their homes. As well as playing games with the children, we helped the staff to harvest the maize growing on the centre’s land, repaired the mosquito nets covering the windows and decorated the dining area and classroom.

The important thing was that we weren’t there simply to do these things for the people, we worked alongside them. We supported them in the harvesting, and local officers from Mchinji Corps joined the team so that we decorated the rooms together.

That way of working is a small example of a significant principle in community development: any project or process of change needs to be done with people – not to them or just for them – if it is to make a worthwhile difference.

That principle is key to the work of Said UK (The Salvation Army International Development UK), which Hayley Still highlights in this week’s issue. Their projects focus on six areas of work – clean water, emergency response, food security, income generation, anti-trafficking and gender justice – and, as Hayley says, they ‘journey alongside communities and support them in overcoming these challenges’. We also hear from Martha in Malawi about how a water project has transformed her life and improved her prospects.

Robin Judd talks about a different kind of transformation in his testimony. He was ‘changed beyond recognition’ after attending a meeting at Yeovil Corps, getting saved and tackling his alcohol dependence. Another important principle of change was at work in his story: unconditional acceptance. He says that when he started attending the corps ‘people loved me and took me in, just as I was’. That kind of welcome and acceptance was the important first step for Robin, and it’s something we see mentioned most weeks on our ‘New commitments’ page. This week, for example, new soldiers and adherents mention the warm welcome they received at their corps – one saying, ‘It was soon clear that I was among friends,’ and another that she was able to ‘join in with everything or simply observe, without any pressure’.

Other ingredients of lasting change could be mentioned, such as belief, hope, patience, prayer and resolve – but coming alongside people and accepting them unconditionally are just as important. That was the approach of Jesus who, as the Pharisees observed, ‘welcomes sinners, and eats with them’ (Luke 15:2). If that was how Jesus related to others and encouraged lasting change in them, his followers should do no less.

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Quotes from the media

2 4 to 8

News Prayer matters

8

Reflection Great expectations, great love

9

by Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis

Testimony 10 and 11 Changed beyond recognition!

by Robin Judd with Melita Day-Lewis

Preview 12 and 13 A world without poverty and injustice

by Hayley Still

Reflection Knocking on Heaven’s door

14

by Nicola Walmsley

Viewpoint 15 By the grace of God, I shall be there!

by Brian Colley

Prayer poem Search for Truth

15

by Major Jim Bryden

Bible study Gentleness

16 and 17

by Captain Andrew Manley

Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist

by Major Melvyn Knott

Feature Living and giving

18 and 19

by Clare Falvey

New commitments

20

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Major Keith Burr

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

Salvationist 23 October 2021

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NEWS

ANNIVERSARY

General leads 125th anniversary celebrations SNETTISHAM THE celebration of 125 years of ministry in a community is a significant event, so when the corps began planning its 125th anniversary celebrations, the decision was made to aim high and invite the General. The corps members, under the leadership of Corps Sergeant-Major Alison Kirby, were delighted when he accepted and overjoyed when the celebrations took place under his leadership.

While in East Anglia to lead the anniversary, General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle also attended a Saturday evening divisional celebration.

The meeting, at the Apex in Bury St Edmunds, had been organised not just because of the General’s visit but also as an opportunity to meet as a divisional community and celebrate the creation of the new East of England Division, which covers Salvation Army work in the four counties of Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

The difficulties faced in the organisation of the event were recognised by Divisional Commander Major Howard Russell, who celebrated the show of unity that was evident in spite of Covid19, a fuel shortage and heavy rain.

Music was provided by a youth chorus and a band made up of musicians from across the division.

One of the highlights of the meeting was a section called ‘Questions for the General’ in which two young people, Jacob and Harriet, asked questions, which included: ‘What does a day in the life of the General look like?’ and ‘How do you think we can most effectively reach those people whom Jesus would have helped, especially those on the fringes of our society?’ The General’s answers were both sympathetic and informative.

Marianne Fowkes (Snettisham) and Cadet Hannah Stannard gave testimonies. Both spoke movingly of the work that God had done in their lives and through their respective callings.

In his Bible message, the

PRESENTATION

General picked up on the biblical theme for the celebration: ‘You will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings’ (Isaiah 58:12).

He reminded the congregation that people in their communities need someone to come alongside them and that they are called to be salt and light, representing Christ in the places they live and work. At the conclusion of the message, people moved forward to the mercy seat in sacred moments of prayer and rededication.

The next morning, the hall at Snettisham was filled with soldiers, adherents, friends and former officers of the corps. The meeting was a joyful occasion, with people renewing friendships

and taking the opportunity to greet the international leaders.

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle spoke about being able to count on God’s presence every day, testifying that she was equipped

by God for every task. In the General’s Bible message – based around Romans 5:1–11 – he spoke about the eternal hope found in Christ and the need for Salvationists to be battle-ready in their service to God. During the response time a soldier moved to the mercy seat in an act of rededication.

The weekend concluded with a buffet lunch at which the General spoke about the international work of The Salvation Army.

– MW

EVENT SOUTHEND Musicians from Hadleigh Temple, Leigh-on-Sea and Southend Citadel Bands joined in a service of remembrance and thanksgiving at Southend Pier for the work of HMS Leigh during the Second World War. The pier was commandeered by the Royal Navy from 1939 until 1945 as Shore Station HMS Leigh and tasked with commanding all shipping in and out of the Thames and Medway. The Rev Fr David Wylie, Royal Navy, led the service, supported by local volunteer organisations, and Bandmaster Marion Still (Hadleigh Temple) led the band. – JT

FUNDRAISING

Gordon Springate receives a certificate of appreciation on retirement after 60 years of service as corps sergeantmajor at Gillingham 4

Salvationist 23 October 2021

CARLISLE To raise funds for this year’s Helping-Hand Appeal, the Ladies Fellowship organised a sponsored walk around Talkin Tarn, a Cumbrian landmark. Each circuit of the lake is 1.3 miles and the original intention was to complete 75 circuits over the course of one Saturday. Helped by corps members and friends, 55 people undertook the walk and completed 136 circuits, totalling 176.8 miles and raising £3,157.50. – WJ

PRESENTATION

FUNDRAISING EVENT WOKING Janet and John Thurston organised a vintage afternoon tea, raising approximately £200 for the Big Collection. The event was a buzz of activity with locals and friends of corps members in attendance, some of whom had never been to The Salvation Army before. Other attendees included lunch club members, councillors and the local imam. – MH

COMMUNITY

DUNSTABLE Following a review of programmes, the corps decided to replace the over-60 club and home league with a new midweek activity for people over 55, called Oasis. After a valedictory tea on Saturday afternoon, corps officer Major Stephen Brevitt thanked the leaders in the Sunday meeting and presented them with flowers, a gift and a certificate of appreciation. Collectively, the over-60 club team, under the leadership of Mo Dunn, have completed 44 years’ service, and Home League Secretary Sue Thorne 12 years. Pictured are HLS Sue, Over-60 Club Treasurer Major Nadine Cleaves, Assistant Over-60 Club Secretary Betty Want and Over-60 Club Secretary Mo Dunn. – SB

NEWS IN BRIEF

ACAPULCO A powerful earthquake that struck the Pacific coast of Mexico caused damage to two Salvation Army buildings.

The 7.1 magnitude quake caused damage across the city. One person is known to have died after being struck by a falling post.

A corps hall and a Salvation Army children’s home suffered damage, although no injuries were reported. Alternative sleeping arrangements were made for the home’s residents. – AR SALE As a new term began the corps welcomed students back into the church family and greeted new students. Corps Student Advocate Georgia Jones links up and keeps in touch with those who connect to the corps and organises host families to provide Sunday lunch every week, as well as organising fellowship events. The students are pictured at Sale Water Park, where they enjoyed time together with corps members after sharing a Sunday picnic. – AM

COMMUNITY

MERTHYR TYDFIL The Good Companion Club resumed with more than 20 members attending. The first speaker, Ellie Whitfield, an adviser from Employment Plus, gave an insight into what the service is all about. Many club members are non-Salvationists and had lots of questions. After the meeting everyone enjoyed refreshments. – LB

HAROLD HILL Over the past few years the corps has worked with Long House Plants. This year the nursery business opened its garden – which has featured on the BBC’s Gardeners’ World – to raise money for The Salvation Army, totalling more than £1,500. The owners of Long House Plants, Tim and Jean, are pictured (left) alongside corps members who provided refreshments. – PG Salvationist 23 October 2021

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NEWS

PRESENTATION

PRESENTATION

DUNSTABLE Marion Noble stood down as singing company leader after her latest stint of six years in the role. Former member Freya Baldock thanked Marion for her leadership and pastoral support.

Songster Pianist Sue Hall (seated) has faithfully supported Marion, and corps officer Major Stephen Brevitt presented them both with flowers, a gift and a certificate of appreciation. – SB

MEETING

RUTHERGLEN During Harvest worship two of the young people, ‘Farmer Orr’ and ‘Farmer Wood’, led prayers of thanks for the planet and for all that it provides. Afterwards a lunch was attended by eight new people, five of whom are members of the lunch club.

– DM 6

Salvationist 23 October 2021

The Duchess of Northumberland presents the British Empire Medal to 100-year-old Berwick adherent Grace Friar in recognition of her services to the community over half a century; Grace continues to volunteer at the corps furniture project

EVENT

ENFIELD Harvest thanksgiving celebrations began on Saturday evening with a wellattended supper. The leaders for the weekend, Luke Furlong (Berwick) and Rachel Frost (Buckhaven), devised a quiz to challenge everyone in a wide range of subjects, including knowledge of The Salvation Army. On Sunday, Luke and Rachel confidently led worship with contributions from music sections. Everyone gave thanks for all the good gifts around them, including the produce to be distributed in Christmas parcels for those in need in the community. – MG

PRESENTATION

NELSON Major Carol Ainsworth finally retired from the corps after overseeing it since 2016 during her ‘retirement’ years. She was thanked for her leadership and presented with a photo card signed by corps members and a voucher to spend on her garden. – MD

MEETING MORECAMBE Corps folks were challenged to focus their Harvest contributions on food items for rough sleepers and those who have few cooking facilities. The gathering brought in items such as pasta pots, cup-a-soups, tinned cold meat, long-life milk, instant porridge pots and tinned fruits. – TC

GAINSBOROUGH At the start of the summer school holidays, Amelia set herself the challenge of swimming 10,000m – 400 lengths of the swimming pool. She reached her target with two weeks left of the holidays and went on to swim a total of 603 lengths. Amelia raised £760 for the corps to help the food bank and support people experiencing homelessness. Corps officer Captain Wendy Brown surprised Amelia at a school assembly to say thank you for her enormous effort and thoughtfulness. She took the opportunity to speak to all the children and teaching staff about the work of the corps and told them the reason that the Army helps people in the community is because of Jesus’ example of caring for and helping people. – WB

PRESENTATION STOWMARKET Corps officers Majors Beverley and James Lloyd received a special Suffolk Heroes award for their work during the pandemic. It was presented by the mayor of Stowmarket, Councillor Keith Scarff, and Mid Suffolk district council chair, Councillor Paul Ekpenyong, who was mayor for 2019–20. The majors were determined to help after many organisations in the town were overwhelmed when the first lockdown began. They helped to turn the Café on the Rec into a safe place for people at risk and a venue for serving school lunches.

Major Beverley partnered the Mid Suffolk district council and Age UK in order to support at-risk individuals, shopped for those who could not get out, cooked meals for more than 50 seniors every other Sunday and organised corps members to deliver the food, as well as making health and welfare calls to people who were struggling. – AR

Picture: MCLAREN CONSTRUCTION GROUP

FUNDRAISING

EVENT

New THQ site consecrated DENMARK HILL A CEREMONY was held to celebrate and consecrate the site at Denmark Hill, London, where the new territorial headquarters will be built.

Territorial leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill were joined by guests from William Booth College, with contractors McLaren construction and architects Tate Hindle among those gathered.

During the ceremony, the TC said: ‘As we break this ground, we acknowledge all the ministry and mission that has already taken place on this plot of land over many years. We dedicate it once again to the glory of God and pray that the building which will emerge will reflect his glory and praise as the headquarters of our territory.

‘This site has for many years been a place of learning, preparation and outreach within the community. This new headquarters will, likewise, be a place that seeks to serve the ongoing mission of the Army to love God and love others. I pray that from this site, great advances will take place in the resourcing and planning of the mission across the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.’

Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main read selected verses from 1 Chronicles 22, 28 and 29 and officers from WBC provided a small band to accompany the dedication song, ‘Lord of Heaven and Earth and Sea’ (SASB 605). Secretary for Business Administration Lieut-Colonel Alan Read closed the ceremony with a benediction.

The new building, next to the training college, is expected to be ready in 2023. The six-storey building will include a wide range of flexible and adaptable office spaces that support smarter and hybrid working, a prayer room and a café open to the community. – AR Salvationist 23 October 2021

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NEWS

ANNIVERSARY MODERN SLAVERY FOCUS

by Major Estelle Blake (Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit) SATURDAY 23 OCTOBER – LUKE 19:1–10 We pray for the enslavers and traffickers. May they encounter Jesus in the same way that Zacchaeus did and so change their ways. Help us to put aside our own prejudices and pray that they too would seek out Jesus and the power of his love and redemption in their lives. Amen.

Corps celebrates 140th anniversary CHALK FARM CORPS officer Captain Michael Kinnear led the 140th corps anniversary meeting, supported by the homeless drop-in leader, Eleanor Caddy, and former corps officers Commissioner William Cochrane and Major James Williams.

The meeting focused on social engagement at the corps over its 140-year history, and volunteers and supporters were thanked for their Covid-19 response efforts. The band contributed the march ‘Beyond the Blue’ and ‘Shine, Jesus, Shine’.

After worship everyone enjoyed a celebration Sunday roast.

The meeting was live-streamed on Facebook for those unable to attend. – MK

EVENT

SUNDAY 24 OCTOBER Help us today, Lord, to realise that fighting modern slavery is not a ‘once a year’ idea but a daily prayer. Help us to believe that freedom is the business of prayer and not just action. Allow our hearts and our minds to choose clothing, food and supplies that are slave-free. Allow us to be bold in our prayers because our freedom is bound up in the freedom of those who are victims and survivors of modern slavery. Amen.

INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOCUS

by UK engagement co-ordinator Hayley Still (THQ)

MONDAY 25 OCTOBER – INTRODUCTION The Salvation Army International Development UK (Said UK) provides financial and technical support to more than 40 projects around the world.

As we focus on a different area of work each day this week, pray for the project community members who are working to overcome the injustices they are experiencing and for the Salvation Army officers, employees and volunteers who walk alongside with love and compassion as they give practical and emotional support.

TUESDAY 26 OCTOBER – ANTI-TRAFFICKING In Ukraine, young people leaving government care with limited skills and resources are vulnerable to human traffickers. The Salvation Army provides skills training and guidance, so they are less vulnerable and have the confidence to provide for themselves. Pray that these young people know that they are loved and recognise their inherent worth as children of God. WEDNESDAY 27 OCTOBER – CLEAN WATER In Malawi, the provision of clean water and sanitation facilities means that community members are no longer vulnerable to waterborne diseases.

It means women can take up income-generating activities rather than spending hours collecting water, and it means girls no longer miss school due to the lack of a private place to use the toilet. Pray for the hope and possibilities that access to clean water provide.

WELLING The corps hosted a weekend of Harvest celebrations that began with an evening of music and poetry led by AmandaJayne and Tristan Lanceley (Bromley Temple). On Sunday a display was put together to celebrate what the corps brings to the community. One corps member created ‘Morrisons Man’ to celebrate the relationship the corps has with the nearby Morrisons store, which supports the food bank. The superhero’s aim in life is to fight food poverty, and he will sit in the food bank to remind corps folk of their goal. – KS 8

Salvationist 23 October 2021

THURSDAY 28 OCTOBER – EMERGENCY RESPONSE While the UKI Territory provides financial support to short-term emergency response projects, the local Salvation Army is a constant in the country where the project takes place. It is not only there for the emergency, but also part of the community long-term. Pray for The Salvation Army as it provides ongoing practical, spiritual and relational support, and thank God that as one global Army we are able to support our brothers and sisters around the world in times of crisis.

FRIDAY 29 OCTOBER – FOOD SECURITY In Burkina Faso, 100 small-scale farmers are being trained in new techniques so they can increase their crop yields, feed their families and sell surplus at the market. Pray for them as they adapt to a new way of approaching familiar work, and as they go on to train others in their communities.

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

Salvationist 2 October 2021

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REFLECTION REFL RE EFL FLEC EC CTI TION ON O N

Great expectations, great love Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis encourages us not to underestimate the hope we have in God

I

N Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, the central character, Pip, is a poor boy to begin with, but is said to have ‘great expectations’. It was a way of saying that a large sum of money had been bequeathed to him, allowing him to become a ‘gentleman’ in Victorian society.

These great expectations, however, were not enough to enable him to realise the true happiness he sought, which seemed to escape him.

In my youth I had an uncle who played the football pools, betting on the results of matches. He had great expectations of winning and told me that, on the day when the big prize was his, I would get some of the winnings. However, that day never arrived and his great expectations came to nothing. In fact, upon his death many years later, a relative approached me and asked if I could possibly give a contribution towards the cost of the funeral.

The 17th-century writer and politician Joseph Addison declared: ‘Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, someone to love and something to hope for.’ However, when it comes to faith in God, many people seem to find it natural not to raise their hopes too high. They regard ‘pie in the

sky when you die’ as a very faint and distant hope.

Jesus once told the parable of the prodigal son (see Luke 15:11–32), but what is easy to overlook in this wellknown story is that there are two sons.

The younger one asked to have his future inheritance straight away. When he received it he left home and wasted all his wealth until he found himself penniless and deserted. The older son stayed at home and worked hard on the farm. When he heard that his brother had returned home, and witnessed the welcome that was extended to him, he was resentful and angry.

The two brothers had different hopes concerning their father. The younger son, when he eventually realised what a fool he had been, decided to return home, hoping to get a job among the servants. The older son, in return for his loyal service, was hoping for the fattened calf so that he could hold a party with his friends. He, therefore, was extremely jealous and angry when he heard that the father had used that same calf to celebrate his younger son’s return.

They both misjudged their father. Far from reproach, the younger son’s return was the cause of great rejoicing. He was

immediately given the best robe to cover his shame, a ring on his finger to signify family acceptance and sandals on his feet, because only slaves went barefooted. And to the older one, the father said: ‘My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours’ (v31).

Both sons had small expectations of their father. They did not appreciate the extent of his love for them. Are we any better? When we have sinned, do we expect the father to rejoice when we return? If we have served faithfully through the years, are our hopes so pitifully small that we become jealous at the treatment given to a sinner who repents, even though the angels in Heaven rejoice? Do we realise that God is love and that we can never earn the blessing of our heavenly Father by ceaselessly working for him?

Let us bear in mind that we have everything possible from the Father.

Never forget how privileged we are: ‘We are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ’ (Romans 8:17). As heirs of the Kingdom, we truly do have great expectations!

LIEUT-COLONEL ELLIS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN NORWAY Salvationist 23 October 2021

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TESTIMONY

Changed beyond recognition!

Robin Judd (Yeovil) tells Melita Day-Lewis how Jesus turned his life around and helped him overcome an addiction to alcohol

‘N

OBODY is excluded from God’s love!’ declares Robin Judd. ‘I can’t believe that God would send his only Son to Earth to be hung on a cross for somebody like me.

I don’t think I’ll ever be able to work out how someone could love me the way Christ loved me. He died for me!’

Robin’s evident love for Christ and joy in his salvation grabbed my attention when I read his ‘The Salvation Army and me’ interview (Salvationist 24 April) and I wanted to hear more of his inspiring story.

Robin is 74 and lives in Shaftesbury in Dorset. He struggled with an addiction to alcohol for more than 45 years, including 42 years of married life. He worked in abattoirs and livestock markets most of his life.

‘It’s the sort of lifestyle that circles very much around alcohol,’ Robin explains.

One Saturday afternoon he was being driven home from Taunton market in Somerset by a friend.

‘I was intoxicated,’ he recalls. ‘We came through Yeovil and I saw these Salvationists coming out from a hall and I thought, “How happy they look.”’

The next day Robin put on his best suit and drove 22 miles to Yeovil to see if there was a meeting at the Salvation Army hall.

He remembers the warm welcome he received clearly: ‘It was a wet, blowy night. I was a bit apprehensive, not knowing what to expect. “Is it OK if I come in?” I asked at the door. A little lady called Freda Weeks said, “Come in? Of course you can come in! It’s God’s house. Everyone’s welcome here!” And I thought, “Well, what a welcome!”’

Robin enjoyed the meeting and the message, and the warmth of the corps family left an impression. He decided to return the next week.

‘And I never stopped!’ he says joyfully.

‘People loved me and took me in, just as I was – in big trouble with alcohol, at the cattle markets doing shady deals and not leading the kind of life Christian folk should lead.’

After attending the corps for about 10 months Robin decided he would make a significant lifestyle change: ‘I had to be on one side of the fence or the other.

I couldn’t sit in the middle – in God’s house on Sunday, praying and praising God, and back at the market on Monday morning doing shady deals.’

So he went back to working in an abattoir, a job for which he had trained as a young man.

‘That came very hard to me at my age.

It’s a young man’s job – blood, sweat and tears all day long for 12 hours a day – but I did it!’ says Robin.

The next significant step he took was to get help with his dependence on alcohol. After some blood tests, Robin was asked to see a doctor urgently. His liver enzyme levels were severely elevated and the doctor told him candidly that he ‘should be dead with this reading’.

That provided the necessary spur to become part of an alcohol rehabilitation support group.

Their prayers kept me, held me firm and I never stopped going to the group ‘People at Yeovil prayed for me endlessly and rang me several times a day to tell me they were praying for me,’ says Robin. ‘They were wonderful!

Their prayers kept me, held me firm and I never stopped going to the group.

‘As I went to more meetings of the group, I was asked to pray for God’s presence to be with us and strengthen us. People still remind me of that. Many who attended those meetings are now enjoying good, straight lives and have gone on to facilitate groups for themselves.’

‘You can make a difference if you stand up and witness to God’s love,’ he affirms.

On 8 January 1995 Robin was enrolled as a soldier and has faithfully served God in the Army since.

His journey has not been without trials.

After his salvation and commitment to soldiership, his wife divorced him. Robin is grateful that they have remained good friends, but he reflects sadly: ‘That really did test me. It was very tough. My wife followed me into uniform, but she said I’d changed beyond all recognition from my old self.’

‘I was a totally different person,’ he adds. ‘Well, I would be, wouldn’t I? I’m so grateful that I found Christ, and his grace to me has been limitless.’

Robin’s favourite Bible passage is the parable of the lost sheep in Matthew 18, he explains: ‘For many years, I was that lost sheep, that person in the wilderness, but Christ never forgot me. He has always been there – it was I who was at fault, who never accepted him. Even in the darkest days of my youth, when I spent 16 long months in a prison cell, I knew that Christ was with me, but I couldn’t accept him. Yet God never stopped looking for me and never gave up on me!’

He vividly recalls a remarkable encounter he had with a Salvationist on a Saturday night in the mid-1960s: ‘I was in a bar, which was full of intoxicated men, including myself. The floor was thick with mud and filth. It was a den of iniquity, you might say.

‘A Salvationist came in and asked if I’d like a War Cry. She then looked right into my face and asked if I was OK. I asked her if she could do one thing – to pray for me the next day at the hall. She said, “I’ll do that right now. God is here with us. He will hear every word we pray.”’

Robin describes how the young woman pulled up her long skirt and knelt in the mud to pray for him: ‘That room full of raucous men went so quiet as she prayed aloud. It was as if God’s presence was there. I never forgot that woman. She was so fantastically brave.

I thank God for her.’

After a break of about three years while he was recovering from two hip replacement operations, Robin – who is passionate about taking God’s message to people on the streets – is back selling Army papers in Sherborne.

‘We should be out there seeking people who have fallen by the wayside to reassure them that, whatever situation they’re in, God loves them,’ he adds passionately. ‘I was one of those people. It is God’s grace that saved me! And his grace is for everyone!’

Salvationist 23 October 2021

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PREVIEW

A world without poverty Hayley Still introduces the Army’s International Development Week (25–31 October) and highlights the work of Said UK

A

WORLD without poverty and injustice is the vision of The Salvation Army International Development UK (Said UK). Following Jesus’ example, we journey alongside communities and support them in overcoming these challenges. We also seek to inspire a movement to pursue the restoration of our world so that everyone can experience life in all its fullness.

Said UK is the umbrella term for the community development work that the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory supports around the world.

This work is divided into six themes: Clean Water, Emergency Response, Food Security and Income Generation – which sit within the International Projects Office – and Anti-Trafficking and Gender Justice – which sit within the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Income generation project, Tanzania Unit. These two teams, based at territorial headquarters, work with colleagues in the UK and around the Malawi. In many parts of this country, world to support 40 projects across the issue of water poverty is keenly felt.

Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

Globally, water scarcity is a growing Said UK is also responsible for issue, with 1.42 billion people – overseeing the transfer of including 450 million children funds for the UKI’s – living in areas of high or mission support extremely high water allocation (money vulnerability, according to donated through the Unicef. annual Self-Denial In the Karonga district live in areas of high Appeal). We seek to of Malawi, The water vulnerability be community-led in Salvation Army has (Unicef, 2021) the projects that we been working alongside support and, as such, people to access clean work alongside partner and safe drinking water. territories to implement Access to water was a big community development projects only challenge for the people living in the where the Army already has a presence. communities of Kyungu and Kilupula.

That means the Army is not just about People would often become unwell with journeying with a community but is also cholera or diarrhoea, and the lack of a part it. local water source was having a negative One of the territories we have impact on children’s education. partnered for a number of years is Many of the young girls in these

1.42 billion people

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Salvationist 23 October 2021

Anti-trafficking project, Russia

and injustice MARTHA, KYUNGU I’m 13 years old. I used to have to walk 8km to Lake Malawi to collect water. It could take about two hours a day, so sometimes I would miss class. I wasn’t doing very well at school as a result.

I’ve always dreamt of becoming a nurse, to take care of my fellow Malawians and help people. But I used to spend so much time collecting water that I didn’t have time to study. It was also quite scary going to collect water.

I remember one day I woke up around 3am to get water from the lake. My older sister and I were on our way to the lake when a man tried to attack us.

Fortunately, a farmer appeared and scared him away and escorted us to the lake. I hate to think what could have happened if the farmer hadn’t helped us.

As part of the project, a borehole was drilled 100m from my house! I no longer have to wake up early and walk long distances. I have time to study before school and help my mum with household chores.

I’m doing so much better in school now, and my dream of becoming a nurse might really come true!

communities would have to spend a lot of their time travelling long distances to collect water before and after school.

This meant they arrived late to school, were unable to concentrate once there or would even miss the school day entirely. Through the project supported

by The Salvation Army, boreholes were drilled in these areas.

Water is more than simply a drink.

Access to clean water provides the opportunity for education and for people to fulfil their goals.

This is just one area where Said UK is working to try to address the unyielding challenges of poverty and injustice that are affecting billions of people around the world.

This may be new information to some people living in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory, and so we want to raise awareness about this work and encourage more people to get involved

as members of the global Salvation Army. That is why we are promoting International Development Week – to explore, celebrate and support The Salvation Army’s work around the world.

The first International Development Week took place last year, and we hope this annual occasion will only grow as more and more people get involved each year.

O Find

out more about International Development Week at salvationarmy. org.uk/international-developmentweek

HAYLEY IS UK ENGAGEMENT CO-ORDINATOR IN THE INTERNATIONAL PROJECTS OFFICE, THQ

GET INVOLVED Take on daily challenges and share your attempts on social media using the hashtag #idweek2021.

Listen to the bite-size episodes of the Develop podcast, which give a glimpse into Said UK’s different thematic areas. Search for ‘Salvation Army Develop’ on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or castbox.fm.

Flex your trivia muscles in a free virtual quiz night on 28 October.

Book your place at idweek2021quiz.eventbrite.com.

Keep an eye on Said UK’s social media channels (@salvationarmyid) for more information and opportunities.

Salvationist 23 October 2021

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON

Knocking on Heaven’s door Nicola Walmsley shares inspiration found on a recent visit to Oxford

D

URING the summer my husband, Colin, and I visited Oxford for the first time. We enjoyed exploring the city and its amazing architecture.

We couldn’t help noticing the many university colleges, with ornate old doors and gates appearing to compete to be the grandest entrance.

Many of the doors were shut due to Covid-19 restrictions, but one had a small gap through which I was able to peek. The view was disappointing, as it was just the students’ bike storage area.

A couple of other doors, which were open to the public, had an entry fee.

However, one locked door was accessible: the door to Jesus College, where our daughter studies. She is privileged to have a key and took us inside the grounds, where we picnicked in the garden as the sun set.

As we walked back across Folly Bridge to our accommodation, we noticed an unusual tall dwelling off the main road beside the river. It had little statues and balconies with filigreed railings but, strangely, the small front door was completely bricked up.

All these doors made me ponder Scripture passages referring to doors, gates and keys.

The closed doors made me reflect on Psalm 24:9 and 10: ‘Fling wide the gates, open the ancient doors, and the great King will come in. Who is this great King? The triumphant Lord – he is the great King!’ (Good News Bible).

I recall words from a song by Delirious?, ‘Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?’, which uses the metaphor of heavenly gates being swung open wide to make way for the risen Lord.

The bricked-up door of the unusual house on the riverbank made me think of Revelation 3:20: ‘Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they will eat with me’ (GNB). The human heart is likened to a door, where Christ knocks and 14

Salvationist 23 October 2021

awaits our response to open our hearts and welcome him in as King of kings.

Matthew 7:7 says: ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.’ What a promise! Christ does not brick up the entrance to his Kingdom when we ask, seek and knock.

The locked ornate gates in Oxford reminded me that Jesus is the open gate. ‘I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture’ (John 10:9). Another wonderful promise of salvation! Even the double door through which I saw just a bike storage area reminded me that when we enter through the ‘gate’ of Jesus – the only way to the Father – we are never disappointed. We will be saved and find pasture.

The doors with an entrance fee reminded me that Christ paid the price for my sins. His atonement means that I don’t have to pay a penny – his grace is sufficient. He ‘gave himself as a ransom for all people’ (1 Timothy 2:6).

Our daughter’s key to Jesus College reminded me of the keys of the Kingdom

that were promised to Peter when he confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (see Matthew 16:16–19). We too have this key when we confess our sins and acknowledge faith in Jesus.

This door to Jesus College was plain and ordinary, and the part that opened was small and narrow. Nobody else was about, and it was quiet in comparison to the busy city streets. I thought this was quite apt, when reflecting on Matthew 7:13 and 14: ‘Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.’

How wonderful it is to know that we who are called children of the living God have the promise of salvation! When we knock on Heaven’s door, it is flung wide open.

NICOLA IS THE COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-INFURNESS

VIEW POINT

PRAYER

By the grace of God, I shall be there!

Brian Colley (Clowne) shares some thoughts on Heaven

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E sometimes sing ‘When we all get to Heaven,/ What a day of rejoicing that will be!’ (SASB 676). But what will Heaven be like?

In the 1899 edition of the Salvation Army songbook there is a section devoted to ‘Heaven’ that consists of 49 songs. The first starts with these words: ‘I know there’s a bright and a glorious land/ Away in the heavens high.’ Another offering there says in the chorus: ‘No night there! No night there!/ Hallelujah! No night there!’

A later composition called ‘That Beautiful Land’ says: ‘Where cares never come / Never darkness or gloom,/ And nothing shall ever grow old.’ These are lovely thoughts, but what will the reality be like? We can’t possibly know.

Jesus tells us that his Father’s house ‘has many rooms’ (John 14:2), but we can’t take it for granted that we can go there just because we worship regularly. Jesus made that clear when he said: ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in Heaven’ (Matthew 7:21). Nicodemus was told: ‘No one can see the Kingdom of God unless they are born again’ (John 3:3). It seems easier when John later writes that whoever believes in Jesus ‘shall not perish but have everlasting life’ (v16).

Is it by just believing in his name?

Surely not! Faith in Jesus has also to be exercised with repentance and obedience to God’s will. James says, ‘What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?’ (2:14).

Heaven is a reality. It is where we can expect to live if we accept God’s grace, obey his will and live a holy life: ‘Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God’ (Matthew 5:8) and ‘Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life’ (Revelation 21:27).

If we are found suitable to be admitted by the grace of God we may find that some we expected to see are missing, while others we never thought would make it are present. A deathbed penitent will surely find salvation because God’s grace is unlimited and unending: ‘The vilest offender who truly believes,/ That moment from Jesus a pardon receives’ (SASB 279).

The Salvation Army Handbook of Doctrine says: ‘Our choices in life have eternal consequences; therefore everything shall be decided upon in the light of the Kingdom of God. Belief in the Resurrection, in eternal life, in ultimate accountability, gives value, dignity and meaning to life and to us as individual persons.

It gives us a vision extending beyond the limits of time. However, we cannot, and must not, pre-empt that judgement. Only God can judge and he will do so in the light of his justice and grace.’

We cannot judge ourselves or anyone else – we can only live our own lives and trust other people to God’s wisdom and mercy. And, if we want to go to Heaven one day, we can have the assurance right now – as it says in song 532: ‘By the grace of God, I shall be there!’

Search for Truth A prayer poem by Major Jim Bryden O Father, in the morning of our lives We come face to face with your precious word.

We yearn for you to speak to us That we may know the things that matter.

Help us to search your word; Open our eyes to see your majesty and glory.

Erase from our minds all distorted thinking.

O God, in whom resides all wisdom, Help us each to study your word.

Grant to us persistence and perseverance.

May we not slacken in our efforts, be diverted to empty arguments or nurse any form of prejudice As we search for its meaning and message.

Open our eyes to your truth.

Forgive us if we have exchanged you for some pet system or respectable sounding theory.

May you humble our minds That your will and way become ours.

Lord, source of love; Let your wisdom shape our lives that all we Speak, think and feel may be: honouring to your name, profitable to your Kingdom, glorifying to your majesty.

Almighty God, let the light of your word Shine upon us.

Warm our heart to its precepts, turn our minds to its understanding, bend our wills to its truth.

May heart, mind and will be adorned by The glory of your word.

O heavenly Father, Empower us with the might of your Spirit, That we may not only know about our Lord but know him; not only learn about him but walk with him; not only grow in knowledge of him but love him who first loved us!

In the name of your Son, Jesus, we pray.

Amen.

Salvationist 23 October 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

Gentleness Captain Andrew Manley recognises that gentleness grows as the Holy Spirit dwells within us GALATIANS 5:22 AND 23

I

HAVE a friend who is 6ft 4in tall, weighs around 20st and has tattoos all the way up his arms. He is often referred to as a ‘gentle giant’. This is an accurate description of the man who, to a child, would look like a giant. But when he sings a Sunday school chorus, or reads a story or a child’s prayer to an attentive Kids Club, his gentleness would be equally evident. This often reminds me that assumptions can too easily be made from appearances and that the more accurate measure of a person is in their words or actions.

QUESTION What comes to mind when you think of gentleness?

O

The gentleness we read about in Galatians 5:22 is not simply a passive

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

by Major Melvyn Knott

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Salvationist 23 October 2021

quality of doing good things but is the deliberate preference of right over wrong. As Easton’s Bible Dictionary puts it, gentleness is ‘the firm and persistent resistance of all moral evil, and the choosing and following of all moral good’.

In the New International Version, ‘gentle’ or ‘gentleness’ appear in the Bible more than 30 times. In Proverbs, we find a striking image of gentleness and its disarming power: ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath’ (Proverbs 15:1).

It really can. A marine was being presented with an award. An attending journalist asked, ‘So you haven’t once roughed up a drunk or used excessive force on anyone? How can you have been a marine for 15 years, dealing with the kind of stuff you’ve dealt with, and never had to resort to force?’

‘Two things,’ the marine replied.

‘First, if I am called to break up a fight, I never say to myself, “There’s a drunk.” I always say, “There’s a man – someone’s husband, someone’s son, someone’s neighbour – who got drunk.” To me, he is a man not a crime. Second, the Bible says that “a soft answer turns away wrath”. So, whenever I walk into an aggravated situation, I always speak a little softer than the person I’m speaking to.’

QUESTIONS O Can you think of a time when you disarmed a situation or conversation with a gentle tongue or a gentle answer?

O Why can this sometimes be difficult for us?

In the Bible, gentleness is associated with love and kindness (see 1 Timothy 3:3; Philippians 4:5; Colossians 3:12),

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Make me a channel of your peace./ Where there is hatred let me bring your love./ Where there is injury, your pardon, Lord,/ And where there’s doubt, true faith in you.

(SASB 608)

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.

(Philippians 2:5–7)

Make me a channel of your peace./ Where there’s despair in life, let me bring hope./ Where there is darkness, only light,/ And where there’s sadness ever joy.

(SASB 608)

Prayer May the presence of God in our lives help others to see his gentleness through our words and actions. We pray that God’s reputation would be more important than ours as we live a life of gentleness each day.

meekness (see Zechariah 9:9; 2 Corinthians 10:1) and humility (see Ephesians 4:2; 1 Peter 3:4).

QUESTION What do the verses listed above say to you about gentleness?

O

Paul – the former persecutor of Christians – recognised that, like all the attributes of the fruit of the Spirit, gentleness does not come naturally. It is a virtue that is planted and flourishes where God dwells by his Spirit.

Paul is an example of gentleness in how he deals with difficult situations and people. To the church in Corinth, he writes: ‘What would you prefer? Am I to come to you with a stick, or with love in a spirit of gentleness? (1 Corinthians 4:21 New Revised Standard Version).

Referring to the time he spent with the church at Thessalonica, he writes:

‘But we were gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children’ (1 Thessalonians 2:7 NRSV).

The picture of believers, individually and corporately, is of a gentle people who follow in the footsteps of their gentle Lord and Master.

QUESTIONS Can you think of any other images that illustrate or speak to you about gentleness?

O To what extent do others detect gentleness in your speech and actions?

O

Perhaps the biggest difficulty in exhibiting gentleness to fellow believers is when they let us down, when they slip in their faith or when they hurt us. Gentleness can quickly become the last thing on our mind.

But as Paul reminds us: ‘Brothers and

sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted’ (Galatians 6:1).

Is there someone, maybe even you yourself, who needs gentle support, encouragement or restoration? Perhaps you could spend some time praying for them and yourself to be renewed by the Holy Spirit. Pray that the Spirit will bear his fruit in you and all those in your fellowship, so that gentleness might be evident.

CAPTAIN MANLEY IS CORPS OFFICER, KIRKCALDY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Rejoice in the Lord always.

I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:4–6)

Those first disciples of the Lord/ Received the promise of his word/ And in their lives such power did dwell/ To speed the message they should tell/ To all mankind, that Jesus lives,/ And grace to each believer gives;/ May that same grace inspire today/ To live for Christ, the life and way.

(SASB 680)

Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behaviour in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.

(1 Peter 3:15 and 16)

May the mind of Christ my Saviour/ Live in me from day to day,/ By his love and power controlling/ All I do and say.

(SASB 660)

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FEATURE I Commissioner Albert Mingay

Living and giving Clare Falvey explores the life and poems of Commissioner Albert Mingay

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AST year marked the 50th anniversary of Commissioner Albert Mingay’s My Day for Living.

The book is an anthology comprising 52 delightfully varied poems in seven sections: Devotion, The Flag, Vision, Christmas, Delight, Contemplation and Songs of the Heart. The first poem, from which the book gets its title, declares the author’s lifelong determination – ‘And I am going to give,/ And give,/ And give,/ And give/ Until I am fully whole’ – while a verse from his best-known song names his inspiration: Is it nothing to you that one day Jesus gave, Gave in love of his measureless all?

So richly he poured out his limitless life When he answered our pitiful call.

(SASB 426)

Albert Ernest Mingay was born on 11 December 1904 at Wood Ditton and attended nearby Newmarket Corps.

According to the opening lines of the stanzas of his poem, ‘My Master’, he was converted thus: ‘He came!’ ‘He saw!’ ‘He spoke!’ ‘He called!’ and finally:

He loved!

And offered mercy With a nail-torn hand; My passionate heart replied With speechless love.

In September 1923, at the age of 18, Albert entered London’s International Training Garrison as a field cadet of the Aggressors session, which was named after Catherine Booth’s Aggressive Christianity. He was commissioned at Clapton Congress Hall in May 1924.

I am at thy command, O Lord, Expendable within thy will, And usable in any place, Thy grand intention to fulfil.

Commissioner Albert Mingay lays the foundation stone for Reading Central Hall, 1969

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Salvationist 23 October 2021

As a lieutenant, then a captain, Albert’s first appointments were at six English corps: Alnwick, Haltwhistle, Scotswood, Walker, Ashington and Blaydon. After marrying Lieutenant Ivy Laverick in May 1930 they served together until retirement – first, through the depression years, at Cramlington, Newburn, Shiremoor, Hemsworth, Sheffield 5, Holmewood and Parkgate.

From May 1935, Adjutant Albert and Mrs Mingay spent 15 months in Sheffield, before being posted to

Anderston in Glasgow, which included providing evening courses in Salvation Army activities at the Young People’s Instructional Centre.

Just before the Second World War in 1939, Major Albert was appointed as divisional young people’s secretary (DYPS) in West Glasgow, followed by East Glasgow, before moving to the Manchester Division with Ivy and their two boys to another DYPS appointment.

After the war, Albert became the divisional commander for Tees, then – as a brigadier – for Hull and Lincs. In September 1950 he was appointed as candidates secretary at National Headquarters, which meant the family were in London for the Festival of Britain in 1951 and Coronation in 1953.

The most intriguing of Albert’s poems at the time, however – ‘Watchman! What of the Night?’ – strikes a sombre note.

He was mindful, perhaps, of the Blitz, when, as the War Cry of 31 May 1941 reported, ‘night-watchman Parkhill and Major Kennard’ strove to save the burning IHQ. Its tone may also reflect the atmosphere at the death of King George VI in 1952.

The souls of the city rest but in thy vigilance; Their only pillow the pledge of thy diligence.

Watchman! What of the night?

The new year of 1955 saw LieutColonel Albert as men’s chief side officer at the International Training College.

Thus, in ‘The Mercy Seat’ he depicts a pre-Commissioning Covenant Day: As priests drew near their altars high With covenant of blood, So come these dedicated ones To covenant with God. And, in verses subtitled ‘The Assembly Hall, Denmark Hill, revisited’, he exults: There stands my flag!

In gentle and perpetual salute; Salute to the magnificent ideals Of those who proudly bear our

Lieut-Commissioner Albert Mingay at the 1963 High Council with Commissioner Frederick Coutts (left) and Commissioner Frank Fairbank (right)

period, while Australia’s early Army history comes to life in ‘Gum Tree Reverie’.

We stand beneath the Army’s famous tree, the gum Where Gore and Saunders stood courageously To plant their vital faith in rich Australian soil; A timeless faith, told ’neath an ancient tree.

Mrs Commissioner Mingay

session’s name; No other of that arc of treasured flags Sings its own music in my waiting soul.

Both sons’ flags joined their father’s: Leslie’s (Shepherds 1953–54) and Gordon’s (Soulwinners 1954–55).

In mid-1957 Colonel Albert was appointed as chief secretary to the Australia Southern Territory. Several nature poems, witnessing his Franciscan affinities, relate to this

As a lieut-commissioner, Albert became the territorial commander for Scotland in 1962, returning to Glasgow.

Contemporary highlights included attending his first High Council in 1963, which elected General Frederick Coutts, and the Army’s centenary in 1965, commemorated as extracted below: Blood and fire! Blood and fire!

This waking spirit of one hundred years Now on this generation falls; The burning bush is still aflame, The prophet voice unceasing calls.

In 1967, promoted to commissioner and becoming City Colony governor – a historic post created for the Darkest England scheme – Albert moved with Ivy to the Army’s birthplace, and several of his poems extol Mile End Waste. The

original Whitechapel Road City Colony, which was later the Men’s Social Work Headquarters, had moved to Middlesex Street in 1926, where Albert now held office.

Perhaps the most auspicious occasion of his career was the Queen’s opening of Booth House in March 1968.

It offered radically superior services for men experiencing homelessness than had the bombed Whitechapel shelter – almost opposite – which it replaced.

Accompanying General Coutts, Albert read the final dedication prayer and was credited by the War Cry for ‘the first visit of a reigning British sovereign to a Salvation Army social services centre’.

In April 1969 Albert was appointed British commissioner, with Ivy as national home league president, and was soon to attend another High Council, this time electing General Erik Wickberg.

Albert’s final appointment, in August 1972, was as principal of the International College for Officers, from where he retired at the end of December 1973.

He continued his theological studies, propounding Martin Luther’s phrase crux probat omnia: ‘the cross tests everything’. It was, indeed, everything to him.

And my whole life long, I will give to this song, The gospel of Calvary.

Ivy was promoted to Glory on 21 May 1980, two weeks after their golden wedding anniversary, and Albert on 29 January 2002, aged 98 – proving the truth of the last line of his first poem: ‘I’ve got a lot of living to do.’

Albert Mingay’s living was giving, his watchword ‘compassion’ – a blend of the human and divine virtue, which was demonstrated in his most moving verses.

CLARE SOLDIERS AT REGENT HALL Salvationist 23 October 2021

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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment.

WHITEHAVEN Christine Smeaton was welcomed as an adherent on Harvest Sunday. She shared some of her spiritual journey and how she had been welcomed as part of the corps family since she first attended in February 2020. Christine is pictured with Cadet Miriam Smith and CSM Dawn Quirk. – MS

CLACTON Alan Bishop linked up with the corps some time ago and, before the coronavirus pandemic, was invited to join the band’s cornet section. He continued to attend meetings on Zoom during the lockdowns. He testified to the work of God in his life: ‘God led me here and it was soon clear to me that I was among friends. God reached out and, like a hungry monkey being offered a banana, I grasped his hand with both of mine. I was filled with the Holy Spirit – O happy day! The Holy Spirit is here in the hall now for those who will open their heart to receive him. I am called to become a soldier before you this morning, for you to witness my belief in the Resurrection, faith in Jesus Christ and reaffirmation of my covenant with God. I promise that I will adhere to the doctrines, principles and practices of The Salvation Army, and declare my determination to worship and serve here in my community.’ He was enrolled by corps officer Major Barrie Sampson. Also pictured is corps officer Major Maria Sampson. – VR 20

Salvationist 23 October 2021

MERTHYR TYDFIL As a young boy William Cross attended the corps and later attended Cardiff Cathays. Returning to Merthyr, Bill did his national service and left the Army. Many years later he joined the corps fellowship band. He became an adherent in 2019 but felt there was more he could be doing and has been leading learners and improvers classes for brass. On Harvest Sunday he was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Kevin Rand. He chose the tune ‘Finlandia’ with the words from ‘I Then Shall Live as One Who’s Been Forgiven’ (SASB 850) for the meeting. William and Major Kevin are pictured with Robert Davies and Recruiting Sergeant Lynne Brill. – LB

FALMOUTH TEMPLE Val Whitman was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Captain Nicola Hammond. Val testified that she was attracted to checking out the claims of Jesus through the loving welcome she received from the corps – in particular, knowing that she could ‘join in with everything or simply observe, without any pressure’.

She highlighted several people who loved and nurtured her on her journey towards turning in repentance, faith and love to Jesus. Also pictured is corps officer Captain Andrew Hammond. – AH

ADVERTS PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF ADDRESS! Majors Jorgen and Libbet Booth can be contacted at: Emmbrook Court, Apartment 36 Woolacombe Drive, Reading, Berks RG6 5TZ Tel 01183 437472

MGS works professionally providing O

COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION

MGS works with relationships and other life experiences

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

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion.

For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

A FAIR WAY TO CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS E-CARD COMPETITION

To mark the launch of the 2021 Real Advent Calendar the Meaningful Chocolate Company is offering free delivery to churches and schools if they buy a case of 18 calendars.

Wondering how to keep the kids entertained during half term while channelling their excitement about Christmas? We have a solution for you: the fundraising team have teamed up with Kids Alive! to launch a Christmas e-card competition.

The Real Advent Calendar is designed to support outreach work and is a great way to share the Christmas story. Each calendar includes a 24-page Christmas story activity book.

The chocolate is Fairtrade, and it supports charitable causes, including a baby clinic in Kenya and Fairtrade farmer community schemes.

Real Advent Calendars cost £4.5 £4.50 each. Buy yours at realadvent.co.uk.

O Children

can submit their design for an opportunity to win £100, £50 or £20 vouchers for The Entertainer O The winning design will be available as an e-card on dontsendmeacard.com and will feature on the cover of the Kids Alive! Christmas special O It’s not only an environmentally friendly way of sending Christmas greetings, but you’ll also be supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal by donating an optional entry fee on JustGiving O The competition, which has different age categories, finishes on 29 October Find out more at salvationarmy.org.uk/ fundraise-christmas/christmas-cardcompetition

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Lieut-Colonels Keith and Pat Howarth (4 November) Golden O Linda and Mike Proctor, Southsea (30 October) DEDICATED TO GOD Elsbeth Amelia, daughter of Alan and Siobhan Fraser, at Leigh-on-Sea by Major William Fraser O Elijah Thomas, son of Adam and Louise Hayward, at Birmingham Citadel

by Major Adrian Allman O

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Eirlys Jones (80 on 1 November) O Major Norma Tasker (80 on 1 November) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Eddie Coppin, Worthing O Dot Tompkins, Weymouth, on 26 September O Eileen Walker-Jones, Hounslow, on 26 September O Songster Betty Gibbs, Shipley, on 3 October O Major Phyllis Thomas from Dewdown House care home, Weston-SuperMare, on 10 October O Mrs Major Renee Ozanne from Ladymead Nursing Home, Hassocks, on 12 October BEREAVED O OSCS Sandra Jepson, Kidsgrove, of her husband Ken, Major Robert Jepson, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls, and Lisa Jones, Droitwich Spa, of their father, Songster Barbara Lucas, Leek, of her brother O Major Phyllis Fisher of her husband Peter Fisher

Mildred Coppin, Worthing, of her husband Eddie, Wendy McDaniel and Nigel Coppin, both Worthing, of their father O Harold Tompkins, Weymouth, of his wife Dot Tompkins, Major Michelle Hayter, Mold, and Carol of their mother O DE David Walker, Hounslow, Major Gillian Bruinewoud and Kevin Walker of their mother Eileen Walker-Jones O Dennis Gibbs, Shipley, of his wife Songster Betty Gibbs O

TRIBUTES GORDON ELLIOTT, LIVERPOOL WALTON GORDON was born in 1934 in Liverpool to Hilda and Thomas Elliott. Aged 18, he signed up for national service in the RAF Band, which he loved, and proudly took part in the Queen’s coronation ceremonies in 1953.

In 1956 Gordon met Mary. They fell in love and were married three years later. They had three sons and six grandchildren.

Gordon was a lifelong Salvationist, giving years of committed service. He encouraged others, shared words of wisdom and was kind and generous.

A talented and faithful musician, Gordon never retired from the band or songsters. He held several local officer positions and was bandmaster for a total of 25 years.

In retirement, his expertise saved the corps thousands of pounds in building maintenance. Along with Mary, Gordon raised funds for and co-ordinated the Red Shield Appeal.

Gordon can still be seen in virtual band recordings in his usual place between his grandsons in the cornet section. – PE

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Harrogate (territorial officers councils), Mon 25 Oct – Wed 27 O Sale, Sat 30 – Sun 31 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Harrogate (territorial officers councils), Mon 25 Oct – Wed 27

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Salvationist 23 October 2021

BOBBY McCORMICK, EDINBURGH GORGIE BOBBY McCormick originated from Hamilton Corps, West Scotland.

He came through the junior sections to play cornet and soprano cornet in the senior band.

A change of career from engineering draughtsman meant relocating to Falkirk to teach technical education. On retirement Bobby transferred to Edinburgh Gorgie for family reasons.

He served in many capacities of corps life – as young people’s sergeant-major, corps cadet guardian, cub master, corps visitor and, because of his willingness and abilities, corps handyman.

Bobby loved gardening; he created and developed a beautiful garden wherever he went, leaving a legacy for those who followed.

He will be remembered as a skilled cornet player in corps bands and the Scottish Fellowship Band, but to many more he was a Christian gentleman with high principles.

Bobby was a family man and is greatly missed by his children and grandchildren.

– LC ALAN GREENLEES, SALE ALAN Greenlees, a God-fearing, humble and pleasant man, came to Sale Corps in 1992.

Alan was welcomed as an adherent in 1996 by corps officers Majors Ian and Yvonne Field.

He became a member of the Young in Heart Choir and Club, the Tuesday cleaning team, the male timbrels team and the pastoral group.

For many years he drove the minibus, ferrying folk to and from the club. Alan was well known for his lovely smile, which never faded, and the wonderful hugs that were welcomed by many who came through the doors on a Thursday. He was always on hand to help anyone in need.

Alan died on 25 June and is now in the arms of the Lord. I like to think that the Lord would have said to him, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant!’ – MG Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Users of Facebook, Twitter and Instagram are encouraged to add their own stories using the hashtag #TSAPrayerWave.

Three 30-minute live-streamed prayer meetings will take place in different parts of the globe: 7am BST from the Pakistan Territory; 11am BST from London with World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham; and 4pm BST from the USA Southern Territory. These can be accessed through the webpage sar.my/prayerwave.

Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham shares four areas to help focus our prayers: O Lament for the loss that continues to be our reality – for example, loss of life, education, employment, income, family interactions, celebration of significant life milestones O Thanksgiving – including for effective vaccines and urgent intercession for equitable distribution O Praise for the faithfulness of God and the new mission opportunities that have emerged through this season O Seeking God’s heart for his Church – including The Salvation Army – as we emerge into a post-pandemic world

C O V I D - 1 9 P R AY E R W A V E SALVATIONISTS and friends around the world are being called by General Brian Peddle to take part in an international prayer initiative on 24 October. The Second Global Wave of Prayer for Covid-19 will work its way around the world from sunrise to sunset in every country it passes through. The initiative follows a spiritually enriching prayer wave that took place in April 2020, just as the pandemic was beginning to take hold fully.

At the heart of the event will be a live blog, hosted on the IHQ website at sar.my/prayerwave. It will provide opportunity to share prayers, reflections and experiences of how Covid-19 has affected people. The blog will also share content that appears on social media channels.

Whether you are praying alone or with others, at home or at church, online or in person – just pray.

ADVERTISING RATES ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

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ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. ALL ADVERTS CARRIED IN SALVATIONIST ARE SUBJECT TO HOUSE STYLE AND ARE CARRIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

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All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

MAJOR KEITH BURR Territorial chaplaincy support officer How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was encouraged in the faith by my parents, who sent me along to the Army with my five brothers.

What made you want to become an officer?

When I made my simple prayer as an eight-year-old, something changed in my life. From then I just knew.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Working with people who are so utterly dedicated to the Army’s values and demonstrating genuine love to those in their care.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role?

That chaplaincy is generally misunderstood.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

Nothing! Structures, processes, missional aims, style of worship and the clothes we wear are important, but changing them won’t lead to anything until we learn to love one another.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

My family pitches up in a field in Dorset that gives us everything we need – all within walking distance of a tea room!

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

I’d like to be the Roman tribune played

by Joseph Fiennes in Risen. I’d love to have met the disciples and asked, as he does, ‘Why do you follow him?’

‘‘‘

Be still, for the presence of the Lord, The Holy One is here (SASB B 353)

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

The soldier who, in 1945 during the conflict in Burma, stayed with my dying grandfather so he would not be alone.

I would thank him for the great debt my family owes him.

What do you do in your spare time?

I fill every moment of the day painting, writing, ministering, making things, spending time with family and people, visiting coffee shops and listening to music.

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

Bomber’s Moon by Mike Harding.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age’ (Matthew 28:20 New King James Version). These were the words the Lord gave me as I journeyed towards the very lowest part of my life.

I wasn’t spared the experience, but he was true to his word, and has continued to be.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would it be?

Coffee.

’’

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

Mary, the mother of Jesus, to hear of all those things she treasured up and pondered in her heart about her son.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Be Still, For the Presence of the Lord’ (SASB 353).

Is there something you’ve never understood?

Why my children think I don’t know anything.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Tea leaves, because my chubby, round face was covered in freckles, and in Sunday school they used me as a visual aid when we sang the chorus with the line ‘You should have a face like a teapot’.

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

Vikki, my wife – it would drive her crazy!

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

Till the Fat Lady Sings by Bob Jackson.

It’s one of the few books that makes me laugh and cry out loud.

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

Never judge the mood of the room by the two loudest voices.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

I have a First World War tobacco tin in which I keep my precious trinkets. None has any financial value but each item – a tribute penny, my father’s police whistle and a Brixton prison badge – has a person and story behind it.