Salvationist 24 April 2021

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

MARCUS RASHFORD TEAMS UP WITH CHEF TOM KERRIDGE TO GET YOUNG PEOPLE COOKING

BISHOP CHALLENGES THE BBC ON ITS RELIGIOUS BROADCASTING

YOUNG PEOPLE MORE LIKELY THAN OTHER AGE GROUPS TO PRAY AND READ THE BIBLE DURING THE PANDEMIC

A Church of England bishop has called on the BBC to be more imaginative in its religious broadcasting.

The Bishop of Ripon, Helen-Ann Hartley, has called on the BBC to go beyond ‘preaching to the converted’, to producing documentaries and dramas that challenge and inform people’s world views.

Writing in the Easter edition of Radio Times, Bishop Hartley notes that the BBC is promising ‘more content than ever before’…

But she continues, ‘This is great news for those who have been denied the chance to worship in person during the pandemic. But it is also the BBC literally preaching to the converted…

‘I’m far more motivated by programmes that explore the big questions in life.’

A new poll has found a rise in spiritual openness among young people during the pandemic.

The survey, conducted by Savanta ComRes and commissioned by YourNeighbour, found that more than two in five 18 to 34-year-olds in the UK have prayed more often since the start of the pandemic and that one third have read the Bible more often.

The study involved 2,065 respondents and was ... part of the YourNeighbour Give Hope campaign running throughout Lent. It also found that three in ten young people have attended church more often during the Covid-19 pandemic and a similar proportion, 31 per cent, have given more financially to community work organised by churches.

Christian Today

Premier

First he forced Boris Johnson into a U-turn over his refusal to provide holiday support to children on free school meals… Now, Marcus Rashford is determined to get young people cooking.

The Manchester United footballer and anti-poverty activist has teamed up with the Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge to launch Full Time – a series of five-minute ‘how to’ films featuring the duo that aim to inspire cash and time-poor families to cook cheap, healthy and filling meals.

As part of Rashford’s food-poverty campaign, the pair want to provide a simple guide to making food go further on a budget, while hopefully renewing cookery skills…

The 52 Full Time recipes were chosen for being filling, nutritious and ‘pocket friendly’ with easily available ingredients. Each recipe costs between 25p and £1 a portion, says Kerridge. Few kitchen appliances are needed: no scales; a single pan or microwave will do for most recipes; and one recipe can be prepared in a kettle.

The Full Time menu – a different recipe will be released on the @FullTimeMeals Instagram video series each Sunday morning over the next year – includes familiar favourites such as chicken stir fry, broccoli and cauliflower cheese, and fish pie jackets.

Churches in Scotland should focus on the growing online worshipping communities that emerged during the pandemic rather than ‘rush back’ to pre-lockdown ministry and mission, a new report advises.

The report, Adapt and Be Flexible – The Mission Doesn’t Stop: The Scottish Church and the Covid-19 Pandemic … is based on an online survey of 369 congregational leaders of 27 denominations across Scotland. It was compiled by Action of Churches Together in Scotland, Brendan Research and the Scottish Church Leaders’ Forum.

The survey was open from 26 October to 4 December 2020. Most responses were from the Church of Scotland… Responses were also gathered from … The Salvation Army … among others…

The report makes five recommendations: churches in Scotland should not ‘rush back’ to pre-lockdown ministry and mission; cross-denominational partnerships in mission should be better understood and extended; further research should be done on the social capital generated by the churches; and adequate resourcing should be provided, and further reflection taken, on online worship, which, the report says, ‘is here to stay’.

The Guardian

Church Times

SALVATIONIST

CHURCHES IN SCOTLAND ADVISED TO FOCUS ON ONLINE WORSHIP

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Salvationist 24 April 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

REFUGE, STRENGTH AND HELP IN a recent interview the Right Rev Graham James spoke about his encounters with the Duke of Edinburgh when, as bishop of Norwich, he stayed at Sandringham for the weekend after Christmas each year to preach in the chapel service. Prince Philip was in the habit of quizzing him about the contents of his sermons, as well as wider theological issues. ‘His was a questioning, searching faith,’ Bishop James said. ‘There’s a sense in which his own restlessness, which was obvious throughout the whole of his life, was also applied to his religion. But that, I think, was why it meant a lot to him.

He didn’t want a routine religion: he wanted one that challenged his mind as well as his spirit.’

These insights will have come as a surprise to many of us, including the Territorial Commander, who says in his message this week that while he was aware of the Queen’s deep personal faith, ‘what was not so obvious to me was Prince Philip’s depth of faith’. The TC highlights the motto on the Duke of Edinburgh’s coat of arms, ‘God is my help’, and relates it to verses from Psalm 46, which include the words: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble’ (v1).

In his Bible study Lieut-Colonel Bert Menary also focuses on Psalm 46, reminding us that God’s help is always available. That help often comes to us through other people, and he gives a moving account of how he was able to help someone find refuge and strength in God during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. He points out that the place of refuge is not only for consolation but also for preparation, as we are strengthened for the journey of life.

Cadet Marie Karickova and her husband, Cadet David Karicka, are due to be commissioned as Salvation Army officers in July. Marie tells us about her life and calling, including the challenges she has faced. Some of these have come during training, as family members have been seriously ill, but through it all she has found William Booth College to be a place of refuge – or, as she puts it, an ‘oasis’. But Marie also realises that it is a place of preparation, and together with David is looking forward to stepping out in service.

Last February Salvationist featured the plans for the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer. In this issue Shanelle Manderson interviews Richard Gamble to get an update on the project. The wall, which is expected to display 200,000 answered prayers when it opens, will be a powerful testimony to the way God has been a refuge, strength and help to people in all kinds of situations.

I found it interesting that the TC made a connection between the motto on the Duke of Edinburgh’s coat of arms and Psalm 46. With his questioning faith, I imagine Prince Philip would have appreciated the honesty and openness of the psalms. The psalmists often come to God with questions and complaints when faced with trouble – but always believing that he is with them and will deliver them.

Perhaps, like the psalmists, many of us have questioned God during these past months. If so, may we also share their deep faith – the assurance that, no matter what, God is our refuge, strength and help.

Quotes from the media

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Message from the territorial commander

4 5 to 7

News Prayer matters

7

News feature Exploring Leadership Day

8

by Shanelle Manderson

Interview Called by God

9

Cadet Marie Karickova talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Feature Global good news

10 and 11

by Christopher Priest

Interview Raising hope

12 and 13

Richard Gamble talks to Shanelle Manderson

The Jericho road Part 3: Daylight robbery

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by Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis

Letters

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Bible study Our refuge and strength

16 and 17

by Lieut-Colonel Bert Menary

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Sheila Smith

Resources Committing to action

18

by Carl Jobson

New commitments

19

Review Journey of Faith

20

reviewed by Major Andrew Diaper-Clausen

Adverts

20 and 21

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Robin Judd

FRONT-PAGE PICTURE Infinity Labs

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 24 April 2021

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

God is my help

T

HERE have been great blessings across the territory in recent days as the coronavirus pandemic regulations have started to be relaxed.

The high streets in many places are busy again, restaurants are able to serve people in outdoor areas and many people have been queuing up to get their hair cut. I am delighted to hear that increasing numbers of corps are planning for a return to physical worship in the days that lie ahead.

However, mixed in with the joy and relief has been a sense of sadness. I’m referring, of course, to the death of the Duke of Edinburgh. Our thoughts and

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Salvationist 24 April 2021

prayers continue to be with Her Majesty the Queen and her family, and with all those grieving across our nations, the Commonwealth and the rest of the world.

Judging by the number of complaints sent to the BBC about the coverage on the day of his death, many people found it annoying that so much airtime was given to the duke’s life and works. But I found out so much about him that I wish I had known before.

So, while we give thanks to God for Prince Philip’s faithfulness as the Queen’s consort, we also give thanks for the special niche of influence that he carved out among so many people, not least the youth of our countries with the introduction of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.

I thank God, too, for Prince Philip’s many visits to Salvation Army corps and centres, and the interest he took in our mission and ministry. We give thanks for the encouragement he gave, not only to the projects and the expressions of ministry, but also to the individuals he met and spent time with.

As a result of watching the Queen’s speech on many Christmas Days I have become increasingly aware of the Queen’s deep personal faith in Jesus Christ. What was not so obvious to me was Prince Philip’s depth of faith. He was always by the Queen’s side, and we saw him on so many occasions on visits to church and to worship. Many people, Archbishop of Canterbury, including the A spoken not only of the personal have spok faith of th the Queen but also of the personal faith the duke enjoyed pers and expressed. an I was impressed by the repeated showing of the Duke of Edinburgh’s coat of arms on the television. Everything on a coat of arms is significant and it is interesting to learn what each of the component parts mean. But what struck me was the very clear motto, which even after his death continues to state his ongoing

testimony: ‘God is my help.’ What a statement!

Psalm 46 says: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging’ (vv1–3). In other words, even when everything is going wrong, God is an ever-present help.

Verse 7 says this: ‘The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’ The very first song in The Song Book of The Salvation Army was written

by Martin Luther and proclaims: ‘A mighty fortress is our God,/ A bulwark [defensive wall] never failing’. There are also echoes of that thought from Psalm 46 in Isaac Watts’s great hymn: ‘O God, our help in ages past,/ Our hope for years to come’ (SASB 47).

In chapters 14 to 16 of John’s Gospel, Jesus tells the disciples that he’s going to leave them but will send the Holy Spirit as a comforter and a counsellor.

Some translations say the Holy Spirit will be a helper.

I am sure you will join with me in praying that the Queen will know this comfort, counsel and help. Also, that other people who need this ministry of the Spirit will receive it – those who are in a difficult place, a place of suffering, bereavement, loss or exhaustion.

Take words of advice from the last verses of Psalm 46: ‘Be still and know that I am God... The Lord almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress’ (vv10 and 11).

May God bless, comfort and save the Queen, and may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

message is based on a video that can be viewed at facebook.com/ SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

ARMY NEWS

OUTREACH

COMMUNITY

Army responds to government immigration plans

New hub to provide homelessness support

UK

ISLE OF WIGHT

THE Salvation Army has reasserted its commitment to protecting victims of modern slavery following the government’s newly announced plan for immigration.

The proposed plan, which is under consultation until 6 May, includes changes to strengthen the threshold for deciding whether someone is a potential victim of modern slavery.

These changes would have an impact on thousands of modern slavery survivors who receive support from The Salvation Army and its partners.

Major Kathy Betteridge, the territorial director of anti-trafficking and modern slavery, said: ‘The best interests of all survivors of slavery, regardless of their immigration status, must remain front and centre of any changes and consultations announced by the government...

‘It will be important that any new threshold does not prevent people who have clearly experienced exploitation from being deemed to be victims.

We also hope that the consultation will include specific opportunities for victims themselves to have a direct voice in these crucial decisions.’

‘The Salvation Army, alongside its partners, is ready to make sure the voice of survivors of slavery is heard in this and other consultations, so that their rights are protected and they can continue to receive the support they need without fear of removal from the UK,’ added Major Kathy. – AR

A FORMER emergency winter shelter in Newport is due to be turned into a Salvation Army hub.

People experiencing homelessness will benefit from the new assessment hub, which will help individuals receive specialist support to rebuild their lives. The centre will be known as Howard House in memory of Howard Derham, who tragically died while sleeping rough in 2017.

Isle of Wight council said that the centre is a key part of its drive to end rough sleeping. The plan employs a ‘housing first’ approach, which means people are offered accommodation as a first step to overcoming the issues that have led to homelessness.

The facility will offer up to 17 residents a safe place to stay, have a shower and hot drink, wash clothes and store belongings. It will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The council is investing about £500,000 into the refurbishment of the building, with a further £362,000 secured from the government. It is hoped to be completed by May. Matthew Smith, homelessness services assistant regional manager (Southern Region), said: ‘We look forward to continuing to meet individual needs so people can feel empowered to break the cycle of homelessness.’ – AR

STORNOWAY The corps dedicated its new mercy seat, holiness table and lectern on Vision and Commitment Sunday. The meeting explored how the mercy seat is a place where people can intentionally meet with God. As the congregation focused on their 2021 commitments, people were encouraged to sign covenant cards. ‘We pray these will be used for the glory of God for many years,’ said corps officer Lieutenant Faith Thompson. – AR

A cross placed in Ipswich Citadel’s hall window reminds passers-by that Easter is about Jesus’ death and resurrection BOSCOMBE Students from Portfield School, run by charity Autism Wessex, made blankets from the metalised silver lining of recycled crisp bags and sweet wrappers and donated them to the BH1 Project community centre. The three boys in the Sandbanks class gave four blankets in total. Corps officer Major Jane Alton said: ‘We are delighted to have received these much-needed blankets… It was a lovely gesture and we are sure they will benefit people who are experiencing homelessness.’ – AR

CARE HOME

EMERGENCY AID

Furze Hill House’s kitchen assistant, Anita, decorates a cake for a countrywide competition SELBY Corps officers Captains Jeremy and Wendy Ferguson-Smith were on the scene to support those affected after a fire broke out at the post office and shop opposite the hall. Refreshments were served to emergency workers and words of comfort given to staff members. – RK

GATESHEAD Volunteers provided food and hot drinks for more than 50 first-responders tackling a refuse plant fire. A minibus from Austin House Family Centre in Sunderland was used to deliver the provisions to on-site emergency crews, Environment Agency workers and local authority staff members. ‘It’s a privilege to support emergency workers and provide a place of sanctuary and refreshment,’ said Major Stephen Slade. – AR Salvationist 24 April 2021

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NEWS

OUTREACH

COMMUNITY

Eggs-cellent appeal brings kids joy GAINSBOROUGH

FINDOCHTY Corps officers Majors Bruce and Isobel Smith devised a safe way to communicate the Easter message with 15 Journey to Hope sketches reimagining scenes from Holy Week as if they had occurred in the village today. The sketches, created

by Bruce, were located throughout the village and each scene gave the location of the next scene to be visited. The route replicated the distance from where Jesus took up his cross to where he was crucified and local primary school children were encouraged to follow the route by a teacher who placed Easter eggs along the way. – AR

CORPS officers Captains Kevin and Wendy Brown wanted to do something for the children in the community, knowing that it had been a tough year for them with school closures and not being able to see friends.

They launched an Easter egg appeal during an online meeting with the hope of giving one to every primary school child in the town.

Overwhelmed by the generosity of corps members, the public and local businesses, the corps delivered 1,903 Easter eggs to 10 schools, including Gainsborough Charles Baines Community Primary School (pictured), as well as children being home-schooled.

The appeal also provided an opportunity to strengthen links with local schools for future ministry. – AR

MEETING CIRENCESTER Ahead of Palm Sunday a palm cross was delivered to everyone who attends online meetings or receives printed worship sheets. The meeting was led by Songster Leader Helen Grace, with members of the songsters taking part. The weekly Zoom meeting also celebrated the 93rd birthday of Bandsman Eric Halliday. Each group provided a birthday cake and everyone, including some members of the Sunday club, sang ‘Happy Birthday’. – MG WOKINGHAM The corps began a hot meal delivery service in January to feed people in need. About 200 portions are now delivered each week alongside treats donated by the community.

Corps officer Captain Jan Howlin said: ‘Providing food to vulnerable people is nothing new to us. When we went into lockdown in January we needed to keep as many people at home as possible, so we started delivering hot meals.’ – AR SKEWEN Associate officer Major Mary Wolfe was privileged to attend the virtual High Sheriff of West Glamorgan awards evening on behalf of the corps. The corps received a certificate in recognition of its exceptional service and contribution to the communities in West Glamorgan. High Sheriff Dr Debra Evans-Williams visited Skewen during the flooding emergency and saw the work done by the corps distributing food parcels and other provisions. – SL 6

Salvationist 24 April 2021

BLACKPOOL CITADEL Recycles manager Doug Cox and volunteer Brian Dodd spent lockdown sprucing up more than 100 old bicycles, which are now ready to be sold. The bikes cost between £20 and £90, with all money raised going back into the recycling project. The project bridges the gap between people who are in crisis and regular cyclists in the community. Doug said: ‘During lockdown we have not been able to do much for the people we usually support, so it’s been me and one volunteer working behind the scenes, fixing up bikes, getting ready to reopen. We’ve got a waiting list of people wanting to view them, and we have already sold 30 bikes over the past 10 days.’ – AR CREWE The corps continues to provide food parcels for struggling families, offering hot meals and a listening ear to rough sleepers, as well as reaching out to people who feel isolated during the pandemic. Corps officer Major Steven Watson focused on increasing participation in the 2021 census to ensure that people experiencing homelessness, asylum seekers and older people were counted. – AR

CORPS SCRIPTURE FOCUS: EPHESIANS 6 THE ARMOUR OF GOD

by Major John Mclean (Maidenhead)

CLOWNE For the second time during the coronavirus pandemic the corps provided materials and work bags for a DIY YP Messy Easter. Peta Coates and her team produced and delivered 80 bags, which included a copy of Kids Alive! and donated items. Each Easter craft set contained a sunflower-growing kit and prayer, a coin experiment, a scavenger hunt, a morning sunrise collage and an Easter egg. – GH ABERGAVENNY The corps Easter egg appeal, held in partnership with a nearby Morrisons, provided chocolate eggs to families in need. More than 300 referrals were received from organisations such as Women’s Aid and Mind. Corps officer Lieutenant Nick Pryor told Monmouthshire Beacon: ‘The amazing response to our 2020 Christmas appeal motivated us to consider whether we could support our partner agencies on a more yearround basis.’ He added that he hoped the appeal helped more people ‘to enjoy Easter and know that they are valued’. – AR

COMMUNITY

SATURDAY 24 APRIL – FAITH AND TRUTH ‘In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one’ (Ephesians 6:16). Do I take every circumstance I am in and apply the word to it? Do I believe that no matter what my circumstances are, God is enough? Father, remind me that you are my shield, that it is faith in you that destroys the lies of Satan (see Psalm 91:4 and 5).

SUNDAY 25 APRIL – FINAL WEAPONS ‘Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God’ (Ephesians 6:17). Do I take hope in my salvation? Would I be able to use the Bible to defend myself against an attack of Satan? What do I need to change in order to prepare for the battle? Take time to thank God for the Bible (see Hebrews 4:12) and for the hope we have in Jesus for salvation.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS: JOHN 4:1–42 A PRAYER FOR INTERCULTURAL MISSION

by Intercultural Mission Enabler Major Jonny Smith MONDAY 26 APRIL – DIRECTION (JOHN 4:4) The Scripture verse is clear: Jesus has to go through a place that many Jews simply would not go anywhere near! Today, is God directing you to places where others would perhaps not want to venture? Is God calling you to a place in your community, city, country or even the world, where not many would choose to go?

TUESDAY 27 APRIL – INTERCULTURAL (JOHN 4:7) Not only does Jesus go in the direction of a place where few would choose, he also strikes up a conversation with a woman who is all by herself. This breaks several social taboos, yet Jesus is willing to do it. How do you live out your life in an intercultural way, and how can you pray for more of this on the journey you are on?

KILMARNOCK William, a regular at the weekly corps drop-in, was pleased to receive the special treat of a chocolate Easter egg. The drop-in has been run as a takeaway service during the coronavirus pandemic, and everyone who would normally attend received an Easter treat. They were donated by local florist Scarlet Rose and staff and customers from a nearby Morrisons. – EF CHELSEA Corps officer Major James Williams received an award from the Kensington and Chelsea mayor, Councillor Gerard Hargreaves, for his work distributing hot meals to vulnerable people throughout the pandemic. Major James was one of five winners in the ‘coronavirus response’ category after members of the public nominated him. He said: ‘The mayor’s award recognises the hard work and dedication of our faithful volunteers and generous donors, especially the Rotary Club of Kensington and Chelsea, and the World’s End and Lots Road Big Local community partnership.’ – AR

WEDNESDAY 28 APRIL – RACIAL JUSTICE (JOHN 4:9) We learn from this verse, and from plenty of others, that the Samaritan people felt they were left out from meeting with the Hebrews’ God. We live in a world where so much injustice dwells, particularly when it comes to racial justice. In your setting, pray for racial justice; yet also be the prayer and, by the Spirit’s prompting, be someone who plays a part in bringing about racial justice.

THURSDAY 29 APRIL – INCLUSION (JOHN 4:14) Being excluded is not a nice feeling, yet Jesus is clear in this passage that he wants to include all people. Wherever you are right now, there will be people who feel excluded in many ways.

Once again, as you pray, be the prayer and play a part in bringing about inclusion.

FRIDAY 30 APRIL – RESTRICTION (JOHN 4:20) As we journey in an intercultural way, we will inevitably meet people who worship very differently. Pray today that people, as they gather together, will be free to worship God in a way that is culturally relevant to them – that does not restrict, yet empowers them to be who they are.

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

Salvationist Salvationist1310March April 2021

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NEWS FEATURE

Exploring Leadership Day invites delegates to say yes WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE SALVATIONISTS and friends across the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland and further afield gathered virtually for Exploring Leadership Day. William Booth College Principal LieutColonel Judith Payne opened the meeting by welcoming all. She suggested that, through the challenges and lessons learnt during the past year, it has been confirmed that the world is desperate for great leaders, and she believed such leaders were joining in worship that day. After thanking Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham for speaking, and Territorial Candidates Director Major Janet Robson and the Candidates Unit for planning and praying the day into existence, viewers were encouraged to be led deeper into God’s heart and will.

Commissioner Bronwyn shared this quote from Dr Tony Evans: ‘God will meet you where you are in order to take you where he wants you to go.’ She spoke of how God had been meeting her where she was all her life.

She became most aware of this when she said a reluctant yes, at first, because it meant letting go of the security she had known to follow his call to become a Salvation Army officer. She offered Isaiah 41:13 as her ongoing testimony, as God promises to hold her hand and lead her where he wants her to go. She prayed that delegates would open

Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham 8

Salvationist 24 April 2021

Adam and Karen Barber and their children

their hearts to God, who promises to do the same for them.

Karl and Lauren Westwood (Bromley Temple) and the worship band led worship, which included the upbeat ‘All Creatures of our God and King’ and the mellow ‘Build My Life’ and ‘Goodness of God’ before a time of creative prayer with Elliott Chappell and the Regent Hall worship group.

The Transformers (Anglia, Central East and Herts and Essex Divisions) led creative worship. NHS Nurse Manager Hilary Winch (Norwich Citadel) and corps officer Lieutenant Joshua Hubbard (Eagle Creek, Indianapolis, USA) spoke about what leadership looks like in their settings and what it means to be a leader.

Adam and Karen Barber and their children (Edinburgh Gorgie) shared an inspirational testimony of God calling them to officership before the NeXus Youth Choir brought ‘Be the One’, led by Lee Highton-Nicholls.

The Chief of the Staff then spoke of the powerful imagery of the numerous sessional flags hung in the William Booth College assembly hall, representing the thousands of men and women who have made themselves available and said yes to God. Focusing his message on Isaiah 5, he highlighted three occasions when Peter responded to Jesus: when Jesus asked to use his boat; when Jesus instructed him to cast out his net; and when Jesus asked Peter to follow him. The Chief stressed

the importance of Peter’s willingness simply because Jesus was asking, and encouraged viewers not to focus on reasons to say no, as they explore the ‘leadership pool’, but to focus on God. Karl, Lauren and the band presented the closing songs ‘I’ll Give Thanks’ and ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ before Commissioner Bronwyn offered a closing prayer asking God to give everyone the courage to step out and say ‘yes, I am willing’.

Viewers were encouraged to be led deeper into God’s heart and will Later in the day Divisional Mission Enabler Steve Smith (Severn and Somerset) and Ann Howlett-Foster (Cambridge Citadel) facilitated a session titled Voices. They posed a series of questions on spiritual leadership to a panel of 11 people, representing a diverse range of leaders from around the territory to show viewers the wide variety of spiritual opportunities that exist within The Salvation Army. Major Janet closed the session with a prayer of blessing from Numbers 6:24–26.– SM O The Exploring Leadership Day meetings can be viewed at youtube.com/ williamboothcollege

INTERVIEW

Called by God Cadet Marie Karickova talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about her life and calling

M

ARIE Karickova and her husband, David, are set to be commissioned in July as the first Roma officers in the UKI Territory.

It will be the next step in a journey that brought them from the Czech Republic to the UK, then into an experience of Jesus Christ, Salvation Army soldiership and a calling to officer service.

Growing up in a Roma family brought many challenges, as Marie explains.

‘I am one of six children, and my parents were hard-working people. They didn’t have any kind of education because the conditions where they grew up didn’t allow them to go to school. So it was quite hard for me as they were not able to help me with my homework.

‘It was Czechoslovakia at that time, a communist country. Roma people were discriminated against and I was quite often beaten by teachers. My parents went to the school to sort it out, but it didn’t help. Even so, my childhood was quite happy. My parents always tried to balance things out.’

Marie left school at 16 and after a few months found work as a general helper in a hospital. She later married David, whom she had met at school. In 2002 they moved to the UK with their son and daughter.

‘Our son is married with two children and lives in Margate,’ says Marie. ‘He

recently finished university and is working. Our daughter lives with us at William Booth College. She is studying at university and her goal is to be a police officer.’

When the family arrived in the UK 19 years ago they quickly linked up with a church in Margate.

‘My brother was already in Britain, and we were staying with him. We went with him to the church, and at the service there was a challenge and an invitation to be blessed. We went forward and accepted Jesus. Looking back, God had been speaking to me quite a bit, even during our last year in the Czech Republic. We were going through a very hard time with our son experiencing discrimination at school.

‘The thing that we really felt in the church was love – that there was no difference between us and everyone else. I remember feeling scared, because we had never been hugged by people from a different community.

I have to say that in the years we have been in Britain we have not felt any kind of discrimination – not from the community, neighbours or the church.’

They continued attending the church for six years, but everything was in English so they weren’t always able to understand. During that time Marie’s nephew married the daughter of

Margate corps officers Majors David and Kathryn Blowers, and so began Marie and David’s connection with the Army.

‘We were invited to a Salvation Army home group. Because my husband is a good musician he started helping with worship at the Czech corps, the Armáda Spásy (Salvation Army). It was important for us to decide whether to stay in the church or join The Salvation Army.

‘David and Kathryn contacted the church leaders, who agreed to bless us and send us to the Army to serve the Czech community. We tried to be a blessing in whatever way was necessary.

Because of that there are now four different Czech or Slovak corps in Kent.’

Marie’s call to officership came when a preacher who was visiting the corps prayed with her.

‘In that prayer he said that I would become a godly woman and an example for Roma women and the whole Roma community,’ she recalls. ‘I had to wrestle with it for quite a time, to accept that was the way it should be. But then I realised, it was not a man calling me, but God, the one who is living in me.

‘It took a bit longer for David to accept the call from God. We were invited to a two-day seminar at William Booth College about exploring our spiritual gifts. God spoke to him there.’

Marie and David became territorial envoys for a year in order to gain more experience. They were then accepted for training. Their time at college has been fulfilling, despite difficulties due to some family members becoming seriously ill.

Marie’s brother was diagnosed with leukaemia and she was able to donate stem cells. Her sister passed away last year and her father is receiving treatment for cancer.

‘The college is kind of an oasis for us,’ Marie says. ‘We feel God’s peace, and we are very much supported here.’

After commissioning, Marie and David will be appointed as associate officers at Gravesend.

‘Our appointments are to the older established corps and the new Roma ministry. They share the same building and it works very well. Even in the town the two communities are blending. We feel that we will be used as a bridge between them.

‘I think we will never be completely ready, but we trust in the Lord because we know that, with his help, we can do it.’

Salvationist 24 April 2021

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FEATURE I Salvation Army Today

Global good news Salvation Army Today producer Christopher Priest reveals the worldwide reach of the online news programme

D

URING the coronavirus pandemic the online world is proving to be a lifeline for news, information, education, worship, debate and instruction – all received in the comfort and safety of our homes.

The Salvation Army has certainly provided multiple resources and connections to help fill the void of regular in-person worship and unique fellowship. Added to this is an ongoing desire to share what the Army is achieving in communities worldwide.

This is at the core of Salvation Army Today, a web-based news show. Short episodes are broadcast every Tuesday and Thursday by the USA Southern Territory to thousands of subscribers on Facebook and YouTube.

Now in its 10th year, Salvation Army Today has consistently delivered news and information relating to the Army’s multiplicity of ministries around the globe. The show’s writers reach out to the Army world for new and exciting material and search the web for uplifting stories of changed lives. Since January 2012 the programme has covered accounts of crippling addiction and hard-fought recovery, the fight against family homelessness with initiatives such as Project Malachi in Ilford, cutting-edge education and job training programmes and poignant reunions of family members. These are all reports of what The Salvation Army does best: reaching the lost and forgotten in the name of Jesus Christ.

Although the show is produced in Atlanta, Georgia, there is a deliberate strategy to ensure the broadcasts are transparent and free of territorial boundaries. At the launch of the show the producer announced: ‘For some time we have wanted to communicate the wonderful work of the Army’s mission and ministry through video.

With this innovative programme, both internal and external audiences have begun to learn of the Movement’s impact, steadfastness and Godglorifying mission, which affects all 10

Salvationist 24 April 2021

Boundless broadcast, 2015

There is a deliberate strategy to ensure the broadcasts are transparent and free of territorial boundaries

humanity in every country of operation.’

In 2015 Salvation Army Today was broadcast on successive days during the Boundless Congress in London, drawing more than 74,000 viewers, its largest online audience. The show’s most-viewed episode – which has

more than 16,100 views – features the International Staff Band in a recording setting on 7 May 2015.

The show continues to cover a wide range of subjects, from events to unfolding disasters and emergency responses worldwide, including the

Malachi Place episode, March 2020

coronavirus pandemic. There are more than 800 unique episodes – it is rare that a story is repeated – which is a significant tribute to the Army’s diversity and adaptability worldwide.

After the first five years of broadcasts, the accumulation of about 400 episodes attracted a growing audience on YouTube.

Digital communication, however, had rapidly advanced in that time. Towards the end of 2016 an audit was conducted to measure and compare audience categories, open views and preferred devices, along with an in-depth study of the ever-changing style of news shows on the internet.

In January 2017 Facebook became a prime platform for distribution of the show. The format was also changed by reducing a three-minute episode featuring several stories to a single story lasting between 30 and 60 seconds. The change included replacing a host and spoken audio with text displayed over images and video so that anyone could

It’s refreshing to have a regular fixture of Salvation Army news, which is presented in such a compelling, easy-toaccess way

watch at any time, anywhere. As a result, Salvation Army Today can be shown in any Army facility and read on personal devices.

Since then, there has been a sharp spike in views, a dramatic increase in followers and a significant increase in sharing, with more than 400 episodes shared so far.

Advisory Board members and volunteers have been encouraged to view Salvation Army Today as an aid to realising the enormous potential in partnering the show and sharing their vision for how the Army can make a difference in their communities. It can also be a wonderful resource for new Salvationists and staff members.

During an anniversary celebration, Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham enthusiastically endorsed the show: ‘In a world that is always on the move, it is refreshing to have a regular fixture of Salvation Army news, which is presented in such a compelling, easy-to-access way. Salvation Army Today is great for sharing with others, because it succinctly tells the rich story of God’s transforming power through The Salvation Army in many different communities, cultures and collaborations with others.’

David Goodnow, a former CNN Headline News anchor, says: ‘It’s one of the best ways I know to stay in touch with this amazing organisation. You’ll see how you can help. These short

broadcasts bring you news that counts.

The best news you’ll ever see.’

Phil Cooke, a Christian film producer and social media guru, adds: ‘[It’s] a great tool to educate any and all to the Army’s amazing service to humankind in a 21st-century format.’

The producers are now expanding the show’s reach by creating an audio-only version in partnership with Salvation Army Soundcast, their radio colleagues in the USA. Salvationists are encouraged to engage with Salvation Army Today on Facebook, and to share the regular episodes with their own circle of friends.

Several corps play episodes before morning meetings. Corps and centres are also encouraged to broadcast episodes on their in-house video systems to enlighten clients and donors.

O Episodes

can be viewed online at salvationarmy.org/ihq/satoday, facebook.com/salvationarmytoday and youtube.com/salvationarmytoday O To share a story for potential broadcast on the show or your thoughts about the programme, email satoday@uss.salvationarmy.org CHRISTOPHER IS TERRITORIAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS, USA SOUTHERN TERRITORY Salvationist 24 April 2021

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INTERVIEW

Raising hope

ande M elle n a h r. S e y a d Pr e r e nsw In Febru ar y 2020 Salvationist featured the Eternal Wall of A

HOW IS THE PROJECT GOING? It’s going well. In 2019 we ran a marketing campaign, which raised £170,000. That allowed us to submit our complete planning application with all its associated costs, for which we recently received approval. Now we’re building the oneand-a-half-mile access road to the piece of land. That’s about a six-month build, so it should be done by the end of the year.

Then we’ll be able to start building the arch in January 2022, money permitting.

Considering all the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic, we’re in pretty good shape to still be on target.

HOW HAS THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED THE BUILD? I would say the past month has been the hardest. We’ve had three people from the team in A&E. It’s also made things harder financially, and trying to keep communication levels up on Zoom when we’re working as a team and things are growing very fast has been difficult.

Looking at the numbers for the build, it’s easy for us to be discouraged because we’re getting a lot of people saying they can’t help us, but I’ve always said this has to be impossible for God to be glorified. So, the harder it gets, the more I believe God will be glorified through what we do.

If the story of the wall is an incredible catalogue of God answering prayers to 12

Salvationist 24 April 2021

get us to completion, then that would be far more meaningful and we’re certainly in that realm. We have some significant challenges ahead of us, but we keep trusting in God, remembering what he’s done so far.

HOW MUCH MONEY HAVE YOU RAISED? That’s difficult to answer, as not only is the wall being crowdfunded but it’s also being crowdsourced, meaning there are lots of people that have dedicated and donated their expertise. For example, one of the leading barristers on planning lead gives his time for free.

The overall budget for the project is £11.4 million. We have successfully raised almost £3.7 million through online fundraising and crowdfunding. We have acquired enough funding to cover our running costs for three years, allowing us to focus on raising the rest of the funds.

We will approach trust funds, charities and individuals to raise the amount needed, alongside regular donations from individuals across the UK and abroad. I recently wrote a book called Remember, and all the profits from that will go towards the physical build. Every penny helps.

WHAT IS REMEMBER ABOUT? It explores the scriptural importance of remembering answered prayers and how

erson catches up with

CE OR

ich ard Ga mbl e to f

such reflection helps us to greater maturity in prayer and gives us a deeper understanding of who God is. There are lots of books about prayer but not many about what to do after God has answered a prayer. Yet the Bible is absolutely filled with encouragement to remember what God has done and the impact of that. What I’m trying to do with Remember is get people thinking about what God has done in their life and try to restore the lost tradition of remembrance.

HOW MANY PRAYERS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE WALL SO FAR? We’re at about 25,000. We’ve just completed the Answered Prayer Challenge, where we asked people to share a story of answered prayer on social media and then challenge three others to do the same. As a result, roughly three million people have seen an answered prayer on social media, which is great. Our hope is that about 200,000 answered prayers will have been submitted by the time the wall opens, so we’ve got a bit of work to do.

project is progressing

proclaim his deeds, to announce them to the assembly. That’s why we’re trying to encourage people to share stories – because it inspires faith.

ARE YOU SEEING STORIES OF ANSWERED PRAYER AS YOU CARRY OUT THE PROJECT? Yes, absolutely! Here’s an example. In a meeting, one of our advisers said we needed a construction person. I had no idea where to find one let alone the money to pay them, but I really wanted them to be a Christian. I was told I’d be looking for a needle in a haystack. I prayed, there and then. About 10 minutes later a guy who was in his car heard a story on the radio about the wall and felt God say he needed to get involved. He’s the senior construction project manager for Alexander Stadium in Birmingham and he’s now working for us. How amazing is that!

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED? I’m keen that the whole Church feels it owns the Eternal Wall. Volunteer, donate, submit an answered prayer – you can be part of it in so many ways, but the most important way you can be part of it is to pray.

WHAT IS THE ETERNAL WALL OF ANSWERED PRAYER? The Eternal Wall will be a huge Christian landmark containing the largest database of hope stories in the world. It will sit on the outskirts of Birmingham by the end of 2022.

Each brick in the wall will recount a personal way God has answered a prayer, explaining how God has come through for individuals in the midst of life’s storms.

The wall’s design is based on the Möbius strip. This infinite loop will represent God’s eternal nature and how he is always listening and answering prayers.

The site will also house a state-of-the-art educational exhibition on prayer, a 24/7 prayer room, a café, a Christian bookshop and a park for prayer and reflection.

O To

find out more about the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer or to purchase Remember visit eternalwall.org.uk Salvationist 24 April 2021

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Pictures: INFINITY LABS

HAS THE PANDEMIC INCREASED APPETITE FOR PRAYER? Yes. And, of course, one expects that if lots of people are praying then there are also lots of prayers being answered. We have a culture of keeping quiet about success, but the word of God tells us to

ind out ho w the

The Jericho Road ¢ δH

'?2/-.: 85((+8?

Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis continues a six-part reflection on the parable of the good Samaritan

T

HE robbers in this story are a reflection of life in every age.

There have always been robbers out to deprive people of any value they happen to possess. Jesus, in his day, often referred to such people (see John 10:8, Matthew 6:19, Matthew 21:13).

There are two things about the robbers in this parable that should be noted. First, Jesus said they stole the traveller’s clothes. This is an important detail: he was naked. Jesus emphasised the fact that the clothes were stolen, but didn’t mention other things such as money and valuables.

I would draw your attention to the fact that Jesus included various elements that at first sight appear to have little point when concerning the question that prompted the parable: ‘Who is my neighbour?’ (Luke 10:29). But why the emphasis on clothing?

Throughout the Bible, the importance of clothes is repeatedly mentioned.

Following the Fall, when Adam and Eve tried to cover up their shame with fig leaves, ‘the Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them’ (Genesis 3:21). Later in the Old Testament clothes were important in the worship of God: ‘This is how Aaron is to enter the Most Holy Place… He is to put on the sacred linen tunic, with linen undergarments next to his body; he is to tie the linen sash round him and put on the linen turban. These are sacred garments’ (Leviticus 16:3 and 4). It would not be possible to come into God’s presence without the appropriate clothing.

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Salvationist 24 April 2021

Jesus knew how significant clothing was in certain circumstances, and mentioned it in a parable in Matthew 22, which concludes: ‘When the king came in to see the guests, he noticed a man there who was not wearing wedding clothes. He asked, “How did you get in here without wedding clothes, friend?”

The man was speechless. Then the king told the attendants, “Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness”’ (vv11–13).

Then, as it is today, it was important to have the right kind of clothes to appear at a wedding or before royalty.

How much more important it is to have the right spiritual clothing to come before God! Another reference to the importance of clothes is found in a detail mentioned

by John in his glorious vision of Heaven: ‘After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes’ (Revelation 7:9).

John felt that this detail about what they were wearing was important enough to mention it.

So the significance of the robbers stealing the man’s clothes meant that the last hope the traveller had from his life in Jerusalem was now taken. It is a picture of humankind – condemned, banished and unable to enter the heavenly Jerusalem with all the saints, to be in the presence of God. If that wasn’t bad enough, the man was also beaten and left half dead.

He was not dead, but he was not living to the full either – he was only half alive.

This, too, is a picture of who we are without God: we are alive, but not fully alive. The true spiritual side of our lives is dormant. We are only living half-lives, devoid of the eternal qualities that give life true meaning.

Everyone travelling down the Jericho road is facing the same destiny. They are poor and naked, and without the wholeness that comes from living with God. With Jerusalem behind them, they are heading down to the city that has been cursed, half dead. How much different it could be!

Heaven above is softer blue, Earth around is sweeter green; Something lives in every hue, Christless eyes have never seen; Birds with gladder songs o’erflow, Flowers with deeper beauties shine, Since I know, as now I know, I am his and he is mine.

(SASB 723)

LIEUT-COLONEL ELLIS LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN NORWAY Next week Part 4: Walk on by

LETTERS

THINKING OFFLINE

STAYING CONNECTED

ARE we in danger of making Zoom and other internet platforms the be all and end all of contacts made within corps and the territory at large?

What provision or thought is given to those mostly older Salvationists, or those who are disadvantaged in some way, who through choice or circumstances are not online? Contact in a different form with such people is the least that can be done, especially when we realise many over the years have often gone the extra mile in their service for God and the Army.

Is it too much to ask that some thought is given to this minority, who should be regarded as an important part of the Army?

I should add that the officers of the corps we attended prior to the coronavirus pandemic have been exemplary in their contact by phone every week or so to find out how we are and even calling in person on our doorstep (with masks and staying distant). It is not a big corps in terms of numbers, but it is big in its concern for those associated with it – an example to others and a reminder of what the Army could and should be.

Bill Armstrong Cumbria

DURING the past year worship has been delivered in many ways. One can only applaud and marvel at the talent and vision behind these mainly online projects.

At Branksome, few of the mainly older congregation are digitally connected in any way. At first my concern was to keep in contact as frequently as possible. I decided to phone each person and share one-to-one worship. As weeks went by I added music, played over the phone.

Adding other voices and more music meant prerecording the whole thing.

I have limited technology: a handheld recorder, a basic music editing programme and a telephone. The result was still played to each member of the congregation. Our ‘Branksome Times’ newsletter, introduced during the pandemic, is sent out each Wednesday and contains the text of the previous Sunday’s worship. It occurred to me I could let others read the text, so it also appears on my own Facebook page each Sunday. Finally, I offered to email out an audio file for people to listen to instead of reading the newsletter.

There are not vast numbers reading or listening but most weeks our congregation has tripled in size. It includes someone I worked with 40-plus years ago, my youngest son and his family in Ireland, and my daughter and her family, who live half a mile from me. Other names I see online do not, as far as I know, have a present relationship with the church but are reading and ‘liking’ the Facebook posts week after week.

I have a dilemma approaching: when we return to normal worship, it will be impossible for me to produce and broadcast these ‘two-minute worship’ posts and also prepare and lead in-person worship. As I said, my remote congregation is double the size of my pre-lockdown one.

Zoom and other online worship continues to be wonderful but the smaller ideas to demonstrate individuals are not left out are just as important.

Colin Bright Branksome

A MISSING INGREDIENT

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

MAY I be permitted to draw a parallel between meetings with Covid-19 restrictions and an Australian folk song? I attended an Easter Day service at a local Methodist church and, as per regulations, no singing was allowed. A printer breakdown meant there were no words available to use when the recorded hymn tunes were played. Not able to remember which words fitted which verse, the tune was just played on repeat.

It reminded me that we used to take a lot of things for granted before the pandemic, including our Sunday worship. Singing is such an integral part of it and gifted songwriters enable us to express words that show our love for and devotion to God. The folk song ‘A Pub With No Beer’ is popular in Australia and expresses the horror of a pub having no beer. It’s an interesting example of two cultures that are missing a vital ingredient in their existence that would be unthinkable in the normal course of events.

Alan Bowd Abertillery

I READ with interest the piece ‘Where do we go from here?’ (Salvationist 20 March). If the findings are correct that only 12 per cent of folk describe mission as ‘pastoral care to their existing congregation’, and we do not act, then the answer I think will be ‘backwards’ – and I would suggest at a fair rate of knots.

Melvyn Owen Fairhaven

HAVE YOU SEEN THESE BOOKS? I AM trying to find out the whereabouts of a three-volume set of books last seen by me around the beginning of this century: The Illustrated Bible Dictionary published by Tyndale House Publishers. The first volume is inscribed with my name and that of my church at the time, Stretford Independent Methodist Church, and the set was given to me by the church on my induction as a minister in 1986. I believe I lent them to someone within The Salvation Army for their own ministry training, but the books were never returned to me. I have since lost touch with that person. If anyone has these books, or knows of their whereabouts, I would dearly like them back for sentimental reasons. I can exchange them for an identical set, which I have since purchased for my Christian service. I can be contacted by email on olpa46@virginmedia.com.

Len Jones Sale Salvationist 24 April 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

Our refuge and strength Lieut-Colonel Bert Menary reminds us that God’s help is always available

PSALM 46

T

HE writer of Psalm 46 might have been thinking of Israel potentially falling into the hands of an enemy, but the picture that comes to my mind is of a frightened or hurt child running into their parent’s arms. Irrespective of the need for bandages or sticking plasters, the child seeks immediate comfort and healing – a refuge that strengthens.

QUESTION O What do you regard as a place of refuge?

Consider Old Testament characters such as Moses, David and Elijah. For a time, they all had to escape danger and find a place of refuge. When we are seeking shelter, do we picture a loving heavenly Father whose arms

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

by Major Sheila Smith

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Salvationist 24 April 2021

provide a refuge in that hour of distress and give us strength to get through? In our present world situation, God is there.

QUESTION O When is it right to use a place of refuge for selfish reasons?

Sometimes we might seek a hiding place to avoid responsibility or a challenge. When we seek refuge the question of forgiveness as a healing element so often arises.

During the Troubles in the 1980s, I served as divisional commander for Ireland and faced a number of difficult situations. In one instance a police officer parked his car at a hospital and went to visit his wife who had just given birth to their first child.

They looked forward to bringing her up in a good home.

The officer left his wife feeding their precious daughter. On returning to his car, he put the key in the ignition and the car exploded, killing him outright.

Terrorists had noted his car and placed a bomb. Later, another police officer went to the hospital to inform her colleague’s wife of the devastating news.

As a pastor I was informed and went to visit. I was conscious that I was there to help her find refuge in an all-loving God who would be her strength for the difficult days ahead.

QUESTIONS O How would you go about spiritually helping a person in a similar state of distress?

O How ready and equipped are you to help people who have been plunged into life-changing situations through the actions of evil people?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

The Lord our refuge is/ And ever will remain;/ Since he has made us his/ He will our cause maintain./ In vain our enemies oppose,/ For God is stronger than his foes.

(SASB 38)

The Lord is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

(Exodus 15:2)

Sing, pray and swerve not from his ways,/ But do thine own part faithfully;/ Trust his rich promises of grace,/ So shall they be fulfilled in thee;/ God never yet forsook at need/ The soul that trusted him indeed.

(SASB 40)

I was sitting by the bedside of this new mother, with an understanding mind, willing to listen – to hear her words of anger at what the terrorists had done, how they had robbed her of so much, that she was heartbroken and that her world had been torn apart. Although she was a Christian, she said that she couldn’t see God in the situation.

Should I have asked her to recite the Lord’s Prayer, including the words ‘forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us’?

These may be some of the terms and conditions of being in God’s refuge but, had I suggested such a prayer at that moment, I would have only increased her anger. Much healing had to take place first.

In seeking to understand her distress, I assured her that a loving heavenly Father understood her anger, that he felt it with her and was by her side in the place of refuge.

In a subsequent conversation I quietly suggested that ultimate healing included her forgiving the perpetrators. I put it to her that such an inner peace process might take months, even years, to achieve.

Rather than being an immediate imperative, I suggested she could make forgiveness a longer-term goal and that she could ask God to help her achieve this in her daily devotions.

By so doing, I counselled, she would be allowing the bitterness to depart from her wounded heart. This would then truly prove that God was her refuge and strength.

QUESTIONS O How ready are you to enter God’s place of refuge to help someone who is in great shock and distress?

O What can your corps or centre do to provide appropriate training?

Because forgiving someone can be costly, it is not always an immediate reaction to personal hurt. Forgiveness often requires a period of refuge, love, time and understanding.

To journey with a wounded soul calls for much empathy, compassion and patience. It is a sacred privilege. But what a joy it is when that tortured soul steps out of the refuge strengthened, restored and ready to face the future.

LIEUT-COLONEL MENARY LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN SOUTHPORT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid.

The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation.

(Isaiah 12:2)

Jehovah is our strength,/ And he shall be our song;/ We shall o’ercome at length/ Although our foes be strong./ In vain does Satan then oppose,/ For God is stronger than his foes.

(SASB 38)

I can do all things through him who gives me strength.

(Philippians 4:13)

My Jesus, my Saviour,/ Lord, there is none like you./ All of my days I want to praise/ The wonders of your mighty love./ My comfort, my shelter,/ Tower of refuge and strength,/ Let every breath, all that I am,/ Never cease to worship you.

(SASB 264)

Prayer Lord, the promise of your constant presence gives us strength to live through each day whatever is happening. When we call out to you, you answer and are always there with your guiding hand on our lives.

Thank you!

Salvationist 24 April 2021

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RESOURCES

COMMITTING TO ACTION Resource Hub Team Leader Carl Jobson (THQ) explains why 2021 is a vital year for climate action

T

WO years ago leading scientists on the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change warned that humanity had just over a decade to cut greenhouse gas emissions if we were to have even a 50 per cent chance of keeping the rise in global average temperature at less than 1.5C above the pre-industrial level. Yet by early 2020, just before the pandemic, the world remained firmly on course to overshoot this goal by several degrees. We were, and still are, heading for global climate catastrophe, and time to avoid it is exceedingly short.

The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) is due to be held in Glasgow in November.

Postponed from last year, it is the most significant climate summit since 2015, when world leaders at COP21 in Paris made a landmark commitment to restrict the global average temperature rise to ‘well below’ 2C above pre-industrial levels and ‘to pursue efforts’ to limit it to 1.5C. COP26 is the first opportunity since the Paris conference for countries to

upgrade their pledges on tackling climate change at a summit, with up to 200 world leaders discussing the crisis.

The Church has an important voice to raise up in response to this challenge.

We follow a God who created this world, became incarnate in this world and made the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile the world to himself. We have been made in God’s image and need to reflect God’s love, care and concern for the world.

This is why The Salvation Army has given its backing to an ecumenical initiative called Climate Sunday. The vision for Climate Sunday is to see God’s love and desire for justice manifested through the Church on this critical issue of our age. Churches all across the UK and the Republic of Ireland are asked to hold a climatefocused service before COP26 takes place, and commit to taking action.

There are many reasons why we should engage. It will help us as the body of Christ to recognise and more deeply understand God’s love for all

creation. It will help us look at how we can live this out by reducing the carbon emissions from our buildings, land, travel and purchasing. It gives us an opportunity to minister to a generation of young people passionate about this issue who are experiencing climate anxiety and grief. There are ways to serve and connect with our communities by taking part in practical projects, such as restoring green spaces. We can witness to our God of justice by joining wider society’s calls for a fair transition to a sustainable economy.

During Climate Sunday, Christians are invited to explore the theological and scientific basis of creation care and action on climate. You are asked to commit as a corps or centre to taking long-term action to reduce your own greenhouse gas emissions. The best way to do this is by signing up to Eco Church (in England and Wales) or Eco-Congregation (in Scotland and Ireland). Finally, you are encouraged to tell politicians that you want a cleaner, greener, fairer future at the heart of plans to rebuild a strong economy by signing the Climate Coalition’s The Time Is Now declaration.

Two months before the summit in Glasgow, on 5 September, a national Climate Sunday event will be held to celebrate the commitments made by local churches. The UK government will be presented with the combined commitments and calls that churches have made. These will show our political leaders that they have our support to act boldly, justly and compassionately on this issue.

The Resource Centre web page has a range of materials to help you take part, including teaching and discussion questions, prayer and worship activities, and ideas for action.

Whether you hold your service online, in person or a mixture of both, this is a vital time to join together and explore and engage with the climate crisis.

O To register and download resources, visit salvationarmy.org.uk/climatesunday

CARL REPRESENTS THE ARMY ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES NETWORK OF CHURCHES TOGETHER IN BRITAIN AND IRELAND 18

Salvationist 24 April 2021

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

ST ALBANS Recalling that Easter Sunday was traditionally a day when new Christians were received into the Church, Alison Perry asked corps officers Lieutenants Wan Gi Lee and Eun Ok Shin if that might continue with her. Her wish was granted, and Alison was enrolled as a soldier in a socially distanced ceremony that was filmed for the corps Easter worship, which was later streamed on YouTube. She was supported by Recruiting Sergeant Major Sheila Parmenter. – BH

ARMÁDA SPÁSY, GRAVESEND Dezider Krok and Ruzena Krokova were welcomed as adherents by Fresh Expressions Pioneer Leader David Frater. Ruzena first attended worship two years ago after receiving an invitation from her niece. Just before the first lockdown in 2020, her husband, Dezider, began attending with her. Both have since been active in the corps through online worship, Zoom meetings and in person when allowed. They look forward to growing in their knowledge and understanding, and in service. – KB

RUGBY Bernard and Pat Meaking were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Major Anne Myers during Easter Sunday celebrations. Bern and Pat began attending the corps after being invited to a lunch club day. They have been part of the corps family for 12 years, becoming adherents and assisting with the Cameo club. During the past year they have regularly attended and contributed to weekly online Bible studies and prayer mornings. They testified to a lifelong faith in Jesus that has grown over the past few years, and that they felt God was calling them to commit to soldiership. The enrolment took place at the third in-person meeting at the corps since March. Bern and Pat were supported by family, a number of whom were attending for the first time. All safety guidelines were adhered to, including the wearing of face coverings. Bern and Pat removed theirs for photos after the congregation had left the hall. – GJ

LIVERPOOL STONEYCROFT Dan and Emma Prior and Liz and Tony Roberts were welcomed as adherents during a Sunday worship meeting online. Also pictured are corps officer Lieutenant Sam Tomlin and Corps Secretary Joan Petrie. – ST HYTHE At an online and in-person Easter Sunday meeting, corps officer Captain Callum McKenna welcomed Adam Massey as an adherent virtually, from Adam’s home in Kozlov in the Czech Republic. Adam moved with his family 10 years ago to the small village where there are no English-language churches. At the start of the 2020 lockdown a friend invited him to join the corps online meetings. Adam testified to the warmth and welcome he experienced online and the difference that becoming part of the corps family had made to reigniting his faith. – CM Salvationist 24 April 2021

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REVIEW

Travel guides for the journey Major Andrew DiaperClausen (Central South DHQ) reviews the Journey of Faith series by Major Jim Bryden

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FTER 50 years in ministry as a Salvation Army officer – including training cadets on two continents – Major Jim Bryden shares his knowledge and experience through the teaching series Journey of Faith.

Through three short books (a fourth is due to be released in July) he draws alongside us as a travel companion. He helps us to understand the map of God’s word, and how to avoid dead ends and danger zones along the path.

The studies each include a Scripture reference, a helpful reflection and explanation, and three questions that give context and enable the reader to dig deeper into faith. Each book could be easily used in a small group setting or for personal reflection.

Ephesians opens up Paul’s letter to that early church with 21 daily readings.

Bryden blends his scholarship and wide-ranging personal experiences to help us discover new spiritual riches.

Ephesians is viewed through the Salvation Army doctrines of salvation and holiness. Explanations and applications, as well as optional short exercises, help the reader dig deeper into the Bible.

Messiah Jesus is a collection of 16 daily readings and short exercises that examine the life of Jesus. We are encouraged to identify with the physical Jesus who walked Palestine 2,000

years ago. We are given the opportunity to think deeply about how Jesus impacts lives today, and invited into key moments in his life, before giving full consideration to his death and resurrection.

The Last Days studies God’s plan to reach the world through the Church, the body of Christ.

The book explores the experience of the believers at the ascension of Christ, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and life in the early Church.

The author then shows how believers today are called to respond to the work of the Holy Spirit; how we are to live out our lives and share the gospel with perseverance and faithfulness. The reader is invited to look forward to the promise of a heavenly reward.

The book concludes with consideration of the last days – the return of Jesus as recorded in Revelation.

O The

first three books in the Journey of Faith series are available from onwardsandupwards.org priced £6.99 each or as ebooks priced from £2.99 each

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Big Questions for Small Groups: The Bible Ever wondered why there are so many Bible translations, or if we really need the Old Testament? Discover the answers with the latest release from Shields Books.

In Big Questions for Small Groups: The Bible, Lieut-Colonel Ian Barr explores some of the key topics surrounding the Bible and helps make the wonder of God’s word ever more real to us.

Drawing on decades of ministry, Ian has produced an accessible study guide to the Bible. He explains that the book is about equipping people to ‘know Jesus through personal encounter with him in his word, to understand God’s purposes for humanity and for creation, and to seek to be like him as the Holy Spirit makes Jesus of the Bible ever more real to us’.

The second book in the Big Questions for Small Groups series, The Bible offers a springboard for online group discussion and individual study.

Order your copy for £3 (plus postage and packing) from sps-shop.com or by calling SP&S on 01933 445 445 (option 1).

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The first book in the series, Prayer by Lyndall Bywater, is also available at the same price.

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Salvationist 24 April 2021

ADVERT

Join the nation and take part in the Captain Tom 100 challenge to raise funds for The Salvation Army or your corps 30 April to 3 May Captain Tom 100 celebrates Captain Sir Tom Moore’s generosity of spirit, the hope and joy he brought to millions and his sense of fun.

Friday 30 April would have been Captain Tom’s 101st birthday and the first anniversary of the extraordinary celebrations after the conclusion of his famous 100 laps of his garden, which raised an incredible £38.9 million for the NHS. It’s simple. Dream up a challenge, do it 100 times and fundraise for The Salvation Army or your corps.

Everyone’s invited. Whether it’s baking 100 cakes or doing 100 press-ups, whatever it is, do it your way.

Together we can ensure that ‘tomorrow will be a good day’.

HOW IT WORKS All participants need to do is dream up a challenge based around the number 100 and do it any time, anywhere over Captain Tom’s birthday weekend – from Friday 30 April through to Monday 3 May. The challenge could be walking 100 steps or running 100 metres, scoring 100 goals, baking 100 cakes, climbing 100 stairs, hopping 100 laps of the garden, building 100 sandcastles,

O Sign

writing a 100-word poem, flipping 100 pancakes – anything at all, inside or outside.

Once a participant has chosen a challenge, they can fundraise for The Salvation Army or their corps.

up at salvationarmy.org.uk/ fundraise-us O For more information or to let us know what you have planned, email the Community and Events Fundraising team: challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk O Don’t forget to post your stories on social media using the hashtags #CaptainTom100 and #TeamSallyArmy Salvationist 24 April 2021

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE The following appointments, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 August O Lieut-Colonels Daniel Raj and Rajam Daniel, officers of the India South Eastern Territory, are appointed chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, India South Western Territory O Lieut-Colonels Jashwant and Ruth Mahida, officers of the India Western Territory, are appointed chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, India Northern Territory APPOINTED Effective 1 June O Colonel Melvin Fincham, assistant chief secretary (administration), IHQ O Captain Richard Bradbury, under secretary for South Asia, IHQ O Captain Heidie Bradbury, assistant international health services co-ordinator, IHQ RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Leslie Stanforth (80 on 4 May) O Mrs Lieut-Colonel Freda Riley (100 on 4 May) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Bandsman Derek Scott, Bristol Citadel O Betty Gough, Skewen O Grace Sparks, Reading Lower Earley O Heather Jones, Penge, on 29 January O Major Elizabeth Cooper from her son’s home on 25 March O Bandsman David Jackson, Consett, on 3 April O Major Alfred Sands from Dumpton Lodge care home on 7 April O Audrey Krelle, Prescot, on 11 April BEREAVED Pat Scott, Bristol Citadel, of her husband Bandsman Derek Scott, Tim Scott, Staple Hill, of his father O Bernard Sparks, Reading Lower Earley, of his wife Grace, Karen Todd, Basingstoke, and Kelvin Sparks of their mother O Brenda Bullock, Penge, and Major Cynthia Friday of their sister Heather Jones O Helen Cameron, Oxford, and Neville Higman of their mother Major Elizabeth Cooper O

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Salvationist 24 April 2021

Lorraine Jackson, Consett, of her husband Bandsman David Jackson, Clare Jackson, Marc Jackson and Luke Jackson, all Consett, of their father O Major Chris Sands, Canterbury Christ Church University Chaplain, of his father Major Alfred Sands O Major Hilary Naylor, Hull Icehouse, of her mother Audrey Krelle O

TRIBUTES MAJOR ROSEMARY SMITHERS-SPINNEY ROSEMARY was born in Hereford in 1936 to Eva and Robert Smithers. She was the eldest of three daughters. The family moved to London in 1954 and soldiered at Thornton Heath.

Rosemary entered the Pioneers session in 1958 and was commissioned in 1959.

Her first of several corps appointments was at Newport, Isle of Wight, followed

by Portsmouth North, St Mary Bourne, Greenwich, Keynsham and Cirencester.

She was appointed to International Headquarters in 1964 before taking up appointments at the International Training College as an external studies tutor and a section officer.

Rosemary returned to corps work in 1972 with appointments at Abercarn with Pontymister, Leigh and Harwich. Five years later she was appointed to National Headquarters and became the assistant secretary for the Salvation Army Nurses Fellowship. In 1985 she was appointed private secretary to the editor-in-chief at International Headquarters.

Rosemary spent her last six years back at the International Training College from where she retired in 1996. She continued to mark external study papers and found fulfilment in that. Eventually she moved to Bournemouth and soldiered at Branksome where she became corps secretary. She also fulfilled her desire to write a book, Jesus Unframed, which was published by SP&S Ltd. During that time she became reacquainted with Major John Spinney, who was also retired, and in 2007 they married and spent 13 wonderfully happy years together.

Rosemary endured frail health for many years and John, who was also unwell, cared for her as long as he could. She was promoted to Glory from Royal Bournemouth

Hospital as she slept peacefully, and has gone to her heavenly Home. Rosemary was well known and well loved. She is greatly missed by all her family, John and her sisters, Margaret and Joy. – JB/MS LIEUT-COLONEL JANICE SAPSFORD JANICE was born in 1940 to Robert and Doris. She was the eldest of three, with a brother, Leslie, and a sister, Margaret.

Having spent her formative years at Leigh-on-Sea Corps she answered a call to become an officer and entered the International Training College in 1961 as a member of the Servants of Christ session.

After her commissioning in 1963, Lieutenant Jan was appointed to Social Services, serving at Northlands in Cardiff then various centres, before taking up appointments at Social Services Headquarters.

In 1982 Major Jan transferred to International Headquarters where her appointments included private secretary to the Chief of the Staff, then assistant staff secretary, followed by personnel administrative officer. In 1998 she transferred with the rank of lieut-colonel to the Territorial Headquarters Business Administration Service as facilities manager.

Her final appointment was community centre manager at Leigh-on-Sea from where she retired. In retirement Jan was much appreciated for her commitment to the corps, particularly with the young people, many of whom she led through junior soldier preparation. She was a regular helper with holiday clubs and other YP activities. Jan was also able to spend time with her close family, including her nieces and nephews.

Her final days were spent at Bradbury care home where her presence was appreciated as she led prayers with the residents.

Thoughts and prayers are with Jan’s family, especially Margaret, who also lost Leslie shortly after losing Jan. – PJ DEREK SAXTON, BURTON-ON-TRENT A MAN of friendly disposition, Derek initially attended the Army as a family member at Coalville Sunday school. He passed through the ranks and held the positions of singing company leader,

young people’s sergeant-major and bandmaster. As YPSM he organised trips and outings for the young people.

After marrying Carol in later years, Derek transferred to Burton-on-Trent and became a valued member of the band and songsters. Although he began to live with dementia, his friendship was appreciated by members of the corps and, wider afield, contacts that he made at the luncheon and over-60 clubs. Derek was always prepared to sit and chat with people and talk about his relationship with his Lord and Saviour. – KA DOREEN ROBERTS, STAPLE HILL DOREEN was born in 1936 in Bristol to Dan and Queenie Chappell.

She had a sense of fun and laughter, which never left her.

Doreen became involved at Staple Hill from an early age, taking part in YP activities, including the drama group, Torchbearers and songster brigade. She

held several local officer positions over the years. A highlight for her was carrying the songster flag at the 1965 centenary congress.

Doreen met Michael Roberts through Torchbearers and they married in 1959.

They had two sons, Ian and Neil, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Doreen enjoyed spending time with family. She also enjoyed worship on Sundays and attended the women’s fellowship, the gardening club and, more recently, the luncheon and friendship clubs.

Doreen’s promotion to Glory was sudden and she is missed by her family and the corps. She is now with her Lord whom she loved and served. – VW DOREEN RUTT, BEXLEYHEATH DOREEN was born to Salvationist parents at the Mothers’ Hospital, Clapton. After she graduated from the Guildhall School of

Music in 1953, she joined the Army’s Music Editorial Department. Doreen worked there for 42 years, seeing numerous changes and working alongside many varied personalities during her service.

Doreen possessed the meticulous, painstaking and uncompromising skills to proofread and prepare music for publication and copied thousands of manuscripts, which she carried out in the days before photocopying machines.

She was corps pianist at Bexleyheath for 67 years, as well as pianist for the songsters, singing company and home league singers. She also served with the National Songsters and played piano at many special engagements – her diary for 1962 records 32 different venues. She provided excellent and sensitive piano accompaniments to numerous well-known Army musicians, particularly at important national festivals.

Many people have been thankful for Doreen’s kindness, friendliness and loyal service. – MW

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23

‘‘‘ 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…

ROBIN JUDD Yeovil How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I came to the Army in November 1993 when I was desperate for help with alcoholism.

What made you want to become a soldier?

I wanted to tell as many people as I could how God’s love changed my life.

What was your job before retirement?

I worked for most of my life in an abattoir.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

I would take the Army out of our halls and into the streets to meet people more often.

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

Shackleton, a two-part TV drama starring Kenneth Branagh. I would play Sir Ernest Shackleton.

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

Mother Teresa.

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

God is good.

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

The 100m sprint.

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

Time.

What is your favourite meal?

Roast pork dinner.

He sought me, he sought me, When I was wandering far away; He found me, he found me, O what a wonderful day!

(SASB B 895)

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Drainpipe trousers and winklepicker shoes.

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

Rock Around the Clockk by Bill Haley and His Comets, released in the UK in 1955.

What is your favourite Bible passage?

The parable of the wandering sheep in Matthew 18:10–14, in which the shepherd leaves 99 of his 100 sheep to look for the one that had wandered off.

This is how I felt God cared for me at the time when I was saved.

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

I would like to meet one of the robbers who was crucified with our Lord, and know how he felt when he was saved.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘The Saviour Sought and Found Me’ (SASB 895).

Is there something about liffe or the world you’ve never understood?

How God could love someon ne like me.

If you could rid the world off one thing, what would it be?

Poverty.

Did you have a nickname gro owing up?

My nickname was ‘Red’ because I had ginger hair.

Do you have any hidden talents?

My friends tell me I can make three cups of tea with one teabag.

What do you do in your sparre time?

I have two jenny donkeys, so I spend time tending to them.

’’’

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

Nelson Mandela, because he was full of forgiveness and love for all.

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

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne.

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

‘Run Rabbit Run’ sung by Flanagan and Allen.

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

Know your limits.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

Two things: my family and my sobriety.

Something interesting that people might want to know about you is…

I like steam trains and any steamoperated machinery.