Salvationist 26 jan 2013

SALVATIONIST

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 26 January 2013 // No. 1382 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

Page 10

CONTENTS 3.

FROM THE EDITOR

4.

PAPERS This week’s quotes from the papers

12. & 13.

5. – 8.

NEWS THQ // IHQ // Rugby // Worle // Sheffield Citadel // Worthing // Nuneaton // Southend Citadel // Maesteg // Campbeltown // Southsea // Consett // Hamilton // Poole // Parkhead // Kilmarnock // Horden // Birmingham // Oldham Roundthorn // Barnsley // Southampton Sholing // York // Wath-upon-Dearne // Penge // Sherburn Hill // Brighouse // Stockton // 9.

LETTERS

10.

Help build a bridge

FEATURE

5.

6.

11.

ALOVE UPDATE – CUT IT OUT CAMPAIGN Editors beware!

12. & 13.

FEATURE Inspiring and shaping mission 14.

REVIEWS Songs In The Heart: The Music Of Erik Leidzén Unreached: Growing Churches In Working-Class And Deprived Areas 15.

BIBLE STUDY Justice, fairness and hope 16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS 18. & 19.

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

24.

ADVERTS THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

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

Salvationist 26 January 2013

7.

8.

FROM THE EDITOR

FLOODS AND FLAMES RECENT weeks have been marked by extreme weather in various parts of the world. Towards the end of last year tornados in the southern states of America were followed by massive snowstorms in eastern areas. There was as much as 18 inches of snow and sadly 16 people were killed.

Attention then was drawn to south-eastern Australia where record high temperatures were being recorded. Tinder-dry undergrowth and strong winds resulted in massive fires.

Volunteer firefighters did a sterling job in trying to extinguish the flames, even starting controlled fires in certain places to try and halt the onward march of the inferno. TV viewers could almost feel the heat as BBC reporter Nick Bryant, surrounded by the smoke and ashfilled air, reported directly from the scene. Many were forced to flee their homes to places of safety.

In the UK, 2012 was just five centimetres of rain short of being the wettest year since records began in 1910. Many events were cancelled and householders watched helplessly as floodwaters damaged their homes and possessions. In some areas people and animals had to be rescued and brought to dry land. Drenched ground and lack of sunshine resulted in a poor harvest of cereal crops. On a more positive note, water reserves below ground and in reservoirs have been replenished, hosepipe bans seem a distant memory and lawns are greener than ever.

Just as extreme conditions can upset the balance in nature, so major events in history can have a profound effect upon human lives and upset the world’s balance. The rise of the Third Reich had a devastating effect upon so many people, none more so than the millions of Jews in Germany and neighbouring countries.

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

Sunday 27 January – the same day as the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945 – is Holocaust Memorial Day and is featured on page 10. Unfortunately since the appalling events of 70 years ago, suffering and persecution have continued in various parts of the world. We need to pray for those who suffer and for the perpetrators, recognising that hatred and discrimination are not only confined to faraway places but could be happening within our communities.

It seems that there may not be enough days in the year because Sunday 27 January is also Homelessness Sunday at the start of Poverty and Homelessness Action Week.

Captain Howard Russell provides a thought-provoking Bible study on page 15.

Also in this issue, Major Drew McCombe introduces the Mission Symposium planned for early June. This is an opportunity for Salvationists to be proactive in inspiring and shaping mission thinking and practice. Read all about it on pages 12 and 13.

My final words are from the pen of Colin Fairclough whose tribute was published in Salvationist last week.

Christ of Glory, Prince of Peace, Let thy life in mine increase; Though I live may it be shown ’Tis thy life and not my own.

Dwell within, that men may see Christ, the living Christ, in me.

(SASB 479) MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

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

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

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

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

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

Salvationist 26 January 2013

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PAPERS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS PICKLES: FAITH BENEFITS ALL

The Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles MP… said: ‘Faith provides a clear moral compass and a call to action that benefits society as a whole. At a time when Christians are under attack for their beliefs in different parts of the world, I am proud we have freedom of belief in Britain.

‘But, in recent years, longstanding British liberties of freedom of religion have been undermined by the intolerance of aggressive secularism: taking people to task for wearing a cross or a rosary; beginning costly legal actions against council prayers…

‘We’re committed to the right of Christians and people of all beliefs to follow their faith openly, wear religious symbols and pray in public. That’s why I signed a Parliamentary Order last year to protect the freedom for communities to pray.’

Church Times

‘VOICE OF GOD’ ALARM HELPS HALVE METAL THEFT CLAIMS Lead thefts from church roofs have fallen to the lowest level in six years…

So-called ‘voice of God’ alarm systems, which transmit a booming voice from bell towers to deter thieves and a government move to ban cash payments for the sale of scrap metal, are being credited with helping to achieve a turnaround in the problem…

The Daily Telegraph

HOME OFFICE TO LAUNCH SIMPLIFIED CRB CHECK

People who claim to be ‘spiritual but not religious’ are far more likely to be dependent on drugs or suffer from a range of mental health problems than those who are conventionally religious or are agnostic or atheist.

The findings are contained in a paper by researchers at University College London published in the British Journal Of Psychiatry.

Professor Michael King said:i‘Our main finding is that people who had a spiritual understanding of life had worse mental health than those with an understanding that was neither religious nor spiritual.’

The research was based on a survey of 7,403 randomly selected men and women in England.

A new ‘portable’ criminal-records check will be brought in this year by the Home Office, to speed up recruitment and cut costs.

The change will mean that people who volunteer for different organisations, and those with more than one job, will no longer have to make multiple CRB applications.

Instead, they will have to apply only once to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) for a certificate, and then can go online to find out whether their existing certificate is still up to date…

The DBS is intended to speed up the recruitment process, and to save organisations time and money.

Methodist Recorder

Church Times

SURVEY REVEALS PERILS OF BEING ‘SPIRITUAL BUT NOT RELIGIOUS’

Picture: SOPHIE DOCKER

A Salvation Army Emergency Response Unit attends the scene of the helicopter crash in Vauxhall, London 4

Salvationist 26 January 2013

NEWS Briefing note on announcement about same-sex marriage in England and Wales THQ SALVATIONISTS will be aware of the announcement by Maria Miller MP in December about the Government’s intentions to legislate regarding same-sex marriage in England and Wales.

This note provides some information about that announcement and its implications for The Salvation Army and the opportunities open to us to influence government policy.

The announcement has caused surprise because the England and Wales consultation covered only the legal provision for same-sex marriage. In announcing their legislative proposals the Government has decided to take the same approach as the Scottish Government and legislate for the provision of same-sex marriage and the conditions under which it can be celebrated on religious premises in the same Bill.

Mrs Miller has announced what she calls a ‘quadruple lock’ safeguarding religious freedom.

This consists of the following provisions: O No religious organisation or individual minister being compelled to marry same-sex couples or to permit this to happen on their premises O Making it unlawful for religious organisations or their ministers to marry same-sex couples unless their organisation’s governing body has expressly opted in to provisions for doing so O Amending the 2010 Equality Act to ensure no discrimination claim can be brought against religious organisations or individual ministers for refusing to marry a same-sex couple O The legislation explicitly stating that it will be illegal for the Church of England and the Church in Wales to marry samesex couples and that Canon Law,

which bans same-sex weddings, will continue to apply.

This would offer substantial protection under law to Salvation Army belief and practice. Should legal challenges take place to the law, once enacted, they would probably be targeted at denominations whose present practice is inconsistent.

The Scotland Office has met with the Scottish Government and emphasised the importance of rigorous legal safeguards in the proposed Scottish legislation.

Now that both consultation processes are at an end, the next opportunity for meaningful influence will be during the passage of legislation in both Holyrood and Westminster. UKT leadership will let Salvationists

know when such opportunities arise.

Meanwhile, Lieut-Colonel Marion Drew, Secretary for Communications (THQ), urges Salvationists to take note of the guidance offered earlier in the year.

In the popular media and among some campaigners it is assumed that if the Army holds to a traditional Christian view of marriage it will also discriminate against those who do not share its views. The response to the Scottish consultation therefore opened with the following statement: ‘The Salvation Army is a Christian Church and one of the largest charities in the UK, helping thousands of vulnerable

people each day. Our mission statement says that we will “meet human needs… without discrimination”. Our services are freely on offer to all, regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation. We have an Equality and Diversity Policy which covers all protected characteristics under equality law and which applies to every aspect of our service provision.’

The Salvation Army does not want to be put in a position where people feel unable to approach its corps or the services it provides because its position and practices are misrepresented. This is particularly true at this time of austerity when many corps are already experiencing a greater number of people approaching them for help. – A. R.

Sharing the vision IHQ ON her website (salvationarmy .org/thegeneral) General Linda Bond has published a letter entitled Sharing the Vision and has expressed her desire that as many Salvationists as possible may access it. Via this website readers can also sign up to receive the letter directly. General Bond’s letter will not be printed in territorial publications and so she asks that, where possible, hard copies are made available to those without internet access. – L. R.

Bandmaster honoured RUGBY

Brigadier Edward Clack celebrates his 100th birthday; he is pictured with his four children who travelled to celebrate with him in Worle

Picture courtesy: Weston & Somerset Mercury

BLACK Dyke Trombone Quartet showcased their talent at the retirement weekend of Bandmaster David Trinder. The enthusiastic congregation listened with interest as the musicians displayed dexterity in ‘Celebration’ and ‘The Red Shield’, and sensitivity in ‘Secret Prayer’ and ‘Repton’. Sunday meetings were led by Majors Dean and Dr Eirwen Pallant (IHQ). They presented Bandmaster Trinder with his retirement certificate and gave an insight into their work as the Army’s international health services co-ordinators. – G. J. Salvationist 26 January 2013

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CHRISTMAS ROUND-UP Guests present a traditional message SHEFFIELD CITADEL ALMOST 300 people attended the carols by candlelight service.

Damian Wileman (vocal) presented a solo and Paulette Edwards (BBC Radio Sheffield) read the message as the nativity scene unfolded. The use of modern technology in the service helped to present the traditional message. – G. B.

Christmas parcels unite community WORTHING MORE than 200 families received food and toy parcels at Christmas as a result of donations from the Harvest Festival, a food bank, schools and toy services, as well as a donation of £2,500 from the Rotary club.

Many volunteers helped to pack the parcels, bringing the community together. – S. H.

Eleven-year-old Jordan Jeffcoate-Davies donates wrapped parcels to Nuneaton Corps; he spent an entire year saving his pocket money to buy presents for children less fortunate than himself

Lucia and Sarah Vitzthum (Germany), Anna Achermann (Switzerland) and Pearl Adeye (Nigeria) light the Advent candles at Southend Citadel Maesteg corps officer Captain John Pugh is pictured with representatives from Bridge FM, the Co-op and HMP Parc after collaborating with them for the Christmas Toy appeal

The Army Kidz at Campbeltown perform the nativity play ‘The Sleepy Shepherd’; many of the children’s parents attended for

Southsea Band – with an army of collectors – plays carols at

the first time

Palmerston Road Precinct

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Salvationist 26 January 2013

CHRISTMAS ROUND-UP CONSETT: Young people received a golden ticket to ride the Polar Express. The ticket inspector led the congregation through the Christmas story, supported by the YP band, singing company and Sunday school children. Santa Claus arrived and presented each child with a selection box. – H. K. HAMILTON: Four families from the parent-and-toddler group joined the corps family for

the Christmas carol service and play, written by corps member Stella Gray. All enjoyed the Spirit-filled worship experience.

– D. Z. POOLE: On Christmas Day 18 members of the breakfast club for homeless people enjoyed a Christmas breakfast. Corps officer Major Stephen Brevitt gave a short message and offered the guests groceries, hats and gloves. Later, 45 guests, who

otherwise would have spent the day alone, enjoyed Christmas lunch at the corps, prepared by two professional chefs. – G. G.

members gathered at the cross in the town to sing carols to the busy shoppers; many stopped to join in. – E. F.

PARKHEAD: The nativity play at the carol service focused on Big Al’s Inn; as the evening progressed, soloists introduced carols by singing the first verse.

– A. D.

HORDEN: After a brief programme featuring the band and singing group, the musical Silent Night told the story of how the carol came to be written. The cast sang the second verse in German, with the congregation joining in to conclude the event.

– M. S.

KILMARNOCK: The band, corps folk and other church

The young people at Worthing present an evening of music and fun, raising £240 to help educate victims of human trafficking in Tanzania

Divisional Commander Major Samuel Edgar receives surplus food at the German market in Birmingham city A talented cast participates in the

centre; the produce was used by William

nativity play at Oldham Roundthorn

Booth Centre Lifehouse Barnsley Band visits the ‘Real Radio Yorkshire Breakfast Show’ to play carols requested by listeners; the band is pictured with presenters Dixie and Gayle

280 families benefit

Gospel-inspired Christmas

SOUTHSEA

SOUTHEND CITADEL

THE community Christmas programme helped to provide food and toy parcels for 280 families and served 115 meals on Christmas Day. Businesses, schools and the community donated items for the programme, and many volunteers, including the Mayor of Portsmouth (Councillor Frank Jonas), helped to prepare parcels and serve lunch. – T. M.

The Mayor (Councillor Derek Burke) and Mayoress (Councillor Christina Burke), pictured with Bandmaster Brian Jones who organised the event, visit the festival of trees at Southampton Sholing; 53 community groups decorated a tree for the display

A CAPACITY congregation gathered for the gospel choir’s Christmas celebration concert, supported by the Gospel Shots Vocal Band, Hadleigh Temple Timbrelists and a brass sextet. Major Geoff Ashdown discussed how down-to-earth the Christmas story is and introduced ‘While Shepherds Watched’ to the tune ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht ’at’. – J. T. Salvationist 26 January 2013

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NEWS No second night out

Students inspired

YORK

STOCKTON

THE Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, launched the End Rough Sleeping: No Second Night Out initiative with the Army. This initiative aims to create a cohesive link between homeless people, the community and organisations that can help. Rough sleepers will be given immediate assistance including health care support and finding long-term solutions to break the cycle of rough sleeping. Dr Sentamu encouraged the audience to take up the challenge and help others reconnect with their own community. Alongside The Salvation Army, Peasholme Charity, Arc Light, the City of York Council, the Foundation, YACRO, Restore and Richmond Fellowship have helped develop the initiative. – A. D.

SIXTH-FORM students from the Macmillan Academy – inspired by corps officer Major Keith Williams’ visit to their school – encouraged their fellow students to donate dozens of boxes of food and raised £1,100 for the community fund. The students spent a day at the corps preparing food parcels for distribution. – B. C.

WATH-UPON-DEARNE: Corps folk donated £217 and several household items to the Future Directions charity to help support young people moving from the care system to independent living. The funds were raised through donations in lieu of sending Christmas cards. – C. D.

Stowmarket Band plays inside Tesco’s following an invitation by the manager for a cup of coffee

SHERBURN HILL: The band and songsters visited HMP Frankland to minister to inmates and their families through carol singing and playing. – H. E.

BRIGHOUSE: Corps members and Rastrick Independent School Choir joined in a charity carol service. Proceeds of £139 were presented to a women’s refuge. – A. S.

Cutie the Clown (LieutColonel Jennifer Groves, IHQ) presents a silent sermon at Penge as At Maesteg, pupils and staff from Archbishop McGrath Catholic High School present a cheque for

she gives all of her heart to

£250 to corps officer Captain John Pugh; the money was raised at the school’s Christmas Fête

Jesus

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Salvationist 26 January 2013

LETTERS ENCOURAGING CO-OPERATION I WAS encouraged when our DHQ suggested that we use Tearfund DVDs for Harvest and Christmas in our meetings in 2012. I used both at Blackpool South and we found that the situations in Uganda that the DVDs focused on moved and challenged us.

It is good that The Salvation Army is standing alongside other churches and allowing for the work of Tearfund to be

highlighted, without forgetting the valuable work Salvationists do in many countries.

Dearmer’s hymn ‘Remember All The People (Who Live In Far Off Lands)’ and John Gowans’ song ‘There Are People Hurting In The World Out There’ remind me of the need to reach out in a tangible way to those situations where we can make a difference and play our part in turning a negative to a positive.

Stuart Gay, Divisional Envoy, Blackpool

Tearfund picture

2,000 SOCKS – WHAT A FEAT! I JOINED the Auxiliary Territorial Service in April 1942 and, although living in Edinburgh, was posted to Southampton.

I well remember The Salvation Army’s kindness, not only to myself, but also to all military personnel.

While travelling, often during very difficult circumstances, from one place to another, we often saw the beloved uniform of the ‘Sally Army’. Their warmth of greeting never failed, followed by the steaming cups of tea.

Now a great-grandmother, aged 90, I will fast forward to recent events. Five years ago I was sitting watching Songs Of Praise one Sunday, as a picture of Mary Randell of Winton Corps appeared on the screen. She was being interviewed.

As her remarkable story unfolded it moved me beyond words. As a member of the meal-run team, she handed out hot food, even on dark, wet nights, to the poor and needy. Having experience in foot care, she also took great interest in the condition of the feet of rough sleepers.

WE ARE AN ARMY WITH the ever-increasing desire for the Army to be known as a church, I wonder if we are missing something. As one who has worked in Christian service for more than 40 years, mostly among what used to be called ‘the unchurched’, I have found that these are the very people that don’t want church. They wouldn’t come close to it if you paid them! Church, for them, is an irrelevance. They do not fit or feel they belong in a church setting.

Large portions of our society feel out of touch with traditional religious structures, which they believe have nothing to say to them and are to be avoided – unless something is being given away.

You don’t have to go far in the community to see apathy for and neglect of ‘church’. So what does the Army do? It tries to become the very thing that most people don’t want – mostly, I suspect, to fit in with the other denominations.

The people we are called to serve didn’t want church in William Booth’s day, so he started an Army.

Let the Army be what God raised it to be: a place where the ‘unchurched’ can find a home.

Paul Jarrett, Bedford

I knew immediately, as if God had spoken to me, that I would buy new socks for these people to be put on after Mary’s medical attention.

The next day I telephoned and asked if it would be helpful. They were delighted. I well remember my daughter and myself shopping for the first 100 pairs. We had some alarmed looks from the assistants, no doubt thinking we had a very large family! It was springtime so we purchased summer weight to keep their feet cool. Our next 100 were thermal, and a pattern was established of 200 pairs a year.

Five years have now passed and I have attained my goal of 1,000 pairs.

To end with, I will tell you about a most rewarding incident. A very distressed patient, who was in dire straits, suddenly, while having new socks put on, decided that his plan to end his life that night would be abandoned – because someone loved him enough to give him new socks!

Elizabeth Butler, Highcliffe

THANK YOU FOR REUNION THANK you for printing a request for help in reuniting Georgina with Mary (Mhairi) Campbell. Thanks to a Salvationist reader, and a couple of friends, the two women were put back in touch in time for Christmas.

Kathryn Normanton, Lockerbie Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address O Not all letters can be printed O Please remember, letters for publication in Salvationist should be carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed O The Editor reserves the right to edit letters or print extracts O Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Salvationist 26 January 2013

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FEATURE

HELP BUILD A BRIDGE Laura Barker focuses on Holocaust Memorial Day IMAGINE waking up to find the next door neighbour that you have known all your life, and said hello to every morning, walks past you without stopping or spits at you or even attacks you. Imagine that the community you were once a part of has turned its back on you; you have done nothing wrong, yet you are being punished and no one will stand by you.

Seventy years ago, this is what huge numbers of Jews experienced.

On 27 January each year – the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz in 1945 – these victims, and the millions who were affected in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur, are remembered on Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD).

Set up by the Government in 2001, HMD is organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, a charity that challenges hatred and persecution in the UK by encouraging people to make links, forge connections and reach out to different communities. This year the HMD theme is Communities Together: Build A Bridge.

Major Melvyn Ackroyd, former Heathrow chaplain, organised a multi-faith HMD event at the airport in 2012.

Melvyn became involved in HMD when attending a council event as corps officer at Kettering Citadel. He introduced aspects of the day during a Sunday meeting and the ideas filtered through to corps members, their families, colleagues and friends. Using the theme Speak Up, Speak Out and with the support of other faith leaders at the airport, Melvyn organised an event using many of the materials available on the HMD website. Melvyn says: ‘It was astonishing seeing people of many different faiths together.’ The event included the lighting of a peace candle and a recital of the Holocaust prayer. Many other corps have also been involved with HMD, from running activities with schools to bands taking part in community events. Suggested activities also include candle lightings, peace walks, tree plantings and poetry writing.

TO CONSIDER O Six

million Jews were murdered during the Holocaust. million Tutsis and moderate Hutus were murdered in Rwanda in 1994. The victims, in their last moments alive, were also faced by another appalling fact; their cold-blooded killers were neighbours, colleagues and former friends.

O In 1975, Khmer Rouge ruthlessly planned to reconstruct Cambodia to Year Zero. The population were made to work as labourers; the ill, disabled, old and very young were driven out and minority groups were targeted; half the Cham Muslim population was murdered, as were 8,000 Christians.

Buddhism was eliminated from the country. It is estimated that more than two million people died by execution, disease, exhaustion and starvation.

O One

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Salvationist 26 January 2013

O In

July 1995 troops led by Ratko Mladic descended on Srebrenica; at least 7,500 men and boys were murdered in one week. Mladic sent out written orders to ‘block, crush and destroy the straggling parts of the Muslim group’. More than 100,000 people died between 1992 and 1995.

O In Darfur, west Sudan, more than half the population are Black Africans, while the rest are predominantly Arab people.

At times, some Arabs referred to the Black Africans as abid, meaning slave. In 2003, a civil war began in the region, leading to the deaths of between 200,000 and 400,000 civilians.

Everyone has a responsibility to get to know and support the diverse communities around them. Ultimately, one of the ways in which we can prevent hatred and discrimination is by making connections with, and between, communities.

The riots in the UK in the summer of 2011 highlighted how easily communities can be divided.

HMD is relevant to everyone, regardless of age, race or background, because genocide does not happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that can begin the moment respect stops and communities turn their backs on one another.

So this HMD, remember these atrocities and strengthen your resolve to protect every community from ethnic cleansing and elimination and to prevent history repeating itself. It’s a time for communities to join together to remember the past in order to make neighbourhoods safer and stronger.

O Holocaust

Memorial Day Trust promotes and encourages participation in HMD by providing free resources and running workshops across the UK. For more information visit www.hmd.org.uk

ALOVE UPDATE – CUT IT OUT CAMPAIGN

Editors beware!

Hannah Kingston shares an update on the Cut It Out campaign ‘SPEAK UP FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES, FOR THE RIGHTS OF ALL WHO ARE DESTITUTE’ (PROVERBS 31:8)

I

N May 2012 ALOVE UK launched the Cut It Out campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the global issue of human trafficking for sexual exploitation. We have been encouraging people to join or start ACT groups (a Stop the Traffik initiative), campaign for tighter regulations for the advertising of sexual services online and campaign to see an end to the advertising of sexual services in our UK newspapers.

Katy Hillary (Shildon) is on the Essential Gap Year Programme and she shares what she and others in her community have been up to.

‘Andy Pocock (Morley), who is on his Essential 2 year, has always been really passionate about acting to stop human trafficking. His passion opened my eyes to a lot of things I didn’t know about the subject. Realising the huge amount of money made through it was mindblowing. Another thing that was shocking to us all is how human trafficking is something that happens in small towns and not just the larger cities or places abroad.

‘Andy leads the youth cell group in Abergavenny and for a month we focused on human trafficking, looking at it from different angles. One of the conversations from the cell group that sticks out in my mind was about how, when praying, they chose to pray also for the traffickers because they felt they needed God’s forgiveness and love just as much as everyone else. The month culminated in a prayer walk in Abergavenny, where prayers were chalked on the ground because the young people were so inspired and fired up that they wanted to go out into the world and make a difference.

‘I know a lot of them took what they learnt back to their individual churches.

They also bought T-shirts to help

contribute to funding that supports the anti-trafficking movement. We did the Cut It Out campaign with them and they were shocked at how accessible these sexual services adverts were – in newspapers and magazines that are sold within easy reach of children. I was involved with helping to move a trafficking victim to a safe house and shared first hand that prayer is really making a difference.’

‘‘

I WAS INVOLVED WITH HELPING TO MOVE A TRAFFICKING VICTIM TO A SAFE HOUSE AND SHARED FIRST HAND THAT PRAYER IS REALLY MAKING A DIFFERENCE

’’

The ALOVE team continues to be encouraged and inspired by stories like Katy’s, which are being echoed all over the territory and we are thrilled that young people feel so passionately about seeing an end to human trafficking and are continuing to raise awareness in their communities, at their schools, among their friends and in their corps.

We are fighting what is big business for the newspapers, and we need to let them know that advertising trafficked victims is not, and never will be, acceptable. To see this happen, we really need to make

some noise and generate a lot of publicity. I often come across people who have no idea what their local newspapers are actually advertising and are genuinely shocked to hear that some establishments that purport to be massage parlours and saunas are really brothels where trafficked victims are forced to work.

We want as many people as possible to join with us and make sure that on 8 March (International Women’s Day) every single newspaper editor that allows the advertising of sexual services in their newspaper will be inundated with letters (a template is available, see below) asking them to cut it out. We can’t let this injustice continue and we need to speak up for those who don’t have a voice.

Are there adverts in your local newspaper that need cutting out and sending back to the editor? We need to make sure that editors will never be able to plead ignorance.

Encourage your friends, neighbours, community, ecumenical partnerships and colleagues to join with us all in seeing human trafficking cut out of our newspapers.

O

To get your hands on a letter template, call 020 7367 4555, visit www.salvationarmy.org.uk/alove or email alove@salvationarmy.org.uk

HANNAH IS ALOVE UK INFORMATION AND RESOURCES MANAGER Salvationist 26 January 2013

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FEATURE

Inspiring and shaping mission Territorial Evangelism Secretary Major Drew McCombe shares what is planned for the Mission Symposium – a new joint venture between the Evangelism Department and William Booth College

A

LL corps and social centres in the territory need to reflect and reposition in order to be The Salvation Army in the 21st century. The symposium’s purpose is to develop thinking and material that encompass the proclamation and demonstration of the gospel as the essence and unshakeable prophetic voice of The Salvation Army – the aim being to reflect upon comprehensive salvation that ensures holistic or integral mission. The hope will be to further develop Salvationist thinking and practice upon ‘proclamation with social consequences’ and ‘social involvement with evangelistic consequences’.

My vision for the symposium is to continue to inspire and shape mission thinking and mission practice within the territory. Mission is a very broad term and understood in different ways – I like the Third Lausanne Congress

‘‘

THE WHOLE BIBLE REVEALS THE MISSION OF GOD TO BRING ALL THINGS IN HEAVEN AND EARTH INTO UNITY UNDER CHRIST 12

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Salvationist 26 January 2013

on World Evangelisation’s statement and call to love the mission of God from The Cape Town Commitment 2010: ‘We are committed to world mission, because it is central to our understanding of God, the Bible, the Church, human history and the ultimate future. The whole Bible reveals the mission of God to bring all things in Heaven and earth into unity under Christ, reconciling them through the blood of Christ. In fulfilling his mission, God will transform the creation broken by sin and evil into the new creation in which there is no more sin or curse.

God will fulfil his promise to Abraham to bless all nations on earth, through the gospel of Jesus. God will transform the fractured world of nations that are scattered under the judgment of God into the new humanity that will be redeemed by the blood of Christ from every tribe, nation, people and language, and will be gathered to worship our God and Saviour. God will destroy the reign of death, corruption and violence when Christ returns to establish his eternal reign of life, justice and peace. Then God, Immanuel, will dwell with us, and the kingdom of the world will become the Kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ and he shall reign for ever and ever.’

The Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation in Cape Town in 2010 was a gathering of the World Council of Churches and The Salvation Army (UKT) was well represented by our Territorial Commander of the day, Commissioner John Matear, by William Booth College and by the Evangelism

‘‘

THE SYMPOSIUM IS FOR ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN UNDERSTANDING AND PUTTING INTO PRACTICE BETTER MISSION IN TODAY’S WORLD

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Department. Six calls to action came out of that gathering. The reason we have chosen to go with that is because it focuses on a number of key challenges that face us when we are intentional about God’s mission in the world.

Over the three days of the symposium we will be looking at the six calls to action.

Bearing witness to the truth of Christ in a pluralistic, globalised world O Building the peace of Christ in our divided and broken world O Living the love of Christ among people of other faiths O Discerning the will of Christ for world evangelisation O Calling the Church of Christ back to humility, integrity and simplicity O

Partnering in the Body of Christ for unity and mission

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Each of the above themes will be explored in three ways.

1. The main theological questions around the theme 2. How these are being worked out in practice 3. Implications for The Salvation Army in the future There will be a different presenter for each of the three explorations but they will work collaboratively to present their theme as a whole. Also, the topic will be discussed and explored in smaller groups after the presentations. There will also be a songwriting stream, because songs help us to sing our faith and mission.

A couple of non-Salvationist speakers will give keynote addresses. These are Graham Tomlin, Dean of St Mellitus College, and Bishop Graham Cray, leader of Fresh Expressions, but the six calls to action will be brought by

speakers drawn from a wide cross section of Salvation Army life in this territory.

From the symposium we propose to publish a book/journal – the opening chapter being the biblical mandate, the six calls forming a chapter each and the implications of the calls forming a response and conclusion. We hope this will help inform and enable corps to reflect on their mission in their context.

Alongside the presentation of mission theory and practice, the songwriters’ stream will run for specifically invited people. They will pick up on the themes and write songs that, hopefully, will be used after the symposium to help embed what God is saying to us.

The symposium is for anyone who is interested in understanding and putting into practice better mission in today’s world. I hope to see corps officers, social centre mangers and chaplains, cadets, candidates and youth, children’s, community and family workers, as well as divisional and THQ support teams.

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Tickets will cost £50 for the full event or £18 a day (including lunch and evening meal). Bed and breakfast accommodation can be booked at William Booth College, sold on a first-come-first-served basis. Full information can be found by visiting www. salvationarmy.org.uk or by calling the Evangelism Department on 020 7367 4928.

O The

Mission Symposium will run from 4 to 6 June at William Booth College, London

MAJOR McCOMBE IS TERRITORIAL EVANGELISM SECRETARY, THQ Salvationist 26 January 2013

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REVIEWS

TRIBUTE TO A GREAT COMPOSER Paul Sharman (Music Ministries Unit, THQ) reviews Songs In The Heart: The Music Of Erik Leidzén FOLLOWING the success of Crusader: The Music Of Dean Goffin, Leyland Band, under the baton of John Ward, has released this CD featuring the music of Erik Leidzén.

Last year marked 50 years since the death of this great composer and the legacy of his music has endured within The Salvation Army and beyond. Indeed, at the height of his career, he was ranked among the finest

AN EASY READ WITH SUBSTANCE Captain Sarah Butler (Glasgow City Centre) reviews Tim Chester’s book Unreached: Growing Churches In Working-class And Deprived Areas THIS book is about reaching out to people in working-class and deprived areas and building a church in this context. It also offers welcome practical advice and ideas for evangelism, discipleship and Bible study in this culture. Although the book is mainly geared towards

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Salvationist 26 January 2013

arrangers of wind band music in America. Leidzén also had a profound impact on the growth of Salvation Army music throughout the USA. The selection of music covers all aspects of his output, from the bright marches ‘Pressing Onward’ and ‘Manhattan’ to the lovely hymn tune arrangements of ‘What A Friend’, ‘The Old Rugged Cross’ and ‘Abide With Me’. The latter two items exist only in manuscript form and were edited by Ronald Holz. The two extended selections ‘The Children’s Friend’ and ‘None Other Name’ come up fresh and really show Leidzén’s ability to score and harmonise for brass band with an intricacy that keeps the interest of the player and listener alike. Less familiar to Salvationist listeners will be ‘EFG March’ written for Edwin Franko Goldman (leader of the famous Goldman Band) and ‘Sinfonietta’, the major work on the CD, written for the 1955 British Open brass band contest.

The CD features solos for cornet, euphonium and trombone. Leidzén’s accompaniments are notoriously tricky but the band rises to the challenge with sympathetic and confident readings.

Indeed, the band is in fine form throughout the CD with crisp playing of the marches and warmth in the hymn tune settings, truly capturing the essence of Leidzén’s music. All proceeds from the sales of this recording will go to The Clarence Adoo Trust.

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Songs In The Heart: The Music Of Erik Leidzén is available from SP&S, priced £14.95 (plus £2.95 postage and packing)

working in deprived areas, there are many ideas and thoughts on sharing the gospel message to people from all backgrounds.

It is very easy to read but not lacking in substance. It has a direct biblical approach with a good balance of theory and practical ideas. It compares cultural differences and trends in a working-class or deprived areas to the way in which many churches operate. There are practical examples of sharing the gospel message – talking to people about Jesus, challenging people’s worldview, discipling chaotic new believers and teaching the word of God to those who simply do not read books.

If you are working or worshipping in a deprived or urban community, thinking about planting a new corps or outpost in such an area, wanting to share the gospel with your colleagues and friends, struggling to disciple new Christians in your corps or simply wondering why some new expressions of The Salvation Army, particularly in urban contexts, look so

different to what many Salvationists are more familiar with, then this is the book for you.

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Unreached: Growing Churches In Working-class And Deprived Areas is available from Amazon priced £6.98 (free delivery in UK)

BIBLE STUDY

Justice, fairness and hope A study for Homelessness Sunday and Poverty and Homelessness Action Week by Captain Howard Russell STUDY PASSAGE ISAIAH 65:17–25

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HERE always have been, and always will be, in our society people who are poor or homeless. To suggest otherwise fails to acknowledge that we live in a fallen world, which – until Christ returns – can bring adversity. It is far too easy to say such people are responsible for their own circumstances. While it is true that poverty and homelessness can be the results of poor life choices, more often than not people find themselves in such situations because of the actions of others or they are victims of an unjust society.

When it comes to our physical wellbeing, we accept nothing less than striving for complete wholeness. We acknowledge that cancer or HIV and Aids exist, but also strive to support research that can reduce or cure these diseases.

We dare to believe that miracles can and do happen. Why, then, should it be any different around issues of fairness and justice?

How many times have you repeated the line: ‘Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven’? Have you ever stopped to think what that might actually look like?

I think we get a wonderful glimpse of it in Isaiah 65:20–23: ‘Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days, or an old man who does not live out his years; the one who dies at a hundred will be thought a mere child; the one who fails to reach a hundred will be considered accursed… No longer will they build houses and others live in them, or plant and others eat… my chosen ones will long enjoy the work of their hands. They will

not labour in vain, nor will they bear children doomed to misfortune; for they will be a people blessed by the Lord, they and their descendants with them.’

I defy anyone to read this and not get excited! For it speaks of a world where everybody will have a decent house to live in, everybody will have an opportunity to work and earn a decent living, children will not die in infancy, old people will live out their lives in good health and not have to worry about their care. It is all contained in these verses, where God clearly speaks of a world that is underpinned by justice, fairness and hope. Do you believe this is possible?

‘I Want To Serve The Purpose Of God’

‘‘

GOD CLEARLY SPEAKS OF A WORLD THAT IS UNDERPINNED

BY JUSTICE

’’

is a favourite song of mine. Each verse emphasises that this should be ‘in my generation’.

With more than 2,100 references to poverty and injustice throughout the Bible, there is no doubt that this is an issue very close to God’s heart.

What can we do? Is it possible to believe that we could help to see something of God’s Kingdom – as described in Isaiah – come a little closer in our generation?

New legislation in Scotland ensures

that anyone found homeless through no fault of their own can now get settled accommodation. It might surprise you that the rest of the United Kingdom still needs to catch up on this one.

In London, one local council has just introduced legislation to deal with rogue private landlords and protect against overcrowding.

Small steps – but think how much more could change if we all seriously undertook to seek God’s will, pray for change and commit ourselves to see God’s Kingdom come in our generation and within our communities.

A PRAYER FOR POVERTY AND HOMELESSNESS ACTION WEEK BY THE REV NICK JOWETT Father in Heaven, as we search for the causes of poverty and unfairness, and as we long for all to share wellbeing and fullness of life, give us the discernment of your Spirit to know the true sources of injustice and inequality in the world. Then, in your mercy, fill us with the energy and hope to bring about the change you need to fulfil your Kingdom. Amen.

CAPTAIN RUSSELL IS DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNITY SERVICES, NORTHERN Salvationist 26 January 2013

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NEW COMMITMENTS

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1. MAUREEN RUDDLE Soldier ABINGDON MAUREEN became a Christian when she was younger and attended church for a number of years. After bereavement and a difficult time in her life, she accepted a friend’s invitation to the meetings and became an adherent member. Last year she felt God was calling her to make a further commitment. She attended soldiership classes and joined the Messy Church team at the corps. In the presence of family, friends and neighbours, Maureen was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Anne Myers. – A. M. 2. & 3. BRENDA BLUNDEN Soldier SCOTT ALLARDYCE Adherent member GUILDFORD BRENDA, who was an adherent member, assists with the parent-and-toddler group and Kids Klub. Scott visited the corps drop-in centre and then started to attend Sunday meetings. Corps officer Major Jean McDevitte enrolled Brenda as a soldier and welcomed Scott as an adherent member. – J. M.

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4. SEBLE ALEMU Adherent member HARROW WHEN Salvationist family members from Switzerland visited Seble, she took them to the corps for Sunday worship. She has regularly attended ever since along with her two children. She testified to finding a welcoming spiritual home where her faith can continue to grow. Corps officer Captain Pauline Milner welcomed Seble as an adherent member. – P. M. 5. WILLIAM DOUGHERTY Soldier BANGOR WILLIAM has been part of the corps family for many years and attends Bible class. He chose the song ‘This Is The Day’ when he was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Carole Tucker. – D. G. 6. TINA RANKIN Soldier MIRFIELD HAVING returned to the Army, Tina was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Captain Ian Davis during the corps anniversary weekend. She decided to make her recommitment during the Give to Grow programme at the corps and, echoing the words of the Founder, said: ‘God shall have all there is of Tina Rankin.’ – J. L. 7. ANDREW HOWE Soldier EDINBURGH GORGIE ANDREW grew up in Lochgelly where he was supported by his Christian family and school Scripture Union leaders.

Membership of the East Scotland Youth Chorus helped nurture a closer relationship with God. When taking up undergraduate studies, he moved to the corps and renewed his commitment during a meeting led by Commissioner John Matear. Lieutenant Gavin Friday (DHQ) enrolled Andrew as a soldier. – K. R. 8. BRANDON McCABE-WALLER Junior soldier MIDDLESBROUGH PALLISTER PARK SINCE he was very young, Brandon has attended the corps with corps member Kendra Rolfe. During his life he has faced many struggles with complex health issues. He and his family attend the support group PALS. Brandon is pictured with Kendra (right) and corps officer Major Alison Anderson, who enrolled him as a junior soldier. – A. A.

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9. ADAM CLARKE, JOHN CLARKE, MORGAN GUY, SARAH CUNLIFFE, KATIE GUY Junior soldiers PORTADOWN ADAM, John, Morgan, Sarah and Katie sang together and spoke about the various aspects of church life they enjoy.

Corps officer Captain Scott Cunliffe enrolled all five as junior soldiers. – L. C. 10. COLIN MOORE Adherent member CRADLEY HEATH SOME years ago Colin attended a funeral service at the Army. He started to attend worship when invited by his brother and sister-in-law and especially enjoys singing Charles Wesley’s hymns. Corps officer Captain Liz Hancock welcomed Colin as an adherent member. – L. H. 11. NATASHA PINNER Junior soldier CLOWNE NATASHA first attended Sunday worship with her grandfather. Later she assisted with the children’s activities and wanted to know more about membership. Corps officer Major Mary Booth enrolled Natasha on her 16th birthday. – M. N. 12. CHRISTOPHER KEANE Soldier RUTHERGLEN CHRISTOPHER testified that he was undecided about his commitment until he attended ROOTS and later joined the divisional youth band. He concluded his testimony by playing ‘Someone Cares’ as a cornet solo. Major David Burns (DHQ) enrolled Christopher as a soldier. – D. M.

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13. – 15. JOHN BELL, SANDRA MALTMAN Adherent members CHARLIE CLAYTON Junior soldier BELFAST TEMPLE CORPS members John, Sandra and Charlie were each invited to worship by friends. Charlie started to attend with his mum and is involved in many activities. Friends at line dancing invited Sandra. Corps officer Major Paul Wright welcomed John and Sandra as adherent members and enrolled Charlie as a junior soldier. – P. W. Salvationist 26 January 2013

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Platinum (70th): O Rtd CSM Wilf and Rtd S/Sgt Mrs Nora Abbott, Lincoln (30 January)

BEREAVED O Captain Peter Renshaw, THQ, of his stepfather Derek Line O Eva Clark, Chippenham, of her husband Rtd BM Raymond Clark, Lieutenant Peter Clark, Salisbury, of his father O Major William Richmond of his wife Major Sadie Richmond O Songster Sheila Hopton, Newcastle City Temple, of her mother Florrie O Bandswoman/Songster Tracey Irish, Southsea, of her mother Songster Pauline Morton O Olive Long, Sheerness, of her husband Terry, Robert Long, Prescot, and Richard Long of their father O Rtd BM Cliff and S/Reservist Beryl Perry, Swindon Citadel, of their daughter Yvonne O Bandsman John Stewart, Govan, of his wife S/Sgt Elma Stewart O Marion Gulley of her sister Pam Kortland, Oreil Morehouse of her sister Marjorie West, both Exeter Temple

DEDICATED TO GOD daughter of Christian and Sarah Lewis, at Merthyr Tydfil by Lieutenant Andrew Warriner O Dexter, son of Dee and Hayley Doherty, at Londonderry by Lieutenant Philip Cole

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: O Major Jean Wise (80 on 30 January) O Mrs Senior-Major Josephine Smith (85 on 31 January) O Major Peggy Smardon (80 on 31 January)

APPOINTED Effective 21 January: O Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns, additional appointment, Fit for Mission Implementation Team Leader LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED Paul Travers, CS Laura Travers, Leigh-on-Sea O CSM Philip Pentland, Belfast Sydenham O RS Cedric Lungiambudi, Ilford O HLS Pauline Mitchell, Parent-andToddler Club Ldr Gwen Whitehouse, Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls O HLS Commissioner Karen Thompson, Worthing O CSM

O Sofia,

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL LINDA BOND: O General’s Consultative Council, Mon 28 Jan - Wed 30 O Sri Lanka, Fri 1 Feb - Mon 4 O Nepal (South Asia Zonal Conference), Tu 5 - Mon 11 O UK, Regent Hall (welcome and installation of territorial leaders), Sat 16 O ICO, Sun 17 O Korea, Tu 19 - Wed 27 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON) AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON: General’s Consultative Council, Mon 28 Jan - Wed 30 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: O Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes (installation of territorial leaders), Sat 2 Feb - Mon 4 O Finland and Estonia (installation of territorial leaders), Fri 8 - Sun 10 O ICO, Tu 19 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS) AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: O Regent Hall (welcome and installation), Sat 16 Feb THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: O Bangor, Sat Sun 27 Jan O South-Western (installation of divisional leaders), Sat 2 Feb O Scotland Council, Th 7 O Reading Central, Sun 10 O Regent Hall (welcome and installation of territorial leaders), Sat 16 O London Central (installation of Divisional Commander), Sun 17 O Pentre, Sat Sun 24 COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: O General’s Consultative Council, Mon 28 Jan - Wed 30 COMMISSIONER TORBEN ELIASEN: O Caribbean, Sat 2 Feb - Th 7 COMMISSIONERS LALKIAMLOVA AND LALHLIMPUII: O Nepal (South Asia Zonal Conference), Mon 4 Feb - Mon 11 COMMISSIONERS ROBERT AND JANET STREET: O General’s Consultative Council, Mon 28 Jan Wed 30 O ICO, Th 31 O Greenland (official opening), Th 7 Feb - Tu 12 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: O Risca, Sat Sun 10 Feb O Regent Hall (welcome and installation of territorial leaders), Sat 16 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: O Portsmouth Citadel, Sat Sun 27 Jan

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Salvationist 26 January 2013

O Mrs

Commissioner Lydie Ord (85 on 3 February) O Major Jean Smith (80 on 3 February) PROMOTED TO GLORY Sadie Richmond from Antrim on 13 January O Raymond Samvura, Leicester Central O Major

TRIBUTES COLONEL JOHN HOUNSELL JOHN HOUNSELL was born in 1922 at Shoeburyness, where his parents were local officers. He attended Southend High School for Boys and briefly worked as a railway clerk before war service in the RAF and REME. He entered training in the Challengers Session in January 1946 and was commissioned as a captain in May that year and appointed to Swindon Old Town. A few months later – in November 1946 – he married Lieutenant Vera Miskin.

Corps appointments followed for the next 13 years and included Camberwell and Hull Central. The next ten years brought ministry as divisional youth secretary in Leicester, Norfolk, Hull and Lincs and Liverpool, where some of John’s happiest times were spent at the time of the musical Take-over Bid. After a short period as Plymouth area commander, John began his years as a divisional commander in Eastern Counties and Southampton and Channel Isles Divisions.

These preceded five happy years as general secretary in Scotland.

Returning to England, John served at NHQ as staff secretary and at IHQ as international property secretary. His last years of active service were at NHQ as chief secretary.

After retirement in 1987 he shared fellowship initially with Bexleyheath Corps, but – on moving back to his home area – attended Hadleigh Temple. This became his second ‘home’ corps.

The colonel was active for many years, taking on the role of over-60 club secretary, and other roles with the retired officers’ fellowship in the area. He particularly enjoyed his time as executive officer for Hadleigh Temple Band.

When health prevented a more active role he continued with a prayer ministry, and took great pleasure and spiritual comfort in being a soldier of the corps. – J. H.

MAJOR THOMAS WILKINSON ‘MAJOR Tom’, as he was affectionately known, was born in Tuebrook, Liverpool, in 1922. He was one of eight children. At the age of seven he was attracted to the Army through the sound of the band playing at the opening of a new building in the next street to where he lived. He followed the crowd into the hall, and from then on he attended the juniors.

Tom accepted Jesus as his saviour at the age of nine. In his teens he became a senior soldier and later served as the corps treasurer.

During the war he drove the Salvation Army canteen around the docks in Liverpool before being called up for military service.

In 1946 – after demobilisation in Egypt – Tom entered the training college as a cadet in the Warriors Session and was commissioned to Newtongrange in May 1947.

He met Second Lieutenant Kathleen Lord while serving in the Edinburgh Division.

They married in 1952 – a partnership that was to last for 60 years – and were blessed with two children, Howard and Heather.

Major Tom served successfully in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where they witnessed at first-hand the horrors of the Troubles when a bomb badly damaged Belfast Citadel, killing one member and injuring four others. Even so, Major Tom, aged 89, always described his 13 years of service in the Province as ‘a privilege’.

Kathleen and the family remember with love a true ‘Warrior’. – K. W.

MAJOR LAURA SINCLAIR LAURA SINCLAIR was born into a churchgoing family in 1935.

At the age of seven she was evacuated as a result of wartime bombing.

Helpful officers at Sunderland Goodwill Centre during this period resulted in the family attending The Salvation Army. Serving the Lord in this new environment gave Laura great joy.

Entering training in 1957, aged 22, as a member of the Courageous Session, she was commissioned to goodwill work in Birmingham.

She gave more than 33 years of loyal service at centres including Belfast, London Paddington, Newcastle, Southampton and Hull. Sixteen of those years were spent at Sigsworth Hall, Bethnal Green, working

alongside Brigadier Eleanor Gebbie OF. It was here that Major Laura ministered to the deaf and became fluent in sign language. This led to her being asked on occasions to assist in the courts when an interpreter was needed.

Her final appointment was at Falmouth Road Centre in London, from where she had to take early retirement in 1991. Health considerations brought her to Basingstoke with her friend Beryl Taylor, who had served with her in several centres.

The major found many opportunities to serve at Basingstoke, particularly in the home league, luncheon club and songsters, which was her special joy. Sadly, ill-health meant she was unable to attend the corps regularly in her last few years but she continued to give support and encouragement, never complaining or losing her sense of humour.

Although housebound and often hospitalised during her final months, the major remained a loyal servant of God and was courageous to the last. She is much missed by all her friends, whose lives have been enriched by knowing her.

ALAN WARD, NOTTINGHAM ARNOLD A THIRD-GENERATION Salvationist, Alan worshipped at Warrington, Edinburgh Gorgie, Hull East and Arnold at various times during his life. He took on many responsibilities, in particular that of band sergeant. Alan was a quiet, thoughtful man but willing to take the lead in preaching and praying. He cared about the practical and spiritual needs of those around him.

Alan was also a strong family man, leading his children and grandchildren into faith by his own day-to-day example. The opportunities he enjoyed at Arnold were cut short by an aggressive cancer.

He leaves a wife, two daughters, a son and three granddaughters. – K. A.

MRS PEGGY LONG, HARWICH BORN in 1917, Peggy regularly attended the Congregational Church.

She began attending meetings at Harwich after seeing the Army at work – spiritually and practically – in the East Coast floods of 1953.

She found her spiritual home and became a soldier and songster. Peggy also held a Sunday evening group for corps teenagers.

In 1958 she married Bob Stonham and had a son, Andrew. They enjoyed 20 happy years together before his promotion to Glory.

Marriage to Albert in 1984 brought corps service in Aldershot. They returned to Harwich in 1995, founding and leading the Sunshine Club until age prevented further service.

Peggy had a strong, unshakeable faith and was positive in her love for the Lord. – M. S.

WILFRED LOVELESS, READING CENTRAL WILF was born into a Salvationist family in Lancashire in 1927; his passions were music and sport. In 1946 he married Lilian, a partnership that lasted 66 years.

After moving to Berkshire in 1958, Wilf was involved in sport and music; he was known to Salvationists through the Brass Band Guild. Realising that something was missing in his life, he returned to the Army, becoming a soldier at Reading Central in 1996. He was a respected and valued member of the corps and the Central Southern Area Fellowship Band.

When diagnosed with untreatable cancer, Wilf committed himself to serving as long as he had strength to do so, taking his place in the fellowship band three days before his promotion to Glory. – P. B.

RETIRED YP BAND LEADER DENIS LOFTHOUSE, ST ALBANS DENIS was born in 1923. His lifetime’s devotion to the Army began through his mother’s attendance at Tottenham. Starting work at the Army’s musical instrument factory in St Albans for ten shillings a week, he later became service manager at Boosey and Hawkes and – as YP band leader – taught many youngsters to play.

A Royal Marine in the D-Day invasions, Denis was Mentioned in Despatches for outstanding bravery in Germany, extinguishing a huge fire aboard two barges laden with high explosives.

He was married to Thelma for 65 years and had 2 daughters, 4 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Friends and family salute his courage and unstinting loyalty to God, his country and his beloved Salvation Army. – B. H. Salvationist 26 January 2013

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Salvationist 26 January 2013

20-23

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

Tuesday

Thursday

I am praying, blessèd Saviour, To be more and more like thee; I am praying that thy Spirit Like a dove may rest on me.

Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar.

With it he touched my mouth and said: ‘See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.’

‘As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When the flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.’

(SASB 584)

Sunday Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

(Psalm 34:8).

Monday Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need in thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come!

(Isaiah 6:6 and 7)

(Luke 6:47 and 48)

Wednesday More than all my lips may utter, More than all I do or bring, Is the depth of my devotion To my Saviour, Lord and King.

Nothing less will keep me tender; Nothing less will keep me true; Nothing less will keep the fragrance And the bloom on all I do!

(SASB 293)

(SASB 591)

Friday Dear Lord Jesus, we thank you that we can experience you through all our senses – taste, sight, touch, the sense of smell, hearing. But most of all we thank you that we can pray to you and know your presence with us. Help us to follow you, obey you and be all that you want us to be as we do your work in this world. Amen.

Praying around the world… Denmark Major and Mrs Robert and Isabella Perry pioneered the work of The Salvation Army in Copenhagen in May 1887. The territory, led by Colonel Birgitte Brekke, comprises 33 officers, 32 corps, 17 social centres, 12 community centres, 913 soldiers, 278 adherent members and 7 junior soldiers. Please support Lieutenants Magnus and Petura Haraldsen through prayer as they prepare to hold the first public Army meetings in Greenland. The lieutenants arrived in Nuuk, Greenland – which is part of the Denmark Territory – in August 2012 and ten families already attend Babysong and plans are in place for a night café.

Christian Moussec, Shoreham Airshow. Picture: BRUCE TULLOCH