Salvationist 26 may 2012

SALVATIONIST ESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMY www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 26 May 2012 No 1348 Price 60p

INSIDE THIS WEEK

120 years of music-making Lurgan PAGE 4

Out of the ashes Swindon Gorse Hill PAGE 5

PLUS LOTS MORE!

PAGES 15 & 24

PAPERS

War Cry y THE

Q CHELSEA IN BLOOM

Q HERE COME ‘THE MEN IN BLACK… 3’

Q BRIAN TURNER OFFERS HIS RECIPE FOR LIFE

Q KA! JAM RETELLS THE STORY OF PENTECOST

G GROWIN

Q SAGIC BOSS TALKS INSURANCE

G LD

Q ALCOHOL – THE NEGLECTED ADDICTION

Q PUZZLES AND JOKES IN GIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE

salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry

Est 1879

TV CHEF GETS FOOD FOR THOUGHT Page 8

No 7066

FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS

26 May 2012

20p/25c Adam and Jonathan check their plants

GARDEN SPECIALISTS ON SHOW AT CHELSEA writes NIGEL BOVEY

FOR

THEY are top of the tree.

Garden designers Jonathan Smith and Adam Woolcott have been digging deep to make sure visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show, which ends today, see their work at its very best.

Their entry this year – the Plankbridge Shepherd’s Huts Garden – features a scaled-down replica shepherd’s hut that was used in Victorian Dorset. The pair had to put in the spadework to make sure their design

Q ‘JOURNEY 2’ DVDs TO WIN!

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS DONORS PAY FOR KING JAMES BIBLE FOR EVERY STATE SCHOOL

PRINCE CHARLES PRAISES IMPACT OF BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER

Copies of the King James Bible are being sent to every state school in England to mark the 400th anniversary of the translation after benefactors provided funds for the scheme…

The Bishop of Oxford… said the move ‘placed the King James Bible at the heart of the educational process it inspired’.

HRH Prince Charles opened the new exhibition at Lambeth Palace celebrating 350 years of the ‘valuable’ Book Of Common Prayer.

With his personal copy of the book loaned to the collection, the Prince of Wales spoke of the impact the words had had in his own life…

‘As somebody who was brought up on the Prayer Book day after day, year after year, Sunday after Sunday,’ Prince Charles said, ‘those words do sink into your soul something extraordinary.’

The Daily Telegraph

The Church of England Newspaper

THE SWISS GUARD MARCHES ON TO FACEBOOK

The Pontifical Swiss Guard has opened a page on Facebook in an effort to boost recruitments.

Facebook.com/gsp1506 was launched to ‘open a window’ and better inform young people about the Swiss Guard…

Applications to serve are open to Swiss male citizens who served in the Swiss Army, are Catholic and under 30.

MY BLUE HEAVEN – WINNING THE TITLE WAS A MIRACLE FROM GOD Roberto Mancini thanked the ‘hand of God’ for helping Manchester City win the most dramatic Premier League title race.

Mancini, a devout Catholic who prayed at church the morning before City’s epic title-clinching 3-2 win over QPR, said divine intervention played a part in the remarkable victory…

‘It was a miracle,’ said Mancini. ‘God gave a look at our game and gave us a hand.’

The Catholic Herald

Daily Mirror

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101 SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 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 benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012. 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.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson Tel: 020 7367 4894 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 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 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

2

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

COMMENT

The wrong trousers

S ‘The Army’s press is especially designed to further the work of salvation by producing literature which communicates the claims of the gospel; advocates and explains Army principles and teaching; inspires Salvationists… and attracts interest in, and support for, the Army’s work.’

(Orders And Regulations For Editorial And Literary Personnel)

NEWS Pages 4 – 9 & 19

BrightonCongressHallandBrightonBevendean LurganSalisburyIlfordHadleighTempleAnglia SwindonGorseHillNewburyCheltenham OldburyDublinCityKetteringOakengates PlymouthCongressHallHullRegentHall HytheStowmarketAberdeenCitadel ScarboroughWilliamstownExeterHendon PokesdownChelmsfordDartfordLeigh-on-Sea NorthamptonEastSleafordWellingborough SherburnHillSouthShieldsCambriaHouse

INGING Company Leader Gill Watts, of Luton, asked after my trousers the other day. I thought that was kind of her. The pair in question, you see, went missing weeks ago and domestic sympathy has been in declining supply ever since. Gill’s concern was not unappreciated.

I went to look for them to go specialling in. These are my best trousers but they have vanished. I’ve looked in my wardrobe, I’ve checked at the dry cleaners, I’ve even asked my wife – yet my special specialling trousers are nowhere to be seen.

I don’t really have a leg to stand on – it’s my fault entirely. If a man has reached the age of 46 and still can’t keep track of his own trousers, then it’s debatable whether he should be allowed out by himself wearing them anyway.

If you are wondering where all this is going, I should explain that the mystery of the disappearing trousers has led me to wonder what else might be ‘missing’ within the Army.

That is to say, Salvationist is always delighted to receive accounts of what’s going on around the territory, but I can’t help feeling there are any number of initiatives which, for the want of a decent report and a good photograph, remain – like my trousers – hid from our eyes.

Much the same might be said of THQ, in so far as there are entire departments based at 101 whose ministries remain something of an unknown quantity even to those of us who share the building. It’s not so much a case of ‘left hand, right hand’ syndrome as everyone quietly working away, minding their own business, engaged in promoting the Kingdom and – as General Albert Orsborn put it – the pursuit of ‘souls who were lost to the good’.

I wonder if I can encourage the sharing of information that might inspire others.

Why not make use of Salvationist by regarding this paper as a means of mobilising mission? ‘Sharing best practice’ is what it’s called in business circles. ‘Saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity’ is what General John Gowans called it. Paul wrote about using all means to save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). You get the idea.

And how might I personally play any part in soul-saving? Well, I could do worse than to take a leaf out of the book of the Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky.

He wrote about various expressions of love and once – in the pursuit of his beloved – offered to be ‘irreproachably gentle, not a man, but a cloud in trousers’. It’s an interesting turn of phrase and reminds me somehow of songs number 324 and 479 in our songbook.

God bless Gill Watts. God bless your ideas.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

LETTERS

FEATURE

NEW COMMITMENTS

Page 10

Out of Africa

Pages 16 – 18

Page 14

FEATURE

Promoted to Glory

BIBLE STUDY

Page 11

Breathe on me, Breath of God

ICO FEATURE God’s way with me Pages 12 & 13

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Page 15

ANNOUNCEMENTS Army people and engagements Page 19

ADVERTS Pages 20 – 23

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

3

NEWS 120 years of music-making

Major John Mott transfers Bandsman George Thomas to the band reserve after 67 years’ service; also pictured are corps officer Major Graham Wood and Bandmaster Kenny Briggs

Band visit raises funds for India Salisbury THE corps welcomed Solent Fellowship Band for an evening concert. Even though the weather was poor, a large enthusiastic crowd enjoyed an evening of varied music. The band played old favourites such as ‘A Sunbeam’ and ‘Divine Communion’. The concert included a number of individual items featuring Bryan Norman (euphonium), Callam Carter (tenor horn) and Adrian Griffiths (vocal).

After the interval corps officer Lieutenant Peter Clark invited the congregation to give in an offering to support Sangli Corps (India Western), raising more than £300. Salisbury Corps has supported this corps for the past two years. – P. C.

Youth choir visits UK Ilford AS part of its UK tour, the National Youth Choir (The Netherlands and Czech Republic) visited to present a fantastic Saturday evening concert that followed afternoon open-air witness

in the town centre (see picture).

Each member had memorised the English words of every song. ‘Say The Name Of Jesus’ and ‘Let The Name Of Jesus’ were sung with enthusiasm and the choir’s technician spoke about his personal experience of coming to faith.

A six-strong worship band – using guitars, two keyboards and percussion – supported the group.

Lieutenant Marc Potters (Utrecht) led the Sunday morning meeting and prompted many responses at the mercy seat.

– G. P.

Lurgan BAND weekend marked 120 years of Army music-making in the town. For the Saturday evening Bandmaster Kenny Briggs and the band were joined by guests James Fountain (cornet, Virtuosi GUS Band), Capriccio Choir and compère – and former corps officer – Major John Mott.

The band opened proceedings with ‘Fanfare, Hymn And Thanksgiving’ before featuring the trombone section in a moving arrangement of ‘When I Survey’.

Major Mott – who throughout the evening provided humorous and interesting anecdotes and memories of his time in the town – led the band at the start of the second half of the programme in a rousing performance of ‘To Regions Fair’.

Capriccio Choir provided individual as well as group items including ‘Circle Of Life’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

James chose contrasting items, including ‘Wondrous Day’ and ‘So Glad!’, amazing the audience with his range and ability.

After a wonderful evening of celebratory music Bandmaster Briggs chose to send everyone home to the sound of the tranquil and thought-provoking ‘Gaelic Blessing’.

The celebrations continued on Sunday with offerings from the band and from James.

After the message delivered by Major Mott, a young bandsman renewed his commitment at the mercy seat.

Bandsman George Thomas’s service to Salvation Army banding was recognised (see picture) and eight-year-old Daniel Hunter (cornet) received his junior musician’s commission.

– P. J.

Torch is passed on Brighton Congress Hall and Brighton Bevendean IN connection with the divisional Olympic torch relay, the corps received the torch from Eastbourne Old Town. In the evening, youth leader Emma Heal arranged a prayer event, which included prayer stations around the building that were open to all.

On Sunday, an open-top car was decorated with yellow, red and blue bunting, balloons and flags (see picture) to deliver the torch to Hove.

– B. W.

4

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

NEWS

Divisional senior celebration

Pam Rhodes supports building project Hadleigh Temple A CAPACITY congregation attended a Songs Of Praise concert led by broadcaster Pam Rhodes.

The concert, arranged by Band Sergeant John Ashcroft, raised funds for the building of the nearby St Michael’s and All Angels Church.

The band provided accompaniment to the hymns with other contributions from the songsters, singing company and timbrelists as well as two children’s choirs from local schools.

Pam Rhodes interviewed three members of the St Michael’s congregation who spoke of the community support for the project, how the congregation had outgrown the failing old building and the excitement they had in preparing a place of worship for generations to come.

Speaking on behalf of the Church of England, the Archdeacon of Southend (the Ven David Lowman) spoke of

the work and ministry of all churches in the area.

The collection raised £1,200.

– B. N.

Out of the ashes

around the town in schools, a children’s centre, churches and corps members’ homes.

The hall was packed with friends from the community, representatives from local organisations and Salvationists from other corps in the division for the rededication meeting.

– L. B.

Swindon Gorse Hill THE corps marched through the town – accompanied by Hillingdon Band (pictured bottom right) – to return to its refurbished spiritual home.

At the hall, Eileen Thompson cut the ribbon to officially open the building and divisional leaders Majors Paul and Jenine Main led a service of rededication.

The building was damaged by fire in September 2010 (pictured above) and then the corps suffered another setback when the hall was broken into and vandalised.

From the very beginning corps officer Major Fred Thompson was determined that Army life would continue, so corps activities were held all

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Anglia MORE than 400 people gathered at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion for the division’s Senior Celebration, led by Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell, who kept the congregation amused with their anecdotes and whimsical asides themed on the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

The rally began with a corps roll call by Town Crier Jim Wearne, followed by music from Anglia Fellowship Band, Bram Bryant (vocal, Norwich Citadel), monologues by Bridget Roper (Sheringham) and a display by timbrelists from Lowestoft Citadel. An entertaining ‘Zimba’ display (dancing with Zimmer frames) was given by Major Joy Allchin (DHQ) and Miriam Day (Waterbeach). A fancy dress parade featured various Olympians, and Majors Sidney Pinches (Haverhill) and Ian McBride (Norwich Citadel) and Captain Jonathan Wylie (Chatteris) competed in Olympic challenges. ‘The Queen’ (see picture) presented medals to those who had rendered services above and beyond the call of duty.

The day concluded with ‘Who Is On The Lord’s Side?’ to the rousing tune of ‘Land Of Hope And Glory’. – J. A.

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

5

NEWS Major brings a Welsh flavour

Songsters bring encouragement and challenge Newbury MILTON KEYNES Songsters visited at the start of 130th corps anniversary celebrations.

Prayer was the theme for morning worship which linked in with the corps receiving the divisional prayer flame for the week. Many songsters brought encouragement and challenge as they shared their experience of prayer. Everyone was invited to carry the torch for someone by praying for them during the week and the songsters contributed ‘Somebody Prayed For Me’.

During the afternoon praise meeting the name of Jesus was lifted up through music, poetry, fun and drama. The congregation was reminded of God’s love when the songsters sang ‘Written In Red’. – B. W.

Gospel choir debut Cheltenham THE corps was pleased to host the first concert of the Cheltenham Young Gospel Choir. The choir, for children aged seven to twelve years old, was formed in September 2011. The concert, in aid of the Shalom Children’s Home in the Democratic Republic of Congo, raised £1,086. The varied programme included ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ and ‘Believe’.

– R. G.

Full house at Methodist church Plymouth Congress Hall THE band and junior timbrelists thrilled the congregation at the Burraton Methodist church with a varied programme, starting with the band piece ‘Fill The World With Music’.

The timbrelists’ display to ‘The Red Shield’ march received rousing applause and YPSM Andrew Renouf presented the monologue ‘It’s My Birthday Today’, dressed as a child (see picture).

A time for reflection led

by Mike Elson reminded the congregation of the importance of prayer. – D. P.

Oldbury: In their farewell meeting corps officers Majors Amaro and Susan Pereira received £650 from the corps for use in the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory where they will take up their next appointments. The corps acknowledged their role in the merger of Blackheath and Warley Corps, a major building refurbishment and the creation of an effective and motivated leadership team. – R. S. Dublin City’s new gospel choir, The Corporals, performs at the first café church as part of a monthly series of alternative meetings

6

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

Oakengates MAJOR Ray Hobbins (Aberystwyth) led Sunday meetings and a Monday rally for the Friends and Family Club.

His thoughts focused on Christ’s caring attention on the details of people’s lives and considered Christ’s interactions with families.

The Friends and Family Singers contributed and Major Hobbins added a Welsh flavour to the weekend with his spontaneous singing of a Welsh folk song.

The rally was well-attended, with representation from churches across Telford. – T. W.

Two Lifehouse residents at William Booth House, Hull, accept a Bible from Gideons John Coope and Brian Elwick with Spiritual Directors Majors Julia and Keith Johnson

Colonels offer words of hope Kettering HOME and family Sunday, led

by Lieut-Colonels Peter and Sylvia Dalziel, brought much blessing. The home league singers, men’s fellowship choir and other members of the home and family groups were represented in the meetings.

The hall was packed on Monday for the home league rally with women from nearby churches and home league members from the surrounding corps attending. The Mayor (Councillor Margaret Talbot) was also there. The colonels’ words of hope and encouragement and their singing were received with great enthusiasm.

Pictured are Lieut-Colonel Sylvia Dalziel, the Mayor, Lieut-Colonel Peter Dalziel and Home League Secretary Barbara Hobbs. – B. H.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

NEWS Choir augments march Regent Hall THE Faith Lutheran Church Chancel Choir of Spicer, Minnesota, USA – under the direction of Pastor Simon Fensom, a former Salvationist – led the meetings after the completion of their nine-day tour of the UK. The morning meeting followed the format of a Lutheran service, with music contributions from the choir and the corps senior and junior sections.

The choir augmented Regent Hall’s impressive march down the crowded central London

streets, before presenting a meeting of praise, during which the choir demonstrated its versatility with delightful presentations of songs that included ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’.

– A. R.

Accompanied by fellow corps members (and pictured with her mother, Jean Crosdale) who took part in the annual event, Lindsey Barker (Scarborough) carries her late father’s Eb bass around the Race For Life course, raising more than £600 for Cancer Research

Aberdeen Citadel’s seasoned marathon runner Clark Wallace is supported by corps members Craig and Catrina Taylor as he undertakes a halfmarathon in aid of the divisional junior camp and summer residential; his grandson Evan Wallace supported him by cycling the route

Six-a-side salvation Football teams unite Stowmarket TO commemorate the team’s first season, the market-based Salvation Football Club had a

youth StowArmy squad

photograph showing the adult team with the under-eights youth team.

The adults play in the Suffolk and Ipswich League and the team comprises Felixstowe and Ipswich corps members as well as members of the community.

– A. M.

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Hythe AMONG 32 teams competing at the London Churches six-aside football tournament, Hythe Salvation Army FC finished second in their group, earning them qualification to the cup competition, where they lost 8-7 on penalties.

The event comprised good

football, a great venue and excellent company, and Ambassadors in Sport shared the gospel message during a break.

The tournament was a suitable end to the season for the players who are loyal and faithful to the Army and the team.

Information about joining the team is available from corps officer Captain Phil Layton (footy@hythesalvationarmy.org.uk).

– P. L.

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

7

NEWS Praise for anniversary

Musical spectacular

Williamstown THE 115th corps anniversary got off to a good start with a festival presented by Swansea Band and Songsters, themed Praise For God’s Faithfulness.

Band items included ‘God Of Wonders’, ‘Praise Party’ and the tenor horn solo ‘You Love Me’.

The songsters offered ‘Wonder, Love And Praise’ and ‘His Strength Is Perfect’ and younger songsters sang the quintet ‘This Is The Life’.

Guests Lieut-Colonels Laurie and Simone Robertson (IHQ) led the programme and LieutColonel Simone Robertson encouraged everyone to read out a Scripture verse from her mother-in-law’s 80-year-old promise box.

On Sunday the colonels enthusiastically preached from Nehemiah, encouraging and challenging the corps to reach out into the community; they also donated 30 new books to start a corps library. The day ended with a faith tea with Gilfach Goch Corps. – D. W.

Hendon SALVE MUSICA (Stockholm South, Sweden and Latvia) visited to offer a choral spectacular during a Saturday evening festival and participated in Sunday worship. Salve Musica is an open choir created to forge links with the community and consists of Salvationists, friends, family and work colleagues. The group sang Army and secular items, including ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Trust In God’ and a number of Swedish folk songs.

The host songsters offered ‘Were You There?’ and ‘You Are My King’. The singing company put smiles on the congregation’s faces as they sang ‘The Champion’s Challenge’ before the host sections joined to sing ‘Nothing But Thy Blood’. Tua, a Swedish Salvationist opera singer, enthralled people with her operatic voice and musical theatre presentations. The evening’s finale featured all the singers presenting the Barry Manilow classic ‘One Voice’. – J. H.

Youth make congregation ‘uncomfortable’ Exeter THE youth group, Livin’ It, led morning worship and set out to make the congregation feel uncomfortable, not to be unkind but that their discomfort might bring comfort to those whose lives have been marred by human trafficking. The Founder’s song, ‘O Boundless Salvation!’, was chosen as a reminder that William Booth was passionate about stamping out injustice and that the corps must stand up and make a difference today.

Throughout the morning the young people informed and challenged the congregation through video clips and presentations, then brought blessings through dramatic dance and music by Justify. Livin’ It successfully raised awareness and a retiring collection raised £160 in aid of the Army’s Booth House in Kuwait.

– A. C.

8

Corps learns of the capacity to work for God Pokesdown MAJOR Liz Chape (DHQ) conducted meetings for home and family weekend, themed A Little Lower Than The Angels.

Using this text she spoke of the capacity everyone has to worship and work for God and that it is possible for the glow of that relationship to show on their faces.

A poem written and read by a home league member, entitled ‘Touched By An Angel’, was very appropriate. Two other members gave moving testimonies. The singers and timbrelists supported throughout the weekend and the Sunday fellowship enjoyed a communal meal.

The rally on Monday was well attended and included a sketch entitled Umbrella People.

– S. L.

Dartford corps folk enjoy a retreat at William Booth College; through worship, teaching and prayer they explored the theme, Encountering The Almighty

The young people and youth workers of Chelmsford’s youth club, Base, celebrate its fourth anniversary with a bouncy castle; the club meets in a school each fortnight for activities, games and crafts

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

NEWS Guests inspire and challenge congregation Leigh-on-Sea THE 110th corps anniversary weekend commenced with a reunion tea on Saturday followed by a celebration concert entitled The Spirit Of The Sea, with guests General John Larsson (Retired) and Commissioner Freda Larsson (right). They were supported by Divisional Commander Major Carol Bailey. Senior and junior music sections participated and the programme included an item commissioned for the event, ‘Prelude On Melita’ by Kevin Larsson. Frank Reynolds arranged a humorous drama item depicting the early days of The Salvation Army in Leigh. The climax of the evening was the presentation of a Bible that hand belonged to Captain Mary Pillage (Leigh-onSea’s first officer) to corps officer Major John Carmichael. The major was visibly emotional and said he was amazed that, after all these years, her Bible was still around, intact, and that her family should want to give it to the corps.

The Sunday morning meeting – conducted by the General and Commissioner Freda Larsson – was inspirational and challenging.

The final meeting of the weekend featured the General sitting at the piano and recounting how some of the Gowans and Larsson musicals came about.

Once again the music sections took part and included another new item – ‘Leigh 110’ – a march composed by Deputy Bandmaster Geoff Snell. – P. J.

South Shields: Divisional Commander Major Darrell Thomas, members of the divisional team and corps officers Majors David and Marian Lewis attended a civic reception at the town hall to acknowledge the outreach work of The Salvation Army in South Tyneside, particularly to homeless people.

During the reception the Mayor (Councillor Jim Sewell) and Mayoress (Rosemary Sewell) presented retirement gifts to the corps officers. – J. G.

Corps offers emergency response Northampton East AN emergency evacuation at two holiday parks prompted a quick response from the corps.

As a precaution, the Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill holiday parks were evacuated because of a risk of flooding and high tides.

Emergency response teams from the corps, British Red Cross, St John Ambulance and Northampton Emergency Aid Team directed the residents to a leisure centre where they stayed for three nights. The corps – supported by Northampton Central, Wellingborough, Hinckley and Stapleford Corps –

provided food and drinks and were on hand to lend a listening ear to those affected.

Corps member Polly Balthazar is pictured serving a hot drink to an evacuee. – N. R.

Wellingborough: The prayer weekend commenced with a Friday evening prayer concert led by Territorial Evangelists Jenny and Mike Clark. Prayer topics were interspersed with thought-provoking songs and group prayer. Saturday morning started with a prayer breakfast followed by a prayer walk. – F. P.

Sleaford: For the thirteenth successive year the band led worship at the Auto-Sleeper Owners’ Club rally at the Nottinghamshire Showground.

Lieut-Colonel Ray Caddy gave the address and club president Charles Trevelyan read from the Scriptures.

– N. M.

Sherburn Hill corps folk enjoy a social evening – organised by the corps cadets – to commemorate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; the evening featured patriotic music and a monarchy quiz

Model-maker Rod Key presents Isle of Wight corps officers Majors Agnes and Keith Wallis with models of themselves from their 1995 commissioning

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

9

LETTERS

Q Band painting is genuine witness AT an art exhibition in a Brighton church about three years ago I became very interested in one of the paintings on display.

It depicted a Salvation Army band and looked extremely authentic, down to the very fine details of uniforms and instruments. The painting, along with all the others in the exhibition, was for sale and I was delighted to be successful in purchasing it.

Keen to know more about the painting, I contacted the artist, David Williams. He told me that he was a keen photographer as

well as an artist, and had been visiting his son in Newcastle upon Tyne one weekend in 2008. While in the city centre on the Sunday, he had taken a photograph of the band, which he identified as Newcastle City Temple Band from the uniforms.

The painting has proved to be of great interest to Army visitors to our home, and is a witness and talking point for nonSalvationists who have seen it.

Up until now I had assumed that the faces in the picture were probably only approximations of what the members of the band really looked like, but that

Staff Songster Hayley Stubbs with the painting of Newcastle City Temple Band

Q We use QR codes I WAS interested in Morvyn Finch’s request for QR codes to be printed beside articles in Salvationist (Letters 5 May). I agree that we should avail ourselves of new and emerging technologies if they can be used to good effect.

Back in 1999 not only did Belfast

Corps Sergeant-Major Noel Moore with QR codes at the entrance of Belfast Citadel hall

10

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

assumption changed with the visit of the International Staff Songsters to Worthing.

We were pleased to welcome Hayley Stubbs to our home, and learnt that her Army roots were at Newcastle City Temple.

As soon as Hayley walked into our house and saw the painting, she exclaimed: ‘That’s my father-in-law!’ pointing to the baritone player, Bandsman Tony Stubbs. The faces were so lifelike that Hayley was able to identify every member of the band, including corps officer Major Antony Mugford playing cornet.

I thank God for the witness of Newcastle City Temple Band and hope it will continue to be a witness in our home for many years to come.

Alan Moyse, Brighton

Q Red shield catering should be saved Citadel have a website, which was relatively rare for churches then, but also had podcasts of ‘The Cachelin Tapes’ from Commissioner Francy Cachelin’s Easter Campaign available for download from the website.

At Belfast Citadel we have recently started to use quick response codes on all of our advertising material. The digital signage at our foyer entrance now includes a QR code as do posters, invitations and copies of The War Cry that are distributed at our open-air ministry.

QR codes are relatively simple to generate, free to use and easily accessible by a tech-savvy user of a smartphone that has a suitable app. One click will take the interested user straight to the corps website or to a particular online page. Another advantage of this medium is that it is a very simple matter to see if anyone has actually ‘clicked’ on the code as feedback is available online.

Noel Moore, Belfast Q Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

I WAS interested to learn through a recent presentation by the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association (SASRA) that pressure is being brought on military establishments, by commercial catering contractors, to withdraw the catering facilities provided by The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS).

The red shield services have provided a welcoming environment and good, inexpensive refreshments to thousands of servicemen and women over many years and has also provided a neutral place for chaplains and Scripture Readers to use for discussions with the soldiers and airmen. This is something that I have had recent personal experience of and something I remember my late father speaking fondly of from his time in the Army in Gibraltar some 60 years ago.

It is sad that this decision is being made and I understand it is a decision that is not finding favour with the people who presently use the facility. I hope that those in authority in RSDS can persuade the military authorities to resist withdrawal of this valuable outreach ministry.

Stuart Gay, Divisional Envoy, Blackpool

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

FEATURE

Promoted to Glory Captain Stephen Oliver examines familiar Salvation Army terminology

T

HE Salvationist expression, ‘promoted to Glory’, is one of the most confident, assuring and triumphant phrases we can use when mourning the loss of a fellow Christian. It is a phrase with which many Salvationists are comfortable, but also one that people relatively new to the Army may find strange or antiquated. These are questions that may arise: What does ‘promoted to Glory’ mean? and What is the basis for that claim?

‘Promoted to Glory’ has been used, since the earliest days of our Movement, to speak of Salvationists who have gone to Heaven. It was a phrase quickly picked up by those who wrote about The Salvation Army. General Bramwell Booth, in his account of the death of his mother, Catherine, quotes a report from The Newcastle Daily Leader of 1890: ‘The “mother of the Army” had been “promoted”. There was the sadness of bereavement, but the hope of reunion, held not merely as a speculative idea, but as a solid fact – as tangible to them as the sun shining in the clear October air.’

Roy Hattersley, in Blood And Fire, his biography of the Booths, records how ‘promoted to Glory’ had become part of ‘the language of the Army’ and how the

Booth family ‘mourned their own loss but celebrated Catherine’s triumph’.

The experience of sorrow coloured with triumph is one with which all who have experienced bereavement within the family of Christ will be familiar. Jesus was moved to tears by the emotions of loss and bereavement, even though he was minutes away from raising Lazarus to life (see John 11:17–44).

However, The Salvation Army’s eleventh

personality in the life beyond present existence. God brings us all into eternity to participate in the general resurrection and submit to the final judgment of Christ.

The question then arises – if our eternal hope is ultimately expressed in the resurrection of the body, what does going to Heaven mean in the meantime?

Here, we look to the example of Jesus, who, in spite of his own suffering while dying on the cross, gives assurance to the crucified thief alongside him: ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43 New Revised Standard Version).

The Greek word translated as ‘Paradise’ occurs in Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 12:4 and Revelation 2:7. Referring to an enclosed space in which something grows or is nurtured, the intention is to point us to the Garden of Eden and the hope found in God’s promise that he will make the wilderness places into his own garden (see Isaiah 51:3).

This is a rich text, which could be explored deeply. For our purposes it is enough to realise that Luke wants us to understand that Jesus was going to Paradise, to Heaven, which John Nolland’s Word Biblical Commentary portrays as ‘the pleasant resting place… prior to the great day of resurrection’.

More remarkable is the promise Jesus makes that the dying thief will also experience Paradise, immediately on death. He is assured that he will be promoted to Glory and that he too may rejoice in the hope of the resurrection of the body.

The thief is promoted to Glory because Jesus promises he will be! He has done nothing to earn his place in Paradise except acknowledge his own sin and place his faith in Christ.

Similarly, we may confidently say that our brothers and sisters in Christ who have died are promoted to Glory, because this is the promise of the Lord Jesus to all who put their faith in him.

Of course, the concept of eternal life in Christian understanding is far greater than simply endless time. Our Handbook Of Doctrine describes ‘a quality of life in the presence of God… [that] begins now as we follow Christ’.

New life in Jesus is available today. He alone makes possible the transformation from wilderness to paradise. Q

‘There will be no loss of integrated, embodied personality in the life beyond’

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

article of faith affirms the things of eternity as being something far greater than going to Heaven when we die. It states: ‘We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.’

The Christian doctrine of immortality affirms that because of God’s action there will be no loss of integrated, embodied

Q Captain Oliver is corps officer, Failsworth

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

11

ICO FEATURE

Major Andrea Still (UKT) introduces three of her fellow delegates from the 213th ‘I’ll Fight!’ Session at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development

12

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

MAJOR LALRAMLIANA HNAMTE, INDIA EASTERN Present appointment: Secretary, Human Resource Development of India and Education, India National Secretariat ‘RAMA’, the youngest of nine children, was born into a Christian family during 20 years of insurgency following the end of British rule in India. Many in the Mizoram region fled to the jungle to escape war and famine as villages burnt. Inadequate education provision meant Rama walked 15 km to high school and he regularly skipped school. He lived away from God, with no joy or peace. Addiction, unhealthy relationships and street fighting left his body and spirit in a mess.

One night a voice woke him, telling him to read Galatians 6:14–16, igniting a flame within him, but he continued to choose a life in darkness. He was invited to a gospel meeting where, he says: ‘I met my Lord Jesus who purchased me by his blood.’

Filled with the Spirit, Rama joined The Salvation Army, ministering with enthusiasm. Convicted of sin, he fasted and prayed. He realised Jesus provided the example to follow. He had previously lived for himself, but now he now committed his life to God. God called him in a direction he never expected – towards officership. He believed this ministry was for righteous people – not him. God spoke forgiveness, accepted him and outlined his purposes.

For cultural reasons, Rama needed to be married before he could be an officer.

He prayed and believed and God gave Rama his wife C. Lalhriatpuii. Lalhriatpuii and Rama married and entered the Messengers of the Truth Session in 1994.

Ministry was wonderful, but very busy, with a school, three corps and three societies under their care, plus a growing family. At times of adversity and during family bereavements, God’s people

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

supported them. When their house was destroyed by fire, their people built a new one. When Rama contracted malaria, they carried him 100 km to hospital in a rickshaw. When their first child, Rebecca, was born with a heart defect the people prayed and Rama’s family raised money for her operation.

God used dark times to teach Rama trust. He says: ‘I came to understand how much God loves me and his wonderful plan for me.’

Rama testifies to the blessings of his family as a source of inspiration. Despite his humble academic beginnings, he has completed a degree and is working towards a doctorate.

MAJOR FLORENCE NASAKA WANGUBO, KENYA EAST Present appointment: Superintendent, Kabete Children’s Home FLORENCE is married to Matthew and has four children.

As one of seven children, Florence had a happy childhood. She loved to listen to her father preach at their Pentecostal church and learnt about Jesus there.

She gave her heart to the Lord as a teenager and, after her marriage, joined her husband as a Salvationist. She felt at home, developing a ministry within the home league. Through ministry at the corps, the call came to officership. They entered the training college in 1987 as Messengers of Joy. For the first 15 years of ministry, life was hard. They had no sanitation in their home, using river water. There was the threat of snakes and bandits who stole money and instruments. It was difficult to meet the needs of their family, as there was often no money to pay their salary. They had to walk long distances to meetings and Matthew rode many kilometres on his bicycle to attend divisional meetings. Florence testifies

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

to the provision of God and how God blessed their commitment with growing congregations.

Florence has a heart for the poor and in 1998 she and her husband were appointed to their greatest challenge – the slums of Nairobi. For four years they lived in a house made from corrugated iron sheets, among some of the poorest people in Africa. They witnessed violence and shootings but God honoured their commitment and blessed them with new soldiers and their fourth child, Catherine.

In 2003 the family was given a lovely home with electricity, sanitation and security. The corps had a band and Florence testifies to a wonderful time ministering there. Following appointments at the training college and as divisional director for women’s ministries, supporting and empowering women living with the same challenges she had faced, Florence is now serving at Kabete Children’s Home.

In 2010 Florence had a serious illness that left her paralysed, partially blind and dependent on her husband. She was determined to fulfil a dream to attend the Brengle Institute and it was there she received the miracle of healing. God continues to strengthen her.

CAPTAIN JANG, YOUNG-JOO, KOREA Present appointment: Pastoral Care Officer, Kang Dong Corps, and tutor at the training college YOUNG-JOO is honoured and thrilled to be at the ICO at the time of the ‘I’ll Fight!’ Congress. She believes William Booth’s final sermon inspired a ‘public theology’ for The Salvation Army that is still relevant politically, economically, socially, culturally and ecologically. Still there are vulnerable people and injustice, so still the Army needs to fight to bring them Christianity. The Bible verse, ‘The weapons we fight with are not the

weapons of the world’ (2 Corinthians 10:4 all quotations from New International Version) encourages her.

Young-joo was born in 1967, near Seoul, Korea. At seven years of age, at a Methodist camp, she experienced what she has described as a baptism of the Holy Spirit. She received Jesus as her saviour. She testifies to hearing God’s call to be his servant many times throughout her studies at university. When she graduated with a degree in English and English Literature, she dedicated her life to Jesus. She went on to gain a master’s degree in Theology and was looking forward to ministry in the Methodist Church with her husband, Lee, Deokgyun.

However, her husband announced that he had been called as a young man to be a Salvation Army officer and now was the time to fulfil that calling. Young-joo had no idea her husband had been a Salvationist but she decided to go to the training college with him. Young-joo realised: ‘My calling as God’s servant was not just to be a pastor’s wife.’

She sees their ministry as co-workers in the Kingdom. Young-joo was inspired by Catherine Booth, and says: ‘When I read about her, I had a burning heart for God’s will.’ She is studying Catherine’s life for her doctorate.

She and her husband trained in the Australia Eastern Territory and were commissioned in 2000. They have worked as corps officers, at THQ as translators in Korea and as reinforcement officers in Japan. They had the joy of taking a Japanese soldier through to officership.

They moved back to Korea with their two children in 2005 and Young-joo testifies to the provision of God with new soldiers and a new building. Last year they took up a corps appointment in Seoul and Young-joo was given an additional appointment teaching theology to cadets. She is glad God called her to officership, feeling she has been able to make a contribution to the development of women’s ministry and the rights of women generally.

Young-joo says: ‘I am very happy with my family and our ministry.’ She loves these verses from 1 Corinthians 15:57 and 58: ‘Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore… stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’ Q

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

13

FEATURE

Out of Africa Stephen Field reflects on taking part in the Journey programme with his wife, Ruth

F

OR years, Africa felt like a faraway continent only seen on television when disaster struck and appeals were launched amid scenes of hunger, poverty, poor health and disease – years of wondering, then years of hoping that we might one day go there.

After a couple of years trying to make it on a Salvation Army Journey visit, everything came together at the end of 2011 and we were heading for Zambia.

Applications completed, we attended a Salvation Army/Tearfund orientation weekend with a view to visiting this exotic land. We experienced a tumult of emotions, not knowing whether the trip would go ahead with a small number of people, but things fell into place as the trip was confirmed. It was a rush: vaccinations, financial transactions, flight bookings, visas, emails and then the drive to Heathrow to meet up with the Journey team from Salvation Army International Development (UK) – Estelle Francis and Ruth Samuels. It was difficult to comprehend we were going at last.

Arriving in Zambia, we were met

by Simon and Lyndsey Ledger from the Army’s Chikankata Mission. Our surroundings changed from tarmac roads and people in cars to dirt tracks and people on foot. Images we had seen on television appeared in front of our eyes – women carrying all types of objects on their heads, children looking inquisitively at us and people living in small, thatched, clay homes.

Our accommodation was basic, with only cold water to wash and shower in, but we did have proper flushing toilets!

We got used to getting in and out of beds protected by mosquito nets. Our torch came in handy on the occasions we were without electricity.

On our first full day we attended Chikankata Corps, feeling instantly at home, singing old, familiar songs.

I enjoyed playing with the band – of all pieces! – ‘Bognor Regis’. It was great

14

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

accompanied the officer to visit some of to be part of the meeting and to see the the corps folk in their homes, finishing our dedication of the medical staff, meeting time in Lusaka by visiting Zambia Training some of the student doctors.

College, meeting the cadets and visiting During the first week, the two Ruths the nursery, where the children sang and Estelle visited the hospital, helping nursery songs for us. on the children’s ward by playing with Since returning, we have reflected on children and preparing food, while I made our experiences. Poverty is widespread, a visit to Salvation Radio, The Salvation but we realised there is a danger of Army’s radio station, where I assisted with comparing what we in the West have a broadcast. Salvation Radio broadcasts with what others don’t have. It became to 90,000 listeners, playing Christian apparent that the real poverty for many in music and providing news and advice.

Zambia is in education and medical care.

We all visited the high school, where Zambians do not suffer from any paucity some pupils were doing additional studies of happiness, family values and spirituality in their holidays to ensure they made their – arguably some things that the West may grades. We also visited the chieftain in her lack. palace, where we shared our concerns, Still at the forefront remain a couple of presented a gift and prayed with her. things brought to us at the orientation: The children we met were excited by the the words of Psalm 9:18: ‘God will never balloons, stickers and sweets we handed forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted out. will never perish’ (New International The first part of our mission visit Version) and that ‘Behind every statistic concluded, we travelled to Livingstone there is a face’. to sightsee, excited at the prospect of Do we want to return? Definitely! Q en suite facilities and hot showers. Our excursion started with a sunset cruise on Details of the Journey the Zambezi River, followed by a visit to programme are available from Victoria Falls. On the final day we enjoyed id@salvationarmy.org.uk and a safari and high tea at an hotel. By the 020 7367 4777 end of the weekend we think we had mastered the customary haggling for Q Stephen worships at Petersfield purchases!

For the final part of the trip, we travelled to Lusaka, visiting THQ and an urban project at one of the 38 corps based there. We met some children who attend school in the compound of the corps and sang Sunday school choruses with them. We Stephen and Ruth Field (left) are pictured with Ruth Samuels and Estelle Francis

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

BIBLE STUDY

Breathe on me, Breath of God A study for Pentecost by Major Cliff Allchin

L

OVE, life, work, rest, play, family, health, pleasure, death. These, and many more, are all strands woven into the fabric of life. Sometimes they become enmeshed and the result is a ball of knotted fibres. At such times we want to survive the crisis, to emerge from its cocooning effect: we want life.

As the disciples gathered together following reports of the Resurrection, they were in one of those ‘confusions of life’. They wanted to have hope and yet, despite the growing number of stories from those among their group who had seen Jesus, they still met behind a locked door. They still doubted.

Suddenly Jesus appeared, showed them his wounds and said: ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he did something very strange: he breathed on them, implying that by this action he was bestowing upon them the Holy Spirit (John 20:19– 23 all quotations from New International Version).

None of us can really know why this was not designated as ‘the birth of the Church’, instead of ‘the Day of Pentecost’ – or why that Pentecost experience was still needed. We can speculate, but we are still none the wiser.

Is there a difference in these two blessings that relates to the twin

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

blessings of salvation and sanctification?

Again, I do not know. The evidence shows that between this story in John 20 and the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 there had already begun a vast change in the attitude, hopes and perspectives of this small group of followers. Their ‘fibrous knot’ of death, despair and despondency had been unravelled. Jesus had breathed the Holy Spirit into them and they were renewed.

In the Bible there are two other instances when the Spirit of God was breathed into seemingly hopeless situations. First, in Genesis 2:7 the breath of God was breathed into a clay model of dust and man was made. Humankind is the only part of God’s creation to which Scripture ascribes this blessing.

Only humanity has the Spirit of God within, marking humankind out as something set apart from the rest of the created world. Other parts are more beautiful, more productive, more creative, more athletic and more adaptable, but none can say – as Elihu did to Job – ‘The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life’ (Job 33:4).

Secondly, in Ezekiel 37 the prophet is given a vision of a valley of dry bones that come to life and form a mighty army. The

Israelite nation was in a mess. Jerusalem had been destroyed and the prominent leaders and influential characters carted away to a 70-year exile in Babylon.

Would Israel survive?

In Ezekiel’s vision, he is reminded that when God breathes his Spirit into a situation – no matter how desperate the circumstances – the results will far exceed any possible hope that one could predict as a probable outcome.

What are these images saying to us…

Q AS HUMAN BEINGS? If God has breathed his Spirit into humanity, then it has serious implications for us and for how we choose to live. We have a purpose to discover; we have a path to find; we have a principle to determine. And, as we do, the knot of an empty, useless lump of clay gives way to the richest of discoveries – God in us.

Q AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST? Do we reflect the disciples who gathered in the Upper Room shortly after the Resurrection or those same disciples, in Jerusalem a few weeks later, having had the Holy Spirit breathed into them by Jesus?

Q AS AN ARMY? Despite amazing efforts over the past 30 years and more, Christianity continues to decline in the UK. Just over 50 years ago, nearly half the population of the UK attended church. In 2006, that figure was just 15 per cent (Tearfund’s Churchgoing In The UK report, 2007).

How much longer will it be before there are just bones and no longer a body?

God asks the question: ‘Can these bones live?’

Surely he still waits for our answer before he breathes again into these dry bones, resurrects the Church and we become this mighty army of God. Q A prayer for Pentecost Breath of Heaven, hold me together.

Be forever near me, breath of Heaven.

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness, Pour over me your holiness for you are holy, Breath of Heaven.

(Amy Grant) Q Major Allchin is Divisional Director for Evangelism, Anglia

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

15

NEW COMMITMENTS Joel Jones Elliott Chappell Soldiers

Andrew Milsom Adherent member

Daniel Milsom

Mandy Nattress Carol Trainer Adherent members MIDDLESBROUGH PALLISTER PARK MANDY’S first contact with the corps came through the Pals support group for children on the autistic spectrum and their families, which she attended with her son Liam. After Liam’s involvement in the carol service two years ago, Mandy and Liam started to attend the midweek children’s outreach and Sunday meetings. Mandy says that through attending the Army she has found not just a faith but also an extended family that has become a lifeline for her. After attending the discipleship programme, Mandy decided she would like to join Liam, who is a junior soldier, in making a formal commitment of membership.

Carol’s first contact with the Army came through attending the carol service to support her granddaughter Kayleigh, who was taking part. Along with Mandy, Carol is now fully involved in the life of the corps, particularly the children’s work.

Corps officer Captain Jim Anderson welcomed Mandy and Carol as adherent members. – A. A.

Scott East Autumn East

Caitlin Saward Libby Saward Junior soldiers SWINDON CITADEL JOEL and Elliott are from Army families and have attended the corps since birth. In his testimony Joel said: ‘The reason I want to be a senior soldier is that I want to learn more about God although it will give me more responsibility.’

In his remarks Elliott humorously commented: ‘Having come from an Army family there’s no escape,’ adding, ‘I feel my relationship with God is very strong and put my uniform on with great pride and love to wear it. It’s the easy way to tell others you’re a Salvationist and a way of starting interesting conversations.’ His solo singing in one of the songster items added to the occasion.

Andrew decided to become an adherent member after a period in the singing company and his newly enrolled junior soldier brother, Daniel, is set to take his place.

There could be further reinforcements for the singing company from the newly enrolled junior soldiers, siblings Scott and Autumn, and Caitlin and Libby.

The large congregation included family members and friends who joined with the corps folk to share the special day. Corps officer Major Sylvia Watts enrolled the new soldiers and welcomed the adherent member. – K. S.

Jan Harmel Adherent member SOUTHSEA JAN has attended Sunday meetings for nearly two years following an invitation by corps officer Major Mary Wolfe. Major Wolfe met Jan through her work with the ANA addiction rehabilitation centre, where Jan was being helped. Jan, who volunteers in the corps charity shop, was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Wolfe. – T. M.

16

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

Colin Maunder Soldier CARDIFF CANTON FAMILY and friends gathered to witness corps officer Major Graham Willetts enrol Colin as a soldier. Colin testified to his love of the Lord and quoted from the song, ‘Would You Know Why I Love Jesus?’ He thanked the corps folk for their support, having decided to become a soldier after the General’s visit to the division.

At the conclusion of the meeting a family member knelt at the mercy seat. – G. W.

Samuel McCorkell Hannah Stewart Junior soldiers EAST KILBRIDE HANNAH, the daughter of corps officers Captains Ann and Iain Stewart, said she wanted to be a junior soldier so she could learn more about Jesus and God. Samuel, who attends with his parents, said he was thankful to God that no two people are the same and that he is unique and special to God. Hannah and Samuel were enrolled by Captain Ann Stewart.

– A. S.

Violet Denney Adherent member WEST CORNFORTH VIOLET has attended the corps for three years and feels at home.

When a friend at the corps talked about becoming an adherent member, Violet decided she would like to do so too. Violet was welcomed by corps officer Major Janis Lowndes. – B. L.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

NEW COMMITMENTS

Sandra Mitchell Hannah Mills

Dylan Lennox Kristofer McIlwrath

Adrian Rockall Ann Potter

Michael Cinnamond Soldiers

Mervyn Tarrant Adherent members HORSHAM THERE was a great air of excitement as the 40th adherent member in the last three years was welcomed at the corps.

Sandra was linked with the outreach centre in Crawley. When Sunday worship merged with Horsham, she attended with her two children and found a special family she wanted to be part of.

Hannah first attended a thanksgiving service for a child at the corps. She shared how she has found salvation and is now involved in children’s ministries.

Adrian had been linked with the corps for many years through his parents, but in recent years has been on an exciting faith journey, where he now has found Jesus as his saviour and looks forward to continuing to discover more about him.

Ann first attended the corps toddler group and two years ago brought some of her ‘children’ – many whom she provides respite and foster care for – to the new children’s ministry group, Kids Alive. She got involved and now helps lead the group. She believes she has found something special by being part of the corps.

Mervyn returned to the Army after a number of years away. Music has always been his great love, once having served as a bandmaster, and being given the opportunity to play in the corps band, even though not a soldier, enabled him to find his place again within the Church and The Salvation Army. He asked to become an adherent member in recognition of the work of Jesus Christ in and through his life in recent months.

Corps officer Captain Ian Woodgate welcomed the new adherent members. – I. W./S. W.

Ashley Dodds Jazmyn Brennan Junior soldiers SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD ASHLEY has attended the corps with her grandmother since she was a baby. She wanted to become a junior soldier to learn more about God and wants to help other people.

After the sudden death of her mother, Jazmyn had to relocate to live with her grandmother who has recently recommitted to soldiership. Jazmyn says she wants to learn more about God. Corps officer Major Stephen Naylor enrolled Ashley and Jazmyn as junior soldiers. – S. N. PLEASE note when submitting pictures: they can be posted to the Salvationist office as photographs to be scanned, or emailed to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk as digital images.

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

BELFAST SYDENHAM KRISTOFER was brought up at the corps and takes part in the music sections and youth group. After much thought and prayer he decided to become a senior soldier and testified to his love of the Lord and his willingness to continue to grow and share his faith.

Invited to the corps by friends, Dylan became a junior soldier and joined the YP band. He is now involved in the youth group. After prayerful consideration, he chose to become a senior soldier. He testified to how the Lord has changed his life and thanked members of the corps for their continued interest in him.

Michael grew up in the corps. He takes part in the senior and YP bands and youth group and testified to the Lord’s work in his life. He thanked his family and prayer partner for their support.

Corps officer Captain Martin Cordner enrolled the new soldiers.

– L. C.

Liz Blake Adherent member RUSHDEN A CONVERSATION in Rushden’s Olive Branch Café led to Liz attending meetings at the start of 2011. She testified to the changes in her life since then and has committed to learn at least one new thing about Jesus every week. Liz was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Captain Mike Smith. – M. S.

Norman Atkinson Adherent member SHOTTON COLLIERY NORMAN called into the corps to ask for information about a history club project and was invited to stay for the meeting. He has attended regularly for more than six years. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Doreen Browne welcomed Norman as an adherent member. – D. B.

Victoria Mills Soldier BELFAST TEMPLE VICTORIA was enrolled in the presence of family and friends by corps officer Major Paul Wright. She chose music for the sections to play and referred to them during her honest and powerful testimony.

She spoke about how God has changed her life and attitude, and how she wants to be used by him in any way possible. – P. W.

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

17

NEW COMMITMENTS Victoria Agbenorto Joylyn Destiny Soldiers HARROW VICTORIA was raised in Ghana in the Roman Catholic Church, but has attended the corps since her marriage to a soldier of the corps. She is a great prayer warrior and gave a stirring testimony to her faith and strong conviction of God’s call to be a soldier and her joy that God has work for her to do in the Army.

Joylyn attended the Army in Jamaica in her youth along with her sisters and late mother. She testified to the importance of God’s word in her life, her deep faith and her conviction of a divine call to the corps and a return to her Salvation Army roots. The whole corps shared a celebratory meal together after divisional leaders Majors Paul and Jenine Main enrolled Victoria and Joylyn. – P. M.

Ben Pegg Soldier WELLINGBOROUGH MANY friends and family members were present as Ben was enrolled as a soldier by his grandmother, Major Marlene Bishop. Ben thanked those who had helped him make the transition from the juniors and testified to God’s leading in his life. His older brother, James, opened the meeting in prayer after which he quoted the words of Martin Luther King Jr: ‘Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step’ and encouraged Ben to stay steadfast in faith and keep his roots firmly in God. – F. P.

Hannah Dawson Junior soldier Michael Sheriff Soldier BANGOR MICHAEL comes from a Salvationist family – his great-greatgrandfather was a founder member of Belfast Citadel. Michael has not just followed tradition but has been led by God to take this personal step of commitment to Christ. In his testimony, Michael discussed the assurance of God’s presence in his life through Psalm 27:5. He was enrolled by former corps officer Major John Randle. – D. G.

WORKSOP HANNAH was so excited about becoming a junior soldier that she gave out invitations to everyone in her class to come to the Army on her special day. Several of her friends, their parents and a school representative accepted her invitation to the meeting, which was led by her parents, corps officers Major Nasreen and Captain Ashley Dawson.

Hannah read her favourite Bible passage and sang ‘I Want To Be Obedient, Lord’ – a junior soldier’s song of commitment – before being enrolled by her grandad, Major Alistair Dawson.

She proudly wore her junior soldier’s badge to school the next day to show her friends and teachers. – R. D.

NEW COMMITMENTS IN MAY Sarah Stock Soldier COVENTRY CITY IN her testimony Sarah gave thanks to God for her journey from someone who said they would never become a soldier to one who has given a full commitment to God and his purpose for her life. This was appreciated by the congregation, which included her parents, Captains Heather and John Stock (Stratford-upon-Avon). Corps officer Captain Colin Bain enrolled Sarah as a soldier. – C. B.

44 Soldiers 48 Adherent members 31 Junior soldiers Totals for this year so far:

Nenette Mampuli Jason Kukia Ikoli

Alice Jarkovskaia Niouma Sasha Jarkovskaia Niouma Junior soldiers BALHAM NENETTE, Jason and sisters Alice and Sasha were enrolled as junior soldiers by divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels Melvin and Suzanne Fincham. They are all children of soldiers and after their enrolments they witnessed to the congregation – which included their friends and family – by singing ‘I’m A Junior Soldier’. – V. S.

18

26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

Soldiers: 157 Adherent members: 201 Junior soldiers: 110 Out of 123 new commitments reported in Salvationist in May, 10 joined a children’s club; 8 were invited by a friend; 4 joined activities for the over-60s; 3 attended a dedication meeting; 3 attended an Alpha course; 2 were interested in charitable giving; 2 went to a coffee morning; 2 joined a parent-andtoddler club; 1 helped at a coffee morning; 1 helped at a charity shop; 1 was a charity shop customer; 1 was invited to Back to Church Sunday at the corps where their spouse used to worship; 1 stepped inside the hall while it was raining; 1 met the corps officer at a school coffee morning and became friends on Facebook; 1 needed information for a history project; 1 attended a support group

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden: Majors John and Nina Turner (2 June); Majors John and Lilian Sandford (9 June); LieutColonels Mervyn and Joyce Woodman (9 June).

DEDICATED TO GOD Saphire-Mai, daughter of Caroline Stone, at Chatham by Major Alec Still; Robert, son of Robert and Elsie Makachiya, at Kirkcaldy by Captain Carrie James; Jordan Joshua, son of Anthony and Plaxedes Charambamwe, Rosie Drew, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Collier, both at Oakengates by Captain Tim Wills; Anesuishe Nathan, son of Margaret Masawi, at Southampton Shirley by Major Ruth Hill; Daisy Jean, daughter of Dr Dan and Dr Anna Fox, at North Shields by Major Yvonne Dare.

BEREAVED Major Terri Holdroyd, Dumfries, of her father James Maunder; Colonel Anne Harding of her sister Elizabeth; Heather Evans, Boscombe, of her mother Lieut-Colonel Betty Tribble; Bandsman Robert Davies, Merthyr Tydfil, of his mother Eunice; Christine Howe, Staines, of her mother Vera Lorraine.

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: Mrs Major Joan Padfield, Leigh-on-Sea (85 on 3 June).

PROMOTED TO GLORY Bandsman Cliff Saville, Woodhouse; S/Reservist Elsie Garrard, Darlington; Gwendoline Bell, Barnstaple; Brian Alsopp, Ilfracombe.

Major Joan Eames from Barnet on 4 May. A nephew, Mr Anthony Eames, lives in Borehamwood.

Major Rita Mullett from Oxford on 16 May. Major John Mullett lives in Milton Keynes.

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL LINDA BOND: UK, Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May; USA Western, Fri 1 Jun - Mon 11; Mexico, Tu 12 - Mon 18 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON) AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON: The Philippines, Wed 23 May - Sun 27; ICO, Fri 1 Jun; Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes, Th 21 - Mon 25 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May; Swanwick (Women Of Worth Adult and Family Ministries Conference), Fri 22 Jun Sun 24**

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Visit encourages residents Cambria House A LONDON mayoral candidate and two London Assembly candidates visited the Lifehouse after residents expressed a desire to learn more about politics.

Assembly candidate Natalie Bennett (Green Party) attended a coffee morning to address housing issues, job hunting, benefits and the future of London. The residents found the debate very helpful and Natalie expressed an interest in returning to address further questions and continue to encourage the residents and service users to vote.

Fellow assembly candidate Chris Richards (Liberal Democrats) and London Mayor Independent candidate Siobhan Benita were

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May; Halifax, Sat Sun 17 Jun*; Yorkshire (retired officers fellowship), Mon 18*; Swanwick (Women Of Worth Adult and Family Ministries Conference), Fri 22 - Sun 24**

asked plenty of questions during an informal discussion. The residents asked both candidates about their policies and thoughts on how to support the unemployed getting back into work and what they would do to fight human trafficking. – S. M. Hendon: On its tour of the UK, Faith Lutheran Church Chancel Choir from Minnesota, USA, led exciting morning worship, singing ‘The Battle Of Jericho’ and ‘Walk Through The Valley’. – J. H. CORRECTION In Lieut-Colonel Maxwell Ryan’s feature ‘The brilliance of Brengle’ (Salvationist 12 May) the word Arminian was printed as Armenian. Salvationist apologises for this error. – The Editor

Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May International Staff Band: Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May International Staff Songsters: Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May

Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring: Japan, Mon 28 May - Mon 4 Jun; East Timor, Tu Wed 6; Solomon Islands, Th 7 - Mon 11

*wife will not accompany **husband will not accompany

Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder: USA Western (congress), Wed 6 Jun Mon 11

ON THE AIR

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina: Kenya East, Tu 22 May - Sun 27 Commissioners Robert and Janet Street: UK,

BBC Radio Scotland (92–95 FM and online for seven days at bbc.co.uk/iplayer): New Every Morning Sunday worship (6.30 am) from Stirling will be broadcast on Sundays 27 May, 3 June and 10 June. The programmes, recorded by John and Heather Coutts, are exploring the Psalms.

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012

19

ADVERTISEMENTS

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

SALVATIONIST 26 MAY 2012

20-23

THOUGHT

SONG

One of the first laws of the spiritual life is that the experience of holiness is best understood in the light of the example of Jesus.

This is true doctrinally, for the Holy Spirit came to the first disciples in place of the Jesus whom they had known in the days of his flesh. In the Spirit Jesus came to them again in power, and by the Spirit he continually comes to every honest seeker. There is no difference in character between the Holy Spirit and the spirit of Jesus. The Holy Spirit illuminates the mind of Christ; the life of Jesus exemplifies the work of the Spirit. The testimony ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ could as accurately read ‘I can do all things through the Holy Spirit who strengtheneth me’. ‘Christ’ here is but the apostle’s swift abbreviation for the ever-present spirit of Christ who, like the wind, can clear our lives of rubbish and, like the fire, can burn up all that is wood, hay and stubble…

So the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost meant that men were now set on the way to becoming Christlike in zeal, in patience, in compassion – in short, in all the qualities of the divine character. The coming of the Holy Spirit did not make the group in the Upper Room superior in spiritual attainment or power to anything that Jesus had ever been, but the Spirit set these men who had been so painfully human on the way to becoming fully Christlike.

For the mighty moving of thy Spirit In our hearts and minds from day to day, For the gentle soothing of thy Spirit, When our fears had filled us with dismay: For the kindly chiding of thy Spirit When we thought to find an easier way, For the gracious guiding of thy Spirit, And the strength we needed to obey: We adore thee, Heavenly Father, And we thank thee, Heavenly Father, And we praise thee, Heavenly Father, As we pray.

John Gowans (SASB 192)

BIBLE VERSES When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.

Frederick Coutts, taken from The Call To Holiness John 16:13–15 New International Version

PRAYER Dear loving Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Spirit who helps, guides and supports us in our Christian living. May we always be open to his influence in our lives.

Amen.

QUOTE There is no such thing as holiness apart from ‘Christ in you’.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Bumblebee. Picture: DEE WILLIAMSON

(Samuel Logan Brengle)