Salvationist 26 September 2020

SALVATIONIST

No.1775 Price 70p

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 26 September 2020

Messengers of Reconciliation tell their stories

PLUS

SUPPORTING VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING AND MODERN SLAVERY

SEE PAGES 12 AND 13

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

ETERNAL WALL MONUMENT TO ‘ANSWERED PRAYERS’ HELPS KEEP GOD IN THE LOOP

‘LOST’ BIBLES TO BE RECOVERED IN MAJOR DIGITISATION PROJECT

NEW ALEXA SKILL TO HELP SAY THE OFFICE FROM THE PRAYER BOOK

A new national prayer monument built with a million bricks, each representing a prayer said to have been answered

by God, has been given the go-ahead.

Building work on the Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, which will dwarf the Angel of the North, is set to begin in Coleshill on the outskirts of Birmingham in the spring, after it was given planning permission by the local council…

The prayer wall is the brainchild of Richard Gamble, a former chaplain at Leicester City football club…

[He] and a team of volunteers have been collecting people’s testimonies online since 2018, noticing a surge in messages during the pandemic…

The apparent miracles people have shared range from the dramatic to the mundane…

His team estimates the landmark will attract about 300,000 visitors and bring £9.3 million into the local economy every year, while also creating 20 full-time positions for employees working in the visitor centre, café, bookshop and 24-hour on-site chaplaincy. It should be completed by 2022.

Andy Street, the mayor of the West Midlands, said he was ‘delighted’ the development had been given the green light.

‘It has been a long process, but this landmark will serve as a place of hope for many, and one that will help us remember the Christian heritage of our nation.’

An ambitious new digitisation project is set to make the Bible more accessible than ever for hundreds of minority language groups.

MissionAssist, Bible Society and Wycliffe Bible Translators are seeking... volunteer translators to help with the huge task of bringing these ‘lost’ Bibles into the digital realm.

The Bible Digitisation Project aims to translate minority language Bibles that have until now existed only in print form…

The digitised translations will help to preserve minority languages and ensure their survival, while also providing an opportunity to revise earlier translations and create braille versions for blind people…

The digital translations will be made freely available on major platforms like YouVersion... around the world.

The 1662 Book of Common Prayer has arrived on Amazon smart speakers, helping users to say morning and evening prayer and to learn more about its history...

Cambridge University Press, which publishes the Prayer Book, announced that Alexa smart speakers would now be programmed with a new ‘skill’ – one of the voice-driven apps – called the Cambridge Prayer Book. The idea is to help people to pray and worship at home during the pandemic…

The services are read by clergy from St John the Evangelist, Cambridge, close to the publisher’s headquarters.

In place of a congregation, responses are said by members of the Cambridge University Press choir. There is also a small selection of Bible readings…

Cambridge University Press plans to add more content in the future.

Christian Today

Church Times

The Times

SALVATIONIST

NEW RESEARCH FORECASTS FOOD BANK GIVING OUT SIX EMERGENCY FOOD PARCELS A MINUTE THIS WINTER The Trussell Trust, which has a network of UK food banks in churches, forecasts a 61 per cent increase in food parcels from October to December...

Its new report... reveals that during the start of the pandemic, around half of people who used a food bank had never needed one before.

CEO of the Trussell Trust Emma Revie, told Premier… ‘As we see the furlough scheme come to an end, that’s going to be a large driver of why we see additional people coming to food banks’…

The charity warns that with mass unemployment predicted on a scale not seen since the early Nineties, there will be further rises in poverty with 670,000 additional people classed as destitute by the end of 2020…

The Trussell Trust has urged the government to extend the furlough scheme past October, invest £250 million in local welfare assistance, and lock in the £20 rise to universal credit brought in at the start of the pandemic.

Premier

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EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891

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Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 26 September 2020

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

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

CONTENTS

ASKING FOR MORE UNLIKE our territorial leaders I was never able to be in a Gowans and Larsson musical (see page 4). However, I was part of a school production of Oliver!, which is almost as good.

I didn’t play a leading role, but I did get to say a line. As part of Fagin’s gang I had to check the frying pan and say: ‘These sausages are burnt!’ It’s not the most memorable line in the musical – that comes in the opening scene where Oliver is having dinner in the workhouse. After the song, ‘Food, Glorious Food,’ his mates encourage him to ask for second helpings. So he walks slowly up to Mr Bumble, holds out his empty bowl and says, ‘Please, sir, I want some more.’ ‘More?’ bellows Mr Bumble, at which Oliver drops his bowl and dashes back to his seat.

The idea of ‘more’ is mentioned by some of the cadets of the Messengers of Reconciliation session on pages 8 to 11. This weekend the session is formally welcomed to William Booth College, so we invited them to introduce themselves.

‘God always wanted more,’ says Abigail Gray, while Joanna Morgan tells us she ‘felt called to serve God more’ and Diane Johnson says that God called her with three simple words: ‘I want more.’ Although the other cadets don’t spell it out, it’s clear from what they say that God was asking more of them, inviting them to take the next step in their discipleship journey and wanting them to use the gifts he has given them – and will give them – to fulfil their full potential.

This is not limited to cadets, however. It’s something God wants for all of us, whoever we are and wherever we live, work or study.

On pages 12 and 13 we discover that the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit is faced with its own ‘more’, as the Army recently won the government contract for victim support for the third time in a row. This allows the Army and its partners to continue the work first begun in 2011 – although, as the article reminds us, it is something the Army has been involved in since its early days. The new five-year contract is not simply a case of ‘more of the same’. New ways of supporting are envisaged, and more international co-operation is expected. The article also gives insights to inform our prayers on this Sunday’s Annual Day of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking.

On pages 14 and 15 David Massaquoi reveals how Army schools in the Liberia and Sierra Leone Command have coped during the pandemic. It has required ‘more’ from the teachers, who have had to learn how to provide remote schooling. There are also plans to add more hours to the school week to help students catch up.

If God asks us to do more, we might feel it is beyond us. But he calls us to step out in faith and he will provide the resources we need. One of the new cadets, Lesley Holland, understands that. She says: ‘I know that God can do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20) and I entrust my future to him.’

We can come to God with an empty bowl asking for more strength and grace, and he’ll fill it to overflowing.

Quotes from the media

2

Message from the Territorial Commander

4

News

5 to 7

Prayer matters

7

Cadet cameos 8 to 11 Called to share the message of reconciliation Feature Fight for freedom

12 and 13

My coronavirus story 14 and 15 Staying ahead of the curve

by David Massaquoi

Bible study 16 and 17 What fault did your fathers find in me?

by Lieutenant Ian Hammond

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Freda Benneyworth

Reflection Jasper who?

18

by Ron Thomlinson

Reflection On the run

19

by Trevor Caffull

Feature 20 Army supporters take to the skies Reviews Rest – For The Rest Of Us

21

reviewed by Major Mal Davies

A Better Song To Sing reviewed by Major Helen Tyrrell

Announcements Adverts

22 23 and 24

FRONT-PAGE PICTURES Andrew King Photography

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 26 September 2020

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Owning up and going free

M

ANY of you will remember the Gowans and Larsson musical Glory! from the 1970s. Gill and I were at Regent Hall before we went into training and were part of the production there in the West End. It was such a great thing to be part of the musical and to sing some of those great songs.

Many of them are still being sung today.

One song from Glory! is entitled, ‘It’s The Work Of A Moment’. It’s sung by the character Fishbob, a fisherman, who receives the blessing of the Holy Spirit on the street. This is what he sings: If we say that we have no sin, Then we deceive ourselves, it’s true; But when we own our sins And then disown our sins, The work of grace begins anew.

It’s the work of a moment, It’s the work of a lifetime, It begins in an instant, It may take eternity.

But the work of the Spirit Of the world-changing Spirit Can begin at this moment in me.

That lovely song had its inspiration in 1 John 1:5–9: ‘This is the message we 4

Salvationist 26 September 2020

have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.’

Confessing is key to a thriving Christian life. Of course, in The Salvation Army it’s not our tradition to have the confessional box. But we should still understand the need for confession.

I heard a story a long time ago that helps me understand the power of confession. It’s about a little boy who lived on a farm and who loved to throw stones. One day he accidentally hit the farm’s prize goose on the head, killing it outright. He looked around to make sure he hadn’t been seen, and then found a spade, dug a hole and buried the goose.

That evening he sat down for the evening meal with his parents and big sister. And at the end of the meal his sister turned to him and said, ‘You know it’s my turn to do the washing up tonight. But I saw you kill and bury the goose earlier, and if you don’t do the washing up for me, I’m going to tell Mum and Dad what you did.’ So, the boy agreed to do the washing up that night.

It was his turn to do it the next night, but the following night his sister leant over to him and said the same thing.

So, he did the washing up again. This

went on and on, and anything else his sister asked him to do, he would do. She had a stranglehold on him.

This went on, until one evening when she told him to do the washing up, he stood up and said: ‘Sister, I’ve told Mum and Dad what happened about the goose and that I tried to cover my tracks. They weren’t very happy with me but they forgave me. Now you go and do the washing up.’

The moment that boy confessed to his parents the stranglehold that his sister had on him was completely broken. It’s much the same for us as we come before our loving God and make our confession.

In Charles Wesley’s song, ‘And Can It Be?’ (SASB 241), the third verse says: Long my imprisoned spirit lay Fast bound in sin and nature’s night; Thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke; the dungeon flamed with light.

My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee.

Confession leads to freedom. If we confess our sins, God will forgive us.

That enables us to worship in the Spirit and in truth. It enables us to approach him with clean hands and clean hearts in order that we might embrace him and be at one with him.

It’s my hope, my prayer, that we will all know what it is to be free: free of our sin, free of the things that entangle us and free to be at one with God. Through the merits of Jesus Christ and that which he has done for us at Calvary, we’re able to leave our sin at the cross.

May God use you, may he bless you and may he encourage you. May he keep you safe wherever you are and may his strength be yours – for yourself, but also for the people with whom you journey in these days.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

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

NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

Army responds to second wave of coronavirus

Delegates join in Summer School activity, following risk assessment

EVENT

KOREA THE Republic of Korea has seen an increase in confirmed Covid-19 cases since mid-August, with rallies held by some Christian groups in Seoul suspected of accelerating the spread of the virus.

The Korea Territory has implemented online-only worship meetings across the country to maximise social distancing and prevent non-essential gatherings. The Movement’s headquarters in Seoul has also enforced a work-fromhome policy for its staff, with the minimum number of essential personnel remaining on site.

Despite the logistical challenges, the Army is continuing to do its best to provide relief supplies to marginalised people affected by coronavirus and the effects of more stringent government restrictions on movement, as well as those affected by severe flooding.

Landslides caused by 46 days of heavy rain have left thousands of people displaced in the southern part of the Korean peninsula.

Young people from the Choong Chung Division in the west of the country are helping people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable people who have been particularly affected by the pandemic. Care packages have been distributed at locations such as Daejeon railway station.

Members of the group – wearing personal protective equipment and face coverings – also pray together and stop to talk to vulnerable people in some of the city’s more deprived areas.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Man-hee Chang said: ‘We pray for the spread [of the virus] to be decreased and that The Salvation Army would continue to assist people in need in Korea for the glory of our Father in Heaven.’

– AR

Summer School surpasses expectations WEST MIDLANDS DESPITE initial worries, expectations for the Virtual Summer School were surpassed, as young people connected for worship, devotion and discussion.

Joyful moments included sharing around a fire pit, conversations in the common room, singing ‘The Blessing’ alongside staff members and interviewing Coventry City footballer and Christian Josh Pask. He spoke about the freedom of knowing that you are playing for an audience of one and that only God’s opinion matters.

This helped the young people with the expectations they felt had been placed upon them. What stood out most was the sense that God had challenged everyone to respond to him and his calling on their lives.

The week was filled with laughter, and many of the young people shared how good it was to be able to see each other again. – LK

CORPS STAPLE HILL Instead of the annual cream tea, which was cancelled due to coronavirus restrictions, three corps members prepared more than 150 cream teas and volunteers delivered them to corps folk. This proved to play a valuable part in keeping the fellowship engaged. An opportunity was offered for recipients to make a donation to the Big Collection either online or via the post if they wished. Corps members otherwise continue to access online meetings via Facebook or the corps website, and can take part in the five Extra Slice groups on Zoom, which look at the message from each Sunday’s worship in more detail. – VW

Young people connect at Summer School EAST SCOTLAND AND WEST SCOTLAND THIS year’s Summer School was unique as delegates met online, sharing through Facebook and Zoom.

Delegates joined together three times a day to read God’s word, talk about life during lockdown and have fun. In the morning delegates met for a time of well-being and devotions. In the afternoon they discussed topics with staff and guest speakers.

In one session, led by Matthew Fuller (Clydebank), young people considered what it means as Christians to be anti-racist. This offered time to learn and challenged everyone to think about how they treat others.

A discussion led by Lieutenant Amy-Jo Battersby (Shotts) explored the Army’s mission now and after the pandemic. They spoke about the role the Church has in helping people physically, as well as God’s calling for them to tell others about Jesus. The young people also discussed the importance of studying the Bible together and were given materials to use between sessions.

End-of-day activities brought laughter and allowed everyone to reflect on their connections to one another and to God. The music element continued through a virtual united singing group performing ‘How Great Is Your Love’ and a virtual brass ensemble playing The Greatest Showman’s ‘This Is Me’.

The young people were reminded that the world changes, but God is the same. – DM Salvationist 26 September 2020

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NEWS

EVENT

COMMUNITY

Modern slavery survivors give back EAST MIDLANDS RESIDENTS of a Salvation Army safe house have put their woodwork skills to the test by making garden furniture for older people in their community.

The men, aged between 21 and 55, have been supported by the Army through its government contract to help victims of modern slavery. The men have upcycled wooden pallets into picnic benches and garden chairs. Some of the furniture will be donated to older people living nearby and some of it kept at the safe house for residents to use during their stay.

‘It’s important to have workshops in our safe houses because activities and projects help people recover and allow a level of normality,’ said East Midlands Safe House Service Manager Christine Papworth.

The outdoor furniture is part of a wider garden project, which includes the making of flower boxes and a garden path so that residents can easily access a quiet outdoor space.

Sewing classes, where residents learn how to make cushions for outdoor seating, and reflexology and head and neck massages from a holistic therapist, also provide a healing aspect to residents.

The practical activities are part of the wide-ranging support that residents receive from the Army to help them recover from their ordeal. This can include counselling, access to medical and legal assistance and financial support. – AR O If you suspect that you or someone else could be a victim of modern slavery and in need of help, call the 24/7 confidential referral helpline on 0800 808 3733 O For more information visit salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery 6

Salvationist 26 September 2020

Fun and memories shared at Summer School BELFAST TEMPLE THIS year’s Summer School was a mix of virtual and in-person meet-ups, beginning on the Wednesday with a Zoom quiz about previous years’ events.

This gave an opportunity to share funny stories.

Throwback Thursday took place through three groups on Instagram.

Throughout the day, people shared photos from years gone by and enjoyed looking back on special memories.

A night of fun and testimony took place at a nearby Scouts centre on Friday. Keeping to social distancing guidance, 30 people met up for the annual Nine Square tournament. People split off into groups to play more games and engage in discussions. On Saturday the previous year’s final festival was broadcast on Facebook Live.

The week filled a hole left by the usual activities but, more than that, it got everyone excited for gathering again at Summer School in 2021. – KP

CORPS

150

cream teas delivered to corps folk SEE PAGE 5

46

days of rain cause landslides in Korea SEE PAGE 5

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young people take part in Summer School tournament SEE PAGE 6

320

miles cycled to support Macmillan SEE PAGE 7

BANGOR Peter Leathem and Bob McKeown have been delivering Army periodicals and copies of the Sunday meeting to corps folk since the start of the lockdown. They’ve continued this ministry and enjoyed getting some exercise as well. – LC STRAWBERRY FIELD The visitor centre and exhibition has won the TripAdvisor 2020 Traveller’s Choice award, less than a year after the centre opened. The award is given to those who consistently receive top rated reviews. The site in Liverpool, which commemorates John Lennon’s link with the Army’s Strawberry Field children’s home, also hosts the Steps to Work programme for young adults with learning difficulties. – MDL

Prayer

NEWS

COMMUNITY PLYMOUTH EXETER HALL Corps officers WHITLEIGH Captain Tom and Lieutenant Rachel Dunham set up a scheme to give out activity packs to families over the summer holidays. Each pack included a craft activity, a small toy, a snack and drink, a copy of Kids Alive! and a challenge to create something artistic for display in the window of the hall. The packs have been popular and enabled the corps to reach out to new families in the area. – AR Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you. Send your news to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

ARMY NEWS

Army encourages gender equality IHQ IN its quarterly newsletter, the International Social Justice Commission has underlined The Salvation Army’s efforts to encourage gender equality in society.

The Army seeks to influence governments, businesses, civil society and other faith communities to recognise the negative effects of sexism and commit to rectifying this injustice.

Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on sex or gender, especially against women and girls. It is increasingly seen as a fundamental human rights issue.

In Western democracies, sexism may be found in gender pay gaps or sexual harassment. However, for much of the developing world, sexism can be deadly, resulting in incomprehensible human cruelty.

The United Nations statement on gender equality says: ‘Women and girls represent half of the world’s population and, therefore, also half

NEIGHBOURHOOD PRAYER FOCUS

by Major Gillian Miller (Prayer Network, THQ)

FUNDRAISING LEADGATE As the annual Macmillan Coffee Morning could not be hosted in the usual manner, corps member Elizabeth Bailey decided to cycle 250 miles – roughly the equivalent of cycling from London to Paris – to raise funds for the cause. She cycled in rain and sunshine, eventually riding more than 320 miles. Corps folk and members of the public were generous in their support and Liz raised £900. She thanked everyone for their generosity and encouragement. – DP of its potential. Gender equality, besides being a fundamental human right, is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development.

Moreover, it has been shown that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth.’

The newsletter highlights ways in which The Salvation Army promotes the equitable treatment of men and women, including efforts to achieve equitable working conditions, pay, educational opportunities and public safety for women and girls. The feminisation of poverty is one consequence of the unequal access to economic opportunities given to women.

The global Salvation Army social enterprise Others uses fair trade as a tool for job creation, empowerment and poverty alleviation.

Believing that all people have equal dignity and that everyone shares the same desire to provide for themselves and their family, Others works to create flexible jobs with fair wages. A particular priority is that women are given access to paid employment and the opportunity to earn their own income. – AR O The ISJC newsletter can be downloaded from salvationarmy. org/isjc/SJT

FRIDAY 25 SEPTEMBER – GOOD NEIGHBOURS Lord Jesus, you told the parable of the good Samaritan and shared how the good neighbour was the one who cared for the man. In our isolated homes we can be oblivious to the needs of those who live near us. Give us a way to get to know people so we may be there when they need us. Open our eyes and our hearts to our neighbours. Give us courage to say hello and ask them how they are, or even if there is anything we can pray for them. Amen.

SATURDAY 26 SEPTEMBER – MY NEIGHBOURS Loving Father, I bring to you the people who live around me and pray you would bless their homes with love and happiness. Bring healing and peace to the distressed, and joy to those feeling sad and lonely.

I pray your blessing on young families, for understanding when life gets hectic, and contentment and health for older people. Thank you for the privilege of praying for my neighbours. Amen.

SUNDAY 27 SEPTEMBER – DOCTORS’ SURGERIES Father God, many of my neighbours are sick in body, mind and spirit.

May your love and healing power touch them. Thank you for the resources that are available to our community, especially the doctors’ surgeries where fears can be calmed and medication sought. Be with all who work in caring professions, especially those neighbours who fulfil these roles. Amen.

MONDAY 28 SEPTEMBER – SCHOOLS Lord, thank you for the sound of children’s voices as they pass my door on the way to school or to the park or the shops. I pray for my local school; may it be a place of safety and somewhere children want to be. Bless the teaching staff with patience and understanding. Give them courage and tenacity when dealing with problems and difficulties and keep them safe. Amen.

TUESDAY 29 SEPTEMBER – SHOPS Loving Father, thank you for my local shops where I can buy the things I need to keep my life on track. Thank you for the people who serve the community in this way, sometimes even when times are hard for them and business is not so good. Help me to consider supporting my local shops more to help keep their businesses going. Amen.

WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER – SILENCE AND NOISE O Lord, sometimes it’s so quiet in my neighbourhood and I can feel quite lonely and cut off from people. In those times help me to embrace the silence so that in the quietness my soul can be still before you. At other times it’s noisy with buses and traffic, refuse collections, ice cream vans, people, dogs – the list goes on. Be with all who go about their daily business. Amen.

OLDER PEOPLE FOCUS

by Major Joy Caddy (Chaplain, Furze Hill House)

THURSDAY 1 OCTOBER Lord, on this International Day of Older Persons, we think of the older members of our communities who are unable to get out and about. We know that many rely on carers, family and friends to support them in their isolation. Please be with them, we pray. Amen

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources 6

Salvationist 22 August 2020 Salvationist Salvationist Salvationist 12 Date September 18 Month July 2020 2020 Year

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CADET CAMEOS

Called to share the message of Cadets of the Messengers of Reconciliation session share their stories as they begin officer training CHELSEA HUDDLESTONE Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls

ABIGAIL GRAY Aberdeen Citadel

GOD has always been in my life. When I moved to Aberdeen to work as a veterinary nurse I was made welcome at Aberdeen Citadel. I became a soldier in 2016 and joined the songsters, helping out with Sunday school, kids’ camps and wherever I could, but God always wanted more. I finally heard and, more importantly, recognised his persistent nudging and stepped forward for officership. It is one thing to believe in God, but to trust him and move in his power is another thing completely. Since then I have recognised, listened to and followed him. I have been covered in his grace and mercy. Even in the depths of the coronavirus pandemic, he has been by my side – my rock, my refuge, my God.

I WENT through a rough time a few years ago and it felt like my whole world was falling apart. Some people doubted me and my faith because of this. However, I took the opportunity to show how great God’s love truly is and built up an amazing relationship with him. He changed my life, fixing everything that had gone wrong. I then made the decision to devote my life to God and his calling. Officership was something that had always been at the back of my mind, and there were signs pointing me to it, but it wasn’t until a summer school in 2018 that the calling was confirmed. After I said yes, things couldn’t have been better. I have met some amazing people, become a better, more confident version of myself and realised what an awesome God we have. I am excited to continue this journey and do his work.

Pictures: ANDREW KING PHOTOGRAPHY

DIANE JOHNSON Boston

Diane and her husband, David

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Salvationist 26 September 2020

GOD called me with three simple words: ‘I want more.’ At the time the thought terrified me. I was comfortable in my relationship with God and content with where I was at the corps. I had a wonderful family and a beautiful home, and I loved my job – now God wanted more. I tried to ignore it, but over the next year my heart changed as I sought his will. Then three more words: ‘Are you available?’ To try to understand what God wanted from me I went to a leadership conference. At each workshop I asked: ‘Lord, is this it? Is this what you want me to do?’ As I walked into the room for the last session there was a picture on the screen of a hand reaching down with a hand reaching up, and the word ‘covenant’. At that moment my heart could have burst – that was what God was offering me. How could I say no! So here I am, and of this I am sure: I am available to fulfil his purposes and will serve him all the days of my life.

reconciliation MIRIAM SMITH Lincoln

EMMA GUEST Croydon Citadel

HAVING worked in finance for the past 20 years, the word ‘reconciliation’ is nothing new to me. Every month end and year end I would have a whole pile of reconciliations to work through, and they were often confusing and frustrating. With Jesus it’s a completely different story.

When I accepted him as Lord and Saviour, I didn’t need to work at that reconciliation, because it was already complete. All I had to do was accept him and his gift of grace – and that grace goes with me every day as I journey with him. It sustains me as I grow with him and respond in obedience to his calling on my life. He is with me every step of the way. Now I’m a cadet, I’m swapping spreadsheets for essays. My heart is glad because I’m training for spiritual leadership as a Messenger of Reconciliation, to be ready to proclaim the good news about how God has already reconciled people through the death of his beloved son, Jesus.

‘FOR I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’ (Jeremiah 29:11). This is the promise that God gave me in 2004 when I first asked how I could serve him. It hasn’t been an easy journey for me to get to this point in my life but God has guided me through it all. I’ve made mistakes, taken the wrong direction and, at times, ignored what God was saying, but he kept calling me. In 2015 it became clear that he was calling me to full-time ministry as a Salvation Army officer, but again there were challenges I had to overcome. Over the past five years I have chosen to put all my trust in God and his promise to give me hope and a future. Each day from that moment has been a day of preparation and I can now confidently say to him: ‘Here I am, in total readiness and availability.’

EMILY HAGUE Clevedon MY calling to officership came as a distinct vision early in 2013.

Having miraculously saved me in 2011, Jesus asked me to ‘tell people what I have done’. A conversation with a pupil called Grace at the school where I was teaching led me to think about joining a brass band. When deciding whether I should join, God prompted me to iron my bed linen one morning. I don’t really iron, so this was definitely a God moment! While wrestling with my duvet cover on the ironing board I turned on the TV and was immediately absorbed by a documentary about The Salvation Army. The vision came at the end: I was standing in front of a small group of women, all of us dressed in uniform, and I was wearing a red sash. I joined the band and soon discovered it was led by a Salvationist, Paul Hooper, and his wife, Lisa, who invited me to a meeting at Regent Hall. As soon as I walked in I felt like I had come home. That vision is now becoming a reality.

Salvationist 26 September 2020

9

CADET CAMEOS

LESLEY HOLLAND New Addington

Lesley and her husband, Warren, with George and Jacob

MATTHEW STONE Reading Central

I HAVE known since my teens that God was calling me to officership – that’s a long time to keep saying no! During that time I’ve used every excuse under the sun as to why I couldn’t possibly say yes. For the past eight years I’ve worked for the Army, first at THQ and then in the New Addington community, and have been heavily involved in the corps, so I thought all that would be enough to keep God happy. However, at the Intercultural Mission Conference last year, God made it clear that officership was still what he wanted from me and that I should trust him with all my concerns. That weekend I finally said yes.

Since then I have felt an overwhelming sense of peace, which I have never felt before. I’m excited to be going into training but somewhat nervous to be studying again after 30 years! However, I know that God can do ‘immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20) and I entrust my future to him.

JACKIE LITTLEWOOD Pontypool

Pictures: ANDREW KING PHOTOGRAPHY

Matthew and his wife, Victoria

‘THIS is me’ are three words that played a significant role in my assessment conference. They were the heading for the testimony we were asked to share. I elaborated on them in the sermon I presented, thinking about the widow’s offering in Mark 12:41 and 42. This is me and this is all I’ve got – take it and use it, Lord. That sums up my testimony. Born into a Salvation Army family and coming to faith as a teenager, I have sensed a calling to officership from a young age. The journey has been filled with positive and challenging experiences, and I am grateful to my wife, family and friends for their love and support. As I enter training, Colossians 3:15 has stuck with me: ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, remembering that as members of the same body you are called to live in harmony, and never forget to be thankful for what God has done for you’ (JB Phillips). I thank God for his peace as I take this next step.

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MY journey to this point has been a long and hard one.

God first called me to officership as a teenager, but it was not meant to be at that time. For various reasons I found myself not worshipping regularly. My mother encouraged me to return to the Army shortly before she passed away in 2011, which I did, along with my husband, Wayne. By 2017 God was challenging me again about my calling and, while visiting friends at William Booth College, God used Wayne to confirm his plan for me. During 2018 Wayne was diagnosed with cancer and was promoted to Glory. Throughout that time Wayne continued to affirm my calling and urged me to follow where he knew God was leading me. It is purely by God’s grace and loving care that I find myself taking this daunting but exciting step of faith. One of the major confirmations of God’s perfect timing is our sessional name: God has worked marvellous deeds of reconciliation in my life and shown me that he can restore beauty and love if I trust him.

WENDY VERHEIJ Shipley

Wendy with Mieke and Lukas

JOANNA MORGAN Swindon Gorse Hill JUST before 6 pm on Sunday 5 July 2015, I walked into the corps in Gorse Hill after having a breakdown in the street because a shop was closed, and I was unable to purchase the alcohol that I craved that evening. I clearly heard someone I now know to be God telling me to look right. Through my tears, I saw the doors of the hall wide open, inviting me in. One year later to the day I was enrolled as a soldier. Since then my life has been transformed: I married my beloved Thomas, with whom I am sharing this journey, and felt called to serve God more.

The message of reconciliation that the gospel declares is so needed right now – and to be called

by God to be an officer in The Salvation Army, to devote my life to Christ’s service and share this message as a Messenger of Reconciliation is a wonderful privilege.

I WAS only nine years old when I knew God had called me to become a Salvation Army officer. It was during a weekend when cadets visited my corps while I was still living in the Netherlands. Throughout my life I kept getting confirmations from God that this was really what he was asking from me. I tried to put conditions to God before I would say yes to his calling, but he kept saying I just needed to trust him and that was enough. Difficult things happened in my life, and I realised that often in those times I wouldn’t turn to him and did not trust enough that he was working. Then, in one situation, I realised that I was not going to get through without him. It was definitely time to let go of everything that I put in the way of his calling. So now I am here with my children. I don’t know of a bigger privilege than that of sharing God’s love and grace with everyone I meet.

THOMAS MORGAN Swindon Gorse Hill I GREW up in an Army family at Kidderminster Corps, becoming a junior soldier at the age of seven.

When I was 13, in a meeting led by our divisional youth secretary, Captain Anthony Cotterill, I heard the voice of God telling me that I was to become an officer.

Shortly after that I left the Army and spent several years worshipping in the Church of England.

However, throughout this period, God would often tell me that the Army was my spiritual home. Eventually I stopped fighting with God and returned to the Army. I immediately felt at home and, at my first meeting back, knelt at the mercy seat and gave my life to God once again. Since that day I have become a soldier, married Jo and moved to Swindon.

Prior to entering William Booth College I spent several years teaching in an inner-city secondary school, mentoring a number of trainee teachers and doing postgraduate research into assessment in music education.

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FEATURE I Anti-trafficking

Fight for freedom Shanelle Manderson finds out how the Army is battling human trafficking during a global pandemic

S

INCE The Salvation Army’s earliest days it has fought against the sale of human beings.

Christians acknowledge that the fight begins on bent knees, which is why Salvationists across the world are called to focus their hearts and minds on human trafficking and modern slavery for the Annual Day of Prayer for Victims (Sunday 27 September).

‘We in the UK are very much encouraged that this particular day becomes a focus in the calendar and a springboard to prayer throughout the year,’ says Deputy Director of AntiTrafficking and Modern Slavery Major Heather Grinsted.

This year, a booklet called Fight For Freedom, edited by the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit, has been advocated as the resource to use. It aligns with the International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Strategy and is split into five chapters.

‘It’s a simple book, designed to raise awareness in communities and corps so that people who don’t know too much about this topic can grasp it,’ says Heather.

Raising awareness has become increasingly important during the

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coronavirus pandemic, which has presented some new challenges in identifying potential victims. As businesses closed and people stayed at home, victims of modern slavery were more hidden than ever.

At the beginning of lockdown the number of UK victims being referred to the Army dropped, probably due to a decrease in opportunities for identifying victims rather than a decrease in exploitation.

‘We were beginning to see, as lockdown was gradually lifted, that the number of referrals was increasing,’ explains Heather. ‘It’s predominantly been in labour exploitation. County lines, where young people and children are used to transport drugs from one area to another, continued all the way through lockdown.’

Throughout the pandemic the focus has been on maintaining and extending support for survivors already in the service. However, to prepare for the possibility of a potential influx of new people or an outbreak of coronavirus in a safe house, more accommodation and beds were secured and more safe houses and hotels were identified to place victims in.

Interviews with potential service users

were conducted via telephone or video, instead of face-to-face. If needed, mobile phones and laptops were purchased to enable video calls and online activities.

Connect, a pilot mentoring programme that supports people on their journey into freedom who may still need support in their local community, also continued remotely.

A restricted number of volunteer drivers and chaperones continued to transport clients from their place of rescue to a place of safety. A taxi company has been used as well in case a victim is infected and needs specialist transport.

Personal protective equipment has been sourced through the Procurement Unit for support workers. For practical victim support, weekly cash subsistence payments have been replaced by payment cards, with the client’s allowance uploaded to the card weekly.

The Army’s victim care fund has also offered additional support to survivors, providing grants for arts and crafts and other activities to keep people in safe houses engaged during lockdown.

Similar challenges face the Army’s work against human trafficking around the world. In Africa (Malawi, Tanzania, Nigeria and Uganda), Asia (Bangladesh, Nepal, India Eastern and the Philippines) and Europe (Ukraine, Russia and Poland) – where the Army carries out 11

anti-trafficking protection and prevention projects – domestic workers, women, migrant workers, children and people with disabilities became more vulnerable during lockdown. Traffickers began adapting their methods, taking advantage of the high number of job losses, deaths in the family and limitations on resources and economic opportunities. There was also a significant increase in online sexual exploitation.

The Army sent out a survey to its partners’ project managers to track changes in trafficking and gather information. Regular communication with Army project managers and national contact persons, who have an understanding of human trafficking in their countries, was maintained.

Covid-19 support sheets were also sent out globally.

‘In the UK we provide funding and technical support to these projects, along with a monitoring and evaluating focus,’ says International Programme Co-ordinator Anne Gregora. ‘The Army in each of those countries manages and independently delivers the project on the ground.’

Most international initiatives were halted, she explains, and many still have not started up their activities fully: ‘Lockdowns had huge implications for our prevention work as a lot of it –

community and house-to-house visits, sports bonanzas, meetings at corps – is localised and requires people to meet with each other.

‘Our protection work has been affected too. For example, in Nigeria we support survivors to start up micro businesses so that they can have economic independence, which prevents them from being re-trafficked.

During the lockdown survivors’ businesses have failed and they’re moving back to square one in the support circle.’

A number of projects have looked at other ways of communicating, including using social media, but the reach has been limited as not everyone in these communities has internet access or a smartphone. Steps to change some projects and to continue supporting survivors are being explored.

Despite facing these challenges, there re has been a joining up of organisations around the world to share knowledge and learn from each other.

‘We all came together in a way we probably haven’t before to share lessons, to do research and try to produce information that we could then n push back to all our partners,’ enthuses es Anne.

In the UK the recent renewal and extension of the Modern Slavery Victim m Care contract, which runs for an initial

five-year period, will give the Army and its partners the opportunity to continue building on and expanding their work.

‘The new contract reflects more of what we see as a holistic approach to a person’s care,’ explains Heather.

‘Victims will have a period of what’s called “a place of safety” to decide whether they want to go through with a referral and, while in specialist services, there will be a whole-journey planner that will be much more clearly monitored by the government to see that person’s needs.’

‘We’re always looking for ways to connect the contract to our international work because we know that trafficking is transnational,’ adds Anne. ‘We try to learn from our first responders and how people are being exploited in the UK so that we can feed that back to the source countries – again informing the narrative that people hear about trafficking.’

This year’s helping-hand appeal, Unseen Promise, has been raising money to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. Last year’s #WeAreNotForSale campaign tattoos have been replaced with face masks that can be bought online from SP&S. A bar code, the hashtag and the Salvation Army logo are printed on the front.

Money made from the sale of these will go towards the victim care fund. People are encouraged to wear the masks and share photos of them on social media to show they stand in solidarity with victims and to enable conversations about modern slavery and how to stamp it out.

O Download

the Fight For Freedom booklet at salvationarmy.org/isjc/ IADPrayer O Discover how you can get involved with the Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Unit’s work by visiting salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery

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FEATURE I My coronavirus story

Staying ahead of the curve Director of Education David Massaquoi (Liberia and Sierra Leone Command) reveals the challenges of schooling during the coronavirus pandemic

E

VEN before the coronavirus pandemic, working as an education leader in Liberia was challenging.

We were navigating our way through a post-conflict and post-ebola environment in one of the world’s poorest countries.

Partnering the government, and others, to bridge gaps in education provision was the norm – as was working with the daily paradox of high expectations (in terms of the quality and quantity of education provision) and limited resources. The coronavirus pandemic came to us in that context.

Being part of a movement that believes in people, and in the importance of developing the minds of young people, is an immense blessing. In light of this, I am excited to share something of our story to encourage others.

In my experience, most people start a new year with aspirations and personal and professional goals, the progress

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The plan is to return year groups gradually, which will give us the opportunity to learn from what we have already done towards which can be assessed at the end of the year. As an education team, we had thoroughly assessed our challenges and achievements during 2019, and started 2020 with dreams for moving forward and clear plans to achieve them. To put it bluntly, these were shattered.

The learning methodology in our schools and colleges was based around traditional classroom, group-based, interactive learning. Overnight that became no longer possible and we were forced to start thinking outside the box immediately, and joined together to face and solve the problem.

School enrolment levels in Liberia were already at just 44 per cent, resulting in correspondingly low literacy rates (48 to 52 per cent). With the abrupt closure of schools, the greatest immediate challenge was how to provide opportunities for remote learning to keep our students engaged.

We began by planning how we could deliver printed, hard copy learning materials to students’ homes. This solution fitted well with our traditional learning programme, despite the need to implement hygiene protocols to keep staff members and students safe.

Incredibly, through the immense efforts of the staff, we were able to reach 80 per cent of our students with this mode of structured continuous learning. As a second step we moved into online classrooms and other forms of digital learning.

Although we have seen a number of positive outcomes, we have only been able to reach a quarter of our students this way, which is largely due to a lack of access to basic technology. The availability and the affordability of technology pose a severe limitation for most families.

Another reality is that we recruited our teachers on the basis of their classroom teaching experience and capacities, rather than on the extent of their technological skills. Delivering remote learning was, therefore, a huge challenge for many of them.

The coronavirus pandemic brought this technological dimension on to our immediate horizon and we have come to realise that moving forward, even in any kind of ‘new normal’, technology will play a greater role in our lives and our work.

As a result, we have been developing training in ‘the use of technology for instruction’ to bring our current staff up to speed, in case of a resurgence of the virus in the short to medium term, as well as thinking of the long-term direction of education and learning.

At the end of June we were able to begin the first phase of our safe return to schools. Following Nigeria’s and Ghana’s announcements that their senior students would sit final West African Senior School Certificate examinations in the second half of August, Sierra Leone, the Gambia and Liberia followed suit.

We gave priority, therefore, to the final-year secondary students during the first phase of schools reopening, so that they received the necessary support leading up to their exams.

These successfully took place during August and early September.

In preparation for a phased return to schools, online planning meetings with our school administrators enabled us to strategise well, take key decisions, plan meticulously and stay ahead of the curve.

In close consultation with Salvation Army Schools International, we were able to develop safe return-to-school guidelines, which adapted well to our local perspective. In fact, at the time, we were the only school system in the country with such guidelines, and have been able to lead and share them with other educators.

All our schools have started to execute these guidelines, following thorough assessments of their capacity to implement them. Where necessary, International Headquarters has helped us with funding, strengthening our capacity to be safe.

All school staff members have also undergone training in the necessary health and safety protocols. We received support and advice from the county health team to achieve this, as well as a former student who works in the Institute of Public Health.

In the first week we saw 440 of our 542 final-year students return to school. This number has gradually increased to about 500. Some students have not returned, due to illness, pregnancy, apprehension or their family’s relocation out of the area during the coronavirus closures.

A condensed curriculum has been developed for those who have returned.

Teaching staff worked hard to produce electronic notes and printed materials for students so that classroom contact time can be spent reviewing and analysing these materials, rather than taking notes.

We have also added some Saturday classes and are exploring options for lengthening the usual school day.

Without these interventions, our students would have lost the equivalent of 60 per cent of the school semester.

Now, with the time, energy and commitment of our staff members, we believe that we have narrowed that impact to something closer to 10 per cent.

Our schools are among the small number of establishments in the country that were able to keep paying teaching staff throughout the lockdown. Crucial financial support from the international Army has enabled us to do this, and has meant that our staff members can remain focused, strongly motivated and ready to work.

We are now planning for the return of other class groups and, with social distancing requirements, dealing with the challenge of allocating space and furniture to students who can no longer share desks. The plan is to return year groups gradually, which will give us the opportunity to learn from what we have already done.

Other aspects of our work have understandably been transferred online, including continued communication with staff, the examinations council, the government’s Department of Education and the network association for faithbased schools.

Although the Army is one of the more recent missions to provide education in Liberia – opening schools in 1992 – it is moving forward faster than many others in providing quality education, management and leadership, and is among the best educators in the country.

Our aim, in the midst of these challenging times, is to maintain this quality and keep the momentum going, and even extend our services to Sierra Leone and Guinea when the time is right. We know that this is possible thanks to the continued support of our international partners and dedicated staff members.

We have seen that technology and digital learning will be key on the front line in the months and years to come and that, after the coronavirus crisis, we will need quite a different education programme – learning fit for the 21st century.

BIBLE STUDY

What fault did your fathers find in me?

Lieutenant Ian Hammond reminds us that we must turn first to God JEREMIAH 2:1–13

H

OW would you answer the question in the title above? In the reign of King Josiah, Jeremiah, the son of a priest, was called by God to be a prophet. Our study passage records a collection of his prophecies, brought together as an introduction to their overall themes.

Some 100 years after the Assyrians captured Israel in the north, we learn, from God’s point of view, what is happening in Judah in the south. God reminds Judah about the kind of relationship he wants to have with them.

He commands Jeremiah: ‘Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem…

“I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness,

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

by Major Freda Benneyworth

16

through a land not sown. Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest”’ (vv2 and 3).

This is a clear reference to the covenant between God and his chosen people, which is like a marriage bond between husband and wife. In placing this emphasis on the covenant, God wants Judah to know not only practically what they have done wrong but also what relational harm they have done; it could be argued that while the practical is hurtful, the relational aspect is more important.

In effect, God is saying that letting things get in the way of our time with him is wrong. God then accuses Judah of unfaithfulness: ‘They followed worthless idols… they did not ask, “Where is the Lord?’’’ (vv5 and 6).

In an attempt to improve the fertility of

their land, the people of Judah are worshipping idols. They have forgotten how they came to be living in that land – through God’s deliverance, provision and fulfilment of his promise.

We might not use graven images today but it is possible to venerate idols.

What is an idol? A phrase that has stuck with me for a long time is that ‘anything that comes before God, gets in the way of God or stops me spending time with God is my idol’. For me, my mobile phone has a risk of becoming an idol.

QUESTIONS O In verse 8, the Lord says: ‘The priests did not ask, “Where is the Lord?”’ What does this show us?

O What were the consequences?

O Who do we turn to and rely on when things get hard?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

We have not known thee as we ought,/ Nor learned thy wisdom, grace and power;/ The things of Earth have filled our thought/ And trifles of the passing hour./ Lord, give us light thy truth to see/ And make us wise in knowing thee.

(SASB 630)

Because of the Lord’s great Great is thy faithfulness, love we are not consumed, O God my Father,/ There for his compassions never is no shadow of turning fail. They are new every with thee;/ Thou changest morning; great is your not, thy compassions they faithfulness. fail not;/ As thou hast (Lamentations been thou forever 3:22 and 23) wilt be.

Prayer (SASB 26) Faithful God, even when

Salvationist 26 September 2020

TUESDAY

I turn away from you, caught up by earthly things, faith turned into confusion through circumstances, you are still there for me, unchanging and perfect in love and compassion.

As I turn to you again, forgive me and help me to be obedient to your will.

God calls Judah – including the priests – to account. He calls them to turn to him, but they don’t. In verse 13, God illustrates what he means: ‘My people have committed two sins: They have forsaken me, the spring of living water, and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.’

Although God is the source of all the refreshment and help we can ever need, sometimes we would rather spend time creating our own sources of help, despite the fact that they don’t work as well.

QUESTION O How often do we struggle with a problem only to take it to God after hours of anxiety?

Relying on our own strength and not turning to God is wrong. There is,

however, something bigger at stake: this kind of behaviour damages our relationship with him. The real challenge is how we turn back to God. QUESTIONS O What does being distracted by earthly things say to God about how we value our relationship with him?

O How do we ensure that we turn first to him, because he is our most significant relationship?

How would you feel if you were with a friend and all they did was focus on something else, like their mobile phone? How would you feel if you were with a friend in need and they never asked for help? We can treat God in the same way.

God does not like idols or self-

reliance but it is the lack of intimacy in our relationship with him that hurts and poses the bigger problem. That is why God asks: ‘What fault did your ancestors find in me, that they strayed so far from me?’ (v5). We can hear his pain in this verse, not because of some unkind acts but because of a loss of intimacy and relationship with him.

We need to make developing our relationship with God a daily priority.

What do you need to change to remove some of those things that stop you spending intimate time with God?

LIEUTENANT HAMMOND IS CORPS OFFICER, IVYBRIDGE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

(Deuteronomy 32:3 and 4)

Leave God to order all thy ways,/ And hope in him whate’er betide;/ Thou’lt find him in the evil days/ Thy all-sufficient strength and guide;/ Who trusts in God’s unchanging love/ Builds on the Rock that naught can move;/ Builds on the Rock that naught can move.

(SASB 40)

I will give them a heart to know me, that I am the Lord. They will be my people, and I will be their God, for they will return to me with all their heart. ( Jeremiah 24:7)

I, the Lord of snow and rain,/ I have borne my people’s pain./ I have wept for love of them./ They turn away./ I will break their hearts of stone,/ Give them hearts for love alone./ I will speak my word to them./ Whom shall I send?/ Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?/ I have heard you calling in the night./ I will go, Lord, if you lead me./ I will hold your people in my heart.

(SASB 1002)

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON

Jasper who?

by Ron Thomlinson

‘C

OME on, think!’ I muttered to myself. ‘You know who you mean. Jasper, aaah… What’s his name now? No, not Jasper Carrott.

Not Phil Wall either. Got it! Jasper Wall.’

I was talking to myself last year as the boat from Dunkirk made the smoothest possible early morning entrance into Dover harbour. It was spring. The sun shone and the sea was as smooth as a mill pond.

During the past 40 years I have experienced a wide variety of channel crossings. One December journey between Rotterdam and Hull was in a force 8 gale. Another worrying moment was after cautiously entering Dover harbour in rough water; it took an hour and a half for the captain to successfully reach the berth, just a few hundred metres away. The undercurrents were so strong, and the boat was catching so much crosswind, it was seemingly impossible for the captain to get alongside. I lost count of the number of attempts he made.

Over the ship’s speaker he regularly apologised for the inconvenience. Each time, as he pulled away again from the

‘Then said he… “My sword I give to him that shall succeed me in my pilgrimage, and my courage and skill to him that can get it. My marks and scars I carry with me, to be a witness for me that I have fought his battles, who will now be my rewarder…” So he passed over, and the trumpets sounded for him on the other side.’ (Mr Valiant-for-Truth, from The Pilgrim’s Progress)

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berth, there was a corporate sharp intake of breath by the passengers who had been hoping for a speedy disembarkation.

As usual, as soon as the harbour was in sight, impatient travellers herded together by the stairs leading down to the car decks. The delay was causing children to become a nuisance while apprehension was causing adults to become testy and restless with sweaty palms.

Those two memories heightened my sense of peace and tranquillity that spring morning as the ferry, like a regal swan, gently glided through the harbour entrance. And then, in a song, Jasper Wall came to mind.

Trusting him while life shall last, Trusting him till Earth be past, Till within the jasper wall; Trusting Jesus, that is all.

(SASB 892) I suddenly realised I had absolutely no idea what I had been singing about all these years. What was the jasper wall?

My search naturally began with Revelation 4:3: ‘And the one who sat there had the appearance of jasper and ruby. A rainbow that shone like an emerald encircled the throne.’ To be honest, I wasn’t any the wiser: I hadn’t a clue. The text on its own was no help to me at all.

The only answer was for me to email my old mate, Jim (the Rev James Macfarlane from Dunoon), a theologian and Bible scholar with the most infectious sense of Monty Python humour. He knows about these sorts of things. He replied: ‘Dear Ron, The

jasper wall symbolises ultimate and absolute security at the end of life, that is, the life lived in faith. But just as the Dover ferry has to face uncertain waters before reaching the safety of the harbour, so there is a dark river that blocks the way to the jasper-walled celestial city (with full acknowledgment to John Bunyan). The dark river is rougher or deeper depending on one’s faith. Even Bunyan’s Christian baulked at it and needed help to get safely across. When it comes to boarding that last ferry, my recommendation is to take the one named Valiant and piloted by Captain T Ruth. That’s the one to give you greatest, even blessed, assurance.

Hope this helps, Jim.’ The Bible is both factual and comforting when it comes to taking that last journey. There is a beautiful, matter-of-fact statement in Genesis 47:29 about Jacob’s demise: ‘When the time drew near for Israel to die…’ Now that is poetry.

Reflecting on my boat trip, the lines I’ve sung for years, Jim’s response and the verse from Genesis, I thought how nice it would be to die in the same spirit as that ferry’s entrance into Dover harbour: regal, like a proud swan, confident in the vessel taking me there.

No fighting or kicking, no distress or fear, not having to be dragged in – only a feeling of moving towards a safe, friendly, welcoming harbour with no high crosswinds or dangerous undercurrents.

On arrival, if possible, I’ll send a selfie of me and that jasper wall to Jim – and, of course, to Salvationist.

RON LIVES IN THE NETHERLANDS

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

ON THE RUN

Trevor Caffull shares what he’s learnt from taking up running

I

N the first week of lockdown I set myself the aim of virtually cycling the 17 miles to work from home. I reached that goal and continued to do it for some time, but I must confess that I’ve lapsed. I now only use my exercise bike two or three times per week – still doing 17 miles – and I’ve discovered all kinds of podcasts that keep my mind away from the drudge of pedalling hard to get nowhere and that educate me at the same time.

I’ve good reason for allowing my daily cycle to dwindle, because I’m now spending more time running. To begin with I couldn’t run very far and kept getting injured. It’s a wonder I didn’t give up! The truth is – and I don’t want to dwell on this because it is a difficult subject for lots of people – I have lost a fair bit of weight. This has made running

easier, which has probably helped me lose a bit more weight. I’ve lost about 34 pounds since the new year – carefully and as a result of a healthrelated adjustment to my diet, rather than simply dieting to lose weight. So you would expect running to be easier.

About three years ago, my wife, Deb, took up Parkrun – an organised 5k run that, before the lockdown, took place in hundreds of different locations around the country at 9 am every Saturday. Never a particularly sporty type – except for being a very good swimmer – she loved the friendships she formed, the freedom of open spaces and, perhaps most significantly, felt a real benefit to her mental health.

She graduated from 5k to 10k, then to half marathons, of which she has now completed quite a few.

All along I was encouraged to join in, but I couldn’t run for more than about 400 yards before feeling I was about to take my last breath. One day I went along to volunteer as a marshal and, at the end, found myself slowly jogging back to the start/finish line – and I was hooked too.

I kept getting injured, kept having to start all over again and overall felt that I was really getting nowhere. When the lockdown began I decided to give it another go. The unspoken aim of all Parkrunners is to beat a time of 30 minutes – and I hadn’t really come close to that. As lockdown progressed, however, I found myself getting quicker.

A few weeks ago I broke 30 minutes for the first time. In fact, I smashed it by coming home in 28 minutes and 49 seconds. (Sadly it is not official in Parkrun terms because Parkruns are still suspended.)

I felt that I should build in some strength, so started running longer distances and have now completed a couple of 10k runs. This is farther than I have ever run before and I’m running at a pace far quicker than I was able to manage for half the distance only six months ago.

So what can we learn from all this?

First, I would encourage anybody who is able to run to do it. Once you get over the initial pain barrier it is a liberating experience.

Second, there’s something to learn about perseverance. My repeated injuries could easily have made me give up, and the fact that I didn’t is more to do with encouragement from others than it is to do with my own determination.

We all face setbacks in life – sometimes repeatedly – but when we persevere, success is all the sweeter.

Third, the value of encouragement is priceless. If you can’t be a participant, be an encourager, or preferably be both.

Be people who will say, ‘Go on, you can do it,’ rather than, ‘You’re joking, you’ll never do that!’

The writer to the Hebrews pictures the life of faith as a race. He says, ‘Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us’ (12:1). That’s a race that we can all take part in. There will be times when it calls for perseverance, but by ‘fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith’ (v2) we can find strength to ‘not grow weary and lose heart’ (v3). The perfecter of our faith is alongside us in every challenge, saying, ‘Go on, you can do it!’

TREVOR IS A SOLDIER AT KETTERING CITADEL Salvationist 26 September 2020

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FEATURE I Fundraising

Taking fundraising to new heights Army supporters show the sky’s the limit to help its work across the territory

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KYDIVERS jumping to raise money for The Salvation Army have taken to the skies again after lockdown restrictions on the sport were eased.

Among the first to jump was Lizz Ashton, who volunteers at the Army’s charity shop in Alnwick. She did a tandem skydive in June from 15,000 feet with one minute of free fall.

‘During the free fall you could feel all the air rush past you at 120mph; it was just fabulous, but the noise was immense, and it felt very cold… It was exhilarating!’ Lizz enthused. ‘When the chute opened it felt like I’d been in an emergency stop and it all went very quiet.’

Lizz was motivated to take part in a fundraising skydive after hearing about the Army’s specialist support for victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery.

‘I was so taken by the messages of the We Are Not For Sale tattoo campaign for Anti-Slavery Day that I am having The Salvation Army anti-slavery logo tattooed on my wrist,’ she added.

‘I sympathise with the victims of those trafficked and enslaved… The care and recovery provided by The Salvation Army for these survivors is vital and in high demand. I thought it was a worthy cause and so did the people that sponsored me.

‘Some people donated anonymously, so I don’t know who they are, but would like to thank them too.’

Lizz has raised more than £850 so far from her skydive. She is already considering her next fundraising event to support survivors of modern slavery.

Glaswegian Mick Wright also jumped out of a plane in August to raise money for a homelessness project that transformed his life.

In 2018, following the breakdown of his marriage and the loss of his job and home, Mick was helped by the Army’s supported accommodation centres in 20

Salvationist 26 September 2020

Lizz Ashton Glasgow before being offered a permanent home through the Housing First project.

Mick credits the project, which offers wrap-around support to help people stay in their homes, and especially his support worker, Sharon, for turning his life around.

‘Sharon is a lifeline, from making sure I’ve paid my bills to reminding me about attending appointments,’ he explained.

‘It’s been life-changing.’

Now settled in his own home and in touch with his children again, Mick

wanted to give something back to The Salvation Army: ‘When I heard about the charity skydive it seemed the perfect opportunity. Jumping out of a plane is something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the courage. Now I’m much more confident so it’s not as terrifying as it once was.’

Due to the coronavirus restrictions the Army has been reimagining ways in which people can fundraise to support its work across the territory. As well as skydiving there are plenty of virtual and creative ideas to get involved in, including response runs and cycles, virtual dinner parties, sleep-outs, book clubs, The Salvation Army Shear-off and The Big Salvation Quiz.

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For more details on virtual fundraising visit salvationarmy.org.uk/otherways-fundraise/virtual-fundraising To do a fundraising parachute jump for the Army go to salvationarmy.org. uk/challenge-events/skydive

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Mick Wright

REVIEWS

A helpful reminder to slow down Major Mal Davies (Editor-in-Chief) reviews Rest – For The Rest Of Us

by Tim Foley

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IEUT-COLONEL Tim Foley is the National Secretary for Programme and Editor-in-Chief in the USA. An officer for nearly 40 years, he holds a master’s in theology and a doctorate in spiritual formation. He writes with a relaxed and friendly voice, which is suitable for the topic he tackles in this small book.

Dip in and find encouragement Major Helen Tyrrell reviews A Better Song To Sing by Mags Duggan

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OR many people the coronavirus pandemic has caused a sense of loss – reduced social and family contact, a lack of motivation and direction, a sense of disillusionment or the tragic loss of a loved one. It may also have affected our spiritual life, if the core of our faith had been buoyed up by corporate worship.

Mags Duggan uses invitations from Jesus’ ministry to sing a ‘better song’ that offers us freedom from such crushing entrapments. Jesus invites us into abundant life as a real everyday experience, freedom from constricting beliefs and behaviours, refreshment through his thirst-quenching presence, rest from life-sapping burdens and peace through his lavish love, wisdom and understanding.

The nature of Sabbath rest has been tackled by many writers over the centuries but it is rarely discussed in Salvation Army literature. As the author says: ‘“We will work till Jesus comes” is a favourite lyric and philosophy of the Spirit-filled and totally engaged Salvationist. As inspiring as this can be, it is in all reality the crux of the problem.

It’s quite difficult for a passionate, driven and divinely called social activist to slow down.’

In ten short chapters, Lieut-Colonel Foley explores such topics as creating space, slowing down, finding joy, resting in God and allowing time for restoration and recreation. He refers to both self-care and ‘soul care’.

While the book contains many American references and illustrations, they are easily understood and the teaching shines crystal clear through the cultural gap. Each chapter is followed by reflection questions, making this the perfect ten-day devotional study for anyone needing to be reminded of the need to rest.

The ‘abundant life’ offered by Jesus gives us the ability to face pain and suffering, and be empowered to live and grow within them.

The grave clothes in the raising of Lazarus (see John 11:38–44) remind us that we also need to heed Jesus’ command to ‘unwrap him’ (v44 New English Translation) and free ourselves from similar restrictions so that we can sing a better song.

Referring to ‘living water’ (John 7:38), Jesus warns people attending an annual festival – in which they are remembering God’s provision and salvation – that repeating this routine still leaves them spiritually dry. Only he can offer the source of life that never dries up.

The sense of being burdened is not unusual as we try to live a good and upright life. Jesus calls us to freedom as we take up his yoke. The experience of home is what we dream of in times of unrest – family, relaxing, being cared for and protected. In short, we dream of being loved. Jesus invites us to remain in his love. It is an amazing invitation to ‘sing a better song’.

Duggan offers a selection of Celtic prayers that help us feel at rest as we find ourselves at home with Jesus and enveloped in his love.

For many readers this will be a helpful little book. For some people it may be crucial. There are important messages to be learnt in these pages.

O Rest – For The Rest Of Us is

available from SP&S priced £9.99 (plus postage and packing)

Each chapter looks at biblical passages and the people featured in them, and helps us integrate their teaching into our lives with reflective and helpful suggestions. This is not a book to read in one go, but one to dip into and find exactly the help and encouragement that you, or others, need.

O A Better Song To Sing is available from brfonline.org.uk priced £8.99 (plus postage and packing) or as an ebook from amazon.co.uk Salvationist 26 September 2020

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Alec and Pearl Murray, Belfast Temple (10 September) O Commissioners Margaret and Wesley Harris (1 October) O Songster Avery and Bandsman Barrie Hills, Harpenden (8 October) Diamond O Divisional Envoy Barbara and Peter Sabin (1 October) Emerald (55th) O Majors Meryl and Roy Fenemore (2 October) Golden O Majors Pauline and Richard Cook (10 October) DEDICATED TO GOD O Arthur David, son of Bandsman/ Songster Daniel and Bandswoman/ Songster Stephanie Wilmott, at Paignton by Lieut-Colonel Angela Irving RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Colonel Ina Marvell (85 on 1 October) O Major Gordon Dockerill (80 on 4 October) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Karen Avery, Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh O Violet Smith, Trowbridge O David Larkin, Eastbourne Old Town, on 2 September O Esther Wadsworth, Skewen, on 9 September BEREAVED O Sheila Stanbury, Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh, of her daughter Karen Avery, Captain Kevin Stanbury, South London DHQ, Christina Taylor, Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh, and Deborah StanburyJuster, Sutton, of their sister

Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

Good quality pictures will be included with tributes. Copy should be sent to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

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Salvationist 26 September 2020

Major Linda Govier, Central East DHQ, of her father Alexander Boyne, Geraldine Boyne of her husband O Rtd BM Reg Wadsworth, Skewen, of his wife Esther, Simon Wadsworth, Ruth Wadsworth and Sarah Wadsworth of their mother O

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 September O Major Suzanne Lowe out of Cumbernauld in 1983 and last appointment Spiritual Programme Director, Eva Burrows Lifehouse and Eva Burrows Day Centre, Glasgow ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

WHAT’S ON DEVELOP PODCAST Every territory and command in The Salvation Army has a project officer.

Together they form a global network of people who co-ordinate internationally funded projects, including clean water, anti-trafficking, disaster response and more. In the latest episode project officer Ricardo Gomez (Latin America North Territory) speaks about his work co-ordinating projects across a diverse and sensitive political landscape in the territory’s ten countries.

O This and previous episodes are available to download and listen to on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and Google Podcasts

TRIBUTES MAJOR LILIAN WYLIE LILIAN Davenhill was born in Barnstaple in 1925, the youngest of seven children.

She grew up in the town and attended the corps, leaving to enter the International Training College in 1944.

She met Albert Pike from Porth, Wales, and they married in 1945. She returned with Albert to the International Training College and was commissioned with the Kings Messengers session in 1948.

Corps appointments in Scotland followed – including Kinlochleven, where their first child Gwyneth was born, and Dumbarton, where Malcolm was born – as well as Burntisland, Stockbridge, Selkirk, Campbeltown and Strathaven.

They later served at multiple corps in the British Territory including Whitstable – where Pamela was born – before their final appointments at SP&S and IHQ. Sadly, Major Albert Pike was promoted to Glory, but Lilian was to find happiness again when she married Corps Treasurer Willie Wylie in Kinlochleven in 1989.

Lilian spent the past 31 years there and together they worked hard for the Lord, the Army and the community. Lilian served as home league secretary until she was no longer able to do so due to her failing health and hospital treatment.

She had a great influence on those she met, whether in the renal unit of Belford Hospital, with her carers or with Army comrades and friends.

She continued to support the corps officer in any way she could, becoming a mentor, adviser and friend. Even while shielding from Covid-19, she regularly kept in contact with family and friends by phone.

Many people have been richly blessed through Lilian’s ministry and service.

Although they miss her, they rejoice in the knowledge and faith that she has gone to be with her Lord.

Well done, good and faithful servant! – JM

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Salvationist

26 September 2020

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