Salvationist 28 August 2021

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No 1822 Price 70p

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 28 August 2021

An inspiring Fellow Clarence Adoo’s Academy honour PLUS

ENABLED SUMMER SCHOOL AT HOME

SEE PAGES 10 AND 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHRISTIAN CHARITY CALLS ON PREMIER LEAGUE TO GIVE BETTING ADS THE RED CARD A Christian charity is calling on Premier League football clubs to end their links with betting companies.

Care says clubs should stop putting advertising from betting companies on players’ shirts and should be more aware of gambling-related harm.

Its new research shows that just under half of Premier League shirt sponsors are betting companies this season, with nine out of the twenty clubs including a betting ad on their strip – the same proportion as in 2018.

The study also found that a total of 19 clubs partner with betting firms in some way, meaning ads will appear on official channels such as websites and stadium noticeboards, if not on strips.

Care’s chief communications officer, James Mildred told Premier...

‘When we talk about gamblingrelated harms, in the most extreme cases, it can lead tragically to suicide... Given the popularity of football ... we think it's about time that the Premier League ... gave the red card to the gambling industry and made some serious changes.’

Premier

POOREST WILL SUFFER IF £20 CUT IN UNIVERSAL CREDIT GOES AHEAD, CHURCH LEADERS WARN

PLYMOUTH MURDER VICTIMS REMEMBERED IN ONE-MINUTE SILENCE

Church leaders in the northeast of England, where levels of poverty are among the highest in the UK, have urged the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, not to end the temporary £20 uplift in universal credit in October.

While complimenting him on the increase and the success of the furlough scheme, introduced to combat the financial effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the 14 clerics, including 5 bishops, express concern about the effect that the cut will have on the nation’s poorest families. ‘This will come at the very point when the furlough scheme ends,’ they say in an open letter to Mr Sunak...

‘It will also coincide with significant increased costs for electricity and gas just when the weather begins to turn. We note that this concern has been expressed widely by all organisations who work with the poorest, and those who monitor the impact of such policies on them.’

People in Plymouth and elsewhere in the UK observed a one-minute silence ... for the five victims of the Keyham shooting incident.

A gathering was held outside the Guildhall, on Plymouth Hoe, and at a park close to the scene of [the] mass killings, in the Keyham district... In Liverpool, traffic was held in the Mersey tunnels, while courts, including the Old Bailey in London, paused in remembrance.

At Plymouth Guildhall, more than 200 people … stood silently while a bell was tolled five times – once for each of the victims: Maxine Davison, aged 51; Stephen Washington, 59; Kate Shepherd, 66; Lee Martyn, 43, and his three-year-old daughter, Sophie…

Prayers were said in churches in Plymouth and across the region. At St Thomas’s, Keyham, they included one that was written specially by the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Rev Robert Atwell, which spoke of neighbours rebuilding their lives in ‘friendship, trust and hope’.

Church Times

Premier

CHURCH OF ENGLAND LAUNCHES NATIONAL NETWORK OF CHINESE HERITAGE CLERGY AFTER WHATSAPP GROUP SUCCESS A newly formed collective of Chinese heritage clergy in the Church of England have met in person for the first time.

The group, called ‘The Teahouse’, was originally set up as a WhatsApp group offering support and community to clergy during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was set up by [the] Rev Mark Nam ... who is ... the Diocese of Bristol’s minority ethnic vocations champion.

He said the launch was a ‘significant’ and ‘historic’ moment for the Church...

‘The aim of The Teahouse is to support and empower clergy with Chinese heritage in the Church of England by promoting their presence in all structures of the Church, creating connections and providing information and resources,’ [the] Rev Nam explained.

‘I hope that in the years to come, The Teahouse will have a real impact on the life of the church and the wider community in helping to reflect the diversity in our country.’

Premier

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2

Salvationist 28 August 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

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

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

CONTENTS

HIS WAY IS BEST MANY of you will know that the English language owes a great debt to Latin. In fact we use more words from Latin than from any other historical language. One example – and a word that seems to pop up frequently in my life – is the word ‘agenda’, which is a Latin word meaning ‘things to be done’.

I see it, first and foremost, at the many work-related meetings I attend, but I also hear it used in relation to people’s intentions (‘I suspect he has a hidden agenda’) and in the context of ‘big picture’ thinking (‘The government has an agenda for massive infrastructure changes’).

In some ways, I guess, we each have our own agenda for life, although it’s generally not written down. Our agenda is – to go back to the Latin root – the things we hope to get done or achieve.

In this issue of Salvationist, I see many lessons about agenda-setting. Musician and Salvationist Clarence Adoo says: ‘God said in a clear voice that he wanted me, and I had nothing to worry about, and that my life was going to be even more fulfilled... I replied to God that I have no other agenda, so if you think you can use me, take me...’

What a wonderful testimony! Clarence decided to set his life’s agenda not by his own will but by God’s will. A lesson for each of us.

In the ‘On my bookshelf ’ interview, author Lyndall Bywater talks about her recent book on prayer. I don’t know about you, but for me prayer has always been a primary way to seek God’s agenda for my life: what does he want me to do?

You can read a report on this year’s Enabled Summer School, a virtual event with a theme inspired by the song ‘I’m in His Hands’. The words for the song can be found in our songbook and could be the perfect set of lyrics to explain a Christian approach to agenda.

We also feature an interview with Annie Dell from THQ’s Public Affairs Unit, as she talks about The Salvation Army’s response to the government’s ‘levelling up’ agenda.

She talks about the Army’s voice being ‘powerful’ because we know what people are experiencing and can speak with some authority on matters relating to poverty, unemployment and homelessness. We know what people are experiencing. We have an opportunity to guide government agenda on significant matters.

The notion of ‘agenda’ appears elsewhere in these pages, including on the back page where Captain Stephen Moir quotes Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (New King James Version).

Note the word ‘do’. An agenda is ‘things to be done’ and we can only do these things because of Christ’s strength, the Spirit’s guidance and the love of God. Are you trying to live out your own agenda or are you seeking God’s will for your life?

Remember, as the song says, his way is best: I’m in his hands, I’m in his hands; Whate’er the future holds.

I’m in his hands.

The days I cannot see Have all been planned for me; His way is best, you see, I’m in his hands.

(SASB 848)

Quotes from the media

2 4 to 7

News Prayer matters

7

News feature Clarence Adoo awarded for services to music

8

by Bill Ions

On my bookshelf Summer Book Club: Prayer

9

Rebecca Goldsmith talks to Lyndall Bywater

News feature 10 and 11 Enabled Summer School celebrates being In His Hands

by Chris Stringer

Feature What the musicians say

12 and 13

by Richard Phillips

Interview Levelling up

14

with Annie Dell

Reflection The OBT

15

by Major Peter Mylechreest

Bible study Yelling at God

16 and 17

by Major Mal Davies

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Jane Kimberley

Reflection Christ's ambassadors

18

by Nicola Walmsley

Poetry corner

19

New commitments

20

Adverts

21 and 23

Announcements

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Captain Stephen Moir

From the Editor-in-Chief Major Mal Davies

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

Salvationist 28 August 2021

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NEWS

AID EMERGENCY AID

EVENT

Army responds to earthquake HAITI THE Salvation Army has responded after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake brought devastation across the south of the country.

More than 2,100 people are known to have been killed in the disaster, with that number expected to rise as collapsed buildings are cleared and thousands of missing people are accounted for.

Initial reports said that no Salvation Army personnel had lost their lives, but a number of Army buildings were seriously damaged – including one corps hall, which completely collapsed. Sunday worship in many locations was held outdoors.

International Headquarters put together a rapid response project to provide initial funds for food, drinking water and hygiene items.

Tents and tarpaulins were needed, especially following Tropical Storm Grace just days after the earthquake.

Medical support may also be sought from a Salvation Army clinic in Fonds-des-Nègres. A relief team was assembled, supported by Territorial Emergency Disaster Co-ordinator Major Kenel Jean (Caribbean Territory).

International Emergency Services Director Damaris Frick (IHQ) said that the situation was further complicated by Covid-19 regulations and restrictions: ‘The prime minister of Haiti has said he won’t be seeking international help until the first assessments have been carried out, but we are fortunate that many Salvation Army personnel in Haiti have received emergency response training.’

The response was made more difficult because of damaged roads between the capital, Port-auPrince, and the worst affected region.

There were also major security concerns around any travel through the centre of the country. – AR 4

Salvationist 28 August 2021

BIRMINGHAM Former West Bromwich Albion and Wales midfielder Andy Johnson supported players competing for a place at the Partnership Trophy, The Salvation Army’s annual homelessness football tournament. In a Q&A session, he spoke about his time as a footballer and his transition into a new career.

Four teams from Birmingham, Coventry, Milton Keynes and Reading Lifehouses took part in the regional play-off, with finalists going forward to the national event in Manchester in September. BBC regional news filmed the event. Nathan Slinn, the Homelessness Services Unit regional manager (Central Region), said: ‘The Partnership Trophy is a celebration of everything our residents have overcome and achieved, and it’s a day for everyone in our services to come together – staff, volunteers and service users alike – for some healthy competition and a bit of fun.’ Pictured is the team from Birmingham. – AR

COMMUNITY

748

items of school uniform provided to families SEE PAGE 4

Uniform bank meets growing demand SHIPLEY VOLUNTEERS at the uniform bank processed, washed and prepared 20 sacks of donated school uniforms each week to meet growing demand from families ahead of the new school term.

The uniform bank provides caregivers with affordable second-hand school uniforms and PE kits for about 40 schools in the area, as well as new underwear and socks plus other essentials, such as stationery, school bags and lunch bags.

Last summer the corps supported 79 families, providing 748 items over three months. January to April are usually quieter months for the uniform bank but, when it reopened in February, the team received 65 requests immediately, including five large referrals from schools for multiple families. This was in addition to people self-referring.

Dawn Coleman (pictured), who heads up the uniform bank, said: ‘We know winter was tough, with unexpected costs from children being home-schooled and extra funds being spent on food and heating… Appeals processes for school places were delayed, so a number of parents had bought uniforms for one school that then needed to be swapped for another. Thankfully, our generous community means we have a good range of quality uniforms for most of the local schools.’

Corps officer Captain Laura McLean added: ‘We’re grateful to the community for their support and for our amazing team.’ – CA

30+

volunteers thanked for Covid-19 work SEE PAGE 5

137

musical instruments delivered to Kenya SEE PAGE 6

120

food parcels delivered each week SEE PAGE 7

BIRTHDAY

COMMUNITY

Corps calls for food hub donations SWINDON GORSE HILL

Banbury adherent Connie Dubarry celebrates her 100th birthday with Anne Aries and corps leader Territorial Envoy Malcolm Anderson

NEWS IN BRIEF CLEVEDON The end of most Covid-19 restrictions was celebrated with a Call to Prayer Day, led by corps officer Captain Lorraine Cole. Observing Covid-19 safety precautions, the hall was open for three prayer sessions during the day. Five prayer stations were set out with suggestions to aid prayer, including giving thanks to God for bringing us through the pandemic, praying for parts of the world in special need and the Shalom prayer to help encourage dedication and commitment to God. – JP COVENTRY During periods of excessive high temperatures, churches and Salvation Army homelessness support services helped people sleeping rough in the city keep cool by handing out sunscreen and bottles of water. The rough sleeper outreach team walks through the city’s streets up to five times a week, morning and evening, looking to help people experiencing homelessness into accommodation or provide other types of assistance. – AR

COMMUNITY

GREAT YARMOUTH Community Manager Harry Woods and corps officer Captain Marie Burr applied to the Virgin Media O2 Together Fund and delivered afternoon teas to more than 30 Salvation Army volunteers on Thank You Day in recognition of their efforts during the pandemic. Captain Marie said: ‘Our volunteers have been absolutely amazing. They helped run our food bank, packing about 150 parcels every week. They also helped us support 50 families, serve 140 hot meals and prepare breakfasts for 50 people. We were delivering about 20 food parcels a week to schools, and they also helped us deliver roughly 330 presents and hampers at Christmas.’ – TG

EVENT

Harold Hill youth enjoy a day at an adventure centre, taking part in archery, dirt boarding, laser tag and kayaking

THE corps is calling on charities and food outlets in the town to support with donations of food, resources and volunteers for an innovative scheme to help people experiencing poverty.

Rather than solely providing food parcels to struggling families, the plan is to run a membership scheme where people get specialised help to manage their finances and find work.

Swindon Gorse Hill corps officer Captain Theresa Torr said: ‘During the pandemic, we provided people with food parcels, and now the corps has a fully operational food bank, but we knew we needed to provide a longer-term solution. Nobody wants to be reliant on a food bank and so we wanted to find a way of helping people move on from support.

The scheme would be the first of its kind in Swindon, with members able to attend the food hub once a week and pay £4 for £25 to £30 worth of food. Membership would run for six months, then the team would decide whether to extend it, based on how the member is managing. – AR CREWE The corps is helping people get back into work by launching a weekly Employment Plus service.

Corps officer Major Steven Watson and his team have been supporting the community throughout the pandemic by providing hot meals to people experiencing homelessness, doorstep friendship to people experiencing isolation, food vouchers to struggling families and practical help to asylum seekers. Employment Plus offers support to help people become job ready, with the aim of helping them find and stay in work. Major Steven said: ‘We’re delighted that we can offer this to the community in Crewe as well. Our advisers are friendly and compassionate, offering help with CVs, job searches and interview technique.’ – AR Salvationist 28 August 2021

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NEWS

EMERGENCY AID

Food and support provided in wake of unrest SOUTH AFRICA

PRESENTATION PENARTH Corps folk began Major Maria Rosa Kent’s retirement weekend celebrations with a picnic on the nearby clifftops. Major Maria Rosa has been the corps officer since 2018, along with Captain Mark Kent. During the Sunday meeting, messages from people from overseas were shared. Corps Sergeant-Major Helen Moreton presented Major Maria Rosa with a gift from the corps and divisional mission enabler Major Kim Wilson read out a letter from Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill. The meeting concluded with the song ‘Onward, Christian Soldiers’. – CP

MEETING

RIOTING, looting and burning of businesses have claimed the lives of nearly 340 people since unprecedented civil unrest began in the country last month. Local media reports suggest that the violence has caused an estimated $3.4 billion of damage. With the disturbances affecting the KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng provinces particularly badly, the situation has been exacerbated by major disruption to logistics operations and transport links. The Salvation Army is working to address the resulting food shortages, especially among the country’s most vulnerable people.

Developing plans in conjunction with local authorities and partner agencies, an initial 17,500 people across the two provinces have been identified as needing additional support.

They will receive nutritious food parcels, or vouchers where appropriate. Trained Salvation Army officers and volunteers will also provide spiritual and psychosocial support to those traumatised by the violence they have witnessed, or who have been impacted by unemployment or food insecurity.

Salvation Army teams will also assist communities affected by the violence in other ways. For example, a group of volunteers from Soweto Central Corps has supplied tea, soup and bread to community members involved in cleaning up the nearby Dobsonville shopping mall after damage was incurred there.

Members of Durban Central and Imbali Corps have been out in the community helping with the clean-up operation, and officers at Pietermaritzburg Corps have been busy purchasing food and snack items to support teams maintaining security at night.

In Imbali, the Army is networking with other organisations to obtain additional food parcels for distribution.

Social media platforms are also being used to encourage prayers for peace, protection and reconciliation. – AR

ABERTILLERY Majors Ann and John Pugh were installed as corps officers by divisional leaders Majors Roger and Noreen Batt (Wales Division). As part of the welcome, two junior soldiers read a poem composed by one of their mothers: ‘We’d like to extend a warm welcome to you./ We’re all glad to have you here that’s so true./ You’ve probably guessed, had a hunch/ That we’re a diverse, yet close-knit bunch./ Around our valley as you roam;/ We hope you’ll really feel at home.’ – AB

INTERNATIONAL

Donated instruments play key role in support COMMUNITY SALISBURY With the careful reopening of corps community facilities, a team of volunteers helped sort the backlog of items donated to the charity shop during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The team often worked in isolation to reduce the risk of infection. The shop has started opening on Saturday mornings, a busy market day, to help clear extra stock and interact with the community. – MD 6

Salvationist 28 August 2021

KENYA THE Kenya Trust, a UK-based charity that supports The Salvation Army’s work in Kenya, reported the long-awaited safe arrival of 137 music instruments and other equipment. Each piece was allocated to the Kenya East or Kenya West Territories and is being transported to corps around the county to encourage worship and evangelism through music-making.

Among the equipment are some basic tools

for instrument repair to support the new workshop in Nairobi.

Despite the difficulties faced in fundraising over the past year, generous donors have continued to support the trust, enabling the extension of learning spaces and facilities at Makhwabuye Primary School in spring this year, including additional latrines, furniture, a Covid-19 hand-washing station and the school’s first direct water supply.

Headteacher Florence Juma said: ‘The water will not only support the school but also the entire community.’ – SB O For more information on the work of The Kenya Trust, visit facebook.com/kenyatrust or thekenyatrust.org.uk

PRESENTATION LIVING IN GOD’S COVENANT FOCUS

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts, secretary for spiritual life development (THQ) The theme of ‘Living in God’s Covenant’ was explored in January and during Lent this year. You are invited to consider your personal covenant with God once again, reflecting prayerfully on verses from The Song Book of The Salvation Army.

WOODBRIDGE The high sheriff of Suffolk, Edward Creasy, paid a visit to the food bank to present corps folk with the Suffolk award in recognition of their outstanding service to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic. Corps officer Major Alan Hill paid tribute to the band of volunteers who helped keep the food bank running throughout the pandemic and hailed the efforts of everyone involved. The team made and delivered about 120 food parcels each week, as well as providing other items, such as furniture, and worked with other organisations, including East Suffolk and Suffolk councils. Edward is pictured with Corps Secretary Lesley Briggs and corps members Rachel and Alex Bass. – AR

PRESENTATION

SATURDAY 28 AUGUST – SASB 616 O Love that wilt not let me go,/ I rest my weary soul in thee;/ I give thee back the life I owe,/ That in thine ocean depths its flow/ May richer, fuller be.

SUNDAY 29 AUGUST – SASB 489 My changing moods do not control/ Thy covenanted aid;/ Thou hast the guarding of my soul,/ And I am not afraid.

MONDAY 30 AUGUST – SASB 604 Lord, in the strength of grace,/ With a glad heart and free,/ Myself, my residue of days,/ I consecrate to thee./ Thy ransomed servant, I/ Restore to thee thy own,/ And from this moment live or die/ To serve my God alone.

TUESDAY 31 AUGUST – SASB 634 By the love that never ceased to hold me,/ By the blood which thou didst shed for me,/ While thy presence and thy power enfold me,/ I renew my covenant with thee.

BIG COLLECTION FOCUS

by Major Christine Kingscott, assistant secretary for spiritual life development (THQ)

HOXTON Corps officer Major Sally Spry and Jane Fitzgerald were awarded the Freedom of the City of London for their work and service during the coronavirus crisis by the lord mayor, William Russell, the City of London’s chair of the policy and resources committee, Catherine McGuinness, and the Freedom Applications Committee. Murray Craig, clerk of the Chamberlain’s Court, led the virtual ceremony. Family and friends attended along with Caroline Haines, CC, and Alderman Gordon Haines who nominated Major Sally and Jane for the award. – SS

COMMUNITY FARNWORTH The corps is offering hot food, drinks and a listening ear to a growing number of rough sleepers. Working with a food bank run by the Trussell Trust, the corps is also providing food vouchers or parcels for struggling families. Corps officer Captain Debbie Saunders and the team are making up starter packs of nappies, knitted items and wipes for new parents, working closely with midwives and health visitors to identify families most in need. On average the corps helps about 24 struggling families a week and there are plans to launch an extensive outreach service in the near future. The community is becoming more aware of the work and has rallied to show its support. Captain Debbie said: ‘As a way of saying thank you, some [people] who come for hot drinks have been helping clear the overgrown derelict land at the back of the church.’ – AR

WEDNESDAY 1 SEPTEMBER Read Leviticus 19:9 and 10. What do these two verses say to you about caring for the vulnerable? Spend some time in prayer asking God to reveal to you those in need in your community. If you can, do some research on what community or support services are available in your area.

THURSDAY 2 SEPTEMBER People experience homelessness for a variety of reasons, including relationship breakdowns, eviction, loss of income, addiction, separation from family, fear and abuse. Father God, we pray for all who are experiencing or living under the threat of homelessness. We pray that they would find the support and care that they need to move forward towards a brighter future.

FRIDAY 3 SEPTEMBER During the Covid-19 pandemic many people have spoken about a feeling of loneliness – not being able to share with family, friends, work colleagues, or to have that physical contact of touch or a hug. Imagine how hard it must have been for those who have lost contact with family and loved ones.

Pray for the continued work of the Family Tracing Service in reuniting families.

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

NEWS FEATURE

Clarence Adoo awarded for services to music CLARENCE Adoo – a well-known retired bandmaster now worshipping at Newcastle City Temple – received an award from the Royal Academy of Music for his services to music, writes Corps Press Representative Bill Ions.

At a ceremony in London, HRH the Duchess of Gloucester admitted Dr Clarence Adoo MBE as a recipient of this year’s Honorary Fellowship of the Royal Academy of Music so that his full title is now Dr Clarence Adoo MBE Hon FRAM. In 1995 the young Salvationist – a brilliant trumpeter, graduate of the Royal College of Music and a regular player with Royal Northern Sinfonia – was involved in a serious car accident and suffered a broken spine, leaving him paralysed from the neck down.

The future for Clarence was bleak. Much has been written about his indomitable spirit, his hunger to perform and the way God has used him since.

Clarence reached the point when he was brought round after he had again stopped breathing and he remembers saying, ‘God, I believe you want me alive.’

‘God said in a clear voice that he wanted me and I had nothing to worry about,’ Clarence recalls, ‘and that my life was going to be even more fulfilled than it had been previously. My reply was: “God, I don’t know how up to date you are but I can’t even move a muscle. How can you use me?”

‘At that moment I felt a peace going through my body. This feeling in itself was remarkable as I had no other feelings.

‘I replied to God that I have no other agenda so, if you think you can use me, take me. That was the easiest time to say those words and has given me many opportunities to tell that story, such that each day becomes a challenge to me not to give God less and less of my life to him. The peace of God has given me a contentment with a smile on my face and a confidence that I am in his care.’

Two days later the hospital staff removed the ventilator so Clarence could breathe on his own, despite medical predictions that this was not possible.

‘Six weeks after the accident I was told 8

Salvationist 28 August 2021

Picture: GARY FULLEN

LONDON

Katherine Jenkins FRAM, Roxanna Panufnik FRAM, Clarence Adoo Hon FRAM and Dave Holland Hon DMus that the small head movement that I had was all I was to expect, recovery-wise. Deep down I did not believe this and so worked hard at physiotherapy classes, physically and mentally.

‘Since those early days I have got some feeling back in the top of my back and chest and a little bit of movement is now returning to the top part of my left arm. In fact, I am able to conduct a band using my head and facial movements, so I am forever the optimist.

‘A typical week for me now includes a bit of trumpet teaching, blowing a few notes on the natural trumpet, helping people with disabilities, the para orchestra and working with Royal Northern Sinfonia.’

In fact there is no such thing as a typical week for Clarence because, in the past year, apart from three spells in hospital and a period at home with Covid-19, he has been involved in a huge number of projects. These include: recording a Salvation Army podcast; taking part in an inspirational video for Leicestershire main and special educational

needs schools; filming for an international wellbeing festival in a castle in Durham; performing in a livestream of a new digital opera sponsored by the Sound Festival; an online workshop and inclusion advice for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain; and a livestream and putting text to a special commission for the Royal Northern Sinfonia.

Clarence has also given radio and TV interviews as well as advice to groups such as University of Edinburgh students. He has spoken to a music conservatoire committee, which included the Guildhall School of Music, about inclusion, the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, postgraduates in Canada, the Cabinet Office regarding the music curriculum and the British Paraorchestra, and performed as part of the Network Music Conference.

Clarence continues to be an inspiration to everyone at Newcastle City Temple. They are delighted that the Royal Academy of Music has seen fit to honour him in this way.

ON MY BOOKSHELF: SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST

Prayer In this series, Shield Books authors talk about the books they’ve written and the books they love – this week Book Editor Rebecca Goldsmith interviews Lyndall Bywater DO WE TALK ABOUT PRAYER ENOUGH IN CHURCH? I think we talk about it more than we used to. We previously talked about prayer as being something important and powerful but felt that how you pray was a private thing. But we’ve got better over the years at talking about it in a more honest and open way.

DO YOU THINK WE ASSUME PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO PRAY? We do have some preconceived ideas about prayer – ideas formed at an early stage. When I was young we had people in our corps who prayed really passionate prayers.

And they could also pray for a very long time. So I remember growing up with a concept that prayer at its best was this incredibly passionate unleashing of one’s self in flowery language in a slightly odd voice.

That’s what I thought ‘good’ prayer was. But as I grew up, I discovered that prayer is different for different people, and that that’s OK. WHAT COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED ABOUT PRAYER? People think that they should be praying differently or better. As Christians we would probably all say: ‘I wish I prayed more. I’m aware that I sometimes squeeze prayer out of my day, get busy or lack discipline.’

Those are all valid comments about prayer. But what we slide into saying

easily is: ‘I’m no good at praying.’

That’s a huge deal, because when we think we’re bad at something we don’t do it. We’re not incentivised to do it because we think we’re going to mess it up. We sometimes start with an inferiority complex, thinking we need the right theology or to imitate a person we think is great at prayer.

To be ‘bad’ at prayer is a bizarre concept to me because you’re simply spending time with someone who loves you more than anyone else in the entire world. Therefore, you can’t fail at being with someone who loves you. I just say to people: ‘You can pray as who you are right now, and it can be a completely life-giving, fulfilling, meaningful, wonderful thing.’ That is what releases people.

IS THERE A CHRISTIAN BOOK THAT HAS BEEN PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT TO YOU IN SOME WAY? There are many. But I’m going to go with Naked Spirituality by Brian McLaren, which is all about prayer.

Naked Spirituality blew my mind in a really good way, because I read it at a time when I was looking for a fresher, deeper way of understanding my own prayer life. He takes simple concepts and gives you easy ways to connect with them. He also links prayer to different stages of your life.

I found that really helpful. The book was a life-changer for me.

WHICH SECULAR BOOK HAS INFLUENCED YOU THE MOST? The Wind on Fire trilogy by William Nicholson. It’s a set of children’s stories about a family that connect with themselves and understand who they are and who they’re made to be. In the process they help to transform, liberate and restore their

community. That’s what matters to me in life. My passion is to see people becoming who God made them to be and being able to be part of the greater redemption and transformation in the world.

APART FROM THE BIBLE, WHICH BOOK WOULD YOU TAKE TO A DESERT ISLAND? I’d take the collected works of Agatha Christie. And there’s one simple reason. It’s because, despite all the things in my brain, I have a dreadful memory for who did the crimes in detective novels. So it would work really nicely because every story I read would be completely fresh.

O Big Questions for Small Groups: Prayer is available from sps-shop.com priced £3 (plus postage and packing) or as a Kindle ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £2

To hear the conversation in full, find the Shield Books Summer Book Club podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com Salvationist 28 August 2021

9

NEWS FEATURE

Evening fellowship with Cerys

Major Elwyn Harries leads Sunday worship

Painting with Catherine Wyles

Enabled Summer School celebrates being In His Hands UKI ‘IT is easy to ignore the little things, those with no voice, no influence, no strings to pull.

The small and insignificant ... small and insignificant to who?’ These lines from Eddie Askew’s Snails Have No Reverse Gear! were quoted by Enabled member Liz Dyson during this year’s Enabled Summer School at Home, reports Learning Disabilities Inclusion Development Manager Chris Stringer (THQ).

It is estimated that people with a learning disability are four times more likely to die from coronavirus than the general population. This rises to 10 times more likely for people with Down’s Syndrome.

This year many people with disabilities have reluctantly taken the decision to shield again. It was against this background that we decided, early in 2021, not to hold the Enabled Summer School of Arts in Cheltenham but to hold an online Summer School at Home for the second time.

During the week, 64 virtual sessions were broadcast on the Enabled Facebook group or on YouTube, with some sessions taking place over Zoom.

The theme was In His Hands and the key Scripture was ‘I have engraved you on the 10

Salvationist 28 August 2021

palms of my hands’ (Isaiah 49:16). The song ‘I’m in His Hands’ (SASB 848) featured in the choral, music and worship sessions.

Each day began with worship, with sessions led by Enabled members and supporters, including Majors Paul and Christine Kingscott (THQ). Sunday morning worship was led by Assistant Secretary for Mission Major Elwyn Harries.

In daily This Is Me sessions, Enabled members and supporters, including some married couples, gave insights into their lives, their achievements and the challenges they had faced.

The fellowship sessions included a Bible study, Godly Play, a faith talk and an art-based Bible study. A number of exercise sessions included Fit in 15, led by service users and staff from the George Steven Community Hub in Kilbirnie.

In music sessions, members enjoyed solo performances from Tristan Lanceley, Reuben Dykes, Tony Daniels and Ben Fuller, and father and son Chris and Chris WrenKirkham entertained us on keyboards and percussion. We also enjoyed the talents of several Enabled members during a talent evening.

There were three choral sessions, led by Ira Thomas, Jonny Searle and Major Christine

Piper. David Stanley, founder and CEO of the Music Man Project, and some Music Man ambassadors also led a music session.

Other sessions included art, photography, crafts, mindfulness, open house, drama and a magic show. A highlight was the virtual disco held over Zoom, with many dancing for three hours.

A total of 24 pictures were submitted in advance for an art competition. The top three pictures, voted for by participants, were submitted by Sharon Falconer and Caroline Ferguson (George Steven Community Hub), Joy Pocock and Chris Stringer.

The Zoom quiz was won by Helen and Stephen Birchall (Sunderland Millfield).

We have so far identified 260 people who participated in Enabled Summer School at Home. It is not possible to do justice in words to the wonderful week of fun, fellowship and friendship and the sense of community and togetherness that we experienced.

It seems that next year we will be able to hold the Enabled Summer School of Arts in Cheltenham. What is clear is that we have built an online Enabled community and we are going to continue to provide virtual activities to help sustain and build this community.

PARTICIPANTS SHARE THEIR THOUGHTS RACHAEL RHODES NOTTINGHAM WILLIAM BOOTH MEMORIAL HALLS

Enabled is a group … where people can truly be themselves and be accepted. What I like is that we are able to help each other in different ways to achieve things. Everybody is treated the same whoever they are and encouraged to join in and try new things.

Enabled is like a family who love and support each other. If you have not done so already, please go to The Salvation Army Enabled Facebook group and see for yourself how God has truly blessed everyone.

Ben plays the organ

Godly Play

CAROLINE FERGUSON AND SHARON FALCONER GEORGE STEVEN COMMUNITY HUB, KILBIRNIE

Joining with everyone, sharing the fun and fellowship of the week, particularly the Fit in 15 session, has been a great experience. The icing on the cake for Caroline was winning the art competition with Sharon. Making the picture was the first time that Sharon and Caroline had been together since March 2020. So much fun and laughter went into it. It was a joy to see and hear them together again.

We wanted to let you know how much Sharon enjoyed Enabled Summer School at Home. When asked which sessions she enjoyed the list was endless, so we take it that she enjoyed them all. One of her highlights was being involved in the Fit in 15 broadcast – what an experience for her!

Along with Caroline, she won the art competition. It was good to see the bond was still there and they remembered how to help each other. The fun they had putting the picture together was infectious.

MARY TYLER KNOTTINGLEY

I was not able to watch much of the summer school when it was broadcast but had a lot more time the next week to catch up. That’s one of the bonuses of having it online! What I saw was excellent, especially the worship and This Is Me sessions.

NICOLA NORRIS READING CENTRAL

I enjoyed the craft sessions, the singing and the virtual disco.

Enabled Summer School is always fun and a time of fellowship every year.

Helen joins in a choral session

JAMES HARTLEY SUDBURY

Enabled means that I can relax in fellowship with others. It has given me the confidence to get involved and know I can achieve stuff, both at Enabled and within my corps.

HELEN AND STEPHEN BIRCHALL SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD

Justin leads Friday worship

Enabled is important to us because it makes us feel that we are not singled out for being different. We feel a sense of belonging and have a closeness with one another even though some of us have never met in person – sharing fun and fellowship through the wonderful world of technology and social media. This year we got to lead a This Is Me session. It was nerve-racking, but we received great feedback afterwards. It has certainly boosted our confidence.

We feel deeply blessed after the week we have shared together.

Salvationist 28 August 2021

11

FEATURE I Music survey

What the

musicians say

Richard Phillips highlights the results of a recent survey of Salvation Army musicians and music subscribers

W

E hear a lot about the way technology has changed our way of life and continues to change our daily routine, attempting to make what we do easier and quicker.

It is hard to get away from it. In the world of music printing and publishing it is no different.

When I started in the music publishing business we would receive proofs from people who had spent a lifetime learning how to perfect the art of spacing a beautiful page of music.

Back in the 1980s the Army’s music was typeset by highly skilled people who took days and weeks measuring and printing each note individually,

using stencils, rulers and protractors.

The late 1980s and early 1990s brought change when computers became more commonplace and the art of typesetting music became less of a skill and more accessible than ever.

SP&S embraced that opportunity to help cut the financial outlay and speed up the process of music publishing. It took a while to get it right, but we were able to produce an acceptable quality of typesetting that was clear and could easily be read by our musicians. Thirty years later computer programs are highly developed, as are the operators.

The development of the internet, along with portable devices that can access it, such as smartphones and tablets, brought an immediacy of information of every kind, including music.

This is life as we now know it, and development in technology continues.

Downloading newspapers and books is commonplace, as is downloading films, TV programmes and, of course, music.

So, should the Army and publishers of its music reconsider the way we deliver music to our musicians?

We share an excellent working relationship with both Music Editorial and

Music and Creative Arts at THQ, so much so that the heads of those units meet on a regular basis to discuss matters that affect them and SP&S. At one meeting we decided to ask subscribers and musicians throughout the Army world to tell us what they thought about the relevance of the music we produce, how they use it and how they would like it to be delivered.

We asked eight questions under three general headings: about the subscribers, about the suitability of the music and about whether digital or printed music was preferred. There was also an option to add any further comments.

SUBSCRIBERS We had more responses than there were subscribers, which gave us a clue as to how popular the survey was.

Interestingly, and possibly challenging in a wider Salvation Army sense, was that 62 per cent of respondents were aged between 50 and 80. Fifty per cent were based in the UK, 32 per cent in North America and 10 per cent in Australia/ Oceania.

Should the Army and publishers of its music reconsider the way we deliver music to our musicians?

SUITABILITY In response to questions about the suitability of our music, 85 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that the variety of music compositions published

by Music Editorial in the UKI Territory met the requirements of their group, 85 per cent were happy with the level of difficulty of the music they played, 84 per cent thought that the music satisfied their group’s ministry requirements and 83 per cent thought that printing multiple pieces in each journal was good value for money.

These responses seem to indicate a high level of satisfaction in the quality of the publishing output.

One question was brass-specific and centred around the use of new music. Sixty-one per cent stated that they played through two or three of the four pieces in each new journal, 70 per cent rehearsed two or three pieces more than once and 80 per cent ultimately performed either one or two pieces.

Forty-two per cent of respondents subscribed to vocal music and 68 per cent of these sang through two, three or four songs once only out of each new edition of Sing to the Lord. Seventy-six per cent rehearsed two, three or four songs more than once and 73 per cent typically performed one, two or three songs from each issue.

Eighty-five per cent of respondents

were in favour of occasionally including SAB (soprano, alto, bass) songs in a Sing to the Lord mixedvoice edition. Andrew Blyth, head of Music Editorial, said: ‘The results of this survey showed clearly a need for SAB music and thus Music Editorial will look at including some SAB songs within the 2022 Sing to the Lord edition.’

DIGITAL In response to a question about the way music was received, 53 per cent preferred the printed copy and 47 per cent a digital PDF file. Interestingly, if we look only at the UK responses, 71 per cent preferred the printed copy, while in North America it was 64 per cent and Australia/Oceania 74 per cent.

The final specific question asked for an indication of how the music would be viewed if it arrived as a digital file. Sixty-seven per cent indicated that they would prefer to view it both as a printed copy and on a tablet or portable device, 30 per cent would prefer to print the music themselves and a mere 2 per cent would prefer to view it on a mobile device only.

The final optional question then requested any further thoughts on Army music in general and about the delivery of music from SP&S. We

received 181 comments, ranging from a single line to several paragraphs, most of which were positive and constructive.

Much information can be drawn from the responses presented in this survey, particularly those relating to the delivery of Army music on printed paper or as a digital file. Discussions have taken place and I can announce that there will be some digital copies available of the new Triumph Series and Judd Street Collection from January next year as part of a pilot scheme. If this runs smoothly, we can roll out further digital copies to download and use on a portable digital device. More announcements will follow in a letter I will send out with the 2022 subscription form in September.

It is clear that our published music is relevant for today’s requirements and remains a vital and intrinsic element in Salvation Army worship around the world.

RICHARD IS SP&S MUSIC GENERAL MANAGER Salvationist 28 August 2021

13

up Levelling INTERVIEW

Public Affairs Adviser Annie Dell (THQ) talks to Salvationist about The Salvation Army’s new report on the government’s levelling up agenda

WHAT DOES ‘LEVELLING UP’ MEAN? Our working understanding of levelling up is that each person will have the same opportunities as anyone else, no matter where in Britain they live. The Salvation Army works with people all over the country, which includes areas that need levelling up. Our concern is for equality of job opportunities, healthcare opportunities, schooling, childcare, transportation, community services, youth centres – the works.

WHY WAS THE ARMY’S REPORT NECESSARY? When the government agenda was first announced in late 2020 we recognised that it could be a significant policy lever for helping people who had already been identified as ‘left behind’ before the coronavirus pandemic and also for rebuilding the country post-pandemic.

That’s where it stemmed from. The report aims to ensure that struggling communities that The Salvation Army is supporting benefit from the significant pot of funding that will be available.

WHICH PARTS OF THE COUNTRY NEED LEVELLING UP? The research for our report found that, in addition to the north-south divide, there are a lot of coastal communities experiencing inequality. But there are also pockets of inequality in any neighbourhood.

HOW DOES THE REPORT ASSESS THE NEED FOR LEVELLING UP? The government, when looking at levelling up, used three indicators that are purely labour market-based. We worked with the Institute for Employment Studies (IES) to come up with a more comprehensive approach that used 13 specific economic and social indicators. For example, we 14

Salvationist 28 August 2021

looked at the whole labour market, including levels of unemployment and underemployment. We also looked at where sectors have shrunk or grown.

As well as these economic indicators we considered a range of social indicators, including crime, income, health and access to public services.

WHAT DOES THE REPORT RECOMMEND? The levelling up agenda is part of the government’s priority list, but we want to see it do more. The Treasury is focused on big infrastructure projects, which are important, but we’re saying that if the government wants to level up the country it cannot simply ‘level up’ infrastructure. There must be an equal commitment to social infrastructure.

For example, if we talk about construction, we need to include construction jobs. What The Salvation Army does is link up individuals with those jobs or persuade the labour market to do it. We need that essential link in order to bring them together. We also want the government to create a mechanism for communities to decide directly what and how funding can create the greatest change and result in sustainable growth.

TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE IES We reached out to several different organisations, but the IES understood the importance of changing the government’s view of what levelling up means. The IES has the same ethos as we do and brought a high level of expertise to the research project. Our work stemmed from the data that its team identified. We were able to connect our staff and our experience with its quantitative data based on the

research indicators. We wanted to see whether the data was correct by talking to people and asking what they needed and what would work in their community.

When we asked people what levelling up meant to them, most people focused on housing. They also mentioned several preventative care issues, such as mental health and drug and alcohol support. What people are saying on the ground is that by investing in preventative health we’re better able to level up our communities. That was really powerful.

You only get that kind of context by doing on-the-ground research.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE ARMY’S ROLE? The reason I love working for The Salvation Army is that we are in communities helping people, and the Public Affairs Unit is the conduit that allows government to see what’s going on. We work with corps and centres across the country, interviewing members of staff. We then feed back on what we’re hearing, highlighting what needs to change and how government policy can improve the lives of those that we’re helping.

This kind of work is impossible without the co-working of corps and centres across the country. A lot of policy think tanks don’t know exactly what local communities are saying, but The Salvation Army is able to tell Whitehall what is happening on the ground.

I want to thank everyone we’ve been working with, because what they have contributed is what makes our voice so powerful.

O The Army’s report is available at salvationarmy.org.uk/news/onethree-deprived-areas-locked-outlevelling-funding

EFLEC TIION ION REFL R RE FLEC FL ECT ECTION ON

The OBT

Major Peter Mylechreest describes an award you may be eligible for

T

WICE a year the Queen bestows honours to individuals for their services to the community, sport, entertainment or business – such as the British Empire Medal (BEM) or appointment to the Order of the British Empire (OBE, MBE and CBE).

I want to propose another that many of us may well be eligible for: the ‘OBT’.

We will not have to travel to Buckingham Palace to receive this amid pomp and time-honoured tradition. We will be admitted to the OBT when we least expect it, in a very familiar place. And, strangely, we will probably have to decorate ourselves with the award!

We will have put ourselves out for someone, stood in their corner, spoken up for them, given them resources or gone the extra mile to help them. Then, or soon after, the recipient of our help will say or do something uncharitable or hurtful to us in return. We may feel we have been figuratively kicked in the teeth. That’s the moment when we are eligible for the OBT – the Order of the Broken Tooth.

Many a teenager has responded aggressively to loving advice and given the Order of the Broken Tooth to their parents or guardians. Even people we have only just met and offered to help may malign or misrepresent us, and we may wonder why we bothered. At such times we may consider never getting involved again. But a genuine member of the OBT will quickly realise that their disappointment is no reason not to continue being kind. After all, kindness is love and grace in action. As followers of

Jesus we are called to demonstrate such attributes, regardless of the reception we receive. Besides, Jesus taught: ‘God blesses those people who are treated badly for doing right. They belong to the Kingdom of Heaven’ (Matthew 5:10 Contemporary English Version).

Blessed by inner peace from God’s love, those who have been treated badly for doing the right thing will be spiritually prosperous. We are enriched when we have trouble as a direct result of doing what God wants.

All of us make decisions daily, some large, some seemingly small, but all of them have consequences. Decisions about jobs or where we live or about our children’s schooling. Decisions that have impacted other people. Some may have affected the lives of those we love. If we have done what we felt was best for all concerned, but it has been badly received and we have borne the unfair backlash, the OBT is our reward.

I’m not dismissing the hurt of being let down by those we try to help or the pain of being bad-mouthed or unfairly blamed.

But as understandable as it momentarily may seem, the option of personal revenge or a withdrawal from offering further help is not the right way forward.

As many of us have recited a thousand times, echoing the model prayer that Jesus taught, ‘Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ When we feel wounded, let God’s grace help us see the OBT as not just the ‘Order of the Broken Tooth’, but ‘O blessed tribulation’.

Jesus said: ‘And what happiness will be

yours when people blame you and ill-treat you and say all kinds of slanderous things against you for my sake! Be glad then, yes, be tremendously glad – for your reward in Heaven is magnificent’ (Matthew 5:10 JB Phillips New Testament). In which case, the OBT changes again to ‘O be thankful’!

We know thanksgiving is not meant to be mere words, but the mainspring of our Christian living – and the supreme ground for thanks is Jesus. We express our thankfulness by presenting our lives to God no matter how others may treat us.

Of course, it may be that we, by what we have said or done, have qualified other people for the Order of the Broken Tooth.

Has a friend been at the receiving end of our unwarranted abuse? Have we treated a work colleague in an unacceptable way? Have we bullied or been mean to others?

Whoever we are and whatever we have done, we need the incomparable grace of God to touch our lives. We need to be forgiven and we need to forgive.

God has expressed his kindness to us in Christ Jesus, and we need to appropriate that mercy and love. May our lives resound with thanksgiving and gratitude for what he continues to do for us. His grace transforms that broken tooth into a thing of beauty.

MAJOR MYLECHREEST LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LONDON AND IS THQ CHAPLAIN Salvationist 28 August 2021

15

BIBLE STUDY

Yelling at God Major Mal Davies concludes his four-week series on Jonah

O Are

JONAH 4

I

N last week’s Bible study, we read how Jonah finally arrived at Nineveh and warned the people there of God’s anger towards them, only for them collectively to repent and be spared by God. We might think that this would greatly please a prophet of God, but it doesn’t.

Almost all the key biblical figures got mad at God at some stage. David did it regularly. Jonah throws one of the great biblical tantrums, puts his hands on his hips, points at the heavens and yells: ‘God! I knew it – when I was back home, I knew this was going to happen!’ (v2, The Message).

QUESTIONS O When was the last time you had a good yell at God?

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

by Major Jane Kimberley

16

Salvationist 28 August 2021

we justified in getting mad at God? Is God OK with us getting angry with him every now and then? Why? Jonah then seems to describe God accurately – ‘gracious and compassionate … slow to anger and abounding in love’ (v2) – but he intends it as an attack. He’s attempting to tell God off for being soft and letting the Ninevites off the hook. Intriguingly, Jonah attacks God for being exactly what Jonah is not. Jonah shows his lack of grace, compassion and love.

Rather than being slow to anger, Jonah is a real hothead.

Part of his anger maybe stemmed from his bias. Jonah wanted God’s goodness to be shown only to Israelites and not to Gentiles. Nineveh was a major city in Assyria with a reputation for being a party town. It

seems that Jonah thought the Ninevites did not deserve God’s favour.

QUESTIONS O Have you ever thought that someone could not – or should not – be loved by God because they were so evil or sinful or opposed to God? O Have you ever had the attitude that God loves you more than someone else because you are a better Christian than them?

Jonah heads out of Nineveh and finds a hill to sit on from where he can watch over the city. It seems he still doesn’t fully believe that God will spare it and Jonah waits to see what will happen.

In his mercy and wisdom, God grows a leafy plant to provide some shade for Jonah and Jonah enjoys the respite from the sun. Then God allows the

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Amazing grace! how sweet the sound,/ That saved a wretch like me!/ I once was lost, but now am found,/ Was blind but now I see.

(SASB 453)

While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?’

(Matthew 9:10 and 11)

Depth of mercy! Can there be/ Mercy still reserved for me?/ Can my God his wrath forbear?/ Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

(SASB 457)

Prayer Lord Jesus, thank you that you gave your life for everyone and no one is beyond your grace. Help me to accept this amazing truth and may your Holy Spirit empower my thoughts and actions to share your love with others.

plant to die. Jonah despairs and proclaims for the second time that he would rather die (see vv3, 8 and 9).

God hits him with the lesson, and I’ll paraphrase verses 10 and 11: ‘You’re concerned about the plant that came and went quickly, but it’s just a plant.

Shouldn’t I be concerned about Nineveh and 120,000 lost souls?’

QUESTION O When was the last time you were hit with a dose of reality and your minor complaints and poor attitude were shown to be trivial and childish in relation to someone else’s problems?

could even have had Jonah admitting his faulty outlook and apologising to God for his outburst. But it just ends abruptly.

It’s as if Jonah knows God is right and just goes silent on him. No further argument. No ‘but, but, but’.

No apology. Not even a groan of disgust.

Sometimes, God sends us a clear message and we just pretend that we haven’t heard him. We seem to think that if we don’t engage with God, then he can’t tell us again.

That’s the tale of Jonah. Given a direct instruction from God, Jonah disobeyed and ran the other way.

Calamity struck and he survived only by a fishy-looking miracle. He then passed on God’s message to the Ninevites. They repented. God spared them. All was good. Except that Jonah was mad. God taught him a lesson about showing concern and getting priorities right and Jonah sulked.

Jonah’s tale is one of the great, short, self-contained stories in the Bible. We can learn much from it.

QUESTIONS you ever given God the silent treatment?

O When you were trying to ignore God, how has he broken through your stubbornness and made himself heard?

MAJOR DAVIES IS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY

O Have

What is Jonah’s response? Silence.

I love the way this book ends. It could have finished with a lengthy theological dispute, with Jonah restating his case to God and God correcting him. It

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

[ Jesus said] ‘But go and learn what this means: “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.”

For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.’

(Matthew 9:13)

I have no claim on grace;/ I have no right to plead;/ I stand before my maker’s face/ Condemned in thought and deed./ But since there died a Lamb/ Who, guiltless, my guilt bore,/ I lay fast hold on Jesus’ name,/ And sin is mine no more.

(SASB 463)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us.

(Ephesians 1:7 and 8)

To thy cross I come, Lord,/ There for me is room, Lord,/ Poor unworthy me, even me./ Pardon every sin, Lord,/ Place thy power within, Lord,/ Then I from this hour will follow thee.

(SASB 481)

Salvationist 28 August 2021

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC CTI TION TION ON

Christ’s ambassadors Nicola Walmsley reflects on our ministry of making God’s presence real in the world

I

T won’t be long before people will be making plans to celebrate Christmas.

Each December there is a Christmas tree festival held in a church down the road from my home in Dalton-inFurness. I have had the privilege of organising the decorating of a tree for Barrow-in-Furness Corps, and this year we need to decide on a new theme for it. I think we are leaning towards ‘heart to God, hand to man,’ which reflects the mission of The Salvation Army.

I came across a song with that title

by Geoff Moore and The Distance.

In darkest England 1865, A dismal slum of poverty.

A band of believers rescued from the night, Played songs of hope and offered light.

If a man is hungry, Give him food to eat.

If a stranger’s thirsty, Give him drink.

If a woman’s battered, if a child’s abandoned, Bring them in, Give them what they need.

A heart to God and a hand to man, Here begins the healing of our land.

A heart to God and a hand to man, I can still hear the hallelujah band.

A heart to God and a hand to man.

While women weep as they do now, While children are hungry, While hope can be found, While one soul remains without light, I will fight on, fight on, I’ll fight to the very end.

18

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This song mentions 1865, but many things remain similar in the world today.

Recently I heard that looting has been rife in South Africa, with women and men weeping for their loss and the destruction – homes and businesses destroyed and food in short supply.

Elsewhere, women are still abandoned, with little hope. Families go hungry.

Devastating floods in Germany threw many into homelessness, in desperate need of shelter and provisions. The song says, ‘While hope can be found,/ While one soul remains without light,/ I will fight on, fight on,/ I’ll fight to the very end’. And how true the words: ‘A heart to God and a hand to man,/ Here begins the healing of our land’.

A quote from a book in the Covenant and Conversation series, Numbers: The Wilderness Years by Jonathan Sacks, struck a chord with me: ‘We are God’s people, his emissaries and ambassadors, charged with making his presence real in the world by healing deeds and holy lives.’ This reminded me of 2 Corinthians 5:20: ‘We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.’

The Salvation Army has a mission to be God’s hands and feet, and to be a place where many know they can come to seek refuge and assistance, whether spiritual or practical. In this mission we are making God’s presence real in the world, by our healing deeds and holy lives, as though God were making his appeal through us.

I was also encouraged by another portion from Jonathan Sacks’s book, which can bring encouragement to every believer who has influenced others with the gospel, particularly during the difficult times we have experienced recently.

Referring to Numbers 11:25, where the Lord ‘took some of the power of the Spirit that was on [Moses] and put it on the 70 elders’, Sacks says: ‘We never fully know how much we have given others – how much the kind word, the thoughtful deed, the comforting gesture changes lives and is never forgotten. In this respect, if in no other, we are like Moses. He too was human. He had no privileged access into other people’s minds. Without a miracle, he could not have known the influence he had on those closest to him. All the evidence seems to suggest otherwise.

The people, en masse, were still ungrateful, querulous, quick to criticise and complain. But for a moment, God gave Moses a glimpse of how his Spirit had entered the seventy elders and lifted them, however briefly, to the level of prophetic vision.

‘God performed this miracle for no other person. But the glimpse it afforded ought to serve to comfort us all. The good we do lives after us. It is the greatest thing that does. We may leave a legacy of wealth, power, even fame, but these are questionable benefits and sometimes harm rather than help those we leave them to. Our true legacy is the trace of our influence for good. We may never see it, but it is there. That is the greatest blessing of leadership. It alone is the antidote to despair, the solid ground of hope.’

Are you an ambassador for Christ?

Are you living out the slogan ‘heart to God, hand to man’? It is one of the most blessed things we are invited to be part of as God’s emissaries.

NICOLA IS THE COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-IN-FURNESS

Praying Hands Around five hundred years ago, A long time in the past, I know, Two brothers lived on German land, Careers in art they both had planned.

The problem was the college fees, They had no cash to pay for these.

Albrecht, the younger of the two, Thought he had found out what to do, He’d labour hard day after day, This way he’d for his sibling pay, Then Franz, who was the older one, Could do the same when he was done.

But Franz realised who was the best, A greater skill Albrecht possessed.

He chose himself to stay and work, And never did that duty shirk.

The time came when the roles would swap, But then their plans came to a stop.

Regeneration I tried the whirligig of life, The roundabouts and swings, The carousel and cakewalk, The sideshows and the stalls.

The lights were bright, The music loud, My mind was in a whirl.

As night drew near the light went out, The music ceased, and all was dark.

Dogs barked and howled, and angry voices rose.

Children cried, longing for love.

Then silence reigned as darkness clothed the world.

The night fell heavy on my soul, oppressive and surreal.

Transient pleasures passed.

Trepidation filled my soul.

I longed for light, substantial life,

I’ll Ser ve A response to William Booth’s ‘I’ll fight’ speech While nurses work, as they do now, I’ll serve.

While there’s a virus in the world, as there is now, I’ll serve.

While there’s a hunger for food, as there is now, I’ll serve.

While there’s a need for Jesus Christ, I’ll serve.

The labourer’s hands were gnarled and rough, For artwork now not fit enough, They’re worn from working hard each day, Albrecht said, ‘Franz, I will repay.’

Self sacrifice and love he drew, The honest toil was in there too.

Today his drawing’s in all lands, Well known now as the Praying Hands.

His artwork brought him worldwide fame, For Albrecht Dürer was his name.

Another sacrifice we see, When Jesus died for you and me.

His hands were pierced, left wounded, scarred, For us he too had laboured hard To pay the price so that today All folk to God can find the way.

BRIAN COLLEY

I craved for certainty.

All was dark, no light was there, I was all alone.

The crowds were gone, euphoria spent, My life an empty shell.

A voice within me spoke, ‘I am the light, I am the life, I am the way.’

It said, ‘Believe me and you will live a life of faith, Deep rooted, sound.

A life which knows no bounds.’

I gazed to the horizon far and saw light dawning in the sky.

Plains of light assailed my eyes, Mountains of joy rose heavenward.

My soul knew then with certainty That Jesus was to be my life.

BEVAN A SPENCER

While there’s a homeless person on the street, who cannot get enough to eat, I’ll serve.

While there’s a person without peace, while there remains poverty, as there is now, I’ll serve.

While there’s a thirst for truth, as there is now, I’ll serve.

While there remains a lost soul without the light of God, I’ll serve, I’ll serve to the very end.

Lord, Give Us S Strength Lord, give us strength, so we may see All your power to set us free, Let us know your love for all, Always there to hear your call.

May we always want to be Ever faithful, strong for thee.

May we know the road we tread, Never straight, we look ahead And see your face, a beacon light To guide us from our darkest night, So that always, when we fall, We will hear our Saviour call.

On our journey through this life May we help those facing strife.

May you speak through us to guide, Comfort bring and love provide, So that all may find in you, A Saviour, Lord and friend who’s true.

MARK AYLING

DAVID GEDDES Salvationist 28 August 2021

19

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

WELLING The corps was delighted to welcome Gary Faulkner as an adherent.

Gary has attended meetings on Sundays and is a regular face at coffee mornings.

He was touched by the care given by corps folk who kept in touch with him during the coronavirus lockdowns. This led him to decide to formalise his attachment to the corps. He was welcomed after the weekly prayer meeting, which resumed after the latest lockdown. Gary hopes, and the corps firmly believes, that his testimony of living with faith and mental health issues will be an encouragement to others in finding faith. – KS

SLEAFORD Corps officer Major Dawn McGarvey enrolled Wendy Hooper as a soldier. Wendy grew up in a loving Salvationist family and was a soldier in her late teens at Guildford then Grantham.

Troubled circumstances in her personal life took her away from the Army and her commitment to God but, while living in Newton Abbot, she renewed her connection and became active in the corps and at the Enabled summer schools. Returning to Lincolnshire, Wendy was an adherent at Sleaford and became convinced that she should renew her covenant and become a soldier. She is pictured with Major Dawn and Recruiting Sergeant Lynda Tasker. – NM 20

Salvationist 28 August 2021

UPPER NORWOOD Corps officer Major Phil Layton welcomed Alexis-Edith Mfum and Maureen McVie as adherents. They enjoy attending the meetings to worship and praise God, learn from the Bible and encourage one another in fellowship. – RC

FALMOUTH TEMPLE Averil and John Lillistone were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain Andrew Hammond.

Averil and John testified: ‘It’s great to know Jesus.’ In 2016 they began to attend community lunches and over the following years developed a friendship with Captain Andrew, regularly watching football together.

This progressed to conversations exploring the claims of Jesus. Averil and John are pictured with Captains Andrew and Nicola Hammond. – AH

SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING Corps officer Major Kathleen Myers welcomed Janet Clark as an adherent. When her sister, Major Linda Booker, was critically ill three years ago, Janet made a promise that she would attend The Salvation Army. Following her sister’s recovery, Janet did attend and after three weeks felt that the Army was where the Lord wanted her to be. She spoke of the faithfulness of God, who works in mysterious ways. Janet is pictured with her sister and Major Kathleen. – BE

ADVERTS

Are you coming to study at Reading University?

The three Reading corps would love to welcome you and support you in any way we can.

Please contact us as follows: Lower Earley Corps Jacqueline and Roger Coates Lower.earley@salvationarmy.org.uk 07776 965781 Reading Central Corps Adrian and Beth Maddern Reading.central@salvationarmy.org.uk 0118 9583019

On 7 and 8 September, the Emergency Services Show will be held at Birmingham NEC and The Salvation Army will have a display there. The show will feature 450 stands and have more than 10,000 visitors.

Reading West Corps Portia Stirling-Mack Reading.west@salvationarmy.org.uk 07823 747954

If you are interested in attending or taking your volunteers, go to emergencyuk.com/why-visit to register for a free ticket.

FLAT FOR RENT Penge Corps, Maple Road, SE20 8JB, has a one-bedroom flat for rent. Flat contains a living room/ kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Also included fridge/freezer and washing machine. £800 pcm (utilities not included). Penge East and Penge West train stations are a 10-minute walk from the flat. Bus stop to central London and local shops two-minute walk.

Contact penge@salvationarmy.org.uk.

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

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£6.40

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£21.70

£27.80

Extra words over 35 – 26p per word CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

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£9.00

£12.50

26 – 35 WORDS £14.00

3

£22.50

£31.25

£35.00

Extra words over 35 – 30p per word

STUDYING IN YORK? Are you coming to study in this great city?

Be sure to link up to the corps, where a warm welcome awaits you.

Meals arranged and Student / Young Adult Fellowship (Covid-19 allowing!)

For further details: Cynthia Smith 07961 586465

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

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

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Salvationist 28 August 2021

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff: Effective 1 November O Colonels Lalhmingliana Hmar and Lalhlimpuii Chawngthu, officers of the India Eastern Territory, are appointed as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, India Eastern Territory O Lieut-Colonels SP and Annamma Simon, officers of the India South Western Territory, are appointed as national executive officer and secretary for women’s development, India National Office, with the rank of colonel O Lieut-Colonels Prakash Chandra and Rani Phula Pradhan, officers of the India Northern Territory, are appointed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, India Eastern Territory Effective 1 December O Majors Kim, Byung-Yoon and Cha, Soon-Sam, officers of the Korea Territory, are appointed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, Korea Territory, with the rank of colonel O Lieut-Colonels Ricardo and Mirtha Fernandez, officers of the USA Eastern Territory, are appointed as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, Mexico Territory, with the rank of colonel O Majors Robert and Anna-Maria Tuftström, officers of the Sweden and Latvia Territory, are appointed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, Sweden and Latvia Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Bromley Temple, Sun 29 Aug

22

Salvationist 28 August 2021

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Bandsman Peter and Songster Sheila Edwards, Shoeburyness (9 September) Golden O Majors Antony and Heather Clifton (4 September) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Josephine Davies (80 on 4 September) O Major Alfred Gurr (90 on 10 September) O Mrs Major Lilian Harkcom (90 on 10 September) PROMOTED TO GLORY Clive Dragon, Swanage O Louie McAllister, Edinburgh Gorgie O B/Reservist Bernard Blyth, Canterbury, on 15 August O

BEREAVED O Julie Dragon, Swanage, of her husband Clive Dragon, Nigel Dragon and Hilary Green, both Swanage, of their brother O Russell Blyth, Canterbury, Tony Blyth, Basingstoke, Eric Blyth and Trevor Blyth of their father B/Reservist Bernard Blyth O Bandswoman/Songster Beverley Youngs, Harwich, of her father Stuart Youngs O CS Glynis Buller, Clitheroe, of her husband Philip Buller

WHAT’S ON SHIELD BOOKS SUMMER BOOK CLUB PODCAST In Episode 5, Book Editor Rebecca Goldsmith interviews Lyndall Bywater about her book Big Questions for Small Groups: Prayer.

O Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Podbean, or visit shieldbookssummerbookclub. podbean.com SA PIONEERING PODCAST The last episode of the current series features Danielle Strickland, who shared a talk on The Prophetic Call at the Emerge pioneer gathering in May. O Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Google Podcasts

TRIBUTES MAJOR ELIZABETH WALL BETTY was born in Cambuslang, Glasgow, on 12 June 1932, daughter to Brigadiers Elizabeth and William Harrison, and sister to Bob, Billy and Gordon.

She was extremely talented. Among items of note was her piano-playing excellence; she was accompanist to the Manchester Openshaw Songsters and a piano soloist in her own right.

We thank God for the faithfulness that marked her life and her call to become an officer, which resulted in Betty entering the International Training College from Rochdale to join the Heralds session in 1952.

Married in 1954 to Lieutenant Ernest Wall, Betty had five much-loved children: Christine, Bryan, Melvin, Graham and Alan, seven grandchildren and three great- grandchildren.

Betty served as a Salvation Army officer for 68 years, with 21 corps appointments, plus roles at divisional headquarters and International Headquarters. Throughout her service, hospitality was a high priority, and her expertise with cooking and baking was widely celebrated.

Betty was always seeking ways to serve her Lord through The Salvation Army. In retirement, as well as providing pastoral care to retired officers, she worked in the bookshop at Regent Hall in London, continuing to be a tremendous influence for her Lord. She also continued to soldier at Ilford as a songster and home league member and was home league fellowship secretary for 32 years.

Betty was promoted to Glory on 2 June.

Servant of God, well done! – BW ELIZABETH FAULKNER, NEWTOWNARDS BETTY was born in 1934. She was just a young teenager when she committed her life to Christ, promising to love and serve him all her days. She never broke that promise.

She was enrolled as a soldier on 26 February 1952 and throughout the years held many positions in the corps.

Betty’s great love was children and, in

September 1963, she became young people’s sergeant-major, a position that she was passionate about and became her life’s work. Over the years many of the children who attended Sunday school have spoken of her godly influence and the important part she played in their lives growing up.

Everything that Betty did in life – everything she was – was influenced by her love for God and her desire to learn more of God’s will for her life. She will forever be remembered by her family as someone whose life was defined by grace, who loved and gave and lived to honour God – a legacy of service. – EA COLIN HANDFORD, READING WEST COLIN was born in Eston, Cleveland, on 12 August 1932, the second of nine children born to Salvationists Edith and Tom Handford.

Colin grew up in Eston Corps, where he was enrolled as a junior soldier and became a member of the singing company and YP band. At 14 he became

a senior soldier and bandsman and later joined the songsters. He actively served at Eston and Stockton Corps for many years before moving south.

In 1992 Colin married Val at Maidenhead Corps, which they attended before they transferred to Reading West.

A loyal local officer, Colin held several appointments, including corps secretary at Eston and band sergeant at Eston and Reading West. He was active in sections until Covid-19 restrictions were put in place last year.

Colin’s gentleness, generosity, integrity and kindness will long be cherished. He died peacefully at home on 24 April and is dearly missed by his wife, two daughters, family and friends. – PH RAYMOND ATKINS, DUDLEY RAYMOND was born into a Salvationist family in August 1932.

His formative years were spent in Tamworth. He learned to play the trombone and began to play solos with the YP band and duets with his father. He later became solo trombone

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player in the senior band.

In August 1953, Raymond married Florence Richardson and they became active members of the Army in Burnley.

Moving to Cornwall in 1969 with his family, Raymond continued to be an active member of the band and songsters, first at St Ives and later at Camborne. When the corps closed, Raymond and Florence soldiered at Hayle until their move to Tipton to be closer to family in 2017.

Embracing the technological era, Raymond worshipped during Covid19 lockdowns through YouTube and Facebook livestreams, keeping his links with Dudley Corps.

Following a short spell in hospital after suffering a brain stem stroke, Raymond was promoted to Glory. He is missed by his family and friends and remembered as a gentleman. – LC

Please note that soldiers’ and adherents’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Please call: 020 7367 4789 or email: paul.fowler@salvationarmy.org.uk

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Salvationist 28 August 2021

23

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

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

CAPTAIN STEPHEN MOIR William Booth College How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My parents took me to The Salvation Army when I was very young.

What made you want to become an officer?

A strong sense that God has a specific purpose for my life, and that nothing else I could ever experience in terms of vocation could come close to it.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Meeting new people and exploring the nature of spiritual leadership and calling within the world today.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Spending time with family chilling out on a caravan holiday.

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

Star Wars – I would play Luke Skywalker.

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

John Wesley – I would love to go for a coffee and hear some of the stories of his journeys as a preacher.

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

Always look for signs of hope.

‘‘‘

Still my soul will sing your praise unending Ten thousand years and then for evermore e ‘10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)’

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

Javelin.

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

Sparkling water.

What is your favourite food?

Something from Nando’s. It has an amazing menu!

’’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord)’

by Matt Redman and Jonas Myrin.

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

What happens to time when the clock goes back or forward at specific seasonal times of the year.

What do you do in your spare time?

Potter in the garden.

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

Greed.

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

The Level 42 album Guaranteed, released in 1991.

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

A plane-spotting guide of some description!

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (Philippians 4:13 New King James Version). This is a reminder that in Christ I can do and be so much more.

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

‘The Best’ by Tina Turner.

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

Peter – I would ask him what it was like to have breakfast with Jesus by the shore.

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

Take a moment just to think about that!

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

A gadget that would prevent cereal falling out of its box and all over the kitchen floor.

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess?

My DAB radio.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is…

I carried the Commonwealth Games baton through the streets of Glasgow.