Salvationist 28 jul 2012

SALVATIONIST ESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMY www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 28 July 2012 No 1357 Price 60p

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Leaders wait on God Canada and Bermuda PAGES 4 & 5

Weekend of fun and praise Ireland PAGE 6

PLUS LOTS MORE!

PAGES 12 & 13

PAPERS Q KELVIN WOOLMER TALKS ABOUT HIS WORK AS OLYMPIC PARK CONSTRUCTION CHAPLAIN

Q KA!’s CARA TALKS TO DANNY DEVITO – THE VOICE OF THE LORAX Q GOD’S CHAMPIONS CONTINUES WITH JOHN THE BAPTIST

Q MEET THE PHYSIO TO THE TORCH RELAY SECURITY TEAM

Q ‘DIARY OF A WIMPY KID’ PRIZE BUNDLES TO WIN Q PATCH’S PALS WITH ROBBIE’S ROBOT

Q E-BIBLES FOR

HOTEL ROOMS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS METRO TALK

BOOM, BOOM

So they have discovered the Higgs boson particle.

Now they need to work out where that came from, along with who or what created the radiation etc to make it. No amount of science can make something out of absolutely nothing – but perhaps God can.

A Higgs boson walks into a Catholic church, only to be ordered out by the priest. ‘You can’t do that,’ says the Higgs boson, ‘because without me you have no Mass.’

From Notebook in The Tablet

MUSLIM PUPILS FLOCK TO CATHOLIC SCHOOL

A new website (www.bsldailydevotions.co.uk), featuring daily devotions and extracts from the Bible in British Sign Language, has been launched. The two responsible organisations are Drip Media Ltd… and Go! Sign, a Christian organisation that seeks to communicate the gospel to deaf people who use British Sign Language.

A Roman Catholic primary school has disclosed that 90 per cent of its pupils are, in fact, Muslim.

The school is covered with Christian images and statues and the pupils pray every day, yet only around 40 children who attend the school are actually Catholic…

The Rosary Catholic Primary School, in Birmingham… is based in an area that is largely populated by Muslim families.

Some of the pupils’ parents are imams.

Methodist Recorder

The Daily Telegraph

John, Newcastle, in a text to Metro

SIGNS OF GOD

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101 SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2012. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson Tel: 020 7367 4894 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter Tel: 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza Tel: 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael Tel: 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino Tel: 020 7367 4881 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

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28 July 2012 SALVATIONIST

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COMMENT team had finished. (This irritated my elder brother so much that he refused to walk with me.)

Walking the fields of yesterday would no doubt create an emotional tsunami – memories of, for example, the man from the end of our street, whom my brothers and I christened Mr Fairly Big, because he was, well, fairly big. And the man we called Penguin on account of the way he walked, whose window I smashed. And John, aged 14, who dropped dead in the school playground. And Trieve, the Norwegian boy at my school in Oldham who was so poor he had no choice but to wear rainbow-coloured leggings, like a clown’s. And so on.

We can’t turn the clock back. I think of the poetry of Thomas S. Jones, who wrote: Where are they gone, and do you know If they come back at fall of dew, Those little ghosts of long ago, That long ago were you?

We can, though – in Christ – always hope for better times ahead. That’s the gist of Major Cliff Allchin’s article on page 14. He meanders briefly along memory lane, but pulls back from perilous nostalgia with a clear call towards ‘the vision splendid’ referred to in song 833 in our songbook. Major Allchin’s piece makes inspiring reading.

Speaking of that song, I recommend that it be sung to tune number 373 – ‘Govaars’ – in our tune book.

(Bandmaster George Brown taught me that, at Paisley.)

I mention it because it was written by Gerrit Govaars, a Dutch officer stationed in Leighton Buzzard during the First World War. Captain Govaars founded the young people’s band there in 1916.

Who knows what became of his band boys and girls long after they had ceased kicking stones on their way to practices!

Casualties of war? Salvationists?

For them, for Major Allchin, for each of us, Christ himself is the vision splendid.

No continuing city

O ‘The houses we occupied were all “quarters”. The furnishings belonged to “General Booth”; a fact that became quite menacing to the children when they stood on a chair, threw pillows, or danced upon a bed… We saw the Army crest on the tablecloth and “The Salvation Army” stamped on the cutlery.’

(General Albert Orsborn, taken from The House Of My Pilgrimage)

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LEADERS Canada and Bermuda

Pages 4 & 5

NEWS Pages 6 – 11

NorwayIcelandandtheFaeroesIrelandMexico GuisboroughUKTYorkshireBedlington InvernessPlymouthExeterHallWhitleigh NorthlandsDunstableWaterbeachWinton IpswichCitadelMiddlesbroughWestCentral BootleLondonSouth-EastSkewen MorleyNuneatonBournePerthGermany ExeterLondonNorth-EastHorden NottinghamWilliamBoothMemorialHalls

NE of my ambitions is to revisit the 20-plus towns I have lived in, looking at houses that once were my abode and popping in to the seven schools I attended. I also want to see again those Army halls of my childhood that are still standing.

I’m curious to know if the schools really are as dauntingly enormous as I remember them. I would like to retread boyhood paths to see whether or not the distances I recall need ever have taken me so long to walk – from our house to the hall, for example, for YP band practice.

I played a game, whenever I walked anywhere, of kicking a stone along. Each kick represented a football season and the closer the stone rolled to the edge of the kerb, the higher in the league my

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

FEATURE

FEATURE

NEW COMMITMENTS

Olympic flame

Whitechapel walkabout

Page 19

Pages 12 & 13

Page 16

VIEW FROM THE CLIFF TOP The Elizabethan revival Page 14

When a knight won his spurs

BIBLE STUDY

LETTERS

Inspire a generation

Page 18

Page 15

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

ANNOUNCEMENTS

REFLECTION Page 17

Army people, engagements and tributes Page 20

ADVERTS Pages 21 – 23

SALVATIONIST 28 July 2012

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INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF LEADERS Leaders wait on God

General Linda Bond receives a warm welcome

Picture: MARK YAN

Canada and Bermuda GENERAL Linda Bond declared to the International Conference of Leaders convened in Toronto: ‘Any time his people meet together, he wants to come with the unimaginable, the unexpected and the impossible. So we will wait on the God who loves to surprise us.’

In her keynote address the General placed ‘the deepening of spiritual life and uniting in prayer… in the foreground of all that transpires during these days. We must be an Army marked by prayer, an Army on its knees.’

The Holy Spirit, described by the General as ‘the Army’s Commander-in-Chief’, made his presence known very quickly when the leaders responded to the General’s call to obedience and trust as they knelt before him.

The leaders had earlier shared fellowship at a dinner presided over by Chief of the Staff Commissioner Barry Swanson. The Chief referred to the international nature of the conference with those attending being leaders of territories and commands, commissioners serving at IHQ and USA national leaders.

Having outlined the theme of the conference – The Salvation Army’s International Vision: One Army, One Mission, One Message – the General challenged the conference to ensure that there would be something to show at its conclusion. The work of the conference included the presentation of papers focusing on specific mission priorities.

The leaders knelt together with the prayer: ‘Meet our need.’ – B. C. Day 2: To the hundreds of Salvationists and friends gathered for the public welcome meeting, the General enthused: ‘One Army on fire! One Mission of love! One Message of grace!’ Territorial Commander Commissioner Brian Peddle greeted everyone and officially welcomed the delegates.

The Chief and Commissioner Sue Swanson led the meeting which highlighted the internationalism of the Army as representative delegates took part. Music was provided by the Canadian Staff Band, the Korean Community Church Songsters and the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus.

In his testimony, Lieut-Colonel Xuyen Tam Pho (Hong Kong and Macau) shared his

past experiences as a Vietnamese refugee and spoke about how God had remained faithful to him.

Commissioner Vibeke Krommenhoek (Finland and Estonia) testified about being used by God since she gave her life to him in her teens.

In a particularly poignant moment, a number of the international leaders offered prayer for the Army in their native languages, including Lingala and Spanish.

Using the International Vision as the basis for her address, the General encouraged the congregation to be united as they unashamedly declared the gospel of Jesus Christ. ‘A God-raised, Spirit-filled Army is an Army on fire for the Lord,’ she said.

In response to the General’s invitation, many rededicated their lives to the service of God. As the area surrounding the mercy seat filled, the General encouraged people to kneel by their chairs or to stand as a declaration of commitment. – P. R. Day 3: The day began with group Bible studies centred on Being In Christ, The Basis For Our Unity As One Army. Delegates explored the passages that teach how, in Christ, believers have a new identity and see things in a new perspective. The study reconfirmed that when people become Christians they commence a new relationship with God and with each other so that, though many, they are all part of one Body.

The outcomes from the Bible study were helpful to bear in mind as the first paper was discussed – Women, Ministry And Leadership, presented by World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Sue Swanson. The commissioner challenged the leaders regarding theology and practice, not only concerning women in ministry, but also regarding marriage and leadership within The Salvation Army’s organisational structures. The commissioner explained that in the Army’s systems and structures there are barriers to married women officers being considered for certain leadership positions.

The legacy of Catherine Booth, she added, is a gift from God that the Army should cherish

and continue to develop. Many suggestions of how to do that were shared in the plenary session.

In the afternoon Commissioner William Roberts (USA National) presented the second paper, Self-denial And Self-support. The paper not only covered the issue of giving to God as a spiritual discipline, but also touched on accountability, ownership and the danger that dependency syndrome poses to growth and development. – E. M. Day 4: The second in a series of early morning group Bible studies centred on what it means to be One Army. The study, which sought to identify elements integral to the Army’s teaching, explored Scripture verses associated with the truth, unfolding from an understanding that Jesus is full of truth to the joy that is found by those walking in truth.

Following the Bible study, as part of his paper, Commissioner Robert Street (IHQ) introduced a draft booklet, One Army, comprising the first unit of a proposed curriculum of teaching material for use at corps and centres around the world. He demonstrated a web-based resource, complete with film clips and other links, to supplement and expand the printed booklet. The material was prepared in response to the General’s intention that a teaching programme be instituted which will unite the Army in its understanding of itself and its mission.

The commissioner’s presentation outlined the proposed development of the teach-

Delegates to the International Conference of Leaders

Picture: MARK YAN

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28 July 2012 SALVATIONIST

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as a hallmark of the One Army. ‘Ministering to the whole person is our core business,’ she said, prior to analysing integrated mission in various contexts. ‘In order to prosper, we need to be together,’ she added. Returning to the subject of Hope, the commissioner described it as a beacon of faith, especially when facing difficult situations and challenges. Speaking with authority to her peers, she emphasised: ‘It is the leader’s responsibility to provide hope.’

The following plenary session provided the General opportunity to outline and affirm key beliefs that are integral to a strong, allembracing and united Army. – R. S. Day 8: The Chief of the Staff led the final meeting with many leaders testifying to God’s faithfulness. A period of prayer reflected the themes of daily Bible study and prayer during the conference as well as the International Mission Priorities.

Commissioner Steve Hedgren (USA Eastern) poignantly and powerfully testified to the grace of God in his life as he faced serious illness.

Under the leadership of the General and the Chief of the Staff, the last working session reviewed recommendations from the small groups and plenary sessions where the eight conference papers had been discussed.

Many of the action points and promises will be for the personal attention of individual leaders.

Others concerning the global Army were either accepted by the General or will be given further detailed consideration through the due processes of IHQ, including the International Management Council, chaired by the General.

The General referred again to the prayer of Christ ‘that they may be one as we are one’ (John 17:11). She highlighted the significance of the mercy seat in the spiritual life of the Army and declared: ‘The ground is level at the foot of the cross and that is the place where we can truly be as one.’ Leaders responded to her call as the General referred them to the declaration of intention and commitment which had been prepared for the occasion: ‘With a heart full of gratitude for the presence, guidance and direction of God the Holy Spirit throughout this conference, and in a spirit of unity, I pledge to regularly review the action promises I have made and to ensure, by God’s grace, that they are fulfilled.

‘In promoting the global vision of One Army, One Mission, One Message, I gladly embrace the part I am called to play and will do so through example, influence and the encouragement of those within my spiritual care.

‘I pray this in the strength and grace of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to whom I owe everything.’ – B. C.

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

SALVATIONIST 28 July 2012

Picture: TIMOTHY CHENG

ing into a ten-unit programme, covering a Army that seeks to reach out to others in number of themes associated with being an Christ’s love. She said: ‘The Lord’s Great Army united. Each unit will include informa- Commission, in which each Christian tion from a country revealing how culture receives his orders, prevails for today since and context in that setting impact upon the last orders stand.’ Delegates looked at the Army’s mission. The cultural material is demographic changes taking place in the intended to provoke discussion and evalu- world – inland China may not be accessible, ation in comparative situations. Within for instance, but Chinese immigrants in city the booklet is a parallel volume containing centres around the world are free to receive teaching material specifically aimed at young the gospel message. Love, said the colonel, people. will be the hallmark of every effort.

The ensuing discussion affirmed the During an exchange of ideas, creative purpose and intention of the resource, while ways of using internet possibilities were acknowledging logistical constraints of trans- suggested through the use of www.savn.tv – lation and accessibility in parts of the world the internet TV station run by the USA without access to the internet, or where there Western Territory. are low levels of literacy.

Commissioner Kenneth Hodder (IHQ) The latter part of the day comprised an outlined the important dimensions of evaluation of the present state of work among Capabilities, Commitment and Authorchildren and youth – a key element within ity in leadership. These are, he said, to be the General’s call that the Army should be considered along with a leader’s record of united in mission – by Commissioner Clive performance, potential and readiness for Adams (Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes). future responsibilities.

Throughout the day small group and plenary Drawing from published material and personal research, the commissioner acknowledged that many young people in the developed world consider the Church to be outdated and irrelevant and, as such, are disengaging from Christianity in significant numbers.

Nevertheless, Commissioner Adams completed his presentation by noting that the Army is equipped to respond positively to the challenges. He said that territories and commands where Mercy seat responses work among young people and the making of disciples remain mission priorities are experiencing encour- sessions took place, where frank discussion and prayer were appreciated. – J. P. aging growth.

Day 7: The last full day began with Bible In the subsequent discussion many of the delegates affirmed that work among young study and prayer groups centred on One people in some places remains buoyant, with Army – In Hope. In addition to thanking God strategic and intentional policies in place to for the ‘hope of Glory’ that comes through ensure that the future membership and lead- relationship with Christ, other perspectives ership of the Army are assured. Caution was – such as ministering to those who, throughexpressed that children and youth attendances out the world, feel they have no prospect of should not be taken for granted or presumed, hope – earthed discussions in the challenging as culture and societal structures are increas- realities of life.

After considering key ingredients needed ingly influenced by developments in global for people to have hope for the future, communication.

The day concluded with a period of prayer Commissioner James Condon (Australia in Partners In Mission groupings. For many, Eastern) presented a challenging paper on this represented a new association and the The Marginalised. He spoke with skill and later discussions explored how the partner- passion, using up-to-date illustrations of how ship relationship might be further cemented. the Army is serving marginalised people in – C. S. imaginative and effective ways. The commisDay 5: Delegates spent time in recreation. sioner also highlighted areas in which he Day 6: At 7.30 am on Thursday delegates felt the Army could be more proactive. The participated in the Army’s worldwide prayer subsequent plenary session revealed further meeting. Leaders offered short prayers in challenge and confirmation of cutting-edge many languages, imploring the Holy Spirit to ministry. There was a call for the Army to breathe into The Salvation Army, especially engage in facilitating global strategy to help in areas that seem to be ‘valleys of dry bones’. provide a voice for the voiceless.

Later, Colonel Naomi Lalngaihawmi The concluding presentation came from (India Eastern) presented a paper on Evan- Commissioner Vinece Chigariro (Zimbabwe) gelism And Discipleship – essentials for an on Integrated Mission, which she described

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NEWS Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Sue Swanson lead Congress Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes CHIEF of the Staff Commissioner Barry Swanson and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Sue Swanson led Congress celebrations in Oslo, Norway. From Friday morning, which started with an over-60s meeting and an officers meeting, through to the last public gathering, the warmth, love and care of the visitors were obvious to Congressgoers, who responded at the end of the weekend by giving them a loud and extended ovation.

At the Friday evening meeting, themed An Army Energised By The Spirit, territorial leaders

The Chief of the Staff and Commissioner Sue Swanson head the march of witness through Oslo

Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams welcomed people with words from Psalm 148.

During a women’s breakfast on Saturday morning, hospital minister Katrine Bråtane spoke on the subject Joy Of Life.

Katrine, who was paralysed when she fell off a horse at the age of 11, said that her deepest joy is based on her faith.

The weather during the weekend was unpredictable, but a march of witness and a meeting outside Central Station took place before everyone returned to the congress venue to celebrate We Are Family. Different aspects of The Salvation Army’s work in the territory were presented before Commissioner Sue Swanson concluded the

DHQ) led a massed band of musicians from around the division as they accompanied traditional and contemporary songs.

The divisional youth chorus contributed songs from the musical The Witness. A highlight of the meeting was the testimony

of Howard Beverland (Coleraine Football Club). He spoke of how he came to faith and how his faith impacts the way in which he plays football. The weekend concluded with a message from Divisional Commander Major Alan Watters. – L. W.

Weekend of fun and praise Ireland DESPITE torrential rainfall and flooding, the divisional Family Fun Day took place and provided an opportunity for corps to reach out to people connected to their fellowships. Hosted by Ashfield Boys School, Belfast, more than 200 people, including families from Glen Alva and Thorndale Lifehouses (pictured with Chaplain Lieutenant Alexandra Woodford), joined together for an afternoon of fun. The sports faculty at the school planned fun sports activities, alongside which were a number of fringe fun events from face-painting to a bouncy castle. In addition, adult and family groups from around the division displayed their handicrafts.

On Sunday, the division joined together for Sing Praise. This was preceded by an open-air meeting outside Belfast City Hall conducted by Belfast Citadel and Belfast Sydenham Corps and a march of witness led

by Belfast Temple Band. Both these events created much interest with Sunday shoppers and tourists. Some followed the band back to the Spires Presbyterian Church Assembly Halls. Major Colonel David Hinton John Martin (London Central

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Les Mitchell celebrates 50 years as a bandsman at Guisborough; corps officer Major Mark Price presented Les with a certificate, CD and book

Colonel Sylvia Hinton

28 July 2012 SALVATIONIST

time of sharing by reminding the congregation of the river from the Temple as described in Ezekiel 47:9: ‘Where the river flows everything will live’ (NIV).

The theme of the soldiers and members meeting on Saturday evening was An Army With Outstretched Hands. Songs, testimonies, music and preaching focused on The Salvation Army’s mission to stretch out its hands to those in need. The Chief of the Staff concluded his sermon by reminding the congregation that they need Jesus to reach their potential.

Late on Friday the international visitors attended a concert.

The following day they looked in on Sounds Of Revival, where they saw a congregation worshipping through joyful music.

A prayer group was active during the whole Congress and visited the different activities.

When the Sunday meetings started there was a feeling of being on holy ground. The theme for the holiness and missions meeting was An Army With Clean Hearts. A highlight was the dedication to God, for international service in the Caribbean Territory, of Majors Hildegard and Bernt Olaf Ørsnes.

The Chief spoke about Salvationists being holy and set apart.

He warned the congregation that this does not mean being proud or thinking that they are better than other people, but that they are chosen to live a holy life.

During the weekend there were separate meetings for a youth congress and children’s congress but everyone joined together on Saturday afternoon for the We Are Family celebration, and again on Sunday afternoon at a united meeting for all generations.

The united meeting, themed An Army With Open Senses, gave opportunity for children, young people and adults to praise God through music, dance and prayer. Commissioner Sue Swanson reminded everyone that it is important not to put obstacles in the way of people and that everyone must have access to God’s house.

Throughout the weekend many people made new commitments or rededicated themselves to God’s service at the mercy seat. – I. N.

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NEWS The General leads lifechanging Congress Mexico MORE than 500 people made commitments to Christ during territorial 75th anniversary celebrations led by General Linda Bond. The General’s visit was marked throughout by touches of Mexican tradition, from the welcome at the airport – with cadets and children dressed in traditional costumes – through to mariachi music used in worship and re-enactments of The Salvation Army’s early days in Mexico.

Canadian Ambassador Sara Hradecky hosted a reception on Thursday evening for the General and 90 guests, including ambassadors, religious leaders and influential business people.

A group of children (below) from the Army’s Mexico City Children’s Home entertained guests with cultural dances.

Ramsés Beltrán, 8, explained that his parents had abandoned him and his three siblings three years ago. ‘Now,’ he said, ‘I have found friends, have good food, clothes, education and I am learning all about Jesus. I have everything I need.’

More than 1,200 delegates joined together for the Friday evening celebration. God was praised through rhythmic timbrel playing to singing accompanied by a united band composed of Mexico City musicians and 13 visiting musicians from Texas Divisional Band (USA Southern). It was announced that four outposts were upgraded to corps status.

Territorial leaders Commissioners David and Grace Bringans donated a new territorial flag and cadets and a mission team from the USA Southern Territory handed new corps flags and poles to every corps officer.

The General enrolled 97 new junior soldiers and 94 senior soldiers (above) and in her Bible message encouraged the congregation to thank God for the past, be committed in the present and believe for the future.

In the women’s rally, themed Come And See, the General and rally leaders wore Mexican mariachi neck bows and shawls.

The General told the women about the care and example she had received from an older sister. She then moved alongside 95-year-old Margarita Martínez.

Margarita’s husband had forbidden her to attend the Army when it started in Alvarado, but she disobeyed him. As a result there are 105 Salvationists in the family, many of whom are officers and one is a cadet.

Friends and family rise to worship at William Booth College

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

The General spoke words of encouragement to her and, taking her own neck brooch, pinned it on the matriarch, thanking her for her obedience to God and for the example she is to her family.

A men’s rally and a children’s rally were held and around 350 children attended their special event, with 74 making commitments to Jesus.

The Saturday evening Mexico On Parade event featured many people dressed in traditional Mexican clothes – including the General and territorial leaders.

The programme featured a re-enactment of the beginnings of the Army in Mexico.

A new territorial award, the Alejandro Guzmán Award, was presented by the General to Major Angela Tavares and Maria Guerrero for their pioneering service.

The cadets concluded the evening with an energetic drama, depicting officers in Heaven encouraging lieutenants to be faithful servants of God. The mercy seat was lined with seekers – testimony to the drama’s powerful message.

A praise-filled youth meeting followed; 42 young people made decisions to follow Jesus.

In the Sunday holiness meeting the General commissioned cadets from the Friends of Christ Session and, after her Bible message, many people knelt at the mercy seat.

The afternoon appointments meeting and civic rally included music presentations and vibrant testimony. The Territorial Commander presented Others

awards to people or businesses that had been generous in their support of the Army on a nationwide basis.

In her Bible message, the General gave examples of the work of The Salvation Army in many parts of the world, emphasising that at all times its mission is the mission of Jesus Christ.

The General conducted the retirement ceremony of Commissioners David and Grace Bringans, who have served in 8 countries over 42 years.

Representative officers spoke words of appreciation from the territory.

The TC concluded the afternoon meeting by giving the new lieutenants their first appointments. He challenged everyone to be committed to the mission – and congress theme – of Building The Future. Fourteen accepted candidates for the next session were greeted and twenty-three people went to the platform, publicly declaring for the first time their acceptance of the call of God to be Salvation Army officers.

The General, in her final Bible message during the salvation meeting, encouraged everyone to bring sinners to salvation, in the realisation that only Jesus can break the chains of sin for ever. ‘This is the message we all should share!’ the General exclaimed. Many seekers again made their way to the mercy seat.

In all, more than 300 adults and 266 children and young people made life-changing decisions during the Congress.

– G. B.

SALVATIONIST 28 July 2012

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NEWS Officers meet Division carries MPs at Olympic- the light themed National Yorkshire CROWDS cheered enthusiastias Divisional Youth Officer Prayer Breakfast cally Ryan Wileman (pictured) UKT THE Salvation Army joined more than 500 MPs, peers and John Bercow, the Speaker, at the Houses of Parliament for the annual National Prayer Breakfast to pray for an Olympic Truce ahead of the 2012 Games.

The annual breakfast, which celebrates the contribution that Christianity makes to national life in the UK and overseas, took the theme of the resolution by the United Nations to pursue initiatives for peace and reconciliation in the spirit of the Ancient Games.

Lieut-Colonel Ivor Telfer (THQ), chair of the Army’s Olympic Task Force, told the audience how The Salvation Army is playing a major role during London 2012 as an official venue and by handing out water and refreshments at major transport hubs.

Other speakers included former Paralympian Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, the Bishop of London (the Right Rev Richard Chartres) and singer and actress Tabitha Webb.

Stephen Timms MP, Shadow Employment Minister, said: ‘Both in Government and now in Opposition, I have valued a close relationship with The Salvation Army and admired its vital work. In East London we are looking forward to the London Olympics and I am delighted that, alongside its more familiar roles, The Salvation Army is host to one of the Olympic venues at its historic site in Hadleigh, Essex.’

Lieut-Colonel Telfer said: ‘It was very interesting to hear of MPs praying for each other and sending texts to each other because of some of the issues they have to discuss and because of how they would impact their faith.’

Territorial Commander Commissioner André Cox was in attendance and appeared on the big screen as part of The Salvation Army’s filmed introduction to its involvement with sport and London 2012. – A. R.

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paraded the Olympic Torch through Rotherham as the flame completed its journey in Yorkshire. Many other corps participated in the relay as the torch passed through the division.

Major Colin Stevens (DHQ) – supported by a team of volunteers – met many torch well-wishers, police officers and council officials as he followed the torch in the bright red divisional emergency vehicle. The team travelled hundreds of miles supporting Salvationists who seized the opportunity to witness for the Lord. ‘We used the moment to

shine with a more significant light, the light of Christ,’ commented Major Stevens.

Great quantities of refreshments were served in Pickering, Thirsk, Keighley, Sheffield and Skipton and a second emergency support vehicle was deployed in Huddersfield.

Lord Coe carried the torch through Sheffield, attracting large crowds. Sheffield Citadel and the divisional team served almost 1,500 drinks in the city’s famous Peace Gardens. Corps folk distributed special editions of The War Cry and Kids Alive! which proved very popular with the crowd.

Young people from Morley were busy serving drinks and distributing Army periodicals before the torch passed on to Doncaster, where the corps was part of the Churches Together witness.

‘The Olympic Torch gave us a great opportunity to remind people about the Light of the world,’ said Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel William Heeley. – D. R.

parade with their schoolchildren.

The mums-and-tots team kept

schoolchildren busy with crafts.

– K. C.

Army takes part in relay Bedlington DURING the Olympic Torch Relay, the band led a parade through the town centre, accompanied by two emergency vehicles serving more than 500 teas and coffees to those who watched. Volunteers distributed more than 1,500 copies of Kids Alive! to teachers watching the

Corps presents triple celebration

Some of the 100 people who enjoyed Olympic Messy Church at Inverness take part in games; five families from the parent-and-toddler group attended for the first time

28 July 2012 SALVATIONIST

Guisborough LIEUT-COLONEL Ian Barr (THQ) and Lieut-Colonel Christine Barr were the guest speakers for a spectacular celebration of the 132nd corps anniversary, the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the 2012 Olympic Games. The evening began with the band playing Olympicthemed music as three Olympic torch-bearers passed a conductor’s baton as part of the Brass The Baton relay – in which bands from around the country perform Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s ‘Going The Distance’ before ‘passing the baton’ to the next band to perform it. The evening rounded off in the style of Last Night Of The Proms, featuring all the music sections.

– S. S.

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NEWS Officers fellowship blesses new building Northlands THE Cardiff Officers Fellowship congregated at the new Lifehouse building before its opening to share a Bible reading and prayer. They were invited by the chaplain, Major David Emery, who is also a member of the fellowship.

They placed a Gideon’s Bible in each of the rooms and prayed for God to bless the Lifehouse and help the residents to respond

to the staff to enable them to have a positive experience.

The picture shows, from left, Major Edwin Tucker (Cardiff Ely), Lieutenant Elizabeth Di-Palma (Pontypool), Majors

Hendrik and Gillian Hoitinga (Cardiff Cathays), Major Michael Barwise (Cardiff Grangetown), centre manager Sally Anthony and Major Jenny Barwise (Cardiff Grangetown). – E. T.

Corps Sergeant-Major Doreen Finnamore (right) and Margaret Jeanes retire after 52 and 51 years’ service, respectively, in Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh Songsters; David Searle also retired from the band after 69 years’ faithful service

Corps folk enjoy Dunstable’s first Community Fun Day, which included stalls, games and entertainment from the music sections; many nonSalvationists visited and corps folk were able to share their love of God through music and conversation

Bootle corps folk and people from the Hope Drop-In Centre take part in a quiz at the corps; a man from the drop-in attended and returned the following morning

Corps officer Lieutenant Wendy Brown hands out one of two hundred copies of the ‘Jubilee New Testament’ distributed by Waterbeach Corps during the town’s annual feast day

Sherburn Hill Corps Cadet Guardian Evelyn Raine presents a cheque for £250 to Middlesbrough West Central’s Lindsey Brown (right) in aid of her visit to Uganda; Lindsey will be accompanied by youngsters to work on building projects

On the beach Winton THE corps met for a beach service led by Matt Lloyd, who used the theme Forward, Upward And Onward. The children demonstrated the theme with games. The worship dance group (pictured), which includes boys and girls, attracted great interest.

After the service there were games and a barbecue. – G. T.

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Ipswich Citadel corps officer Major Doug Back presents a certificate of appreciation to minibus driver Graham Sporle; Graham has driven the minibus – the only means of transport to Sunday meetings for many people – for 21 years

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NEWS Picture: BRENT FORREST

Musicians aid Arthritis Care

Prayer torch relay brings congregations together UKT WHILE the Olympic Torch Relay was making its way around the United Kingdom some divisions engaged in prayer relays. These provided a focus for corps and centres to pray for God to be present in the many events that are happening throughout 2012. It also gave opportunities for corps and centres to support their neighbours in prayer. As the prayer torch was passed on, the recipients were encouraged to pray for the work of the centre they received it from and also for wherever it was going next.

Nathan Bright, Assistant to the More than Gold Co-ordinator at THQ, said: ‘It has been great to see various corps and centres get behind this initiative and pray for one another, further strengthening the ethos of One Army, One Mission, One Message.’

Prayer torches have been used in all manner of settings. In some places the torch has been set up in a quiet space, where reflective personal prayer has been offered. Other centres have used the torch as a focal point for prayer at music section practices or at children’s clubs.

Corps and centres have been encouraged to upload pictures and reflections of their prayer torch experience to the Sport for Good Facebook page (facebook .com/SASportforGood) in a bid to share the initiative with a wider audience. – A. R.

Skewen THE band and songsters gave an excellent programme at the Arthritis Care monthly meeting at the Memorial Hall. Corps member Ken Martin, the group’s chairman, welcomed the music sections, and corps officer Major Gordon Atter, Songster Sergeant Alf Fullman and Band Sergeant Ken Freeman compèred the programme.

The band played ‘Land Of Song’, ‘Victory Sure’ and ‘Saints Alive’. Ken Freeman (euphonium) played ‘Jesus Now Is Passing By’ and Jamie Jones (cornet) played ‘Conference’.

Alf Fullman led the audience in singing ‘Walk In The Light’.

The songsters contributed ‘The Wondrous Story’, ‘You Are The Light’ and ‘To God Be The Glory’ and the men sang ‘Simply Trusting’. Derek Jones sang two songs to his own guitar accompaniment.

To conclude the evening the band played ‘As The Deer’ and joined the songsters to sing ‘Written In Red’. – S. L.

London South-East ARMED with little more than a few bikes, helmets and an extravagant Union Jack cape, the Bromley Temple Road Cycling team – Iain Price, Ollie Nunn, Laurence Pallant and Luke Nunn – delivered the divisional prayer

torch to New Addington Corps.

After a 45-minute ride and a battle against the blustery galeforce winds, they were greeted by the New Addington congregation in the street outside the hall.

One corps member com mented it was a good day for prayer, a good day for witness but a bad day for blisters! – L. P.

Ann Robins, with a team of young helpers, distributes the special editions of ‘The War Cry’ and ‘Kids Alive!’ as the Olympic Torch passes through Morley

West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Band plays to an appreciative audience at Wembrook Community Centre, Nuneaton; the band and audience battled a tremendous storm, large hailstones and drove through axle-deep water to attend the engagement

Bikes and blisters

Parents and children at Perth enjoy an Olympic Funday Sunday with puppets Jock and Jill; five new families attended the day, which included prizegiving, a picnic lunch and games

Colonel David Hinton

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Colonel Sylvia Hinton

28 July 2012 SALVATIONIST

Bourne Salvationists take time out from their weekend retreat at Edenham; led by Lieut-Colonels Peter and Sylvia Dalziel, corps folk participated in a spiritual gifts inventory

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

NEWS Band reflects on military service Germany THE Divisional Fellowship Band of Die Heilsarmee South and West Division visited Detmold and Paderborn for a day of ministry and mission.

In the afternoon the band (right) played in Detmold town centre drawing a large crowd who listened with interest. There are no German corps in the Detmold area, but many interesting contacts were made with the townspeople as well as the members of the British military community.

The band held several openair meetings around the married quarters patch, which was much appreciated by the families who came out into the heat of the day to listen. One family member commented: ‘This is great – it makes a real difference and means a lot to us.’ In the evening the band gave an excellent programme at St Peter’s garrison church in Paderborn. – K. G.

New band inaugurated at farewell meeting

First-time visitors join activities Exeter DIVISIONAL Children’s Officer Yvonne West began the children and youth 126th anniversary celebrations with a praise party for the under-11s.

Children’s workers, parents and a crew of six teenagers from the corps supported the Horden afternoon ‘birthday party’. This THE adult and family rally, was followed by a relaxing led by Home League Secretary Hawaiian-style event for the Mary Smith, was a joyous occa11 to 17-year-olds, designed to sion, well supported by many help forge links between youth nearby corps and churches. club, guides and the Livin’ It Trisha Swinney opened in prayer study group. Nearly fifty young and the home league singers, led people attended the parties,

by Hilary Barstead, sang upbeat many visiting an Army event for the first time, as new children from the community joined in the fun.

Yvonne also led the all-age Sunday worship and reminded Nottingham William Booth the congregation that Jesus Memorial Halls wants the children to go to him.

FRIENDSHIPS were renewed During the meeting the corps and made when Liverpool Walton congratulated Saffron Green Songsters made a return visit to on achieving her junior soldier Nottingham. The weekend began course bronze award and Zoe a at well-attended Saturday Barter on completing her young Friends and family rise to with worship William Booth College evening festival that delighted guider training. – A. C.

Joyous rally

versions of ‘Count Your Blessings’ and ‘O Happy Day’ and more devotional songs ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and ‘Jesus, How Lovely You Are’. The congregational singing was inspiring and heartfelt.

Corps officer Major Sheila Leonard spoke inspiringly on Psalm 139, in her last rally before her new appointment. – M. S.

Songsters delight and refresh

and refreshed the congregation.

The Sunday morning meeting was spiritually uplifting and was followed by an open-air meeting in the Old Market Square, led by the visiting songsters with the host corps band and songsters.

Led by Majors Joyce and Ray Ebden, the evening meeting contained vivid and challenging messages designed to reinforce and deepen faith in God. – S. M.

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

London North-East SALVATIONISTS, friends and clergy, including the Bishop of Bradwell, the Right Rev John Wraw, and the Rev Lee Batson (Ecumenical Development Officer for Churches Together in Essex and East London), gathered at Hadleigh Temple for the divisional officers farewell. The meeting included participation

by Harlow Singing Company and the inauguration of the new divisional youth band. Divisional Commander Major Carol Bailey commissioned leaders Bandmaster Paul Williams (Enfield) and Deputy Bandmasters Andy Harrod (Harlow) and Dale Caffull (Romford) after which the band played ‘The Potter’s Hand’.

Majors John and Teresa Carmichael (Leigh-on-Sea) called forward the officers who were leaving the division and led the congregation in a responsive reading. People were invited to support the officers by standing with them. – B. N.

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FEATURE

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HE Academy Award-winning film Chariots Of Fire is centred on the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. Eric Liddell, one subject of the film, was then a 22-year-old undergraduate at Edinburgh University, studying science. An outstanding sportsman – regarded as the fastest runner in Scotland – and a Scottish rugby union international, he was a committed Christian.

With the Paris Olympics about to commence, Liddell, having been selected for Great Britain despite being born in China, refused to run in a heat he learnt was to be held on a Sunday and was forced to withdraw from the 100 metres, his best event. At relatively short notice, he began to prepare to run the 400 metres instead.

With his unusual and characteristic style of running – arms flailing and head held back – Eric Liddell ran a spectacular race, winning gold and breaking the world record. A friend wrote at the time: ‘A man who could stick to his principles sufficiently to deny himself potential Olympic honour deserved and received respect from other competitors.’

CHINA FOR CHRIST Within a year of winning his gold medal, Liddell turned his back on fame and glory in order to set sail for China as a missionary with the London Missionary Society. There, he spent the next two decades teaching science at Tientsin College, taking part in and organising sports events, but primarily telling people about Jesus Christ. His ministry took him to rural Chinese villages, covering difficult terrain on foot or bicycle and larger distances by boat, all in the cause of the Kingdom.

PRISON MINISTRY War broke out and Eric Liddell found himself interned in the cramped, squalid

conditions of Weihsien Concentration Camp, Shantong, northern China – foreign nationals having been rounded up after the declaration of war with Japan.

For the next three and a half years, 1,500 prisoners of war were kept in appalling conditions. Open cesspools, rats, bedbugs, flies and tropical diseases were the norm. Despite this, Liddell – hero of Scotland, Olympian and scientist – gave special care to the elderly and the dying, sharing in the ministry of Christian services that were part of camp life.

STRANKS OF THE SALVATION ARMY A Salvation Army band was to play – literally – a lovely part in Liddell’s final days on earth. Desperately ill with a brain tumour, having suffered some kind of nervous breakdown, malnourished and exhausted, the humble, quietly spoken Liddell lay dying in an overcrowded camp hospital – still committed to putting God first in his life.

There, to his astonishment, he heard the strains of an Army band and could scarcely believe his ears. What were these Christian musicians doing there?

The band in Weihsien consisted of 12 players, who, under the leadership of Lieut-Colonel Leonard Stranks, played at the camp every Sunday morning.

The colonel had instructed people who were being transported to Weihsien to bring with them any musical instruments they had, tying them together between mattresses. The colonel’s daughter, Nelma, carried his violin on her back the whole way to Weihsien Camp. His foresight brought great blessing to those who were imprisoned. He was reprimanded by the camp authorities for leading the band, but continued to do so, boosting morale and helping prisoners to join together in worship.

Other musicians included Major Fred Buist (cornet) and Lieut-Colonel Sowton (euphonium). Members included officers’ children and missionaries from other denominations and tunes were often scribbled down from memory.

THE LAST LAP Eric Liddell was ‘played to Glory’ to the tune of ‘Finlandia’, with which he associated the words ‘Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side’ – his favourite

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

hymn. His faith in Jesus Christ remained firm to the end. Even in horrendous conditions, he had studied the Bible and prayed with others early each morning, in the cramped men’s dormitory, by the flickering light of a peanut-oil lamp.

This example of Christlikeness was not forgotten by his fellow prisoners, many of whom – including children – formed a guard of honour when he was carried to a small cemetery on the camp perimeter.

Aged just 43, Liddell went to Heaven in February 1945 – nursed to the end by a Salvationist, Major Mary Layton – six months before the camp was liberated by American forces.

Lieut-Colonel Stranks lined up the ‘entire Army band’ by the camp gates to welcome their liberators.

VICTOR ACCLAIMED A monument to Eric Henry Liddell, 1902– 1945, now stands on the grounds where the camp once stood – and, because of his birth and death in China, some Chinese Olympic literature lists him as China’s first Olympic champion!

A fitting epitaph to Eric Liddell – evangelist, exponent of practical religion and athlete extraordinaire – might be found in the words he quoted on his triumphant return to Edinburgh from Paris. Talking about the inscription over the gate of Pennsylvania University, USA, he said: ‘In the dust of defeat as well as in the laurels of victory there is a glory to be found if one has done one’s best.’ Q Q Colin lives in Hereford

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VIEW FROM THE CLIFF TOP

The Elizabethan revival In an occasional series Major Cliff Allchin shares his point of view

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DON’T know if you saw any of the photographs, published in the national press on Diamond Jubilee weekend, of what the United Kingdom was like in 1952. There were photographs of gentle Suffolk villages, of people at work and play, of people on holiday and at the seaside. It seemed heavenly! The traditional ‘pillars of society’ were still in place – great establishment pillars that were the foundation of society: government, church and family.

PROMISE AND PROSPERITY In 1952, council estates promising a far greater quality of life were springing up all over the place. Poorer families moved from tenements, slums and post-war prefabs into these new houses – which came complete with heating, hot water, gardens and baths!

The UK at that time was the third most prosperous nation in the world and the land was filled with industrial and commercial giants such as Blue Circle, ICI, Swan Hunter and Rolls-Royce to name but a few.

PEOPLE AND PASTIMES Tradesmen would call at houses. I can remember the baker, the milkman, the coalman and a household wares man who

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called with paraffin, washing powder and polish and would let children ride on the bumper of his van. I especially remember the pease pudding and faggots man from whom you could buy a pint of gravy!

People knew who their next-door neighbours were, and the ones next to them, and the ones next to them, etc. As a child of the Sixties, I can still recall the names of almost all my neighbours, even if it is sometimes only by their nicknames, such as Mrs Two Dogs (she had two dogs)!

During hot, sunny, summer days all the children of the street would be out from first thing until we heard our parents calling us for dinner, tea or bed. And the games we played – all the sports such as football, cricket and rounders; also stuck-in-the-mud, hide-and-seek, British bulldog, kingy, bad egg and many others with sometimes 10, 20 or more children running around, thirsty and sweaty.

PLACES OF WORSHIP AND PARENTING It is reckoned that, way back then, 50 per cent of the population went to church.

That might have been because Sunday trading laws more or less prevented anything else from taking place, but it might also have been that, so soon after

the Second World War, people were still very much aware of their mortality and, as a result, more in tune with the spiritual side of life.

This way of thinking was also commonly reflected in the general priority of family. Not that everything was idyllic. Men worked long hours for comparatively little pay. Women, in the main, were housewives, though the need of female labour during the war had created a ‘new’, previously undiscovered workforce.

Sometimes the trauma many people went through in the war years manifested itself in the way they treated their families.

However, people stuck at their marriages, even through the most difficult times and severe temptation.

PAST TIMES Most of what life was like then is lost for ever. Giant companies will not rise, phoenix-like, from their ashes. Many of the great financial institutions have crashed, like the tower of Babel. Life nowadays tends to be much more insular. People – perhaps especially the elderly – are becoming more and more isolated. Although the major supermarkets now deliver to your home, there is not the friendly intimacy of those traders of yesteryear. The essence of local tradesmen knowing their customers personally has vanished.

POSSIBILITIES IN PRAYER There is, though, one thing that can be resurrected – church attendance, presently standing at about 10 per cent.

Surely the trend can be reversed and this nation can once again echo to the Christian clarion!

The massive national celebrations surrounding the Queen’s Jubilee evidenced the impact of her personal faith upon her calling as Sovereign. One can only hope that her example and national influence will act as the impetus for a mass return to the faith of our fathers, and if that is possible, then the domino effect on our nation might be – would definitely be – one of great significance.

And here, I humbly suggest, is the name for it – the Elizabethan revival!

Whatever the future holds, join me in praying that it will include the outpouring of God’s blessing on this land. Q Q Major Allchin is Divisional Director for Evangelism, Anglia

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

BIBLE STUDY

Inspire a generation The first of a three-part Olympic series

by Nathan Bright

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HE London 2012 Olympic Games officially began yesterday (Friday 27 July) with the opening ceremony. It seems apt for The Salvation Army, in this year of the inspirational ‘I’ll Fight’ Congress, that the tagline for the Games is ‘Inspire a Generation’.

It is important to understand that the generation this tagline refers to is not a specific age group. Instead, I believe that the events of the year will speak to and inspire people of all ages.

Usually we are impressed by large events, but being inspired is more than just being impressed with something and having a good time. Inspiration should drive us to action.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games have the ‘Inspire a Generation’ tagline because the organising committee believes spectators will be so impressed with what they see, they will be driven to new levels of participation in sport.

In the same way, the ‘I’ll Fight’ Congress was not born out of the commercial needs or desires of The Salvation Army. It was not intended to be a one-off event for Salvationists to enjoy.

Instead, the motivation was a rallying call to action for our Army.

James 1:23–25 says: ‘Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear! Those who hear and don’t act are like those who glance in the mirror, walk away, and two minutes later have no idea who they are, what they look like. But whoever catches a glimpse of the revealed counsel of God – the free life! – even out

do. How are we to inspire others if we don’t know what inspired us?

We sometimes hear the phrase ‘struggling for inspiration’. As Christians we should not have to look far to be inspired.

Our inspiration should come from the Lord – his creation, his works, his constant presence and his word. Occasionally we take things for granted or fail to notice things that should inspire us. Spend time with God and ask him to show you things that will inspire you and give you inspiration to act: ‘Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find’ (Luke 11:9 New International Version).

Many people were inspired by Jesus’ works on earth, from his teachings to his miracles. Matthew 8:18 shows how people were inspired by his teachings and followed him. Matthew 15:31 tells us that people saw great miracles and were inspired into praising. Others were inspired by his works and took action by bringing sick people to him to be healed (Matthew 15:30).

What are we inspired by, and how does that manifest itself in our lives?

As disciples of Jesus, we are commanded by him to be fishers of people (Matthew 4:19). It is important for Christians to be like Jesus and in doing so inspire others to follow him. We must consistently display values of true Christianity, reflecting God’s love daily in our lives. Our actions should always reflect our commitments. It is only when we consistently adhere to the promises we have made to God and our inspiration and motivation is evident in our own minds, that our message becomes credible.

We must attempt to be inspiring to a number of different people. Our lives should be inspiring to people outside the Church so they are attracted into the Kingdom of Heaven; but also, we must be inspiring to each other as members of the Body of Christ – always encouraging one another to greater things and greater actions. Regularly evaluate what you find inspiring and then strive for those values so that you are an inspiration to others.

My prayer for this year is that Salvationists display unprecedented levels of Christian consistency and integrity – leaving society with no option but to be inspired by our lifestyles. Q

‘Our inspiration should come from the Lord – his creation, his works, his constant presence and his word’

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

of the corner of his eye, and sticks with it, is no distracted scatterbrain but a man or woman of action. That person will find delight and affirmation in the action’ (The Message).

It is important for us to be doers. We must act on what we see and hear and not let it simply pass us by. All too often our Christian faith and lifestyle become routine and we forget what drives us to do what we

Q Nathan is Assistant to the More than Gold Co-ordinator, THQ

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FEATURE

Whitechapel Walkabout

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PORTING events are not the only form of entertainment in London this summer – why not revisit the Army’s roots on the Whitechapel Walkabout!

The Whitechapel Walkabout allows people to follow in William Booth’s footsteps and discover the origins of The Salvation Army.

STARTING POINT: WHITECHAPEL UNDERGROUND STATION

5 – THE SKITTLE ALLEY This car park was once the site of the Alexandra Hall, a converted skittle alley. William Booth preached here in 1867 and 1870.

6 – THE DANCING ACADEMY 23 New Road bears a blue plaque indicating that on Sunday 3 September 1865, Professor Orson’s Dancing Academy was used for the first indoor Christian Mission meeting.

1 – THE BLIND BEGGAR PUBLIC HOUSE In June 1865 William Booth addressed a group of mission workers outside this pub.

7 – 102 CHRISTIAN STREET Elizabeth Cottrill, a soldier at Whitechapel Corps, lived here in 1881 and housed saved prostitutes. This signalled the unofficial beginning of the Army’s rescue work.

2 AND 3 – THE BUST AND THE STATUE The bust of William Booth was unveiled in 1927 and the statue commemorated the 150th anniversary of his birth.

8 – THE EBENEZER HALL From 1870 to 1880, The Christian Mission used the hall (situated on the left-hand side of Fieldgate Street) for meetings.

4 – 220 WHITECHAPEL ROAD In 1867 The Christian Mission purchased the Eastern Star beer house for £120. This became the Mission’s first headquarters.

9 – THE PEOPLE’S MISSION HALL The Christian Mission purchased 20-22 Whitechapel Road in 1870 for Sunday worship and as a new headquarters. By

1893 the building housed a men’s hostel and men’s social work headquarters.

10 – THE EFFINGHAM THEATRE From 1867 to 1870, William Booth added the theatre to his Sunday preaching stations.

The site is now a car showroom.

11 – THE PAVILION THEATRE This theatre was used for an eight-week period when the Effingham Theatre was rebuilt.

12 – THE TENT On Sunday 2 July 1865, William Booth led meetings here in a large tent on a disused Quaker burial ground.

From this beginning grew the worldwide work of The Salvation Army.

13 – HANBURY STREET RESCUE HOME The site, now a block of flats, was the Army’s first rescue home. Q Q For more information and to request the complete Walkabout map, email heritage@salvationarmy.org.uk or call 020 7326 7800 or visit www. salvationarmy.org.uk/heritage Artwork: www.studioscamps.co.uk

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www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

REFLECTION

When a knight won his spurs Christine Barrett draws modern-day spiritual parallels from the stories of old

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HANKS to the wonders of modern technology I have been re-reading many favourite stories in e-book format. I’ve been taking a second look at the legends of King Arthur.

I like the idea of quests – adventures I suppose we would call them these days. King Arthur was always sending his knights on quests, probably to keep their high spirits under control. Christians are engaged in a lifelong quest – to seek God’s will for their lives and be the best that they can be in royal service.

And, just as the knights of old were given sturdy armour and powerful weapons to help them fulfil their quests, so today’s Christians are similarly aided.

The fiery dragon of the type of medieval literature I am presently enjoying may never actually have existed, but we fight against Satan, who is referred to in the book of Revelation as ‘the great dragon’ and ‘ancient serpent’ (Revelation 12:9 all quotations from New International Version).

In the fight, we need to be wearing the armour of God if we are to stand up to the enemy. The apostle Paul lists our protective equipment in Ephesians 6,

although he was referring to the combat gear of a Roman soldier, not a medieval knight.

First, Paul advises, we put on the belt of truth, so that right-thinking and clear mental prowess will mark out Christ’s troops. Isaiah prophesied of Jesus that ‘righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist’ (Isaiah 11:5).

Christians need to be similarly girded in order to defeat the ‘liar and the father of

Feet need protecting too. That protection comes from knowledge of the gospel we are called to preach and put into practice.

Willing feet ‘running’ to proclaim the gospel in word and in deed are especially dear to God. ‘How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation’ (Isaiah 52:7). It is a lovely thing to have beautiful feet that can run with dispatches of truth while the battle rages.

We are invited to take up the shield of faith. It is faith in God that prevents us from giving way in the troubled times of life. Medieval knights and Roman soldiers carried shields. The Roman soldier covered his with a sheet of metal as a protection against fiery darts launched by the enemy.

Paul alludes to this by describing Satan’s attacks as ‘flaming arrows’ (Ephesians 6:16). They can wound us deeply and we need strong faith to persevere.

Then comes the helmet. The head is especially vulnerable, but our salvation is our ultimate protection. The mind can often be a battleground! As we cling to the hope of salvation, we remember that death has no power over us. The final enemy has been defeated.

Note that there is protection for the front of the body, but none for the back.

Medieval knights and Roman soldiers were expected to face the enemy at all times.

The lesson is clear!

Finally, we take the sword of the Spirit – the word of God – as a weapon. Jesus himself wielded this superbly in Matthew 4.

We are called to fight as well as to protect ourselves. I recall King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, which helped him win many battles. For us, the word of God is our ultimate weapon.

Let us be, in the spirit of Christ and in the words of Jan Struther’s hymn, ‘gentle and brave… gallant and bold’ – remembering the oath of loyalty we have sworn to King Jesus.

I conclude with stirring words from that same hymn: Let faith be my shield and let joy be my steed ’Gainst the dragons of anger, the ogres of greed; And let me set free with the sword of my youth, From the castle of darkness, the power of the truth. Q

‘Christians need the Godgiven ability to discern between truth and falsehood’

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

lies’ (John 8:44), who has no weapon in his armoury to combat honesty and integrity.

Christians need the God-given ability to discern between truth and falsehood in order to witness to a deluded world.

The breastplate of righteousness comes next. The righteousness of Christ in us, which has removed our guilt, is our security. We have no righteousness except that which is imparted to us, by grace.

When Satan whispers accusations, we hide in Christ, the guiltless one.

Q Christine worships at Pokesdown

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LETTERS

Q Salvationist lives on!

I VISITED a project in one of our communities that helps women affected by HIV/Aids. It is run by the assistant corps sergeant-major at Kithituni in Kibweze Division and links in with the wider community there.

At the project the women make products predominantly from recycled paper for export (as part of Sally Ann – the Army’s trade initiative) and also for sale to business or craft shops around Nairobi.

Each week, a couple of the expats at THQ save their Salvationist, kindly sent from the UK (along with our other magazines), and these are taken to the project. While I was there I saw these beads (pictured) being made from a recycled Salvationist. The legacy of the paper lives on in Kenya for someone!

Thank you for your ministry through Salvationist. We really enjoy reading it each week; it is a wonderful connection with home and a real blessing to us.

Richard Bradbury, Nairobi, Kenya

Q It’s happening here!

I READ with interest the article in Salvationist (7 July) entitled ‘Mission field: men’. The 2011 Annual Report for the Adult and Family Ministries Unit would confirm that there is a renewed interest in the men’s programme within our territory.

There has been an increase in annual attendance at programmes for men from 10,000 in 2010 to 25,000 in 2011.

This is indeed a sign of growth for which we thank God. I commend to you Revolution, a territorial event for men taking place at Leicester South on 1 September. The headline speakers will be Chick Yuill and Lord Brian Mawhinney, who is the Honorary President of the Football League Association and was Minister of

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State in the Northern Ireland office. (For more information about this event please contact the Adult and Family Ministries Unit at THQ.) I believe that to help make men’s ministry meaningful, we must find out what’s happening where we live. There will be events for us to attend and to which we can invite our friends. I thank

God for this growth and look forward to further reports and articles in Salvationist regarding men’s ministry.

John Smith, Major, Adult and Family Ministries Unit, THQ afm@salvationarmy.org.uk 020 7367 4952

Q Well said, Rebecca!

HOORAY indeed! What a wonderfully socially aware young person Rebecca Walford is (Salvationist 7 July) – a real credit to members of her generation who are so often the subject of bad publicity.

She has certainly caught the spirit of William Booth in her feature entitled ‘The young soldier’. She has rightly identified the social and moral issues of today that need to be tackled in the same way William Booth tackled issues in his day.

Well done, Rebecca, and well done Salvationist for publishing this article.

I am sure there are many Christians who join you in the fight!

John Blowers, London

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

NEW COMMITMENTS Elaine Harrison Margaret Elliott Adherent members

Eve Foster

Emily Renton Lewis Renton Junior soldiers ESTON EVE first linked up with the Army when her mum took her to the parent-and-toddler group where she met a friend who already attended the corps. She went to holiday club and Kids Alive Sunday school.

Emily and Lewis attended holiday club, the midweek Hi-5 Kids Alive club and then Kids Alive with the rest of their family. After seeing a friend enrolled as a junior soldier they decided to do the same.

Corps officer Captain Gary Chaundy enrolled Eve, Emily and Lewis as junior soldiers. – G. C.

Barbara Bloice Soldier Sandra Stannard Adherent member IPSWICH CITADEL BARBARA was born into a Methodist family. On her retirement she moved close to the hall and joined the Cameo and over-60 friendship clubs. She received a warm welcome when she attended meetings and decided to make the corps her spiritual home.

Sandra was invited to Cameo. She then became a regular worshipper at the corps and helped at the over-60 friendship and luncheon clubs.

Corps officer Major Doug Back enrolled Barbara as a soldier and welcomed Sandra as an adherent member. – D. S.

Elizabethann Paterson Maryann Paterson

HARLESDEN ELAINE started to attend the corps when she moved into the area two years ago. Since then, with the help of the Family Tracing Service, she has reconnected with her sister and two of her brothers whom she had not seen since childhood. She regularly attends worship and helps at the parent-and-toddler group. Elaine described becoming a Christian as being like having a heavy weight lifted and how she sees the corps as her new family.

Margaret first came across The Salvation Army as a child in Guyana. She has attended worship for six months and helps with the English conversation club. She spoke of being accepted and welcomed into the corps.

Divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels Melvin and Suzanne Fincham welcomed Elaine as an adherent member and corps leaders Territorial Envoys Julia and Mark Cozens welcomed Margaret. – M. C.

Zachary Sims Junior soldier LEIGH-ON-SEA ZACHARY was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major John Carmichael during the YP anniversary weekend. Zachary said that he chose to be a junior soldier so that he could be closer to God. He wanted God to make him a better child. – P. J.

NEW COMMITMENTS IN JULY

24 Soldiers 55 Adherent members 25 Junior soldiers Totals for this year so far:

Marilyn MacGregor Jennifer O’Hara Adherent members EAST KILBRIDE ELIZABETHANN started to attend the corps five years ago when her baby was dedicated to God, and was joined by her mother, Maryann. Maryann sang a verse of ‘I Serve A Risen Saviour’ as her testimony.

Marilyn and Jennifer both took their grandchildren to the parentand-toddler group. Marilyn, who returned to the corps after some years away, testified that she had come back home. Jennifer first attended a dedication ceremony at the corps and continued to attend.

Corps officer Major Ann Stewart welcomed Elizabethann, Maryann, Marilyn and Jennifer as adherent members. – A. S.

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Soldiers: 215 Adherent members: 327 Junior soldiers: 157 Out of 104 new commitments reported in Salvationist in July, 9 were invited by a friend; 8 were involved in children’s activities; 8 joined activities for the over-60s; 5 received support through difficult times; 4 joined the parent-and-toddler club; 4 were contacted by the corps officer or leader; 3 were invited to 125th corps anniversary celebrations; 3 first attended with their spouses; 3 attended the corps day centre; 2 found information about corps activities in The War Cry; 2 discovered the corps website; 2 attended a family funeral; 2 attended a child’s dedication ceremony; 1 wanted her baby to be dedicated to God; 1 began attending as a result of prayer; 1 attended a meeting while visiting a relative.

SALVATIONIST 28 July 2012

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ANNOUNCEMENTS ARMY PEOPLE

Australia (95 on 9 August).

PALACE VISIT Lieutenant Joanna Moir, Trudi Borland and Sheila Morrison, all Cumbernauld, received invitations to a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh.

PROMOTED TO GLORY Nancy Willets, Cradley Heath; Muriel McGregorLemon, Staple Hill; David Penny, Staines.

MARRIAGE Adam Robinson to Charlotte Young at Thornton Heath by Major Maurice Young.

TRIBUTES

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations: Mrs Aux-Captain Eunice Marsden, Chorlton(90 on 4 August); Mrs Lieut-Colonel Florence Drury, Guildford (100 on 7 August); Major Emily Dickman, Western

MAJOR LOUIS KINSEY BORN at Castleford, West Yorkshire, in 1938, Louis Kinsey lived with his grandparents during the Second World War. A friend invited him to the Army Sunday school, where he enjoyed learning to play an instrument. After the war the family moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), where Louis linked up with Bulawayo Corps.

Leaving school at 16, he enlisted with the Second King’s African Rifles in Lusaka. A month later he was moved to Nairobi in Kenya during the Mau Mau troubles before being sent to the UK for a training course at Harrogate Apprentices School.

It was there he met his wife Margaret, who was working for the Red Shield Services.

They married in 1959 and were posted with the Royal Signals to Germany and Singapore. Nine years later he returned to Rhodesia with his wife and three children, and enlisted in the Rhodesia Corps of Signals.

During this time the family soldiered at Bulawayo and Salisbury.

One Sunday morning in Salisbury, Louis was getting ready for an Easter sunrise service when he felt surrounded by the voice of God calling him to ministry. He and Margaret immediately responded, and the military released them for a different kind of service.

Louis excelled in sport – top class rugby, athletics, judo and swimming – but God gave him new gifts.

They returned to England and were com-

ENGAGEMENTS

International Staff Songsters: USA Eastern, Fri 27 Jul - Tu 31

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond: Rtd SL Fred and Mrs Pat Crowhurst, Birmingham Citadel (26 July); Ray and Mrs Margaret March, Glenrothes (4 August).

Golden: Lieut-Colonels John and Moragh Rowlanes (11 August).

DEDICATED TO GOD Alfie James, Holly-Marie Rebekah, Summer Louise, children of Robert and Helen Knight, at Sutton-in-Ashfield by Lieutenant Margaret Gargett; Aaron, son of Anant and Rashmoka Parmar, at Boscombe by CSM Nigel Bishop; Isaac Luke, son of Jonathon and Julia Webb, at Sittingbourne by Major David Ramsay; Harrison Edwin Albert, son of Christian and Nicola McAniskey, at Woodford

by Lieutenant Rob Davis.

BEREAVED Major Ann Radford, Yorkshire DHQ and Brighouse, of her father the Rev Gerald Blunden; Carol Pearce, Woking, of her mother; CSM Robert Jones, Bandsman Ian Jones, both Cowdenbeath, and Eva Boag, Inverness, of their father BM Jack Jones; B/Sec Stuart Young, Clydebank, of his father Sandy; Keith Morton, Flint Citadel, USA Central, of his mother Rtd HLS Eileen Morton (Derby Central); Vena Smith, Rutherglen, of her daughter Judith Maskati; Ken Loukes, Chalk Farm, of his mother Florence Penny; Songster Catherine Read, Staple Hill, of her mother Dorothy.

GENERAL LINDA BOND: USA Eastern, Th 26 Jul - Mon 30; Ghana, Tu 7 Aug - Mon 13; ICO, Sun 19, Wed 22 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: The Hexagon, Reading (Territorial Music School final festival), Sat 28 Jul; London South-East (installation of divisional leaders), Sun 29; Star College, Cheltenham (SAFE School of Music and Drama), Fri 3 Aug Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina: Rwanda (Commissioning), Fri 3 Aug - Mon 6; Zimbabwe, Tu 7 - Mon 13

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28 July 2012 SALVATIONIST

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UK Territory MARRIAGES Captain Jonathan Hamilton, Bootle, to Lieutenant Samantha Lennox on 10 July; Lieutenant Tim Swansbury, Ashford, to Lieutenant Christianne Zünd on 14 July; Captain James Wadsworth, Dublin, to Nancy Northcutt on 14 July.

ANDRÉ COX, Commissioner, Territorial Commander

missioned as auxiliary-captains in 1978 to serve in Germany with the Red Shield Services. Five years later they were appointed to Catterick Garrison.

During that 21-year stay, Louis completed a BA degree in Humanities and an MA in Theology. He enjoyed serving as chaplain to the military hospital for ten years and was also visiting minister at Durham Prison for five years. The Kinseys also oversaw a small corps for two years before retirement in 2003.

God used this man who never thought highly of himself, but rejoiced that his sons and son-in-law were all ministers in God’s work. As a young man he had never understood why he was not called to officership, but when the call came it was apparent that his 24 years in the military had been a good training ground.

The last few years were difficult for someone who had enjoyed a lifetime of good health, but he wrote: ‘There was never any fear of what lay ahead, for I was determined that all would be well if I had the assurance that all my family were safe in the Lord, and so I will be able to meet him with a song in my heart and a smile on my lips.’ – M. K. BANDSMAN REGINALD BEEBY, CHATTERIS REG was born in 1926 at Chatteris. A lifelong Salvationist, he enjoyed serving the Lord within the Army.

It was also here that he met his wife Ruby.

They married in 1949. Their son James – who was born in 1951 – went to be with the Lord in 2000.

In business life Reg worked for various companies and was latterly an administrator for a heating engineering company.

Throughout the years he often expressed his love for the Lord through vocal solos and recitations. Reg was God’s faithful servant until the end of his life. He was promoted to Glory after several months in hospital.

MRS MARIANNE BOLTON, KING’S LYNN BORN in Penzance in 1924, Marianne Treanery became a senior soldier and YPSM. A wartime GPO telephonist, she was responsible for sending out air raid warnings. Illness interrupted officer-training in 1946 but Marianne became a cadet-sergeant in the 1947 Warriors Session. She served at Bridgend until the onset of TB in 1951; a drug given during convalescence caused her extremities severe impairment.

Moving to King’s Lynn, she nursed in a children’s TB sanatorium and was deputy matron at a children’s reception centre.

In 1958 she married Major George Bolton, a retired officer with an active preaching ministry. For the last 44 years – despite health problems – she supported her family, friends and the corps with advice, friendship and love. – W. G.

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SALVATIONIST 28 JULY 2012

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BOOK OF THE WEEK Major Stephen Poxon reviews From Her Heart: Selections From The Preaching And Teaching Of Helen Clifton One of the mysteries of Christian faith, this side of Heaven, anyway, is why some Salvationists are promoted to Glory at a relatively young age, when – if we lean towards our own understanding – they still have so very much to offer.

I picked up this book – a credit to the late Commissioner Helen Clifton’s devoted husband, General Shaw Clifton (Retired) – with an unavoidable sense of sadness that Helen Clifton is no longer with us. It was as though its pages carried an air of bereavement.

That sense, though, and that air, were quickly dispelled as the glorious truth of Hebrews 11:4 – ‘[she] still speaks, even though [she] is dead’ – transformed her written words from mere paper and ink into something very much alive.

From Her Heart is full of Commissioner Clifton – her style, her gracious way, her formidable intellect, strength of character and deep spirituality. The essays demonstrate a breadth of intellectual and spiritual awareness that clearly formed the basis of her ministry as a loved and respected leader.

It is not difficult to imagine Helen Clifton sharing these

thoughts as sermons or lectures – they are her. The beauty of them is that they resound with practical Christianity, yet somehow manage to convey a clear understanding of scriptural truths wrapped in heartfelt conviction.

It is possible to discern the many roles of Helen Clifton’s life within her writing – Salvationist, social campaigner, leader, pastor, mother and wife – all combining and blending in such a way as to show that her entire life was permeated with Scripture and Christianity. There is undoubtedly a feminist bias to some of what she has written, but that only ever adds a rich note of passion and concern.

I warmly recommend this book to anyone interested in studying the part that good, sound theology has to play in daily living, to anyone wanting to examine what the Bible has to say on a number of subjects, ranging from family and relationships to holiness to moral issues and to anyone who is interested in the thoughts of a modern-day Salvation Army officer who can, quite rightly, take her place among the finest women leaders of our Movement.

Q From Her Heart is available from the Communications Section, The Salvation Army International Headquarters, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH, priced £4.75 (plus 92p postage and packing) and from www.sps-shop.com (plus £4.95 postage and packing)

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Durness, Scotland. Picture: CHRIS HORNE