Salvationist 28 March 2020

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1749 Price 70p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 28 March 2020

A global response The Salvation Army and the coronavirus pandemic

MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER PAGE 4 ARMY’S WORLDWIDE RESPONSE PAGE 10 CORONAVIRUS UPDATE PAGE 21

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

HOMELESS TO BE MOVED INTO EMPTY HOTEL ROOMS Hotels and offices will be converted into emergency safe spaces under a national action plan... to protect rough sleepers from coronavirus...

In practical terms, protecting the UK’s population of homeless and rough sleepers by offering safe space to self-isolate means that up to 45,000 ‘self-contained accommodation spaces’ need to be urgently found…

This group are among the most vulnerable to coronavirus, with individuals three times more likely to have a severe respiratory problem.

Matthew Downie, the director of policy and external affairs for the charity Crisis... said... ‘We’re now in a race against time because particularly in the night shelter population, where people are sleeping on floors next to each other in rows, that’s too dangerous’...

Data from the charity sector indicates there are 40,000 people in hostels, night shelters and shared homeless accommodation, with another 5,000 on the streets...

The Big Issue will stop being sold on the streets... as growing numbers of people stay away from towns and cities across the UK... The move is also aimed at safeguarding the health of the vendors who usually sell the magazine...

Lord (John) Bird, founder of the Big Issue, said... ‘Our sellers, many of whom are homeless, are already highly vulnerable and it is only right that we act now to protect their welfare at this critical time…’

The Observer

SALVATIONIST

ORGANIST’S RACE TO RECORD LAST HYMNS AT SCHOOL

MINISTERS BATTLE TO DISPEL FOOD SHORTAGE FEARS

In the final 72 hours before schools shut their doors, Tom Daggett... an organist from St Paul’s Cathedral, raced to record schoolchildren singing hymns as a musical gift for the dark days ahead. They are attracting large audiences on social media under the hashtag #hymnflashmob...

Daggett, who leads a music outreach programme at the cathedral, felt impelled to act after he heard recordings of Italians in lockdown singing from their balconies...

Within 72 hours, about 50 schools had responded with their favourite hymns.

[Dagget said:] ‘Hundreds of thousands of kids sing hymns in school, week in and week out, but they are never heard by people who are elderly or isolated. At a time like this it will bring them comfort.’

Charities for more vulnerable groups… are becoming increasingly concerned that many people are facing real food shortages because they have no access to stores and online shopping slots are booked weeks in advance. Many of those who can get supplies are struggling to pay for the few things that are available because the cheaper options... often disappear first...

If the current measures are not enough, ‘then the government needs to come forward... with a firm and effective response, otherwise there’s a growing risk that some older people will be left without the essentials they need,’ said Caroline Abrahams of the charity Age UK.

The Sunday Times

The Observer

CHRISTIANS ASKED TO FAST AND PRAY IN CORONAVIRUS CRISIS An influential group of Anglicans from around the world has called for Christians to fast and pray in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic.

They point out that Covid-19 has ‘appeared from nowhere’ and is causing consternation not only for the medical services but for industry, government and civil society.

They say: ‘As Christians, we have hope in God who will deliver us from this threat to human well-being and it is in this hope that we are calling on people to fast and pray for deliverance from this global pandemic.’

They are calling for repentance for the abuse of creation and prayers for those both with the illness and for the dying and bereaved.

The signatories to the open letter include Archbishop Foley Beach of the Anglican Church in America, the Rev Hugh Palmer of All Souls, Langham Place in London and Bishop Michael Nazir-Ali. The Church of England Newspaper

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GENERAL Brian Peddle

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Staff are working from home and may not be contactable by phone or able to deal with non-electronic correspondence

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Major Godspower Anozie – 020 7367 4893 ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 28 March 2020

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

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

ISSN 2516-5909

FOUNDER William Booth

TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

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CONTENTS

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

I CONFESS: I’m no gardener. Sure, I can mow a lawn and prune some bushes and pull weeds and generally tidy up, but don’t ask me to differentiate between a dianthus, a hibiscus and a gladiolus. To me they’re all just... flowers.

My grandfather was a keen gardener and, as a young boy, I would often follow him around the yard with my plastic shovel and rake and ‘help’ him. However, my father was not a gardener and I’m very similar to him. Garden maintenance is fine but you wouldn’t ask either of us to design a garden for you or prune your prize rose bush. Our interests were more to do with sport, reading, spending time with family and watching something on TV (probably more sport).

As a young married man – moving into our first house – I realised that, like it or not, gardening would have to be done. The fact was that my garden wouldn’t tend itself and so I had to learn more than how to mow a lawn. I soon discovered that perhaps the hardest thing to grow was simply grass. I excelled at growing weeds and my vision of having a smooth, green turf was replaced by nightmares that involved creeping weeds and thorns. My rose bushes looked great! I just couldn’t grow grass.

On pages 12 and 13, you can read about excellent community gardens run by two Salvation Army centres: Vale Street Lifehouse in Stoke-on-Trent and Sale Corps in Greater Manchester.

The gardens serve quite different purposes. The Vale Street garden is intended to be a therapeutic and rehabilitative space that provides Lifehouse residents with a calm environment to spend time in. The Sale community garden opened seven years ago and is a ‘community within the community’ that its co-ordinator, Rachel Steward, describes as an ‘extension of the church’.

This sort of variety exemplifies the multi-faceted role a garden can play. While a garden can be a place to view stunning flowers or grow a healthy food supply, it can also be a place that calms the heart and soul or helps draw someone closer to God; a place of beauty as well as a place of refuge.

Over the coming spring months – as we find ourselves being forced by current circumstances to stay at home more – it might be that you have time to do some gardening. I encourage you to use the time to do a little growing yourself. Spend some time in reflection or even prayer; thank God for things we can too easily take for granted (such as grass, flowers and trees); thank God for the seasons and the natural order that he created; maybe even thank him for a break from the never-ending busyness of life with its constant engagements and obligations.

Maybe use the time to connect again with the true vine: ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ ( John 15:5).

Taking its lead from a good garden, this issue of Salvationist contains a wide variety of articles, columns, comment and opinion; I pray that as you wander through it you sense God saying something to you. Maybe it’s time – even though enforced – to rest and reconnect with him.

From the Editor-in-Chief Major Mal Davies

Quotes from the media

2

A message from the Territorial Commander

4 and 5

News

6 to 9

News feature Army continues to serve during coronavirus pandemic 10 and 11 Feature Growing together

12 and 13

by Melita Day-Lewis

Prayer journey for Lent

14

Lent reflection 15 Head, hands and feet: The people’s voice

by Commissioner Robert Street

Bible study Live generously

16 and 17

by Major Sheila Eade

Through the week with Salvationist

16 and 17

by Major Melvyn Knott

New commitments

18

Letters

19

Announcements

20 and 21

Adverts

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Gillian Smith

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

Salvationist 28 March 2020

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

God is with us

Y

OU do not need me to tell you that we are in the midst of a most serious and damaging pandemic.

Everyone knows this, even though the knowledge and information we have changes by the hour. We face enormous challenges but I simply remind you of the eternal truth that God is with us.

What does this truly mean for us? What confidence does this impart? How will it shape the response of God’s people to this unprecedented pandemic?

Major elements of what we normally do are being curtailed in light of the government’s advice to limit contact with each other. This will change the way The Salvation Army operates for some time.

Much of our ministry happens in gatherings – worship, meals, sections, clubs and so forth. We are all going to have to live and work differently. Our lives have been changed most significantly and as we go forward I suspect there will be more change coming our way.

However, there are some things that don’t change and I want to remind you of some of those things.

Visitors to my office here at Territorial Headquarters often comment on the 4

Salvationist 28 March 2020

fact that I have William Booth with me in my office. It’s a small statuette, which was given to me when I left the Denmark and Greenland Territory a couple of years ago.

The thing that interests my visitors is that the Founder’s statue sits on my windowsill. But I don’t have him looking at me; I have him looking out of the window across London. It’s a constant reminder that the mission of The Salvation Army has always been looking out, has always been about others.

Some of you will know that many years ago William Booth famously sent out that message to the world, a one-word message: ‘Others’. I believe that message is still the same today.

The Church exists for those who are not its members, and as we face a new reality I remind you that our existence is about the glory of God, about Jesus Christ and about his Holy Spirit living in and through us, and ministering through us into the lives of men, women, boys and girls.

That hasn’t changed.

I recently read some words from 2 Corinthians 4: ‘Therefore, since through

God’s mercy we have this ministry, we do not lose heart… We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this allsurpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body’ (vv1, 7–10).

I’m reminded that as we live in these most challenging of days, which for many of us have created a sense of desperation and of fear, what we hold on to does not change: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever’ (Hebrews 13:8).

We are going to have to reimagine and rediscover who we truly are because this is not a time for The Salvation Army to disappear. This is the time for us to regroup and intentionally seek to respond to the emerging needs of our communities in new ways.

I’m encouraged to hear of the great, innovative work that is being done in some of our centres and corps where people are embracing fresh opportunities.

It may be that we cannot gather as we once did but our places of worship are not necessarily closed. We still have the opportunity to serve our communities in ways that comply with the government’s guidance about how we interact with one another.

I’m encouraged to hear how takeaways have been provided for people experiencing homelessness. I’m encouraged to hear how corps, in partnership with others, are ensuring that those who are alone are looked after and those who are not well are being encouraged and blessed. There are so many things that we can do and I encourage you to think together how we might make a difference.

I’m also greatly encouraged to discover that so many people up and down the territory are embracing the invitation to stop whatever they’re doing at noon each day and join together in saying some prayers for each other and our communities.

‘

This is the time for us to regroup and intentionally seek to respond to the emerging needs of our communities in new ways

Others.

’

WILLIAM BOOTH

I believe this is a defining moment for our generation and consequently for the Church and The Salvation Army. I will be very interested to hear what the Lord is doing among us as it seems that he is giving us fresh opportunities to be an Army and a Church without walls, embracing our communities with compassion, while being prepared to spell out the glorious hope within us.

May we look back on this moment in the history of The Salvation Army and praise God for blessing us through a time of tribulation.

We call upon his name, we seek him and we offer ourselves in service to him and in service to our communities.

I have been drawn to Psalm 46:

‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the Earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

‘There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts…

‘He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the Earth.” The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is

our fortress’ (vv1–7, 10 and 11).

I believe that God is with us, I believe that we have him and he has us, and I pray God’s blessing, his protection, his love, his grace and his courage as we go forward together in these days.

May God bless you and watch over you.

ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

O This

message is based on a video of the TC that can be viewed at facebook.com/SalvationistOnline or shorturl.at/jxGH1 Salvationist 28 March 2020

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NEWS

Drive-in church paves way for new corps ministry SALE CORPS officers Majors Ann and Donald Montgomery held a drive-in church on Mothering Sunday, in an innovative step to continue ministry during the coronavirus outbreak.

The corps is blessed with a large car park, inspiring plans to lead Sunday worship from the fire doors facing the outside area.

The sound system was used to relay the meeting.

One hundred leaflets were distributed beforehand to immediate neighbours, inviting them to listen from their windows or

to join in worship if they wished.

In an attempt to adhere to government safety guidelines regarding the spread of the virus, several measures were introduced: all cars were instructed to park two metres apart (ignoring bays); everyone was asked to stay inside their own vehicle; people were invited to bring their own refreshments; and anyone showing any symptoms of coronavirus was asked not to attend but continue self-isolating at home.

Around 35 cars with families and people of all ages attended.

A few people also arrived on bikes, a couple of people walked in but sat two metres apart, and residents from the Salvation Army Housing Association building next to the corps also

stood outside to listen.

Annabelle and Sam Ellison led sung worship, with items including ‘The Splendour Of The King’ and ‘Lord, I Come Before Your Throne Of Grace’ (SASB 378). Song sheets were provided so everyone could sing

Army calls for the government to prevent panic buying THQ

CHALK FARM: When the corps had to cancel its children’s craft day because of the coronavirus outbreak, corps officer Lieutenant Clare Kinsey decided to distribute the materials they had already bought. She made up bags with all that the children needed to do crafts at home, with an explanation of each craft and how it linked to the Bible story.

She also delivered some to families at her daughter’s school. ‘I had so much positive feedback from parents,’ Lieutenant Clare said, ‘and there was something so heart warming seeing the children dive straight into the bags, pull out the Kids Alive! and sit down to read the Easter story.

It has also been a great opportunity to check in on families that have been in isolation. It’s definitely a worthwhile ministry for anyone considering it.’ – JR FALMOUTH TEMPLE: The corps has opened a drop-in café in place of its twice-weekly community lunch club, which closed due to the coronavirus crisis. The café, which adheres to government guidelines, runs for two hours, four days a week. It seeks to meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness, those who are feeling isolated and alone and those concerned about the future. Corps officers Lieutenants Andrew and Nicola Hammond, together with Community Outreach Leader Clair Allen and volunteers, run the café. One of the guests who attended on the first day said, ‘It’s really nice and comforting that I am still able to come into The Salvation Army and get a hot meal and talk to a few people, even though we have to sit farther away from each other.’ Another said, ‘This meal is like having a million dollars!’ – AH 6

Salvationist 28 March 2020

THE Salvation Army is urgently calling on the government to bring together major supermarkets to enforce a single approach to stop people panic buying and emptying stores of staple foods.

While many supermarkets are trying to make it easier for older people to buy food by introducing ‘pensioner’ hours, some shoppers are continuing to strip the shelves bare of essentials, leaving older and vulnerable people unable to find healthy food easily.

The Army is also deeply concerned that supplies to food banks are drying up as demand is anticipated to hit an all-time high. More than 150 corps have food banks and many other Army centres offer support, such as emergency food parcels.

‘There was a really unique sense of fellowship even though people were in their cars and keeping a safe space,’ said Major Donald. ‘We were encouraging social distancing but encouraging spiritual connection as well.’

– AM/DM

‘Empty supermarket shelves also mean empty food banks.’ said Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill.

‘We ask the public to donate a few tins, a bag of pasta and some toilet rolls to help us help others.

‘Supermarkets are stepping up to ensure a smooth supply of food. We strongly commend the government for bringing all the major retailers together to develop a co-ordinated approach.

‘Such is the demand for food from families and vulnerable people, the Army is working directly with wholesalers, such as Makro and Booker, to bulk buy food to replenish our food banks.’

In response to local needs, the Army is turning over some corps buildings to become food warehouses and is mobilising officers and members to provide food and essentials for those in need. - AR

Editor’s note: News reports on pages 7 to 9 are from events and meetings that took place before the current safety advice relating to the coronavirus outbreak. Please send in news of how your corps is adapting to the situation through innovative ministry opportunities. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Thank you.

International leaders celebrate 140 years of corps ministry ABERDEEN CITADEL EXACTLY 140 years since three officers arrived in Aberdeen to start The Salvation Army’s ministry, General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle led anniversary celebrations recognising the influence of the Movement in the north Scottish city.

As the original ‘opening fire’ took place on a leap day (29 February 1880), this was the 34th time the anniversary had been celebrated on the exact date.

The international leaders and other guests were warmly welcomed at a civic reception

by Lord Provost Barney Crockett. Later the

General had an audience with Hanover Street School pupils, whose chaplain is corps officer Lieutenant Helen Froud.

The joyful evening celebration at the hall featured snippets of corps history. The General and Commissioner Peddle were greeted by the corps community singers’ rendition of ‘Highland Cathedral’ before Addictions Specialist Ronnie Boyle reported that 400 people have been helped by programmes run through the corps and shared plans to develop a programme for families touched by addictions. Bandswoman Morag Hart outlined the good work done through the corps charity shop, which she manages. The General urged everyone to continue to reach out with compassion and

show the love of Jesus Christ.

Sunday morning worship included prayers led by three generations of the Robb family and words of testimony. In her challenging address Commissioner Peddle urged the congregation to ‘keep the fire burning’.

Aberdeen council invited corps folk for lunch at the Town House in appreciation of the Army’s work. The lord provost gave thanks for the practical and spiritual help the Army has provided, in particular the early-day ministry with prostitutes and convicts. The General outlined his vision for the future of the Army worldwide and Lieutenant Helen gave the assurance that the corps would continue to serve the city’s people in a relevant way. – MR

GLOUCESTER: The visit of Birmingham Citadel Songsters began with the brigade splitting in three; some stayed at the hall while the rest attended two prisons to present the gospel. Later, the songsters joined together and presented songs, with some backed by the worship group.

Throughout the day, the message was given powerfully and sensitively. – AB Salvationist 28 March 2020

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NEWS

Morecambe’s Bright Stars toddler group welcomes a visit from Lancashire police and mascot ‘Inspector Ted’

RISCA: A capacity audience welcomed Regional Specialist for Music and Creative Arts Dean Jones and friends and Ty Sign Primary School Choir to the spring festival. Dean led the audience in a clapping symphony using ‘Finale From “William Tell” Overture’ and showed videos that prompted them to think about God. Many people were visiting the corps for the first time. – JB

BRISTOL EASTON: Divisional Relationship Manager Andy Hurd led the YP annual, adopting an elbow bump instead of the traditional handshake when presenting prizes. After fun-filled worship for all ages, everyone shared in lunch and a cabaret featuring Irish dancing, a cello performance, a brass quartet and the women’s vocal group.

The oldest soldier there called it ‘a fantastic and satisfying time of fellowship’. – MG

LURGAN: More than 70 young people from across the Ireland Division came together for Unite, a weekend festival featuring singing companies and massed YP bands. Bandmaster Gavin Lamplough (Birmingham Citadel) led the united bands through an afternoon of rehearsals before an evening concert. The corps singing company led the Sunday morning meeting on the theme All There Is Of Me. Gavin also featured as a soloist. – RP

LEEDS CENTRAL: Gateway church hosted a celebration evening for community leaders.

The lord mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor, presented awards for local heroes, including Charity Shop Manager Val Howson.

Val has managed the shop since it opened in the former Meanwood Corps about 24 years ago and she has helped make it a great success.

In addition to serving many regular and new customers, the shop provides food parcels, clothing and shoes to those in need. Val has also established links with other charities and provides support for projects overseas. – MB 8

Salvationist 28 March 2020

FALKIRK: Leaders from across the East Scotland Division considered how to lead like Jesus during a relaxed day of spiritual enrichment and encouragement. The vision for the day came out of discussions held by the Divisional Leadership Training Group, and teaching was based upon Puzzle Of Pastoral Care by Alison Moore, with sessions led by Divisional Mission Enabler Major Carol Young, Captain Jen Gosling (Edinburgh City) and Lieutenant Andrew Manley (Berwick).

The day concluded with a fellowship meal. – CY

STOTFOLD: The discipleship programme for children and young people is growing thanks to a committed team, led by the newly appointed Children’s Ministry Co-ordinator Sandra May, who continue to reach out through groups and activities. Sandra presented Bibles to the young people with corps officer Captain Nicola Brooksbank. – HT

MORRISTON: A Welsh-themed crafts and coffee morning began St David’s Day weekend before an evening celebrating ‘all things Welsh’.

The fellowship featured Welsh dress (including a dragon), traditional food, a quiz and music from the band, songsters, Kids Salvation Rock and soloist Jonathan Mead (cornet). The highlight was a timbrel item performed to ‘Land Of Song’. Sunday worship continued the theme, with traditional tunes used for the songs, prayers offered in Welsh and the band playing an arrangement of ‘Llanfair’. The meeting concluded with the Welsh national anthem. – SR WILLENHALL: The World Day of Prayer was celebrated at St Stephen’s church by praying for Zimbabwe. Corps member Sipi Kwenda was the guest for the occasion, bringing insight into life in the country and wearing traditional Salvation Army clothing. – PR-B

KILMARNOCK: Guests at the home and families celebration included Captain Louise Brown (Strawberry Field), who led Sunday morning worship and gave a fascinating presentation on her work. Regional Specialist for Music and Creative Arts Bobby Weir also enthralled the congregation with piano recitals and a vocal presentation. – EF

SOUTH SHIELDS: Children and adults from the North East England Division gathered for a junior fun day, which took themes from Toy Story 4. Supported by young leaders from recent Transformers programmes, delegates enjoyed lively worship, crafts, an obstacle challenge, games and teaching about the Great Commission. – PJ

RUTHERGLEN: A crowd of 160 people attended a concert by singer Charlie Green and comedian Tom Elliot. Charlie and Tom shared the power of the Lord and expressed their faith and how it has helped them through life. Several audience members were attending the Army for the first time after linking up through the lunch club, parent-and-toddler group and drop-in. – DM Salvationist 28 March 2020

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NEWS FEATURE

Army continues to serve during coronavirus pandemic IHQ THE Salvation Army is continuing to meet human needs around the world, despite the challenges of providing essential services in the face of wide-ranging restrictions to quash the spread of the Covid-19 coronavirus.

In line with prevailing World Health Organization advice and in compliance with instructions issued by national health agencies, scrupulous hygiene practices have been implemented worldwide along with extensive social distancing measures.

The Salvation Army’s International Conference of Leaders – which would have brought senior Salvation Army leaders from every country together in Portugal last week for a period of strategic discussion, decisionmaking and prayer – was postponed.

International Headquarters has been closed to the public and all but a small number of essential operational staff, until further notice. This includes the popular Café 101 and Gallery 101 exhibition space, as well as the International College for Officers at Sunbury Court in southwest London. A travel moratorium has been put in place for all IHQ personnel.

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham explains: ‘We continue to follow closely as the circumstances change around the world and will make further adjustments as required. The staff will continue to support the international Salvation Army from their homes. IHQ is well positioned technically to maintain connections and support the Army throughout the 131 countries in which it operates.

‘We continue to pray for all affected around the world by the coronavirus outbreak, and for The Salvation Army’s ongoing response to meet human needs in these difficult times.’

In several countries Salvation Army public worship meetings have been suspended, with live streaming giving an opportunity for Christians to take part in prayer and Bible study together. Where permitted, corps are remaining open for personal reflections, prayer and pastoral support.

The IHQ communications team has put together a series of shareable images that encourage Salvationists and friends to think 10

Salvationist 28 March 2020

Norway about ‘how we can keep on caring for each other, and keep on being people who care’ during this time where freedom of movement and interaction is curtailed.

These can be found by visiting sar.my/ covid19 and across social media.

As the transmission of the virus is at different stages in different countries, the Army’s response also varies. Here is a flavour of some of the ministry being undertaken, although it is by no means exhaustive.

AFRICA While the continent has not been as severely affected as much of the rest of the world, all countries in which the Army is present have stepped up health security measures. Kenya East has developed plans for a Covid-19 health awareness programme, emphasising the importance of regular, thorough handwashing. A similar prevention programme is anticipated in Rwanda and Burundi. In a press conference, Kenya West Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Morris Vincent committed to the national government that the Army would engage in ‘every effort possible to help curb the spread of the coronavirus’.

Southern Africa Territorial Emergency Co-ordinator Major Heather Rossouw reports that the territory is equipping all centres with clear handwashing instructions and guidelines as well as information about the virus and how it is spread. They are also

continuing the day-to-day feeding programmes of particularly vulnerable people. However, measures have been put in place to make sure that staff and clients are kept safe.

AMERICAS AND CARIBBEAN The Army in the Bahamas has provided the national government with 70 pallets of supplies including hand sanitiser, examination gloves, face masks, hazmat suits, pain management medications and non-medical items such as hygiene kits and personal care articles. As preparation for a possible future countrywide shutdown, the Army’s mop factory in Nassau will increase its production. This will ensure a supply of cleaning materials and provide workers with additional funds should they not be able to work for an extended period. Changes have been made to a street feeding programme, in order for vulnerable people to be served through a window, rather than putting staff and clients at risk by requiring closer proximity.

In Suriname, measures have been taken to suspend large gatherings of people, and to equip corps to facilitate prayer meetings at home.

Substantial work is under way across the USA to address communities affected by coronavirus shutdowns.

‘In Anchorage, the emphasis is on home delivery to seniors,’ explains USA Western

Japan Territorial Commander Commissioner Kenneth Hodder. ‘In Los Angeles, we’re working with the LA Unified School District to provide food to children so they get at least one square meal a day. In Portland, we’re making one of our facilities available to house medically fragile individuals… In fact, all The Salvation Army’s facilities, no matter where they are in the United States, are available to meet the needs of this emergency.’

In Fort Worth, Texas, the Army is also helping to screen vulnerable members of the community for Covid-19.

EUROPE With many European countries implementing travel restrictions and closing borders, there are considerable challenges in meeting needs safely. In Denmark, legal advice is being provided free-of-charge to vulnerable people who may be experiencing particular hardship because of the cessation of much employment. The Salvation Army’s Pakhuset community centre in the centre of Copenhagen has had to close because of the high risk of transmission. However, 60 of the clients – mainly migrants and people experiencing homelessness – are being

Picture: Ronald Johansen / iTromso

Denmark

India supported on a one-to-one basis and given nutritious meals. Likewise, in Nakskov, food packages are being distributed to social centre clients – and the wider community – via a hatch in the wall, to minimise social contact.

In Rome, where the city has been extensively locked down and all non-essential shops closed, the Army has been working with the municipal government to ensure that food and other vital supplies can continue to be provided to the vulnerable groups with which it works.

The Army in Switzerland has been helping to co-ordinate grocery shopping and providing basic supplies in parts of the country where closures have taken effect.

Dutch military forces in northern Norway on Exercise Cold Response have donated food to The Salvation Army in Tromsø.

Many Norwegians are stocking up fearing supply shortage as the coronavirus situation worsens, which has reduced the quantity of leftovers that the Army normally receives from grocery stores. This makes it difficult for the organisation to provide supplies to vulnerable people.

‘Many of the people we are in contact with have no savings account with buffer money or an extra cupboard with [spare] cans. They live on what they have in the moment,’ Lieutenant Ida Amelie Mayes of Tromsø told Norwegian TV channel NRK. SOUTH ASIA The Army in Bangladesh is preparing a Covid-19 clinic. In neighbouring India, the Army’s International Emergency Services team has funded urgent projects in the Central and South Western Territories to provide health information through banners, leaflets and other forms of mass communication. In western India a Salvation Army-run hospital is planning to enhance its staffing and equipment, while also undertaking a community prevention initiative.

SOUTH PACIFIC AND EAST ASIA The Army in Korea has adapted to changing circumstances by seeking donations to its iconic Red Kettles – not of money but of face masks.

In some parts of Australia, the Army has been asked to deliver food parcels to people in quarantine. Following the short-notice cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, the Atlantic Group donated food intended for the event to the Army to feed vulnerable people in Melbourne. Major Brendan Nottle said the support has been ‘absolutely incredible’.

The Army’s teams in Hong Kong and Macau have been addressing Covid-19 since the outbreak began more than two months ago. Personnel have been visiting many families and have been giving out hand sanitiser, surgical masks and essential foodstuffs to the vulnerable in their communities. Daily meal deliveries have not been affected, but now use disposable foam packages instead of metallic tiffin carriers to minimise physical contact and washing after use.

Similar activities have continued in Taiwan. Regional Commander Major David Kinsey says: ‘The Salvation Army does not retreat and we may need to find other ways of being Church. ’ Echoing this, The Salvation Army in Japan is considering how to turn difficulty into opportunity. ‘We need to make sure we are connected, even though we aren’t in the same venue,’ said the country’s medical officer Major Peter White.

O General

Brian Peddle has released a video message encouraging Salvationists and friends to ‘step up’ at this unprecedented time of global fear. It can be viewed at vimeo.com/salvationarmyihq/covid19-2 or facebook.com/GeneralBPeddle Salvationist 28 March 2020

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FEATURE Salvation Army gardens

Growing together With spring upon us, Melita Day-Lewis discovers the positive impact of two Salvation Army community gardens

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HE early bird catches the worm, and robins this year enjoyed a precipitate feast. With a mild winter, spring came early and, while commuters were still leaving for work in the dark, birdsong was already breaking through the chilly morning mists, and snowdrops and daffodils were flowering.

These signs of an end to winter never fail to delight, not only because we’re looking forward to longer, hopefully sunnier days, but also because being outdoors in nature benefits our mental and physical well-being; for example, a nature walk can help reduce symptoms of depression and nature sounds can help people recover from psychological stress. This means that gardens or allotments can become green avenues for ministry.

This was the experience of two Army centres with gardens – Vale Street Lifehouse in Stoke-on-Trent and Sale Corps in Greater Manchester.

Vale Street Lifehouse unveiled a therapeutic garden last August to help rehabilitate people experiencing homelessness and struggling with addiction.

The garden was introduced as part of the centre’s psychologically informed environment programme.

Service Manager Dave Maxfield acknowledges that engaging with clients with complex needs and mental health

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Salvationist 28 March 2020

Rachel Steward and Lieut-Colonels David and Valerie Jones

issues can be difficult, especially without a therapeutic place to hold key worker sessions or somewhere to go to have a chat or coffee. Part of the solution was to create a garden to give residents a safe and calming environment, and to get them involved in designing and constructing it.

‘We have a dedicated day concierge, Paul Dowling, who is a keen gardener.

He worked with service users to create and execute a plan. He trained everyone who wanted to join the gardening club in health and safety, using tools, identifying weeds and what needed doing. It was a co-production between them,’ explains Dave.

‘We also incorporated some chickens into the garden – Jerk, a barred Plymouth rock, Snowy, a white leghorn, and a blue marans called Maxine.’

Residents enjoyed feeding the hens and collecting the fresh eggs. They made meals and cakes with the eggs, which helped to equip them with basic life skills.

‘

After the introduction of the garden we saw a great improvement in people experiencing mental health issues

’

Dave feels that the garden, which also has bird boxes and a quiet remembrance area, worked well.

‘It was a great addition!’ he enthuses.

‘Mental health services in this area are non-existent and after the introduction of the garden we saw a great improvement in people experiencing mental health issues.’

This week is the seventh anniversary of Sale’s community garden, which was opened in 2013 by General Linda Bond.

‘It was a great day, a real celebration,’ recalls Community Manager Rachel Steward.

Soon after Rachel started her role she attended the Army’s social services

Sale’s community garden

Community allotments

Paddock about to be dug over conference and was inspired when she heard Captain Matthew Elsey (Newark) speaking about a new garden at Nottingham Aspley.

Sale owned a large paddock and Rachel felt God speak to her about transforming it into a garden.

‘Within a couple of weeks – and this wasn’t a coincidence – I received an email from Trafford council about a scheme where charities could apply for a grant for a new community project in the area,’ says Rachel.

The vision included offering allotment plots to people in the community free of charge, as long as they were willing to donate and pass on to others some of what they grew. The purpose was to build relationships with people,

especially those not from the Army or without any faith.

‘There were lots of flats around here with elderly people living in them,’ explains Rachel. ‘I was very mindful that they had nowhere to go in terms of outdoor space and that [a garden] would provide an area that was safe, peaceful and might link them to other people.’

Their bid was successful and the council provided about £11,000 from community funds, which helped fund soil preparation, fences and flat paving.

‘I only wanted to do it if it wasn’t going to be a financial burden for our church,’ Rachel adds. ‘The grant covered all our building costs, then things came pouring in – sheds, greenhouses, equipment and tools. People just wanted to donate.

It was a great part of the journey!’

A number of young trees also came from the Woodland Trust, which was donating thousands of shrubs and trees to organisations at the time.

A group of people doing community service helped dig over the ground to get it ready. One of them, Stuart, stayed on for five years as Sale’s gardener.

The garden’s design flowed out of the needs of the community and church.

‘It was important that everything had easy wheelchair access,’ says Rachel.

‘We also wanted to paint the garage walls that backed on to the garden.

A lady who had just started to come to church was an artist but had put her paintbrushes down for personal reasons. She designed the garage wall and that kick-started a journey towards doing Scripture art!’

Sale’s beautiful garden filled up with roses. People could buy a rose bush in memory of a loved one and plant it in the remembrance area. Rachel describes it as a peaceful place in the hustle and bustle of Sale town centre.

In the past seven years, the allotments have been looked after by people in the community, including one for the corps by Rachel’s parents, Lieut-Colonels David and Valerie Jones, who were the corps officers when Sale first opened. Some of the flowers, vegetables and fruit grown were given away or used in meals for Young in Heart lunches.

The garden has also been used for other things, including Sunday school breakfasts, summer socials and prayer.

For Rachel, the garden became an extension of the church.

‘If a corps has land or can find land, I encourage them to go for it,’ she says.

‘Gardens can open doors that might not otherwise open. People won’t necessarily walk into a church, but they might walk into a garden!’

Salvationist 28 March 2020

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RESOURCES I A prayer journey for Lent

Living limitless love

by Territorial Prayer Consultant Lyndall Bywater

T

HIS prayer journey is all about the limitless love of God. Based on 1 Corinthians 13:4–7, it is designed to help us reflect on that love: what it’s like, how we can experience it more deeply, how it can transform our relationships and how it can ignite mission in our corps.

Each day has a thought, a question, a prayer request or a prayer, and we hope that you will find time to reflect, pray and listen to God as you work your way through.

May this dive into limitless love refresh your walk with God and your heart for his world.

A SAFE PLACE OF WELCOME Sunday 29 March ‘The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself’ (Leviticus 19:34 New King James Version).

Pray for projects aimed at making your community a safer, more welcoming place for people who have arrived there from other countries, whether as refugees or immigrants. Pray that your corps will find ways to partner other churches, charities and agencies in this important work.

LOVE NEVER LETS GO Monday 30 March ‘Love bears all things [regardless of what comes], believes all things [looking for the best in each one], hopes all things [remaining steadfast during difficult times], endures all things [without weakening]’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 Amplified Bible).

Spend time meditating on this beautiful paraphrase. How have you seen this love at work in your own life? Which of the four promises do you most need to hold on to at the moment?

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Salvationist 28 March 2020

LOVE NEVER RUNS OUT Tuesday 31 March ‘Love knows no limit to its endurance, no end to its trust, no fading of its hope; it can outlast anything. It is, in fact, the one thing that still stands when all else has fallen’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 and 8 JB Phillips New Testament).

Pray today for communities around the world that are affected by war or natural disaster, that God’s enduring love will come to life amidst the brokenness.

Give thanks for every glimmer of love: for every person rescued, for every act of generosity, for every moment of solidarity.

LOVE NEVER GIVES UP Wednesday 1 April ‘Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others. Love never takes failure as defeat, for it never gives up’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 The Passion Translation).

Are you grieving over something that feels like failure – something you’d put a lot of hope in, and now it seems to have come to nothing? Take courage today in the knowledge that God hasn’t been defeated and he hasn’t given up. Keep trusting in his love – the love that can even bring new life out of death.

LOVE DOES ITS BEST Thursday 2 April ‘Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful and trusting’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 Contemporary English Version).

Holy Spirit, search me. Show me the truth about my relationships with family and friends. Where have I offered

support, but only on my own terms?

Where have I fallen short of loyalty?

Where have I lost hope? Where have I become too scared to trust? Ignite your endless, limitless love in me again.

LOVE KEEPS MOVING FORWARD Friday 3 April ‘[Love] trusts God always, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 The Message).

As we come to the end of this prayer journey, what have you learnt about the way God loves you and the way you love others? Give thanks for the journey so far, and put aside any sense of failure or inadequacy. God’s love doesn’t dwell on the past; it propels us into the future.

COMPELLED BY LOVE Saturday 4 April ‘Love puts up with anything and everything that comes along...

Love will never become obsolete’ (1 Corinthians 13:7 and 8 The Voice).

Faithful God, whose limitless love brought the Army into being, inspired its Founders and has kindled a fire in the hearts of its members for many generations, ignite in us again today the love that only you can give.

May your unquenchable love be our motive and our mission, strength and song.

This prayer journey for Lent appears in Prayer Matters and at facebook.com/groups/SA.prayer. networkUKI

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LENT REFLECTION

‘Here is your king,’ Pilate said to the Jews. But they shouted, ‘Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!’ ( John 19:14 and 15)

Head, hands and feet

The people’s voice

by Commissioner Robert Street

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AD Caiaphas realised he was speaking to God’s Son, he would not only have been more careful with his charge to Jesus ‘under oath by the living God’ (Matthew 26:63) but also ready to listen. Had Herod wanted to understand who Jesus actually was, he would have taken the opportunity of meeting Jesus more seriously. Had Pilate cared more about truth than his job, he would have listened to his wife’s warnings and acted accordingly (see Matthew 27:19). But in the same way that truth is said to be the first casualty of war, so truth was sacrificed by all the protagonists involved in Jesus’ crucifixion – including ‘the people’.

While Pilate was hesitating about a death sentence for Jesus, the chief priests and rulers put more pressure on him. They played politics by suggesting that Jesus was a threat to the peace of the nation. If there was disorder and rioting because Pilate hadn’t sorted out this problem, Caesar would not be pleased (see John 19:12).

Although he saw no reason to have Jesus crucified, Pilate was weakening.

His head, so cool when questioning Jesus, was in something of a whirl but he had one last opportunity to absolve himself of the problem. He could throw open the verdict to the people.

Every year at the feast, the governor could release one prisoner at the request of the people. Pilate offered them Jesus.

His idea may have worked, except for one thing: the determination of the chief priests and elders to get their man.

They persuaded the people to ask for Barabbas – a criminal who was in prison

for insurrection and murder. At least he was a Roman hater.

The sound of the large crowd chanting for Jesus’ death must have been chilling.

Pilate’s ploy had gone wrong. Barabbas won. Jesus lost – but so did Pilate. His ceremonial washing of his hands, declaring that he was ‘innocent’ of Jesus’ blood, has never absolved him of the guilt (Matthew 27:24). And ‘the people’, who so readily shouted that they would take the blame (v25), could never have imagined the centuries of unwarranted persecution this would bring to Jewish people everywhere. But that night, that day, truth was sidelined for expediency, self-interest, lack of thought and stark wickedness.

In the midst of it all, Jesus stood, silent and surrendered to his sacrifice. The people had made their judgment.

Religious, political, royal, gullible, unthinking, conniving, rich and poor – all played their part. The will to see justice done was absent. It has been absent throughout all the years since, in all kinds of situations and places. We have all played our part. Our heads, hands and feet are not guiltless. Self-centred thoughts, wrong actions and wayward paths are known to us all.

The wonder is that God still grants us the blessing of using our head, hands and feet in his service, as well as the free will to abuse these and other gifts in any number of ungrateful, unthinking, dubious and hurtful ways. He didn’t give up on us at Calvary. He doesn’t give up on us today. Love never gives up. That night, and on the cross, the head, hands and feet of Jesus spoke louder than all the words of hate thrown at him – and they

speak for ever to the hearts of all who dare to look at him.

FOR DISCUSSION O Caiaphas, Herod and Pilate were in a position to listen to Jesus, yet they all failed to get to the truth. Each was more concerned for their own interests. Consider how easy it might be to miss the truth because we look at situations through the eyes of our own interests.

O The people seem to have been easily influenced by corrupt leaders.

How awake are we to the possible hidden aims and motives of those who may influence our lives? How can we guard against such influences without becoming cynical?

O Try to imagine people in your community chanting for your death.

Discuss your likely feelings and inward reactions, then compare them to Jesus’ quiet dignity.

O Through the centuries Jews have been persecuted for the death of Jesus, yet unless we each acknowledge our part in creating a need for Jesus’ act of salvation, we avoid the truth about ourselves. How deeply do we accept our contribution to Jesus’ death?

O How does your life show that you care about injustice, seen or unseen?

O The heads, hands and feet of those involved in Jesus’ crucifixion were used against him or, at best, not for him. Consider how God allows us the gift of our faculties, even though he knows we might misuse them.

This reflection appears in Head, Hands And Feet, a new book by Robert Street, available from SP&S priced £3 (plus postage and packing)

O

What is divine about my creed If I am blind to human need?

For you have said they serve you best Who serve the helpless and oppressed.

(SASB 1003)

COMMISSIONER STREET LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN LANGFORD Salvationist 28 March 2020

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BIBLE STUDY

Live generously Major Sheila Eade urges us to make a difference by passing on the gifts of God to others

PHILIPPIANS 4:10–20

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WONDER what the word ‘generosity’ brings to mind. Lavish spending on a Christmas present? An expensive meal? Showing kindness to someone in need? One of the most generous acts I have experienced was many years ago in the Gambia. Having been invited for dinner with a local family and realising it was Ramadan and they would not be eating, we negotiated that we would attend for a coffee and a piece of fruit.

Upon arrival we were not greeted with one piece of fruit but a huge platter of prepared fruit of which they would not be partaking. They were not a wealthy family but wanted to show hospitality.

Paul, in his letter to Christians in Philippi, acknowledges their generosity towards him and thanks them for it, assuring them that God will in turn supply all their needs. Paul is grateful for their support but also speaks of

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

by Major Melvyn Knott

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Salvationist 28 March 2020

learning to be content with what he has.

Paul is in prison and the gift brought to him by Epaphroditus from the Philippians has taken some time to arrive because Epaphroditus was unwell on his journey. Once recovered he will return to Philippi with Paul’s letter of thanks.

QUESTION O Can you recall acts of generosity that have transformed the lives of others?

There are theories that suggest we should always be content with our situation and what we have, no matter how great or small that is. However, following on from the Vision and Commitment Sunday theme of Infinitely More at the beginning of the year, we should strive for more of God rather than simply be content. I wonder whether striving for more of God would naturally lead us to living more generously.

QUESTION O What does living generously mean for you?

Generosity does not always incur some kind of financial cost. How about the idea of giving a smile to everyone you meet? Perhaps you could give of your time to chat to someone at the bus stop or in a supermarket queue, or to someone experiencing homelessness you pass by in the street. I recently challenged myself to smile at five consecutive people I passed by to see if I could get a response. I have managed two, three and – on one occasion – even four responses, but never five. We never know what the other person is thinking or going through and a simple act of giving them a smile or time could make a huge positive impact upon them.

Paul, in saying he has learnt to be content whatever his circumstances, is not saying we should just accept things

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.

(Ephesians 2:8 and 9)

I, the Lord of sea and sky,/ I have heard my people cry./ All who dwell in dark and sin/ My hand will save./ I, who made the stars of night,/ I will make their darkness bright./ I will speak my word to them./ Whom shall I send?/ Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?/ I have heard you calling in the night./ I will go, Lord, if you lead me./ I will hold your people in my heart.

(SASB 1002)

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. (2 Corinthians 9:11)

Prayer Dear Father, we pray that you will strengthen and encourage our hearts so that we may show generosity to others as you have to us. Thank you for your continuing extravagant love.

as they are and never try to make them better, but that our hope should be in God, not in physical things. Therefore, although we may have little in terms of material items, we can be rich in our relationship with God and live generously in passing on his gifts – love, joy, peace, patience and kindness.

In Folkestone, before our activities had to be suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak, we provided a meal for the vulnerable and those experiencing homelessness twice a week. This was much needed and appreciated, but what most of the diners wanted more than anything else was to be treated as a person and given time. We therefore had volunteers that specifically came to sit and chat. There are many more ways of living generously when we consider time as a valuable commodity worth giving.

QUESTION O How might you use your time more generously?

The Philippians shared in Paul’s ministry, even though he was no longer with them; they shared spiritually, practically and financially. For them this was a sacrifice of their resources but Paul considers their gifts ‘a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God’ (v18).

Far from the literal sacrifices of the Old Testament, Paul is encouraging them in this principle of giving and devotion to God, because giving also enables our faith to grow and our relationship with God to develop. When we build that relationship and walk with him, we are enriched by his abundant blessings.

Giving encourages us to take the next step of faith, trusting God to meet our needs in doing so. Speaking to people

we don’t know or offering our time to people, for example, can be daunting to some but trusting God will empower us.

Paul writes: ‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (v13).

QUESTION O What changes do you need to make to live more generously?

Living generously is something that a number of Lent groups have focused on in recent years. This year you might want to join 40acts (40acts.org.uk), the 40-day generosity challenge – but should it just be for Lent?

MAJOR EADE IS CORPS OFFICER, FOLKESTONE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

O make my life one blazing fire/ Of pure and fervent heart-desire,/ The lost to find, the low to raise,/ And give them cause thy name to praise,/ Because wherever I may go/ I show thy power to every foe!

(SASB 779)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in Heaven for you.

(1 Peter 1:3 and 4)

Lord of Heaven and Earth and sea,/ We would render thanks to thee/ For the blessing thou hast given,/ Joys of Earth and hopes of Heaven./ Grateful for thy loving care,/ We have built this house of prayer,/ And with hearts sincere, we pray/ For thy presence here this day.

(SASB 605)

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

(Ephesians 3:20 and 21)

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NEW COMMITMENTS

TAVISTOCK: Margaret Faulkner was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Major Pamela Smith, a year after being welcomed as an adherent member. Margaret first attended the corps at the invitation of her friend, Mary Budge.

She has blessed the corps family with her encouragement and desire to know and serve the Lord. – PS

LISKEARD: Rosie-Mae Miller was the first junior soldier to be enrolled in more than 20 years. Rosie-Mae, who is also learning to play in the band, is pictured with corps officer Captain Julian Short and Denise Huke, who helped with her junior soldier lessons. – VS

KETTERING CITADEL: Sally McGuire was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Nigel Govier. Sally first linked up with the corps over a year ago when a friend’s son was enrolled as a junior soldier. Sally enjoyed the meeting so much that she returned the following week. She has attended every week since. – NG

SITTINGBOURNE: Sisters Emmanuella Oluwafenumi Olupona and Isabella Oluwapelumi Oke-Fakolujo were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Simon Perkin. They are pictured with YPSM Janine Barney. – MW

BEXLEYHEATH: Isabella Gibson, Jonah Mercer, Benjamin Grills and Khaya Kasonde were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps officer Major Sharon Willetts. Also pictured are Brett Thomas, Megan Pretious, Jo Williams and Emma Greer. – GW

LARNE: The 133rd corps anniversary meeting included the welcome of Trish Moores as an adherent member by corps officer Captain Annemarie Cole. The congregation, which included supporting friends from neighbouring churches, heard Trish testify to the work of God in her life. Also pictured is Captain Philip Cole. – PC

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Salvationist 28 March 2020

LETTERS

SHARING HOPE OVER THE PHONE HAVING noticed a recent substantial increase in calls to MGS Counselling and Therapy Services, it has become clear that most, if not all calls, underlined the theme of anxiety and/or depression.

In conversation with my professional colleagues we identified the coronavirus as the main reason for such calls. Also, we discovered that at the heart of 85 per cent of all coronavirus-related requests for help was isolation.

For confidentiality reasons, no identifiable individuals or locations are mentioned in this letter, but elements of loss, neglect, bewilderment, alarm, despair, abandonment and a feeling of helplessness, often leading to selfmedicating or self-harm, were reflected in some way in most of the calls received.

Remembering that we are children of the Resurrection, living in a Good Friday world, MGS respectfully suggests to Salvationist readers that the telephone can be used as a tool to reach out not only to family and friends but also to neighbours and others and share simple, short and positive conversations of hope and encouragement.

The MGS team carries out its professional work in such a manner, but we can all use the telephone to provide companionship, balance and hope.

Jorgen Booth Major Worthing

WE APPRECIATE THE SALVATION ARMY THANK you for the help, care and love we have received from The Salvation Army at Ramsgate.

Specifically, we have been prayed with (separately and together), listened to, sat with, practically supported with gifts of food and bedding, driven to and from hospital, given a place to stay when needed for a short period and visited in hospital during a long period of recovery from alcoholism.

These acts of kindness were shown to us by corps leaders Lieutenant Carl Whitewood and Territorial Envoy Heather Whitewood.

We want you to know how grateful we are to you at The Salvation Army for the love, care and help you provide. Because of the kindness Carl and Heather showed us, we have made it through alcoholism, our family is together with growing relationships and our faith is intact.

We appreciate The Salvation Army and every one of its members, especially Heather and Carl.

Frances Pointer and Ben Sebolao Ramsgate

HOPING TO WALK AGAIN THIS SUMMER I WOULD like to thank all those who joined me on my City of London walking tours in aid of The Salvation Army’s anti-trafficking work in the UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland. There were a total of 12 walks with more than 70 walkers taking an estimated 100,000 steps. We raised more than £830 for the Army’s excellent work. As one walker said, ‘It is a small drop in this ocean but an ocean is made up of drops.’

There seemed to be real enthusiasm for London walks covering many different themes of heroes, history and architecture. I hope to come back for a new series of walking tours in the summer.

Richard Smart Wimbledon

MOVING BEYOND CHURCH ON SUNDAYS IN response to Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe’s interview, ‘Engaging in mission’ (Salvationist 29 February), I believe and agree that now is the time when we have to show by example out in the community how our work and beliefs can help those in our locality who are vulnerable and hurting.

We are made for community with God and others, and to reflect God’s glory in his world. Can we move beyond church as a weekly service and become a community of those who share life and share mission? Is it only at Christmas in some areas that we are seen, like police officers on a beat?

We need to get to know our neighbourhoods, the people, their stories, their values and cultures. What does our church look like to people in our area?

George Whitefield and John Wesley preached the gospel in the open air because they were not welcomed in church buildings, and the people they would reach were not in church.

Our status is an opportunity to rediscover the missionary call of the people of God. I know many many churches are already doing this, being good neighbours, colleagues, bearing witness to Christ in the context of ordinary life but, like everything we try to achieve, more can be done.

However we ‘do’ church, let it be nothing less than the people of God on mission together. May we shine our lights in the world.

J Davy Sholing Salvationist 28 March 2020

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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 July O Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder, officers of the USA Western Territory, are appointed as National Commander and National President of Women’s Ministries, USA National Headquarters O Colonels Douglas and Colleen Riley, officers of the USA Western Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, USA Western Territory, with the rank of commissioner O Lieut-Colonels Kelly and Donna Igleheart, officers of the USA Southern Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, USA Western Territory, with the rank of colonel O Lieut-Colonels Jabulani and Fikile Khoza, officers of the Southern Africa Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Southern Africa Territory O Lieut-Colonels Samuel and Theresa Baah, officers of the Ghana Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Malawi Territory O Majors DieudonnÊ and Edith Louzolo, officers of the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, are appointed as General Secretary and Command Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Liberia and Sierra Leone Command O Majors Emmanuel and Dancille Ndagijimana, officers of the Rwanda and Burundi Command, are appointed as General Secretary and Command Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Rwanda and Burundi Command O Colonels Henrik and Lisbeth Andersen, officers of the Denmark and Greenland Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s

Ministries, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, with the rank of commissioner O Lieut-Colonel Donna Evans, an officer of the Australia Territory, is appointed as Chief Secretary, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory. Lieut-Colonel Stuart Evans will also take up appointment responsibilities in that territory. They will take up their new appointments with the rank of colonel O Lieut-Colonels Kelvin and Cheralynne Pethybridge, officers of the Australia Territory, are appointed as Territorial Commander and Territorial President of Women’s Ministries, Eastern Europe Territory, with the rank of colonel O Majors Wilson and Nara Strasse, officers of the Brazil Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Brazil Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel O Majors Jean and Ariane Olekhnovitch, officers of the France and Belgium Territory, are appointed as General Secretary and Command Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Italy and Greece Command LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CSM Katie Baldwin and BM Marc Harry, both Lincoln O BM Philip Pentland, Belfast Sydenham O CSM Major Alan Watters, Asst CSM Iris Corry, Youth Team Ldr Heather Wright, all Belfast Temple MARRIAGES O Dan Bate to Emily Hixon at Basingstoke by Lieut-Colonels Paul and Jenine Main WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Golden O Brian and Brenda Humphreys, Whitehaven (28 March) DEDICATED TO GOD O Cody Jack, son of Iain Campbell and Sarah-Jane Madden, at Ayr by Major Linda Watson

ENGAGEMENTS All

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engagements have been postponed until further notice

Salvationist 28 March 2020

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Margaret Mein (80 on 12 April) BEREAVED O Major Freda Wilson of her sister Irene Kendrick O Major Russell King of his wife Major Doreen King O Rob O’Connor, Birmingham Citadel, of his mother Mavis, Victor Jannels, Horsham, of his sister O Barry Sears, Birmingham Citadel, of his wife Ruth O B/S/Reservist Arnold Tilling and Alan Tilling, both Staple Hill, of their brother John O Lieut-Colonel Brenda Ward of her husband Lieut-Colonel Peter Ward, BM Philip Ward, Bradford Citadel, Simon Ward and Rebecca Tolhurst of their father O Mollie Ebdon, Basingstoke, of her husband Robert PROMOTED TO GLORY O Major Doreen King from Thatcham Court Care Home on 11 March O Malcolm O’Connor, Birmingham Citadel O Jean Sutherland, Birmingham Citadel O Irene Ackerman, Staple Hill O Lieut-Colonel Peter Ward from Basingstoke Hospital on 16 March

TRIBUTES MICHAEL CHAPMAN, SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING MIKE was introduced to Southampton Sholing through a Sunday school outreach that his children attended. Kath, his wife, was first to worship at the corps but Mike eventually joined her and embraced corps activities.

He was enrolled as a uniformed soldier and became a songster. Always ready to help, he went collecting, assisted in the charity shop and was the Churches Together co-ordinator.

Mike particularly enjoyed Army holiday weeks at Butlin’s and Pontins and made many friends. He was also a golf enthusiast. Underlying health issues, including diabetes, gradually took their toll but Mike was upbeat and maintained his sense of humour to the end. He is greatly missed by Kath and his family. – BE

JEAN McFARLAND, NORTHAMPTON JEAN linked up with the Army when her two grandsons joined the Salvation Army Boys’ Adventure Corps. Wanting to know more about this Christian organisation, she contacted the corps officers and, at their invitation, started to attend Sunday meetings. In due time Jean and her husband, Joe, were enrolled as soldiers.

From then on her aim was to glorify God. She joined the pub-boomers team, selling Army papers in pubs where she had previously worked as a barmaid. She later became a songster, which gave her further opportunities to express her faith.

Jean instinctively knew who needed practical help and met those needs with selfless generosity. The depth of her devotion to her family was fathomless; she was their rock and wise counsellor.

Jean’s life could be summed up by 1 Corinthians 13:4–7. – NR

NEWS UPDATES 1. KEY WORKERS: All UK national governments have directed that schools and registered early years providers should close except for vulnerable children and those of key workers. Salvation Army early years facilities will continue to serve these children only. The UK government definition of ‘key worker’ includes all Army officers, many employees and some volunteers.

2. FOOD BANKS: The shortage of food in the shops is placing great strain on food banks. The Army is in discussions with government, charities and businesses to find solutions to the shortages. We expect demand for food banks to increase in the weeks ahead and are planning to make an appeal to the general public for donations.

3. EVENTS: With regret, the follow events have been impacted.

Cancelled: • Easter Music Course, 13–17 Apr • Pre-Symphony Sounds concert, Symphony Sounds concert and Music and Creative Arts Leaders Councils, 29–31 May • Brengle Institute, 9–18 Jun • Women and God weekend, 19–21 Jun • Sport and Christianity Gathering, 20 and 21 Jun Postponed: • Sports Learning

CORONAVIRUS ANNOUNCEMENT This update, issued by Secretary for Communications Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant, is correct as of 23 March WE NEED TO FOLLOW THE ADVICE The Salvation Army will continue to follow the advice of the health authorities. We must all follow the social distancing guidelines. This is not easy as so much of our work relies on meeting people. Therefore, we need to find new ways to achieve our mission. We must not be reckless but neither should we be unduly fearful.

WE HAVE A PLAN The Army has a large and diverse presence across the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland. Combatting coronavirus and its effects on our communities will require a flexible, local response. Therefore, every corps, centre, unit and headquarters has the responsibility to develop a plan that achieves the mission according to its circumstances. As the plans are implemented, lessons will be learnt and plans can be adjusted. We need to work in partnership so sharing our plans with others is essential.

WE NEED TO BE FLEXIBLE We are all learning new ways to work. If possible, Salvation Army staff should work at home. However, not everyone can do this. The Army is home for many vulnerable people so we cannot simply close our doors. We must follow the advice of the public health experts while finding ways to make sure people are not abandoned at this time. This will require lots of flexibility by all of us. Some of us can be deployed into teams who need support.

Community Weekend,17–20 Apr • Musical Theatre Day, 2 May • NCD 12 Conference, 15–17 May • Early Years and Financial Inclusion Best Practice course, 18 and 19 Jun 4. SAFEGUARDING: Please remain mindful of the safeguarding considerations which need to be taken into account in all circumstances.

Where vulnerable groups have difficulties acquiring food and supplies, there is a risk of financial abuse and exploitation. If your corps, centre or unit is helping high-risk groups by delivering food or picking up shopping, please be alert to the potential for abuse.

With school and nursery closures and children and families in isolation, there are fewer eyes on the child.

Signs of abuse or harm may not be noticed, and children may be at risk behind closed doors. Home visits and deliveries may be crucial in providing support to a child and recognising issues which may need to be referred to the authorities.

5. WORSHIP: Everyone is called to pray every day at noon for all the people around the world impacted by coronavirus. Please also pray for

leaders across the world who are making very complex decisions. May God give us all wisdom and courage.

The Older People’s Ministries (OPM) Silver Lining team are sharing messages and support for older people on their Facebook page, Older People’s Ministries UKI. Every day at 9 am one of the OPM regional mission specialists posts a daily devotional message. On Monday and Friday mornings the team share information such as updates to government advice for older people.

We are grateful for people sharing how they are facilitating worship and prayer. If your corps is providing resources that can be shared more widely, please do so.For children, KA! JAM is an online Bible study series run by the Kids Alive! team.

This is a great activity for our children to participate in while they’re home.

For more information see any issue of Kids Alive! or email the editor, justin.reeves@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Key information is on the territorial website: salvationarmy.org.uk/ salvation-army-and-coronavirus

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Salvationist 28 March 2020

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ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. ALL ADVERTS CARRIED IN SALVATIONIST ARE SUBJECT TO HOUSE STYLE AND ARE CARRIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. For further information call 020 7367 4883 or email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

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Salvationist 28 March 2020

Due to current safety advice relating to the coronavirus outbreak, some or all of the events listed may not take place as expected.

Please contact the corps or person named for more information

ADVERTISEMENTS

EMAILING

Your corps

Salvationist Copy for adverts should be sent to advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk All other copy* should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication *News; Letters; Tributes; Features; etc

could advertise in a box this size for as little as For information about advertising in Salvationist contact HANNAH HOLDEN between 9 am and 4 pm Copy should reach this office 21 days before date of issue

We accept adverts by post or email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

£26 for 1 issue or £65 for 3 issues

FUNDRAISING INVITATION

Reaching new heights ‘Do you fancy climbing Snowdon at night?’ asks Community and Events Fundraising Manager Angela Carlucci (THQ)

Y

OU are invited to climb the highest mountain in Wales through the night of 8 August, with torches lighting your way and the moon as your backdrop. At the 1,085m summit, weather permitting, you will be able to see the sun rise across Snowdonia National Park – an

unforgettable sight. The trek will last seven to ten hours and will be a nine-mile round trip.

Every mile you cover will help transform lives. Funds raised through your efforts can go towards a Salvation Army project close to your heart, whether that is homelessness, anti-human trafficking and modern slavery, the Big Collection or a corps or centre project.

The Community and Events team will support you throughout your fundraising journey, including our fundraising welcome pack and the Facebook support group. We will also

provide a breathable Sally Army supporter T-shirt, and will stay in touch every step of the way, giving out tips and tricks, and helping you reach your goal.

O For more information email challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk or go to salvationarmy.org.uk/mountsnowdon-2020 O If the event is postponed or does not go ahead due to safety advice relating to the coronavirus outbreak, participants will be informed nearer the time Salvationist 28 March 2020

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…

GILLIAN SMITH Day Concierge, Riverside Complex, London How did you first come into contact with the Army?

When I was about six years old an aunt told me that The Salvation Army always ‘practised what it preached’. To me at the time, Salvationists were just people who wore funny clothes.

What made you want to work for the Army?

I thought it would be nice to find out what the Army really was, after hearing my aunt’s opinion and learning about its history at school.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Getting to meet people with different views of life and helping them.

When I was about six years old an aunt told me that The Salvation Army always ‘practised what it preached’. To me at the time, Salvationists were just people who wore funny clothes

’

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Time in the mountains or relaxing on a cruise and chilling out, but with the option of doing something a bit more strenuous if I get bored.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Definitely 1970s fashion – so many weird and wonderful materials in bright colours!

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

Douglas Bader. I was eight when I saw Reach For The Sky and was amazed to find out it was a true story. The film influenced me to have a positive attitude to pain and to never give up.

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

Knock, Knock Who’s There? It was Britain’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1970. I think it cost me three shillings and sixpence, about £2.70 in today’s money.

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

There is always light at the end of the tunnel, even if the tunnel has lots of bends.

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

Self-service tills. You’ve either got an unexpected item in the bagging area or the machine spits out the note you’re trying to put in.

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

I’ve been skiing and loved it, so I’d do that in the Winter Olympics. Slaloming between trees in the pine forest made me feel like I was in a James Bond film.

…and the most frustrating?

Not being able to help everyone and sometimes not seeing a happy ending.

What do you do in your spare time?

I’m a bookworm. Even before I could read I’d look at the pictures in books and make up my own stories.

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

It would have to be a comedy. I’d be the clown who cheers everyone up.

What languages do you speak?

I know a little bit of German, but if I don’t get the textbook answers I’ve learnt, I’m stumped.

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

It would be great to have one of those travel belts they had in the children’s TV show The Tomorrow People. All you would have to do is click a button and you could be wherever you wanted.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

Any book written by Lesley Pearse. She is my favourite author.

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

At my first job I had a colleague who had been a soldier in the military. He told me the first rule was never to volunteer. I now understand what he meant.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My photo albums – they contain so many memories. It’s nice to have photos to record our family history and see pictures of relatives I have never met.