Salvationist 28 September 2019

SALVATIONIST

No.1724 Price 60p

For everyone linked to The Salvation Army www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 28 September 2019

Introducing the

Messengers of Grace

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

NUMBER OF HOMELESS FAMILIES IN ENGLAND UP 11 PER CENT IN A YEAR, FIGURES SHOW

CHURCH SETS UP SAFE HOUSES FOR GANG MEMBERS WANTING TO LEAVE LIFE OF CRIME

‘HIGHER NEED FOR FOOD BANKS THE LONGER UNIVERSAL CREDIT EXISTS’

The number of families considered homeless in England has surged by 11 per cent, with a household found to be without a home every four minutes, according to new figures.

Government data shows in the first three months of this year, there were 25,130 families with children identified as homeless, compared with 22,700 the previous quarter.

The number of children living in temporary accommodation, such as B&Bs, hostels and councilowned properties, meanwhile hit a 13-year high at 126,020, up 83 per cent since its lowest point in June 2011.

Campaigners said the rise… was the result of ‘cripplingly expensive’ private rents, frozen housing benefits and lengthy waiting lists for social homes.

A church group in London has set up 23 safe houses for gang members who are willing to turn their life around and escape from a life of crime.

Pastors from Spac Nation church have spearheaded the new project.

There have been 63 fatal stabbings in the capital this year.

Senior pastor Tobi Adegboyega told Sky News many of the youngsters he sees are missing out on a real childhood.

‘In our community now, teenage years are drugs and knives. Most times it’s [the project] their first chance. These guys haven’t seen the other part of life.

Then they can make a decision if they want to live right or not.’

So far more than 100 young people have taken part in the scheme. They are also helped with education and employment while they’re there.

The Independent

Premier

Suspects charged with criminal or immigration offences could be victims of modern slavery who have been forced to break wthe law, solicitors have been told.

The Law Society has published guidance on what solicitors should do if they believe they are acting for a suspect who appears to have been exploited.

It warns solicitors to look out for clients with false identity documents and few possessions, who are unsure of their address or other personal details or who show signs of fear and anxiety, distrust of authorities or evidence of violence.

More than 70 million people worldwide are in some form of modern slavery, including child labour, forced marriage and forced commercial sex acts, according to the Global Slavery Index.

The need for food banks increases in areas where universal credit has been in operation the longest, according to new research.

The Trussell Trust’s food banks in areas where the benefit has been rolled out for at least a year have seen a 30 per cent increase in demand.

The charity said demand jumps to 40 per cent where universal credit has been in place for at least 18 months.

The Trust urged the government to end the fiveweek wait for the benefit, warning that its study showed the longer it was rolled out in an area, the more people were ‘plunged into poverty’.

The Trussell Trust’s chief executive Emma Revie said: ‘Universal credit should be there to anchor any of us against the tides of poverty, but the five-week wait fatally undermines this principle, pushing people into debt, homelessness and destitution.

‘In a society that believes in justice and compassion, this isn’t right, but it is something that can be fixed.’

The Times

Wales Online

SUSPECTS COULD BE VICTIMS OF MODERN SLAVERY, LAWYERS TOLD

SALVATIONIST (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – (tel) 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – (tel) 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – (tel) 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – (tel) 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – (tel) 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 28 September 2019

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 445445 (option 1, option 1) (fax) 01933 443006 (email) subscriptions@satcol.org TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500 (tel) 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 and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

ISSN 2516-5909

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

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Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

PUTTING ON THE L-PLATES THE public welcome meetings for the cadets of the Messengers of Grace Session take place at William Booth College this weekend. The cadets are pictured on the front cover, and they tell us about themselves and God’s work in their lives on pages 12 to 15.

The cadets are a diverse group, with different nationalities, backgrounds, life experiences, personalities and skills. But they also have things in common: they are called by God, committed to serving him, aware of his grace, ready to trust him for the future and willing to learn.

In a Salvationist interview earlier this year (29 June) I asked the training leaders, Lieut-Colonels Mike and Wendy Caffull, what cadets learn at the college. Mike replied: ‘The easiest way to sum it up is in three words: knowing, being and doing.’ It’s a mixture of academic study, practical training and spiritual formation. Those will be the essential ingredients not just for their time in college but for the whole of their officership as well.

One of the first steps to being a successful learner is knowing how to learn. That’s essential for all followers of Jesus. As former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams said, ‘Learning to be a disciple is learning to be a learner.’

Educationalists say that there are various ways of learning and that some are better than others. It is thought that we remember only 20 per cent of what we hear and 50 per cent of what we see and hear, but 80 per cent of what we do. Interactive learning is the most effective.

As a follower of Jesus, learning to be a learner means learning to have this interactive approach in which listening and lifestyle intermingle. It’s more than simply listening to sermons or reading the Bible and hoping it will all sink in. It’s about putting the teaching of Jesus into practice in everyday situations – trying to love our neighbour, trying to forgive, trying to be humble, trying to be courageous – then coming back prayerfully to God’s word to see if what we’ve done helps us understand it better. The best lessons are learnt through living, because the real tests are in real life.

But learning to be a learner is also about our appetite for, and attitude towards, learning. A good disciple is one who wants to learn and who remains humble and teachable. Maybe that’s what Jesus had in mind when he said, ‘Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart’ (Matthew 11:29). We learn to be learners by reflecting the humble attitude of Jesus.

In his book, The Divine Conspiracy, Dallas Willard says, ‘One can be a professing Christian and a church member in good standing without being a disciple.’ Being a follower of Jesus is about more than just turning up and looking good. We need to have the L-plates on, ready to be a learner and ready to learn to be a learner.

Let’s support the new cadets with our prayers as they do this, and challenge ourselves to do the same.

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

Preview Choosing to shine

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by Justin Reeves

Feature Naming new heights

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by Garth Hentzschel

Interview 10 and 11 Airwaves of love: Broadcasting the good news

by Melita Day-Lewis

Cadet cameos Glimpsing grace at William Booth College

12 to 15

Bible study 16 and 17 The parable of the rich fool

by Major Liesl Baldwin

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Melvyn Knott

New commitments

18

Letters

19

Announcements Adverts

20 and 21 21 to 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Major Peter Mylechreest

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

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NEWS

Territorial Commander filmed for BBC documentary POPLAR TERRITORIAL Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill took part in an upcoming episode of BBC Two’s Inside The Factory at the community café.

The series follows presenters Cherry Healey and Gregg Wallace as they explore the secrets behind large-scale production in

some of Britain’s biggest factories and investigate the journey of everyday items from source to supermarket.

Each episode includes a historical segment presented by Ruth Goodman, which explores the origins of a featured item. The TC was filmed meeting with Ruth to discuss the episode’s item and its links to The Salvation Army.

The episode will be broadcast in 2020. – J. L.

Major David House (Woking) presents Norwich City Football Club shirts to Lieutenant David Ontieno, a youth and children’s ministries officer in the Tanzania Territory; the shirts were donated for the children at Matumaini Primary School in Temeke

Welcome and farewell MERTHYR TYDFIL TWO cadets were farewelled and two officers welcomed at a South and Mid Wales divisional celebration.

Cadet James Jones (Carmarthen) led the way into the hall, carrying the divisional flag for the new cadets, accompanied by the Divisional Fellowship Band playing ‘O Boundless Salvation’.

Cadet Katie Sinclair (Newtown) shared her testimony, which highlighted the way that Newtown had become her family, and Cadet Dean Brill (Merthyr Tydfil) conducted the songsters.

Captains Helen and John Parry (Williamstown) and their children were welcomed into the division after taking up their new appointments.

Major David Emery (chaplain to the Welsh Assembly) received a long-service award for 35 years as an officer, and Majors Neville and Yvonne Andrews (Morriston) were admitted to the Fellowship of the Silver Star.

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DEAL: Corps folk enjoyed a summer celebration, which included a visit to Minster Abbey, a Royal Marines heritage walking trail, a creative worship afternoon based on Psalm 8, and an afternoon tea and flute recital by corps officer Captain Kate Gregory. – K. G.

The capacity congregation were challenged and blessed by the message brought by Divisional Commander Major George Baker.

The evening concluded with a rousing rendition of ‘I’ll Go In The Strength Of The Lord’. – D. M-A.

CLOWNE: The corps hosted a series of outreach events, including a pudding night, an urban ramble, a film night and a summer barbecue. The events were hailed a huge success, with the many visitors often outnumbering corps members. – G. H.

Govan’s Lewis Mullen receives the Pauline Banks Vocal Award in acknowledgement of his musical and spiritual development in the past 12 months; also pictured are Pauline’s husband and daughter, Commissioner Keith Banks and Alison Gillespie, and corps officers Majors Mark and Tracy Bearcroft

CIRENCESTER: A family service led by Regional Children’s Specialist Richard Prescott included the annual YP prizegiving for the Sunday club, led by Corinne Walters. The children enjoyed a number of varied activities. The same weekend the band provided music for the village fête at Poulton, to raise funds for the village church and hall. – M. G.

Community comes together GUERNSEY FIFTY people from the community gathered to enjoy a three-course summer lunch.

The Corps Community Mission Action Group planned the outreach event, which brought

together regular users of the community centre, people linked to the corps Christmas Day programme and members of community groups supported by the corps. The young people entertained everyone with music items, and gift bags and copies of the War Cry were handed out. – J. H.

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SATCoL Managing Director Trevor Caffull presents Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill with a cheque towards The Salvation Army for £8,701,756, the trading profit for the year 2018–19; also pictured are SATCoL Finance Director Beverley Phillips and Chairman Lieut-Colonel Alan Read Members of Hucknall’s over-60 club enjoy a one-year anniversary tea; Corps Programme Co-ordinator and group leader Divisional Envoy Colin Ward led Sunday worship

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Salvationist 28 September 2019

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NEWS

Students raise funds for The Salvation Army CHATTERIS

Student’s achievements recognised by government LIBERIA A STUDENT from a Salvation Army school has received a national award, recognising her as one of the 13 highest-achieving students in the country.

Junita Sangare came top of her class of 236 students from William Booth High School in Paynesville, just east of Monrovia.

The school is one of three Salvation Army high schools in Liberia. They all performed well in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination, a standardised exam for the anglophone countries of the Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone: the 2019 pass rate was 97.46 per cent at William Booth High School, 96.32 per cent at Len Millar High School and 92.31 per cent at John Gowans High School. These compare favourably with the national average pass rate of 68.85 per cent.

Junita also won a prestigious United World Colleges international scholarship, beating more than 450 applicants from high schools across the country. She is now studying in Japan, with travel, tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses fully paid. – D. M. LEADGATE: After conversations with the community about food poverty, several corps members wanted to support children and families during the school holidays. They decided to provide lunches on Wednesdays, free of charge. They were joined by three enthusiastic volunteers from outside the corps and welcomed many visitors who had never entered the hall before. – D. P. 6

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STUDENTS from Cromwell Community College raised more than £133 for the corps as part of the National Citizen Service programme.

Ten students visited the Sally Ann’s charity shop as part of the government-funded scheme, which encourages 15 to 17-year-olds to challenge themselves with new experiences.

With the help of shop manager Ann

EDINBURGH GORGIE: FourHymn began the Edinburgh Festival weekend by leading an open-air meeting in Princes Street Gardens. The congregation joined them in singing well-known hymns. Sunday worship, led by FourHymn and supported by the sections, brought blessing, encouragement and challenge. – L. C.

Matthews, they created a well-fitting, attractive outfit from items totalling £5.

The students were then tasked with choosing a charity to benefit from a fundraising exercise, after presentations from various organisations about their work. As the staff in Sally Ann’s had been so helpful, the students elected The Salvation Army as their chosen charity.

They planned a litter-pick and a cake sale, and presented the money raised to corps representatives Gerald Day and Ann Matthews. – R. C.

George Jacob from Brighton Congress Hall walks from Rottingdean to Brighton West Pier, supported by Linda Pallett; he raised more than £300 for a YP working visit to the Army’s School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Jamaica

Shoeburyness Band plays well-known hymns and marches to residents and staff at Bradbury Care Home’s garden party

Ipswich Citadel Band accompanies the annual united churches Songs of Praise at Aldeburgh Carnival

Celebrating 130 years BRAINTREE CORPS folk and friends, including the parent-and-toddler group and lunch club communities, celebrated the 130th corps anniversary with an afternoon tea.

New Direction Lifehouse helped to supply an abundance of cakes and scones, Bocking Concert Brass provided music, and everyone enjoyed two songs presented by a ‘scratch’ gospel choir, comprising singers from churches and a primary school in the area.

Lieut-Colonels Alan and Val Hart led worship on Sunday and Noel Sparrow, No 1 on the roll, cut an anniversary cake made by his granddaughter, Claire Johnson, who used to attend the Sunday school. – C. M.

HINCKLEY: The band and singing group presented well-known hymns in Hinckley and District Museum’s cottage garden to support an exhibition celebrating the corps, which has been in its present building for 90 years. More than 60 people were present and many requested items. Fourteen ladies enthusiastically played tambourines after corps officer Major Carol Evans asked for volunteers. Many contacts were made. – B. A. WELLING: A party for families who attended the summer programme included singing, dancing, chocolate making, creating a new church banner, games and a photo booth.

A nearby McDonald’s provided refreshments and everyone received gifts from a sweet shop.

The party celebrated the relationships built over the summer. One of the families now attends worship on Sundays. – K. S. PARKGATE: Twenty-five people from the community attended Messy Church, enjoying a brilliant time of intergenerational praise and worship. Cadet Emily Price led the event, which took the theme Wonderfully Made. – E. P.

ST IVES: Members of Addlestone visited for a mission week to ‘plough, sow seed and reap a harvest’. God brought hundreds of people through the doors for a pop-up community café and worship sessions. The team gave practical assistance to residents of the community and were recorded for the ITV local news while leading an open-air meeting in Newquay.

Two people gave their lives to Jesus after the final celebration. – M. L.

Harwich corps officer Lieutenant Shawn Moye presents Bev and Ian Alderton with the Fellowship of the Silver Star badge and certificate in recognition of their daughter, Lieutenant Victoria Moye

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PREVIEW

Choosing to shine Justin Reeves invites us to consider how we interact with Hallowe’en

A

S the nights draw in and the days get shorter, the minds of many people turn to Hallowe’en and the various traditions that go with it.

When I think back to my schooldays, carving jack-o’-lanterns from swedes – I don’t remember carving pumpkins being a thing back then – drawing caricatures of witches flying on broomsticks and singing ‘Halloween’s Coming’ were about as far as ‘celebrating’ Hallowe’en went.

How things have changed. With at least one aisle in a typical supermarket festooned with orange and black decorations and costumes for weeks before 31 October, you don’t need me to remind you that Hallowe’en is big business these days. Around £419 million was spent on Hallowe’en in the UK in 2018.

For some, all it means is an irritating evening of being disturbed by trick-ortreaters. For others, it’s seen as dabbling with the thin end of a dark and sinister wedge. For many years I’d turn off the lights at the front of the house, retreat to a back room and ignore the calls of the trick-or-treaters. Even now, our family chooses not to actively participate in this particular night of revelry.

That being said, I’ve found my attitude towards Hallowe’en has mellowed in recent years. Don’t worry, I’m not about to try to persuade anyone that it’s OK to dress in ghoulish costumes and go door-to-door threatening to play pranks on anyone who refuses to stump up a handsome ransom of sweeties. However, Hallowe’en, for all its flaws, does present an opportunity for Christians to engage with those who do choose to take part in what they consider a bit of harmless fun.

That’s why for several years now the issue of Kids Alive! published on the date nearest to Hallowe’en has become our Light issue. It’s not a ‘special’ in the way that our Christmas issue is, but we 8

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do try to engage with th our readers – many of whom are not from Christian an homes – and encourage urage them to think about the way they interact with ith this festival.

As the issue’s theme eme suggests, we focus on light, life and goodness rather than darkness, death and evil. We choose to highlight an appropriate Bible passage, such as Matthew 5:14–16: ‘You You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.

Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven.’

We explore Hallowe’en’s history and, for those who just can’t resist joining in more traditional activities, we offer advice on how to trick or treat safely.

We include craft activities, such as carving a light lantern that bears a positive word or image rather than a scary jack-o’-lantern. And we always encourage our readers to participate in positive alternatives to Hallowe’en, such as Light Parties.

Over the years I’ve had a number of conversations with Christian friends who, while they wouldn’t allow their children to attend a Hallowe’en party or go trick or treating, relish the opportunity to share their faith with neighbours as their communities come alive with families making their way from house to house.

Last year, I was interested to learn how many people handed out bundles of sweets wrapped in Bible verses.

And, of course, I was pleased to see through social media – as well as from emails and phone calls to our office – how many people stockpiled back issues of Kids Alive! or ordered extra copies of our Light issue to hand out to trick-or-treaters or children at Light Parties.

One last thought from my daughter, who was just four years old at the time of this conversation: ‘Next Hallowe’en, instead of trick or treating we should visit our neighbours and offer them a treat by doing something nice for them.’

What will you do on 31 October? Will you let the darkness beat you and retreat to a back room? Or will you choose to shine and take the opportunity to engage with others in your community?

O The Light issue of Kids Alive!, dated 26 October, is available to order through SP&S by emailing subscriptions@satcol.org or calling 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1).

The last date for orders is 11 October

JUSTIN REEVES IS EDITOR, KIDS ALIVE!

FEATURE The Antarctic Salvationist

Naming new heights Garth Hentzschel discovers an Australian Salvationist who is remembered in Antarctic circles

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HE Salvation Army has links to a number of geographical locations around the world – various parks, streets, hills and suburbs, for example.

There is, however, one place that few Salvationists will ever get to see: the Gowlett Peaks in Antarctica, named after an Australian diesel engineer who later became an Army officer.

Major Alan Gowlett (pictured right) was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, to a well-known family in the corps.

When the Second World War broke out he tried to enlist but, being too young, was unsuccessful. So he moved south to work at the Newport Railway Workshops in Victoria, which had been converted into an aircraft factory.

In April 1943 Alan joined the Australia Imperial Forces. Two years later he saw his first action in the last major battles of the war, during the invasion of Borneo.

After the war, Alan became engaged to Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Winifred Steinberg, whose mother was at one stage editor of the Melbourne edition of The Young Soldier. They were married at Hawthorn Corps in February 1950 and the following year Alan joined the Government Scientific Observation Party, which was part of the new Australian National Antarctic Research

Expedition (Anare) that had been formed in August 1947.

These were the formative years of Antarctic scientific research. Alan was appointed to Macquarie Island, in the southwest Pacific Ocean below New Zealand, as the diesel and electrical engineer and campfire officer.

Alan returned home on the ship Tatton. In 1954 he was chosen to join another expedition with Anare, this time to Mawson Base on the mainland of Antarctica. He arrived just one year after the foundation of the base.

The voyage to nearby Heard Island in the southern Indian Ocean took 16 days and the ship experienced heavy seas, which caused some damage. Upon the ship’s arrival in Antarctica, Alan’s first job was to erect an additional ten huts, which went up in the first three weeks.

Throughout the remainder of the year more buildings were constructed until there were 19 separate buildings including scientific huts, storage huts, sleeping huts and a new surgery.

In addition to the scientific work on the base, field journeys for experimentation and exploration were conducted.

In December 1955 news reached Australia that a mountain range had been discovered. Some of these mountain peaks were named the Gowlett Peaks in honour of Alan. They are a small group of isolated peaks comprising tall, sharp twin peaks and two close outliers.

Alan assisted the exploration parties, often leaving the base in dangerous polar conditions to maintain the Ceremony at Mawson Base

equipment. For his work in Antarctica, he received the Polar Medal.

It was while he was in Antarctica that Alan experienced his call to Salvation Army officership. On his return to Australia he learnt that Beth had also received the call to full-time service as an officer.

The Gowletts entered the training college from Hawthorn Corps in March 1958, in the Courageous Session. After their commissioning they served in various parts of Australia in corps as well as social work. They also served in the Caribbean and Central America Territory as managers of the Blind Institute in Kingston, Jamaica. Alan and Beth entered retirement in 1987.

At Alan’s thanksgiving service upon his promotion to Glory in 1998, a tribute was given by Fred Elliott representing the Antarctic expeditions.

In the remotest places on Earth, there are marks of Salvationists’ service in varying ways. For Alan Gowlett’s service to the exploration of Antarctica, there are peaks named in his honour, pointing heavenwards to his God. O This article is adapted from Others magazine

and first appeared in The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History

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INTERVIEW

Airwaves of love: Broadcasting the good news United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) presenter Dean Heeley talks to Melita Day-Lewis about his work on Christian radio

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F you tune into UCB 2 on DAB radio on a Saturday night, you will hear Salvationist Dean Heeley presenting a three-hour programme of praise and worship music.

This easy-listening show is interspersed with Saturday Scripture, featuring verses of encouragement for the week, and Words of Wisdom, sharing quotes from spiritual leaders or people in the public eye.

‘I often include quotes from Salvation Army leaders,’ says Dean, who worships with his family at Coventry City. ‘We also look ahead to events in politics and sport or new film releases. Then there’s Hymn of the Week, which features a more traditional hymn, often with a background story.’

UCB is an international radio group with a mission to ‘broadcast God’s 10

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life-transforming word 24-7, 365 days a year’. Dean, who is a freelance presenter for UCB in the UK, is certainly busy: he lives in Birmingham, works as head of media at a school in the city and records his shows at the station’s studio in Stoke-on-Trent. For about five years he has also spent his summer breaks helping Army media teams in New York, Washington DC and Los Angeles.

For as long as Dean can remember, his ambition was to work in media.

‘When I was about nine years old,’ he recalls, ‘Chalk Farm Band used to lead carol singing on the Blue Peter Christmas show, and my dad arranged for me to be part of the recordings. I was fascinated! I remember thinking “How does this studio get to be in my living room?”’

Dean went on to complete a first-class degree in Media and Communication at

what is now Birmingham City University.

‘I loved it!’ he enthuses. ‘The course included practical and theoretical studies in journalism, TV production and media law.

‘After I finished my degree I did four weeks of work experience with Legal TV, a channel on Sky that broadcast programmes to do with law, such as legal news, a phone-in advice show and a Crimewatch-style series called Most Wanted.’

He was offered a job as a researcher, but they invited him to do a screen test and he ended up presenting. After three years things changed and Dean started working as a learning mentor in a school in Birmingham. He is now head of media there, but his desire to be involved in broadcasting remained. About a year ago, he successfully applied to be a freelance radio presenter for UCB.

‘

Radio is a powerful medium to share the gospel and reach millions of people With three to four months’ experience under his belt, Dean was offered a regular show: Saturday Evening With Dean Heeley. He not only presents for three hours every Saturday night, but produces the programme as well.

‘The preparation can vary depending on what I’m talking about,’ he explains.

‘Maybe an hour or two of production goes into an hour on air.’

Dean was also recently asked to cover UCB 2’s weeknight show, Worship And The Word, for seven weeks. ‘It’s more formal than the Saturday night broadcast,’ he says. ‘Each hour there are about twenty-five minutes of Bible teaching from Christian leaders such as Chuck Swindoll and Rick Warren.’

Both evening programmes are pre-recorded, but Dean has also presented live broadcasts, which he relishes: ‘I don’t think you can beat doing something live because anything can happen! If a button goes down, you press the wrong fader or you don’t bring yourself in, you just have to deal with it. It certainly gets the adrenaline pumping!’

Dean’s knowledge of worship music has grown extensively as a result of his radio work. Before he started with UCB

’

his only experience was of Army band and songster music.

‘I was in Birmingham Citadel Songsters and Band, so I knew Army music quite well,’ he says. ‘Broadcasting with UCB opened up a whole new world!’

UCB listeners will mostly hear contemporary worship music on its two stations, UCB 1 and UCB 2. Dean believes that this style makes it easier for people who are not believers, or people from other faiths, to tune in.

‘Music is a great way to reach people,’ he says. ‘We hear a lot from listeners how the line of a song or the message in a chorus has spoken to them. That’s why UCB exists: to get the message of God across.’

For Dean, the fact that UCB is a charity with no advertising, funded entirely by listeners who believe in its mission, makes it a special place to work.

‘Radio is a powerful medium to share the gospel, a great way to reach millions and millions of people,’ he enthuses. ‘UCB can be listened to right around the world on the website or using the UCB app.’

UCB now broadcasts to more than 53 million people across the country.

According to figures from Rajar (Radio Joint Audience Research), the official body in charge of measuring UK radio audiences, more than 150,000 listeners tune into UCB 1 each week.

Dean says that one of the most rewarding things is hearing from listeners about how UCB is making a difference in their lives: ‘We get feedback through emails and on social media. People share their stories or testimonies with us, and some see us as friends and tell us if they need prayer. That is very special.’

On World Radio Day, the United Nations described radio as ‘the most dynamic, reactive, engaging medium there is’. Rajar’s latest numbers certainly back that up: 89 per cent of the adult UK population currently tune into their favourite radio stations each week.

‘With changing technology, people can access content with greater ease,’ says Dean, ‘and that makes it more important to develop Christian broadcasters and stations with a message. The possibilities are endless!’

O UCB 1 and UCB 2 are broadcast on DAB radio. You can also listen to Dean on demand at ucb.co.uk

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CADET CAMEOS

GLIMPSING GRACE AT WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE Cadets of the Messengers of Grace Session reflect on their callings as they commence officer training HEATHER CULSHAW Bourne ONE of the most humbling experiences of my life was meeting fellow Christians during the Design for Life weekend in September 2017. It was also when I fully committed to God’s plan and began the journey towards officership. It was a special weekend in which I was able to reflect on God’s provision and unconditional love. One of my favourite books is Glimmers Of Grace. It reminds me of all the times when God is there.

We may not always realise it, but he is with us every step of the way! As a new resident at William Booth College, there is a deep sense of contentment in my heart that I am where God wants me to be right now.

JONATHAN CULSHAW Bourne ‘NEVER once did you leave us on our own.’ These words from the song ‘Never Once’ by Matt Redman remind us of God’s faithfulness and his presence with Heather and Jonathan with Noah and Ella

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us in every situation. As I reflect on my calling, this is the deep sense of God’s grace that I feel on my own journey.

There have been times when my faith has been tested and when my connection to God has been broken, but he has never left me and never faltered.

Carried by his constant grace I enter William Booth College with a feeling that the gifts God so generously gave me will finally be put to use for the purpose he intended.

PORTIA STIRLING-MACK Brighton Bevendean WHEN I first felt God calling me to officership I wasn’t in the best place: my fiancé had just been promoted to Glory two months before our wedding. But after many tears and much prayer God’s call was clear: he told me that the place I was living wasn’t permanent and that he wanted more from me. I loved where I was living back then, but I loved God more, so I spoke to my corps officer and the many interviews began. Now I have moved into the college I am really excited to find out what God has in store for me in the future. He has always been faithful, and I have no doubt that he has new and challenging things planned for me in the years ahead.

Mary and Gavin with Isaac and Farrah

GAVIN DUNN Cambridge Citadel BEFORE Mary and I were married, God called us both on the same day at different corps. That was 12 years ago and it has been quite a journey. I spent time away from God and went through a dark period of depression, but he used people at Cambridge Citadel to bring healing and draw me back into his family. I quickly sensed him calling me to officership again. I feel blessed that we have a God of grace that has given me another chance to follow his call. I’m looking forward to growing in grace and in love over these next two years of training, and to going deeper with God.

Portia MARY DUNN Cambridge Citadel TWELVE years ago Gav and I were called to officership. We began to explore that calling but in 2008 we left the Army. I believed that was the end of our calling. After being invited to attend Cambridge Citadel I quickly found a home and was surrounded by supportive friends who included, involved, loved and encouraged me. I believe God placed me where I needed to be when I most needed it. Gav suggested we attend Design for Life in 2015. I didn’t want to hear what I knew God was saying to me but we went. I could no longer deny my calling. These 12 years have been a long journey to college but I believe that, by his grace, God will use all our experiences for his glory.

Stephanie

Martyn

Nazia STEPHANIE WHITE Doncaster I FIRST heard God calling me to officership in 2006. It was a complete surprise and one that I wasn’t willing to entertain. The call came again and again. I didn’t think I had the personality or qualities of an officer but, after the 2016 commissioning, I started to question whether officership was definitely what God was calling me to. I asked God for a lot of confirmation, each time asking for things that I didn’t think would be fulfilled, and each time he met my request. My past had taught me the truth of Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me’ (New King James Version). I eventually answered his calling. Two years later, I am one of his Messengers of Grace.

ELLIOT KERVIN Exeter Temple MY journey to William Booth College began when I was invited to the Growing Leaders course in the Devon and Cornwall Division. It was during that weekend retreat I first felt the Lord prompting me. I started to explore it and, in September 2017, I accepted my calling and the process began. I later met Megan, the officer at Bishop’s Stortford: we married in November 2018. A verse given to me even before I knew I was on this journey was 1 Thessalonians 5:24: ‘The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.’ In the place of full submission, I have found the most blessings.

MARTYN BELLSHAW Glasgow City Centre MY journey towards officership started a long time ago. Through many paths, opportunities and experiences God has been the constant in everything, and I testify to his sustaining power and grace. Perhaps fittingly for my sessional name, I love the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:29, where he extends the invitation to ‘walk with me’ and ‘learn the unforced rhythms of grace’ (The Message). I try to accept this invitation daily. I look forward to this next step, continuing to look for opportunities to share the gospel, walking with Jesus in the rhythms of grace and seeing people come into that amazing relationship with Jesus and embracing his grace for themselves.

NAZIA YOUSAF Lahore Central Hall, Pakistan Territory I ALWAYS felt an empty space in my heart while serving as a nurse. In 2009 this discomfort increased, so I took a break from work to reflect and meditate on God’s will in my life. I believe God spoke to me through Isaiah 40:1–8 and 43:1–3. I literally heard my name: ‘Nazia, comfort my people. Do not fear.’ He spoke to me clearly. He wants me to comfort his people and says I need not fear because he will be with me in all my trials and temptations. Finally I found my calling to be an officer of The Salvation Army.

Continued on page 14 i Elliot with his wife, Captain Megan Kervin (Bishop’s Stortford)

Salvationist 28 September 2019

13

CADET CAMEOS

Continued from page 13

Dean with his wife, Captain Emily Brill (Balham)

Kit Mayston-King

KIT MAYSTON-KING Leytonstone ALTHOUGH a fourth-generation Salvationist, with family roots in Leytonstone, the Army wasn’t for me. I was a confirmed Anglican when corps officer Captain Josh Selfe asked me to help with an all-night prayer vigil. I found myself alone overnight in the hall, and through prayer and Scripture came the presence of God; absolute peace flooded over me. The Lord told me, ‘This is where I want you.’ I had come home.

In 2016 I became a soldier, then CSM. The Lord wasn’t finished there. During a visit to Jerusalem, reading Scripture by the Pool of Bethesda, he told me to leave my brokenness behind and follow him; he had work for me. I enter college still answering his call, obedient to one who can do immeasurably more.

DEAN BRILL Merthyr Tydfil MY calling to officership began ten years ago during a celebration in the South and Mid Wales Division. But doubt, stubbornness and fear of not being good enough meant I pursued my own way, qualifying as a secondary school teacher instead. I thank God that he never gave up on me. When I finally said yes to him it was the words of the songs ‘Calling’ and ‘Take My Life’ that he used. A verse of Scripture that I have continued to hold on to from my first calling is: ‘Be strong and courageous.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9). As a 14

Salvationist 28 September 2019

Welshman on this new adventure I cwtch (hug) that verse very close.

Bendith! (Blessing!)

DAVID KARICKA Minster and Ramsgate I CAME to England from the Czech Republic in 2002. When my wife, Marie, and I decided to move to England I did not know about Jesus, but a week later we went to a Pentecostal church where I accepted Christ. We met Majors David and Kathryn Blowers at an evangelical concert. They could speak Czech, so we decided to visit their house group and had a wonderful time worshipping God and hearing the word of God in Czech.

Our church leaders saw our hearts, so they prayed and talked with David and Kathryn. After that God spoke and the leaders sent us to serve the Armáda Spásy corps in Margate. Two years ago we became territorial envoys at Minster and Ramsgate. From there we were called to be officers. We are blessed.

Marie and David

MARIE KARICKOVA Minster and Ramsgate I AM originally from the Czech Republic and am Gypsy Roma. When I came to the UK in 2002 I didn’t know Christ. In the Czech Republic I experienced racism but when I came to church here in the UK I felt God’s love from the children of God, regardless of my background or ethnicity. I didn’t know that God had a plan for me, but now I know that he has called me to become a cadet. He has called me to be a pioneer. My husband and I are the first Roma cadets to be at William Booth College.

It is a great blessing.

KATIE SINCLAIR Newtown I’M from a non-Christian background and found God not long after I started volunteering in the Army charity shop in Newtown seven years ago. The people there showed me the real meaning of Christian family, helped me to grow in my faith and supported me in my calling. I didn’t know much about God or the kind of relationships people could have with him when I first discovered church, but now I understand and have my own relationship with the Father. My calling was gradual. It clicked for me through a Bible study I did with the college.

Over the past year I have been on a

Katie

Craig with Tabby

‘

We have been encouraged and uplifted by how God has cleared the way to make this journey together possible

’

gap year that has allowed me to explore Army leadership and my calling.

JOEL WATSON Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls REACHING this stage in my walk with God has felt like a long time coming, but during these early days of being united as a session, it appears more and more that the name Messengers of Grace affirms God’s calling and placement upon each of us for the time that is now.

‘Grace’ is the word I have often used to summarise my journey of faith, and I know that it is God’s grace alone that has brought me to this place. I hold so much excitement for these next two years, with many things to look forward to, and I take with me the message that Paul and Barnabas gave in Acts 13:43: ‘Remain steadfast in the grace of God’ (The Voice).

Joel with his fiancée, second-year cadet Emily Price

CRAIG BATES Portsmouth Citadel I HAVE soldiered at Portsmouth Citadel my whole life. Before college I led the worship band and youth group and was a member of the band and songsters. I felt called to officership six years ago but tried to do things my own way rather than give God control. Once I started seeking God’s will in everything in my life I began to progress in following his call. My testimony is simply that if we trust God and give him control he is faithful to his promises. Proverbs 3:5 and 6 have become verses for me to live by. Throughout my journey towards officership, the love and support I have received from the corps, my family and my girlfriend, Tabby, have been amazing.

SUSAN SHORLAND-COMPTON Sleaford ‘SECOND chances can transform a person’s life, especially when the second chance comes from God.’ This quote by Patricia Raybon from Our Daily Susan with her husband, David

Bread is true for me. Having set out to become a Salvation Army officer many years ago, I am now able to respond to my calling and fulfil God’s will for my life with the support of my husband, David, and son, William. We have been encouraged and uplifted by how God has cleared the way to make this journey together possible. Having spent many years in the military and as a registrar of births, deaths and marriages, I now look forward to the new challenges and opportunities that I will encounter as one of the Messengers of Grace.

JAMES PEGG Wellingborough MY testimony is of a God who has been, and continues to be, faithful. I started the application process to train as a Salvation Army officer at the age of 17 after clearly being called by God to surrender my life and live so that I may help others experience the transformational love of Jesus. Over the years God has been faithful in developing who I am and providing experiences that have shaped me into the person I am today. As I enter William Booth College with my wife, Sophie, who is a teacher at a school in Southwark, I will continue to trust in a faithful God as he invites me to join him in his mission to bring people closer to Jesus.

James with his wife, Sophie

Salvationist 28 September 2019

15

BIBLE STUDY

The parable of the rich fool Major Liesl Baldwin calculates the value of investments

STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 12:13–34

W

HEN planning a trip abroad, you will no doubt try to get hold of at least some foreign currency for the country you are visiting.

At some point on the trip, you will likely wonder, ‘How much would this be worth in pounds sterling?’ It may be a very serious mental calculation or you may decide it doesn’t really matter. After all, you’re on holiday. Spoil yourself!

No matter who we are, value is important to us – to be able to weigh up what something is worth. The parable of the rich fool comes in response to someone weighing up a large sum, a matter of inheritance. ‘Teacher,’ a man called out to Jesus, ‘tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me’ (v13).

In those days, the general rule was that an older brother would get double that of his younger brother (see

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

by Major Melvyn Knott

16

Deuteronomy 21:17). We can safely guess that, in the eyes of this man, the question of how his father’s estate would be divided was still unsettled. Had a sense of unfairness prompted a younger brother to ask Jesus to arbitrate for a fairer share? Or was this a disgruntled firstborn, looking for someone to defend his right?

We don’t know for sure, but this seemed largely irrelevant to Jesus.

Instead of providing an arbiter, Jesus met the man’s frustration, anger or potential grief by drawing him into a parable.

The context around this parable matters because Gospel writer Luke places it within a day ‘when a crowd of many thousands had gathered, so that they were trampling on one another’ (see Luke 12:1). In the presence of this enormous crowd, Jesus makes the specific choice to speak ‘first to his

disciples’, encouraging them to live transparent lives, always aware of their intrinsic worth before God. It is then that ‘someone in the crowd’ (v13) calls out to him. Now they are all listening. After all, everyone can identify with injustice.

QUESTIONS O Have you ever asked Jesus to stand up for you because you feel someone has done you an injustice?

O How much is getting your own way really worth?

Jesus invites us to respond in a different way. To get what we want, we need to let go of what we have.

It seems that for all his riches, the fool in the parable did not realise that he actually owned nothing. When his life came to an abrupt end, the thick investment portfolio that had defined

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:9 and 10)

Come to our hearts and bless,/ Give strength and happiness,/ And every good./ Direct and safely lead,/ Supply each daily need/ For thought and word and deed,/ Most gracious God. (SASB 574)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

(Romans 15:13)

Salvationist 28 September 2019

Prayer Heavenly Father, you know every decision I need to make and every challenge I will face. Freely give me your wisdom for these times.

his existence became utterly worthless.

This is what happens with those who are only rich towards themselves and not to God. After recounting this story, Jesus turns to his disciples and says: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life… do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink… the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his Kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well’ (vv22–31).

On one level, the story can make sense to anyone: ‘Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own’ (v15 New Living Translation).

For the disciples, there is a deeper application. He has already challenged them about living transparent lives, with no hidden stuff. For them, the parable isn’t only about the dangers of greed but

also about the essence of what it means to be a child in God’s Kingdom.

Read verses 22 to 34. As the King’s children, how we calculate the worth of something is fundamentally different from the currency used by the crowd.

The worth of what we have – or our need for what we don’t have – is measured in the context of our relationship with God. Our heavenly Father knows the value of our life and feeds us and clothes us.

He knows what we need and gives us the Kingdom. As Paul writes in Romans 8:17, we are co-heirs with Christ and therefore share in Christ’s glory, as well as his sufferings.

If we allow these truths to shape the way we hold our possessions, we will begin to understand God’s own Kingdom currency. The exchange rate is altogether different; when we give away, we actually gain. In God’s currency, our

treasure will be safe; ‘no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it’ (v33 NLT).

It will outlive us.

QUESTION How might this parable shape your willingness to trust God in your daily life?

O

That ‘someone’ in the crowd remains nameless. However, God knows each of us by name. He invites us to trust him with everything we have – and don’t have.

MAJOR BALDWIN IS TUTOR AND PASTORAL SUPPORT OFFICER, WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Lord, my will I here present thee/ Gladly, now no longer mine;/ Let no evil thing prevent me/ Blending it with thine./ Lord, my life I lay before thee;/ Hear this hour the sacred vow;/ All thine own I now restore thee,/ Thine for ever now.

(SASB 602)

This is a trustworthy saying.

And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

(Titus 3:8)

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise;/ Be thou mine inheritance now and always;/ Be thou and thou only the first in my heart;/ O Sovereign of Heaven, my treasure thou art!

(SASB 573)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

(Proverbs 3:5 and 6)

Salvationist 28 September 2019

17

NEW COMMITMENTS

SOME PHOTOS REMOVED

TEIGNMOUTH: Marilyn Chapman was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Nigel Byrne (Newton Abbot). Marilyn first stepped into the hall last year with a gift for the Christmas appeal. She was invited to stay and has not missed a Sunday since. She feels that she has found her spiritual home. Also pictured is flag-bearer John Spooner. – M. G.

ABERDEEN CITADEL: Patrick Boyne was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Lieutenant Helen Froud. He linked up with the corps through contact with Good Neighbours and Castlegate Chorus.

Patrick is now an enthusiastic member of the songsters. – H. F.

BLACKPOOL CITADEL: Major Sandra Fisher (Blackpool Team Ministry) welcomed Patrick Swayze and Philip Corallo as adherent members. As a youngster, Patrick lived in Bath and was a YP band member. Philip had been searching for a church where he could settle. He linked up with the corps out of curiosity, finding that it was evangelical and just what he wanted. Both wish to go further in their relationships with the Lord. They are pictured with Adherents Secretary Valerie Eccles.

LIVERPOOL STONEYCROFT: Corps officer Lieutenant Sam Tomlin welcomed three adherent members. Jonathan McKay linked up with the corps through the Recycles bike repair programme. Arthur and Claudia Johnson responded to God’s call to worship at the Army after serving at many churches over the years. They all shared how Jesus was central to their lives. They are pictured with CS Joan Petrie. – S. T. 18

Salvationist 28 September 2019

BALLYMONEY: Georgina Whittaker first made contact with the Army through the midweek drop-in. She was invited to Sunday worship and has never looked back. Corps officers Major Jane-Marie and Lieutenant Tim Cook welcomed Georgina as an adherent member. – T. C.

Neil Bowler was also welcomed as an adherent member by Major Sandra. They are pictured with Valerie. The Bowler family moved to Blackpool Citadel in the early 1960s from Lamberhead Green Corps. In his younger years Neil played in the YP band, and later the senior band. He left the corps for some years but since his return has been attending regularly. He is a valued member of the congregation. Neil had no hesitation in becoming an adherent member. – D. E.

TEDDINGTON: Corps leader Divisional Envoy Roger Coates enrolled Laila Magyar as the first soldier in six years. Already a Christian, Laila had been looking for a church where she could worship. She accepted an invitation from a colleague to attend a Sunday meeting two years ago.

Laila got involved, serving coffee after worship each Sunday, and decided to explore what soldiership meant. This resulted in her committing to sign the soldier’s covenant and wear uniform. Laila looks forward to deepening her relationship with God and gives him all the glory. – R. C.

LETTERS

BE DISTINCT OR BECOME EXTINCT I HAVE been interested in the recent correspondence from Polly Fox (Salvationist 17 August) and others on the relevance and style of Army uniform. Is the reluctance of some to support the wearing of uniform connected with the trend to adopt an ethos of ‘church’ rather than that of the Army, which is ‘church plus’?

To go too far in this direction would mean that our officers would, like many Free Church ministers who have abandoned the clerical collar, verge on anonymity. If we are to fulfil our mission, surely we must be as visible as possible. How can a seeker find an answer if they cannot see the one to ask?

I sell the Army papers in the centre of town and, apart from trying to answer questions of a theological nature, I have been asked about such things as how to obtain a Blue Badge for parking, council tax and pensions (I am a retired teacher and not a tax expert), local history, the inevitable way to the nearest public toilet and even once to look after the bicycle of a member of the aristocracy, who was going into the church to finalise arrangements for a wedding. You have to be available to all levels of society. I think, therefore, that a distinctive uniform is required and my present one seems to fit that purpose.

If we adopt too casual a dress, such as a tracksuit and baseball cap, I feel that even with the red shield we would blend a little too much into the background. We must be distinct or we will become extinct.

If we must have change for change’s sake, can I plead for us not to follow the example of the postal service, which has dispensed with traditional uniform in favour of shorts or trousers that come just below the knee? That would seem much less practical, particularly in the carolling season.

Peter Grace Cirencester

THANK YOU, KIDS ALIVE! EVERY week the three children in my Sunday school class (hallelujah for those three little lives!) rush to pick up the latest issue of Kids Alive! and we all sit around the table together and get to work.

We flick through the pages to see what’s inside. Then we go back to the beginning and read the first page about whatever film or event is featured.

Next it’s Ed’s Bit, then the Bible story, and we pick up the pace to look for Random Rita before the puzzles, jokes and cartoons. (Patch’s Pals brings a smile to my face each week.) We try to get through as much of the magazine as we can in the time allowed, then the children take it home to finish.

Over the years I’ve used lots of different Scripture Union resources but Kids Alive! seems to hit the spot – the children enjoy it!

Thank you and well done to all involved in its production!

Jill Pentre

LETTERS Readers’ letters are a popular and well-read section of Salvationist.

Many years ago General Frederick Coutts said letters for publication in the Army’s press should be ‘carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed’. Letters may be edited and should ideally be no more than 300 words.

Random Rita from ‘Kids Alive!’

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 1 October O Major Nigel Schultz, Secretary for Business Administration, Ghana Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel O Major Judith Schultz, Secretary for Community Projects, Ghana Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel Effective 14 October O Lieut-Colonel Wendy Caffull, Under Secretary for Europe, IHQ LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O YPSM Deborah Moffett and Primary Sgt Jenna Briggs, both Belfast Sydenham WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Spencer and Beryl Gardner, Staple Hill (11 October) O David and Kathleen Waller, Bolton Citadel (11 October) O Jim and Sheena Williams, Felixstowe (11 October) O Trevor and Sheila Baker, Felixstowe (18 October) DEDICATED TO GOD O Poppy Rose, daughter of BM Philip and SCL Hannah Wainwright, at Castleford

by Majors Marian and Steve Fripp O Caleb, son of SL Jonathan and Danielle Allchin, at Leeds Central by Major Joy Allchin

George Mark, son of Paul and Stephanie Pippard, at Exeter Temple

by Major Lawrie Brown O Emilia Lily, daughter of Warwick and Kate Smith, at Reading Central by Major Richard Welch O

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Commissioner Inger-Lise Clausen (80 on 1 October) O Major Roma Brownsmead (85 on 2 October) O Lieut-Colonel Robert Menary (90 on 2 October) O Lieut-Colonel Anna Gibbons (85 on 3 October) O Commissioner Freda Larsson (80 on 9 October) O Major Margaret Stewart (80 on 11 October) BEREAVED O Jo Davies, Swindon Citadel, of her father Stephen PROMOTED TO GLORY O Barbara Robertson, Blackpool South

WHAT’S ON SOUNDS OF BRASS O Marking the promotion to Glory of Eric Ball (1 October 1989) on 29 September at 8 pm This broadcast can be heard live on select BBC local radio stations or by visiting bbc.co.uk/sounds

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O IHQ (Family Day), Sat 28 Sep O New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory (congress), Mon 30 – Mon 7 Oct O Democratic Republic of Congo, Th 10 – Sun 20 O Asbury University and USA National Headquarters, Mon 21 – Fri 25 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 Oct O ICO (lecture), Tu 15 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O William Booth College (welcome to the new session of cadets), Sat Sun 29 Sep O Warwick (Territorial Leaders Conference), Mon 30 – Th 3 Oct O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 O William Booth College (Territorial Advisory Council), Fri 11 O Sunderland Millfield, Sat Sun 13 O Cardiff Canton, Sat Sun 20 O Harrogate International Centre (Territorial Officers Councils), Wed 23 – Wed 30 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O William Booth College (welcome to the new session of cadets), Sat Sun 29 Sep O Warwick (Territorial Leaders Conference), Mon 30 – Th 3 Oct O William Booth College (Territorial Advisory Council), Fri 11 O Harpenden, Sat Sun 13 O William Booth College (spiritual day), Tu 15 O Harrogate International Centre (Territorial Officers Councils), Wed 23 – Wed 30

20

Salvationist 28 September 2019

TRIBUTES Editor’s note: ‘Salvationist apologises to the family of Mary Butcher for incorrectly stating that Dennis married Betty in the tribute published on 14 September. The tribute is published correctly below.’ MARY BUTCHER, READING CENTRAL BORN in Sheffield in 1930, Mary joined the Army after her friend, Betty Wileman, invited her to Sunday school. In 1947 Dennis moved to the area and met Mary at Sheffield Citadel. They married in 1951.

Mary was a songster and served in many roles at the corps, including songster secretary, primary sergeant and singing company leader.

In 1971 she and Dennis moved to Reading with their children, Wendy and Timothy. Mary served for many years in Reading Central Songsters and as songster secretary. She was treasurer for the Central Club for the Retired for ten years, organising holidays and days out, including a trip to Holland.

Mary loved spending time with her five grandchildren, taking them to interesting places. She taught the girls to knit and they taught her to use a computer and mobile phone! Before Mary became ill she spent many hours knitting for her new great-granddaughter.

Although quiet, Mary had a great influence and was a lovely Christian lady. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ – T. B. AUDREY WHITMORE, DARTFORD BORN in 1917, Audrey became a Salvationist in Leyton, where she worked in a nearby factory during the Second World War. She moved to Swanley after starting a family and linked up with Dartford, becoming active in the corps and community.

Audrey was over-60 club secretary for many years and worked hard, regularly baking dozens of cakes for coffee mornings. She was particularly good with young people, encouraging them and helping them with schoolwork. In

by supporting those around her emotionally and practically.

A faithful soldier at Bristol Bedminster and Bristol Citadel, she is fondly remembered for her tireless work, love for others and sense of humour. She is greatly missed by her husband, Roy, and daughters, Jenty and Ruth. – R. W.

this she was aided by her phenomenal memory, which she kept all her life.

A matriarch to her family, her faith was evident to all. Even in her nineties Audrey collected for the Army and the Royal British Legion at her regular spot. She remained involved with her area’s Trefoil Guild – which she helped found – and played darts for the local women’s team.

Audrey left to be with the Lord at the age of 102. Predictably, it was standing room only at the hall and crematorium. Good and faithful servant, well done! – C. M.

Soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

SALVATIONIST PRICE INCREASE After careful consideration the price of Salvationist will rise from 60p to 70p a week from the 5 October 2019 issue. This is the first increase since April 2006, when the price rose from 50p. Production costs have not stood still over the past 13 years and, while a price increase has been resisted for some time, it is now unavoidable. If Salvationist kept pace with inflation since 2006 the price would now be 86p!

VAL WILLIAMS, BRISTOL CITADEL VAL linked up with the Army as a child, after being introduced by a friend.

She was commissioned in 1965 as a member of the Proclaimers of the Faith Session.

Although she came out of officership soon after, she continued to serve God

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Salvationist 28 September 2019

21

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Salvationist 28 September 2019

22-23

Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army!

We’ve asked some of them to tell us about themselves. This week…

MAJOR PETER MYLECHREEST Chaplain, THQ How did you first come into contact with the Army?

I was curious about The Salvation Army.

What made you want to become an officer?

When I signed the soldier’s covenant I knew that I needed to give my whole life to serving as a Salvation Army officer.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

People. Everyone has a unique story and I have the privilege of listening to many of them.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role?

Also people – those who make trivial matters important while overlooking the things that really matter.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

No officer, regardless of their rank or position, would be able to serve in a headquarters appointment for more than five years at any one time without returning to serve as a corps, community or centre officer for a minimum of three years. Further appointments at headquarters could follow.

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

The Russia House. I’d play Bartholomew ‘Barley’ Scott Blair, who proves himself to be a man of honour. He shows that some things are more important than the games spies play.

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Everyone has a unique story and I have the privilege of listening to many of them

’

What is your favourite kind of holiday? What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘You can throw the whole weight of your Visiting a place with interesting architecture and access to the countryside. anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern’ (1 Peter 5:7 JB Phillips). I have found this to be true for If you could meet any more than 50 years. historical figure, who hi would you choose? w Which Bible figure would you like to The Rev Geoffrey T Studdert Kennedy, known meet and what would you ask them?

S James. I’d ask him, ‘As you wrote of the as Woodbine Willie, a a cchaplain in the First World relationship between faith and action, how would you personally respond to War. I would ask about W the number of people experiencing his moving and honest homelessness on the streets today?’ poems about the events he witnessed.

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

Strong, compassionate, practical love.

What do you do in your spare time?

Read, go to the theatre, play chess and other board games, go for walks, draw, paint, research my family tree, weed the garden, complete Wasgij jigsaws and, occasionally, write.

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

The Teddy Boy look: long, Edwardianstyle jackets with velvet collars, drainpipe trousers, bootlace ties and creepers. But I’d have to wear a wig for the greased hair and quiff!

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Milky.

If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

My wife, Val! Which book would you want on a desert island?

The Great Divorce by CS Lewis.

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

The middle section of Beethoven’s ‘Pastoral Symphony’.

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

Daydream by the Lovin’ Spoonful, released in 1966.

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

Keep your eyes on Jesus. When we fail, look to him; when we get puffed up, look at him; when others disappoint us, trust in him.

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

Any way you throw me I shall stand, which is linked to my Manx heritage.

Something interesting people might not know about you is…

I have parachuted on my own a couple of times.