Issuu

All Greek to me

I DON’T often dive into the biblical origin of words but, upon reflecting on the description of what it is to be a chaplain – the topic of this week’s issue – I discovered that one of the purposes of a chaplain is to come alongside, to walk or journey with.

The two Greek words in Scripture that best describe this are sunodeuō –sun meaning ‘with’ and hdeuō meaning ‘to travel’ – and parakaleō – para meaning ‘alongside’ and kaleō meaning ‘to call’. In essence, both could and are used to describe the act of walking with, comforting, encouraging or strengthening someone.

To some extent, I would hope that we could all identify with opportunities in our lives to do this with family members or friends, perhaps through a particularly challenging situation. But to do so with a total stranger is a calling, and it requires both wisdom and discernment. Often, just being with and not necessarily doing for. To listen, to accompany, to love in Christ’s name. In this week’s issue, we will hear the testimonies of some of those for whom this is their calling, and share something of what God is doing in and through them.

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EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope

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SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Joseph Halliday, Louise Phillips

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General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

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UPPER NORWOOD

Ever-present hope

As Raye drops her latest album, Sophie Pepperrell considers it through a Christian lens

IN This Music May Contain Hope, Raye invites us into an unfiltered exploration of the human experience; one that moves through chaos, temptation and quiet resilience. From this, she gently traces God’s constancy and growing hope.

The album doesn’t demand a fixed point of faith – it meets you in whatever weather you arrive in. Just like the weather, our spiritual conditions can shift quickly, so there’s no single

Reflect and respond

Read Psalm 34:18. God, meet me in the heaviness before I have the words to name it.

Read Romans 7:19. God, hold me in the gap between who I am and who I’m trying to be. Be present in the parts of me that have gone quiet and cold. Help me to not settle for what soothes me but doesn’t sustain me.

Read Ecclesiastes 4:9 and 10. God, make me brave enough to reach out and soft enough to respond. Root my hope deeper than my circumstances.

starting place here, only different conditions.

I view the first song, ‘Intro: Girl Under the Grey Cloud’, as a call to prayer. Sometimes, faith begins not with belief but with recognising the weight we’re under. This song is set at ‘2.27am on a rainy night’ – the sun has disappeared and overcast spirituality has become the reality. Raye has weathered so many storms that she has become the grey cloud. Storms are convincing like that, they can feel total from within.

To me, ‘I Will Overcome’ paints sin in a familiar light. Sin rarely feels like a rebellion, more like slipping off rhythm. There can be a shame in ‘doing so well’ and not being ‘OK right now’, but we know we’ll ‘get there somehow’. God is present even in the versions of ourselves we try to edit out, where intention and action don’t align and momentum pulls us further than we mean to go. At the end of the song, she says:

There’s a thin grey veil over her horizon

And it is the wall between hope and despair

She exists behind it

She will overcome

When we can see through the fog, we find the sun hasn’t left – only our view of it has.

In ‘Click Clack Symphony’, fellowship becomes rescue, not just comfort. The song reminds me that we are often the answer to each other’s quiet prayers. There is power in being seen, in realising we were never as alone as we felt. Sometimes, faith is just staying –staying in community, with God, long enough to be carried through.

In ‘Joy’, the perspective shifts. Hope doesn’t erase the storm, it reframes it. It gave me an awareness that, even in the darkness, someone is praying. We can be unravelling internally, and yet joy quietly coexists with grief, becoming our endurance. God’s constancy isn’t dependent on awareness; the sun was never gone, only hidden.

The weather will keep changing – it always does, but the climate I am held in has never once shifted. I don’t need clear skies to believe in the sun. God is not in the weather. He is the light that remains, whether I see it or not!

Picture: Ben Houdijk / Shutterstock.com

Ipswich Citadel seconds with...

Nate Hoy

Who are you and what do you do?

I’m Nate, I’ve attended Ipswich Citadel my whole life, along with most of my family. I am a mechanic working mainly with racing cars, travelling up and down the country – and sometimes Europe –maintaining cars on and off the track.

What do you love, or not love, about the Army?

The community – being able to attend events all over the country and always knowing someone else who is there for the same reason.

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Learn from the small mistakes that don’t really matter in the bigger picture. And don’t be afraid to take a step back and rest at times.

What’s the most-used app on your phone?

Spotify. As I’m always travelling, I always have an audiobook, a podcast or music on.

What’s your favourite Bible verse or passage?

Joshua 1:9. It reminds me, wherever I am or whatever I am doing, God is by my side and will give me strength.

What do you do in your spare time? Mostly playing football and working on my own cars!

Which country would you like to visit and why?

Japan for the food and car culture.

‘God has my back’

Anthony Ward (Thirsk) knows he is guided by God’s hand

IFELL off a parked lorry when I was a child on to my head, and it was very serious. I actually flatlined and everything. My soul left my body, and I was sat on an angel’s knee. I felt so safe, so secure, so happy. This angel said to me: ‘It’s not your time and you must go back.’

I woke up in hospital with nurses around me. Ever since, I’ve had an absolute undying faith in God and Heaven and angels, because I’d seen them. But I never accepted it. I guess it was peer pressure – I didn’t want to sound crazy around my friends – but I secretly knew God existed.

However, I was challenging my own faith by rejecting it. At the time, I wasn’t connected to God. I was in a culture of tablets and drugs. I felt I was rejecting God by rebelling against him and doing things he would have disapproved of.

But Jesus never turned his back on me.

God guided my life with his hand, and I am thankful to him for never turning his back on me. I never had his back, but he always had mine. I give him praise every day for always loving me and always looking out for me, even though I didn’t appreciate it at the time. In the past two years, I’ve opened my heart to Jesus and my life is 20 million times better.

The services at Thirsk Salvation Army are very low-key, with everyone sat around a table. We bring food, eat together and talk about Jesus. It’s so nice. I enjoy the togetherness of like-minded people just discussing God, talking about the week and where Jesus has come into our lives. I now have an inner comfort and an inner happiness. Because of that comfort, I feel safe, I feel secure and I feel loved. It is a beautiful thing. My faith grows stronger every day. I feel my very

Upper Norwood Empowering gospel conversations

Jesus first

We were appointed to Upper Norwood in October 2018. On arriving, we found that the Army was known for its band, charity work and uniforms, but was not generally recognised as a Christian church! We started intentionally promoting ourselves as a Bible-believing church, with the primary mission of sharing the good news of Jesus.

Every month, Major Phil provides a church service and pastoral visits for residents and staff at two local care homes. Major Karen spends considerable time managing the leased corps building.

A good team of church volunteers and a paid group leader support our three parent-and-toddler groups. These are overtly Christian, which distinguishes us from other local groups and helps make our children’s church less intimidating.

At our Wednesday Cameo club, people enjoy refreshments and good company, which includes all sorts of topical fun, trivia and a Christian thought.

Prayerful provision

during the day. Both are well attended and very enjoyable. Together, they significantly impact the discipleship and spiritual heartbeat of the church.

Our children’s church is growing too, and has God’s fingerprints all over it. We are immensely grateful to him, and to our children’s leaders for their dedication and loving commitment.

Last year, Major Phil published Gospel Conversations, which addresses fears about evangelism, gives answers in memorable ways, and encourages people to engage in the joy of sharing the good news!

Our monthly open prayer meetings are well attended, and consist of pure, powerpacked prayers of adoration, praise, worship, confession, thanksgiving and petition.

Some time ago, we were convinced we would benefit from a community gospel choir. With no one to lead it, we left the matter in prayer. Then, three years ago –totally unaware of our previous prayers –one of our newer church members said they had been praying about whether they should start a gospel choir! We now have a healthy and happy choir who rehearse monthly and regularly bring their musical contribution to the meeting.

Our monthly Women Together group also sprang out of prayer. Another church member said they felt led by the Holy Spirit to start a women’s group, which has become an excellent support for networking, prayer, Bible study and friendship.

Intentional discipling

Sunday services are steeped in Bible teaching, praise and prayer, and we also have two Bible study groups, which are terrific for discipleship. Thursday daytime is attended mainly by retirees. Friday

People also ask discipleship questions through informal conversations, as well as over WhatsApp and email. One-to-one conversations are great – there’s nothing more satisfying than meeting up for a coffee and helping one another to trust and obey God’s word.

Some people get the most out of Sunday services, where they can simply sit and receive. Some really like hearing perspectives and contributing towards discussions in Bible study. Some really like the one-to-one opportunities, where they don’t feel nervous about asking questions. Everyone’s different, which makes it interesting!

We like to consider what people coming into our church will experience. We want them to receive a sincere welcome, to see good, honest examples of disciples of Christ, to discover that worship is accessible, to hear the Bible preached, to be repentant of sin, and to know Jesus as Saviour. Over the years, we’ve felt the spiritual temperature rising in the church, and we’re absolutely delighted with what God is doing.

Winning souls for Jesus

While we focus on discipleship within our congregation, soul winning is at the heart of everything we do in the community

We’re aware of how brief life is and so, whenever people come for practical or emotional assistance – whether it be for food parcels, clothing vouchers, advice or simply a listening ear – we always invite them to a chat so that we can share the gospel. When interacting with non-believers, sharing the good news of Jesus’ death and resurrection is our topmost priority!

• Read a review of Gospel Conversations at salvationist.org.uk/gospel-conversations

Thursday Bible study group

Called to be forgiven

Captain Andrew Manley discovers renewal and freedom result from Jesus’ call

JOHN 21:15–19

IWONDER if you have ever considered that part of God’s calling on your life is to be forgiven. We often think of calling as action – I am called to forgive others. But this call is more about being and knowing; being able to live out life in all its fullness as a forgiven child of God, knowing you are forgiven.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How do you feel about this very personal, relational thought around your state of forgiveness?

What does being forgiven mean to you?

In these verses from John’s Gospel – which are set shortly after the Resurrection – we read the account of Jesus and Peter engaging in a forgiveness conversation. Jesus asks Peter the same question three times: ‘Simon … do you love me?’ Jesus had changed Simon’s name to Peter, so note that he chooses to address him as ‘Simon’ in this beach location, where memories of his calling might be stirred.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

How do you think you might react if you were Peter and Jesus asked you three times if you loved him?

Perhaps a little context might help. If we read back a few chapters to John 18 we see Peter denying that he knows Jesus. This comes after three years of intense teaching, countless miracles and learning about ministry as a disciple of Jesus. However, at the moment of truth, Peter fulfils just what Jesus had predicted. ‘Very truly I tell you, before the

cock crows, you will disown me three times’ (John 13:38).

In his book Believe in Me: Sermons on the Apostles’ Creed, James Harnish writes: ‘The forgiveness at work here operates through a distinctive mechanism. Jesus accomplishes something Peter could never do for himself; healing requires forgiveness from the one against whom he sinned. Notably, Jesus takes the initiative to engage Peter and entrusts him with pastoral responsibility – he doesn’t merely absolve Peter and move on. Instead, Jesus forgives by restoring Peter’s future, essentially saying, “Here’s your calling back again, fresh and clean and new”.’

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Have you experienced a time when you found it difficult to see what the future might hold? How did that feel?

How did you deal with that time?

I wonder what would have come about if Jesus had said to Peter: ‘See, I told you would deny me three times.’ Believing we deserve consequences, simply because of the context we find ourselves in can cause us to think we are not worthy of God’s love or forgiveness. Satan – the ‘father of lies’ (see John 8:44) – will do his best to convince us this is true.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Have you felt you are too unworthy to be forgiven?

Do you think there is anything God won’t forgive?

The restoration of Peter by Jesus carries profound implications. To be forgiven means receiving an open future. While the past isn’t erased, forgiveness liberates us from being imprisoned by that past and it enables fulfilment of God’s calling. As Michael Farran’s hymn ‘Yet Not I, But Through Christ in Me’ so aptly puts it:

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated Jesus now and ever is my plea Oh the chains are released, I can sing: I am free!

Yet not I, but through Christ in me.

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Are there traces of unforgiveness in your life that hang around you like chains?

Because Jesus loves Peter into new possibilities and forgives him, Peter gains freedom to live out and show Christ’s love concretely. Knowing and experiencing this forgiveness makes it possible for Peter to live in freedom and to develop in new ways in his calling. It is as though, at the moment of accepting we are truly forgiven, the chains drop off. Then, we can once again move forward knowing we are free to live out the life God truly intends for us –forgiven and free!

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Why might you sometimes find it hard to forgive yourself?

What steps will you take to receive a new, restored and liberated future?

Consider what Peter went on to become because of Jesus’ liberating forgiveness. Jesus commissioned Peter: ‘Feed my lambs… Take care of my sheep…

Feed my sheep’ (vv15–17). Peter is not to worry about what Jesus is calling anyone else to do; his focus is directed to Jesus’ personal call to him (see John 21:20–22). Peter becomes a significant leader in the early Church. In Acts chapters 1 to 5 and 10 to 12, we trace how his ministry evolves as he fulfils his calling. I find encouragement in the words of theologian Robin Steinke when she writes about Peter’s forgiveness conversation: ‘Forgiveness isn’t sentimental restoration –empowerment for renewed mission. Encounters with Jesus make possible the way to forgiveness and new beginnings, opening the way to new possibilities for serving others and seeking the common good.’

PAUSE AND REFLECT

Lord of true forgiveness, as I reflect on my life – its highs and lows, its achievements and pitfalls – I recognise there are times I have said things, done things and lived out values that do not align with your Kingdom. For these moments and times, I truly seek your forgiveness. I recognise there’s nothing I can do in my own strength. Instead, I call on the Holy Spirit to transform my life. I believe that I’m called to be a forgiven, cherished and loved child of God. Help me today to accept and live out this truth, receiving a new, open and restored future in you.

CAPTAIN ANDREW MANLEY Corps Leader Kirkcaldy

To read the full, unedited Prayer Matters booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship.

SATURDAY 2 MAY: CARING FOR CREATION – PRAYING WITH NATURE – GREENING Trees shifting rapidly from blossom to full leaf fill the canopy with May’s lushness. Notice this greening: pause and breathe deeply, letting each leaf remind you of God’s renewing work. Pray simply: ‘Grow your life in me.’ Offer one place where you long for fresh growth, trusting God’s slow, hidden processes. by Major Gordon Cotterill (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

SUNDAY 3 MAY: SABBATH PRAYER – WHAT IS THE SPIRIT SAYING TO THE CHURCH?

Pay special attention to any discomfort today around going to church. What’s the Spirit saying to you in that experience? Jesus, come to us today as we gather for worship. Help us open our hearts and minds to your Spirit, to welcome your presence, and to notice when you show up in unexpected ways.

by Lyndall Bywater

(UKI Boiler Room team)

MONDAY 4 MAY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – THE BREW VAN IN THE NORTH WEST AND ISLE OF MAN DIVISION

Brew Van coffee shop serves student communities in North West England. We thank God for this innovation and pray for blessing on all the conversations. We pray for the young people training to be barista chaplains, and for the team as we manage the practicalities behind the scenes. We give thanks for our ethical and fair-trade suppliers. We pray deeply that young people will come to know God’s love through Brew Van.

by Darren Highton (Divisional Youth Specialist)

TUESDAY 5 MAY: SERVING AND CARING – EXAMS

Pray for children and young people who will sit exams: that they will sense the loving, peace-bringing presence of God, and that they will know their value is not dependent on results or grades. May the process of doing these exams help them know more clearly what they want to do with their lives.

Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)

WEDNESDAY 6 MAY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – PRAYER IN THE WORKPLACE

Pray for your workplace. If you don’t have a workplace, pray for someone who does. Begin by focusing on the love of God that reconciles us to the Father, through Jesus. Think of people at work – colleagues, customers, students, patients, clients and competitors – pray that each one will know the love of God in Jesus. taken from thykingdomcome.global

THURSDAY 7 MAY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – INDIA CENTRAL TERRITORY

We give thanks for every life touched by the love of God; for every place the Kingdom of God is bringing freedom and justice; for every opportunity to share Jesus. We pray for the leadership team of Commissioner Daniel Raju Dasari and Lieut-Colonels Gurnam Masih and Razia Gurnam.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room team)

FRIDAY 8 MAY: GROWING IN FAITH – CANDIDATES SUNDAY (10 MAY)

Keep praying for those called to be officers, territorial envoys and employed spiritual leaders, that God will convict, equip and develop leaders who seek God’s heart, know God’s word and show God’s ways.

by Major Catherine Smith (Territorial Candidates Director)

PRAYER REQUESTS

Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.

Providing quality service

Director of Chaplaincy Major Keith Burr (THQ) talks to Salvationist about the diversity of Salvation Army chaplaincy

What is a chaplain?

They’re someone sent by the Church to work within a community outside the Church for the sole benefit of that community. They’re an embodiment of Jesus’ presence outside the Church.

Chaplaincy has been described as a presence ministry – it’s less about doing stuff, it’s about being present with people where they are. You are exposed, and who you are – your character and values – becomes even more important. Someone in their time of need won’t remember what you said or did, they just remember that you were there. That’s the job of a chaplain.

What is the state of chaplaincy within The Salvation Army at the moment?

As many scenarios as you can think of, you’ll find we’ve got a chaplain there!

Two years ago, chaplaincy was delivered through every division and every department in different ways. A huge review recommended the formation of the Chaplaincy Department. This has now been running for 18 months. The idea of the department is to bring together all those forms of chaplaincy.

Currently, the department directly line manages 80 chaplains. But if you were to ask how many we have in the territory, we’ve got no idea! We have so many chaplains doing such a vast array of ministry. What we do know is that the Chaplaincy Department directly manages all chaplains within services managed by Territorial Headquarters – such as Homelessness Services and Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery. We also have a relationship with some outside bodies who use Army chaplains, and we support and encourage chaplains within the divisions.

There are still so many chaplains we don’t know about, and we want to help divisions support them, give them

resources, make sure they get to the Chaplaincy Conference, those sorts of things.

How has introducing the department helped?

Before the department, there wasn’t a clear understanding about the relationship between the sending body and the receiving body. So, for example, think about a chaplain in the police service. How they behave there is held by the receiving body, the police have their own code of practice. But who they are, and their theological understanding, is down to the Army. Today, we don’t make Homelessness Services chaplains anymore; we make quality chaplains for Homelessness Services. There’s a distinction.

There’s currently a need for more chaplains. Why is that?

Homelessness Services made a statement that, because chaplaincy is central to their delivery, if they cannot provide a chaplain, they won’t provide a service. That means it’s incumbent on us to provide them with chaplains. Increasingly, where we don’t have church leaders available for chaplaincy, we are having to recruit.

What does recruiting chaplains look like?

Chaplaincy is now understood differently by the outside world. It’s become a profession in its own right. Once upon a time, if you were a minister you could do chaplaincy. That’s not true anymore; there’s been a professionalisation, with standards and all those sorts of things.

Chaplaincy Conference

“ Statistically, someone of no faith is more likely to bump into a chaplain than any other spiritual leader. ”

Our recruitment process is the employed spiritual leader process.

The job advert goes out as a spiritual leader role and includes enhanced interviews and psychometric testing. It’s a normal recruitment process, but with some extra steps. It takes a lot longer to process than a regular job application. For some, it’s taken up to six months.

Of our 80 chaplains, 53 are officers, 4 are territorial envoys and 18 are employed spiritual leaders. Of those 18, only one is a Salvationist. We’ve got a couple from the Church of Nigeria and a couple from independent churches. They’ve signed up to represent the values and doctrines of the Army while working in the centre and, whatever their personal views may be, they’re happy to do so. We were initially cautious but, actually, they’ve proven very successful. It’s brought incredible richness to our services.

We’re also happy for people to put themselves forward for chaplaincy. There are so many levels you can engage with – as a local volunteer, through our new local officer role, in your division. We’ve got a multitude of entry points now. If someone’s interested, we’d love them to get in contact with us.

What makes a good chaplain?

Someone who is courageous enough to stand with a person where they’re at, just

Don’t miss your opportunity to gather and learn with Salvation Army chaplains from across the territory. Book your free ticket and find out more at tsa.link/chaplaincy-conference.

for the benefit of the person. It means putting down ideas about whether the person will go to church – although that is a happy consequence. Evangelists – as commendable as they are – don’t often make good chaplains. Rightfully, their purpose is to bring people to Christ and to build the Church. For the chaplain, that’s their heart’s desire, but not their primary purpose. While we don’t try to convert people, we do talk about Jesus all the time. In fact, most people are quite happy to talk about Jesus; it’s the Church they’ve got a problem with! We hear lots of transformation stories about people getting saved.

What skills does a chaplain need?

They need to have very good listening skills. They need to have a clear understanding of themselves, so they know what they’re bringing. They need to be confident about what God has done in their life.

How would you encourage someone considering chaplaincy?

Reach out! Statistically, someone of no faith is more likely to bump into a chaplain than any other spiritual leader. If you feel you’ve got a heart for it, speak to someone. The absolute privilege of just being with people in their times of rejoicing and need is the most beautiful thing in the world!

• Reach out to the Chaplaincy Department to discuss how you could explore this ministry by emailing chaplaincy@salvationarmy.org.uk

A great pr ivilege

Two chaplains share their testimonies

Territorial Envoy Hazel Ellison

Hazel joins other hospital chaplains in prayer

Birmingham Children’s Hospital and Aston University

One of the greatest privileges of being a paediatric hospital chaplain is having the opportunity to pray with and for our children, families and staff. Whatever else we have to offer, prayer is intrinsic. I am rarely turned down when I offer prayer, no matter what faith – or lack of – is professed. Drawing near to God at a bedside or in parents’ rooms brings a sacred sense of peace, comfort and – in ways we don’t always understand – healing.

I’m always conscious, however, that the words I say not only impact God, but are also a part of an often-delicate pastoral encounter. Especially when praying at a bedside, I try to keep aware of where the family are at and then listen for guidance from the Holy Spirit to help me find the right words – words that will hopefully offer comfort, healing and a hope that is appropriate to the situation. It can be tricky. I often leave silently praying: ‘Lord, bless my efforts and may they have heard only the words you want them to hear!’

With this in mind, one of my most favourite times of the week is when I meet with a couple of other chaplains in the

old, marble-lined hospital chapel to pray through the prayer requests that have been left during the previous week. We stand at the altar, lighting candles as we go, and adding our earnest, deeply heart-felt prayers to those left on the bits of paper and in the prayer book.

It might sound rather High Church, but the Salvationist, Baptist and Black Pentecostal traditions of the chaplains being added into the mix create a great atmosphere. We pray for healing, for God’s presence to be tangible throughout the hospital, for peace and for medical wisdom. We confess both our faith and our doubt. As we pray, I get a picture of our prayers joining with all the other prayers from within the hospital, rising like incense (see Revelation 8:4) and I feel God’s blessing!

What a friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry Everything to God in prayer!

Ini Mbang

Bramwell House Lifehouse, Blackburn

My journey as a minister of presence at Bramwell House and the Phoenix Hub has become more than service. Each day, I enter spaces filled with quiet grace, where people share not only through words, but also through silence, looks and simply being together. Among residents, staff and volunteers, I see a kind of truth that can’t be taught, but only experienced. Their quiet strength and honesty continue to shape me.

I’m humbled to be called by God to be present and to walk alongside others as they move through shadowed valleys, fragile dawns and hopeful times. In these moments, listening becomes important – even silence can feel like prayer. There is something deeply meaningful about simply being there as life unfolds.

I’m not alone in this work. The people around me show great compassion every day. Through the kindness and dedication of colleagues and volunteers at Bramwell House and the Phoenix Hub, support and care become more than just actions, they become something alive. Together, we share something deeply felt: a tapestry of grace woven through daily life.

In simple acts like a genuine smile, making toast at the Phoenix Hub, sharing in and joining the amazing activities at Bramwell House, even sitting or standing in stillness, I am reminded that God is always at work beneath the surface. His love is renewing, arriving each day with a quiet invitation to begin again.

Initiatives like No Pressure, Just Presence, line dancing and Wow Winsday have become more than gatherings – they have been places where those from different backgrounds, different faiths or no faith can encounter something deeper than themselves. In these moments, I find myself in deep gratitude to God for the opportunity to be a part of this transformative experience.

At the centre of everything is my faith in Jesus Christ. I experience him in each moment, in prayer, in silence, in trust, in pain and in quiet healing. This journey is teaching me that presence is not passive, it is transformative. To truly be there with another is to stand on holy ground. In that shared space, lives are touched and God’s love begins its quiet and mysterious work, not only in others, but within me, as well.

Pictured left to right are the most recent chaplains in the North West and Isle of Man Division – Allister Clarke, Ini Mbang and Lou Bean – with Major Carl Huggins (THQ) and Major Martyn Watson (THQ)

‘It’s the practical side of our faith!’

George Tanton gets to know some of the Army’s non-officer chaplains

WE often envisage Salvation Army chaplains as officers in uniform, ministering in prisons or Lifehouses. But chaplaincy in the Army is a broad calling and not limited to officership. Across the territory, many people connected to the Army engage in chaplaincy across a range of societal contexts, providing impartial care and support to communities and individuals.

Narrowboat owner Frank Greaves is an adherent at Staines Corps. After a career as a water and sanitation adviser, he enjoys retirement as a licensed chaplain with Waterways Chaplaincy. He spent some time walking the stretch of water from Staines Bridge to Chertsey, and now finds himself at Packet Boat Marina on the Grand Union Canal.

“ We’re there to listen, to empathise and to be on their journey with them. ”

‘We are blessed to be on the canals doing something in retirement that helps those living on the edge,’ he explains. The rising cost of affordable housing means that many people are choosing the riverboat lifestyle as a more affordable alternative to conventional living.

‘We call them liveaboard boaters,’ Frank says. ‘Quite frankly, these are vulnerable individuals. Many of them have issues around finance, and very often come from broken homes and relationships. There is isolation and a lot of them experience mental health problems.’

As part of his chaplaincy remit, Frank connects with individuals from this community, checking on welfare, advising on mooring rights and signposting to public services. As part of his training, Frank spent a year learning about safeguarding for vulnerable individuals, as well as waterside safety.

‘Knowing how to operate the different locks is integral,’ he explains. ‘Locks can be very dangerous compared to other places on the canal.’

For Frank, chaplaincy in the community is about building trust and being approachable.

‘We come alongside all users of the canals,’ he asserts. ‘Fishermen, dog walkers, people who come down the towpath just because they want a bit of peace and quiet.’

His approach involves offering cups of tea to people who need advice and guidance and being a listening ear to those who want to talk about their problems.

‘I wouldn’t pray with someone unless they asked me to,’ he explains. ‘We’re sort of spiritually reactive rather than actively proselytising.’

Ralf Cook, a retired civil servant and a local officer at Chelmsford Corps, is a volunteer in the chaplaincy team at Broomfield Hospital. He offers a listening ear to patients in the stroke unit and reconstructive surgery ward. Like Frank, Ralf only provides spiritual support when it is asked for.

‘By definition, we’re not there to proselytise in any way,’ he asserts. ‘In a hospital setting – where I go from bed to bed – I have to respect that I have a captive audience, and I am careful to let spiritual conversations develop naturally. It’s a great privilege to be asked by a patient to pray, and sometimes that

will include patients of a different faiths. Importantly, we are there for people of all faiths and none. We’re there to listen, to empathise and to be on their journey with them.’

Salvation Army chaplaincy for Ralf is fundamentally about serving others.

‘I think it’s our way of doing what we’re supposed to do,’ he says, ‘which is heart to God and hand to man. In other words, it’s the practical side of our faith. The faith is what motivates us. And this is a practical way of showing faith and concern for other people.

‘When I retired, I knew that I wanted to get back to engaging with people face-to-face on the front line. I’d risen to a level within HM Revenue and Customs where I was just dealing with strategy and policy. But that wasn’t my calling. My calling was

Frank Greaves

faith!’

pastoral care.’

Ruth Campbell, who also attends Chelmsford Corps, is a chaplain for Mission to Seafarers – an Anglican charity that supports 1.6 million merchant seafarers in 200 ports around the world. Her ministry covers the port communities at London Tilbury, London Gateway, Felixstowe and Dover.

‘It is a unique and dangerous chaplaincy,’ she explains. ‘We’ll board vessels in all weathers if need be.’

As with Frank and Ralf, Ruth acts out her Christian faith in her day-to-day duties, offering pastoral support and a listening ear to members of the seafaring workforce that helps sustain the UK.

‘Around 90 per cent of everything we use in this country is imported

upon container ships,’ she explains. ‘Unfortunately, consumers in this country suffer from “sea blindness”. No one thinks of the seafarers who have navigated dangerous seas to bring the tea and coffee we enjoy at breakfast.’

Ruth explains that the seafaring community – of which 99 per cent are men – suffer from poor mental health and a high rate of suicides. Months spent at sea in claustrophobic environments and away from families and loved ones can create hostile environments.

‘It’s a real blessing to be a female chaplain in these circumstances,’ Ruth expresses. ‘I think I offer – not a better – a different style of support than my male counterparts. These men may find it easier talking to me about bullying at their workplace or missing their children.’

Chaplaincy in a Salvation Army setting is a diverse and multi-faceted calling. Not limited to officers, nor the conventional settings we might expect, chaplaincy across our Movement relies on people with all sorts of skills and experiences.

Above all else, a chaplain must have a zeal for serving suffering humanity and meeting people wherever they may be – whether that’s traversing England’s waterways, in a hospital ward or aboard a cargo ship bound for the other side of the world.

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Ralf Cook

When God calls near

Major Neil Davies considers the moments when God comes close to others through us

CHAPLAINCY: a ministry of intentionally coming alongside, not to do, but to be. Even before chaplaincy was given a name, Paul identified it was more than just practical support: ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God’ (2 Corinthians 1:3 and 4).

Paul uses the Greek word paraklēsis ten times in 2 Corinthians 1:3–7. The word is a compound of para (near) and klēsis (to call), so it literally means ‘to call near’. Paul is declaring that God comes near, bringing comfort in our troubles, so that we can come near to others in similar situations, expressing the same comfort we have received from God.

Christian chaplaincy commences with personal experiences with God. Here is the first paraklēsis moment – God coming near to us.

Then comes the intentional second paraklēsis moment: ‘… so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from

God’ (v4). We do not have all the answers, but we recognise that the one who brought us healing is already present in the situation we can identify within another. We are simply the representative who obediently trusts God to use our experiences, believing that God is already present in that other person’s situation.

Early in my ministry, I was told: ‘But you were trained for this. I wouldn’t know what to say!’ Can anyone be ‘trained’ for all life experiences? The reality is that no one can be trained to say exactly the right thing in every scenario. All we can do is consciously make ourselves available and intentionally be present. Sit. Listen. Take our paraklēsis moment and be the paraklēsis moment, trusting that God will provide exactly what we need when we need it.

Who better than a parent talking with another parent in a similar situation! Who better than a former member of the armed forces sitting with a current member! Who better than someone recovering from alcohol misuse looking for support from a mentor who has gone through

detox! They have a connection. What about all the life scenarios you have been through?

Paul continues: ‘For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort… And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort’ (vv5–7).

Paul recognises that all he is experiencing is in preparation for a moment God had planned. It’s not about us, but about God’s moment for the person we are sitting with – the paraklēsis moment. God is already present; we are the channel he uses. What informal paraklēsis moments is God leading you into? Are you ready to respond? Are you ready to be present in these moments and allow God to lead?

MAJOR NEIL DAVIES Territorial Chaplaincy Support Officer

COMMUNITY

HEATHROW Chaplaincy at Heathrow Airport provides a unique opportunity. Many people arrive feeling lost or confused. The team often support refugee families: a child travelling to London to receive treatment having lost a limb in a war-torn country; a mother with her teenage children travelling from Gaza having loss their home and possessions; a Palestinian mother with her three sons arriving from Jordan – we were at the cabin door to meet them. One mother was suspicious of our gentle approach, but we explained we were there to help them through the border. Her delightful boys could not wait to see their father. It was a beautiful moment of family reunion reflective of the welcome to the Kingdom of our God, and we feel humbled to play a chaplaincy role. – CP

COMMUNITY

FOREST OF DEAN The Knitters and Natters group celebrated its 10th anniversary of friendship, mutual support and creating vital items for neonatal patients at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. What began as a simple gathering has blossomed into a lifeline for its members and a source of comfort for countless new parents. Their dedicated hands produce cardigans, blankets, bonnets and bonding squares, giving every stitch profound purpose. – AR

ANNIVERSARY

LEICESTER SOUTH The 20th corps anniversary celebrations continued with an open band and songster weekend, welcoming participants from across the division. On Saturday, a 65-strong band was led by Dr Stephen Cobb, while Samantha Turner led a 75-strong songster brigade. Both leaders brought musical excellence and deep spirituality to their sessions. On Sunday, the band and songsters led worship under the theme A Willing Instrument, sharing the items they had prepared the previous day. The weekend served as a powerful reminder of the role of music as an expression of praise and worship. – CN

ECUMENICAL

Journeying together in serving God and humanity

CANTERBURY

SECRETARY for International Ecumenical Relations

Commissioner Jane Paone (IHQ), Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest (THQ), Divisional Commander Major Fiona Broom and Assistant Divisional Commander Major Tracey Palmer attended the installation of Dame Sarah Mullally as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, the first woman to hold the Church of England’s highest post.

In the days before, Archbishop Mullally undertook an 87-mile pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral, meeting people, listening to stories and embodying the pastoral heart that has shaped her ministry and leadership.

In her sermon, Archbishop Mullally reflected on Mary’s trust and faith in God amid uncertainty, urging today’s Church to echo her response: ‘Here I am’ (Luke 1:38 New Revised Standard Version) She called on Christians and leaders alike to ‘seek the welfare of all people’, affirming: ‘We are here for everyone.’

The following day, ecumenical representatives met the Archbishop at the Dean’s residence, where Salvation Army leaders presented copies of The Song Book of The Salvation Army and The Salvation Army Year Book 2026. – AR

FUNDRAISING

POTTON Members of the Knit and Natter group took part in Bowel Cancer UK’s challenge of knitting every day in March to raise money. It was decided to knit squares, which were put together to create a cross in the Easter Day service. The group raised £352 for the charity. – KR

EASTER

NOTTING HILL The corps journeyed towards Easter reflecting on the ordinary things in life, leading to a celebration of our extraordinary God and his love and life for all. Good Friday reflections preceded outreach at Portobello Road Market, with drinks and hot cross buns. Nearly 100 people of all ages shared in an Easter Eggventure with crafts, games and food. Resurrection Sunday started with brunch before a celebration, as guest leaders Major Susan Woodgate (William Booth College) and Hope Woodgate (Penge) helped the corps see all they hoped they could do and be. – AR

EASTER

KILMARNOCK On Good Friday, corps leader Captain Les Heal led a march of witness through town as part of a shared event with others from the community and the District Fellowship of Churches. The march culminated in a short open-air service at Kilmarnock Cross. – EF

TENBY On Good Friday, a Churches Together walk of witness called at five churches, where Bible readings and prayer took place, ending at St Mary’s in Tudor Square, where the band played during a service. On Easter Day, the band played ‘Jesus Christ is Risen Today’ outside the hall prior to the meeting, which started with a newly formed timbrel group performing It was a joyful meeting of praise. – SH

EASTER

SUNDERLAND CITADEL Easter weekend was special as we joined to reflect on the cross and the events of Good Friday, with the invitation to give of ourselves and come to the table. On Holy Saturday, we gathered with churches and other corps to prayer walk across the city, praying that residents would know they are loved and there is hope. As we walked, we spoke in awe and triumphantly shouted the name of Jesus, sang songs of praise and prayed together. At one stop on our journey, we danced, sang and fell to our knees in prayer. On Easter Day, we celebrated the resurrection of our Lord, concluding with the words of the song ‘In Christ Alone’. What an amazing God we serve! – JJ

EASTER

HOYLAND COMMON A craft group is providing therapy for the soul by creating a safe space for people to explore their creativity and improve their mental health. Open to all, it is a place where many have found comfort and friendship, particularly when going through difficult times like homelessness and bereavement. The group began in collaboration with Creative Recovery, a charity that uses arts to support mental wellbeing. Group members make cards and knit gifts for special occasions –such as Easter – which are sold to fund the Army’s work. – AR

EASTER

FELIXSTOWE Sold out weeks in advance, a capacity audience attended a Saturday evening concert by the International Staff Band (ISB). Palm Sunday’s morning meeting and afternoon festival of praise also attracted capacity congregations. The ISB created a great deal of interest when they marched through the town to participate in the regular Sunday lunchtime open-air Church on the Triangle meeting. Those who attended Sunday morning worship were invited to share in a fellowship buffet lunch. – DA

EASTER

NUNHEAD The corps enjoyed a busy and vibrant Easter as they helped the Easter Bunny appear at various community Easter egg hunts, giving away more than 300 eggs. With an impromptu Palm Sunday open-air meeting, a lively all-age Maundy Thursday meal, a Good Friday open-air meeting and Easter Day worship led by the young people, there were opportunities to receive prayer and songs, drama and poetry. People were encouraged to create Holy Week-inspired eggs before testing everyone’s Easter knowledge with a special biblical quiz. It was an Easter that saw new people attending and new relationships built. We are delighted that so much of our Easter programme took place outside the building. – KS

CWM Corps leaders Captains Annemarie and Philip Cole joined members of the band for an Easter mountaintop experience, proclaiming ‘Jesus is alive!’ to the valley below. We then returned to the hall for breakfast to celebrate together with other members of the corps. – PC

ATHERTON The congregation celebrated Easter Day by making Easter gardens, each with a cross, a small stone and some cress seeds. The service included traditional and contemporary worship, and we were reminded of the great cost of Good Friday and the wonderful joy of the first disciples as they realised that Jesus was risen. We concluded with hot cross buns and Easter goodie bags for all. – DB

EASTER

WHITEHAVEN The corps joined other churches, within the Whitehaven Mission Community ecumenical partnership over Holy Week and Easter. During Holy Week, the corps hosted an ecumenical breakfast each morning, with reflections led by leaders of different churches. Good Friday worship at the hall was led by the songsters, before joining with other churches for a time of reflection in St Nicholas Gardens, with singing accompanied by the band. On Easter Day, corps leader Major Steven Watson led a mission community walkabout service, stopping at the town harbour, focusing on different aspects of the Resurrection story. – SW

CIRENCESTER The corps united with the other churches in the town for a Good Friday service at Ashcroft Methodist Church. This was followed by a procession to the town centre, led by the corps drum, with stops for readings and prayers. An open-air meeting was held in the marketplace. After the Sunday morning meeting, the band played Easter music in the centre of town, while passers-by were given chocolates and booklets, explaining the significance of Easter. – MG

STOCKTON A busy, God-filled Holy Week began with the hall being open from Monday to Thursday. Tables were laid out as different stages of the Holy Week journey, and people reflected and prayed. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday meetings were followed by an open-air meeting led by the songsters and band on Saturday morning. Volunteers gave out cards and people could collect Rolos. Children had craft activities and received Kids Alive! and posters for the next Messy Church. – TB

EASTER

Local officers appointed

CORPS MISSION DEVELOPMENT

LEAD JONATHAN CHAPPELL , Coventry City

CHILDREN’S WORKER

ESTHER PARSONS, Coventry City

ADHERENTS SECRETARY AND CHILDREN’S WORKER

KAREN PARSONS, Coventry City

CORPS PRESS REPRESENTATIVE

STUART WALLIS, Coventry City

CORPS PRESS REPRESENTATIVE

MARGARET HILLS, Hemel Hempstead

QUARTERMASTER JOHN WOODS, Hemel Hempstead

CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR MOYRA KETTERINGHAM, North Walsham

Wedding anniversaries

Golden (50 years)

GRAHAM AND PAM DAFF, Birmingham Citadel, on 15 May

Dedicated to God

TYLAN AMANI TONDERAISHE

CHIGAMA , son of Mitchelle and Nyasha Chigama, at Caterham by Corps Sergeant-Major Ailsa Flinders

Promoted to Glory

KAYLEE CHIGAMA , Caterham

ANN KELLOW, from Devizes, on 3 April

MAJOR MAUREEN KINSLEY from Princess Royal Hospital, Haywards Heath, on 16 April

Bereaved

MITCHELLE AND NYASHA

CHIGAMA , Caterham, of their daughter Kaylee

GEORGE KELLOW of his wife Ann Kellow

MAJOR GRAHAM KINSLEY of his wife Major Maureen Kinsley, Anita Parker, Lyndon Kinsley and Lloyd Kinsley of their mother

ENGAGEMENTS

Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill Wed 29 Apr – Tue 5 May Philippines (Commissioning and ordination)

Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Julie Forrest Sat 2 May Regent Hall (Musical Theatre Day) Fri 15 May Ireland (divisional review)

NOTICES

Storytelling competition

Salvationist is teaming up with Kids Alive! for our first ever joint writing competition! We want to hear your versions of Bible stories, retold however you want to retell them! That might be a favourite parable or a Bible story you think more people should know about – we only ask you keep it faithful to Scripture and that you avoid writing about Christmas or Easter. Entries will be printed in the 27 June issues of Salvationist and Kids Alive! to mark National Writing Day on 24 June. This competition is open to all ages – just email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk or kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk by 8 June. We can’t wait to read what you write!

Candidates Sunday 2026

In the build-up to Candidates Sunday on 10 May, follow the Called to Be… series. This five-week series looks at the story of Peter and how he was called to be Jesus’ disciple, trusting, purposeful, forgiven and a leader. Alongside the Bible studies published each week in Salvationist, access sermon starters, testimony videos, intergenerational worship ideas and graphics. For more information, visit tsa.link/candidates-sunday-2026

Voices and Choices

Join members of the Candidates Unit at 4pm on 10 May for an hour of worship, prayer and an opportunity to listen to inspiring stories from officers and territorial envoys about how they said ‘yes’ to God’s call to ministry. Email vocation@salvationarmy.org.uk for Zoom details.

Territorial Prayer Furnace

Pray with people from across the territory and be part of the UKI Prayer Rhythm in this monthly online gathering. The next prayer meeting will take place on 4 May at 6pm via Zoom. Email saprayernetwork@salvationarmy.org.uk for meeting details.

Care for creation Bible study

An international, hour-long Bible study is led by different people on the first Tuesday of each month, alternating between 8am and 8pm. The next will take place on 5 May at 8am led by Hayley Still (THQ) on Interdependence – Our Shared Need. For more information, email environment@salvationarmy.org.uk

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship

Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Music Editorial Manager Andrew Blyth (THQ). Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Sing to the Lord with the ISS

Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters, chosen each month by a special guest. This month’s guest is Martin Davis (Oxford). Listen at 5pm on Sunday 3 May.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio

Me and My Playlist

This Salvationist Radio show sees a young person linked to The Salvation Army share five tracks they love. This month’s episode features Jayden Guzha (Ipswich Citadel).

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts

BECCLES

DANIEL Sandford was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Cadet Harry Woods. Daniel started attending worship with his wife, Alaina, and has become part of the corps family. Daniel testified to God’s guidance in his life from his first church encounters in his youth. Dan chose the Stuart Townend version of the song ‘The Lord’s My Shepherd’ (SASB 63), which has meaning to him in his spiritual journey. – LW

POPPIE was enrolled as a junior soldier by Major Peter Clark. She requested a prayer tree that she could keep, that people could write prayers on for her faith journey. Her testimony song was ‘My Jesus, My Saviour’ (SASB 264). – TB

ON Palm Sunday we joined together to welcome new members to our church family, witnessing the enrolment of Joseph, Kemi, Jude, Christine and Sarah as soldiers by corps leader Major David Brown. We thank and praise God for transforming lives and moving within our church. – JJ

MYLES Hague was welcomed as an adherent by corps officer Major Andrew Bale. In his testimony, Myles spoke about his faith journey. He said that he had been religious as a child but had moved in a different direction in his teens. His journey back to faith started when his parents-in-law asked to take his children to Sunday school at the corps. The children enjoyed it and Myles was impressed with how they were welcomed and valued. As a result, Myles eventually started attending worship himself. He gradually became aware of the need for Jesus in his life and has now dedicated his life to Jesus. – MW

AIMEE was enrolled as a junior soldier by Divisional Area Officer Major Linda Govier. Aimee read out the Junior Soldier’s Promise and, when asked what she enjoyed learning during her classes, answered: ‘I loved learning about God and Jesus.’ After the enrolment, she joined fellow junior soldier, Millie, in singing ‘I’m Going to Make My Life into a Melody’ (SASB 857) backed by the songsters. Aimee’s mum, dad, brother, grandparents and great-grandparents supported her and will continue to do so, along with Recruiting Sergeant Bev Revell and Corps Sergeant-Major Jean Yates. Also pictured is Colour Sergeant Michael Mason. – JY

STOCKTON

SUNDERLAND CITADEL

STAVELEY

NORWICH CITADEL