Salvationist 2 November 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1729 Price 70p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 2 November 2019

Wanted, hearts baptised with fire The value of compassion

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QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

HOMELESS PEOPLE AT RISK OF MODERN SLAVERY, WARNS CHURCH Staff and volunteers at night shelters are being urged to be on the lookout for signs of exploitation among guests in a campaign launched… by the Church of England’s anti-slavery initiative.

The materials aimed at raising awareness of the dangers of modern slavery amongst homeless people are being distributed to night shelters across the country.

The initiative comes from The Clewer Initiative, which seeks to enable dioceses and wider church networks to develop strategies to detect modern slavery in their communities and help provide victim support and care...

The Church said that the signs of modern slavery… could include working for no or little pay, having no control of their ID and being approached on the street, outside a shelter or at a drop-in by someone offering work…

Chair of The Clewer Initiative, the Right Rev Dr Alastair Redfern, said…

‘With rising numbers of homeless people on our streets it is even more important that we are able to recognise the signs. With the Let’s Talk resources we will equip the Church to understand what modern slavery looks like, and how they can respond to protect the vulnerable...’

Lys Ford from the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority said… ‘We are convinced that by sharing more information between organisations we can find victims earlier and stop perpetrators faster.’

REGULAR CHURCH ATTENDANCE AIDS MENTAL HEALTH AMONG MILLENNIALS

VATICAN LAUNCHES NEW ‘E ROSARY’ BRACELET TO ATTRACT YOUNGER GENERATIONS TO CHURCH

A new study has revealed that young adults who regularly attend church have better mental health than those who don’t.

A survey conducted by the Barna Group… found that those who weekly attended a place of worship were 10 per cent less likely to struggle with anxiety than those who did not.

The Connected Generation study examined the relationship between faith and mental health in millennials and Generation Z across 25 different countries.

The research published by Christian humanitarian charity World Vision revealed that Christians felt less lonely and isolated and more secure in their identity than those without a faith…

According to the data, practising Christians have a more positive outlook on life with 51 per cent of those surveyed saying they feel ‘optimistic about the future’.

The Vatican has launched a new ‘eRosary’ bracelet in the hope of appealing to younger, more tech-savvy generations.

The wearable gadget, which costs $109 (£85), is designed to be worn as a bracelet and is activated by making the sign of a cross.

The bracelet features ten black agate and hematite rosary beads, plus a silver ‘smart cross’ that detects movement...

The bracelet syncs up to the accompanying Click to Pray app, which is designed to help Catholic users pray.

The app tracks a user’s progress and also contains visual and audio explanations of the rosary.

Users can choose from three ways of praying, including standard rosary, a contemplative rosary or a thematic rosary.

The traditional rosary is used to aid prayer and meditation. Its beads are counted as prayers are recited.

Premier

The Independent

MORE RELIGIOUS HATE CRIMES COMMITTED, SAYS WATCHDOG Religious hate crime has increased more than twice as fast as other forms since 2015, a report by the Commission for Countering Extremism says.

The report, Challenging Hateful Extremism… also argues that ‘countering hateful extremism requires the greatest attention and focus if we are to be successful in reducing the extremist threat’.

Hate-crime figures reported to police have more than doubled since 2013, further figures published by the Home Office… show.

There were 103,379 hate crimes recorded in England and Wales in 2018-19, of which 8,556 were religion-motivated: a 3 per cent rise on last year…

The Bishop of Barking, the Right Rev Peter Hill, said: ‘Hate crime, whatever its origins, brings deep personal fear and destroys community.’

The Church of England Newspaper

Church Times

SALVATIONIST

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(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 2 November 2019

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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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CONTENTS

COMPASSION INACTION? JESUS was often moved with compassion. Once, when faced with a hungry crowd, he said: ‘I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat’ (Matthew 15:32). Then, from just a few loaves of bread and some fish, he miraculously fed them.

On another occasion two blind men asked Jesus to heal them. He ‘had compassion on them and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him’ (Matthew 20:34).

As compassion motivated Jesus, it must be at the heart of a Christian response to people.

Most of us know what compassion is: we recognise it when we see it and can tell when it is lacking. But it’s worth taking a closer look.

The Greek word translated as ‘compassion’ in the verses quoted above means an emotional response, deep from the heart. It is pity or sympathy.

At the beginning of the 20th century a new word was coined to describe something more than sympathy: empathy. Empathy involves imagining ourselves in another person’s situation. It is not just feeling for someone, it is feeling with them, and is perhaps a better description of the compassion we see in Jesus.

But whether it is sympathy or empathy, compassion is not complete until it moves us to do something. This week’s Salvationist includes several examples of compassion in action.

In the third of our articles on Salvation Army values on page 9, Major Kathy Versfeld reveals how compassion has been evident at Strawberry Field from its beginnings as a children’s home through to the new centre with its imaginative mission. She shows how compassion sometimes involves a ‘giant leap of faith’.

It was Katy Mundford’s compassionate response to people living with cystic fibrosis – particularly her two young daughters – that made her embark on an ambitious fundraising project for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust. Her remarkable efforts are featured on pages 12 and 13. Many people, including others from Louth Corps, joined in and helped her raise more than double the amount she’d hoped for.

Although Major Andrea Still doesn’t use the word ‘compassion’ in her article about sacramental living on page 8, it’s clear from what she says that to live a sacramental life is to express compassion in action. William Booth’s sacrament, she says, ‘was to fight against injustice and poverty’.

A prime example of this practical compassion was the match factory established by William Booth in 1891. In his article on page 15, General John Larsson (Retired) says it provided better conditions for the workers, transformed the matchmaking industry and eventually led to a change in the law.

There are times when we are moved by people’s troubles, whether we know them personally or see them in the news. But if all we have is a feeling it is not the kind of compassion shown by Jesus. Christlike compassion is more than a feeling: it is a force that makes a difference. For the Christian there can be no such thing as compassion inaction – it’s always compassion in action.

Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

Feature Living a sacramental life

8

by Major Andrea Still

Feature Values: Compassion

9

by Major Kathy Versfeld

Feature Church on the run

10 and 11

by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Interview 12 and 13 40 before 40: Making the most of a milestone Katy Mundford speaks to Shanelle Manderson

Reflection I miss my time with you

14

by Major Len Ballantine

More rear-mirror views 15 ‘Strike a light for Darkest England’

by General John Larsson (Retired)

Bible study Fire and glory!

16 and 17

by Major Graham Mizon

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Freda Benneyworth

New commitments

18

Letters

19

Announcements Adverts

20 and 21 21 to 23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Catherine McCrory

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 2 November 2019

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NEWS

Pep Guardiola surprises homelessness football tournament MANCHESTER MANCHESTER City manager Pep Guardiola made a surprise visit to give encouragement and cheer on the teams at the annual Partnership Trophy.

Now in its ninth year, the fivea-side football tournament brought together 25 teams from The Salvation Army’s Lifehouses and homelessness support services across the UK, as well as victims of modern slavery supported by the Army.

The tournament is one of the many ways The Salvation Army promotes positive and independent living to its service users.

‘Football, fun and solidarity.

This is an extraordinary tournament,’ Pep said. ‘The

Salvation Army are doing an amazing job – they are heroes.’

Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson presented the winning team, Connect Manchester, with their trophy.

Territorial Director of

Homelessness Services Mitch Menagh said: ‘We’ve had a great day welcoming and celebrating the people who are supported by The Salvation Army. There’s been a really positive buzz around the place

and the memories and experiences from today will live with these players for a long time. We look forward to celebrating the tenth anniversary of this wonderful tournament next year.’ – A. R.

Assistant Secretary for Mission Major Elwyn Harries (THQ) led Dereham’s Harvest Thanksgiving weekend

MIRFIELD: The corps took part in Heritage Open Days for the first time. A display of old photos celebrated the varied uses of the building, including as a town hall, movie theatre, ballroom and nightclub. A series of film screenings took place to recreate its days as a cinema. – S. C./P. C.

Members of Sale’s recently formed Bible Journaling club explore Psalm 107 through painting, drawing, writing and colouring

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Ten year celebrations BRISTOL EASTON THE South Western Fellowship Band marked its tenth anniversary with a festival of music. Joining the band that evening were cornet soloist Staff Bandsman Nicholas Brill and the corps singing company.

The congregation donated £1,500, which was split between charities Emerge and Churches Housing Action Team. Bandsman Marston Blake gave the Bible reading and thought, after which the band played ‘Just As I Am’. Appreciation was expressed on behalf of the band to Bandmaster Norman and Marilyn Cassells for all their hard work, encouragement, care and enthusiasm over the past ten years. During the evening the congregation heard a varied programme of music, concluding with the festival march ‘Celebration’. – C. T.

Prayer co-ordinators Terry and Freda Wray receive certificates of recognition from Blackpool Team Ministry officer Captain Simon Clampton for their contributions over the past seven years

Divisional Commander Major Norman Ord presents a certificate of appreciation to retiring Bandmaster Ken Hillson after more than 12 years’ service with the London North East Fellowship Band; also pictured at the Southend Citadel concert are incoming Bandmaster Max Weaver, Band Secretary Doug Taylor and Band Executive Officer Major Cliff Bradbury

CIRENCESTER: Harvest celebrations began with a family meeting led by Sunday club leader Corinne Walters.

In addition to the altar service, donations were given towards the Christmas parcel collection. A bring-and -share meal, organised by Songster Leader Helen Grace, followed the meeting before a Songs of Praise, led

by Deputy Songster Leader Mark Walters. The band then visited Paternoster House care home to provide music for its Harvest Festival.

– M. G.

Andrew Blyth guest conducts at an Ipswich Citadel concert given

by Anglia Fellowship Band with the corps YP singing group; £420 was raised for the Big Collection

Gloucester Band enjoys a lovely afternoon accompanying Minsterworth churchgoers near the River Severn

Salvationist 2 November 2019

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NEWS

An eco-friendly Harvest MAIDSTONE ECO Harvest on the Heath, a Waypoint Project initiative run by five churches, took place on the large green at Penenden Heath. All stalls and participants were encouraged to use only recyclable and eco-friendly items.

Donations of non-perishable food were given to the corps for distribution. Visitors watched

dancing displays, listened to a choir and witnessed the presentations of the Recycled Art Competition prizes, as well as a short service.

Bottle-top art, apple tasting, a nature trail through nearby woods, various games and litter picking were some of the activities that children could get involved in. The Army’s emergency vehicle was also on hand to give out refreshments.

The place was buzzing all afternoon and attracted many passers-by. – G. P.

Bandmaster Andrew Jacobs and Simon Girling of Ipswich Citadel complete the Great East Run, raising £480 for the Big Collection Snettisham corps folk enjoy a Harvest supper after bringing donations of non-perishable food items for the corps food bank

Corps folk and people from the community enjoy a Harvest supper and beetle drive at Farcet; corps officer Major Ann Pugh led celebrations, and toiletries were donated for Kings Ripton Court Lifehouse

MERTHYR TYDFIL: Harvest weekend commenced with an evening of pizza and fellowship. Rotarian Huw Williams judged a chocolate chip cookie bake off before a video introducing this year’s helpinghand appeal project was shown. Instead of food donations, men’s toiletries were gifted to prisoners at HMP Usk and Prescoed. – L. B. DUNSTABLE: Harvest supper on Saturday evening included dramas, quizzes and soloists, and raised £145 for the Big Collection.

Majors Nicola and Richard Waters (THQ) led Harvest worship on Sunday, which considered responding to God’s generosity with generosity and gladness. Non-perishable produce was donated for regular food parcels and to help make up more than 200 Christmas hampers. – J. B. 6

Salvationist 2 November 2019

OLDHAM CITADEL: Bandsman Michael Cooney (Stockport Citadel) led the Harvest Festival on the theme Seasons Of The Year.

After the meeting, the produce was given to Oldham Fitton Hill Corps for distribution.

40th anniversary of Motor Neurone Disease Association celebrated BOSCOMBE THE devastating reaction of learning that one of your sons is suffering from the incurable motor neurone disease was outlined to a large Sunday evening congregation by LieutColonels David and Doriel Phillips, during a 40th anniversary celebration.

The story of Glenn Phillips and his brave fight, before his promotion to Glory some two years ago, featured in the national press because of the help Glenn gave Eddie Redmayne in preparing to play the part of Professor Stephen Hawking in the film The Theory Of Everything.

As Salvationist (16 May 2015) reported, ‘Glenn was able to explain to Eddie how he became aware of the first symptoms of the disease, which had affected his hands. This was significant because the actor had to imitate the Hawking hand movements in the film...

‘Eddie visited Glenn in his home and spent some three hours studying every aspect of his movements, especially his walking or, as Glenn himself put it, his “shuffling from sofa to wheelchair”...

‘Glenn was fascinated and riveted by Eddie’s performance in the film and was given a private viewing with family and friends.’

Following Glenn’s passing Lieut-Colonel Doriel became the Secretary of the East Dorset and New Forest branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). She organised this fundraising programme to take place exactly 40 years to the day after the association was formed.

The timbrelists’ sparkling display to Len Ballantine’s arrangement of ‘Joyful, Joyful’ from Sister Act 2 set the tone for the concert, which was compèred

by Lieut-Colonel David. The sections presented a number of items from musicals, including the songsters with the Sound Of Music classic, ‘Climb Every Mountain’, and three songs from Beauty And The Beast, and the band with ‘The Imperial March’ from Star Wars and ‘Born Free’.

The YP band played ‘The Great Escape’ and the singing company sang ‘My Guy’ from Sister Act and ‘Any Dream Will Do’ from Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which was followed by a puppet display.

Gemma Hinchliffe’s exquisite voice was heard in two songs from Cinderella and Pinocchio, and the moving ‘On My Own’ from Les Misérables.

Helen Main and Johnny Searle sang ‘A Prayer’ from Quest For Camelot.

Before the appeal and a surprise on-screen personal message from Eddie Redmayne, John Starkes played the euphonium solo ‘Better World’.

Corps officer Major David Alton presented a thoughtprovoking message before Ross Mercer sang ‘I’ll Walk With God’.

The evening ended with the band and songsters singing John Rutter’s ‘The Lord Bless You And Keep You’.

Many MNDA volunteers attended and were enthralled by the music. They were also thrilled at the announcement that £1,400 had been raised for the association. – R. C.

WICK: Corps folk shared in a fellowship meal with songs and games during a combined Harvest and 135th corps anniversary celebration. Divisional Commander Major Denis Lomax attended, and Cadets Christopher and Faith Thompson (pictured) were farewelled as they returned to William Booth College. – F. T. Please do not send your copy to any individual’s email address as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk

THURSO: The music sections led Harvest Sunday worship. A special feature of the meeting was encouraging testimonies given by Captain Wendy Leisk (Hamilton) and Cadet Faye Brophy via video link.

Thanksgiving continued during the week with the Jingletots Toddler Group (pictured) enjoying music and movement based on ‘What A Wonderful World’. – M. S.

MORLEY: The Yorkshire Fellowship Band presented an evening of music to commence Harvest celebrations. Music ranged from ‘All Things Bright And Floral’, a mixture of ‘All Things Bright And Beautiful’ and the ‘Floral Dance’, through to ‘In Quiet Pastures’. On Sunday, corps officer Captain Richard Weston spoke on the theme The Harvest Is Plentiful, and introduced new corps mission initiatives. Corps members donated items to the food bank and celebrations concluded with Messy Church. – R. W. Salvationist 2 November 2019

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FEATURE I My dissertation explained

Living a sacramental life In this monthly series SISTAD* students tell us about their degree dissertations. Major Andrea Still’s dissertation for her Master of Arts (Emerging Church) was called, ‘Does the Salvation Army theology of the sacramental life have anything to contribute to emerging churches?’

My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine…

(SASB 610)

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N this song Albert Orsborn offers a manifesto of how the whole of life can be a sacrament by which faith grows and grace is shared with others. However, the true depth of his writing is often missed in the conclusion that Salvationists are ‘non-sacramental’. True, the Army does not use the physical elements of bread and wine but, in the truest sense of the word, Salvationists are highly sacramental people.

The most common definition of ‘sacrament’ is an outward symbol of an inward reality, a visible and tangible sign of the truth that lies beneath. A sacrament is about the grace of God through Jesus, expressed most typically through receiving bread and wine, representing Christ’s body and blood.

Communion services were held monthly in the early days of The Salvation Army.

They were open to all members and were followed by a love feast to incorporate non-members. The love feast was not a symbolic ritual but a worship meeting that included a real meal. This was the root of the communion service in the Early Church, believed early-day Salvationists, who met to share food, as Jesus did with his disciples, and celebrate the reality of his presence among them through the Spirit.

By 1883 the Army had ceased the practice of formal sacraments. The journey was one of practical difficulties 8

Salvationist 2 November 2019

and growing convictions in the context of the character of the Movement William Booth began. His mission was largely to those alienated from established churches and formal religion – they didn’t fit in and they weren’t welcome. He never intended to start a new Christian denomination but to ‘save the masses’ and channel them into churches. However, his converts returned to him to put their new-found faith into practice, and communion often represented the establishment that had rejected them.

In creating a theological principle for the Movement, the Booths could find no scriptural basis for regarding any specific sacrament as essential to salvation. In fact, they believed formal sacraments could hinder true salvation because people could rely on the ceremony rather than on holy living and studying Scripture.

General Bramwell Booth wrote in his 1925 book Echoes And Memories that Catherine Booth had a ‘deep horror’ of mock salvation and of any ceremony becoming a substitute for ‘the fruits of practical holiness’; the inner experience of grace and transformation by the Spirit had to be real without external rituals.

William’s doctrine of holiness was Wesleyan: that people become holy when they participate in the life of God. These were the beginnings of a sacramental faith expressed in action, an outward expression of inner salvation, of bringing Jesus to people’s doorsteps.

William’s sacrament, his outward expression of inner salvation, was to fight against injustice and poverty and declare that God willed life in all its fullness now as well as in eternity. He invited everyone, not just members, to come forward and receive from the real presence of Christ at the mercy seat. Anything could be a mercy seat – the drum in an open-air meeting, a kitchen table or a row of chairs. This released sacraments from the confines of a ritual ceremony in church and made the grace of God accessible to all, anywhere.

Other Salvation Army ceremonies,

conducted under the Army flag and undoubtedly seen as sacramental symbols, gave people the opportunity to demonstrate the inner change that had taken place in a tangible and memorable way.

The Salvation Army did not simply find a way of doing the sacraments without using elements of bread, wine and water (baptism). It discovered, in the essence of sacrament, new ways to connect with the mission of God. This legacy reminds us that church programmes are not ends in themselves, but a means of grace to facilitate people’s journeys of faith. We all need sacraments in this widest sense of the word. We need things we can see and touch to understand and explain the mysteries of God, which are often intangible.

My greatest joy in ministry is when someone realises they have God in their life and are on a journey of discipleship, but they are not quite sure how they got there. It has happened through the influence of godly, sacramental people.

The story of The Salvation Army is of re-engagement with the importance of sacrament – separating it from the sacraments and instead recognising the sacrament of a life that has received from the real presence of Christ and been transformed and enabled to share that grace with others. A high calling, indeed.

My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine…

That other souls, refreshed and fed, May share his life through mine. *SISTAD is the territory’s School for In-Service Training and Development, which presents courses for officers and employees, plus open learning courses for everyone; visit salvationarmy.org.uk/ SISTAD for details

MAJOR STILL IS ASSOCIATE OFFICER, PORTSMOUTH CITADEL

FEATURE I Values

Compassion

Moved with compassion In the third of our series on the values that shape the work of The Salvation Army in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, Major Kathy Versfeld looks at Compassion Except I am moved with compassion, How dwelleth thy Spirit in me?

(SASB 626)

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LBERT Orsborn’s song poses a searching question for every Salvationist who follows in the wake of the man who once declared: ‘I am not waiting for a move of God. I am a move of God!’ That was William Booth, whose compassion for the last and the least gave rise to our worldwide Movement of love that, 154 years later, continues to serve suffering humanity in a million ways.

For The Salvation Army, compassion is no mere aspirational value on a boardroom wall – it is part of our DNA. It defines not just who we are and what we do but whose we are: disciples of the compassionate God who wept for the lost of his day and continues to weep for the lost of ours.

In 1936 it was compassion for the vulnerable children of Liverpool that prompted the opening of a new Salvation Army home for 40 young girls. By all accounts Strawberry Field was a happy place, where the children were loved and nurtured. One resident who lived there from the age of two

recalled: ‘The Army not only changed my life but it also gave me a life worth living, a life full of God’s love.’

The home seemed to hold a fascination for young John Lennon, who lived nearby with his aunt. Was it compassion that allowed the young Lennon to climb over the forbidden garden wall and spend hours playing with his friends or sitting alone in his favourite tree? Years later he would describe Strawberry Field as ‘paradise’, the only place where he could be alone in his head.

In 1967 the Beatles’ song ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ made the site internationally famous. At the same time The Deliverer, an Army paper, revealed that the children’s home had gained a different kind of fame locally. It reported that three sisters were locked in a room and told to go to sleep by their despairing, suicidal mother. The oldest managed to escape and get help. In search of a home for this desperate family, one social worker said: ‘Try Strawberry Field first. That’s the place where miracles have been known to happen.’

Now, as then, we are seeing miracles happen in the lives of vulnerable young people who come to us desperate to realise their dreams of a productive working life, despite learning difficulties and other barriers to employment.

It was compassion and righteous discontent that paved the way for this new chapter of Salvation Army mission.

When research revealed that only 7 per cent of people with learning difficulties in this country have a job, even though many have aspirations to work, and that 31 per cent have no contact with family or friends, The Salvation Army decided

to do something. And so we have.

The new centre at Strawberry Field is a pioneering venture, a giant leap of faith for the territory. It involves a visitor exhibition, with a café and shop that sets out to fund the Steps to Work programme. There are also landscaped gardens and a prayer space, and plans to plant a fresh expression. In a stressful world we offer a place where there is no pressure, a garden haven without an entry fee, where visitors are invited to step out of the traffic for a while and be at peace.

All of this has been made possible by bold territorial leadership and the support of many compassionate members of the general public.

Compassion, it would seem, is not the sole domain of the Army; I have been humbled by the generosity of spirit that has greeted our Steps to Work programme.

‘You can close your eyes to things you do not want to see, but you cannot close your heart to things you do not want to feel,’ William Booth once said.

As you and I continue to live the Salvationist values of ‘heart to God, hand to man’, what will that mean for us today and tomorrow? How will we be moved to respond? For move we must!

A Movement that is no longer moving can never be part of the next ‘move of God’.

O The six values statements are available at salvationarmy.org.uk/ our-mission-vision-andvalues

MAJOR VERSFELD IS MISSION DIRECTOR, STRAWBERRY FIELD Salvationist 2 November 2019

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FEATURE Sports ministry

Church on the run Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts discovers an innovative and energetic form of outreach at Folkestone

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T 10.15 am on a late summer Sunday I arrive at Folkestone Salvation Army. I’m not here for the morning meeting – at least not the usual one.

Every two months a handful of runners set off from the hall for a run around the town, led by corps officer Major Sheila Eade. On the way they discuss aspects of faith, and afterwards share fellowship with corps folk at the hall.

The first people I meet at Church on the Run are Colette and her husband, Gary. This is Colette’s second time, but Gary is making his first visit.

‘We’re not churchgoers,’ says Colette, ‘but we know Sheila through our running club so we’ve come to support.’

A few people from Colette and Gary’s club attend regularly.

‘When I came before it was really good because there’s a lot of discussion,’ continues Colette. ‘I’m a humanist, so I don’t believe in the religious side of things, but it is an open conversation between people with different views. It was just before Easter when I came and we were talking about Jesus and whether we thought he died for our sins. It sparked a nice, healthy debate.’

Other runners join us. Major Sheila welcomes everyone and outlines the route. She hands out slips of paper with the questions for the discussion, which this time is about Harvest.

We head off, running in twos and threes. I team up with Martin, who attends a Baptist church and has been to all the Church on the Run events since they started a year ago.

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Salvationist 2 November 2019

‘Sheila shared it on Facebook and I pressed the “Like” button,’ he remembers. ‘Then we bumped into each other at a training course on leading in running fitness. And that was it. She is very persuasive!’

Martin is a member of a running club and has done a number of marathons, but appreciates the spiritual purpose of Church on the Run. ‘Not everyone wants to spend their Sunday mornings inside a building, singing hymns,’ he suggests. ‘For some people that’s brilliant, but there are other ways of doing church. It’s good that Sheila is able to invite people who have no church connection without feeling it’s a hard sell.’

We start going up a hill and I slow down to walk with 79-year-old Jean, who has completed more than 300 parkruns. She attends the same running club as Sheila, who invited her to Church on the Run. ‘This is my third time,’ Jean says. ‘It’s good!’

Jean was confirmed in the Church of England but only goes occasionally, so I ask her what she thinks of the discussion element of Church on the Run. ‘I enjoy it,’ she replies, ‘except I can’t talk a lot when I’m running! I can remember one where we discussed Lent and Easter. That was interesting; they’re all interesting. It’s good to think about things.’

We join the rest of the group at the top of the hill where they’re taking a breather. Sheila asks if everyone has been able to discuss the Harvest questions.

‘

Not everyone wants to spend their Sunday mornings inside a building, singing hymns

’

‘We’ve put the whole world to rights,’ says Gary.

Colette mentions a Harvest idea she’s had: ‘There’s a community interest company called ReRun that takes donations of used running gear and extends its life. We’re a disposable society, so that’s reducing the carbon footprint, but they also sell and pass on things to people who maybe can’t buy a £110 pair of trainers. Potentially it’s our Harvest – a runner’s Harvest.’

Everyone agrees that it’s a good idea and is willing to support.

We set off again and this time I link up with Gary. I ask what he’s been discussing on the run.

‘We’ve been saying that Harvest now

is different from when I was a kid,’ he ssays. ‘It was boxes of vegetables then, now it’s all tins.’ n I mention that many church food banks make good use of tins given at Harvest, m and we go on to discuss why food banks a a are needed and how they help.

Martin comes alongside and the discussion moves on to how Harvest was celebrated in the Bible, before I join Sheila to find out how the idea for Church on the Run came about.

‘It came from others at the running club asking what my Sunday sermon was about,’ she explains, ‘and from conversations that made me realise they were interested in Bible topics but not interested in sitting in church for an hour in an alien setting. Then someone suggested connecting church and running, and I thought, “I could do that, couldn’t I?” ‘I thought I would really have to work hard at selling it to the corps, but I didn’t.

They were amazing, even though none of them are runners. I said it needed to be on a Sunday because it’s long run day in the running community – also the runners and the corps can meet, which they do for coffee. There has been some relationship building between the two.

‘It’s very early days. This is only the seventh time, so it’s a case of just keeping going. The conversations are good. The first topic we looked at was

‘

It is encouraging to know that this old corps is embracing new ideas to reach people in the 21st century

’

Heaven, and I picked out the verse “run in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Corinthians 9:24). We’ve talked about Creation, Christmas, Lent and Easter, and also miracles and prayer. Usually they’re deep conversations.’

Back at the hall, as the runners and the corps folk chat, I discover another sporting initiative. Gareth Rowe, a soldier at the corps, is a qualified dodgeball coach and trains a team at the youth club.

‘In January they’re going to join the regional league,’ he reveals. ‘Some of the 18 and 19-year-olds have trained as coaches as well.’

‘It helps the lads in that they’ve got some responsibility as young leaders,’ adds Sheila. ‘It’s keeping them off the streets and giving them some leadership training.’

‘We’re starting to have discussions with the older youth club members,’ says Gareth, ‘and we are looking at doing the Alpha course and things like that. Some of them are coming to the Harvest meeting and dinner next week.’

As I head for home I remember that Folkestone is the corps that features in the musical Glory!, which is based on a book about the early days of the Army, The Old Corps. It is encouraging to know that this old corps is embracing new ideas to reach people in the 21st century.

Sheila, Colette, Gary, Jean and Martin

Salvationist 2 November 2019

11

INTERVIEW

40 before 40: Making the m

Katy Mundford (Louth) tells Shanelle Manderson how her age inspired a fundra

M

ILESTONE birthdays are an exciting time to mark a new stage in life, to celebrate and reflect on what you’ve achieved and overcome. For Katy Mundford (pictured top left), the big 4-0 was particularly significant for another reason.

For the year leading up to her 40th birthday in July, she was busy with her own ‘40 before 40’ challenge, raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition affecting more than 10,500 people in the UK. The gene linked to the condition controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells, causing a build-up of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs, digestive system and other organs. This results in a wide range of challenging symptoms impacting the entire body. The Cystic Fibrosis Trust funds research to drive up standards of care and supports people with the condition.

Katy, who attends Louth Corps with her family, is mother to Iris and Ivy, two fun and cheery girls aged six and four.

Both Iris and Ivy have CF. With the 12

Salvationist 2 November 2019

‘

I decided the life expectancy for people with cystic fibrosis needed to change

’

average life expectancy for someone living with CF about 40 years old, Katy decided to take on the mammoth task of organising 40 fundraising events before she reached that age.

‘I’d just turned 39 and it kind of hit me that I wouldn’t be ready to die at that age, I’m not anywhere near,’ she explains. ‘I had two friends with CF that passed away before the age of 40, and it all culminated together: I decided that the life expectancy for people with CF needed to change. I want my children to live to my age and beyond, and see their own children grow up.’

Iris and Ivy’s days are filled with a lot of physiotherapy, medication and hospital appointments. People with CF are not meant to have contact with each

other due to the risk of passing on bugs, but this is hard to avoid.

‘We do try to keep them at a distance if one of them has a cough or an infection,’ says Katy. ‘But, generally, we try to look at CF in a positive way.

Although we never planned to have two children with the disorder, at least they’ll grow up being able to talk to each other, because who else understands it better!’

The condition is as varied as the people who have it, so while Iris catches chest infections easily and has had operations to remove polyps – tissue growths that can block sinuses and airways in the nose – Ivy struggles with digestion and effective bowel movement.

However, nothing got in the way of them taking part in Katy’s fundraising.

The first event was a Wear Yellow Day – the Cystic Fibrosis Trust colour – at their school.

‘All the children got involved,’ enthuses Katy. ‘Yellow flowers and cakes and many other things were on sale. We raised £658.’

A series of other events followed,

ost of a milestone ising challenge

including a 1940s night, a darts tournament and the Big Bounce, a space hopper bounce along Cleethorpes seafront.

‘We had the most fun with that one,’ laughs Katy. ‘Two adults and fourteen children all bouncing along dressed in yellow. It was great! I think it’s going to become an annual event as well.’

Katy’s family, friends and corps folk also joined in the challenge, taking part in everything from an endurance race to a balloon popping challenge in a sumo suit. Her friend, Kim Caville, ran for 24 hours to help raise money for the charity.

‘I couldn’t have done it on my own,’ Katy vows. ‘People held car boot sales, Grimsby Corps helped out, Shipley

‘

I want my children to live long enough to see their own children grow up

’

Corps, where I grew up, threw a garden party, my friend’s husband grew a moustache and we did a Step Out for CF in September last year, which involved four people completing 300,000 steps by the end of the month. The idea was that their children between them would have taken 300 tablets over September, so it was 1,000 steps per tablet.

‘We also did small things, such as ask people for money instead of birthday presents and donations instead of Christmas cards.’

A lot of people came up with ideas on their own, but Katy also persuaded people to get involved. Although she never found it too challenging to organise, the pressure began to pile up when she only had one month left and six more things to do. And when she finally thought she’d completed the challenge, there was a complication.

‘We’d miscounted the car boot sales, so we’d only done 38 events,’ recalls Katy. ‘Then I found out Shipley corps folk also took on 40 small challenges between them throughout the year

without me knowing, and somebody else asked for donations for their birthday instead of presents, so, in the end, I got it done!’

On her birthday they threw a big party to celebrate. The total amount raised was £4,386.

‘I never really set a target,’ admits Katy, ‘but I thought it would be nice to raise £2,000. It became clear quite early on that we were going to raise more than that.’

To accomplish such a huge achievement felt great, she adds. She has learnt a few things too: ‘I can do anything if I set my mind to it. I never thought about whether I’d have the time to do all this, but I’m glad I did. The girls loved it; they keep asking when we’re going to do more.

‘If anything, it’s shown me how much support we have from friends and family.

It wasn’t easy, but it was all really good fun.’

For more information about the Cystic Fibrosis Trust or to donate visit cysticfibrosis.org.uk

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Salvationist 2 November 2019

13

REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

I Miss My Time With You Major Len Ballantine, leader of the International Staff Songsters from 1992-1998, shares some of his personal highlights ahead of the 40th anniversary celebrations in 2020

I

ARRIVED in the UK with my wife, Heather, in the summer of 1992. The International Staff Songsters held a welcome reception to meet their new leader in the dining hall of the old International Headquarters. I’ll never forget the feeling – an odd mixture of terror and anticipation. After some introductions were offered I made an attempt at a speech, which ended in tears, something the choir would come to expect from me, and forgive, over the next six years.

It was a full year before I felt I had any business being in front of the ISS while they sang. They went into autopilot when singing ‘Norman songs’.* But we grew together. For those early rehearsals I figured out pretty quickly to bring heaps of new music and see what took hold. My ally in this was the Music Editorial Unit: Major Trevor Davis, then Richard Phillips, were happy to furnish new manuscripts on an almost weekly basis.

The first truly modern song we went after was the Larnelle Harris 1987 hit, ‘I Miss My Time With You’. What a blessing it was to us. The context was immediately refreshing and inspiring.

Most songs we sing are to the Lord or about our experience with him. This was the Lord speaking to us. It just landed perfectly and became a proving ground for syncopated and nuanced contemporary gospel music. After that song, rhythm was never an issue.

Our weekends travelling were wonderful opportunities for me to learn 14

Salvationist 2 November 2019

the culture and character of our ‘SA cousins’ in different parts of the territory.

Saturday night festivals were often held in churches, where the entire town seemed to come out to hear us. Singing in some of Britain’s ancient and massive cathedrals was thrilling; for me, the continuity of faith and history over hundreds of years was something a North American could only imagine.

Sunday mornings were always special as the sung gospel was used by the Spirit. Many a time one of our own would yield to prayer and kneel openly among peers – always a sacred and humbling space to be.

Each year we recorded an album of our newest repertoire, which was satisfying as a leader. However, the outstanding memory for me was the rich feeling of intimacy between the singers and their conductor that developed over the six seasons of my tenure. I will never forget the connection we had with words, phrases and syllables; there were particular lines in the songs that never failed to elicit a tear from the same eye, in the same spot, every time we sang them. That kind of closeness is rare, and it was my supreme privilege to lead this wonderful group of sensitive Christians in their pursuit of worship through music. I consider those my best days.

For me, there is nothing more compelling than a song of deep faith being sung by people of faith. It lifts our eyes heavenward and away from the cares of this Earth. It reinforces our

beliefs and allows us to affirm the truths of Scripture. And somehow the Spirit uses this music to soften, stimulate or convict – first the singer and then the listener.

My work with the recently formed Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) has been undeniably shaped by my experience with the ISS. We love to sing in ‘surround sound’ mode, and use SATB (soprano, alto, tenor and bass) and mixed formations in our performances to change the colour and dynamic of the group. Our weekends away always include a clinic with singers from corps and churches in the area, and Saturday festivals include two songs that we’ve prepared together that afternoon.

The ministry of the ISS and the CSS is much more than a hobby or wellintentioned use of a gift; it is a means to share the compelling truth of the love of Jesus with a world desperate for truth and starving for love. We see its value written into the score of our own lives and that, in the end, motivates our continued song.

Major Len Ballantine will be a guest at the International Staff Songsters 40th anniversary celebrations at Regent Hall on 18 and 19 January 2020.

For more details visit salvationarmy.org.uk/iss

O

* Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft was the first leader of the ISS and Len’s predecessor

MORE REAR-M MIR RRO OR

Box-filling by hand

‘STRIKE A LIGHT FOR DARKEST ENGLAND’ General John Larsson (Retired) shares fascinating glimpses of the early Army – 1890-1912

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HEN MPs and journalists investigating the matchmaking industry arrived at a run-down house in London’s East End, the Army officer who had arranged the visit invited them in. When they entered, they recoiled in shock at the sight of the woman sitting in an armchair.

The woman had worked in a matchmaking factory and, because of the toxic fumes from the yellow phosphorus used in the process, had become the victim of necrosis of the bone, commonly known as ‘phossy jaw’ or ‘matchmaker’s leprosy’. The onset of necrosis was marked by the worker being plagued by toothache as the phosphorus attacked the jaw. Soon the whole side of the face would become disfigured, turning green, then black, discharging foul-smelling pus.

The pain would be excruciating, and the almost inevitable outcome was death.

This woman’s necrosis was at an advanced stage.

The questioning was subdued, and when the Army officer snuffed out the gaslight, the group gasped. In the eerie darkness, the victim’s jaw, even her hands and blouse, glowed greenishwhite as the phosphorus rotted her while she still lived. It was a shaken group that emerged into the daylight of the street again.

The group was there by invitation of William Booth. In his research for the Darkest England scheme, he had learnt of the scandal of workers’ lives being destroyed by phossy jaw and of the extreme ‘sweating’ that the 4,000 workers in the matchmaking industry endured, whereby they worked long

hours like slaves for a pittance.

A harmless form of red phosphorus existed, which produced safety matches.

But it was costlier, and matchmaking firms resisted using it because it would lessen their profits.

William Booth was determined to tackle both issues. By May 1891, just seven months after the launch of the Darkest England scheme, he opened an airy and well-lit match factory for 100 workers in Old Ford, London. The ‘Lights in Darkest England’ matchboxes made there held only safety matches tipped with threat-

free red phosphorus, and the workers were paid a fair wage – almost twice the usual rate. At its peak this model factory turned out six million boxes a year.

The commercial matchmaking firms clung to their unsafe matches, which gave them greater profits and were popular with the public because they were cheaper to buy. But William Booth was in the matchmaking business not only to set an example to other firms but also to force a change in public opinion against the manufacture of dangerous matches, and his long-term aim was to bring about a change in legislation.

Hence the Army-organised visits of

journalists and members of parliament to the homes of those whose lives had been blighted by necrosis.

The matchmaking factory attracted opposition from rival firms and struggled to turn a profit. But with the press campaign public opinion began to change. By 1900 the large factories had been influenced to adopt the safe way of making matches and to improve the working conditions for their employees. Knowing that Darkest England had scored an early victory, William Booth closed his factory that year. The victory was crowned in 1908 when parliament passed a law prohibiting the use of unsafe phosphorus.

In a jaunty number from the musical The Blood Of The Lamb, General John Gowans captures the exuberant ‘can do’ spirit behind the ‘Lights in Darkest England’ initiative – and its challenge for all succeeding generations.

The General had a dream for Darkest England, He dreamt of better health and houses too, He dreamt of better homes and better people, We’ve got to make the General’s dream come true!

So strike a light for Darkest England, Stab its conscience wide awake, For still it’s dark in Darkest England, Strike a light for Jesus’ sake!

Salvationist 2 November 2019

15

BIBLE STUDY

Fire and glory!

Major Graham Mizon encourages us to experience the presence of God STUDY PASSAGE: 2 CHRONICLES 7:1–10

A

FTER we pray, we may not see an instant response from God. But Solomon did!

In our study passage we read that immediately after the dedicatory prayer over the Temple – one of the most beautiful prayers in all of Scripture – God acted in quite a remarkable way: ‘When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from Heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the Temple’ (v1).

QUESTION Can you recall a time when your prayers prompted an immediate response from God?

O

The glory of the Lord had previously filled the Tabernacle – to such an

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

by Major Freda Benneyworth

16

extent that it prevented Moses from entering it (see Exodus 40:34 and 35).

After Solomon’s prayer, the Lord filled the Temple preventing the priests from entering (v2).

Rabbis would later express this manifestation of God as ‘shekinah glory’. Shekinah is a Hebrew word meaning ‘one who dwells’. We are being told in this record that the Temple was filled with the divine presence of God. In last issue’s Bible study, we considered how the Temple (constructed by King Solomon around 960BC) became a ‘thin place’ where Heaven and Earth would meet – a place where the twin halves of creation intersected. In his book Paul And The Faithfulness Of God, NT Wright goes further: ‘When you went up to the Temple, it was not as though you were “in Heaven”. You were actually there.

That was the point. Israel’s God did not

have to leave Heaven in order to come down and dwell in… the Jerusalem Temple.’

The dedication of the Temple was such an amazing event. It was one of those occasions when God actually did ‘on Earth as it is in Heaven’. God’s people prayed, worshipped and sacrificed 22,000 cattle and 120,000 sheep – and the celebrations went on for two weeks.

QUESTION O Have you been in a worship or celebration event when the ‘fire and glory’ presence of God was so tangible that it became a ‘Heaven-on-Earth’ experience?

The Temple was the visible symbol of God’s love, mercy and forgiveness for his people. Gathered at the Temple, they sang God’s praises: ‘He is good; his love endures for ever’ (v3).

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Be still, for the glory of the Lord/ Is shining all around;/ He burns with holy fire,/ With splendour he is crowned./ How awesome is the sight,/ Our radiant King of light!/ Be still, for the glory of the Lord/ Is shining all around.

(SASB 353)

Moses and Aaron then went into the tent of meeting.

When they came out, they blessed the people; and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. Fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted for joy and fell face down.

(Leviticus 9:23 and 24)

O let the fire, descending/ Just now upon my soul,/ Consume my humble offering,/ And cleanse and make me whole!/ My all is on the altar,/ I’m waiting for the fire;/ Waiting, waiting, waiting,/ I’m waiting for the fire.

(SASB 609)

Salvationist 2 November 2019

When the Jews were later exiled in Babylon (586BC), they wept because they were homesick, but moreover because they were separated from their God. The Temple now razed to the ground, and the Jews now living as exiles, they lamented: ‘How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a foreign land?’ (Psalm 137:4).

Heaven now seemed a long way away. In Jerusalem, God’s people experienced the fire as the glory of the Lord filled the Temple. In contrast, the Babylonian Jews endured the cold and emptiness of God’s absence.

QUESTIONS O How do you respond when God seems far away?

O What have you learnt from such experiences?

The revelation of God began with Creation when ‘the Spirit of God was

hovering over the waters’ (Genesis 1:2). In Exodus, the cloud of God’s glory covered the Tabernacle in the wilderness. When the Temple was built, the glory of the Lord filled it. However, nowhere has God’s glory been more fully expressed than through his Son, Jesus Christ. God became Immanuel – present, with his people, in a new way.

A further revelation was to take place when God wasn’t just present with his people, but in their lives through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Jesus prayed to his Father: ‘I have given them the glory that you gave me’ (John 17:22).

This was fulfilled after Jesus ascended, when God sent a promised Counsellor – the Holy Spirit – on the Day of Pentecost. It is what the apostle Paul later refers to as the glory of the New Covenant, writing that the ministry of the Holy Spirit will be even more

glorious (see 2 Corinthians 3:8). In Ephesians 3:19, Paul encourages us to be personally ‘filled to the measure of all the fullness of God’.

Today, we do not need to be in a specific building to experience the fullness of the Lord. The glory of God that was manifested in a fire has been given to all Christians.

QUESTIONS What is your current experience of the Holy Spirit?

O In what ways can you mirror the glory of the Lord?

O

MAJOR MIZON IS ANTI-TRAFFICKING VOLUNTEER DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THQ

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole Earth is full of his glory.’ At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the Temple was filled with smoke.

(Isaiah 6:3 and 4)

Except you build the house, Lord,/ Our work is all in vain,/ Except your Spirit fill it/ But blocks of stone remain;/ But if our hearts are open/ And you in power come down/ The glory of your presence/ Will all our labours crown.

(SASB 342)

Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the Lord in the splendour of his holiness.

(1 Chronicles 16:29)

O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!/ Bow down before him, his glory proclaim;/ With gold of obedience and incense of lowliness,/ Kneel and adore him, the Lord is his name.

(SASB 343) Amazing Lord, we wait in

Prayer

a sacred space, in a hallowed time and humbly rest in your presence. Take what we offer to you and, in your time, may we not only glimpse your glory but also be so filled with your presence that the change in us cannot be denied.

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NEW COMMITMENTS

ST ALBANS: John Goodall, who regularly attends meetings, was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Lieutenant Wan Gi Lee. They are pictured with Recruiting Sergeant Major Sheila Parmenter.

The corps befriended Sue O’Dwyer during difficult times. She responded by giving her life to God and was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officers Lieutenants Wan Gi Lee and Eun Ok Shin. – B. H.

LLANELLI: Corps officer Major Denise Cooper welcomed Paula Gresty and Huw Williams as adherent members. Paula spoke about how the love of God had changed her life and acknowledged soldier Alan Barnes, whose compassion helped lead her to the Lord. Huw testified that becoming an adherent member was one of the best things he’d done and thanked the corps for the love, encouragement and welcome he had received. He felt that this was where God wanted him and that he belonged. Pictured with them is Recruiting Sergeant Major Christine Hird, who guided and supported them through their journeys.

KIRKWALL: Corps officer Lieutenant Rebecca Mitchinson welcomed Cyril and Eileen Unsworth as adherent members. Cyril and Eileen, who have been Christians for many years, testified to feeling welcome and at home.

Also pictured are flag bearer Len Henderson and Lieutenant John Mitchinson. – S. S. 18

Salvationist 2 November 2019

MERTHYR TYDFIL: The hall was filled with family and friends for Elsa Thomas’s enrolment as a junior soldier. Elsa linked up with the Army when her mother brought her to the parent-and-toddler group. Junior soldiers took part in the meeting, and junior timbrelists accompanied the fellowship band. Elsa chose the song ‘There Shall Be Showers Of Blessing’ (SASB 314). She is pictured with corps officer Major Lynne Collins, who conducted the enrolment, and YPSM Cheryl Price. – L. B.

Jan Parsons and Gary Chapman were enrolled as soldiers

by Major Denise. Both expressed their love for the Lord and gave moving testimonies. Jan’s testimony was based on her favourite poem ‘Footprints In The Sand’. She expressed how God constantly reassured her that he was near during difficult times. Gary, who has faced many challenges, including prison and homelessness, praised God for the miracles in his life and thanked him for joy and peace. Gary sells the War Cry, works as a volunteer in the charity shop and helps with soup kitchens. – T. C. Editor’s note: The entry for the welcome of adherent members at Branksome, in the issue dated 19 October, should have read: ‘They were welcomed, and certificates were presented the following Sunday during worship led by Colin Bright.’

Salvationist apologises for the error.

LETTERS

A WELCOME EXAMPLE

KEEPING IN TOUCH BBC News on 9 September 2019 ran this story: ‘Sellers of The Big Issue can join a scheme allowing them to accept contactless card payments. The magazine, sold by people to lift themselves out of poverty, launched the initiative as consumers are moving away from using cash for small purchases. Vendors involved in a trial scheme in five cities saw 80 per cent of sales become cashless.’

May Salvationists be informed when they will have the same or similar facility for when they are collecting from the public?

Colin Bright Swanage Major Richard Waters, Assistant Territorial Finance Secretary (THQ), responds: We are currently in the process of signing a contract with a provider that will enable us to offer a mobile solution for contactless payments. This solution will initially be used by a few corps to test the process before it is offered to all. Unfortunately, this final contract stage has taken much longer than expected and has delayed our intention to make it widely available for Christmas.

I WAS extremely surprised and disappointed to read the article ‘Showing racism the red card’ (Salvationist 5 October). That a member of staff at the International Projects Office, THQ, should need to highlight racism shows that it is recognised as a problem that needs total eradication within the territory.

Leicester is a multi-cultural city and we have, over several decades, welcomed black and minority ethnic Salvationists, and other groups, into our society.

I would like to pay tribute to successive officers and corps members that have, over many years, worked tirelessly to integrate everyone, whatever their background.

This has generally been very successful. Within the corps family there have been mixed nationalities and even conflicting ethnic groups of the same nationality. Differing customs and practices have, where possible, been accommodated and all this has been achieved with kindness, consideration and goodwill.

I heartily agree with Captain Ben Cotterill that racism should be shown the ‘red card’ and wish him every success in eradicating it wherever and whenever it is found in our Army.

Bramwell Rudd Leicester

PUT CHRIST BACK INTO CHRISTMAS WHY leave it to our charity shops to feature a nativity display at Christmas?

For a good number of years now I have displayed in my front window an illuminated, half life-sized Mary, Joseph and crib nativity.

It takes up rather a lot of room in my lounge but I do it as a Christian witness. Many people have spoken to me of their delight to see it. Two ladies even asked if they could buy it from me!

My point here is this: why not display a nativity in every Christian’s window? It doesn’t have to be large, just a size that can be seen by passers-by. Even with a long garden the postman sees mine.

Put Christ back into Christmas. Plan now.

Pamela Fear Major Hartlepool Salvationist 2 November 2019

19

ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 February 2020 O Majors Jacques and ClaudeEvelyne Donzé, officers of the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory currently serving respectively as Secretary for Evangelism and Assistant Secretary for Evangelism in that territory, are appointed as Officer Commanding and Command President of Women’s Ministries, Italy and Greece Command. They will take up their new appointments with the rank of lieut-colonel. They succeed Lieut-Colonels Massimo and AnneFlorence Tursi, who will be taking up new appointments at International Headquarters APPOINTED Effective 3 October O Territorial Envoys Darryn and Karen Hook, Sanctuary 21 and Crook Effective 10 October O Captain Gary Lacey, associate officer, Northwich Effective 31 October O Captain Alex Devine, Abingdon Effective 14 November O Major Leiby Pinner, East Kilbride

Effective 6 January 2020 O Major Emma Knights, Open Learning Tutor and Assessor, SISTAD, William Booth College Effective 30 January 2020 O Majors David and Miriam Wing, Bellshill O Captains Matthew and Samantha Brown, Erskine LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED O YPSM Laura Meakin, Wigan MARRIAGE O Bandsman Jonathan Bessex to Elli Drake at Staple Hill by Major Colin Hylton-Jones WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Alan and HLFS Hilary Tinkling, Clevedon (18 October) O Majors Mike and Betty Jones (15 November) DEDICATED TO GOD O Matthew Joseph, son of Dep SL Liam and Songster Cat Coates, at Coventry City by Major Valerie Spivey O Lucas David White and Reuben Hunter, sons of Antony and Claire Findlay McPherson, at Wellingborough

by Major Michelle Woodhouse O Seth James Andrew, son of Cameron and Ola Thompson, at Kirkwall by Majors Bruce and Isobel Smith

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O ICO, Th 7 Nov O Rome (audience with the Pope), Fri Sat 9 O ICO, Sun 10 O Nairobi (Africa Zonal Conference), Sat 16 – Sun 24 O Nairobi (Africa Zonal Women’s Ministries Conference), Sat 23 – Wed 27* O USA National (Red Kettle Kick-off), Mon 25 – Sat 30** THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (farewell to session), Fri 15 Nov THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Whitehall (Remembrance Sunday), Sun 10 Nov O Strawberry Field (opening), Tu 12 O Glebe Court (reopening), Mon 18 O Gloucester (140th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 24 O Territorial Appointments Conference, Sat 30 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O Guernsey Corps and Community Centre, Fri 1 Nov – Sun 3 O Whitehall (Remembrance Sunday), Sun 10 O Strawberry Field (opening), Tu 12 O Officers PreRetirement Seminar, Wed 13 O East Scotland Division, Th 14 – Sun 17 O Kettering Citadel (ISB weekend), Sat Sun 24 O Anglia Retired Officers Christmas Fellowship meeting, Fri 29 O Territorial Appointments Conference, Sat 30 *World President of Women’s Ministries only **The General only

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Salvationist 2 November 2019

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Brian Knightley OF (80 on 14 November) BEREAVED O Major Irene Kerrison of her brother David Robinson O Diane Jackson, Bolton South, of her sister Christina Guthrie O Major Shirley McKenzie, Darlington, of her husband Major Marc McKenzie, Gemma Davis and Debbie Walker of their father PROMOTED TO GLORY O Major Andrew Halse from Rose Lawn care home, Sidmouth, on 10 October O Major Olive Twitchen from Oakwood House care home, Norwich, on 21 October O S/Reservist May Aris, Leighton Buzzard O Major Marc McKenzie, Darlington, from his home on 22 October

TRIBUTES MAJOR LAWRENCE BREVITT LAWRENCE was born to Salvationist parents in Cannock in 1937, the only brother of Marjory, Iris and Sylvia. Being the son of the corps sergeant-major ensured that he recognised his ‘yellow, red and blue’ heritage from an early age.

Years of education resulted in a Higher National Certificate in building construction, building mathematics and geometry and building science. National service with the Royal Horse Artillery followed.

In October 1961 Lawrence married Dodie Bale, and in 1963 they entered the International Training College together as members of the Proclaimers of the Faith Session.

After commissioning they served together in corps appointments including Brixham, Liskeard, Louth and Bridlington, before a period of service overseas along with their children, Stephen and Amanda. The couple returned to the UK for the final six years of their active officership, taking up appointments at East Midlands DHQ and Cheltenham.

Lawrence enjoyed a happy and active

retirement in Poole, where he and Dodie contributed significantly to the life and mission of the corps. He is greatly missed by family and friends alike and is fondly remembered for his sense of humour, down-to-earth approach to mission and faith, and his love of the outdoors.

‘In my heart an Easter morning,/ I am Christ’s and Christ is mine’ (SASB 734) was his testimony and his experience.

– D. B./ S. B. MAJOR JANINA NEALE JANINA was brought up on the family farm near Lodz in central Poland. In 1939 the Nazis invaded, forcing the family to flee.

Janina endured forced labour and later found herself in a displaced persons camp in Cirencester. She attended the International Training College, where she met her husband, Douglas.

They subsequently served in Scotland and had three children: Christina, Patricia and Martin. Seventeen years of international service in South Africa followed, which included the

co-ordination of the World Vision project in Natal, supporting hundreds of children. She also spearheaded adult literacy and other projects. The couple eventually retired to Aberdeen, but Janina continued to provide support to Africa. Several hundred aid parcels, including Bibles and other Christian literature, were sent.

She lived for others and found complete joy and fulfilment in her calling to serve suffering humanity. – M. N. IRENE DIXON, KENDAL IRENE was born in Blackburn in 1925.

She loved the Army and served as singing company leader and pianist.

On her marriage to John she transferred to Kendal, where she continued to work with the young people as YPSM and singing company leader.

Irene’s last commission was as home league secretary.

She was a loyal and devoted Salvationist and local officer, who was welcoming and encouraging within the

corps and the wider division.

As Irene grew older she became housebound, but still loved to hear Scripture and music. After John was promoted to Glory, Irene’s last year was spent in a nursing home, where she continued to witness with her life. – P. B.

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Salvationist 2 November 2019

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Salvationist 2 November 2019

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‘

I’d like to meet Jesus.

I’d ask for a hug

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…

CATHERINE McCRORY

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Paris, Butlin’s, Biarritz, Bratislava… I’m an everywhere kind of girl.

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

Unconditional love.

Cardiff Canton How did you first come into contact with the Army?

Through Paul Laybourn. I met him when I was looking for work. He works for Employment Plus at Cardiff East and is now a colleague and a friend.

What made you want to volunteer for the Army?

I love the fact that it is a rolled-upsleeves Christian charity that really does help people.

What is the most interesting thing about your role – and the most frustrating?

I volunteer at Cardiff East, where it is interesting to work with a diverse group of people. Nothing much frustrates me!

What one thing would you change about the Army?

A later Sunday meeting – 11 am please, guys!

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

Small Time Crooks by Woody Allen – it’s very funny. I’d play Frenchy’s cousin, May. If you could meet any historical figure, who would you choose?

Catherine Booth, obviously! I’m still trying to have a look round William Booth College. I’d also like to meet Emmeline Pankhurst. I attended a procession last year to remember the work of the suffragettes. It was an amazing day.

What is your favourite food?

I’m vegetarian so anything labelled with a ‘V’, like chocolate.

’

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

A tip-up bed that would get me up in the morning.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

The Coconut Cookbook – 100 Ways To Cook A Coconut, if that exists!

What do you do in your spare time?

I attend Cardiff Canton, take part in Bible studies, go on friendship walks, cook and watch films at the cinema.

What other languages do you know?

French and basic British Sign Language.

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

Flower power, so that I could wear my indoor kaftan in the street without being looked at.

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

Ghostbusters by Ray Parker Jr. Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

I’d like to meet Jesus. I’d ask for a hug.

Is there something you have never understood?

I’m rubbish at maths.

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

Hatred.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Kit-kat, Cati or Puss.

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

Nigella Lawson, so she could make me breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or my fiancé.

If you had a theme song that played when you entered the room, what would it be?

‘Annie’s Song’ by John Denver. It will be played at my wedding next year.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

My father’s advice was to ask: ‘Where am I? Where do I want to be? How do I get there? How will I reward myself once I get there?’

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

My friends and family.

Something interesting about you that people might want to know is…

I like to dance to garage music.