Salvationist 30 April 2022

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SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

WALKING TOGETHER LISTENING AND LEARNING FROM NEIGHBOURS

TAKING THE CHURCH ON TO THE STREETS PAGE 9

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

UKRAINIAN WORKERS FLEE ‘MODERN SLAVERY’ CONDITIONS ON UK FARMS Hundreds of Ukrainians are believed to be living and working informally in Britain after escaping from farms they were working at, with many claiming to have been subjected to conditions of modern slavery.

Ukrainians made up by far the largest proportion of workers in the UK on seasonal worker visas in 2021. Of the 29,631 visas issued under the T5 seasonal work scheme, two thirds (19,920) were given to Ukrainians. The Scottish Refugee Council estimates there are up to 6,000 Ukrainians in the UK. The farm workers are not eligible for the two main government schemes that support Ukrainian refugees – the family scheme and the community sponsorship scheme…

Dr Dora-Olivia Vicol, the director of the Work Rights Centre, said: ‘I’m extremely concerned for the safety of Ukrainians who had to flee exploitative work conditions … and have since become undocumented.’

She said many had resorted to working precariously in the underground economy.

The Guardian

SALVATIONIST

MANCHESTER PUB BECOMES CHURCH ON SUNDAY MORNINGS People in Manchester can now attend church at a pub.

The Mosely Arms in Bolton has become the venue for an informal alternative to traditional weekly worship.

‘We just want local people who are often completely off church to encounter Jesus…’ Rev Ben Woodfield, the vicar of New Life Church, told Premier…

‘We’re going for people who are third, fourth-generation unchurched. That’s who we’re wanting to reach. So we just found that neutral spaces are a little easier for people to walk through the door.’

Rev Woodfield and his team came up with the pub idea while prayer walking around the area.

The project was launched in March and has already seen growth in church membership.

God never tires of forgiving anyone who asks, Pope Francis told 12 prisoners on Holy Thursday before washing their feet … at a prison in Civitavecchia, northwest of Rome…

The Pope … washed the feet of 12 inmates, men and women of different ages and nationalities…

Pope Francis encouraged the inmates to pray: ‘Lord, forgive me.

I will try to serve others, but you serve me with your forgiveness…’

Pope Francis told the inmates he knows that washing someone else’s feet can seem to be ‘a strange thing’ today, but it is a reminder of Jesus, who ‘teaches us this, and it is simple: you have to wash each other’s feet, one serving the other, without selfinterest.’

Premier

The Tablet

COST OF LIVING CRISIS: VALUE OF UK UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SEES BIGGEST FALL IN 50 YEARS Claimants of unemployment benefits will see the biggest fall in the value of their payments in 50 years … anti-poverty campaigners have said, as Britons grapple with the worst cost of living crisis since 1972…

Since September the price of most essentials has rocketed. According to the latest UK economic outlook report from PwC, British households are set to be £900 worse off this year in a ‘historic fall’ in living standards…

Helen Barnard, the associate director of the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, an anti-poverty group, [said]… ‘The majority of people in poverty now are in working households. One of the problems is that too many jobs are not just low paid, but they’re insecure – you don’t know what money you’re getting one week to the next, you don’t get sick pay; you don’t get protection if something goes wrong. People are struggling to afford the basic essentials and having to rely on charities for toothpaste and toilet rolls. It’s humiliating for a lot of people.’

The Guardian

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist Issue No 1856

CONTACT US 020 7367 4890 (main) / 020 7367 4901 (editor) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

ADVERTISING advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Simon Hope, Melita Day-Lewis, George Tanton, Major Margaret Bovey ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight, Louise Phillips PROOFREADER Chris Horne Published weekly by The Salvation Army and printed on paper from sustainable sources by CKN Print, Northampton. © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory.

ISSN 2516-5909.

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Salvationist 30 April 2022

POPE WASHES FEET OF 12 PRISON INMATES

DISTRIBUTION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66–78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH 01933 445445 / subscriptions@satcol.org @SalvationistOnline

@SalvationistUK

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 0845 634 0101

WALK WITH ME I’LL tell you a secret: I’m not always great at parties. At gatherings with friends, family and people I know, I can be bright and bubbly. In a room full of people I don’t know, however, I can feel nervous, quiet and a little bit awkward. There’s something reassuring about feeling comfortable that helps when coming out of your shell. At the same time, I know that staying in your comfort zone isn’t always a good thing – I love venturing into unknown spaces, meeting new people and learning from new experiences and new connections.

Two people who have learnt a lot from years of working in communities around the world are Ian Campbell and Alison Rader Campbell. They spoke recently at Croydon Citadel about their book Walking with Communities, which chronicles their trek down the South West Coast Path. Traversing a total of 630 miles in 28 days – way beyond my fitness watch’s goal of 10,000 steps a day – they met all kinds of people, and their book links those encounters with their past lessons and experiences.

We share some of that conversation at Croydon Citadel in this week’s issue of Salvationist, and they conclude that, at the end of the day, it’s all about relationships.

‘When we look on the surface, we often just notice what’s different,’ says Alison.

‘But when we talk to people we can always find something that connects us.’

‘Going deeper into people’s stories is the key to seeing the image of God in everyday life,’ adds Ian. ‘We’re talking about relationship integrity in which there is you and me together with another presence – the presence of God.’ Two other people sharing their testimonies in this issue are heralds from Stockport Heaton Norris, who celebrate the privilege of being able to represent the Army and the Lord on the streets. Amid the hustle and bustle of life, ‘God is always at work’, observes Margaret Tucker. One of the ways he is at work is in the relationships that begin to form, as people get to know and trust Margaret and share with her their joys and sorrows.

The word ‘trust’ appears several times in this week’s issue, and it’s essential to forming connections with others – it’s less about staying in your comfort zone and more about having the trust and faith to reach out, not necessarily to talk, but to listen as well.

‘People are normally quite reserved, but when that reserve goes, we can talk,’ reflects Ian. ‘We have to take the initiative – not as an intrusion, but as a catalyst to a conversation that is about them.’

Writing about The Salvation Army’s work tackling modern slavery, Captain Marion Rouffet considers the biblical imperative we have to show active compassion towards others in the world today, ‘not just to love our neighbour but to act in love towards our neighbour’.

Acting in love in our day-to-day lives can be as simple as reaching out to someone else, listening to their story, offering them support and building trust. Those are the first steps in walking alongside them in fellowship. As Ian puts it: ‘When trust grows, we have not just friendship encounters but a glimpse of faith encounters.’

Come, Holy Spirit, companion divine, Walk with me in life’s way; By thy rich fellowship confidence give, Walk thou with me today.

(SASB 318)

From the managing editor Ivan Radford

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

2 4 to 7

News Prayer matters

7

Feature Becoming... a servant of Jesus

8

by Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls

Testimonies A joy-giving ministry

9

with Dennis Cooper and Margaret Tucker

Reflection God’s call to speak out

10 and 11

by Captain Marion Rouffet

Interview 12 and 13 Walking with communities with Ian Campbell and Alison Rader Campbell

Reflection Snowflakes and Scripture

14

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

New commitments Bible study Come and see!

15 16 and 17

by Major Steven Turner

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Sheila Smith

Reviews Reflections of a Salvationist

18

reviewed by Colonel Donna Evans

Powerhouse reviewed by Bandmaster Eric Millest

Read with us 19 Called to Be a Soldier: Introduction Territorial structure update

20

Adverts

21

Announcements

22

Letter from the Chief Secretary 23 The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Melita Day-Lewis

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

Salvationist 30 April 2022

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NEWS

ARMY NEWS

COMMUNITY

Army responds to government’s refugee plan UK THE Salvation Army has said it is ‘deeply concerned’ at the UK government’s plans to send some asylum seekers and refugees arriving by boats to Rwanda.

Having significant experience working with people fleeing dangerous situations, the Army is very concerned that this plan will not ensure people have the appropriate care and support.

‘This is not about processing paperwork; this is about supporting people who may well be traumatised,’ said the Army in a statement. It warned that the proposed offshore processing facility threatens to introduce ‘an inequality of treatment that cannot be defended on any moral grounds’.

The Army has concerns about the legal provisions available to genuine refugees transported against their will by the UK government to Rwanda. It appears that they will not have recourse to the UK courts of justice.

Refugee Response Co-ordinator Major Nick Coke said: ‘Sub-contracting the UK’s international responsibilities to support refugees to a small, heavily populated African country is a dereliction of duty by the UK government and an unreasonable imposition on the people of Rwanda. This will not solve the problems of people who desperately need our help and tarnishes the UK’s reputation as a responsible global force for good.’

– AR

Salvationist wants to hear your news Corps press representatives can email salvationist@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good quality pictures may be included.

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Salvationist 30 April 2022

CARDIFF Salvation Army volunteer Carole Dacey was nominated for a St David Community Spirit award. Carole supports people who use the Army’s Purple Bus in Cardiff and volunteers at the corps and charity shop in Penarth. She made more than 70,000 packed lunches during the Covid-19 pandemic, has escorted victims of modern slavery to safe houses, supports people experiencing homelessness in Cardiff and volunteers with the Samaritans. ‘When I had to stop working, I promised that I would devote all of my time to volunteer work,’ said Carole. ‘I love it and I’m so pleased to be in a position to be able to do it.’ – AR

£1,023 raised for Army's work in Ukraine SEE PAGE 5

10,800 meals given to Ukrainian refugees SEE PAGE 6

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people attend corps food hub SEE PAGE 6

ANNIVERSARY PETERHEAD Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main joined the corps to mark its 140th anniversary. Visitors from Fraserburgh Corps and North Scotland DHQ also participated in the celebrations. A cake was cut by the oldest and youngest members of the corps, Bandmaster Alex Sullivan and Daniel. – CB

FUNDRAISING

New partnership supports Ukraine crisis appeal UK

ARMY NEWS

Army wins at Charity Film Awards THQ THE Army’s Video Production Unit has won a bronze prize at the Charity Film Awards.

The winning film, Adapting to Change: Vanessa’s Story, profiles Vanessa Nsilu, who has worked at Barking Corps for more than 10 years.

As well as showcasing Vanessa’s experiences, the film looks at how The Salvation Army in east London adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vanessa joined the Video Production Unit’s manager, Bridget O’Leary, and creative director, Neil MacInnes, at the ceremony, which was held at the Odeon Leicester Square in London.

Neil said the award was for all the Video Production Unit team. He commented: ‘The main thing is we are enabling other people to see these great stories. We are giving a voice to the people that we meet and Vanessa is one of the heroes. It’s our privilege to go along to churches, gather the stories and put them into shape.’ – TG O The film can be viewed by going to youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo and searching for ‘Vanessa’s Story’

ALL proceeds (excluding VAT) from selected Mattel products sold in The Entertainer toy shops are being used to support the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army as they respond to the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Brands including Barbie, Scrabble, Hot Wheels and Fisher-Price will all help raise funds for the organisations’ work supporting the victims of the conflict in Ukraine, and The Entertainer is providing the funds upfront to ensure that the people affected can receive urgent help.

International Projects Office Team Leader Ben Gilbert said: ‘We are on the ground in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, offering urgently needed practical and emotional support for people fleeing danger. We’re so grateful for this generous donation, which will help us provide emergency accommodation and provisions such as food, water and blankets. We are also committed to helping the people of Ukraine through the process of rebuilding their lives.’ – AR

ECUMENICAL

FUNDRAISING STREET A week of fundraising generated £1,023 to help the Army’s work in Ukraine. Cakes were decorated and sold at the parent-andtoddler group, the band played at the town market and a community coffee morning was held. Freshly baked wood-fired pizzas were also sold at the front of the hall. – JM

MUSIC

BRISTON A farmer from Edgefield in Norfolk offered his field of daffodils to St Peter and St Paul Edgefield Church for fundraising.

Joy and John Hardiment, who live in the village and attend Norwich Citadel, gladly picked and tied together the daffodils for selling.

They asked if they could set up a stall in Briston Corps car park and, with the coffee morning and food bank in full swing, the flowers soon sold out. The day proved to be an excellent example of churches supporting each other. – MR

SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING A large, appreciative crowd greeted the Solent Fellowship Band at an evening of music to raise funds in response to the Ukraine-Russia crisis. The varied programme included old favourites such as ‘Great and Glorious’ and ‘Canadian Folk Song Suite’, which contrasted with the more contemporary ‘Mountain Valley’ and ‘Prelude on “Lavenham”’. Soloists Faye Williams (cornet) and John Hanchett (euphonium) were well received. During the interval, Bandsman Gordon Birch celebrated his 80th birthday by cutting a cake. The band’s executive officer, Major Alec Still (Portsmouth Citadel), gave a short message and the evening ended with ‘Swedish Folk Song’. A total of £570 was raised. – BE Salvationist 30 April 2022

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NEWS

ENVIRONMENT

EMERGENCY AID

Army provides aid to refugees EASTERN EUROPE THE Salvation Army in Europe continues to support refugees fleeing the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

From the end of February to the beginning of April more than 10,800 cooked meals and 6,900 food parcels were distributed, and more than 3,000 people, including children, were accommodated in Salvation Army buildings.

The Praha Corps Family Centre in Warsaw, Poland, distributed clothing, hygiene items and food vouchers to between 10 and 80 refugees a day.

Working with UPS, International Emergency Services transported five pallets of provisions from Poland to Lviv, Ukraine, which were then transported to Vinnytsia and Kropyvnytskyi. Officers and volunteers in Kropyvnytskyi, where supplies are limited, saw more than 100 people per day.

In Dnipro officers helped many people needing shelter.

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@SalvationistOnline to keep up to date

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Salvationist 30 April 2022

Two Russian-speaking officers from Bulgaria travelled to the border to assist the Red Cross with the distribution of food parcels and hot meals and to provide a listening ear. More than 400 people have been served and helped.

In Batumi and Tbilisi in Georgia, the Army provided food, hygiene supplies, clothes and blankets.

The Central and Laloveni Corps in Moldova distributed food parcels to an increasing number of displaced people.

The Army also sent two officers and a cadet to the border with Romania to help with communication and translation and distribute food and information.

In Romania teams continued to work at the border. More than 3,050 vouchers have been given to approximately 1,889 families. The Army has also helped to give out vouchers, food and clothing at Romexpo, a government site in the capital, Bucharest. In two and a half weeks they served almost 5,000 people. Ukrainians also approached The Salvation Army for referrals and information about employment and education for their children. – DF

Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

BALLYMONEY A newly formed litter-picking group met at Riverside Park to put into action one of the Army's mission priorities: caring for creation. Junior soldier Daniel wanted to form the group to help make the area a safer and cleaner space. Everyone shared in refreshments afterwards. – J-MC

ECUMENICAL

Shoeburyness corps officer Captain Rob Davis is invited by the Rev David Pierce to speak at St Mary’s Church about the Army’s work in the community

OUTREACH

GUILDFORD During the Easter school holidays, families identified by school link workers were invited to attend the corps food hub.

As well as receiving food and Easter eggs, about 120 people enjoyed refreshments and Easter crafts. Many corps folk volunteered to assist and be a listening ear, and great contacts were made. The corps hopes that this event can be built upon, the contacts maintained and that everyone who attended will feel part of the corps family. – WMA

WEEK 7 – LISTENING THROUGH PAIN REPUBLIC OF IRELAND FOCUS

by Captain Tim Lennox (Dublin City) PRESENTATION BATLEY Songster Dorothy Harris was presented with a certificate by former songster leader Val Thomlinson and corps officer Captain Mark Cozens to mark her retirement. Dot started singing in the songsters as a 17-year-old, first at Birstall Corps and then at Batley in the early 1960s, where she has sung ever since. With reduced mobility due to arthritis, Dot took the decision to retire after more than 60 years serving as a songster. She will continue to play an active role in the corps by serving as corps historian.

SUNDAY 1 MAY – LEADERSHIP The work in Ireland is led by our divisional leaders, Colonels Neil and Chris Webb, and a board of directors. Pray for wisdom, discernment and boldness for our divisional leaders and the board as they provide leadership.

CANDIDATES FOCUS

by Major Christine Kingscott (Assistant Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) Ahead of Candidates Sunday (8 May), selected verses of Scripture along with the verses of song 660 (SASB) can help us reflect on our response to following Christ.

MONDAY 2 MAY ‘The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had’ (Philippians 2:5 Good News Bible). ‘May the mind of Christ my Saviour/ Live in me from day to day,/ By his love and power controlling/ All I do and say.’

TUESDAY 3 MAY ‘Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path’ (Psalm 119:105).

‘May the word of God dwell richly/ In my heart from hour to hour,/ So that all may see I triumph/ Only through his power.’

FUNDRAISING One of several volunteers from Teddington Corps raises funds for local mission

WEDNESDAY 4 MAY ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace’ (Colossians 3:15). ‘May the peace of God my Father/ Rule my life in everything,/ That I may calm to comfort/ Sick and sorrowing.’

THURSDAY 5 MAY ‘And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity’ (Colossians 3:14). ‘May the love of Jesus fill me,/ As the waters fill the sea; / Him exalting, self abasing,/ This is victory.’

FRIDAY 6 MAY ‘Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the face marked out for us’ (Hebrews 12:1). ‘May I run the race before me,/ Strong and brave to face the foe,/ Looking only unto Jesus/ As I onward go.’

COMMUNITY LURGAN The corps has revived its initiative to provide coats, hats, scarves and gloves to the community’s poorest residents.

The scheme initially ran a year ago, when charity shops were closed during the Covid-19 lockdown. Volunteers hung the garments outside the hall for passers-by to collect. Although charity shops have now reopened, the corps felt the need for warm clothing remained. – GW

SATURDAY 7 MAY ‘One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his Temple’ (Psalm 27:4). ‘May his beauty rest upon me/ As I seek the lost to win,/ And may they forget the channel,/ Seeing only him.’

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources Salvationist Salvationist Salvationist 29 26 5January March 2022

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FEATURE I Candidates Sunday

Becoming… a servant of Jesus In the weeks before Candidates Sunday (8 May), Salvationist asks people what the theme Becoming means to them

Territorial Envoy Lee Highton-Nicholls

A

S I consider my 42 years of life to date, I recognise that I have become many things already and that in the future I will become many other things too.

Aged four I became a pupil and, over the course of the next 15 years spent in education, I continued to learn and grow.

I am convinced that the experiences I have encountered have helped to shape me. After school I became an employee and, over the years of my employment, I took on many different roles and responsibilities.

Seventeen years ago my life changed for ever when I became a husband and, eleven years ago, a father. Even in these relationships there have been changes – I wait with bated breath for the day when I become the parent of a teenager!

Having become a Christian during my teens, I recognise that this pattern of becoming and then developing and changing is apparent in my faith journey too. I met Jesus and invited him to live in my heart all those years ago and have grown with him over the past 30 years.

Philippians 1:6 says: ‘I am confident that the Creator, who has begun such a great work among you, will not stop in mid-design but will keep perfecting you’ (The Voice). This has certainly been my experience since becoming a Christian.

The Creator of all things had a plan for me. He planned for me before I was born and orchestrated my life in such a way that, one day, I would be invited by a friend to attend the Salvation Army Boys Adventure Corps (Sabac).

I remember vividly the prayer that I made at Sabac: ‘Lord, Jesus, help me to discover you as the way, the truth and life, and to find for myself that following you is the greatest adventure of all.’

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Salvationist 30 April 2022

What an adventure I have had so far!

The beauty of the adventure is that there are new experiences to be had every day as I continue to become more and more like Jesus.

More than 20 years ago I heard God’s call on my life to full-time ministry in The Salvation Army. However, I spent many years running away, ignoring God and convincing myself that this was something I could not become. I felt that the expectations were too high to achieve and that I could never be a corps leader. I resolved that the easiest thing to do was avoid conversations about calling and, when prompted or asked by people, I would just shrug my shoulders and say, ‘If God wants me, he will make it clear.’ The reality was that God was making it clear, and I knew it.

I had become a Christian, I had become a soldier, I had become a local officer – I had become many things that God had called me to be. I felt I had done enough and set about finding peace and contentment in my career and family life. The dictionary says the meaning of the word ‘become’ is ‘begin to be’. As time progressed, I felt uneasy in my work and felt it was time again to consider who I was beginning to be.

The verse from Philippians reminds us that God will not leave us mid-design, like an unfinished piece of art or a house makeover where the funds have run dry.

No, we are told that the Creator, our creator, will keep perfecting us. He is constantly working within us, inspiring and shaping our lives as we become more like Jesus.

Am I already what God intends me to become? No, I am a work in progress.

Becoming a territorial envoy in July 2021 was just another stage on my journey of becoming who God intends me to be. Every day I find myself still learning and being shaped by the new experiences that come my way. God is still at work in my life and I believe I am still becoming who he wants me to be – and will do until the day I am with him in Eternity.

What does God want me to be? It is expressed in an old song by Edward Henry Joy: ‘More than all else I would become/ The servant of my servantLord;/ My highest glory his reproach,/ To do his will my best reward’ (SASB 617).

Next week Cadet Hannah Turnbull

TESTIMONIES

A joy-giving ministry Two Stockport Heaton Norris heralds, who received certificates of appreciation for their ministry, tell Salvationist about their experience of selling Army papers and being witnesses for Christ

DENNIS COOPER N 2016 I became a soldier and was able to go out with the War Cry, taking the Church on to the streets. I enclose a gospel tract in every copy and trust in the Lord that some of the seed I scatter will fall on fertile soil.

A regular group of people who donate and take a War Cry has developed over the years. During the worst of the Covid-19 pandemic this work was halted but, when I was able to resume it, I found that many people had noted my absence and welcomed me back.

The people of Marple are very supportive of the Army.

I have lost count of the number of people who tell me they were born in the Army hospital in Ancoats, Manchester, before the formation of the NHS in 1948.

One man was quite emotional as he told me, ‘My father would have been dead on the streets of London if The Salvation Army hadn’t found him.’

Lots of people have fond memories of wartime grandparents being helped or being given a cup of tea by the Army. They have usually been given strict instructions not to walk past without giving something! I find this very touching.

Herald ministry is not for everyone. It can get cold standing about for two hours. However, I know the Lord has called me to do this. When you consider him hanging on the cross, is a couple of hours’ mild discomfort too much to bear?

It is a privilege to represent the Army and the Lord. My prayer is that the Lord will take what little I can offer and use it to his glory.

I

MARGARET TUCKER HEN I started as a herald it seemed a good opportunity to support the corps financially. That goal is maintained and remains necessary. But how much more important is it that, each week for a short while at the local railway station, I can be available to all those who pass by!

This ministry gives me numerous opportunities to be a listener, an encourager, a friend and, above all, a representative of the Lord Jesus Christ and The Salvation Army.

God does not even enter the minds of many of those who pass by but there is opportunity to pray for their salvation, their families and their situation. The surrounding noise and hustle and bustle cannot block any prayer for anyone. God is always at work.

It is helpful to be in the same place at the same time regularly. Gradually people begin to feel they know and trust you, and they share their joys as well as their sorrows and needs.

I continually hear of the way God has used the ministry of The Salvation Army to give help, hope and relief both in the past and the present.

Some tell of their faith and we share a few moments of fellowship. Others share doubts and disbelief, but giving expression to this can help them to wonder again about a heavenly Father who knows them by name and cares about them.

This is a practical work and, even in those times when it is cold and wet, I thank The Salvation Army for the opportunity for this joy-giving ministry.

W

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R RE EF FL LEC ECTI ECT TIO TION ON N REFLECTION

God’s call to speak out Captain Marion Rouffet highlights the biblical basis for the Army’s response to modern slavery

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HERE are an estimated 40.3 million people in modern slavery in the world today, including 10 million children. Using deception and physical and psychological coercion, criminals force children and vulnerable adults into forced labour, forced criminality, domestic servitude, sexual exploitation or the removal of their organs – a business that is reportedly worth £115 billion each year.

It’s hard not to cover our ears when we hear of the deep suffering caused by those who exploit vulnerable women, girls, men and boys in this way. Stories told by survivors are painful to hear. Yet the Bible teaches us that covering our ears is the very last thing that we should do.

slaves in Egypt (see Leviticus 19:33 and 34).

In the New Testament we see references to slavery and servanthood being accepted by society at the time.

Peter directed followers of Jesus who were servants to ‘be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust’ (1 Peter 2:18 ESV). Whether servanthood referred to exploitation depended on the temperament of a person’s master.

Jesus himself never speaks directly against the practice of slavery, yet any form of exploitation or oppression of others strikes at the heart of humanity being created in God’s image.

We need only look at the biblical use

Any form of exploitation strikes at the heart of humanity being created in God’s image Through the prophet Amos, God made it clear that the gathered worship of Israel meant nothing when they chose to live for their own comfort, paying no attention to the suffering of others: ‘Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ (Amos 5:23 and 24).

The word ‘slavery’ appears often in the Bible, although never explicitly in denouncing the act of modern slavery as defined above. We see examples of slavery throughout the Old Testament and sometimes people who were slaves become key figures in the history of ancient Israel. Joseph in Genesis 39–41 and Moses in Exodus 2–15 are two such examples.

In Deuteronomy and Leviticus, we find attempts to end slavery among the Hebrew people. Deuteronomy 15 announces that slaves should be freed after six years and in doing so be furnished ‘liberally’ from their owners’ flock, winepress and threshing floor (see v14). In Jeremiah, we read the repeated demand that ‘everyone should set free his Hebrew slaves, male and female, so that no one should enslave a Jew, his brother’ (34:9 English Standard Version). Levitical law told the people of God never to forget that they were once

of the words ‘poor’ and ‘oppressed’ to understand that people who are victims of exploitation are included when Jesus quoted Isaiah, saying that he had come ‘to proclaim good news to the poor … to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight to the blind, to set the oppressed free’ (Luke 4:18).

The Greek word ‘poor’ in the New Testament is ptóchos, which an article in the USA Western Territory’s Caring magazine describes as creating ‘the image of someone who is cowering or bent down – like a beggar’. ‘Being “poor” was more than just being without money,’ the article continues, ‘it was also being without a voice, influence and position.’

‘Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms by injustice, who makes his neighbour serve him for nothing and does not give him his wages’ (Jeremiah 22:13 ESV).

In other words, pay an honest day’s wages for an honest day’s work.

More than this, Proverbs 31:8 and 9 tell us: ‘Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.’ This is a call not just to compassion but to active compassion. It is a clear command not just to love our neighbour but to act in love towards our

neighbour, whether we know them or not.

The Salvation Army condemns the exploitation of people for personal economic gain. At the Movement’s heart is the call to love God and love others and to be a part of making life in all its fullness more than just an ideal.

In England and Wales, the Army actively supports survivors of modern slavery through the government’s Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract, meaning that the Army provides aid and, where needed, safe housing to adult survivors of modern slavery.

Assistance offered by Salvationists, who have been trained as first responders or who volunteer to transport survivors to places of safety, forms part of this response.

As a result of this direct experience, the Army’s Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery team can speak directly to the Home Office, giving survivors a voice and including them in decisions that will impact them and others like them in the future.

In addition, the THQ Public Affairs Unit (PAU) works with MPs from all parties to ensure the issue of modern slavery remains clear and prominent in the political landscape. Reports based on The Salvation Army’s practical work are generated to lobby for change, advocating for greater justice in legal processes and systems.

Recent research showed that a quarter of survivors in Army safe houses have dependent children for whom appropriate psychological support should be provided. The PAU works with non-profit organisations and faith groups to campaign for change, always seeking to amplify discussions around modern slavery and increase public awareness and action.

As Christians we each have a biblical directive to respond. Collectively and individually we can fulfil this calling by praying, raising awareness and responding practically, while continuing to speak with the people who have the power to change systems for the better.

CAPTAIN ROUFFET IS CORPS OFFICER, MAIDSTONE, AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICER, THQ Salvationist 30 April 2022

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INTERVIEW

Walking with communities Ian Campbell and Alison Rader Campbell talk about lessons learnt from 30 years of health-related community development and holistic mission

Ian and Alison with Lieut-Colonels Edgar and Sara Chagas

I

AN and Alison were interviewed in a Sunday meeting at Croydon Citadel by corps officers Lieut-Colonels Edgar and Sara Chagas.

Edgar Can you tell us about the journey that features in your book, Walking with Communities?

Ian It was a walk along the South West Coast Path from Minehead in Somerset to Poole in Dorset – 630 miles in 28 days. Alison and I have been working in different countries with The Salvation Army and other Christian groups during the past three decades, and people have said, ‘Write a book about it.’ At the same time I wanted to do something with Alison in my 65th year, so we decided to walk the coastal path.

I realised we could combine those two things. In walking the path and meeting people every day, we would be cast back into stories of communities around the world. I thought there would be a resonance between the people we met and those stories – and there was, every day. So it became possible each day to pick out a theme, reflect on it and link an encounter along the path with a story from our experience. For example, 12

Salvationist 30 April 2022

in northern Cornwall the theme of coming together across differences emerged, and I linked it with Kigali, Rwanda, and the experience of conflict and reconciliation. I dictated my thoughts as they came and sent them on a tape to Robin Rader, who kindly typed them out.

Sara Why were you able to find these similarities?

Alison Wherever we are in the world, people try to do the best for the ones they love and find ways to belong and live together. When we look on the surface, we often just notice what’s different, but when we talk to people we can always find something that connects us.

Sara Does it have something to do with the fact that we’re all made in the image of God? Ian Yes, and going deeper into people’s stories is the key to seeing the image of God in the everyday life of home, neighbourhood, worship gatherings and programmes. When we were at Chikankata hospital in Zambia in the

1980s and faced with the Aids epidemic, we felt our incapacity to deal with it. But we saw the community’s strength and capacity for care just by being together.

Sara Obviously healthcare is vital, but are you saying that the sense of community and acceptance is the basis of care?

Alison I think it is. If people can feel that we accept each other, then everything becomes possible. God can heal and make us whole. So when we enter communities that are facing tremendous challenges, what we meet in people who are broken is their longing, their desire for healing of the way they love each other, their desire to belong better and find a more hopeful life. That is where I see God present.

Edgar The Salvation Army is often focused on programme, but you are talking about relationships. Do we need a shift of focus?

Ian We talk about community health, social cohesion and wellbeing of all kinds, but we’re really talking about relationship integrity in which there is

We don’t always realise how important neighbourliness is you and me together with another presence – the presence of God. So relationships are critical in that sense.

Edgar For that to happen, we have to be where the people are and not wait for them to come to us, isn’t that right?

Ian Yes. If we can create an intersection between home, neighbourhood and our worship engagement and we see a connectivity happening. We have explored an approach called Salt: story, appreciation, listening and team. By appreciating the story of others, listening and learning, and doing this as a small team, trust can grow and we can discern the grace of God in Christ better.

Alison During the Covid-19 pandemic, we have had people asking over the garden fence, ‘How are you today?’

There have been long conversations and neighbours telling each other more personal things because they couldn’t get out and distract themselves. Our neighbourhood started to be more connected. The pandemic has helped us see each other better as neighbours.

WALKING WITH COMMUNITIES

Ian And we have seen the faith underpinning people’s lives begin to percolate through. People are normally quite reserved, but when that reserve goes, we can talk. I think we need courage and trust to reach out. What I’m finding is that the people I interact with want to share their story, if they know that I’m genuinely interested. We have to take the initiative – not as an intrusion, but as a catalyst to a conversation that is about them. And, when trust grows, we have not just friendship encounters but a glimpse of faith encounters.

Sara People do try to be good neighbours, but are you saying we need to go a bit deeper?

Alison We don’t always realise how important neighbourliness is. It’s hugely important and, if we combine that with praying for our neighbours, God can start to make changes. We have to ask God to show us how to love our neighbours better.

Walking with Communities is an experiential memoir of a 30-year health and healing pilgrimage.

Through participating with communities around the world, Ian and Alison have witnessed God’s healing grace and the amazing capacity of communities to deal with crisis and conflict when appropriately accompanied.

In 2018 Ian embarked on a 28-day, 630-mile journey on the South West Coast Path in England. Sustained listening through daily encounters on the path led Ian to recall stories from the past 30 years and to reflect on and document their meaning.

Each chapter represents one day’s journey on the path and focuses on a global community story, leading to a synthesis of learning around one theme. Photos and illustrations lead the reader through the narrative.

Walking with Communities will be useful to those already in community development and mission work and to anyone with a heart for real encounters with people and the healing presence of God in their neighbourhood. with Communities is available from sps-shop.com priced £25

O Walking

Ian meets Phil on the coast path

Salvationist 30 April 2022

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON REFLECTION

SNOWFLAKES AND SCRIPTURE

by Ron Thomlinson with the Rev James Macfarlane

J

IM, at the risk of lobbing a live grenade on to the pages of Salvationist, somebody has to raise the matter, so I will: snowflakes and Scripture – the ‘snowflake generation’ being a derogatory term for those seen as less resilient and more easily offended than older generations.

A Sunday morning sermon I heard just after Christmas was based on Herod’s slaughter of the innocents in Matthew 2:16 – a most heinous act. A few hours before the service, news broke of a British university censoring Greek poetry it taught because of the poem’s reference to domestic violence and the need to protect the sensitivity of students.

Shortly after, I read that various children’s classics are being rewritten to ‘reflect today’s “anxious” parents and their close watch over their youngsters’.

If that is the trend, then there is a phenomenal problem facing producers of Sunday school material.

How long will it be before campaigners start on the Scriptures? The Salvation Army declares that the Bible is given by inspiration of God, even though not all its content is suitable for children. We oldies also experience a dilemma when retelling some of its stories.

I once heard a holiness meeting sermon about King David’s affair with Bathsheba. Having chosen to use the story as the basis for his talk, the preacher could not even say the word ‘adultery’. All his efforts to dance around the biblical facts served only to make us as embarrassed as he obviously felt.

What about Abraham attempting to murder his son, Isaac? Or the violent verses in the psalms? Or women driving tent pegs through men’s heads, genocide and beheadings, people being stoned to death, details of torture and an account of a crucifixion? These are all quite traumatic for anyone to read.

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Might the Salvation Army my Trading Company Ltd have ave to issue a warning on the outside utside of Bibles, wrapped in brown n paper: ‘This book contains stories of a violent and sexual nature. Some racial ial language may cause offence and adult supervision is recommended at all times’? s’?

Should we censor the nasty passages of Scripture and let so-called snowflakes read just the pleasant bits of it that reveal a really far-too-nice, saccharinesweet God?

Ron, history can be interpreted but it cannot be expunged. Not only does history have the power to shock, it also shows us what human beings were capable of, and still are. Outrage was as present in Bible times as it is today.

Into the bustle of King David’s court a prophet arrived. He had a shocking story to tell. A wealthy man had received an unexpected visitor. To offer him hospitality, he sent henchmen to the home of a poor man who had a pet lamb, one of the few pleasures in his life. The lamb was seized, slaughtered and served for dinner.

The king was incandescent with rage: ‘Whoever has done this is a dead man.’

The next two words spoken by the prophet were even more devastating – attha haish. In English it takes four words: ‘You are the man!’

Nothing of a saccharine-sweet God here. This is divine outrage for the abuse of absolute power that saw a common soldier assassinated in order to acquire the man’s widow.

However, we still face massive difficulties in the Old Testament if we don’t come to terms with religious growth – that is, progressive revelation.

The book of Deuteronomy is one of the treasures of the old covenant.

It contains the greatest of the commandments, ‘Hear O Israel:

HANDLE WITH CARE

The Lord our God, the Lord is one’ (Deuteronomy 6:4).

Earlier in the book, though, we read of the battle against King Sihon: ‘The Lord our God delivered him over to us… At that time we took all his towns and completely destroyed them – men, women and children. We left no survivors’ (Deuteronomy 2:33 and 34).

Nothing today can reconcile us to an understanding of religious purity that requires the extermination of the ‘impure’.

Just as the book of Deuteronomy was hallowed for us in its highest insights, we need to hear the same voice rejecting its obsolete injunctions. ‘You have heard that it was said, “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth”… You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:38–44).

There is no way the message of Deuteronomy and the message of Matthew can be reconciled except by interpreting the older through the newer.

There is such a thing as spiritual evolution, but to see it we need the shock of outrage as well as the wonder of enlightenment.

RON IS A CHRISTIAN WRITER IN THE NETHERLANDS AND JIM LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DUNOON. THEY BECAME FRIENDS IN 1966 WHILE CADETS AT DENMARK HILL

NEW COMMITMENTS

NEWBIGGIN-BY-THE-SEA Helen and Kevin Partland were welcomed as adherents by Majors Frances and Stephen Slade after attending Sunday meetings and being actively involved with the fellowship for several years. They both testified to how the Lord was working in their lives and thanked everyone for the welcome that they had received. – JS

LEIGH-ON-SEA Corps officer Lieut-Colonel George Pilkington welcomed Shelley Nelmes as an adherent. Shelley joined the fellowship after moving to the area last year. Following her desire to get involved with corps activities, Shelley is using her artistic flair to prepare pictures to support the children’s work. She is pictured with Adherents Secretary Thelma Beacham and Lieut-Colonel George. – PJ

BLACKPOOL CITADEL Miriam was enrolled as a junior soldier by her grandfather, Lieut-Colonel David Shakespeare (North London DHQ), as part of the YP prizegiving celebrations. In her testimony she shared that she was becoming a junior soldier ‘because I want to give my whole heart to God and want everybody to know it’. Miriam is pictured with Lieut-Colonel David and YP worker Ann Pressley, who conducted Miriam’s junior soldier classes. – TM

GAINSBOROUGH James Plastow and two of his children, Bethany and Shayne, were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain Wendy Brown. They testified through their choice of songs and Scripture that, despite the struggles they had experienced, they had always been reassured that God is constantly with them. Bethany and Shayne have attended the corps since their parents brought them as babies. They have all become integral members of the fellowship and have helped with projects including the annual Christmas Toy Appeal.

Pictured with the family are Captains Kevin and Wendy Brown. – WB

SHIREBROOK Albert and Helena Burton began attending in July, just as the corps started to reopen after the Covid-19 lockdowns.

Already committed Christians, they felt they had found their spiritual home. They were welcomed as adherents by corps officer Captain David White. – LW Salvationist 30 April 2022

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BIBLE STUDY

Come and see!

Major Steven Turner considers how a personal invitation can lead to a life-changing discovery

JOHN 1:35–51

C

HILDREN are naturally inquisitive, always exploring and wanting to learn. Often, they try to share their discoveries with the command: ‘Come and see!’ It might be a tiny crab in a rock pool, the first spring flower or something they have made at school. The responses of peers and significant adults can be quite varied.

QUESTIONS O What exciting discoveries did you make as a child?

O How do you react when someone invites you to come and see something?

After 400 years of silence, John the Baptist appears on the scene to announce the imminent arrival of the Messiah – God’s anointed one – who will rescue his people, Israel. This

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

by Major Sheila Smith

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Salvationist 30 April 2022

exciting news sees crowds flocking to John to be baptised. But what will happen when the Messiah himself arrives? Our study passage describes three announcements of the Messiah, three invitations to ‘come and see’, and three responses by Jesus.

‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ says John for the second time (John 1:36). Two of Jesus’ disciples – Andrew and possibly John – immediately follow him. Scholars tell us that their question in verse 38 – ‘Where are you staying?’ – was a request for permission to follow the rabbi. Like eager boys saying ‘What are you doing, Mister?’ to a workman, Andrew and John are keen to learn all they can about this mysterious new rabbi.

Similarly, Jesus’ response – ‘Come and you will see’ (v39) – is more an invitation to discipleship than to tea. It is already late afternoon, so they probably stay overnight, which was normal in Jewish

hospitality. Jesus takes time to answer all the questions of these eager enquirers.

QUESTION O How ready are you to respond to questions, no matter how trivial?

Andrew’s excitement at meeting Jesus is such that he seeks his brother Simon and claims: ‘We have found the Messiah’ (v41). He brings him to Jesus.

Jesus gives Simon a new name: ‘Cephas (which, when translated, is Peter)’ (v42). Simon Peter becomes a disciple of Jesus. Sometime later, in answer to Jesus questioning who Simon Peter says he is, the disciple makes his personal declaration of faith in Jesus as Messiah (see Matthew 16:16–18).

QUESTIONS have you responded to people who are indifferent to the gospel?

O How

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

All I once held dear, built my life upon,/ All this world reveres, and wars to own,/ All I once thought gain I have counted loss;/ Spent and worthless now, compared to this:/ Knowing you, Jesus, knowing you,/ There is no greater thing./ You’re my all, you’re the best,/ You’re my joy, my righteousness,/ And I love you, Lord.

(SASB 565)

The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God!’ ( John 1:35 and 36)

Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart!/ Be all else but naught to me, save that thou art;/ Be thou my best thought in the day and the night,/ Both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.

(SASB 573)

Prayer Lord Jesus, as we look into your face and see the light of the Father’s love shining there, may the Holy Spirit fill us with that light and love. Shine your light through us to others and transform their darkness.

O What

could you do that might engage them more effectively?

Occasionally you will come across people who don’t share your passions.

Some years ago, we asked a local church to host the International Staff Songsters. The minister thought the list of questions about the venue was extreme and was grumpy all through the set-up period. After hearing the songsters, however, his whole demeanour changed.

When Jesus calls Philip to follow him, Philip in turn invites Nathanael to meet ‘the one Moses wrote about … Jesus of Nazareth’ (v45). Nathanael’s cynical reply may indicate a friendly rivalry between neighbouring towns or suspicion of Nazarene tradesmen who supplied the Roman garrison. Nonetheless, Philip is undaunted and invites Nathanael to ‘come and see’ (v46).

Jesus counters Nathanael’s scepticism with perceptive observations. His greeting to ‘an Israelite in whom there is no deceit’ (v47) and his observation of Nathanael under the fig tree hint at a studious personality – Jewish men would gather under their fig trees to study and debate the Scriptures (see Micah 4:4).

Was Nathanael a Pharisee, but more honest than the hypocrites Jesus condemned (see Matthew 23:13)?

Nathanael asks: ‘How do you know me?’ (v48). This seems to imply Jesus’ assessment of his character is accurate, making his final response seem less extreme. Nathanael the sceptic is converted to evangelist and receives the promise from Jesus that he will see ‘greater things’ (v50).

O How

QUESTIONS O Do you respond cynically to other people’s enthusiasm?

MAJOR TURNER IS CORPS OFFICER, PRESTONPANS

might you seek to overcome a friend’s scepticism about Jesus?

On describing my gradual transition to faith in Jesus, I was told by a good Christian woman that, if I was saved, there must have been a definite moment of conversion. In our study passage, the three encounters give the lie to any one-size-fits-all claim.

The announcements, invitations and responses by Jesus and those who became disciples were all different, yet we cannot deny their reality.

Perhaps the most important words we can utter to encourage someone to follow Jesus are: ‘Come and see!’

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead.

(Philippians 3:10 and 11)

O, to know the power of your risen life,/ And to know you in your sufferings,/ To become like you in your death, my Lord,/ So with you to live and never die.

(SASB 565)

Then Jesus cried out, ‘Whoever believes in me does not believe in me only, but in the one who sent me. The one who looks at me is seeing the one who sent me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.’ ( John 12:44–46)

When I look into your holiness,/ When I gaze into your loveliness,/ When all things that surround/ Become shadows in the light of you;/ When I’ve found the joy of reaching your heart,/ When my will becomes enthroned in your love,/ When all things that surround/ Become shadows in the light of you:/ I worship you, I worship you,/ The reason I live is to worship you.

(SASB 402)

Salvationist 30 April 2022

17

REVIEWS

Musical and spiritual inspiration

A real eye-opener Colonel Donna Evans (The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia Territory) reviews Reflections of a Salvationist by Arie van Dijk

E

YES are important. Through them people can view God’s beautiful creation, find their way, avoid obstacles that they might stumble over and connect with other people. The Bible tells us that we can also connect with God by opening our eyes to his divine presence in our ordinary world.

Major Arie van Dijk wears glasses and confesses that he has issues with his eyes, so some people might think he doesn’t see things very well. Reflections of a Salvationist indicates otherwise. Arie has a unique ability to see ordinary, everyday objects and events from a fresh perspective.

His musings find spiritual truths and connections that are not readily visible. It is a profound, godly gift that brings inspiration, spiritual insight and blessing to others. It is born out of deep faith, a vibrant relationship with God and a good dose of humour.

The Bible often urges us to look and see, but the things we are encouraged to see are often not in plain sight. Arie’s writing can help us open our eyes in wonder and belief, so that our whole bodies can be filled with God’s light and inspiration. We can begin to see God in the ordinary moments of our lives. The offerings are in bite-sized devotional segments that are accessible and thought-provoking.

I recommend this book and pray that God will bring fresh blessing and challenge as readers meditate on its words. of a Salvationist is available from sps-shop.com priced £16.99 (plus postage and packing)

Bandmaster Eric Millest (Blackburn) reviews the CD Powerhouse by the International Staff Band

R

ECORDING sessions for this CD began just before the Covid-19 pandemic. Now they have come to fruition in a vibrant, well-balanced and energetic collection of new works by UK Salvationists.

In the first track, the warm lower tones of the ISB build an excitement that propels the listener into Nicholas Samuel’s ‘Legacy of Faith’ and the CD as a whole. Collage technique, shifts in rhythm and metre, effective percussion, high, melodic tuba parts and exciting Paul Lovatt-Cooper-style fast scales are particular highlights.

The following, gentler arrangement by Stephen Wood is a successful combination of ‘Eudoxia’ and ‘Thy Tenderest Blessing’ that contrasts well.

Andrew Wainwright’s ‘Rhapsody on St Francis’ is a series of free variations inspired by the words of the hymn tune. Its conclusion is certain to have listeners applauding long before the final chord is heard.

Another well-contrasted arrangement follows with the tune ‘Chalvey’, in which Paul Sharman gives an expressive, verse-by-verse portrayal of Albert Orsborn’s ‘I Have No Claim on Grace’.

Kenneth Downie’s ‘Powerhouse’ provides the CD’s title, expressed through ‘Send a New Touch of Power’ and other thematically related melodies. Styles and textures meaningfully merge with and succeed each other, as one would expect from this master musical craftsman.

Paul Sharman’s second piece combines Stuart Townend’s contemporary setting of Psalm 23 with ‘Crimond’, making yet another excellent contrast with Andrew Mackereth’s ‘To Heights Above’, which follows. This piece expresses the angst and frustration of life’s difficult times, but also conveys a weightless, outer-space atmosphere, with the ending emphatically proclaiming ‘He Lifted Me’.

‘Toccata Fire!’ is a suitably virtuosic setting of ‘O God of Burning, Cleansing Flame’ by Steven Ponsford, with some impressive xylophone playing and excellent unison phrasing.

The final piece ‘Koinonia’ depicts the development of Christian fellowship from the early Church to the gates of Heaven in seven continuous movements – a test of stamina for any band.

This piece provides an appropriate climax to the CD – another example of Bandmaster Stephen Cobb’s continued encouragement of the development of Salvation Army music, which provides much musical and spiritual inspiration.

O Reflections

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Salvationist 30 April 2022

O Powerhouse is available from sps-shop.com priced £13.95 (plus postage and packing)

READ WITH US

CALLED TO BE A SOLDIER World Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham introduces a worldwide reading and reflection plan READING SCHEDULE 1 May 8 May

15 May

22 May

29 May

5 June

12 June

19 June

26 June

I

N 2021 General Brian Peddle launched two new resources – Called to Be a Soldier and Day by Day: Call to Mission – to help Salvationists explore what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and live out that calling in our everyday lives. A tremendous effort has been made to ensure copies of these books have been placed into the hands of all soldiers.

Called to Be a Soldier, which explores the Soldier’s Covenant, is a rich resource for those considering the commitment of soldiership – as well as being a helpful tool for those who already are to review and refresh their covenant. We have a great opportunity as a global Army to use this resource to explore and rediscover the calling of soldiership.

The General has written: ‘Our actions as Salvationists are determined by what we believe. So it follows that we should take time to study our own calling, to reflect upon these beliefs and consider

the implications for how we live.’

To support this aim, International Headquarters invites Salvationists around the world to read Called to Be a Soldier together, beginning on 1 May.

3 July

10 July How it works We will focus on one chapter of the book each week and will share thoughts, indicate questions for reflection and encourage discussion on the International Spiritual Life Development Facebook and Instagram pages. Content will also be included in each week’s Salvationist so that anyone not on social media can also get involved.

We look forward to sharing stories of transformation and hearing where God is at work in people’s lives. Our international Salvation Army is formed of thousands of passionate disciples who have a heart for seeing others grow and flourish in their relationship with Jesus – and we think that is something to celebrate!

17 July

24 July

Introduction Chapter 1: Having accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord Chapter 2: I believe and will live by the truths of the word of God Chapter 3: I will be responsive to the Holy Spirit’s work Chapter 4: I will make the values of the Kingdom of God ... the standard for my life Chapter 5: I will uphold Christian integrity in every area of my life Chapter 6: I will maintain Christian ideals in all my relationships Chapter 7: I will uphold the sanctity of marriage and of family life Chapter 8: I will be a faithful steward of my time and gifts Chapter 9: I will abstain from ... all ... that could enslave the body or spirit Chapter 10: I will be faithful to the purposes for which God has raised up The Salvation Army Chapter 11: I will be actively involved ... in the life, work, worship and witness of the corps Chapter 12: I will be true to the principles and practices of The Salvation Army

Find The Salvation Army International Spiritual Life Development on Instagram and Facebook for more details @SalvArmySpiritualLife Salvationist 30 April 2022

19

TERRITORIAL STRUCTURE UPDATE

Improving key processes and structures Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant presents the April update on the work of the Structure Co-ordination and Design Group

T

HE Structure Co-ordination and Design project continues to make progress towards three desired outcomes: O Transformation Increase the capacity of locally based Salvation Army work to contribute to the territory’s five mission priorities (share the good news; nurture disciples of Jesus; care for creation; serve others without discrimination; seek justice and reconciliation) O Integration Build strong and effective collaboration between all aspects of Salvation Army work in a geographical area O Streamlining Design appropriate, effective, efficient and sustainable structures and processes that enable local mission to flourish To achieve these outcomes, the project has four main stages: Stage 1, Listening, was completed in January 2022 and a report has been circulated (see salvationarmy.org.uk/localmission-flourish for more information).

Stage 2, Design, is under way and will be completed in the next few weeks.

Thirteen Divisional Design Groups (DDGs) and Service Design Groups (SDGs) are involved in identifying process and structure issues that are hindering local mission flourishing and are proposing solutions. They are using information that was gathered in Stage 1 as well as sharing their own experience, insight and wisdom. More than 130 people are involved in this process.

WHAT HAVE THE DIVISIONAL DESIGN GROUPS BEEN WORKING ON? The 13 DDGs have submitted more than 300 suggestions to improve key processes and structures in order to help local mission flourish.

Understandably, there are many 20

Salvationist 30 April 2022

duplicates so the Structure Coordination and Design Group, along with the SDGs, is currently reviewing all the information and will be feeding back in due course.

The DDGs have also discussed divisional boundaries. There are currently 20 divisions (reduced from 22 to allow for interim divisions in North West, East of England and Wales) and there is general agreement that we need fewer divisions. No final decisions have been taken on the exact number or any boundary changes.

Cabinet has agreed that any new divisional boundaries will align with local authority and county boundaries.

It has also been agreed that ‘one size does not fit all’, so divisions will not all be the same size or necessarily be staffed identically. The priority is to ensure that DHQ serves the local mission units so that they can flourish.

Finalising divisional boundaries will be a challenging task. DDGs have carefully considered many factors such as culture, language, history, geography and overall size of possible divisions. Some DDGs have given a few options as there is not one obvious answer. All the DDG recommendations will be carefully considered by the SCDG. The final task for the DDGs is considering what support is needed for local mission to flourish and what oversight would look like. Each DDG is using the same minimum set of building blocks to help them strategically reimagine the division’s structures and processes, considering what needs to be done and how it could be delivered.

They have received guidance on non-negotiable processes, such as those determined by governments, regulators and headquarters – the building blocks will guide them to make focused recommendations that enhance local mission rather than limit creativity.

HAS THERE BEEN ANY DEVELOPMENT FROM THE SERVICE DESIGN GROUPS? The Service Design Groups have received all the DDGs’ feedback. Some of the questions, issues or suggestions raised were not a surprise. Significant work is currently ongoing to tackle many of the DDGs’ concerns. For example, the Property Department has reviewed its performance and has identified ways to ensure its work is effective and efficient and is implementing plans that will have a tangible impact. However, many DDGs have submitted several new insights and proposals that will significantly help the SDGs in their planning. We will keep you updated as the SDGs work through the DDGs’ input and respond.

HOW CAN I BE INVOLVED? While much of the work is currently being done by our DDGs and SDGs, we’d still love to hear from you. Why not tell us how mission is flourishing where you are by sending an email to transformation@salvationarmy.org.uk?

It’s encouraging to see how God is at work and to hear from those who have found their way to Jesus because of the ministry you are called to locally.

You can also contact this email address to share further feedback or encouragement.

Thank you for your continuing encouragement, patience and prayers as we work through this process. May God continue to bless you in your life and ministry.

LIEUT-COLONEL PALLANT IS SECRETARY FOR COMMUNICATIONS, THQ

ADVERTS LOUTH

LISTINGS RUSHDEN Salvo Brass. Friday 6 May, 7.45pm. Tickets £5.

Sunday 15 May 11am PERSONAL

CELEBRATION OF SERVICE AND RETIREMENT

AS THEY RETIRE Majors Jennie and John McCombe thank everyone who has supported them on their journey. Greetings can be sent by 6 May to nicky.twyman@salvationarmy.org.uk or Nicky Twyman, William Booth College, Champion Park, London SE5 8BQ.

of Major Rudi Bruinewoud Conducted by Major Brian Slinn Messages and greetings to East Midlands DHQ eastmidlands@salvationarmy.org.uk

All adverts carried in Salvationist are subject to house style and carried at the editor’s discretion. For more details email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk.

OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY 2022 22 to 29 July Five nights’ holiday in Austria, two nights in Bavaria for the play BA flights from Heathrow to Munich Full colour brochure and itinerary Johnturner40@hotmail.co.uk Major Nina Turner 07854 982481

Southbourne, Bournemouth SOUTHERN BREEZE LODGE (adults only) Salvationist-owned guest house close to shops and beaches For more information please call 01202 427459 Email enquiries@southernbreezelodge.co.uk or visit southernbreezelodge.co.uk RECRUITING NOW

ADVERTS

ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY TO THE HEAD OF FINANCE / INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND AFRICA AUDIT CO-ORDINATOR IHQ

Come and Study at London School of Theology

Our undergraduate degrees combine academic rigour with real world applicability:

Theology | Counselling | Music | Worship Or study as a postgraduate for an MA, MTh, MPhil or PhD Our programmes are quality assured by Middlesex University and you will receive a Middlesex award on successful completion.

Join us at an LST Open Day on 10 May or 18 June, or an online open event on 10 June.

Register free at www.lst.ac.uk/home/open-days. We will also be at Big Church Day Out, New Wine and David’s Tent.

This important position within the Business Administration Department at International Headquarters provides secretarial and administrative support to both the IHQ Head of Finance (UK Operations) and the International Financial Secretary and SAITCo Company Secretary.

STARTING SALARY £38,263.47 plus travel to work allowance £3,500 per annum

This varied and challenging post involves responsibility for a wide range of administrative tasks as well as acting as the Africa audit co-ordinator involving liaison with appointed external auditors and Salvation Army territories to co-ordinate audit work. In addition to exemplary secretarial/administration skills, the successful candidate will show particular proficiency in multitasking, planning and prioritising workloads.

DETAILS Contributory pension scheme; 25 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays per annum

The post holder will be well organised, able to master detail and comfortable working with and manipulating financial and statistical data. They will be proficient in all Microsoft Office applications and able to operate in a multi-disciplinary environment offering exceptional secretarial support.

Applicants must be in sympathy with the aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.

WORKING HOURS 35 hours per week

CLOSING DATE Monday 30 May INTERVIEW DATE To be confirmed

As a disability confident scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

For an application pack please contact the Administration Department on 020 7332 8030 or email jobs@salvationarmy.org London School of Theology | t: 01923 456000 e: enquiries@lst.ac.uk | w: lst.ac.uk

Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. CVs will not be accepted. Promoting equality in the workplace.

Salvationist 30 April 2022

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 September O Major Cinzia Walzer, an officer of the Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory, is appointed as General Secretary, Italy and Greece Command O Majors Joël and Karen Etcheverry, officers of the France and Belgium Territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, France and Belgium Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED CT Brenda King, Basingstoke

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DEDICATED TO GOD O Osian John Beal, son of Bethan and Phil Beal, at Penarth by Captain Mark Kent O Chidiebere Emmanuel Okere, son of Chika and Ikechukwu Okere, at Prescot

by Majors Bryn and Lyn Hargreaves O Madilyn Faith Jackson, daughter of JSS Bandswoman/Songster Rebecca and Wayne Jackson, at Leek by Captain Leanne Wallis RETIRED OFFICERS’ BIRTHDAYS Major Gwyneth Banks (85 on 4 May) O Mrs Lieut-Colonel Freda Riley (101 on 4 May) O Captain Mavis Semans (85 on 9 May) O Mrs Brigadier Doreen York (95 on 10 May) O Major Christine Parkin (80 on 12 May) O

PROMOTED TO GLORY Mary McCredie, Sunderland Monkwearmouth, on 12 April

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Ian and Major Mary Patrick (4 May)

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ENGAGEMENTS

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GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O Congo Brazzaville Territory, Wed 4 May – Mon 9

BEREAVED John McCredie, Sunderland Monkwearmouth, of his wife Mary McCredie, Major Ian McCredie, Consett, Audrey Close, Sunderland Monkwearmouth, and Stuart McCredie of their mother

O ICO, Thu 12 – Sun 15 THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O Riga, Latvia (Europe Zonal Conference), Mon 2 May – Fri 6 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Regent Hall (Musical Theatre Day concert), Sat 30 Apr O Riga, Latvia (Europe Zonal Conference), Mon 2 May – Fri 6 O Birmingham (SATCoL Conference), Mon 16 – Tue 17 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Riga, Latvia (Europe Zonal Conference), Mon 2 May – Fri 6

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Salvationist 30 April 2022

TRIBUTES BARBARA CLARK, HARLOW BARBARA was born in Acton in 1933 with her twin brother, Bob. At 15 she became a member of Acton Corps and found her calling. This is where she met Bram, who was singing company leader and Barbara became his sergeant.

Bram and Barbara married in 1954 and moved to Harlow in 1955. There was no Salvation Army presence there so, in 1957, Barbara and Bram and a few of their friends became founding members of Harlow Corps.

Barbara became YP treasurer, girl guide leader, YPSM and home league secretary.

She was Mrs Beaver for the Brownies and had the very important role of recruiting sergeant. She also played tenor horn in the band but her greatest love was the songsters.

Barbara was a wonderful wife to Bram, mother to Sandra and John and grandmother to Carleyann and Kain.

She was a friend to many and will be greatly missed by all. – BC ROBERT KINLEY, DOUGLAS BORN in 1936 in Douglas on the Isle of Man, Robert lived close to the Army hall.

His childhood friends, who had officer parents, brought him to the corps.

Robert had a wonderful voice and never missed an opportunity to sing. He served in the music sections up to his promotion to Glory in January.

In 1954 Robert was called up for national service with the RAF and served in Iraq, Iran, Malta and Cyprus. On his return to the Isle of Man he met and married Jean in 1964. They moved back to Jean’s home in Tyldesley, where Robert became songster leader. In 1994 Robert and Jean retired back to the Isle of Man, where Robert continued to serve in the music sections.

Due to ill health he gave up playing the trombone, but continued to play the drums. Robert is missed, but he is now with the Lord he loved. He leaves his wife, Jean, and family. – CR DAVID ANDERSON, SALISBURY SIXTY-FOUR years ago David married Joy, who introduced him to The Salvation Army at Salisbury. He made his own independent decision there to accept Christ into his life. This led to active soldiership in the corps, which remained his spiritual home throughout the rest of his life.

David’s service included founding a successful Cub Scout group, which is still remembered with pleasure by past members, and leading the Torchbearer youth club. As band colour sergeant David took an active interest in the band and its ministry. Later service as assistant corps treasurer led to further involvement as quartermaster.

David’s love of his family, his garden and the sea were reflected in his thanksgiving service. We salute and thank God for a quietly faithful Christian gentleman, loving husband and memorable dad, grandad and great-grandad.

Servant of God, well done! – GP

LETTER FROM THE CHIEF SECRETARY | Issued on 22 April

LIEUT-COLONEL EDWIN GRAINGER FOLLOWING military service with the Coldstream Guards, Edwin Grainger entered the International Training College in the 1948 Peacemakers session. This was followed by time at the college as a sergeant, then five months in charge of Little Lever Corps before returning to the college as a house officer.

During his house officer duties he met a member of the College Education Department, Lieutenant Dorothy Buxton of the Warriors session. The attraction led to marriage in 1952, which commenced a deeply meaningful and enriching lifetime of ministry together.

Their daughter, Fiona, was born in Glasgow.

They led a number of corps in east London, followed by three years at Worcester and, in 1960, transferred to the Scotland Territory. They were appointed to Edinburgh Congress Hall and then Hawick in the Scottish Borders.

This was followed by a number of headquarters appointments, including youth crusader, divisional youth secretary for North Scotland and Glasgow, territorial youth secretary, divisional commander in Edinburgh and as field and special efforts secretary at THQ. Returning to the British Territory in 1980 he was appointed assistant chief secretary and retired from active service in 1992. A further three years’ part-time service followed in the Retired Officers Unit. After this, together with Dorothy, they moved to Northampton and soldiered at Kettering Citadel and latterly at Northampton East.

Edwin often spoke of the joy and fulfilment of his service. He was glad that he responded to the call and challenge given by God through the ministry of the then British commissioner, Albert Orsborn, at youth councils.

In more than 70 years of obedient service, Edwin’s faith never wavered and sustained him through the loss of Dorothy in 2017 and severe health problems in later years. A truly gracious Christian gentleman, devoted father and grandfather, Edwin’s influence and encouragement brought enrichment to many. – DS

Hadleigh Farm

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OST of you will be aware of reports in the media about The Salvation Army’s management of some of our houses on Hadleigh Farm in Essex. I want to assure you that we are doing everything possible to put right this wrong and understand fully that you will be disappointed and concerned.

As our territorial commander, Commissioner Anthony Cotterill, said in his letter of apology to the tenants, the condition of the houses in Seaview Terrace and Mount Zion is unacceptable and we are deeply sorry. Our apology is unreserved.

We’ve been working on the problems for several years, but it has taken far too long to find a solution.

I am sure that if you saw the reports in the media, you were also horrified to hear from the elderly tenant who has been praying for a solution. Other tenants are understandably angry.

As a Christian church, we must do better. We are committed to being an organisation that lives out our values.

At times of failure like this, we need to be more determined than ever to admit our mistakes, apologise and find solutions.

Works were approved by the trustees in SATCo on 10 December 2021 and over these past months the property team have been working on the agreed action plan in order to bring these properties up to the correct standard. Our new property

director, Peter Grant, appointed in May 2021, is making good progress.

Decant properties for our tenants are already prepared and we are confident that we have a deliverable plan. The Property Department have been through several difficult years, and I want to thank the team for their hard work.

In January 2022, the Territorial Operations Board approved a plan to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the Property Department throughout the territory, and hope that the improved infrastructure will enable the property team to manage, resource and support our property portfolio in the territory. We will of course be keeping this under review.

We know that words are not enough. We must see action at Hadleigh and across the territory to ensure we are good stewards of all our resources.

Thank you to those of you who have written offering your prayers and concern. It is deeply appreciated.

If there are matters of concern, please email chiefsecretary@ salvationarmy.org.uk and I will ensure they are followed up appropriately.

PAUL MAIN COLONEL CHIEF SECRETARY Salvationist 30 April 2022

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Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!

All kinds of people attend, join, volunteer with or work for The Salvation Army.

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

MELITA DAY-LEWIS Editorial Assistant, Kids Alive!! and Salvationist How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My dad learnt to play an instrument through the Army in the East End when he was a child. I subsequently discovered that he said a prayer of commitment to Jesus as a result of their witness to him.

My involvement with the Army began when I applied for a job as an editorial assistant at THQ. What made you want to work/volunteer for the Army?

The Movement’s incredible social work and witness for Christ.

Picture: Melita Day-Lewis

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

Discovering the variety of amazing ministries taking place all over the world and interviewing some of the wonderful people involved.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role?

Having to do most interviews online or by phone. I would have loved to do more in person.

What Wh at is s your fav a ou ouri rite te e kin ind d of hol olid iday ay? ?

Trrav avel elliling ng to a ne new co new coun untr tryy and d expe ex peri rien enci en cing ci ng its ts cultlture ture or st stay ayin ing g in a re emo mote e, qu uie iett be beau autty spott in the UK. K.

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

Top Hat. I would be Dale, played by Ginger Rogers, so that I could dance the night away like a pro with Fred Astaire!

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

James Hudson Taylor, the British missionary who founded the China Inland Mission. His life, and all he accomplished, is inspiring.

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

Life does not have to be perfect to be wonderful!

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

Chocolate!

What is your favourite food?

Oxtail stew made by my mother or my brother.

What do you do in your spare time?

A mixture of reading, long walks (with a tea shop thrown in if possible), cycling, birdwatching, dinner parties with friends and volunteer work with my church.

If you cou ould ld inv nven entt a ga gadg dget et, wh what woul wo uld d it be? ?

An env An nvir iron onme ment ntal alllly ly fri rien iendl dlyy we dl weed e in ed ing ng gadg ga dg gett that hat woul uld ld pe perm rman rm anen entltltlyy ge g t ri rid d of o weed we edss in lawns nss and pat atiios ios.

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Apart from English, what languages do you know?

I speak a little Afrikaans.

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

The original Oklahoma! soundtrack.

What is your favourite Bible verse and why?

I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite!

All of Scripture is so rich, powerful and strengthening.

Which Bible figure would you like to meet and what would you ask them?

Elijah. ‘How did you learn to hear God speak so clearly?’

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

One of my favourites is ‘So Will I (100 Billion X)’ by Hillsong United.

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

An entomologist working in the Amazon jungle.

Do you have any hidden talents?

People say that I’m a natural Pe ph hotographer.

Apart p from the Bible, which book wo ould you want on a desert island?

A compendium of Charles Dickens no ovels. o What’s the best piece of advice you’ve W ev ver been given?

Th he advice before I got married: celebrate yyo our differences. o What is the most valuable thing you W po po ossess?

My family and friends.

Littondale, Yorkshire Dales