Salvationist 3 April 2021

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1801 Price 70p

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 3 April 2021

Near the Cross Rebellion rages on his right, unlike the contrite thief; Dark clouds obscure the searing sun to bring some late relief; Beneath the hill the women weep and drown in dreadful grief; But, near the cross, a soldier mourns and voices his belief...

Redemption flows where my feet have trod; Surely this man was the Son of God!

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

FAMILIES FACING SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS ‘POSTCODE LOTTERY’ Families seeking support for children with special educational needs face a ‘postcode lottery’, a report suggests.

Children from the poorest areas are less likely to get help than those in more affluent areas, the Education Policy Institute (EPI) think tank says.

Pupils have missed out on support due to remote learning and those in academy schools were less likely to be identified as needing support, it adds...

The EPI study tracked the experiences of hundreds of thousands of pupils from a single year group through primary school.

The report found ‘deeply concerning’ inconsistencies in how children with special educational needs and disabilities in England have been identified and supported. More than a million children currently have special educational needs in England...

‘It is especially concerning that many of the most disadvantaged children with unstable home lives are less likely to access support for more complex learning needs,’ said David Laws, executive chairman of the EPI. ‘The government must drastically improve its efforts to ensure that it is reaching the most vulnerable children in society.’

BBC News

GOOGLE SEARCHES FOR ‘HOPE’ AND ‘PRAYER’ PEAKED DURING 2020

ACTION NEEDED TO TACKLE POST-COVID ‘LONELINESS EMERGENCY’, MPs SAY

As the UK marked one year since the first national lockdown ... Google gave insight into what was on people’s mind at the time.

The search engine revealed terms such as ‘hope’, ‘hug’ and ‘prayer’ reached a record high on Google search in 2020, offering a snapshot of the national mood.

Christian charity Hope Together brings churches together to transform communities. Roy Crowne from the charity told Premier he’s not surprised by the stats: ‘We walked into a world that was totally unlike anything that ever happened.

All of the things that they trusted, all of the things that they would have put security in, all of a sudden everything’s shaken and you start to ask the big questions’...

Meanwhile, a surge in people looking up ‘puppy’, ‘barbecue’, ‘books’ and ‘hot tub’ gives a sense of the types of things users sought out to cope during the pandemic.

Britain needs more benches, public toilets and street lighting to encourage lonely people to start mixing socially again once the lockdown ends, MPs and peers say.

Action is needed to tackle a ‘loneliness emergency’ that the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated by denying people contact with family and friends, the parliamentarians say.

The call comes as new polling by the British Red Cross shows that more than a third (35 per cent) of Britons feel less connected to their community than they did before Covid-19 struck...

The cross-party ... group ... wants Boris Johnson and his government to ensure ... a ‘connected recovery’. They also want ministers to do more to close the digital divide, plan new housing developments so that residents can spend time together and fund charities and voluntary organisations that help ‘the lonely and cut-off’.

Premier

The Guardian

CHURCH LEADERS BACK GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO ‘GIVE THE WORLD A SHOT’ A new public campaign led by Unicef to fund almost two billion Covid-19 vaccines for health workers and vulnerable people around the world has been set up with the help of the Bishop of Hertford, Dr Michael Beasley, and is backed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

The VaccinAid campaign ... was launched ... in partnership with the online fundraising platform Crowdfunder. It urges people who have had the vaccine to make a voluntary donation to the global Covax programme, of which the UK is already a major donor.

Covax, led by the World Health Organisation, is a global initiative, involving two thirds of the world’s countries, to ensure that every person, regardless of wealth, will have access to Covid-19 vaccines once they are available.

Archbishop Welby, who has already expressed his gratitude for the UK’s £548-million donation to the Covax programme, said ... that individuals, churches and parishes could now contribute.

Church Times

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Salvationist 3 April 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

CONTENTS

SEEING MORE CLEARLY I’VE always been fascinated by the Resurrection appearances. Paul, even though he forgets to mention Mary Magdalene as the first to see the risen Jesus, gives a summary in 1 Corinthians 15:5–7: ‘He appeared to Cephas [Peter], and then to the Twelve.

After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time… Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles.’ The disciples don’t seem to have been sceptical – they accepted that the one who had been crucified was now gloriously risen from the dead. Even Thomas, who couldn’t believe the other disciples’ claims to have seen him, had his doubts turned to worship when he saw Jesus for himself.

Many since then, especially in modern times, have been less sure, claiming that the disciples were either making it up or seeing things. But could these followers of Jesus, some of whom suffered persecution and martyrdom, have based their lives and ministries on a lie? And as for seeing things, only highly sensitive and suggestible people are likely to hallucinate, whereas the disciples were a mixed bunch. They included down-to-earth fishermen and at least one hard-headed tax collector who would not be so easily persuaded. We can be confident that they really did see the risen Jesus.

In this week’s issue, Major Jim Bryden reflects on the experiences of the first disciples and considers what it meant for them to see and believe. He compares that to our own experience of seeing Jesus ‘through the eyes of faith’ and gives us some questions to consider.

Brian Colley highlights the frustration we sometimes feel when trying to persuade other people of the truth about Jesus. That shouldn’t prevent us from testifying to his life-changing presence, he says, and in the end only a personal encounter with Jesus will convince them that he lives.

Helping people encounter Jesus is the aim of Taketime, a type of Christian meditation in which people harness their imaginations to enter Gospel stories. The Rev Clive McKie, a Methodist minister, tells us how Taketime started and what it involves. Several others share how this form of meditation, which is based on Ignatian spirituality, has impacted them.

In his Easter message, General Brian Peddle reminds us that we are not just celebrating a historical fact but that ‘the resurrection life is to be an everyday experience’. We can see and know Jesus in every circumstance and his power can continually transform us.

When the first disciples saw the risen Jesus they claimed him as Saviour and Lord – and they set the pattern for disciples ever since. Seeing Jesus through the eyes of faith and enthroning him as Lord are at the heart of discipleship – not just as we start to follow him, but every day of our lives. There is always more to see, more to understand, more to experience.

A song from the musical Godspell, based on the 13th-century prayer of Richard of Chichester, expresses the desire for this ongoing experience. As we celebrate the risen Lord this Easter, perhaps we can make it our prayer.

Quotes from the media

2

General’s Easter message 4 and 5 News

6 and 7

Prayer matters

7

Message from the territorial commander

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Where there’s a need...

Good health and wellbeing Interview Sounds of salvation

9

10 and 11

with Stuart Hall

Feature 12 and 13 Helping people meet Jesus

by Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Reflection Seeing and believing

14

by Major Jim Bryden

Viewpoint Knowing he lives

15

by Brian Colley

Bible study The ecstasy of Easter

16 and 17

by Major Graham Mizon

Through the week with 16 and 17 Salvationist

by Major Sheila Smith

From the archive 18 and 19 Cairo Band in the Holy Land

by Raymond Clarke

New commitments

20

Preview Messy Discipleship

21

edited by Lucy Moore

Poets’ corner

21

Announcements

22 and 23

Adverts

23 SALVATIONIST For

Oh, dear Lord, Three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, Love thee more dearly, Follow thee more nearly, Day by day.

everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1801 Price 70p

salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 3 April 2021

Near the Cross Rebellion rages on his right, unlike the contrite thief; Dark clouds obscure the searing sun to bring some late relief; Beneath the hill the women weep and drown in dreadful grief; But, near the cross, a soldier mourns and voices his belief...

Redemption flows where my feet have trod; Surely this man was the Son of God!

COVER DESIGN Hannah Holden POETRY Stephen Pearson

SA p01, 24 3 Apr IR.indd All Pages

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

29/03/2021 10:33

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

Salvationist 3 April 2021

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Resurrection Life

THE GENERAL’S EASTER MESSAGE

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Salvationist 3 April 2021

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HE Easter story resonates with life and hope, and how we desperately need these in our world today. Through the years of the Old Testament, we clung to the hope in the prophecies of a Messiah. Through the silence of the years between the Old and New Testaments, we clung to the hope that God had not forgotten his people or his promises. Then that hope took on flesh and blood in the person of Jesus and we witnessed for ourselves that God had remembered the cries of his people, confirming that our hope was not in vain.

We witness a Jesus who taught and modelled forgiveness and love, who partied with tax collectors, dined with sinners, spoke with women of dubious morals, condemning no one. We see for ourselves a glorious mixture of grace and truth. We are caught in awe and wonder as Jesus turned water into wine, gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, cast out demons, healed the leper, controlled the wind and waves, and we see for ourselves the inexhaustible power of God. On Good Friday it appeared as though hope had gone as the life flowed out of Jesus’ body. This irresistible man of captivating parables, insightful teaching and miracles, with the ability to impact the very fabric of society and people to the utmost depths of their being, was killed on a cross and placed in a tomb. It looked and felt like someone had turned out the light and put a lid on our hope.

Then something truly remarkable, life-transforming and world-changing happened: the stone was rolled away, the graveclothes left in a pile – because Jesus was alive! The light was more glorious than ever, and our hope found new heights.

Easter is not simply a remembrance of something that happened in the past – but as we celebrate it we remind ourselves that the resurrection life is to be an everyday experience. The pandemic we are experiencing makes it feel, at times, similar to Good Friday – as though the light has been turned off and a lid put on our hope. There are many circumstances in life that may cause us to feel like that – natural disasters, illness, unemployment, divorce, drug addiction, bankruptcy, domestic violence, racism. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ remind us that God is with us in every circumstance, that he is bigger and more powerful than any circumstance, and that God specialises in the miraculous and the impossible.

When we have given up on ourselves, God still believes in us.

When we feel like we are unloved, God shows us Jesus. When we feel like we have made the biggest mistake of our lives, Jesus provides forgiveness.

When we are suffocating in the darkness, God shines the light of his presence. When we are despairing, Jesus provides hope.

You see, this resurrection life is a full, abundant, complete and whole life.

This resurrection life is a new life because it is life in Christ and, as such, is free from condemnation. This resurrection life starts the minute we accept Christ as Saviour and continues for all eternity. This resurrection life is dynamic, because the power of God is unleashed in us. The change starts on the inside and transforms how we view everything.

On that first Easter morning the disciples were still experiencing Roman occupation and all that came with it, but the realisation that Jesus was alive and that every promise had been fulfilled changed everything.

They now had an eternal view, they understood that sin and death had been conquered, that the Kingdom was indeed a spiritual Kingdom and that God reigned supreme over everything. Such understanding would change how they viewed and responded to life in this world because the glorious light of Christ shone in their lives and the hope of eternity was secured. They would never be the same again – just as we will never be the same again if we claim that same resurrection power.

May God bless you as you celebrate the risen Christ. Amen.

BRIAN PEDDLE GENERAL

The life, death and resurrection of Christ remind us that God is with us in every circumstance

Salvationist 3 April 2021

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NEWS

ARMY NEWS

COMMUNITY

INTERNATIONAL

Army urges caution over rough sleeper figures

Army raises awareness of ebola outbreak

ENGLAND

GUINEA

THE Salvation Army has warned that new government figures showing a drop in rough sleepers could be masking a surge in hidden homelessness.

The Annual Rough Sleeping Count 2020 recorded 2,688 people as being forced to sleep on the streets – a fall of 37 per cent on the previous year. However, the Army has cautioned that the figures underestimate the true scale of homelessness.

Director of Homelessness Services Lorrita Johnson said: ‘Any official figures that suggest fewer people are being forced to sleep rough offer a glimmer of hope. But we must be cautious about the data.

New rough sleepers are coming on to the streets all the time and include those whose livelihoods disappeared overnight or when their living conditions, such as sofa surfing, became impossible due to social distancing.’

The annual count in November took place during the Everyone In initiative, when 9,866 people were already temporarily housed in emergency accommodation, including hotels. Therefore, anyone counted was likely to be experiencing homelessness for the first time or have returned to the streets.

Lorrita added that the government needs a more robust recording method so that funding can be properly allocated to cover the costs facing councils for homelessness support.

An overhaul of the way rough sleeping is measured is one of the reforms proposed in the Army’s report, Future Proof the Roof. It calls for the quarterly-produced data gathering for London to be extended across the rest of the country for more accurate planning and funding of support services.

– AR

THE Salvation Army has launched a public health awareness campaign as part of several measures to counter the spread of ebola.

The highly transmissible virus causes severe fever and haemorrhaging. It can often be fatal. After a confirmed outbreak in the rural southeast of the country, The Salvation Army is co-ordinating a response with Guinea’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation. Supplies of soap and hand sanitiser, as well as cleaning materials, are being distributed to about 1,000 recipients.

The three-month awareness campaign uses posters and leaflets to share information about ebola and how to reduce its spread. The hygiene practices recommended will also help mitigate the spread of Covid-19.

‘The Army will take a community-driven approach, engaging with community members as active participants rather than passive recipients of aid,’ said Major Abraham Collins, the projects secretary in neighbouring Liberia, which oversees the work in Guinea. ‘We believe such engagement will increase resilience and independence, and enhance the success and sustainability of the programme.’

–AR

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Salvationist 3 April 2021

Corps receives mayor’s award CATFORD THE corps received the Lewisham mayor’s award for its work supporting families and individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Like many corps in the territory, Catford sought a way to meet the growing need in the community.

Corps officer Major Michael Eden explained: ‘Our first efforts were to work alongside schools to support children with food for lunches as many in our area have no recourse to public funds. This went well initially, but limitations on what could be bought from supermarkets meant we soon ran out of food.’

A grant from B&M Stores provided access to food and financial support. Subsequently, the corps broadened its scope to help anyone in the borough who needed help with food or utilities.

The corps also built stronger relationships with local organisations, food banks, Employment Plus and other corps in the area. Catford currently opens weekly as a community hub.

Majors Michael and Rebecca Eden acknowledged that the award, in many ways, belongs to all the corps in the borough, as their joint efforts help support those in need in the community. – AR

COMMUNITY LURGAN The charity shop has been closed since Christmas due to lockdown restrictions, and people have been unable to purchase good quality, affordable items. Scarves, hats and gloves were therefore made available outside the shop for passers-by to take as gifts. The corps is aware of the severe need in the town as people face redundancy, furlough and loss of income. It is hoped that this small gesture reminded the community that the corps still practises ‘heart to God, hand to man’ and cares deeply about the town. Pictured is CSM Jenni Power who attached items to the outside of the shop. – JP

Mother’s Day gift sets sit ready to be distributed to the 80 women who attend Belfast Citadel

CORPS INTO THE WILD: WEEK 7 – HOLY WEEK

by Lyndall Bywater (territorial prayer consultant) SATURDAY 3 APRIL – HOLY SATURDAY It’s Holy Saturday, the day when all fell silent. Jesus had died and his disciples were coming to terms with having lost their teacher and their friend. Grief is always a wilderness. Spend some time in silence, holding in your heart before God all those you know who are walking the deserts of grief today.

SUNDAY 4 APRIL – EASTER DAY Setting out, letting go, doing without, losing control, losing face – these are all a kind of death, yet they’re also the way to resurrection life. Jesus came out of the wilderness in the power of the Spirit; Jesus came out of the tomb with resurrection life in his veins. As you celebrate Easter today, may you know that, through Jesus Christ, God himself has raised you from the dead and the power of the Spirit is at work in you. Connect with others today, praying for each one by name as you wish them Happy Easter.

THE PERSECUTED CHURCH FOCUS

by Major Jill Miller (Prayer Network Support)

GATESHEAD More than 40 young people received parcels with crafts and challenges during the school half-term through a partnership with Transforming Lives for Good.

The charity’s donations enabled the corps to add Pancake Day kits to parcels and buy baking, craft and exercise equipment.

Pictured are Fabulous and Giovanni, who chose to do the baking challenge. – AH

INTERNATIONAL

Army supports call for vaccine equity INTERNATIONAL GENERAL Brian Peddle has become the latest global leader to sign the World Health Organisation (WHO) Vaccine Equity Declaration.

Adding his name to the document, the General gave thanks to God for the vaccine, which he described as an ‘answer to prayer’.

‘We know that not every country has access to the vaccine [yet],’ he said. ‘Challenges of cost and logistics must still be overcome. We continue, then, to pray for justice and the fair distribution of vaccines around the world.’

The Vaccine Equity Declaration was created after the WHO’s director-general, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, declared that the world was ‘on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure’.

‘The price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world’s poorest countries,’ he warned.

The Salvation Army is supporting the WHO’s call for governments to work together in solidarity – and in each of their best interests – to ensure that, within the first 100 days of 2021, vaccination of health workers and older people is under way in all countries. – AR

MONDAY 5 APRIL At this time around the world more than 260 million Christians are persecuted. Muslims who convert to Christianity are among the most vulnerable. Declaring faith in Jesus could mean death from within their own families. ‘I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people’ (Ephesians 1:18). Faithful God, we pray that our persecuted brothers and sisters would know with certainty the hope you give. May hope grow and fear be subdued.

TUESDAY 6 APRIL ‘I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith’ (Ephesians 3:16 and 17). Holy Spirit, we ask you to strengthen Christians facing persecution. We pray for protection from all evil which surrounds them and faith to overcome every circumstance.

WEDNESDAY 7 APRIL ‘And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…’ (Ephesians 3:17 and 18). Loving Father, we ask you to fill all who are persecuted with your overwhelming love. May our brothers and sisters in Christ be enveloped in your love.

THURSDAY 8 APRIL ‘Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel…’ (Ephesians 6:19).

Enabling Spirit, give courage to persecuted Christians as they seek to share the gospel with their family and friends. Protect them from verbal, social, psychological and physical persecution from those they are closest to.

FRIDAY 9 APRIL ‘Pray that I may declare it [the gospel] fearlessly, as I should’ (Ephesians 6:20). Gracious God, as persecuted Christians declare their faith in you, we ask you to give them a spirit of fearlessness. Protect them from extremist groups who would seek to kidnap them rather than allow them to share their faith.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

Salvationist 13 March 2021

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

Standing on the promises

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T is just over a year since the start of the first lockdown and the resulting change of life and ministry for us all. I look back with almost disbelief that more than 12 months have passed, an incredibly tough and sad time for us all. But I also look back with belief that the promises and presence of God have not failed us – they have sustained us even in the darkest times.

Despite some good news regarding the rollout of Covid-19 vaccinations, it’s natural that many of us might be crying out, ‘I’m not sure I can do this anymore. I thought this would be over months ago.’ If that’s how you feel, I want to share a lesson I learnt a long time ago about not giving up.

As a child I remember England winning the World Cup in 1966. Whether you know anything about football or you have an aversion to being reminded that the England men’s football team actually won something, let me explain what happened: England are in the final and about to win the greatest prize. They’re beating the West German team 2-1. With seconds to go West Germany score an equalising goal, which sends the game into extra time.

There’s a short break before the additional 30 minutes. Both teams are exhausted, but the England players are distraught and despondent – the psychological advantage is with the opposition. On to the pitch steps the manager, Alf Ramsey, who insists that the players get up off the turf and stand up.

Pointing at the drained opposition sitting or lying on the grass, he confidently says to the team: ‘You’ve won it once. Now you’ll have to go out there and win it again.’

As we head into what might be seen as

an indeterminate length of extra time in this struggle, we need to remain standing on the promises of God. By this I mean taking hold of Ephesians 6, where Paul says ‘stand’ four times: ‘Put on the full armour of God, so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes… So that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then’ (vv11–14).

Over this past year, and all the years before, we have been victorious time and time again in the power of the Spirit, inspired by the lead and the example of Jesus Christ our Saviour. So, echoing the words of Alf Ramsey, stand up – we have been victorious before, we can be again. God promised to be with us and to bless us. He promised peace and the Holy Spirit as a counsellor, guide and comforter.

Peter writes: ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.

Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature… Make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, selfcontrol; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual

affection; and to mutual affection, love.

Make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble’ (2 Peter 1:3–10).

You cannot walk, let alone run, if you’re not standing. Standing on the promises of God is a prerequisite for us going forward.

Having journeyed through Holy Week, with all the agony of Christ’s redeeming death at Calvary, the Resurrection brings release and the promise of an ongoing Easter morning for us all. Peter says that by standing on the promises we may participate in the divine nature. What a privilege, what a responsibility, what a joy.

Let’s stand up together in the power of Christ as we take the next steps, claiming God’s promises for ourselves and others.

In Christ alone my hope is found, He is my light, my strength, my song; This Cornerstone, this solid ground, Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace, When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My Comforter, my all in all, Here in the love of Christ I stand.

(SASB 861) ANTHONY COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL COMMANDER O This

message is based on a video that can be viewed at facebook.com/ SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/ salvationarmyvideo

WHERE THERE’S A NEED...

GOOD HEALTH AND WELLBEING

In the third of five articles Salvationist highlights The Salvation Army’s contribution to some of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

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HE third SDG aims to ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all.

This includes reducing premature deaths, addressing persistent and emerging health issues and ensuring funding for health systems. Universal health coverage is essential to achieving the goal of ending poverty and reducing inequalities.

Great progress has been made in improving the health of millions of people.

Life expectancy has increased dramatically, and infant and maternal mortality rates have declined. HIV and malaria deaths have halved. However, progress has been uneven within and between countries. The world is not currently on track to achieve the SDG targets by 2030.

THE ARMY’S CONTRIBUTION Over the past five years almost 90 per cent of territories have begun new programmes and initiatives that promote good health and wellbeing.

In many programmes, experts – such as educational psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, registered nurses and social workers – collaboratively organise initiatives and offer guidance and counselling services.

AROUND THE WORLD Paraguay The Tekokatu Medical Clinic helps patients establish healthy, nutritious diets for their families. In its first three years the clinic has directly benefited 2,002 women, 229 men and 562 children.

Clinic personnel identify children at risk of malnourishment and refer them to its Milk and Oats programme, which determines their needs and provides supplies over six months.

There are six local groups learning to prepare healthy, nutritious, affordable meals. Many participants stated that they had thought healthy eating was too expensive, but the programme introduced them to inexpensive, nutritious staples.

The clinic sees the importance of not only diagnosing and treating illnesses but also educating communities in illness

prevention and social issues. Community workshops are hosted by members of the community. Establishing local hosts has led to greater engagement and understanding, and encompassed those who might not normally visit the permanent facility.

Democratic Republic of Congo The Salvation Army is taking steps to prevent the spread of ebola. The current outbreak is the largest ever in DRC. There have been more than 900 cases and almost 600 deaths attributed to the virus in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces alone.

The Army has fully equipped the staff members of 10 clinics with protective clothing, including boots, glasses, face masks, gloves and biohazard suits. Triage centres have been constructed for each clinic.

The Salvation Army project team has completed Train the Trainer courses for all health centre, school and religious leaders. They are tasked with training a further 10 leaders each.

Community leaders will be able to Paraguay use WhatsApp to ask questions and receive accurate advice on the best approaches to hygiene and disease prevention.

Indonesia In 2018 devastating earthquakes, liquefaction and aftershocks struck the Central Sulawesi region. With a strong presence in the badly hit city of Palu, Salvation Army teams reacted immediately despite personal loss.

Healthcare services enhanced the provision of basic food, water and shelter.

Woodward Hospital treated 789 patients in the two weeks following the initial earthquake, despite having to evacuate the premises twice. As road infrastructure damage affected access to hospital facilities, Salvation Army medics took mobile clinics to 12 locations and provided 27 surgeries.

The Army worked closely with a university to address mental health and

wellbeing issues, and trauma healing sessions were held in 15 locations. To meet demand, the territory trained extra officers in trauma counselling. These reinforcements supported the team already on the ground in Central Sulawesi.

Cakrawala Radio, which is run by The Salvation Army, broadcasts to remote settlements in Sulawesi and was able to share accurate news and information about the disaster response.

THE ARMY’S COMMITMENT International Health Services Co-ordinator Major Joan Gibson (IHQ) says: ‘In the next five years my dream is that all women around the world will be able to receive

care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum from a skilled birth attendant who has access to the tools they need to provide high-quality care, and that as a result maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality will be reduced.

‘The Salvation Army, through the International Health Services, will do all it can to make this dream a reality in its health facilities by continuing to provide technical support, in-service training and other resources where needed.’

O This article is based on the report Where There’s a Need..., published by the Army’s International Social Justice Commission and available to read at salvationarmy.org/isjc Next week Quality education

Salvationist 3 April 2021

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INTERVIEW

Stuart Hall, owner of Citadel Promotions, tells Salvationistt about Fortress Radio’s first year ‘on air’ TELL US ABOUT THE EARLIEST DAYS OF FORTRESS RADIO The first broadcast was on Saturday 15 February last year when we played an episode from ‘Going to the Army’

by Marc Harry. The following day we played non-stop Army music from 7am to 10pm. It was just continuous music with no plan to introduce presenters. Over the next couple of weeks the total number of listeners peaked at 100.

By the third week War Cry y Editor Major Andrew Stone contacted us – he had worked in local radio before becoming an officer and suggested that we might think about having a presenter host one of the Sunday meetings.

I arranged to meet him the next week, but the day before we were due to see each other the prime minister announced a national lockdown.

HOW DID THE LOCKDOWN AFFECT LISTENER NUMBERS? On that first Sunday in lockdown more than 5,000 listeners were clocked on the broadcasting software. It was surreal! I even contacted the software company on the Monday to ask if this was correct. From then the numbers increased week by week. The highest total was in the week leading up to Christmas, when we reached 17,195.

However, the software only indicates the number of connections; we cannot tell how many people are listening in each household. There might be two people listening or a whole family, so 17,195 connections could mean 30,000 listeners or more.

HOW HAS THE PROGRAMMING DEVELOPED? Andrew and his wife, Alison, started presenting the Holiness Hour on Sunday mornings and the statistics confirmed that having some kind of interaction with listeners increased the number of connections. We now have a wide range of presenters leading a full day of programmes each Sunday.

Not all our presenters are officers – 10

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in fact one of our most popular presenters, who led a 10-week Bible study programme, is the Rev Barbara Steadman-Allen, and we’ve recently been contacted by a retired United Reformed Church minister who is keen to offer his services.

We’ve also had valuable help and support from other Christian broadcasters and even some in other countries. Listeners to the Full Fortress Breakfast on a Sunday enjoy ‘Thought for the Day’ presented by Major Chris Witts. Chris is a retired officer living in Sydney, Australia, and has spent 20 years providing daily thoughts on local radio stations.

He is now a regular on Fortress Radio. Hope FM in Australia has shared a series called ‘Our Favourite Hymn’ and Peter Cooke from Upper Norwood Corps has been providing valuable content.

HAS THE STATION’S FOCUS CHANGED? We initially set up Fortress Radio to provide comfort to people living alone or those unable to get to meetings, for example due to ill health. Little did we realise with the surge and spread of the coronavirus pandemic that its mission would become so relevant. If our focus has changed over the past year, it’s about being more inclusive. Fortress Radio provides the message of God’s love through music and song for anyone, not just Salvationists.

HAS THERE BEEN INTEREST FROM PEOPLE WANTING TO BECOME PRESENTERS? We placed an advert for new presenters in Salvationistt at the beginning of this year and that has been very successful, with five new presenters now sharing their contributions and three more working on content.

If our focus has changed over the past year, it’s about being more inclusive One person who has become a great support and mentor is Martin Cooper.

When he called me, his first words were: ‘I believe God wants me to help you.’ He went on to explain that he was a Christian who had been a university lecturer in radio and broadcasting journalism.

In retirement, he is a volunteer with a Christian radio station. As part of his weekly show Martin would walk around his market town interviewing stall holders, farmers and shoppers live on the radio. Each week he would buy a copy of the War Cryy and Kids Alive! from a Salvationist who stood in the market square.

With the onset of lockdown that all changed, so he subscribed to have them sent from SP&S every week.

However, one week, instead of the War Cry, y he received a copy of Salvationist.

As he started reading it he thought, ‘Lord, why have I been sent this paper?’

Then he saw the advert from Fortress Radio. ‘It was clearly meant that I should receive a copy of Salvationist that week,’ he said.

WHO ARE THE NEW PRESENTERS? Four new presenters each provide a monthly programme on Sunday evenings: Reuben Dykes presenting Reuben’s Pick ’n’ Mixx on the first Sunday of the month; Peter Leatham presenting Peter’s Choice on the second Sunday; Adrian Lyons on the third, presenting Melody in My Heart; and Stuart Garman on the fourth

Sunday with Classic Performances.

Another exciting new programme is Welsh on Wednesdays, broadcast in Welsh with our youngest presenter, Megan Sass, a student at Swansea University. Megan is from the Rhondda Valley and has a passion for the Welsh language. Her programmes are the perfect mix of Salvation Army music with a little Welsh twist.

WHAT ARE THE LISTENING OPTIONS NOW? All details of how to listen to Fortress Radio are listed on the website. The podcast we introduced last autumn now provides listeners with the opportunity to catch up with a programme they’ve missed or wish to hear again. At present, 45 per cent listen using the iPhone or Android smartphone app, 16 per cent listen via their computer, 17 per cent via an Alexa smart speaker and the remainder via a tablet.

WHAT HAS THE FEEDBACK BEEN LIKE? I make a point of ensuring that everr yone who contacts the station receive es a reply, and not a week goes by without us receiving some positive e feedback.

The most common them me is one of gratitude for the enco couragement and blessing received d from the message and music. Rec eceiving messages from former Salva vationists is something I find humbling ng – that through the medium of radio, o, we are able to reach out to former so old ldiers who are now regular listeners.

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO THOSE WHO THINK THE CONTENT IS TOO TRADITIONAL? Anyone suggesting that is not fully aware of our content. There is the traditional band music repertoire, but we offer a vast range of styles and genres on Fortress Radio, and the breadth that we offer is provided by presenters from all walks of life and age groups. There may be music that does not appeal to all, but it is still worship. We can’t be all things to allll people – however, we are delight hte ed that we have a broad range of presenters providing a serr vi vice to a broad range of listen eners.

ARE THERE PLANS TO DEVELOP FORTRESS RADIO FURTHER? As well as more presenters, we have plans for in increasing the content of progra ammes. Our recent Bible study seri rie es was popular, and we look forward to releasing more during this year. We are also working on new programme content with a contemporary style that will open the station to a wider audience. We have been asked by listeners in the USA, Canada and Australia if we can broadcast in their time zones too. Watch this space!

O Find out more and listen to Fortress Radio at fortressradio.online STUART SOLDIERS AT MAIDENHEAD AND PLAYS IN THE INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND Salvationist 3 April 2021

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FE EAT TUR U E I Take ketime m

Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts learns how faith-based meditation is changing lives

The Rev Clive McKie speaks at the territorial prayer gathering, January 2020 IFTEEN years ago the Rev Clive e McKie had an encounter that changed the course of his ministry. As a Methodist minister in Reigate, Surrey, he was chaplain in a women’s prison one day a week. On na visit in 2006 he met a priso one n r who said she had never been to church but wanted to pray. Clive told her she h should just talk to God in her mind. She said she’d tried that, but it didn’t work.

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‘I had d just come backk f ro om an eight-day Ignatian retrea at ,’, recallls Clive, ‘an n d th thinking abo o ut wha hatt I’ Id experien ex enced th ther e re, I s ai aid to o her: “If f you u p ictture a scene e it’s e assier to stay foc ocus u ed.”” T hen I talkked her er int nto o a Gospell pass sa sage ge and gav ave her s ace to talk to Jes sp sus u and lis isten n to Je e su s s.. At th the end she said: “I m et Jesus and I as aske ked d him into my life.”

I was staggere red!’

Other en Ot ncounte t rs like that followed, and d Clivve found thatt imagining a Gospel passage was an acc cessible wayy of commun nic icat atin ing g fa faitith h. For som me prisone ers it was life-changing and for otthers a st s ep p towa to ward rds discovering faith. As a re esult, he began a Ta Take ketitime me Tog oget ethe h r group in his chur ch urch ch’s s com o munity centtre in 2012.

Through that at gro oup peo eopl ple e of all ages and d backgr grounds have had the heir lives changed.

Elizabeth Smith is one of the group members. She says: ‘My faith has grown. I was a regular churchgoer but these meditations have helped me go much deeper.’

Another member, Rochelle Parker, says: ‘It gives you time to dwell in the story. You are actually experiencing it and finding the quietness in which Jesus can speak.’

Victoria Clifford was looking for some kind of spiritual experience and tried many churches, but it wasn’t until she came to the group that she encountered God: ‘Instead of an intellectual thing, I wanted something more spiritual. I enjoy the sharing of experiences here, and the scriptural meditation is an effective way of getting in touch with God. It enlivens my spiritual journey and makes it much deeper and more vivid.

‘I’m the chair of governors at a large ecumenical school,’ Victoria adds, ‘and Taketime has been running there for several years. The kids really appreciate it.’

A full Taketime session usually lasts an hour and a half, but can be done over a shorter period.

‘In prison I have to squeeze it into 50 minutes,’ Clive says. ‘We do a meditation, then go straight into sharing.

If church groups run over a lunchtime, there is the meditation, and people then get their sandwiches out, grab a cup of tea and start sharing their experiences.

But if you have time for the full session, the meditation is followed by a break for refreshments so that visitors begin to feel at home, and then there is a time of sharing. That’s the ideal.’

The meditations that are at the heart of Taketime sessions are based on Ignatian spirituality, as Clive explains: ‘Ignatius was a Spanish priest in the 15th century who founded the Society of Jesus. He had the radical idea that ordinary people could talk to Jesus.

‘Ignatian meditation involves the imagination, and Taketime uses that approach. Because it tells a story you go automatically into story mode and relax. It’s a playful part of the mind that engages with this. It seems perfectly natural to talk to Jesus because you’ve been in that place with him.’

Before the pandemic there were 39 Taketime Together groups around the country. This has since grown to 70, with groups making use of Zoom.

‘Some groups have found that online meetings attract people who would not have attended physical meetings,’ says Clive, ‘so they intend to continue running them even after lockdown.

The vision is that there will be groups in every town, especially for people with no church contacts. We also produce a weekly video meditation lasting about 12 minutes that can be used as part of a Zoom meeting.

‘During lockdown we created the Taketime practitioners online training course, which some of the folk from the Army’s prayer gathering last year have completed.’

As well as group sessions, meditations are now available on the internet.

‘I didn’t really want to do that at first, but gradually doors began to open,’ says Clive. ‘One guy who attended the group had a background in managing software engineers. So with his help, and financial support from the wider Methodist Church, we built the Taketime website in 2017.’

Since then the number of meditations being listened to has almost doubled every year. In the year to August 2020, 38,000 meditations were listened to online, an increase of 92 per cent from the previous year.

‘The website allows access to 150 meditations on Gospel passages,’ he

explains. ‘Each of the meditations is available as a 5, 10, 15 or 20-minute version. So even if you’ve only got a few minutes there’s a meditation you can do.

‘Some people who find the website have no faith background. One of the women in my group is from a strongly atheist background and church was definitely not on her curriculum, but she was introduced to the website and then came to the group.’

As well as the website there is a simple app that includes all the meditations. Clive hopes this will become more interactive, so that it can rival Headspace, the popular secular meditation app.

Edel McClean is a learning and development officer in the Methodist Church and a spiritual director in Ignatian spirituality. She supports the Taketime approach.

‘Taketime is a deeply God-based and God-focused initiative,’ she enthuses. ‘It requires those who offer it to trust the basic truth that Jesus wants to meet people. Taketime simply and effectively creates the space and context for people to pay attention to Jesus, and when they do, Jesus has a habit of responding to them with welcome and love.’

Clive wholeheartedly agrees: ‘We’re excited about Taketime because we are confident that what we’re doing is reaching people and enabling them to encounter Jesus.’

O Listen to free five-minute meditations at taketime.org.uk or subscribe to longer meditations and videos at patreon.com/taketime O Anyone joining the April or May Taketime practitioners online training course via taketimetraining. eventbrite.co.uk can receive a 10 per cent discount by using the code ‘SA10’ Salvationist 3 April 2021

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REFL RE FLEC FL ECT EC CTIO TIO TI ON REFLEC REFLECTION N

Seeing and believing Major Jim Bryden reflects on the experiences of those who discovered the empty tomb

A

SPACIOUS garden and a safe house were settings for Jesus’ resurrection appearances. The Gospels record that he appeared only to the disciples.

First to see him was Mary Magdalene, whom Jesus had cured of demon possession. She had accompanied Jesus and the disciples during his ministry and was present at his crucifixion. The other disciples, including John, Peter and Thomas, encountered Jesus ‘behind locked doors, because they were afraid of the Jewish authorities’ (John 20:19 Good News Bible).

In the dark, Mary, distressed by Jesus’ crucifixion, made her way to the tomb where his body had been laid. To her horror she found it empty. She ran for Peter and John, saying: ‘They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put him!’ (v2).

Peter and John raced to the scene.

They found the folded grave clothes as if the body of Jesus had simply evaporated.

John, the disciple who had been so close to Jesus, rejected any notion that the body had been stolen. Instead, although he had not seen it happen, he believed that God had raised Jesus to life.

John is recorded as the first of those who ‘saw and believed’ (v8), even though he hadn’t yet seen Jesus in his 14

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resurrected form. RVG Tasker writes: ‘Without having any encounter with the risen Lord, he believed that the Lord’s body had not been removed by human hands, but raised by divine intervention.’ It is right to say that John was the first of millions ever since of whom Jesus says, ‘Blessed are those who believe without seeing me’ (v29 New Living Translation).

Alone by the tomb, Mary cried inconsolably. ‘Woman, why are you crying?’ asked two angels (v13). She then heard the same question asked by another voice. She had no idea it was Jesus speaking, believing him to be the gardener. Tears may have blurred her vision or perhaps she was facing the empty tomb and Jesus was standing behind her, because moments later ‘she turned towards him’ (v16). Either way, when she heard her name spoken, she knew it was the Lord.

Can you imagine her joy? Jesus, crucified and dead, was now alive and standing in front of her! He told her that she should go and tell the others. What news Mary brought to the disciples that day: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ (v18).

Centuries later, we see Christ through eyes of faith. The Holy Spirit makes him known to us. We experience him within our lives in a way that was impossible

when he walked the Earth. ‘We know these things are true by believing, not by seeing’ (2 Corinthians 5:7 The Living Bible). May our response always be to go and tell others of our walk with Jesus.

I invite you to unpack the truths of seeing Christ further by reflecting on the following questions: Many people approach life with the old adage ‘seeing is believing’. As a Christian, what advice would you offer that would help such people to believe in the risen Christ?

In John 20, as in many other parts of the Bible, angels appear as messengers with a special task to carry out. Why do you think angels appeared to Mary?

What do they mean to you?

Mary Magdalene plays a pivotal role among the disciples because of her encounter with the risen Saviour. In your own words, write a simple account of this and apply it to today’s world.

MAJOR BRYDEN LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BELLSHILL

VIEW POINT

Knowing he lives Brian Colley (Clowne) emphasises the importance of a personal encounter with the risen Lord

I

N the midst of the coronavirus pandemic there are still people who don’t believe it is real. In spite of clear evidence to the contrary they say it is a hoax. The 1969 moon landing is disputed by some folk.

There are even those who don’t believe that the Holocaust happened, regardless of overwhelming evidence.

It must be frustrating for those who have personally experienced or witnessed something not to have their account accepted as fact. It is just as frustrating for Christians, who have met the living Saviour, not to have their testimonies believed.

The resurrection of Jesus was disbelieved by those who thought his crucifixion was the end. Even when one of those closest to him, Thomas, was told the good news, he could not accept the word of his fellow disciples, saying: ‘Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe’ (John 20:25).

A week later he met Jesus for himself.

Jesus said to him: ‘Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe’ (v27). Thomas immediately responded: ‘My Lord and my God!’ (v28).

Similarly, when Paul met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he became a believer. In his letter to the church at Corinth, after mentioning those to whom Jesus had shown himself, Paul wrote: ‘And last of all he appeared to me also’ (1 Corinthians 15:8). Since then, many

people have testified in that same way, including some who have converted from atheism. Meeting the resurrected Jesus is life-changing: ‘O what a wonderful, wonderful day,/ Day I will never forget!/ After I’d wandered in darkness away,/ Jesus my Saviour I met!’ (SASB 307).

It is not always easy to convince others – even with our personal witness to meeting the risen Saviour, as expressed in these lines: ‘You ask me how I know he lives?/ He lives within my heart!’

(SASB 847). Someone can tell us there is sugar, or no sugar, in the drink they are giving us, but the only way we can know for certain is to taste it for ourselves. And the only way for people to find out that Jesus is alive is to ‘taste and see that the Lord is good’ (Psalm 34:8).

Malcolm Muggeridge, a journalist and broadcaster, was a communist but became a Christian late in life.

Surprisingly, though, in his book Jesus Rediscovered he stated that he was not sure the Resurrection happened as described in the Gospels.

It might be possible for someone to have a head conversion but surely to have a heart conversion there has to be a meeting with the risen Lord. Only believing with the mind that Jesus lives will probably cause occasional doubt, but believing Jesus lives now is a heart experience, which for everyone who meets him puts his resurrection beyond doubt. They can then repeat the words of Paul – that he has appeared to them also – and declare: ‘I know he lives.’

FROM THE UNKNOWN DISCIPLE We trudged along, I and my mate, To get away we couldn’t wait.

We’d seen our Master crucified, Just stood and watched there as he died.

Now as we walked Emmaus way We talked again about that day.

Then we were joined by this strange bloke, We thought at first he was a joke; He hadn’t even heard the news, So then we stated our own views.

Plus that same day there’d been report, The tomb had been a body short, But this was just some female chat, I’m not sure we’d rely on that.

He quoted to us from God’s word; I have to say our hearts were stirred.

The prophets had God’s plan foretold What in the future would unfold.

By now it’s getting very late, We asked the man to stay and wait.

A meal we shared, he broke the bread, This was our Lord, he wasn’t dead.

What happened next you might think weird, He left us there, just disappeared.

We hurried back, our steps retraced, To tell our friends, no time to waste.

He lives! Like Cleopas and I, So many now can testify To meeting him upon life’s road And being unburdened of their load.

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BIBLE STUDY

The ecstasy of Easter Major Graham Mizon investigates the meaning of the empty tomb

1 CORINTHIANS 15:1–11

T

HIS Easter, my wife and I would have been volunteering at the Garden Tomb, which is situated just outside the ancient walls of Jerusalem. A possible site for the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Jesus, the Garden Tomb is a popular place of witness and pilgrimage that receives half a million visitors a year.

As a guide, the highlight of any tour is when I lead guests into the ancient tomb.

Before we enter, I explain what they will find inside. I always conclude with my punchline: ‘I also need to tell you what you won’t see. You’re not going to find Jesus in the tomb. You see, he is no longer here … he is risen!’

The response is always emotional and ecstatic: ‘He is risen indeed!’ ‘Amen!’

‘Hallelujah!’

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

by Major Sheila Smith

QUESTIONS O Does the resurrection of Jesus evoke a response in your spirit? What are those responses and emotions?

sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day’ (vv3 and 4). This is the ecstasy of Easter.

Because Easter is the climax of the Christian calendar, it shouldn’t surprise us that the occasion arouses feelings of joy, praise, gratitude and worship.

It is awesome that God should send Jesus. It is amazing that Jesus should reveal God as he lived among us. It is astonishing that God should love us so much that Jesus died in our place. It is astounding that God should conquer death itself by raising Jesus from the tomb.

Paul says in his first letter to the church at Corinth that this is ‘the gospel’ (v1) and that it is ‘of first importance’ (v3). He then sums it all up: ‘That Christ died for our

QUESTION O What can we do individually and corporately to share this message of first importance?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Alleluia, alleluia, give thanks to the risen Lord;/ Alleluia, alleluia, give praise to his name.

(SASB 216)

While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’

(Luke 24:36)

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing./ The cross stands empty to the sky./ Let streets and homes with praises ring./ Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

(SASB 217)

Prayer Lord Jesus, we thank you for your saving grace, given to us through Calvary. Thank you that, although we may never totally grasp its depth, it is a constant presence in our lives.

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It may help if we were to consider the Resurrection in the context of God’s redemptive story. This story reveals important truths: God is faithful, God judges, God loves and, when things look impossibly bleak, it is an opportunity for God to do something unbelievably life-giving.

When God’s people feared for their lives by the Red Sea, Pharaoh dispatched his army to stop the Israelite exodus from

Egypt. Although the sea blocked their route to freedom and all seemed lost, God intervened and parted the waters, which enabled them to continue their salvation journey to the Promised Land (see Exodus 14).

When God’s people were in exile in Babylon, they wept. Living in a foreign land far away from their holy city of Jerusalem and seemingly separated from God, all seemed lost (see Psalm 137). God, however, was still with them and, 70 years later, the Jews returned to rebuild their city and their Temple.

The climax of God’s salvation plan is the death and resurrection of Jesus.

This is the turning point. Again, all seemed lost when the Messiah was crucified. Jesus, a sinless and innocent man, was sacrificed. God gave his Son so that we might be freed from the

bondage of sin and become reconciled to him. Then God raised him from the dead.

QUESTION O How can the resurrection of Jesus bring us hope?

The death and resurrection of Jesus not only fulfilled God’s promises but also announced the dawning of a new age, a new world and a new creation (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). This becomes reality whenever someone becomes a Christian. The blood shed by Jesus washes away the sins of the believer.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead empowers all who live a new life in Christ (see Ephesians 1:19 and 20).

Christ’s resurrection is the fulfilment of God’s redemptive plan and enables

Christians to live as resurrection people (see John 10:10). It also points to the future when Christ will return and when all who have died in him will be raised to eternal life.

‘What a God we have! … Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in Heaven – and the future starts now!’

(1 Peter 1:3 and 4, The Message).

Let’s celebrate!

MAJOR MIZON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BURNTWOOD

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

They asked each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened up the Scriptures to us?’

(Luke 24:32)

Look, ye saints! The sight is glorious;/ See the man of sorrows now,/ From the fight returned victorious;/ Every knee to him shall bow./ Crown him, crown him!/ Crowns become the victor’s brow.

(SASB 227)

Again Jesus said ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’

And with that he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.’ ( John 20:21–23)

Praise him! Praise him! Jesus, our blessèd Redeemer!/ Sing, O Earth, his wonderful love proclaim!/ Hail him! Hail him, highest archangels in Glory;/ Strength and honour give to his holy name!/ Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard his children,/ In his arms he carries them all day long.

(SASB 231)

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FROM THE

ARCHIVE

Cairo Band in the Holy Land The Easter 1996 Salvationist marked the 50th anniversary of Cairo Red Shield Band’s visit to Jerusalem with an article by Raymond Clarke; we now republish it for the 75th anniversary

HE Cairo Red Shield Band was made up of airmen and soldiers stationed around the Egyptian capital. Eight of the airmen, who were stationed at one camp in Heliopolis, billeted together in the same accommodation, which became known as ‘Hallelujah Corner’. In all, 22 men took part in a very special ‘away weekend’.

T

Having met at the Red Shield club and booked rooms for the night, our first task was to clean our instruments before taking our places in the hall for the Good Friday evening meeting. After supper we went to bed – it was only 11 o’clock but we had an early start in the morning. After much chatter, fun and leg-pulling we eventually settled down at half-past midnight!

We were somewhat subdued at the 5.30am breakfast.

We then had to load the vehicle – a three-ton British Army truck belonging to the Royal Corps of Military Police. The organiser of the transport and accommodation in Jerusalem was Eddy Wilkinson, a regimental sergeant-major in the military police. Eddy – who came from Leigh-on-Sea – was a great character who did all he could to help his fellow Salvationists. He played bass in the band and was the leader of the male voice party.

Easter morning at the Garden Tomb

A prayer by Major William Fleming, officer-in-charge of Cairo Red Shield Club, preceded our moving off. Our first stop was at a town called Ismailia, close to the Suez Canal, where we had tea and cakes at the YMCA before crossing the canal by ferry. Once we were over the water we filled up with petrol, the last opportunity to do so for some 200 miles. On the long trek across the Sinai desert, heat and dust were our constant companions and we were truly glad to get to the NAAFI ‘half-way house’ canteen. The cups of tea were most welcome!

We moved on again for some seven hours along the terrible desert road. It was almost dark by the time we reached Bethlehem, and we eventually arrived in Jerusalem at 9 o’clock. It had been quite hilly over the last part of the journey, with huge drops at the side of the roads — not the best place to drive in the dark.

Our welcome dinner at Jerusalem had been arranged by Eddy, and was by courtesy of the military police.

We were looking forward to a good sleep after our tiring journey. However, Eddy had other ideas and although it was 10.30pm we had to have a male voice singing practice! Some sang from their beds and others from where they were sat around the room.

Singing did not come too easily for we had been singing quite a lot all day and at one point we had had to shout for the driver to stop the truck in order to

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The band in front of the Garden Tomb, Raymond Clarke front left

retrieve a hat that had gone overboard. It was 1am before we could settle down to sleep.

a lot of albums around the country with that particular shot in them.

On Easter morning we were up at 6 o’clock. It took some 15 minutes to walk to the Garden Tomb, and it was already quite warm. The band, led by Bandmaster Arthur Jolley (Northampton Central), played suitable music before the commencement of the service at 7.30am. Officials later put the number of persons attending at 750.

There were many appreciative comments made by those attending the service and it was a great thrill and privilege for us to have taken part as well as a time of great blessing.

Eddy led the male voice party in ‘Wonderful Healer’ and the address was given by Major Sparham, who also led the service. After the benediction the band played several hymn tunes while people went to look into the empty tomb. Our turn came when most of the others had left. Many photographs were taken in front of the tomb so there must be

We also visited Calvary, which is not on a hill as the hymn says – for as the guide said, ‘Nowhere in the Bible does it mention that it was on a hill.’

Back to the billet, and at 10.30am we went off on a tour of the locality. In one shop I was given a mother of pearl Bethlehem star, which my wife later wore on a chain.

It had been arranged for us to play in the grounds of the YMCA in Jerusalem that afternoon. However, before we started the programme we had a In the Sinai desert short march. We must have been the first Salvation Army band ever to have marched and played in a street in Jerusalem. We gave a good, varied programme to the large audience of service personnel, plus a number of local people. By now the bandsmen were starting to feel tired.

After completing the programme we were invited to the home of a Mr Clark, the manager of the Barclays Bank in the city. We enjoyed tea and talk with Mr and Mrs Clark and his household members who were all fine Christian people. They were much blessed by the singing of the male voice party and at their request the band played two pieces of music.

Interestingly, lepers in a nearby home were also able to enjoy our music – were we the first Army band to play to these deprived people? It was certainly a real privilege for us. Sadly, we had to leave somewhat hurriedly in order to get on to fairly good roads – off the hills – before it got too dark.

We reached the Red Shield club back in Cairo at 10 o’clock after a 17-hour journey and enjoyed a much-needed bath and brushup, etc.

So ended a wonderful, most memorable weekend. What a privileged band of men we were – tired but so exhilarated. We trusted that our efforts had brought blessing to those who had listened as they had to those who had taken part. We just felt like saying, ‘Thank you, heavenly Father.’

O Raymond Clarke was a soldier at Reading Central and was promoted to Glory some years ago; his article first appeared in the 6 April 1996 Salvationist

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NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note Some of these reports are from meetings that took place before the current lockdowns.

ARMÁDA SPÁSY, GRAVESEND Following soldiership classes over Zoom led by corps officer Major David Blowers, Jaroslav Gazi, Andrea Gaziova, Rajmond Jano, Timea Janova and Maria Slepcikova were enrolled as soldiers. They are pictured with Fresh Expressions Pioneer Leader David Frater, who conducted the enrolment, and David’s wife, Julia Fraterova. – KB ARMÁDA SPÁSY, GRAVESEND Seven junior soldiers were enrolled by David Frater, after a six-week soldiership course held over Zoom. Pictured with children’s ministry leader Pauline Blowers are (from left to right): Aaron, David, Kimberly, Marko, Jessica, Erik and Bianka. Marko and Jessica’s parents were enrolled as soldiers in the same meeting. – KB

ARMÁDA SPÁSY, GRAVESEND Vlasta Kurcakova-Cervenakova was welcomed as an adherent. Her commitment was the culmination of a long journey. Vlasta’s husband, Stefan, came to faith after a visit from David Frater. Stefan, who suffered from motor neurone disease, looked forward to his regular visits, which included Bible reading and prayer. During that time Vlasta also came to know Jesus. After Stefan’s promotion to Glory earlier this year, Vlasta recognised that it was time for her to become an adherent. She is pictured with David and Julia. – KB INVERNESS Fiona Froud was enrolled as a soldier in a socially distanced ceremony by her mother, corps officer Captain Helen Froud, in the presence of Corps Secretary Jean Smith.

Fiona testified how she had returned to faith following the witness of Abigail Gray, a cadet at Aberdeen Citadel. Fiona is pictured with Captain Helen. – HF 20

Salvationist 3 April 2021

ARMÁDA SPÁSY, DOVER Erik Turtak and Maria Turtakova were enrolled as soldiers

by David Frater. Martin Turtak and Andrea Turtakova were welcomed as adherents in the same meeting, while Jozef Kotacka, Helena Kotackova, David Horvath and Xenia Conkova-Horvathova were welcomed as adherents the previous week. Erik is pictured giving his testimony. – KB

PREVIEW

Messy Discipleship edited by Lucy Moore

A

S the fastest-growing fresh expression of church in the UK, .Messy Church has learnt a thing or two about discipleship since it began in 2004. This new collection of perspectives, edited by Messy Church founder Lucy Moore, brings academic analysis and practitioner wisdom to bear on a key question for today’s churches, capturing the latest thinking and learning from the Messy Church context.

Since the last book on Messy Church discipleship was published in 2013, the changes in the world at every level have been giddying, but through them all – including the coronavirus pandemic – Messy Churches have grown, adapted, staggered, survived and flourished. Above all, they have gone on growing disciples of Jesus in communities around the world.

Moore writes in her introduction: ‘Success

isn’t measured by producing a book on discipleship; success is about navigating a route through the chaos together… Like any group of hikers on a walk, discipleship comes down to not giving up, even when there are steep mountains, discomfort, blisters, confusion, darkness and mistakes in navigation.’

Individual chapters of the book examine each of the core Messy Church values – being Christ-centred, for all ages, based on creativity, hospitality and celebration – and how these work in practice to promote discipleship.

Despite some persistent doubters and critics, Messy Church has always been serious about growing disciples. Research is soon to be published that shows how effective the movement has been in doing just that. As Moore concludes in the book: ‘Discipleship is about pressing on towards

the goal, undeterred by obstacles. If we can model this as a movement, it will be a trait passed on to the disciples made through Messy Church.’

Messy Discipleship is available from •brfonline.org.uk priced £8.99 (plus postage and packing) and as an ebook priced £8.99 from amazon.co.uk

Poets’ corner For a Time Like This

The Conquering Saviour

Beyond a thousand kingdoms come and gone, Above our blackest sins and petty schemes, There rises in triumphant glory, Christ – Fulfilment of his Father’s greatest dreams.

It was a day like no other, One of a kind That would be remembered forever.

No one in Jerusalem that day Could believe the events unfolding Before their very eyes.

The cross was not a final, fatal blow, Tossing God’s plans into a stygian gloom; He brings his Christ to life that never ends, And leaves behind a long-forgotten tomb.

No virus can defeat his loving plan, No fears can claim a triumph o’er his life, He rises each new day to claim his world And brings us hope amid our present strife.

MAJOR DAVE GROVES

The one who once performed miracles, Who healed the sick, Conversed with outcasts, Was now stooped before the crowd, Stricken with pain, vulnerable – His humanity truly laid bare for all to see.

Among this hostile frenzy, Stirred emotions shout ‘Crucify! Crucify!’

In the shadows his followers stood, Afraid, dejected and forlorn.

The streets were bustling As Jesus, carrying the cross, Made his way to the place called Golgotha.

There was an eerie silence upon that day, As the soldiers stepped forward To place the stricken body of Christ On that rugged, cruel wooden cross.

The crowd aghast, as each nail Hammered with precision, Caused more excruciating suffering To the one they were to call ‘King of the Jews’.

His cries echoed loud and clear; And as he drew his last breath, He was heard to say: ‘Father, forgive them.’

On that extraordinary day, The world fell silent.

The world today is still, by and large, Hostile towards the Son of God; What would it take for everyone, everywhere, To stop and pause for a moment, And glimpse the empty cross of the Conquering Saviour!

MAJOR STEPHEN NAYLOR Salvationist 3 April 2021

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE The following appointments and promotions, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 July O Commissioner Jolene Hodder, an officer of the USA Western Territory, is appointed as national secretary for programme, USA National Headquarters O Colonels Ted and Debbie Horwood, officers of the USA Western Territory, are appointed as international secretaries for programme resources, International Headquarters, with the rank of commissioner O Lieut-Colonels Wilson and Nara Strasse, officers of the Brazil Territory, are appointed as territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries, Brazil Territory, with the rank of colonel O Majors Manuel and Paulina Márquez, officers of the South America West Territory, are appointed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, Brazil Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel O Majors Leonardo and Evangelina Fernandez, officers of the South America East Territory, are appointed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, Mexico Territory, with the rank of lieut-colonel APPOINTED Effective 12 July O Major George Baker, national secretary for The Salvation Army World Service Office, USA National Headquarters O Major Jeanne Baker, assistant national chief secretary, USA National Headquarters WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Diamond O CS John and Marjory Spicer, Tunbridge Wells (1 April) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major John Hatcliffe (85 on 15 April) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Bandsman George Hunt, Gloucester O S/Reservist Mary McCory, Bristol South O Margaret McIver, Edinburgh Gorgie 22

Salvationist 3 April 2021

Pauline Coupland, Mablethorpe William Mitchell, Louth O Bandswoman/Songster Lynne Taylor, Paignton, on 17 March O Major Eileen Lowe from Warde Aldam care home on 18 March O Major Gladys Travis from Ashley House care home on 19 March O Major Dawn Davies from Pantanas Care Centre on 21 March O Aux-Captain Laura Sharples from Northampton General Hospital on 21 March O Major Isaac Adair from Princess Royal University Hospital on 23 March O O

BEREAVED O CS Sue Cole, Bristol South, of her mother S/Reservist Mary McCory O Songster Rita Mitchell, Louth, of her husband William Mitchell O Clive Davies, Guernsey, and Lynette Watts of their mother Major Dawn Davies O Major Glenda Adair of her husband Major Isaac Adair, Phillippa Adair, Bromley Temple, of her father

TRIBUTES RUTH WALLACE, ABERDEEN CITADEL BORN in Manchester to officers John and Monica Williams, Ruth spent her childhood years travelling throughout the UK. Eventually Ruth’s parents moved to Redheugh Salvation Army boys home in Kilbirnie. While attending the nearby corps Ruth met Clark. Love blossomed and they married in December 1964.

Eventually Clark’s career in social work took them to Aberdeen.

Ruth became involved in the life of the corps, including Sunday school, corps cadets, songsters and other ministries. One of her recent highlights was conducting the International Staff Songsters when they visited in 2019.

Her radiant smile and engaging temperament were her hallmarks.

Throughout her long illness she was confident that her Lord was in control, despite the pain she was suffering.

Ruth was promoted to Glory peacefully on 13 February from home in the company of her family. She leaves behind her beloved husband, three children and ten grandchildren. – CW

MARGARET CHAMBERS, IPSWICH CITADEL MARGARET was born in 1936, the daughter of Brigadiers James and Violet McIntyre and the eldest of two sisters.

At the age of 21 she married her first husband, Don Rodgers, and had two children, Sharon and Graham.

Margaret served as YPSM and singing company leader at Letchworth. She loved working with the young people, and her passion and enthusiasm were infectious.

Through music, Margaret taught Christian values and planted seeds of hope, joy, ambition and love in many, setting them on a path to becoming ‘good’ people and valuing life.

In 1992 Margaret married Harold Chambers and served for a number of years at Stotfold and Potton, before moving to live with her son’s family in Ipswich.

Margaret is now at peace in Heaven with her Lord and loved ones. She is greatly missed by all. – DC HAYDN DUNN, DUNSTABLE HAYDN was born in 1934 into a Salvationist family serving at Luton Citadel. Aged seven, he began learning to play the tenor horn. At the age of 16, he was enrolled as a soldier and played trombone.

Haydn touched many lives through his service. As YP band leader at Luton, and later at Dunstable, he taught many people to play an instrument.

Haydn spent his national service playing trombone in the RAF band stationed near Salisbury. He returned to work for SKF where perhaps the proudest achievement of his working life was designing the bearing for the telescope at Jodrell Bank.

Haydn moved to Dunstable in 1999. He was a great help to his wife, Mo, when she became the leader of the Friends Together group. He will be particularly remembered for his quizzes and interesting facts.

Mo thanks God for a life full of amazing things shared with two sons, four grandchildren and a great-grandson. – JB

CHARLIE PETHERBRIDGE, KILBIRNIE BORN in 1931 and brought up in Gorbals Corps, Charlie was a second-generation Salvationist.

Following marriage in 1955 to Margaret, Charlie moved to Bellshill and then Kilbirnie in 1959.

A committed soldier and bandsman, he served as band secretary for several years. Poor health in recent years made life for Charlie difficult, often debilitating, yet he took this in his stride without complaint.

Charlie spent nearly nine months in hospital and only had five days in a beautiful local nursing home before being promoted to Glory. Thankfully, his passing was peaceful, with his beloved wife by his side.

Charlie was renowned for being a quiet, Christian gentleman, an amazing husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and father-in-law. He is sorely missed, will never be forgotten and will be loved for ever by his family. With pride, we say: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ – MM DIANA SHOWERING, SOUTHPORT BORN in 1941 in Rainhill, Merseyside, Diana married David in 1963 and the couple took on the ownership of a dog and cat kennel business in the nearby village of Halsall.

They had three children, Pamela, Robert and Jane, and they retired from the business in 1980.

In later years Diana began attending Southport Corps, becoming increasingly involved in the range of activities before she was joined by her husband. Senior soldiership followed with both joining the songsters and David taking on the role of band secretary.

David was promoted to Glory in 2019 with Diana continuing her active role in the corps. Despite the effects of lockdown, she maintained her bright and positive personality, which was a testament to her strong faith in her Lord.

Both David and Diana are sadly missed by their children and grandchildren, as well as members of the corps. – GM

SERVICE CENTRE UPDATE Issued by Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main For several months we have been in consultation with some employees based at service centres. This process is ongoing for some roles and sadly the posts of service centre manager and head of service centre operations in the Chief Secretary’s Office have been made redundant.

These are not the first redundancies to be made across the territory, but we are communicating this because it is a change that potentially has an impact on other employee points of contact.

We are very sorry these decisions have been necessary and are incredibly grateful for the commitment and professionalism that all colleagues who have been made redundant have shown.

Consultations are continuing for other areas and functions so we are unable to provide more information at this stage. Whenever we have to make difficult decisions about people’s roles, we have to wait for the full consultation and outcome process to conclude and our priority is with those individuals affected.

We continue to consider decisions about office space across the territory.

It is still unclear when we will be allowed to return to traditional officebased working and what The Salvation Army’s version of the ‘new normal’ will be. Governments across the territory have made clear that their route out of lockdown is still subject to change.

Except for the Warrington Service Centre, which has been closed due to lease issues, no other decisions have been made and remain under review.

Staff previously based in Warrington will be able to access office space in Liverpool and Manchester DHQs. All due processes will be followed if other changes are proposed. Presently, the message is that all staff working from home should continue to do so.

There are lots of complicated decisions being made, which require careful thought and planning. This means the process can take a lot of time. Please be assured of our commitment to moving forward in collaboration with relevant staff members.

Editor’s note In the interview ‘Soldiers on the silver screen’ (20 March Salvationist) the interviewee incorrectly stated that a ‘Captain Gilly Gardner’ appeared in the film Calendar Girls selling the War Cry. This was in fact Captain (now Major) Kenny Gardner, who was stationed at Keighley at the time. Salvationist apologises for this error.

ADVERTS BRASS AT HOME A special concert featuring three Salvation Army bands will be streamed on YouTube at 7pm on Easter Monday (5 April).

The concert will feature Regent Hall Band, Norwich Citadel Band and Birmingham Citadel Band.

Sign up to the free concert: fb.me/e/1jDeQE7iN

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Salvationist 3 April 2021

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