I WOULD venture to suggest that, for most people who experience a sense of calling to ministry, God used a particular verse of Scripture to speak to them. For me, that verse was Matthew 6:33: ‘But seek first the Kingdom of God … and all these things will be added to you’ (English Standard Version).
My calling was about prioritisation. It was not that God wasn’t important in my life, but he was not always my first thought, and this verse spoke to me about seeking him first, making his Kingdom my first priority. And, as a bonus, he assured me that ‘all these things’, whatever they were, would be given to me as well. Although never wealthy as the world might see it, I have never wanted for anything.
This Candidates Sunday (4 May), we are each given an opportunity to reflect on our own commitment and to consider what the Lord is asking of us. He may or may not be calling us to full-time ministry but he does ask all of us to make his Kingdom the first priority in our lives.
What is he asking of you today?
MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor
EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn
MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford
ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods
General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS
Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS
1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ 0845 634 0101
The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. ISSN 2516-5909.
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland is SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland is CHY6399.
Living counterculturally
As Star Wars: Andor returns for its second season, Sam calls us to stand together in today’s world
IN the trailer for the second season of Star Wars: Andor, the rebel leader Mon Mothma declares: ‘If we do not stand together, we will be crushed.’ The series, which is available to stream on Disney+, follows the origins of rebellious captain Cassian Andor, who we were first introduced to in the film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story
In continuation from the first season, the show displays the beginnings of the Rebel Alliance in the emerging conflict against the Galactic Empire and follows the drastic efforts of rebellion against the Empire’s tyranny and injustice. Similar efforts can be seen in the actions of the early Church and, today, how we are encouraged to live counter-culturally through our faith.
The call for the rebellion to ‘stand together’ against oppression reminds me of Acts 2:1: ‘When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place.’ The disciples had to stand together after the loss of the Messiah.
The idea of banding together for security is extremely prevalent in Andor’s display of rebellious actions fighting for the right reasons, even when against the laws in place within the Imperial society.
Another rebel leader, Saw Gerrera, states: ‘You’re right here and you are ready to fight.’ It is a call to speak out and stand up.
Speaking out and standing up is present in each of our faith journeys. In today’s society, we often face competition or opposition when we declare we are followers of Christ and demonstrate our beliefs within this busy and misleading world. I am brought back to my favourite Bible verse, Romans 12:2: ‘Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ This idea of living counterculturally through Christ was as present within the early Church, to whom Paul wrote, as it is today.
In today’s world, we need to hold strong to our faith in God and his guidance through Christ, not to stray into the ‘pattern of the world’. We need to respond to the call to step up and stand out in our faith and display Christian virtues in our everyday environment as we live counterculturally.
Will you respond to the call? Will you step up and stand out in your everyday?
Reflect and respond
‘Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out’ (Romans 12:2 The Message). How are you living counter-culturally in your faith?
Who are you standing with or for?
Pray for boldness and courage in your faith.
Building a better world
To commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day (8 May), George Tanton looks back
at the Army’s response to peace in Europe
‘WE must fight on!’ declared General George Carpenter in the 19 May 1945 War Cry, 11 days after the end of the Second World War in Europe. General Carpenter was certainly not implying that the Allies continue the conflict, but instead was advocating for a campaign of Salvationism – exhibiting Christian love and compassion to help rebuild a world ravaged by war, genocide and destruction.
‘In this historic hour I call upon Salvationists in every land to turn their joy at release from a large part of the burden of war days into channels of new consecration to urgent tasks,’ he continued. ‘In his infinite mercy, God is giving the western world one more chance to turn from the errors which have led it into unspeakable misery and unparalleled devastation.’
Across Britain, Salvation Army corps attended victory parades and thanksgiving services heralding a new era of peace. The Buckingham Advertiser on 19 May reported upon a victory march involving service personnel and bandsmen from Buckingham Corps. The Army flag was borne in front of the procession, which the paper asserted was the ‘symbol of Christian warfare against Evil’.
In Coventry, a city damaged by the Luftwaffe’s bombing raids, an Army band accompanied a thanksgiving service within the ruins of the cathedral.
The Army was at the heart of victory celebrations in Leicester. Reporting upon events, the Leicester Evening Mail explained that an Army band performed ‘Rule Britannia’, which was heartily taken up by the crowd with ‘a gusto indicative of the end of five and a half years of pent-up feelings’.
Celebrations at RAF Hemswell in
Lincolnshire featured Goldthorpe Band, which included teenagers Maurice Cooper and George Whittingham, who would go on to become Salvation Army officers.
In contrast, a more sombre mood marked victory in Europe at Wishaw Corps, which held a meeting of thanksgiving and prayer.
‘Thoughts of the congregation were towards those who on account of duty’s call were unable to be present and those who paid the supreme sacrifice,’ reported the Wishaw Press
At a united church thanksgiving service in Eastbourne, representatives – including Captain Fellingham of Old Town Corps –spoke of the need for remembrance and commemoration. Captain Fellingham’s address to the open-air congregation proclaimed that lasting peace in Europe would only be attainable if Jesus was at the centre of people’s thoughts and actions.
His remarks were summarised by the Eastbourne Herald: ‘Peace could only be maintained as long as God was given his place in the national life. With God’s peace in their hearts and Christ’s teaching to guide them they would live together in a spirit of neighbourliness. A man-made peace would come to an end as they found to their sorrow in 1939.’
This sentiment was also voiced by a Major Salmon in his address at Trowbridge Citadel. The 19 May 1945 Wiltshire Times highlighted his appeal for a ‘more active service in the cause of Christ, to help to bring about a better world for the future’.
Following VE Day, British prisoners of war were being returned to their homes and loved ones. The 31 May 1945 Burton Observer and South Derbyshire Weekly Mail published several accounts of servicemen being reunited with their families, including Swadlincote Bandsman and Songster Leader W Ford, who had been a captive in Germany. Upon his return, the corps band escorted him to the hall, where he was
presented with a box of donations and treated to an evening social.
The Army’s war work was also remarked upon following VE Day. In the Runcorn Weekly News, a letter written by Private Matthews – who was with the Lincolnshire Regiment ‘somewhere in Europe’ – expressed gratitude to the ‘Liverpool Lad’, the name for the Salvation Army mobile canteen serving troops on the frontline. ‘Keep it up Salvation Army,’ Matthews wrote. ‘We lads depend on you!’
Today, war exists once more in Europe, with the conflict between Russia and Ukraine now in its fourth year. In February, General Lyndon Buckingham prayed for comfort and healing, and called for world leaders to come alongside Russia and Ukraine in a ‘spirit of bipartisanship and peacemaking’.
While we are indebted to the peacemakers of the past, we too are called to keep God’s peace in our hearts, live together in neighbourliness and bring about a better world.
GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist
‘War Cry’ illustration, 19 May 1945
PAUSE AND REFLECT
Take time to prayerfully reflect on your current life and context.
If you know that you are a royal priest working for the King, and that you are fulfilled and flourishing in your work and life in general, that’s wonderful. You are living life to the full. However, if you are feeling a bit unsettled and lost – not quite sure as to what to do with the next stage in your life – then perhaps you need to remember that the Good Shepherd specialises in helping lost sheep find their way to the place where they should be (see Luke 15:3–7). Among other possibilities, perhaps the form of full-time ministry known as officership might be something for you to consider and pray about.
How will you know what the right way for you is? Some Salvation Army officers have a dramatic calling to officership and some don’t. For me, although I had work that I enjoyed, I had a quiet but growing conviction that being a Salvation Army officer was what I was born for. When the Good Shepherd began to whisper that in my ear, I have never had one minute’s regret that I listened to and obeyed him. All I can recommend is to spend some time listening to him.
MAJOR PHILIP GARNHAM Tutor in Retirement
William Booth College
A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship
SATURDAY 3 MAY: CARE FOR CREATION – GET OWT!
Help us to be open to your Spirit’s leading as we seek how and where the Get OWT! (Outside with Toddlers) material can be used. We pray that, as families explore nature, they will learn how much they are loved by you, and how each of us has a responsibility to care for your wonderful world.
by Rachel Gotobed (Outreach Mission Partner, Family Ministries Department)
Jesus comes to his friends and his first words over them are: ‘Peace be with you!’ Where do you long to see peace today? Are there people, places or situations over which you’d like Jesus to breathe his breath of peace? Do you yourself need to feel the touch of his hand and the blessing of his peace?
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
MONDAY 5 MAY: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – SALVATIONIST.ORG.UK AND SALVATIONIST SOCIAL MEDIA
Pray our content will help people grow in faith, deepen belonging and unity within our Movement and enable participation in mission. May our online interactions demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit, and create safe and accessible spaces where we listen to and support one another. For those who don’t have faith, may search engines and algorithms draw them to our content and the transformational love of God. by Bethany Gibson (Online Content Editor, Publishing Department)
TUESDAY 6 MAY: SERVING AND CARING – DEAF AWARENESS WEEK
Heavenly Father, you have created us in great diversity. Pray for those whose hearing impairments impact their lives through isolation and communication challenges. We thank you for the gift of BSL (British Sign Language) – a creative language, for the gift of lip-reading and for the gift of speech, which often gets taken for granted. by Major Julian Rowley (Newcastle-under-Lyme with Chesterton)
WEDNESDAY 7 MAY: GROWING IN FAITH – DEAF AWARENESS WEEK
Pray for courage and resilience for those who are deafened mid-life as a result of injury or industrial or percussive impact on their hearing abilities. We pray for their families, thanking you for the advocacy they offer, often struggling against bureaucratic processes, lack of resources and awareness, and prejudicial attitudes within society. Help us embrace this diverse group, both those within the deaf community and those who are deaf and live their lives outside the deaf community.
by Major Julian Rowley (Newcastle-under-Lyme with Chesterton)
THURSDAY 8 MAY: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – KENYA EAST TERRITORY
We pray that God will renew Salvationists’ determination to share the good news, wherever they find themselves, as next year they approach 130 years since three Salvationists first went to Kenya to start the work. We pray blessing on the territorial leadership team: Colonels Daniel and Anne Kiama and Lieut-Colonels Mario and Celeste Nhacumba.
by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team)
FRIDAY 9 MAY: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – THE IMPACT OF ASSISTED SUICIDE ON THE MOST VULNERABLE (PROVERBS 31:8)
There is growing concern that legalising assisted suicide could put pressure on older people, people with disabilities or people who feel like a burden. We pray legal safeguards of life will be strong and the voices of disability advocacy groups will be heard. May society value every life, ensuring the most vulnerable are protected and treated with dignity and care.
by Captain John Clifton (Territorial Justice and Reconciliation Officer)
PRAYER REQUESTS
Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?
Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.
‘When you follow God’s call, he adds so much to your
Territorial Candidates Director Major Mark Sawyer chats about Candidates Sunday and fullness of life
Let’s talk John 10:10. What does that have to do with Candidates Sunday?
Jesus said: ‘I have come in order that you might have life – life in all its fullness’ (Good News Bible). We want to help people discover that fullness of life by responding to God’s call on their lives. That could be a calling to spiritual leadership in The Salvation Army. We’ve recorded a fun video of 10 officers and territorial envoys each speaking for 10 seconds about that.
In the parable of the Good Shepherd, there’s the lovely detail that Jesus calls each sheep by name…
The analogy of God as our shepherd is beautiful: the Good Shepherd knows each sheep individually, their personality, their character. God wants to guide us to the right place at the right time and the right direction for us. It’s a personal, unique calling. Jesus goes on to talk about the thief who will come and try to destroy that. But if we stay focused and follow Jesus, we will go the way he wants us to.
Could the thief simply look like the world distracting us?
Definitely. All kinds of things –distractions, voices, peer pressure – can take us away from following God’s call. The spiritual discipline is to hear the voice of the Shepherd and find our path in him. If we’re not doing that, we’re missing out on that fullness of life!
People can sometimes think of officership as a sacrifice, but John 10:10 reminds us that God’s calling is into something that’s greater than ourselves. That’s it – when you step out to respond to his call, whatever that might be for you, there’s so much that God adds to your life! And gosh, the joy of ministry! The joy of meeting so many different people and being used to keep the story of Jesus alive. It’s awesome – I don’t see it as a sacrifice at all.
What was your calling like?
When I was 18, I worked for the Army in Reliance World Travel. I was on a trip to East Germany, the Berlin Wall was up, and we met in secret with Christians, including Salvationists, in a hotel basement. It really challenged me. To be honest, I was playing games with faith at that time. But these people were serious about their faith, they were risking so much and were so passionate about their love for Jesus. So I decided to take it seriously and, through people such as Major Jorgen Booth and Major Joy Webb – to name just two – I began to grow in a faith that was very real and helped me to discover God’s will for my life. That’s the short version!
And there’s always more to keep discovering in that fullness, isn’t there?
Absolutely. We use the word ‘adventure’ a lot and it is an adventure. The older I
get and the more I begin to understand about God, the more I realise I don’t understand! There’s this glorious mystery, which I’m glad about, because in that tension of mystery and certainty is my journey of faith. It leads me to trust him day by day.
What’s the most exciting thing for you in your final months as Territorial Candidates Director?
It’s been exciting to see a huge response to Design for Life and Exploring Leadership Day. Design for Life Children has also taken off – it’s embedding life-changing truths into young hearts and minds. The implication that has for the future is really precious. Living out God’s calling takes so many forms – there are a whole load of ways God takes hold of ordinary people and does extraordinary things through them – but I’m excited to see people being called specifically to Salvation Army officership and territorial envoyship. They remain an important form of ministry and our recent assessment conferences have confirmed that. I believe that will increasingly happen: we’re seeing a tide turn since the Covid-19 pandemic, as people explore what God’s calling looks like for them.
What is God calling you to?
Find out more at salvationist.org. uk/calling or email vocation@ salvationarmy.org.uk to start a conversation.
Salvationist will explore other forms of vocation, calling and leadership in another issue later this year.
Making training more accessible
Major Wendy Stanbury (William Booth College) unpicks some common misconceptions about officer training
What does officer training look like at William Booth College?
It’s important that we resource officers with a good level of biblical literacy and ensure they can pastorally care for people, teach and preach well and have good all-round knowledge. We also have to work within the international Orders and Regulations for training. About 20 years ago, the programme adopted the diploma level course, equivalent to the second year of university. This is taught over two years and is universityaccredited.
What’s a common misconception about training?
Assignments have primarily been written essays so, for some people, this becomes a focus. The real focus is the integration of being, knowing and doing. That’s what we want to see in people; we can help with the rest.
Do you think some people find the college daunting?
When someone goes to university, they’ll generally have done A-levels or an access course. But we take such a wide range of people. They could be in their 50s, having not formally studied since they were 16. Their background could be in hairdressing or car mechanics –these have great transferable skills but don’t necessarily prepare you to write a theology essay. I think that sometimes
discourages people. But you don’t have to pass the academic diploma to be commissioned as an officer – that’s always been the case.
How is training changing?
The University of Gloucester can no longer accredit our course. At the same time, we wanted to modify the course, so this has provided us with an opportunity to do so: our new validating partner, York St John University, has enabled us to write the course with a focus on giving credit for the doing of ministry, meaning that it’s more tailored to the vocational nature of officership. This new course will take effect from September.
What will the new training look like in practice?
We’ll have fewer written assignments and more presentations, portfolios and assessed conversations, taking the emphasis off academic written work. There’s also a placement module that will run through the whole first year where cadets work alongside a corps leader.
We have been able to develop the range of assignment types, for example doctrine, which is the subject I teach, students will write and deliver a discipleship talk. It’s equivalent to a written assignment, but what’s being prepared is what every officer would be expected to do.
Written essays are one way of showing how much someone knows, but we’re training Salvation Army officers, so it makes sense that the assessments reflect what they’ll be doing in the future. There’s still a degree of formality – such as referencing and using correct terminology – but the burden of writing is lessened.
What does the college already do to make training accessible?
Whether people are distance learning or residential – living at the college –we want them to feel as embedded into college life as possible. We have communities of practice where people meet together online and in person to reflect and apply what they’ve learnt in class to practical environments and vice versa. These groups have helped people feel they belong and can contribute even if they’re not on site.
We’re also getting better at understanding how people learn in different ways. Our flexible learning pathways mean we can tailor the programme to each person’s needs. That could be a mixture of distance and residential learning or following an unaccredited model. Some people might take a three-year programme. Others might do a one-year programme.
Why is accessible training so important?
It’s important we equip people to the highest standard we can, and the diploma is a good vehicle for delivering this. But actually, some of the best officers I know don’t write the best essays. They’re the people who visit, who care, who can teach, who can disciple, who uphold Kingdom values, who are good role models. None of these qualities can be assessed in an essay.
The diploma enriches and enhances but, if we’re not careful, people can become so focused on knowing that they forget we’re called to be before we’re told to do anything.
Cadets at the training college
Finding fulfilment
Territorial envoys at different stages of their journeys share their testimonies of following God’s call
Territorial Envoy Kim Whyard
Bristol Easton
Being in full-time ministry was never really on my radar – I felt fulfilled over the years holding various local officer roles so could see that God had opened doors and, I believe, used me in his service.
But a Holy Spirit discomforting niggle about eight years ago indicated that God had new plans for me! I am so grateful for discerning officers and the Design for Life weekend, which all helped to guide me and affirm this new calling, and to The Salvation Army for opening up new avenues for full-time ministry as a spiritual leader and recognising that God uses people of all ages and backgrounds to build his Kingdom.
Since being accepted as a territorial envoy, I have learnt so much about God – how he speaks to me, how he brings people together and how he works in surprising ways. I love building relationships with people in other organisations – both faith-based and those supporting others. God has given me a supportive prayer group made up of local church leaders and constantly shows me new opportunities to express my faith and tell others about his love.
This article demonstrates The Salvation Army’s key value of passion.
For more, visit salvationist. org.uk/ our-values or scan the QR code.
The territorial envoy community is also very special. We may be serving in far–flung parts of the country, but the weeks we spend at William Booth College have proved to be enriching, uplifting and Spirit-filled. I am truly blessed and God is so good.
Inside assessment conferences
Panel member Moira Wilson (Govan) offers an insight into how candidate applicants are assessed
What is an assessment conference?
It is the final part of a lengthy period of preparation for people responding to God’s call to spiritual leadership within The Salvation Army. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever been involved with in my professional life, because God is at the centre of everything that takes place during the three days.
Candidates will have been working on detailed individual learning plans, linked to several core competencies, to provide evidence in relation to their skills, knowledge and understanding. They’ll have been engaged in various learning activities and will have undertaken other interviews during this process. The assessment conference brings that all together.
How long does the whole application journey take?
There is no specific timescale – each candidate’s journey will be different, and their development plans will be tailored to their individual needs and learning styles. Some candidates may attend more than one assessment conference for a variety of reasons.
What is an assessment conference looking for?
Although candidates are being assessed against some core competencies, these are secondary to evidence of a clear and authentic calling by God and a willingness to continually learn and develop.
Who is on an assessment conference panel?
There are two Salvation Army officers, two lay members, and the territorial candidates director or assistant candidates director will be the chair. Pastoral care for the candidates is very important: an officer is assigned to spend time with them when they are not attending assessment activities.
How do you prepare for an assessment conference?
It’s quite an intense time in the lead‑up to a conference. As assessors, we find out the names of candidates four weeks in advance and receive all the records from their journey to that point. We review the information in detail so that we build up a picture of each individual and their progress. It is a comprehensive process and must be completed about five days before the assessment conference.
I usually need three weeks to complete everything, which is as it should be – we would be doing a disservice to everyone involved if we didn’t devote a significant amount of time in preparation. This includes spiritual readiness as well as practical readiness.
Every part of the assessment conference and every person involved is covered in prayer. It’s not something we take lightly and we owe it to the candidates to give them our best.
What happens after an assessment conference?
The panel’s recommendation is taken to the Territorial Candidates Council, which makes the final decision. The chair of the panel initially contacts the candidate’s divisional leader with our recommendation before the candidate is informed. Those who are unsuccessful at that point will be given feedback in person. Sometimes it’s not a ‘no’ but a ‘no for now’, as more development might be required or another avenue of service might be considered more suitable. There is a huge amount of support at this point, and I really like the care and compassion shown, coupled with a constructive conversation about next steps.
Is there a standout moment for you?
I’m glad you asked! Every conference I have been part of has had an impact on me and I’ve come away changed in some way. I’m challenged, spiritually uplifted and humbled by the people I meet. It is an immense privilege to be a part of a panel, to see the depth of faith and certainty in God’s call upon their lives, and to witness people still responding to it.
Do you have any advice for prospective candidates?
Don’t try to be who you think we want you to be. Be yourself – as God intended you to be.
Oldbury Sharing good news together
Established and united
This is our first appointment as corps leaders. Oldbury is a large corps with a big focus on youth and children’s ministry. Things were already well established and running smoothly when we arrived, which was a great blessing.
Half our hall was newly built around 16 years ago and where we are now is the positive outcome of a successful merger between Blackheath and Warley to create Oldbury Corps. We still have folks from both attending and we’ve embraced our unity.
Kidz Klub
We recently celebrated 20 years of our Kidz Klub for ages 4 to 11-year-olds and Shockin for 11 to 15-year-olds. There’s rarely a week when we don’t see new children attending.
The Kidz Klub model originated from Liverpool’s Frontline church that children’s ministry leader Claire Highton-Nicholls observed. It was prayed into before it began here.
We have an amazing team of volunteers who support the running of this ministry and visit children and their families at home weekly. At each visit children are given a scriptural colouring sheet linked to the week’s theme. We chat to them and see how they’re getting on, building relationships over time.
We continued throughout the Covid-19 pandemic with doorstep visits and then online. It’s been a positive story of growth since then. A lot of the children who come to Shockin have already attended Kidz Klub for quite a while and some of them have developed into young leaders within this ministry. We currently have six young leaders on the Kidz Klub team and they’re encouraged to be part of the team and attend Shockin for themselves.
Family fun and friendships
Our mission statement says that ‘we will deliver the good news of Jesus Christ to children and their families in a creative, relevant and fun way by showing his love
for all people through our lives’. At the end of each term, the Kidz Klub team will look at our mission statement and how we can do better.
Our monthly family service is attended by some of the children, and we’ve made junior soldiers through Kidz Klub. Our main focus is developing their faith and relationships with Jesus.
We’ve restarted Messy Church four times a year and had 80 attend at Easter. It’s a whole church thing and it takes everybody to get on board.
We’re starting to see a lot of integration between our corps people and families who attend in the week, which has been developed through Messy Church as well as regular social events.
We’ve also introduced a parent-andtoddler group and have about 10 families regularly learning about the Bible in a way that’s suitable for younger years. We always send a good number of children to junior camps and other divisional events.
Nurturing disciples
We purchased Bibles for every child who comes to Kidz Klub, for them to take home. A lot of funding came through the generosity of corps folk wanting to sponsor in this way as well as from the Children and Youth Department. When we distributed them, the children were very excited. It was lovely to be in a room with 30-plus children all reading the
Bible. We’ve received photographs from parents saying: ‘They won’t go to bed. They’re too busy reading the Bible’. We’re currently teaching them how to pray. Everything that’s happening at Oldbury is not because of us, but because of what God’s doing. By his grace, we’re still here, after 20 years of Kidz Klub, delivering the good news to children and families. That just blows our minds!
Fast Facts
DIVISION West Midlands CORPS LEADERS
Lieutenants Deborah and Jon Hampton FIND US ONLINE salvationarmy.org.uk/oldbury
ECUMENICAL
General pays tribute to Pope Francis
IHQ
THE Salvation Army has extended condolences to the Roman Catholic Church and Roman Catholics worldwide following the death of Pope Francis, aged 88.
The first Jesuit priest and the first Latin American to ascend to the Papacy, Pope Francis will be well remembered for his exemplary and faithful service to God, the Church and the world.
‘From humble beginnings,’ said The Salvation Army’s international leader General Lyndon Buckingham, ‘his focus on God’s mercy, dedication to environmental stewardship, and deep concern for the poor and vulnerable have made a great and lasting legacy.
‘The Salvation Army is also appreciative of Pope Francis’s unwavering commitment to interfaith discourse and is grateful for the ecumenical dialogue fostered under his papacy.’
The Salvation Army’s involvement with the work of the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity, its ongoing dialogue on shared matters of priority and concern, and its worldwide partnership in caring for the poor were hallmarks of the Movement’s relationship with Pope Francis.
In a 2019 meeting at the Vatican, Pope Francis shared the first lesson he ever received in Christian service when, at four years old, he met several members of the Army while with his grandmother.
He said that the Army’s ‘example of humble service to the least of our brothers and sisters spoke louder than any words’.
In particular, the Pope thanked Salvationists for caring for the marginalised and people experiencing homelessness, and for their efforts in fighting human trafficking. Pope Francis pointed out that ‘in a world where selfishness and divisions abound, the noble fragrance of genuine self-giving love can offer a much-needed antidote’.
The Salvation Army is indebted to Pope Francis for his encouragement and blessing, and joins the world in saluting his service to the Kingdom of God. – AR
ECUMENICAL
UKI Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main have expressed their condolences on the territory’s behalf in a series of letters to the Roman Catholic Church’s key leaders in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Writing to the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Rev Eamon Martin, the Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, and the Right Rev John Keenan, Bishop of Paisley and president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, the territorial leaders said: ‘Pope Francis was a beacon of compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. His dedication to serving the marginalised and his commitment to justice and peace resonated far beyond the walls of the Church, touching lives across the world.’ They added: ‘In this time of mourning, Salvationists are praying for the Roman Catholic community, asking for God’s comfort and strength to be upon you.’ – AR
EASTER
FAKENHAM Family Fun Day took the theme of Palm Sunday, with six new families attending and more than 50 people taking part. Crafts comprised making palm leaves – both paper and edible! – decorating a crown and making a banner that spelled out ‘hosanna’. Worship time, led by Ruth Woodhouse, included a reconstruction of Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem with a donkey made by one of the dads. Everyone learnt about the significance of Jesus entering Jerusalem and how it related to Easter. Pictured is Connor, who played Jesus. – AP
EASTER
CIRENCESTER As part of Palm Sunday activities, the young people of the GAP Sunday Club designed and constructed an Easter Garden illustrating the Easter story. A silhouette of the Easter story was illustrated in the main window of the hall to remind passers-by of the significance of Easter. – MG
ECUMENICAL
IHQ The Salvation Army joined 11 other Christian World Communions to issue a message to mark the shared date of Easter in 2025 by all Christians. The letter also recognised the 1700th anniversary of the first ecumenical council at Nicaea. The message bore witness to the resurrection of Christ and was signed by general secretaries and ecumenical representatives of the 12 global groups. It called for Christians to work for the unity of the Church, praying for ‘the Holy Spirit to move our Communions to live and walk together in obedience to the call of Jesus that all his disciples may be one’. General Lyndon Buckingham said: ‘I welcome this message of unity and hope which springs from Christ’s resurrection. This Easter, in an unsettled world, we dare to stand together as part of the universal Christian Church.’ – AR
EASTER
invited to wear Easter bonnets on the Wednesday of Holy Week. Charity shop manager Carole Wilde chose the best two. Cook Christine Turner made rabbit shortbread for the occasion. All members were presented with Easter eggs, generously donated by the manager of The Garden House in Norwich. – GW
EVENT
BATH CITADEL The corps held a Prayer Pilgrimage, organised by Celebrate Recovery. The group were able to chat, pray and get to know one another better during this time. – SL
EASTER
BECCLES The corps offered space for reflection on Jesus’ journey to the cross during Holy Week, welcoming all who sought a moment of peace, prayer and connection. People were invited to pause from the busyness of everyday life and reflect on their own personal journeys. Each station provided an opportunity to pray – for those in the news, for those who are suffering, and for themselves – and was designed to encourage quiet contemplation. – LK
CHILDREN AND YOUTH
WINTON The corps hosted a ‘self-love’ day for secondary school girls, offering pampering, empowerment and vital conversations about mental wellbeing. Guest speaker Joely Williams addressed issues such as peer pressure, stress management and the importance of hobbies, while activities encouraged open discussions in a safe, supportive space. Hannah Hylton, who organised the event, said: ‘This day is about reminding girls that they matter – that taking care of themselves isn’t selfish, it’s essential.’ – AR
COMMUNITY
HISTON The Music Man Project has launched at the corps, providing opportunities for local adults with disabilities to sing, play instruments and perform. Run in partnership with The Salvation Army’s Enabled community, the sessions help individuals unlock musical potential and build confidence. – AR
HOMELESSNESS
Supported accommodation expands FLEETWOOD
A NEW communal space at George Williams House Lifehouse will help boost residents’ wellbeing.
The deputy mayor of Wyre, Councillor Steve Nicholls, cut the ribbon on the extra space, which is in the Lifehouse’s garden area and will be known as The Haven. It will be used for events, breakaway sessions and as a tranquil calming space, boosting the mental health of the six young people and nine families who reside at the Lifehouse. It was built through funding received from runners in the 2024 London Marathon, fundraising for The Salvation Army with the aim of helping transform the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
Hayley Fletcher, programme manager for George Williams House said: ‘Residents are always at the heart of everything that we do and so The Haven was created from the feedback we received from them.’ – AR
Report highlights Army’s global impact
IHQ
THE Salvation Army’s International Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response Council’s annual impact report, Embolden Hope, has shone light on the Movement’s commitment to dismantling and responding to modern slavery and human trafficking while celebrating the people at the heart of its response.
Since 2020, the Army has journeyed alongside more than 40,000 survivors and supported over 100,000 vulnerable individuals across 134 countries. In 2024 alone, more than 165,500 people vulnerable to modern slavery and human trafficking, and 14,552 survivors received support from the Army. Additionally, more than 12,000 community-awareness events were organised.
Embolden Hope also shares stories of global and local impact, showcasing the resilience of survivors, the strength in collaborating with other organisations and the steadfast dedication of those actively engaged in the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. Read the report at salvationarmy.org/ihq/antitrafficking. – AR
MODERN SLAVERY
NOELAH, Charlotte and Josh were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Captain Claire Durrant. All three, still in education, are excited about the future and want to keep Jesus central as they continue their discipleship journeys. – CD
TRACEY Head, Sue Dawkins and Linda Anne Case were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Lieutenant James Pegg. All three testified to their growing faith in Jesus and how they have found their spiritual home at the corps. Tracey and Sue are regulars at Cameo and Linda enjoys coming along to the coffee morning. They all join in worship on a Sunday morning with their church family. – JB
BELFAST TEMPLE
RONNIE Ho was welcomed as an adherent and her daughter, Miracle, was enrolled as a junior soldier on Mothering Sunday. Ronnie and Miracle left their home in Hong Kong and came to Belfast in 2023. When they arrived, they integrated with the local Chinese community and decided one Sunday to come to our corps. Both were made very welcome and soon joined in with many corps activities. They both speak Cantonese and started to learn English. We are blessed that they decided to make the corps their place of worship. Ronnie and Miracle are pictured with corps leader Major Cindy Stanford and Divisional Mission Officer Major Kelston Stanford. – PN
HARPENDEN
CRAIG McCallum and Jonathan Kemp were welcomed as adherents on Mothering Sunday by corps leader Major Annette Guest. Craig started attending the corps after being invited by a bandsman, then Craig invited Jonathan along too. They have been attending services for a little while and we are delighted they have now taken the next step in their faith journeys. Jonathan and Craig are pictured with Major Annette. – AG
SWADLINCOTE
FRIENDS and family gathered to witness and celebrate Julie Aucote being enrolled as a soldier by corps leader Major Marjory Parrott. Julie first attended the corps as a toddler. Her father was a Salvationist, but worked away from home a lot, and the family also attended the Methodist Church. About 16 months ago – when her mother, Corps Secretary Pat Turner, was leading the meeting – Julie took the opportunity to attend and became a regular member of the congregation, during which time she felt called to greater commitment. In her testimony, Julie thanked the corps for welcoming her back as an adult and said that she had felt in recent weeks that the time was right for her to become a soldier. Julie is pictured with Major Marjory and Pat. – JP
FELTHAM
WREXHAM
Accepted as candidates for officer training
EDMOND BALOG , Gravesend
BETHANY HENDERSON, Clydebank
PHILIP HENDERSON, Clydebank
TERRITORIAL ENVOY
CRAIG MCKINSTRY, Fraserburgh
GRACE WOODGATE, Liverpool Stoneycroft
TERRITORIAL ENVOY HARRY WOODS, Beccles
Local officers appointed
CORPS SECRETARY
DIVISIONAL ENVOY KAY ROPER , Kilmarnock
SONGSTER SERGEANT ANNE TAYLOR , Hamilton
Wedding anniversaries
Emerald (55 years)
BANDSMAN GORDON AND SONGSTER JO PERRY, Tunstall, on 4 April
Dedicated to God
SOFIA LIBBY CRAIG, daughter of Katie Quinn and Stuart Craig, at Kilmarnock by Captains Emma and Les Heal
ZAYDEN PARMAR , son of Henishbhai Parmar and Stenilaben Mecwan at Sale by Majors Ann and Donald Montgomery
JOEY DODD, son of Brian and Erica Dodd, at Felixstowe by Major David Squirrell
Promoted to Glory
CORPS PRESS REPRESENTATIVE
SANDRA LLEWELLYN, Skewen
MAJOR GWENDA CROSSLAND from Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital on 15 April
MAJOR DOROTHY HOLLOWAY from Villa Adastra care home on 17 April
Bereaved
RON LLEWELLYN, Skewen, of his wife Corps Press Representative Sandra Llewellyn, Lynette Williams, Skewen, of her sister
STEPHEN CROSSLAND and Philip Crossland, both Norwich Citadel, of their mother Major Gwenda Crossland
Appointed
Effective 1 April
MAJOR CHRIS DAVIDSON, Rhyl (21 hours per week)
Effective 17 April
MAJOR DAVID EVANS, Support Officer for Divisional Ecumenical Officers, Communications Service (1 day per week)
MAJOR KARL GRAY, Ilford, Malachi and Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge
MAJOR RUTH GRAY, Ilford, Malachi and Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge
CAPTAIN SARAH GRIFFITHS, additional appointment, Divisional Candidates Officer, North West and Isle of Man Division
MAJOR ALISON KELLY, Assistant to the Overseas Services Unit, Officer Department (1 day per week)
MAJOR DEBBIE PEARSON, additional appointment, Divisional Candidates Officer, East of England Division
MAJOR PAUL SCOTT, Support Officer for Ilford, Malachi and Woodford in the London Borough of Redbridge
Effective 24 April
MAJOR GLAD DAVIDSON, Rhyl
CAPTAIN EMMA HEAL , additional appointment, Ayr
CAPTAIN LES HEAL , additional appointment, Ayr
Effective 5 June
CAPTAIN YVONNE WEST, additional appointment, Godly Play Coordinator, Mission Service (2 days per month)
Effective 17 July
CAPTAIN ADRIAN ALLEN, additional appointment, Territorial Intercultural Mission Officer Coordinator, Mission Service (1 day per week)
COMMISSIONERS DORITA AND JOHN WAINWRIGHT, officers in retirement, Executive Officers to the African Praise Fellowship Zimbabwe, Mission Service
Promotions
To major – effective 19 April
CAPTAIN JULIA COZENS, THQ
ENGAGEMENTS
General Lyndon Buckingham and World President of Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
Thu 15 May Sunbury Court (ICO Lecture)
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries
Commissioner Shelley Hill
Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
Sat 3 May – Mon 5 May Western European Leaders’ Conference
Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
Chief Secretary Colonel Peter Forrest and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development
Colonel Julie Forrest
Mon 5 May – Fri 9 May European Zonal Conference
Sat 17 May – Sun 18 May Bellshill (International Staff Songsters)*
*Colonel Peter Forrest only
NOTICES
Salvationist price increase
After careful consideration, the price of Salvationist magazine will rise from 70p/80c to £1/€1 a week from the 10 May 2025 issue. This is the first increase since October 2019, when the price rose from 60p to 70p. Production costs have not stood still in the past six years, which has made this price rise unavoidable. We value you as part of our readership and look forward to journeying with you as we continue to explore faith and belonging together. If you have any questions or comments, you want to share your testimony or you’d like to tell us about what’s happening where you are, we’d love to hear from you! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk. The prices of War Cry and Kids Alive! are not increasing.
Becoming a Christian
Do you know someone who’s exploring Christianity for the first time? They can find introductions to God, the Bible, church, how to pray and more – including a free digital copy of Who is This Jesus Anyway? – online at salvationist.org.uk/explore-faith
SOUNDS
Sunday Worship
Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This week’s message is from Territorial Candidates Director Major Mark Sawyer. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.
• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio
Sing to the Lord with the ISS
Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters, chosen each month by a special guest. Listen at 5pm on Sunday 4 May.
