Salvationist 4 January 2020

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1737 Price 70p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 4 January 2020

Lord, renew my mind As your will unfolds in my life, In living every day in the power of your love

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CONTENTS

Feature Experiencing God’s limitless love

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by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts

Territorial Commander’s new year message

4 and 5

News

6 to 9

News feature War Cry covers 140 years

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More rear-mirror views Cockney agricultural pioneers

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by General John Larsson (Retired)

2020 events calendar

12 and 13

We are The Salvation Army 14 and 15 We are helping turn lives around says Ishbel Cooke from Accrington Crossroads Lifehouse

Bible study Look up!

16 and 17

by Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Philippa Smale

New commitments

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Letters

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Announcements

20 and 21

Adverts

22 and 23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Maria Ball

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

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Salvationist 4 January 2020

WHAT’S NEW? A NEW year has arrived, but has anything really changed? Is 1 January just another date in the calendar, not much different from 31 December?

There is actually no astronomical or religious reason to celebrate New Year’s Day on 1 January. The Christian calendar begins with Advent, and the Chinese new year won’t be celebrated until 25 January.

Marking the new year on 1 January started with the Romans. Their god Janus was the god of beginnings and had two faces: one looking back at the past, the other looking ahead to the future. He was celebrated with a feast day in January, so it seemed appropriate to start the new year then.

But, going back to my opening question, has anything really changed?

If some significant event affected us on 1 January, then perhaps things have changed.

If not, then the new year might be no different. Unless, that is, we’ve done something to make it different. That’s where new year’s resolutions come in for many people.

They can be helpful, but for those of us who follow Jesus, something more deeprooted is possible.

The words on the front cover, ‘Lord, renew my mind’, are from song 601 in the Army songbook and are based on Romans 12:2, where Paul urges his readers to ‘be transformed by the renewing of your mind’. A new year may not be different from the old in terms of social trends, events or daily routines, but it can be different if we enter it as renewed people – if we allow the grace of God to transform our outlook, attitudes and motives so that we reflect the likeness of Jesus more and more.

Vision and Commitment Sunday is a good opportunity to think about renewal. On page 3 Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts outlines the theme for the day, which could also be a theme for the year: Infinitely More. The realisation that there is always more of God’s boundless love in store should enable us to see every situation as an opportunity to experience that love. This approach represents a renewed attitude to life.

In his new year message on pages 4 and 5 the Territorial Commander reminds us that living for the glory of God is what unites us as we engage in diverse ministries in different contexts. He writes: ‘There needs to be an ongoing, intentional desire that God be glorified and that Jesus should have the pre-eminence in everything we are and everything we do.’ That intentional desire springs from a renewing of our minds.

The theme of renewal also features in Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe’s Bible study on pages 16 and 17. He says it is easy to be distracted by ‘human traditions’ and ‘human wisdom’, so we need to focus on Jesus and experience his ‘renewing power’ to ‘change our hearts and transform our minds’.

So, what’s new? We can be if we’re open to the transforming grace of God – not just at the beginning of the year, but all the way through it.

Lord, I come to you, Let my heart be changed, renewed, Flowing from the grace that I found in you.

(SASB 601)

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

FEATURE I Vision and Commitment Sunday

Experiencing God’s limitless love Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts introduces the theme for this year’s Vision and Commitment Sunday (5 January)

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HERE do you find yourself at the start of this new year and, in fact, this new decade?

Have you made your resolutions and plans for what you want to do or achieve in the coming months? There may be big changes in store – a particular milestone that you are preparing for, or unexpected circumstances that may take you by surprise.

The year ahead may be more about the small moments – the ordinary, everyday mix of progress and setbacks that are part of life. Whether big or small, joyful or sad, exciting or ordinary, you can be assured that God will be in it all.

Whatever you have experienced of God’s love and power so far in your relationship with him, there is always more to discover. However much you have experienced God’s faithful commitment to you, there is more to surprise and amaze you, because God is infinitely more.

‘Infinitely More’ is the striking message

at the heart of this year’s Vision and Commitment Sunday. This is always a significant time in the territory, a special time for each one of us to renew our covenant with the Lord and dedicate ourselves afresh.

The theme is based on Paul’s devout and affectionate prayer in Ephesians 3:14–21. He wants his readers to be strengthened by God’s Spirit and to know Christ’s presence and love intimately. It is by being deeply rooted in this love that they can begin to understand its limitless, everlasting, spacious, deep nature.

This beautiful prayer concludes with the call to praise God and acknowledge that he is not only able to ‘accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think’, but also that this is realised ‘through his mighty power at work within us’ (v20 New Living Translation).

Paul was convinced that the Ephesians needed to encounter that love – not just to know about it in their heads but to experience it in their lives.

Our adventure into God’s ‘infinitely more’ begins when we choose to go farther up and in. When we open our hearts and say: ‘Lord, I want to experience more of your limitless love.’

God is always doing more than we can fully grasp. It’s so easy to get stuck in a rut, simply looking at what’s in front of us and seeing only the problems and limitations. Even now we may be struggling to believe that our friends and family will find salvation and that our local communities will be transformed by love in action. Or we may be carrying a hope in our hearts that our world can become a kinder, fairer place, knowing

that God is present in every situation.

The start of this new year may be a good opportunity to consider how we will seek to know more of God. What could it look like, for you personally and in the groups that you may be part of, to join in what God is doing right where you are?

What can we do in our corps and centres, working together across the generations, to explore and share God’s love, truth and justice?

Through this year’s Vision and Commitment Sunday theme, people of all ages are encouraged to grasp more clearly Christ’s limitless love and commitment to us. Lyndall Bywater has written a series of resources that includes a prayer (below) that we will see more of God in people or circumstances than perhaps we ever imagined. May this prayer be a reality for each one of us in the year ahead.

Resources to help you explore Infinitely More in worship or small groups – including children and youth sessions – are available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/vision-andcommitment

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God of boundless grace, we choose today to welcome all that you have for us: Make us hungry to experience more of your presence in our lives.

Help us to open our hearts, that we might experience your limitless love in the deepest parts of ourselves.

Give us the strength to lay aside fear and disappointment, and to choose faith and hope instead.

Give us the courage to let go of traditions that limit you, and help us to embrace change.

Give us the faith to dream big dreams and pray big prayers.

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THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE

TOGETHER FOR GOD’S GLORY A message from Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

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020 – you are most welcome!

Some of us are just thrilled to know that at last a new year has arrived and, on top of that, we can now say that we are living in the Twenties. Others have been anticipating your arrival for a very long time because of your pleasant symmetry and association with 20/20 perfect vision.

Speaking of vision, I can say I have always been puzzled as to the meaning of the carol ‘I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In’. It never made sense for landlocked Bethlehem, far away from any body of water, to have a vision of ships bringing anything, let alone the Virgin Mary and Jesus.

Some people have surmised that the ships were more to do with the wise men arriving on the ships of the desert, the trusty camel that was

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probably the preferred mode of transport – but who knows?

I was drawn to the song’s unusual lyrics because during the past year I have had a picture in my own mind – not of three ships, but of a vast fleet of vessels of varying sizes, functions and capabilities that come together as The Salvation Army.

I would never want us to lose the imagery of The Salvation Army being what we are called – an Army – but this picture was triggered by several people expressing to me the opinion that the Army in the UK and the Republic of Ireland is ‘a big ship to turn around’. These well-meaning comments prompted some personal reflection, which led me to conclude that these observations were flawed on two counts: first, that we were all going in the wrong direction and needed to be turned around, and second, that the Army can be helpfully considered as one ship.

Let me explain further by drawing parallels with the navy of any country, but particularly with the Royal Navy. It is clear that the navy is

not one ship, and not all the ships of the navy are ever lined up in perfect symmetry, heading in the same direction. It could be that frigates are dispatched to the Gulf to protect international shipping, while HMS Queen Elizabeth, one of the navy’s new aircraft carriers, is in the Atlantic and smaller vessels are rescuing migrants who are risking their lives to make it to the Kent coast. Add submarines, supply ships, gunboats, landing craft, fishery protection vessels, search and rescue helicopters and other aircraft, and you begin to see the diversity of the operation. And that is besides all the elements of the navy that are shorebased, including command and training centres, recruitment offices, homes, museums and all the socalled back-room support. To this picture of the fleet we could add the merchant navy and fishing fleets that are homed in our ports.

The parallels with the Army become obvious. The significant difference

between a helicopter and a submarine, or between a cruiser and a fishing vessel, could be likened to any of our ministries and expressions of service that do not, at first sight, look like each other. We are not one ship and we are not neatly lined up.

We are very different: we do not look the same and we are not all doing the same thing.

As Gill and I travel the territory we celebrate the diversity of the Army in the UK and the Republic of Ireland. I thank God that so much is being attempted and achieved in his name.

It might be easy to think that the vessel we are part of is the real Army, with its particular course and goals and challenges in view. But as we head into 2020 it is beneficial to realise that we are better together and that there are some things that bind us together across our diversity.

Just as all Royal Navy vessels are prefixed ‘HMS’, denoting that they belong to Her Majesty the Queen, we need to remember that the Army in all its forms belongs to His Majesty, the

Lord Jesus. Whatever expression of Army you belong to, whether that is a corps, Lifehouse, residential home, plant, college, charity shop or headquarters – whatever aspect of ministry might be personally yours – there needs to be an ongoing, intentional desire that God be glorified and that Jesus should have the pre-eminence in everything we are and everything we do.

With sincere apologies to international readers who may not have such a high view of Lord Horatio Nelson as some of us in the United Kingdom, I am inspired by the message that he flagged to his fleet before the decisive battle at Trafalgar in 1805: ‘England expects that every man will do his duty.’ The truth is that the Army comprises individual men and women and boys and girls who, along with all Christians, are called into service of the King who expects!

It is our responsibility to ensure that in our own lives everything is shipshape – in other words, in right order – and that we bring glory to his

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name in everything we do.

Paul encourages us: ‘Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’ (Colossians 3:17). Wonderful advice for every day and especially for a new year.

And do not forget some words that many of us learnt in Sunday school: ‘With Christ in the vessel, we can smile at the storm.’ I suspect that, as we push out into the deep in 2020, we will need to be reminded of this comforting thought.

As we head into 2020, it is beneficial to realise that we are better together

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NEWS

World leaders celebrate new service and long service NEW ZEALAND GENERAL Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle touched down in Wellington for a short but significant weekend that included commissioning and retirements.

A Silver Star service on Saturday morning at Booth College of Mission recognised influential people in the spiritual development of cadets. In the afternoon people filled Wellington City Corps for the commissioning of five Messengers of the Kingdom and one Messenger of Compassion.

Later that evening the international leaders joined officers receiving long-service leave at an intimate dinner. Nineteen officers were honoured for their dedicated service, including Chief of the Staff Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, who were unable to attend due to international commitments, and territorial leaders Commissioners Andy and Yvonne Westrupp.

The Westrupps’ service was recognised again on Sunday morning at their retirement celebration, during which Commissioner Andy preached for the last time as TC. – A. R.

NORTH SHIELDS: Newcastle City Temple and North Shields Bands and Songsters joined for the return of their Two-in-One Festival to support the Newcastle City Temple building fund.

Items presented included ‘Soldiers Of Christ Arise’ and ‘The Lord Is Gracious’.

The host sections provided ‘Dance Like David’ and ‘Saviour, You Are Our God’, while the visiting sections brought ‘On The Rock!’ and ‘The Water Of Tyne’. Corps officer Captain Cor van der Woude gave the Bible reading and thought. The evening, compèred and conducted by Regional Specialist for Music and Creative Arts Stephen Burn, concluded with all sections combining for ‘Christ For All’. – C. W.

Strawberry Field scoops award LONDON

BRANKSOME: The second Christmas Praise received an even better response than last year’s inaugural event, with more than 50 people attending. As well as carols and readings, it featured part of the Nativity, a poem, Choir in the Crowd, timbrelists aged 5 to 94, children singing and the band. The whole congregation took part, and many people asked for an invite to next year’s event. – C. B. 6

Salvationist 4 January 2020

STRAWBERRY Field opened its iconic red gates late last year and has already been recognised with its first award.

From more than 1,000 nominations the new site was named the Tourist Attraction of the Year in the inaugural i Staycation Awards.

The centre is now home to a visitor experience, complete with an exhibition, café, shop and gardens, and Steps to Work, a programme that helps young adults with learning difficulties and other barriers to employment into work.

Strawberry Field Mission Director Major Kathy Versfeld said: ‘The Salvation Army is doing great work at Strawberry Field and it is an honour to be recognised in our infancy.’– A. R.

BARROW-IN-FURNESS: Nearby businesses gave a helping hand to the Christmas gift appeal by providing drop-off points for the public to donate gifts. Local newspaper The Mail gave the event valuable publicity to boost awareness of the appeal and the rationale behind it. – M. D.

Cowdenbeath toddler groups enjoy games, food and songs at Christmas parties; they also received presents from Father Christmas

The mayor of Worcester, Councillor Allah Ditta, presents soldier Tony Bullock with a certificate for his years of service operating the soup run and feeding people experiencing homelessness; also pictured is corps officer Major Diane Henderson and representatives from other churches who help run the service

READING WEST: Eighteen years ago soldier Derek Wescott wrote the script for The Wayward Son, a musical including Army and secular songs. The musical is an update of the story of the prodigal son, with Jimmy as the father and John as the son who leaves home with his inheritance to find a new life. However, John succumbs to drink and is admitted to an Army hostel, where he is befriended, encouraged and finds salvation, singing ‘I’ve Been Changed’ with gusto. He is welcomed home and forgiven by his father. Three performances of the musical, which featured the songsters and the pianist and choir from the nearby Emmanuel Church, raised a total of £645 for people in the area experiencing homelessness. The musical contained many emotional moments, and the audience sang ‘Ring The Bells Of Heaven’ with considerable enthusiasm at the end of each performance. – G. T.

WINTON: Members of the Poole North Scout Group partnered the corps to help people experiencing homelessness in the area.

The group made packs containing a sleeping bag, towel, toiletries, gloves, woolly hats, socks and a bar of chocolate, and presented them to corps officer Major Michael Coleman and Winton’s homeless service co-ordinator Mary Randell. The scout leaders said they were keen to teach the children more about homelessness, and that they had learnt about its causes, links to mental health issues and its impact on reducing life expectancy. Major Michael said he believed the awareness would go with the children into adulthood and make them sensitive and compassionate around the issue. – M. C. Leadgate Fellowship members get a taste of Christmas as fellowship leader Pam Sinclair demonstrates how to make yule logs without any baking

CWMBRAN: More than 100 people from the community gathered to celebrate 25 years since the rebuilding of the hall.

Everyone enjoyed sandwiches, tea and cakes and a photo booth, and looked at a history book of pictures. Former corps officers Lieut-Colonels Jayne and Jonathan Roberts (both THQ) returned for the occasion. A time of worship and singing concluded a great day enjoyed by all. – S. A. Salvationist 4 January 2020

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NEWS

SKEWEN: Thinking about children who go without toys at Christmas, six-year-old Sam Evans and his mother, Kate, set up a toy collection at Kate’s workplace, Dunelm.

The response from customers was overwhelming, and associate officer Major Mary Wolfe collected the gifts for distribution in Skewen, Neath and Port Talbot along with food parcels. – S. L.

CLOWNE: Sheffield Citadel Band brought a varied programme to a full hall, which featured soloists Matthew Whelpton (trombone) and Adrian Wileman (cornet), and a quintet of male voices led by Josh Chapman. Favourite items included ‘Clowne Centenary March’ and ‘Shine’. Captain Lucy Mann (Sheffield Citadel) sang ‘Worthy’ and ‘Jesus I Believe In You’, and brought a message of peace with reference to Psalm 91 and Philippians 4. The band closed the evening with ‘Now Unto Him’, part of which was performed a cappella.

The sum of £290 was raised for the corps Talents scheme, which has now raised £1,800 for the helping-hand appeal. – G. H.

EAST OF ENGLAND: A group from the Anglia, Central East and Herts and Essex Divisions raised more than £7,000 to support the Army’s work in Estonia. The group has been fundraising over the past two years to help work in and around Tallinn and Narva, travelling to the country in August to determine which projects to support. The group was particularly inspired by the homelessness project at Hope House. – R. B.

Gwen and Brian Thompson transfer to the Sunderland Millfield Songster Reserve on Wear a Christmas Jumper for Charity Day, having served for 58 years each; their granddaughters, Songsters Emily James and Beth Thompson, presented their certificates

LARNE: Officers from around the Ireland Division formed a band to support the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. The band presented Christmas music on the main stage before taking part in the parade, which was supported by approximately four thousand people. – P. C.

BROMLEY TEMPLE: Major Catherine Wyles (Rutherglen) led family ministries weekend.

The singing company, songsters and band brought pieces during the morning meeting, and Bromley Community Choir blessed the congregation in the evening, alongside the band. The congregation were challenged to turn their hearts to the Father, and God’s presence was felt deeply throughout the day. – A-J. L. 8

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Guernsey Songster Leader Rodney Le Poidevin retires after 51 years’ service as a local officer in several different roles, including 21 years as songster leader

Retired Guernsey Bandmaster Michael de la Mare transfers to the band reserve after serving 70 years in the senior band and 7 years in the YP band; also pictured are corps officer Major Claire Hill, Bandmaster Dave Carre, Band Colour Sergeant Terry Hann and Major Jamie Hill

Bedlington Band accompanies the tree lighting in the marketplace

Salvation Army joins disabled toilets access scheme THQ THE Salvation Army has teamed up with Nimbus Access Card to offer cardholders access to toilets at its 750 corps and centres across the country.

The card works by displaying a series of symbols to identify every cardholder’s individual disability, impairment or support needs, and helps people to easily get that support in public places, such as a ramp to access a building in a wheelchair.

‘Churches and community centres are there to serve the local community, so we are pleased to take part in a scheme that could help make life that little bit easier for some local people,’ said Secretary for Business Administration Lieut-Colonel Alan Read. – I. R. O A list of corps and community centre opening times can be found at salvationarmy.org.uk/ find-a-church HILLINGDON: The corps enjoyed a classic Christmas tea programme from St Clement’s Brass, which comprises RAF musicians who support charitable causes outside of their duties. Songster Sergeant Eileen Thompson organised the transformation of the hall into a smart venue, with fine china and beautifully laid tables.

Traditional and contemporary music items included ‘Kraken’

by Chris Hazell, inspired by a cat that lives with him. The band also accompanied Christmas carols before Major Fred Thompson, who organised the event, thanked everyone involved.

The event raised £225 for the corps Christmas Day community meals project. – B. H. O The band, songsters and

timbrelists gave a varied programme of Christmas music at Merthyr Tydfil Inner Wheel Club’s annual carol service, which raised £200 for local charities

BELFAST: Belfast Citadel, Belfast Sydenham and Belfast Temple Songsters collaborated for the visit of Sunderland Millfield Songsters. Open-air ministry preceded a festival at Belfast Sydenham on Saturday.

The holiness meeting at Belfast Citadel picked up the theme of the visiting songsters’ new album, Now Is The Time, and led to a visible response at its conclusion. More open-air ministry followed before a praise meeting at Belfast Temple. The co-operation shone when the three host songsters united with the visitors for ‘To God Be The Glory’. The quality of singing throughout the weekend brought much blessing. – N. M. CARLISLE: Six hundred people, many not regular church attenders, enjoyed a feast of music and Christian witness by the International Staff Band at Carlisle Cathedral. Introduced by BBC Radio Cumbria’s Richard Corrie, the band presented a variety of items, such as ‘Corpus Christi’ and ‘Standing On The Promises’. After the Bible reading and message, brought by ISB Executive Officer Major Noel Wright (THQ), the band crowned the evening with ‘Fire In The Blood’. The ISB also ministered during the Sunday meetings, with the host songsters supporting in the afternoon. – W. J. HARLOW: Major Anne Read led the annual home league celebrations. About eighty people from churches and corps in the area attended the Monday rally, themed On The Way To Heaven.

The home league singers and timbrelists took part, with other items provided by members, including a poem written by Glenda Avery for the occasion.

This was followed by a buffet. A collection for the helping-hand appeal raised £160. – R. H. MORRISTON: The eagerly awaited visit of Coventry City Band did not disappoint. The Saturday festival included a range of music items, commencing with ‘Let There Be Light’ and ‘Pater Noster’, featuring soloist Huw Ellis (cornet), and ‘Under The Boardwalk’, featuring soloists Kelvin Elliott (Bb bass) and Joshua Peaple (flugelhorn). Major Andrew Spivey (Coventry City) shared moments of reflection, and the host songsters contributed ‘Cenwch O’r Galon’. Hayley Peaple opened the Sunday morning meeting with a time of prayer, and Mark Street led worship on the theme Trusting God. Gemma Potter and Steve Whitmore gave testimonies. In the afternoon the visiting and host bands united for the monthly corps outreach at Morriston Hospital. – S. R.

LEIGH-ON-SEA: Major Graham Slader (THQ) led the YP prizegiving. Youngsters from the preschool and new Jam club Salso took part in the meeting. They brought family members, some of whom were new to the Army. – P. J.

WILLENHALL: NeXus Youth Choir (West Midlands Division) for the second year visited a school to bring the message of Christmas. They shared the stage with the school choir, drama group and soloists.

Youth choir members formed a brass band to accompany carols and played a number of pieces. Many special moments were created as the groups presented songs such as ‘When Love Was Born’, ‘Do You Have Room?’ and ‘Trust In You’. The event was well supported by members of the corps and division, as well as parents from the school choir. – L. H-N. Salvationist 4 January 2020

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NEWS FEATURE

War Cry covers 140 years

The first issue of the ‘War Cry’ (1879)

The ‘War Cry’ team: Mark Knight, Emily Bright, Rodney Kingston, Major Andrew Stone, Philip Halcrow, Sarah Olowofoyeku and Linda McTurk

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colour front cover from Christmas 1900 and covers marking special Army events – for example, the funerals of Catherine and William Booth, and the Queen opening Hopetown home for women – and wider historical events, such as the end of the First and Second World Wars, the Nuremberg trials and decimalisation.’

Major Andrew said that the purpose of the War Cry had not changed since William Booth declared in the first issue that it was being published because The Salvation Army intended ‘to arise and fight more furiously than ever for the salvation of our fellows from the forces of evil’. The presentation and content had changed, however, and Major Andrew stated that the most significant development took place in 1986 when Salvation Army news was taken out and included in the new Salvationist instead.

‘The War Cry became far more in tune

THE 140th anniversary of the War Cry is being marked with an exhibition of front covers at Gallery 101, reports Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts.

Beginning with the first issue, dated 27 December 1879, the display highlights significant events featured on the covers over the years. It also shows how the design has evolved from the original black-and-white, text-filled broadsheet to today’s full-colour tabloid version.

The historic covers, supplied by the International Heritage Centre, were incorporated into the display by War Cry graphic designer Rodney Kingston.

Launching the exhibition, War Cry Editor Major Andrew Stone said: ‘It’s a collection of some of the more notable front covers from the past 140 years. It includes the very first

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with what the general public was aware of,’ he explained, ‘although it was – and still is – a good read for Salvationists.’

As well as display boards and a timeline, selected front covers are available to browse in large folders at the exhibition, and visitors are invited to leave comments in a visitors book.

Anyone unable to visit the exhibition can see the display reproduced in the War Cry, added Major Andrew: ‘The anniversary issue was published on 21 December, and I’m sure back copies will be available from SP&S!’ The issue also includes features about the early history of the War Cry, its change of direction in 1986 and the current ministry of War Cry heralds.

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101 is adjacent to Café 101, IHQ. The exhibition runs until Friday 17 January, and is open from 8 am to 4 pm on weekdays

MORE REAR-M MIR RRO OR

COCKNEY AGRICULTURAL PIONEERS General John Larsson (Retired) shares fascinating glimpses of the early Army – 1890-1912

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FTER describing the plan for a Farm Colony in his book In Darkest England, William Booth added: ‘I can well imagine the incredulous laughter which will greet my proposal.

“What,” it will be said, “do you think that you can create agricultural pioneers out of the scum of Cockneydom?”’

But in the spirit of ‘just do it’, he did.

First, he needed to buy a farm.

William Booth had specified in his book what he needed: ‘It should be of such land as will be suitable for market gardening, while having some clay on it for brickmaking and for crops requiring a heavier soil. If possible, it should not only be on a line of railway… but it should have access to the sea and to the river.’

He had also said he wanted it to be ‘within reasonable distance of London’, and even if he had scoured the whole of Britain he could not have found a better location than Hadleigh in Essex.

Three adjacent farms there were up for sale, which would give William Booth the 900 acres he needed. He had the funds: the money required for the purchase had been raised within three months of the launch of the Darkest England scheme. By March 1891 – just five months after the publication of William Booth’s book – the purchases were completed. The amalgamated properties became Hadleigh Farm.

Wooden dormitories were quickly constructed, and by June the first batch of ‘agricultural pioneers from Cockneydom’ arrived from the East End

workers tended 18,000 fruit trees. And in its apiary, beekeepers collected honey from a myriad of hives.

The photo would also show three brickworks in operation. As early as 1892 the colony had added Industrial Colony to its title.

In a remarkable engineering feat, the Army pioneers built a four-mile network of standard gauge Operating brickmaking machinery rail tracks to transport the bricks to a dedicated wharf at Hadleigh of London to begin their training. Some Ray on the River Thames. Six barges a were so weak physically that they first week carried the output to the Army’s had to gain strength before they could own wharf at Battersea, London. A join one of the working gangs. quarter of a million bricks were The Hadleigh Farm Colony soon produced weekly, each engraved with developed into a village with huts for the initials ‘SALIC’ – Salvation Army 300 men, complete with a dining room Land and Industrial Colony. and kitchen, a laundry, a reading room, By 1912, when the Hadleigh Farm a hospital, quarters for the officers and a Colony celebrated its 21st birthday, citadel for worship.

7,000 men, mostly Cockneys but not all, By the mid-1890s the work had had been through the training outgrown the original three farms, and programme and had become three more were purchased, increasing ‘agricultural pioneers’. On completion of the size of the colony to 3,000 acres. their training, most moved straight into A snapshot taken after that expansion employment where they could use the would reveal the Farm Colony as a skills they had gained. centre of continuous activity. With its Many who chose to attend the citadel vast fields, it was now a major producer found the Lord at its mercy seat. Typical of grain and root crops. Its 200-acre of these was a sneak thief who arrived market garden was reckoned to be one with a tattoo of the Devil over his heart. of the finest in England. Its poultry farm Before he left Hadleigh he got a tattooist had 2,000 hens. Its livestock farm had to transform it into an angel. some 160 head of cattle, 800 sheep and By the time the Hadleigh Farm Colony nearly 1,000 pigs, and also bred shire came of age, any initial ‘incredulous horses. Its dairy wing boasted 80 cows laughter’ had turned into smiles of and supplied milk and dairy products to approbation. the neighbouring villages. In its orchard, Salvationist 4 January 2020

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2020 events Vision and Commitment Sunday 5 January Encounter Prayer Gathering 24–26 January Public Welcome to the Training Principal 2 February

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The Big Collection 15 August – 12 September (Ireland) 1–30 September (Great Britain) Welcome to new officer cadets 26 and 27 September Territorial Congress 24 and 25 October Remembrance Sunday 8 November Territorial Carol Concert 2 December

There are hundreds of corps and centres up and down the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland, but what makes them The Salvation Army? In this series, Salvationist discovers just that

We are helping turn lives around says Accrington Crossroads Lifehouse Service Manager Ishbel Cooke

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ITH a variety of young people walking through our doors, every day is different at Crossroads Lifehouse.

Residents and staff of Crossroads Lifehouse on a visit to London

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Salvationist 4 January 2020

Accrington is a traditional Lancashire mill town, but it suffers from large areas of social deprivation. Our specialist accommodation and specially trained team help young people at risk of homelessness to access employment, training and education.

The Lifehouse is housed in an old school building that used to belong to the neighbouring St Andrew’s church.

The large building has five single bedrooms and six one-bedroom flats.

Crossroads feels homely and aims to allow residents to build social relationships with one another by relaxing in front of the TV, playing pool or table tennis, catching up on social media in the computer suite and keeping fit in the gym.

At any one time we can have up to 11 young people living within Crossroads, usually between the ages of 16 and 21.

Crossroads better prepares them for what they will have to face later on in life, giving them the support and guidance they might not otherwise have received.

The mission and values of The Salvation Army run through everything we do. At Crossroads we enable transformation by nurturing and supporting young people who don’t have anywhere to turn, working ceaselessly to develop their independence and empowering them to see what they have to offer – we want to help them realise the potential they have.

Our accommodation allows residents to receive support on their terms. Our centre also works hard to encourage them to think about the community. Past residents have gone on to become accountants and vets, and those who

‘

It can be frustrating when people don’t see our young people for who they are

’

return to the centre appreciate how Crossroads helped them turn their lives around.

We know that to best support our residents we need to have an understanding of what they have been through, with access to all the proper training. The entire team is completing a distance-learning course on understanding behaviour that challenges, and has developed its understanding of Aces (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and the impacts they have on young people.

We believe that life experience makes our centre unique; having a shared experience means that empathy is more easily adopted. We are also unique in that we can offer spiritual guidance and physical support alike.

We have a resident chaplain, Major Susan Dean, who offers guidance as and when needed. She hosts a carol service every Christmas, which is well attended by our residents and the community. Main holidays and high days are observed within the centre, with Christmas celebrated through sharing a

meal, presents and other activities. We have also developed close links with Blackburn Corps.

Crossroads is a place of safety with 24-hour support. Our residents not only face homelessness but also, at times, substance misuse, poor mental health and even pregnancy.

We work towards preparing young people for living in their own property, helping them to become financially stable. Crossroads has developed strong partnerships with other statutory and voluntary agencies, such as The Prince’s Trust, children’s social care and housing providers.

Many of our young people have had little to no engagement with school, and we aim to make sure that all our residents are in some form of education, whether through apprenticeships, North Lancs Training Group or one of the nearby colleges, such as Accrington and Rossendale College. We also support them through the Life (Lessons in Financial Education) course.

The challenge that we face is that there is always a variety of ages and

genders among our residents and it is difficult to predict how they will get on.

Offering a range of activities such as glass painting, curry nights, games of pool or watching a movie together gives them opportunities to bond.

Another challenge is supporting the young people in dealing with any addictions they may have. Encouraging them to visit relevant agencies and helping them gain the support they need are paramount. Building their selfesteem is also vital if we wish to break the vicious cycle that they face.

A big thing that happened at our centre last year was Time to Talk Day, which was part of an initiative from the THQ Well Being and Human Resources Departments. As a centre we downed tools, switched off computers and spent the day doing relaxing activities with our residents to help support everyone’s well-being and mental health. We tried crafting, drawing, jigsaws, exercise, cooking and making paper flowers.

Everyone got involved and had a great time.

What our centre needs right now is further engagement from the community.

It can be frustrating when people don’t see our young people for who they are but as ‘homeless people’ or ‘hoodies’ who need avoiding. We, as a centre, regularly open our doors for events and welcome all to attend, but we need to educate the community in supporting and guiding our young people.

Unfortunately, our young people get things wrong at times, which is why we, and our neighbours, need to provide an example of the correct way to behave.

Holding them in your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated by all of us. Pray for them to accept the support that is offered, which will allow them to become integrated members of the community. Pray for them to be empowered, to recognise their strengths and weaknesses and to believe that they have the potential to achieve whatever they strive for.

Salvationist 4 January 2020

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BIBLE STUDY

Look up!

Lieut-Colonel Drew McCombe describes how a camera course improved his focus

STUDY PASSAGE: COLOSSIANS 3:1–4

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NE of the things about living in London, with its narrow and crowded streets, is that I have found myself hardly ever looking up and seeing the detailed architecture of the buildings. This was brought home to me while going on a walking camera course in the city. The beauty around us can so easily be missed when we are focused only on what is in front of us. The course taught me to look up more often.

In our study passage Paul says: ‘Set your hearts on things above’ (v1) and ‘set your minds on things above’ (v2).

QUESTION Why does Paul say the phrase twice using different words?

O

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

by Major Philippa Smale

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Salvationist 4 January 2020

The word ‘set’ reminds me of my school sports days, when, at the start of a race, the teacher said: ‘On your marks! Get set! Go!’ At the start of this new year, it is not a bad thing to think about the direction of our lives. If we aim at nothing, we will hit nothing. This setting – or re-setting – is about heart and mind. It is about desire, intention and looking upwards to Christ, who sits at God’s right hand.

It is about not allowing our hearts to be drawn in one direction and our minds in another. We must keep them aligned.

The previous chapter finishes by saying that human traditions and superstitions have the appearance of wisdom. Their petty rules and regulations seem clever and they promise to help us spiritually but they don’t deliver. The critical need is for the renewing power of Jesus Christ to change our hearts and transform our

minds. This happens when we look to him, and set our hearts and minds on him.

The Colossians were in danger, as we are today, of mixing human wisdom with the teaching of Christ. This is syncretism and something of which we need to be aware.

QUESTION O Can you think about areas where you might be tempted to mix the teaching of Christ with human wisdom?

For example, I heard of a missionary in Japan who, on visiting a department store at Christmas, saw a Santa Claus crucified on a cross. Perhaps we, too, are sometimes tempted to pick-and-mix our Christian faith.

Instead of following worldly superstitions, we are to march to a different drumbeat. We have a different

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it.

Pursue the things over which Christ presides.

(Colossians 3:1 The Message)

To be like Jesus!/ This hope possesses me,/ In every thought and deed,/ This is my aim, my creed;/ To be like Jesus!/ This hope possesses me,/ His Spirit helping me,/ Like him I’ll be.

(SASB 328)

Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ – that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective.

(Colossians 3:2, MSG)

rhythm. Our focus is to be firmly set on things above, for our life is ‘hidden with Christ in God’ (v3).

QUESTIONS O What does ‘hidden with Christ in God’ mean?

O What image comes to mind when you read it?

For a long time, I have loved that phrase. It speaks of security. It says that I am wrapped and protected by Christ, and that our lives are intertwined: he is in and with me, and I am in and with him.

The phrase also gives me hope. I am struck by the word ‘hidden’. So much goodness lived out by Christians goes unrecognised. It is hidden. The world does not understand it. In John 1, the evangelist records that Jesus came into the world and the world did not

recognise him. It should come as no surprise, then, if people do not recognise our true worth and value as Christians.

The hope lies in what Paul says next: ‘When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory’ (v4).

However, we need to be careful that we do not interpret it as meaning that we should be ‘so heavenly minded that we are no earthly use’, as my dad often said. Paul is not pleading for a spirituality in which we withdraw from daily reality. In the rest of Colossians 3, Paul makes it clear that we are to be engaged with reality by maintaining good relationships and living ethically.

When our hearts and minds are fixed on Christ, we will set giving over getting, serving over ruling and forgiving over avenging.

Your diary for the coming year may

already be filling up fast but you only need two appointments: here and now, and then and there. We need to hold in tension these two realities. The vision of the future that Paul presents – us appearing with Christ in glory – gives us strength and determination to tough it out in the hurly-burly of today; we need to remember that there is strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Meditate on the phrase ‘Christ, who is your life’ and pray how that can become a greater reality for you.

LIEUT-COLONEL McCOMBE IS SECRETARY FOR MISSION

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Colours of day dawn into the mind,/ The sun has come up, the night is behind./ Go down in the city, into the street,/ And let’s give the message to the people we meet.

(SASB 250)

Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life – even though invisible to spectators – is with Christ in God. He is your life.

(Colossians 3:3 MSG)

Let us go out into the world with Christ in our hearts./ Let us go out into the world with Christ in our hearts./ He will take away our sin/ And new life will then begin;/ Let us go out into the world with Christ in our hearts.

(SASB 925)

When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this Earth, you’ll show up, too – the real you, the glorious you.

(Colossians 3:4 MSG)

Prayer Lord, we want to be like you. Help us to keep our hearts and minds focused on you, so that we are able to share your message in a way that will speak powerfully to seeking souls, because your light is shining through us.

Salvationist 4 January 2020

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NEW COMMITMENTS

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD: Corps officer Major Linda Billard enrolled Emily James as a soldier. In her testimony Emily paid tribute to the example and encouragement given by her family members throughout her life. Special mention was made of her paternal grandmother, Pam James (Leadgate), who was promoted to Glory some months ago. Emily’s experiences at divisional and territorial music schools helped her realise her desire to cement her relationship with God and the Army. – R. B.

SHIREMOOR: ‘I am fearfully and wonderfully made,’ testified Susan Wright as she was enrolled as a soldier by corps officer Lieutenant Faith Scales. After being away from God and the Army for several years, God brought her back through a challenge from her daughter to return to worship. In the past year Susan knew that this call came as a recommitment to soldiership. Susan is pictured with Lieutenants Faith and Keith Scales, Recruiting Sergeant Ann Hook and her father, Allen Wright. – F. S.

BELLSHILL: As part of the 124th corps anniversary celebrations, Lachlan Pentney was enrolled as a junior soldier by Major Adrian and Captain Clare Allman (both Birmingham Citadel). The packed congregation included many of Lachlan’s friends and family. He chose the songs and contributions from the sections for his special day, and made his junior soldier’s promise with confidence. – M. S. 18

Salvationist 4 January 2020

ARMÁDA SPÁSY GRAVESEND: Corps officer Major David Blowers and Pioneer Leader David Frater welcomed Beata Kalejova, Helena Kalejova, Gabriela Fakasova and Tomas Jano as adherent members. Gabriela has suffered many difficulties over recent years, including homelessness and illness. Major David assured her that she had a family and a home in the Army as he welcomed her. – K. B.

GILLINGHAM: Sharon Asare was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Haris Giannaros. After linking up with the preschool and parent-and-toddler group, Sharon has attended the corps for the past 18 months. She is now a volunteer for the parentand-toddler group, parenting course and drop-in. – J. M.

BASILDON: Corps officer Lieutenant Paul Williams welcomed Brian Cook, Maureen Bird and Jan O’Shea as adherent members. – P. W.

LETTERS

A NOTE OF THANKS I WAS working in the café area at Mold Outreach Centre and a customer couldn’t wait to share their story. I thought it might encourage others.

Irene Jones, a 94-year-old woman, came to tell me that at the age of 9 months she was dying of meningitis. She was living in the Dingle area of Liverpool at the time and a local Salvation Army band came to play Christmas carols in her street. Her father stepped outside to ask if the band wouldn’t mind moving farther down the street as his baby daughter was very poorly and was thought not to have much longer to live. The bandmaster agreed to the father’s request, but before moving on offered to pray for the sickly infant.

Irene recalls that her father said that from that very moment her health improved, and she has never looked back since. Irene is now a mother of two, grandmother of nine and great-grandmother of twelve.

She simply couldn’t wait to share her story and was full of joy as she did so.

Darren Hampton Captain Coedpoeth

O COME, ALL YE THOUGHTFUL...

IN Victorian times, Bishop Benson of Truro noted that the non-churched community often lacked basic knowledge of biblical doctrine, but were possibly more likely to attend services at Christmas.

It was encouraging to hear that back in September of last year Coventry Cathedral organised a series of apologetics talks. One might regard this move as a development of Benson’s work.

The human mind is capable of awesome decision-making and intervention. Studies in neuro-psychology show us that even values such as compassion originate in the human mind. However, there must be one with an even greater mind and capacity for love and intervention. That one is surely the Entity we name God. Philosophers call this the ontological proof of God. One speaker at Coventry Cathedral, Dr Sharon Dirckx, has a doctorate in brain imaging. Dr Dirckx offers her own proof for the existence of God. The study of brain function is multidisciplinary. It includes philosophy and arguably theology. The distinguished molecular biologist Francis Crick described the brain simply as a ‘set of neurons’, but surely this is far too reductionist.

Dr Dirckx points out that when a human brain is removed from a body there is a tangible hushed reverence in the room. The apologist, during the course of her talk, gave her personal testimony. As a student – with no particular religious background – she stated that her studies of brain complexity led to her conversion.

Kevin Chubb Barry

MEMORIES FROM BEYOND THE WALL

A WONDERFUL READ I RECENTLY read the book featured in Salvationist (23 November), Son Of The Father by War Cry Editor Major Andrew Stone. This is a wonderful read. True, it is fiction, but so entwined with biblical instances and stories Jesus told. It gave a fresh insight into the gospel. Throughout there is the need to be reconciled to those around us and primarily to God. Without a preachy attitude, this rang true. I hope it sells well – it deserves to.

Margaret Garland Basingstoke

THE feature about the Berlin Wall (Salvationist 16 November) brought back memories of a visit to Berlin with the Blue Shield Fellowship.

We had conducted many weekend meetings in the UK. One of our members was Rainer Nädler, a Berlin police officer and Salvationist.

He arranged a trip to his corps in Berlin in April 1982. We went by coach, starting in Hull and picking up members on the way to the ferry. An overnight stop in the Netherlands followed, and a long coach journey to and through the East German fence.

We conducted meetings and met Major Sammy Edgar, who was a corps officer in Berlin. We marched down a main road with lots of spectators. We also played at the famous Checkpoint Charlie – folk could stand on a raised platform and look over the dividing grass area to see the East German guards watching us through binoculars! After a Sunday night meeting we all went to enjoy coffee and frankfurter hot dogs.

My good friend Brian Oxley, a retired police superintendent and a Tenby corps member, remembers the trip well, including seeing memorials to those who had lost their lives trying to swim across the dividing river. Rainer Nädler later became Major Rainer Nädler and served as a corps officer in the UK before retiring.

Fond memories.

Gerry Parsons Barry Salvationist 4 January 2020

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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 March O Majors Grant and Lauren Effer, officers of the Canada and Bermuda Territory currently serving respectively as Divisional Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Quebec Division, in that territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, France and Belgium Territory. They will take up their new appointments with the rank of lieut-colonel. They succeed Lieut-Colonels Patrick and Margaret Booth. Lieut-Colonel Patrick will be retiring from active service and Lieut-Colonel Margaret will take up other appointment responsibilities in the territory.

O Majors Jan and Kjersti Risan, officers of the Norway, Iceland and the Færoes Territory currently serving respectively as Divisional Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries, Western Division, in that territory, are appointed as Chief Secretary and Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Denmark and Greenland Territory. They succeed

Majors Bobby and Anne Westmoreland, who will be taking up new appointments in their home territory.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond (75th) O Robert and Ruby Hendry, Aylsham (23 December) Platinum (70th) O Vin and Queenie Lewis, Bridgwater (7 January) Blue Sapphire (65th) O Majors Dennis and Molly Ward (15 January) Diamond (60th) O Keith and Margaret Thomas, Bath Citadel (16 January) DEDICATED TO GOD O Edith Phylis Hutton and Ted John, daughter and son of Oliver and Rosanna Price, at Isle of Wight by Captains Lillian and Rodney Bean O William, son of Nathan and Adele Avery, at Oldbury by Lieut-Colonels Lynn and Mike Highton RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Brenda Jackson (80 on 1 January) O Major Alan Lyne (80 on 2 January) O Major Edwin Brown (80 on 2 January)

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE AND COMMISSIONER ROSALIE PEDDLE O India Northern Territory, Mon 20 Jan – Sun 26 O India Western Territory, Mon 27 – Mon 3 Feb THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM O ICO (welcome to session), Th 16 Jan O

ICO (lecture), Tu 21

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Clydebank (retirement of Commissioners Carol and Ivor Telfer), Sat 11 Jan O ICO (welcome to session), Th 16 O Dublin City (opening of new building), Sat 18 O Territorial Envoys annual seminar, Wed 22 O Clitheroe, Sat 25 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL LEE GRAVES) AND COLONEL DEBORAH GRAVES O West Midlands (officers spiritual day), Th 16 Jan O Regent Hall (ISS 40th anniversary launch), Sat 18 O Swanwick (prayer gathering weekend), Fri 24 – Sun 26 INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND O Regent Hall (ISS 40th anniversary launch), Sat 18 Jan O Hendon, Sun 19 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Regent Hall (ISS 40th anniversary launch), Sat 18 Jan O Regent Hall, Sun 19

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Salvationist 4 January 2020

Major Malcolm High (85 on 4 January) O Major Eileen Lowe (95 on 10 January) O Major Mildred Peacock (85 on 10 January) O Major Mrs Lilian Wylie (95 on 11 January) O Major Doreen King (85 on 16 January) O

BEREAVED O Major Malcolm Knightley, Graham Knightley and Helen Clearey of their father Lieut-Colonel Brian Knightley OF O Pauline Parker, Penarth, of her husband Clifford PROMOTED TO GLORY O Lieut-Colonel Brian Knightley OF from Luton and Dunstable University Hospital on 7 December O Christopher Gulley, Exeter Temple O Major Janet Marshall from Menzieshill House, Dundee, on 13 December O May Norman, Watchet ICO DELEGATES The 244th session of the International College for Officers begins on 15 January The delegates are O Major Phil Inglis, Australia O Major Johnmark Snead, Australia O Captain Daniel Templeman Twells, Australia O Major Steven Cameron, Canada and Bermuda O Major Mélisa Tardif, Canada and Bermuda O Major Henry King, Caribbean O Major Mireille Saint-Lot, Caribbean O Captain Rita Oduro, Ghana O Captain Arunakumari Devadasi, India Central O Major Vijaya Kumar Gundabathina, India Central O Major Seema Vishwas, India Northern O Major Joseph Yesuvadian, India South Eastern O Major Beena Ebenezar, India South Western O Major Dinesh Samuel Parmar, India Western O Major Anna Maria Lauisa, Indonesia O Captain Miwa Nakajima, Japan O Captain Kefa Mugodo, Kenya West* O Captain Jung-a Shin, Korea O Captain Broton Weah, Liberia and Sierra Leone O Captain Stuart Tong, New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa

Major Henk van Hattem, The Netherlands, Czech Republic and Slovakia O Major Ifeanyi Reuben Obi, Nigeria O Major Jenny Misia, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands O Major Joel Carbonell, Philippines O Major Ngurthanchhingi, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar O Major Rohini Tilakaratne, Sri Lanka O Major Marina Bratterud, Sweden and Latvia O Captain Pamela Tingo, Tanzania O Captain Fred Okiru, Uganda O Major David Burns, United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland O Major Johanna Pook, USA Central O Captain Bersabe Vera, USA Central O Captain Chris Mauk, USA Eastern O Captain Sunkyung Simpson, USA Eastern O Major Evie Wilson, USA Eastern O Major Stacie McWilliams, USA Southern O Major Ivan Wild, USA Western *serving outside home territory O

TRIBUTE BARBARA SPEAR, WINTON BARBARA was born in Cadoxton, Barry, South Wales. She loved the Lord from a young age and soldiered at Penarth.

Among positions she held were home league secretary and she was a faithful songster for more than 50 years.

Barbara was married to Louis and they had three children, Hilary, Ruth and Gareth. Gareth was promoted to Glory at the age of 22. After Louis died and Ruth moved to London, Barbara moved to Bournemouth to be near Hilary.

Barbara soldiered at Winton, where she was a great witness. Due to deteriorating health and blindness, she moved into a care home aged 87 and was again a witness for the Lord with her singing and loving nature.

In spite of everything, Barbara could sing ‘I’m In His Hands’ and ‘Great Is Thy Faithfulness’. A great witness, Barbara was an example of bravery, faith and love in all circumstances. – H .E./R. D.

Did you know Salvationist is now online?

WE UPDATE OUR WEBSITE WEEKLY, GIVING YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO O Read through archived issues O Catch up on the news you missed O Read the Editor’s comment and our article of the week O Share archived issues with others Like our page at facebook.com/ salvationistonline to keep up to date Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

Salvationist 4 January 2020

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ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 4 January 2020

22-23

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

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

MARIA BALL Communications Officer, Birmingham Service Centre How did you first come into contact with the Army?

Through a recruitment agency in Birmingham when I was looking for my next role in PR and communications.

What made you want to work for the Army?

It was a perfect role, working for a church.

I’m a Christian and an active member of my Baptist church, so my beliefs and values align with those of the Army.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

I have the best job in the world! It’s a privilege to meet with and share the stories of people whose lives have been transformed. I also get to hear about what is going on across the whole Army. … and the most frustrating?

I need to be able to move quickly to respond to media deadlines and deal with issues that can arise suddenly, no matter

‘

I have the best job in the world! It’s a privilege to meet with and share the stories of people whose lives have been transformed

how carefully things have been planned in advance. To be able to react quickly often means working on the move, so it’s important to have the right technology in place to help that. I am looking forward to the move to Office 365 and having more integration between software systems.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

To be more embracing of new technology, although I understand that different people have different abilities. I would look to build more IT support for all users on a divisional basis.

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

Queen Elizabeth I. She must have been a feisty woman with intelligence and great wisdom to hold on to power for as long as she did.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Cornerstone’ by Hillsong Worship.

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

She loved and lived life to the full.

What sport would you compete in if you were in the Olympics?

Curling. It looks a lot of fun – and low in danger.

What do you do in your spare time?

Walking, cooking and, before I recently found my new house, looking for a property.

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

High Life by Modern Romance in 1983.

I think it was a one-hit wonder.

What is your favourite food?

Freshly cooked fish and seafood.

’

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly’ (John 10:10 New King James Version).

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

It has to be Jesus. I have some questions about suffering and poverty.

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

Poverty or hunger.

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Maz, or Mazza.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

Sunshine and sea are a must. Otherwise, any open space with a path to walk along.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I can drive most tractors and front-end loaders.

If you had a ‘theme song’ that played whenever you walked into a room, what would it be?

‘Maria’ by Blondie.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

My father advised me to put in a fair offer, but be prepared to walk away.

What do you consider to be the most valuable thing you possess?

My cat, Dempsey.

Something interesting people might not know about you is…

I have a degree in agriculture and the environment, and my grandparents were farmers. I’m passionate about food, farming and trees.