Salvationist 4 July 2020

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1763 Price 70p

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

A route through the Bible with 66 signposts

PLUS INDIAN SALVATIONISTS STEP UP

SEE PAGES 12 AND 13

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

NEW COURSE LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE UK CHURCHES TO GIVE

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND FACES JOB LOSSES AND MISSION CUTS

A new initiative has been launched to encourage Christians in the UK to embrace a spirit of giving.

The Generosity Project is a six-part course to help congregations grow in their understanding and practice of generosity through their finances, time and energy.

The tool explores what the Bible has to say about giving and seeks to help Church members discuss and embrace the topic of generosity more openly within a small group setting...

Course contributor John Stevens, national director for the Fellowship of Independent Evangelical Churches... highlights that the issue of generosity has become particularly relevant during the current crisis as Christians have recognised the need to be supporting both the Church and wider society.

He says the pandemic makes the course a timely resource for the Christian community...

‘For some Christians because they’re not able to spend on social activities during lockdown, they’ve discovered they’ve got far more money than they’ve ever had before...

For others, the coronavirus has had a very negative impact... So there’s much more need for Christians to think about...’

Stevens stressed that a Christian’s giving reflects their understanding of the gospel and can serve as a powerful witness to those who don’t know Jesus.

The Church of Scotland is to reduce funding for its campaign ‘to transform unjust structures of society’ because of a deepening financial crisis.

Urgent cost-cutting measures have been compiled in an official report, which will result in redundancies among non-ministerial staff and raises the prospect of the church quitting its headquarters on George Street, Edinburgh.

Reflecting a year-on-year deficit and the continuing decline in church attendances, the Assembly Trustees board predicts that congregational income will fall this year by £30 million...

It recommends scaling back or stopping work ‘better done in partnership’ with charities or other agencies, and ceasing work where ‘there is no clear benefit to the life of the local church’.

Premier

Christian Today

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GENERAL Brian Peddle

The Times

EDITOR Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts – 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford – 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Shanelle Manderson – 020 7367 4894 Simon Hope – 020 7367 4892 Melita Day-Lewis – 020 7367 4887 Major Margaret Bovey COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER Major Godspower Anozie – 020 7367 4893 ART DIRECTOR Hannah Holden – 020 7367 4883 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mark Knight – 020 7367 4895 Louise Phillips – 020 7367 4896 PROOFREADER Chris Horne

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Salvationist 4 July 2020

The number of children needing foster care has risen by 44 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic, creating a ‘state of emergency’, a children’s charity said.

Meanwhile, the number of people looking to become foster carers has fallen by almost half over the same period, Barnardo’s added…

The charity says vulnerable children who may have experienced neglect or abuse are in a state of emergency as they wait to be placed with foster families.

The Barnardo’s chief executive, Javed Khan, said: ‘The coronavirus pandemic has hit vulnerable families the hardest... This has created a state of emergency, as more children than ever need a safe and loving foster family.’

The Guardian

HUNDREDS OF FAITH LEADERS CALL ON PRIME MINISTER TO GRANT CHILD REFUGEES SANCTUARY IN THE UK Hundreds of faith leaders have written to the prime minister urging him to grant sanctuary in the UK to child refugees.

The open letter has been organised by... Safe Passage... and has been signed by 250 faith leaders, including several Church of England bishops and church leaders from The Salvation Army, Scottish Episcopal Church, Methodist Church and Baptist Union.

According to Unicef, there are [more than] 1,600 unaccompanied child refugees stranded in Europe. The faith leaders are calling on Boris Johnson to open Britain’s doors to them, warning that they are ‘at a severe risk of trafficking, sexual exploitation and violence, and are surviving in circumstances that no child should experience...’

The call follows a collaboration between the UK and Greek governments to reunite 47 refugees in Greece with their loved ones here.

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NUMBER OF CHILDREN NEEDING FOSTER CARE SOARS DURING PANDEMIC, SAYS BARNARDO’S

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN 020 7367 4500 0845 634 0101

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CONTENTS

OXYGEN AND ADRENALINE THE English football season is under way again after a break of more than three months, but with a big difference: matches are played behind closed doors. As long as large gatherings remain unlawful, fans won’t be allowed in – so, realising the need for a crowd atmosphere, TV broadcasters have been playing recorded sounds instead. The players themselves can’t hear the canned crowd noises, which are simply for the benefit of the viewers, who would otherwise just hear the shouts of players echoing around an empty stadium.

Things will be different in Japan, however, as players will be able to hear the fans when their league kicks off this weekend. Supporters watching from home can tap a smartphone app, choosing to cheer, clap, chant or whistle/jeer. Their sounds will be combined and played a split second later on speakers in the stadium. Players will be pleased because they benefit from fans’ encouragement. As Sue Smith, an England women’s player, once said: ‘If you’ve gone behind and you’re thinking, right I need a little bit more… sometimes that crowd can just lift you.’

‘Encouragement is oxygen to the soul,’ said American writer George Matthew Adams. ‘No one ever climbed spiritual heights without it. No one ever lived without it.’ The greatest source of this oxygen for the soul is God’s word. On page 15 Major Nigel Bovey introduces his latest book, Browsing The Bible, which devotes a chapter to each book of the Bible and gives an overview of the Bible as a whole. ‘It reveals a sense of purpose and that God is in control,’ he says. An encouraging message if ever there was one!

People can encourage us with their words and actions, which show us what can be done and inspire us to do the same. This week’s Salvationist includes many examples of actions that encourage. The news pages show how corps, centres and individuals are responding to the coronavirus crisis, including some awe-inspiring fundraising efforts. Pages 8 and 9 highlight how the Army is tackling homelessness in Wales, pages 10 and 11 give another glimpse of the Army’s international coronavirus response, this time focusing on the Movement’s partnerships with others, and on pages 12 and 13 Paul Rajkumar shares insights into how Indian Salvationists are serving their communities during the pandemic. These are all encouraging examples of faithful and effective service.

The writer to the Hebrews was certain that the lives and service of others could encourage people in their faith. In chapter 11 he mentions some Old Testament characters, then begins chapter 12 with these words: ‘Do you see what this means – all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we’d better get on with it. Strip down, start running – and never quit!’ (v1 The Message).

Then he points out that the greatest encouragement comes from Christ: ‘Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we’re in… That will shoot adrenaline into your souls!’ (vv2 and 3 MSG).

Many of us face difficult situations and are struggling to cope. May we find encouragement that can be oxygen and adrenaline for our souls. And as we receive, may we also give encouragement to others through our words and by our example.

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

Quotes from the media

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Message from the Territorial Leader for Leader Development 4 News

5 to 7

Prayer Matters

6 and 7

News feature A real opportunity to end homelessness

8 and 9

News feature 10 and 11 Partnerships aid Army’s pandemic response My coronavirus story Salvationists step up

12 and 13

by Paul Rajkumar

Viewpoint Connecting in the kitchen

14

by Charles White

Interview Keys to unlocking the Bible

15

Major Nigel Bovey talks to Emily Bright

Reflection The lockdown chair

16

by Nicola Walmsley

More rear-mirror views The ninth Booth

17

by General John Larsson (Retired)

Bible study 18 and 19 Simon Peter puts his faith in Jesus

by Captain Stephen Oliver

Through the week with Salvationist

18 and 19

by Major Philippa Smale

New commitments

20

Letters

21

Announcements

22 and 23

Adverts

23

The Salvation Army and me

24

featuring Sandra Sneddon

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

Salvationist 4 July 2020

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A MESSAGE FROM THE TERRITORIAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT

A church without walls

I

LOVE William Booth College (WBC).

It holds many special memories for so many people, including myself. It’s not only a place where cadets train for ministry, it also resources the whole of the territory. Soldiers, officers and employees go there to be equipped and enabled for their ministry and work.

In 2012 Anthony and I were appointed to WBC for a short time. Early on in our stay the college was opened for people to come and have a look around, as were other listed buildings in London on that particular day. Hundreds of people came. The college community took them around, told them the story of Jesus, talked about The Salvation Army, gave people tours up the tower and served cream teas. It was a lovely occasion, and I remember one man saying to me: ‘I live quite near here and I’ve always wondered what happens behind these walls.’

That was a reminder that the Army is a church without walls. It’s almost as if our buildings are briefing rooms, and when we come to worship we are enabled through the Holy Spirit and through meeting together – in whatever way that is just now – to serve the communities in which we live.

In the entrance of WBC there is a stone reminding people that the college was dedicated to the glory of God. That really became a theme for us during our appointment there, and still is today.

Our lives, all that we are as part of this 4

Salvationist 4 July 2020

Salvation Army, are to glorify God so that his glory might be seen through us as we live in the world today.

William Booth would probably say ‘hallelujah’ to that thought. Just outside the college are two statues – one of William and one of Catherine – and there’s a stone on the wall near them that reads ‘William Booth Memorial Buildings’. We recently celebrated Founders’ Day on 2 July. If William Booth were here today, I think he wouldn’t want us just to remember him.

Founders’ Day reminds us of where we’ve come from, helps us see where we are now and gives encouragement to us all in how we go on in the future.

William Booth would want us to focus on the great mission and ministry that God has called us to. And he’d certainly want us to focus on Jesus, because that is how he led his life.

William Booth should be an inspiration to us, but he would want us to know that all that we are and all that we do is about Jesus.

Luke 4:18 and 19 are two of my favourite verses. They are words of Jesus as he commenced his ministry, and they remind me of what we are about as a Salvation Army and what I’m about as part of it: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the

oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

I thank God for every one of you who have continued to serve in extreme circumstances – those that have given exemplary pastoral care, not only caring for each other but caring for people in the community. Thank you, and may it long continue. In the days to come, we mustn’t forget that it isn’t about us. It isn’t even about The Salvation Army. It’s all about Jesus and the reality that we are resourced by the Holy Spirit for our day-to-day living.

While Anthony and I were at WBC we heard a lovely story from one of the cadets who had visited a woman in a nearby hospital. The woman said one of the things that had really helped her was that from her hospital window she could could see the illuminated cross on the tower of the college. It had given her hope as she battled with a serious illness. The message of the cross is about unconditional love and hope in all circumstances. It’s a message of grace – a message that brings forgiveness, peace and compassion, a message that we carry within us as we serve.

Whenever I visit WBC I’m reminded that our ministry continues and we do it in the strength of the Lord. One of my favourite songs is by General Albert Orsborn. The first verse says: My life must be Christ’s broken bread, My love his outpoured wine, A cup o’erfilled, a table spread Beneath his name and sign, That other souls, refreshed and fed, May share his life through mine.

(SASB 610) May you remember these words as you continue in your ministry, wherever that is. And I pray that as you live your life, Jesus will be seen in you.

GILL COTTERILL COMMISSIONER TERRITORIAL LEADER FOR LEADER DEVELOPMENT O This

message is based on a video released by the TC that can be viewed at facebook.com/SalvationistOnline or youtube.com/user/salvationarmyvideo

NEWS

FUNDRAISING

Support worker cycles 1,400 miles for Army centre SWINDON A GLOUCESTER House support worker with muscular and skeletal rheumatoid arthritis cycled 1,400 miles during lockdown to raise funds for the addiction treatment centre.

Richard Young, who is self-isolating, decided to cycle the equivalent distance of going from John O’ Groats to Land’s End as well as around Orkney, the Isle of Wight and Isle of Man using a training bike set up on his patio. He live-streamed the 42-plus legs of his challenge so that friends and family could chart

his progress. He averaged 30 miles a day but finished his ride with a marathon 55-mile leg.

Richard started cycling last year as he recovered from a spinal injury,

leaving him unable to play his favourite sport of bowls. His family encouraged him to take on the challenge, which raised a total of £1,244. – AR

Like our page at SalvationistOnline to keep up to date

COMMUNITY

Royal Mail delivers vers boost to food bank Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

NEWTOWN STAFF members at the Newtown Royal Mail delivery office donned fancy dress to raise funds for the corps food bank.

Corps member Ian Jones, who works in the delivery office, shared with his colleagues about the work of the food bank in supporting local families. Several postal workers then dressed up in costumes to collect money on their rounds, while some of their children made posters to raise awareness of the food bank.

The costumes included Buzz Lightyear, Postman Pat’s cat, Elvis Presley and a gorilla. The fancy dress helped to raise more than £2,300, and also delivered a morale boost as members of the public looked forward to finding out who was going to deliver their post.

Corps leader Territorial Envoy Sam Jones commended this and other examples of ‘fruitfulness on the front line’. Another corps member making an impact in their sphere of influence was Margaret

FUNDRAISING HARLOW Corps officer Major Karen Sandford has raised funds by swimming for the Army using a blow-up pool in her back garden.

Major Karen said: ‘I started off with a target of 10km but as lockdown has gone on, I have increased my original target to 33.796km or 21 miles, the equivalent of swimming the English Channel.’ She has now completed the challenge, raising more than £1,500 for the corps. – AR Struthers, who works at a local preserves company. When Margaret’s boss heard about her involvement at the Army, the firm donated crates of marmalade and chutneys to the food bank.

BBC Radio Wales also recently learnt about Corps Treasurer Jeanette Edwards’ work and her contribution to the corps food bank and featured her in a radio interview. – AR

Is your corps adapting to the coronavirus crisis through innovative ministry opportunities? Salvationist wants to hear from you.

Send your news reports to salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk. Good quality pictures will be included.

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NEWS

INTERNATIONAL

FUNDRAISING EVENT

World leaders call Army to face outward IHQ IN a video interview, General Brian Peddle and World President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Rosalie Peddle have spoken openly and passionately about the challenges and opportunities presented by the Army’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The interview revealed how the General felt on leaving IHQ for the last time before lockdown began. He shared openly about the ‘air of uncertainty’ surrounding the start of lockdown but acknowledged the blessing of donors.

The leaders also reflected on what might be the ‘next normal’ for the Army.

Commissioner Rosalie wrapped up the 35-minute interview with an impassioned and unambiguous ‘thank you’ to the international Salvation Army. The General echoed this, adding a challenge to Salvationists: ‘I think my sense is… that we have to be as never before – the world needs us to be as never before – an outward-facing Army.

Love the gathered church, enjoy it fully.

But in our benedictions, may we understand that that is the sending, that is us facing outward. If the need is there, then we face that way. God bless the very fabric of The Salvation Army that he’s raised up!’ – AR O The full interview can be watched on the General’s Facebook page and at vimeo.com/sal vationar myihq/ gencovidinterview

Prayer The Prayer Matters booklet for July–December has not been printed due to the lockdown, so Salvationist will publish the prayer themes for the rest of this year

WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE FOCUS

by cadets of the Messengers of the Kingdom Session

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OUTREACH

Lauren with her father, Major Allister Versfeld STRAWBERRY FIELD Lauren Versfeld, a young woman with Down’s syndrome has taken on the 2.6 Challenge in aid of the Strawberry Field Steps to Work programme. When Lauren was born her doctors doubted she would enjoy quality of life. Since then, she has consistently defied expectation but had not been able to learn to ride a bicycle. She was determined to do so, however, and cycled 2.6 miles in a month. Lauren exceeded her initial target of £1,000 and raised almost £4,000. – LT

ABERTILLERY The band played a selection of familiar tunes outside Band Reservist Ray Hucker’s home on his 90th birthday. This was a happy surprise for Ray, and his neighbours also enjoyed the music. Soldier Joan Mason celebrated her 87th birthday on the same day, so the band also played outside the care home where she lives. Both performances adhered to social distancing requirements in Wales. – AB

CORPS CORPS COMMUNITY CHALK FARM Film stars Jude Law, Katherine Waterston and Naomie Harris have been helping out at the corps homelessness drop-in. The actors were placed by SpareHand, a community support group that provides volunteers during the pandemic. Naomie is best known for playing Miss Moneypenny in the past three James Bond films, and Katherine and Jude recently appeared in the Harry Potter spin-off franchise Fantastic Beasts. Pictured with Naomie and Katherine is corps officer Captain Lorraine Kinnear. – MK

MONDAY 6 JULY Cadet Diane Taylor Heavenly Father, we praise you and thank you for your leading in our lives. In times when the way is not clear to us, you guide and direct us. We thank you that we are all called to do different things for you and that you equip us for those tasks. Help us to listen and to obey your calling to do whatever you want us to do. We ask these things in your Son’s name and your Spirit’s power. Amen.

TUESDAY 7 JULY Cadet Ian Barker Lord, thank you that you call us to covenantal life. We recognise the privilege in the opportunity to be part of your eternal covenant promise. In the coming weeks, when many will further commit their life to you, we pray for your divine empowerment.

May we always strive to seek more of you in every aspect of our being. In the name of the Son, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

KNOTTINGLEY When Mary Tyler found a white tablecloth she had washed and ironed but not taken back to the hall, she wondered if it could be put to a different use. The cloth was given to Lillian Hewson (pictured), who used her sewing skills to turn it into several face masks. These will be used by people within the corps when they venture out at the end of lockdown. – AR

COVENANT DAY Cadet Debbie-anne Hogarth ‘Called by God to proclaim the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as an officer of The Salvation Army, I bind myself to him in this solemn covenant to love and serve him supremely all my days…’

Pray for the cadets of the Messengers of the Kingdom Session as they make this solemn covenant, and continue to pray for them throughout their ministry.

ARMY NEWS

COMMUNITY

Army calls for universal credit changes

Mobile phones keep young people connected

THQ

CARDIFF

THE Army has provided a written submission to a House of Lords inquiry into the economic impact of universal credit, calling for a ‘breathing space’ for claimants with problem debt.

The Army also reiterated its calls for an end to the five-week wait for a first universal credit payment to avoid a national crisis for families, as well as for increased protections against homelessness and a replacement of advance payment loans with grants that do not need to be repaid.

Currently, some payment arrears can automatically be taken out of a claimant’s universal credit payment before it even reaches them, leaving them without the means to pay for food and other essentials. Unless immediate changes are made to move advance payments to a grant system, thousands could face the choice between buying food and repaying their universal credit loan.

Head of Public Affairs Matthew Sowemimo said: ‘The government has an opportunity to make universal credit work in the long term and we need to make sure it is sustainable so that the fallout of unemployment due to the pandemic doesn’t leave a lasting legacy of debt.’ – AR

YOUNG people living in Salvation Army-supported housing after experiencing homelessness have been provided with mobile phones to help them keep in touch with family and friends, thanks to a generous donation from Admiral.

The gift of £1,000 has also meant young people living at centres managed by the Army now have access to new books, games and art materials to help them keep active.

‘Across Cardiff, we have 106 specialist places for young people in our supported accommodation and independent living flats, and one of the very real challenges they are facing during lockdown is boredom,’ said Yvonne Connolly, Homelessness Services Regional Manager for Wales and South West. ‘People who are experiencing homelessness or rough sleeping that we work with also need mobile phones to stay connected, and this very kind donation from Admiral will help us support people who are feeling vulnerable and isolated from their families and the outside world during lockdown.’ – AR

THURSDAY 9 JULY Cadet Jonny Whitmore Father, we thank you that you call us all to be messengers of your Kingdom on Earth – yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, now and always! We thank you for the 20 cadets that will be commissioned on Saturday and pray your protection on them and their families. Today and in the coming days, may we increasingly recognise and join in with the work of your Kingdom in our lives and our communities. Amen.

STOCKPORT CITADEL When Irvine McKee, a much-loved soldier and bandsman, was suddenly promoted to Glory, corps folk wondered how they could support the family while not being able to attend the funeral service. As the time of the funeral arrived, a candle was lit in each home to remember Irvine and photos of the lit candles were posted on Facebook so that Joan would know that she and the family were very much in their thoughts and prayers. Irvine’s life will be celebrated when the corps can again come together. – JA

EVENT

Peter Moon cuts the cake at his retirement party, after 17 years as catering manager at Logos House Lifehouse in Bristol; he has taken on a new role as facilities and administration co-ordinator

FRIDAY 10 JULY Cadet Jacqueline Coates Dear Lord, thank you for calling each one of us into ministry with you. We pray that as we step out into a future unknown to us, we will do so with complete confidence, knowing that, as you have chosen us, you will empower and equip us to be who you have called us to be.

Amen.

COMMISSIONING DAY Cadet Christopher Thompson Father God, we give you thanks for the Messengers of the Kingdom Session and the calling that you have placed on each of these lives. Strengthen, empower and equip them as they enter full-time ministry for you. Use them as a powerful witness in the corps, centres and communities they are appointed to across the territory, for your glory. Amen.

SUNDAY 12 JULY Jesus, we celebrate you today! In all our worship gatherings – at William Booth College and throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland – may we lift you up. May your voice be clearly heard, your presence experienced and the Holy Spirit have total freedom to move and minister.

You call and equip us all to be Messengers of your Kingdom – in the power of your Spirit, we respond. May your will be done and your Kingdom come! Amen.

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NEWS FEATURE

A real opportunity to end homelessness WALES IN May the Welsh government’s housing and local government minister, Julie James, announced a £20 million fund to transform homelessness services that could see an end to rough sleeping in Wales, writes Regional Communications Officer Iwan Roberts. This was in addition to £10 million pledged to house 800 people as part of measures to provide emergency shelter during the coronavirus pandemic.

However, The Salvation Army has warned that the focus of the government must be on tackling the reasons people end up experiencing homelessness as well as providing housing.

‘This is the biggest opportunity we have had in a generation to make a lasting change to the lives of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in Wales,’ said Yvonne Connolly, the Army’s Regional Manager of Homelessness Services Unit for Wales and South West.

‘Wales has led the way in showing other nations how to support people experiencing homelessness during the pandemic, and to ensure this progress is maintained it will be vital for the Welsh government to lay out how it intends to use this new £20 million fund to secure long-term housing for people who have been homeless.’

Yvonne has called for wrap-around care for individuals, with access to services that

Yvonne Connolly

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Salvationist 4 July 2020

will help people address the reasons they fell into a spiral of homelessness.

‘People have many complex reasons why they sleep rough: poor mental health, fleeing domestic violence, childhood trauma or addictions,’ she added. ‘Any investment in housing also needs sustained funding so long-term wrap-around support is available for people to deal with the reasons they

ended up on the streets.’

The Salvation Army has welcomed the Welsh government’s innovative use of supported housing to help people move away from homelessness in recent years and has said finding suitable accommodation for them is key to maintaining that direction after lockdown. The Welsh government is moving towards a housing-led approach – such as the Housing First programmes run by the Army in Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil – to ensure that people are able to move on and away from homelessness. As the economic effects of coronavirus are likely to impact the country for a long time to come, the Army has emphasised that it is vital to lay out plans on how to end homelessness in Wales for good. With the increased risk of eviction from the private rented sector, this will ensure that a new wave of people do not find themselves without a home.

‘This should involve detailed planning on the housing and support required, as well as how this provision should be funded over at least the next five years,’ said Yvonne.

How Housing First helped Bob and Taylor BOB Cardiff Bob’s life has been turned around with the help of Housing First support workers.

Before starting the programme he was sofa-surfing at a friend’s house.

‘I’ve been through some very dark times.

You can’t see a light at the end of the tunnel,’ he says.

While living on the streets he was abused and humiliated. People spat on him and made fun of him, broke beer bottles over his head and kicked him. He took drugs to blot out the experience.

Bob had been ‘through the system’ for nine years, from sleeping rough, being in jail and staying in hostels to living in a shared house. His benefits were messed up and he was at a complete loss, with no hope. But 18 months of living in his flat, with day-to-day support from Housing First staff, has completely changed his life. Six months after moving in, he was nominated for an award by the local

TAYLOR Merthyr Tydfil Taylor has lived in the town for most of his life and had a happy childhood. After completing a painting and decorating course, he joined the British Army aged 18.

He had to redo some of his basic training, but this didn’t work out, so he chose to leave. He spent five or six years in the construction industry and began drinking heavily.

‘I would go out most nights, but looking back now I was out of control,’ he admits.

As work dried up, Taylor was staying with his father. He was looking for work and his own place to live but, as he didn’t have a lot to do, began drinking up to 20 cans of lager a day. Not wanting to upset his father, he walked out and ended up sleeping rough in Pontypool and then in Cardiff for about eight months.

‘It wasn’t nice knowing that I had

authority housing officer.

‘Life is looking a lot better now,’ Bob says. ‘With professional support from my key worker, I’ve been able to address my addiction problems and I’m in recovery.

Because of this progress my daughter is back in my life. My Housing First support workers are there for me all the time – they’re supportive, understanding, non-judgmental and they’ve always got time to listen to me. I don’t feel under any pressure to do things until I’m ready to do them and that’s the approach that works best for me.

‘I’ve built up a great relationship with the staff members and they encourage me with my daily routine, like keeping my house tidy, which is a good sign that my life is stable. The Housing First programme has been the only thing that’s worked to get me out of homelessness and to stop taking drugs, and the reason it’s worked is because of the staff and the tailored support they’ve given me.’

WHAT IS HOUSING FIRST? Every night The Salvation Army provides supported accommodation for more than 3,000 people. The vast majority of those that live in its Lifehouses move on to a positive outcome. However, the Army recognises that residential services are not right for everyone, so has introduced the Housing First approach to help rough sleepers with complex needs get off the streets and into stable and affordable accommodation.

Rather than addressing needs while moving through supported housing, the Housing First model enables someone to move directly into their own home as a tenant.

They are then encouraged to engage with intensive and flexible support to maintain their tenancy and improve their health, well-being and involvement in the community.

nowhere to go, but I learnt not to dwell on it,’ he recalls. ‘It was so cold at night that I could see the ground fog forming. I had to get out of my sleeping bag and walk around to get the blood circulating around my body to keep warm.’

When Taylor joined Housing First, he felt he was moving on again with his life.

He says the staff played a big part in turning his life around, helping him with sorting out benefits, food shopping, registering with a doctor and providing emotional support.

‘I’m paying my bills now and life is on the up,’ he adds. ‘Everything I do now in my flat is all part of putting my life back together and getting some structure and stability. I feel motivated because I know I have options and can achieve things such as getting my City and Guilds Level 2 diploma, which will qualify me to work on a building site again.’

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NEWS FEATURE

Partnerships aid Army’s pandemic response IHQ AROUND the world, The Salvation Army continues to respond to needs resulting from the coronavirus pandemic with the support of strategic partnerships.

Emergency projects supported by the Army’s International Emergency Services team based at IHQ have cumulatively provided more than two million meals to people in need across the globe. This has been made possible by the generous support of the Army’s territories, through personal donations and corporate grants. The Army’s World Service Office in the USA reported that the UPS and FedEx Foundations ‘provided funding for nearly 30 projects in as many territories’.

International Emergency Services Project and Finance Administrator Major Chris Mulryne said: ‘We are grateful to our partners right around the world who are helping to meet needs on a scale that we have not seen before. Behind the numbers are individual men, women and children who are suffering, and often feeling

desperate. It’s our responsibility to serve them in their time of need, and it’s an honour to do so, but we cannot do this on our own – we are indebted to all those who support our work practically and financially.’

Whether a large-scale feeding programme for thousands of people, or a smaller community-based initiative addressing hygiene and sanitation, one thing is consistent: the loving care with which individuals are treated.

USA The Salvation Army has served more than 6.5 million prepared meals to people affected by Covid-19. About 1.8 million food boxes have been distributed, with each box representing 20 individual meals.

The equivalent of more than a million nights of shelter have been provided, and emotional or spiritual care offered on request to more than 600,000 people. In many states, childcare is being provided for essential frontline workers, showering facilities for homelessness service users have been established in major cities such as New York, and young people have been offered

online activities during the lockdown.

Partnership with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) has been particularly fruitful, bringing substantial financial support and vital personnel reinforcements. Teams from The Salvation Army and LDS Church have been working together in a number of locations, with the shared aim of meeting human needs with compassion and sensitivity.

Major corporations have also generously supported the Army’s Covid-19 response with financial donations and gifts in kind.

Car manufacturer Toyota has granted $700,000 towards emergency responses in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans and New York City. Airlink – a nonprofit organisation supported by US aviation and logistics companies – partnered the Army in providing staff and volunteers with 150,000 face masks.

Ryerson Lundy, a start-up business owner in Evanston, Illinois, gave 100 per cent of profits from bracelet sales to the Evanston Corps food pantry. Ryerson is just six years old.

USA

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Salvationist 4 July 2020

‘Ryerson learnt how to make rubber band bracelets a few months ago and she thought starting a business to raise money to help others would be a good thing to do,’ explained her parents. They suggested she consider donating the money to an organisation providing food to people in need.

‘We are so grateful to Ryerson and her family for this wonderful gift. It will go a long way in helping the most vulnerable right here in our community,’ responded corps officer Captain Mary Kim. TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS The Coca-Cola Company has provided much-needed support to The Salvation Army, which is partnering other agencies on the Caribbean islands to secure essential food and hygiene support. Hundreds of families and individuals have been affected by economic hardship resulting from the pandemic, and the provision of food, drinks and cleaning supplies has been appreciated.

Turks and Caicos ANTIGUA The Army benefited from a share of 80 dozen-egg boxes donated by Hill Valley Farms, whose director wanted to give back to the community. The freshly laid eggs were distributed to vulnerable people on the island in collaboration with the Antigua Lions Club and other organisations in the area.

THE NETHERLANDS Government partnerships have been strategic where, after campaigning by The Salvation Army and other organisations, a commitment has been made to spend more than €200 million on additional sheltering for people experiencing homelessness. A further agreement to provide 10,000 places to live will be realised by January 2022.

Partnerships with tech companies have also enabled Army personnel to provide tablet computers to many of its service users – particularly young adults and children.

Thailand

This makes it possible for them to remain in touch and continue learning during a period in which most education has moved online.

THAILAND The Salvation Army has received a formal letter of appreciation from the Royal Thai Armed Forces. The Salvation Army team tasked with establishing the Movement in the country has been supporting the military to care for those under quarantine regulations in the northern city of Chiang Mai. Priorities have included providing food, water, infection control supplies and equipment, as well as supporting Covid-19 sufferers and first responders in the armed forces.

THE PHILIPPINES Teams from Manila and Quezon City have distributed 550 food packs, water and sleeping mats to stranded overseas workers at the international airport and nearby Villamor Golf Club. The workers are waiting to return to their home provinces and are temporarily sheltering outside the airport and at the golf club due to cancelled flights.

LIBERIA A newly resourced undertaking in Monrovia is seeking to help the community next to the Army’s command headquarters. Despite a curfew and prohibition on movement, Army personnel observed that the number of people on the streets had increased and that those without other means of support were setting up stalls to sell produce.

About 3,200 individuals in the Sinkor neighbourhood will receive basic food parcels to provide a reliable source of balanced meals during the lockdown, minimise unnecessary social interaction and slow down the spread of the virus.

Households will also receive soap and buckets to improve access to handwashing facilities.

KENYA Similar intervention is planned for the Sabatia, Gusii and Sondu communities in Kakamega. About 1,500 people – half of whom live in vulnerable family groups – will receive supplies of maize, beans, rice, sugar and cooking oil. – AR

The Philippines

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FEATURE I My coronavirus story

Paul Rajkumar, second from the right

Salvationists step up Paul Rajkumar, Director of Community Empowerment Projects and Health Development in India Central Territory, shares how the territory’s ministry has transformed during the pandemic

I

AM a lifelong Salvationist and a soldier at Bapatla Central Corps. I live in Bapatla with my wife, who is a bank worker. We have two sons, one living in London and the other in Hyderabad.

I expressed an interest in serving the Army when I was approached by territorial leadership in June 2019. Since then I have had the privilege of using my training, skills and previous work experience in the corporate and social development sector and with the state government.

There was a strict lockdown from the end of March to control the spread of Covid-19. However, quite unexpectedly, I and another volunteer travelled almost 2,500 miles in the first six weeks!

I drove these distances to distribute protective and printed materials to corps and to monitor the distribution of food items to vulnerable individuals and families. The protective materials, consisting of washable face masks, gloves and hand sanitisers, have also been given to police who are out on the highways enforcing the lockdown, and to street sanitation workers who 12

Salvationist 4 July 2020

are cleaning and disinfecting roads continuously.

The Salvation Army has been the only organisation to come forward to help protect people who are trying to manage our public health and safety. The government gratefully acknowledged our efforts by giving official permission for me to travel within the states covered by the India Central Territory.

The first phase of our ‘Protect Self and Fight Corona’ campaign was quite visible in communities. We held street plays and skits in public places to raise awareness of the virus and to educate about precautionary measures that everyone could take. We printed and distributed Telugu and Tamil-language information leaflets and posters and also shared these with authorities, police officers and the Red Cross.

With the full co-operation and support of the police, we pasted health advice posters along the main roads and on the walls of marketplaces. Some of the police even stuck the posters on their vehicles and were so excited that they called district media to cover the story.

Following the second-phase message to ‘Stay Home and Save Lives’, and the announcement of lockdown, we headed to the highways where we encountered migrant labourers from other states such as Bihar and Chhattisgarh trying to get back to their families.

After building confidence with people that we were not the police, we spoke with them to find out about their situation, how they were doing and where they were heading. Alongside providing protective materials we were able to support these vulnerable people on the road with nutritious food to help sustain them throughout that day’s journey.

During lockdown, we have also been able to provide the same support to migrant workers stranded in government quarantine relief centres, as well as other vulnerable individuals and families in the communities served by our corps.

On 1 June I was engaged by the district authorities to act as a translator for migrant workers and their families in a new relief camp, where they are tested for Covid-19 and given medicine. I have

appreciated the opportunity to counsel and comfort workers from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Odisha.

Many people have commented that the refreshments we provide, which they can eat gradually throughout the day, are preferable to a one-off meal that would only keep them satisfied for an hour or two. Where it was more appropriate, though, we were able to serve 400 migrant workers from northern India with hot cooked food.

Washable face masks – stitched initially by the territorial headquarters Women’s Ministries team and some community women in corps, under the

leadership of Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Prema Wilfred – have been well received by all sections of people, particularly the police and sanitation workers, who can be on duty for many hours.

The masks were in demand from other government workers, so much so that production expanded to include officers and soldiers in some of the divisions and members of our Community Empowerment Programme self-help groups (SHGs). We also sourced masks from commercial companies.

Purchasing sewn face masks from SHG members at the same price that we pay other production companies is proving to be an effective way to help SHG members support themselves, their families and communities, particularly in areas where people live hand-to-mouth from daily waged labour or live with the impacts of leprosy. As of mid-May, SHG members and Women’s Ministries team members had sewn around 4,000 of the 26,000 masks we distributed.

Although I had connections with the government before, this Covid-19 response period has allowed me to explain more to the government about what the Army is and how it can support their efforts.

The government is realising that the Army, through its local presence and networks, can connect with many of the people the authorities are unable to reach. Because of this we have been

given support and the freedom to move around in our mission to support the most vulnerable.

Government personnel have also helped with the co-ordination of our awareness-raising campaigns and community-level distributions in areas where maintaining social distancing proved complicated. Our relationship with the government has dramatically improved during these weeks and our efforts have received high recognition.

I have been impressed with how officers, soldiers and young people in our territory have really stepped up.

People have put any self-interest aside to support me whenever I have visited corps or communities, welcoming me openly and helping with any house-tohouse food distributions.

Project funding from International Headquarters has inspired our soldiers and officers to contribute whatever they can at a local level. Videos of Commissioner Prema, other women officers and community women stitching masks, day and night, have stirred others to take up the challenge, and Territorial Commander Commissioner Wilfred Varughese has been communicating and motivating us daily, connecting with us and encouraging us to each play our part.

Through the humility of such leadership by example I can see a paradigm shift occurring in the mindset of Salvationists and friends.

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VIEW POINT

Connecting in the kitchen

Charles White shares ideas on how to bond with family and God through preparing and eating meals together

A

FTER his resurrection one of the first things Jesus said to his disciples was: ‘Come and have breakfast’ (John 21:12). It was a way to reconnect with them after they were parted. Preparing and sharing meals was also a central part of early Church services, a way the Church stayed connected.

Anthropologists Margaret Mead and Colin Turnbull believed the one thing that signals that a person is a functioning part of a tribe or group is their assistance in meal preparation.

Being a contributor is the bedrock of staying connected, of being a part of a family.

Finding that sense of belonging in today’s world isn’t always that simple.

However, the coronavirus lockdown 14

Salvationist 4 July 2020

has created a unique opportunity for many parents to spend time with their children that they might not normally have. Cooking or baking together can be a good way to use this time and a fresh means of connecting as a family.

Regularly preparing a meal together is one of the best ways to stay connected to Christ and to each other.

A parent’s secret weapon with very young children, between three and five years old, is the banana. Before peeling, mark the banana using a felt-tip pen, so even the youngest child can slice it with a sturdy plastic knife or a child safety knife. Once the banana slices are peeled they can become a variety of desserts by adding tinned fruit, yoghurt and chocolate chips, chunky peanut butter with just enough

milk to make it ‘juicy’ or mayonnaise mixed with chopped nuts.

Something as simple as bananas mixed with a teaspoon of jam can be a treat for children. Even the youngest child can contribute to the process and receive special one-on-one time with their mum or dad.

Children can get involved in slicing cheese, oranges, cucumbers, apples and potatoes. A child who can slice and pour can help prepare anything. There isn’t a better way to ensure a child gets daily parental attention combined with a sense of being a contributor and of belonging, which help lay a foundation for a positive self-image.

Children aged nine and older could make their own recipe book. A parent can give their child a notebook and allow them to paste in a recipe after they have made a meal twice. They can be rewarded with a gift or a special privilege for each recipe they add – as long as the entire family helps prepare the meal.

Looking for easy recipes can be a part of the evening’s entertainment, with prizes presented to those who find a good recipe online or in a magazine. A stir-fry with rice is a meal almost any child can cook and casseroles are dependable favourites.

Older children could learn to cook a ‘romantic’ meal, something to make for or with a prospective sweetheart. By the time a child is in their teens they may well have about 20 recipes in their book.

The kitchen is also a great place for prayer, learning Bible verses and bonding with God. Parents could put a special Bible verse on the wall or get a flip-over calendar with a verse a day. Another idea is to fill a bowl with Bible verses for each family member or guest to take away and tuck into their pocket – suitable Bible verses are available to download for free from bibleparent.com.

Before eating together one family member could read a verse out loud and pray for God to help everyone understand it. You can’t understand Scripture without prayer and you can’t pray rightly without Scripture.

Whatever you do, make your kitchen a special place for connecting with each other, and eating together a time for prayer and Scripture.

CHARLES WHITE IS A RETIRED CHRISTIAN NURSERY TEACHER IN AMERICA AND WEB EDITOR OF BIBLEPARENT.COM

INTERVIEW

KEYS TO UNLOCKING THE BIBLE Major Nigel Bovey tells War Cry Editorial Assistant Emily Bright about his new guide to the good book

H

aving served as a Salvation Army officer for 41 years, including 18 years as Editor of War Cry, Nigel is no stranger to the challenges of sharing the Bible with a wider audience.

He has now written a study called Browsing The Bible, which summarises each book of the Bible in approximately 350 words. Each chapter also features a seven-day guide to help the reader explore some of the main themes covered, with a question to reflect on.

The chapter ends with a prayer, which echoes the message of each book.

Reflecting on the writing process, Nigel says: ‘It was an intellectual and spiritual challenge. There are so many riches, so many things that spark the interest and then inspire you long enough to want to stick at it for weeks to come.’

Browsing The Bible emerged from Nigel’s long-held ambition to create a scriptural study guide: ‘When I became editor of the War Cry in 1999, I wanted to introduce a permanent Bible teaching page in the paper. When I retired a few years ago, the new editor generously asked me to contribute to that page.’

Nigel first began writing for the War Cry’s ‘Browsing the Bible’ column in autumn 2018. His book’s launch marks the end of the magazine series.

Viewing the Bible as individual written books, however, isn’t always helpful.

Even within each book, Nigel observes, there are artificial barriers between sections: ‘Until Stephen Langton, the Archbishop of Canterbury, put in chapters and verses in around 1277, there were no such fences between them.’

Nigel feels that by patiently working through all of the Bible and considering it in its entirety, we can get a unique overview of its narrative.

‘You get a landscape view of what God is saying to humankind,’ he says.

‘It reveals a sense of purpose and that God’s in control. By the end of Revelation, you see that everything is going to be all right for the faithful.

‘So, by looking at each book in turn and extracting what I think is a message or an emphasis, rather than seeing isolated bits of the Bible, I’m seeing the Bible in connection.’

He thinks that such a connection is crucially important, particularly with the links between the Old Testament and New Testament.

‘The big themes of the Bible start in the Old Testament, about human nature and the character of God,’ he explains.

‘Although we sometimes associate the God of the Old Testament as one of ferocity, rage and vengeance, the word “love” appears more often in those books than in the New Testament. If we don’t understand what the Old Testament is saying, the New Testament makes little sense.’

‘Time and again, Matthew’s Gospel quotes Psalms, Zechariah, Isaiah and Jeremiah to show that Jesus is fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah,’ Nigel elaborates. ‘Equally, the book of Hebrews makes absolutely no

sense without the Old Testament because its function is to interpret the Old Testament through Jesus.’

Just as it’s important to understand both parts of the Bible in relation to each other, Nigel says that they should also be viewed through the culture and time in which they were written: ‘Context is everything. It’s not so much what’s being said that counts as what the authors mean by it. The tone of voice and body language that we use when speaking is missing in the written word, so it’s even more important to understand the background in which the Bible books were written.’

Reflecting on the purpose of Browsing The Bible, Nigel says that its applications are manifold, whether it’s personal study, sparking helpful discussion within a group or leading preachers to dig into lesser known areas.

‘The book is about helping people to start exploring and discovering the Bible,’ he says. ‘I’ve hopefully put down 66 signposts that say: “This way.”’

The Bible is available from SP&S priced £8 (plus postage and packing) and as an ebook from amazon.co.uk priced £6.99

O Browsing

Salvationist 4 July 2020

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REFLECTION CTI O REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION ON

grandchildren, some of whom are too little to understand the way of our world at present:

The lockdown chair Nicola Walmsley sees the possibility ibilit off transformation in difficult days

O

N 23 March the country went into lockdown. Two days later my dear brother, Tim, died in Australia, and we as a family were separated, grieving from afar. Amid the fog of shock and grief, adapting to lockdown and being furloughed, I began a therapy project: upholstering a derelict chair.

It was during this quiet time of working on a practical project that I got thinking about the similarities with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit in our lives – how God transforms us by renewing our minds and creating beauty out of brokenness.

Prior to lockdown, the story of Joseph was running through my mind. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, taken to Egypt and locked up in prison for several years, Joseph was freed and put in charge of Egypt under Pharaoh. During a famine his brothers came along in their time of need, not recognising him. Joseph helped them, then made himself known, later saying: ‘You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good’ (Genesis 50:20).

I felt encouraged that even though we see turmoil and hardship, so much good can come from this time. We see love and compassion. We see people connecting, caring for neighbours, sitting around dinner tables for meals, playing games together and spending quality time with their children.

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Then I thought of that story in light of being bereaved of my brother. Just like Joseph, Tim was the favourite – but we didn’t mind. He was only 56, and fit and healthy. Then his heart just stopped. He always said, ‘When God says it’s your time to go, it’s your time.’ And he was ready for that. He was promoted to Glory ahead of us, but his life had a vast impact for good on family and friends throughout the world.

In Isaiah 55 God says, ‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways’ (v8) and, ‘Seek the Lord while he may be found’ (v6). In this time of global pandemic, my prayer is that we will see transformation in our lives as we surrender ourselves to the power of the Holy Spirit working within us. Just as I was able to transform an old piece of furniture, how much more can the God of all creation craft beauty out of brokenness!

The lockdown chair will forever remind me of this time in our history, but also of the wonderful transforming power of the Holy Spirit, who gently strips off layer after layer of baggage: ‘He has made everything beautiful in its time’ (Ecclesiastes 3:11). It will also remind me that we saw much of the goodness of God at work in our lives, bringing good out of a difficult time.

I wrote a story poem in a journal for my

It began one frosty morning, with a beaten up old Freecycle relic from Grange*, all forlorn, tattered and torn.

March 2020 the lockdown chair took shape. In my mind it seemed simple – just strip down to the frame.

Wearing mask and gloves – protection from the dust – I removed layers of torn fabric, old wadding, frayed hessian and black donkey fluff.

With an array of new tools and electric staple gun, I started removing a tack at a time until bare framework was undone. un In isolation I sat, with my thoughts and imaginings roaming, until lockdown chair im unfolded. un The new things arrived: fresh calico, hessian, webbing and wadding. he I tack, I staple.

No rush, no hurry.

Of course, I’m on furlough.

April and May, there’s time for such stuff.

Stripping old varnish.

Awaiting my doorbells ring, announcing arrival of four brass castors with black China wheels, of all things.

Don’t hurry I’m told, take your time – let it unfold.

No choice, I think, really – fabric warehouses shut.

Ordering online, some velvet, what colour to be?

Blue peacock? Teal? We’ll have to wait and see.

So for now I switch off the news.

No longer Brexit, it’s Covid-19 endlessly.

I turn on my CD, Burt Bacharach for me.

Birdsong, purring cat in sunshine.

Perfect accompaniment!

In isolation – it’s just Colin, our cat (Mouse) and me.

What more could I ask for, such good company.

Oh, and the lockdown chair – that’s my therapy. *A nearby village called Grange-overSands NICOLA IS COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-IN-FURNESS

MORE REAR-M MIR RRO OR The Booths’ family home

THE NINTH BOOTH General John Larsson (Retired) shares fascinating glimpses of the early Army

W

HEN visiting the USA in February 1903, William Booth encountered a young man he had long thought dead – and that man was none other than the ninth Booth.

William and Catherine had a family of eight children, the last-born being Lucy. Yet they spoke openly of having nine children. When referring to his children at the 1877 conference of The Christian Mission, William Booth ended by saying: ‘May God accept all the nine for his service.’

A Mexborough newspaper journalist reported in 1878 that ‘Mrs Booth stated that they had nine sons all “coming on” ready to fight in the great conflict against sin, the flesh, and the devil.’ Comments Jenty Fairbank in Booth’s Boots: ‘The “sons” mistake could be forgiven, reporters being what they are; but “nine” was the constant factor; never has it been known for both parents (even of a large Victorian family) to overcount the number of mouths to be fed.’

George Scott Railton, when writing about the members of the Booth family in Heathen England (1878), states that ‘all the four sons and five daughters look forward to spending their life in the work’. The four sons were Bramwell, Ballington, Herbert – and one other.

The one other was George H Booth – known as Georgie – whom the Booths had adopted in infancy. He was born in 1871 and was therefore three years younger than Lucy. It was said he was the son of a nobleman.

There are mentions in the Army periodicals of young Georgie taking part in meetings, and Sara A Randleson in Just One Blue Bonnet records: ‘Georgie is a particularly refined and graceful little boy, fair and delicate.’ But there are no known photos of him.

When Georgie was 16 he attended a boarding school in Southport, where he was described as a ‘sweet docile boy’. Two years later there were plans for him to visit the USA, but that visit was delayed.

The delay proved traumatic for Georgie. During that time something went seriously wrong for him, serious enough for him to decide to emigrate to Chicago.

In June 1890 Bramwell Booth, Chief of the Staff, wrote a private letter to his brother Ballington, National Commander of the Army in the USA, in which he outlined Georgie’s problem and announced his imminent arrival in New York. That letter is no longer extant, but Ballington’s reply is. From it we glimpse how the two older brothers – Bramwell, aged 34, and Ballington, aged 32 – grappled with the crisis surrounding their 19-year-old brother Georgie: ‘We have received your “private” letter of the 7th inst. concerning Georgie and we feel deeply grieved that he should have caused you all such anxiety and sorrow and that for the sake of personal gratification he should have thrown away the grandest chance which can be offered to a man of becoming useful to his day and generation.

‘We have seen and talked and prayed with him. He broke down and wept when alone with me and said that he wished he had never come and that he could remain in New York. I told him that he had better carry out his former plan of going to Chicago…

Poor boy! I felt awful at seeing him leaving.’

Virtually nothing is known of Georgie for the next 13 years, although news filtered back to William and Catherine that he had got into bad company, become ill and died.

On that February winter morning in 1903, however, things changed.

Harold Begbie in his biography of William Booth introduces a journal entry for that day with the remark: ‘William Booth encounters a man who had been brought up by the Booths from his childhood.’ It is clear that William Booth is writing about his adopted son Georgie, now aged 32: ‘In after years to our grief he had taken to bad ways – come to America, gone to lower depths still, and was reported upon at last as being dead, the money sent to provide for him in his sickness being returned with the mournful message that he had passed away. Here he was, however, alive and well, and apparently full of gratitude for the kindness shown in the years gone by… It was like a resurrection from the dead!’

After that appearance the ninth Booth walks off stage again, never to reappear. We are left with tantalising questions for which extensive research has so far provided no answers.

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BIBLE STUDY

Simon Peter puts his faith in Jesus Captain Stephen Oliver explores how Simon leaves his boat to fish for people LUKE 5:1–11

QUESTION do people in our lives who do not yet know Jesus make of him?

O What

I

N Luke’s Gospel, Jesus is seen teaching and healing, including the healing of Simon Peter’s mother-inlaw, prior to calling any disciples to follow him (see Luke 4:38 and 39).

While we need to treat the chronology of events in the Gospels with care, recognising that they are not intended to be what-Jesus-did-next biographies, there is something rather compelling in the idea that Jesus and Simon might have known each other prior to Simon setting out to follow Jesus.

What did Simon make of the stories of Jesus casting out demons? How did he react to his own mother-in-law’s instant healing? Did he listen to Jesus preaching in the synagogue? Was there something about the teaching of this wandering preacher who had come to stay in his home?

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

by Major Philippa Smale

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Immediately prior to the calling of Simon Peter, we see Jesus teaching again, this time on the shore of Lake Galilee. Jesus commandeers Simon’s fishing boat. This suggests there may be some kind of relationship between them. At this point, Jesus is doing what he does – teaching the crowds about the Kingdom of God – and Simon is doing what he does, which is working in the family fishing business.

The location Jesus chooses for this session is fascinating. It’s hardly surprising that rabbis would teach in synagogues (see Luke 4:44).

However, Jesus is teaching not in a rabbi’s workplace, but in a fishing boat – Simon Peter’s workplace.

Jesus steps into Simon’s world in a new, intentional way. As our study

passage continues, we see the dramatic consequences of him doing so.

QUESTION O To what extent does an awareness of Jesus’ presence in our lives make a difference to us and to others?

It is unlikely that Jesus – a carpenter from Nazareth, some 30 miles inland from Capernaum – would have been asked to build boats, but he might well have had an appreciation of the craft involved. It is also unlikely that he would be expected to know much about using one. Yet this doesn’t stop Jesus giving Simon Peter, a partner in a fishing business, a lesson on fishing.

Luke doesn’t give his readers any insight into why. Did Jesus want to see something more about Simon Peter’s everyday working life in action?

Simon Peter, who has been fishing all night without success, knows the chances of a catch are low, but the

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

One day as Jesus was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret, the people were crowding round him and listening to the word of God. He saw at the water’s edge two boats, left there by the fishermen, who were washing their nets. He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat.

(Luke 5:1–3)

By the peaceful shores of Galilee,/ Mending their nets by the silvery sea,/ The fishermen toiled at their tasks each day,/ Till the Master walketh along that way.

(SASB 637)

When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, ‘Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.’

Simon answered, ‘Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.’

(Luke 5:4 and 5)

fishing expert takes the advice of the carpenter: put out into deep water and let down the nets. Before he has any real understanding of who Jesus is, Simon Peter’s response is one that echoes with many faltering and uncertain disciples: ‘Because you say so’ (v5).

The result of his following the carpenter’s instructions is that the fishermen catch such a large haul that they need help from their business partners to land it.

QUESTION O What is Jesus asking of you that you might need to respond with ‘because you say so’?

Consider Simon Peter’s first response to the miraculous catch of fish. Having witnessed for himself the way in which Jesus transformed his everyday working experience, Simon

Peter is now confronted with the authority and power of Jesus that people have been talking about (see Luke 4:36).

Simon has seen Jesus perform miracles before, but this is different; this one depends on Simon Peter’s co-operation, effort and skill.

Jesus could easily have made hundreds of fish appear on the shore of Lake Galilee, but he doesn’t do it that way. Rather, he asks Simon Peter to use his own experience and skill to accomplish something he had been unable to do the night before. Jesus does more than step into Simon’s world; he changes Simon’s understanding of how everything works.

Confronted by his growing sense of who Jesus is, Simon’s response is to recognise the reality of his own life: ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ (v8).

The realisation that Jesus might use

Simon Peter to accomplish great things is a weight almost too heavy to bear, until Jesus invites him to follow, to learn and to trust.

An encounter that begins with Jesus stepping into the boat ends with Simon Peter stepping out of it, as he decides to follow in the footsteps of the one who transformed his everyday life.

QUESTIONS a time when Jesus transformed something about your everyday life.

How did he use your experience, skills and knowledge to do that?

O How might the Lord want to use your skills and knowledge as you follow him today?

O Recall

CAPTAIN OLIVER IS TUTOR, WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

The Lord is King! I own his power,/ His right to rule each day and hour;/ I own his claim on heart and will,/ And his demands I would fulfil.

(SASB 625)

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, ‘Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!’ For he and all his companions were astonished at the catch of fish they had taken, and so were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners.

(Luke 5:8–10)

Behold me, Saviour, at thy feet,/ Deal with me as thou seest meet,/ Thy work begin, thy work complete,/ But take me as I am.

(SASB 500)

Then Jesus said to Simon, ‘Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.’

So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him.

(Luke 5:10 and 11)

Prayer The world’s voice can be very loud in our ears, Lord, and drown out what you are saying. Help us to listen to your voice and respond to your call to reach out to people with your message.

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NEW COMMITMENTS

BEDFORD CONGRESS HALL Before the coronavirus lockdown came into effect Tendai Basutu was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Majors Angela and Graham Bailey. Tendai was supported by family and friends, who began worship with a time of African praise. In her testimony Tendai told how the Lord had led her to the Army and how the warm welcome she had received made a big difference to her life. – AB/GB

CARDIFF GRANGETOWN Corps officer Major Sheila Loman had the privilege of enrolling Ava as a junior soldier during a Zoom worship meeting. More than 70 people gathered virtually to celebrate as Ava made her junior soldier’s promise.

She completed preparation classes just as lockdown came into effect and the corps could not wait to witness this special moment. Ava is excited to be a junior soldier and looks forward to learning more about Jesus in the years ahead. – SL 20

Salvationist 4 July 2020

PENGE Before the coronavirus lockdown came into effect Noah was enrolled as a junior soldier by his parents, Cadets Heather and Jonathan Culshaw, who are soldiering at the corps while studying at William Booth College. Pictured with Noah are his sister, Ella, and Cadets Heather and Jonathan. – JS

LETTERS

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Captain Ted Cotterill and Captain Hiroshi Asano

UNFURLING HISTORY HAVING read ‘A march like no other’ (Salvationist 6 June), I wonder if this is of interest: a picture of the flag that headed Japanese Captain Gunpei Yamamuro’s march in 1900.

The photo was featured in the Cannock local newspaper in 1965 when Captain Asano was visiting.

Ted Cotterill Colonel Beckenham

WAKE-UP CALL THE recent boom in Zoom reminds me of a contribution made by a young man at a youth councils I was privileged to attend as a supporting officer back in the 1980s.

He had been invited to speak on how he saw the Army of the future.

His opening remarks were that he anticipated a day when the only Salvationist needing to get out of bed on a Sunday morning would be the corps officer. The rest would press a switch to automatically release a screen at the bottom of their bed, revealing the officer with their thought for the day. We have not gone that far yet but we are not far off. I do not recall the young man’s name, but I hope he became one of those who have to get up on a Sunday morning. If you have that divine inner urge, speak to your corps officer today.

Ray Kirby Lieut-Colonel Selby

I WAS delighted to read Major Gregory Morgan’s article on the fourth mark of mission (Salvationist 16 May). The article highlights William Booth’s work to create match factories that were safe and paid a fair wage. It likewise raises the need for us to be ‘guided by an ethical care for fellow workers here and in the developing world’.

Have we set our house in order as an organisation? I wonder if all the investments and business of the Army, including SAGIC, Reliance Bank, employee pensions, SP&S, corps and Lifehouses, meet the highest ethical standards? Do we ensure that every employee has a wage and pension they can live off? Do we avoid doing business with any company that avoids tax, abuses its workers or damages the environment? Are we willing to pay more to ensure we always source the most ethical options available? Do we give our centres and corps freedom to use and support local businesses? Do we respect our own workers’ rights and promote independent unions?

Fraser Hunter Perth Lieut-Colonel Alan Read, Secretary for Business Administration, responds: Fraser’s questions are challenging in that they scope out well the range of issues to which The Salvation Army must pay careful heed to ensure that our business practices match our Christian beliefs and practices. I am pleased to assure Fraser and all readers that the issues raised are never far from the top of our agenda in all our business relationships, and the same is true for our subsidiary companies.

The Salvation Army was investing ethically long before it became the norm for many companies to do so and our investment managers very clearly understand what we will not invest in; and when they are in doubt they will ask us so that we avoid inadvertently investing contrary to our policy. Investment return is not the only criteria by which we place our investments; care for people, the environment and company behaviours are equally important in our investment decisions.

Our Procurement Unit carefully vets suppliers with whom we engage to ensure that their employment practices are not contrary to the fourth mark of mission. We positively engage with unions when required, have an employee forum with employee-elected representatives and have an anonymous survey across employees (and officers) to seek views and act on feedback.

Corps and centres have freedom to use and support local businesses although we do like to run procurement checks before engaging local suppliers for all the reasons Fraser lists in his letter. Equally, we have national contracts, which at times we prefer corps and centres to use when possible so that we can make use of discounts afforded by suppliers to bulk purchasers; this is good business and a way to ensure donations made to the Army go further and do more.

We are heavily regulated in many areas, and independent inspections and audits across a number of disciplines and activities provide a means by which we can ensure there is no dissonance between our message and our practice.

We would be naive to entertain the thought that in an organisation as vast and broad in its scope as the Army we could not inadvertently be found wanting in one particular investment, or one particular purchase from one supplier, or in our treatment of one particular employee, because we all rely on each other in many of these matters. We can state the policy from headquarters, but we all have to live out those policies where we are, in the sphere of influence which is ours. What we can be sure of, however, is that were we to find such a divergence from our standards, we would want to put it right as soon as it came to light.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

TRIBUTES

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Blue Sapphire (65th) O Major Dennis and Kathleen Wisbey (16 July) Diamond O Harold and Jeanne Robson, Sunderland Monkwearmouth (30 July) Emerald (55th) O Bill and Pat Ions, Newcastle City Temple (3 July)

MAJOR DAVID PICKARD BORN in 1946 in Leeds, David and his family got to know the Lord at Leeds New Wortley where, as a junior soldier, he joined the YP band, singing company and corps cadets. He was enrolled as a senior soldier in 1962 and, a year later, transferred with his family to Stanningley, where he was appointed corps sergeant-major at the age of 19.

In 1967 he entered the International Training College as a member of the Evangelists Session. After his commissioning in 1969 David’s first appointment was to Mosborough, followed by corps including Cudworth, Dinnington, Calton, Greenock East, Kinlochleven, Rosyth, Cowdenbeath, Carnforth and Thatto Heath.

In 1983 he was appointed to East Midlands DHQ as Finance Officer and, in 1988, to South Yorkshire DHQ in the same role. In 1990 David was appointed to the Finance Department at THQ, then to SATCoL as personnel administrator before a 13-year spell as the statistician at THQ. His final appointment in 2005 was as the administrator at Hopetown Lifehouse, London.

David always showed himself to be well organised, faithful and thoughtful.

After retirement in 2011, David continued to serve the Lord at Catford.

He took on the role of acting corps treasurer, led Bible studies, spoke at the over-60 club, preached and served on the corps council and the PCC. He is greatly missed by his family and corps family. They are thankful for his example of faithful service as an Evangelist and know that he has gone to live with God. – RE

RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Bronwen Menary (90 on 3 July) O Major Doreen James (85 on 5 July) O Major Cyril Chadwick (95 on 6 July) O Lieut-Colonel John Hall (80 on 8 July) O Major Agnes Thomson (85 on 8 July) O Lieut-Colonel William Main (85 on 15 July) PROMOTED TO GLORY O Winifred Gulliver, Bedlington O Major Beryl Mead from Croydon University Hospital on 18 June O David Wood, Rugby O Christine Diaper, Trowbridge O Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft from his home in New Jersey on 26 June BEREAVED O Wendy Wood, Rugby, of her husband David O Lieut-Colonel Kathleen Bearcroft of her husband Lieut-Colonel Norman Bearcroft, Major Mark Bearcroft, Govan, Bramwell Bearcroft and Norman Bearcroft of their father

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Salvationist 4 July 2020

IRENE THOMAS, GLOUCESTER IRENE, known as Rene, was born in 1924.

She was orphaned as a youngster and lived with her stepmother. At the age of eight Rene was invited to the Army. She enjoyed

going there and became a soldier at 15, soon meeting Roy, a Salvationist.

They married in 1948 and had two daughters, Angela and Margaret, and later became grandparents to Julie and Karen.

Rene’s enthusiasm led to her helping the Girl Guides, becoming a company guard and serving as a songster for 62 years. In 1986 she became home league treasurer and remained in this role until her sudden promotion to Glory. In 2007 Angela died and was soon followed by Roy. Rene and Roy were married for 59 years.

As a widow, Rene lived independently but enjoyed boat and car journeys with family, especially her sons-in-law, Alan and Steve. Always fun and smiling, but no longer able to walk to the hall in uniform, her last weeks were lived with family. She is much missed by her family, including her greatgrandchildren, Elliot and Dylan. – AB DORA HARRIS, DUDLEY DORA was born into a Salvation Army family in Dudley and lived in the town all her life. She was enrolled as a soldier in January 1938 and, over a period of 30 years, served as home league treasurer and over-60 club treasurer.

She was still keeping the books until a few months before her promotion to Glory. More than one auditor throughout that time commented on her meticulous keeping of the registers.

Dora’s life was similarly organised.

She took pride in her tidy home and appearance. She was a true lady – gracious, quietly spoken and selfeffacing. She took a real interest in people and events and was always pleased to hear the latest news and how people were doing.

Dora was promoted to Glory just after her 97th birthday. She is fondly remembered and greatly missed by her friends at the corps. – SP

Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes should be no longer than 150 words. Please do not send your copy to any individual as this could delay publication. Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy. org.uk

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE This information is correct as of 3 pm on 29 June RESTARTING ACTIVITIES In many places, plans are being made for how and when to restart activities that have been curtailed due to the pandemic.

Decisions to restart should be based on three key principles: 1. We must always follow government guidance.

2. Advice from THQ must be considered carefully – in particular the missional and financial implications of reopening.

3. In light of the first two principles, local leaders and managers are expected to make decisions in a spirit of consultation.

SELLING PAPERS ON THE STREET The Publishing Department has created a set of guidelines for heralds wanting to resume their ministry on the streets. Email publishing@salvationarmy.org.uk for details. This ministry should only happen when heralds feel it is safe and when government guidelines allow.

CHARITY SHOP REOPENING Corps charity shops are now able to open. For general queries about guidance, please email communityservices@ salvationarmy.org.uk.

NEW THQ The coronavirus pandemic is changing the way people work, so a review of the new THQ building is to be undertaken to consider if the proposed design is still appropriate. The pandemic lockdown in London happened a few weeks after the existing THQ building had been sold but before the contract to build the new THQ at Denmark Hill was signed.

The review team are expected to report in the autumn.

Key information is on the territorial website: salvationarmy.org.uk/coronavirus-and-internal-information O

ADVERTS MGS works professionally providing O

COUNSELLING O THERAPY O MEDIATION

MGS works with relationships and other life experiences

MGS is confidential, experienced and free Contact Major Jorgen Booth and the MGS team Tel 07711 148538 or email mgscounselling@yahoo.com (Based in Worthing – MGS works throughout the UK)

Are you in need of some daily hope during this lockdown?

We have a new FREE telephone line for you to ring to hear comforting hymns, daily prayers ­ĊÌ īÐŦÐÆĴðďĊĮȘ www.facebook.com/wbc1929 dŚĞ ^ĂůǀĂƟŽŶ ƌŵLJ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŚĂƌŝƚLJ EŽ͘Ϯϭϰϳϳϵ ĂŶĚ ŝŶ ^ĐŽƚůĂŶĚ ^ ϬϬϵϯϱϵ͖ ^ŽĐŝĂů dƌƵƐƚ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŚĂƌŝƚLJ EŽ͘ Ϯϭϱϭϳϰ ĂŶĚ ŝŶ ^ĐŽƚůĂŶĚ ^ Ϭϯϳϲϵϭ dŚĞ ^ĂůǀĂƟŽŶ ƌŵLJ dƌƵƐƚĞĞ ŽŵƉĂŶLJ͕ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŶƵŵďĞƌ ϬϬϮϱϵϯϮϮ ; ŶŐůĂŶĚ ĂŶĚ tĂůĞƐͿ͘ ZĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚ ŽĸĐĞ͗ ϭϬϭ EĞǁŝŶŐƚŽŶ ĂƵƐĞǁĂLJ͕ >ŽŶĚŽŶ ^ ϭ ϲ E 'ĞŶĞƌĂů͗ ƌŝĂŶ WĞĚĚůĞ͘ dĞƌƌŝƚŽƌŝĂů ŽŵŵĂŶĚĞƌ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ hŶŝƚĞĚ <ŝŶŐĚŽŵ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ZĞƉƵďůŝĐ ŽĨ /ƌĞůĂŶĚ͗ ŽŵŵŝƐƐŝŽŶĞƌ ŶƚŚŽŶLJ ŽƩĞƌŝůů

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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…

SANDRA SNEDDON Home Manager, Eva Burrows Day Centre, Glasgow How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My grandmother was a member of Wishaw Corps many years ago.

What made you want to work for the Army?

I had been brought up knowing the good work that is done by the Army, and I’d always worked within the NHS and care.

I felt I could bring something to Older People’s Services.

What is the most interesting thing about your role?

I love my work. It’s very interesting meeting all the people who use the Eva Burrows Centre, learning of their backgrounds and lives and meeting so many lovely people. I also find the learning process interesting.

What are the challenges?

It’s quite a testing time at present. The day centre is closed due to the pandemic, some staff have been redeployed and others are on furlough. I’ve been holding the fort, carrying on with all weekly checks,

‘

I’ve been taking sandwiches to some of the centre’s service users at home each day

letting contractors in to carry out servicing and catching up with paperwork. I’ve also been taking sandwiches to some of the service users at home each day, as well as keeping in contact with as many as possible by telephone and sending letters to all. Our daily prayers continue throughout Older People’s Services and the support from our senior management is invaluable.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

I love spending time with my family.

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

Star Wars, and I’d play Princess Leia.

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

Florence Nightingale, because she was headstrong and achieved so much in her 90 years. She was often a lone female voice appealing to the Victorian establishment, she overhauled both army and civilian healthcare and saved so many from gruesome death.

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

People person.

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

I would love to be a sprinter.

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

Good h health.

Wha do you do in What your spare time?

I look after my grandchildren and gra care for people who may require a little support.

’

What is your favourite food?

I really like beef and mushroom pie.

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

Shang-A-Lang by the Bay City Rollers, released in 1974.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory’ (Exodus 15:2 New Living Translation).

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

‘Amazing Grace!’ (SASB 453) If you had to be handcuffed to one person for a day, who would it be?

George Clooney.

Do you have any hidden talents?

I sang in a band many years ago.

Which book (apart from the Bible) would you want on a desert island?

I probably would not read, I would investigate the surroundings.

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

The Friends TV series theme tune.

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

Never forget your roots.

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

My family.

Something interesting people might want to know about you is…

I’m just an average person, who enjoys spending time with my family, loves my service users and wants the best for everyone.