Salvationist 5 January 2019

SALVATIONIST For everyone linked to The Salvation Army

No.1686 Price 60p

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 5 January 2019

Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

A R C MY A L E IN EN VE SI D N D A T E R S

(Isaiah 40:31)

T CONTENTS

Feature 3 Vision and Commitment Sunday Living fruitfully as disciples The Territorial Commander’s New Year Message 4 and 5 Thank you!

News

6 to 9

Feature I Music Man Project Making music together 10 and 11 2019 events calendar

12 and 13

Book reviews Christ At The Door

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Reviewed by Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare

The Musings Of An Old, Imperfect Christian Reviewed by Major Alan Bennett

Rear-mirror views A change of mind

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by General John Larsson (Retired)

Bible study 16 and 17 Effectiveness – make the most of opportunities!

by Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns

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 featuring Major Pat Brown

Salvationist 5 January 2019

JUST before Christmas my wife and I went to the Good Grief, Charlie Brown! exhibition in London featuring a display of Peanuts cartoon strips by Charles M. Schulz. It also included artefacts, photos and videos, together with information about Schulz and the meaning and impact of his work.

The Peanuts cartoons, which he created in 1950 and produced for daily publication in newspapers across the world until his death in 2000, covered a range of issues, including war, mental health, racism, feminism, relationships and religion – all treated with subtlety and humour.

Schulz drew his cartoons by hand – almost 18,000 of them – and reproductions of some of his artwork were on display at the exhibition.

Among my favourites is the one in which Charlie Brown’s baseball team has lost yet another game. ‘I get tired of losing,’ he says. ‘Everything I do, I lose.’

His friend, Lucy, who doesn’t always have words of encouragement, consoles him: ‘Look at it this way, Charlie Brown. We learn more from losing than we do from winning.’ Charlie replies, ‘That makes me the smartest person in the world!’

Learning from our failures is one way the past can help improve the present and the future. Perhaps some of our experiences in 2018 have lessons to help us in 2019.

As we know, however, the past doesn’t always produce positive effects.

Some experiences create guilt, bitterness, a sense of failure or a loss of confidence. We need the grace of God, and the help of others, to deal with these things and move on.

And it’s not just our failures but also our successes that can hold us back.

If we’re busy focusing on past blessings or achievements we can fail to see the good things God wants for us now and next.

On one occasion God spoke to his people through the prophet Isaiah (43:18), saying: ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!’ Isaiah had just reminded the people about the Exodus but now God was telling them to forget it! He wasn’t commanding them to erase it from their memories or devalue its significance – after all, their annual Passover meal was designed to help them remember it. But they were not to ‘dwell on the past’. There was an exciting future to explore.

While we might learn valuable lessons from our failures, and be encouraged by our successes and by God’s work in our lives, there is a sense in which the past should be put behind us. Turning our attention to the future allows us to move forward, grow in our faith and become more fruitful in our service.

The words of Timothy Dudley-Smith encourage us to do this, and could be our prayer for the year ahead…

Lord for ourselves; in living power remake us – Self on the cross and Christ upon the throne, Past put behind us, for the future take us: Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.

(SASB 816)

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

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PAST PUT BEHIND US

From the Editor, Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

FEATURE Vision and Commitment Sunday

LIVING FRUITFULLY AS DISCIPLES Territorial Leader for Leader Development Commissioner Gill Cotterill introduces the new mission focus for 2019

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NOTHER new year has arrived, which naturally can stir up different emotions. For some of us it brings excitement for what’s ahead, and for others perhaps fear of the unknown, but it also opens up for us an opportune time to reflect on our relationship with Christ and commit ourselves to him afresh.

This year’s vision and commitment theme – Living Fruitfully as Disciples – helps us to focus our attention on our personal and corporate effectiveness and continue to journey together in our understanding of the transformational mission framework of TIDE: Transformation, Integration, Discipleship and Effectiveness.

Exploring the idea of effectiveness through the lens of fruitfulness, as described in Jesus’ parable of the vine and the branches found in John 15, is a helpful analogy that visually and symbolically brings these thoughts together. While the purpose of the Church is to bear fruit, this is evidenced by being spiritually connected to God as followers of Jesus.

In these verses Jesus proclaims that he is ‘the true vine’ (v1) – terminology that had originally been entrusted to Israel: ‘The vineyard of the Lord Almighty is the nation of Israel, and the people of Judah are the vines he delighted in’ (Isaiah 5:7). By calling himself the true vine Jesus is saying that the purposes of God are being fulfilled in him. He is the source of life for his disciples: ‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5). For them to be effective branches and to ‘bear much fruit’ they must be completely dependent on him.

This fruit that Jesus talks about is the agapƝ love that Christ commands his

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Bearing fruit brings fullness of life to us because it is a sign of our friendship with Jesus followers to display to everyone. It is produced by remaining in Christ, by being joined to him, the vine. Like roots sucking up the water from the ground, through the plant to the branches, the life-giving sap of the Holy Spirit flows into us and through us so that his fruit is produced in us.

We can sometimes spend so much time and energy at the wrong end of the branch, trying to be good and patient, trying to fulfil our everyday tasks the best that we can. However, on our own, we are only capable of producing a kind of fruit that can fool others and ourselves for a while but that does not stand the test. Our effectiveness as disciples of Jesus is determined by our connectedness to Christ, resulting in our love for others.

Bearing fruit brings fullness of life to us because it is a sign of our friendship with Jesus, who said: ‘You are my friends if you do what I command’ (v14).

And, ultimately, it brings glory to God: ‘This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples’ (v8). But we must also be ready to receive the attention of the Father, who is the gardener, as he

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lovingly prunes away all that is within us that hinders and enables us to be ‘even more fruitful’ (v2).

With this in mind, adults, young people and children from corps and centres around the territory will have the opportunity to consider how a life united in Christ and transformed by him is demonstrated in the fruit they bear and the love they show to others – and to think about how we can continue to look for opportunities to discover how personally and corporately we are seeking to be pruned by the Father.

What a wonderful invitation is given to us all at the start of this new year to intentionally ask God, who loves us, to continue transforming us by his Spirit as fruitful disciples fully connected to him!

By doing so, we can continue to show the transformative power of God’s love to people in our families and communities. This is indeed effective living and fruitful discipleship.

Resources for Vision and Commitment Sunday, as well as small group material and videos, can be downloaded from www.salvationarmy.org.uk/visionand-commitment

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THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE

Thank you!

A message from Territorial Commander Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

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AS it my imagination or did I actually hear a collective sigh of relief and exhaustion across The Salvation Army on 26 December? It would be an interesting study to calculate the combined number of ‘extra mile’ hours of ministry by Salvationists and friends over these past weeks. There must be hundreds of thousands of people across the territory who experienced the good news of Jesus Christ in December as a consequence of acts of love and mercy completed, carols sung and played, Christmas messages delivered and mince pies consumed.

I realise that ministry during the Advent and Christmas season does not come without great personal sacrifice and commitment by most of the people reading this page and many more people besides. I know too that no one does any of this for The Salvation Army, and certainly not for the Territorial Commander, but I feel that a new year message from me simply needs to be a very sincere word of thanks. I am grateful to God for the remarkable opportunities he grants us to serve but also grateful to you for all that you have personally contributed to his amazing work through The Salvation Army, not only in December but also throughout the year that has now passed.

Whatever your place in the Army, whether as a soldier, adherent member, volunteer, attender, employee or officer – whatever your level of responsibility 4

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and availability – thank you for who you are and what you are endeavouring to be and do. I appreciate that many people might find thanks difficult to accept from a distance and from someone you perhaps do not even know but I respectfully offer it to you in the name of the Lord.

We’re all familiar with us thanking God – or at least we should be! – but does God, in his love, express his thanks to us? Although it is not easy to find specific biblical examples of God verbalising a ‘thank you’, his gratitude to us is staring us right in the face! It is at times blatantly obvious that God himself is a thanking God. It does not seem feasible to me that he would take for granted our service and dedication, imperfect and flawed as it is. His thanks, it seems, is not confined to words – it is expressed every day by his peace, his blessing and ultimately his personal presence.

Several passages of Scripture have helped me to appreciate this. Paul wrote to the Colossians (3:15–17): ‘Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And 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.’

Jesus, telling the parable of the sheep and the goats, explained: ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the Kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For

It does not seem feasible to me that he would take for granted our service and dedication, imperfect and flawed as it is

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I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was ill and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me’ (Matthew 25:34–36).

On another occasion, when he was preparing the disciples for his physical departure, Jesus promised: ‘Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them’ (John 14:23).

His thanks to us is expressed by his blessing, his peace and his presence!

He makes his face to shine upon us.

The prophet Isaiah (58:6–9) outlined that God is beaming with delight when he sees us sharing food with the hungry, providing the wanderer with shelter,

giving clothes for the naked, loosing the chains of injustice and setting the oppressed free. Isaiah declares that when we are being obedient to the call of God on our lives we are embraced by his glory, which will be our ‘rear guard’ (v8). When we cry for help he will answer, ‘Here am I’ (v9). What an amazing, thankful response from our amazing God who continues to come to us!

Now if that is true looking back at 2018, how much more will it be as we head into 2019, with fresh opportunities and challenges! The God who is with us, the one we seek to follow as faithful disciples and servants, blesses us with his presence and peace. These blessings must continue to overflow from us, not only when we are gathered together ‘as Army’, but when we are

dispersed into all the communities in which we live out our lives. Thanks be to God! Oh, and by the way! Could you imagine what it would be like if we all expressed gratitude to one another? I know we honestly do not do anything for the thanks but the writer to Hebrews said (10:24 and 25): ‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.’

Thanking someone is the best way I know that we can encourage each other.

If we can intentionally nurture a habit of thankfulness, we will certainly be giving many people a very happy new year.

I sincerely trust and hope you will have one too – so thank you!

His thanks to us is expressed by his blessing, his peace and his presence!

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NEWS

Stowmarket Band takes part in the Churches Together Advent service held during the Christmas Tree Festival at St Peter and St Mary’s parish church

As she retires after ten years’ service, Cradle Roll Sergeant Catherine Brown receives a certificate of appreciation from corps officer Captain Angela Noble at Scarborough; Ruth Barker is welcomed as the new cradle roll sergeant by Major Stephen Noble

GAINSBOROUGH: For the past four years Paul Bagshaw, whose mother worships at the corps, has encouraged his workmates to give generously to the corps toy appeal. This year Paul and his work colleagues collected and donated more than £3,000 to help ensure children do not miss out over Christmas. He is pictured with four-year-old Chicka Jones and corps officer Captain Deborah Oughton alongside the huge collection of toys. – P. H. 6

Salvationist 5 January 2019

DROITWICH: The band played carols at the opening of the nearby farm tea and ice cream café for its first Christmas fayre. At the end of the programme the musicians showed that Salvationists could have fun by enjoying a spinning teacups amusement ride, adding a new twist to the song ‘There’s Nothing Like An Army Cup Of Tea’. – M. M.

Emergency response vehicle team receives award BEXLEY CIVIC CENTRE VOLUNTEERS on The Salvation Army’s South London Emergency Response vehicle were delighted to win an award for outstanding teamwork in the first Faith In The Community Awards.

Lord-Lieutenant of Greater London Sir Kenneth Olisa, members of parliament, town councillors and representatives from different faith traditions gathered for the awards ceremony, which recognised and acknowledged significant work by faith groups within their communities.

Accepting the award, Bexleyheath volunteer Colin Bull, who looks after the South London van said: ‘Our team counts it a

privilege to attend major fires at the request of London Fire Brigade, to serve alongside the hard-working firefighters and other emergency personnel as part of our Christian service.

This award is for all those who volunteer on the van.’

More than 50 faith groups or initiatives were acknowledged.

– A. R. COLCHESTER CITADEL: Corps members formed nearly half of the Cantus Firmus ecumenical choir that led a preAdvent music service at a packed Plume Avenue church, entitled Light Overcomes Darkness.

Bandmaster Adrian Lyons presented a vocalisation of ‘The Light Of The World’, setting the scene for the Bishop of Colchester, the Right Rev Roger Morris, who preached about witnessing to the light of Jesus in the world. – A. L.

HEMEL HEMPSTEAD: The 52nd civic carol concert featured Pixies Hill Primary schoolchildren as a ‘choir of angels’ leading community singing. The band and British Airways Band combined to play pre-concert music and accompany carols. A nativity scene included Major Vikki Burr (THQ) as Mary, who sang two solos. The mayor of the Borough of Dacorum, Councillor Rosie Sutton, introduced her charity before corps officer Captain Marie Burr gave a brief message.

The proceeds were shared between the mayor’s charity and corps community service. – L. R.

STOCKTON: Staff at Kia Stockton will continue collecting toys on behalf of the corps despite the sudden death of the owner, Nas Khan, who had ensured that his garages across the northeast would be collection points for gifts for 19 years.

Corps officers Majors Michael and Nicola Barker expressed their appreciation for the gifts and the positive impact they had made on their ability to help people in need. – C. A. LOUGHBOROUGH: Yavana Community Choir, which uses the hall for its rehearsals, organised a concert raising £300 for community work. The choir is among several groups that hire the hall and have supported the corps by raising money and helping with communit y projects. – M. A. Grandparents and parents join 30 children at the Funky Monkeys Toddler Group Christmas party at Stowmarket where the children participated in various Christmas activities and each child received a gift

Residents and staff raise £104 at Booth House, Swindon, for the helping-hand appeal

Clowne music sections led an outdoor carol service prior to the switching on of Christmas lights and a firework display

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SKEWEN: Corps officer Captain Jo Walters led the Cytûn (Churches Together) Advent service, welcoming members from other churches in the village. The hall was full and, during the toy service, the captain prayed for families that would receive the gifts. – L. W.

BOURNE: The corps teamed up with artist Helen Van Herp, creating Wings of Hope to mark the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights. People were invited to decorate a feather and write a message of hope. These were added to build up angel wings, which were displayed in the charity shop window. – W. B.

Richard Williams delivers four large boxes of toys to Skewen Corps on behalf of the staff at Sandvik Osprey Ltd, Neath, who made the corps their Christmas charity Salvationist 5 January 2019

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NEWS

Shadow minister for early years visits preschool giving tailored support to children

RIPON: The corps held a toy service on the theme Toy Story to help nearby children and families.

Members, Rotarians and people from the community donated all kinds of toys and gifts. – K. R.

CHRISTCHURCH: More than 300 people gathered at the Priory church when Boscombe Band presented a programme of Christmas music. The band began the programme by playing ‘Christmas Processional’ and included ‘A Christmas Canon’, ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ and ‘Vitae Aeternum’. Band Sergeant Craig Snell played the cornet solo ‘Allelujah’ and the timbrelists contributed two items.

Major David Alton (Boscombe) spoke of Jesus’ journey into the world being God’s gift to us ‘full of grace and truth’. The evening concluded with the carol ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’. – R. C.

HECKMONDWIKE SHADOW minister for early years Tracy Brabin, MP, visited the corps to meet children exploring, discovering and adventuring through education at the Noah’s Ark preschool.

Noah’s Ark provides a safe, welcoming setting that empowers children aged two to four years in their education. It has been rated ‘good’ by Ofsted and recognised for its ‘imagination’ and ‘creative thinking through effective interactions’, with inspectors noting that ‘children are developing skills that develop them well for school’.

During her visit Tracy met with parent Naheeda Ahmed, a teaching assistant who has opted to send all four of her children to Noah’s Ark. She said of Noah’s Ark: ‘As a parent, I see how outstanding Noah’s Ark is – my youngest is not one yet but I already want to send him here, too. Even though my second youngest is only here a couple of hours a day, he comes home and recites his whole day in detail to me, including about the staff.

For my child, The Salvation Army preschool is a part of our family.’ – A. R. 8

Salvationist 5 January 2019

Volunteers from Reading Central, nearby businesses and music promotion company Festival Republic pack nearly 700 food hampers with everything needed for a traditional Christmas dinner

Corps celebrates transplant donors NORTHAMPTON PETERBOROUGH Citadel Band and Songsters presented an exhilarating programme in celebration of the 17th anniversary of Corps Press Representative Natasha Rogers’ lifesaving heart and lungs transplant. The concert included a variety of Salvation Army and secular music and some Christmas songs.

Between music items, ventriloquist Steve Hewlett had the audience in fits of laughter, even involving Peterborough Citadel’s Bandmaster Andrew Blyth in part of his act.

Corps officers Majors Janice and Jason Snell led a time of reflection on the importance of organ donors, praying for those awaiting transplants.

The evening raised £1,317, which will go to Harefield Hospital’s Transplant Club to support their work. – N. R.

MERTHYR TYDFIL: The fellowship band, songsters and timbrel group participated in a carol service held by the Inner Wheel group. The well-attended service, featuring many favourite carols, raised £150 to be distributed among nearby charities. – L. B.

Knitters put smiles on people’s faces CHIPPENHAM THE corps knitting group decorated the town centre and businesses with colourful knitted hats and scarves to spread festive cheer.

The knit ’n’ natter group meets every week and this – its latest yarn bombing stunt – is aimed at putting a smile on people’s faces.

Yarn bombing involves covering objects in public places, such as benches or railings, in knitted or crocheted items.

The group decided to brighten up Chippenham by leaving hats and scarves around the town centre to give something back to the community, and people who are sleeping rough in the town are welcome to take items to help fend off the winter chill. – I. R.

MIRFIELD: Corps officers Lieutenants Pip and Susan Chisholm used the opportunity of a stall at the switching on of the town’s Christmas lights to erect a photo booth and invite adults and children to have their pictures taken wearing nativity clothes. The band contributed by playing carols in the evening. – A. R.

RIPLEY: Mayor of Amber Valley, Councillor Angela Ward, opened the annual Christmas Fayre. The corps works closely with Amber Valley social services, which identify families in need of support over the Christmas period. – I. B.

Doris Hill celebrates her 100th birthday with family and friends at Brighton Bevendean

SOUTHSEA: The corps once again took to the Kings Theatre as more than 1,200 people gathered for an evening of carols and nativity items from children of nearby schools and the corps music sections.

Guests this year were staff and pupils from Cliffdale Primary Academy, a school for pupils who have complex learning difficulties. A collection raised £1,800 towards specialist equipment for the school. – I. U.

STOWMARKET: More than 200 people gathered for the annual Carols For All concert. The band, songsters and timbrelists took part.

Abigail Johnson and Rob Moye contributed vocal items and Jon Holden played a cornet solo. Members of the Kidz club performed a drama item. Major Susan Jones (DHQ) gave a Christmas message. At the conclusion of the concert, founder of the charity Geewizz, Gina Long, received a cheque for £2,128 to support work among children and adults with disabilities or life-threatening conditions. – M. B. Salvationist 5 January 2019

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FEATURE Music Man Project

MAKING MUSIC TOGETHER Salvationist reports on a music-education programme that is providing life-enhancing opportunities for people with disability

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ICTURE this – it’s Sunday night and you’re at the London Palladium. It’s filled to capacity with people; among them is the Countess of Wessex. More than 200 musicians with learning difficulties and disabilities are about to perform ‘Concerto For Trumpet, Trombone And 1,521 Triangles’, a specially composed piece by the orchestra’s director, David Stanley, featuring you and every other member of the audience. You see, you’re about to help them break the Guinness World Record for the largest ever triangle ensemble! You join more than 1,000 people in simultaneously playing the triangle, smashing the previous record of 876 people!

This was the scene two years ago as students of The Music Man Project returned for a second time to present their Music Is Magic concert. The project is the UK’s first full-time music education service for children and adults with learning disabilities.

David, an adherent member at Leigh-on-Sea and former deputy head

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Salvationist 5 January 2019

teacher, founded the project in 2000. It began in Essex as a Saturday morning music school run by the charity Southend Mencap with the aim of making expression, emotion, communication and the discipline of rehearsal and performance accessible to everyone.

‘There was a huge demand from parents for fun, regular, ongoing music teaching for their children, regardless of age, learning difficulty or experience,’ explains David. ‘The primary focus of The Music Man Project is on education rather than therapy, and on group music-making rather than one-to-one teaching, providing students with life-enhancing opportunities to perform as trained musicians on the biggest platforms possible.’

The project has since grown into a charitable organisation providing weekly

music schools, daily adult classes in the community and support for special schools. Spreading far beyond its origins it now operates across the UK and internationally, with branches in South Africa and India.

The partnership with The Salvation Army has been fundamental in duplicating The Music Man Project’s original teaching model, with Learning Disability Inclusion Development Manager Chris Stringer (THQ) often helping to organise events.

‘The project gives the Army an opportunity to reach out to people with a disability, not only to explore their music ability but also to explore faith,’ says Chris. ‘It also helps us to fulfil the commitments we have made for people with a disability as outlined in our disability strategy, The Journey Towards Inclusion.

‘It is now estimated that one in five people in society has some form of disability,’ Chris explains. ‘They face discrimination every day. With reductions in support from local authorities because there is less money, it is now more vital than ever that The Salvation Army welcomes, includes and involves people with a disability.’

David agrees: ‘The Music Man Project is like a family, and people often comment on the fellowship, joy, love, kindness and general sense of community at our teaching sessions. It is therefore incredibly fitting that The Salvation Army, with its tradition of music and service, is supporting our mission to extend these qualities to an often forgotten society of people.’

David regularly travels to corps up and down the territory, leading taster sessions and encouraging communities to form their own groups. Southampton, Kilmarnock and South Shields have all welcomed The Music Man Project to perform and run workshops.

Hedge End Corps is one of the latest branches established by the project, following a presentation from David and some of the Essex students. Corps officer Major Louise Davis had for some time felt a conviction to reach out to members of the community with learning difficulties. Her inspiration and drive drew together a dedicated team of

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Without high expectations we would not have performed twice at the London Palladium or broken a world record volunteers led by Valerie Hickox, who has experience as a music teacher, educating children with learning disabilities.

The team runs hourly sessions on Thursday afternoons packed with musical activity. Students sing and play a variety of percussion instruments, always beginning and ending with the ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ songs, when they are invited to sing solo with a microphone.

The progress that students make, musically and socially, is inspiring.

‘It is uplifting to witness the joy our students get from making music together,’ enthuses volunteer Stephen Smith. ‘We have witnessed all our students growing in confidence through these songs. One shy woman, who at the beginning would hide behind her hands when approached with the microphone, now reaches out for it and sings confidently; a non-verbal student who began by just staring at the microphone has developed through hitting it, to tapping it in time with the music. Some have discovered previously unknown talents and now enthusiastically sing or play solos.

‘In the early days the students arrived

looking pensive, not knowing what to expect in this new environment, but all left each session smiling. Now, they arrive smiling.’

And Music Man Project groups across the country have celebrated many achievements over the years and delivered touching performances, raising awareness and breaking misconceptions.

They’ve sung alongside the English Baroque Choir, entertained 39,000 runners at the London Marathon, performed in concert at the Royal College of Music, topped the Amazon Broadway chart with their charity single from the album Music Is Magic, led the Amazon Kindle Special Education charts with the ebook Music Is Magic: The Story Of The Music Man Project and won the 2016 Kids Count Inspiration Best Creative Contribution Award.

Their success is attributed to the high expectations they all set, as David explains: ‘Without high expectations we would not have performed twice at the London Palladium or broken a world record. My faith in my students gives them confidence to achieve, and they never let me down.’

The focus now is on preparing for their

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next concert at the Royal Albert Hall in April, when students from Hedge End and Music Man Project groups across the UK will unite to perform, supported by a symphony orchestra and massed choir. A special fanfare by Salvation Army musicians will open the concert and the Music Man Project cast will sing a special version of ‘Kumbaya’ in dedication to their partnership with The Salvation Army.

‘At The Music Man Project we teach who is in front of us and treat all students like musicians,’ says David.

‘We don’t teach the disability. We access the innate and instinctive musicality – the gift that lies within us all.

We nurture and develop it, transforming it into musical patterns, musical expressions and eventually into the pure joy of musical performance. With patience, hard work and high expectations anything is possible.’

For more information about The Music Man Project email Chris Stringer at chris.stringer@salvationarmy.org.uk

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To purchase tickets for The Music Man Project’s next performance on Monday 15 April 2019 visit royalalberthall.com

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SALVAT 2019 EV ENTS Vision and Commitment Sunday 6 January Prayer Warfare Weekend 25–27 January Launch of Self-Denial Appeal 3 February Territorial Youth Band and Choir 18–22 February Intercultural Mission Conference 1–3 March Self-Denial Altar Service 3 March Mothering Sunday 31 March Easter Day 21 April

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Sports Mission Gathering 22–23 June Women and God Weekend 28–30 June Founders’ Day 2 July

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Commissioning 6 July Welcome Sunday 21 July Enabled Summer School of Arts 27 July–3 August Territorial Music School 27 July–3 August The Big Collection 7–21 September

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Welcome to new officer cadets 28–29 September Remembrance Sunday 10 November Territorial Carol Concert 4 December

+ BOOK REVIEWS

CALLED TO BE MISSIONAL DISCIPLES Lieut-Colonel Karen Shakespeare (William Booth College) reviews the book Christ At The Door: Biblical Keys To Our Salvationist Future by Phil Needham

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ROM the beginning of Christ At The Door Phil Needham declares his conviction that the heart of the Salvationist calling is to be ‘missional disciples of Jesus’. He defines this as a ‘calling out’ – as disciples who journey with Jesus, as a church to embody him in the world and, in mission, as people who will give ourselves to the world he loves. He suggests that, at times, we have lost sight of our calling, and therefore need to reclaim it in ways that are appropriate for our place and time.

The book seeks to explore ‘how we can best fulfil our calling to be a biblically based movement of holy,

compassionate, disciple-making people’.

The three major sections develop the theme, with discipleship forming the essential foundation. It is a practical book that aims to stimulate thinking and action, with questions for personal reflection and group discussion at the

end of each chapter inviting us to undertake a process of reflection and application in our own context.

Not every reader will agree completely with the author’s depiction of the Army in the 21st century that reflects the North American context in which it is written, or with his assumptions about mission. Nevertheless, there is much that is recognisable and challenging in the author’s description of who we are, who we have become and who we are called to be.

Christ At The Door reveals Phil Needham’s deep longing for the Army to be effectively missional in the 21st century. It is a challenge to individuals and corps to reflect, review and, where necessary, refocus, so that we faithfully live out our calling. ‘Christ stands at the door of your corps and mine, inviting us to the future. At no time in our history has it been more crucial for us to see him, hear him and do his bidding.’

O Christ At The Door: Biblical Keys To Our Salvationist Future is available from SP&S priced £14.95 (plus postage and packing)

A TREASURE TROVE OF WIDE-R ANGING THOUGHTS Major Alan Bennett reviews The Musings Of An Old, Imperfect Christian by Alec Hall

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WOULD imagine that many of us have thought, ‘I could write a book’.

Memories and ideas crowd into our minds, especially as we get older, but few of us take up the task. However, Alec Hall, a Salvationist from Kent who is in his eighties, decided he would do just that.

Alec offers to those who might read his words something of his interests, opinions and Christian convictions – all in an orthodox fashion. Open the contents page and one is faced with no fewer than 41 articles in this slim volume. Here is a man who is firm in 14

Salvationist 5 January 2019

what he believes, and this is apparent throughout – a treasure trove of one man’s wide-ranging thoughts.

There is no overall pattern with these sections, and he takes us from comments on a biblical theme to his ideas on a variety of topics, from thoughts on suffering to English missionary C. T. Studd.

This is a book to read in short bursts, and could become a starting point for a discussion group. It is obvious that the author loves reading and gives us plenty of quotes, with William Barclay as a favourite writer; Richard Dawkins is definitely not among the favourites!

On reading the pages it seemed that it was a ‘self-published’ effort, and possibly suffers from the lack of a competent editor. However, this is a sincere offering from an older comrade, and, if read with that in mind, blessings

will doubtless come. After all, in the title he calls himself ‘an imperfect Christian’!

The Musings Of An Old, Imperfect Christian is available from Amazon priced £3 (plus postage and packing)

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REAR-M MIR RROR

A CHANGE OF MIND

General John Larsson (Retired) continues to share glimpses from the most momentous years in the life of The Salvation Army – 1878-1890

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N the first day of December 1887 Bramwell Booth had an unusual morning encounter with his father. William Booth had crossed London Bridge the previous night as he returned from opening a new hall in Whitstable and had seen men sheltering in the stone abutments of London Bridge.

Bramwell recalls…

I was an early caller at his house in Clapton. Here I found him in his dressing room, completing his toilet with ferocious energy. No good-morninghow-do-you-do here!

‘Bramwell,’ he cried, when he caught sight of me, ‘did you know that men slept out all night on the bridges?’

‘Well, yes,’ I replied, ‘a lot of poor fellows, I suppose, do that.’

‘Then you ought to be ashamed of yourself to have known it and to have done nothing for them,’ he went on, vehemently.

I began to speak of the difficulties, burdened as we were already, of taking up all sorts of Poor Law work, and so forth. My father stopped me with a peremptory wave of the brushes.

‘Go and do something!’ he said. ‘We must do something.’

‘What can we do?’

‘Get them a shelter!’

‘That will cost money.’

‘Well, that is your affair! Something must be done. Get hold of a warehouse and warm it, and find something to cover them. But mind, Bramwell, no coddling.’

Within seven weeks of that conversation the first of many such shelters was opened.

Bramwell must have been surprised by his father’s sudden eagerness for

social action, for until then William Booth had been cautious about such initiatives.

When The Christian Mission began in 1865 it engaged in first-aid forms of poor relief – mainly provision of food and clothing. But such was William Booth’s abhorrence of anything that smacked of meeting human need in order to win souls, and such was his fear that his missioners might be diverted from their soul-saving mission, that after ten years – in 1875 – he abandoned the Mission’s poor relief activities.

With the evangelistic thrust that followed the change of name in 1878, The Salvation Army at first was all about soul saving. There was no time for anything else. But by the mid-Eighties

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Saving people from their wretched circumstances was as much The Salvation Army’s mission as saving their souls

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the Army had begun in small ways to engage in social action initiatives such as transit lodges for released prisoners and rescue homes for ‘wayward’ girls. It had also engaged in social reform by campaigning for the age of consent to be raised.

While these developments were taking place, William Booth deep down was going through a revolution in his thinking – as was evidenced on that December morning in 1887.

The official history of The Salvation Army tells of this gradual process in a section headed ‘The General’s Change of Mind – 1887-1890’.

William Booth himself described the process and its conclusion in an article

entitled ‘Salvation for both worlds – a retrospect’, which was published in the January 1889 edition of All The World. It was one of the most significant articles he ever wrote, for it charted a new course for The Salvation Army.

In the article he tells how over 44 years of ministry he had watched with despair the suffering of the poor and needy. ‘But at the onset, I saw no remedy, and I said to myself, “If we cannot save them for time, we will save them for eternity”.’

He then tells of a discovery ‘which has been growing and growing in clearness and intensity, which was that I had two gospels of deliverance to preach – one for each world, or rather one gospel which applied alike to both. I saw that when the Bible said, “He that believeth shall be saved,” it meant not only saved from the miseries of the future world [Hell] but from the miseries of this world also... And I said to myself, and I have been saying to others ever since, “Christ is the Deliverer for time as truly as for eternity”.’

William Booth had seen with convincing clarity that the salvation proclaimed by The Salvation Army must not only be spiritual but also must be temporal. Meeting human need was not an optional extra or a means to an end.

Saving people from their wretched circumstances was as much The Salvation Army’s mission as saving their souls.

In its time this was a new and startling insight. Within 22 months William Booth was to reveal an ambitious battle plan to turn his newfound vision into action. In the words of historian Roger Green’s book title, from now on it was going to be War On Two Fronts.

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BIBLE STUDY

EFFECTIVENESS MAKE THE MOST OF OPPORTUNITIES! Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns encourages us to be people who are fully engaged in the mission of God in the world STUDY PASSAGE: EPHESIANS 5:15–17

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E very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is’ (Ephesians 5:15–17).

Can you see the apparent dichotomy – live carefully versus make the most of every opportunity?

Or, to state it more simply: take care and take a chance! It is as if we are to proceed with great care and caution and, at the same time, live in a way that embraces every opportunity, regardless of risk. Which is it to be?

When someone leaves us, we often, in our parting words, say: ‘Take care of yourself!’ The statement has a kind and thoughtful intention behind it and conveys our genuine concern for that person’s wellbeing.

However, I wonder if we should consider changing that statement in the light of our verses to something

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

by Major Philippa Smale

more akin to: ‘Take a chance’ or ‘Take a risk’. Why opt for the cautious approach?

QUESTIONS O Many argue that The Salvation Army in the 21st century is too risk averse. Do you think that is true?

O Paul, the writer to the Ephesians, urges his readers to take care and to make the most of every opportunity.

How do you square this?

Is it possible that instead of reading these ideas as opposing concepts, we take them as two sides of the same coin? Perhaps this is not ‘either/or’, but ‘and’. Might it be that these two ideas belong together – that it is not a matter of taking care as opposed to taking a chance, or a risk? Might it be clearer to state: ‘Take care to ensure that you do not miss every opportunity’? This suggests a more adventurous and dynamic approach to discipleship and mission, as we ensure that every opportunity is grabbed with both hands.

QUESTION How do we take care to make the most of every opportunity, particularly as we face a new year?

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If every day brings new opportunities, am I noticing them on a personal and corporate level? Every day The Salvation Army encounters many thousands of people as we engage in ministry and mission throughout the territory. Are we taking care to make the most of every opportunity? Are we wisely optimising every opportunity to tell the ‘good news’ story of Jesus? Are we, as disciples of Jesus Christ, using every opportunity to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity?

Is this what being effective means?

Wisdom, it seems, is essential to this if we are to understand the mind of Christ. The writer seems to suggest that we can be unwise in not grasping every opportunity.

QUESTIONS O Can you think of examples of unwise or careless pursuits of mission?

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

(Ephesians 5:15–17)

God is your wisdom, God is your might,/ God’s ever near you, guiding aright;/ He understands you, knows all you need;/ Trusting in him you’ll surely succeed.

(SASB 691)

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

(Galatians 6:9 and 10)

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up

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How have these damaged the gospel?

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Opportunism, in and of itself, is prone to be unscrupulous and contaminated with mixed motives.

The only interest served is a selfish one. For followers of Jesus, making the most of opportunities can occur only within a careful understanding of the will of God. This is not limiting or restrictive. It is releasing and empowering. It enables us to operate within the creative, limitless, boundless abundance of God as he engages in his mission in the world.

I remember reading a great little book some years ago by Leonard Ravenhill titled Why Revival Tarries.

Ravenhill was a master of the one-liner and the book is full of great quotes, many of which I have borrowed over the years. One that comes to mind as I read these verses in Ephesians is: ‘Prayerless rush is a foolish risk.’

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It enables us to operate within the creative, limitless, boundless abundance of God as he engages in his mission in the world

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our activity in terms of how we understand they relate to the Lord’s will. Perhaps if we were clearer as to why we do what we do, we’d have a better chance of making the most of every opportunity.

Simply working harder, and doing the same old familiar things, may not be the best approach to mission.

Living out our discipleship, as people who are fully engaged in the mission of God in the world, and seeking always to understand this for ‘the present age’, is the key to effective mission and ministry.

QUESTIONS O Should prayer, reflection and meditation be the main determinants of our mission activism?

O Why or why not?

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It seems to me that if we are to share the mind of Christ, we must know the mind of Christ. Paul exhorts his readers: ‘Understand what the Lord’s will is’ (v17). The suggestion is that if we do not understand what the Lord’s will is, we are foolish. Does understanding come before doing?

It would make an interesting exercise to align or describe all

LIEUT-COLONEL BURNS IS SECRETARY FOR MISSION

QUESTIONS What changes might you need to make to become a more effective disciple of Jesus?

O How will you support the mission of your corps?

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Help us to help each other, Lord,/ Each other’s cross to bear;/ Let each his friendly aid afford/ And feel his brother’s care.

(SASB 815)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

(Galatians 1:3–5)

Lord, unveil my eyes,/ Let me see you face to face,/ The knowledge of your love as you live in me./ Lord, renew my mind/ As your will unfolds in my life,/ In living every day in the power of your love.

(SASB 601)

The Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true.

And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

(1 John 5: 20)

Prayer Father God, what an immense privilege it is to be your children. Help us to live as children of light in this dark world. Help us to stand firm in our faith in the power of Jesus Christ.

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NEW COMMITMENTS

THORNTON HEATH: Corps officers Majors Louise and Paul Wood were delighted to enrol Kevin Makonese as a soldier and sisters Rita and Mary Boahen as junior soldiers. – I. D.

SWINDON CITADEL: Oscar Davies had been looking forward to his enrolment for some time. He chose one of his favourite songs, ‘Our God Is A Great Big God’, for the meeting. Oscar signed the junior soldier’s promise at the mercy seat with acting YPSM Julie Jones, before being enrolled by corps officer Captain Keely Standley; also pictured is his mother, Jo. – K. S.

HINCKLEY: Barry and Glenys Taylor were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Major Carol Evans. Barry is men’s fellowship treasurer and leader of the indoor bowls club, and Glenys volunteers for the coffee morning rota and covers for the meal clubs sometimes. Also pictured is Major Mavis Pascoe. – B. A.

LOUGHBOROUGH: During the enrolment of a soldier some weeks ago, corps officer Major Marta Ager invited people to think about God’s call on their lives. After that meeting Jeff Proverbs said he would like to become an adherent member, but only if others did so too. Hazel Simpson and John and Ruth Bateman heard him and realised that God was calling them to take this step and they were all welcomed as adherent members by Territorial Envoy David Robinson (Bridlington). John and Ruth chose the song ‘In Christ Alone’, Jeff chose a Bible reading and Hazel testified to a change in her life and how she enjoys selling the War Cry in the market. – M. A.

BLACKPOOL CITADEL: Father and daughter Tom and Georgia Allanson were welcomed as adherent members by team leader Major Sandra Fisher (Blackpool Team Ministry).

Pictured with Tom and Georgia are Adherents Secretary Valerie Eccles and Major Paul Fisher. – S. F.

DEREHAM: During a Cameo club meeting Janette Hall was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Diana Bennetts. Janette spoke of how Jesus had always been with her through the highs and lows of her life. Having attended the club for many years, she felt the time was now right to make a new commitment. – D. B. 18

Salvationist 5 January 2019

LETTERS

A VERY CARING GENERAL THE encouraging report in Salvationist of the visit by our General to Kuwait, celebrating ten years of the Army’s ministry in the Middle East, reminded me of some of the experiences of General and Mrs Carpenter on their journey home to Australia after leading the Army during the Second World War. They were welcomed by about thirty British servicemen at the Army’s Red Shield Club in Cairo prior to a tour of Palestine, where Mrs Carpenter planned to write a book about the Holy Land.

However, because of the deep unrest in Palestine in the months before establishment of the State of Israel, they were eventually forbidden to make the tour but had to stay in Palestine.

The Army’s work continued in the Red Shield Clubs at Cairo and Port Said. My RAF postings made it possible to attend the last meetings held in Alexandria, in 1946, then Cairo about a year later.

During that year in Cairo we made 13 30-minute Sunday live broadcasts before going to meetings at the Red Shield Club.

After transfer of all British military activities from the delta area to the Suez Canal zone it was difficult to travel to the remaining Red Shield Club at Port Said for meetings. Most weekends three of us stationed near the southern end of the Canal spent all day Saturday travelling to Port Said for Sunday meetings, then leaving after the salvation meeting to travel back overnight, arriving at our base available for duty at 7 am the next morning.

Meanwhile General and Mrs Carpenter

THE CREST EXPLAINED IN reply to the letter about the crest and its meaning, if you don’t know, all you have to do is ask.

In the centre is the cross, entwined with the letter ‘S’ denoting our salvation through the death of Jesus. The two swords represent the weapons of the Army of God: God’s word as revealed in the Bible and Christian service in his name. The sun reminds us Jesus is the Light of the World. The dots are texts of Scripture also known as ‘gospel shots’. The motto ‘Blood and Fire’ states

arrived at Port Said to resume their journey to Australia. When the General heard of the trip that the three of us made most weekends, he asked the officer in charge of Salvation Army work in Egypt, Major Sparham, to take him to visit us.

The visit took place in the tiny storeroom of a transport café.

The General was closely flanked by bales of lard and bottles of soft drinks while he prayed, read from the Bible and, looking forwards, encouraged us to show the same commitment when we returned home that we were showing in Egypt.

The General died before he and Mrs Carpenter could live in their retirement home in Australia. I doubt if his health was helped by his desert and canal-side journey in Egypt. He was a very caring General.

Stan Redfearn, Enf ield

CAROL INNOVATION IN reply to the letter from Major Martin Whybrow (Salvationist 15 December), many years ago, in what was known as the South Yorks Division, many corps over the Christmas period would use the words of the song ‘My Jesus, I Love Thee’ to the carol ‘The Mistletoe Bough’, but had to add an extra line – ‘O, the mercies of God, O the mercies of God’ – at the end of each verse.

We also sang ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night’ to the tune ‘On Ilkley Moor Baht ’At’. It goes well – especially if the men sing the bass part to ‘the angel of the Lord came down’.

George Whittingham, Major, Bromley we are Christians through Jesus’ sacrifice and through the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. Surmounting the crest is the crown reminding us that Jesus rose again and is King of kings.

Irene Clark, Parkhead

INTEGRITY, FAITH AND BOLDNESS LIEUT-COLONEL David Kelly’s article ‘Raising our eyes to the summit’ was no doubt intended to be inspirational. Sadly, it inspires me to express concern at what I take as criticism of the UK Territory, which he suggests is on a difficult journey with ‘many… so focused on looking at where we are today that they have stopped imagining where we can go or what and who we can become’.

Who are these people? Is he referring to his colleagues at THQ, or has he met them during engagements throughout the territory? My experience is very different.

As a bandsman at a busy, 150-year-old London corps that is totally in touch with the local community through a busy midweek social programme as well as regular Sunday open-air evangelism and people-facing worship services, I constantly see evidence of what he describes as the Army’s ‘future culture’ – ‘values-driven behaviour, a culture of servanthood, innovation and learning, excellence, openness to change, eagerness, integrity, faith and boldness’.

This is our present culture, not something yet to be achieved.

Paul Harding, Beckenham

THANK YOU FOR FIRST-CLASS SERVICE RECENTLY I phoned the Salvation Army Trading Company’s London shop, and ordered two musician’s cap cords for my son and grandson. I spoke to shop manager Ali, who is always so helpful.

Two days later they arrived safely and in good time to wear for their band’s visit to Christchurch Priory the following evening.

Really excellent service – thank you!

Mary Randell, Bournemouth

Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address.

Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED Effective 15 February O Majors Annette and Michael Coleman, Winton LOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED O CS Barbara Milsom, Caterham WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Diamond O Edward and Patricia Wilson, Yeovil (26 December 2018) RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Major Mrs Nancy Drumm (80 on 14 January) O Mrs Major Edith Malpas (90 on 16 January) O Major Maurice Haylett (90 on 16 January) O Major Edna Rowley (85 on 17 January) O Major Dennis Roberts (85 on 19 January) BEREAVED O Irene Cosgrove, Govan, of her husband Archie, Major Helen Young, Arbroath, Alan Cosgrove and Janice Walker of their father O Major David Squibb of his mother Marjorie O Ian Squires, Long Eaton, of his wife Lynn, Tony Squires, Stapleford, and Lee Squires of their mother, LieutColonel Ann Hawkins, Zambia Territory, Pamela Singleton and Carol O’Donoghue of their sister O Major Andrew Richards, Devonport Morice Town, of his mother June PROMOTED TO GLORY O Ethel Codrington, Winton O Major Alice Graham from Southend Hospital on 12 December O Joyce Neasham, Guisborough

Brigadier Lilian Riches from Lyndon House Care Home, Sandridge, on 16 December O Mrs Major Margery Chater from Tye Green Lodge Care Home, on 16 December O

TRIBUTES MAJOR KENNETH MOREY BORN in Portsmouth in 1938, Ken spent his early years involved with the Church of England, becoming a server and being fully involved in scouting, receiving the coveted Wood Badge.

His employment took him to Oxford, Thrapston and Skegness. He linked up with The Salvation Army in Skegness, listening on several evenings to the open-air meeting on the seafront. It was here that he not only met Edna, who became his wife, but also testified to a deeper understanding of salvation and personal holiness. No wonder, as a newly commissioned lieutenant, Ken stood on the Royal Albert Hall platform and testified to the fact that ‘Skegness was so bracing’.

The call of God to officership took him, with Edna and his daughter, Ruth, to Pontypool, Gorseinon, Risca, Bedlington, Sunderland Millfield and Middlesbrough Citadel. Edna was promoted to Glory in 1990. In 1995 Ken was appointed as assistant to the Divisional Commander in Nottingham and later became director of personnel in East Midlands.

He married Beryl later that year. Ken’s ministry to preach the word of God continued into his 15 years of retirement.

A man of integrity and faith, he was a genuine Christian gentleman and a much-loved husband, father, brother and friend. A true Companion of Christ. – B. M.

ENGAGEMENTS THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER LYNDON BUCKINGHAM) AND COMMISSIONER BRONWYN BUCKINGHAM: O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 Jan O ICO (lecture), Tu 15 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL: O Regent Hall, Sun 6 Jan O William Booth College (spiritual day with cadets), Wed 9 O ICO (welcome to session), Th 10 O East Scotland (new year gathering), Sat Sun 13 O THQ (meeting with Baroness Stedman Scott), Wed 16 O Croydon Citadel (150th corps anniversary), Sat Sun 20 O William Booth College (lecture), Tu 22* O William Booth College (TE annual seminar), Fri 25 O Swanwick (prayer gathering weekend), Sat Sun 27 *Territorial Leader for Leader Development only

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Salvationist 5 January 2019

DONALD BUTTRESS, WIMBORNE PROMOTED to Glory aged 89, Don had a lifetime of service with The Salvation Army. As a young man he served for a period as a full-time envoy at Eastleigh before soldiering at Parkstone. Transferring to Wimborne he has since given the corps half a century of faithful service.

Don was a bandsman and songster and held several local officer positions over the years, including bandmaster, corps treasurer and recruiting sergeant.

It was in later years that he took on the role for which he was best known in the community: War Cry herald. His regular stands were in Wimborne and Blandford Forum. Known and loved by all as the ‘Salvation Army man’, he saw this ministry as his mission field, and was never afraid to share the gospel.

Latterly he had a daily ministry from his seat in a coffee shop. Such was the impact he made that many of the staff attended his funeral.

Servant of God, well done! – K. G.

GORDON HUGHES, FOLKESTONE GORDON and his wife, Heather, accepted an invitation from a work colleague to attend a carol service at Folkestone in 1986.

They soon became soldiers and went to work in the Mountbatten Centre, Southampton. They moved to south London, where Gordon managed a hostel for men experiencing homelessness.

A period of ill health forced him to retire early and return to Folkestone.

After surgery Gordon was restored to health and began to work as a prison chaplain in east Kent – a role that he maintained until his late seventies.

He became a songster and colour sergeant and in later years enjoyed selling the War Cry in the town centre.

He was always deeply concerned for the physical and spiritual welfare of the people in his care. His deep Christian faith shone through everything he did and he is deeply missed by his family and friends. – P. W.

BILL HOPPER, SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD BORN in 1933, Bill soldiered at Southwick. When he was 16, together with his mother and sister, he transferred to Sunderland Citadel where he was a bandsman.

Gifted with other musical abilities he was a competent pianist, became a songster and was commissioned singing company leader. He later transferred to Sunderland Millfield where he joined his sister and brother-in-law.

Despite health issues Bill maintained regular attendance at meetings and special events. In retirement, he retained his music interests by listening to Army recordings. Many members of music sections from former years paid tribute to Bill and shared personal memories of their time under his leadership.

Admired and loved as a Christian gentleman throughout his life, he testified to a simple faith: ‘Trusting Jesus, that is all.’ – E. F.

ETHEL CODRINGTON, WINTON ETHEL grew up in South Africa and was commissioned as an officer in 1942. She served in Cape Town and Durban, and then, while her husband, Reg, completed his training, she led Crowborough in the Brighton Division in England.

Back in South Africa they continued as officers in Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg. In 1948 Reg retrained as a Baptist minister, and Ethel supported him. She held many high offices among the Baptist women of Africa and in 1980 was elected as a vice-president of the Baptist World Alliance, which at that time had 41 million members.

A number of years after Reg’s death, Ethel returned to the Army as an active soldier at Winton. She was promoted to Glory aged 104. – G. T.

IVY BEECHAM, BRIDLINGTON IVY Tomlinson was brought up in a Salvationist family in Wakefield. The seeds of her spiritual life took root in the corps cadets where Brengle’s holiness

teaching had a significant influence.

Ivy became corps cadet guardian at Thorne and often recalled her work with young people as the most fulfilling of all her Army service.

She was a skilled elocutionist but is best remembered for her powerful preaching. Whether from church pulpit, Army platform or seafront open-air ring, she captivated listeners.

Ivy’s commitment to Christian service enhanced her roles as a loving wife, mother, grandma and great-grandma, making her a positive family role model.

Her ‘love expressed in service’ was demonstrated through her annual appeal collecting – something she continued to do into her eighties.

An encourager, counsellor and prayer warrior, Ivy received her Home call and was promoted to Glory after a brief illness. – M. B.

Soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

GORDON DENGATE, HASTINGS CITADEL BORN in Hastings to third-generation Salvationist parents, Gordon attended the Citadel. After evacuation he returned to Hastings and began his working life as a cabinet maker. While serving in the RAF Gordon was privileged to join the Athens Red Shield Band as it played carols on the streets during Christmas 1947.

Returning home Gordon resumed corps life, holding several commissions at various times. He also started a scouting group. He returned to his former work, which included helping to arrange the occasional funeral. When his employer retired, he handed the business to Gordon.

Soon, he decided to concentrate on funeral work and became a funeral director. To him it was not just a business but also a vocation, and, as such, his loving care touched many lives when it was most needed. – S. D.

Did you know…?

Salvationist is on Facebook We update our Facebook page throughout the week, giving you an opportunity to O Catch sneak peeks at upcoming features O See the new cover early O Comment on articles O Ask us questions O Get advance notice on important news stories O Link to the Editor’s comment and our article of the week Like our page at facebook.com/salvationistonline to keep up to date!

Find Salvationist on Twitter twitter.com/@SalvationistUK Salvationist 5 January 2019

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Salvationist 5 January 2019

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God has called so many good people into spiritual leadership and it’s a privilege to work alongside them

Employees, friends, members, officers, volunteers – we have them all in The Salvation Army!

We’ve asked some of them to tell us about themselves.

This week…

MAJOR PAT BROWN Divisional Leader for Leader Development, Central South How did you first come into contact with the Army?

My family lived on the same street as the Salvation Army hall. I was playing on the street one day when the officer came out looking for a child to run to the shop around the corner to buy drawing pins for the Harvest table. I volunteered and had to take them into the hall – and that’s how I first linked up with the Army.

What made you want to become an officer?

An ever-increasing awareness that I could do nothing better with my life than give it back to God. I’ve never regretted that decision and have been constantly surprised at the opportunities and adventures that have come my way because I said ‘yes’ to God. What is the most interesting thing about your role?

The great people I get to work with. God has called so many good people into spiritual leadership and it’s a privilege to work alongside them.

What is the most frustrating thing about your role?

Sometimes there seems to be too much administration, but I always try to look beyond the admin stuff to see the people concerned.

What one thing would you change about the Army?

Any defeatist attitude. God hasn’t finished with The Salvation Army!

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Which historical figure would you want to meet?

Edith Cavell, a British nurse of the First World War who saved the lives of hundreds of soldiers from both sides.

Each Remembrance Sunday, on their way to the cenotaph, marchers from Regent Hall pause by a memorial dedicated to honour this remarkable woman.

mine’ (Isaiah 43:1). What an awesome, overwhelming privilege – this great God is interested in me!

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

Judas. I’d ask what it was that made him betray Jesus, what he was thinking and what he wanted to achieve.

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

A longstanding favourite is ‘How Great Thou Art’. More recently I’ve come to appreciate and love Timothy DudleySmith’s ‘Tell Out My Soul’ or the worship song ‘Hide Me Now’.

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

Live life to the full; all things are passing.

What is your favourite food?

My mum’s stovies – a delicious combination of fried onions, potatoes and roast dripping. Absolutely delicious!

What do you do in your spare time?

My first love is to be with family, particularly our grandchildren. I also enjoy walking, swimming, travelling and any kind of handcraft. My latest project has been to complete the Couch to 5K challenge.

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

Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel. I think I played it so many times the record wore out!

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are

Do you have any hidden talents?

I’ve done some upholstery and woodwork night classes in the past and take great satisfaction in seeing discarded furniture being given a new lease of life.

Which book would you want on a desert island?

I like a book that draws me into an interesting story, with people I can identify with. Perhaps one of the books from the Sensible Shoes series by Sharon Garlough Brown.

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

Never mind, go on.

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

A priceless collection of family photographs.

Something interesting you might want to know about me is…

I have been hongied by a Maori elder on a remote island in the South Pacific – but that’s a story for another time!