Salvationist 6 December 2025

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SALVATIONIST BUILDING A LOVING WORLD SEEKING JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION

God and sinners reconciled ADVENT is upon us and corps up and down the territory will be out in the streets, shopping centres, schools, care homes, social clubs and countless other places playing and singing carols. There will be special requests and favourites, not all of which have their roots in the Nativity story, but one carol that will find a place in most top 10 Christmas hit lists is ‘Hark! the Herald Angels Sing’. This timeless classic from the pen of Charles Wesley paints the picture of jubilant celebration of the newborn King.

This gift from Heaven brings about many blessings, none more so than that, through God’s love coming down, God and sinners are reconciled. As a result of this reconciliation, God’s love stands with us, bringing peace and mercy, which are key components of justice.

In this week’s issue, we consider our territory’s mission priority of seeking justice and reconciliation. We will be reflecting upon the implications of the government’s recent budget with the help of our Public Affairs Unit, who regularly petition MPs in pursuit of justice for people who are marginalised within our society.

This Advent, how are you living out the reality that God in Jesus reconciles us to himself?

MAJOR JULIAN WATCHORN Editor

ON THE WEBSITE Visit salvationist.org.uk

Explore seeking justice and reconciliation and keep up to date with the latest Christmas content

8 SPEAKING OUT FOR JUSTICE

9 MINISTRY IN PRISON

10 STANDING WITH SURVIVORS OF ABUSE

11 RESPONDING TO KNIFE CRIME

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POETRY CORNER

SALVATIONIST Issue No 2041

EDITOR Major Julian Watchorn

FOUNDERS Catherine and William Booth

MANAGING EDITOR Ivan Radford

INTERNATIONAL LEADERS General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham

ASSISTANT EDITOR Stevie Hope EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Major Margaret Bovey, Major Lynne Shaw, George Tanton, Lyn Woods SENIOR DESIGNER Hannah Holden

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SALVATIONIST Sharing the good news

Carols at the Royal Albert Hall

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27/11/2025 16:05

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Salvationist 6 December 2025

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SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS From the 2011 New International Version (Anglicised), unless otherwise stated

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TRENDING

Still more to be done Chris Hartley welcomes the government’s commitment in the autumn 2025 Budget to end the two-child benefit cap

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S Christmas approaches, we are reminded of the profound message at the heart of this important time. God so loved the world that he sent his only son down to us so we would know his love, especially those isolated or excluded by society. God’s love came down to us.

This message is not just a story from the past – it’s the foundation of our mission today. We are called to raise up people who have been left behind, whether they are struggling with addiction, homelessness, isolation, exploitation or debt and poverty.

Our mission is to be the outstretched

Reflect and respond Reflect on the name Immanuel, God with us. How can you show God’s love by standing with others?

Read Luke 4:18 and 19. As well as proclaiming the good news of Jesus, how can you help ‘set the oppressed free’? Do you think that is separate from, or part of, sharing the good news?

Sign the petition to help protect families with children from living in poverty at tsa.link/poverty-petition.

hand of hope, living out Jesus’ message of compassion in the everyday world. Love isn’t just a feeling, it’s an action – it drives us to be the change the world needs, to reach out our hands with love to others.

The story of Christmas centres on a child born in humble circumstances, his parents forced to take shelter in a stable.

This is particularly poignant when we consider that, today in the UK, one of the world’s wealthiest nations, there are still children who go without food, warmth or a place to call home.

Government figures estimate that 7.9 million families with children are living in poverty. We know that the consequences of this are devastating. Children growing up in poverty are more likely to be excluded from school, face involvement with the criminal justice system, become isolated and disengaged, and have a shorter life expectancy. This is not only a moral failing but, by any measure, an unacceptable reality.

One of the leading drivers of child poverty has been the two-child benefit limit. This policy restricted means-tested benefits to the first two children in a family, and now affects one in every nine children. According to the Child Poverty Action Group, more than 100 children are being pushed into poverty every day because of this limit.

The Salvation Army has long called for the abolition of this policy, as it unjustly

punishes children simply for being born.

As such, we welcomed the government’s commitment in its Budget last week to end the two-child benefit limit from April 2026.

For too long, this policy has pushed children into poverty and hardship. The steps laid out in the Budget are positive, but they are only the beginning, as long as parents are forced to choose between heating their homes and feeding their children, or between working and affording childcare, or are isolated from their loved ones and their community.

The Salvation Army will continue to remember the child born in a humble stable at Christmastime and the love that came down for all of us. We will continue to live out Jesus’ message of love by championing the people that society excludes. You can help by adding your name to our petition urging the government to ensure the welfare system protects families with children from living in poverty. Sign it at tsa.link/povertypetition.

The commitments made in the Budget are a step in the right direction, but there is still much more to be done.

CHRIS HARTLEY Public Affairs Officer Public Affairs Unit

Salvationist 6 December 2025

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TESTIMONY

‘I do not walk alone’ David Farmer (Portland) testifies to being called to share God’s liberating love with others

O Amber Crawford Southampton Shirley ‘Build My Life’ by Pat Barrett When I was first at my division’s version of a music school, it was one of the songs playing when we had quiet time of just connecting with God. It feels like a very comforting song to me.

‘Christ Be Magnified’ by Cody Carnes I really love the words: ‘Christ be magnified/ From the altar of my life…/ Let his praise arise.’

‘Bless God’ by Brooke Ligertwood I really love the kind of affirmation in the bridge: ‘Bless God when nobody’s watching,/ Every chance I get I’ll bless your name.’ And I feel like that’s such a good phrase for worship.

‘For Good’ from Wicked I sang this song as a duet with one of my friends before I left college. And it’s just really resonated with me that some people do really just change us for good.

‘Endless Praise’ by Charity Gayle I heard this song first at a youth chorus rehearsal and I love that feeling of singing with other people something as big as this song. The simplicity of the chorus is absolutely beautiful. It just says: ‘Jesus King of kings,/ Jesus, Majesty.’

• Based on an episode of Salvationist Radio’s Me and My Playlist. The podcast features young people from across the territory as they share five tracks they love. Listen to more episodes at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.

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VER the past 10 years I have come back again and again to the passage of Isaiah 61 that Jesus read in the synagogue as he started his ministry: ‘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’ (Luke 4:18 and 19).

When I became a local preacher, and later a pastor in the Methodist Church, I felt called to preach the gospel. I spent several years preaching around South Dorset. I believe that things happen in seasons and, although I am still happy to share the good news, there is much more in the passage Jesus spoke that day. Setting people free through Jesus can happen in so many ways, and it is certainly not limited to church on a Sunday!

The Soldier’s Covenant states that God raised up The Salvation Army to share the good news, win others to him and to care for the needy and disadvantaged; those words echo for me the ministry of Christ, and us his disciples.

The Soldier’s Covenant also mentions a ‘spirit of Salvationism’ – I’m just starting to get that one!

There is a sense of joy in The Salvation Army that I think might sometimes be missing in our churches today. There is a time to be still, reflect or even lament, but the story we tell is one of good news: I would love to see more joy among God’s people as we share that amazing good news!

As I start a new journey with The Salvation Army, endeavouring to win

others to Jesus and care for those most in need in my community, it feels like I am taking a slightly different path.

I have been reflecting on that idea as I take my morning walks with our dog, Chloe.

Some paths are clear and welltrodden, and take me in the direction God, and I, want to go. At times the paths become overgrown and, in places, it might be difficult to push through.

Other paths branch off; sometimes I will wander for a while to explore these, usually requiring an about-turn to the intended route. And then there are the dreaded forks where choices must be made – perhaps that’s the best time to take out a map, or God’s word, and check my route.

Jesus said to Thomas: ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’ (John 14:6). Thankfully in life, I do not walk alone: I have a guide, a friend, a helper, a counsellor, and he is the Lord.

Have you got a testimony to share? We’d love to hear your faith story! Get in touch at salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Poetry corner The Objector I must flee, for close behind I feel them in pursuit.

I’m innocent of what they say I’ve done.

But if I stay to face them, they have orders just to shoot!

I have no time to die, so I must run.

I know so very well there is no justice in this land, and often in the past I’ve made this claim.

Their courts if I were caught, would but condemn me out of hand.

Self-interest proves to be their only aim.

Do We Still Fight?

I am a social outcast, though not by my own choice; But, if I kept my silence, who would speak?

There are so many living here who do not have a voice.

No right to vote! Exploited! Poor and weak!

My conscience tells me certainly that I must take their part, But doing so upsets the upper classes.

The ruling body hates me in the blackness of its heart!

They say I’ve too much power with the masses!

Do we still fight, or does that sound so old?

In the Army of Jesus, has passion grown cold?

The fire once so fierce flickers low in the night, So tell me, dear soldiers. Do we still fight?

Do we still care when the poor homeless weep?

Or scroll past their pain as we fall fast asleep?

Do people still stir us, saving souls all the way?

And do we remember to find time to pray?

I have to stay alive, for there are others who rely On me to set examples to the rest.

I have a lot of work to do before my time to die.

My life must offer hope to the oppressed!

They must be taught that they have got a reason to stand up Against the force of tyranny and greed.

Their lot should not be constantly to drink the bitter cup, Or sate an avaricious master’s need.

The founder once shouted through streets full of grime, ‘I’ll fight every day, to the end of my time.’

With gospel in hand and with boots on the ground, He fed and he preached where the broken were found.

But what of us now in our comfortable homes With luxury options and hours on our phones, Do we kneel in the mess, do we stand in the flood?

Or polish our faith while we’re clear of the mud?

I cannot stand aloof while needless suffering occurs.

I’ll stand identified with the downcast.

I’ll raise my voice, objecting underneath the tyrant’s spurs, Against all kinds of evil to the last!

And if I lose my freedom in the cause that I’ve espoused, Then guiltless will I face incarceration.

My involuntary silence has my foes their guilt pronounced To the righteous souls in every land and nation!

I am the one to whom all others turn in great despair.

I am the one who stands when justice falls.

My name was Martin Luther when the church had ceased to care.

I was Gandhi, held by British prison walls.

In Alabama I was known as Martin Luther King.

In Africa, Mandela was my name.

Whenever peoples need a voice where freedom’s cry will ring, The name may change, the message is the same.

We speak of the Kingdom, but do we go near?

We sing of commitment, but do we face fear?

We talk of the battle, but shy from the war.

We’re safe in our seats, while there’s blood at the door.

While the lonely still cry, and the hungry still wait, While hearts grow so cold and the hour is so late, While prisons are filled and society flawed, So can we still fight, and all fight for our Lord?

Not with anger, but mercy. Not pride, but with grace.

Let us sing in the streets and show people our face With love that is loud and with truth gladly told With hands that will serve and with souls that are bold.

So stir up the fire, let our apathy fall, The world needs a people who still heed the call.

Not someday, not sometime, the battle is on.

Let’s fight once again, ’til salvation is won!

MARK AYLING EASTBOURNE CITADEL

JAMES CASSIDY READING CENTRAL Salvationist 6 December 2025

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BIBLE STUDY

Love wraps around Captain Wan Gi Lee unwraps the reality of the divine love revealed in the Incarnation LUKE 1:26–33

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NCE again, we are busy preparing Christmas presents for those we love. And, of course, with the presents comes the wrapping. It’s the decorative part that covers what’s inside – the real gift.

You may recall lovely wrapping paper or gift bags adorned with beautiful ribbons. You might have already prepared some yourself. Sometimes, the more valuable the present, the more extravagant the wrapping.

PAUSE AND REFLECT If you were presenting the most precious gift to someone you love, how would you wrap it?

We are often told that the coming of our Lord Jesus is the greatest gift from God. That is why we celebrate Christmas as the time to receive the Messiah into our lives.

During Advent, we are invited to reflect: how did God wrap his most valuable gift – his Son – when presenting him to us?

Here comes the shocking revelation.

In sending his most precious gift, God didn’t use any decorative wrappings at all. Of course, there were some humble coverings in the coming of Jesus. Yet they had no ornamental purpose to make the baby appear grand or important.

The first step in presenting God’s gift is Mary. Unlike the Gospel of Matthew, the Gospel of Luke pays more attention to 6

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Mary than to Joseph, carefully describing her trembling heart as she receives the annunciation from the angel Gabriel.

PAUSE AND REFLECT What do you know about Mary?

The only detailed accounts of Mary we have in the New Testament appear in Luke 1 and Matthew 1. There, we learn that Mary was a relative of Elizabeth, who was the wife of the priest Zechariah from the tribe of Levi. According to the marriage customs of first-century Hebrew culture, Mary was probably about 16 years old. We also encounter Mary at the wedding feast in Cana (see John 2:1–10) and at the foot of the cross on which her son, Jesus, suffered and died (see John 19:25–27).

We have no information about Mary’s parents. Could this be because of their moral outrage towards their daughter?

She was found to be pregnant before marriage – a serious breach of the moral code at that time. Such a situation could have led to public shame and social rejection. In today’s terms, she might have been completely cancelled.

Mary and Joseph were people with no social or decorative value at all. They were young, vulnerable and fearful, facing an uncertain future. Yet God chose them to wrap his most precious gift.

Mary was terrified and struggled with the news that the angel announced.

In the end, she accepted it, risking her life, her reputation and everything she had. Joseph was also shocked and had

to process what the angel told him in a dream. Like Mary, he, too, accepted the angel’s message.

There was nothing shiny or decorative about Mary and Joseph – nothing outwardly special to those around them.

Yet Mary is introduced to us as one who is ‘highly favoured’, with the angel saying: ‘The Lord is with you’ (v28).. What does this mean?

The Greek word for ‘favour’ is charis, which means not only favour, but also grace, kindness and, notably, a gift.

Therefore, its meaning goes far beyond the English sense of favour. Mary was ‘highly favoured’ by God and was also within God’s freely given grace – grace that became fully embodied as the ultimate gift in the person of Jesus, born through her.

Here, we are led to ask: why did God choose her, with such great favour, to deliver the long-awaited Messiah? There must have been something within her – something deeper than her humble appearance or circumstances. CS Lewis gives us an important clue to this in his book Miracles: ‘The whole thing narrows and narrows, until at last it comes down to a little point, small as the point of a spear – a Jewish girl at her prayers.’

Few people could see the troubled girl’s life purpose and meaning – probably not even her parents. Yet God knew her prayers and responded to them, wrapping within her the immense condensation of divine purpose – the incarnation of Jesus.

Mary and Joseph could not have prepared wonderful wrappings in any material or social sense. Mary’s prayer, however,

A shortened version of Prayer Matters will continue to be published weekly in Salvationist in 2025. To read the full, unedited booklet, visit salvationist.org.uk/discipleship.

SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER: CARE FOR CREATION – JUST GIFTS Father God, we thank you for the ways people are thinking about the social and environmental impact of their gift-giving and looking for ways to give which don’t harm the planet. We pray for The Salvation Army’s Just Gifts initiative. Use these gifts, we pray, to warm people’s hearts and make a tangible difference in their lives.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team) SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER: SABBATH PRAYER – LOVE WRAPS AROUND There is nowhere that God’s love can’t reach us. We take comfort from the truth that God’s love enfolds us. And we invite God’s love to fill us, hearing again the challenge that Mary heard – to allow God’s love to live in us and to shape us from the inside out. adapted from salvationist.org.uk/advent-2025

became the wrapping paper God chose to enfold his incarnational love.

When Mary received the news, she trembled. Indeed, by accepting the promise, Mary and Joseph would have to endure many trials, for they soon had to leave their hometown and country, suffering poverty and persecution because of the gift they carried.

Through it all, Mary must have recalled the angel’s words again and again: ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favour with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants for ever; his Kingdom will never end’ (vv30–33).

Mary’s prayer and her willingness to obey – embracing uncertainty for the sake of God’s plan – became the vessel that wrapped the gift of Jesus. Beyond that, no other decoration was needed – not position, wealth, security, comfort or power.

Christmas is a time to witness divine love wrapped in the coming of Jesus. It is a time to look beyond decoration and to see the raw reality of the divine love revealed in the Incarnation. As Philip Yancey writes in The Jesus I Never Knew, Christmas is a time ‘to face the starkness of the Gospel’, leaving behind the trimmings of the season to behold the true and wondrous gift: Jesus.

CAPTAIN WAN GI LEE Corps Leader St Albans

MONDAY 8 DECEMBER: SHARING THE GOOD NEWS – LONDON DIVISION Pray for us as we seek wisdom in how to steward our resources strategically – whether those resources be buildings, people or finances. Pray for us as we reimagine The Salvation Army in London and strengthen partnerships across the city.

by Major Steve White (Divisional Commander, London Division) TUESDAY 9 DECEMBER: SERVING AND CARING – OLDER PEOPLE Lord God, in this Advent season, we bring ourselves, our spiritual gifts, our time and our experiences. Let us open our hearts to receive the abundant blessings that flow from the manger in Bethlehem, embracing the transformative power of God’s love and mercy. Thank you for being the Prince of Peace, and we ask you for that peace to reign in our hearts.

by Andrew Wileman (Assistant Director, Older People’s Services) WEDNESDAY 10 DECEMBER: GROWING IN FAITH – ADVENT During the season of Advent, we are encouraged to be still, and we encourage others to be still. And yet for many of us it’s our busiest time. Stillness is far from our thoughts and from our reality. In the craziness, the noise and the chaos, may we ‘hush the noise’. May we be reminded, and may we remind others, that it’s all about Jesus.

by Captain Claire Durrant (Wrexham) THURSDAY 11 DECEMBER: INTERNATIONAL SALVATION ARMY – MEXICO TERRITORY The vision of the Mexico Territory is to be passionate about the Kingdom of God, sharing the message of God’s love with everyone and positively impacting communities. We pray that this vision will be realised in countless ways over this Christmas season. We pray for the territorial leadership team of Lieut-Colonels Agripina and Gerardo Góchez and Lieut-Colonels Markus and Ewa-Marie Kilagård.

by Lyndall Bywater (UKI Boiler Room Team) FRIDAY 12 DECEMBER: JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION – CHRIST IN THE MARGINS Lord of truth, teach us to have the courage to speak with those who may not listen, and to listen without fear. Make us peacemakers with calloused hands and open eyes. May we go to places where difference may scare us, and refuse to hide behind a keyboard. May our conviction be clothed in a mercy of personhood.

by Captain John Clifton (Divisional Commander, North East Division) PRAYER REQUESTS Do you have something or someone you’d like us to pray for?

Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk with ‘prayer request’ in the subject line.

INTERVIEW

Speaking out in love Policy Manager Andrew Connell talks to Ivan Radford about the Public Affairs Unit and seeking justice and reconciliation What does the Public Affairs Unit do?

We look outward from the Army as part of its engagement with the world and we look inward towards the Army to help us do that. Some of that is lobbying decision-makers on particular issues in Westminster, Holyrood and in the Senedd.

We look at policy, things governments are bringing forward. We make contacts, identify MPs, MSPs, MSs and peers we can work with. We might also be approached by a partner in another sector asking if we’ll sign a letter to a government.

When I joined three and a half years ago, our engagement was focused on modern slavery, homelessness and addictions, and employment and social security. Those are very aligned with our Mission Services.

Since we’ve come under the justice and reconciliation umbrella, we’ve started to help local Army expressions engage with national and local issues. If you want to write to your local MP, for example, we know the kind of messages that work.

Why do we engage with issues?

The Salvation Army has always got involved in public affairs. As Christians, I think we have to be both incarnational and eschatological. We have to be concerned with where we are now, with the good of our society and fellow people. Simply not engaging isn’t an option for us. We have a faith based in the knowledge that God came down to be among us – God’s example wasn’t not to engage. We also need to be looking towards God’s Kingdom, the kind of society, world and relationships God wants. When we get involved in public affairs, part of it is responding to need and part of it is looking ahead – those two can’t be untangled.

How do you do that in a way that also recognises things are complicated?

Most people wouldn’t be impressed by us popping up and saying, ‘God wouldn’t like that.’ We don’t tend to do that. Legislation around assisted suicide is a very good example. The Salvation Army has a positional statement opposing assisted suicide and euthanasia, but we recognise 8

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that not everybody, even within the Army, would agree on that. The main focus of our engagement has been the potential impact of legalising assisted suicide on vulnerable people. We live in a deeply divided, unfair society – there are people whose choices are constrained by their circumstances and whose lives are already undervalued by society. Speaking out about our concerns for vulnerable people is grounded in our faith, but it takes us to a place where we can find common ground with others. That’s how we try to engage.

Collaboration is reconciliation in action, isn’t it?

Absolutely. If I had to boil down our work to one adjective, I would say relational. Relationships are so important.

Sometimes those are practical and shortterm. Sometimes those are longer-term, where, even if you disagree, there is trust and respect. That’s something our society has lost a bit, the ability to recognise that, however much we might disagree, we are part of the same society and need to find ways of getting on. When we speak out, we do it with respect and love.

What makes the Army different from other public affairs groups?

Our presence on the ground and our range of Mission Services. We aren’t a single-

issue campaigning organisation. Because we serve and work alongside people as well as advocate for them in a variety of areas, we know what we’re talking about.

We make sure that people’s voices are heard as well. As a result of my colleagues’ terrific work, for example, modern slavery survivors are now talking to the safeguarding minister directly. We have statistics from our own services and other research, but hearing people’s voices is important. It’s about human dignity and worth. When you talk to politicians, a human face and story make a difference.

Salvationists are also the kind of people who look around and say, ‘What needs doing?’ Some of that might involve engaging locally, for example, on gambling advertising or air quality. When a corps asks our unit for help, we do what we can. We are also then aware of that situation – the Army’s geographical coverage means all these things can feed into a bigger picture.

Why is the Army being non-partisan important?

The Salvation Army is strictly non-party political. There are legal reasons because we are a registered charity, but it’s about living out reconciliation: we live in a complex, nuanced world and, across all political parties, there are people who genuinely want to make things better. We give credit and are supportive where we can be, and we are critical where we have to be, but in a constructive way. We talk to people from every party and that is right, because nobody has a monopoly on what’s good or not good. Even within the Army, we have different perspectives, but we share a core set of Christian principles.

Above all, we are citizens of God’s Kingdom – we’re all fumbling towards the Kingdom.

When does your work end?

We don’t just lobby and move on. After a bill has been passed, as well as monitoring the legislation and its impact, we can hand our concern over to other people and services in the Army who are good at helping people where they are. Because our concern for these issues is ultimately a concern about people, the work goes on.

INTERVIEW

Changing mindsets

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Pray for reconciliation Lord, enter those conflicted places in my heart: those places where I harbour bitterness, resentment and unforgiveness. Reconcile me to my neighbour, in those times when I have stood in the way of peace.

Show me what it means to be a peacemaker. Amen.

• Download the full praying for peace resource at tsa.link/prayingforpeace.

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From awareness to action Amy Quinn-Graham (Research and Development Unit) invites people to be part of the solution to tackling domestic abuse

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HREE years of studying domestic abuse across The Salvation Army has taught me a lot. First, people across the Movement care deeply about responding well to domestic abuse.

They want a Movement that is safe for survivors, where perpetrators are both held to account but also supported to recognise their harmful behaviour and repent. Second, I’ve learnt that domestic abuse is a reality for many across the Movement. More than half (59 per cent) of people who completed an initial survey indicated that they had experienced, or were experiencing, domestic abuse. While the survey was self-selecting, so this figure is likely higher than the reality, it tells us that domestic abuse is happening in corps, contracted services and across the communities The Salvation Army works in.

Only 29 per cent of survey respondents who had experienced domestic abuse chose to disclose their abuse to someone within The Salvation Army. Of those who disclosed, 41 per cent received a negative response. Of those who chose not to disclose, 71 per cent described silence and denial as a barrier: they feared that the person they would have disclosed to wouldn’t be adequately equipped to handle their disclosure, or that confidentiality would be broken.

However, those fears might not have been borne out: nearly half of those who disclosed received a helpful response, so there is good work to learn from.

This next phase of my research is an opportunity for me to explore this in more depth. I will be conducting participatory action research (PAR) with survivors and with corps leaders. PAR is a way of doing research that empowers people to play an active and influential role in decisions that affect their lives.

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Participants become ‘co-researchers’, sharing their experiences, working together to identify common themes and using this knowledge to shape the direction of the research, ultimately leading to action and positive change.

This is where I need you! I am looking for survivors of domestic abuse from across The Salvation Army who are interested in coming together – either online or in-person – to share their experiences and shape the future of the Movement’s response to domestic abuse. I am also looking for corps leaders who are interested in exploring how they have responded, or might respond in the future, to domestic abuse. Of course, being a survivor of domestic abuse and being a corps leader isn’t mutually exclusive, so, if you’re a corps leader who’s experienced domestic abuse and you’re interested in being involved, it would be up to you how you participate.

Kristin Aune and Rebecca Barnes’s groundbreaking 2018 study into domestic abuse among churchgoers in north England revealed that only two in seven churchgoers consider their church adequately equipped to handle a domestic abuse disclosure well. We know from other research that church leaders often feel nervous and ill-equipped to recognise domestic abuse, assess risk levels and respond appropriately while also offering spiritual and/or pastoral care. If that’s you, you’re not alone.

Confronting domestic abuse is always challenging. Nevertheless, Scripture encourages us to be brave, using the power we have received through the Holy Spirit, and the love we have for each other, to challenge this injustice: ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and

This year’s 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (25 November to 10 December) marks the third year of the Family Ministries Department’s PhD research into domestic abuse within The Salvation Army.

Throughout this time, Amy Quinn-Graham has been working to establish what responses to domestic abuse look like across the various contexts and structures of the Movement. Last year she launched a survey exploring attitudes, beliefs and experiences of domestic abuse. You can read more about the findings at tsa.link/ domestic-abuse-research.

Major David Betteridge Director of Family Ministries self-discipline’ (2 Timothy 1:7).

The research would comprise approximately four two-hour sessions over the next year. If you’re interested in exploring responses to domestic abuse within The Salvation Army, to better equip the Movement to respond to domestic abuse safely and effectively, please get in touch. I would love to hear from you.

• To ask questions, find out more or express your interest, email amy.quinn-graham@salvationarmy.org.uk or praqg@leeds.ac.uk.

AMY QUINN-GRAHAM PhD Researcher University of Leeds

INTERVIEW

Finding a way out Addictions Development Officer Yassir Mohammed speaks with George Tanton about helping to prevent knife crime

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ASSIR Mohammed has lived experience of knife crime. He bears the scars of knife crime incidents dating back to his youth and his twenties, and speaks openly about growing up in a deprived neighbourhood.

Yassir joined a gang for protection, one which had garnered a reputation in postcode turf wars. As an adult, he works in the UKI Territory’s Addictions Department to raise awareness around drug and alcohol-related harms. As part of his work, he helps to steer vulnerable boys and young men away from the dangers of gang culture, holding workshops on county lines exploitation and knife crime. This includes ‘busting the myths’ around knives, and explaining the grooming tactics used by gangs.

In August, Yassir was part of a football tournament in Braintree that partnered The Salvation Army with Essex Police, Crimestoppers and the Children’s Society to educate young people about knife crime and drug addiction. Held at Great Notley Discovery Centre, the event featured conversations around making positive life choices. Yassir hosted honest discussions with youngsters on the consequences of knife-enabled crime such as drug-dealing.

In November, he hosted a workshop, facilitated by both the Army and Colchester United Community Foundation’s Premier League Kicks programme, tackling myths around gang culture and knife crime. This involved talking to a class of year 9 and year 10 boys, providing them with a simple but clear message: life in a gang is far from glamorous.

Contrary to popular belief, however, Yassir explains that knife crime is not solely restricted to teenagers in gangs: ‘The Office for National Statistics report for 2025 explains that, out of 53,000 people arrested for knife-related offences, just under 6 per cent were individuals younger than 18 years old.

There is this misconception that it’s just young people carrying knives, but they’re actually a small minority.’

‘The main issue here is that people

Yassir and family worker Sophia Suarez at the Braintree football tournament feel the need to carry knives to protect themselves,’ he continues.

Individuals involved in county lines drug trafficking, for example, are more likely to be armed.

‘They carry knives to feel safe,’ he explains. ‘They might be attacked by rival gangs or by people wanting to rob the drugs they have been supplied to distribute.’

There is much to be said for youth violence being treated as urgently as homelessness, addictions, human trafficking and modern slavery. Majors Adrian and Christine Lee, corps leaders at Huddersfield, stress the need for the Army to use the expertise and lived experience of individuals, such as Yassir, to educate itself about knife crime in the communities it serves. Over the past four years they have teamed up with former boxer Mark Reynolds to give young people the confidence not to resort to violence, instilling selfdiscipline and self-control through boxing classes.

‘The Salvation Army needs to be right in there,’ says Major Adrian, ‘but I think how it’s approached is important. It’s critical having the right people on board.’

Major Christine says: ‘Young people need to know there are people in the community who understand the reality of knife crime and what they’re going through.’

Asked what he would say to a young person looking for a way out of

Pray for reconciliation Loving Father, Thank you for all those who work to keep us safe and secure.

We give thanks for all those whose desire is to protect us and who work tirelessly for us to live in peace. We can so easily forget that safety is not guaranteed – that peace is not inevitable. Give us the grace not to take it for granted. Amen.

• Download the full praying for peace resource at tsa.link/ prayingforpeace.

gang violence, Yassir explains that both empathy and honesty are key: ‘It’s really important to acknowledge why they’re scared. Once you have that conversation you can then impart your knowledge and understanding, so that they feel safe and reassured.’

• Discover a range of resources to help and inspire young people at salvationist. org.uk/youth-ministry-resources.

GEORGE TANTON Editorial Assistant Salvationist

Salvationist 6 December 2025

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Seeking justice and reconciliation Divisional Children’s Outreach Worker Amy Dickinson (North West and Isle of Man) shares how young people are engaging with this mission priority

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HEN children from across the division gathered for Praise 150 Kids in September, the theme of Seeking Justice and Reconciliation came to life through art, song, and many other creative expressions. The day began with the beautiful nature of God’s grace, recognising that this is the starting point for all justice and reconciliation.

We began by joining together in worship with the songs ‘This Is Amazing Grace’ and ‘Every Move I Make’. Each word and action reminded us that God’s grace surrounds us, moves us to action and encourages us to live differently in a world that needs God’s love and peace.

Our collective reading time built on this as we explored the book His Grace Is Enough by Melissa Kruger, which reminds us that God’s love is not earned by what we do, but freely given because of who he is. This message anchored the day in the truth that, before we can seek justice for others, we must first understand the transforming grace that God offers to each of us.

Throughout the day, the children had the opportunity to choose from a variety of creative and active options: art, sport, dance, drama and Lego. Each option was thoughtfully designed to tie into the day’s theme. Whether creating images of thankfulness, playing games that emphasised teamwork and fairness or performing dramas that told stories of forgiveness, the children discovered that seeking justice and reconciliation can be expressed in many different forms.

One of the most meaningful activities of the day was the ‘take action’ option. As part of this, children decorated stones with messages of encouragement and hope, such as ‘you are loved by God’ and ‘do not be afraid’. The stones were then

Pray for reconciliation Father God, we lift our world to you, praying for peace where there is war, unrest or disturbance. We call on your Spirit of peace to invade the hearts of those in power, so that they may urgently seek a peaceful solution for the good of the people they serve. Strengthen those who are working to maintain peace and bring about an end to turmoil. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

• Download the full praying for peace resource at tsa.link/prayingforpeace.

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Salvationist 6 December 2025

placed around the building and grounds for passers-by to discover. It was a simple but powerful way to put faith into action, sharing God’s hope with the community and reminding everyone that reconciliation often begins with small yet gracefilled gestures.

As the day ended, we gathered one final time to explore what it means to live this out in our everyday lives. We looked particularly at Micah 6:8: ‘What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ Together, we reflected on how God’s grace calls us to action. The children were encouraged to take what they had learnt, sung and created that day, and to live as peacemakers and justice-seekers in their schools, homes and church communities.

Throughout all the fun and activities shared during the day, the message was clear – that when we truly experience God’s grace, it inspires us to share his love with others and to be part of his work of justice and reconciliation in our world.

SA WORSHIP CONFERENCE REPORT

Whole-life worship WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

Pictures: Alex Gibson

SEVENTY worshippers from across the territory came to the third annual SA Worship Conference, writes Dan Bate (Preston), to lift God’s praise, learn and share together.

As the conference has developed, it has really been embraced as an opportunity to celebrate what God is doing across the territory with contemporary worship, as well as a time to unpack Scripture and seek what God has in store for The Salvation Army in this space. This year’s conference focused around listening, discerning and welcoming the Holy Spirit into our worship spaces.

Captain Callum McKenna (William Booth College) led the first session, which looked at The 4 Dimensions of Worship: Look Up – at God the Creator, Look Down – humble yourself before the throne, Press In – dig deeper into Scripture and seek, and Push Out – be inspired to action. Each dimension was then reflected in sung worship.

After lunch, the delegates were invited to attend a variety of seminars led by Salvationists. Topics included Spirit-led worship, using technology in worship services, facilitating and encouraging multicultural worshipping environments, and leading with presence over performance. These provided a wonderful opportunity not only to discuss our strengths and the barriers to allowing the Holy Spirit to move in our worship, but also to share experiences of how God works in each of our lives and how we can live as whole-life worshippers.

The evening session took on a more practical approach. Led by Dan Elson (Music and Creative Arts), the house band were asked to play through an unrehearsed song, ‘Praise the Lord Forever’ by Pat Barrett. Dan encouraged the delegates to shape the song through suggestions and discussions – the focus was not on individual technique but on how the band could work together to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

We then discussed some practical scenarios that frequently occur and how we might overcome them. For example,

what to do if the sound system stops working or how to play a song with no drummer. The session closed with a beautiful moment of worship as we lifted ‘Praise the Lord Forever’ to God. The Sunday morning began with Joel Nazar of Cornerstone City Church delivering an inspiring preach around the road to Emmaus. Breaking down the Scripture, Joel helped explain how Cleopas and his friend were kept from seeing Jesus, and only through Scripture and a desire to know him can the scales fall away from our eyes.

We discussed how distractions and personal desires in our worship can be a barrier to us offering ourselves up in Spirit and truth.

After lunch, delegates shared together in sectional groups with others who play the same instrument as them. This was a fantastic chance to learn from each other, challenge each other and spend time together.

The conference ended with an

interview and worship session led by worship leader and contemporary Christian artist Noel Robinson. We listened to Noel’s powerful story about how God led him into the Christian music space, before he led us in an incredible and Spirit-filled time of praise and worship.

In its third year, the SA Worship Conference continues to bring Salvation Army worshippers of all demographics into a place of positivity, challenge and encouragement. It is clear to see that the growth and development of the conference reflects the growth of this particular expression of worship in our Movement. I ask for prayer that, in the coming years, contemporary worship continues to be welcomed, resourced and encouraged in our corps, communities and beyond.

• For more information about the SA Worship Conference, visit salvationist. org.uk/sa-worship-conference.

Salvationist 6 December 2025

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ARMY UPDATES

INTERNATIONAL

Renewed and rekindled INDONESIA THE visit of Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill brought spiritual renewal and encouragement to Salvationists and friends.

In Jakarta, a combined holiness meeting was enlivened by vibrant performances. Commissioner Shelley reminded the congregation of their identity as God’s chosen people – renewed, forgiven and filled with grace. Commissioner Edward challenged everyone to live as Christ’s soldiers: enlisted, obedient, loyal, disciplined and victorious through Christ.

At officers’ councils, Commissioner Shelley called on officers to pursue holiness – not through perfection, but through surrender – based on Romans 12:1 and 2. The Chief of the Staff offered a powerful message from Psalm 95:7.

At Palu #2 Corps, 1,700 people attended the school and college student revival meeting and a men’s rally attracted 1,200 people. Led by Chief Secretary Lieut-Colonel Alberth Sarimin, men were challenged to reflect God through their lives. God’s presence was deeply felt, with 182 souls responding at the mercy seat.

Commissioner Edward, accompanied by Lieut-Colonel Alberth, was warmly welcomed by 250 enthusiastic students during a visit to Jakarta #2 Corps/School.

At Catherine Booth Women’s Congress in Balikpapan, Borneo, 1,185 women gathered together, along with representatives from government and Christian organisations.

Commissioner Shelley inspired Army women to rise and shine for Christ.

The congress featured vibrant performances. Four inspiring speakers delivered impactful messages and Commissioner Shelley’s sermon served as a foundation and motivation for participants to return to their communities and shine for Christ.

A total of 214 people came to the mercy seat, while 550 participants stood in prayer.

The visit of the commissioners left an indelible mark on the territory. Through powerful preaching, heartfelt testimonies and vibrant fellowship, lives were renewed, commitments deepened and hope rekindled. – AR

MUSIC RISCA The corps welcomed Belfast Sydenham Worship Group, accompanied by Mark Symonds (Wales DHQ) for band weekend. This was the first time the worship group had visited another corps. Saturday evening was themed Praise Resounds and featured testimonies and vocal solo ‘My Simple Prayer’ by Daniel Clarke. The worship group performed many songs that the congregation sang. Bandmaster Adrian Browning invited Worship Group Leader Chelsea Stubbington to lead the band in the closing song. Sunday morning’s theme was Grace Abounds. Anna Pentland sang ‘Your Grace Amazes Me’ and ‘Chelsea Stubbington gave a testimony from the heart, before playing ‘In Christ Alone’ on the piano. The weekend finished with a lunch before the group flew back to Belfast. – JB

ECUMENICAL GAINSBOROUGH The corps and other churches in the community have signed a Churches Together in England agreement. Over three years, the church leaders have been growing the idea from a church leaders forum to an annual act of united worship with more than 400 Christians gathering together, as well as a united morning of prayer where all the churches open. Each church has seen congregational growth as well as developing midweek activities that contribute to our serving of the community rather than duplicating each other’s efforts. They are determined to develop even more expressions of united church work. Corps leader Major Colin Bradshaw is pictured with the other church leaders. – CB

FUNDRAISING DUNDONALD Members and friends of Dundela Football Club and Golf Society raised £950 in support of the corps Christmas Toy Appeal. The funds were presented to corps leader Captain Philip Cole by golf club treasurer Nigel Benson, whose mother was a member of the corps, and club representative Jim McCune. – PC 14

Salvationist 6 December 2025

ANNIVERSARY CATERHAM The corps recently celebrated 128 years of mission during a service led by Major Valerie Mylechreest (Staines).

Staines YP Band were also on hand to provide joyful music throughout. – JB

REMEMBRANCE IPSWICH CITADEL The band took part in the annual Remembrance service in Christchurch Park. Attended by thousands of people, the band has had the privilege of taking part for many years. – DC

REMEMBRANCE CIRENCESTER On Remembrance Sunday, the band provided music for services at war memorials in the villages of Barnsley, Ablington and Bibury. The Last Post and Reveille were sounded

by Bandsman David Grace, Songster Leader Helen Grace and Corps Treasurer Mark Walters. On Armistice Day, corps member Mark sounded the Last Post and Reveille at the war memorial in Down Ampney. During the service, his son, Monty, laid a wreath on behalf of Down Ampney Primary School. – MG

REMEMBRANCE IPSWICH CITADEL The Anglia Fellowship and London Central Fellowship bands brought a poignant Together in Remembrance concert. Each played part of the programme before joining forces for the final pieces. – DC

REMEMBRANCE BOGNOR REGIS Corps leader Captain Luke Johnson and Corps Sergeant-Major Chris Lawton represented the Army at the town’s memorial service. The band accompanied the service. – AH

REMEMBRANCE DENNISTOUN Corps leader Captain Amy-Jo Battersby conducted a Remembrance service at the Dennistoun War Memorial. St Denis’ Primary School choir and children from Haghill Park Primary School took part. The event was very well attended by the community. – AD

REMEMBRANCE SOUTHPORT Remembrance weekend was busy for the band.

A Saturday evening concert titled An Evening to Remember saw a varied programme alongside Eccleston Brass Band.

Hundreds of families, veterans, cadets, schoolchildren and volunteer organisations braved heavy rain for the Remembrance Sunday service, which the band accompanied before leading a march to the town hall. – PW

REMEMBRANCE BELLSHILL The band accompanied the town’s annual Remembrance Sunday parade alongside members of the armed forces and the Royal British Legion. – MS

COMMUNITY BURGESS HILL The corps and local charity Befriended have been involved in a weekly café providing support for people living with dementia and their families. A formal opening ceremony was led by Assistant Divisional Commander Major Tracey Palmer, the bishop of Horsham, the Rev Ruth Bushyager, and the mayor, Councillor Stuart Condie. – BH Salvationist 6 December 2025

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ARMY UPDATES

REMEMBRANCE PARKHEAD On Remembrance Sunday, corps leader Captain Amy-Jo Battersby invited the congregation to come forward and write prayers to leave on a map in a place meaningful to them, along with a coloured poppy. Bandmaster Scott Dunn sounded the Last Post and we were reminded that we should be peacemakers. After the meeting, corps folk went to the Eastern Necropolis and Captain Amy-Jo participated in a service at the war memorial. Bandmaster Scott sounded the Last Post again. – AD

ADDICTIONS

COMMUNITY BOSCOMBE A new weekly women’s support group called Women Together has launched, thanks to AFC Bournemouth’s £2,000 grant to the BH1 Project. The group offers a vital safe space for women experiencing addiction, homelessness or mental health issues.

Community Project Manager Annette Watts said: ‘This generous donation from AFC Bournemouth is so exciting and enables BH1 to offer this time just for women, a place where they can experience the opportunity for self-care to help them feel relaxed and improve their wellbeing and self-esteem.’ Pictured are Rebekah Watts from BH1 and footballer Marcus Tavernier, who presented the cheque. – AR

REMEMBRANCE

FUNDRAISING

The foyer display at Ipswich Citadel reminds people of the significance of Remembrance Sunday

MUSIC

OUTREACH NORWICH CITADEL Games, crafts, face paint, drinks, snacks and challenges were all part of Fusion. The Messy Church-style project was held at a local school and those who attended were encouraged to be planet protectors and superheroes of God’s creation. It was encouraging to see several new families attending the session. – MW 16

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WESTMINSTER A mother who lost two sons to drugs handed a petition from The Salvation Army to No 10 Downing Street calling for the rise in drug deaths to be treated as a public health emergency. The petition, which garnered almost 1,700 signatures, was backed by 61-year-old Liz Brown, a mother of four from Plymouth, who tragically lost her two sons, Karl, 38, in March 2022 and Lee, 42, in December 2024 to drugs. ‘A lot of people don’t see someone who takes drugs as a person who deserves help which breaks my heart,’ she said. Major Dr Will Pearson (THQ), who accompanied Liz to hand in the petition, said: ‘Behind the alarming figures are people like Liz’s sons and action is needed now before more lives are needlessly lost.’ – AR

DUNDONALD Düsseldorf’s Rückenwind Choir toured Ireland and supported worship at the corps during their time in Belfast. The 24-member choir, who regularly visit Salvation Army churches throughout Europe, sang contrasting songs in English and German. The meeting was attended by Lisburn and Castlereagh Deputy Mayor Alderman Hazel Legge, who expressed words of welcome and received a copy of the Army’s Portraits book along with a special edition of War Cry. Choir members received a gift reminding them of their visit to the corps. The choir presented a short afternoon programme of music at Sir Samuel Kelly nursing home. – PC

DROITWICH SPA The corps held a concert for a packed hall, raising £1,100 for the Wychbold and Droitwich Baby Bank. Run by corps members Rick and Ruth Deller at Wychbold Village Hall, the service supports local families who are struggling financially. The money will cover the cost of hall hire, storage space and volunteers for a year and will allow the Droitwich branch of the service to expand. Musical contributions were given by the songsters, band, singing company and YP band, as well as Maisie Forrest singing ‘Part of Your World’ from The Little Mermaid, a piano rendition from Keith Lewis of ‘For Good’ from Wicked, and Charlie Green presenting ‘Stars’ from Les Misérables. Rick and Ruth are pictured with corps leader Major Sandra Collins. – MM

NEW COMMITMENTS

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELD JOSIAH, Tombari, Domale, Rosie, Demi and Harry (not pictured) were enrolled as junior soldiers by corps leaders Captains Caron and Jon Doyle, as part of young people’s weekend celebrations. A Saturday night party included pizza, games and a bouncy castle, followed by a Sunday meeting led by Young People’s Sergeant-Major Rachel Lightley (Bedlington). The theme was Bible Big Top with circus tricks alongside stories about heroes of faith. – CD

PARKHEAD AGNES Katasi Kaweesi and Kwase Ogungbure were enrolled as soldiers by corps leader Captain Amy-Jo Battersby. Agnes and Kwase were guided through their soldiership classes by Divisional Mission Officer Major Fiona Partland. Agnes is the community assistant at Dennistoun and Kwase is assistant corps treasurer. Both wanted to make the step from adherent to soldier and are active in other roles in the corps. Also pictured is Colour Sergeant Tom Combe. – AD

BURNLEY PATRICK was welcomed as an adherent by corps leader Major Lorraine Kreuiter. Already a Christian when he arrived in the UK from Côte d’Ivoire, he began to look for a church that he could make his spiritual home.

Patrick has quickly become a valued member of the corps and wanted to make his membership official.

He is pictured with Major Lorraine and Corps Sergeant-Major Johan Kreuiter. – LK

PORTLAND DAVID Farmer was enrolled as a soldier by corps leaders Majors Helen and Ian Urmston. – IU

HAWICK BRENDA, Eileen, Val, Karen, Alison and Sandie were welcomed as adherents by corps leader Captain Caroline Brophy-Parkin.

Pictured with Eileen is her daughter, Pauline. – CB-P Salvationist 6 December 2025

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE

Appointed

ENGAGEMENTS Territorial Leaders Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main Wed 17 Dec Westminster Abbey (Parliamentary Carol Service)

Effective 6 November CAPTAIN DANIEL HOLLAND, HSD Support Officer, THQ Effective 4 December MAJOR NEIL DAVIES, Chaplaincy Support Officer, THQ Effective 1 February 2026 MAJOR HELEN YOUNG, additional appointment, Chaplain, Strathmore Lodge Effective 12 February 2026 LIEUTENANT RACHEL BAKER, Peterhead

Local officers appointed SONGSTER SECRETARY POLLY BUCKLE, Enfield SONGSTER LEADER DELIA PATTERSON, Enfield COMMUNITY CARE MINISTRIES SECRETARY SOPHIA HARRIS, Dunstable DEPUTY SAFEGUARDING LEAD LYDIA JACQUES, Govan CORPS SECRETARY STEPHEN JACQUES, Govan WELCOME SERGEANT AGNES KATASI KAWEESI, Parkhead WELCOME SERGEANT MAJOR JANIS LOWNDES, Tunstall CORPS TREASURER MAJOR BRIAN LOWNDES, Tunstall

Wedding anniversaries Platinum (70 years) CATHERINE AND VINCENT HAYWARD, Birmingham Citadel, on 26 November

NOTICES

Where do you see God’s love in your life?

As we celebrate Love Came Down in our Christmas issue (20 December), we want to hear how you know God’s love today. Where and how do you experience God’s love around you, in your life and in your relationships? Email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk by 9 December.

Christmas poems wanted!

Poetry Corner will return for Christmas. If you have a poem inspired by Christmas or God’s love coming down to us, please send it to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk for consideration by 9 December.

Christmas top 10: Vote for your favourite carol!

Salvationist Radio will be presenting a festive chart show featuring the top 10 carols as voted for by you. Have your say before 15 December at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Get your website and social media ready for Christmas Join the Digital Section for a free webinar to update your corps web page and social media, or book a one-to-one tailored support session with Regional Digital Manager Paul Nash. Visit tsa.link/digitaltraining.

Carolling and street-fundraising guidance As Christmas gets closer, don’t forget to secure appropriate permissions for carolling and collecting in your area. Find guidance in the Big Connection fundraising toolkit at tsa.link/fundraisingtoolkit or email challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk.

SOUNDS

Sunday Worship Join Salvationists across the territory in worship, with music, prayer and a Bible message from a guest speaker. This Advent, join Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Major Gordon Cotterill (THQ) every week as he reflects on the theme Love Came Down. Can’t join us at 11am on Sundays? Catch up with the weekly podcast of highlights. Each week’s broadcast is repeated in full on Sundays at 6pm, Mondays at 12am and Thursdays at 9am.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Sing to the Lord with the ISS

ROBERT AND SYLVIA RODGERS, Belfast North, on 11 December

Enjoy favourite recordings from the International Staff Songsters, chosen each month by a special guest. This month’s episode features Rosemary Steadman-Allen. Listen at 5pm on Sunday 7 December.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Promoted to Glory

Sunday Lunch

JOY COOKE, Bristol Citadel, on 25 September

The musical side to your Sunday lunch, featuring your favourite Salvation Army music. This month features Reuben’s Pick and Mix, presented by Reuben Dykes (Kidsgrove). Listen at 1pm on Sunday 7 December.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Diamond (60 years)

Bereaved MAJOR EDEL BJARKAM of her husband Major William Bjarkam, Commissioner Lisbeth Andersen of her brother, Major Heidie Bradbury, THQ, Carsten Bjarkam, Carl Bjarkam and Dan of their father

Long service 30 years MAJOR GILLY HOITINGA, Wick

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Salvationist 6 December 2025

Sunday Wake-Up with Lyndall Bywater Ease yourself into the day with a relaxed mix of music, chat and a few inspirational moments to stir your soul. Listen from 7am to 9am on Sundays.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/radio.

Fully Scored In the latest episode of the Music Editorial team’s podcast, Canadian Staff Bandmaster Andrew Burditt to host Matthew Frost about his life, music and aspirations for the band. Jonathan Evans continues his look at ‘At the Edge of Time’. Bradley Stires visits Arid Island.

• Listen online at salvationist.org.uk/podcasts.

TRIBUTES

MALCOLM TAYLOR ABERTILLERY MALCOLM was the eldest of three boys and a girl born into a Salvation Army family. He followed his father into the senior band after playing in the junior band and singing in the singing company. In addition to his bandsman role, he supported the junior band as band sergeant.

The senior sections were led by wellestablished musicians and, following their eventual promotion to Glory and several interim leaders, he was commissioned as songster leader on two occasions of eight years each. Although a capable instrumentalist, his love of singing was always foremost, a talent recognised when he joined the town’s male voice choir and featured on their programmes as a tenor soloist.

Malcolm’s deportment was faultless, with highly polished shoes, immaculate uniform and tidy personal appearance. In later years, numerous hospital stays prevented Army attendance. He was promoted to Glory just days short of his 83rd birthday. – AB

OLIVE ROBERTS BLACKPOOL CITADEL OLIVE Roberts (née Allen) was born into The Salvation Army and gave her heart to the Lord when she was seven and a half years of age.

She became a junior soldier, a singing company member and a ‘guard songster’. She was a young people’s worker for 39 years.

For a number of years, she assisted in the singing company as singing company sergeant and later became singing company leader, where to many she was – and still is – known as Auntie Olive.

Olive married Frank Roberts at the Citadel on 14 March 1953. They were both active in the Army until his passing after 65 years together.

Olive lived her life through Christ Jesus. Her faith was steadfast and true. She knew the Scriptures and lived by them. – BD Please note members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words.

EVANGELINE CLARK CHIPPENHAM EVA was born into a Salvationist family – the third child born to Christopher and Dorothy Read. She attended Chatham Corps, becoming a junior soldier and singing company member.

She met Ray Clark, who was doing his national service in Chatham. They married in June 1954, moved to Chippenham, and were both very active in the corps.

Eva became leader of the cub pack, later receiving a long-service award from the chief scout. She sang in the songsters and loved helping out in the corps kitchen. She had two children: Michael and Peter, who became a Salvation Army officer.

Eva was promoted to Glory on 7 August, passing peacefully at Seymour House care home, aged 93. She will be badly missed by her family and everyone at Chippenham Corps. – JD

Good reads. Great gifts.

Whether read, shared, displayed or savoured, books are a thoughtful, personal Christmas gift. Shield Books offers titles that provide inspiration and encouragement for daily living – plus they’re easy to wrap!

NEW

Silver Linings

Reflections

£5.99

£9.99

During the Covid-19 pandemic, the Older People’s Ministries team shared daily devotions on social media, bringing glimpses of light into the gloom of isolation. This book gathers 60 of them together to encourage people to identify silver linings and find fullness of life.

The War Cry’s inspirational back pages have been pinned to noticeboards and even adhered to prison cells by toothpaste! This coffee table book offers thoughts alongside the images, with topics including joy, prayer and kindness.

Songs of the Faith

Bridge of Songs

£6.99

£6.99

Songs and hymns are faithful companions on our journeys of faith.

These 52 devotions explore the stories behind well-loved songs, with questions for prayer and reflection.

Joy Webb’s autobiography is her personal testimony, including the moments of inspiration that produced some of her most popular songs.

Available from SP&S by visiting sps-shop.com or calling 01933 445445

Salvationist 8 November 2025

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What does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. MICAH 6:8

SALVATIONIST