Salvationist 7 sep 2013

SALVATIONIST

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 7 September 2013 // No. 1414 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

GRACE FOR EVERY TASK Pages 12 – 15

CONTENTS 3.

FROM THE EDITOR

10.

4.

PAPERS This week’s quotes from the papers and caption competition results 5. – 8. & 19.

NEWS Tenby // Maidstone // Lewisham // Cirencester // Worthing // IHQ // Saundersfoot // Pontypool // Bourne // London // Morriston // Fakenham // Easterhouse // Ipswich // Iasi, Romania // Northampton East // Hinckley // Northampton Central // Boscombe // Southsea // Hereford // Risca 8.

NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

9.

LETTERS

10. & 11.

FEATURE

5.

God’s Way With Me 12. – 15. CADET COMMITMENTS 16.

BIBLE STUDY And who is my neighbour?

17.

INTERVIEW Reliance Bank’s new manager 18.

NEW COMMITMENTS

19.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

20. – 23.

24.

6.

ADVERTS THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

19.

SCRIPTURE QUOTATIONS Scripture quotations in Salvationist are from the New International Version (2011), unless otherwise stated 2

Salvationist 7 September 2013

FROM THE EDITOR

HOPE IN A LOST WORLD IN recent weeks children have been returning to school for the new school year. Spare a thought for the new ones, who may still be settling in. Many will have attended various pre-school groups, and wearing a uniform – with growing room – might seem exciting, but going to ‘big’ school is quite a leap in the life of a child.

I remember once asking a four-year-old boy what he liked best about school and without hesitation he said: ‘Dinner.’ His reply resonated with me because I felt the same way about my first school. Dinner would be closely followed by dancing and band as my favourites.

I am reminded that while all children have to manage new beginnings, some have to make huge transitions because of the adults in their world. Scarcely a day goes by when we don’t see and hear more shocking news from Syria.

Unicef UK estimates that a million Syrian children are refugees and half of them are under the age of 11.

Some have taken refuge with their families in camps in neighbouring countries and others who are orphaned are living on the streets or in orphanages. Many have seen and experienced appalling atrocities and some are receiving counselling as they try to rebuild their lives. Although children are quick to learn and adapt, many need help to deal with deep emotional scars inflicted on their young lives.

In addition to the children who have fled from Syria, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and Unicef estimate that more than two million children have been displaced within the country. UNHCR António Guterres said: ‘What is at stake is nothing less than the survival and wellbeing of a generation of innocents.’

SALVATIONIST GENERAL INQUIRIES (tel) 020 7367 4890 (email) salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891 EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS Laura Barker – (tel) 020 7367 4893 Kersten Rieder – (tel) 020 7367 4894 Captain Andrew Stone – (tel) 020 7367 4892 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza – (tel) 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Archie Bagnall – (tel) 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino – (tel) 020 7367 4881

The children of Syria are victims of an adult world that has lost its way. Everything might seem quite hopeless unless we remember that God sent his Son to bring redemption to a lost world and is still calling people to the task. There is evidence of this in the testimonies of the cadets of the Heralds of Grace Session featured on pages 12 to 15. Each has a unique story to tell of how God called and how they in turn responded.

God’s call also features in God’s Way With Me (pages 10 and 11) as three ICO delegates share their stories of challenge, spiritual awakening, personal tragedy, poverty and God’s comfort, providence and care.

Mine to rise when thou dost call me, Lifelong though the journey be; Thine to measure all its windings, Leading step by step to thee.

(SASB 510)

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

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A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © André Cox, General of The Salvation Army, 2013. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity.

The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

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

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Clive Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Martin Hill

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PAPERS

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS A STRONG FAITH ‘CAN WEAKEN THE ECONOMY’ Too much religion can harm a society’s economy by undermining the drive for financial success, according to a study.

Poor people can be happy with their lack of material wealth if they have religion, the survey of nearly 190,000 people suggests. Its authors wrote: ‘Religiosity may curb ever-needed economic growth but may also thwart individuals and cultures from making risky financial decisions.’

The academics, from the University of Southampton and the Humboldt University of Berlin, said that religion acted as a ‘poverty buffer’ while creating ‘anti-wealth norms’.

They found that rich atheists were happier than poor atheists, but that at the upper income level there was no happiness benefit from religious faith: rich atheists were as happy as rich believers. Lower down the income scale, however, the benefits of faith were marked: poor believers were happier than poor atheists.

The effect of faith on an individual’s psychological wellbeing was so pronounced that some religious people in religious cultures were happiest when their income was low.

The Times

CHANCE TO FIND PERSECUTED ANCESTORS

CSM CHANGES ITS NAME

Details of the millions of people who risked persecution for refusing to join the Church of England have been made available online.

Beatings and thrashings were once commonplace for religious rebels and, by the 19th century, tens of thousands of people had been put to death…

Archive records showing the full extent of nonconformist courage have been published in digital form to mark the 200th anniversary of the 1813 Doctrine of the Trinity Act, seen as the landmark acceptance of non-conformity…

Miriam Silverman, of Ancestry.co.uk, said: ‘Considering the multi-faith society in which we live today, it’s shocking to think that millions were once completely ostracised for not bowing to the Anglican Church.’

The Christian Socialist Movement is adopting a new name, after members overwhelmingly voted in support of becoming ‘Christians on the Left’…

The name arose from members’ submissions to a consultation last year, and received 67.8 per cent support from members.

CSM Director Andy Flannagan said: ‘All across the UK, Christians are engaging with their communities in incredible ways. They are discovering that systems and structures need transformation as well as the people who are part of them.

‘In short, they are realising the need to be political. We connect, equip and support those getting involved. The new name will help us reach out to build a stronger bridge between Christians concerned about the world around them and left of centre politics.

The Times

The Church of England Newspaper

PICTURE CAPTION COMPETITION RESULTS On 10 August Salvationist requested captions for this picture showing the Sally Ann steam train pulling in at Leicester South’s community fun day. Here are a selection of the best captions:

Someone needs to tell these youngsters that this is NOT going into training! and

There’s no smoke without (Blood and) Fire.

Gordon Archer, Belfast

Jump on board. First stop Sunday morning service.

Everybody welcome.

Trevor Ham, Taunton

Think I should have paid for extra leg room!

Margaret McCartney, Sale

Lily put me on here!

Jonathan Swift, Dublin

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Salvationist 7 September 2013

NEWS Visiting sections bring blessing

Invitation to Open House London 2013

TENBY

IHQ

PENTRE Band and Songsters led a morning of worship and testimony. An open-air meeting on the esplanade preceded participation in the RNLI thanksgiving open-air meeting at Tenby Harbour. Corps officer Major Martyn Clements led the meeting, which included Bible readings and prayers for the RNLI from representatives of other churches. At the evening meeting, the home and visiting sections joined forces to proclaim God’s love, goodness and greatness through music. – M. M. MAIDSTONE: Young people raised £760 for the Watershed project. The fundraiser included various stalls of crafts, cakes and books and two music programmes presented outside the building to invite passers-by in to the event. – F. S.

www.londonopenhouse.org

Lewisham Salvationists and

CIRENCESTER: The band played at Preston village fête to raise funds for the church. The following day, the band and worship group accompanied the singing at the annual Churches Together open-air songs of praise service in the abbey grounds.

Some songsters sang with the united churches choir. – A. R. WORTHING: The annual open band practice attracted many new people to the Army. The band’s items included ‘Star Lake’.

– L. S.

corps officer Captain Nigel Byrne join protesters in support of the Save Lewisham Hospital campaign after signing a petition along with other faith leaders in the borough

HUNDREDS of people are expected to visit International Headquarters on Saturday 21 September as part of Open House London. The free event, celebrating London’s architecture, offers access to more than 800 buildings in the city, allowing people to see areas that are usually closed to the public.

People are invited to visit IHQ to learn about its architecture and the Army’s worldwide ministry.

Architects from Sheppard Robson, the company that designed the building, will be on hand to explain significant design aspects while staff will welcome people and assist with tours. For many people this will be a special opportunity to spend time in the international chapel or visit the offices of the General and the Chief of the Staff.

In a new feature for the event, Salvation Army historian LieutColonel Jenty Fairbank will give presentations at midday and 2 pm to provide insights into the rich history of The Salvation Army at 101 Queen Victoria Street.

IHQ will be open from 10 am to 5 pm (last entry for tour at 4 pm), with food available from Café 101 all day and various displays in Gallery 101. Outside, music will be provided by Hythe Band in the morning and Regent Hall Band in the afternoon.

Major Beverly Ivany, writer of Words Of Life, will be signing copies of the newly available January–April 2014 issue from 11 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 4 pm.

A selection of the Salvation Books back catalogue will also be available, with special offers available only on the day.

O For more information about Open House London 2013 visit www.londonopenhouse.org or download the Open House London 2013 app or call 020 7332 0101. – A. R.

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NEWS A child plays a timbrel along to music from Tenby Band during an open-air concert at Saundersfoot Harbour

PONTYPOOL: Music ministry weekend began with an evening with Territorial Lay Evangelists Jenny and Michael Clark who led the two days. Sunday meetings included contributions from the band, timbrelists and singing group as well as the first commissioning of new band members for more than 25 years.

– I. B.

Kids at Bourne – pictured with corps officer Major Heather Durrant and leaders Vicky Elson and Sarah Richard – proudly display their prizes received during the YP anniversary At the Virgin London Triathlon, Hythe corps officer Captain Phil Layton completes the 40km bike course, 1.5km swim and 10km run in 3 hours 4 minutes and 19 seconds, raising £1,250 for corps funds

At Morriston, Margaret Squire from Wales Air Ambulance receives a cheque for £340 raised at a charity concert organised by Derek Brown and Elfed Peltzer, who are pictured with Margaret and corps officer Captain David Morgans

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Salvationist 7 September 2013

FAKENHAM: Members of Briston, Dereham, King’s Lynn and Snettisham Corps attended a barbecue and songs of praise meeting. A united band provided the music for the meeting, which included contributions from all five fellowships. – S. A.

NEWS Support for an awesome holiday camp IASI, ROMANIA TWENTY-SEVEN children welcomed members of Southend Citadel and Wickford Corps to lead their four-day holiday camp.

Entitled Awesome and using superhero characters, the camp – through puppets, games, stories and craft activities – taught children that Jesus is the ultimate superhero.

On the final day the children heard the story of the Resurrection and were encouraged to bring glass stones, which represented their worries, to a cross.

The children are pictured with the certificates and gifts provided by the two English corps and staff at the Royal Bank of Scotland, who are colleagues of one of the leaders.

– B. M.

Politician promises to volunteer EASTERHOUSE AFTER spending an afternoon with corps assistants Pamela and Tom Mitchell, Glasgow MSP Humza Yousaf wanted to return as a volunteer.

He said: ‘The mission work being done is fantastic and, if Tom and Pamela are happy, I’d like to come back – not as a politician but to help with one of the projects.’

The projects include a food bank, women’s aid, a community garden and a men’s fellowship evening.

Mr Yousaf, who is pictured with Pamela, Tom and Divisional Commander Major Russell Wyles, added: ‘It was great to visit and see the important work they do. But it’s a real indictment on our society that in the 21st

century we have to provide food banks for people living on our doorstep.’ – M. D. IPSWICH: Bandmaster Ken Waterworth (Melbourne Staff Band) and Assistant Territorial Music Director Andrew Blyth led a memorable Anglia Fellowship Band practice. Music included ‘The Old Wells’ and ‘The Heaven-bound Throng’.

– T. M. Northampton East Band plays at the Brixworth Christian Fellowship songs of praise

The Mayor of Worthing (Councillor Robert Smytherman) presents Bibles to graduating pre-school children, who sang and displayed their work for family

At Hinckley, Stella Turl celebrates her 100th

and friends

birthday at the day centre Salvationist 7 September 2013

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NEWS

Tariro Chinyanganya, Katie Duggan, Kyra Holder and Jake Brady display their awards received at Northampton Central’s first Victoria Hewison Achievement Award ceremony, in memory of a former member of the corps

Community gospel choir BOSCOMBE MORE than 90 people attended the first rehearsal of the newly established community gospel choir. A capacity congregation attended a united church service and inaugural meeting for the

choir.

Lieut-Colonel John Pearce-Haydon gave the address entitled United By Christ. The choir sang ‘Let The Words Of My Mouth’, timbrelists participated and the YP band played ‘Super Heroes’.

A number of people knelt at the mercy seat in response to the choir singing ‘Praise You’.

– R. C.

WEEK 28 Monday 9 September 1 Corinthians 3 – Paul urges unity and humility within the Church O vv1–5: is there any modern-day equivalent to the problem Paul is speaking of ? Is there a danger of elevating the words of some great Christian leaders and neglecting what the Bible says?

O v13: what is ‘the Day’? What ‘work’ is Paul talking about and what ‘fire’?

O vv14 and 15: what is the ‘reward’?

Tuesday 10 September 1 Corinthians 4 – Paul warns against arrogance O v1: what are ‘the mysteries God has revealed’?

O v10: is Paul being sarcastic?

Wednesday 11 September 1 Corinthians 5 – The Church is advised to deal with internal affairs O v2: what does ‘put out of your fellowship’ mean? Do you think this means not to attend a particular church any more, or not to associate with a person (see v11)?

O vv1–5: can this act of discipline be used as a guideline for similar problems within the Church today?

O vv11 and 12: are there occasions to implement judgment inside the Church?

Thursday 12 September 1 Corinthians 6 – Paul tells the church to settle disputes internally O vv1–6: should disputes between believers be taken to nonChristian judges or is this passage trying to help its readers see a bigger picture?

O vv9 and 10: how do you interpret these verses? Are any of the things mentioned acceptable in the Church today? Is it legitimate to ‘pick and mix’ theology based on social acceptability?

O vv19 and 20: can this teaching be expanded to include the need to ‘honour God with your bodies’ with regard to drugs, exercise, eating and sleeping?

At Southsea, Mary Goodchild displays her birthday card from the Queen as she celebrates her 100th birthday with friends 8

Salvationist 7 September 2013

Friday 13 September 1 Corinthians 7 – Paul differentiates between his advice and the Lord’s O How would you summarise this chapter?

LETTERS WE MUST GIVE LOVE AND LAW LIEUT-COLONEL Ray Kirby (Salvationist 20 July), regarding gender issues, posed the questions: ‘Will we give love or law? Will the result be inclusion or exclusion?’

In answer to those questions, I believe first of all that we should give both love and law.

The Lord Jesus Christ, who came to fulfil the law, gives us the example of how to do this with honesty, integrity and compassion. He did not put law to one side. He stood by it. The woman taken in adultery was saved from stoning not because he dispensed with the law but because he applied it with concern and compassion, so much so that the cold-hearted religious sect were challenged about their attitude and the woman about her lifestyle. She was free to go but was told not to sin again.

There was no compromise.

Equally, the woman at the well who lived a life outside the law was able to see, through Christ’s gentle counselling, that her lifestyle needed to change.

He did not condemn her. He stated who he was and her conscience before God was pricked.

I have lived in a university town for 12 years and have dealt with students who have gender issues. I also have opportunities to debate with younger people on these issues. My approach is this – I let them know at the very beginning that I will be taking a biblical view and standpoint and will not compromise on that. If they wish to continue, they do so on the understanding that I will not judge them but will listen and answer their questions as honestly as I can.

Because they have approached me as a Christian minister, I give the Christian answer. Other people will give their opinions but I stand by what I believe is God’s will.

I keep the door open for further opportunities, pray for them, respect them and love them.

Some time ago our student fellowship group informed me that a member of another denomination who attended our student fellowship on occasions had ‘come out’. I said, well you must love that person, continue your friendship but stand by your principles

in dialogue with that person. I am glad to say they had already decided to do that and remained friends beyond university years.

I cannot change God’s laws but I can apply them with grace and love.

As Salvationists, our first doctrine sets out the ground rules. I pray that we should be true to God and his word by following Jesus’ example, that we may glorify God in all we say and do and not merely appease man.

Ray Hobbins, Major, Aberystwyth

CORPS HISTORY IS PRECIOUS I HAVE been director at the International Heritage Centre for more than eight years and in that time I, and members of the IHC team, have answered requests from dozens of corps about the beginnings of the Army in their village, town or city.

The heritage centre can help corps that don’t have all this information – however, the full details may not have been reported in The War Cry of the day. This highlights the need for all corps to exercise good record keeping.

The corps history book is often written by the corps secretary or someone who wants the chronicles of the corps to be preserved. Often these record special events, new initiatives, details of new converts, adherent members, soldiers, spiritual mission, social campaigns and statistical growth.

People could soon discover that seemingly mundane record keeping is far more interesting than they might have imagined.

There is one aspect of our record keeping that is of concern to me and it relates to smaller corps where perhaps a faithful local officer has traditionally and diligently written up the corps history. In such cases when the comrade is promoted to Glory, family members who are non-Salvationists might not understand the full significance of the corps history books and these and other records are lost.

Ideally our corps records should be kept in a safe or lockable cupboard.

As a corps officer, I recall some divisional commanders coming to

inspect all aspects of the corps, showing great interest in the corps history book and I often thought they gathered more from what the corps secretary or historian had written than what I told them!

Stephen Grinsted, Major, London

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN HEMSWORTH Corps in the Yorkshire Division (formerly South Yorkshire) has quietly closed after 90-plus years. I feel it right and proper that all the saints who worked hard and long for the corps should be recognised. From my birth to my late 50s I attended Hemsworth and I want to thank God for those people who moulded me and my peers into the people we are today, and by their wonderful example led us to the Lord.

The work, for the faithful few, was hard but everybody was so happy to work for God. What was incredible was that, considering the size of the corps, eight or nine young people entered the training college and became officers!

This obviously took its toll on numbers but it was always a sacrifice the corps was happy to make, and many of us are still faithfully serving God in different corps.

Although Hemsworth was relatively small, it had a great big heart and we had wonderful, happy, blessed, Spirit-filled times. We give thanks to God for all the officers, local officers, soldiers, adherent members and friends connected with the corps. We feel a great sadness at its closure but thank God for the privilege of being part of it.

Muriel Peacock, Hemsworth Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address O The Editor reserves the right to edit letters or print extracts O Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Salvationist 7 September 2013

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ICO FEATURE

GOD’S WAY WITH ME Three delegates from Session 218 at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development share their stories MAJOR EDDIE VINCENT, CANADA AND BERMUDA

I WAS born and raised in a Salvationist family in Triton, a small Newfoundland fishing town. I made my first decision for Christ at six years of age. Despite my limited understanding, I knew for certain that I had made a choice to accept Jesus as my personal saviour.

It was not until my teens that a real spiritual awakening changed the direction of my life. At 15, I attended a corps cadet camp where I made a new commitment to God. My passionate desire to live for God was ignited and started to burn as never before.

A few months later my faith was put to the test when tragedy hit my family.

On 13 March 1981, I was given the devastating news that my sister – just one year older than me – had died of carbon monoxide poisoning the night before. She and her boyfriend had been talking in his car as the gas leaked in.

Unsure if I could deal with this situation, I called out to God for strength and immediately sensed his comforting Spirit ministering to me.

The pain and grief did not go away, but I had God’s presence to comfort and sustain me through the ordeal.

My childhood desire was to be a police officer. However, following these experiences, I sensed God calling me to Salvation Army officership. I felt a most unlikely candidate but responded with a ‘yes’, trusting that when God calls he also equips.

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Salvationist 7 September 2013

Although officership has brought many challenges, I have learnt that God always provides the grace and mercy needed for each situation.

For me it has been, and continues to be, a life of great satisfaction and fulfilment.

I’m glad I said yes to the call.

I am a blessed man. God gave me a great upbringing, wonderful parents, a loving wife and two fabulous sons.

Now I am privileged to be chosen as an ICO delegate. My expectation is to experience spiritual refreshing by leaving my appointment responsibilities and enjoying concentrated time for reading, prayer, worship and teaching.

I also expect to gain a wider knowledge of the Army’s internationalism through interaction with my fellow delegates and classroom teaching.

I rejoice in the Lord, and thank the Army for making such a rich experience available to me.

‘‘

I CALLED OUT TO GOD FOR STRENGTH AND IMMEDIATELY SENSED HIS COMFORTING SPIRIT

’’

MAJOR PIL YONG KIM, KOREA

I SHARE the same words of blessing with you that I share with my corps: ‘Let us thank God for his grace that grants us new hope for living each day.’

I was born in rural South Korea.

My parents lost five children to illness before my birth. One brother had complicated symptoms of meningitis, paralysis and metal-disease. He was the first son in a Confucianist society, and my parents were forced to sell all their property in a bid to cure him. It was all in vain and he died. My father felt he had failed and he died soon after.

Without property or my father, our family became poor. My mother became responsible for all five remaining children.

When I saw the sacrifices my mother was making, I resolved to be a good student and a good son as compensation for her losses and because of her love.

When I was in the third grade,

my friend took me to a church for the first time. I became a Christian and God became my first priority.

‘‘

THIS WAS THE CALL I WAS WAITING FOR...

I SACRIFICED MY ENTIRE LIFE TO GOD’S SERVICE

’’

I was considered to have betrayed the expectations of my family and society.

My mother persecuted me and burnt my Bible. However, my faith was strong and I eventually led all my family to God. Although encouraged towards officership by church members and leaders, I waited for my call to be confirmed by God. I became a democratic leader against capitalism and a diligent worker with a heart for the gospel. Faith and hard work sustained my life.

I climbed up a mountain almost every day to pray in a small cave. On 4 February 1988, God showed me Genesis 12:1: ‘Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.’ This was the calling I was waiting for.

After training in 1992, I sacrificed my entire life to God’s service and prayed earnestly at the mercy seat, remembering

all the tragedies and trials of my life.

But God said to me: ‘Don’t worry about anything; I will take care of you.’

Twenty years on I am the corps officer at Jeonju, which has about 100 soldiers.

In this long journey my best relationship has been with my wife, Major Heejung Yun. She is my closest friend, comforter, adviser, teacher, counsellor and shelter. My daughter and son are also blessings to me.

Meeting with officers from around the world is very special and I expect the ICO educational experience to nurture my future ministry for God. I cannot make a strong enough resolution that I will serve the Lord in The Salvation Army all my days.

CAPTAIN JANET MALABI, KENYA WEST

MY parents were materially poor but spiritually rich, and helped me know Jesus when I was six years old. My faith journey has not always been easy, but I believe God has been with me.

My desire to serve God was encouraged when the high school principal entrusted me – with other girls – to help neighbouring churches with evangelism. The Sunday schools, open-air meetings and denominational Sundays inspired me a lot.

My grades qualified me to attend university, but I could not afford the

‘‘

WHERE THERE ARE GOD’S PEOPLE, THERE IS GOD’S WORK TO BE DONE

’’

fees. Besides, I already felt called to serve God as an officer. Learning this, my elder sister got very angry and called me an idiot to flush a possible university qualification down the drain to become a ‘Salvation Army beggar’, but I knew what God wanted me to do.

I married Amos in December 1995.

In 1997 we prepared to commence training, but the week before entry we received a letter saying we had not qualified. We were saddened, but continued to pray and reminded God of our zeal and passion to serve him.

In 1999 an invitation to an interview for college acceptance got lost. We only

learnt of it three days before the session was due to start! Our faith, prayer and commitment saw us through and we were finally commissioned in 2000.

My appointments have been tough and at times I hardly received more than half my allowance. I leased farms for cultivation to help us survive, and young people, home league members and even non-Salvationists offered labour to help me. I didn’t beg, but counted my blessings instead.

One blessing was being able to have children. After pregnancy complications with my first-born, my doctor said that I would never be able to give birth naturally. However, I am now the proud mother of a son and three daughters!

Pioneering work isn’t easy. My present appointment involves starting many new programmes. It is like entering a new house that has absolutely nothing, but it is God’s work and I love it. This is one of the best appointments I have had.

Where there are God’s people, there is God’s work to be done; and when God sends you on a rough road, he provides you with tough shoes.

Hebrews 13:6 says: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?’ I believe the Lord will protect me as I do his work in the world.

Salvationist 7 September 2013

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CADET COMMITMENTS

Grace for every task As the 2013 Heralds of Grace Session embark on committing their lives in service to God as Salvation Army officers, they each share their testimony with Salvationist ADRIAN ALLEN, GEMMA ALLEN Newcastle City Temple

ADRIAN AND GEMMA

HATTIE, IAN AND FAMILY

MARTIN, VICKY AND FAMILY

DIANE

RAISED in an Anglican family, Adrian first attended Laos youth church at Nunhead in 2001. After university, he moved to Newcastle to become a swimming coach and was invited to the Army. Since then God has revealed his plan.

‘In the past two years I have been on a journey learning about myself, The Salvation Army and what it means to be a Herald of Grace.’

Adrian enters college with his wife Gemma, who grew up at the corps and felt God wanted more from her. She got involved in corps youth work and visited Camp Tomahawk in West Virginia, USA. ‘This is where God told me he wanted me to become an officer,’ shares Gemma.

She is sure that she can apply what she’s learnt to future ministry.

HATTIE ARTHUR, IAN ARTHUR Wandsworth HATTIE was saved at 14 and shortly after felt called to officership but struggled with anorexia and depression. Her calling has been confirmed in various ways, especially since meeting Ian ten years ago. Having received healing, she surrendered fully to her calling last year. She admits that recent months have been challenging, but felt God sustaining, affirming and strengthening her character.

Her husband Ian acknowledges that his journey to officership has required submission, surrender and patience, none of which was easy.

He remembers times of uncertainty but realised that God was calling him. Ian says: ‘God has given me an awesome wife and four fantastic sons – including one who wouldn’t be here without divine intervention. I know God will be with us and guide us to where we need to be.’

MARTIN CRAWFORD, VICKY CRAWFORD Lincoln MARTIN surrendered his life after an invitation at youth councils to seek God. A few years later he thought about officership but realised the timing wasn’t right.

HUW

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Vicky gradually came to faith, growing up in a Salvation Army environment despite her family not being members. God called her when she was 16 and she waited on God for the next step.

Vicky met and married Martin and became parents to Amber and Toby. God kept on knocking at the doors of their hearts until they surrendered fully. Martin and Vicky look forward to opportunities that God will lay before them as they journey with him.

DIANE DICKSON Wandsworth ‘MY walk has been surprising, varied and challenging,’ says Diane, who was born in the North East, but lived in ten different counties plus a year in Poland. She continues: ‘When I was 17, after three months of soul searching around the time of my mother’s death, I made a commitment to give my life in service to God.’ So began a 20-year exploration of ministry opportunities – from gap year projects to lay worker roles, studies at Cliff College and Wesley Study Centre – with the words ‘Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all’ always on her mind. Six years ago she came into contact with the Army and began a journey of discovering the Father’s heart in building his Kingdom through its various ministries – she looks forward to continuing this at college.

HUW DUTFIELD Penarth HUW’S first real experience of Jesus came during youth councils in Swansea when he was 14. Born in the Rhondda valley into a Salvation Army family, he made commitments as a junior and senior soldier. In 1987 he married Ruth and they started a family. ‘There had been occasions when I felt God calling me into full-time service but confirmation came on Commitment Sunday 2012. Ever since then there have been many challenges thrown down by the Devil, but God proved to me that by following his will not only for my life, but also my family, there is nothing Satan can do to stop Jesus’ plans.’

HELEN FROUD Stornoway

HELEN

TRISH

HELEN’S career as an HR director followed her time as an officer in the British Army – Sandhurst-trained and subsequently stationed worldwide. Initially she came to faith in the Baptist Church as a teenager, but backslid in her twenties. After her eldest daughter was born, she returned to church and rediscovered God’s love and grace. Helen spent the last decade with her three children in the Outer Hebrides and attended Stornoway Corps on the recommendation of a work colleague. Her life changed significantly. God’s love and the corps fellowship saw her through some difficult times.

‘I was slow to hear a calling to officership – others saw it before I did!’ she says. She enters college accompanied by her two youngest children and is looking forward to the arrival of her first grandchild in October.

TRISH HALL Chatham

EMMA HAWKINS

KATY

EMMA JONES

TRISH grew up in the Army, but struggled balancing the experience of an unhappy home life with putting on a uniform and being a Christian. Trish started living life on the edge and blamed God for everything that went wrong. Her only happiness in an unhappy marriage was the arrival of her daughter. Years after walking out on God and her first husband, Trish returned to church, putting the past behind her. After attending various churches, mastering many challenges, growing spiritually with her new husband Don and receiving healing, Trish ended up at the corps. During a Design for Life course in 2010, God called Trish through people and Scripture. She concludes: ‘In this next phase, I pray that God’s will be done in our lives. I know that his timing is perfect.’

EMMA HAWKINS Penge FROM a young age, Emma always knew that Jesus loved her. ‘At 13, God called me to be an officer,’ Emma shares, ‘and in the 11 years since then he has affirmed that calling time and time again.’ During this period, she was able to use her gifts and skills, taking every opportunity to discover and develop them. As an officer’s child she has seen the great diversity that exists throughout the Army in the UK and beyond. ‘I love being part of this diverse community and I am very excited about what God has in store for me over these next two years and for those to come!’

for the Army, despite not being a Christian. She was inspired by seeing people put their beliefs into action and began to see God and know that his love applied to her as well. As her faith started developing, Katy heard God’s call.

Although officership initially seemed a bizarre prospect, she started an Essential year with ALOVE and trusts God’s plan for her life.

EMMA JONES Stroud IN 2007, Emma was saved and her life changed for ever. Along with her husband Glyn and six children, she went to the Forest of Dean Outreach Unit where members received the family with open arms. They appreciated this warmth during a sensitive time of struggling with the loss of Emma’s mother a few years earlier. Emma quickly became involved in various activities and became a soldier in 2008.

The following year she felt called to leadership, but feelings of self-doubt flooded her mind. She soon realised that God was in control and in 2011 became a territorial envoy at Stroud. From there, she decided it was time to apply to be a distance-learning cadet. She can’t wait to start her studies and see what God has in store.

JULIA MAPSTONE Morriston RAISED in a Christian home, Julia first encountered the Army when she was five. ‘God was always an important part of my life,’ she recalls. ‘I was taught that it was OK to bring everything before him and that no matter what the circumstances God was trustworthy and faithful.’ Five years ago, it seemed that her future had disappeared and she could not understand why it had all gone wrong. But even in the darkest times, she knew that God was faithful and that he cared; as the darkness lifted, she was able to surrender her pain, receive healing and learn to forgive. Julia describes how, as she drew closer to God, she gradually felt the renewal of her call to officership, which she had heard as a teenager. Her desire is to tell others of the joy and peace that come from living in Christ.

KATY HILLARY Crook via Abergavenny

JULIA

‘I DIDN’T know God when I was growing up,’ admits Katy. ‘I didn’t go to church and it wasn’t something I ever envisioned being part of my life – instead, I always imagined I would work within the theatrical world.’ But things changed almost four years ago when she started working Salvationist 7 September 2013

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CADET COMMITMENTS CALLUM NEWTON Lincoln CALLUM came to faith as a child, after he asked his father if they could go to church. His dad found him the closest Sunday school, which happened to be at the Army. After attending for a while, Callum became a junior soldier.

Eventually his dad came along too. As a result of attending regularly, Callum grew in his faith, became a soldier and shortly after felt called to officership; around the same time he was appointed corps sergeant-major. He trained as a primary school teacher and, despite loving his job, still felt God was holding him to his calling.

CALLUM

DYLAN AND RACHAEL

RYAN

JAN AND CAROL

DYLAN NIEUWOUDT, RACHAEL NIEUWOUDT Warrington DYLAN grew up in a church community in South Africa. Aged 12, he gave his life to Jesus.

A few years later, he worked as a camp counsellor for inner-city youth at a Salvation Army summer camp in America. He knew that one day he would become an officer. For the past ten years he has worked in the UK as a Christian youth worker and a senior project worker in homelessness ministry. He believes that now is the time to step into the future that God has prepared.

Dylan enters college with his wife, Rachael, who grew up in a Salvation Army church plant where she saw new believers coming to faith regularly and witnessed the amazing power and effectiveness of prayer. She was surrounded by mature Christian leaders who were passionate about empowering and equipping young people for Christian leadership. It was during this time that God grounded her faith and called her to full-time ministry. Almost 18 years later, and now married with two children, Rachael felt a confirmation of God’s calling.

RYAN PARKIN Blackpool Citadel

DAWN AND GLENN

RYAN grew up in a loving Christian family – a supportive environment in which to discuss and explore his faith. Since graduating from university in 2002, he has worked for the Army in Canada and the UK, most recently as a divisional youth officer. During a planting conference in 2012 God challenged him to consider becoming an officer. After a fair amount of prayer and discussion, he applied.

Since then he has experienced God’s perfect timing and provision. Supporting him during training is his wife, Natasha, who works as a radiotherapist at Charing Cross Hospital, and his children Gabriel and Evangeline, who are excited about their role in this adventure.

CHRISTOPHER

JAN RASMUSSEN, CAROL RASMUSSEN Svendborg (Denmark) JESUS became Carol’s personal saviour when she was 18. She realises that she is a new creation by the grace of God. ‘Serving and working for 14

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God is without doubt my calling,’ she explains.

‘God called me to dedicate my life as an officer so that I can serve him and others through the gifts he has given me.’ Philippians 3:14 gives Carol the strength to accept the challenge.

Her husband, Jan, was born into a Salvationist family. Jan took part in various music schools and camps in Norway and the UK – at the 1990 International Congress in London, he carried the flag down Pall Mall. Jan shares: ‘I believed in God, but something was missing. It was a religion, not a relationship. I was certain, even determined, that I was never going to be an officer.’ However, Jan discovered that God was not a dictator, but a father, and Jesus not a policeman, but a friend. Then, one day, he heard God say: ‘It’s time for you to stand up for me and be a leader.’

DAWN RODEN, GLENN RODEN Dudley DAWN was first called to officership as a teenager, but never pursued it because she felt that she wasn’t good enough and dismissed it and carried on with her life. In 1994 she married Glenn and they started to grow together spiritually. They had never discussed officership until Glenn revealed his calling to Dawn and she spoke about her experience.

Life changed dramatically due to circumstances following the birth of son Benjamin and Dawn turned away from God. However, God never left her and Ben led her back to him.

Glenn came to faith aged 14 during a youth fellowship weekend in 1986. Six years later, he first heard the call to officership, not knowing that his wife had been called a few years earlier.

Due to enter college in 2000, they were instead blessed with the arrival of their son. Glenn admits the circumstances they faced took them away from God and the Army. They rediscovered their calling when they attended Design for Life four years ago.

CHRISTOPHER STILL Aberdeen Citadel CHRIS, who loves sport and has a degree in biomedical science, was taken to the Army as a child by his parents. At seven, he accepted Jesus as his friend and saviour and became a junior soldier. Chris shares: ‘Growing up, I always struggled with finding out what God wanted me to do, even though I knew for myself that he had called me to officership. I tried to ignore it, thinking I wasn’t good enough to do it.

Thankfully, God never gave up on me.’ During a divisional meeting two years ago, God spoke powerfully to him and he knew that he needed to give his all to God and accept his call.

THERESA TORR Wokingham

THERESA

WENDY AND IAN

RICHARD

CARL

SANDRA

THERESA testifies to the power of the words of ‘Amazing Grace’. Having attended the Army for most of her life, she admits she never understood the personal relationship aspect of God’s love. A difficult history led her to distrust people and even God, and it was not until she truly discovered his grace that she finally realised her identity in Christ. Theresa admits that God had been calling her to full-time ministry for years, but she always had an excuse ready: ‘I felt I wasn’t good enough. I had a family and a job that I loved – but I could not keep running from God, because in the end nothing else satisfies.’

When she finally surrendered to God’s will, she felt a complete sense of peace. She concludes: ‘It has all happened very quickly, but God has opened all the doors for me. I am about to start an amazing journey, with my husband supporting me and with a great sense of excitement. I know that my future is in God’s hands and that he is all I need.’

WENDY WATKINS, IAN WATKINS Hastings Temple IAN attended church with his mum until he was seven, but then drifted away. It was not until he met and married Wendy that he occasionally went to the Army. When his daughter was born he returned to church. Ian explains: ‘All these things led to me finally accepting an invitation to an Alpha course and coming to faith when I was 30.’ He became a soldier and a year later felt a strong call to officership but his fears stopped him. As a territorial envoy at Downs Farm Plant he realised that he needed to be obedient to the call and rely on God for everything.

Wendy attended the Army as a baby and had Christian influences in her life but no personal relationship with God. In her teens, God spoke to her through Scripture during a meeting. It was then that she realised that knowing God had to be lived and nurtured. Wendy met and married Ian, who was not yet a Christian.

However, it was during their married life that Wendy felt a strong calling and the need to make an obedient response.

God’s heart further, he was filled with direction and a calling to full-time ministry. Richard shares: ‘Many fears have vanished and I feel officership is what I was born to do.’

CARL WHITEWOOD Ashford AS an atheist in his early twenties, Carl met a number of people who overturned his prejudice towards Christianity. He shares: ‘Joining a church where God was so evident was utterly compelling and he has blessed me in so many ways through The Salvation Army.

‘Twenty-nine years later, I have a wonderful, school teacher wife, three amazing children and an active role serving in our fantastic corps – I could hardly ask for more. But I have had more – a career I could have never imagined, including a dream job and a mission field within industry that allowed me to live out my Christian witness.

Until now this has been God’s unambiguous call on my life.’ It was at the ‘I’ll Fight!’ Congress last year – when God challenged Carl to re-evaluate his life in a moment as real as when he was saved – he realised he had to say yes.

SANDRA WIERSMA Almere (The Netherlands and Czech Republic) SANDRA knew from the moment she became a junior soldier that she was going to be an officer. She admits: ‘For a while things went differently than I expected, but sometimes things have to happen in God’s time and not my own.’ She enjoyed working in the fundraising department at THQ and did not think about officership until one day someone asked the question: ‘Where do you see yourself in ten years?’ When Sandra’s response was not what she was doing now, a colleague asked: ‘Aren’t you supposed to do something more within the Army?’ The final confirmation came when Sandra’s niece, who was about to be commissioned, challenged her: ‘Doesn’t it bother you that I am about to do what you’re supposed to be doing?’ Sandra concludes that through this series of questions, God’s calling on her life became unmistakably clear.

RICHARD WEARMOUTH Bedlington AS life unfolded, Richard did everything he thought was expected of him – completing a degree, working for a large firm and earning enough to live comfortably. However, spiritually he was not satisfied. He admits: ‘Time became precious and the job only a wage. In a split moment I felt God’s presence and yearned to apply for a job at the Army. I’ve not looked back since.’ In the past four years Richard has undergone life-changing experiences that brought great satisfaction. When he searched Salvationist 7 September 2013

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BIBLE STUDY

And who is my neighbour?

Major Paul Kingscott presents the first of two studies focusing on the annual appeal STUDY PASSAGE: LUKE 10:25–37

I

GREW up in the beautiful Roman city of Bath, a place full of history, wealth and tourists. I was fascinated by people from all over the world who came to look and experience the splendour of past days, glimpse the stylish houses and get a taste of Georgian England.

At the centre of the city – behind the Roman Baths and the Pump Room – is the beautiful abbey, the church at the heart of things. Its churchyard is a place to sit, wonder and absorb. However, if I had chosen to sit on one of its wooden benches I might have seen the unsavoury side of the city: men who sat all day with their bottle of cider, with no intention of getting washed, changing their clothes or trimming their long straggly hair and beards. Their only want in life was to sit with ‘friends’ and enjoy some of Somerset’s finest drink.

As a child growing up in the Army, these men were part of the landscape.

I had no idea they were in need. I had no concept that, as a Christian, I should love them and help them.

Perhaps when the expert in the law asked Jesus, ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’ (Luke 10:25), he too had no idea of the implications behind such a comparatively simple question.

He believed that he was a good man.

He lived according to the Ten Commandments. He was an example to many, but Jesus saw the heart of the man.

I remember asking my father about the men on the benches. He would just say they were ‘cider wallopers’ – interested in their drink and nothing else. I sensed that I should stay away, just as the majority did when passing 16

Salvationist 7 September 2013

through the churchyard. These men were left to get on with their lives; they didn’t need to be loved and certainly had no need of the gospel.

Today we might ask: ‘What would Jesus do?’

He would say that we should love them, for they are our neighbours. The expert in the law gave Jesus the right answer to his question: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ and ‘love your neighbour as yourself’ (10:27). But he failed to grasp the implications, the requirements and the lifestyle.

‘‘

DO WE ACT ON THE WORDS OF JESUS TO ‘GO AND DO LIKEWISE’?

’’

We cannot simply say the words; Jesus requires us to take action.

James asks: ‘What good is it... if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?’ (James 2:14).

Jesus told the law expert a parable.

We call it the parable of the good Samaritan – the story of a man beaten by robbers and left for dead, but helped to safety by a stranger and given care and a place to stay.

At any of the Army’s social centres or community programmes you could encounter people whose lives have been transformed because they have been helped up and shown love – God’s love.

Jesus said: ‘I have come that they might have life, and have it to the full’ (John 10:10). This is why the Army runs Lifehouses – not hostels.

This is why the Army cares about a person’s spiritual health as much as their physical and emotional needs.

This is why Salvationists do what they do.

This is why mission is at the heart of the Army’s social services.

This is what makes the Army distinctive: it offers God, his love and the opportunity of total transformation.

The parable does not focus on the two men who passed by, but on the one who stopped to help. The Samaritan – a member of a despised nation – took time, risking his own life, to care, to show love, to make sure the man was safe and had time to recover.

Do we act on the words of Jesus to ‘go and do likewise’?

It’s often easier to live a good life and leave it to someone else – but then, isn’t that the point of the parable? We can’t ‘just leave it’!

MAJOR KINGSCOTT IS DEPUTY TERRITORIAL SOCIAL SERVICES SECRETARY

FEATURE

ETHICAL VALUES AT THE BANK Laura Barker chats with Paul Underwood, who was recently appointed Managing Director, Reliance Bank How has the transition gone, moving from your former role as Bank Lending Manager and Company Secretary to Managing Director?

I am starting to settle in and get accustomed to my new position. Trevor Smith, my predecessor, worked here for 12 years and saw the bank through difficult times caused by the banking crisis.

What changes have you noticed since 2006?

There have been a lot of changes.

Some change is necessary to comply with new external regulation, and other initiatives have been introduced to improve the service provided to customers. We have reduced the amount of paper records retained by the bank and continue to explore ways of enhancing this. We recently launched a project to encourage our major customers to make greater use of our electronic banking products. It is better for the environment, more efficient and cost-saving for all concerned; when you bundle these together, it will allow the bank to generate more profit which, ultimately, will benefit The Salvation Army through increased gift aid.

How does the bank continue to be ethical?

We need to continue providing a high standard of service, being open and honest with new applicants, which may mean that sometimes we cannot help them. We will also continue to review our services and products, and listen to the feedback provided by our customers.

In June newspapers reported the Church of England was considering taking on hundreds of Royal Bank of Scotland branches, raising the prospects of a new ethical bank on the high street. How does this affect Reliance Bank?

Should this happen, I do not consider that it would be a threat to Reliance Bank. I would see it as a positive move for the banking industry.

What can you tell us about yourself?

Before joining Reliance Bank in 2006, I spent 27 years working for Barclays. I have been married for 23 years, have three children and live in Bedfordshire.

Do you think it is important that the Managing Director is a Christian?

It is essential for the Managing Director to have Christian values in the sense of being honest, open and transparent and having the same ethical views as The Salvation Army.

Why has there been an increase in non-Salvationist customers?

Since the banking crisis began in 2008, the public have lost a great deal of trust in the major banks. More and more people have found Reliance Bank through searching the internet for a Christian ethical bank.

Now that you are Managing Director, what do you hope to see happen in the future?

I do not see the bank changing drastically. We have diversified in recent years and seen an increase in the number of non-Salvation Army customers. That has proved to be quite profitable, but I do not envisage suddenly increasing this part of the business at the expense of the service provided to The Salvation Army.

In the press you regularly hear about the complaints that the public have against banks; we are not immune to these but we take pride in the service we provide. Where we do get it wrong, we apologise and look to redress the position as soon as possible.

Our product range focuses on meeting the needs of retail banking customers.

Reliance Bank operates in a more traditional manner which has allowed it to remain profitable throughout the recent banking crisis. This needs to continue.

Banks have a bad reputation at the moment. Is Reliance Bank different?

We are different and we plan to stay that way. In my view, service is the differential where we look to meet customer needs rather than sell them something they don’t need.

Good service is appreciated in every industry and we need to make sure that we deliver in this area.

One of the recommendations from the recent customer satisfaction survey is to develop mobile banking facilities.

Is that something that might happen in the future?

A banking app is something we are looking at, as is a contactless debit card.

The bank has a relatively small development budget so we need to make sure that any new product provides value for money.

How much has the bank gift aided to The Salvation Army?

We gift aid 75 per cent of our operating profit. For the year ending 31 March 2013, this represented ÂŁ391,000 which is distributed equally between the UK Territory and IHQ. Salvationist 7 September 2013

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ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS ARMY PEOPLE WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Platinum (70th): O Aux-Captain and Mrs John and Peggy Garbutt (19 September) Golden: O Bandsman/Songster Keith and Songster Pam Dry, Brighton Congress Hall (7 September) O CSM Brian and Beryl Tanner, St Austell (7 September) O Bandsman Colin and Adherents Secretary Marjorie Crosby, Reading Central (21 September) O Keith and Pat Young, Abingdon (21 September)

Hereford’s emergency unit serves refreshments at Off the Rails 3, where police and fire services invited 1,700 children to take part in public transport safety exercises

DEDICATED TO GOD O Štefan

and Lucie, children

of Štefan Tirpak and Darina ýerveĖáková, at Armáda Spásy Plant by Major David Blowers O Amy

Elizabeth, daughter of Igor

and Sarah Manzhikov, at Sutton by Major Kate Cotterill BEREAVED O Major

Jennie McCombe, Bristol Easton and THQ, Major Heather Clifton and Wendy Hockley, Winton, of their brother Jim Hart O Major Haris Giannaros, Gillingham, of his father O Sylvia Coates, Worksop, of her husband BM Shep Coates, Kevin Coates, Croydon Citadel, Dean Coates, Clowne, and Gillian Baddams of their father O Jackie and Hannah Donaldson, Belfast Citadel, of their son Jackie PROMOTED TO GLORY O Brigadier

Edward Clack from Weston-super-Mare on 23 August O Major Meta Robinson from South Molton on 24 August O Mrs Aux-Captain Dorothy Pickering from Bournemouth on 25 August O S/Reservist Doris Jackson, Carlisle

At Risca, children learn about the book of Daniel at the Space Academy holiday club

ENGAGEMENTS GENERAL ANDRÉ COX AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: O Australia Eastern, Wed 4 Sep - Mon 9 O Indonesia, Mon 9 - Tu 17 O New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, Fri 20 - Mon 23 THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS) AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: O Reading Central, Sun 8 Sep O New Horizons (Skegness), Wed Th 12 O Luton, Sat Sun 15 O William Booth College (welcome to cadets), Sat Sun 29 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: O New Horizons (Skegness), Fri 6 Sep - Mon 9 O Risca, Sat Sun 15 O William Booth College (welcome to cadets), Sat Sun 29 O Maldon, Sat Sun 6 Oct COMMISSIONER BIRGITTE BREKKE: O Finland and Estonia, Mon 16 Sep - Wed 18 COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: O Switzerland (Global Christian Forum Committee meeting), Sun 8 Sep - Wed 11 O International Moral And Social Issues Council, Wed 11 - Fri 13 O UK, Christchurch, Sat Sun 15 O UK, Worthing, Sat Sun 22 COMMISSIONERS LALZAMLOVA AND NEMKHANCHING: O India South Eastern, Th 5 Sep - Sat 7 O India Western, Sun 8 - Sat 14 COMMISSIONER DORITA WAINWRIGHT: O Finland and Estonia, Mon 16 Sep - Wed 18 COMMISSIONER JOHN WAINWRIGHT: O India Western, Sat 7 Sep - Mon 9 O Kenya East (Conference of African Leaders), Fri Sat 21 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: O Warrington, Sat Sun 15 Sep

Salvationist 7 September 2013

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NEW COMMITMENTS

2.

1.

3.

6.

1. CHARMAINE CHATIZA, THEA GREBER, CHARLEEN CHATIZA Junior soldiers ST HELIER THEA, Charmaine and Charleen are the first junior soldiers enrolled at the corps in eight years. Twins Charmaine and Charleen were born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK with their parents. They regularly attend Sunday school, as does Thea who has grown up in the corps.

They were enrolled by corps officers Lieutenants Melanie and Steven Scoulding. – L. W. 2. LORETTA ANTWI, LIZ GRIFFITHS Soldiers HIGH WYCOMBE LORETTA and Liz, who both grew up in the Army, gave testimonies as they were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Captain Hilary McClintock. – H. M. 3. JOSEPHINE AWOSOSA Soldier JAMAAL AROUNA Adherent member SOLOMON AROUNA Junior soldier CLAPTON THE corps gladly received three new members as Josephine and Solomon were enrolled as a soldier and junior soldier, respectively, and Jamaal was welcomed as an adherent member. Josephine found the Army when she was looking for a Bible-teaching church she could walk to. She decided to become a soldier and was excited that her grandsons, Jamaal and Solomon also wanted to make commitments. – R. G. 18

Salvationist 7 September 2013

5.

4.

4. THOMAS SIMPSON, REBECCA WOOLFENDEN, NEVE CONNOLLY Junior soldiers OLDHAM ROUNDTHORN FAMILY and friends gathered to support Thomas, Rebecca and Neve as corps officers Lieutenants Ian and Wendy Hall enrolled them as junior soldiers.

The children regularly attend Sunday school and midweek KidsAlive club. They proudly recited their promises aloud before kneeling at the mercy seat to sign their certificates. Thomas, Rebecca and Neve then joined the Sunday school children in singing and dancing to ‘God Can Do Anything’. – I. H. 5. JO HOWITT Soldier GRIMSBY JO testified that since attending the Army she has found God, a real peace in her life and a new family. She also told the congregation that for 55 years she had smoked but, with God’s help, she was able to stop smoking in order to fulfil her desire to become a soldier. She was enrolled by corps officer Captain Gerald Nicoll. – G. N. 6. BRENDA FOSTER Soldier DARLINGTON WHILE living in retirement in France, Brenda felt God calling her back home. She reconnected with the corps almost 40 years after leaving for military service and was enrolled as a soldier by corps officers Captains Colin and Denise Bradshaw. – C. B.

ADVERTS

Salvationist 7 September 2013

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Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each day Saturday One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: ‘Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.’

(Acts 18:9 and 10)

Sunday Eternal God, our song we raise In thankful, overflowing praise, For men of faith whose power was thine, Whose love no barrier could confine; They humbly offered Christ their bread, And lo, the multitudes were fed!

(SASB 5)

Monday But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of

this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him.

(1 Corinthians 1:27–29)

Tuesday We thank thee for the fruitful years, The sacred gains of toil and tears, For mighty works through weakness wrought, For souls who led in deed and thought; They followed Jesus in the light And their loud anthems thrilled the night.

(SASB 5)

Thursday Our great redeemer liveth still, His love sustains us in thy will; Because he conquered, we shall win, His cross before, his joy within; Our cheerful banners are unfurled, For Christ has overcome the world.

(SASB 5)

Friday Give me the wisdom, Lord, To live a faith-directed life; To trust the Father’s word, And yield not in the strife.

In faith, Lord, make me just like you And show your love in all I do. Amen.

Wednesday ‘I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.’ ( John 16:33)

Praying around the world…The Netherlands and Czech Republic Please pray for the Czech Republic as The Salvation Army submits an application for church registration.

Pray also for potential expansion plans into neighbouring countries and for the leaders of the territory.

Southbourne surfing. Picture: COLIN FAIRCLOUGH