Salvationist 9 January 2021

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Venture Out Going further with God PLUS

GOING TO THE MEETING – WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

PAGES 12 TO 14

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

THE UK’S POPULATION HAS BECOME SIGNIFICANTLY KINDER OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS, STUDY SHOWS The UK public has been showing more kindness to one another as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a newly commissioned study from Christian Aid shows. The poll, conducted by Savanta ComRes, shows a significant increase in the number of people who are reaching out to strangers and offering help to those in need.

The poll, which surveyed 2,090 UK adults online ... found that 27 per cent were writing more notes to people they don’t see often, and 25 per cent are saying hello to strangers in the street more than they did before.

In addition, the poll found that people have more compassion for what is going on overseas, with two fifths (41 per cent) of the public saying they worry about what is happening in the world more than before the Covid crisis ... When broken into age categories, 18 to 24-year-olds showed the highest percentage of increased worry at 46 per cent, compared to 45 to 54-year-olds at 37 per cent.

Chine McDonald, Christian Aid’s head of community fundraising and public engagement, responded ...

‘Many of us will be glad to see the back of 2020 ... But our survey shows these ... experiences have had some positive impact on the levels of compassion that people feel.

Premier

BOOZING UP BY 50% SINCE FIRST COVID LOCKDOWN The pandemic has polarised [England’s population] into teetotallers and binge drinkers.

Record numbers of people have been drinking more than five bottles of wine a week since the first national lockdown was imposed, figures published by Public Health England reveal.

Almost one in 20 people are drinking more than 50 units of alcohol per week.

This is about 50 per cent higher than in March, when the figure was about one in 30.

But the proportion of people who did not drink rose from 34.7 per cent to 41.3 per cent between March and September.

Official guidance states that men and women should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week.

The Times

Charities and professional bodies are concerned that the second wave of the coronavirus is tipping more people into homelessness as the recession bites, more jobs are lost and rent arrears accumulate.

The government won praise at the start of the pandemic for ... the initiative Everyone In, when all rough-sleepers and those who could not safely selfisolate were moved into temporary ... accommodation. One of the biggest challenges now facing local authorities is the ability to move those people into permanent and secure housing...

Government figures show that, at the end of June, 98,300 homeless households were ... in temporary accommodation.

Church Times

THE WORLD MAY FACE SOMETHING ‘WORSE’ THAN COVID-19 UNLESS IT CHANGES DIRECTION, ARCHBISHOP OF YORK WARNS There may be more pandemics in the future unless mankind learns how to be a good steward of the Earth, the Archbishop of York has warned.

In an online new year’s service, Archbishop Stephen Cottrell said he was ‘hoping and praying that 2021 will be an improvement on 2020’ but that he feared there could be something worse in store than Covid-19.

He said he was looking back at the past year with thanksgiving but ‘also great anguish and sorrow for the horrors that engulfed our world and continue to challenge us’.

In his sermon, the archbishop also linked the outbreak of Covid-19 to man’s ‘mistreatment of the planet’.

‘Even as we try to get Covid-19 under control, war and famine still ravage our world, and our dependence on fossil fuels and our inability to wake up to the damage it is doing to our planet set other clocks ticking which make the security of our world ever more fragile,’ he said.

He said that humans needed to ‘learn how to be stewards of the Earth’.

Christian Today

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CHARITIES FEAR SPIKE IN HOMELESSNESS AS RECESSION BITES POST-PANDEMIC

Salvationist 9 January 2021

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Brian Peddle TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner Anthony Cotterill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Mal Davies

CONTACT SALVATIONIST 020 7367 4890 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk Find Salvationist on Facebook SalvationistOnline Find Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

HOPE AND A FUTURE A FEW years ago I attended the National Prayer Breakfast for Scotland where the guest speaker was futurist Patrick Dixon. The word ‘futurist’ made me wonder. Would he look into a crystal ball or read our breakfast tea leaves? I had nothing to fear. He is a respected Christian author and business consultant who analyses trends and suggests what might happen in the years ahead. One of the things I remember him saying is that, even amid the gloomiest of forecasts, there is always hope because God is sovereign.

I have a copy of Dixon’s 2015 book, The Future of Almost Everything, and flicked through it recently to see if he had predicted a pandemic. He wasn’t specific, but he did say, ‘Mutant viruses will be a major future threat.’ He went on to add: ‘We will see far greater investment into antiviral therapies, rapid vaccine development and epidemic monitoring as a result.’ Thankfully, that hopeful prediction has come true as well. The pandemic is still causing suffering and loss, but with Covid-19 vaccines now available we have the hope of brighter days ahead.

One of the things many of us are hoping for is a return to collective worship, without the restrictions that are necessary at the moment. But will normal service be resumed? Major Graham Mizon considers this in his article. He asks, ‘What is the Church for?’ and ‘What do I want to go back to?’, then takes us on a journey through the Old and New Testaments to discover some answers. As a result we might need to look again at familiar activities so that they have fresh purpose and relevance. There can then be a renewed new sense of hope as we engage in ministry and mission.

A sense of hope is something the International Projects Office tries to bring through its practical responses around the world. Our series of interviews with its team members ends this week with Jason Emmett talking about the territory’s emergency response. This comes in the form of immediate help but also longer-term support so that livelihoods and hope for the future can be rebuilt.

In her reflection on the Serenity Prayer, Captain Berri McKenna considers how we might respond to difficult situations. There are some things we cannot change and which need to be left in God’s hands, but there are others we can change, and we need courage to do so. Both these responses are expressions of hope – that God is in control and that he can use us to make a difference. Nicola Walmsley echoes those thoughts in her article when she says that anxiety, fear and uncertainty can be addressed by focusing on the hope-filled promises of God. Jeremiah 29:11 has been quoted many times in these past months: ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’ We may not have the foresight of a futurist, but we can have the promise of hope and a future. This is more than wishful thinking – it’s a confident expectation based on the faithfulness and sovereignty of God, and a promise that can sustain us, whatever the coming days may hold.

CONTENTS Quotes from the media

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News

4 to 7

Prayer matters

7

Feature What’s going on?

8

by Trevor Caffull

Interview Help in a crisis

9

Ben Gilbert talks to Jason Emmett

Resources Venture Out Today

10 and 11

Reflection What’s it all about?

12 to 14

by Major Graham Mizon

Meditation There am I in the midst

15

by Major Alistair Dawson

Bible study Waiting for a miracle

16 and 17

by Major Paula Knight

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Howard Webber

Reflection Searching for serenity

18

by Captain Berri McKenna

Reflection Pathway to peace

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by Nicola Walmsley

Viewpoint The evolution of Creation

20

by Major Bryan Snell

Letters Announcements

21 22 and 23

Adverts

23

The Salvation Army and me

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featuring Major Rudi Bruinewoud

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

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

Salvationist 9 January 2021

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NEWS

OUTREACH COMMUNITY

Demand climbs for toy appeal NORFOLK EVERY year, members of the public donate gifts and food to the Toys and Tins Appeal for children who might otherwise go without at Christmas.

The Army saw a 27 per cent increase in referrals for the county’s vulnerable children last year. Major Barry Willson, co-ordinator of the appeal, said that with the pandemic the need was greater than ever, as families were to make difficult decisions between buying food, paying household bills or affording the cost of Christmas.

Families, workplaces, faith groups and community leaders rallied to support, with more than £14,000 donated via a JustGiving page. This enabled volunteers to sort, pack and deliver approximately 19,000 gifts.

Volunteers started packing two weeks earlier than usual, as social distancing measures required them to work in smaller groups. Teenagers and young adults from a number of corps also stepped in to cover evening shifts as older volunteers continued to shield.

Thanks to their efforts, more than 6,700 vulnerable people across Norfolk, including more than 3,800 children, had presents to open on Christmas Day. – AR Chester-le-Street corps officers Captains Angelique and Cor van der Woude provide gifts for prisoners recently released from HMP Durham, thanks to donations from the public and Wickes

LONDON Regent Hall Band took part in the virtual Trafalgar Square tree-lighting ceremony in December. Six band members recorded videos of the carol ‘Hark! the Herald Angels Sing’ and the popular Army march ‘Christmas Joy’. The band has played at the ceremony every year since 2007. Bandmaster Paul Sharman said that it was good to be able to keep the tradition going. – AR

OUTREACH

SALISBURY The band brought Christmas cheer by playing carols in the hall’s forecourt. Located on Salt Lane, the hall overlooks the city’s main car park, and shoppers were able to hear carols as they parked their cars. Passers-by brought donations to the Christmas Present Appeal and many contacts were made despite the challenges of social distancing. Family bubbles also allowed band members to include their children in the fun. – MD

COMMUNITY Chatteris Songster Leader Gerald Day presents James Horner, assistant manager of the Ormiston Child and Family Centre, with a second batch of donated toys from the corps 4

Salvationist 9 January 2021

COMMUNITY

COMMUNITY

Larne corps officers Captains Annemarie and Philip Cole receive donations towards the corps toy appeal from McFarlanes Pharmacy, represented by staff members Alanna Brownlee and Liam Grimley

ARMY NEWS

General calls for ready, engaged, responsible Army in 2021 IHQ

NEWS IN BRIEF UKI The first 40,000 DVDs of A Christmas Gift from Bob included details of the Army’s homelessness work and explained how people could donate to support it. A sequel to the 2016 film A Street Cat Named Bob, this film follows James Bowen as he scrapes a living on the streets one Christmas with his feline friend. Some Lifehouses, such as Founders House Lifehouse in London, offer a place to stay and wrap-around support for former rough sleepers who are animal owners. – AR PLYMOUTH Staff at Plymouth College of Art and their associates raised funds for the Christmas Present Appeal. Fundraising began after the college’s estates team decided to use its secret Santa money to buy toys for the appeal. Other departments got involved and The Entertainer boosted their funds with an extra £200, bringing the total amount raised to £1,650. – AR

COMMUNITY PERTH Following a request from nearby churches to join a Christmas Box 2020 initiative, the corps packed more than 70 boxes with Christmas treats and an invitation to join Perthshire churches’ online carol service. The boxes were distributed to staff and volunteers at Army charity shops, the furniture project and staff and residents of the nearby Lifehouse. Pictured are Chaplain Fraser Hunter and Community Mission Facilitator Divisional Envoy Kathryn Howe. – AH

COMMUNITY

SNETTISHAM The Original Factory donated £100 worth of stock to The Salvation Army. Keith Rieger, who is a regular customer at the shop, received the donation from the manager on behalf of the corps. The items were used to help families in need over Christmas through the Toys and Tins Appeal, run in conjunction with BBC Radio Norfolk. – AK

OUTREACH

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Follow Salvationist on Twitter @SalvationistUK

Bridgwater Band plays carols in the town

IN his new year message, General Brian Peddle recognised the relief that many people are experiencing with the start of 2021.

Acknowledging 2020 as a year that had been ‘gruelling and uncertain for some’, he shared the reality in which he has put his faith.

‘First of all … I know Jesus Christ died for my sins. I also know that he rose from the grave.

And I know he is coming again.

‘For as long as I can remember, I have always welcomed the new year – loving its unwritten pages, anticipating the “impossible” in the full knowledge that my God, Jehovah, was going before me.’

The General acknowledged that a new year does not solve every problem, and affirmed that the ‘fallout’ of the pandemic ‘will require the very, very best of us’.

‘I pray for the courage and faith that we find in the story of the Israelites who, when facing their worst enemy, the Philistines, turned to Samuel and, ultimately, to God; and God acted on their behalf – the enemy was destroyed.’

In his Call to Mission the General has asked every friend, soldier and officer to: be ready – prepared and living out the mission of God in the world; be engaged – active in God’s plan, with obedient faith; and take responsibility – never leaving a task for someone else to do.

‘If there was ever a time in history when our world needs the presence, ministry, love and service of The Salvation Army,’ he said, ‘it is now!’ – AR O The General’s message can be viewed on Facebook at facebook. com/GeneralBPeddle and Vimeo at vimeo.com/ salvationarmyihq Salvationist 9 January 2021

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From left to right: Liz Spencer, Marie Hargreaves, Sara May, Alex Smith and Noah Whitehead

COMMUNITY

People of Peace winners announced STRAWBERRY FIELD TO mark what would have been the 80th birthday of John Lennon on 9 October, the Army launched a search for Liverpool’s most inspirational ‘People of Peace’.

A panel of judges was appointed, including Mission Director of Strawberry Field Major Kathy Versfeld, BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Paul Beesley, author of Just Like Starting Over Charlie Roberts and Lady Anne Dodd, a champion of charitable causes across the city.

They selected three adult winners: Liz Spencer, Marie Hargreaves and Sara May. Alex Smith and Noah Whitehead also won the young person and child awards respectively.

Strawberry Field Fresh Expression Leader Captain Louise Brown said: ‘We celebrate the stories of hope across Liverpool where we have heard about neighbours reaching out in all sorts of practical ways, whether it’s helping with shopping or organising a street quiz or picking up the telephone. All of these things have helped to foster peace in a time of crisis.’ – AR

COMMUNITY BELFAST NORTH Corps officers Majors Ian and Sally McBride received donations for The Salvation Army’s social centres in Belfast during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Service users at Centenary House and Calder Fountain Lifehouse, Grosvenor House Lifehouse and the families in Glen Alva Family Centre Lifehouse benefited from the donations received. – LK 6

Salvationist 9 January 2021

MEETING

Covenant explored in online Vision and Commitment Sunday meeting THQ TERRITORIAL leaders Commissioners Anthony and Gill Cotterill led a pre-recorded online meeting for Vision and Commitment Sunday, together with Chief Secretary Colonel Paul Main and Territorial Secretary for Leader Development Colonel Jenine Main.

Reminding viewers that it was still the Christmas season, Commissioner Gill invited them to join in singing the carol ‘Joy to the World!’ (SASB 113), together with singers from Norwich Citadel.

The International Staff Songsters changed the mood with the ref lective song ‘Everywhere’, before Captains Dylan and Rachael Nieuwoudt (Douglas) and their children brought family prayers, thanking God for his faithfulness and asking for guidance and strength for the coming year.

After the Hedge End worship group sang ‘When I Was Lost, You Came and Rescued Me’ (SASB 483) the TC introduced Colonels Paul and Jenine. They spoke about their previous appointments in the Caribbean Territory, testified to God’s work in their lives and expressed their hopes for the year ahead. The TC prayed that God would empower them for their ministry.

Regent Hall Band played ‘Procession to Covenant’, preparing the way for the TC’s message. ‘As we enter this new year,’ he said, ‘I think it’s timely that we remind ourselves that he has chosen to invite you and me into a covenant relationship with him.’ He emphasised the fact that the theme of covenant runs through the Bible as ‘the backdrop to everything’.

Liverpool Walton Songsters sang ‘Written in Red’ before the TC continued his message. He suggested that we can enter into covenant with God by saying, ‘Lord, all I have is yours,’ and discover that God is saying, ‘All I have is given to you.’

He invited viewers to enter or renew their covenant as Birmingham Citadel Band accompanied song 634, which includes the lines: ‘By the love that never ceased to hold me,/ By the blood which thou didst shed for me,/ While thy presence and thy power enfold me,/ I renew my covenant with thee.’

After a prayer by Colonel Jenine and the song ‘And Can It Be?’ (SASB 241), the CS concluded by praying: ‘Take us forward into this new year with hope and with peace, and may you do immeasurably more in us than we could ever hope or imagine.’ – JR O The meeting can be viewed at youtube.com/salvationarmyvideo

Prayer MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER – LIVING IN GOD’S COVENANT

by Lieut-Colonel Jayne Roberts (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)

COMMUNITY

New donation centre opens CHESTERFIELD THE former Lidl store on Foljambe Road has been renovated to provide a large donation centre for The Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) and a new worship space for the corps.

The donation centre, which offers a range of affordable and good quality pre-loved furniture, clothes and bicycles, opened in December. The worship space for the corps will open soon.

Corps officers Captains Elizabeth and Carl Di-Palma, pictured, said that the building will provide an ‘opportunity to meet people and support the local community’.

Lee Foster, the donation centre manager, said: ‘The main difference between a charity shop and a donation centre is the range of goods available and volume of donations we are able to accept ... there is parking space to help manoeuvre bigger items, such as furniture.’

Other features at the centre include a community refrigerator and cupboard, providing free food for people who need it, and a community space that will give visitors the opportunity to sit and enjoy a cup of tea once coronavirus restrictions are lifted. – AR

INTERNATIONAL

Army film wins advertising award FINLAND A SHORT promotional film commissioned by The Salvation Army was named 2020’s Best Cinema Advertisement of the Year in a competition organised by the country’s largest cinema chain, Finnkino.

Help People: Love of Life – a largely pro bono production by Helsinki-based ad agency Make It Simple – was voted for by thousands of Finnish moviegoers, with many describing the film as ‘touching’. The advert shows moments of a couple’s life from youth through to old age. Featuring joyful scenes of marriage and a daughter’s birth, it also portrays the difficulties of poor health and concludes with one of the couple remaining on their own.

The dialogue-free film simply reminds viewers that ‘no one must be left alone’.

‘The film captured the topical issue of loneliness and longing for love experienced by older people when there is no one to hold their hand,’ said Anne Fredriksson, head of marketing and corporate relations for The Salvation Army in Finland.

The film has also proved to be highly effective as a fundraising tool, generating considerable income to support the Army’s work with older people in the country. – AR O Watch the film at youtu.be/HBWBxFmCGOk

SATURDAY 9 JANUARY – EXODUS 19:5 These were the words spoken directly to Moses confirming God’s choice of Israel to be his holy people, his ‘treasured possession’. How could they fail to hear and obey every word from God who loved and valued them? How could they disobey the Lord who had rescued them from slavery in Egypt and given them laws to observe governing every part of life? Yet time and again they failed, turned to other gods and neglected the commandments. Time and again God was merciful and restored his people as they bowed in repentance. Is there a need for personal repentance this day as you spend time with God? Pray that the Holy Spirit will reveal this to you as you turn your mind and heart to him.

SUNDAY 10 JANUARY The theme of Living in God’s Covenant might prompt some Salvationists to look again at their soldier’s covenant. The opening paragraph declares: ‘Having accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord … I now by God’s grace enter into a sacred covenant.’ A person being enrolled as a soldier is usually invited to sign their covenant in a public ceremony, having declared their intention to uphold Christian standards and values in every area of life. Yet all Christians live out their promises to God in daily life with its challenges and temptations. Let us remember that our God is gracious and forgiving. Give thanks to him today.

MONDAY 11 JANUARY January is often a month when days can seem dark and dreary. God has covenanted to us that winter will give way to spring and summer, but his love and faithfulness are unchanging. May we experience his presence and power today. ‘Dear Lord, I lift my heart to thee,/ My helplessness I own;/ The way before I cannot see,/ I dare not walk alone./ More clearly would I realise/ Thy presence and thy power,/ Not only under summer skies,/ But in the darkest hour’ (SASB 489).

TUESDAY 12 JANUARY ‘Not only when I sense thee near/ Art thou most surely nigh,/ Nor hast thou, Lord, a quicker ear/ Because my faith is high./ My changing moods do not control/ Thy covenanted aid;/ Thou hast the guarding of my soul,/ And I am not afraid’ (SASB 489). Let the truth of these words, so beautifully expressed by John Izzard, strengthen you today. May your soul find its resting place in God, our rock and redeemer.

WEDNESDAY 13 JANUARY In the time of Nathan the prophet, God made a further unconditional covenant.

This would not depend upon human obedience but on God’s sovereign activity and faithfulness. It began as a promise that a permanent home would be provided for Israel and that David’s son, Solomon, would be blessed and build the Temple. The covenant expands into the divine promise to establish an everlasting kingdom through the lineage of King David. Eventually his line of succession would result in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Having now glimpsed four of the Old Testament covenants, take time to reflect on what you have learnt about God through his promises to his people. Focus on prayers of gratitude today.

THURSDAY 14 JANUARY The Gospel writers record the life and teaching of Jesus Christ, the one who came to establish God’s new covenant with all humankind. Yet long before the birth of Jesus, the prophet Jeremiah speaks of the new covenant: ‘The days are coming … when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel … I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people’ (31:31 and 33). What a beautiful picture of hope and restoration this is, based in a personal relationship with God! Pray for this transforming hope to bless your family and friends this day. Pray for those you long to know the Lord for themselves.

FRIDAY 15 JANUARY On the evening before his death on the cross, Jesus spoke to his disciples of the new covenant. As they broke bread and drank wine in the upper room, Christ told them: ‘This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you’ (Luke 22:20). Through the sacrificial death of Jesus, Son of God, we can know forgiveness of sins and the empowering ministry of the Holy Spirit. The new covenant means that we can call God ‘Abba, Father’. Thank you, Lord, for your amazing love and grace. Father God, may we live in the truth of the new covenant, as your redeemed people.

O A PDF of the Prayer Matters booklet is also available to download from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources

Salvationist 5 December 2020

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FEATURE SATCoL update

What’s going on?

Trevor Caffull gives an update on how the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) supports the mission of the UKI Territory

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N recent years we have all become used to a pace of life that is faster than ever before. Even during these days of pandemic there is a lot going on.

Quite apart from the everyday business activities of SATCoL – running shops, collecting and selling or recycling donated clothing, selling sheet music, recordings and books, and selling Salvation Army uniforms – there is much activity afoot that helps the Army deliver its mission but which passes, all too easily, under the radar.

Even I, who should know what’s going on, was somewhat taken aback a few weeks ago when I was sent a summary of our PR and Communications activity. All these things happened in the few weeks before Christmas. They show how we helped deliver or advertise community and environmental benefit on a significant scale.

Our newest donation centre, where we will share the site with the local corps, opened in Chesterfield on 10 December. This is a great example of integrated mission.

Our first published Annual Impact Report outlined the environmental benefits of rescuing 47,000 tonnes of clothing from waste streams, using the independent and industry-recognised Sustainable Clothing Action Plan calculator to measure our environmental footprint. Protection of our God-given environment is a key part of Salvation Army mission.

We participated in Asda’s new ‘drop and shop’ initiative. They trialled a sustainability superstore near Leeds, and some of our Yorkshire-based colleagues ran a ‘donation station’ in the entrance.

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Salvationist 9 January 2021

When changes were made to the Ireland Division’s Christmas toy appeal due to Covid restrictions, SATCoL stepped in to support them by placing toy collection banks at a number of Tesco sites. This allowed the public to give toys and ensured that children and families continued to be supported at Christmas.

In previous years we have helped with The Entertainer’s Christmas Toy Appeal by taking receipt of new toys donated by stores and delivering them to divisions to distribute to needy families in their communities. This time, as The Entertainer’s shops were closed, customers donated online and we received all the toys – those purchased by customers as well as those matched

by The Entertainer.

SATCoL was able to support the production of the One Stop store’s new food banks by funding them from textiles collections. Food went directly to corps for onward distribution to needy families.

The Fulfilment by Amazon programme was part of our ongoing work in rescuing Amazon returns and end-of-line ranges from the waste stream and distributing them through our shops.

Our World of Sound team created a Christmas carolling resource – available on two discs or as a download – for

corps that did not have a band able to play but still wanted a high street presence. The team also produced resources for online worship meetings, which included congregational singing tracks with band, singing and word sheets, as well as bespoke materials for special occasions as requested by THQ’s Resource Hub. This is a breathtaking array of activity, all of which needs support from many colleagues, who are always so flexible and willing to go the extra mile to contribute their time and expertise, often at short notice. It demonstrates just how much SATCoL is contributing to Salvation Army life and mission. That’s all in addition to the regular work that most of our staff members are involved in, which raises much needed funds for the territory.

It’s easy to ask ourselves ‘What’s going on?’, sometimes in desperation.

Well, there’s plenty going on at SATCoL, and it makes me immensely proud to see the ‘mission reach’ that is achieved, helping to sustain the vital work of The Salvation Army.

TREVOR IS SATCOL MANAGING DIRECTOR AND A SOLDIER AT KETTERING CITADEL

INTERVIEW

son

Emmet

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Help in a crisis

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ESPONDING to people at a time of crisis is right at the heart of how The Salvation Army works.

Corps and centres around the world have responded to their communities’ needs during the coronavirus pandemic.

Emergency response work also continues in other areas too. Jason Emmett explains more about the emergency projects supported by the territory’s International Projects Office.

WHERE ARE EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROJECTS TAKING PLACE? We are currently supporting projects in Ghana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Kenya, Mexico and Pakistan, most of which are working with communities that have immediate needs – for example, the provision of food, water and sanitary items. There are also projects raising awareness about Covid-19 and how communities can prevent the spread of the virus.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROJECTS? We work closely with the International Emergency Services Department based at International Headquarters to respond to communities on two fronts. First, there are rapid response projects that meet immediate needs. Second, longer-term intervention. This might be the provision of a mobile health clinic, which could run out of an established Salvation Army hospital, or the building

Ja

International Projects Office Team Leader Ben Gilbert concludes a series exploring the UKI Territory’s international development work by discussing emergency response with Project Adviser Jason Emmett

Rohingya refugee camp

of shelters. Sometimes it involves a unique response, such as providing solar panels for Rohingya refugees.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE? My role is to oversee projects that are happening around the world and, where donors have kindly given funds, see where the money could best be used.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR THE ARMY TO INVEST IN INTERNATIONAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE? When an emergency or disaster takes place, these projects are usually the first phase within a community of response. That transitions into a recovery phase, which we hope will lead to longer-term intervention within the community. We see that happening where we already have community development projects, such as anti-trafficking or safe water.

Investment in emergency response gives us the ability to protect and build resilience within the work that we’re already doing, but also helps us to connect with new communities.

In some emergency situations our rapid response projects lead us to more

Fixing solar panels for refugees

remote communities that need help. As a result, good community connections begin to develop in a new area where the Army doesn’t have any established programmes, and a risk response can become a long-term project.

O Episodes of the Develop podcast are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud and Google Podcasts O Find more information and resources at salvationarmy.org.uk/internationaldevelopment Salvationist 9 January 2021

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RESOURCES

The next adventure Discover a new way to work out your faith in the latest edition of the territory’s

H

OW do you keep fit? Looking after physical, mental and spiritual fitness is essential to wellbeing but, during times of isolation and lockdown, many people find it difficult to know how to keep in shape.

To offer a helping hand, the Enabling Mission Unit has published Venture Out, a series of sporting resources combining daily devotions with physical exercise and a focus on wellbeing. In the latest edition, Venture Out Today, participants are encouraged to focus on five ways to maintain good mental health and wellbeing while engaging in physical activity.

Venture Out Today uses four main exercises – walking, running, cycling and home workouts – to explore verses from a paraphrase of Romans 12: ‘So, here’s what my daily reaction needs to be; to take my not-so-ordinary, everyday activity and exercise life, letting go of negative outlooks and making my daily allowance of training, sport and fitness a genuine expression of worship, thankful for all God has to offer me’ (v1*).

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Salvationist 9 January 2021

Participants will use this as they venture through the material to receive coaching from God’s word while going further and deeper with him in their everyday lives. They will also explore the New Economics Foundation’s Five Ways to Wellbeing.

The Five Ways are a focus to help people improve their understanding of mental health. They provide a framework in which to become physically, mentally and spiritually fit, whatever situation people find themselves in. Combined with sport, fitness and recreation time, this provides an avenue to improve and maintain a healthy mental and spiritual state.

‘Have the energy and enthusiasm to serve the Lord, and keep your fire burning.

Show to others the impact of the Holy Spirit through who you are, run from and play in defence of those playing dirty. Hold on to good principles and be humble, allowing him to constantly recharge your excitement for doing his work and content with second place’ (Romans 12:9 and 10 paraphrased*).

An essential aspect of the material is its flexibility. It can be approached in

whatever way benefits people most, and they are encouraged to adapt it to focus on whichever topics are relevant to them. The material can also be used in small groups. With plenty of questions to dig into, there is a lot to discuss and discover.

Participants will also deepen their relationship with God by considering questions based on three ‘A’s: assess, action and apply. This cycle is a blueprint for nurturing, processing and developing a discipleship journey. They can also be used apart from the course in personal times of reflection and discipleship.

With the ever-changing state of lockdown, Venture Out Today explores even more ways to apply each theme in the time beyond the coronavirus pandemic. This extra material provides further applications for connecting the Five Ways to Wellbeing and spiritual health in everyday sporting activities with whatever restrictions are currently in place. Whether venturing out at home or returning to gyms and fitness classes, there are many opportunities to be salt and light to people.

fitness resource

‘If you see someone struggling – help them! Hold them up in prayer, send them a message, give them a call to give words of encouragement. Win people over with kindness. Let the challenges and setbacks make you even stronger and achieve more, get the best of the worst by showing God’ (Romans 12:20 and 21 paraphrased*).

In whatever way participants decide to approach the material, Venture Out is a simple framework to help people unpack the Bible in a way that is meaningful to them, whether that is alone or in a small group.

Now more than ever, it is essential to understand the ups and downs, twists and turns, questions and revelations of a journey with God. Venture Out Today encourages participants to be inspired, challenged and moved by God. This journey is not for the faint of heart – after all, it is a venture of faith.

O All Venture Out resources are available from salvationarmy.org.uk/resources/ coronavirus-response-resources * Verses are paraphrased by the writer of Venture Out.

THE FIVE WAYS TO WELLBEING The Five Ways to Wellbeing are Take Notice, Keep Learning, Connect, Be Active and Give.

This framework is a set of evidence-based public mental health messages developed by the New Economics Foundation. They give guidance for improving the mental health and wellbeing of the whole population.

Each of the Five Ways helps to make a positive difference in how people feel and how they live their lives.

Including these simple actions every day can improve mental health and wellbeing.

O Find

out more by watching Mental Health Ireland’s short video at youtube.com/ watch?v=bsc2QkCC3uI

THE THREE ‘A’S These will help people nurture, process and develop themselves on their discipleship journey.

Assess The starting point. Before setting out on a venture combining sport and wellbeing, it is essential to focus on the here and now, both physically and spiritually. Participants are encouraged to ask themselves what they currently know or believe.

Action These prompts help put each of the five ways to wellbeing into action and to ground participants in God’s creation. This step helps people think about what they could do in their everyday lives and how they could move beyond their starting point.

Apply Participants are encouraged to consider how they will apply each of the five ways to wellbeing. Some practical suggestions show how people can do this in their everyday lives.

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What’s it all about?

Picture: ANDREW KING

Major Graham Mizon reflects on what ‘going to the meeting’ really means

A

PART from online worship, it has been several months since I attended a Salvation Army meeting. When I am able to return I would want to attend at my convenience, wear slippers and have copious amounts of coffee. On a less frivolous note, this unprecedented and lengthy break due to the coronavirus pandemic has provoked me to ask simple, but difficult questions. What is the Church all about? What do I want to go back to?

If I am raising questions that others have also contemplated, I would like to invite you on a brief journey of discovery.

I hope the inclusion of John Oxenham’s beautiful words from No 777 in our songbook will also aid some moments of reflection on the way.

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TENT OF MEETING The first step of this journey is to reflect on the fact that Moses regularly met with God without ever attending church – for the very good reason that nearly one and a half thousand years would pass before going to a church would even be possible. Improvisation was needed and, just as The Salvation Army began its life as a mission in a tent, Moses set up a ‘tent of meeting’ (Exodus 33:7) outside the camp at the foot of Mount Sinai. Here he met with God ‘face to face’ (v11).

If you have visited the Western Wall in Jerusalem – or seen pictures of it – you will have noticed Jewish men with prayer shawls draped over their heads. This blue garment with tassels

is known as a talith, formed of two Hebrew words: tal, meaning ‘tent’, and ith, meaning ‘little’. Just as Moses stood in the presence of God in his small tent, so observant Jews today recreate a ‘little tent’, not only to observe God’s command (see Numbers 15:37–39), but also so they can worship God intimately and privately.

In the hustle and bustle that is Salvation Army life, do I find those places and moments when I can commune with God? Does my corps facilitate and encourage that? ’Mid all the traffic of the ways, Turmoils without, within, Make in my heart a quiet place, And come and dwell therein.

THE TABERNACLE That ‘little tent’ developed into a much larger tent of meeting: the Tabernacle.

This portable tent was used by the Israelites as they wandered through the wilderness for 40 years. Tabernacle – mishkan in Hebrew – means ‘residence’ or ‘dwelling place’. God promised that he would be with his children as they left Egypt, and the Tabernacle represented the tangible presence of God as they travelled.

After the Israelites had entered the Promised Land, the Tabernacle eventually found a permanent resting place at Shiloh. During the period of the Judges – around 369 years – up to two million Jews would gather at Shiloh for the main festivals. The Tabernacle became a spiritual focal point for Israel.

The Temple was not a place of worship in the way that we understand church today It was where God resided, and this was the place for the people to dwell with their God. A little shrine of quietness All sacred to thyself, Where thou shalt all my soul possess And I may find myself.

THE TEMPLE Four hundred and eighty years after Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, King Solomon built the Temple – a more permanent structure that would replace the Tabernacle (see 1 Kings 6).

Over a thousand-year period of Jewish

history, successive Temples would stand in Jerusalem on a hill known as Mount Moriah.

The Temple was the focal point for worship, feasts and festivals. But more than that, like the Tabernacle before it, the Temple was where God resided. This house of God would be filled with the glory of the Lord. It would have God’s name on it and be the place where Heaven and Earth would meet (see 2 Chronicles 6:18–20).

To understand that the Temple was the tangible symbol of the manifestation of CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 X Salvationist 9 January 2021

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W CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 God, it would help if, just for a moment, we were to strip away our belief and understanding that God is everywhere.

This is not to say that in Old Testament times people did not seek God in places other than the Temple. King David, for example, saw God in nature (see Psalm 121). And, much later, when the Temple was destroyed and the Jews were exiled to Babylon, the prophets helped them understand that God could even be found in a foreign land (see Jeremiah 29:12–14 and Ezekiel 11:16).

We know that the closing of our halls during the pandemic has not prevented us from communing with our God. We can worship him at home. But that is not primarily how Solomon and his people understood God or the Temple in their time. On completion of the Temple, Solomon said to the Lord, ‘I have indeed built a magnificent Temple for you, a place for you to dwell for ever’ (1 Kings 8:13). It echoes what the Lord had previously said to Moses in relation to the Tabernacle in Exodus 25:8. God first dwelt in the Tabernacle and now he had taken up residence in the Temple.

The belief was that, at the heart of the Temple, in the Holy of Holies, the very presence of God abided. The Temple was not a place of worship in the way that we think of churches today, but it was where the God of Heaven resided on Earth. The cloud and the fire truly made the Temple a mystic place of God’s glory and presence (see 2 Chronicles 5:13 and 14, 7:1).

A little place of mystic grace, Of self and sin swept bare, Where I may look into thy face And talk with thee in prayer.

JESUS – A SPIRITUAL HOUSE Moving on in our journey, and to help us find our destination, I now want to suggest that we need to see the tent of meeting, the Tabernacle and the Temple as signposts or pointers to Jesus. When John wrote his Gospel, I believe first and foremost that he wanted to make this very point at the beginning of his account. It has become a well-known Advent verse

Having met with God and prepared for battle … we are enabled and equipped to go back to the front line for us, but the point John was originally making can be overlooked. He writes: ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth’ (John 1:14).

John writes that Christ, the Word, ‘made his dwelling among us’. The Greek word used here is skenoo. More literal renditions of this word would be ‘made his home’, ‘pitched his tent’ or ‘tabernacled’ among us. In the same way that the tent in Moses’ day encompassed the living and abiding presence of God, the incarnate Christ brings God to his people.

And in the same way that the Temple made the mystery and glory of God accessible to the children of Israel, Jesus, who came from the Father, brings the glory of God. We have seen his glory, John is saying. God has pitched his tent among us again, and Jesus’ body is the new Temple (see also John 2:19–21).

We need to go further still, however, and move forward from Advent to Pentecost. God fills the believer with his Spirit. No more do we need to go to a tent or a building to meet with God. Neither do we, or can we, meet God in the physical presence of Jesus, who only dwelt among us for a short while. Today God makes our hearts his home: ‘We are the temple of the living God (2 Corinthians 6:16). We, ‘like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house’ (1 Peter 2:5). Now, we can sing: ‘I would be thy holy temple/ Sacred and indwelt by thee’ (SASB 591). Now, God’s dwelling place is in us!

Come, occupy my silent place, And make thy dwelling there!

More grace is wrought in quietness Than any is aware.

THE BODY Having completed our journey, I believe we are better placed to address the two questions before us.

What is the Church all about? First,

I believe the Army got it right as it evolved from those early tent meetings.

When buildings started to be used and military terminology was adopted, the Army hall was often referred to as ‘the barracks’. It is where solders need to go to have a respite from warfare. It is a place for armoury to be replenished and for soldiers to be equipped before returning to the front line.

Second, the Church exists as ‘the body of Christ’ (1 Corinthians 12:27).

Paul said to the Ephesians: ‘Be patient, bearing with one another in love.

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:2 and 3). A key purpose of the Church is not only to bring us together but also to bond us together as the body of Christ. It is there that we are encouraged, loved, forgiven, trained, equipped and much more besides.

What do I want to go back to? I want to return to a body like that. If I have reflected on anything over these months, it is that Christians are not meant to live in isolation. We thrive on sincere fellowship, meaningful worship and effective service.

Simply attending the Army is not what we should be yearning for. This is only the preparation for us to be witnesses in our communities and wherever the Lord chooses to place us. Going to the Army is the means to the end of the Great Commission that we are all called to live out (see Matthew 28:19 and 20). We are not a Salvation Army because we gather in various halls and buildings but because, having met with God and prepared for battle through fellowship, worship and teaching, we are enabled and equipped to go back to the front line and share God’s love to a spiritually hungry and hurting world.

That’s what I’m missing. That’s what I long to return to.

MAJOR MIZON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN BURNTWOOD

MEDITATION

There am I in the midst

by Major Alistair Dawson

I

WAS brought up in a warm, loving family, together with my brother.

From my seventh to tenth birthdays we lived in Treorchy in the Rhondda Valley. Most mornings, we had the opportunity to enter our parents’ room, jump on the bed and snuggle down between Mum and Dad. That is a very happy memory.

Sometimes we would entertain corps leaders, who came for the weekend to lead Sunday meetings. One couple, who grew up with my dad in Sheffield, were special friends. As leaders it was their task to look after the Army’s children’s work for a large area. For their visit they were given the family bed, my parents sleeping in the third bedroom. Next morning, onto the bed I jumped, straight down the middle.

Their reaction still sticks in my memory – talk about embarrassment and anger!

They simply could not cope with the situation – a child, suddenly and unexpectedly there with them!

I am always intrigued by the way Gospel writers Matthew and Luke develop their story of the Nativity.

Whatever their sources, and whatever the reason for creating it, they had one thing in common: they placed the Christ child at the centre of the story.

I love Matthew 18:20, which says: ‘Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them’ (King James Version).

Preachers sometimes use that verse to excuse poor attendance at a church service. Yet that phrase is important.

Our God is with us, our God is at the centre of life and at the centre of all that we do. ‘There am I!’ Luke has a beautiful account of Jesus at the centre of his followers’ hopes and dreams. ‘As they sat down to eat, he asked God’s blessing on the food and then took the small loaf of bread and broke it and was passing it over to them, when suddenly – it was as though their eyes were opened –

they recognised him. And at that moment he disappeared’ (Luke 24:30 and 31 Living Bible).

He came sweet influence to impart, A gracious, willing guest, While he can find one humble heart Wherein to rest.

(SASB 289) Then there is that lovely prayer that puts Jesus at the centre.

Jesus, be the centre, Be my source, be my light, Jesus.

Jesus, be the centre, Be my hope, be my song, Jesus.

Be the fire in my heart, be the wind in these sails; Be the reason that I live, Jesus, Jesus.

Jesus, be my vision, Be my path, be my guide, Jesus.

(SASB 373) And from that most beautiful prayer, we turn to a more robust chorus.

It’s no longer I that liveth, But Christ that liveth in me.

It’s no longer I that liveth, But Christ that liveth in me.

He lives! He lives!, Jesus is alive in me.

It’s no longer I that liveth, But Christ that liveth in me.

(SASB 865) The emphasis is on the word ‘me’ and that is where God becomes so very personal: he is alive in me.

To the God in whom we live and move and have our very being, we offer a prayer.

God be in my head, And in my understanding; God be in my eyes, And in my looking;

God be in my mouth, And in my speaking; God be in my heart, And in my thinking; God be at my end, And at my departing.

(SASB 1026) God is in the quiet recesses of my life, imagining, rethinking, reforming and redesigning my desires. God is the illuminator, the light that brings reality to the surface, that helps me see a new way forward and rediscover the way of his choosing. God is the inventor of all things good, of all that he wants me to be.

One life to live Oh may I live for thee.

Give me your Spirit And I shall be free.

Free from desire, My own way to pursue.

Free to obey your will My whole life through.

My life is extremely special to me and extremely special to God – for this is the life he gave me. One life, my God-given life. So, my prayer is one of thanks.

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul, Thank you, Lord, for making me whole, Thank you, Lord, for giving to me Thy great salvation, so rich and free.

And so, dear Lord: Take ev’ry passion, ev’ry skill, Take all my dreams and bend them to your will.

My all I give, Lord, for you I’ll live, Lord, Come what may.

(SASB 568)

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN NORWICH Salvationist 9 January 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

Waiting for a miracle Major Paula Knight considers how Peter healed in Jesus’ name

ACTS 3:1–6

M

ANY years ago at Sunday school I had great fun dancing to a song based on the story in our study passage. There was an explosion of energy in the room as we jumped and leapt about singing: ‘He went walking and leaping and praising God!’ How easy it was then, as a child, to believe that a paralysed man could be healed in the name of Jesus. As the years have gone by, I have discovered that God is indeed able to perform miracles because I have seen them take place in my own life and the lives of others. However, there have also been times when I have prayed for a miracle that didn’t come.

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

by Major Howard Webber

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QUESTIONS O Do you think it was easier for the disciples, who had spent time with Jesus, to believe in miracles than it is for us?

O To what extent is seeing believing?

The miracle took place on a very ordinary afternoon. The paralysed man arrived at the Temple gate as he did every day and the disciples were entering the Temple to pray according to their daily routine.

‘Every day they continued to meet together in the Temple courts’ (Acts 2:46).

After he had asked Peter and John for money the man looked away, perhaps looking for the next person. Peter said, ‘Look at us!’ (v4), and the man focused his attention on them. He had only just arrived at his spot and someone was

willing to give him something; the afternoon had started well but it was about to get even better.

QUESTIONS O Have you ever prayed for something and God gave you something else?

What happened?

One of my favourite verses in the Bible is: ‘Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you’ (v6).

I can identify strongly with the idea of not having any silver or gold to give but oh, the delight at being able to give something!

Families that our corps has helped during the Covid-19 pandemic have said that the food parcels they received were ‘life-changing’. However, I am challenged by this story to find ways of not only

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Say, is there a name to live by?/ Is there a name for joy?/ Is there a name to change men,/ Their hate and greed destroy?/ Have we a name for healing?/ Have we a name for peace?/ Have we a name for freedom,/ Deliverance and release?

(SASB 96)

‘Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.’

(John 14:12–14)

Jesus, Jesus, Jesus;/ There’s just something about that name./ Master, Saviour, Jesus,/ Like the fragrance after the rain./ Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,/ Let all Heaven and Earth proclaim;/ Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,/ But there’s something about that name.

(SASB 80)

giving people what they ask for, but also leading them to Jesus, the one who can bring lasting transformation. We are modern-day disciples who follow Jesus and when we minister in his name so much more is possible.

Did you notice how Peter deliberately spoke the words, ‘In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth’ (v6)? He wanted everyone to know exactly where this power came from.

QUESTION O How can you ensure that you are ministering in the name of Jesus?

God’s healing comes in many forms – sometimes physical, sometimes emotional and always spiritual. God in his wisdom knows what we need. The man’s encounter with two disciples of Jesus

WEDNESDAY Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under Heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.

(Acts 4:12)

Christ brought him healing and wholeness; he was no longer stuck outside but was welcomed inside the Temple.

We are told that, after the Day of Pentecost, ‘many wonders and signs’ were performed by the apostles (Acts 2:43). But this is the first miracle that is described in detail, perhaps because it led to Peter and John being brought before the Sanhedrin (see Acts 4) – but that’s another story.

I wonder whether you identify with the paralysed man or the disciples.

For the disciples it was another ordinary day of doing extraordinary things. Miracles became a normal occurrence once the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit.

Peter didn’t try to help the man in his own strength; rather he spoke in the authority of Jesus.

The paralysed man was an outsider who wasn’t expecting a miracle. Peter and

THURSDAY

How sweet the name of Jesus sounds/ In a believer’s ear;/ It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds,/ And drives away his fear./ It makes the wounded spirit whole/ And calms the troubled breast;/ ’Tis manna Prayer to the hungry soul,/ And to Lord Jesus, thank you for the weary rest. your promise to do whatever (SASB 78) we ask for in your name. Teach us

how to hear your voice so that our requests are in accordance with your will, that we might witness even more the wonder of our promise-keeping Saviour.

John had probably seen him on previous trips to the Temple and Jesus himself may have walked past him only months before.

But on that day, he was healed and joined the believers inside.

Sometimes we have to wait for our miracle. Sometimes we receive what we need rather than what we ask for.

Father God, may our ordinary days be filled with your extraordinary power. May we receive what we need, not what we seek. May we help people in your name and not in our own strength. Show us who is ‘outside’ and help us, in Jesus’ powerful name, to welcome them in.

MAJOR KNIGHT IS CORPS OFFICER, WOOD GREEN

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in Heaven and on Earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

(Philippians 2:9–11)

My gracious Master and my God,/ Assist me to proclaim,/ To spread through all the Earth abroad/ The honours of thy name./ Jesus! the name that charms our fears,/ That bids our sorrows cease;/ ’Tis music in the sinner’s ears;/ ’Tis life and health and peace.

(SASB 89)

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Captain Berri McKenna continues the series in which people reflect on a favourite prayer

S

ERENITY is not a concept that often manifests itself in my house.

The dynamics of the three boys that I share it with – aged one, four and thirty – mean that life is often busy, noisy and energetic. It is perhaps why one of the prayers I often find myself praying is one that asks God for serenity.

The Serenity Prayer, as it’s often called, is attributed to American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr and is perhaps most famous for being a regular feature of Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. The prayer acknowledges that serenity comes from being able to identify the difference between the things going on around us and within us that we can have control over and those that we can’t.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, The courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference.

This prayer challenges me particularly in two ways. It challenges me internally, to let go of what cannot be controlled.

Many of us will be familiar with the overwhelming sense of anxiety that can come when we feel caught in the middle of chaos, where a million and one things shout for our attention and we don’t know where to start. Sometimes these feelings fester and grow. As we look back over them, they might even seem irrational.

For me, this prayer centres on the act of

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surrender – of letting go of the things going on around me that I can’t control, but which are starting to control my thoughts and feelings. The search for serenity, according to Niebuhr’s prayer, comes in surrendering these things to God. It’s about recognising that we can’t do God’s job. This is perhaps what Peter had in mind when he wrote, ‘Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you’ (1 Peter 5:7). Serenity comes from surrendering to God the things that we can’t control.

The prayer also challenges me externally. I love the fact that serenity isn’t just found in the things we let go of, but also in having courage to know what to take hold of. It’s not as if we’re called to live in some passive, abstract realm.

Niebuhr’s prayer recognises that serenity comes through taking action on the things that we can change.

There are things about the world in which we live that threaten our serenity.

In 2015 it really troubled our church community in Hythe that, a few miles from our building, across the English Channel, there were hundreds of migrants and refugees in camps in northern France. It troubles us when children go to bed at night hungry. It has troubled members of our corps when girls have missed school due to not having access to sanitary products. These and other things trouble us – and when we pray the Serenity Prayer, we’re reminded

that serenity might well come by us taking action, with God’s help and through the empowerment of his Spirit.

When we pray, ‘God give us the courage to change the things we can,’ we’re being moved to action on the things that threaten serenity, and to actively live out God’s shalom peace in the world.

Our church family have worked to resettle a Syrian refugee family, campaigned against period poverty and shifted mountains of food bank items. Why? Because God has given us the courage to change the things that we can.

I once heard Colonel Janet Munn preach, and I remember her saying, ‘We can’t do God’s part, and he won’t do ours.’

What we’re asking for in the Serenity Prayer is the wisdom to know the difference between these two things.

As we pray it in the chaos of our everyday lives we receive serenity, because we give God control of the things we can’t control ourselves – we let go and let God. At the same time, we receive serenity in the courage to act on the things that prevent God’s serenity – his shalom peace – from being fully realised in our communities and our world. It’s an incredible experience. We can find serenity in every situation, even amid the chaos.

CAPTAIN MCKENNA IS CORPS OFFICER, HYTHE

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N the summer of 2017 our two youngest daughters, who were soon to leave for university and college, longed for us to go on a family holiday abroad together. Unfortunately, our passports had expired, and could not be renewed in time for us to travel. Instead, we went across the Irish Sea, using our driving licences as ID, and visited beautiful Northern Ireland for the first time.

The scenery near where we stayed on the northern coast near the Giant’s Causeway was stunning. My husband, Colin, still finds it amusing that I was so fascinated by the Causeway. I could have stayed there all day if it wasn’t for an imminent storm. He got the four of us to run-walk all the way back to the cottage in the rain. We were drenched but laughing as he shouted military-style commands to run for a few paces, then walk for another few. It was a fun, memorable day.

However, the famous Dark Hedges lining Bregagh Road and leading up to Gracehill House left a different impression on me. The row of about 150 beech trees dates back to the 18th century, when James Stuart planted them to impress visitors as they approached his mansion. These trees, which have featured in the TV series Game of Thrones, appear quite mystical and, as we walked between them, made me feel uneasy. Legend has it that a ghost called the Grey Lady, or perhaps the ghost of one of James’s daughters, can be seen flitting from tree to tree on a dark night. I was glad we visited in the daytime.

The atmospheric pathway started me thinking about the pathway to peace that many are trying to navigate in these uncertain times. A peace-filled life is something we all long for, even more so with the present circumstances causing so much anxiety, fear and uncertainty. If we happen to look around us, as I did at the Dark Hedges, if we listen to the news or read the papers, it is very easy to become fearful and depressed. But if we take time to remember God is still in control, omnipresent and powerful, we can experience peace.

Many anxiety and panic attacks are not based on reality – and those false thoughts left unguarded can run riot within our hearts and minds. I am not saying that all anxiety is unfounded, but God’s word tells us: ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by

Pathway to peace Nicola Walmsley encourages us to bring our anxious thoughts to God in prayer

prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:6 and 7). We have the power of prayer to counteract the negative effects of anxiety. As we present our requests to God, his peace fills our hearts and minds.

Paul’s letter goes on to say: ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things … And the God of peace will be with you’ (vv8 and 9). If we focus our minds on such things, saturating our thoughts with the truth of God’s promises, then there is little room left to be filled with negative, anxious or unhealthy thoughts.

When my daughters were younger I used to sing a chorus with them if they became troubled or fearful: ‘Focus your

eyes on Jesus, direct your attention to him./ And your heart will skip with joy!/ And your heart will skip with joy!/ And your heart will skip with joy and gladness as his life flows in.’ Singing this together always brought joy to the surface, overcoming fear with gladness.

In these uncertain times we can be assured that we need not be afraid. We are not alone and have not been abandoned; we have the blessed Holy Spirit with us! I pray that the Spirit will remind us all of the power of ‘prayer and petition, with thanksgiving’, as we navigate the coming months. May we put on the garment of praise, as thanksgiving fills our hearts and minds.

May God’s peace, which transcends all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

NICOLA IS COMMUNITY MISSION FACILITATOR, BARROW-IN-FURNESS Salvationist 9 January 2021

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VIEW POINT

The evolution of Creation Major Bryan Snell says the subject of Creation is not a side issue

G

ENERAL Frederick Coutts wrote in the 1941 International Company Orders, ‘The Hebrew hymn of Creation reaches back to the dawn of time – “in the beginning”. When that was, no one knows. Various calculations have been made as to the age of the universe, but most of them consist of so many noughts that the mind is simply bewildered … Good people have nothing to fear from scientific research into the origin of the universe in which we live.’ Far be it from me to suggest that I have a better understanding of these matters than the esteemed General, who was one of the Army’s greatest theologians, but the evolution of modern creationism was in its early stages in 1941 and we now have amazing resources at our fingertips that were not available at that time.

In the late 1980s, as corps officer at St Albans City, I was privileged to have more than 40 active and retired officers as soldiers. One of them was Colonel Fred Kiff, who still retained his lovely sense of humour in his nineties. I learnt that my grandfather and the colonel had been good friends in the Clapton training garrison. Asking the colonel for the name of the session, he hesitated, then said, ‘I know – we were the Unbelievers!’ After a moment’s thought, he added, ‘No, that’s not right. That’s what we named ourselves. We were the Believers.’

I am not sure when I first became an unbeliever in evolution. It could have been in primary school when my 20

Salvationist 9 January 2021

teacher told me about stalactites. We were informed that these take thousands if not millions of years to form, one grain of sand at a time.

‘Please sir. Why are they to be found under the railway bridge?’ I asked. ‘I have often wondered that myself,’ he said. I might have become an unbeliever when visiting the Grand Canyon. It seemed to me just as easy for it to be formed by a lot of water in a short period of time as by a little water over aeons of time.

A former student, returning to college after many years, examined the science questions now being asked and found them to be almost the same as they were all those years ago. He was told, ‘Yes, the questions are the same, but the answers are different.’ There are those that would try and accommodate Scripture to fit science, only to discover that science has moved on and that many scientists no longer believe in the Big Bang.

Richard Lewontin, an evolutionary biologist, says: ‘We take the side of science in spite of the patent absurdity of some of its constructs … because we have a prior commitment, a commitment to materialism … materialism is absolute, for we cannot allow a divine foot in the door.’ We all have bias one way or the other. We must certainly involve exegesis, or the reading out of Scripture the message the writer intended, not reading things into the Bible.

In 1984 Oxford Hebrew scholar James

Barr wrote: ‘Probably, so far as I know, there is no professor of Hebrew or Old Testament at any world-class university who does not believe that the writer(s) of Genesis 1–11 intended to convey to their readers the ideas that: a. Creation took place in a series of six days which were the same as the days of 24 hours we now experience b. the figures contained in the Genesis genealogies provided by simple addition a chronology from the beginning of the world up to later stages in the biblical story c. Noah’s flood was understood to be worldwide and extinguish all human and animal life except for those in the ark.’

Why are these matters so important?

It is because the gospel is based upon sin entering the world by one man, and death by sin. If death did not come this way, then the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross would not have been necessary.

Also, every single biblical doctrine in theology directly or indirectly has its basis in Genesis.

Jesus clearly considered Adam and Eve’s creation, as well as the flood in Noah’s time, as true history. The rest of the Old Testament takes Genesis as history. The New Testament takes Genesis 1–11 as history.

It is my belief that we should seriously consider the subject of beginnings and not treat it as just a side issue.

MAJOR SNELL LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN COVENTRY

LETTERS

A THEATRICAL RESOLUTION

EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE I AM a long-term Rotary member and, over the years, I have had connections with many charitable organisations, including The Salvation Army.

In earlier times, like many others, I knew of the Army only through collections made in a pub. However, when I came to work with the Army over Christmas a few years ago, I was mightily impressed. We helped put together parcels for people in need. Of course, lots of other organisations do similar work but the Army was so effective. There were a huge number of contributions from local supermarkets etc, but it was handled with smooth, quiet efficiency to the benefit of a lot of people in need in our community.

This I have found to be the hallmark of Salvation Army activities; quiet efficiency to benefit those in need. One may be assured that any funds contributed to the organisation will be used in the most effective way possible. I commend The Salvation Army to all.

Barry Tate Stockton-on-Tees

WATER GOOD OPPORTUNITY! FOLLOWING the article on waterways chaplaincy (Salvationist 28 November) and the subsequent comment in the 12 December issue, readers may be interested to learn that the Churches Network for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma (CNGTR) is offering monthly online webinars for people interested in learning more about ministry to people with an itinerant heritage, commencing 15 January. This follows a commitment by the General Synod of the Church of England to appoint GTR chaplains in each diocese, but the webinars are open and free to Christians of any denomination. CNGTR does not itself appoint chaplains; the webinars are intended to equip individuals. To register your interest email CNGTR chair the Rev Martin Burrell at mburrell51@googlemail.com.

David Blowers Major Margate

UNDER normal circumstances the panto season turns the UK into a country of theatre lovers. The book Still Standing: The Savage Years

by Paul O’Grady gives a useful backstage insight into pantomime culture. Another comedian, Bobby Ball, was no stranger to the panto stage. He came into a knowledge of the Lord through a theatre chaplain, and his conversion had a dramatic effect on his personal conduct.

The work of Theatre Chaplaincy UK is more important than ever in these difficult days for theatre. One part of the organisation’s litany reads: ‘Bless all who work in the sacred spaces of stage and studio.’

How can the stage be a sacred space? A play can tackle social issues more effectively than any lecture. The Sherman Theatre in Cardiff staged the Welsh language play Y Tad (The Father), which deals with elder abuse.

The theatre also tries to showcase new talent: it was a refreshing opportunity to watch a young cast present Blue Stockings, which deals with gender discrimination – historic and contemporary. One young actor told me it was a sobering experience to deliver demeaning and chauvinistic sentiments on stage.

On another occasion the final year students from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama presented an innovative production of The Magic Flute, set in 1950s automobile culture.

There are several areas of the brain responsible for creativity – it has surely been bestowed upon human beings by the Creator.

If you’ve never been to a live play, make it your resolution in 2021 to do so.

Kevin Chubb Barry

A WORD OF THANKS FOR Salvationists, and all churchgoers, these past few months have been difficult. Our way of life has been affected and social activities have largely been cancelled. For many, the saddest thing has been the lack of opportunity for Sunday meetings.

Many corps have tried to find ways around this by meeting in small groups, restarting meetings when allowed, or having talks and meeting plans circulated on paper and online. Adaptation has been the order of the day.

Many have been impressed and blessed by YouTube and other web-based worship from Army corps and centres in Britain and overseas – Regent Hall, Liverpool Walton, Sale, Chelmsford and Norridge Citadel (USA Central Territory) to name just a few. Other corps have made innovative use of Zoom and similar platforms, and these have been very well received. The effort these corps have made in such difficult circumstances must be applauded.

Along with a number of our congregation – and members of other churches – who have not had the chance to meet for worship in person or virtually, we have found the Cambridge Corps weekly meeting (Camsa Connect) extremely encouraging; a real source of spiritual uplift. Some have watched on the internet, some via DVD. All have reported how beneficial these meetings are. With a clear Christian message and occasional sense of humour, Cambridge’s involvement of corps folk who are young and young at heart each Sunday morning has made us feel almost like being at an Army meeting.

A special thank you to all officers and soldiers who work tirelessly to provide online worship – your efforts are not in vain!

Garry and Yvonne Reed Barnstaple Salvationist 9 January 2021

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE APPOINTED O Major Katrina Greetham, elected chair of Churches Together in Dorset LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O SL Sue Gray, Paignton WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Diamond O Audrey and Keith Barden, Clowne (7 January) Golden O David and Joy Hallam, Stapleford (9 January) PROMOTED TO GLORY O B/Reservist George Kirby, Snettisham O Mary Georgina Carrolle, Thornaby O Raymond Duquemin, Guernsey O Roger Wharton, Diss O Doreen Thomas, Staines O Dietlind Welsh, Staines O Ernest Harrison, Knottingley O Muriel English, South Shields O Beryl Walker, Burton-on-Trent O Major Rodney Birch from his home in Hebburn on 20 December O Major Dennis Roberts from St Michael’s Hospice, Hereford, on 22 December O Lieut-Colonel Geoff Perry from Whipps Cross Hospital, London, on 24 December O Major Dorothy Graham from Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gateshead, on 26 December O Cyril Button on 29 December O Janet Soal, Worthing, on 31 December BEREAVED O Alison Kirby, Snettisham, of her husband B/Reservist George Kirby O Songster Miriam Robson, Sunderland Millfield, Ruth Hasney, Deborah Rafter and Rachel Imeson of their mother Mary Georgina Carrolle O Sheila Duquemin, Guernsey, of her husband Raymond

Please note that soldiers’ and adherent members’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 150 words. Good quality pictures will be included.

Copy should be sent to salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

22

Salvationist 9 January 2021

Jeannette Wharton, Diss, of her husband Roger, Rebecca Wharton, Canterbury, and Adrian Wharton of their father O Julia Oliver, Vincent Thomas and Christine Thomas, all Staines, Sylvia Fielding and David Thomas of their mother Doreen Thomas O George Welsh, Staines, of his wife Dietlind O Major Ruth Roberts of her husband Major Dennis Roberts O Lieut-Colonel Joan Perry of her husband Lieut-Colonel Geoff Perry, Gillian Pollock of her father O Ralph Soal, Worthing, of his wife Janet Soal, Major Joanna Justice, Herts and Essex DHQ, and Andrew Soal of their mother O

OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE Effective 1 January O Major Philip Nield out of Macclesfield in 1997 and last appointment Bury St Edmunds and Lavenham ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

TRIBUTES ROBERT BLANCHARD, PETERBOROUGH TEMPLE, ONTARIO ROBERT was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on 15 December 1940.

He emigrated with his family to England in 1954 aged 15. He attended Mansfield Corps, Greenock Citadel, and Nottingham William Booth Memorial Halls.

Robert with his then wife, Mary, soldiered at Thornton Heath with their children Adele and Russell. He held the position of Band Colour Sergeant and became a programmer at International Headquarters.

In 1999 he returned to Canada and soldiered at Peterborough Temple Corps where again he was Colour Sergeant.

Robert is survived by his daughter Adele Thatcher, and granddaughters, Emily and Sophie, Russell Blanchard,

and granddaughter Honor, sisters Keitha, Judy and Diana.

Robert was a lifelong Salvationist and committed Christian.

The family wish to extend their sincere gratitude to Extendicare Lakefield in Peterborough, Canada for the care and sensitivity shown to Robert in his final years. – AT/RB ROBERT HUNT, NORTHAMPTON ROBERT, known as ‘Bob’, married Pat in 1999. Pat had been a Salvationist for most of her life and Bob decided to join her at the Army, later wearing full uniform.

In his younger days he served with the Gordon Highlanders and worked in a local foundry before becoming a hospital porter.

Bob had multiple interests. He was a member of a railway club and a keen Scottish dancer and was known for his dry wit.

Bob and Pat’s joint aim was to be useful in the corps, and they were involved in fundraising and selling Army papers. Bob loved to engage with people through this avenue of service, and would be at his post whatever the weather. They would often accompany corps folk to SP&S in London and give them a guided tour of the city.

He is sadly missed by many people. – NR MELVIN SOULSBY, CONSETT MEL was a fourthgeneration Salvationist and soldiered at several corps over the years, including Newcastle City Temple, Felling-on-Tyne, Sunderland Millfield, Castleford and Consett.

From the age of 16 he held many local officer positions, including band secretary, singing company leader, YP band leader, assistant YPSM, songster leader, corps sergeant-major and chair of the Territorial Advisory Council, but his joy was always working with and teaching young people. He is remembered for his loyal and faithful service, strong faith and his sense of fun and humour.

Mel is greatly missed by his wife, Rose, his children, Martin and Lynne,

In 1966 the family moved to England, settling in Northampton, and joined Northampton Central Corps. Ted gave many years of service as a bandsman, but the most important thing to him was his Christian faith, which sustained him when his beloved Rose died. He loved his family deeply and is greatly missed by them and his friends at the corps.

– NR

and their respective spouses Jo and Graham, his five grandchildren, one great-grandchild and his godchildren, all of whom were his delight. – HM TED ANDERSON, NORTHAMPTON TED was born on the island of St Helena.

His Army service began at the age of eight after he attended a joy hour.

In his teens the family moved to Cape Town, South Africa, and Ted linked up with Claremont Corps, where he met and later married Rose. They had two boys, Peter and Tony.

BRIAN HOOPER, BASINGSTOKE BRIAN was a Salvationist for more than 50 years and a lifelong Christian. He served at Wood Green Corps as a young man and later at Basingstoke after moving there with his wife, Brenda, and their children in 1973.

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Brian was YPSM for many years and loved working with young people, many of whom still warmly remember the part he played in teaching them about God. He was actively involved in all aspects of corps life, including the corps council, taking the War Cry into pubs, collecting for the Self-Denial Appeal, driving the minibus and helping with Christmas productions at the Anvil theatre. He was also appointed assistant recruiting sergeant.

Brian was much loved by family and friends and is greatly missed at the corps. They celebrate his life and the quality and consistency of his service to God and The Salvation Army. – BH

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RECRUITING NOW MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS EXECUTIVE CHELMSFORD

The Salvation Army General Insurance Corporation Limited is looking to recruit a Marketing and Communications Executive to join a professional and friendly organisation. It is a new role and you will be responsible for managing all aspects of promotions and marketing.

Key responsibilities Working independently and reporting to the finance director your responsibilities will include promoting SAGIC across digital platforms; increasing awareness of SAGIC within the Army; liaising with the Army’s Communications Team; helping create a clear mission and strategy for the business’s marketing needs; producing contents and marketing material; creating timelines for the development and deployment of all marketing requirements; helping develop strategic brand positioning and awareness in a highly competitive environment; helping identify topics and appropriate publications to target in the market, support media relationship-building efforts; seeking ways to improve key marketing metrics such as response rates, conversion rates, feedback scores, and brand awareness building; and managing marketing budgets and timeline.

SALARY £20,000 - £30,000 (depending on experience)

WORKING HOURS Full-time or part-time will be considered

DETAILS 25 days’ holiday + 8 bank holidays; a contributory pension scheme; health insurance

CLOSING DATE 5 February

INTERVIEW DATE TBC

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate: O Evidence of relevant marketing experience, possibly in finance or non-profit sectors O Positive, driven, organised, self-starter with the ability to define goals and prioritise your work O Strong analytical and writing skills, comfortable with data and analytics, and capable of clearly communicating your results and ideas O Strong campaign strategy, development and execution experience O Up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in digital marketing O Exceptional written and verbal communication skills O Strong work ethic, collaborative, and ability to work with little oversight

To apply please send your CV to stefanie.wright@sagic.co.uk

Could you be a presenter on Fortress Radio?

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23

‘‘‘

Blessèd Lord, in thee is refuge, Safety for my trembling soul, Power to lift my head when drooping ’Midst the angry billows’ roll

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

We’ve asked some to tell us about themselves.

This week…

MAJOR RUDI BRUINEWOUD Louth How did you first come into contact with the Army?

In 1970, as a young teenager, I followed the Army band after a Sunday open-air service back for an evening meeting in Enschede, the Netherlands.

What made you want to become an officer?

After being enrolled as a soldier on Easter Sunday in 1974, I knew what God wanted of me, yet there was so much learning and growing up to do.

Everything moved fast after I visited Montreal in 1976 for a Salvation Army campaign around the Olympic Games.

I moved to Scotland in 1977 and entered the International Training College two years later as part of the God’s Soldiers session. I have since served as an officer in Scotland, England and Wales.

(SASB B 244)

What are the most interesting things about your role – and the most frustrating?

As a corps officer in a number of busy and challenging appointments, it is people who can be most interesting and most frustrating at the same time. As a people person, it is always interesting to listen to their stories and be humbled by them.

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

‘Live and let live’ or ‘Actively and patiently wait and it will sooner or later happen’.

’’’

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

Insidious racism and everything associated with it that keeps people from reaching fuller potential.

If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, what would that be?

Good Dutch liquorice and infinite patience. (I know, I have doubled up!)

Did you have a nickname growing up?

Kleine Utti (Little Rudi).

What is your favourite hymn or worship song?

I never fail to be moved by singing Herbert Booth’s ‘Blessèd Lord’ (SASB 244) and also ‘What a Faithful God Have I’ (SASB 378) by Robert and Dawn Critchley.

If you could invent a gadget, what would it be?

A robot gardener!

What is your favourite meal?

An authentic Indonesian-style nasi or bami goreng, with all the trimmings.

If you could bring back any fashion trend, what would it be?

Electric blue bell-bottom trousers and platform shoes from the early 1970s.

What do you do in your spare time?

I try to relax with a good warts-and-all autobiography, I listen to music, go on holidays and drive. Often, I end up in front of a PC discovering something that I did not know or had forgotten.

What is your favourite Bible verse?

‘For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord’ (Romans 8:38 and 39).

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

Noah. I’d want to know how he crammed in so many stubborn species of the Earth, two by two, into one little space.

What is your favourite kind of holiday?

A quality seaside holiday or a city break in one of the major cities of Europe, or hopefully the fjords of Norway in the not too distant future.

Apart from the Bible, which book would you want on a desert island?

I would re-read some of the transforming speeches in Great Speeches of Our Time.

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

Guard your integrity. Once that has gone, there is precious little left.

What is the most valuable thing you possess?

A close family unit, even though we are many miles apart and don’t see each other enough.

Something else people might want to know about you is…

I do have a serious side, honest!