Salvationist 9 October 2021

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salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist 9 October 2021

Time to celebrate in the Spain and Portugal Command PLUS

SERVING IN THE SUBCONTINENT

SEE PAGES 10 AND 11

QUOTES FROM THE MEDIA

CHURCH SCHOOLS IN OXFORD ADOPT ANCIENT CHRISTIAN MEDITATION TO HELP MENTAL HEALTH Ancient Christian meditation practices are to be adopted in church schools in the Thames Valley to help tackle a growing mental health crisis.

The Diocese of Oxford has put together a toolkit founded on ancient practices of meditation and prayer that have healed Christians for centuries.

It’s hoped a time of daily contemplation and reflection away from the pressures of social media, school and society will be adopted regularly by pupils and teachers across the region...

The Space Makers Contemplative Toolkit has been developed to counter the increase in digital screen, technology and social media use, which is placing young people in danger of becoming less connected with their families and communities, as well as leading to increased mental health issues as self-worth is continually measured against the popularity of online profiles.

It comes as the Children’s Society recently reported that children are becoming more unhappy, with 12 per cent of children having low wellbeing and a quarter of a million struggling with their mental health as a result of the [Covid-19] pandemic.

The toolkit … [has] already been piloted in several schools and found to have a beneficial effect.

Premier

PANDEMIC HAS LEFT BRITS MORE FEARFUL OF AGEING, CHRISTIAN CHARITY WARNS New research by a Christian care home charity suggests the pandemic has left Brits – and even many Christians – fearful of growing old.

In the study by Pilgrims’ Friend Society (PFS), nearly half (42 per cent) of UK adults said they were afraid of ageing, while over half (52 per cent) said the pandemic had made them more fearful of this...

The PFS poll was carried out by Savanta ComRes and involved 2,047 UK adults.

Feelings of fear were prevalent even among those who identified as Christians, with over half (54 per cent) saying they were more afraid of growing old as a result of the pandemic.

A majority of adults overall (71 per cent) said the pandemic had left them concerned about whether existing policies could provide adequate care for older people, with slightly more Christians worrying about this (74 per cent).

Christian charity the Bible Society has been awarded a gold medal in the best sanctuary garden category at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.

Titled Psalm 23, the display is inspired by the famous Bible verses, which begin: ‘The Lord is my Shepherd.’

It includes sections based around the green pastures, still waters and the valley of the shadow of death...

Designer Sarah Eberle said: ‘We are judged against a brief, it’s Psalm 23. The line “he restores my soul” is probably the most important line in regard to the garden.

‘I think it does that and I think the public see that. They all feel quite calm when they stand there. It’s soothing...’

The garden was created during lockdown in Tadley in Hampshire.

After the show it will find a permanent home at Winchester Hospice.

Christian Today

Premier

CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES PLEAD WITH BORIS JOHNSON NOT TO CUT UNIVERSAL CREDIT More than 1,100 church leaders have made a last-ditch plea to the prime minister to halt [the] £20-a-week cut in universal credit.

In an open letter to Boris Johnson, they say that the withdrawal of the £20 uplift, introduced in April 2020 at the start of the pandemic, would result in millions of low-income households being swept further into poverty.

They write: ‘As Christians, we are compelled by the gospel imperative to prioritise the needs of the poorest and most vulnerable. As church leaders, we must speak up because of the impact this will have on our poorest neighbours and church members.

‘We urge the government to choose to build a just and compassionate social security system that our whole society can have confidence in.’

Their plea has been organised by Church Action on Poverty and Christians Against Poverty.

Church Times

SALVATIONIST

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BIBLE SOCIETY WINS AT THE CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Salvationist 9 October 2021

ISSN 2516-5909

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

CONTENTS

ONE ARMY HAVING spent the first 10 years of my life overseas, in Ghana, Pakistan and India, I’ve always had an appreciation of The Salvation Army’s internationalism. My understanding of it broadened years later at the International College for Officers (ICO) and even more so when I was appointed to the Europe Department at International Headquarters, where there were opportunities to work with officers from around the world and visit territories and commands in the rest of Europe.

That’s why I’m always glad when Salvationist features Army work and people in any of the 132 countries where the Movement has a presence.

We used to include a regular testimony feature by ICO delegates but, sadly, that has not been possible during the Covid-19 pandemic, as they have not come to the college due to international travel restrictions. However, we have been able to highlight the way the worldwide Army has stepped up to support communities and individuals affected by the pandemic.

We’ve also continued our ‘In the zone’ series, looking at the Army across Europe.

In this issue we feature the Spain and Portugal Command, which this year celebrates 50 years of work in those countries. Although still relatively small, the Army is making its presence felt and looking to the future with hope, envisaging the opening of new corps or outposts. As Lieut-Colonel Sheila Davisson, the command president of women’s ministries, says, ‘We march forward and give God all the glory.’ As well as gaining insights into the work of the command, we hear from two Salvationists – one in Spain and one in Portugal – about how God has been at work in their lives.

While the Army was starting in Spain and Portugal, the then Captain Joan Williams was serving in India with her husband, Railton, and their two children.

They had already been in Burma and would go on to appointments in Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Joan, now retired, tells her story in a new book, Jump Now, Mrs Williams.

In our interview about the book, she emphasises that the focus is on the people she has encountered during her service. The book itself will help support people, as all proceeds from sales will go towards Army projects in India.

Coming in the other direction – from Pakistan to the UK – is Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf. Nazia trained at William Booth College and was commissioned as an officer in July. After a short spell back in Lahore she is about to take up her appointment at Stockport Heaton Norris. She reflects on her experience of training in London during the pandemic and shares a significant word that God gave her during that time.

Soon after her election in 2011 General Linda Bond outlined the international vision of ‘One Army, One Mission, One Message’. It was a vision that caught the imagination of the Army around the world. But while we are one, the Movement can look different and act differently from place to place. That’s because, if the Army is to be relevant and effective, our work needs to be expressed in ways that identify with different cultures. Nonetheless, we can be one Army if we are united in spirit and purpose, loving God and loving others with the sacrificial commitment of Jesus and in the power of the Spirit. I hope you will be encouraged and inspired as you see something of that reflected in this week’s issue.

Quotes from the media

2

News

4 to 7

Prayer matters

7

Preview Delivering a Christmas card with one click

8

by Ruth Driver and Emily Bright

Stories of transformation 9 Haydn Davies: Encountering grace

by Major Rosemary Dawson

Interview Jump now, Mrs Williams

10 and 11

Lieut-Colonel Joan Williams talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

In the zone 12 and 13 50 years on and still marching forward Testimonies To God be the glory!

14

by Major Santiago Carreño Manzano and Miriam das Neves

Viewpoint Beginnings

15

by Jeff Morton

Bible study Goodness

16 and 17

by Captain Stephen Oliver

Through the week with Salvationist 16 and 17

by Major Melvyn Knott

Reflection 18 and 19 Learning to hold on to God’s promise

by Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf

New commitments

20

Adverts

21

Announcements

22 and 23

Fundraising

From the Editor Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts

24

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

Salvationist 9 October 2021

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NEWS

MUSIC

MUSIC WOODHOUSE EAVES A crowd gathered at St Paul’s Church for an organ recital by Enabled member Ben Fuller. Ben, who plays entirely by ear, presented a broad selection of pieces to celebrate hope and the joy of meeting together again at last. Individual hopes and dreams were acknowledged in the eclectic mix of music and programme notes with illustrations. The concert concluded with ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’ and was followed by cake. A collection raised £400, which was divided between the Enabled fellowship and St Paul’s church. – CS

CHESTER-LE-STREET The corps hosted a concert by NASUWT* Riverside Band titled A Gala Out of Lockdown. Conducted by Nick Childs, the band treated the congregation to a programme that included a number of Army compositions, such as Peter Graham’s ‘To Boldly Go’. Corps officer Captain Cor van der Woude thanked the band for providing an enjoyable evening and gave sincere thanks to Tom Moffat, the president of the band, who is a member of the corps and helped organise the event. A considerable amount of money was raised for the Big Collection. *(National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers) – GC

COMMUNITY

£400

raised at organ recital SEE PAGE 4

155

refugees supported in Northampton SEE PAGE 6

100

bacon sandwiches distributed at Great North Run SEE PAGE 6

COMMUNITY Ripley corps officer Lieutenant Callum Thompson presents Family Support Worker Stacey Perry with a second consignment of new school uniforms donated by townsfolk and businesses 4

Salvationist 9 October 2021

NORWICH MILE CROSS The corps took part in a festival in Sloughbottom Park to celebrate the community. Many people visited the Army’s stall and took part in activities, including the lord mayor of Norwich, Councillor Dr Kevin Maguire, and the sheriff of Norwich, Caroline Jarrold.

Corps folk were on hand to offer advice and information and to share the good news of Jesus, with Community Manager Peter Jeffries and Care and Share Shop Manager Carole Wilde providing support throughout the day.

Information leaflets about the corps ministry were distributed along with copies of John’s Gospel. Pictured are the lord mayor, corps officers Majors Paul and Susan Robinson and the sheriff. – PR

EVENT

Education and remembrance to mark Overdose Awareness Day LYNDON HOUSE STAFF members and residents marked International Overdose Awareness Day with a remembrance ceremony and several special activities. The day, first initiated by a Salvation Army officer in Australia in 2001, aims to end overdoses by raising awareness and remembering those who have died as a result of them.

Lyndon House Lifehouse in Ipswich provides a safe, supportive environment for 39 men over the age of 18. Many of the residents have previously been unable to access addiction support services.

Specialist Support Worker Simon Walker and Assistant Support Worker Leanne Perry led the activities, which focused on reducing harm, remembering those who have been lost and celebrating life.

‘The day was more of a success than we hoped,’ Simon said. ‘Normally people don’t want to remember, but the day seemed to have the opposite effect – people wanted to get involved.’

Posters were put up around Lyndon House

PRESENTATION

to educate service users about what to do in the event of an overdose. Residents were also told about the drug naloxone, which can temporarily reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.

‘Most people here have been affected by an overdose in one way or another,’ said Leanne, ‘so we felt it was important to organise the events. Residents sometimes feel closer to each other so it’s about minimising and reducing the risk of harm.’

Territorial Addiction Services Officer Lee Ball praised the efforts at Lyndon House and said more needs to be done across the country.

He added: ‘Without comprehensive investment, particularly for young people, we will continue to see the cyclical nature of addiction that often runs within families and communities.

‘Prevention is key to ensuring the children in our services today don’t become the adults in our services tomorrow.’ – AR

CORPS

PRESENTATION Hilda Toole (Southend Citadel) receives a certificate and brooch as she joins the Silver Star Fellowship following the commissioning of her son, Lieutenant Kit Mayston-King

PRESENTATION

Brixham CSM Thelma Evans receives a civic award from the town council chairman, Paul Addison, for 60 years’ service to the town

MEETING

Clowne corps officer Major Elaine Holder presents long-service certificates to CSM Stuart Burgess for 25 years, Bandsman Ken Longbottom for 65 years, Bandsman and Songster Tony Heap for 60 years and Songster Margaret Niel for 63 years as she transfers to the songster reserve

KNOTTINGLEY During the lockdowns, phone calls, doorstep visits, newsletters and weekly written meetings kept the corps fellowship together until they could get back to Sunday worship. In recent weeks café church and a strawberry-themed coffee morning have enabled people to reconnect.

A Prayer Day also gave the corps family the opportunity to thank God for his faithfulness.

People were free to sit in silence or use prayer stations set up around the hall, which focused on the needs of individuals, the corps, the community and the wider world, before sharing in a time of worship. – MT

CHESTERFIELD After 20 years without a building of their own for worship and engaging in missional activities, the corps joyfully dedicated its new hall, which has been established in collaboration with SATCoL on an old Lidl site. Divisional leaders Majors Brian Slinn and Liv RaegevikSlinn conducted the meeting. The divisional commander preached on 2 Chronicles 6:10 and reminded everyone present that the Lord has been faithful in keeping his promises to his faithful people. – CD-P Salvationist 9 October 2021

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NEWS

ARMY NEWS

FUNDRAISING

Salvation Army rallies to support Afghan refugees UKI THE Salvation Army has continued its long history of supporting refugees by helping Afghan nationals arriving in the country following their evacuation from Afghanistan.

About 10,000 refugees are set to arrive in the UK over the course of this year and The Salvation Army and other charities will be supporting many of them.

Heathrow chaplains Majors Christine and Stephen Perkins joined a huge team at the London airport in response to the crisis. At the start of the evacuation they provided food, clothing and medical supplies over a five-day period. Noticing the number of children arriving, the couple appealed to Staines Corps, who lent them toys and games.

Major Stephen said: ‘The children were very sombre and subdued, but they really came to life when we played and interacted with them. The parents were hugely grateful, as were Heathrow staff. It was a very humbling experience and we felt privileged to play our part.’

In Northampton, the Army is working with other organisations to support 155 refugees who arrived in the town. A distribution hub is meeting the group’s immediate needs with clothing and other items.

Corps officer Captain Tim Stone said refugees need help adjusting to cultural differences: ‘Even simple things need a bit of care and attention, such as helping people use the roads safely. In Afghanistan, when people walk into the roads, cars will stop for them so they can go. They can’t do that here.’

Salvation Army volunteers from Ilford have been supporting a donation centre at Redbridge town hall, while corps in Watford, Stocksbridge, Ramsgate, Swindon, Feltham, Twickenham, Teddington, Hoxton and Crewe are among those supporting refugees arriving in their areas. – AR

Salvationist wants to hear your news Corps press representatives can email salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk.

Good quality pictures will be included.

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Salvationist 9 October 2021

NORTH EAST ENGLAND Salvation Army folk made and distributed more than 100 bacon sandwiches and served hot drinks from the canteen vehicle at the Great North Run 2021.

Many conversations were had, some good contacts were made and several Salvationists turned up to say hello. Claire Tasker, Tracey Binns, Neil Gallagher, Robbie Anderson, Karl Smith, Christina Joy Smith, Gavin Wiedman and Sue Younger completed the half-marathon, raising funds for the division. – JT

ARMY NEWS

One in three deprived areas locked out of ‘levelling up’ fund ENGLAND MORE than a third of England’s most deprived areas will not benefit from the government’s £4.8 billion ‘levelling up’ fund, according to new Salvation Army research.

The report, Understanding People, Understanding Places, is the biggest social mapping exercise in The Salvation Army’s recent history. The findings show that coastal and rural areas feature some of the highest levels of deprivation, but are also the areas most likely to miss out on investment.

The Army’s research analysed the local labour market in comprehensive detail and asked local people what they needed to find stable work. The government’s levelling up analysis did not break the labour market into as much detail and also divided need up into larger areas, which meant pockets of deprivation in otherwise more affluent areas were not prioritised.

The Army is warning that, unless the government rethinks how it calculates an area’s need, entire communities will be locked out of levelling up funding and left to spiral into further poverty.

As part of its levelling up agenda and the upcoming white paper this autumn, the government will invest further funds into local authorities in priority areas. The Army is calling on the government to reconsider how funding is allocated, with coastal communities being recognised as a priority, as well as develop a new plan of investment in accessible childcare to allow people to access work and training opportunities.

Recommendations include: extending 30 hours per week of free childcare to 52 weeks; extending business rates relief for nurseries and providing additional childcare services to parents whose children benefit from the school pupil premium grant; engaging with communities to identify what investment will best ‘level up’ these areas; and investing in skills and employment support to help individuals out of low-skill, low-wage employment.

Rebecca Keating, the Army’s director of employment services, said: ‘We want to encourage the government to listen to the communities who need their help. Look up from the spreadsheet and see what we are seeing on the ground. Every day we work with people who are being pushed even further from employment. We must ensure investment reaches these people; it’s the only way to truly level up the country.’ – AR

PRESENTATION BUILDING THE KINGDOM HERE FOCUS by the Older People’s Ministries Team

SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER Jesus, we can sometimes be judgemental. Help us to realise that you had mercy on us and that same mercy is available to whomever needs it. It is not our place to think we know who would be saved and who would not; we share the gospel and it is you who saves! Forgive us for any time we may have overlooked someone.

Retired Barrow-in-Furness herald Mavis Pacey receives a certificate of appreciation from corps officer Lieutenant Jonny Whitmore for 14 years’ service through rain and shine, as Neal Bradley and Bernard Wakefield receive herald’s badges and certificates after restarting the corps paper ministry

PRESENTATION

SUNDAY 10 OCTOBER Lord, today we pray for the ministry of your Church among older people. May those nearing the end of life know your love for them and, through your grace, come into your Kingdom, where they will find comfort, joy and peace. Teach the Church the importance of such ministry.

SCRIPTURE FOCUS: PSALM 107

by Lieutenant Rob Westwood-Payne (Basingstoke) MONDAY 11 OCTOBER – THANKS AND PRAISE (V1) Give thanks to the Lord, asking that his people would extend his praise to the four corners of the Earth. Thank him for his steadfast love and mighty acts. Pray that our communities of faith would testify to God’s presence and activity in the world and in human lives. May our buildings be places where we celebrate and realise his work.

TUESDAY 12 OCTOBER – THE MEMORY OF REDEMPTION (V2) Giving praise and thanks to God does not erase the memories we have of times of hurt and pain. We painfully recollect times in our lives when we were less ready to praise, and when God’s presence was experienced with some difficulty. We may have known trouble, but we thank God again for his redemption and deliverance.

Sunderland Millfield soldiers Helen and Stephen Birchall receive the Enabled Summer School at Home 2021 quiz trophy from North East England Enabled group co-ordinator Major Barbara Davies

EVENT

WEDNESDAY 13 OCTOBER – PRAYING FOR THE LOST (VV4 AND 5) We pray for those who are wandering in the wilderness. They may not even know they are lost, but wander from marriage to marriage, diet to diet, one spiritual path to another, one drug of choice to the next. Pray they will find the grounding, orientating love of God. Pray they will cry out and find the way out.

THURSDAY 14 OCTOBER – PRAYING FOR THOSE IN OTHER WILDERNESSES (VV4 AND 5) We pray for those lost in a wilderness not of their own making: those who are grieving the approaching or recent death of a loved one, those struggling with the silent maze of dementia and those who face abandonment of a spouse, a sudden depression or a public failure. Pray they will know that God is reliable and faithful in every circumstance.

FRIDAY 15 OCTOBER – PRAYING FOR THOSE IN PRISON (VV10 AND 11) We pray for those in prison. May they know God loves them, no matter how far they have fallen. We intercede for those imprisoned for their faith, or who are suffering as victims of injustice. We pray for those who minister to them, bringing God’s message of love and forgiveness.

WHITEHAVEN Twelve children attended a three-day holiday club where they learnt about some of the ‘superheroes’ of the Bible. After the final day, each child received a Bible of their own, so that they could learn more about other Bible characters. – MS

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

PREVIEW

Delivering a Christmas card with one click C Community and Events Fundraising Officer Ruth Driver and Emily Bright introduce a children’s Christmas card design competition

A

RAY of colour shone through the windows as Ruth Driver strolled through the streets near her home during one of last year’s Covid-19 lockdowns. The windows she walked past were plastered with children’s drawings of rainbows, a symbol of gratitude to NHS staff and other key workers during the pandemic.

‘I thought that was such a lovely idea,’ she recalls. ‘Then I wondered how we could get kids to do something like that for The Salvation Army. Maybe we could get them to draw us a design for a Christmas card.

‘Parents often say their kids want to help The Salvation Army and ask what they can do. A Christmas card design competition seemed like a great way for them to get involved with fundraising.’

So the fundraising team – together with Kids Alive! – is running a Christmas e-card competition. It was launched last Saturday and runs until 29 October.

The competition is timed so that young people can get creative before, during and after half-term.

‘We’re encouraging kids to create and send us a Christmas card design of anything they choose – the more creative the better!’ explains Ruth.

The competition is for four age groups: under 7, 7 to 9, 9 to 12 and 12 plus. The overall winner will receive a £100 gift voucher for The Entertainer, with £50 vouchers for those in second and third place. The next five runners-up will each get a £20 voucher. The vouchers have all been generously donated by the company, which has toy shops across the country.

The winning design will be displayed on dontsendmeacard.com, where 8

Salvationist 9 October 2021

people will be able to send the design to loved ones in exchange for making a donation to The Salvation Army. It will also feature on the front cover of Kids Alive! for the 4 December issue.

‘Kids Alive! is read by loads of people,’ Ruth says. ‘It’ll be a lot of fun for kids to see their winning design on the front page.’

With the UN climate conference, COP26, taking place in November, the competition also presents a timely opportunity to send Christmas greetings in an environmentally friendly way.

‘That is a big part of the competition for us,’ Ruth adds. ‘As a team, we are trying to make our fundraising a lot greener.’

The ethos underlying the competition is to make it accessible.

‘You don’t have to fundraise or pay to enter,’ she continues. ‘We wanted to encourage as many children as possible to take part. You can send entries to the freepost address and there will be no charge.’

However, there are still opportunities to support the Army financially for those who wish to do so. Entrants can make an optional donation at justgiving.com/ sallyarmykidschristmascardcompetition, which will go towards The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Participants who put their own postage stamp on their entries will also save the Army money. In addition, dontsendmeacard.com provides space for people to donate an amount of their choosing when they send an e-card.

‘Any donation you make when using the e-cards will go directly to The Salvation Army,’ explains Ruth. ‘Last year, we raised almost £8,000 that way.

‘Another big part of this is that we really want our range of cards to be more current. And it’s a nice way to get kids involved.’

EMILY IS PROMOTIONS AND MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR, PUBLISHING DEPARTMENT, THQ

HOW TO ENTER Parents or guardians need to send their child’s full name, age, postal address and their email address with the design to: Freepost RTLT-UCTS-ZAKJ, Donor Services, 3rd Floor, The Salvation Army, 99–101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN. Designs should be on A4 paper and sent unfolded in an A4 envelope.

Find out more at salvationarmy. org.uk/fundraise-christmas/ christmas-card-competition or to donate, scan the QR code:

FEATURE I Stories of transformation

Haydn Davies: Encountering grace Major Rosemary Dawson continues a series in which she remembers some of the inspirational people she met while working on the War Cry Haydn aged 18

A

SATURDAY night out in 1973 had life-changing consequences for Haydn Davies, a promising footballer on the Wales Under-21 team.

After drinking all night, 19-year-old Haydn and three friends drove at high speeds round country roads. The learner driver lost control, and the car hit a tree and dropped 60 feet down an embankment and onto a railway line.

The driver and front seat passenger were killed. The third had a few cuts and bruises. Haydn woke up in hospital paralysed, with two holes bored into his skull to hold the bolts keeping his broken neck in place.

When I met him he was still suffering the consequences of that night out. But Haydn held no bitterness. He strongly believed that God brought him out of that crash for a reason: to come into a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ.

‘I don’t remember much about the crash, except the driver losing control,’ he said. ‘I tried to take the wheel, but it was too late.

The doctor told me almost immediately that I wouldn’t be playing football again.

Two of my friends were dead and I was scared, in shock and depressed.’

Haydn spent six months in traction and underwent 17 operations during two years in hospital.

‘The worst was on my neck, when a piece of bone from my hip was fused to my spinal cord,’ he explained. ‘The pain was horrific. But the operation had partial success, starting with movement in my fingers.’

Haydn was allowed home for Christmas Day, but getting into a car again was traumatic. Getting into a wheelchair was equally traumatic.

‘It was awful,’ he said. ‘I was determined to get mobile and got 50 to 60 per cent movement back after very intense physio. It took four years of constant battling to walk, but eventually I could go short distances without sticks.’

A difficult time of readjustment followed his discharge from hospital.

‘I’d been selected for the Wales Under-21 team at 16. I played for the side three times. I dreamt of becoming a professional player – several clubs, including Arsenal, were already interested in me.’

Haydn met Karla – ‘my rock’ – at a disco on Christmas Eve in 1978. They married in 1979, but he confessed to giving Karla a rough time.

‘I felt robbed of my career, and that put a very low value on our marriage,’ he said. ‘I was always out with the lads, drinking all weekend to forget what I’d lost and hungover till Thursday.’

The birth of their daughter, Hayley, seemed a miracle, but her worried reaction the first time she saw Haydn drunk was a real wake-up call. ‘I knew I had to change,’ he said.

Karla had an unexpected solution: going to church.

‘I’d always resisted; I thought church was for cissies,’ he said. ‘But I owed it to Karla to try. It was totally alien to me.

I hated it. We sang “Amazing Grace” and I asked Karla who “Grace” was!

‘A church lady invited me to a house fellowship on Saturday – my boys’ night out. I went, not intending to stay long but, when I tried to get up, somehow my legs just wouldn’t move. She said to me, “Haydn, put yourself right with God, because he brought you out of that car crash for a reason.”

‘I talked about it with Karla. She explained about being a Christian and said that God could break the hardest heart. I vowed he’d never get me!

‘But on Sunday I found myself actually listening to the sermon. I could feel my hardness melting away and fought against it. It seemed that Jesus was saying, “Haydn, I want you to follow me,” so I just prayed: “Lord, if you’re there, forgive me.” From that moment, I felt different. I felt clean inside. God made me a new person.

‘Gradually I found less comfort in drinking, and eventually lost the desire altogether. There weren’t many Christians my age at church, but Jeff and Steve helped me grow in my faith.’

Haydn was also encouraged by the books of Joni Eareckson Tada, a young Christian left with quadriplegia after a swimming accident.

‘Steve suggested I should talk about my experience, and to my surprise people were very moved and interested.

That led to a speaking ministry at churches and conferences.’

As he got older, Haydn’s physical problems increased.

‘I use the wheelchair a lot more now,’ he said. ‘Pain has been my companion every night for more than 30 years.

But God gives me the grace to cope and, if he can use me to tell people about Jesus, that’s special and exciting.

I wouldn’t change my life for anything; it’s amazing.’

O Haydn’s

story is told in A Night Out With The Boys, available from amazon. co.uk as a paperback or as a Kindle ebook

MAJOR DAWSON LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN ST AUSTELL O Based

on an article published in the War Cry, 15 September 2007 Salvationist 9 October 2021

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INTERVIEW

Jump now, Mrs Williams Lieut-Colonel Joan Williams talks to Lieut-Colonel Jonathan Roberts about her recently published book

W

HEN Lieut-Colonel Joan Williams retired in 1997 after spending most of her officer service in Burma (now Myanmar), India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, it was not the end of her involvement with that part of the world. In the years since she has raised thousands of pounds for the Army’s work in India and visited the country regularly. Joan tells her story in a new book, Jump Now, Mrs Williams, and the proceeds from its sales will provide further support for the Army in India.

She had never thought of writing a book. The motivation to do so came from family members.

‘I’ve got grandchildren and greatgrandchildren,’ she says, ‘and they’ve always been very interested in what I call “my stories”. My son, Christopher, encouraged me to write them down.’

The title comes from an incident in 1994 when she was the divisional commander in the Kolkata Division of the India Northern Territory.

‘I was on a train to visit the boys’ 10

Salvationist 9 October 2021

home at Simultala,’ she remembers. ‘As we approached the town, the officer with me said the train didn’t stop there, but it would slow down so we could jump off! He threw our cases out and said, “Jump now, Mrs Williams.” I jumped and rolled down a grass bank. It wasn’t as bad as I imagined.’

Joan had been throwing herself into ministry and unexpected situations since entering the training college in 1955 aged 19. Her first appointment was as assistant corps officer at Morriston in Wales before moving 18 months later to be in charge at Becontree, Essex. While there she sensed God was preparing her for ‘his special challenge’ and, in a meeting at Staines where she heard an officer on leave from Africa give her testimony, Joan knelt at the mercy seat to offer herself for overseas service.

At that time she was engaged to Lieutenant Railton Williams, whom she’d met in Wales, and wondered what his reaction would be. When he returned from visiting his parents in Malta that week, she told him what had happened.

To their amazement, at the exact time she had knelt at the mercy seat at Staines, he had experienced God’s call in Malta and had also committed himself to overseas service.

Joan and Railton were married in 1958 and had two corps appointments before leaving for Burma in 1960 with their six-week-old daughter, Janet. They lived on a compound and, with their staff, were responsible for the corps, maternity unit, boys’ home and school located there.

‘I was totally unprepared,’ says Joan.

‘I expected things to be a little easier

than they were. There was no gas, electricity or running water. We lived as the people did.’

Despite the challenges, Joan loved the country, the people and the work.

‘I would have been very happy to spend the rest of my missionary service in Burma,’ she reflects. ‘Then when we went to India I loved the people there as well. I do thank God that wherever we have been I have felt at home.’

While Railton was given finance and administrative appointments, Joan’s ministry was always focused on people.

Her book includes many stories about individuals she encountered.

For example, Maung Gyi Lyn, who came to the boys’ home covered in boils that Joan had to dress twice a day. He would stand next to her at prayers each morning, and Joan remembers that he had his own version of the line ‘hallowed be thy name’ in the Lord’s Prayer: ‘How did you know my name?’

Parveen was a young woman who turned up at the hostel in Calcutta (now

Kolkata). She had run away from an abusive marriage having seen an advert in the phone book that read: ‘Where there’s a need, there’s The Salvation Army.’ Sadly, she collapsed and died four months later as a result of blows to the head during her marriage. Her mother was relieved to know that she had been happy at the hostel.

Joan also met many young people from western countries while stationed at the Red Shield Centres in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta.

‘The Beatles had come to meet Indian holy men, and other young people came out to experience that as well,’ she recalls.

‘They came by bus from Trafalgar Square to Kathmandu, so by the time they got to us they were a bit stinky!

‘Nearly every night they would gather on the verandas because others had told them to “talk to Mrs Williams”. I made myself quite knowledgeable about Calcutta, but I also felt that was a good evangelism opportunity.’

After many years in India the couple were appointed to Pakistan in 1982, with Railton as chief secretary and Joan involved in women’s ministries. Four years later came a move to Sri Lanka. It was there, in 1987, that Joan faced the most harrowing experience of her life: Railton was involved in a serious traffic accident and was promoted to Glory in hospital three weeks later.

‘It’s something you dread all the way through your service,’ Joan says. ‘He was only 52 and was just coming into his own in many ways. It was terrible.’

She spent the next six years at International Headquarters before taking charge of a girls’ home in India. After becoming the divisional commander in Kolkata Joan’s final appointment before retiring was as all-India executive social secretary.

Settling into retirement in Tavistock, she set up Bookworm Alley, which sold second-hand books to raise money for projects in India.

‘Over many years I saw lots of children who had terrific ambitions,’ Joan says. ‘I knew they were capable but had no money. At the children’s homes there were girls who wanted to be nurses but had no opportunity to do that. Bookworm Alley was established to raise money for children’s scholarships.

Recently, with Bookworm Alley money and other contributions, the India Eastern Territory has built a school for

The Williams family in India

New school, India Eastern Territory tea planters’ children who would not normally go to school.’

Jump Now, Mrs Williams gives insights into Joan’s work over the years and mentions many of the challenges and joys that she experienced.

‘I hope that in my book, it comes out that I am about people,’ she adds. ‘That’s been my life. When those people come good, that is my reward.’

Now, Mrs Williams is available from amazon.co.uk as a paperback (£7.50), hardback (£14.99) or Kindle edition (£3.99)

O Jump

O To

contact Bookworm Alley (based in Hadleigh, Essex) call 01702 555595, email bookworm.alley.sa@gmail.com or visit bookwormalley.org.uk

Salvationist 9 October 2021

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IN THE

ZONE E 50 years on and s Spain and Portugal Command

How well do you know The Salvation Army’s Europe Zone? This month we give an overview of the Spain and Portugal Command

T

HE Salvation Army’s work in Spain began in May 1971, when Captain and Mrs Enrique Rey were appointed to La Coruña. By the end of that year the government had granted the Army legal status with permission to carry on its work without hindrance.

In July 1971 the Army commenced work in Porto, Portugal. In 1972 Major and Mrs Carl S Eliasen arrived in Lisbon and, in 1974, The Salvation Army was recognised by the country’s Ministry of Justice as a religious and philanthropic organisation.

On 1 February 2013 the two separate commands were united.

As well as 16 corps and two outposts in the command, there are five social service centres in Portugal: a shelter for people experiencing homelessness and a community centre in Lisbon; a children’s home and a nursing home with a Meals on Wheels programme in Colares, Sintra; and an adult day care centre with a Meals on Wheels programme in Porto.

Six corps also serve breakfast, soup runs or dinner to those in need.

The majority of people in Spain and Portugal are connected to the Roman Catholic Church, so the Army’s work in the region has been unable to grow quickly. Most of the corps members in Spain have immigrated from South America and many officers originate from different parts of the world.

The corps are well attended. However, no new officers have been commissioned in the past five years and no new corps or outposts have been established in the past 10 years. Under command leaders Lieut-Colonels Philip and Sheila Davisson, who were appointed in 2018, 12

Salvationist 9 October 2021

Commmand leaders Lieut-Colonels Philip and Sheila Davisson

steps have been taken to change that trend.

In 2018 the command commenced a programme for young adults called Ideia Iberica (Intentional Discipleship in Action). The aim of this was to encourage a small group of young people to strengthen their faith, gain new friendships, put God’s mission into action and possibly confirm calls to full-time ministry in The Salvation Army.

In the first year more young people signed up than expected. This led to the appointment of local leaders and some felt a call to officership.

Continuing momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic has been difficult, with many young people struggling to stay connected to corps. The command hopes the programme will begin again

in 2022. Even so, there is one confirmed candidate, with three more wanting to start when possible.

The process of training cadets, which has not happened in a while, has begun.

Soon the command will appoint an officer to take on the role of education secretary. With the hope of more new officers by 2024 the command will explore the possibility of opening a new corps or outpost.

still marching forward

THE COMMAND AT A GLANCE Simply Organized

Simply Organized

Officers retreat at Colares in 2019 Covid-19 response

Another challenge, particularly in Portugal, is the limited availability of doctrinally sound Christian books. With the support of donors and grants, the command is beginning to develop its own material and print Salvation Army books and materials to help soldiers and adherents deepen their faith.

In order to make the command fiscally sound and transparent it is also working on governance practices. The command

During the Covid-19 pandemic, creating momentum has been difficult, with many young people struggling to stay connected to corps relies on grant aid from International Headquarters and is therefore seeking local funding. In the past year the command has found some generous donors, particularly for the social service centres in Portugal. It has, however, found it difficult to find similar funding in Spain.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for many reasons, but with fewer in-person activities taking place the command was able to move corps in Spain to a new financial system already used in Portugal and catch up on financial reporting.

‘These represent a small part of what we are accomplishing with the help of God,’ says Command President of Women’s Ministries Lieut-Colonel Sheila Davisson. ‘It is not always easy because

16 corps 2 outposts 438 soldiers 60 adherents 67 junior soldiers 44 officers (41 active, 3 retired) 93 employees

we are a small command with not many officers and staff, but we march forward and give God all the glory.’

This year the Spain and Portugal Command celebrates 50 years of Salvation Army work in both countries.

The anniversary celebrations include monthly instalments of historic Salvation Army moments on its Portugal website.

Two officers are also writing books about the history of the Army’s work.

Salvationists in Spain began their celebrations last month with an online meeting that included all the corps in the country. At La Coruña, Officer Commanding Lieut-Colonel Philip Davisson shared a message and presented a plaque.

A week later, Salvationists in Portugal gathered in Colares for their celebration meeting. Both meetings included a greeting from General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle.

‘Celebrating 50 years [of Army work] is amazing and we are so thankful to God for the beautiful expressions of ministry happening here,’ affirms Lieut-Colonel Sheila.

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TESTIMONIES

To God be the glory!

Two Salvationists from the Spain and Portugal Command share how God has been at work in their lives MAJOR SANTIAGO CARREÑO MANZANO MADRID CENTRAL, SPAIN I HAVE been an officer in The Salvation Army for 17 years and have worked with my wife, Sandra, at different corps and in other appointments.

During all this time we have dedicated ourselves to work for God. I come from a humble neighbourhood of Madrid called Vallecas. Forty years ago it was complicated by drugs and crime. At that time The Salvation Army began its work there, offering people the opportunity to get to know Christ – including a young man like me. After all these years, I see how God had a purpose in bringing Salvation Army cadets to create Palmeras Corps in Vallecas.

God has a purpose for my life, just as he has a purpose for yours. Of course, in those years I didn’t know what God’s purpose for my life was, but I thank him for how he has done things right up until today.

‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10). In my 36 years of walking with God I can say with all certainty that God has cared for me, taught me, prepared me, instructed me and enabled me to do those works that this verse refers to. I believe that God never fails, that he will always be by our side and will help us to overcome all the obstacles that appear. It is my desire that we each seek God with all our heart.

I never cease to thank God for those Salvation Army cadets who began the work of Palmeras Corps.

To God be the glory!

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Salvationist 9 October 2021

MIRIAM DAS NEVES LISBON, PORTUGAL I HAD the privilege of growing up in a Christian family. My parents are Army officers in Portugal.

Through the years we lived in different cities and even different countries. Every place was different and unique, not just the city, but the community itself and the needs of those around us, which gave me the opportunity to serve people and

to serve God in different ways.

I was always very involved in our church and loved to participate in our church and community activities. I was a camp counsellor in three different countries, bandmaster, Sunday school teacher and worship group leader. I also helped with the timbrel brigade and youth groups. I translated and helped with mission teams and kept feeling that I could do more to serve the Lord but did not know how.

Two months ago I had the opportunity to start a new adventure – to serve my community and my church by being an assistant to my officer on a day-to-day basis. My role is to help with activities, to help with service and to deliver the message of Jesus Christ by supporting and advancing the work of The Salvation Army in and through Lisbon Corps. God is good and, as the Bible says, there is always time for everything – and this is the time the Lord has made, so I will rejoice and be glad in him.

I will serve and I will go wherever he sends me, for it is never too late or too early to follow his commandments and reach more souls for his Kingdom. Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us.

As 1 John 4:19 says: ‘We love because he first loved us.’

VIEW POINT

Beginnings Jeff Morton considers the opening verses of John’s Gospel in light of modern science

I

FEEL there is a need to consider our place and the world’s place in the universe. The theology of Creation requires constant dialogue with scientific knowledge. So let us look again at the first verses of John’s Gospel and apply its insights to our present understanding of Creation: ‘In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made’ (vv1–3).

As people of faith, we assume that the initiation of what has become known as the big bang was part of the creative work of God. The laws that govern the physical universe were set in place at the time of Creation. In that moment, time itself had its beginnings.

If this is correct, then the Creator is able to observe both the past and future of the whole universe. So, when we say that what we do is recorded in the Lamb’s book of life, we are not far wide of the truth!

‘In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind’ (v4). The question arises as to how life commenced.

We are aware that the emergence of life took millions of years before the appearance of human beings. It is now considered probable that life first emerged from the sea. The statement in Genesis that ‘the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters’ (1:2) is a theological affirmation that divine purposes overarched the physical processes.

As a result of modern research, we know through DNA that all life is connected. Although there has been constant change and development, creation is nonetheless derived from a single source of power that we people of faith call God – and DNA tells us that each of us is unique.

John proceeds to the source of how God reveals himself to the world: ‘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’ (v14). So, in the fullness of time, the Creator reveals himself to the peak of the creative process – humanity – and shows what he expects of them.

Tragically, that revelation has been constantly ignored as humanity is unwilling to apply its teachings. God’s unique messenger was rejected and killed in the most brutal of ways, with the full assent of human authorities, in a ruthless demonstration of temporal power.

Even the Church was guilty of introducing distortions of his life and teachings. Hierarchy, power and prestige played their part. The purity and essence of that revelation has to be constantly re-sought and reaffirmed.

Our planetary home may be dwarfed by the vastness of the universe but it is here that we have to honour, affirm and fulfil the purpose of Creation.

John declares this later in his Gospel.

He writes: ‘Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness

instead of light because their deeds were evil’ (3:19). He goes on to say that those who accept revealed truth will in turn have this acknowledged by God. The true hope that is offered to those who accept the truth is revealed in John 3:16: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life’ (New King James Version). What form everlasting life takes is a mystery, but knowing how vast the universe is, it is a certainty of faith that the Creator has something wonderful in store for the followers of the truth. I, for one, do not accept that all I have done in life ends in death.

There are, of course, many things that we do not know. Scientific research continues in many fields and much remains to be discovered, both natural and supernatural. We cannot remain rigidly in the culture of the first century or express faith in the forms of the Bronze Age. We must be open to change and adjust our theology accordingly.

JEFF SOLDIERS AT BATH CITADEL Salvationist 9 October 2021

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BIBLE STUDY

Goodness Captain Stephen Oliver considers an attribute of the fruit of the Spirit

GALATIANS 5:22 AND 23

G

OODNESS is one of those concepts that appears to be straightforward. We are familiar with good-versus-evil plots in films and books. Goodness seems like something we can understand, but we know how elusive it is in our own lives. At the same time, however, the concept of goodness in the Bible raises questions. What is it to be good?

When we think about good people, can we still call them good and overlook the human flaws and frailties that they, like each of us, have?

When a ruler called Jesus ‘good teacher’, Jesus challenged the use of that title, responding: ‘Why do you call me good? No one is good – except God alone’ (Luke 18:19). It seems Jesus wants us to think carefully about the quality of goodness and not to ascribe it to people cheaply.

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

by Major Melvyn Knott

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Salvationist 9 October 2021

QUESTION O What qualities might the ruler have seen that led him to address Jesus as ‘good teacher’?

Any series on the fruit of the Spirit needs to avoid the pitfall of saying there are different, multiple fruits. The Greek word for ‘fruit’ (karpos) in this passage is singular, not plural. The quality of goodness as a work of the Holy Spirit cannot be separated from love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness or self-control.

Writing in Explanatory Notes on the New Testament, John Wesley states: ‘Now the works of the flesh … are mentioned in the plural because they are distinct from, and often inconsistent with, each other. But the fruit of the Spirit is mentioned in the singular as being all consistent and connected together.’

Goodness grows in the life of the believer alongside the other qualities of

the fruit of the Spirit – all the work of the Spirit, forming us into the likeness of Christ. NT Wright, in Commentaries for Christian Formation: Galatians, puts it like this: ‘One may not plead the necessity of specialisation – selecting say “kindness” and “gentleness” while leaving faithfulness and self-control to others.’ The same might be said of goodness.

QUESTIONS O How does the quality of goodness relate to the other Christian virtues listed in Galatians 5:22 and 23?

O Does considering goodness alongside the other aspects of the fruit of the Spirit change your understanding of what it is to be good?

Some of the problems in Galatia were due to a failure of communal life.

Paul wanted his readers to understand that growth in goodness, alongside the

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit lives among you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

(1 Corinthians 3:16 and 17)

Teach me how to grow in goodness,/ Daily as I grow;/ Thou hast been a child, and surely/ Thou dost know.

(SASB 654)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

(1 John 4:7 and 8)

Prayer Dear God, we thank you for your goodness towards us. As we move forward from day to day, we ask you to help us show your goodness to all who need to experience it in their life.

other qualities of the fruit of the Spirit, is formed through the Spirit’s work in the context of a Christian community.

People in the Greek world understood goodness as something that individuals could develop through their own efforts.

However, Paul wanted his readers to understand that growth in goodness is the work of the Spirit. All fruit takes time to grow. Their trees need to be nurtured, pruned, protected from pests and disease and cultivated with care.

The same is true in the spiritual life.

The alternative is to give in to ‘the desires of the flesh’ (Galatians 5:16).

Here, Paul is referring to our fallen human nature – the person that we are outside a restored relationship with God. A glance at the works of the flesh mentioned in Galatians 5:19–21 shows that they are about satisfying selfish desires or moulding the world around us to suit those desires. However, in

the Christian community we grow in grace together, nurturing one another, protecting one another from harmful influences, trusting the Holy Spirit to do his work within us and through us, and seeking the best for one another – loving God hand-in-hand with loving others.

QUESTIONS have you seen goodness as a quality of Christian fellowship?

O How can we be more attentive to the fruit of the Spirit in our communal lives?

O Where

The original Greek for ‘goodness’ is agathosune, which is translated in some versions of the Bible as ‘generosity’. Goodness is an active quality that can only be demonstrated in generosity and service to others.

Loving God and loving others require demonstrating goodness through

living generously, looking to the interests of others before ourselves (see Philippians 2:4). When we do that, we testify to the world that we are disciples of Jesus (see John 13:35).

QUESTIONS O How can we practise goodness by living generously?

O What will that cost us individually and corporately?

O What might we gain?

CAPTAIN OLIVER IS TUTOR AND PASTORAL SUPPORT OFFICER, WILLIAM BOOTH COLLEGE

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Let there be love shared among us,/ Let there be love in our eyes;/ May now your love sweep this nation,/ Cause us, O Lord, to arise./ Give us a fresh understanding/ Of brotherly love that is real;/ Let there be love shared among us,/ Let there be love.

(SASB 1007)

I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.

(Romans 15:14)

Truthful Spirit, dwell with me;/ I myself would truthful be,/ And with wisdom kind and clear/ Let thy life in mine appear;/ And with actions brotherly/ Speak my Lord’s sincerity.

(SASB 300)

We constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.

(2 Thessalonians 1:11)

Salvationist 9 October 2021

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REFLECTION REFL RE FLEC FL ECTI EC TION TI ON

Learning to hold on to God’s promise

Taking in the sights with Cadet Steph White

Enjoying the snow!

Lieutenant Nazia Yousaf (Stockport Heaton Norris) reflects on her experience of training at William Booth College during the Covid-19 pandemic

18

Salvationist 9 October 2021

I

ARRIVED as a cadet at William Booth College two years ago from Lahore, Pakistan. I was very excited, looking forward to learning about officership and a new culture, enjoying different food and making friends. I was expecting to have a unique and memorable experience within the structured setting and traditions of the college.

After six months of settling in and keeping up with our learning schedule, we were hit with the unexpected outbreak of Covid-19. This exclusive learning experience was not on the syllabus! We had to forget the schedule and learn to adapt, be open to new understandings and look for fresh opportunities. We learnt about physical distancing while managing to keep our spiritual and social relationships.

I was grateful to the UKI Territory and William Booth College for accepting and warmly welcoming me as part of the Pakistan Territory’s officer development programme. I found that the college community was warm, welcoming and encouraging. Staff members helped me learn academically and through their

Cadet Nazia at Hoxton living example. I never felt I was a stranger.

I did have some cultural adjustments to make. In Pakistan, the word ‘tea’ is used only for a cup of tea. I invited one friend for tea and offered her a cup of tea with some snacks. After a while I learnt that in the UK ‘tea’ can mean a meal as well. I still wonder if my friend thought I had invited her for a meal!

I had similar experiences in my different placements. In Pakistan we bury our departed loved ones as soon as possible, often the same day, without reference to funeral directors and plans.

That is not the practice in the UK. However, the culture of The Salvation Army predominates in the college, so that cultural differences don’t matter.

I love the internationalism of the Army, which made me feel among family even though miles from home. I was able to make some good friends and adopted some nieces and nephews and brothers and sisters in Christ. I felt so blessed and accepted by the college community – it was a real experience of one Army of the Lord.

I believe that dealing with the Covid-19 constraints helped prepare our session for future challenges in a unique way.

The college did not prepare us for every challenge, but responding on the fly to the pandemic made us more flexible and patient in many ways. The staff members worked hard to run the college smoothly so it did not affect our training, but we will always be known as the ‘pandemic session’.

I believe we learnt to show grace, not just to others but to ourselves as well.

During the first lockdown it felt strange not to be part of the frontline squad. For years I had been out in the community, as a nurse and then as part of a community development and disaster management team. I missed all that exposure. But then a thought came to my mind that every change creates different opportunities. This time, it was my turn to reflect, pray and encourage others by staying in contact with them.

We also learnt how to put worship together, preach sermons and provide pastoral care in situations where people found it impossible to gather. My family

in Pakistan were able to attend my meetings, even though they were almost 4,000 miles away.

Our commissioning was not what some people were expecting, but it was blissful and intimate. I felt blessed and overwhelmed to receive so many prayers, emails, cards and best wishes from around the world.

Personally, l found the most recent lockdown the hardest. Many of my sessional friends and tutors repeated the phrase ‘we are in exile, the exile of Covid’. What kept me moving in this exile was to keep holding on to God’s promise as Emmanuel, God with us.

During Easter 2020, one of the college tutors asked us to share one word that God was speaking to us during the pandemic. For me, ‘Emmanuel’ was loud and clear.

Optimistically we believed that it would be over in weeks, but Covid-19 extended past our commissioning. The name ‘Emmanuel’ stayed with me during my whole time at WBC, even to the end of the latest lockdown when I felt the lowest. God then reminded me again

Commissioning Day that he is with me – with me amid trouble, with me when I lose my confidence – by showing his powerful presence in the midst of all that.

I am imperfect and feel incompetent, but I am chosen and have to keep a strong hold on Emmanuel. I felt his promise like a seatbelt on my ride of life and learnt to have confidence in this security harness. It does not matter what comes my way – pandemics, floods, temptations or disappointments in oneself or others – God is with me!

Covid-19 did not hurt my preparation for officership, but taught me valuable lessons in coping with unexpected change.

While writing this article I have been thrilled to receive confirmation that my religious worker visa for the UK has been approved. I look forward to serving our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and his people at Stockport Heaton Norris. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for me and the corps and community there.

In this new adventure I am going with confidence in Emmanuel!

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Picture: ANDREW KING PHOTOGRAPHY

Messengers of Grace

NEW COMMITMENTS Editor’s note In-person meetings were held in accordance with Army safety guidance, following a risk assessment.

DUNSTABLE Corps officer Major Stephen Brevitt enrolled Bartholomew Mutsawu as a soldier. In his testimony Bart said that following his enrolment as a junior soldier he felt prompted to consider the significance of senior soldiership thoroughly. Bart studied the Bible, convinced that he would find the answer there, while keeping his focus on the will of God. Bart thanked corps folk for their support through the years and prayed that he would grow stronger in his faith and live consistently with Christian values in serving God. – JB

POOLE Corps officer Major Nigel Gotobed enrolled Nigel McDonald as a soldier and welcomed Rosemary McDonald, Claire Wynne and Tony O’Sullivan as adherents. – NG

REGENT HALL Michael Moorwood was welcomed as an adherent by associate officer Major Alison Stone. He testified to Jeremiah 29:11 being a key verse for him as he goes off to university. Michael asked the band to play ‘Guardian of My Soul’. The words ‘you know my name and where I’m going’ brought reassurance for him stepping into the next chapter of his life. – AS 20

Salvationist 9 October 2021

LINCOLN Corps officer Captain Huw Dutfield welcomed Helen and Steff Stewart as adherents and enrolled Alan Perkins as a soldier. Family and friends were present to witness the ceremonies. – HD

ADVERTS

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To mark the launch of the 2021 Real Advent Calendar the Meaningful Chocolate Company is offering free delivery to churches and schools if they buy a case of 18 calendars.

The autumn issue of CTBI Magazine includes news and resources from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), its member churches and associated organisations. The issue includes articles on climate change, racial justice and serious youth violence. There is also a preview of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18–25 January) and an article by Nicola Brady, CTBI’s new general secretary, titled ‘Church, nationhood and identity’.

The Real Advent Calendar is designed to support outreach work and is a great way to share the Christmas story. Each calendar includes a 24-page Christmas story activity book.

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Real Advent £4.50 Calendars cost £4.5 each. Buy yours at realadvent.co.uk.

CHRISTMAS E-CARD COMPETITION Wondering how to keep the kids entertained during half term while channelling their excitement about Christmas? We have a solution for you: the fundraising team have teamed up with Kids Alive! to launch a Christmas e-card competition.

O Children

can submit their design for an opportunity to win £100, £50 or £20 vouchers for The Entertainer O The winning design will be available as an e-card on dontsendmeacard.com and will feature on the cover of the Kids Alive! Christmas special O It’s not only an environmentally friendly way of sending Christmas greetings, but you’ll also be supporting The Salvation Army’s Christmas appeal by donating an optional entry fee on JustGiving O The competition, which has different age categories, finishes on 29 October Find out more at salvationarmy.org.uk/ fundraise-christmas/christmas-cardcompetition

CTBI Magazine is free to download from ctbi.org.uk

ADVERTS

RECRUITING NOW INSURANCE ASSISTANT THE SALVATION ARMY GENERAL INSURANCE CORPORATION LIMITED – SAGIC

CHELMSFORD

SAGIC is an ethical insurer, founded in 1909, and is based in Chelmsford. The company is financially successful and, by way of gift aid, donates profit to its charitable parent company, The Salvation Army Trustee Company.

SAGIC is looking to recruit an insurance assistant to join the underwriting team.

Reporting to the operations manager your duties will include:

SALARY £19,000 - £21,000 per annum depending on experience WORKING HOURS Full-time CONTRACT Permanent

DETAILS O Assisting the underwriting team with new business 25 days’ annual leave + enquiries and processing changes to existing insurance bank holidays; a contributory pension policies scheme; health O General administration including answering of insurance phones and management of emails on behalf of the CLOSING DATE underwriting team and SAGIC in general Friday 22 October O Inputting data on to insurance systems as required O Dealing with customers and other stakeholders on a INTERVIEW DATE TBC day-to-day basis To apply for this role Previous experience is not necessary. Knowledge of The Salvation Army is preferable. Other personal skills please send your CV to stefanie.wright@sagic. will include: computer skills including Excel and Word. co.uk Reliability and a conscientious attitude to work will also be essential.

For further details and to apply please visit: salvationarmy.org.uk/jobs Appointment subject to satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK. Promoting equality in the workplace.

Salvationist 9 October 2021

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

ARMY PEOPLE INTERNATIONAL APPOINTMENTS The following appointments, decided upon by the General, have been announced by the Chief of the Staff Effective 1 November O Lieut-Colonels Masilamony and YS Kezial Stalin, officers of the India South Eastern Territory, are appointed as chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries, India Central Territory APPOINTED O Major Jonathan Greetham, additional appointment, assistant county chaplain for Dorset St John Ambulance LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED O CSM Andrew Millest, CYS Junjie Pablo and CYS Sherry Pablo, Gillingham WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES Golden O Avril and Hirwin Davies, Merthyr Tydfil (18 September) DEDICATED TO GOD O Montgomery Robert, son of Esther and Scott Watson, at Leek by Captain Leanne Wallis RETIRED OFFICERS Birthday congratulations O Lieut-Colonel Stephen Pallant (90 on 16 October) O Major Rita Andrews (80 on 21 October) O Major Marlene Bingham (80 on 21 October)

ENGAGEMENTS THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANTHONY COTTERILL) AND COMMISSIONER GILLIAN COTTERILL O Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells (inauguration of Wales Division), Sat 9 Oct O Gainsborough, Sat 16 – Sun 17 O Birmingham (SATCoL Conference), Mon 18 – Tue 19 THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL PAUL MAIN) AND COLONEL JENINE MAIN O Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells (inauguration of Wales Division), Sat 9 Oct O WBC (spiritual day), Wed 13 INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS O Doncaster, Sat 16 Oct

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Salvationist 9 October 2021

PROMOTED TO GLORY O Patricia Jones, Maidenhead O CPR/Bandsman Harold Abbott, Lincoln O Betty Arlington, Lincoln BEREAVED O Major Jayne Nicoll, Stapleford, Mark Rowlanes and Paul Rowlanes of their mother Eunice Rowlanes O Rtd CSM Derek Jones, Maidenhead, of his wife Patricia Jones, Major Susan Heward, Gloucester, and Nic Jones of their stepmother OFFICIAL GAZETTE UKI Territory LONG SERVICE 40 years O Major Amaro Pereira, Rochdale ANTHONY COTTERILL Commissioner Territorial Commander

WHAT’S ON BBC RADIO 4 SUNDAY WORSHIP Featuring the ISS and Kettering Citadel Band, with a message from Major Richard Gaudion (Counselling Service).

Broadcast at 8.10am on 10 October.

O Listen live or catch up on BBC Sounds within 30 days

TRIBUTES MAJOR PETER PRATT PETER grew up in Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, and entered the training college in 1958 in the Pioneers session. He was commissioned in 1959. He married Captain Eunice Fletcher in May 1962 and together they had two daughters, Miriam and Ruth, and a son, Andrew.

Peter served in the Men’s Social Services. He had a wonderful ministry and was often found among the men he served sharing his faith over a cup of tea and a game of draughts.

Following Major Eunice’s promotion to Glory in 1983, Peter married Major Mary Lane in 1990 and their ministry together took them to Nottingham, Whitchurch and London Spa Road, from where they retired in 1996.

Peter was a humble Christian gentleman

whose only ambition was to love the unloved.

Servant of Christ, well done! – DW IAN LITTLEJOHN, ISLE OF WIGHT IAN was born in Cardiff in 1943. As the son of social services officers, and later with job promotions as a chartered accountant, he moved many times and served as a bandsman at Newcastle City Temple and Birmingham Citadel.

In 1968 Ian met and married Joy at Reading Central. After moves to Burton-on-Trent and Luton Temple, where he served as a bandsman and corps treasurer at both corps, an appointment as financial director for Kent Introl brought a move to Yorkshire.

For the last 13 years before his retirement, he was divisional director for business administration and served as a bandsman, songster and corps treasurer at Mirfield. In 2015 Ian and Joy moved to the Isle of Wight to be near family.

Ian was a devoted husband and family man, with two sons and four grandsons.

He is now with the Lord he loved and served so faithfully throughout his life. – JL ELSIE RICHARDSON, NEWCASTLE CITY TEMPLE ELSPETH May, known as Elsie, was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1925 to Andrew and Margaret Turner, who soldiered at Byker Corps.

Elsie met Bill Richardson, a soldier at Newcastle City Temple, and they married in 1948. Heather was born in 1952.

Elsie became a songster at Newcastle City Temple and was well known as a vocal soloist. She was a home-loving, family-oriented woman who enjoyed cooking and baking, which proved very valuable at corps events.

Bill became ill and passed away in 2009 after 61 years of marriage. Heather subsequently looked after Elsie until she was promoted to Glory on 23 July.

In later years, due to her illness and increasing frailty, Elsie was no longer able to attend Sunday services, but she never lost her faith and remained true to her Salvationism.

Well done, good and faithful servant! – BI

Dr James Read admitted to Order of the Founder DR James Read, a Canadian Salvationist and academic who has given decades of distinguished service to The Salvation Army, has been admitted to the Order of the Founder in a ceremony at the College for Officer Training in Winnipeg, conducted by Territorial Commander Commissioner Floyd Tidd (Canada and Bermuda) on behalf of General Brian Peddle.

The citation explained that he was being admitted to the

Order of the Founder in recognition of ‘his outstanding contribution to education, leadership and teaching in relation to theology and moral and ethical issues in the international Salvation Army’.

Dr Read taught at universities in Tennessee and Ohio before returning to Canada in 1982 to help establish Catherine Booth Bible College, now Booth University College. In 1994 he founded The Salvation Army Ethics Centre, from where he is now retiring as executive director, and in 2008 he became a senior policy analyst for the newly formed International Social Justice Commission. He also served as chair of the International Moral and Social Issues Council.

Alongside his professional work, Dr Read – with his wife, Laurie – is active at his home corps, Heritage Park Temple in Winnipeg, and served there for many years as corps sergeant-major.

In a letter to Dr Read, the General wrote: ‘Your service in various aspects through the years has been demonstrative of whole-life discipleship as you have combined your faith and academic work. You have helped The Salvation Army work out what it means to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly.’

The Order of the Founder was instituted by General Bramwell Booth in 1917 to mark ‘outstanding service rendered by officers and soldiers such as would in spirit or achievement have been specially commended by the Founder’.

ALL PRICES EXCLUDE VAT LISTINGS: Single line advert – £5 CLASSIFIEDS: Corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£6.40

£9.00

26 – 35 WORDS £11.60

3

£15.45

£21.70

£27.80

Extra words over 35 – 26p per word CLASSIFIEDS: Non-corps events NUMBER OF WEEKS

UP TO 15 WORDS

16 – 25 WORDS

1

£9.00

£12.50

26 – 35 WORDS £14.00

3

£22.50

£31.25

£35.00

Extra words over 35 – 30p per word BOXED ADVERTISEMENTS: Single column – 32.5 mm (w) Double column – 69.5 mm (w) SIZE

SINGLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

SINGLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES

DOUBLE COLUMN 1 ISSUE

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DOUBLE COLUMN 3 ISSUES £72.00

61 mm

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£130.00

94 mm

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£137.50

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127 mm

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PAGE ADVERTISEMENTS: Quarter page – 127mm (h) X 88 mm (w) Half page – 127 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) Full page – 258 mm (h) X 181 mm (w) SIZE

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ADVERTS CANNOT BE TAKEN OVER THE PHONE. ALL ADVERTS CARRIED IN SALVATIONIST ARE SUBJECT TO HOUSE STYLE AND ARE CARRIED AT THE DISCRETION OF THE EDITOR. For further information email advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

Salvationist 9 October 2021

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and raise funds for your corps this Christmas

It’s not too early to be thinking about Christmas!

challenge@salvationarmy.org.uk

sar.my/ukichristmas salvationarmy.org.uk/resources/community-engagement-resources/ christmas-present-appeal

Here’s ho-ho-hoping for a great festive fundraising season!

Christmas Appeal 2021

The Salvation Army is a Christian Church DQG registered Charity No.214779 and in Scotland SC009359; Social Trust Registered Charity No. 215174 and in Scotland SC037691; The Salvation Army Trustee Company, registered number 00259322 (England and Wales).