Salvationist 30 March 2013 - Amazon S3 · Salvationist 30 March 2013 3 TRAGEDIES AND TRIUMPHS HOLY...

SALVATIONIST30 March 2013 // No. 1391 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

SALVATIONIST30 March 2013 // No. 1391 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

Essential reading for everyone linked to The Salvation Army // www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

CONTENTS

Salvationist 30 March 20132

3. FROM THE EDITOR

4. PAPERSThis week’s quotes from the papers and From the archives – ten years on

5. – 8. NEWSKorea // IHQ // Hadleigh Temple // Kettering Citadel // Ipswich Citadel // Prescot // Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh // Kilmarnock // Bedford Congress Hall // Maesteg // Chalk Farm // West Cornforth // Skewen // Lurgan // Lockerbie // Sherburn Hill // Felixstowe // Oldbury // Bangor // Oldham Fitton Hill // Swindon Citadel // Tunstall // Harold Hill //

8. NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGEWeek 5

9. THE GENERAL’S EASTER MESSAGENever the same again

10. & 11. EASTER TESTIMONIESIn my soul an Easter morning......I am Christ’s and Christ is mine

12. & 13. EASTER MEDITATIONA cross reflected there

14. REVIEWWords Of Life (May-August 2013)

14. TRAIN LINESE-readers everywhere

15. BIBLE STUDYThe offence of the cross

16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS

18. & 19. ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements and tributes

20. LETTERS

21. – 23. ADVERTS

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

Cover design by

Jonathan Carmichael

Poem by Stephen Pearson

12. & 13.

5.

6.

11.

14.

Salvationist 30 March 2013 3

TRAGEDIES AND TRIUMPHSHOLY Week is a time when many of us go on a devotional journey as we reflect upon the final events in the earthly life of Jesus. That journey may be in quiet moments of personal reflection, or in corporate worship. I never cease to be amazed how the same Scripture and sometimes the same music can reawaken my spirit to the suffering and death of Christ and his glorious resurrection.This issue is geared towards that devotional journey. Stephen Pearson has contributed thought-provoking poetry for the cover pages and Major Philippa Smale, on pages 12 and 13, uses the song ‘When Jesus Looked O’er Galilee’ to take us on a journey reflecting on aspects of the life of Jesus through to the Resurrection.Some years ago, in the days leading up to Easter, I was on holiday in the Holy Land with my daughter Fiona. Early on Easter Sunday we set out for Jerusalem to spend a day retracing the steps of Jesus. On previous occasions we had been in a party with a tour guide, but this time we could go at our own pace and share quiet thoughts along the way. We started at the Mount of Olives in the garden of Gethsemane and moved on to various traditional sites ending up at the Garden Tomb. We arrived there only to discover that the gates were locked and that a service was being held for French-speaking people. My limited schoolgirl French was just sufficient for us to gain entry and we completed our journey of devotion with the added thought that there were those who missed meeting the Risen Lord.General Linda Bond, who is leading Good Friday and Easter meetings at Sale, has written an Easter message for

Salvationists and friends around the world. It’s a message that speaks to us as individuals. As I read her words, ‘Friend, Easter is about life, life with its tragedies and triumphs’, my thoughts turn to two contributors who, on pages 10 and 11, openly share their personal experiences. Their stories highlight the way the love of Jesus reaches us at life’s lowest moments and the power of the Risen Christ transforms our lives in ways that we never could have imagined.

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.His cross stands empty to the sky.Let streets and homes with praises ring.His love in death shall never die.

Not throned above, remotely high,Untouched, unmoved by human pains,But daily, in the midst of life,Our Saviour with the Father reigns.

(SASB 142)

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

FROM THE EDITOR

SALVATIONISTGENERAL INQUIRIES (tel) 020 7367 4890(email) [email protected] (web) www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist(fax) 020 7367 4691

EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4901

MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker – (tel) 020 7367 4893

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kersten Rieder – (tel) 020 7367 4894

DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895

DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza – (tel) 020 7367 4896

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael – (tel) 020 7367 4883

ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino – (tel) 020 7367 4881

ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4883 (email) [email protected]

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A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army and printed by Wyndeham Grange, Southwick. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2013. The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN (tel) 020 7367 4500(tel) 0845 634 0101

THE SALVATIONARMYFOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Linda Bond

TERRITORIAL COMMANDERCommissioner Clive Adams

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARYMajor Martin Hill

PAPERS


THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS FRANCESCO DI ROMAFrom the moment he appeared at the central balcony of St Peter’s, Pope Francis signalled that he intended to do things differently from his predecessor. In his humility and informal addresses to the faithful, he has indicated the shape of things to come at the Vatican…

Since his election, Pope Francis has demonstrated a simplicity of style – in both words and gestures…

The new Pope has also beguiled many non-Catholics, as well as a mass media that is often cynical about religion and its representatives…

People are saying that Papa Francesco… has thrown open the windows of the Church to let in some fresh air…

On the evening of his election… He did not gesticulate with outstretched hands…Instead he asked the tens of thousands of people gathered to ‘pray over’ him silently…

‘How I would like a Church that is poor and that is for the poor,’ Pope Francis confessed… in an audience to journalists and media professionals.The Tablet

POPE FRANCIS: CHOOSE CHRIST, NOT THE DEVILWithout faith in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, the Church is nothing more than a ‘com-passionate NGO’, Pope Francis said in his first homily as Pope.

‘When one does not confess Christ,’ he said, ‘one confesses the worldliness of the Devil.’...... The Catholic Herald

CHERISH OUR CHRISTIAN ROOTS, URGES ARCHBISHOPThe Archbishop of Canterbury warned against ‘severing the roots’ of more than 1,000 years of Christianity in Britain during an impassioned sermon at his enthronement yesterday.

Faith had underpinned the nation’s laws, social order and sense of community for centuries and a secular drift would mean abandoning stability, said the Most Rev Justin Welby in a service at Canterbury Cathedral.The Daily Telegraph

‘YOU DON’T HAVE TO AGREE TO BE IN THE SAME CHURCH’[The Archbishop of Canterbury] intends to adopt a ‘relationally based’ approach to the Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans and the Global Anglican Future Conference…

‘We’ve got to find good ways of listening to what they have to say, and them listening to what others have to say. I mean, you don’t have to agree to be in the same Church – we very seldom to do agree in the same Church – but you have to find ways in which we continue to love each other, because that’s the primary calling.’............... Church Times

FROM THE ARCHIVES – TEN YEARS ONFull house for councilsCAPACITY congregations gathered at Boscombe for inspiring

and instructive music for Southern Division.

The Saturday night festival included items from Boscombe

Band, Southern Youth Chorus, vocal soloist Jude Gotrich

(Atlanta, USA), cornet soloist Richard Woodrow (Norwich

Citadel) and piano soloist, 12-year-old Elliott Launn (Winton).

Territorial Music Director Bandmaster Stephen Cobb

compèred the programme which began with the band item

‘Exaltation’ before the youth chorus sang ‘Shine On Us’ to

introduce a time of prayer led by Major Linda Cordner (DHQ).

Jude sang a variety of solos that were rich in expression and

sincerity, in particular ‘Song Of Joy’ and ‘The World Is Not My

Own’. Richard played ‘Jubilance’ with band accompaniment

and Elliott (pictured) brought two classical items – ‘Doctor

Gradus Ad Parnassum’ and ‘Minstrels’...

News in ‘Salvationist’ dated 12 April 2003

NEEDED 22 MARCH 2 PM

The General sends words of welcome to the Pope and Archbishop of CanterburyIHQ

GENERAL Linda Bond has sent messages of welcome to Pope Francis and to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

To Archbishop Justin Welby she wrote: ‘The Church univer-sal faces great challenges as we seek to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ and so I want to assure you that Salvationists stand with their Anglican sisters and brothers in the cause of Christ. God bless and keep you and grant you wisdom, courage and strength.’

In her message to the Pope she said: ‘My prayer is that God will give you physical and spiritual strength, as well as holy courage, so that you might stand firm as a true soldier of Jesus Christ. God bless and keep you always and grant you his peace.’ – A. R.

HADLEIGH TEMPLE: The band and timbrel group took centre stage at the annual Proms-style concert, raising funds for the mayor’s charity fund. Euphonium soloist Nick Giles added variety to the concert and associate officer Major Geoff Ashdown led the evening in his inimitable entertaining style. The audience donned patriotic hats and waved Union Flags as they joined in with ‘Land Of Hope And Glory’, ‘Rule Britannia’ and ‘Jerusalem’. – B. N.

Annual Day of Prayer for Children 2013IHQ

THE last Sunday in March has been set aside for The Salvation Army’s Annual Day of Prayer for Children. Salvation Army corps and centres around the globe are encouraged to place the world’s children before God in focused prayer, acknowledging that they are precious in the sight of God.

The Bible verse chosen for the 2013 day of prayer

is: ‘Teach them the way they should live and they will remember it all their lives’ (Proverbs 22:4).

Because Sunday 31 March is also Easter Sunday this year, the option has been made available to mark this special day on the following Sunday, 7 April.

A poster by Com muni cations Section desi g ner Berni Georges (IHQ) can be down-loaded from www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/prayerforchildren2013. Posters are available for either of the chosen dates in English, French and Spanish. The webpage also includes a helpful prayer outline put together by Commissioner Eva Marseille (IHQ). – A. R.

The General brings encouragementKOREA

GENERAL Linda Bond shared The Salvation Army’s Inte r -national Vision with officers, soldiers and young people during her visit to the territory, where she visited a number of social centres, giving much encourage-ment to staff and residents.

At the Seoul Broadview Children’s Home the General acknowledged the deep bows of the children – a custom on the first day of the lunar year. Visits were also made to the Bridge Centre – a drop-in facility for homeless people not far from the main Seoul station – and the nearby One Room of Hope accommodation centre. At the Doori Home for unwed mothers and sex trade victims the General was moved by the work carried out there. She commended the staff for their commitment.

At officers councils the General shared powerfully and spiritually with the gathered officers who had come from all areas of the territory. The follow-ing day, at the training college, the General led the Territorial Silver Star Fellowship meeting and luncheon in the morning, before conducting the com mis-sioning, ordination and appoint-ments meeting of the Pro -claimers of the Resurrection Session of cadets. The General urged the new officers to continue to proclaim the resur-rection of Jesus throughout their service.

On Sunday morning, at the invitation of Senior Pastor Lee, Young-hoon of the Yoido Full Gospel Church (the world’s largest church), the General preached and spoke vibrantly on the theme Send The Fire to a congregation of 20,000 people. The church gave a donation of US$10,000 for the mission of the international Salvation Army.

In the afternoon, the General led a united divisional rally at the Yung Deung Po Corps. Officers,

NEWS


soldiers and friends of the Seoul Division, Seoul South Division, training college and THQ gath-ered to worship together under their international leader.

The General shared the inter-national vision at a welcome reception hosted by the Territorial Corps Sergeants-Major Fellowship in the evening. Fellowship members were inspired by her words and presented her with a donation of 30 million South Korean won (approximately US$26,000) to be used for ministry in a non-self-supporting territory.

For the next main event, the Territorial Youth Vision Rally, the General travelled to the Retreat and Conference Centre at Mount Paekhwasan.

Young people from Korea were joined by 57 overseas dele-gates from the Australia Eastern, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, The Philippines, Papua New Guinea and Indo-nesia Territories, from Taiwan

Region and from Mongolia and the Kingdom of Cambodia – two countries that are part of the Korea Territory. In total 1,300 delegates attended the rally.

The General led the first meeting – a spiritual meeting and welcome festival. In her Bible message she spoke about the Lord’s vision for young people. She inspired her listen-ers, who were led to see what Jesus saw.

The following day the General shared the 12 mission priorities of the international vision plan. After this, a two-hour session of questions and answers was shared between the General and the young people. The General was a hit, also having her photo-graph taken with a large number of young Salvationists.

She told the young people that they were the next Army as well as the present, encouraging all to dedicate their talents and lives for the Army with one mission and one message. – P. S.

NEWS


Bank manager and CSM Stuart Gotobed

presents a cheque for £250 from Unity

Trust Bank to corps officers Lieutenants

Ian and Keely Standley at Chalk Farm

Headmaster Mark Jones, pictured with

corps officer Captain John Pugh, donates

£387 to Maesteg Corps, raised by Ysgol

Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd

Luke Sibley and Becky Cowley present a

cheque to corps officer Major Ian Loxley;

Luke and Becky organised innovative

projects to raise £500 for youth and

community work at Bedford Congress

Hall

At Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh, 36 children from the

community enjoy a pirate party at the YP annual; guests Jamie

and Sarah Williams and Emma and Nathan Coles from Bristol

Citadel led the weekend

Kids at Kilmarnock show off their prizes received at the

YP annual, led by Martin Bellshaw (Glasgow City Centre, right)

Corps helps fund chaplaincy training for KenyaKETTERING CITADEL

WITH funding support from the corps and the UKT, Captain Leonard Kasyoka arrived in the UK to attend the Chaplaincy Conference at Swanwick. Captain Kasyoka and his wife Captain Jane Kasyoka are chap-lains at the primary and second-ary schools for visually impaired children in Thika, Kenya East Territory. When visiting Kenya with Rotary International, Kettering corps member Lieut-Colonel Geoff Blurton met the Kasyokas and recognised the

need for further training oppor-tunities within the territory.

While in the UK Captain Kasyoka led Self-Denial meet-ings at the corps and, as a member of the Rotary Club of Thika, met fellow Rotarians.

The captain is pictured with the Mayor of Kettering (Councillor James Hakewell), fellow Rotarians, corps officer Major Paul Doust and Lieut-Colonels Geoff and Heather Blurton. – G. B.

IPSWICH CITADEL: The Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble presented a concert to celebrate 130 years of Woodbridge Corps. The ensem-ble played ‘And Now Hallelujah’ and ‘In Quiet Pastures’. The mixture of brass and woodwind instruments made for enjoyable anniversary celebrations. – M. F.

PRESCOT: More than 70 friends, family and corps members supported the 2nd Prescot Guides’ coffee and enter-tainment evening to raise money for research into muscular dystro-phy. The guides organised the evening after hearing that a little boy, Clark, had been diagnosed with the disease. The evening raised more than £170. – A. B.

NEWS


Charity concert draws capacity crowdHADLEIGH TEMPLE

THE London North-East Fellow ship Band held its annual charity concert to a near capacity crowd. Guest conductor and compère Bandmaster Andrew Blyth (Gainsborough) led the band in ‘Prelude On Finlandia’ and in his own composition ‘My Father’s World’. Songster Leader Sue Blyth (Gainsborough) pro -vided two excellent vocal solos including a moving rendition of ‘Through It All’.

Fellowship Bandmaster Ken Hillson conducted the band in the finale with William Himes’ ‘Procession To Covenant’ and sent the audience home with a foot-tapping rendition of ‘Stars And Stripes Forever’. The event raised nearly £700 for the Army’s Bradbury Care Home, Southend. – D. H.

Guest soloist Annwen

Williams sings with Skewen

Band for St David’s Day

celebrations at the corps;

proceeds of £310 were

divided between Christian

Aid and the Big Collection

At Lurgan, more than 70 young people from YP sections around

the division unite in concert; the youngsters met in the

afternoon for rehearsals and to share in fellowship

Leeds Central Worship Band visits Lockerbie for a weekend of

contemporary and brass band music themed I’m In His Hands

WEST CORNFORTH: The band and songsters made their annual visit to the Royal British Legion Women’s Section Start Of The Year meeting. Band pieces included the march ‘Southdown’ and the meditation ‘The Message Of Love’. The songsters sang ‘To God Be The Glory’ and ‘By His Hand’. Majors Eddy and Elaine Arnold took part with Major Elaine Arnold accompanying a chorus on the ukulele. – L. T.

At Felixstowe, corps officer

Captain Richard Waters hands

over 54 Easter eggs to the

parent-and-toddler group team;

the eggs contain child-friendly

resources that tell the Easter

story

SHERBURN HILL: Sunderland Millfield Songsters delighted the corps with a music programme. Items included ‘You Are The Light’ and ‘Close To Me’, inter-spersed with testimonies and vocal and piano solos. – H. E.

Oldbury corps folk gather at The Pioneer Centre, Cleobury

Mortimer, for a retreat weekend led by Majors Miriam and Vic

Kennedy

Bangor corps folk enjoy a retreat at Glenada Holiday and

Conference Centre, County Down, led by Lieut-Colonel and Mrs

Robert and Bronwen Menary

NEWS


WEEK 5Monday 1 April Matthew 21 – The triumphal entry

Why did Jesus seem to judge the fig tree so harshly? Was it because he was hungry?

Why do you think Jesus did not give a straight answer regarding his authority?

Tuesday 2 April Matthew 22 – Jesus gives the greatest com mand ment

To what extent do you hold and implement this commandment within your own life?.......................................................................

What about the second greatest commandment (v40)? Is it true to suggest that Jesus demonstrated his authority not

only through miracles but also through sound logic?

Wednesday 3 April Matthew 23 – Jesus speaks plainly against the hypocritical piety of the religious leaders

Jesus makes some hard criticisms. What does it tell you about his character?

Thursday 4 April Matthew 24 – Jesus speaks on the end times and being ready for his return

Can we know when Christ will come for his church? What state of alertness should we maintain? What impact should his return have on sharing the gospel and

the way we live?

Friday 5 April Matthew 25 – Jesus uses parables to illustrate the coming judgment and the need to be ready

Is it possible that Jesus might come again within our lifetime? What do we mean by being saved? Do these parables give an insight into God’s eternal justice as

well as his eternal love?

Premier League footballer visits outreach projectOLDHAM FITTON HILL

MANCHESTER United mid -fielder Michael Carrick visited the outreach centre’s community football project and met its young par tici pants.

The children interviewed Michael about his sporting heroes, toughest opponents and life as a professional footballer. The Premier League star then watched the children taking part

in training before a final ques-tion-and-answer and autograph-signing session.

Michael said: ‘Seeing the project reminded me of what it was like to be a young boy, want-ing to play professional football when I grew up. This Salvation Army-run project allows chil-dren who wouldn’t otherwise have access to such initiatives a chance to come together as a community, as friends and develop into well-rounded indi-viduals, all the while sharing their love of the beautiful game.’

The project, run by the Army and 3StyleSports, aims to tackle

antisocial behaviour, empower and inspire participants and the community and provide schools and communities with expert sports provision, promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Team leader Chris Neilson said: ‘It was a real treat for Fitton

Hill’s footballers to meet Michael. In the past, Fitton Hill has been an area associated with antisocial behaviour, but The Salvation Army is working hard to show young people they have potential and is developing that potential through sports.’ – A. R.

Jim Buttress, a former chairman of the Royal Horticultural

Society’s Britain in Bloom competition and holder of the RHS

Victoria Medal of Honour, visits Harold Hill’s Gardening Friends

tenth anniversary meal; Jim (far left) thanked Peter and Kathy

Railton for their leadership

SWINDON CITADEL: The Dedicated Divas vocal group presented an enjoyable and varied programme for the 132nd corps anniversary. The group started with ‘Great, Great Morning’ and continued with numerous old favourites such as ‘I’ll Stand For Christ’. Show tunes added variety. Young people took a prominent part in the Sunday morning meeting

with testimonies, Bible readings and talks. The weekend concluded with a songs of praise meeting. – K. S.

TUNSTALL: Director of Homelessness Services Mitch Menagh (THQ) – guest at Homelessness Sunday meetings – spoke about the challenges the Army faces in its work with homeless people. – M. H.

THE GENERAL’S EASTER MESSAGE

SEVERAL years ago, when attending a Sunday morning worship service at a Salvation Army corps, I heard one of our leaders preach. It was not

a typical sermon; in fact it seemed too simple, especially for this seasoned preacher. But his first language was not English so I suppose for this English-speaking congregation, he had to play it safe and not try to be too theological, using words that he was unfamiliar with. He simply told stories about Jesus. It may not have been a sermon that won a best preacher’s award but it was one that moved me to tears and remains an unforgettable experience.

Such stories not only make for powerful sermon material but are at the heart of Christian music. The Salvation Army, like most of the Christian churches, loves to sing what it believes. Stories about Jesus, put to music, are forever etched in our memories. As we sing them we are called again and again to reflect on him, his life, death, resurrection and what this all means to us today.

One line of an Easter song keeps playing in my mind: ‘Alone on the road, oppressed by my load, Jesus himself drew near and walked with me.’ This line captures the event recorded in Luke’s Gospel (Luke 24) and it also speaks powerfully to us today. The story is of two followers of Jesus returning home after his crucifixion, with their hopes dashed. The horror of crucifixion was enough to shatter anyone, but when it happened to one you loved, one who was innocent, not only innocent but absolutely perfect in your eyes, then how could you put it all together? Their grief was compounded by the fact that they had believed Jesus was their Messiah, the hope for their world. The light for which they had waited for so long was now snuffed out. Everything was darkness and despair. They were overcome and overwhelmed, blinded by this ghastly and unexpected reversal.

Perhaps for many reading this article, this Christian story does not make sense: God loved us so much that he sent his Son to earth. Jesus comes in flesh as the babe in the manger, lives an exemplary life, healing, preaching, performing miracles. Then he dies the criminal’s death, takes our sin upon him and breaks its power by his sacrifice. Through him a relationship is restored with God and through him we can know forgiveness, freedom and life to the full. And maybe the biggest stretch is this belief that he rose to life again and

appeared bodily to his followers. No ghost or apparition but a real live Jesus! Please don’t dismiss these facts as either fanciful or irrelevant. Just for this moment, hold on to them as truth, real Truth. Not fiction but facts.

Now here in Luke’s story is the Lord, the Saviour of the world, the resurrected Jesus, taking time to walk down a lonely road with two shattered people, to open their eyes, to give them cause to hope again. This same living Jesus spans the ages. He walks your path today, hoping only that you will open your eyes to see him, your ears to hear him and your heart to receive him.

That song’s phrase ‘alone on the road,

oppressed by my load’ may be describing you today. ‘Aloneness’ is not numerical. If I am by myself, then I am alone. No, you and I know of times when we were surrounded by people and felt an ‘aloneness’, an emptiness that all the human bodies in the world could not fill. The weight on our shoulders, the burdens we were carrying seemed to separate us from the smiles and light-hearted fellowship experienced by others. Perhaps illness, financial worries, family concerns, addictions, failure or even limitations imposed by others contributed to dreams unfulfilled. Maybe we have felt deluded by life and by people.

Friend, Easter is about life, life with its tragedies and triumphs. Despair need never be an option. You don’t need to be a theologian to understand Jesus. Let his story be your story. Jesus himself is with you. He draws near as the song says. Not at a distance, shaming you for your depression or your limited expectations. Not at all! He died for you, and believes in you. He wants you to believe in him, to see him as the Constant Companion, your Saviour. Don’t take my word for it. Take his – and life will never be the same again.


Never the same againby General Linda Bond

‘‘

THROUGH HIM A RELATIONSHIP IS RESTORED WITH GOD AND THROUGH HIM WE CAN KNOW FORGIVENESS, FREEDOM AND LIFE TO THE FULL ’’

LINDA BONDGENERAL

EASTER TESTIMONIES


IN MY SOUL AN EASTER MORNING...

PAUL MARSHALL (Hythe) shares his testimony…

MY life was really going to plan, I was married and had a nice car and money – I thought I had everything. Then my father died at the age of 64. I had trouble adjusting to life without him because he was my rock, my friend and my hero.

My wife gave me all the support she could, but I started to slip into a dark world that became my life for the next four years. Every day the depression got deeper to the point where I could not face a new day. The pain of loss seemed to take over my life and I was given medication to help me get through. I did not care if I argued with my wife, my family or my friends. I was hurting and wanted to be alone with my grief.

In the darkest times I thought of ending my life. On better days I would say to my wife: ‘I feel something is missing, not sure what, but I know it will find me one day.’

As the depression got worse, I fled to Australia thinking that I could run away from everyone and everything. While there I was an idiot and did things I am not proud of. When I returned home, my wife ditched me. I cannot blame her; we briefly made up, then a few months later she left me.

Once again I fell back into a darkened world and tried to

take my own life. The doctor told me to go for a walk each day and when walking through the village where I live, I saw a man running along the road towards me wearing a yellow T-shirt with a red shield and Salvation Army wording on it. It was like a bolt of lightning had hit me! Some 30 years before, I had been a corps cadet at Folkestone and this encounter reminded me of those days and how safe and happy I had felt until, at the age of 16, I left to go my own way.

A few days later I was out walking again and the same man was running down the road. It was like God was shining a light into my darkness and it felt as though someone was trying to tell me: ‘Hey! You need this.’

I got into my car, drove down to Hythe and parked down the road from the Army hall. As I walked along and looked at the posters outside the hall, I felt warm and knew that something dramatic was happening in my life.

A few days later – it was a Sunday – I returned and walked past the hall with my head down, intending to carry straight on, until someone at the door asked: ‘Are you coming in?’

I went in and sat down at the back of the hall and people came to welcome me. I stayed for the whole service and for the first time in a long while I felt there was hope for me.

I returned the following Sunday and met the man who I had seen running through the village. It was the corps officer, Captain Phil Layton, and I told him what had brought me to church. After chatting with him, I realised what had been missing from my life for so long. God changed my life. People I worked with noticed the difference and I told them what had happened and how God had helped me.

The corps became my family. I grew closer to God and re-established my relationship with him. I knelt at the mercy seat and asked God to forgive me and I placed my trust in Jesus.

I became an adherent member, and a new chapter in my life was sealed when I was enrolled as a soldier in November 2012.

MARK EDMUNDS (Dunstable) shares how Christ transformed his life…I WAS born in Southampton in 1962 and named Mark Anthony after the character played by Richard Burton in the film Cleopatra. Years later, I gained a qualification in social work and started to work for a charity, which opened up the opportunity for me to travel to Africa. My wife and I moved to Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Following independence, the Zimbabwean government decided not to renew work permits. I was determined not to leave and, with little money, I foolishly decided to hitchhike to South Africa, some 1,500 miles away and arrived there three days later.

Amazingly, within one day, I was offered work. God really does work in mysterious ways! I became the principal of a home for 60 children and adults with learning disabilities.

One day, my wife went shopping for Christmas presents at the indoor shopping centre. I remember hearing a large

‘‘

I STAYED FOR THE WHOLE SERVICE AND FOR THE FIRST TIME IN A LONG WHILE I FELT THERE WAS HOPE FOR ME ’’

children to join us. Corps officer Major Carol Evans and the corps supported us through prayer, as the process to arrange for the children’s visas was lengthy and difficult.

Since then, my career has taken off. I now manage a large care home supporting more than 50 families by caring for young adults with profound disabilities. More importantly, I have been accepted into The Salvation Army and enrolled as a soldier. Christine is an adherent member and our children are junior soldiers.

I know that this is only the beginning and that God has so much more in store.

After a long journey of much pain, suffering and soul-searching, I came home to Jesus, acknowledging him with open arms as my personal saviour. The power of the Holy Spirit transformed my life and I was born again in the image of God.

...I AM CHRIST’S AND CHRIST IS MINE


explosion and all the windows in my centre shook violently. As she left the shopping centre a large car bomb was detonated. It destroyed the building and many people were killed. Soon after this experience, we decided to return to England.

It was then that my life began to spiral out of control. My marriage collapsed and I began to rely on alcohol. Then I was involved in a serious car accident and needed to be resuscitated at the scene. A week later my mum died and for the first time in years I got on my knees and prayed for help. I acknowledged to God that my life had become unmanageable and that no human being could help me. I had an overwhelming sense of guilt and remorse; I was truly a broken man.

Although at the time I couldn’t see it, I now know that God had never left me. He had carried me and sent angels to protect me. All along he had been there.

The following year, I booked a holiday to Kenya where I met Christine, a hotel manager. It was love at first sight. Christine shared her faith and introduced me to her church. I was intrigued and asked if I could attend. To my amazement I found more than 500 people singing God’s praises. Unlike England, the service lasted several hours and, at weekends, went on throughout the night.

Christine was a single parent with three beautiful children, who at mealtimes recited the Lord’s Prayer with eyes tightly closed and holding hands. The time came for me to return to England. However, just a couple of weeks later, I returned to Kenya and asked Christine to marry me. Within two months we were married and returned to England.

I had already started to look for a church and attended several in Dunstable, including The Salvation Army. The pull to return to the Army became overwhelming. I felt so at ease and knew I had come home.

It took a year before we were able to arrange for our three

‘‘

THE PULL TO RETURN TO THE ARMY BECAME OVERWHELMING. I FELT SO AT EASE AND KNEW I HAD COME HOME ’’

Christine and Mark with their children Anita Adega, Natasha Clegat and Neddy Kareha

EASTER MEDITATION


When Jesus looked o’er Galilee,So blue and calm and fair,Upon her bosom, could he seeA cross reflected there?

Lord Jesus, when all is calm and beautiful it is hard to imagine that the future might hold pain and suffering. When your mother held you in her arms she felt the unutterable joy of bringing a new life into the world – but there was also much that she didn’t understand about what you had come to the world to do. She had to watch you die as she stood at the foot of the cross and, at that moment, all she knew was that the son she had borne was dying. A sword pierced her soul just as Simeon told her it would when she and Joseph took you to the Temple when you were eight days old.

‘Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going’ (John 14:1–4).

When sunrise dyed the lovely deeps,And sparkled in his hair,O did the light rays seem to say:A crown of thorns he’ll wear?

Lord Jesus, a sunrise can bring such promise – a whole new day full of people to meet, places to go, work to do. You knew that the number of your sunrises was limited just because of the work you had to do. Were all your sunrises coloured by the thought of what awaited you in Jerusalem or did you live every

day just as it came? You preached, taught, healed, prayed, led, with every moment focused on the Kingdom of God and how people needed to be brought into that Kingdom. You didn’t waste one moment – even though the very near future held a crown of thorns.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!’ Jesus replied, ‘Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so that I can preach there also. That is why I have come.’ So he travelled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons (Mark 1:35–39).

When in the hush of eventide,Cool waters touched his feet,Was it a hymn of Calvary’s roadHe heard the waves repeat?

Sunset can be a time for reflection, Lord Jesus. We can look back over everything that has happened during the day with thankfulness, joy, regret – so many different feelings because so many different things happen over the course of a few

A cross reflected thereby Major Philippa Smale

‘‘

LET US GO SOMEWHERE ELSE – TO THE NEARBY VILLAGES – SO THAT I CAN PREACH THERE ALSO. THAT IS WHY I HAVE COME ’’

hours. Sometimes it is tempting to wish we could go back and change things – to do things we should have done, to undo things we should not have done. But that is impossible; all we can do is hope to do better next time.

As you looked out at the Sea of Galilee, did you look back on the day with satisfaction, with no regrets? Did you think about where your road was leading you with all that entailed in regard to suffering, pain and death – all that you had to go through before you rose again? Or were you content, for the moment, just to enjoy the peace of a serene lake shore and a quiet moment with your Father?

Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again’ (Luke 18:31–33).

But when the winds triumphantlySwept from the open plain,The Master surely heard the song:The Lord shall live again!

Lord Jesus, beyond the pain and suffering there was the Resurrection. We thank you and praise you for all that you went through for us – that we might know the wonder of salvation and eternal life. You asked Martha if she believed that you were the resurrection and the life. Help us to answer yes in our souls and then help us to reach others with that glorious message.

Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’ (John 11:25 and 26).

Lo, a new creation dawning!Lo, I rise to life divine!In my soul an Easter morning;I am Christ’s and Christ is mine.

SunsetI saw Heaven open, Lord…I looked right through the clouds to the heart of being, the

limpid glowing heart of being, shining through the wisps of brightness.

The sense of distance was immense and breathcatching.In the breaks of the serried clouds lay pale green islands

fringed with red-gold haze.In all that far-reaching stretch of glory I felt I belonged, Lord.I wasn’t a tiny human pygmy dwarfed by natural splendour,

cowering down in fear;I was a child of the universe, at home in that universe because

I knew you, its Creator.

In those few moments I lived, enthralled, uplifted, enraptured, while time stood still.

All my being was suffused with radiant joy.I was at one with you, Lord of life.Slowly, quite slowly, the sheer bright glory faded; dusky

shadows stole across the sky.The sense of awareness dulled, receded, but I had seen and

felt and I can never forget.

Master, is this a foretaste of what you have in store for us in the life to come?

If so, why should anyone be afraid?

Flora Larsson


MAJOR SMALE IS MISSION PROJECTS OFFICER, GERMANY AND LITHUANIA

‘‘

I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE. THE ONE WHO BELIEVES IN ME WILL LIVE, EVEN THOUGH THEY DIE; AND WHOEVER LIVES BY BELIEVING IN ME WILL NEVER DIE ’’

REVIEW and TRAIN LINES


ENRICH YOUR DEVOTIONAL LIFECadet Callum McKenna reviews Words Of Life ARE you the kind of person who struggles with a daily devotional time? Do you find it difficult to make time and space to pray and read Scripture? When eventually you manage to make space, do you stare at your Bible and wonder where on earth to begin? If any of these situations sounds familiar – or if you’re looking for practical, biblical and relevant devotional material – then I fully recommend that you pick up Words Of Life.

This edition explores the theme Hope For Today and does so by reflecting on different texts – through the Old Testament series that runs from Mondays to Wednesdays, the New Testament studies on Thursdays and Fridays and the

place where Jesus walked’. She attempts to create a sensory journey that weaves together descriptions of the sights and sounds of the modern Holy Land, with reflections on biblical events and truths.

Words Of Life (May-August 2013), priced at £3 is available from SP&S (plus £4.95 postage and packing). For subscription details contact mail_order@sp&s.co.uk

weekend meditations on Psalms, Proverbs or songs from the songbook. I found particularly helpful the set of studies on Mark that expound the historical truth of the gospel and also explain its truth for our lives today. Application features heavily throughout the book, with regular action points at the end of the readings to suggest ways of incorporating the topics into daily living.

Colonel Naomi Lalngaihawmi (TC, India Eastern), guest writer for this edition, communicates with beauty and sincerity and seeks to provide a ‘pathway to Pentecost’ by preparing the heart of the reader for the coming of the Holy Spirit. She facilitates challenge around issues of forgiveness and revenge, comfort through reflections on healing and joy and expectancy through examining the work of the Spirit.

The book ends with a set of devotions entitled ‘Experiencing The Holy Land’, written by Major Beverly Ivany while on a ‘spiritual pilgrimage like no other’. The major describes these devotions as ‘an individual’s reaction to being where the children of Israel were, anticipating the Promised Land and being in the very

E-READERS EVERYWHEREMajor Val Mylechreest helps us keep on trackI HAVE finally given in. Well – been forced to give in. From the kindness of a family member’s heart came the Christmas gift of an electronic book reader. I am now a super-keen e-reader reader. On my daily train journey, I have joined the thousands of people who smugly take out their super-thin 5x7-inch screens and are able to read from a whole library of books presented in a font of their choice.

The thing is, I had been anti-e-readers. I had fought the cause for using real books. The smell, the touch, the feel of a real book (especially my personal Bible) is unbeatable. My husband calls his books his ‘friends’ and I understand exactly what he means.

If I’m honest, I probably remain firmly on the fence over the e-reader versus real books debate. I still love my books, but my e-reader is great. It’s simplified, streamlined and easier to carry and use. It’s a bit like when our understanding of the huge library of the Old Testament comes into focus in the New Testament with the arrival of Jesus. Everything falls into place – the promise, the prophets, the poetry, all take on a focused form.

I love looking for ‘God moments’ on my journey into work. I have been amazed by the variety of personalisation available for my new device. Most people have a cover to save theirs from being damaged – every colour, every style, every pattern. One woman had a cover that looked like a real book, which seemed strange to me but obviously worked for her. Covers make a statement.

The other day, aboard came the ‘e-reader-man’ – a middle- aged ‘grey’ gentleman. Grey from head to toe: dark coat, dark suit and dark shoes and a large black briefcase. He opened his briefcase and took out a bright turquoise device! (I think I audibly gasped!) It just looked so very strange and really did kindle my interest. To my embarrassment, I sat there and stared.

I began making up a story in my head whereby his own, serious, obviously black-covered e-reader had been stolen and he’d borrowed this one – and the case – from his outrageous, quirky teenage daughter. (Come on, I know I am not the only person who makes up stories while people-watching!)

Then it happened: he saw me staring at him. (There might even have been thought bubbles emerging from my head.) Worse still – I couldn’t stop looking. He looked, I looked, he smiled and I thought… actually, when you smile, you look like someone who might very well have a bright turquoise surround for your e-reader.

You see, you just can’t judge a book by its cover!

MAJOR MYLECHREEST IS ADULT AND FAMILY MINISTRIES OFFICER, THQ

BIBLE STUDY

WE have reached Jerusalem. According to the Roman historian Josephus, around two million pilgrims

gathered in Jerusalem for the Passover, including many proselytes. These were non-Jews who were attracted to the Jewish religion, with its high moral code and impressive temple worship. But on this occasion, instead of people saying, ‘The feast is drawing near,’ all the talk is about Jesus. Everyone is asking: ‘Is he coming?’

Until now he has resisted pressure to become the people’s leader. But now he not only accepts their enthusiastic welcome, but also borrows a donkey so that everyone can see him better. The disciples probably hope Jesus will change his mind in response to this demonstration of popular support. Surely he can seize the hour and become the Messiah everyone is expecting!

Not until after the Resurrection and Ascension will they understand the significance of what is happening. Then they will see that Jesus is the promised Messiah – but sent by God to save the whole world, not just an elected group or nation.

The mood soon changes. Jesus does not seize the hour. He doubts their faith. His message to Israel is a call to repentance, not a promise of prosperity. He disappoints. He’s not behaving as a conquering Messiah should behave. Many who cheered now feel cheated. There is resentment, rejection and anger. Others simply become indifferent, retaining little more than idle curiosity about his fate.

The Pharisees and chief priests have already issued his arrest warrant. They have tried to arrest him before, but without success. His hour had not yet come.

But this time they buy inside help: sad,

mistaken Judas. This time, Jesus will allow them to succeed. Good Friday will be their hour and darkness will reign – aided by all the institutions of religion and government.

We know what happens in that hour of darkness: betrayal, arrest, desertion, trial and crucifixion. But we are privileged. We can see beyond that hour. We see the empty tomb. This is a new story!

At first it seems too good to be true. The disciples’ relief and rejoicing are clouded by fear. They not only need comforting, they need rebuking. The Resurrection does not cancel the cross – the Resurrection confirms the cross.

The cross will become the central symbol of the Christian faith. Thousands of books and hymns will be written about it and we thank God for them. But the cross cannot be contained in dogmas or wrapped up in theologies and liturgies.

Words will always fall short, and yet the message of the cross is so simple: ‘God loves us this much!’

He comes to JerusalemAnd what a welcome!And this time he doesn’t hold back.They expect a kingAnd he was born to be king.So let them shout,Let them dance,Let them sing,Blessed is the king who comes in the

name of the Lord!’

He comes to Jerusalem;Praises fill the air.He longs to gather the people,All these lovely people,Joyful people,Longing-for-peace people,His people,Our people,All people.

He longs to gather the people,But instead he sighs.

He weepsTears of sadness mixed with songs of

joy.His path to peaceLeads to the cross.A burden too heavy for their shoulders,A burden too heavy for our shoulders,A burden he must carryAlone.

He comes to JerusalemTo say yes.A lonely yes,A painful yes,A costly yes.

For the joy set before him,He says yesTo the cross.A history-changing yes,A once-and-for-all yes.A yes for your sake,A yes for my sake,A yes for his friends’ sake,A yes for his enemies’ sake,A yes for the world’s sake.

Yes to GodYes to the crossGod’s ‘YES’ to life!

For the love of God is broaderThan the measure of man’s mind;And the heart of the eternalIs most wonderfully kind. (SASB 265)

PRAYERJesus, keep us near the cross – always.


The offence of the crossColonel Michael Marvell presents the second of two studies entitled On The Road To JerusalemSTUDY VERSES JOHN 12:1–16; HEBREWS 12:1–3

COLONEL MARVELL LIVES IN RETIREMENT IN DENMARK

NEW COMMITMENTS


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1. SALLY STOREY Adherent member SOUTHSEASALLY first had contact with the Army when she volunteered at the Christmas Day dinners at the corps. Soon afterwards she started to attend Sunday meetings. Sally, who was welcomed as an adherent member by associate officer Captain Lynne Shaw, also attends home league and volunteers at the charity shop. – T. M.

2. – 4. DOUGLAS BROWN-RENWICK, LIZ THOMAS Soldiers ALAN DREW Adherent member PENZANCECORPS officer Lieutenant Bernard Stevenson enrolled two soldiers and one new adherent member. After recently moving to the area, Douglas has settled in at the corps, having fond memories of the Army from childhood days. Liz married Mel, a soldier at the corps, in 2008 and became an adherent member soon afterwards. She felt the time was right to make a further commitment, as did Alan, who has attended Sunday worship for several years. – B. S.

5. JEMMA HAMMONDS Soldier SHERINGHAMA NEIGHBOUR invited Jemma to the Army and she became a junior soldier and singing company member. She moved away with her family but returned to the town ten years later. Jemma was invited to return to the corps on Back to Church Sunday when she renewed old friendships. When enrolled by corps officer Major Alan Read, Jemma testified to

how good it was to be loved and accepted and how fulfilling she finds her work in Sunday school and at the Beach Life Mission. – V. W.

6. GRAHAM PAUL Soldier BOGNOR REGISWORKING for the community as a music teacher, Graham heard the Lord call him to The Salvation Army so that he could serve the community in a deeper way. Graham testified to knowing the warmth of Jesus in his heart. – H. G.

7. PETE RISPIN Soldier RIPONHAVING searched for a church that was doing God’s work at street level, Pete felt comfortable at The Salvation Army. He was impressed with fellow soldier Brian Greensit, whom he encountered selling The War Cry, and eventually felt inspired to attend the Army. Pete said: ‘All I want is to be a good, honest, hardworking Christian and soldier.’ – S. N.

8. JUNE LEWIS Soldier HASTINGS CITADELJUNE was first introduced to The Salvation Army during the Second World War, when she was evacuated to Kent. She became a Christian and made a commitment as an adherent member. After her husband’s death, June continued to worship at the citadel and several years later felt God call her to become a soldier. Despite frail health, June faithfully attends as best as she can. – B. N.

9. & 10. JAMES BAYLISS, MICHAEL BLACK Soldiers LEICESTER SOUTHIN spite of severe physical handicap, James’ life has been marked by courage in overcoming many obstacles. He is a much-loved member of the congregation, always filled with humour and good advice.

Michael joined the Royal Navy at 16, where he began drinking, which later developed into an addiction. Years later, he started accompanying his wife to Sunday meetings. He testified to the words ‘in royal robes I don’t deserve’ in the song ‘King Of Kings’ as God prompting him to turn his life around. Being sober for several years, Michael decided to make a firm commitment.

Surrounded by family and friends, James and Michael made a public commitment as soldiers. – B. B.

11. BETHANY HILL, LUCY FREDERIKSEN Junior soldiers ENFIELDEVEN though Bethany and Lucy have been attending the Army with their parents since birth, they each made their own decision to follow Jesus and become junior soldiers. Supported by family and friends, the girls knelt at the mercy seat to sign their promise cards. Lucy’s mum, corps officer Captain Carol Frederiksen, enrolled Bethany and Lucy as junior soldiers. – C. F.

12. SARAH CLARK Soldier EDINBURGH GRANTONHAVING attended ROOTS Scotland last year, Sarah was touched by what was said in the meetings. She felt convicted to make a

commitment to God as a soldier, prepared to do and give all that it takes. Major Beat Rieder (DHQ) and Major Margaret Mein enrolled Sarah as a soldier.

13. ANNE WYNNE, BRIAN McDONALD Adherent members EASTERHOUSEBRIAN told the congregation how his life had been changed since going to the Army, where he has volunteered for several months.

Anne, who also works as a volunteer, chose a passage from 1 Peter on the hope of eternal life.

Anne and Brian were welcomed to the fellowship by Major Elwyn Harries (DHQ). – P. M.

14. JOHN LEANING Soldier SHEFFIELD CITADELJOHN had spent more than 30 years away from the Army, having previously been a soldier. He began attending the corps last year and, with the support of the fellowship, decided to renew his commitment. He was enrolled by corps officer Major Paul Westlake. – G. B.

15. MILLIE SMITH Soldier EASTLEIGHMILLIE grew up in the Army and found her way back to her roots after moving to America and experiencing many changes in her life. She testified to the influence of her mother and the saving grace she found within the Army, this being the foundation of her own faith. Millie was warmly received by the fellowship as a soldier. – M. M.


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Picture: ANNELEEN LINDSAY

ANNOUNCEMENTS


ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND: UK, Sale, Th 28 Mar - Sun 31 Portugal (European Zonal Conference), Wed 3 Apr - Sun 7 Philippines, Tu 16 - Mon 22 UK, London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Fri 26

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: ICO, Th 11 Apr, Tu 16 UK, London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Tu 23 - Sun 28

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS)AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: North Scotland, Th 28 Mar - Sun 31 Portugal (European Zonal Conference), Th 4 Apr - Sun 7 William Booth College (spiritual day), Wed 10

Central South, Sat Sun 21

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: Maidstone, Fri 29 Mar - Sun 31 Portugal (Europe Zonal Conference), Th 4 Apr - Sun 7 Northern

(divisional officers retreat), Mon 22 - Wed 24 London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Wed 24 - Sun 28* Territorial Advisory Council, Fri 26 - Sun 28**

COMMISSIONER BIRGITTE BREKKE: Portugal (European Zonal Conference), Th 4 Apr - Sat 6

COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: USA Southern, Wed 27 Mar - Tu 2 Apr

COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: UK, Greenock, Th 28 Mar - Sun 31 USA Western, Wed 10 Apr - Mon 15**

COMMISSIONER DORITA WAINWRIGHT: Portugal (European Zonal Conference), Th 4 Apr - Sat 6

*wife will not accompany**husband will not accompany

ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CSM Sue Matthews, CMS Nicholas Scott, GloucesterCT Ann Evans, PontefractYPSM Lynette Baker, Consett

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIESGolden:

Robert and June Beacher, Northampton Central (13 April)Fred and Elsie Bethel, Staines

DEDICATED TO GODJake, son of Glenn Rawlinson and Beverley Lowen, at Dartford by Lieutenant Graeme SmithMarta Grace, daughter of Joel and Jo Thomas, at Cheltenham by Captain Steve SmithAnwen Emily, daughter of Mike and Sue Falcon, at Penarth by Captain Dani Mayo

BEREAVEDMrs Colonel Jean Gauntlett of her husband Colonel Sidney Gauntlett Songster/Colour Sgt Julian Geard of his wife Joyce, Bandswoman/Songster Rosemary Mitchell of her mother, both Yeovil

PROMOTED TO GLORYColonel Sidney Gauntlett from Bournemouth on 17 March

Noreen Johnson, Burton-on-TrentAlan Smith, Leighton Buzzard

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

LONG SERVICE25 years –

Major Maria-Rosa Kent, CatfordCLIVE ADAMS,Commissioner,

Territorial Commander

TRIBUTESMAJOR LUCY COWELLLUCY COWELL was born at Lincoln in 1920. Her father was a Methodist preacher and her mother the recruiting sergeant at

The Salvation Army. Lucy and her sister Catherine grew up as active members of the corps and were later songsters. In 1946 Lucy entered the Warriors Session at the training college and was recognised as a most able cadet. Her first appointment was to Pwllheli.

During her 33 years of officership, Major Cowell served at some 25 corps in the British Territory. These included Stroud, Birmingham Temple, Histon, Rothwell and Prescot, from where she retired in 1980. Many of her appointments were located in

challenging areas with a high level of poverty and social need.

The major was known to be an effective officer, with considerable preaching prow-ess. On learning of her promotion to Glory, a number of those to whom she ministered over the years have been quick to record their indebtedness to her caring and constant leadership. Among this number are young people she influenced – some of whom became officers themselves and are still serving God today.

In retirement the major moved to South-port to be with her sister Catherine and her family. She served in the corps as home league secretary and later became a group leader in the town’s Bible Study Fellow-ship, where she found great joy and fulfil-ment in sharing her faith with women of different denominations; she held this position for ten years.

Looking back at her service, Major Cowell wrote the following comment in her sessional souvenir reunion brochure: ‘I praise God for allowing me to serve through the years as a Salvation Army officer, and endeavour to do my best for him in these days.’

On her commissioning day in 1947 she sang these prophetic words: ‘These are they who fought the fight, and finished their course and kept the faith. Henceforth is laid up for them a crown of righteous-ness.’ – G. M.

COMMISSIONER SHONA FORSYTHSHONA LESLIE was born in Edin-burgh in 1948. When the family later moved to Gorgie, she

was sent to Sunday school, quickly linking up with the sunbeams, brownies and guides, which became a valued part of her life. In these early years she found the Lord, an encounter that changed her life for ever.

Even then, she was extremely practical and thoughtful – something her Christian experience helped to develop. It became a hallmark of her Christian expression.

This growing understanding and aware-ness brought commitment through soldier-ship and a response to the call for officership.

She married Robin in 1966, at the age of 18, and a year later they entered the 1967 Evangelists Session. They were commissioned and appointed to Irvine,


followed by further corps and divisional youth work appointments in Scotland. During this time their daughters, Emma and Jude, were born.

In 1984 they left Govan for Box Hill Corps in Australia – a further defining time in Shona’s ministry. She was not a natural preacher, but worked hard at this area of her gifting and shared the platform regularly, often to the edification of her husband.

When they returned to Scotland in 1989, her organisational skills were put to good use through the THQ Programme Department among guides, brownies and youth work. Periods of divisional leadership in East Scotland, Central and West Yorks and the unified Yorkshire Division, after-wards brought an extended ministry to officers.

Territorial leadership came in 1998 – first in Latin America North, based in Mexico, and then a six-year term as the territory relocated its headquarters to San Jose, Costa Rica, and the ten countries of Central America and northern South America. Shona struggled with Spanish, but commu-nicated in the international language of love. Her effusive care and unconditional love for people hurdled the language barrier.

During this time some of her five grand-children were born and she felt the separa-tion acutely. However, in their next appointment to New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga, she had the joy of welcoming them all for an extended holiday.

Shona worked hard among the women of the territory’s three countries, always keeping their welfare at the forefront of her ministry.

Her final appointment at IHQ – as Chaplain and Liaison Officer for the City of London – gathered all her attributes together in a fitting manner that gave her great joy in the service of others.

The commissioner is missed by her family as wife, mother, grandma and friend, in her corps family as a gracious and caring person and by her colleagues as an inspirational and practical officer-leader. She was selfless in her living, and giving in her death as an unreserved organ donor.

Her death was unexpected, but she lived in constant readiness and is with the Lord, whom she lovingly served for more than 50 years. – R. F.

MRS FLORRIE HOPTON, WALLSENDFLORRIE was No 2 on the roll. Her service to God – as a songster, company guard, home league member and briefly as a bands-

woman – stretched back over many years. She married Robert in 1949 and had a daughter, Sheila. When Robert was promoted to Glory in 1976, Florrie gained strength from her faith.

She had a lovely alto voice and often sang duets with her sister Gladys. Their singing brought many blessings to people.

Florrie attended the home league regu-larly until ill-health in recent years made it difficult for her to continue. The last time she was able to attend, Florrie joined in heartily with the singing and took part by reading aloud her favourite song. – I. G./L. D.

CORPS SERGEANT-MAJOR (RICHARD) BRINSLEY SHERIDAN, CHESTER-LE-STREET

BRIN first attended the Army as a young-ster. He became a junior soldier and learnt to play in the YP band. He met his wife Kath at the torchbearers youth club. They had two children.

Brin’s commitment to the Lord and the Army was without question, always giving wholehearted service. He served in various local officer positions, his last being CSM.

Brin was proud to receive the insignia of his MBE from the Queen, who was aware that he was a lifelong Salvationist.

His positive faith, bravery and dignity sustained him through his illness. A trusted, humble man, Brin was loved and respected by everyone. – G. C.

BANDMASTER STEVE ROEBUCK, CASTLEFORDBORN in 1959 at Balby, near Doncaster, Steve grew up at Denaby Main Corps.

He married his beloved wife Gail in 1979 and had three daughters, Hannah, Sarah and Bethany. Steve was wholly devoted to his family.

A lifelong Christian, he was dedicated to serving God and held responsible positions at every corps he attended – with particu-larly fond memories of their time at Grimsby from 1981 to 1987. He became bandmaster at Castleford in 2003.

Following diagnosis of bowel cancer in

2009, Steve continued to live an active life. He did not let his illness affect his ability to support, inspire and minister to people. His faith never wavered.

He is remembered as a kind and loving husband, father, son, brother and friend. – P. W.

MRS GLADYS McMANUS, BRISTOL BEDMINSTERGLADYS was born in 1916. Her parents were told that she wouldn’t live past the age of 12,

but Gladys defied this and reached the grand age of 96.

A member of Otley Corps in her earlier years, after the family moved to Leeds, Gladys joined the corps at West Hunslet, where she was a soldier and Sunday school teacher. She remained there until 1988 when she joined her son and family in Bristol, transferring to Bedminster.

After entering residential care at the Army’s Dewdown House Care Home in 2003, she attended meetings at Weston-super-Mare when health permitted. – R. C.

MRS ADA NICKSON, SALEADA was No 1 on the roll. She threw herself into service with great enthusiasm, firstly in the over-60 club at

Manchester Citadel. She confirmed her belief that the Lord was leading the corps to relocate to Sale through outreach minis-try – selling The War Cry in public houses and shopping precincts in Manchester, Sale and Altrincham, and then moving there herself.

As a direct result of Ada’s contact, friend-ship and encouragement, the warden at the housing complex where she lived began attending meetings and also became a corps member.

Ada was an amazing Christian lady. She had a great sense of humour and fun and was loved by everyone. – V. J./E.Y.

Please note that soldiers’ tributes submitted for publication should be no longer than 120 words. Good quality pictures will be included with tributes.

LETTERS


RADIANT YOUNG PEOPLE ARE NOT MISGUIDED

I READ Douglas Johnstone’s letter (Salvationist 9 March) almost with disbelief. Can he really believe that today’s young people are so misguided that the freedom to smoke or drink appeals more than the wonderful fun and fellowship which go along with the Army’s chosen principles?

I suggest he pays a visit to Regent Hall, where groups and sections appeal to people from the cradle to old age. If he could see our radiant young people taking part in spiritual activities with enthusiasm and a sense of privilege, he would realise how unrealistic is his evident belief that there is more joy in smoking, drinking or other so-called ‘worldly’ joys than is found in activities that are based in the belief that they are privileged to be part of the desire to bring others to the joy of knowing Jesus Christ as saviour and friend.

The New Commitments pages of Salvationist give evidence that, far from being in decline because of the Army’s high standards, young people are looking for and finding joy in the unchanging fellowship with like-minded Salvationists.

How tawdry is the picture of young people rejecting spiritual reality for the trivia Douglas Johnstone regards as necessary to appeal to them! I am glad the evidence disproves his argument and that, far from causing intelligent young people to reject the unshakeable joys of following Christ, they are proud and eager to be part of the ongoing Salvation Army.

Helen Brett,Morden

YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORKERS DESERVE MORE CREDIT

I READ with interest the letter from Gillian Pomering of the Music Ministries Unit entitled ‘Young people embrace the Army way’ (Salvationist 9 March). While I agree with the final paragraph of the letter, which speaks about many of the delegates who attended the Territorial Youth Band and Youth Choir courses being the children and grandchildren of soldiers and officers, let’s not forget those young people who are not.

Many of those young people may not have had parents or grandparents within The Salvation Army but they will have had the love and support of YP workers at various corps. These workers are not always given credit for their commitment to the countless young people in the Army who attend via youth clubs, Sunday school, holiday clubs, etc, and then attend meetings, get saved and become junior or senior soldiers.

Let us give thanks for all young people who are continuing to serve God within the Army.

Kate Cousins,Great Ayton

and, above all, I appreciated the articles, which were very interesting and will be helpful in days to come.

I turned to my husband and said: ‘I’ve got to send a letter.’ Thank you to all those who, week by week, contribute to the Army papers.

Praise where praise is due.

Sandra Dalziel,Major,Nunhead

PRAISE WHERE PRAISE IS DUE

I WAS having breakfast when the post arrived so as I sat eating I read Salvationist. It was beautifully set out. I’m a picture person, and the pictures were excellent.

Even though the light was shining on it, I could still read everything clearly

AN ARMY OF LOVE WILL NEVER CEASEI WAS saddened to read the letter ‘Rigid rules result in decline’ (Salvationist 9 March). As a former Salvationist I don’t believe it is true. What is true is that many have left the Army’s ranks because of a lack of love.

I know this is a hard statement to accept, but it is true of several denominations of the Christian Church and the Army is no exception.

Jesus commanded us to love one another. It is not a request, and he goes on to say, ‘as I have loved you’. So this is the yardstick by which we measure love.

The Army was formed in a different time, and its orders and regulations reflect that. However, alcoholism is still a social evil and the use of tobacco is discouraged for health reasons.

Salvationists make certain promises regarding these injurious habits and I respect their stance. Some of us have moved to different churches, but the standards we were raised with remain integral to our lives.

The Army will not cease to be if it remains true to its core beliefs. I would only urge that love be its cornerstone.

Margaret Garland,Basingstoke

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

The Editor reserves the right to edit letters or print extracts

Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email [email protected]

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Salvationist 30 March 2013 21-23

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