Salvationist 4 June 2011 - Amazon S3€¦ · Subway as part of a promotion in 130 stores to...

PAPERS

2 4 June 2011 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

■ ‘PROM’ – A GREATNEW FILM FROM DISNEY

■ NEW KA! JAM SERIES KICKS OFFWITH PROMISE

■ FLY TO THE MOONWITH GALAXYGEORGIE

■ NAUGHTY NORMANIS UP TO OLD TRICKS

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: [email protected] Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of TheSalvation Army and printed by benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2011. The SalvationArmy Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson 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]

DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: [email protected]

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner John Matear EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

PREACHER’S ‘ROUTE 66’ ROUND UK

An author and broadcaster is to preach

on all 66 books of the Bible in every

city in the UK in 66 days.

The Rev Victor Farrell, a former

Anglican, is taking the Bible around

the UK in a bid to combat what he

describes as the ‘huge biblical

illiteracy’ both inside and outside

churches.

Mr Farrell, who runs the Whispering

Word website and broadcasts on

Premier Christian Radio, will launch his

tour in London on 11 September. He

will visit each one of the official 66

cities in the UK, and complete his

3,300-mile journey on 16 November.Church Times

IGNORING THE BIBLE WILL CAUSE MORAL DECAY,

WARNS BISHOP OF LONDON

Sacrificing the Bible’s place in society will cause

moral decay, the Bishop of London has warned.

Speaking at a symposium on the Bible in the House

of Lords… the Right Rev Richard Chartres said that

‘culture and civilisation’ were founded on Scripture.

‘The economy and politics must have ground

beneath them,’ he said. ‘In Britain that ground has

been biblical since our earliest days – and you do

not sacrifice that without sacrificing much of what

has been built upon that ground.’

He went on to say that ‘concepts of dignity and

tolerance’ will be very difficult to sustain without

a solid Christian grounding.The Church of England Newspaper

■ NOBEL SCIENTIST SAYSGENESIS IS ‘AMAZINGLY ACCURATE’

■ DO WE WISHWE’D BEENGAGGED?

■ THE ARMY’SWORK AFTER SRI LANKANFLOODS

TABLETS SPREAD THE WORD

Peter Florence, the festival director,surprised audience members [at TheTelegraph Hay Festival] by readinghis excerpt of the King James Biblefrom an iPad. His session markedthe start of a 96-hour readingmarathon of the Bible.The Daily Telegraph

WELCOME BACK

It is time for churchesto register again forThe Big Welcome, more widely known as Back to Church Sunday. This has managed to becomeone of the most successful evangelistic

programmes of modern times by notbeing a programme. It builds on the greatstrength of the Church,its public acts of worship; it is ‘invitingsomeone you know tosomething you love’.The Baptist Times

NEWSPages 4 – 8 ⟩⟩⟩⟩ExeterHillingdonSouthamptonSholingGraysParkheadPooleBrightonCongressHallBargoedStocktonBelfastCitadelSpainLeigh-on-SeaStapleHillCanadaHadleighTrainingCentreStowmarketGranthamHytheAndoverBirkenheadHarpendenSleafordBangorLetchworthRamsgateWellingSheffieldCitadelAltonMaidstoneNorton

LETTERS

Page 9 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

SCOTLAND FEATURE

Bordering on possibilitiesPages 10 & 11 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ICO FEATURE

God’s way with mePages 12 & 13 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

BIBLE STUDY

Here to stayPage 14 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

MINDING HIS BUSINESS

An attitude of forgivenessPage 15 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

NEW COMMITMENTS

Pages 16 & 17 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Army people, engagements,tributes and picture captioncompetition resultsPages 18 & 19 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ADVERTS

Pages 20 – 23 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 4 June 2011 3

ASCOTTISH proverb has it that‘open confession is good for thesoul’. It wouldn’t hurt to do mysoul or my clanship of

connections north of the border somegood, so here goes: I confess that I amnot a ‘bando’ – that is, one of thoseArmy people who is effervescentlyenthusiastic about brass bands, Army orotherwise.

I have friends aplenty who are. Theywear T-shirts adorned with bandmottoes, they gladly spend smallfortunes on tickets for band concertsand they are forever humming marchesand selections. They are bona fidebandos.

However, I am still able to empathise. I am keen on football. And having trieddesperately hard to acquire a ticket towatch Manchester City in the FA Cup

Final (they won 1-0), I can, as the phrasegoes, ‘see where they are coming from’.I get it. I understand and respect suchpassions, and I would much rather keepthe company of those who arepassionate about their interests thanthose who appear to be subjects ofKing Apathy.

In this week’s Salvationist there is areport, on page 6, of BirminghamCitadel Band’s tour of Ontario. Read it,and you will see how the band delightedhundreds of people, led many inworship and encouraged some torediscover the Army as their spiritualhome. I personally would struggle tooffer a better raison d’être for aSalvation Army band.

Twenty-eleven presents us with theopportunity to celebrate 120 years of theInternational Staff Band, and even I canappreciate the gift of God that the ISB isto our Movement. If you will excuse thepun, so long as every note they play isunderscored by the motivation to praiseand glorify God, then that specific areaof Army ministry is in safe hands. Longmay it be so.

Harking back to Scotland for a weewhile before I finish, Lieut-Colonel AlanBurns, on pages 10 and 11, brings usnews of the Scotland Mission StrategyGroup, highlighting the need of thetartan Army to refocus and restrategisein certain areas.

I have many memories of service inScotland, among which are beingpunched in the stomach by a huge manin a Celtic shirt when I was selling TheWar Cry (‘only playfully’, my unendinglygracious, half-Scottish wife continues toinsist), and being held in a bear hug onthe street by a tiny but gratefulbodybuilder because I inquired after hisailing mother.

Both men made quite an impressionon me, and it is to be hoped that ourefforts in Scotland make such animpression there that the cross of Jesusbecomes as well loved and revered asthe cross of St Andrew.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

Of bandsand braes

‘There is a strong correlationbetween music and the spirituallife… Bach saw the description ofworship in 1 Chronicles 25 asbeing the true foundation for allGod-pleasing music… He wrotein the margin of his Bible:Splendid proof that music wasinstituted by the Spirit of God.’

(Major John Martin)

Poole: Winton Songsterspresented a well-balancedprogramme of music at thecorps. Soloist David Ramsey(tenor horn) played ‘Demelza’and Emily and Abi Smith sang‘For Good’. Timbrelists alsotook part and the eveningconcluded with the singing of‘Total Praise!’ and the benedic-tion ‘May It Be’. – G. G.

4 4 June 2011 SALVATIONIST

NEWS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Members of Belfast Citadel Youth Group lead Sunday worship; picturedwith corps officers Captains Lorraine and Michael Kinnear are TipiwaChitombo, Hameed Obikoya and Kuda Kunaka with Ishmael Obikoya (front);Kuda, who is 14, preached a message based on Psalm 30

Masterly musicianssupportoutreachExeterBOSCOMBE BAND visited thecorps to support outreach andAnnual Appeal fundraisingefforts. The band played to shop-pers in the high street andwitnessed in the shopping centre.

Later at the corps, a concertfeaturing masterly music-making and a Bible messagefrom Philippians was wellreceived. – L. B.

Divisional Commander Major Christine Bailey opens the new communitystore at Hillingdon as corps officer Captain Gerald Nicoll looks on; the DCsaid the ambition of the corps was that, when other doors had beenclosed in their face, people at the end of their hope would know that theArmy would be open to meet their needs

Brighton Congress Hall youth worker Emma Heal receives a free sub atSubway as part of a promotion in 130 stores to encourage customers todonate cans of food to The Salvation Army

Bargoed: The corps hosted aUnited Churches meeting at thestart of Christian Aid Week – ledby corps officer Captain TracyJackson – and most of theBargoed churches took part. Thehall was packed for the occasion.– L. C.

Stockton: For the eighth yearthe band participated in theWhitby Gospel Convention. Theafternoon commenced withopen-air witness before the bandled community hymn-singing atthe Spa Pavilion Theatre and alsoplayed two marches. – B. C.

Enthusiasm ofyouth in evidenceSouthampton SholingTHE enthusiasm of youth wasvery much in evidence whenSouthern Division Youth Chorusgave a Saturday evening concertat the start of young people’sanniversary celebrations. Theyouth chorus gave a livelyperformance of vibrant music andconveyed a powerful message.

Young people took a promi-nent part in Sunday morningworship and CommissionerSiegfried Clausen presentedprizes. The weekend concludedwith a barbecue and picnic inVictoria Country Park. – B. E.

Grays: Major Lyn Hills (Ports-mouth Citadel) returned to herhome corps to lead Home LeagueSunday. The home league singerscontributed, the corps musicsections supported and the youngpeople were used well to helpillustrate God’s blessings as thecongregation were helped tounderstand God’s love. – D. E.

Cutting the 125th anniversarycake at Parkhead are Nos 1 and 2on the roll, sisters Mary and JeanReynolds, watched by the twonewest junior soldiers, NatalieFerguson (left) and RebeccaMerser, and corps officer CaptainLinda Dunlop (right); Lieut-Colonels David and Sylvia Hinton(THQ) were guest leaders for theweekend

SALVATIONIST 4 June 2011 5

NEWS

[email protected]

Salvation Armyresponds toearthquakeSpainSALVATIONISTS responded tothe earthquake that hit Lorca,Murcia, on 11 May. The quake,which measured 5.1 on theRichter scale, combined with anearlier 4.4-magnitude tremor,killed nine people and causeddamage to 80 per cent of thetown’s buildings.

The nearest Salvation Armycorps is in Alicante, more than 80miles away. The officers based inAlicante, husband and wife Lieu-tenant Luigi Muedas and CaptainJenniffer Beltrán, travelled toLorca to assess how The Salva-tion Army could provide help. Aspart of this assessment theyspoke with representatives fromthe Spanish military and the RedCross who are co-ordinating theemergency response.

People were afraid to spendtime indoors and there was greatfear that another earthquakewould cause even greaterdestruction. Captain Beltrán andLieutenant Muedas reported thatmany people were sleeping intents put up by the Spanish mili-tary but that some, includingfamilies with small children,were spending the night in theopen. Others were sleeping intheir cars.

The lieutenant said: ‘The citylooked as if there had been a war.There were fallen walls and mili-tary personnel and firefighterswere everywhere. We have seenthe faces of desolate people anda lot of tears.’

There was an immediate needfor food, hot drinks and blanketsbut the main need was forshelter. There was also a need forvolunteers, so The SalvationArmy’s offer of help was grate-fully received.

An initial sum of $10,000 hasbeen sent from InternationalHeadquarters to fund the provi-sion of shelter, food and othernecessities.

The team of seven people fromAlicante Corps were joined on 13 May by teams from Barcelonaand Madrid Central Corps. Theteam from Barcelona took avanload of food and clothing.

Captain Cristóbal Alvarez hasbeen designated as The SalvationArmy’s Command Headquarters

Emergency Co-ordinator. He waspart of another team that trav-elled to Lorca on 14 May tosupport the ongoing work.

A small tremor hit the region that day, causing moredamage. As a consequence,people are still afraid to entertheir homes to pick up personalbelongings. Government expertsare working to assess thedamaged buildings and put a mark

on those that are uninhabitable.The main needs continued to

be for shelter, blankets and hotfood. People received sand-wiches for many days butCaptain Beltrán was concernedthat children, in particular, hadnot been receiving the nutritionthey needed. The Civil Co-ordinator for Emergency gavepermission for The SalvationArmy to distribute hot food in

one of its tents and 400 familiesreceived soup, pasta and rice.

Personal hygiene items,including toothbrushes, tooth-paste, tissues and baby wipes,along with jars of baby food,were distributed on 15 May.During the week, The SalvationArmy’s thrift store in Majorcasent a load of clothing whichvolunteers helped to distribute. – A. R.

Tree planted inMajor Gilson’smemoryLeigh-on-SeaTHE corps held a May Fair Cele-bration to raise funds for afeeding programme in Vladivos-tok, Russia, for a project initiatedby the late Major Janet Gilson.At the end of the fair, newlycrowned May Queen TillySewell-Jones and May PrincessRachael Travers helped GeorgeSavill plant a tree he had donatedin Major Gilson’s memory.

A large group of family andfriends attended the celebration,which included an all-age quiz,face-painting, mask-making,apple-bobbing and much more. – P. J.

Staple Hill: Partners In Missionraised almost £1,300 for the JapanDisaster Fund. A Sunday eveningconcert presented to a capacitycongregation – where corps folkinvited friends, neighbours andwork colleagues – featured thesongsters, YP band, singingcompany and band. BandsmanMike Dickens, who lived andworked in Japan, spoke briefly onthe Army’s work there. – V. W.

Corps officer Captain Deanna Dougan (Willenhall) receives a cheque for£1,000 from Corps Secretary Joan Goosey to go towards Army well-construction projects; Joan managed the scheme – in which people gavedonations, including money they would have used to buy Christmas cards– and organised fundraising events


NEWS


BirminghamCitadel Bandtours OntarioCanadaBIRMINGHAM Citadel Band(right) was well received wher-ever it played during its ten-day tour of Ontario, Canada.Commencing the tour at Moun-tain Citadel, Hamilton, the bandfeatured in a Brass Infusion after-noon work shop with eight otherArmy bands. Later, the band’sfirst evening festival attracted alarge crowd that respondedenthusiastically to the musicians’ministry and musicianship.

After leading a Palm Sundaymeeting the band travelled toCobourg, where some 400people attended a festival. Theband played ‘Reflections InNature’ led by composer ColonelRobert Redhead, and Major Len Ballantine (Yorkminster)conducted the band in ‘Rosehill’.

During its tour, the bandplayed festivals in cities including Simcoe, Owen Sound, Barrieand Sarnia. The musicians alsoconducted educational work- shops, visited retirement homes,led worship and played a festivaleach night. Soloists GavinLamp lough (cornet), DavidTaylor (euphonium), DeputyBandmaster Mark Sharman(trombone) and Neil Blessett(tenor horn) featured and aparticular highlight was the pres-entation of ‘Easter Glory’ – eachmovement punctuated by expla-nation and thoughts from execu-tive officer Lieut-ColonelAnthony Cotterill (LondonSouth-East).

After a Good Friday meetingand evening festival on thepenultimate day of the tour, theband travelled to LondonCitadel, finishing the tour onEaster Sunday.

Although Band master GrahamLamplough was unable to travelbecause of ill-health, at therequest of the bandmasterAndrew Blyth (THQ) led theband. As a result of the band’sministry, two former Army musi-cians attended band practicesand one is now returning toservice with the band. Oneperson commented: ‘I have notattended the Army for sometime, but this past weekend hasencouraged me to seek it outagain.’ – G. L.

Visit focuses on futureGranthamAS part of the 130th corpsanniversary celebrations, ConsettBand (left) visited for a week -end, presenting a varied pro -gramme of brass and vocalmusic on the Saturday evening.In the Sunday morning meeting,Major John Jeeves spoke aboutpeople needing the Holy Spirit intheir lives. The band then led anopen-air meeting before sharinga meal with corps folk. In thefinal meeting of the weekend, theband’s corps officer, CaptainMark Sellers, focused on God’stiming and on future days ofministry. – B. S.

Bandmaster Richard Carroll(Hythe) receives the prestigiousOutstanding Service Award forservices to the community fromVice-Chairman ChristopherMelchers at Hythe Civic Society’sAnnual General Meeting; theaward recognised Richard’s voluntary service and also hiswork with bands and youngpeople, whom he teaches to readand play music

Hadleigh Training Centre: The summer Sundays in the park seasoncommenced with a visit from Rayleigh Band. The tearooms and sunterrace above the band were packed for the musicians’ variedprogramme. Songster Leader Daniel McCreadie (Eb bass) played‘Standing On The Promises’; each contribution by the band wasapplauded enthusiastically by the audience. A number of visitors askedquestions about the Army and future events. – H. E.

Musicians Elaine Peek (piano, Norwich Citadel), Becca Winton (vocal,Felixstowe), Josh Logan (tenor horn), Jordan Logan (euphonium), BramCross (trombone), Matthew Peek (cornet, Norwich Citadel) and BenLawrence (seated, piano) relax after presenting an evening of music atStowmarket; young musicians at the corps wanted to raise funds for theArmy’s Japan Disaster Fund – the concert yielded £555


NEWS

[email protected]

Canadian Salvationistsdeclare MayDignity MonthCanadaTHE Salvation Army declaredMay to be Dignity Month andsponsored a number of eventsand activities to help educateCanadians about the importanceof respecting the rights of thosewho are addicted, homeless andare experiencing difficult times.

Visitors to the Dignity website(salvationarmy.ca/dignity)could sign up to the DignityManifesto, which states: ‘Ibelieve that: everyone shouldhave access to life’s basic neces-sities; poverty is a scourge onsociety that puts dignity out ofreach; people’s lives changewhen they are treated withdignity; everyone has a right to asense of dignity; the fight againstpoverty deserves my personalattention.’

The website contains informa-tion about the Dignity Projectand examples of people whohave kept their dignity in tryingcircumstances, with the help ofThe Salvation Army.

The focal point of the monthwas an event, Dignity Speaks,held at Toronto Harbour Lightand streamed live on the Dignitywebsite. It featured the Junoaward-winning group Downhereand was hosted by Herbie Kuhn,the voice of the Toronto RaptorsNBA basketball team. DignitySpeaks sought to entertain,educate and inspire thosewishing to learn more about theDignity Project. – A. R.

Newly internet-savvy women who attend the weekly Craft and FriendshipGroup at Bangor show off their certificates after completing a ten-weekcomputer class; the class was run by the Workers’ Educational Associationthrough the Learning Age Project, which aims to engage with 5,000 olderpeople in classes to meet their needs, including computers, arts, crafts,personal development and reminiscence

The Mayor and Mayoress of Test Valley (Councillor Chris Lynn and Frances Lynn) reopen the Andover Corps shop,supported by shop manager Margaret Riddle (in shop doorway), corps officers Majors Edwina and Jim Cussen(fourth from right and far left) and volunteers; the shop was severely damaged when its premises were flooded

Major James Williams (THQ), wholed Birkenhead Corps Adult andFamily Ministries weekend, ispictured with corps leader Territorial Envoy Caroline Brophy-Parkin, Over-60 Club SecretaryMarjorie Bailey, Divisional FamilyOfficer Major Shirley McKenzieand Home League Secretary MajorCecelia Dodd; the corps sectionspresented a varied programme onthe Saturday and many Cameoand over-60 club membersattended Sunday meetingsHendon Band marches from Harpenden Corps to an open-air concert

venue during its visit; the concert enthralled a number of passers-bywho later attended the evening concert by the band with St George’s School Chamber Choir in the school’s chapel

With Sleaford Band providing the music, people in Silk Willoughby enjoyan open-air songs of praise meeting arranged by St Denys Church; corpsofficer Major Joy Caddy gave a Scripture message and the Rev SandraBenham (St Denys) led prayers

Picture:A

ndover Advertiser


NEWS


Letchworth: Television pre sen-ter Pam Rhodes was the guest fora songs of praise meeting held tocelebrate the 400th anniversary ofthe King James Version. Peoplefrom churches in the area joinedwith corps folk for the event,which packed the hall. – D. F.

Ramsgate: The South LondonFellowship Band presented avaried programme when it visitedthe corps. The congregation espe-cially appreciated the band’s malevoice contributions, with ‘RockOf Ages’ being a highlight. – J. W.

Welling: Colonels Barbara andRon Johnson led the 77th corpsanniversary celebrations. On theSaturday evening united song- sters from Plumstead, Dartfordand the host corps gave aprogramme, supported by theaugmented band. During theSunday meeting, Colonel RonJohnson encouraged the congre-gation to seek God’s guidance forthe future and accept the chal-lenges the corps is facing. – P. S.

Specially convened choir The 1611 presents aMusic For Pleasure concert at Alton Corps tocelebrate the 400th anniversary of the ‘KingJames Version’; the concert, entitled SingingThe Word, included music representative ofEnglish choral tradition since 1611

Yorkshire Divisional Youth Band andYouth Chorus present a programme

at Sheffield Citadel, raising £1,200for the Life of Lynda Fund, which

was created by Steve Hanover(Regent Hall) in memory of his sister

to provide money to the Army’s overseas healthcare projects and

Cancer Research UK

Youngsters raisemoney for AirAmbulanceMaidstoneTHE junior soldiers took part in asponsored fun run and bike ride,raising more than £500 for theKent Air Ambulance Trust. Theone-kilometre course, in a

remote corner of Mote Park,consisted of mown grass withsome gentle but challengingslopes.

Kent Air Ambulance Trustrepresentative Paul Skelleywatched the event and wasimpressed by the youngsters’energy, enthusiasm and goodwilltowards each other. The dayconcluded with a picnic. – G. P.

YP annualattracts first-timeattendersNortonPETERBOROUGH CITADELSinging Company and YoungPeople’s Band supported the corps

YP annual, led by Kids Alive!Editor Justin Reeves. Nortonyoungsters received Sundayschool prizes and some familieswho supported them were attend-ing for the first time on a Sunday.

The visiting young peoplepresented an excellent pro -gramme to a full hall. – K. R.

SALVATIONIST 4 June 2011 [email protected]

LETTERS

READERS SENDING LETTERS BY EMAIL SHOULD INCLUDE THEIRNAME, FULL RANK IF APPLICABLE AND FULL POSTAL ADDRESS

� Not all letters can be printed

� Please remember, letters for publication in Salvationist should becarefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed

� The Editor reserves the right to editletters or print extracts

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

� How are bands measured?WHILE browsing the classified pages of Salvationist I was struck by a phrase

in one of the ads – ‘with one of the world’s greatest bands’. I found this rather

surprising. By what criteria do we measure a band? Is it by technical ability? If

so, is it right that we do so?

Surely the purpose of an Army band is to accompany worship and play music thatinspires, motivates, encourages and speaks to us – and primarily brings glory to God!

Would we advertise a visiting meeting leader as being ‘one of the world’s bestpreachers’? And is the ministry of one band less valid than another because its playersare not as technically able?Mark Kent,Lieutenant,Catford

ALICANTE is a small Salvation Army

corps. Its young officers, Lieutenant

Luigi Muedas and his wife Captain

Jenniffer Beltrán – in spite of financial

limitations and an already very busy

social programme at the corps –

travelled immediately with seven

comrades to Lorca in order to assist

people suffering from the earthquake

there.

They were warmly welcomed by theMilitary Emergency Unit, who designated anarea where they could give immediate helpto those in need. Lieutenant Muedas says:‘We took coffee, milk and warm cocoa andpeople were so glad to have somethinghot to drink and something to eat.’

Since then Jenniffer and Luigi havecontinued to travel every afternoon andevening providing blankets, hot soup,paella, coffee, milk, hot cocoa, pastries,powdered milk for babies, cereals, babyfood pots, nappies, soap, toothbrushes,etc.

My wife and I have been moved by thehard work and caring efforts of this youngcouple. They are certainly an inspirationand true witnesses of Salvation Armyservice in Christ’s name.Carlos Allemand,Major,Alicante

� The address of The Salvation Army inSpain is Ejército de Salvación, e/ Hermosilla, 126 Local 1, 28028 Madrid, Spain

� Officers’ response is an

inspiration

� CzechChurch article

brings a

challengeTHANK YOU for printing such a

challenging and inspiring article

about the Czech Church in Margate

(Salvationist 21 May). I think the work

being done there is amazing!

One thing that really leapt out was howCzech Church started. The corps officerdescribed the drop-in centre wherepeople can go for help with form-fillingand so on. He said that people asked him what The Salvation Army was andwhen he told them it was a church they

said: ‘Why haven’t you told us aboutJesus?’

That’s what the Army is about. Tellingpeople about Jesus! Have we becometoo afraid of telling people about him? We should never be ashamed of thegospel!

If people come into the Army halls theyshould be told that we are a church with amessage. We should tell them aboutJesus and not worry about what they aregoing to think. Because of the corpsofficer’s response to that question, theartlcle reported there are now about 160 people going to Czech Church.Doesn’t that tell us something!Louise Johnson,Liverpool

Earthquake victims in Lorca receive emergency support from the Army (see first letter)


SCOTLAND FEATURE

ON a glorious weekend of spring sunshine in early April, after what seemed like an endless winter in Scotland, 30

stakeholders from The Salvation Army in Scotland gathered at Carberry Towers, near Edinburgh. The group, comprising corps officers, centre managers, lay Salvationists, adherent members, divisional leaders and staff from the three Scottish divisions, met to focus on how The Salvation Army could more effectively engage with the mission of God in Scotland. The purpose of the Scotland Mission Strategy Group was clearly stated:

To devise and co-ordinate a strategy of integrated Salvation Army mission in Scotland

To prioritise the key goals for the development of mission and to set timelines for implementation

To develop a training and communication strategy

To facilitate the implementation of the strategy and to cast the vision

The weekend commenced with a keynote address by Chief Secretary Colonel Brian Peddle. The colonel spoke about his belief that God had not yet

done his best thing with The Salvation Army in Scotland! He emphasised the fact that mission is God’s priority. ‘It is God’s mission!’ he declared, stating that God had created a church to partner with him in his mission. The theme of ‘the mission of God’ dominated the group’s thinking.

On Saturday morning, the group was led through a precis of the Army’s journey to date. During the session Richard Bradbury (Research and Development, THQ) conducted an exercise that helped the group acknowledge the significant psychological impact made upon the Army in Scotland by important past decisions. The group moved on from that to consider all the blessings and benefits that the Army currently enjoys – people writing these positive aspects on stars made from card.

The following comments are representative of those written: ‘We still have many dedicated people in our Army who want to be part of a revival’; ‘We are honest about our shortcomings and prayerfully committed to overcoming them’; ‘In faith, and believing that all things are possible for God, we will go forward and be enthusiastic about The Salvation Army’s mission in Scotland’; ‘Openness of spirit’. These statements of faith were hung across the room to remind the group that the future is full of hope.

Major Denis Lomax (Divisional Commander, North Scotland) had discovered a set of priorities made by a group of Scottish Salvationists in 2004. These included:

Three divisions clearly working as oneClearer understanding territorially of

Scottish distinctivesIntegration of divisional and corps

strategiesIncreased consultationAll Scotland Advisory GroupGreater regional co-operation within

divisionsTargeting resources to feed success

The similarities between what was envisaged then and what was being considered now endorsed the fact that God was very much at the centre of all of this.

The morning session drew to a close by the sharing of an overview of what is meant by the word ‘mission’. It was vital that every member of the group agreed what the word meant – it is, after all, a Mission Strategy Group!

The key components of mission are:

MISSIO DEI – THE MISSION OF GODFundamental to any understanding of mission is the concept that it belongs to God. The Church has no mission outside of the mission of God. A quotation from The Mission Of God by Christopher Wright summed this up: ‘It is not so much the case that God has a mission for the Church in the world, but that God has a church for his mission in the world. Mission was not made for the Church, the Church was made for mission! God’s mission.’ Likewise, words from Tim Dearborn, quoted in Church On The Move by Peter Neilson: ‘Start with the church and the mission will get lost. Start with the mission and it is likely that the church will be found.’

SENTThe groups considered the text, ‘As the Father has sent me, I am sending you’ (John 20:21 NIV). The Father sent the Son. The Father sends the Holy Spirit. The Father sends the Church! Any disciple who is not acutely aware that they are sent will always struggle to understand mission and its place in their life and living. Every disciple is a missionary – sent by God to share the good news of Jesus with the world. The Army has traditionally seen

Bordering on possibilitiesLieut-Colonel Alan Burns shares news of mission developments in Scotland



itself as a ‘sent’ movement, leaving the comfort zones of its citadels to move into the ‘no-go’ areas of the community and to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.

ON Saturday afternoon, through to Sunday morning, the group was split into five groups to look at mission under the following headings:

Planting and emerging expressions of churchNew opportunities and possibilities should be the foremost task in order to generate fresh mission opportunities. Planting churches remains the best method of evangelism! The focus should be on corps planting, fresh expressions and mission development.

Corps community initiativesTo develop the mission opportunities that arise from community engagement and to better understand how to share the good news of Christ with those with whom we engage in our weekly programmes.

Inherited corps – towards missionary churchThis involves identifying key existing corps and moving them towards a more effective missional focus. This is not about the old ‘traditional v contemporary’ issue. This is about helping both to focus on disciple-making! The maxim that ‘it takes all kinds of churches to reach all kinds of people’ is appropriate. The journey envisaged here is one that directs attention to mission.

Strategic cities and geographical perspectiveLooking at the map of Scotland, what is our strategy in our large cities such as Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen? How do we support our mission in the vast and isolated rural locations and on the Scottish islands? There is a need to understand the implications of mission in rural and isolated locations. We are determined that this must not be driven by, or be dependent upon, corps closures. However, any recommendations for closure should be viewed from a ‘whole of Scotland’ strategic perspective. We cannot allow large ‘holes’ to appear all over Scotland because of a kneejerk reaction to a local setting. Big-picture thinking is imperative.

Social Services – integrated missionFocus on evangelical and spiritual programmes in centres where there is a balance between the concepts of ‘ultimate’ mission with ‘immediate’ mission (ie, spiritual matters with practical ones – both vital to mission in these settings). Can we develop a theological precis that could guide and help us?

The work of these groups was shared in a plenary session on Sunday amid growing excitement as priorities were declared and discussion ensued. The Holy Spirit was

speaking powerfully into the process as themes of mission emerged from each presentation. Every member of the group affirmed that the presence and power of the Holy Spirit was present throughout the weekend. There was a strong sense of unity in the group, and an excitement that God was at the centre of all that was happening. As the groups reported back there was a strong sense of the will of God being done, and many in the group experienced God’s renewing touch on their lives. People spoke about it being a privilege to be part of the group and of being inspired by what was occurring.

After an uplifting time of worship on Sunday afternoon we left Carberry having been inspired by what was a significant landmark for The Salvation Army in Scotland.

It was stated that ‘ownership of this strategy by our people in Scotland is the priority’. It is expected that the group will double in size over the coming months, as more people are invited to share in the developing work. This weekend was just the beginning. There is a huge amount of work to be done, more people to be engaged in the process and a great deal

of careful listening to do. Ultimately, the group hopes that every Salvationist, adherent member, friend, service user and employee will be given the opportunity to participate and contribute to the emerging vision.

We are acutely aware that mission is delivered at the grass roots – as Bill Hybels says: ‘The local church is the hope of the

world.’ It is our conviction that as the people of God become increasingly serious about the mission of God, we can expect God to renew his people and to revive his land (see 2 Chronicles 7:14). We call on our people to pray for renewal and revival in Scotland.

The group will work over the coming 18 months to focus on mission in every expression of Salvation Army endeavour.

We will be a Spirit-filled Army!

Lieut-Colonel Burns is Scotland Secretary and Divisional Commander, East Scotland

[email protected]

Andrew McCall (Wallace Of Campsie House, Glasgow), Malcolm Page (Strathmore Lodge, Dundee)and Major Fiona Sayer (Invercairn Corps and Aberdeenshire Shield Project) discuss the focus on the Army’s spiritual mission in social service centres

We will go forward and be enthusiastic about The Salvation Army’s mission in Scotland


ICO FEATURE

MAJOR NELIA ALMENARIO,THE PHILIPPINES‘ONCE you step out in faith from nothing and just obey, God will start pouring out his blessing,’ the major says.

The eldest of four in a tightly knit Roman Catholic family, she didn’t come to know Jesus Christ until her third year of high school. It was about this time that she also encountered The Salvation Army – ‘I knew some of the young people and followed them to the hall.’ She had attended church before, but without a spirit of real worship. The Army was different!

A simple gesture from her corps officer was the next step on Nelia’s road to officership. ‘She placed a white tunic around my shoulders and told me to look into the mirror and see myself. I didn’t understand it, but I had this sudden desire to “be like that” – even before I knew it meant becoming an officer.’

That phrase didn’t surface again until after her college studies. When it did, Nelia knew that God was calling her to full-time ministry.

‘In our culture, the eldest takes responsibility for the siblings in the absence of the parents. The expectation was that I would help my siblings with their education when I’d finished mine. I tried, but all I could see was the presence of sin where I worked. It left me without joy.’

Nelia was very unhappy. The real desire of her heart was to be in the Church and that wasn’t possible while she continued working, so she stopped.

‘One day my brother asked me: “What are you doing?” It was a simple question with a big impact. The Lord spoke with me about my disobedience. I considered myself a good Christian but unless you obey God, his blessing is withheld.’ The Lord pointed her to the story of Jonah, confirming her calling.


Major Kelly Pontsler (USA Western) introduces three

of her fellow delegates from the current session at the International College for

Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development


‘That was when I said yes to God.’Nelia entered the training college

without family support and with almost nothing. But she confidently states: ‘God has given me everything. I’ve seen his blessing on my family because of my obedience. It has come in my father’s professional advancement, and provision of jobs for my brothers. My parents hated The Salvation Army because they thought it had taken their child away from them, but God’s blessing has even softened the heart of my mother.’

Today, God’s love keeps Nelia strong. ‘There are many things that come along and many choices, but it is always God who is the best.’

The major serves as an administration assistant and THQ Chaplain.

CAPTAIN NATALIA PENTTINEN,FINLAND AND ESTONIATHE captain grew up in southern Russia, where she enjoyed family life with her parents and brother in a large industrial university city.

‘Faith was not a word in our vocabulary. The focus was on atheism, which was taught in our schools

and encouraged everywhere. My grandmother taught it; she strongly believed that there was no God and made sure we all followed.’

So where did Natalia first encounter God? ‘At a bus stop, late at night. I’d missed the last bus home and was quite scared and desperate. I’d heard bits of information about God over the years, and decided to pray to him. I asked him to show me he existed by sending a bus – and if he did, I would serve him for ever.

‘A few minutes later, a bus arrived and took me home safely. The driver had been going to the garage, but thought he needed to take a detour to check if anybody was at that bus stop because of the very cold weather.’ Natalia was then aged 16.

This experience planted a seed of doubt and the belief that atheism and the ‘no God’ theory were not absolute truth. ‘Later on I needed some answers in my life and couldn’t find them in what the State provided, so I looked in several churches. I was invited to a Bible study at The Salvation Army; I hadn’t tried there and didn’t know what the Bible was about, but they seemed to be nice people so I went. It was a life-changing period.’

Natalia is currently a youth officer. ‘I love my work. It’s very challenging. Having found God as a teenager myself, I believe this is a very important time to learn about God and the wonderful things he can do with young lives through his transforming power. I long for them to know that God loves and cares for them more than anything else.’

The captain takes encouragement from these words because she knows they are true: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way’ (Proverbs 3:5 and 6 Good News Bible).

MAJOR SIXTO ALI,SOUTH AMERICA WESTTHE major first met The Salvation Army while playing football, aged 14. He comes from a humble Bolivian family who moved to the city in search of better opportunities. Sixto’s father died when he was 13 years old.

‘My mother never spoke Spanish, but did everything possible to ensure that her children learnt the language so that

they could study well. She made drinks and snacks to sell, and eventually set up a very small shop. She was a valiant woman; I admire her to this day for the values she taught me.’

Sixto loved playing football, and was impressed by a Salvation Army team. ‘They invited me to their church, where for the first time I felt the great love of God – and of a father. I felt right at home. I came to know the Lord and everything began to change.’

At 17, Sixto felt the call of God to full-time service. In 1989 he entered the training college in Santiago, Chile, with his wife Aida. ‘She is a very important part of my life and I thank God for her and our three beautiful children. I sense his love in every step of life. There are many problems and difficulties but God has shown that he is always with me.

‘In our first appointment the people spoke a different language and I’d never lived in the countryside. God allowed us five precious years there, experiencing his goodness through working with these very dedicated people. They taught me to appreciate all that I have now. We didn’t have water in the house and had to collect it every day from about one kilometre away, along a very rough and dusty road.’

While every appointment has been different, each has been a source of blessing. ‘Like Paul, I have learnt how to content myself in times when I have everything, and when I have nothing. Without a doubt, God is with me.’

Earlier this year the major and his wife became divisional leaders in Altiplano. ‘It is a large division, with many corps and lots of social work. The word is preached in multiple languages. Sometimes I feel that I don’t deserve so much rich blessing from God, but I give him the glory. This is something I learnt from my mother. And I know that in everything, it is Christ who strengthens me.’

[email protected]

I believe this is a very important time to learn about God and the wonderful things he can do with young lives


BIBLE STUDY

TO interpret the account of theAscension as Jesus leaving earthis to completely misunderstandthe event. We established in our

previous study that the sight of Jesusascending into Heaven declares hislordship and rule in both Heaven and onearth – he reigns over everything!

The Ascension recognises his victoryover suffering, evil, death and anythingelse that has the potential to separate usfrom God. It endorses God’s acceptanceof Christ’s finished work on our behalf ashe enters Heaven, having triumphed onearth.

Although we acknowledge theapparent tension between leaving andstaying, we must continue to emphasisethat Jesus was not leaving in the sense ofabandoning the disciples. He was leavingin order to return – to all discipleseverywhere, and in every age.

When Jesus breathed on the disciplesand invited them to receive the Holy Spirit(John 20:22), he did so as a guaranteethat the Holy Spirit would be with themfor ever – and this was fulfilled at

Pentecost in a remarkable manner. TheAscension is not Jesus’ ‘exit’ strategy.Rather, it is part of his ‘staying with us forever’ strategy.

John 1:14 (The Message ) exquisitelyinforms us that Jesus ‘moved into theneighbourhood’ to stay! If the Incarnationis about Jesus moving in to stay, we mustunderstand that the Ascension isn’tabout Jesus moving out of that sameneighbourhood. No! Rather it is about theultimate coming together of two conceptsof ‘neighbourhood’, to borrow EugenePeterson’s phrase. One is theneighbourhood of earth, and the other isthe neighbourhood of Heaven. At theAscension we see Jesus as lord of bothspheres. He is intent on the heavenly‘neighbourhood’ being established onearth: ‘May your Kingdom come; mayyour will be done on earth as it is inHeaven’ (Matthew 6:10 Good NewsBible ).

To think otherwise would be to suggestthat Jesus came to earth to visit as a kindof divine tourist, with a restricted 33-yeartravel visa. Jesus did not come to earth

as a visitor, but with the long-declareddivine intention of being permanently withhis people. He is named ‘Immanuel’which means ‘God with us’. The Godwho longed to dwell in the hearts of hispeople is now able to do so.

For the Church to engage in God’smission in the world, it also mustcommunicate its intention to stay in theneighbourhood for the long haul. Havethe days of ‘hit and run’ evangelism – the‘now you see us, now you don’t’ variety –gone?

Evangelism isn’t just about anoccasional foray out of our citadels to‘raid’ the neighbourhood beforedisappearing back into those garrisonsagain, valid though those activities mightbe. The model of evangelism that sees usmarching out of our citadels to preach thegospel to people in the neighbourhoodand then bringing them back to join us isbecoming both redundant and ineffectivein many places.

What is more likely to be required in thisday and age is that we get out into ourneighbourhood and stay there –announcing, serving and living out thegreat news that God’s Kingdom is here, isthere! As we do that, the Church will takeroot in a myriad of places, and disciplesof Jesus will replicate themselves in avariety of settings – especially in placesoutside of the institutional church.

Our corps must find ways to get intothe neighbourhood and to stay there, inthe power of the Holy Spirit, until Christ isvisible in transformed lives andcommunities.

Let’s ensure we understand that themessage from the Ascension is not thatGod is leaving. The King is not dead. TheKing is not leaving. The Kingdom ishere… and is here to stay! �

TO CONSIDER

� How can we equip ourselves to moveinto the neighbourhoods that arepotentially no-go areas as far as theChurch is concerned? Wasn’t this abilityto go where no one else went our originalfounding mission strategy?� Where do you need to be in order toget Jesus noticed? In what ways should the Church be resourcing you tomake Jesus real when you leave on aSunday?

� Lieut-Colonel Burns is Scotland

Secretary and Divisional

Commander, East Scotland

Here to stayThe second of three studies by Lieut-ColonelAlan Burns


Our corps must find ways to get intothe neighbourhood and to stay there

MINDING HIS BUSINESS


IN his most recent article, the TerritorialCommander wrote about ‘an attitudeof gratitude’. I am reluctant to jump onthe ‘attitude’ bandwagon but the

attitude of forgiveness has occupied mythinking.

The parables of Jesus deal with real-lifeproblems. The first parable in Luke7:41–50 deals with the difficult problem offorgiveness. This is an important issue, foroften it is very hard to forgive; forgivingsomeone is not a trivial action or attitude.In pastoral and preaching ministry theissue is high on the list. It rolls glibly off thetongue when advice is given but it iscomplicated, complex and demanding. Itis part of real human experience.

In a court case, a judge awardedminimal damages to the grievedcomplainant, commenting that he couldnot see ‘significant long-term hurt to hisfeelings’. Forgiveness doesn’t alwayscome into it as, increasingly, people seekcompensation through legal redress. Themotive can be to get even, at all costs andfor maximum gain.

In the school playground we used to

sing ‘Sticks and stones may break mybones but names will never hurt me!’ Butit seems they do. There can be damageto name and reputation by thoughtlessand careless words and actions.

There are personal, psychological andspiritual dimensions to forgiveness.Withholding forgiveness can bring suchreactions as cynicism, suspicion, maliceand self-defence. These develop in theheart and can lead to destructive attitudes.

There are social reasons to forgive asregrets are resolved, pettiness is releasedand the door to restored relationships isunlocked.

There are theological reasons too.Jesus taught about the need to forgivethose who wrong us. It is Christlike toforgive – ‘Be kind and compassionate toone another, forgiving each other, just asin Christ God forgave you’ (Ephesians4:32 all quotations taken from NewInternational Version).

It is true that past wrongs cannot beobliterated. To forgive and forget seemsimpossible. We need to operate with thegrace that flowed through the words of

Jesus at Calvary: ‘Father, forgive them’(Luke 23:34).

This is relevant because it affects notonly what goes on in our heads but alsowhat stirs our emotions. It connects withour everyday living in the context of ourfaith. In terms of our health and wellbeingwe have a responsibility to tackle thequestion of forgiveness. Hardness ofheart can become a habit of the heart. Ifwe follow the biblical instruction we hear‘Forgive as the Lord forgave you’(Colossians 3:13).

It is an attitude of the heart when we goon forgiving. The reality is we can forgive insome situations but not in others. Maybewe are not prepared to apply forgivenessto certain circumstances or with somepeople. This results in a fractured life, butGod’s intention is that we live anintegrated life, practising the presence ofGod with an attitude of heart that makesus at ease with others and ourselves.

The call to forgive can be a paradox.God is commanding us to do somethingthat we are unable to do. However, God‘is able to do immeasurably more than allwe ask or imagine’ (Ephesians 3:20). Weneed to pray for the ability to forgive, for‘anyone who hates a brother or sister is inthe darkness and walks around in thedarkness’ (1 John 2:11). We have theopportunity to be forgiving, kind andcompassionate (Colossians 3:12–17).God intends that we flourish, castingaside anything that hinders and causesus, or others, to stumble.

It is God’s desire that we work towardsreconciliation. We have to ask forforgiveness if we have sinned againstanother and work towards reconciliationwith those who have sinned against us. Itis not always possible with those whorefuse the hand of peace. In Romans12:17–21, we are instructed: ‘Do notrepay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to dowhat is right in the eyes of everyone. If it ispossible, as far as it depends on you, liveat peace with everyone. Do not takerevenge… Do not be overcome by evil,but overcome evil with good.’

Forgiveness is God’s work. We canreceive this for ourselves on the basis ofour humility and confession (2 Chronicles7:14).

Forgiveness removes the barrier to ourrelationship with God. Our forgiveness ofothers is a necessary condition.

If God has forgiven you, forgive thosewho have wronged you. Forgive yourselftoo, and start living for God. �

An attitude offorgiveness

by Commissioner Betty Matear,Territorial President of Women’sMinistries

[email protected]

If it is possible, as far as it dependson you, live at peace with everyone


NEW COMMITMENTS


Les NeishJohn HaireAdherent membersLurgan

AT music college in Manchester, a Salvationist friend invited Les to The Salvation Army. Les, who plays for the Fodens Band,subsequently linked to Belfast Temple Music School where he methis wife. They moved to Lurgan on their marriage.

Two years ago, John was saved at a mission hall. His love of bandsprompted him to accept an invitation to attend the Army after the corpsband conducted open-air meetings in John’s street.

Commissioner Keith Banks, who was leading the meeting,welcomed Les and John as adherent members. – G. W.

Hanna van der WoudeEliza van der WoudeJunior soldiersPenge

HANNA and Eliza recited the junior soldier’s promise in Dutch. Theywill be returning to the Netherlands after their parents – Cadets Erikand Willeke van der Woude – are commissioned as officers in July.

Corps officer Major Ann Hawkins enrolled Hanna and Eliza asjunior soldiers. – K. H.

Janet JohnsonAdherent memberHaverhill

JANET, who started to attend in 2009, contributes to corps activitiesand hosts a small group at her home each week. Corps officer CaptainJonathan Wylie welcomed Janet as an adherent member. – J. W.

Angus HarbottleAbigail LennoxSoldiersShiremoor

ANGUS testified to the assurance of God’s plan for his life. Abigailspoke about her life’s journey and how Jesus walks each step with her.

Major Nigel Gotobed (DHQ) enrolled Angus as a soldier andCaptain Heather Alston (Carlisle Temple) enrolled Abigail. – J. S.

Stephanie KentSoldierExeter

RAISED in a Salvationist family, Stephanie says her grandparents, thelate Majors Gordon and Joy Kent, were her inspiration. It was fittingshe was enrolled as a soldier – by former corps officer Major GladLjungholm (Hamilton) – on the same platform where her grandfatherhad conducted her dedication ceremony some 17 years earlier.

A number of Stephanie’s friends from the South-Western Schoolof Christian Arts were at the meeting to support her. – S. K.

Gary BondSoldierTaunton

THREE years ago Gary lost everything dear to him and spent thewinter living in his car under an old bridge in Exeter. The corps officerand corps members befriended him and helped him to rebuild his life.In doing so he renewed his faith in God. When he moved to the townhe gained employment with a charity supporting homeless people andlinked up with the corps. He passionately testified to God’s goodness.

Corps officer Captain Sue Camp-Richards enrolled Gary as asoldier. – S. C-R.

Beryl ToonAdherent memberBlackpool Citadel

WHEN Beryl moved to the town, she started to worship at the Armywhere she found friendship and fellowship. After attending for manyyears, when she saw others making their commitment she decided totake her own step of faith. Corps officer Major Ian Harris welcomedBeryl as an adherent member. – I. H.

Evelyn GilesAdherent memberIpswich Priory

CENTRE officer Major Wendy Goodman welcomed Evelyn as anadherent member. Almost 50 years after last attending church, Evelynaccepted an invitation to the Army where she is a member of the craftclub and the Bible study group. – W. G.

Adam MitchellJunior soldierBrixham

WHEN invited by another parent, Adam’s mother decided to takeAdam to the Sunday school. Corps officer Major Francis Frostenrolled him as a junior soldier. – F. F.

Delta GilesJacee MatthewsLayton HartlandJunior soldiersSenghenyddCORPS officer Captain Paula Hubbard had great delight in enrollingDelta, Jacee and Layton as junior soldiers in front of a hall full offamily and friends. The young people have been going to the corpsfor many years, starting off in the parent-and-toddler group andmoving on to the Monday evening Kids Church, which is where theymade the decision to follow Jesus and become junior soldiers. Theirmothers help run the busy corps children’s programme. – P. H.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

Daniel WhitlaAdherent memberBangor

DANIEL made the decision to become an adherent member and hismother, Lieutenant Susan Whitla (Larne), welcomed him when shewas leading meetings at the corps. – D. G.

Mick WebberLinda WebberAdherent membersSheffield Castle

LINDA first made contact with the Army when she volunteered tohelp in the corps charity shop and when Mick retired he also wentalong to help. They then accepted an invitation to attend café churchand began to go to Sunday meetings, which led to their recommitmentto Jesus. They are also enthusiastic helpers at the Homeless BreakfastProject which the corps runs every Sunday. Linda testifies to feelingat home in the fellowship and to the peace she has from God, knowingthat she is now where he wants her to be.

Corps officer Major Ivan Oliver welcomed Linda and Mick as adherent members. – I. O.

Charleen FranklinBlayze WhiteSoldiers

John LloydMary Lloyd

Eileen Lowery

Dorothy LusbyEric LusbyAdherent membersMarket Rasen

A JUNIOR soldier for several years and busy in the outreach centre,Charleen felt that God wanted her to make the further commitmentof becoming a senior soldier. Blayze’s grandmother introduced himto the Army. She moved to the town three years ago and, making thecorps her place of worship, she became a soldier. Blayze is a keenwitness for the Lord at school and believes God wants him to do thisas a soldier within the corps.

Major David Garrad enrolled Charleen and Blayze as soldiers.John and Mary were first contacted during the Annual Appeal

when a collector invited them to attend meetings. For Mary it wasa case of renewing links with the Army, while for John it issomething completely new.

Eileen went to the café the centre holds on market days andaccepted the invitation to go to Sunday meetings and the weeklyFriendship Club. She testifies to the warmth of welcome and thejoy of becoming a member of the centre.

Dorothy and Eric were members of another church but, aftermaking contact with the Army through the lunch club, they startedto go to the Friendship Club and Sunday meetings.

Centre leader Divisional Envoy Anne Chaplain welcomed John, Mary, Eileen, Dorothy and Eric as adherent members. – D. G. Joshua Headland

MoretonJunior soldier

IN his testimony, Joshua said he loved computers, his Nintendo DS,football, chicken nuggets and his family but he added that most ofall he loved Jesus and wanted to follow him. Joshua has beenattending the centre since it opened when he was six months old andis following the example of his sister Anya, who became a juniorsoldier two years ago. Family and friends were there to supportJoshua when outreach centre officer Captain Christine Dickinsonenrolled him. – C. D.

Colin BryantAdherent memberWorcester

COLIN testified to the saving power of Jesus Christ, toexperiencing a renewal in his faith and trust and to the fact that Godled him to the Army. Colin loves the Lord and thanked him for hisforgiveness, love and constant presence and guidance, the power of the Holy Spirit and the refreshed ministry he now has. Corpsofficer Captain Carole Donaldson welcomed Colin as an adherentmember. – C. D.

Andrew CampbellSoldierStaple Hill

ANDREW, who comes from a Salvationist family, was dedicated toGod at the corps 19 years ago and has grown up taking part in theyoung people’s activities. He attended the Cathedral School and, as achorister, music has played an important part in his life. He isbecoming involved in the band and chose ‘The Lord Bless You AndKeep You’ for it to play when corps officer Captain Ian Urmstonenrolled him as a soldier. His family and especially his grandparentshave encouraged him to make this commitment to God and the Army.– V. W.

PLEASE note when submitting pictures: they can be posted to theSalvationist office as photographs to be scanned, or emailed [email protected] as digital images with a resolutionof at least 200 dpi. Please send images as jpg or tiff attachments andavoid including embedded images in Word documents or withinemail messages. Please do not send printouts of digital pictures.


ANNOUNCEMENTSof her father, both Newark; Pamela Everton, Tring,

of her mother Win Clough; Maureen Kilian,

Heckmondwike, of her father Jack Haldenby.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Major Mrs Joyce

Scarlett, ,

Chippenham (95 on 8 June); Major

Bernard Phillips, , York

(80 on 14 June).

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

PROMOTIONS

To major –

Captain Amanda Banner, St Austell.

Captain Michael Barker, Gateshead.

Captain Nicola Barker, Gateshead.

Captain Susan Dean, Yorkshire DHQ.

Captain Leon Dean, Yorkshire DHQ.

Captain Sheila Dunkinson, William Booth College.

Captain James Hill, L'Islet.

Captain Claire Hill, L'Islet.

Captain Abigail Howe, Associate Officer, Kilburn.

Captain Timothy Justice, Newark and East

Midlands DHQ.

Captain Joanna Justice, Newark and East

Midlands DHQ.

Captain Amanda Lee, William Booth College.

Captain Lisa Lloyd-Jones, Central North DHQ.

Captain Michael Lloyd-Jones, Central North

DHQ.

Captain John Parrott, Cedar House, Dublin.

Captain Julie Pell, Kilburn and London Central

DHQ.

Captain David Pell, Harlesden, Kilburn Team

Ministry and Programme Service, THQ.

Captain Karen Robb, Stowmarket.

Captain Maxine Walker, Harpenden.

Captain Steven Watson, Ottery St Mary and

Exmouth.

Captain Carolyn Wilson, Rochdale.

Captain Paul Wilson, Rochdale.

LONG SERVICE AWARDS

45 years –

Lieut-Colonel Margaret Burn, William Booth

College.

Major David Jepson, Christchurch.

40 years –

Major Richard Cushing, East Midlands DHQ.

Major Dawn Disney, Glebe Court and Alver Bank,

London.

Major Peter Disney, London Central DHQ.

Lieut-Colonel Malcolm Forster, Southern Africa

Territory.

Lieut-Colonel Robert Garrad, IHQ.

Major Iris Leech, Worthing and SISTAD, William

Booth College.

Major Frederic Thompson, Swindon Gorse Hill.

35 years –

Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns, East Scotland DHQ

and Scotland Secretariat.

Major Stephen Grinsted, International Heritage

Centre.

Major David Jackson, Anglia DHQ.

Major Kath Jones, Central North DHQ.

Major Mel Jones, Central North DHQ.

Major David Lanceley, Business Administration

Service, THQ.

Major Sharron Lanceley, West Norwood.

Major Denis Lomax, North Scotland DHQ.

Major Olive Lomax, North Scotland DHQ.

Major Roy Milner, Booth House, Swindon.

Major Philip Packman, Counselling Service, THQ.

Major Joy Paxton, Tanzania Territory.

Major Clive Shead, Pastoral Care Unit, THQ.

Major Hazel Slade, Clevedon.

Major Stephen Slade, Sunderland Citadel.

Major Linda Squirrell, Eastbourne Citadel.

Major Katrina Thomas, Singapore, Malaysia and

Myanmar Territory.

Major Alison Thompson, Central North DHQ.

Major Hannalise Tvedt, Programme Service, THQ.

Lieut-Colonel Margaret Wickings, IHQ.

30 years –

Major Clifford Allchin, Anglia DHQ.

Major Joy Allchin, Anglia DHQ.

Major David Boorman, Personnel Service, THQ.

Major Lynda Boorman, Chaplain, David Barker

House, London.

Major Rudi Bruinewoud, Lincoln and Market

Rasen.

Major Graham Buckle, Australia Southern Territory.

Lieut-Colonel Alison Burns, East Scotland DHQ.

Major Martyn Clements, Tenby.

Major Antony Clifton, Swadlincote.

Major Paul Conley, Prison Chaplain, North-

Western DHQ.

Major Rita Conley, Prison Chaplain, North-Western

DHQ.


ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED

HLS Barbara Hobbs, Kettering.

MARRIAGES

Matthew Smith to Chloe Griffiths at Trowbridge

by Captain Ian Davis; Bandsman Terry Rogers to

Pat Feesey at Clevedon by Commissioner Keith

Banks; Matthew Perkins to Lara Burton at

Sutton by Majors Andrea and Mark Sawyer; YPBL

Adrian Browning to SCL Wendy Jones

(Treharris) at Risca by Majors Julie and Paul

Johnson.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Diamond: B/Reservist Stanley and S/Reservist

Mrs Margaret Davis, Christchurch (9 June).

Golden: Colonels David and Grace Napier

(14 June).

DEDICATED TO GOD

Dylan Gary Kevin, son of Gary and Joanne

Maddams, at Kettering by Lieut-Colonel Geoff

Blurton; Boipelo Chris, son of Lancelot and

Shingirai Bule, at Chatham by Major Drew

McCombe; Oliver Robert, son of Jody and Julia

Wilson, at Leighton Buzzard by Major David

Woodman; Sienna Christina and Louie Mark,

children of Mark and Wendy Bruty, at Minster by

Major Denise Cooper; Ellie-May Louise, daughter

of Nathan Browning and Rebecca Widdow, at

Risca by Captain Richard Waters.

BEREAVED

Major Jacquie Hanover, Cambridge Heath, of

her mother Sarah Sunter (formerly McCreery);

Hazel Hall of her mother, Gwynneth Halliburton

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

UK, Royal Albert Hall (ISB120 concert), Sat 4 Jun;

UK, Westminster Central Hall and the Mall (Music

Leaders Councils and ISB120 march of witness),

Sun 5; Sunbury Court (Senior Leaders’ Day), Th 9

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:

UK, Royal Albert Hall (ISB120 concert), Sat 4 Jun;

UK, Westminster Central Hall and the Mall (Music


Sun 5; Sunbury Court (Senior Leaders’ Day), Th 9

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER JOHN MATEAR)

AND COMMISSIONER ELIZABETH MATEAR:

Royal Albert Hall (ISB120 concert), Sat 4 Jun;

Westminster Central Hall and the Mall (Music


Sun 5; Sunbury Court (Brengle Institute), Mon 13;

Glenrothes, Sat Sun 19

THE CHIEF SECRETARY

(COLONEL BRIAN PEDDLE) AND

COLONEL ROSALIE PEDDLE:




Sun 5

Commissioners Larry and Gillian Bosh: USA

Eastern, Fri 10 Jun - Mon 13

Commissioner William Cochrane: Sunbury

Court (Senior Leaders’ Day), Th 9 Jun

Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder:

USA Southern (commissioning), Mon 30 May -

Mon 6 Jun; Sunbury Court (Senior Leaders’ Day),

Th 9

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina:

Uganda, Th 16 Jun - Wed 22

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street: UK,




Sun 5; Sunbury Court (Senior Leaders’ Day),

Th 9; Germany and Lithuania (installation of

territorial leaders), Fri 10 - Sun 12; Portugal, Wed

15 - Fri 17

Commissioner and Mrs William and Rose

Rivers: UK, Stowmarket, Sun 12 Jun

ANNOUNCEMENTS


Major Ian Field, Central North DHQ.

Major Melvin Fincham, Northern DHQ.

Major Suzanne Fincham, Northern DHQ.

Major Malcolm Hampton, Programme Service,

THQ.

Major Stephen Naylor, Sunderland Millfield.

Lieut-Colonel David Shakespeare, IHQ.

Major Philippa Smale, Communications Service,

THQ.

Major Nigel Tansley, Central North DHQ.

Major Susan Tansley, Stretford.

Major Gethin Thomas, Southport.

Major Pearl Thomas, Southport.

Major Howard Webber, Programme Service,

THQ.

Major Judy Webber, Programme Service, THQ.

Major Jacqueline Wright, Belfast Temple.

Major Noel Wright, Evangelism Department, THQ.

JOHN MATEAR,

Commissioner,

Territorial Commander

serving at coffee mornings, preaching andleading meetings.

In 1995 he married Brigadier Ivy Orford.They shared common interests and compan-ionship in Southend until her promotion toGlory in 2009.

Becoming frailer, Brigadier Day moved to Brightlingsea to be near his daughter Margaret. It was a joy for him to return torural life by the sea, with memories of loyalcomrades and the thriving corps he had commanded there 58 years earlier.

His smile, handshake and gentle ‘Godbless you’ continued at the Cheviot NursingHome in Colchester, where his quality of life was maintained through wonderful nursing care. Until the end, he was an influence for good and greatly blessed staffand residents.

God laid his hand on Frank that day in theDerbyshire village. He fulfilled that calling,remaining true and faithful and was an inspiring example to all who knew him. – M. W./J. F.

[email protected]

CAPTION COMPETITION RESULTS

On 7 May Salvationist asked readers for captions for this picture of Deputy Centre Manager David Yates and Centre Manager Captain Mike Warner of Bramwell House,Blackburn, displaying their paper art at the end of an origami café church, themed EggsAnd Rabbits. Here is a selection of the best suggestions:

� Remarkable likeness to an egg and rabbit, but what are those things they are holding? – Vic Gebbie, Burnley

� I told you I was a black belt in origami! – Barry Jones, London

� When the Divisional Commander said he wanted to see your paperwork, he didn’tmean… – David Payne, Bolton

� David joins The Salv-Orig-Army! – Ray Saunders, Cardiff Ely

� The craft club’s activities folded when the captain couldn’t cut it! – Bella Lushrange,Thornton-Cleveleys

� During a quiet day at the centre, David challenged the captain to a game of rock,paper… rabbit? – Amy Thomas, Liverpool

TRIBUTEBRIGADIER FRANK DAYTHE third of nine children,Frank Day was born inLongford, Derbyshire, in1915. Eighteen years laterhe encountered an Army

band campaigning in Allenton. His spiritualjourney began with his conversion that night.

When aged 22, he joined the 1936Guardians of the Covenant Session and wascommissioned to Bootle the following year.Six further corps appointments precededmarriage to Lieutenant Isabel Daniels in1942.

Theirs was truly a love match, lasting 45years. Of their four children, only Frank andMargaret survived. Both were born in Scotland.

Frank and Isabel’s partnership in thegospel saw them commanding many of theterritory’s foremost corps over 32 years, before Frank was appointed Chancellor inthe South Wales Division. His final appoint-ment was with the Men’s Social Services.

Brigadier Day was a Salvation Army officer for 74 years. Loved and respected forhis gentle pastoral care of people, he was alsoa passionate evangelist. Through his own spir-itual awakening he possessed an inner calmand trust that shone through to others. He didnot seek promotion or status, but walkedhumbly through life – never judgmental, andonly seeing the best in people. He believedand preached the message of salvation and theblessing of a consecrated life.

With Isabel, Frank encouraged spiritualgrowth within Army family life and led outreach work into the community.

Retiring in 1980, the couple continued to serve together in Romford until Isabel’s sudden promotion to Glory in 1987. Not defeated, Frank found other avenues of service such as visiting the housebound,

20-23 4 June 2011 SALVATIONIST

ADVERTS


New York skyline with the Empire State Building. Picture: DAVID NAPIER

BIBLE VERSESFor I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neitherheight nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

(Romans 8:38 and 39 New International Version)

PICTURE OF THEWEEK

BOOK OF THEWEEKWhen The World Takes The Wind Out Of Your Sails byJames Moore, Abingdon Press, £9.99

Everyone experiences situations which seem hopeless at one timeor another. No person is exempt from catastrophe, calamity orcare. Speaker, preacher and author James Moore is sensitive tothis and in his book, When The World Takes The Wind Out Of YourSails, he invites readers to turn to God for help, strength andcomfort.

He begins his book with the story of Nodar Kumaritashvili, theGeorgian athlete who was thrown to his death in a practice runon the Olympic luge track just hours before the openingceremony.

He says: ‘Nodar’s story is a harsh, sobering and dramaticreminder of how hard life can sometimes be, and how fragile!’

Throughout the book, the author uses real-life examples tounderline his message. He also uses humour and not-so-true

stories to make points as well. Every chapter asks the reader toremember something positive: Remember That Our Hope Is InGod, Remember That We Can Trust God And Go Forward,Remember That Spiritual Disciplines Do Work, Remember TheStrength Of Sanctified Stubbornness.

Every chapter looks at problems and then breaks downresponses into easily manageable segments. For instance, whenlooking at the amazing power of the cross, he says first of all, tochoose the way of the cross means to take up the cross ofChristlike values; second, it means to take up the cross ofChristlike love; third and finally, it means to take up the cross ofChristlike commitment.

This is a down-to-earth and easily readable book for anyonewho wants to know where God is when the going is tough. JamesMoore says: ‘In our joys and sorrows, from the cradle to thegrave (and even beyond), the good news is that God will be withus, giving us the strength we need when we need it.’

The book includes a discussion guide for group use. – P. S.

■ When The World Takes The Wind Out Of Your Sails isavailable from good bookstores and online atamazon.co.uk

SONGI shall not fear though darkened clouds may gather round me;The God I serve is one who cares and understands.Although the storms I face would threaten to confound me,Of this I am assured: I’m in his hands.

Stanley E. Ditmer (SASB 732)

QUOTEJust as good parents want to be close to their children most of all when their children are hurting, even so when the harshstorms of life strike, God does seem to draw even closer to us. It’s more likely that God’s there close to us all along, butsomehow in the storms we tune in better to God’s presence and strength.

James Moore, taken from When The World Takes The Wind Out Of Your Sails

WIT ’N’ WISDOMBlessed are they who see their neighbours not as an object of theirministry but the subject of God’s love.

Major Martin Hill (South-Western DHQ)

Date post:	07-Jul-2020
Category:	Documents
Upload:	others
View:	0 times
Download:	0 times

Salvationist 4 June 2011 - Amazon S3€¦ · Subway as part of a promotion in 130 stores to...

Documents