salvationist 1 june 2013 · available in digital format and we in the editorial unit would...

SALVATIONIST1 June 2013 // No. 1400 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

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

Pages 12 & 13

Spreading the good news

CONTENTS

Salvationist 1 June 20132

3. FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

4. PAPERSThis week’s quotes from the papers and picture caption competition results

5. – 8. & 19. NEWSWellingborough // Sherburn Hill //Birmingham Citadel // THQ // Filey // Kilbirnie // Winton // Staple Hill // Swindon Citadel // Abertillery // Llanelli // Taunton // Yorkshire // Southsea // Cheltenham Citadel // Boston // Edinburgh // Limavady // Barnet // Cowdenbeath //

8. NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

9. LETTERS

9. FEATURE Looking forward to the Gospel Arts Concert

10. & 11. ICO FEATUREGod’s way with me

12. & 13. FEATURESpreading the good news

14. REFLECTION Going deeper… in worship

15. BIBLE STUDY

Spirits in partnership

16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS

18. & 19. ANNOUNCEMENTS

20. FEATUREWindow on my world

21. – 23. ADVERTS

24. THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

12. & 13.

5.

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

7.

Front page: George Bennett,

Tunbridge Wells

Salvationist 1 June 2013 3

PAPERS AND PASTORSI LOVE my Kin… – oops! – I mean my electronic reader. So many books inside one leatherette cover! I have textbooks: dictionaries, thesauruses, etc; I have a history section: at present I’m reading a true account of the post-war search for the murderers of escapees from Stalag Luft III; I have a host of biographies; and I have quite a lot of fiction.

But I still love visiting bookshops and have dozens of books on my bookshelves at home and in the office. And I still thoroughly enjoy reading a number of daily newspapers. For me, it doesn’t have to be one medium or the other; real books and newspapers are great and so is my e-reader.

The centre spread this week adds another dimension to this subject, as Captain Andrew Stone reports how the corps at Tunbridge Wells sells 910 copies of The War Cry and Kids Alive! raising up to £300 every week for corps funds, but – more importantly – undertaking a ministry that puts Salvationists where people are.

Please do read about Pat Simmons, George Bennett and Derek Hurry, who have been selling the Army papers for a combined total of more than 80 years.

George sells his papers three days a week in the street and outside supermarkets and department stores. He tells how people often open up to him about their problems: ‘Some have asked me to pray for them and sometimes we’ll share a prayer.’

We are fortunate in this territory to have our papers available in digital format and we in the Editorial Unit would encourage Salvationists and friends who are fond of this kind of technology to sign up to receive the Army

papers this way. But we are also aware of the tremendous potential for human contact that comes through selling the papers in the good old-fashioned way. For Pat, George and Derek it’s an important avenue of service.

You may have noticed that Salvationist is enthusiastic about the Gospel Arts Concert. In recent weeks we have devoted two front covers and numerous pages to this event. The Salvation Army in this territory is rightly proud of its association with one of the world’s greatest concert halls. On page 9 three of the young people who will be playing with the massed youth band tell us how much they are looking forward to this year’s concert. There’s still time for you to be there too.

STEPHEN PEARSON

FROM THE MANAGING 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

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]

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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

PICTURE CAPTION COMPETITION RESULTS

This wordsearch gets harder each week.Robert Little, Carlisle

Why has it taken 18 months to get my dedication published?Derek Jolliffe, Blackpool

I’ll read the rest of this on Sunday during the sermon.and

To think when I grow up I’ll be stuck with ‘Salvationist’.Gordon Archer, Belfast

Annabelle thinks ‘Kids Alive!’ is just the paper for a well-red girl.Colin Clarke, Isle of Wight

On 11 May Salvationist requested captions for this picture showing 18-month-old Annabelle intently reading her copy of Kids Alive! at the parent-and-toddler group at Knottingley. Here are a selection of the best captions:

BAPTISTS APPOINT FIRST WOMAN SECRETARYThe Baptist Union of Great Britain has elected its first woman general secretary.With the Rev Roberta Rominger as

general secretary of the United Reformed Church, the Rev Lynn Green is now the second woman at the helm of a major British Christian denomi-nation.Mrs Green, the unanimous choice of

the General Secretary Nominating Group… said that she felt ‘incredibly humbled and honoured’…Her appointment came after financial

pressures made a shake-up of Baptist senior management necessary............. Methodist Recorder

‘CULT OF MONEY’ CONDEMNED BY POPEPope Francis condemned the ‘cult of money’… saying that the economic crisis had made life worse for millions in rich and poor countries.

‘Money has to serve, not to rule,’ he told a group of ambassadors in the first major speech about finance since his election… He added: ‘We have created new idols. The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal.’The Independent

LORD CAREY RENEWS ATTACK ON PLANS FOR EQUAL MARRIAGEFormer Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey of Clifton has launched a renewed attack on the Government’s attempts to legalise gay marriage.

He accused ministers of trying to pigeonhole opponents of the move as ‘dinosaurs’ and of ignoring the views of ethnic minorities.

Lord Carey said the process of introducing the legislation had been ‘wholly unedifying’ and debate had been ‘curtailed and foreshortened at every turn’…

In only his second speech in the House of Lords in the past six years, Lord Carey said the Government had caused ‘bewilderment’ by the law, which would ‘change the face of society and family with no mandate or even a proper debate’........................................... The Church of England Newspaper

ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AWAITS HIS BLESSED CURRYThe Most Rev Justin Welby has admitted

that among the big challenges he and his

family have faced as they get to know

Canterbury is finding where to order the

best takeaway meal.The Daily Telegraph

Gospel choir makes an impactBIRMINGHAM CITADEL

MERCY Gospel Choir made an immediate impact during the morning meeting with ‘This Is The Day’. In the afternoon the Swedish choir, led by Salvationist Fred Påhlsson, gave an open-air concert in the city centre. Large crowds were drawn to their inspired message and many attended the evening concert as a result.

There was music for everyone at the concert, from traditional hymns such as ‘Blessed Assurance’ and ‘How Great Thou Art’ to the more contemporary ‘Cleanse My Heart’ and ‘I Am The Messenger’. The choir’s infectious energy was irresistible and the congregation joined in with clapping and sing-ing. – A. H.

Help make a noiseTHQ

SALVATIONISTS are encour-aged to join thousands of others at the Big IF events to put an end to global hunger. Held on Saturday 8 June in London and Saturday 15 June in Belfast, the Big IF events aim to make enough noise to get world leaders to sit up and listen. G8 leaders gather this month and have the power to decide the fate of millions of people around the world.

If enough people turn out at the Big IF events, G8 leaders will have to act to end the scandal and injustice of hunger.

Let Salvation Army Inter-national Development (UK) know if you are attending by visiting www.salvationarmy.org.uk/if, emailing [email protected] or calling 020 7367 4777. If you can’t attend, you can still add your voice to the campaign by signing up or by ordering campaign posters using the above details. – A. R.

NEWS


Retired General brings encouragementWELLINGBOROUGH

GENERAL Shaw Clifton (Retired) simply and profoundly preached the gospel during the Sunday morning meeting. The General explained that although ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever’ (Hebrews 13:8) is bad grammar, it is perfect theology. The questions, Who is Christ? Where is Christ? and What is Christ? were explored.

In the afternoon café church the General answered questions on his life, his calling and his

time as leader of the Army (see picture with corps officer Major Paul Church). He answered candidly and inspirationally, tell-ing how he knew when he was 12 years old that God was

SHERBURN HILL: Corps members aged from 4 to 84 went to Grange-over-Sands for a spir-itual retreat, with guests Majors Kim and Nigel Gotobed (DHQ) who led challenging Bible stud-ies on the theme Come And See. Major Nigel Gotobed shared his story of faith – a highlight for many. – H. E.

calling him to be an officer. At the end of the meeting the General said: ‘God still has work for you to do in Wellingborough – find it, do it and God will bless it.’ – R. S.

Lady Hermon MP and Edwin Poots MLA speak with resident

centenarian Eileen Waddell during a visit to Sir Samuel Kelly

Memorial Care Home; while touring the home, they participated

in various activities, including baking with Director of Older

People’s Services Elaine Cobb (THQ)

The Mayor and Mayoress of

Filey (Councillor Richard

Walker and Jackie Walker)

present corps officer Major

Susan Robinson with an

award from the town council

recognising her 11 years’

service to the community

Home league weekendLLANELLI

MAJOR Michele Emery (DHQ) led home league weekend, speak-ing about the influence of women in the Bible and what can be learnt from them today. She also led Sunday meetings and a well-attended Monday rally that included visitors from other churches and corps. Llanelli Home League Singers (pictured) contributed items throughout the weekend. – S. H.

Meeting with a differenceSWINDON CITADEL

SUNDAY was a day with a difference as corps folk focused on Vision Day – Made For Mission. It was a day of sharing, teaching, discussing and praying about God’s mission for the corps. After the meeting, discus-sions took place over lunch and some folk participated in a discussion and prayer walk in the afternoon. Later, people were encouraged to consider their gifts of the Spirit and how these can be used to fulfil the corps mission in the neighbourhood. – K. S.

STAPLE HILL: Vocal soloist Emily Hall (Bristol Easton) presented ‘Love Divine’ and ‘Someone Cares’ at Sunday Celebration. She was joined by Sophie Johnson in the duet ‘In His Time’. Chris Painter (flugel- horn) played ‘Through It All’ and junior musician Joshua Dickens (euphonium) played ‘In The Love Of Jesus’. – V. W.

Weekend of ministry in ScotlandKILBIRNIE

LIVERPOOL Walton Songsters visited West Scotland for a busy weekend of ministry, starting with a Saturday evening meet-ing. On Sunday morning the songsters sang ‘Here In Your Presence’, ‘Worthy Is The Lamb’ and ‘In Your Arms’, with the theme What Is In Your Hand? On Sunday afternoon the song-sters and corps folk travelled to Largs for a meeting in St John’s church, where Margaret Lacy sang ‘Pictures Of Perfection’ before the united songsters of Kilbirnie and Liverpool Walton concluded the meeting. – D. W.

NEWS


Kath Powis (seated) is surrounded by her colleagues and friends

at Winton charity shop as she prepares to retire; she received a

certificate of appreciation from Divisional Commander Lieut-

Colonel Graham Owen for her loyal and committed work in the

shop since its opening 25 years ago

Kids at Taunton’s children’s

club enjoy learning about the

good Samaritan with bandages

and wheelchair races, as part

of three action-packed

mornings where they also

heard about the prodigal son

and God’s world

At Abertillery’s bi-monthly

men’s breakfast Ashley

Crowter gave his testimony

and insights into his job as a

BBC sports presenter; he is

pictured (right) with corps

officer Captain David

Womersley

Magic momentsYORKSHIRE

GUEST leader Melvin Hart (THQ), using the theme Magic Moments, helped everyone reflect upon God’s love and faithfulness at the adult and family ministries rally at The Spa, Scarborough. Highlights included drama per -formances by Sarah Grace (Bir -mingham Citadel) and xylophone pieces by John Wears (Morley).

Yorkshire Divisional Fellow -ship Band contributed greatly to the afternoon with ‘Take-over Bid’ and by singing ‘My Jesus I Love Thee’. DHQ personnel also presented an alternative version of the song ‘Magic Moments’ that reflected the joyful abandon of the occasion.

In the afternoon, special thanks was given to Major Ann Radford and Lieut-Colonel Gill Heeley (DHQ) in appreciation of their service to adult and family ministries in the division. Melvin Hart challenged the congregation to never forget the wonderful day when they first met the Lord. Melvin is pictured with Sarah Grace. – R. G.

CHELTENHAM CITADEL: More than 50 past and present Cameo members attended the tenth anniversary lunch. The Chelten-ham Age UK Choir entertained with songs from musicals and wartime items and choir members joined Cameo members for tea and a celebration cake. – R. G.

All-encompassing rallySOUTHSEA

HOME and family weekend, led by Lieut-Colonel Kirsten Owen (DHQ), commenced with a rally incorporating home league and Cameo members from four other corps. Junior musician Genevieve Shaw sang two contemporary solos, corps officer Major Mary Wolfe led the home league singers in ‘My Jesus, I Love Thee’ and Lieut-Colonel


NEWSOwen spoke of being kind and compassionate to each other.

The Sunday morning meeting followed the theme The Weakest Link and included items from the songsters, YP band and singing company. Lieut-Colonel Owen, with the help of seven singing company members, demonstrated that everyone is equal in God’s eyes. Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Graham Owen led the evening meeting with the theme All At Sea – Gone Fishing, with contributions and Bible readings from home league and Cameo members. – T. M.

Breezing in for a blowBOSTON

THE band opened its rehearsal by encouraging people to Breeze In For A Blow. Members of the community, the corps and friends were invited to play with the band or just sit and listen for an evening. Forty-five members ranging from ages 6 to 88 played ‘We’re A Band’ and ‘Vanguard’. Band Sergeant Zoe Holmes concluded the practice with Scripture and a thought themed We Are The Body Of Christ. – M. P.

Staff and residents of Davidson House Care Home, Edinburgh,

dress up as gangsters and flappers for their Roaring Twenties-

themed tea party

NEWS


WEEK 14Monday 3 June Luke 22 – The Last Supper before Jesus is betrayed, arrested, denied and put on trial

During the Passover meal Jesus broke bread and told the disciples ‘do this in remembrance of me’ (v19). How often do you think he meant this should be done?

Verse 45 – It may be easy to assume the disciples let Jesus down by falling asleep, but can you sympathise more with the drowsiness that is caused by sorrow?

Tuesday 4 June Luke 23 – The crucifixion, death and burial of Jesus

What would have been the repercussions for us if Jesus had proved his power and authority and saved himself in response to the dying criminal’s insults?

What day of the week did Jesus die (v 54)?

Wednesday 5 June Luke 24 – The resurrected Jesus appears to his disciples and ascends into Heaven

What day of the week did Jesus come back to life? How many days and nights does this mean he was dead for?

Was Jesus’ body tangible? What evidence is there?Where is Heaven (v51)?

Thursday 6 June John 1 – Jesus is the Word made flesh and the Lamb of God

Who is the Word made flesh?Is the Word also God?Why do you think John the Baptist called Jesus ‘the Lamb of God’?

Friday 7 June John 2 – Jesus changes water into wine and clears the Temple

Do you think Mary was fully aware of Jesus’ power?

Corps officer Major Mary McDonald presents playgroup children

with certificates and a Bible on Graduation Day for toddlers

moving on to nursery at Cowdenbeath

Pat Thornton and Norah

Anderson distribute ‘The

War Cry’ outside The Spires

shopping centre in Barnet;

over the past year they have

raised £3,489 for corps funds

and were presented with

certificates in recognition of

their ministry

East Londonderry MP Gregory Campbell and George Robinson

MLA visit Limavady Outreach Centre to view the extent of its

support to the community; they are pictured with divisional

leaders Majors Elwyn and Carole Harries and centre officers

Captains Eddie and Joan Archibald

LETTERS and FEATURE


THE Royal Albert Hall is associated with the ‘must attend’ events on the Salvation Army calendar, so an invitation for the Northern Youth

Band to participate with other divisional youth bands is indeed an exciting prospect and a privilege. As we unite as Christian musicians having practised, prepared and prayed for the event, my desire is that we will thrill the listener and showcase the God-given and God-glorifying talents that we use to enhance mission and ministry in our divisions. I’m deputy songster leader at Sunderland Millfield and I hope to extend my friendship group and engage with members of the International Staff Band and International Staff Songsters, who I am sure will be a source of encouragement and inspiration.

Andrew MairSunderland Millf ield

I CONSIDER myself fortunate to be a part of a thriving youth band in the Southern Division, and to be invited to play in the Royal

Albert Hall as part of the massed youth bands is also a great privilege. Since I started playing in the YP band at the age of seven I have strived to play well. I always look forward to events in which I am not only able to enjoy myself, but also show my love for God through my playing. I pray that the youth bands’ participation in the Gospel Arts Concert this year may be an inspiration to those who listen.

Ashley LaunnWinton

HI, I’m 14 and I go to Stowmarket Corps where I play solo cornet in the YP band. I have only been a member of the Anglia Youth

Band since February so this is my first ‘gig’ with the youth band – so that’s a really impressive first! I’m really looking forward to playing in the Royal Albert Hall with all the other youth bands. We have had Steve Cobb conducting one of our practices and the piece I’m most looking forward to playing is ‘Kerygma’. I reckon it’s going to sound really good in the Albert Hall.

Edward CroftStowmarket

LOOKING FORWARD TO THEGOSPEL ARTS CONCERT

GOSPEL ARTS WEEKEND begins with the 21st-century Gowans and Larsson Concert at Regent Hall on Friday 7 June, continues with the Gospel Arts Concert at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 8 June and concludes with Music Leaders Councils at William Booth College on Sunday 9 June

IMMIGRATION AND FREE MOVEMENT IS COMPLICATEDI THINK the writer of the anti-immigration policies letter (Salvationist 18 May) does not fully understand the situation. If the Christian Church has to rely on immigrants from Eastern Europe, the churches have failed in their mission.

When William Booth was alive, the population of the United Kingdom was only 29 million – it is now more than 60 million. There are not enough resources in this country for unlimited immigration.

Immigrants are better served by being assisted to develop in their own country, which The Salvation Army and lots of other NGOs are already doing.

As for The Salvation Army maintaining free movement of its officers, this is only if the governments of other countries grant them permission to do so. Our General is Canadian; so is the new Governor of

the Bank of England. The General is here only because our Government has given permission for her to be here.

Free movement is a wonderful idea; we should devote our prayers and efforts so that it may be achieved one day.

John Rogers,Cardiff

THE SILVER NEEDS POLISHINGGORDON ARCHER (Letters, Salvationist 18 May) must be aware that if the family silver isn’t polished it will become tarnished. Surely that is all Fred Crowhurst was suggesting in his earlier letter – some general maintenance not a wholesale remodelling.

I recall that, when in primary class 60 years ago, I used to sing a chorus that said: ‘I may never march in the infantry, ride in the cavalry, shoot the artillery. I may never fly o’er the enemy’ and other

similar horrendous themes. Should we still be teaching such concepts to our youngsters today?

While truths remain, the way of communicating them changes, and that includes not only the songs we sing or the words we write but also the terminology we use.

I fear that a closed-mind concept is so deeply ingrained in some of our Salvation Army thinking that our best course of action is to seek to manage the decline, so that what is left is sustainable and relevant to the needs of today, however numerically small that may be.

Melvyn Owen,Worcester

Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address. Write to Salvationist (Letters), 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN or email [email protected]

ICO FEATURE


to apply for additional government aid.As the people began to recognise the

uniform and understand a little about The Salvation Army, their hearts began to open to the gospel message. After many months, Jenny and her husband felt it was time to rent a building as a temporary corps hall and, before long, Puli Corps was opened. Sunday meetings began with a small congregation of peasants, residents and children from the makeshift houses.

After prayer and strategic thought, the Chens decided to concentrate on youth services. Their decision was supported and sponsored by a district resident and a Christian foundation to the amount of NT $3.8 million dollars (approximately £82,700) to build a youth centre.

The corps began to grow – and by 2007 the hall was overcrowded. A Government-owned property became available, but was expensive. After seeing the work being done, the Government granted a 50 per cent discount, but this was still a great burden. In 2009, Jenny’s brother-in-law visited the corps, and was so touched by what he saw that he now finances the yearly rental.

Since its humble beginnings the corps has produced five officers, including Jenny and her husband. Another two candidates begin training in August. In addition, many young people have made a commitment to future officership.

Captain Jenny says: ‘It is God’s grace, the power of the Holy Spirit and the great love of Jesus Christ that enables Puli Corps to honour God and help people. The mission of The Salvation Army is continually carried out in Taiwan. We sincerely hope that one day soldiers from Puli will set up more corps around the Taiwan Region to fight for God’s victory.’

MAJOR KARINA GIUSTI, SOUTH AMERICA EASTBORN in northern Argentina, Karina accepted Christ as her saviour at a Salvation Army children’s camp at the age of seven.

Her parents were deep-rooted Roman Catholics and Karina attended a Catholic school and church services, with occasional visits to the Army. As a teenager she decided to make the Army her church. She no longer believed in Catholic rituals and was looking for the vibrant spiritual life she saw in Salvationists.

GOD’S WAY WITH MEMajor Naomi Kelly (USA Eastern) introduces three of her fellow delegates from the present session at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development

CAPTAIN JENNY CHEN, TAIWANIN 1999 a devastating earthquake hit Taiwan, resulting in the deaths of more than 2,000 people. The Salvation Army immediately entered the affected area to offer relief and build makeshift houses. A regional officer visited Jenny and her husband, asking if they would accompany them to the disaster area to help with the reconstruction. At the time the couple had their own business, along with several properties, and didn’t feel it was possible to give all this up. They rejected the request, but after the officer left they had no peace about their decision and – following much prayer – accepted the challenge.

In August 2000 the family moved to Puli Township to assist with the reconstruction. They began visiting people who were living in makeshift houses – taking the love of Jesus and providing spiritual care and comfort. Also they helped those still living in tents

‘‘

SINCE ITS HUMBLE BEGINNINGS THE CORPS HAS PRODUCED FIVE OFFICERS. . . ANOTHER TWO CANDIDATES BEGIN TRAINING IN AUGUST ’’

God was also working in her family’s life. Her siblings began assisting at the Sunday school held at her aunt’s house and her mother began attending the home league. A few years later her father started attending meetings and both parents are now faithful local officers.

Karina felt called to be an officer from a young age and never wavered in her acceptance of that call. At 19 she began training for officership in Argentina and was commissioned in 1992. She is married to Rafael and they have four children.

Throughout her service, the major has sought to serve the Lord with all her mind, soul and body and to love and bring others to a knowledge of Christ. She is also challenged to be a good shepherd of her children, so that they will love God with all their hearts and serve him with their talents and gifts.


‘‘

GOD HAS BLESSED ME AND MY FAMILY IN EVERY SINGLE APPOINTMENT. THERE WERE COMPLICATIONS AND TESTS, BUT ALSO TIMES OF GREAT BLESSING FOR US ALL ’’

Recently God gave her a verse that has provided her with immense peace: ‘All thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children’ (Isaiah 54:13 King James Version).

The major’s wide range of service has included leading corps, children’s and elderly care centres and being divisional director of women’s ministries. This month she begins a new appointment as territorial candidates and continuing education officer.

She joyfully testifies: ‘God has blessed me and my family in every single appointment. There were complications and tests, but also times of great blessing for us all. God has been faithful over these 20 years of service and I know that he will continue blessing us.’

CAPTAIN DAVID McCAW-ALDWORTH, SPAINTHE captain likens his divine encounter with God with that of John Newton, who wrote the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’.

Born into a rich Salvation Army heritage in northeast England, David took part in many corps activities. He was particularly fond of music and became a senior soldier at 14 so that he could play in the band. He admits to ‘playing’ Salvation Army without fully understanding what it meant to ‘be’ Salvation Army. Music and his tuba became his gods.

He left home at 17 to become a military musician. He toured extensively and was enjoying life, but was a nominal Salvationist.

When his world collapsed a few years later, he endured some very dark and difficult days. During this time, David began attending his home corps again, but still out of habit – still ‘playing’ Army. He arrived late and left quickly to avoid any real conversation, particularly about his relationship with God.

One evening, as the altar call was given, David felt the Spirit urging him to go forward to pray, but he stubbornly refused. Then he felt God give him ‘a holy push’ and, before he realised it, he was on his way to the mercy seat: ‘There was a continued momentum that I could not stop.’ He wrestled with God, but didn’t feel completely settled. He knew there must be more to life and that something was missing.

Soon afterwards, David’s band was deployed to the Edinburgh Military

Tattoo. As the massed bands and pipes began playing ‘Amazing Grace’, David testifies that in those moments God spoke to him and saved him – just as he did the ‘wretch’ in Newton’s hymn – and called him to officership. He stood surrounded by hundreds of soldiers, thankful for the pouring rain that hid his tears.

Returning home, he shared his call with Elizabeth, a young woman he had become fond of at the corps. She also felt called to officership. They eventually married and now have three children and two grandchildren.

Becoming officers and voicing a further call to overseas service, they now serve in Mallorca. This involves working in a different culture and language, which he describes as ‘challenging, but also great fun’.

The captain testifies: ‘God called me from the depths of despair and blessed me with a family, a ministry and a purpose.’

Like John Newton, he also says: ‘I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great saviour.’

‘‘

HE FELT GOD GIVE HIM ‘A HOLY PUSH’ AND, BEFORE HE REALISED IT, HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO THE MERCY SEAT ’’

FEATURE


Spreading the good newsCaptain Andrew Stone visits Tunbridge Wells to meet the people who sell the Army papers

THE image of Salvationists in pubs selling The War Cry is indelibly etched into the consciousness of countless people in this territory. But it is often an

image from the past. Pub-booming is no longer a regular weekly activity at many corps with some people questioning the value of a paper-selling ministry in the 21st century.

Salvationist, The War Cry and Kids Alive! are available digitally as people look to the internet for information and entertainment. So is there a place for a printed evangelical paper today? The remarkable outreach undertaken at Tunbridge Wells through selling the Army papers would demonstrate that there is.

Pat Simmons, George Bennett and Derek Hurry have been selling the papers for a combined total of more than 80 years. Each week they sell 910 copies of The War Cry and Kids Alive! bringing in up to £300 a week for the corps. However, it is not the financial aspect of the work that motivates them.

‘I love selling the papers,’ George reflects, to the agreement of his co-workers. ‘It’s nice to collect the money but it’s not the beginning and end of it. I’m a people person so the collecting box is not important – it’s the people we reach who matter.’

George sells his papers three days a week in the street and outside supermarkets and department stores. Over the years he has built up good relationships with his regular customers.

‘People will come and talk to me about their problems,’ he says. ‘Some have asked me to pray for them and sometimes we’ll share a prayer outside Marks & Spencer.

‘A lot of the people who ask me to pray don’t have any connection with a church. If I wasn’t there it’s quite possible that these people wouldn’t have anyone else to ask to pray for them.’

Derek, who sells his papers in a store and in some pubs on a Friday and Saturday evening, also has people asking

for more than just something to read when he goes out into the community.

‘People ask me to pray for them and I’ll also tell our corps officer about their problems to see if the corps can help,’ he explains. ‘I can’t do anything on the platform on a Sunday, but I can do this outreach.’

For many Salvationists the inside of a pub or club would be unfamiliar and perhaps even frightening territory. However, it is extremely rare for a seller to encounter any serious problems when they are out.

‘I did once have someone who swore at me in a pub,’ Derek recalls, ‘but other customers heard him and told him off. The landlords are also very nice. There was one landlady who would always look at the recipes in The War Cry to see if there were any she could try in her pub.’

That is typical of the reaction of many of Derek’s customers who enjoy the content of the papers he sells.

‘People are very keen to take their copies of Kids Alive! and The War Cry,’ he says. ‘If I don’t get out one week I have to make sure I take last week’s papers with me the next time as my customers don’t like to miss out.’

‘People will sometimes talk to me about articles in the paper,’ adds Pat who sells her papers in pubs and clubs also on Friday and Saturday evenings. ‘I’ve received a lot of comments on the quality of the articles.’

‘‘

PAT SIMMONS, GEORGE BENNETT AND DEREK HURRY HAVE BEEN SELLING THE PAPERS FOR A COMBINED TOTAL OF MORE THAN 80 YEARS. EACH WEEK THEY SELL 910 COPIES OF THE WAR CRY AND KIDS ALIVE! BRINGING IN UP TO £300 A WEEK FOR THE CORPS ’’

‘‘

THE MAN HAD GOT TO KNOW ME THROUGH MY SELLING THE PAPERS AND HE FELT HE COULD SPEAK TO ME ABOUT HIS CONCERNS ’’


Pat first started selling the papers in 1968 and she says that people are just as pleased to see her now as they were in the Sixties.

‘You build up a lovely rapport with the customers who enjoy getting a paper to read; they become like friends,’ she says.

‘Recently I had someone come and tell me about his wife who had a serious illness and I was talking to him for half an hour. The man had got to know me through my selling the papers and he felt he could speak to me about his concerns.

‘Selling the papers is God’s work for me,’ Pat adds. ‘It’s about spreading the message of Jesus. I wouldn’t feel confident to talk to people about Christianity if I didn’t have the papers to sell.’

The work of Pat, Derek and George is certainly appreciated by their corps officer, Major John Smith.

‘They all recognise that what they do raises money for the corps,’ he says, ‘but their main aim is to present the gospel to the people they see.

‘The War Cry and Kids Alive! are great sources of evangelism, particularly when linked with the person who is selling the papers. You have the written word combined with a relationship with the person who is selling.’

The income generated by the papers has enabled the corps to reach out further into the community of Tunbridge Wells. It provides funds to help disadvantaged individuals in the town and those struggling to cope with some of the concerns of daily life.

Major Smith is convinced that these

spiritual and financial benefits could be replicated elsewhere in the territory.

‘I’d encourage corps officers and soldiers to think about selling the papers,’ he says. ‘It’s an excellent ministry. The sellers are virtually the pastors of the people they meet.

‘It takes special people to sell Kids Alive! and The War Cry. They have to be consistent in their work.

‘I wonder if every corps has someone who could do this ministry but we don’t have the eyes to see it – or perhaps we’re not even looking.’

‘‘

A LOT OF THE PEOPLE WHO ASK ME TO PRAY DON’T HAVE ANY CONNECTION WITH A CHURCH. IF I WASN’T THERE IT’S QUITE POSSIBLE THAT THESE PEOPLE WOULDN’T HAVE ANYONE ELSE TO ASK TO PRAY FOR THEM ’’


LEGEND has it that once upon a time a would-be Shaolin monk was delivered by his parents to the monastery for training. To set him on his way he was given

a bucket, told to fill it with water and to slap the surface. Unimpressed he asked: ‘What then?’ ‘Slap it again,’ was the reply. ‘What do I do when the water has all gone?’ he asked. ‘Refill the bucket and start again.’

After a year of training, the boy was permitted a trip home to visit his family. As they sat down to eat, his father asked: ‘What have you been learning, my son?’ ‘Simply how to slap water,’ replied the boy. Unsure of his meaning, and thinking there was some misunderstanding, the family asked all manner of questions, trying to find out what he had really been doing for a year.

Finally, in a moment of exasperation the boy stood up and said: ‘All I’ve done is slap water like this,’ slapping the table. The substantial wooden table collapsed.

Unwittingly he had gained great strength through devotion to his simple task.

Of course, strength is displayed and discovered in many forms. For the young boys of Jesus’ day it was usual to spend many hours learning the Law. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength’ (Deuteronomy 6:5). These words would never have been far away from any young boy’s consciousness.

Luke 4 tells us the story of Jesus being tempted. This was a crucial time just before his public ministry began.

Any undermining of Jesus’ confidence, in himself and in his Father, would have had a disastrous effect on what was about to begin. Luke, the doctor, tries to help us understand Jesus’ condition. He was in a wilderness – isolated and hungry.

There’s an old saying that it’s darkest just before the dawn. Many of us know exactly what this means and we’re in good company. After 40 days of the debilitating wilderness experience, Jesus heard the Devil whisper in his ear, playing on the weaknesses he was feeling – tempting him with food and with power. What strength did Jesus have to fight these attractive deceptions?

‘It is written…’ he said. Planting himself firmly on the foundation that had been built through all those hours of disciplined learning, Jesus spoke out the word that had taken root in him. When he was brought to such a low ebb, the roots of his being were secure.

‘Fear the Lord your God and serve him only,’ (Deuteronomy 6:13) quoted Jesus. In recalling these words he revealed a remarkable selflessness, enabling him to focus on something greater than himself. This was, in a very real way, an act of worship. Nothing had changed – he was still hungry – but his strength was built on the knowledge that nothing good would come of satisfying temporal cravings. In Jesus’ reaction we see that true worship is serving God with an undivided heart.

Centuries later the Army’s great holiness teacher Samuel Logan Brengle referred to this single-minded holy determination as having a clean heart. ‘With a clean heart,’ he says, ‘the Bible

becomes a new book. It becomes self-interpreting. God is in it speaking to the soul.’ With God in such close company, all of life becomes an act of worship.

Maintaining the clean heart means spending time in the word – allowing Scripture to permeate our deepest being. This might mean we sometimes feel there’s some metaphorical water-slapping going on. Spending time with God’s word daily isn’t always about the emotional high. A wise support officer once said to me: ‘I don’t remember what I had for lunch last Wednesday, but I know it was nutritious and did me good!’

Jesus’ words in the face of temptation reveal the life of worship that was in him, relying solely on God’s strength for each situation. Our call to go deeper in worship invites us into this same experience where God is at the very core of our being. As Jesus said: ‘It is written.’

Going deeper… in worshipby Major Richard Borrett

MAJOR BORRETT IS DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR FOR EVANGELISM,

YORKSHIRE

REFLECTION

reminding us of who we are and who he is (Romans 8:16).

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul gives us a few insights into what this partnership looks like.

BEING FULLY YOURSELFIn 2:11, Paul reminds us that our spirits ‘know’ us. Your spirit makes you who you are, by bringing out your personality, your preferences, your passions and your quirks. The partnership with God’s Spirit will enhance those things, not override them. A person who is, to coin a phrase, ‘brimming over’ with the Spirit

of God will be even more fully themselves than they were before they met him.

ENCOUNTERING THE FULLNESS OF GODIn the same verse, Paul draws the same analogy about God. His Spirit is the expression of himself. As he invades your life, he doesn’t bring a rule book or a life philosophy; he brings the fullness of himself and mixes himself into the fullness of yourself.

BIBLE STUDY

I SPEND a lot of time with a dog. This state of affairs affords me much time to reflect on the differences between humans and animals. Apart from the more obvious things – such as our

differing views on the joys of chewing sticks and drinking puddles – I can’t help but observe that we differ in a far more fundamental way.

Croft, my guide dog, is alive, but I exist and interact at a level that he never attains. I have something he doesn’t have – something that makes me quintessentially human. For the purposes of this study, we’ll call it ‘spirit’.

The Book of Proverbs puts it like this: ‘The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one’s inmost being’ (20:27).

It is often said that what sets us human beings apart is that we can know ourselves. We are self-aware.

As Jesus’ disciples gathered together on the morning of that great Day of Pentecost, they all knew they had spirits. It was a familiar part of their Hebrew world-view. The word most often translated as ‘spirit’ in the Old Testament is ruach, which means ‘breath’ or ‘wind’. They knew that God had breathed spirit into them at the moment of their creation... and suddenly here he was again, breathing into the very air around them. This time, God was breathing his own Spirit into them.

So what happened to their spirits when God’s Spirit turned up?

The New Testament is clear that, when it comes to spirits, God is looking for a partnership – not a replacement. Right at the heart of his masterful summation of the life of salvation in Romans 8, Paul unveils a beautiful image of God’s Spirit in partnership with our spirit. When those two spirits get woven together, there is an eternal song at the heart of our being, forever

The life of the Spirit is not a robotic empowerment. It is a glorious interplay of you and God ‘doing life’ as only you and God truly can.

DISCOVERING THE FULLNESS OF LIFEWhy does this connection between your spirit and God’s Spirit matter? Because it is the only way to find the fullness of life which Jesus promised you (John 10:10). You have been given a rich inheritance, but only by God’s Spirit can you truly grasp the wealth of it (1 Corinthians 2:12). You have been entrusted with the job of telling others how amazing this life with God is, but you can do that successfully only if you have his Spirit’s help (v13).

You have the privilege of judging – making influential decisions about the situations you face in life – but only with God’s Spirit will they be sound and wise judgments (vv15 and 16).

Last, but not least, there are things in store for you that are so wonderful you can’t even imagine them right now (v9). But if you let God’s Spirit partner with your spirit, you will see them and you will live them out in full.


Spirits in partnershipThe last in a three-part series by Lyndall Bywater entitled Pentecost PromisesSTUDY VERSES: ROMANS 8:16; 1 CORINTHIANS 2:9–16

LYNDALL – A FREELANCE TRAINER, WRITER AND CONSULTANT,

SPECIALISING IN THE SUBJECT OF PRAYER – WORSHIPS

AT CANTERBURY

‘‘

THE NEW TESTAMENT IS CLEAR THAT, WHEN IT COMES TO SPIRITS, GOD IS LOOKING FOR A PARTNERSHIP – NOT A REPLACEMENT ’’

NEW COMMITMENTS


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1. SHEILA PETERS Adherent member BURNLEYFAMILY and friends supported Sheila when she was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Lorraine O’Neill. Sheila was bereaved of her husband a year ago and was supported by two corps members. They invited her to the corps, taking her back to her Army roots. Following the Journey programme, Sheila wanted to make a commitment to the Lord and to be involved in corps life. – L. O.

2. LESLY-ANN MAKWAVARARA, GLORIA SULLIVAN Soldiers BEXLEYHEATHMOTHER and daughter Gloria and Lesly-Ann were enrolled as soldiers by corps officer Captain Paul Wood. Gloria testified to how she had been challenged to say yes to God a few years ago. The realisation of how much God does for her and her family challenged Gloria to commit to soldiership. Lesly-Ann praised God for his hand on her life through her family and friends in bringing her to the Army since returning from university. – P. W.

3. CAROL LAMBIE, BOB LAMBIE Soldiers AYRBOB and Carol came to the Army through Ayr Community Gospel Choir and, after 30 years of searching, found their spiritual home. Bob thanked the corps for the unconditional friendship and welcome extended to him and his wife. He wants to commit his own life to befriending others unconditionally in the name of Jesus. Bob and Carol were enrolled as soldiers and warmly received by the corps family. – T. S.

4. DENNIS POMROY Soldier COLCHESTER MOUNT ZIONDENNIS responded to an invitation from his neighbour to attend a fireworks event at the corps. Dennis, still grieving the loss of his wife, felt he had returned to his roots and committed his life back to God. He supports the corps through his catering gifts and his heart for the community. – P. O.

5. LISA PARRIS Soldier WELLINGFEELING the need to return to church, Lisa found the corps and enjoyed worship. She felt soldiership was the next step in her journey of faith. She was enrolled by corps officer Captain Peter West. – P. W.

6. CATHERINE CURRIE, JIM CURRIE Soldiers MOTHERWELLAFTER spending some years away from the Army, Jim and Catherine returned to the corps just over a year ago. They shared how difficult it can be to return but also testified to the generous welcome they received and how they soon realised they had returned home to where God wants them to be. They were enrolled by corps officer Captain Ian Emery. – I. E.

7. JEAN FENSOM Adherent member GREENFORDJEAN expressed her great joy at returning to God and the Army after many years away. She was welcomed as an adherent member by Divisional Envoy Kath Davison. – K. D.


8. THERESA BAILEY, GARY COPLEY, JANE COPLEY, CATH GRICE, ANDREA CALLADINE Adherent members GOLDTHORPETHERESA, Gary, Jane, Cath and Andrea all came to the corps and faith through the food bank. They are pictured with corps officer Captain Christine Lee after their public welcome as adherent members.

Andrea has struggled with drug addiction over the past 18 years. Finding faith has helped her to stay clean and led her to make this commitment. Theresa was brought up in the Roman Catholic Church but left when she was 12 years old and had no connection until she found the Army through the food bank programme. Her family came to support her when she was welcomed as an adherent member.

Jane and Gary who were married recently decided to make this commitment together. Gary has been struggling to find work, but they both testified to finding real purpose since coming to faith and getting involved. Cath was very shy at first. She has been a Christian for about a year and is growing in faith and confidence. – C. L.

9. SYLVIA EVANS Adherent member VERWOODSYLVIA’S faith deepened through being an active member of the corps for many years. She testified that her decision to make this commitment was like dipping her toe into the water and now she wants to wade deeper to experience God’s love. Corps leader Territorial Envoy John Charlton welcomed Sylvia as an adherent member. – J. C.

10. TRACEY HOCKING Adherent member PENTRETRACEY has attended the meetings and weekly Bible study for more than two years and, as a result of her witness, her husband now regularly attends. They both profess a strong belief in Jesus as their

saviour. Corps officer Major Stephen Westwood welcomed Tracey as an adherent member. – S. W.

11. – 13. ARTHUR WOODHILL, GORDON JEMMETT, YVONNE JEMMETT Adherent members SITTINGBOURNEUPON retiring from his role as treasurer at the Pentecostal Church, Arthur felt led to join his wife and worship at The Salvation Army. He testified to believing the Lord has control of everything and decided to become an adherent member when he was asked to conduct a meeting.

Gordon and Yvonne have attended the Army regularly for a number of years and decided it was the right time to make a commitment. Both testified to the warm welcome they received and the good friendships formed. Corps officer Major Robert Jepson welcomed Arthur, Gordon and Yvonne as adherent members. – R. J.

14. NICOLE MATONGERA, HAYLEY NORMAN, DANIEL NTUKA, ALICIA MUNGADZI, KEITH CHANAKIRA Junior soldiers LUTONIN a moving ceremony supported by many family members and friends, Nicole, Hayley, Daniel, Alicia and Keith each gave a brief testimony before signing their promise at the mercy seat. They were supported by their prayer partners who read a verse of Scripture for each of the new junior soldiers. The children are pictured with Junior Soldiers Sergeant Cath Large and Godzone Leader Susan Purdue. – P. P.

15. ERIC BURT Soldier SALISBURYPREVIOUSLY a member of the Army, Eric left to serve God in the Anglican Church as an organist. He heard God call him back to his Salvationist roots when a visiting band played ‘Divine Communion’. Corps officer Lieutenant Peter Clark enrolled Eric as a soldier. – P. C.

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OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

PROMOTIONSTo major –

Captain Paula Ashman, FakenhamCaptain Stuart Ashman, FakenhamCaptain Jackie Bainbridge, Leighton BuzzardCaptain Michael Bainbridge, Leighton BuzzardCaptain Christopher Baldwin, William Booth CollegeCaptain Liesl Baldwin, William Booth CollegeCaptain Catherine Cotterill, SuttonCaptain Gordon Cotterill, SuttonCaptain Carol Frederiksen, EnfieldCaptain Trevor Green, RedhillCaptain Julia Jepson, SittingbourneCaptain Kelvin Lang, TrowbridgeCaptain Ann Montgomery, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and Northern DHQCaptain Donald Montgomery, Northern DHQCaptain Simon Perkin, Southend CitadelCaptain Beverley Robilliard, FarcetCaptain Howard Russell, Northern DHQCaptain Ian Woodgate, London Central DHQ

CLIVE ADAMS,Commissioner

Territorial Commander

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS


ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND: USA Central, Tu 4 Jun - Mon 10 UK, Ireland, Fri 21 - Mon 24 Norway, Sat 27 - Mon 1 Jul

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 Jun USA Eastern (Commissioning), Tu 11 - Mon 17 UK, Portsmouth Citadel, Sat Sun 30

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS)AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: London North-East, Sat Sun 2 Jun William Booth College (Mission Symposium), Tu 4 - Th 6 Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8

East Scotland, Sat Sun 16

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: Eston, Sun 2 Jun Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 William Booth College (Music Leaders Councils), Sun 9 Swanwick (Adult and Family Ministries Conference), Fri 21 - Sun 23** St Helier, Sun 23*

COMMISSIONER BIRGITTE BREKKE: The Netherlands and Czech Republic, Mon 3 Jun - Wed 5 Switzerland, Austria and Hungary, Th 13

COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: UK, North Scotland, Th 13 Jun - Sun 16

COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: Brazil, Sun 2 Jun - Th 6 USA Eastern, Fri 14 - Sun 16

COMMISSIONER DORITA WAINWRIGHT: The Netherlands and Czech Republic, Mon 3 Jun - Wed 5

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 Jun William Booth College (Music Leaders Councils), Sun 9

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 Jun William Booth College (Music Leaders Councils), Sun 9

*wife will not accompany**husband will not accompany

ARMY PEOPLEAPPOINTEDEffective 1 June:

Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns, Fit for Mission Implementation Leader, Chief Secretary’s Office, THQLieut-Colonel Alison Burns, seconded to Fit for Mission Project, Chief Secretary’s Office, THQMajor Carol Bailey, additional appointment, Secretary for Scotland, with promotion to lieut-colonel

Effective 25 July:Lieut-Colonel Alison Burns, Assistant Territorial Candidates Director, William Booth College

PALACE VISITMick and Pat Herring, Boston, received invitations to a Buckingham Palace garden party on 30 May

ELECTEDTerritorial Envoy Paul Stanford, Tewkesbury and Evesham, as chaplain to the Mayor of Tewkesbury

MARRIAGEBrice Bashore to Deborah Lees at Sale by Major Jeanette Lees

WEDDING ANNIVERSARYDiamond:

Lieut-Colonel and Mrs James and Margaret Dorman (12 June)

DEDICATED TO GODJonathan Edwin, son of Lieutenant Nicholas and Captain Heather Samuel, at Thurso by Lieutenants David and Jennifer GoslingKaty Ann, daughter of Major Adrian and Lieutenant Clare Allman, at Gloucester by Majors Cliff and Jean BradburyDeborah, daughter of Lieutenants Colin and Leanne Scott, at Dunfermline by Lieut-Colonels Alan and Alison Burns

BEREAVEDCommissioner Mike Parker, Indonesia THQ, of his stepfather Philip SmithColonels Martha and Michael Pressland of their son FrancisDoreen Thomas of her husband Ivor, Christine Thomas, Julia Oliver and Vincent Thomas of their father, all Staines

ON THE AIRBBC Radio Jersey (103 FM and online at bbc.co.uk/jersey): Lieutenants Mel and Steve Scoulding (St Helier) will present Thought For The Day (8.35 am) on Breakfast With Matthew Price from Monday 3 to Friday 7 June

BBC Radio Solent (96.1 and 103.8 FM): Major Ray Begley (Boscombe) will present the Paper Review on the Saturday Breakfast Show (8 am) from Saturday 1 June

PROMOTED TO GLORYBrigadier Winifred Backhouse from Hadleigh, Essex, on 19 MayDorothy Calvert, Winton

joined the Royal Navy and saw service in the Far East.

Phil met his wife Rose in London. They had four children. The family worshipped at Letchworth – where Phil was bandmaster – before settling at Hadleigh Temple, where he was CSM.

Rose died in 1982. Phil later married Marie.

When family commitments brought them to Swindon, Phil served in the sections until ill-health prevented further service. His faith and love of the Lord was ever present, and he is greatly missed by family and friends.

MRS VIOLET WILKES, HEMSWORTHVIOLET grew up at South Elmsall in York-shire, enjoying the sing-ing company and corps cadet activities. She

worked at DHQ in Sheffield and became a candidate helper, continuing to serve God after marriage took her to the North East.

After returning to Yorkshire, Violet became a scouter at Barnsley. Her home corps had closed, so she worshipped at nearby Hems-worth. A keen songster, she was also primary sergeant, corps treasurer and parent-and-toddler group leader.


Salvation Army responds to ‘indescribable’ tornado

OKLAHOMA

THE Salvation Army in Oklahoma provided practical and spiritual support after the massive tornado that devastated parts of Oklahoma City, killing dozens of people – including children – and injuring hundreds. The 200 mph winds caused severe damage to homes, businesses and schools in the suburbs. President Obama declared the event a ‘major disaster’.

Divisional Commander Major Steve Morris witnessed the effects of the tornado first-hand. He said: ‘The devastation is far-reaching in human life, property and livestock loss. Many of these impacted communities will take months or even years to recover. The Salvation Army is committed to being there with them throughout and providing aid wherever it is needed. We are calling on everyone to pray for all of those impacted by these devastating tornados.’

Oklahoma City Salvation Army officer Lieutenant Sharon Autry was at home with

her children in the Moore suburb of the city when the tornado struck. It happened with such rapidity and force that the family evacu-ated without even shoes on the children’s feet. ‘We got in our minivan and outran it. We saw it heading for us as we left the driveway – indescribable!’ Her husband, Lieutenant John Autry, was already serving as part of The Salvation Army’s planned tornado response in the city.

TRIBUTESMAE GILCHRIST, RUTHERGLENMAE was born into a Salvationist family at Rutherglen in 1922. Her father was respon-sible for commencing the corps songsters.

Mae played tenor horn in the band during the war years. At various times she was the sing-ing company organist, corps cadet colour sergeant, songster sergeant and primary sergeant. She made Bible stories come to life with the use of the primary sand tray, and greatly influenced many young people.

Ill-health in later years meant she was unable to attend worship, but her faith in the Lord remained steadfast till the end. She was a lovely Christian lady and No 1 on the corps roll. – D. M.

PHILIP WEST, SWINDON GORSE HILLBORN to Salvationist parents at Westcliff-on-Sea in 1927, Phil spent his childhood in Southend. The family

then moved to Harlesden, where he became a soldier and joined the music sections. He

Violet’s influence in her home community will long be remembered – especially by those who attended the pre-school playgroup she ran for several years.

Although recently unable to attend meet-ings, Violet worshipped at the Methodist Church and looked forward to the annual Army week at Butlins.

RETIRED BANDMASTER JEFF BILLINGHAM, RUSHDENBORN in 1922, Jeff came to the Army in 1946 at the invitation

of a friend who was playing a euphonium solo. He married Ruth in 1950 and had a son, Mark. A great encourager, Jeff ’s leadership roles included the youth club, YP band, songsters, senior band and over-60 club.

He was well known for his vocal solos – particularly his rendition of ‘Joshua’ complete with sound effects.

Jeff loved every part of Army life and lived by the standard of ‘the best for the Highest’. A stroke in 2000 curtailed his activ-ities, but not his service. He ministered to staff and friends during his latter weeks in hospital.

He touched many people’s lives. – G. E.

Bottled water and cooked meals were provided to emergency workers and residents affected by the disaster. Mobile canteens were deployed across a wide region, with additional units deployed from neighbouring Arkansas and spiritual and emotional care was offered to survivors. Household clean-up kits – containing brooms, mops, buckets and other cleaning supplies – were also distrib-uted. – A. R.

FEATURE


NAMEGill Cox

CORPSMaidenhead

MY FAMILY Husband Pete and a lovely stepfamily of married son and daughter and 6 grandchildren aged 3 to 18. Some are in Somerset; the others in South Australia.

WHERE I LIVEReading

WHAT I DOUntil today (1 June): Designing The War Cry, collating text and finding pictures, then originating, proofing, correcting and transmitting its pages to the print company ahead of each weekly deadline. Watching the progress bar during the upload and using those few moments to pray that The War Cry will make a difference to someone somewhere – a kind of ‘handover’ to God. (Sometimes, though, the prayer is just for the technology to work!) After that, creating and uploading extra PDFs for the app.From today: Retired!

WHEN I AM NOT DOING WHAT I DOUntil today: Commuting 15 hours a week, domestic chores, genealogy research and catching up with friends and family at weekends (nearest family are 40 miles away). I also attend a t’ai chi class recommended by my GP. Very stress-busting and good for my balance!From today: Delete the commuting! Replace with getting outdoors with my walking boots, paints, easel and sketchbook (and Pete). I’ll also be dusting

off my piano music and hoping to stay friends with the neighbours.

THE THING THAT CHALLENGES MY FAITHFatal illness and unexplained catastrophe – especially when tragedy strikes babies and children. It breaks my heart and makes me question the strength of my prayers. But I keep praying anyway. When non-Christian friends are suffering, there is the added challenge of what to say and do. I find it so hard.

A GOOD READ I’D RECOMMENDThe Book Thief (Markus Zusak), about a young girl in Nazi Germany. Despite its grim context, it’s a surprisingly uplifting story.

A MAJOR CONCERNThe amount of time some people spend in the virtual world rather than communicating in and with the real one. God has created so much for us to enjoy. Why go for man-made fake?

MY GREATEST HOPEIt has to be that promised mansion, with the prospect of reunions with loved ones I miss.

WHAT I STILL NEED TO LEARNTo let go of things I’ve already placed in God’s hands and to trust him more. Organising my week around train timetables and press deadlines has made me too much of a forward-planner. I need to start living in the present and let God take care of the future.

Window on my world

Former teacher Gill Cox has been a member of the Editorial Unit since July 1986, working on most of the periodicals in a variety of roles, including sub-editor, reporter, editor, artist and designer

ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 1 June 2013 21-23

Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each daySaturdayHe has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

(Ecclesiastes 3:11)

Sunday Immortal, invisible, God only

wise,In light inaccessible hid from our

eyes,Most blessèd, most glorious, the

Ancient of days,Almighty, victorious, thy great

name we praise.(SASB 8)

Monday I will proclaim the name of the

Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.

(Deuteronomy 32:3 and 4)

Tuesday Unresting, unhasting, and silent as

light,Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou

rulest in might;Thy justice like mountains high

soaring aboveThy clouds which are fountains of

goodness and love.(SASB 8)

WednesdayThe Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the

breath of life, and the man became a living being.

(Genesis 2:7)

ThursdayTo all life thou givest, to both great

and small,In all life thou livest, the true life of all;We blossom and flourish as leaves on

the tree,And wither and perish; but naught

changeth thee.(SASB 8)

Friday You are with us, Lord!Each step upon our way,Each moment of our day,Around us and within, you shineYour love, your grace, your life divine.Always, you are with us, Lord.Thank you, Lord.

Bluebells in Philips Wood, Chorleywood, Hertfordshire. Picture: BERNARD MEALING

Praying around the world… Kenya WestIn March 2008, the Kenya Territory was split into two, forming Kenya East and Kenya West. The territory, led by Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder, comprises 498 officers, 170 employees and envoys, 357 corps, 1,016 outposts, 456 schools, 113,409 soldiers and 112,486 junior soldiers. The territory solicits prayers of thanksgiving for God’s peace and protection following the March elections, prayers for the families of those who tragically lost their lives in the recent floods and prayers for the continued growth in holiness of all Salvationists across the territory.

salvationist 1 june 2013 · available in digital format and we in the editorial unit would...

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