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PAPERS

2 27 August 2011 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

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/salvationistA 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 benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2011. 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.

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

‘SHAM CHARITIES’ ARE STRUCK OFFThe Charity Commission has removed seven charities from its register, rejected a further 28 applications and contacted police because it suspects the organisations are ‘sham charities’.

The seven registered charities… all listed ‘advancement of the Christian faith’ as their charitable object and were all registered

in July and August 2010. They remained on the register until the regulator removed them when it completed its investigation in March.

A report by the commission on its investigation into the 35 organisations says their applications shared common features, such as non-existent addresses and non-operational phone numbers.Third Sector

BRAZIL HUMAN-TRAFFICKING FEARS

Brazil’s religious orders have pledged to tackle human trafficking in the lead-up to the 2014 Fifa World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, both to be hosted by Brazil. A conference organised by Brazil’s Conference of Religious network, A Cry For Life… agreed a programme ‘to address the scourge of human trafficking and sexual slavery’.The Tablet

EQUALITY QUANGO’S TWO-TIER LAW FOR CHRISTIANS

The state equality watchdog [has] set out a plan for a two-tier law for Christians.

It said that they should be free to display their faith by wearing crosses or pinning up religious symbols at work.

But Christians should not be allowed to follow religious principles if they clash with gay rights, the Equality and Human Rights Commission said.

The decision means the quango will back British Airways check-in clerk Nadia

Eweida, who was banned from wearing a cross at work. Though BA eventually caved in, Miss Eweida is taking her case to the European human rights court to try to establish a right for Christians to wear symbols of their faith.Daily Mail

THE GLOBE STAGES THE GOSPEL

SEWING AND REAPING IN ZAMBIA

SELF HARMING EXAMINED

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HELPS RIOT CLEAR-UP

BE ACTIVE WITH EXERCISE4LIFE

GIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE

HEALTHY EATING IN COOKERY CORNER

PATCH’S PALS: NAUGHTY NORMAN

NEWS FEATURESummer schools Pages 4 & 5

NEWSPages 5 to 8 GhanaSleafordBoltonCitadelEastbourneCitadel CoventryCityMaddiston HorshamLeicesterSouth OldhamRoundthornNewquayHadleighFarm BourneCambridgeCitadelDundonaldCentralSouth NewcastleCityTempleEastScotlandCardiffCanton BatleyMaldonAndoverMinsterElyStotfold LETTERSPage 9

FEATUREKeying in Jesus Folk and Spirit!Page 10

FROM THE COMMISSIONERKingdom opportunity – beauty for brokenness Page 11

ANNUAL APPEAL FEATUREMending broken livesPages 12 & 13

FEATUREGrowing saintsPage 14

BIBLE STUDYTouch me againPage 15

NEW COMMITMENTSPages 16 & 17

ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements and tributesPages 18 & 19

ADVERTSPages 20 – 23

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 27 August 2011 3

On the streets

IT’S that time of year again: Annual Appeal. I took part in this in the UK for the first time last year, which is when I realised just how many houses they

can fit into a street if they really try. Most of my door-knocking has been done in middle-class suburban Australia, where the streets are wider and the houses sit in much larger plots.

Collecting a few streets there wasn’t nearly as strenuous as doing so in South London. Last year, nearing the end of my area and thinking ‘Just one street to go’, I turned the corner and saw a line of terrace houses that receded for what seemed like miles into the distance. There are streets and there are streets!

The response to the Army, however, was typical of what I’d experienced in the past. People who gladly give, full

of praise for the Army; those who ask tricky questions; those who don’t answer the door even though you know they’re home. People with complaints, people with stories they want to tell and those who – giving what little they can – make you wonder whether you should be giving to them instead.

It’s a privilege to hear a stranger’s praise and humbling when someone confides in you simply because of who you represent. I know it’s not anything I am or do but the countless others who over the years have ministered in the name of Jesus through The Salvation Army, and in our centre-spread feature this week we share the stories of four people whose lives God has mended as a result of ministries supported by the Annual Appeal.

We know we live in a broken world – a fact demonstrated again recently when riots broke out around the country – and in his article, the Territorial Commander picks up on this theme, urging Salvationists to see the events of those days as a spur once again to examine our priorities and find ways of engaging with our communities.

The Salvation Army has always been known for doing just that: going out. In some places we do it better than others, but our doors must always be open, not just so people will come to us, but so that we will venture out. Not to ‘bring them in’ but to be with them.

It’s time for the Army to hit the streets – with their many houses – once again. Whether it’s door-knocking, or taking other opportunities to raise funds, thank God that our efforts can and will be used by him to transform lives.

MAJOR LEANNE RUTHVEN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY

For Jesus’ sake, this is my motivation,For Jesus’ sake, who came to seek and save;All I can give is deeper dedicationFor Jesus’ sake, who gave and gave and gave.

(Commissioner Albert Mingay)

4 27 August 2011 SALVATIONIST

SUMMER SCHOOLS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

isms today – we could choose two from Brass, Dance, Drama, Leadership and Mission, Media and Design, Sport, Worship Group or Vocal.

In the evening we had a taste of the Wild West, which started with an indoor barbecue – outside, the weather had turned a little wild! We then had a great time barn dancing – our enthusiastic caller also threw in a little free tuition on how to play the spoons; you can’t say fairer than that!

MondayCOME CLEAN was the theme for Monday, when we realised our sins and gave them to God.

In the evening we split into boys and girls for an evening to talk about relationships. At the girls’ night we played games and did a few exercises to look at what we felt were the most important things for us in a rela-tionship. Meanwhile, the boys played a game of Ninja-pirate-deathblade-extravaganza – or Ultimate Frisbee to the rest of us! After this tiring start we discussed relationship values for different times in our lives.

TuesdayTHE school’s attention turned to change as we looked at Jonah’s

prayer from inside the whale. We even had our own big fish made so we too could make heartfelt prayers to God in the seclusion of a fish’s belly! Jonah’s feel-ings ranged from despair to hope and acceptance of the fact that God still had a plan for him. Using balloons, sticky tape and seaweed we thought about the things that sometimes bind us and took the things that needed to go from our lives and stuck them on the cross!

The day ended with a hilari-ous illusion show by Steve Price, who not only amazed with his variety of tricks, but also left us with a message to think about.

WednesdayA PLACE To Start Again. This morning was a spiritual journey for everyone. As the worship group led us into worship and the gathering commenced with our usual dance off, it was clear that the Holy Spirit was present and hearts were filled.

The leadership and mission groups prayer walked the school grounds. In our cells we wore sackcloth bracelets on which we had written the things for which we asked God for forgiveness.

The evening activity was LSE Factor – about sixteen acts from

the students and an unforget-table video from the staff were shared to rapturous applause.

Before bed, staff members Matt and Lara Perkins shared their individual and joint spiri-tual journeys and brought much challenge.

ThursdayA PLACE To Say It Like It Is. During morning worship and cell we looked at Jonah 1:1–4 in which Jonah becomes angry with God. We discussed times when we are angry and whether or not our anger is ever justified.

Most memorably, guest speakers divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels Anthony and Gill Cotterill led evening worship. Time was dedicated to worship and prayer, and the presence of God was truly tangi-ble. During this celebration we were overwhelmed and the Holy Spirit touched many, which was just amazing!

FridayTHE highlight of our final full day was our Pirates Of The Caribb‘N’eon party, which included a full roast dinner, our summer school T-shirt presenta-tion and a silent disco followed by a praise party and time of testimony, rounded off with a whole-school treasure hunt in the dark. Our voices were going but we had had a great time!

SaturdayAFTER packing and cleaning up, we shared with family and friends in a final celebration at the end of an amazing week. We had been conscious of the riots happening in some of the communities we live in. We had seen images of young people seemingly out of control and communities broken. We were struck by the call of God to us, as young people, to make a difference and to bring the light of Jesus into broken lives and communities.

Our celebration ended with the whole school declaring that God has greater things still to do in the world. We declared we would step up to be people that take the healing and transform-ing presence of God – which he blessed us with during the week – to bring about healing and transformation in the places where he calls us to go.

School’s out – inside out!Gemma Price (Bromley), Bethany Newman (Sittingbourne), Louise Bean (Maidstone), Daisie Tranah (Chatham), Sarah Ramsay (Sittingbourne), Iain Price (Bromley), Laurence Pallant (Bromley), Elizabeth O’Leary (Bromley) and Rebekah Ruberry (Raynes Park) report from London South-East’s summer school

SaturdayOUR theme for the week – Inside Out – was based on Romans 12:2. We explored the theme through the Book of Jonah throughout the week, but on our first night Associ-ate Divisional Youth Officer Lieutenant Nicola Brooksbank shared this particular verse and challenged us to place every-thing we do during the week before God as an offering and be willing to allow God to trans-form us from the inside out. We shared together in worship and in fun, playing some ‘getting to know you’ games, including the longest-ever game of pass-the-parcel, and our traditional first-night quiz.

SundayTODAY’S theme – A Place To Hide. During morning worship we explored the idea of steps of faith versus steps of fear. Nicola encouraged us to name our Ninevehs – the last thing we would want God to ask us to do – and to make a decision to run towards God rather than away from him, like Jonah did, when we hear the word of the Lord.

We enjoyed our first special-

Central North

London South-East

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SALVATIONIST 27 August 2011 5

SUMMER SCHOOLS AND NEWS

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Salvation Army flag flies in TogoGhanaTHE first officers appointed to the West African country of Togo arrived, bringing with them their three children and the new Togolese Salvation Army flag. Captains Hervé Michel and Naty Dorcas Ahouyanganga, originally from the Congo (Brazzaville) Terri-tory, travelled by road to their new appointment from Accra, where they had been preparing for their pioneering ministry. The work in Togo – officially known as the Togolese Repub-lic – is overseen by the Ghana Territory.

The Salvation Army began work in Togo in April, initially overseen by Divisional Commander Major Rockson Oduro (Volta). While in Accra, Captains Ahouanganga had opportunity to spend time with Major Oduro as well as staff from Territorial Headquarters.

Quarters in the town of Atakpamé were renovated and prepared for the incoming offi-cers. Their main task will be to co-ordinate and assimilate several current expressions of Army worship. These comprise some existing independent congregations, with no previous denominational affiliation and some which have been estab-lished by Salvationists who became soldiers while living in Ghana before returning to their home in Togo. There are also outposts established through initiatives from the neighbour-ing Volta Division in Ghana. Other opportunities to expand the Army’s mission are emerg-ing in Lomé, the capital city of Togo.

These various expressions are widely spread across the country, with Atakpamé in the centre. One of the initial chal-lenges facing the captains is to bring cohesion and unity to these diverse groups. – C. S.

Sleaford: When the band conducted the annual Songs Of Praise On The Green service in the village of Cranwell, corps officer Major Joy Caddy gave the Bible message and the Rev Christine Pennock (Cranwell Parish Church) led prayers. – N. M.

Delegates to Central North’s summer school share their highlights

Jess Taylor (Atherton)I HAD an amazing time. I felt God really worked with me and showed me what it means to be holy – because I didn’t have a clue!

On one of the evenings we had a prayer journey and as part of that we spent time in the prayer room where we were anointed with oil. I sat down, put my head in my arms, closed my eyes and prayed for the first time on my own. I asked God to show me a sign and he did!

I saw a vision of two white hands flash three times. I looked up to see if there were any lights moving around the room and there weren’t. So I closed my eyes again and said: ‘If that was you, God, show me again.’ And, once again there were two white hands flashing in my eyes. This, along with the words that were spoken to me and worship times together, has really shown me that there is a God and he is amazing!

Georgina Stark (Crewe)AS part of our prayer room we had a line of encouragement – where each person was given a Bible verse and message. So many people felt God speaking to them strongly through their verse.

God’s presence moved not only through the individual verses, but also through the messages of prayer and encour-agement written between us as friends. The verse I was given was Zephaniah 3:17. Through this verse I felt God saying I must spend more time in quiet-ness, letting him silence my fears because with him I have absolutely nothing to fear.

Annie James (Sale)ONE evening we learnt how important it is to journey with God and to remember that God is always with us on our journey through life. We were encour-aged to pick up a picture of a footprint and then write what we needed to remember when following God’s path that has been set out for us.

The evening helped me to remember and feel reassured that God has a path set out for

me and that we should follow God’s way and follow his calling in life because he has a plan for our lives.

Rebecca Taylor (Oldham Citadel)ONE of the things I really enjoyed this year was the singing. Usually I’m the person who sits on the back row shuf-fling nervously, trying to clap and sing in time while wonder-ing if I’ll ever be comfortable lifting my arms up to God. During summer school I felt God telling me that worship is between me and him. Suddenly I realised that it wasn’t impor-tant what other people thought I looked like when I was worship-ping; it was my time with God. After I realised that it wasn’t a conscious decision to change the way I’d joined in with worship, I just felt comfortable letting out what I was feeling inside – besides, the music was loud, so no one could really hear my bad singing anyway!

Gemma Birchall (Atherton)THE best part for me was the prayer night when I really felt God’s presence. After we had been to all the stations on the prayer journey and came back to the main room, all worshipping together, there were quite a few people emotional and crying, but there was not one person sat crying on their own.

I could see the friendship and love everyone shared. It was amazing and it really made me smile. As I looked around, I really felt God there and I could see God in every person. I felt truly blessed.

Brad Chalker (Sale)GLOW NIGHT was one of the most memorable moments for most of the students. Glow sticks and neon lights were placed all around the worship hall and the huge disco ball shone, illustrat-ing how God’s presence could help conquer the darkness. The worship group performed a huge set of songs and, through-out the evening, dance offs were arranged, slow dances took the stage and, to Israel Houghton’s song which had a resemblance to the Strictly Come Dancing theme tune, we were all doing the tango!

We concluded with our

summer school song, a parody of ‘Hey Jude’ But after Divi-sional Youth Officer Lizzy Dean shouted ‘One more time!’ for about the seventeenth time, we were all ready to go to bed… until ‘Macarena’, ‘Cha Cha Slide’ and ‘Time Warp’ came on! (Most students returned to dance until they quite literally dropped.)

This night inspired us and the Central North Transformers to create a Christian club to help us worship Christ in a safe, fun environment with the people we love.

Alice West (Bury)THE most memorable evening for me was our Glow Night. I think it really hit all our hearts as it was an evening that connected young Christians to their favou-rite things – having a dance and Jesus!

The mood of each and every single person was amazing and I don’t believe there was the smallest feeling of fear or sadness in any of the students. The evening met its climax when we all joined for our summer school song, which follows the tune of ‘Hey Jude’ It was the most comforting feeling to see and hear everyone unite. Never again will the words ‘One more time!’ mean so much to me.

Divisional Youth Officer Lizzy DeanSUMMER school was all about holiness, with the ‘Sanctify Mirrorball’ reminding us of our calling from God to go out into the world and shine Jesus’ love into every dark corner.

As a family, our lives have been changed and transformed – we have been made holy. We are prepared – staff and students – to go out into the world and be like Jesus.

However, there have been withdrawal symptoms from live and kicking, George, mous-taches, three good meals a day, joke time, just dance, choco-latte, raving, timetables, people, rubber ducks, an actual bed, drumming, bean game, Gilbert show, the mirror ball, Freddos, swimming, climbing up four flights of stairs to go to bed, UV light, brown sauce, late-night chats, music, noodles and hugs galore. Take me back to Rishworth!


NEWS


Newquay: The corps held a Cornish Cream Tea, raising £200 for the Behala Girls’ Home in Calcutta. Salvationist Mary Budge (Tavistock) will take the money with her when she visits India in November. – P. S.

Corps folk and guests enjoy a cream tea and band concert at Leicester

South; many of the guests were attending for the first time

Coventry City Singing Company wows the congregation as it presents ‘Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

Fifteen years of concertsEastbourne CitadelFOR the fifteenth consecu-tive year, the South London Fellowship Band presented a midweek concert. Derick Kane (euphonium, Bexleyheath) was the guest soloist, thrilling the audience with ‘Ransomed’ and ‘The Better World’. Band items included ‘A London Celebra-tion’ and band members sang ‘Sound The Battle Cry’ with brass accompaniment and ‘Rock Of Ages’. Associate conduc-tor Darrell Scholes played the cornet solo ‘Zelda’ and Bram Chestney gave a challenging pause for thought, supported by the band playing ‘Sweet Hour Of Prayer’. – D. M.

Seven of the eight-strong team from Bolton Citadel are pictured geared up to take a zip slide across the Manchester Ship Canal from the Imperial War Museum North to near the Lowry Theatre; raising money for the corps, they expect the final total to be in excess of £1,000

Horsham adult and family ministry members enjoy a Strawberry Tea and mini market. Children enjoyed games and crafts at the event, which raised £580 for the helping-hand project Generation: Shift the Balance

Wimbledon: During 124th corps anniversary celebrations, led by Major Christine Clement (IHQ), a photograph was projected of the hall opened by the Founder in 1887. The major spoke about sure foundations, memories of the past and hopes for the future. A number of people responded positively with one-line answers to What Does Wimbledon Mean To You? – R. F.

Coventry City: The band presented a two-hour pro-gramme at Stratford Recreation Ground’s bandstand before accompanying the ecumenical Praise On The Park service. The musicians also gave a varied programme in the Coventry Memorial Park, where the large crowd especially appre-ciated the timbrel group. – C. B.

Oldham Roundthorn: Corps folk raised nearly £170 for the Annual Appeal at their annual barbecue, held in the farm surroundings at Charlesworth. – I. H.


NEWS

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Army centre hosts international mountain bike eventHadleigh FarmMORE than 4,000 specta-tors watched the world’s best riders compete in the sold-out Mountain Bike International, in which 82 athletes got to grips with the London 2012 course one year before the Olympic Games.

The Mountain Bike course sits on part of the 900-acre farm, which has a long history of helping unemployed people and adults with special needs into training and employ-ment.

Reigning Olympic cham-pion Julien Absalon from France led from the start and went on to win the men’s race. Christoph Sauser from Switzerland was second and Austria’s Karl Markt was third.

In the women’s race, Canadian Catharine Pendrel took the gold with Georgia Gould from the USA second and Julie Bresset from France third.

Winner Catharine Pendrel praised the course and the spectators, saying: ‘I was very happy with how it raced. If there were 80 girls on the course the corners would be a little tricky, but it raced really well and the spectators were awesome.’

Director of Sport at the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Debbie Jevans explained how well the event had gone, saying: ‘This was an incredibly successful day. Putting on a test event is vital for us to test key elements of our operations.

‘The races went very smoothly, but we will still learn from today and listen and work with the athletes to ensure we deliver the best possible Mountain Bike event at the Games next year.’ – A. R.

Pictured at Dundonald’s 40th anniversary celebrations are Divisional Commander Major Alan Watters, Envoy George Gilmour, Envoy Lily Sandford, corps officer Captain Brian Chambers and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries Major Linda Watters. Envoy Sandford and her late husband Tommy were responsible for beginning the work in the area; Envoy Gilmour, a contemporary of the Sandfords, was the speaker for the weekend

Community work volunteers at Bourne attend a Volunteers Sunday meeting – led by Captains Elaine and Fred Eardley (Anglia DHQ) – to receive certificates of appreciation; some of the volunteers were attending their first Army meeting – they are pictured with corps officer Major Heather Durrant

After nearly 25 years of faithful service at Cambridge Citadel, Home League Secretary Martha Leonard receives a retirement certificate and celebration cake; at her final home league meeting, members held an afternoon tea in her honour


NEWS


Ollie Elston (left) and corps officer Major Richard Durrant are placed in the stocks at Bourne during a family fun day and coffee morning which raised more than £400 to go towards enabling young people to attend the divisional summer school

Bandsman Walter Peverell is pictured with corps officer Major Richard Durrant as he transfers to the band reserve after 64 years’ service at various corps; since moving to Bourne earlier in the year he has been helping to re-form the small band

During the adult and family weekend, Cardiff Canton’s craft group members display some of the quilts and blankets they made to bring comfort to sick and traumatised young people through the Linus Project

East Scotland: Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns joined Cabinet Secretary for Justice Kenny MacAskill MSP at the launch of a new health promotion café at HMP Edinburgh visitors’ centre. – C-A. L.

After 52 years’ leadership with the 2nd Maldon Salvation Army Brownies, Brown Owl Vanessa Harvey is joined by brownies, rainbows and unit helper Hayley Claydon as she cuts her retirement cake. She received a certificate of appreciation from corps officer Major Margaret Huyton and a guiding long-service badge

Members of the 14th Batley Salvation Army Scouts and the guiding sections prepare to leave for Sweden where they plan to visit the World Jamboree

New divisional leaders welcomedCentral SouthA CAPACITY congregation met at Staines to welcome Majors Paul and Jenine Main who were installed as divisional leaders by Territorial Commander Commissioner John Matear and Commissioner Betty Matear.

Contributions by Maidenhead Band, the host corps songsters and representative speakers reflected the theme, People Matter. – J. T.

Flag day with a differenceNewcastle City TempleTHE corps did something differ-ent for the annual flag day and raised £1,100.

Corps members served 600 cups of tea from the divi-sion’s emergency vehicle, gave balloons to children and distrib-uted publicity leaflets and copies of The War Cry and Kids Alive! – A. M.

LETTERS

SALVATIONIST 27 August 2011 [email protected]

Hallowed moment on crowded trainI WAS happy to read the finely written article about uniform by Commissioner Keith Banks (Salvationist 6 August). In a police force some fulfil their role in private clothes while others serve in uniform. So also in the Church, Salvationists – through their uniform – may make their mission visible as well as audible and credible.

Recently I was travelling in a very crowded city train when the seat beside me became vacant. It was taken by an Indian newly arrived in Australia who,

seeing my uniform, confided that his wife’s parents were Army leaders in his home country. His wife was seated on the other side of the aisle and was nursing a young baby. After a while I was asked to say a prayer for their child. So, in what was a strangely hallowed moment in a packed railway carriage, they passed their baby to me and I offered a prayer.

This would not have happened apart from the sacramental significance of my uniform.Wesley Harris,Commissioner, Melbourne,Australia

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

Holiness – inside outHAVING been privileged to visit our East and West Scotland summer school, I am reminded by the school’s theme, Awesome On The Inside, that this is what the life of holiness is really all about. This theme has stayed with me and resonates with me. Would we not all do well to ensure that it is the focus in our own lives?

At the school, I was particularly blessed by the final song of the evening, ‘I Give You My Heart’. We can’t be awesome on the outside without being awesome on the inside. The heart is the key to holy living – it is the most important part of us. It is the part we focus on in our spiritual disciplines. It is the place where we invite God to reign and rule – hence the words, ‘Lord, I give you my heart’!

Our body, mind and will do matter, of course, but they really respond to the central place, the heart. Our actions and words, our behaviour and relationships all reflect our hearts. Our hearts determine our character.

To take adequate time to cultivate our hearts is the essence of discipleship. If I’m honest, I spend too much time working and focusing attention on myriad external matters and too little cultivating the interior life – the heart.

Author Dallas Willard, in Renovation Of The Heart, writes: ‘Actions are the expression of who we are. They come

from the heart... we live from the heart.’ My prayer is that the Lord will enable the renewing of my heart every day. I would also suggest this as a useful corporate prayer if we are indeed to be and remain a Spirit-filled Army.Alan Burns,Lieut-Colonel,Edinburgh


FEATURE

ONE of the most enjoyable aspects of preparing a series of CDs with piano arrangements of songs from

the musicals is keying in the lyrics for the 32-page booklet that comes with each disc. Never more so than for the new CD – John Larsson plays Jesus Folk and Spirit!

A WORDSMITH AT WORKJohn Gowans has an astonishing gift for conveying deep truths in simple words that stick in the mind – profundity in poetry! As I read and reread the lyrics while recording the songs, I was yet again struck by the skill with which they were lovingly crafted and by their beauty and power.

Ten of the songs from these two musicals made it into the present Salvation Army songbook and the lyrics have become part of the mental furniture of thousands of Salvationists across the globe – often without them knowing that the songs originated in one of these musicals!

Probably the words most frequently sung are ‘To be like Jesus’, but not everyone knows they were first sung by the actor playing Stephen in Spirit! ‘Burning, burning’ and ‘For the mighty moving of the Spirit’ also spring from the same source.

WEAVING IN A WITNESSWhen composing Spirit! in the 1970s the special challenge was to devise situations which called for bright songs.

At that time it would have been hard to find a single cheerful song about the Holy Spirit in the Christian repertoire! With songs like ‘Ask, ask, ask and it shall be given’ and ‘That’s the Spirit’ we aimed to show that God’s Spirit is not only holy but is also the Spirit of joy. This is reflected in the marrying of bright lyrics to upbeat tunes and constitutes a deliberate theological intention.

The beauty of the lyrics in Jesus Folk is that some of the people who actually –

literally – walked with Jesus centuries ago appear to speak our thoughts for us, the ‘Jesus folk’ of today.

For example, when Lazarus sings ‘Out of my darkness he called me’, and Zacchaeus plaintively wonders ‘Must I just stay the way I am?’ and a heartbroken Peter implores ‘You know I love you, use me again’, it is our own voice we hear. Bible characters of ancient times come to life and we realise that their experiences as followers of Christ resonate with ours.

With such inspired lyrics, melodies and harmonies flowed easily from my heart and mind when together we composed the songs for these musicals.

A WORLDWIDE WORKJesus Folk and Spirit! are among our most influential creations in that, having no explicit Salvation Army reference, they have travelled well by successfully crossing denominational boundaries and have been performed by many Christian groups internationally. I remember once being startled to see a huge hoarding at Elephant and Castle in London, blazoning out the words ‘Musical Spirit!’ What a remarkable coincidence, I thought – another musical with the same title! But as I drove past I found it advertised a run of our own musical at the renowned Spurgeon’s Tabernacle – a pleasing example of Christian unity!

WOULD IT WORK WHERE YOU ARE?The CD John Larsson plays Jesus Folk and Spirit!, which features 32 songs from these works, is Volume Two in the series of CDs with music from the musicals.

The first of the series, with songs from Take-over Bid and Hosea, has met with a very encouraging response from all corners of the Army world and is still available. The awakening of interest in the musicals has led to SP&S stocking the music and scripts of the ten musicals in photocopied form. A number of productions of the musicals are now being planned in the UK and abroad.

Visit www.johnlarsson.com for further information and sample tracks

John Larsson plays Jesus Folk and Spirit! is available from SP&S priced £9.99 (plus £2.95 postage and packing) by telephoning 01933 445445

Keying in Jesus Folk and Spirit!As the Gowans and Larsson musicals enjoy something of a resurgence, General John Larsson (Retired) alerts us to his latest CD


FROM THE COMMISSIONER

THERE have been dark days, recently, in London and in other cities. Our streets were tense, violent and filled with malice. I

drove through London late in the evening and the streets were quiet. I reached my neighbourhood; lined up out of sight of the main thoroughfare were white minibuses filled with police personnel, ready to move when the word came.

There were more than a few police officers, in luminous vests, giving a reassuring presence to people going about their lawful business. I stopped at a store that, unlike many others, had remained open. The few staff inside said they were afraid but had to make a living.

The media have reported moment-by-moment events, interspersed with analysis, opinion, political posturing and point-scoring.

As you would expect, The Salvation Army has been active in support – at the height of the breakdown and afterwards, when practical help was necessary for those who had lost homes and livelihoods and, tragically for some, even their lives. It was right to do so, to serve suffering humanity.

We have seen the very worst of humanity on display in terms of violence, crime, intimidation and hopelessness. Yet we have also seen the very best of humanity as people from all communities came out to clean up their neighbourhoods. The broom became an icon of hope and peace – a defiant response to all the violence. The dogged determination of hope stood against seething maliciousness and greed.

Where do we go from here? The gospel is about beauty for brokenness, hope for despair. Sin has not been mentioned in newspaper editorials or panel discussions but we know in the human heart there is a capacity and pull to do wrong, affecting everyone regardless of age, gender, creed or colour. We have to address the collapse of moral values. As Christian people, we have a mandate to mend what is broken, to help lay foundations and build the framework for community.

For many people, family life is dysfunctional and we have an opportunity to serve them. The research emerging from our Seeds Of Exclusion report confirms the crucial importance of

healthy family relationships in childhood. We need to develop the Kingdom opportunity to invest in our children’s work. In our corps-based community expressions, effective outreach to families needs to be prioritised.

In our mission endeavour we will continue to be vocal, focal and local where the worst of human nature and suffering is seen. Into broken, unclean and hopeless lives we can bring new brooms of hope, love and faith. Where there is a moral vacuum, there must be a positive Christian response that unashamedly puts character, helpful inner boundaries and respect for others on the agenda.

With dogged determination we declare that humanity is redeemable. It is more than giving advice or wagging fingers. It is not about looking at what the world has come to but about looking to God who has come to the world.

We must examine our priorities and involvement in our communities – reaching our world and engaging at the front line. We must be a visible and present Salvation Army, actively seeking to reach out and embrace those who are not Christians. And in being faithful, we have to be relevant. Let us examine how we can further participate in our communities with credible concern.

Many communities are closed off by fear, greed, self-interest and consumerism. But equally real is the evidence of generous, compassionate and noble people who reach out for the highest and best. We have to fan into flame all that is good and true and, by God’s grace, do what we can to give an alternative view of the world.

We declare that we have to serve suffering humanity and fight for social justice. God’s love is expressed through God’s people. We are called to shine like stars in a ‘crooked and depraved generation’ as we hold out the Word of Life. As we engage with people, we enable God to touch lives and shape society.

Together we need to ask and act: What is most needed? Where do we need to be? What opportunities do we need to take now?

Let us step up to the front line as we demonstrate, declare and live out God’s passion for lost and broken people. Now is the time to grasp these Kingdom opportunities!

Kingdom opportunity – beauty for brokenness

by Commissioner John Matear, Territorial Commander



WHEN 25-year-old Steven* walked into Swan Lodge Lifehouse, Sunderland, he was homeless and jobless.

His prospects seemed pretty hopeless, but within a short time of taking up residency his life took on a new direction.

Encouraged by the staff, Steven became involved in activities that focused on helping others and developing his own skills. He completed various training courses including numeracy, literacy, tenancy achievement and community development. Since then he has become a volunteer and helps others on courses for the tenancy achievement award and NVQs. He wants

to be a peer support tutor and in recent weeks has volunteered as a peer support helper, assisting learners by completing his own study sessions with lesson plans to help them.

The courses he completed at the Lifehouse gave him the pre-entry qualifications he needed to be accepted at the City of Sunderland College on an access course to university. In recognition of his achievements, Centre Manager Christine Tait nominated Steven for a peer support award through Adult and Community Learning in Sunderland. He not only won the award, but also received a voucher and recognition by his peers.

RICHARD was facing a serious alcohol problem when he arrived at Gloucester House Addictions Rehabilitation Centre, Highworth, in October 2010.

He says: ‘I was a nervous wreck, shaking so badly that I was sweating and I could not have had a redder complexion. I had hit rock bottom and, as far as I was concerned, this was my last

hope. For years I had kidded myself that I did not have a problem; I could function normally and even hold down a job. It took me a long time to realise that, without help, I could not stop drinking. Not even going to Alcoholics Anonymous helped, because I went for the wrong reasons; I was just trying to please others. This time I wanted it for me.’

In his initial assessment Richard found that for the first time in his life he was able to be open and honest about his problem. Supported by staff and former residents, he started the 12-step recovery programme, even though he was not too keen at first.

‘I was told the truth,’ he says, ‘no matter how blunt. I had to go away, think about it, accept it and then be taught how to move on. It was not always easy but today my life feels as if it has been kick-started again.’

Richard also rediscovered his faith through the spiritual part of the programme and says: ‘This is the beginning of an exciting journey with new friends and, above all, with the One who cares about me.’

MARC, another recent resident at Gloucester House, shares his experience: ‘My life was a wreck; I used drugs for about


Major Jane Kimberley shares the true stories of four people whose lives have been transformed as a result of their contact with The Salvation Army. Salvationists and friends who fundraise for the Annual Appeal are key players in this ministry

ANNUAL APPEAL FEATURE

Not all corps can carry out traditional door-to-door appeals, so here are a few ‘fun-raisers’ to help you boost your appeal fundraising.

Follow the appeal’s Mending Broken Lives theme with a Make Do And Mend evening. Rally crafty corps members to teach people to reuse and recycle to make quality gifts – an entrance fee and refreshment stall will boost funds.

Most corps will have a daredevil! Challenge them to take part in an Ironman event or sponsored skydive. For those of a gentler disposition, a sponsored walk or silence works just as well.

Souper Sweet evenings are a great way of raising funds and inviting friends to church. Sell tickets for a soup dinner – complete with music or quiz entertainment – and auction a shareable dessert. (Remember to tell each table of diners that they can win the auction for only one dessert to share, otherwise one table will eat all the cream pies!)

Contact your local sports ground to ask if you can collect donations before and after events.

Sell extra Army papers and split the proceeds between the corps and the Annual Appeal. Either have a display stand or take to the streets by recruiting extra ‘sellers and tellers’.

Encourage your youth group to take part in a sponsored stay-awake – best not organised to lead into a Sunday meeting!

Contact Trust Fundraiser Holly Gould (THQ) to take part on behalf of the Army in the London Marathon, British 10K, Royal Parks Foundation Half Marathon, adidas Silverstone Half Marathon or Everest Base Camp Challenge by emailing [email protected] .uk or by telephoning 020 7367 4810.

Hold a promise auction (parents: encourage your children to sign up to ‘wash dishes’ and reap the benefits while raising valuable funds!).

Organise a corps fun day – a great way to meet your community and raise funds through bake stalls, nearly new sales, face-painting and bouncy castles.

The Talent Scheme – a fantastic way to include all corps members by providing each of them with £5 and a challenge to use it to raise as much money as possible. Why not award prizes for the most creative and successful fundraisers!

CENTRE MANAGER Major Estelle Blake serves the community of King’s Cross, London, through Faith House, a place where many come to find friendship and acceptance. She describes her contact with Adele, just one of the many people she has met.

‘Adele first came into contact with Faith House in 2002. She was a vulnerable

woman who was a drug user and in prostitution. She did not trust anyone – least of all a Christian woman from The

Salvation Army offering her a hot drink. Over the years we have prayed for her and with her, visited her in prison and accompanied her to court appearances and other appointments. More recently we have watched her contact her family

and reach out to them. During the past year, with the support

of another Salvation Army centre, she has turned her life around and reconnected with her family.

‘This was a long-term commitment to someone whose life had not changed because of Faith House but as a result of the prayers and support of people around the territory.’

15 years and was full of self-pity. I realised that something had to change or I might not last another 15 years. I lost my girlfriend, my two sons and eventually my home and became very depressed. When I finally managed to get a place in a hostel I learnt about anger management as well as the hard facts about drugs, how to get clean and the risks of relapsing. I knew that I needed to change if I wanted to make anything of life for myself and my children. It was recommended that I should go to a detox centre, which I did, but after just three weeks I walked out.

‘Through my continued contact with the drug services I went for an assessment at Gloucester House. I was impressed by the feel of the place and, for once, I felt safe. I was offered a place and, after a short wait, I took up residence on 11 May 2011. At the time I was on the opiate replacement Subutex. I had come to terms with the fact that I would have to put up with some pain and discomfort if I wanted to break free from my drug addiction.

‘With care and support from my peers, the staff and outside fellowship support, I kept motivated and on track for a recovery. Today, I feel that I am finally free and full of hope for the future.

‘I can now be honest with myself and with others and I have started a secondary programme. I feel more able to cope with the stresses that life brings and blessed that I managed to find a place of sanctuary in which I found support, love and care.’

I had hit rock bottom and, as far as I was concerned, this was

my last hope

* Some names have been changed to protect identities

DYO: Captain Helen Schofield

Division: South-Western

Divisional demographic: Cultures move from inner-city to rural, with much of the division on the coast, which brings its own challenges, such as distance and isolation. There are also some marginalised districts.

Challenges: A shortage of volunteer youth workers and a geographically large division.

People seem nervous about youth work, so we need to create a culture where people want to be involved and see young people grow in Christ. Also, we need people to pioneer outward-facing youth work plants; in many places we need to think clearly and strategically.

Highlights: Plymouth Exeter Hall Whitleigh is in a tough area but the corps has invested a lot into youth work over the past few years. There is a Friday night club headed by an Essential2 trainee youth worker and they are reaching out to unchurched young people with a measure of success.

In Falmouth, a lovely seaside town but with some quite tough estates, the corps has had Timothys, Essentials and youth workers building up good relationships with young people and seeing them come to church and faith and being discipled.

The Transformers discipleship programme has been a big highlight! It’s been great to see young people transformed as they took time to be trained, and to see them passionate about faith and what God wants them to do.

We emphasise one-to-one discipleship – Bristol Citadel, Bath Citadel and Bridgwater are already running programmes.

Future hopes: To take risks, particularly in planting, and for corps to embrace one-to-one discipleship. I would love to have another Essential team in the division – I am passionate about enabling young leaders to grow vibrant in their faith. I would want young people to do Transformers when they’re younger, then Essential at 18.

If we invest strongly in youth leadership courses, I believe the Army will have the officer leadership it needs in the future.


YOUTH FOCUS

Associate DYO: Nick Ward

Division: Central South

Divisional demographic: DHQ works with volunteer youth workers across a broad spectrum of cultures, social groups, young people and corps. There are young people from affluent backgrounds, with supportive families and a good education, and those who come with a desperate need to belong and find a safe place.

Highlights: Our annual youth councils, which attract around 280 young people. Also, Youth Church On Tour is an exciting venture run by DHQ. Over two years we visited around twelve open-air locations, with speakers and bands, and encouraged young people to experience

Church in a different way. We looked at their needs – social, spiritual and physical – and considered the issues and supported them. Another highlight is the Essential programme at Staines. This is a great example of a programme designed by THQ, facilitated by DHQ and implemented effectively at corps level.

Exciting corps ministry: Dunstable youth organised a 24-7 prayer week and campaigned to have a prayer room in the hall – which they got! Leighton Buzzard’s youth ministry has flourished and now has 14 helpers on a youth club rota – it’s great to have that many helpers. Bicester, which has areas of real deprivation, has a drop-in club. And Bedford Congress Hall is very big on social action and runs a Monday night youth cell to offer discipleship and worship.

Challenges: People have very different needs, so creating a divisional programme can be quite difficult. Also, we’re reliant on volunteers, which is not easy when people have busy jobs, family lives or are just tired. It can be a struggle and there are limits to what we can do.

Future hopes: To see more youth workers and for the young people to be who God wants them to be; to see what God is doing and get excited!

Nick enters William Booth College in September; Nathan Loxley will succeed him


In the first of a series of short interviews, Claire Anderson asks divisional youth officers and other leaders about ministry in their division

Helen

Nick

BIBLE STUDY


WE read in the New Testament that Jesus is ‘God with us’ (Matthew 1:23 all quotations from

New International Version). So we may claim that the touch of the human hand of Jesus was also the touch of God.

In Mark 8:22–26 we read that when people brought a blind man to Jesus, he spat on the man’s eyes and then put his hands on him. (The same action is recorded in John 9:6, with the added detail that he spat on the ground and made some mud, putting that on the man’s eyes.)

This action would not have surprised the onlookers. Scholars tell us that first-century Jews believed there was healing power in human spittle. So do we; when you burn your finger, don’t you put it into your mouth?

However, the story in Mark chapter eight is unique in that it records a two-

stage miracle. After the initial moistening, Jesus placed his hands on the man’s eyes. The man saw people, but in a distorted form, which he likened to trees walking about. Whatever the explanation, Jesus was not prepared to leave the man with imperfect vision. Unusually, he placed his hands over the man’s eyes for a second time. Then, the man saw clearly.

Many new converts speak of being given spiritual sight. We rejoice in that. But I think many of us have known a time when we realised that a ‘second touch’ was needed if we were more clearly to see the will of God – or to see others around us not as competitors, enemies or irritating distractions, but as people to be loved as individuals of infinite worth to God.

This need of a ‘second touch’ is expressed in songs 610 and 628 in the songbook: ‘Wonderful Healer, touch me again’ and ‘Another touch, I ask another still’.

In the final hours of Christ’s earthly life, all four Gospels tell us that when the gang sent by the chief priests to arrest Jesus invaded the garden of Gethsemane, the disciples tried to make a fight of it. One of them – possibly Simon Peter – drew a sword.

All four Gospels also mention that a slash of the sword severed the ear of a servant of the high priest. All four tell us that Jesus immediately stopped the fighting. Only Luke, the doctor, tells us that Jesus then touched the man who had come to help arrest him: ‘And he touched the man’s ear and healed him’ (22:51).

It is odd that the other evangelists should have left this out, especially as John even gives us the man’s name, Malchus. This leads to the speculation that he later became a Christian, and so was known in the Early Church. It is tantalising to speculate on what is meant by ‘healing’ when an ear has been cut off. How does one heal an amputation?

What we must note, however, is that Jesus was not only determined to prevent a free-for-all; he was also concerned for one of his foes who came to take him to trial and crucifixion. On this occasion the healing touch of Jesus was saying: ‘I forgive you, and your wellbeing matters to me.’

We may not be able to emulate Jesus in exercising the gift of healing, but all may follow his example in stretching out a hand of friendship or service to those who are hostile. In this we follow the example of Jesus, and sometimes – just sometimes – the hand of God may reach through our words or actions to turn ardent adversaries into eager evangelists.

For a final example we must go to the beginning of John’s vision of Christ in glory: ‘When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am… the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever!” (Revelation 1:17 and 18).

This is the same Lord who walked the lanes of Galilee. On earth he often stretched out his hand to touch those in need, imparting new health and strength, new hope and life. So, in Heaven, he does exactly that for his lonely, exiled follower.

He will do the same for us when we look upwards, needing his hand upon us!

Colonel Guy lives in retirement in West Wickham

Touch me againColonel David Guy concludes his four-part series entitled Touched By God’s Hand

[email protected]

We may not be able to emulate Jesus in exercising the gift of healing, but all may follow his example in stretching out a hand of friendship

Clare LondonAdherent member

Jacob MorleyElla Harrold

Tyler HarroldAmy VersfeldJunior soldiers

FELIXSTOWEAS a child, Clare attended Discoverers at Bethesda Baptist Church and, in her teens, came to know and worship the Lord. After her A levels, she trained at a theatre school in London and began a six-year career as a singer and dancer. In 2006, illness took Clare home from her travels and back to her family. In 2009, her son Connor was born and they began going to the corps. Although Clare’s relationship with her son’s father ended, her relationship with the Lord strengthened and she now feels she has come home to where she belongs.

Ella and Tyler were introduced to the Army by their grandparents, who are corps members. Jacob comes from a Salvationist family and Amy is the youngest daughter of the corps officers.

Corps officer Captain Kathleen Versfeld welcomed Clare as an adherent member and enrolled Jacob, Ella, Tyler and Amy as junior soldiers. – A. V.

Julia MaphosaAdherent member

MIDSOMER NORTONJULIA grew up in Zimbabwe and attended the Army there from an early age. She remembers her grandmother always reminding her: ‘No matter where you are, God is always watching.’ In her testimony, Julia described finding the Army where she now lives as ‘coming home’. Corps officer Major Sharon Robinson welcomed Julia as an adherent member, the first at the corps for 14 years. – S. R.

Mwaka BabasanyaRyan MannersJunior soldiers

SOUTHEND CITADELMWAKA’S family originates from Zambia and Ryan is the youngest in a Salvationist family. Corps officer Captain Simon Perkin enrolled them as junior soldiers during the young people’s anniversary. – J. T.

Bethany MarshSheonagh Maddern

Graeme HunterSoldiers

William BlessettJunior soldier

PETERBOROUGH CITADELBETHANY and Sheonagh were supported by many friends and family members when they became soldiers. Bethany testified about the effect her experiences at music school and the Christian Union had on her Christian life and sang ‘The Potter’s Hand’ as her testimony. Her grandfather, Major Malcolm Watkins, enrolled her as a soldier. He also enrolled Sheonagh, who said that, as an officer’s child, she received a lot of love and support from people in various locations. At summer schools and other Christian festivals, she felt God was speaking to her about making a further commitment.

Graeme had been part of the corps fellowship with his wife Rosie and felt he wanted to renew his commitment by re-signing the soldier’s covenant. He is keen to be involved in the mission and ministry of the corps. Corps officer Major Adrian Maddern enrolled Graeme.

William comes from a Salvationist family and has been attending the Army all his life. When Major Beth Maddern enrolled him as a junior soldier, he was supported by fellow junior soldier and school friend Nyasha Gwaze. After his enrolment, William joined the singing company in singing ‘Bless This Life’, a song his parents Martin and Vicki had written for his dedication ceremony. – M. B.


NEW COMMITMENTS


David ShawJunior soldier

CONSETTDAVID started attending meetings with his mum and dad and older brother Matthew and began going to Jam Club soon afterwards. He decided he wanted to become a junior soldier and corps officer Captain Dawn Sellers enrolled him. – H. K.

Alison BullAdherent member

IPSWICH CITADELWHEN corps officer Lieut-Colonel Brian Knightley OF welcomed Alison as an adherent member, she testified that, after going to meetings for six years, she felt it was time to do more than just attend – she needed to make a public declaration to God and her fellow worshippers that she was a committed believer.

She said: ‘Since joining The Salvation Army my faith has come alive. It is living and I feel I have a very personal relationship with God which never existed before.’ Her children joined her on the platform when she gave her testimony and she hopes that they will one day feel able to do the same. – D. S.

Nancy DeVoeAdherent member

L’ISLETACCEPTING a work colleague’s invitation to go to the corps, Nancy, a teacher, started attending meetings more than a year ago. She is fully involved in corps life, attends the weekly Bible study and

helps at St Sampson’s Community Centre from time to time. When corps officer Major Jamie Hill welcomed her as an adherent member, Nancy,who is originally from the USA, spoke about the way Christ has led her through life and blessed her in many wonderful ways. – J. H.

Nick GoodwinSoldier

Margaret BoothAdherent member

SALEALREADY an adherent member, Nick decided to take the fur-ther step of becoming a soldier. A volunteer at the Young In Heart luncheon club, Margaret started going to meetings and made the deci-sion to become an adherent member.

Corps officer Major Aubrey Draycott enrolled Nick as a soldier and welcomed Margaret as an adherent member. – E. Y.

Angela MarslandIrene GilbeyAdherent members

OLDHAM ROUNDTHORNANGELA began attending the corps regularly nearly two years ago and, along with her husband Trevor, is always one of the first to arrive for the Sunday morning meeting. She chose ‘Lord, I Come To You’ as the worship song that has inspired her journey of faith. Angela thanked corps members for making her feel so loved and welcome every week.

Despite recent illness, Irene was determined to become an adherent member at the corps, where she also attends Good Companions. She thanked everyone for the kindness and friendship they have shown her and she especially thanked her sister Dorothy for bringing her into the Church family.

Corps officers Lieutenants Ian and Wendy Hall welcomed Angela and Irene as adherent members. – I. H.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

Holly JanesJunior soldier

CANNOCKCORPS officer Major Margaret Wicker enrolled Holly as a junior soldier. – T. W.

Trevor BoormanSoldier

BEXLEYHEATHTREVOR was brought up in the Anglican Church. However, he attended an Army funeral in his work as a funeral director and the message of the officer taking the service touched him so much that he felt led to go to the Army. Due to work commitments, Trevor had to move away from that particular corps but, a few years later, he found himself being led by God to attend the corps at Bexleyheath. Since then, he has felt God leading him further to make a commitment to soldiership. Corps officers Captains Louise and Paul Wood enrolled Trevor as a soldier and corps folk were delighted to share in the special occasion. – P. W.

Cerian JonesJoshua HarryJunior soldiers

WREXHAMCERIAN is supported in the corps by her father Mark, who is band sergeant, her mother Cass, who is the corps youth secretary, and sister Amy, who is a singing company member. Joshua’s mother Kath is singing company sergeant and his three sisters, Lauren, Jessica and Rhiannon, are involved in the band worship group and singing company.

Corps officer Major Ian McCredie enrolled Cerian and Joshua as junior soldiers. – C. D.

NEW COMMITMENTS IN AUGUST

32 Soldiers

59 Adherent members

31 Junior soldiersTotals for this year so far:Soldiers: 276Adherent members: 390Junior soldiers: 221

Out of 122 new commitments reported in Salvationist in August, 6 went to the lunch club and over-60 club; 5 returned to the Army after many years away; 3 felt drawn to the fellowship when bereaved; 3 heard the band playing in the open air; 3 visited corps charity shops; 2 were invited by Salvationist friends; 2 attended the corps carol service; 2 were challenged at summer school; 1 was a SAHA resident; 1 parent attended Babysong and 2 others brought their children to kids’ clubs; 1 was challenged at a funeral service and another at the Harrogate Congress; 1 attended keep-fit; and 1 went to a holiday club

in the collection and packing of items thatwere delivered to Moldova and received territorial awards from the Army and theAmerican Red Cross. At Christmas he assisted his officer-stepson, Frederick, in theArmy’s Kettle Appeal.

Major Cross continued to work tirelesslyfor the Lord until failing health made it impossible to continue. – I. D.

FRED FELTWELL,NUNEATONFRED’S parents were Sal-vationists, and he grew upthrough the YP corps. Afterleaving school he becamean apprentice carpenter.

Fred spent his National Service in the Bandof the Royal Warwickshire Regiment.

His Christian experience never wavered. Anaccomplished trombonist and vocal soloist,his influence affected many. He served in thecorps as a bandsman and songster, youth clubleader, YP band leader, band sergeant andcorps treasurer, supported by his wife andtheir four children.

Sadly Fred became ill with Alzheimer’sdisease, which he endured for many years before his promotion to Glory. – T. F.

BAND RESERVISTGEORGE BYATT,HAVERHILLGEORGE joined LintonCorps in Cambridgeshire in1942, where he marriedDaphne. He was soon able

to join the band and played an active part incorps life. He became corps treasurer and laterstarted a guitar group for young people.

George loved leading meetings at neigh-bouring Newmarket, Haverhill and WestWickham, and also enjoyed the fellowship ofArmy holidays and congresses.

Although corps closures meant the familytransferred to West Wickham, then Haverhill,George and Daphne remained the face of theArmy in Linton.

Aged 87, George died at home after a sudden onset of cancer. He leaves his wife andtwo sons, four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. – P. B.

KENNETH GIBBS,PETERBOROUGHCITADELBORN in Peterborough,Ken was known as a godly, gracious gentleman.His various local officer

positions included YP band leader, men’s fellowship and scout leader and corps treas-urer – a position he faithfully held for 29 years.A particular memory is of him using a wheel-barrow to transport the carolling and AnnualAppeal money to the bank!

The area secretary and treasurer to St JohnAmbulance, Ken was proud to have receivedthe organisation’s Serving Brother Award.


ANNOUNCEMENTS


ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED

CSM Reg Williams, Abertillery.

MARRIAGES

Philip Neeve to Penny Mancktelow at

Canterbury by Major Chris Sands; Steven

Ashcroft to Leanne McColl at Nelson by Captain

Janice Lahouel.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Platinum (70th): Ernest and Mrs Miriam Hamlett,

Nelson.

Diamond: Don and Mrs Olive Lockwood,

Chatham (1 September); Alan and Mrs Gwen

Smith, Leighton Buzzard (8 September).

BEREAVED

Rtd BM Ron Hart, Lye, of his wife Alice; Jean

Chapman, of her husband Graham, Peter Watts

of his wife Beryl, both Kettering.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

HLFS/Cradle Roll Sgt Winnie Green, Lye;

Miriam Barnett, Skewen.

Mrs Major Beatrice Bailey from Cramlington

on 13 August.

The executor, Mrs Heather Stubbs, can be

contacted at , Morpeth

.

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

USA Eastern, Th 8 Sep - Sat 10; Sunbury Court(General’s Consultative Council), Mon 19 - Th 22;Mozambique (Africa Zonal Conference), Fri 23 - Fri 30,Malawi, Sat 1 - Mon 3

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:

ICO, Tu 30 Aug, Fri 2 Sep; Sunbury Court (General’sConsultative Council), Mon 19 - Th 22

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER JOHN MATEAR)

AND COMMISSIONER ELIZABETH MATEAR:

Cumbernauld, Sat Sun 4 Sep; Bognor Regis (NewHorizons), Th 8; Northern (installation of divisionalleaders), Sat 10; London Central (installation ofdivisional leaders), Sun 11; Bahamas (80thanniversary celebration), Fri 23 - Sun 25

THE CHIEF SECRETARY

(COLONEL DAVID HINTON)

AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON:

Edinburgh Gorgie, Sat Sun 28 Aug; Bognor Regis(New Horizons), Fri 2 Sep - Sun 4; Kilbirnie, Sat Sun 11

Commissioners Larry and Gillian Bosh:

Chelmsford, Sat 10 Sep

Commissioner William Cochrane: Sunbury

Court (International Moral and Social Issues

Council), Tu 6 Sep - Th 8

Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring:

Papua New Guinea, Tu 23 Aug - Mon 29; Korea,

Tu 30 - Mon 5 Sep

Commissioner Kenneth Hodder: Southern

Africa, Wed 31 Aug - Fri 2 Sep; Sunbury Court

(International Moral and Social Issues Council),

Wed 7 - Th 8

Commissioner Christine MacMillan: Denmark,

Fri 2 Sep - Mon 5

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina:

Ghana, Tu 23 Aug - Tu 30; Uganda, Wed 31 -

Tu 6 Sep

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street:

Glasgow (retirement of Commissioners Robin and

Shona Forsyth), Sat 3 Sep; Govan, Sun 4; France

(welcome to cadets), Sun 11

TRIBUTESMAJOR JOHN CROSSMAJOR JOHN CROSS was promoted toGlory on 19 July from Olympia, Washington,USA. Born in 1913, he entered the trainingcollege in 1937 from Wishaw as a member ofthe Enthusiasts Session and was commissionedin 1938 as a lieutenant, with an appointmentto Inverkeithing and Rosyth. Further corpsappointments included Elgin and Forfar.

He married Captain Olive Adamson in 1944while stationed at Macduff. Together theygave leadership to Kinlochleven and Kingstonbefore moving with their sons, Russell andJohn, to Dublin Abbey Street in 1947.

Their corps ministry continued at Bo’nessand Leven in Scotland, Tredegar in Wales andappointments in northern England at Standishand Workington.

In 1974 Major and Mrs Cross returned toScotland for their final appointment at Drum-chapel, from where they entered retirementin 1978.

Following retirement they emigrated toAmerica, where Mrs Major Cross was pro-moted to Glory in 1981.

Major Cross married Constance Hagglundin 1983. She was promoted to Glory in June.

During his retirement years the major visited nursing homes, playing his accordionand visiting residents. He assisted Constance

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

Promotion to major –

Captain Diana Bennetts, Tiverton.

JOHN MATEAR,

Commissioner, Territorial Commander

ON THE AIRBBC Radio Wales (93–104FM and online at

bbc.co.uk/wales/radiowales): Majors Ian and

Pam McCredie (Wrexham) and Salvationists from

corps in North Wales will feature on Celebration

(7.30 am) on Sunday 4 September.

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS


Ruby’s family thank God for a wonderfulwife and mother, who often put their needsbefore her own. – G. M.

ROBERT (BOBBY)GARRITY, PAISLEYAGED 17, Bobby was at-tracted to the Army by anopen-air meeting at Mary-hill in Glasgow. He workedat the Army’s Methlan

Park home in Dumbarton, the Pleasance inEdinburgh and with elderly people in hospi-tal. On several occasions he was the meansof reuniting families who had lost touch.

He was married to Betty for 52 years andthey had three children. Over the years theywelcomed many visitors from abroad intotheir home.

Bobby loved collecting door-to-door andfor flag days and travelled many miles to assist smaller corps.

He also loved meeting people and spent agreat deal of time in visitation. Latterly, whenpoor health prevented this, he kept in touchby telephone. – B. G.

PAULINE WARDLE,LEICESTER SOUTHPAULINE grew up in Doncaster Corps. Afterstudying at Royal Hol-loway College, she moved to Birmingham

to begin a teaching career. Pauline worshipped at several corps, including Warrington, Liverpool Walton and Leicester South. At each one she gave wholehearted service, especially with the songsters. She was an exceptionally talented musician – singer, pianist, violinistand percussionist – and wrote poetry of thehighest standard.

Pauline’s most remarkable gift was herability to communicate; indeed, she wasrecognised by many as being inspirational.She has left an indelible mark on the worldaround her, as witnessed by the large number of people who attended her funeraland thanksgiving service.

She leaves her daughter and son, Libbyand James, and her very close friend Marian. – M. P.

He was a loving husband to Sylvia, whom hemet in Gosport during RAF service, and a lov-ing father to Michael and Jennifer. Ken borefailing health with his usual grace and fortitudeand leaves a legacy of fine Salvationism. – B. M.

MRS (IVY) RUBYMcNAE, IPSWICHCITADELBORN to Salvationist par-ents at Ipswich Citadel in1916, Ruby became an active corps cadet. She was

accompanist for the songsters and singingcompany and, subsequently, for the homeleague and over-60 club.

She met her husband Jim, from Dumfries,during the war on a blind date, discovering inconversation that they were both Salvationists.They married in 1943 and had three children:Stuart, Heather and Gary.

Jim’s work for the Army’s Assurance Society took them away from Ipswich for someyears. They returned to care for Ruby’s parents.

In 2005 health issues dictated their move into a care home. Jim died in 2006.

AndoverNINE people were led to a personal aware-ness of Christ when corps officers Majors Edwina and Jim Cussen and a small team

from the corps helped staff the Churches Together tent during the town carnival.

The 15-foot high blow-up tent housed aspiritual chill-out area and a board on whichvisitors could write questions they would liketo ask Jesus. – F. R.

Band leads challengingmeetingsStotfoldROCHDALE BAND led challenging and en-couraging weekend meetings. The Saturdayevening programme featured Angela Holtsinging ‘They Could Not’, the band song ‘ByThe Way Of The Cross’ and the rousingmarch ‘Wisbech Citadel’. Major Paul Wilson(Rochdale) led Sunday morning worship,after which the band held an open-air meeting in a large housing development. Ahighlight of the afternoon meeting was ‘Anthem Of The Free’, which the guest andhost bands united to play. Alan Kershaw(vocal) and Stephen Briggs (flugelhorn) werethe soloists. – C. D.

Landmark celebrationsMinsterMORE than 200 people attended activitiesthroughout the day when the corps celebrated125 years of ministry in the town. Over 150people shared a Sunday lunch and the after-noon entertainment included a charity shopfashion show and members of the keep-fitclub performing an exercise routine (pic-tured).

New corps officers Captains Bryn and LynHargreaves, who had been installed duringmorning worship, led a songs of praise meet-

ing which had to be held outside because ofthe number of people attending. – B. H./L. H.

Territorial Envoy Russell Day, Rob Swain andSimon Beeton from Cottenham and CaptainJonathan Wylie (Haverhill) take part in theWorld Pea-shooting Championship at Witcham,Ely; the envoy used to be a world pea-shootingchampion, winning his last title in 1985. Sadly,the team did not bring home the cup but theywere able to witness to their Christian faith andthe work of The Salvation Army.Nine people led to Christ

SALVATIONIST 27 August 2011 20-23

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MENDING BROKENLIVESThe theme for the Army’s Annual Appeal 2011 is Mending Broken Lives. For so many people, last year was one of the hardest ever. Men and women lost their jobs and homes and ended up on the streets. Older people found themselves desperately lonely and isolated. Families struggled to get by in real and unrelenting poverty.

Frank ended up on the streets after

developing a serious heart condition. In a few disastrous months this hard-working chef found himself cold, frightened and alone. He had no family nearby to turn to and no money to pay for the medicines he needed.

An Army officer found him cowering behind some bins. Right away, Frank found himself with a safe bed in one of the Army’s Lifehouses. During the months that followed, Frank received the help he needed to rebuild his shattered confidence and rediscover his cooking skills. He learnt to cope with his heart condition and, as his health improved, he felt ready to start an independent life again.

The Salvation Army is dedicated to helping and supporting people for whom life has become a nightmare. In doing so it is following Jesus’ mandate, as Luke

records it: ‘[Jesus] went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour” (4:16–19 New International Version).

Last year’s appeal enabled The Salvation Army to make a real, lasting difference to literally thousands of people in the direst need. The problems are still there and people still need help and support.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

York Minster. Picture: NIGEL GOTOBED

SONGI believe that God the FatherCan be seen in God the Son,In the gentleness of JesusLove for all the world is shown.Though men crucify their Saviour,And his tenderness rebuff,God is love, the cross is saying,Calvary is proof enough.

I believe in transformation,God can change the hearts of men,And refine the evil natureTill it glows with grace again.Others may reject the weakling,I believe he can be strong,To the family of JesusAll God’s children may belong.

John Gowans (SASB 324)

PRAYERDear Lord, we thank you for this opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Help us to do as much as we possibly can to make the Annual Appeal a success so that people will be rescued from the darkness of desperation and brought into the light of your love. Amen.

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