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SALVATIONISTESSENTIAL READING FOR EVERYONE LINKED TO THE SALVATION ARMYwww.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist26 May 2012No 1348Price 60p

INSIDE THIS WEEK

120 years of music-makingLurganPAGE 4

Out of the ashesSwindon Gorse HillPAGE 5

PLUS LOTS MORE!

PAGES 15 & 24

PAPERS

2 26 May 2012 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, 2012. 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 EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker Tel: 020 7367 4893 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 André Cox EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

THE SWISS GUARD MARCHES ON TO FACEBOOKThe Pontifical Swiss Guard has opened a page on Facebook in an effort to boost recruitments.

Facebook.com/gsp1506 was launched to ‘open a window’ and better inform young people about the Swiss Guard…

Applications to serve are open to Swiss male citizens who served in the Swiss Army, are Catholic and under 30.The Catholic Herald

HERE COME ‘THE MEN IN BLACK… 3’

KA! JAM RETELLS THE STORY OF PENTECOST

PUZZLES AND JOKES IN GIGGLE IN THE MIDDLE

‘JOURNEY 2’ DVDs TO WIN!

MY BLUE HEAVEN – WINNING THE TITLE WAS A MIRACLE FROM GODRoberto Mancini thanked the ‘hand of God’ for helping Manchester City win the most dramatic Premier League title race.

Mancini, a devout Catholic who prayed at church the morning before City’s epic title-clinching 3-2 win over QPR, said divine intervention played a part in the remarkable victory…

‘It was a miracle,’ said Mancini. ‘God gave a look at our game and gave us a hand.’Daily Mirror

DONORS PAY FOR KING JAMES BIBLE FOR EVERY STATE SCHOOL

Copies of the King James Bible are being sent to every state school in England to mark the 400th anniversary of the translation after benefactors provided funds for the scheme…The Bishop of Oxford… said the

move ‘placed the King James Bible at the heart of the educational process it inspired’.The Daily Telegraph

PRINCE CHARLES PRAISES IMPACT OF BOOK OF COMMON PRAYERHRH Prince Charles opened the new exhibition at Lambeth Palace celebrating 350 years of the ‘valuable’ Book Of Common Prayer.

With his personal copy of the book loaned to the collection, the Prince of Wales spoke of the impact the words had had in his own life…

‘As somebody who was brought up on the Prayer Book day after day, year after year, Sunday after Sunday,’ Prince Charles said, ‘those words do sink into your soul something extraordinary.’The Church of England Newspaper

26 May 2012 20p/25c

War CryTHE yyyyyyyyFIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS

salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry Est 1879 No 7066

writes NIGEL BOVEY

GARDEN SPECIALISTS ON SHOW AT CHELSEA

Adam and Jonathan

check their plants

GROWING

G LDFOR

THEY are top of the tree. Garden designers Jonathan Smith and Adam Woolcott have been digging deep to make sure visitors to the Chelsea Flower Show, which ends today, see their work at its very best.

Their entry this year – the Plankbridge Shepherd’s Huts Garden – features a scaled-down replica shep-herd’s hut that was used in Victorian Dorset. The pair had to put in the spadework to make sure their design

TV CHEF GETS FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Page 8

CHELSEA IN BLOOM

BRIAN TURNER OFFERS HIS RECIPE FOR LIFE

SAGIC BOSS TALKS INSURANCE

ALCOHOL – THE NEGLECTED ADDICTION

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012 3

The wrong trousers

NEWSPages 4 – 9 & 19 BrightonCongressHallandBrightonBevendean LurganSalisburyIlfordHadleighTempleAnglia SwindonGorseHillNewburyCheltenham OldburyDublinCityKetteringOakengates PlymouthCongressHallHullRegentHall HytheStowmarketAberdeenCitadel ScarboroughWilliamstownExeterHendon PokesdownChelmsfordDartfordLeigh-on-Sea NorthamptonEastSleafordWellingborough SherburnHillSouthShieldsCambriaHouse

LETTERSPage 10

FEATUREPromoted to Glory Page 11

ICO FEATUREGod’s way with me Pages 12 & 13

FEATURE Out of Africa Page 14

BIBLE STUDY Breathe on me, Breath of God Page 15

NEW COMMITMENTSPages 16 – 18

ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people and engagementsPage 19

ADVERTSPages 20 – 23

SINGING Company Leader Gill Watts, of Luton, asked after my trousers the other day. I thought that was kind of her. The pair in

question, you see, went missing weeks ago and domestic sympathy has been in declining supply ever since. Gill’s concern was not unappreciated.

I went to look for them to go specialling in. These are my best trousers but they have vanished. I’ve looked in my wardrobe, I’ve checked at the dry cleaners, I’ve even asked my wife – yet my special specialling trousers are nowhere to be seen.

I don’t really have a leg to stand on – it’s my fault entirely. If a man has reached the age of 46 and still can’t keep track of his own trousers, then it’s debatable whether he should be allowed out by himself wearing them anyway.

If you are wondering where all this is going, I should explain that the mystery of the disappearing trousers has led me to wonder what else might be ‘missing’ within the Army.

That is to say, Salvationist is always delighted to receive accounts of what’s going on around the territory, but I can’t help feeling there are any number of initiatives which, for the want of a decent report and a good photograph, remain – like my trousers – hid from our eyes.

Much the same might be said of THQ, in so far as there are entire departments based at 101 whose ministries remain something of an unknown quantity even to those of us who share the building. It’s not so much a case of ‘left hand, right hand’ syndrome as everyone quietly working away, minding their own business, engaged in promoting the Kingdom and – as General Albert Orsborn put it – the pursuit of ‘souls who were lost to the good’.

I wonder if I can encourage the sharing of information that might inspire others. Why not make use of Salvationist by regarding this paper as a means of mobilising mission? ‘Sharing best practice’ is what it’s called in business circles. ‘Saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity’ is what General John Gowans called it. Paul wrote about using all means to save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). You get the idea.

And how might I personally play any part in soul-saving? Well, I could do worse than to take a leaf out of the book of the Russian poet Vladimir Mayakovsky. He wrote about various expressions of love and once – in the pursuit of his beloved – offered to be ‘irreproachably gentle, not a man, but a cloud in trousers’. It’s an interesting turn of phrase and reminds me somehow of songs number 324 and 479 in our songbook.

God bless Gill Watts. God bless your ideas.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

‘The Army’s press is especially designed to further the work of salvation by producing literature which communicates the claims of the gospel; advocates and explains Army principles and teaching; inspires Salvationists… and attracts interest in, and support for, the Army’s work.’(Orders And Regulations For Editorial And Literary Personnel )

4 26 May 2012 SALVATIONIST

NEWS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Band visit raises funds for IndiaSalisburyTHE corps welcomed Solent Fellowship Band for an evening concert. Even though the weather was poor, a large enthusiastic crowd enjoyed an evening of varied music. The band played old favourites such as ‘A Sunbeam’ and ‘Divine Communion’. The concert included a number of individual items featuring Bryan Norman (euphonium), Callam Carter (tenor horn) and Adrian Griffiths (vocal).

After the interval corps officer Lieutenant Peter Clark invited the congregation to give in an offering to support Sangli Corps (India Western), raising more than £300. Salisbury Corps has supported this corps for the past two years. – P. C.

120 years of music-makingLurganBAND weekend marked 120 years of Army music-making in the town. For the Saturday evening Bandmaster Kenny Briggs and the band were joined by guests James Fountain (cornet, Virtuosi GUS Band), Capriccio Choir and compère – and former corps officer – Major John Mott.

The band opened proceed-ings with ‘Fanfare, Hymn And Thanksgiving’ before featur-ing the trombone section in a moving arrangement of ‘When I Survey’.

Major Mott – who throughout the evening provided humor-ous and interesting anecdotes and memories of his time in the town – led the band at the start of the second half of the programme in a rousing performance of ‘To Regions Fair’.

Capriccio Choir provided individual as well as group items including ‘Circle Of Life’ and ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’.

James chose contrasting items, including ‘Wondrous Day’ and ‘So Glad!’, amazing the audience with his range and ability.

After a wonderful evening of celebratory music Bandmaster Briggs chose to send everyone home to the sound of the tran-quil and thought-provoking ‘Gaelic Blessing’.

The celebrations contin-ued on Sunday with offerings from the band and from James. After the message delivered by Major Mott, a young bandsman renewed his commitment at the mercy seat.

Bandsman George Thomas’s service to Salvation Army banding was recognised (see picture) and eight-year-old Daniel Hunter (cornet) received his junior musician’s commission. – P. J.

Major John Mott transfers Bandsman George Thomas to the band reserve after 67 years’ service; also pictured are corps officer Major Graham Wood and Bandmaster Kenny Briggs

Youth choir visits UKIlfordAS part of its UK tour, the National Youth Choir (The Neth-erlands and Czech Repub lic) visited to present a fantastic Satur-day evening concert that followed afternoon open-air witness

in the town centre (see picture).Each member had memo-

rised the English words of every song. ‘Say The Name Of Jesus’ and ‘Let The Name Of Jesus’ were sung with enthusiasm and the choir’s technician spoke about his personal experience of coming to faith.

A six-strong worship band – using guitars, two keyboards and percussion – supported the group.

Lieutenant Marc Potters (Utrecht) led the Sunday morning meeting and prompted many responses at the mercy seat. – G. P.

Torch is passed onBrighton Congress Hall and Brighton BevendeanIN connection with the divisional Olympic torch relay, the corps received the torch from Eastbourne Old Town. In the evening, youth leader Emma Heal arranged a prayer event, which included prayer stations around the building that were open to all.

On Sunday, an open-top car was decorated with yellow, red and blue bunting, balloons and flags (see picture) to deliver the torch to Hove. – B. W.

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012 5

NEWS

[email protected]

Pam Rhodes supports building projectHadleigh TempleA CAPACITY congregation attended a Songs Of Praise concert led by broadcaster Pam Rhodes.

The concert, arranged by Band Sergeant John Ashcroft, raised funds for the building of the nearby St Michael’s and All Angels Church.

The band provided accompa-niment to the hymns with other contributions from the songsters, singing company and timbrelists as well as two children’s choirs from local schools.

Pam Rhodes interviewed three members of the St Michael’s congregation who spoke of the community support for the project, how the congre-gation had outgrown the failing old building and the excitement they had in preparing a place of worship for generations to come.

Speaking on behalf of the Church of England, the Arch-deacon of Southend (the Ven David Lowman) spoke of

the work and ministry of all churches in the area.

The collection raised £1,200. – B. N.

Out of the ashesSwindon Gorse HillTHE corps marched through the town – accompanied by Hilling-don Band (pictured bottom right) – to return to its refurbished spiritual home.

At the hall, Eileen Thomp-son cut the ribbon to officially open the building and divisional leaders Majors Paul and Jenine Main led a service of rededica-tion.

The building was damaged by fire in September 2010 (pictured above) and then the corps suffered another setback when the hall was broken into and vandalised.

From the very beginning corps officer Major Fred Thompson was determined that Army life would continue, so corps activities were held all

around the town in schools, a children’s centre, churches and corps members’ homes.

The hall was packed with friends from the community, representatives from local organisations and Salvationists from other corps in the division for the rededication meeting. – L. B.

Divisional senior celebrationAngliaMORE than 400 people gath-ered at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion for the division’s Senior Cele-bration, led by Majors Derek and Helen Tyrrell, who kept the congregation amused with their anecdotes and whimsical asides themed on the Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics.

The rally began with a corps roll call by Town Crier Jim Wearne, followed by music from Anglia Fellowship Band, Bram Bryant (vocal, Norwich Citadel), monologues by Bridget Roper (Sheringham) and a display by timbrelists from Lowestoft Citadel. An entertaining ‘Zimba’ display (dancing with Zimmer frames) was given by Major Joy Allchin (DHQ) and Miriam Day (Waterbeach). A fancy dress parade featured various Olympi-ans, and Majors Sidney Pinches (Haverhill) and Ian McBride (Norwich Citadel) and Captain Jonathan Wylie (Chatteris) competed in Olympic chal-lenges. ‘The Queen’ (see picture) presented medals to those who had rendered services above and beyond the call of duty.

The day concluded with ‘Who Is On The Lord’s Side?’ to the rousing tune of ‘Land Of Hope And Glory’. – J. A.


NEWS


Songsters bring encouragement and challengeNewburyMILTON KEYNES Songsters visited at the start of 130th corps anniversary celebrations.

Prayer was the theme for morning worship which linked in with the corps receiving the divisional prayer flame for the week. Many songsters brought encouragement and challenge as they shared their experience of prayer. Everyone was invited to carry the torch for someone by praying for them during the week and the songsters contrib-uted ‘Somebody Prayed For Me’.

During the afternoon praise meeting the name of Jesus was lifted up through music, poetry, fun and drama. The congrega-tion was reminded of God’s love when the songsters sang ‘Written In Red’. – B. W.

Gospel choir debutCheltenhamTHE corps was pleased to host the first concert of the Chelten-ham Young Gospel Choir. The choir, for children aged seven to twelve years old, was formed in September 2011. The concert, in aid of the Shalom Children’s Home in the Democratic Repub-lic of Congo, raised £1,086. The varied programme included ‘The Lord’s Prayer’ and ‘Believe’. – R. G.

Oldbury: In their farewell meeting corps officers Majors Amaro and Susan Pereira received £650 from the corps for use in the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Territory where they will take up their next appoint-ments. The corps acknowl-edged their role in the merger of Blackheath and Warley Corps, a major building refurbishment and the creation of an effective and motivated leadership team. – R. S.

Dublin City’s new gospel choir, The Corporals, performs

at the first café church as part of a monthly series of

alternative meetings

Colonels offer words of hopeKetteringHOME and family Sunday, led by Lieut-Colonels Peter and Sylvia Dalziel, brought much blessing. The home league singers, men’s fellowship choir and other members of the home and family groups were repre-sented in the meetings.

The hall was packed on Monday for the home league rally with women from nearby churches and home league members from the surrounding corps attending. The Mayor (Councillor Margaret Talbot) was also there. The colonels’ words of hope and encourage-ment and their singing were received with great enthusiasm.

Pictured are Lieut-Colonel Sylvia Dalziel, the Mayor, Lieut-Colonel Peter Dalziel and Home League Secretary Barbara Hobbs. – B. H.

Full house at Methodist churchPlymouth Congress HallTHE band and junior timbrel-ists thrilled the congregation at the Burraton Methodist church with a varied programme, start-ing with the band piece ‘Fill The World With Music’.

The timbrelists’ display to ‘The Red Shield’ march received rousing applause and YPSM Andrew Renouf presented the monologue ‘It’s My Birthday Today’, dressed as a child (see picture).

A time for reflection led by Mike Elson reminded the congregation of the importance of prayer. – D. P.

Major brings a Welsh flavourOakengatesMAJOR Ray Hobbins (Aberys-twyth) led Sunday meetings and a Monday rally for the Friends and Family Club.

His thoughts focused on Christ’s caring attention on the details of people’s lives and considered Christ’s interactions with families.

The Friends and Family Singers contributed and Major Hobbins added a Welsh flavour to the weekend with his spontaneous singing of a Welsh folk song.

The rally was well-attended, with representation from churches across Telford. – T. W.

Two Lifehouse residents at William Booth House, Hull, accept a Bible from Gideons John Coope and Brian Elwick with Spiritual Directors Majors Julia and Keith Johnson


NEWS

[email protected]

Football teams uniteStowmarketTO commemorate the youth team’s first season, the Stow-market-based Salvation Army Football Club had a squad

photograph showing the adult team with the under-eights youth team.

The adults play in the Suffolk and Ipswich League and the team comprises Felixstowe and Ipswich corps members as well as members of the community. – A. M.

Six-a-side salvationHytheAMONG 32 teams competing at the London Churches six-a-side football tournament, Hythe Salvation Army FC finished second in their group, earning them qualification to the cup competition, where they lost 8-7 on penalties.

The event comprised good

football, a great venue and excellent company, and Ambas-sadors in Sport shared the gospel message during a break.

The tournament was a suitable end to the season for the players who are loyal and faithful to the Army and the team.

Information about joining the team is available from corps officer Captain Phil Layton ([email protected]). – P. L.

Aberdeen Citadel’s seasoned marathon runner Clark Wallace is supported by corps members Craig and Catrina Taylor as he undertakes a half- marathon in aid of the divisional junior camp and summer residential; his grandson Evan Wallace supported him by cycling the route

Accompanied by fellow corps members (and pictured with her mother, Jean Crosdale) who took part in the annual event, Lindsey Barker (Scarborough) carries her late father’s Eb bass around the Race For Life course, raising more than £600 for Cancer Research

Choir augments marchRegent HallTHE Faith Lutheran Church Chancel Choir of Spicer, Minne-sota, USA – under the direc-tion of Pastor Simon Fensom, a former Salvationist – led the meetings after the completion of their nine-day tour of the UK. The morning meeting followed the format of a Lutheran service, with music contributions from the choir and the corps senior and junior sections.

The choir augmented Regent Hall’s impressive march down the crowded central London

streets, before presenting a meeting of praise, during which the choir demonstrated its versa-tility with delightful presenta-tions of songs that included ‘Just A Closer Walk With Thee’. – A. R.


NEWS


Musical spectacularHendonSALVE MUSICA (Stockholm South, Sweden and Latvia) visited to offer a choral spectac-ular during a Saturday evening festival and participated in Sunday worship. Salve Musica is an open choir created to forge links with the community and consists of Salvationists, friends, family and work colleagues. The group sang Army and secular items, including ‘If I Were A Rich Man’, ‘Trust In God’ and a number of Swedish folk songs.

The host songsters offered ‘Were You There?’ and ‘You Are My King’. The singing company put smiles on the congregation’s faces as they sang ‘The Champion’s Chal-lenge’ before the host sections joined to sing ‘Nothing But Thy Blood’. Tua, a Swedish Salva-tionist opera singer, enthralled people with her operatic voice and musical theatre presenta-tions. The evening’s finale featured all the singers present-ing the Barry Manilow classic ‘One Voice’. – J. H.

Praise for anniversaryWilliamstownTHE 115th corps anniversary got off to a good start with a festival presented by Swansea Band and Songsters, themed Praise For God’s Faithfulness. Band items included ‘God Of Wonders’, ‘Praise Party’ and the tenor horn solo ‘You Love Me’.

The songsters offered ‘Wonder, Love And Praise’ and ‘His Strength Is Perfect’ and younger songsters sang the quintet ‘This Is The Life’. Guests Lieut-Colonels Laurie and Simone Robertson (IHQ) led the programme and Lieut-Colonel Simone Robertson encouraged everyone to read out a Scripture verse from her mother-in-law’s 80-year-old promise box.

On Sunday the colonels enthusiastically preached from Nehemiah, encouraging and challenging the corps to reach out into the community; they also donated 30 new books to start a corps library. The day ended with a faith tea with Gilfach Goch Corps. – D. W.

Youth make congregation ‘uncomfortable’ExeterTHE youth group, Livin’ It, led morning worship and set out to make the congregation feel uncomfortable, not to be unkind but that their discomfort might bring comfort to those whose lives have been marred by human trafficking. The Found-er’s song, ‘O Boundless Salva-tion!’, was chosen as a reminder that William Booth was passion-ate about stamping out injustice and that the corps must stand up and make a difference today.

Throughout the morning the young people informed and challenged the congregation through video clips and presen-tations, then brought blessings through dramatic dance and music by Justify. Livin’ It successfully raised awareness and a retiring collection raised £160 in aid of the Army’s Booth House in Kuwait. – A. C.

PokesdownMAJOR Liz Chape (DHQ) conducted meetings for home and family weekend, themed A Little Lower Than The Angels. Using this text she spoke of the capacity everyone has to worship and work for God and that it is possible for the glow of that relationship to show on their faces.

A poem written and read by a home league member, entitled ‘Touched By An Angel’, was very appropriate. Two other members gave moving testimonies. The singers and timbrelists supported throughout the weekend and the Sunday fellowship enjoyed a communal meal.

The rally on Monday was well attended and included a sketch entitled Umbrella People. – S. L.

Corps learns of the capacity to work for God

The young people and youth workers of Chelmsford’s youth club, Base, celebrate its fourth

anniversary with a bouncy castle; the club meets in a

school each fortnight for activities, games and crafts

Dartford corps folk enjoy a retreat at William Booth College; through worship,

teaching and prayer they explored the theme, Encountering The Almighty


NEWS

[email protected]

Guests inspire and challenge congregationLeigh-on-SeaTHE 110th corps anniversary weekend commenced with a reunion tea on Saturday followed by a celebration concert entitled The Spirit Of The Sea, with guests General John Larsson (Retired) and Commissioner Freda Larsson (right). They were sup ported by Divisional Comman der Major Carol Bailey. Senior and junior music sections participated and the programme included an item commissioned for the event, ‘Prelude On Melita’ by Kevin Larsson. Frank Reynolds arranged a humorous drama item depicting the early days of The Salvation Army in Leigh. The climax of the evening was the presentation of a Bible that hand belonged to Captain Mary Pillage (Leigh-on-Sea’s first officer) to corps officer Major John Carmichael. The major was visibly emotional and said he was amazed that, after all these years, her Bible was still around, intact, and that her family should want to give it to the corps.

The Sunday morning meeting – conducted by the General and Commissioner Freda Larsson – was inspirational and challenging.

The final meeting of the weekend featured the General sitting at the piano and recount-ing how some of the Gowans and Larsson musicals came about.

Once again the music sections took part and included another new item – ‘Leigh 110’ – a march composed by Deputy Bandmaster Geoff Snell. – P. J.

South Shields: Divisional Commander Major Darrell Thomas, members of the divi-sional team and corps officers Majors David and Marian Lewis attended a civic reception at the town hall to acknowledge the outreach work of The Salvation Army in South Tyneside, partic-ularly to homeless people. During the reception the Mayor (Councillor Jim Sewell) and Mayoress (Rosemary Sewell) presented retirement gifts to the corps officers. – J. G.

Corps offers emergency responseNorthampton EastAN emergency evacuation at two holiday parks prompted a quick response from the corps.

As a precaution, the Billing Aquadrome and Cogenhoe Mill holiday parks were evacuated because of a risk of flooding and high tides.

Emergency response teams from the corps, British Red Cross, St John Ambulance and Northampton Emergency Aid Team directed the residents to a leisure centre where they stayed for three nights. The corps – supported by Northampton Cen tral, Wellingborough, Hinck- ley and Stapleford Corps –

provided food and drinks and were on hand to lend a listening ear to those affected.

Corps member Polly Baltha-zar is pictured serving a hot drink to an evacuee. – N. R.

Sherburn Hill corps folk enjoy a social evening – organised by the corps cadets – to commemorate

the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee; the evening featured patriotic music

and a monarchy quiz

Sleaford: For the thirteenth successive year the band led worship at the Auto-Sleeper Owners’ Club rally at the Nottinghamshire Showground. Lieut-Colonel Ray Caddy gave the address and club president Charles Trevelyan read from the Scriptures. – N. M.

Wellingborough: The prayer weekend commenced with a Friday evening prayer concert led by Territorial Evangelists Jenny and Mike Clark. Prayer topics were interspersed with thought-provoking songs and group prayer. Saturday morning started with a prayer breakfast followed by a prayer walk. – F. P.

Model-maker Rod Key presents Isle of Wight corps officers Majors Agnes and Keith Wallis with models of themselves from their 1995 commissioning


LETTERS


Citadel have a website, which was relatively rare for churches then, but also had podcasts of ‘The Cachelin Tapes’ from Commissioner Francy Cachelin’s Easter Campaign available for download from the website.

At Belfast Citadel we have recently started to use quick response codes on all of our advertising material. The digital signage at our foyer entrance now includes a QR code as do posters, invitations and copies of The War Cry that are distributed at our open-air ministry.

QR codes are relatively simple to generate, free to use and easily accessible by a tech-savvy user of a smartphone that has a suitable app. One click will take the interested user straight to the corps website or to a particular online page. Another advantage of this medium is that it is a very simple matter to see if anyone has actually ‘clicked’ on the code as feedback is available online.Noel Moore,Belfast

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

AT an art exhibition in a Brighton church about three years ago I became very interested in one of the paintings on display.

It depicted a Salvation Army band and looked extremely authentic, down to the very fine details of uniforms and instruments. The painting, along with all the others in the exhibition, was for sale and I was delighted to be successful in purchasing it.

Keen to know more about the painting, I contacted the artist, David Williams. He told me that he was a keen photographer as

well as an artist, and had been visiting his son in Newcastle upon Tyne one weekend in 2008. While in the city centre on the Sunday, he had taken a photograph of the band, which he identified as Newcastle City Temple Band from the uniforms.

The painting has proved to be of great interest to Army visitors to our home, and is a witness and talking point for non-Salvationists who have seen it.

Up until now I had assumed that the faces in the picture were probably only approximations of what the members of the band really looked like, but that

assumption changed with the visit of the International Staff Songsters to Worthing. We were pleased to welcome Hayley Stubbs to our home, and learnt that her Army roots were at Newcastle City Temple.

As soon as Hayley walked into our house and saw the painting, she exclaimed: ‘That’s my father-in-law!’ pointing to the baritone player, Bandsman Tony Stubbs. The faces were so lifelike that Hayley was able to identify every member of the band, including corps officer Major Antony Mugford playing cornet.

I thank God for the witness of Newcastle City Temple Band and hope it will continue to be a witness in our home for many years to come.Alan Moyse,Brighton

Staff Songster Hayley Stubbs with the painting of Newcastle City Temple Band

We use QR codesI WAS interested in Morvyn Finch’s request for QR codes to be printed beside articles in Salvationist (Letters 5 May). I agree that we should avail ourselves of new and emerging technologies if they can be used to good effect.

Back in 1999 not only did Belfast

Red shield catering should be savedI WAS interested to learn through a recent presentation by the Soldiers’ and Airmen’s Scripture Readers Association (SASRA) that pressure is being brought on military establishments, by commercial catering contractors, to withdraw the catering facilities provided by The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Defence Services (RSDS).

The red shield services have provided a welcoming environment and good, inexpensive refreshments to thousands of servicemen and women over many years and has also provided a neutral place for chaplains and Scripture Readers to use for discussions with the soldiers and airmen. This is something that I have had recent personal experience of and something I remember my late father speaking fondly of from his time in the Army in Gibraltar some 60 years ago.

It is sad that this decision is being made and I understand it is a decision that is not finding favour with the people who presently use the facility. I hope that those in authority in RSDS can persuade the military authorities to resist withdrawal of this valuable outreach ministry.Stuart Gay,Divisional Envoy,Blackpool

Corps Sergeant-Major Noel Moore with QR codes at the entrance of Belfast Citadel hall

Band painting is genuine witness

FEATURE

THE Salvationist expression, ‘promoted to Glory’, is one of the most confident, assuring and triumphant phrases we can

use when mourning the loss of a fellow Christian. It is a phrase with which many Salvationists are comfortable, but also one that people relatively new to the Army may find strange or antiquated. These are questions that may arise: What does ‘promoted to Glory’ mean? and What is the basis for that claim?

‘Promoted to Glory’ has been used, since the earliest days of our Movement, to speak of Salvationists who have gone to Heaven. It was a phrase quickly picked up by those who wrote about The Salvation Army. General Bramwell Booth, in his account of the death of his mother, Catherine, quotes a report from The Newcastle Daily Leader of 1890: ‘The “mother of the Army” had been “promoted”. There was the sadness of bereavement, but the hope of reunion, held not merely as a speculative idea, but as a solid fact – as tangible to them as the sun shining in the clear October air.’

Roy Hattersley, in Blood And Fire, his biography of the Booths, records how ‘promoted to Glory’ had become part of ‘the language of the Army’ and how the

Booth family ‘mourned their own loss but celebrated Catherine’s triumph’.

The experience of sorrow coloured with triumph is one with which all who have experienced bereavement within the family of Christ will be familiar. Jesus was moved to tears by the emotions of loss and bereavement, even though he was minutes away from raising Lazarus to life (see John 11:17–44).

However, The Salvation Army’s eleventh

article of faith affirms the things of eternity as being something far greater than going to Heaven when we die. It states: ‘We believe in the immortality of the soul; in the resurrection of the body; in the general judgment at the end of the world; in the eternal happiness of the righteous; and in the endless punishment of the wicked.’

The Christian doctrine of immortality affirms that because of God’s action there will be no loss of integrated, embodied

personality in the life beyond present existence. God brings us all into eternity to participate in the general resurrection and submit to the final judgment of Christ.

The question then arises – if our eternal hope is ultimately expressed in the resurrection of the body, what does going to Heaven mean in the meantime?

Here, we look to the example of Jesus, who, in spite of his own suffering while dying on the cross, gives assurance to the crucified thief alongside him: ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise’ (Luke 23:43 New Revised Standard Version).

The Greek word translated as ‘Paradise’ occurs in Luke 23:43, 2 Corinthians 12:4 and Revelation 2:7. Referring to an enclosed space in which something grows or is nurtured, the intention is to point us to the Garden of Eden and the hope found in God’s promise that he will make the wilderness places into his own garden (see Isaiah 51:3).

This is a rich text, which could be explored deeply. For our purposes it is enough to realise that Luke wants us to understand that Jesus was going to Paradise, to Heaven, which John Nolland’s Word Biblical Commentary portrays as ‘the pleasant resting place… prior to the great day of resurrection’.

More remarkable is the promise Jesus makes that the dying thief will also experience Paradise, immediately on death. He is assured that he will be promoted to Glory and that he too may rejoice in the hope of the resurrection of the body.

The thief is promoted to Glory because Jesus promises he will be! He has done nothing to earn his place in Paradise except acknowledge his own sin and place his faith in Christ. Similarly, we may confidently say that our brothers and sisters in Christ who have died are promoted to Glory, because this is the promise of the Lord Jesus to all who put their faith in him.

Of course, the concept of eternal life in Christian understanding is far greater than simply endless time. Our Handbook Of Doctrine describes ‘a quality of life in the presence of God… [that] begins now as we follow Christ’.

New life in Jesus is available today. He alone makes possible the transformation from wilderness to paradise.

Captain Oliver is corps officer, Failsworth

Promoted toGloryCaptain Stephen Oliver examines familiar Salvation Army terminology

SALVATIONIST 26 May 2012 [email protected]

‘There will be no loss of integrated,

embodied personality in the life beyond’


ICO FEATURE

MAJOR LALRAMLIANA HNAMTE, INDIA EASTERNPresent appointment: Secretary, Human Resource Development of India and Education, India National Secretariat‘RAMA’, the youngest of nine children, was born into a Christian family during 20 years of insurgency following the end of British rule in India. Many in the Mizoram region fled to the jungle to escape war and famine as villages burnt. Inadequate education provision meant Rama walked 15 km to high school and he regularly skipped school. He lived away from God, with no joy or peace. Addiction, unhealthy relationships and street fighting left his body and spirit in a mess.

One night a voice woke him, telling him to read Galatians 6:14–16, igniting a flame within him, but he continued to choose a life in darkness. He was invited to a gospel meeting where, he says: ‘I met my Lord Jesus who purchased me by his blood.’

Filled with the Spirit, Rama joined The Salvation Army, ministering with enthusiasm. Convicted of sin, he fasted and prayed. He realised Jesus provided the example to follow. He had previously lived for himself, but now he now committed his life to God.

God called him in a direction he never expected – towards officership. He believed this ministry was for righteous people – not him. God spoke forgiveness, accepted him and outlined his purposes. For cultural reasons, Rama needed to be married before he could be an officer. He prayed and believed and God gave Rama his wife C. Lalhriatpuii. Lalhriatpuii and Rama married and entered the Messengers of the Truth Session in 1994.

Ministry was wonderful, but very busy, with a school, three corps and three societies under their care, plus a growing family. At times of adversity and during family bereavements, God’s people


Major Andrea Still (UKT) introduces three of her fellow delegates from the 213th ‘I’ll Fight!’ Session at the International College for Officers and Centre for Spiritual Life Development


supported them. When their house was destroyed by fire, their people built a new one. When Rama contracted malaria, they carried him 100 km to hospital in a rickshaw. When their first child, Rebecca, was born with a heart defect the people prayed and Rama’s family raised money for her operation.

God used dark times to teach Rama trust. He says: ‘I came to understand how much God loves me and his wonderful plan for me.’

Rama testifies to the blessings of his family as a source of inspiration. Despite his humble academic beginnings, he has completed a degree and is working towards a doctorate.

MAJOR FLORENCE NASAKA WANGUBO, KENYA EASTPresent appointment: Superintendent, Kabete Children’s HomeFLORENCE is married to Matthew and has four children.

As one of seven children, Florence had a happy childhood. She loved to listen to her father preach at their Pentecostal church and learnt about Jesus there. She gave her heart to the Lord as a teenager and, after her marriage, joined her husband as a Salvationist. She felt at home, developing a ministry within the home league. Through ministry at the corps, the call came to officership. They entered the training college in 1987 as Messengers of Joy.

For the first 15 years of ministry, life was hard. They had no sanitation in their home, using river water. There was the threat of snakes and bandits who stole money and instruments. It was difficult to meet the needs of their family, as there was often no money to pay their salary. They had to walk long distances to meetings and Matthew rode many kilometres on his bicycle to attend divisional meetings. Florence testifies

to the provision of God and how God blessed their commitment with growing congregations.

Florence has a heart for the poor and in 1998 she and her husband were appointed to their greatest challenge – the slums of Nairobi. For four years they lived in a house made from corrugated iron sheets, among some of the poorest people in Africa. They witnessed violence and shootings but God honoured their commitment and blessed them with new soldiers and their fourth child, Catherine.

In 2003 the family was given a lovely home with electricity, sanitation and security. The corps had a band and Florence testifies to a wonderful time ministering there. Following appointments at the training college and as divisional director for women’s ministries, supporting and empowering women living with the same challenges she had faced, Florence is now serving at Kabete Children’s Home.

In 2010 Florence had a serious illness that left her paralysed, partially blind and dependent on her husband. She was determined to fulfil a dream to attend the Brengle Institute and it was there she received the miracle of healing. God continues to strengthen her.

CAPTAIN JANG, YOUNG-JOO, KOREAPresent appointment: Pastoral Care Officer, Kang Dong Corps, and tutor at the training collegeYOUNG-JOO is honoured and thrilled to be at the ICO at the time of the ‘I’ll Fight!’ Congress. She believes William Booth’s final sermon inspired a ‘public theology’ for The Salvation Army that is still relevant politically, economically, socially, culturally and ecologically. Still there are vulnerable people and injustice, so still the Army needs to fight to bring them Christianity. The Bible verse, ‘The weapons we fight with are not the

weapons of the world’ (2 Corinthians 10:4 all quotations from New International Version) encourages her.

Young-joo was born in 1967, near Seoul, Korea. At seven years of age, at a Methodist camp, she experienced what she has described as a baptism of the Holy Spirit. She received Jesus as her saviour. She testifies to hearing God’s call to be his servant many times throughout her studies at university. When she graduated with a degree in English and English Literature, she dedicated her life to Jesus. She went on to gain a master’s degree in Theology and was looking forward to ministry in the Methodist Church with her husband, Lee, Deok-gyun.

However, her husband announced that he had been called as a young man to be a Salvation Army officer and now was the time to fulfil that calling. Young-joo had no idea her husband had been a Salvationist but she decided to go to the training college with him. Young-joo realised: ‘My calling as God’s servant was not just to be a pastor’s wife.’

She sees their ministry as co-workers in the Kingdom. Young-joo was inspired by Catherine Booth, and says: ‘When I read about her, I had a burning heart for God’s will.’ She is studying Catherine’s life for her doctorate.

She and her husband trained in the Australia Eastern Territory and were commissioned in 2000. They have worked as corps officers, at THQ as translators in Korea and as reinforcement officers in Japan. They had the joy of taking a Japanese soldier through to officership.

They moved back to Korea with their two children in 2005 and Young-joo testifies to the provision of God with new soldiers and a new building. Last year they took up a corps appointment in Seoul and Young-joo was given an additional appointment teaching theology to cadets. She is glad God called her to officership, feeling she has been able to make a contribution to the development of women’s ministry and the rights of women generally.

Young-joo says: ‘I am very happy with my family and our ministry.’ She loves these verses from 1 Corinthians 15:57 and 58: ‘Thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore… stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labour in the Lord is not in vain.’

[email protected]


FEATURE

FOR years, Africa felt like a faraway continent only seen on television when disaster struck and appeals were launched amid scenes of

hunger, poverty, poor health and disease – years of wondering, then years of hoping that we might one day go there. After a couple of years trying to make it on a Salvation Army Journey visit, everything came together at the end of 2011 and we were heading for Zambia.

Applications completed, we attended a Salvation Army/Tearfund orientation weekend with a view to visiting this exotic land. We experienced a tumult of emotions, not knowing whether the trip would go ahead with a small number of people, but things fell into place as the trip was confirmed. It was a rush: vaccinations, financial transactions, flight bookings, visas, emails and then the drive to Heathrow to meet up with the Journey team from Salvation Army International Development (UK) – Estelle Francis and Ruth Samuels. It was difficult to comprehend we were going at last.

Arriving in Zambia, we were met by Simon and Lyndsey Ledger from the Army’s Chikankata Mission. Our surroundings changed from tarmac roads and people in cars to dirt tracks and people on foot. Images we had seen on television appeared in front of our eyes – women carrying all types of objects on their heads, children looking inquisitively at us and people living in small, thatched, clay homes.

Our accommodation was basic, with only cold water to wash and shower in, but we did have proper flushing toilets! We got used to getting in and out of beds protected by mosquito nets. Our torch came in handy on the occasions we were without electricity.

On our first full day we attended Chikankata Corps, feeling instantly at home, singing old, familiar songs. I enjoyed playing with the band – of all pieces! – ‘Bognor Regis’. It was great

to be part of the meeting and to see the dedication of the medical staff, meeting some of the student doctors.

During the first week, the two Ruths and Estelle visited the hospital, helping on the children’s ward by playing with children and preparing food, while I made a visit to Salvation Radio, The Salvation Army’s radio station, where I assisted with a broadcast. Salvation Radio broadcasts to 90,000 listeners, playing Christian music and providing news and advice.

We all visited the high school, where some pupils were doing additional studies in their holidays to ensure they made their grades. We also visited the chieftain in her palace, where we shared our concerns, presented a gift and prayed with her. The children we met were excited by the balloons, stickers and sweets we handed out.

The first part of our mission visit concluded, we travelled to Livingstone to sightsee, excited at the prospect of en suite facilities and hot showers. Our excursion started with a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, followed by a visit to Victoria Falls. On the final day we enjoyed a safari and high tea at an hotel. By the end of the weekend we think we had mastered the customary haggling for purchases!

For the final part of the trip, we travelled to Lusaka, visiting THQ and an urban project at one of the 38 corps based there. We met some children who attend school in the compound of the corps and sang Sunday school choruses with them. We

accompanied the officer to visit some of the corps folk in their homes, finishing our time in Lusaka by visiting Zambia Training College, meeting the cadets and visiting the nursery, where the children sang nursery songs for us.

Since returning, we have reflected on our experiences. Poverty is widespread, but we realised there is a danger of comparing what we in the West have with what others don’t have. It became apparent that the real poverty for many in Zambia is in education and medical care. Zambians do not suffer from any paucity of happiness, family values and spirituality – arguably some things that the West may lack.

Still at the forefront remain a couple of things brought to us at the orientation: the words of Psalm 9:18: ‘God will never forget the needy; the hope of the afflicted will never perish’ (New International Version) and that ‘Behind every statistic there is a face’.

Do we want to return? Definitely!

Details of the Journey programme are available from [email protected] and 020 7367 4777

Stephen worships at Petersfield


Out of AfricaStephen Field reflects on taking part in the Journey programme

with his wife, Ruth

Stephen and Ruth Field (left) are pictured with Ruth Samuels and Estelle Francis

BIBLE STUDY

LOVE, life, work, rest, play, family, health, pleasure, death. These, and many more, are all strands woven into the fabric of life. Sometimes they

become enmeshed and the result is a ball of knotted fibres. At such times we want to survive the crisis, to emerge from its cocooning effect: we want life.

As the disciples gathered together following reports of the Resurrection, they were in one of those ‘confusions of life’. They wanted to have hope and yet, despite the growing number of stories from those among their group who had seen Jesus, they still met behind a locked door. They still doubted.

Suddenly Jesus appeared, showed them his wounds and said: ‘Peace be with you!’ Then he did something very strange: he breathed on them, implying that by this action he was bestowing upon them the Holy Spirit (John 20:19–23 all quotations from New International Version).

None of us can really know why this was not designated as ‘the birth of the Church’, instead of ‘the Day of Pentecost’ – or why that Pentecost experience was still needed. We can speculate, but we are still none the wiser.

Is there a difference in these two blessings that relates to the twin

blessings of salvation and sanctification? Again, I do not know. The evidence shows that between this story in John 20 and the Day of Pentecost in Acts 2 there had already begun a vast change in the attitude, hopes and perspectives of this small group of followers. Their ‘fibrous knot’ of death, despair and despondency had been unravelled. Jesus had breathed the Holy Spirit into them and they were renewed.

In the Bible there are two other instances when the Spirit of God was breathed into seemingly hopeless situations. First, in Genesis 2:7 the breath of God was breathed into a clay model of dust and man was made. Humankind is the only part of God’s creation to which Scripture ascribes this blessing.

Only humanity has the Spirit of God within, marking humankind out as something set apart from the rest of the created world. Other parts are more beautiful, more productive, more creative, more athletic and more adaptable, but none can say – as Elihu did to Job – ‘The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life’ (Job 33:4).

Secondly, in Ezekiel 37 the prophet is given a vision of a valley of dry bones that come to life and form a mighty army. The

Israelite nation was in a mess. Jerusalem had been destroyed and the prominent leaders and influential characters carted away to a 70-year exile in Babylon. Would Israel survive?

In Ezekiel’s vision, he is reminded that when God breathes his Spirit into a situation – no matter how desperate the circumstances – the results will far exceed any possible hope that one could predict as a probable outcome.

What are these images saying to us…

AS HUMAN BEINGS?If God has breathed his Spirit into humanity, then it has serious implications for us and for how we choose to live. We have a purpose to discover; we have a path to find; we have a principle to determine. And, as we do, the knot of an empty, useless lump of clay gives way to the richest of discoveries – God in us.

AS DISCIPLES OF CHRIST?Do we reflect the disciples who gathered in the Upper Room shortly after the Resurrection or those same disciples, in Jerusalem a few weeks later, having had the Holy Spirit breathed into them by Jesus?

AS AN ARMY?Despite amazing efforts over the past 30 years and more, Christianity continues to decline in the UK. Just over 50 years ago, nearly half the population of the UK attended church. In 2006, that figure was just 15 per cent (Tearfund’s Churchgoing In The UK report, 2007).

How much longer will it be before there are just bones and no longer a body? God asks the question: ‘Can these bones live?’

Surely he still waits for our answer before he breathes again into these dry bones, resurrects the Church and we become this mighty army of God.

A prayer for PentecostBreath of Heaven, hold me together.Be forever near me, breath of Heaven.Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness,Pour over me your holiness for you

are holy,Breath of Heaven.

(Amy Grant)

Major Allchin is Divisional Director for Evangelism, Anglia

Breathe onme, Breath of GodA study for Pentecost by Major Cliff Allchin


Mandy NattressCarol TrainerAdherent members

MIDDLESBROUGH PALLISTER PARKMANDY’S first contact with the corps came through the Pals support group for children on the autistic spectrum and their families, which she attended with her son Liam. After Liam’s involvement in the carol service two years ago, Mandy and Liam started to attend the midweek children’s outreach and Sunday meetings. Mandy says that through attending the Army she has found not just a faith but also an extended family that has become a lifeline for her. After attending the discipleship programme, Mandy decided she would like to join Liam, who is a junior soldier, in making a formal commitment of membership.

Carol’s first contact with the Army came through attending the carol service to support her granddaughter Kayleigh, who was taking part. Along with Mandy, Carol is now fully involved in the life of the corps, particularly the children’s work.

Corps officer Captain Jim Anderson welcomed Mandy and Carol as adherent members. – A. A.

Joel JonesElliott ChappellSoldiers

Andrew MilsomAdherent member

Daniel Milsom

Scott EastAutumn East

Caitlin SawardLibby SawardJunior soldiers

SWINDON CITADELJOEL and Elliott are from Army families and have attended the corps since birth. In his testimony Joel said: ‘The reason I want to be a senior soldier is that I want to learn more about God although it will give me more responsibility.’

In his remarks Elliott humorously commented: ‘Having come from an Army family there’s no escape,’ adding, ‘I feel my relationship with God is very strong and put my uniform on with great pride and love to wear it. It’s the easy way to tell others you’re a Salvationist and a way of starting interesting conversations.’ His solo singing in one of the songster items added to the occasion.

Andrew decided to become an adherent member after a period in the singing company and his newly enrolled junior soldier brother, Daniel, is set to take his place.

There could be further reinforcements for the singing company from the newly enrolled junior soldiers, siblings Scott and Autumn, and Caitlin and Libby.

The large congregation included family members and friends who joined with the corps folk to share the special day. Corps officer Major Sylvia Watts enrolled the new soldiers and welcomed the adherent member. – K. S.


NEW COMMITMENTS


Jan HarmelAdherent member

SOUTHSEAJAN has attended Sunday meetings for nearly two years following an invitation by corps officer Major Mary Wolfe. Major Wolfe met Jan through her work with the ANA addiction rehabilitation centre, where Jan was being helped. Jan, who volunteers in the corps charity shop, was welcomed as an adherent member by Major Wolfe. – T. M.

Colin MaunderSoldier

CARDIFF CANTONFAMILY and friends gathered to witness corps officer Major Graham Willetts enrol Colin as a soldier. Colin testified to his love of the Lord and quoted from the song, ‘Would You Know Why I Love Jesus?’ He thanked the corps folk for their support, having decided to become a soldier after the General’s visit to the division.

At the conclusion of the meeting a family member knelt at the mercy seat. – G. W.

Samuel McCorkellHannah StewartJunior soldiers

EAST KILBRIDEHANNAH, the daughter of corps officers Captains Ann and Iain Stewart, said she wanted to be a junior soldier so she could learn more about Jesus and God.

Samuel, who attends with his parents, said he was thankful to God that no two people are the same and that he is unique and special to God.

Hannah and Samuel were enrolled by Captain Ann Stewart. – A. S.

Violet DenneyAdherent member

WEST CORNFORTHVIOLET has attended the corps for three years and feels at home. When a friend at the corps talked about becoming an adherent member, Violet decided she would like to do so too. Violet was welcomed by corps officer Major Janis Lowndes. – B. L.

Ashley DoddsJazmyn BrennanJunior soldiers

SUNDERLAND MILLFIELDASHLEY has attended the corps with her grandmother since she was a baby. She wanted to become a junior soldier to learn more about God and wants to help other people.

After the sudden death of her mother, Jazmyn had to relocate to live with her grandmother who has recently recommitted to soldiership. Jazmyn says she wants to learn more about God. Corps officer Major Stephen Naylor enrolled Ashley and Jazmyn as junior soldiers. – S. N.

Dylan LennoxKristofer McIlwrath

Michael CinnamondSoldiers

BELFAST SYDENHAMKRISTOFER was brought up at the corps and takes part in the music sections and youth group. After much thought and prayer he decided to become a senior soldier and testified to his love of the Lord and his willingness to continue to grow and share his faith.

Invited to the corps by friends, Dylan became a junior soldier and joined the YP band. He is now involved in the youth group. After prayerful consideration, he chose to become a senior soldier. He testified to how the Lord has changed his life and thanked members of the corps for their continued interest in him.

Michael grew up in the corps. He takes part in the senior and YP bands and youth group and testified to the Lord’s work in his life. He thanked his family and prayer partner for their support.

Corps officer Captain Martin Cordner enrolled the new soldiers. – L. C.

Sandra MitchellHannah Mills

Adrian RockallAnn Potter

Mervyn TarrantAdherent members

HORSHAMTHERE was a great air of excitement as the 40th adherent member in the last three years was welcomed at the corps.

Sandra was linked with the outreach centre in Crawley. When Sunday worship merged with Horsham, she attended with her two children and found a special family she wanted to be part of.

Hannah first attended a thanksgiving service for a child at the corps. She shared how she has found salvation and is now involved in children’s ministries.

Adrian had been linked with the corps for many years through his parents, but in recent years has been on an exciting faith journey, where he now has found Jesus as his saviour and looks forward to continuing to discover more about him.

Ann first attended the corps toddler group and two years ago brought some of her ‘children’ – many whom she provides respite and foster care for – to the new children’s ministry group, Kids Alive. She got involved and now helps lead the group. She believes she has found something special by being part of the corps.

Mervyn returned to the Army after a number of years away. Music has always been his great love, once having served as a bandmaster, and being given the opportunity to play in the corps band, even though not a soldier, enabled him to find his place again within the Church and The Salvation Army. He asked to become an adherent member in recognition of the work of Jesus Christ in and through his life in recent months.

Corps officer Captain Ian Woodgate welcomed the new adherent members. – I. W./S. W.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

Liz BlakeAdherent member

RUSHDENA CONVERSATION in Rushden’s Olive Branch Café led to Liz attending meetings at the start of 2011. She testified to the changes in her life since then and has committed to learn at least one new thing about Jesus every week. Liz was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Captain Mike Smith. – M. S.

Norman AtkinsonAdherent member

SHOTTON COLLIERY NORMAN called into the corps to ask for information about a history club project and was invited to stay for the meeting. He has attended regularly for more than six years. Corps leader Territorial Envoy Doreen Browne welcomed Norman as an adherent member. – D. B.

Victoria MillsSoldier

BELFAST TEMPLEVICTORIA was enrolled in the presence of family and friends by corps officer Major Paul Wright. She chose music for the sections to play and referred to them during her honest and powerful testimony. She spoke about how God has changed her life and attitude, and how she wants to be used by him in any way possible. – P. W.

PLEASE note when submitting pictures: they can be posted to the Salvationist office as photographs to be scanned, or emailed to [email protected] as digital images.

Hannah DawsonJunior soldier

WORKSOPHANNAH was so excited about becoming a junior soldier that she gave out invitations to everyone in her class to come to the Army on her special day. Several of her friends, their parents and a school representative accepted her invitation to the meeting, which was led by her parents, corps officers Major Nasreen and Captain Ashley Dawson.

Hannah read her favourite Bible passage and sang ‘I Want To Be Obedient, Lord’ – a junior soldier’s song of commitment – before being enrolled by her grandad, Major Alistair Dawson.

She proudly wore her junior soldier’s badge to school the next day to show her friends and teachers. – R. D.

Sarah StockSoldier

COVENTRY CITYIN her testimony Sarah gave thanks to God for her journey from someone who said they would never become a soldier to one who has given a full commitment to God and his purpose for her life. This was appreciated by the congregation, which included her parents, Captains Heather and John Stock (Stratford-upon-Avon). Corps officer Captain Colin Bain enrolled Sarah as a soldier. – C. B.

Nenette MampuliJason Kukia Ikoli

Alice Jarkovskaia NioumaSasha Jarkovskaia NioumaJunior soldiers

BALHAMNENETTE, Jason and sisters Alice and Sasha were enrolled as junior soldiers by divisional leaders Lieut-Colonels Melvin and Suzanne Fincham. They are all children of soldiers and after their enrolments they witnessed to the congregation – which included their friends and family – by singing ‘I’m A Junior Soldier’. – V. S.

Michael SheriffSoldier

BANGORMICHAEL comes from a Salvationist family – his great-great-grandfather was a founder member of Belfast Citadel. Michael has not just followed tradition but has been led by God to take this personal step of commitment to Christ. In his testimony, Michael discussed the assurance of God’s presence in his life through Psalm 27:5. He was enrolled by former corps officer Major John Randle. – D. G.

Ben PeggSoldier

WELLINGBOROUGHMANY friends and family members were present as Ben was enrolled as a soldier by his grandmother, Major Marlene Bishop. Ben thanked those who had helped him make the transition from the juniors and testified to God’s leading in his life. His older brother, James, opened the meeting in prayer after which he quoted the words of Martin Luther King Jr: ‘Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step’ and encouraged Ben to stay steadfast in faith and keep his roots firmly in God. – F. P.

Victoria AgbenortoJoylyn DestinySoldiers

HARROWVICTORIA was raised in Ghana in the Roman Catholic Church, but has attended the corps since her marriage to a soldier of the corps. She is a great prayer warrior and gave a stirring testimony to her faith and strong conviction of God’s call to be a soldier and her joy that God has work for her to do in the Army.

Joylyn attended the Army in Jamaica in her youth along with her sisters and late mother. She testified to the importance of God’s word in her life, her deep faith and her conviction of a divine call to the corps and a return to her Salvation Army roots. The whole corps shared a celebratory meal together after divisional leaders Majors Paul and Jenine Main enrolled Victoria and Joylyn. – P. M.


NEW COMMITMENTS


NEW COMMITMENTS IN MAY

44 Soldiers

48 Adherent members

31 Junior soldiersTotals for this year so far:Soldiers: 157Adherent members: 201Junior soldiers: 110

Out of 123 new commitments reported in Salvationist in May, 10 joined a children’s club; 8 were invited by a friend; 4 joined activities for the over-60s; 3 attended a dedication meeting; 3 attended an Alpha course; 2 were interested in charitable giving; 2 went to a coffee morning; 2 joined a parent-and-toddler club; 1 helped at a coffee morning; 1 helped at a charity shop; 1 was a charity shop customer; 1 was invited to Back to Church Sunday at the corps where their spouse used to worship; 1 stepped inside the hall while it was raining; 1 met the corps officer at a school coffee morning and became friends on Facebook; 1 needed information for a history project; 1 attended a support group

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS

ARMY PEOPLEWEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

Golden: Majors John and Nina Turner (2 June);

Majors John and Lilian Sandford (9 June); Lieut-

Colonels Mervyn and Joyce Woodman (9 June).

DEDICATED TO GOD

Saphire-Mai, daughter of Caroline Stone, at

Chatham by Major Alec Still; Robert, son of

Robert and Elsie Makachiya, at Kirkcaldy by

Captain Carrie James; Jordan Joshua, son of

Anthony and Plaxedes Charambamwe, Rosie

Drew, daughter of Andrew and Sarah Collier, both

at Oakengates by Captain Tim Wills; Anesuishe

Nathan, son of Margaret Masawi, at Southampton

Shirley by Major Ruth Hill; Daisy Jean, daughter of

Dr Dan and Dr Anna Fox, at North Shields by Major

Yvonne Dare.

BEREAVED

Major Terri Holdroyd, Dumfries, of her father

James Maunder; Colonel Anne Harding of her

sister Elizabeth; Heather Evans, Boscombe, of her

mother Lieut-Colonel Betty Tribble; Bandsman

Robert Davies, Merthyr Tydfil, of his mother

Eunice; Christine Howe, Staines, of her mother

Vera Lorraine.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Mrs Major Joan

Padfield, Leigh-on-Sea (85 on 3 June).

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Bandsman Cliff Saville, Woodhouse; S/Reservist

Elsie Garrard, Darlington; Gwendoline Bell,

Barnstaple; Brian Alsopp, Ilfracombe.

Major Joan Eames from Barnet on 4 May.

A nephew, Mr Anthony Eames, lives in

Borehamwood.

Major Rita Mullett from Oxford on 16 May.

Major John Mullett lives in Milton Keynes.

Visit encourages residentsCambria HouseA LONDON mayoral candidate and two London Assembly candidates visited the Lifehouse after residents expressed a desire to learn more about politics.

Assembly candidate Natalie Bennett (Green Party) attended a coffee morning to address housing issues, job hunting, benefits and the future of London. The residents found the debate very helpful and Natalie expressed an interest in returning to address further questions and continue to encourage the residents and service users to vote.

Fellow assembly candidate Chris Richards (Liberal Democrats) and London Mayor Independent candidate Siobhan Benita were

asked plenty of questions during an informal discussion. The residents asked both candi-dates about their policies and thoughts on how to support the unemployed getting back into work and what they would do to fight human trafficking. – S. M.

Hendon: On its tour of the UK, Faith Lutheran Church Chancel Choir from Min-nesota, USA, led exciting morning worship, singing ‘The Battle Of Jericho’ and ‘Walk Through The Valley’. – J. H.


ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

UK, Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat

Sun 27 May; USA Western, Fri 1 Jun - Mon 11;

Mexico, Tu 12 - Mon 18

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:

The Philippines, Wed 23 May - Sun 27; ICO, Fri

1 Jun; Norway, Iceland and The Faeroes, Th 21

- Mon 25

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX)

AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX

Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun

27 May; Swanwick (Women Of Worth Adult

and Family Ministries Conference), Fri 22 Jun -

Sun 24**

THE CHIEF SECRETARY

(COLONEL DAVID HINTON)

AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON:

Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27

May; Halifax, Sat Sun 17 Jun*; Yorkshire (retired

officers fellowship), Mon 18*; Swanwick (Women

Of Worth Adult and Family Ministries Conference),

Fri 22 - Sun 24**

Commissioners Alistair and Astrid Herring:

Japan, Mon 28 May - Mon 4 Jun; East Timor, Tu

Wed 6; Solomon Islands, Th 7 - Mon 11

Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene

Hodder: USA Western (congress), Wed 6 Jun -

Mon 11

Commissioners Amos and Rosemary Makina:

Kenya East, Tu 22 May - Sun 27

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street: UK,

Royal Albert Hall (‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun

27 May

International Staff Band: Royal Albert Hall

(‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May

International Staff Songsters: Royal Albert Hall

(‘I’ll Fight’ Congress), Sat Sun 27 May

*wife will not accompany

**husband will not accompany

ON THE AIRBBC Radio Scotland (92–95 FM and online for

seven days at bbc.co.uk/iplayer): New Every

Morning Sunday worship (6.30 am) from Stirling

will be broadcast on Sundays 27 May, 3 June

and 10 June. The programmes, recorded by John

and Heather Coutts, are exploring the Psalms.

CORRECTIONIn Lieut-Colonel Maxwell Ryan’s feature ‘The brilliance of Brengle’ (Salvationist 12 May) the word Arminian was printed as Armenian. Salvationist apologises for this error. – The Editor

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SALVATIONIST 26 MAY 2012 [email protected]

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Bumblebee. Picture: DEE WILLIAMSON

THOUGHTOne of the first laws of the spiritual life is that the experience of holiness is best understood in the light of the example of Jesus.

This is true doctrinally, for the Holy Spirit came to the first disciples in place of the Jesus whom they had known in the days of his flesh. In the Spirit Jesus came to them again in power, and by the Spirit he continually comes to every honest seeker. There is no difference in character between the Holy Spirit and the spirit of Jesus. The Holy Spirit illuminates the mind of Christ; the life of Jesus exemplifies the work of the Spirit. The testimony ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me’ could as accurately read ‘I can do all things through the Holy Spirit who strengtheneth me’. ‘Christ’ here is but the apostle’s swift abbreviation for the ever-present spirit of Christ who, like the wind, can clear our lives of rubbish and, like the fire, can burn up all that is wood, hay and stubble…

So the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost meant that men were now set on the way to becoming Christlike in zeal, in patience, in compassion – in short, in all the qualities of the divine character. The coming of the Holy Spirit did not make the group in the Upper Room superior in spiritual attainment or power to anything that Jesus had ever been, but the Spirit set these men who had been so painfully human on the way to becoming fully Christlike.

Frederick Coutts, taken from The Call To Holiness

PRAYERDear loving Heavenly Father, we thank you for the gift of your Spirit who helps, guides and supports us in our Christian living. May we always be open to his influence in our lives. Amen.

SONGFor the mighty moving of thy SpiritIn our hearts and minds from day to day,For the gentle soothing of thy Spirit,When our fears had filled us with dismay:

For the kindly chiding of thy SpiritWhen we thought to find an easier way,For the gracious guiding of thy Spirit,And the strength we needed to obey:

We adore thee, Heavenly Father,And we thank thee, Heavenly Father,And we praise thee, Heavenly Father,As we pray.

John Gowans (SASB 192)

BIBLE VERSESWhen he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.

John 16:13–15 New International Version

QUOTEThere is no such thing as holiness apart from ‘Christ in you’.

(Samuel Logan Brengle)

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