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SALVATIONIST13 April 2013 // No. 1393 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

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

Pages 12 – 14

CONTENTS

Salvationist 13 April 20132

3. FROM THE EDITOR

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

5. – 9. & 19. NEWSAnglia // Southampton Sholing // Guernsey // Bangor // South Woodham Ferrers // Sunderland Millfield // Parkhead // Birmingham Citadel // Chandler’s Ford // Exeter Temple // Corby // Harwich // Bedford Congress Hall // William Booth College // Paisley Citadel // Horsham // Bishop’s Stortford // Exmouth // Hastings Citadel // Southend Southchurch // Southend Citadel // Lurgan // Dunstable // Maidenhead // Skewen // Williamstown //

8. NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

10. REVIEWTrue Feelings by Michael Jensen

10. FEATUREHigh notes and highlights

11. FEATUREMy first hero

12. – 14. FEATUREThe Salvation Army and work for all

15. BIBLE STUDYThe cost of following

16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS

18. & 19. ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements and tributes

20. LETTERS

21. – 23. ADVERTS

24. THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

12. – 14.

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

6.

7.

9.

8.

Salvationist 13 April 2013 3

HAVE YOUR SAYHAVE you noticed how often, as a consumer, you are asked: ‘How are we doing?’ This question may turn up on a till receipt, with a service provision, on a warranty or through a phone call, text or email. Do you ignore it or respond?

In the past I may have spoken up if I found a service to be either very poor or very good, but now I am being asked to comment when previously I may have said nothing. I wonder why anyone would really want to know what I think. I suppose it might be to improve quality, or encourage the workforce, but there again, it could be to promote a product and increase sales. If I choose to complete a customer survey I would like to think that what I have to say will give the service provider the information needed to improve what they are doing and avoid complacency.

Feedback is important because we don’t always see ourselves as others do. I was reminded of this recently when I read Damian Thompson’s On Saturday feature in The Daily Telegraph. He wrote about the actions of activists who had targeted The Salvation Army and others involved in the mandatory work activity scheme. Read about it on page 4. Having highlighted the Army’s key role in social justice from its earliest days, he concluded, ‘the brave, tireless and much-mocked Sally Army – quietly go about their business of helping the poor’. On pages 12 to 14 Commissioner Clive Adams has more to say about mandatory work activity. He also delves into Army history and highlights the Founder’s belief in work for all to bring Victorian England out of poverty. He translates this into the needs of today, saying that ‘the current work scheme is part of an historical mission focus grounded in our very origins’.

I am thankful for Christian leaders who, with God-given

wisdom, speak out during turbulent times. Archbishop Welby in his Easter Day message warned against hero leader culture and challenged the thinking that somehow one man could solve all the Church’s problems. He said that pinning hopes on individuals in politics or public life is always a mistake. Wrong expectations inevitably lead to disappointment. The two disciples on the road to Emmaus couldn’t hide their disappointment when they said of Jesus: ‘We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.’ Their expectations were wrong, it was the ‘stranger’ who walked along with them who challenged their thinking and taught them what the Scriptures said.

When Christ draws near his own today,The fullness of his power to give,The Holy Spirit makes him known,And by his life we all may live.

(SASB 102)

MAJOR JANE KIMBERLEY

FROM THE EDITOR

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

EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4901

MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Laura Barker – (tel) 020 7367 4893

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Kersten Rieder – (tel) 020 7367 4894

DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter – (tel) 020 7367 4895

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

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael – (tel) 020 7367 4883

ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino – (tel) 020 7367 4881

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

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

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

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

THE SALVATIONARMYFOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Linda Bond

TERRITORIAL COMMANDERCommissioner Clive Adams

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARYMajor Martin Hill

PAPERS


THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

Staff members John O’Donnell and Jeanette Moar dress up as the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts for a themed tea party at Davidson House Care Home, Edinburgh.

Send your suggested captions for this picture to salvationist@salvationarmy .org.uk with the subject line ‘Picture caption competition’, or by post to Salvationist, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN.

A selection of the best captions will be printed in Salvationist next month.

PICTURE CAPTION COMPETITION

TUTU WINS £1.1 MILLION FOR SPIRITUAL WORKDesmond Tutu has been awarded the world’s largest cash prize for his work advancing the spiritual principles of love and forgiveness...The former Archbishop of Cape Town has won the £1.1 million Templeton Prize,

given to those who ‘expand our vision of human purpose’…Archbishop Tutu said: ‘When you are in a crowd and you stand out from the

crowd it’s usually because you are being carried on the shoulders of others. I want to accept this prize in a representative capacity.’The Times

THE SALLY ARMY AND THE BOLSHIE BRIGADEAn old lady rang the buzzer outside the Salvation Army headquarters in Elephant and Castle, London. They opened the door for her because she seemed in need of help and the Sally Army doesn’t turn people away. But the old lady was not what she appeared: she was a decoy for Boycott Workfare, a gang of Left-wing activists who were hiding behind her. As soon as the door was opened, they burst into the HQ in order to ‘occupy’ it.

The Salvation Army’s crime? It employs benefit recipients who are required to do work experience as a route back to employment. This… scheme means they help the charity for a maximum of four weeks – and some of them are so impressed by its Christian witness that they stay on as volunteers while they find real jobs.

In the eyes of Boycott Workfare, however, The Salvation Army is ‘collaborating’ in a Tory conspiracy to exploit benefit claimants. Hence their charming old-lady decoy trick…

What a telling contrast: between professional whingers who exploit the poor for political entertainment and

Christians who go out onto the streets to feed them, clothe them – and help them find work.

Boycott Workfare is not fit to tie the bootlaces or shake the tambourine of a Salvation Army member. This small denomination is one of the jewels of British Christianity…

Who created Britain’s first labour exchange? Not socialist politicians, but General William Booth… The General also started a ‘farm colony’ to teach the unemployed agricultural skills.

Moreover, Salvationists opened the first factory making safety matches – that is, matches that no longer contained the deadly yellow phosphorus that turned the faces of factory workers green before killing them with bone cancer.

They also campaigned to raise the age of consent, so that 13-year-old girls could no longer be legally raped…

This Easter, members of The Salvation Army [opened] a food bank in Easterhouse… The true anti-poverty campaigners – the brave, tireless and much-mocked Sally Army – quietly go about their business of helping the poor.The Daily Telegraph

Island musicians uniteGUERNSEY

MUSICIANS from St Helier, Alderney, St Peter Port and L’Islet

Territorial leaders inspire acts of rededicationANGLIA

TERRITORIAL leaders Com -missioners Clive and Marianne Adams led the divisional cele-bration at Peterborough Citadel, Ipswich Citadel and Norwich Citadel using the theme Going Deeper – With An Enthused Army.

In her address Commissioner Marianne Adams spoke with passion, fervour and encourage-ment. Music sections from across the division participated, includ-ing the newly-formed Divisional Youth Chorus.

A celebration of new soldiers, adherent members and junior soldiers was a highlight of the weekend and some amazing testimonies were shared.

On Saturday evening at Peter-borough Citadel, the TC shared how the Army needs to ‘be strong about God’s work; be strong about God’s word and be strong about God’s witness’. Using a passage from Joshua 1, he spoke passionately about the need for every soldier to be fully engaged and the obligation that each must feel to be fully committed.

On Sunday morning at Ipswich Citadel Commissioner Marianne Adams broached the need for healthy, warm fellow-ships that had healthy, holy habits as exampled in Acts 2.

At Norwich Citadel the TC urged those present to be ‘a pray-ing Army, a pure Army and an Army with open eyes and open ears to the world in which God has placed us’.

As the invitation was given, many people responded and knelt at the mercy seat in acts of rededication. – C. A.

NEWS


SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING: The host band joined with Southsea Band for a partnership festival to raise funds for Southampton City Mission. Each band contributed individ-ual items as well as massed items, including the classic marches ‘Rosehill’ and ‘The Fount’ and the evocative ‘Procession To Covenant’. The musicians joined together to sing ‘It Took A Miracle’. Chris Davis (South-amp ton City Mission) explained initiatives in the area to help those in need. – B. E.

On Saturday delegates divided into their respective rehearsals (brass, mixed vocal and ladies voices) in preparation for the evening music festival. Using the theme Jubilate, all sections partic-ipated during the festival, enjoyed by a capacity congregation.

On Sunday the musicians led the congregation in worship using the theme Praise. Stephen Smith (oboe) played the inspir-ing ‘Gabriel’s Oboe’. Later the delegates and leaders shared in fellowship over lunch before ending the weekend with a praise meeting. – J. H.

SOUTH WOODHAM FERRERS: Members of surrounding corps braved the cold weather to attend the annual United Service Of Praise, organised by home league members. Major Amanda Slader (DHQ) led the Bible address and Hadleigh Temple Silver Timbrelists entertained those present. – O. A.

united for the Channel Islands Musicians Weekend, led by Divisional Bandmaster Stephen Smith and Majors Ian and Yvonne Field.

On Friday the delegates met for a meal and informal fellowship.

At Bangor Corps Treasurer Fredi

Wray receives a certificate ofi

service from corps officeri

Captain Gordon Tucker. Hisi

retirement marks 56 years as ai

local officeri

The territorial leaders with Divisional Commander Major

David Jackson

Colourful YP annual

PARKHEAD

DIVISIONAL Youth Officers Captains Graeme and Wendy Parkhill led YP annual weekend with the theme The Colours Of Salvation. On Saturday, children gathered to bake cookies and assemble Red Nose boxes before watching a film. The Sunday morning meeting included items from the learners band and the YP prizegiving ceremony. After the meeting the children sold the cookies baked the night before and raised £65 for Red Nose Day. In the evening the congregation was asked to write prayers and place them on a sun placard. – A. D.

BIRMINGHAM CITADEL: The Bishop of Aston, the Right Rev Andrew Watson, launched his book The Way Of The Desert. Later 20 students from Birming -ham Conservatoire delighted the congregation with praise and worship to enhance the meeting. – F. C.

CHANDLER’S FORD: Solent Fellowship Band presented a concert at the Methodist church. The event raised nearly £900 for the children’s work at the church. – T. U.

Inspiring band weekendSUNDERLANDMILLFIELD

A CAPACITY congregation wel -comed Fanfara Band for a Saturday evening concert, com mencing the band weekend. The programme played to a wide variety of musical tastes, including ‘Excelsior’ and ‘Soli Deo Gloria’. Glyn Griffiths presented the trumpet solo ‘Blessed Assurance’. On Sunday morning, guest leader Jeanette Griffiths (Liverpool Walton) drew on the song ‘In The Love Of Jesus’ for her message. The final meeting con cluded with the festival march ‘Ambassadors’. – R. B. /E. F.

NEWS


Charity walker Andy Peddle poses with Deputy

Mayor Councillor Dave McLeod, Town Crier

James Cole, corps officer Lieutenant Andrew

Jarrold and Major George Warren on

his way through Harwich, raising £234; later,

Andy stopped at Dereham for the night before

continuing his journey

Andy Peddle reaches the halfway point at

Corby on his epic charity walkathon

Seventeen children perform a musical telling the story of Jonah with ‘Out Of The Ark’ music for a

half-term drama week at Exeter Temple, led by Keith Turton (THQ)

General leads anniversary celebrationsBEDFORD CONGRESS HALL

THROUGHOUT the 125th corps anniversary weekend led by General Linda Bond, God’s Spirit moved in people’s hearts, with many making a public response.

The Mayor of Bedford (Councillor Dave Hodgson) welcomed the General to the town at a civic reception on Saturday afternoon. He spoke about his knowledge and experi-ence of The Salvation Army. General Bond explained that the Army’s mission is in response to the love of Christ. In moving moments the General prayed for God to give the mayor wisdom and strength in his plans and care for the people of the town.

In the evening the General was guest of honour at a corps reception and meal. She spoke to the people about the significance of their history and how it informs the present and gives direction. As well as presenting a wider view of the Army, the General challenged everyone to prepare themselves for the future – proud of their heritage and ready to engage in Christ’s mission today.

God’s presence was felt during the Sunday morning meeting as the General powerfully proclaimed Christ. The children sang ‘There Is Something Today In The House Of The Lord’, waving flags and shaking pom-poms as they greeted the General.

After the meeting the General met the youth of the corps (top). She prayed with them and shared words of encouragement and challenge. She also spoke with visitors to the corps meal programme for homeless people.

The evening meeting brought another clear and challenging message from the General, with people making a visible response in prayer. – A. R.

NEWS


Fulfilled!WILLIAM BOOTH......... COLLEGE....................

CHIEF Secretary Colonel David Hinton and Colonel Sylvia Hinton led Exploring Leader-ship Day, an annual event that allows people to examine their calling to Christian leadership as officers and local officers. The morning meeting (above) included lively worship and encouraging testimonies from Cadets Ben Selfe and Emma Heal, who spoke about their calling. In his message, Colonel Hinton used Joshua 1:1-9 to challenge the congregation to be committed to the word of God and his claim on their lives. Many responded by kneeling in consecration at the mercy seat. Following lunch, a teaching session further explored themes

around leadership and concluded with an open discussion, led by the Chief Secretary. Later, delegates chose to take part in two seminars for the afternoon. Options included Life As A Cadet, Life As A Territorial Envoy, Leading A Cell Group,

International Development, Anti-Human Trafficking, Social And Moral Issues, Street Pastors and Learning To Think Theo-logically. The day concluded with a final meeting in which children of participants shared their experiences of the day. – M. W.

PAISLEY CITADEL: The Scottish Fellowship Band presented an evening concert. Items included ‘Ein Feste Burg’ and ‘Keep Singing’. The band sang ‘By His Hand’ and vocal and instrumental solos enhanced the evening. – M. L.

HORSHAM: A Saturday night concert by Croydon Citadel Band commenced the 126th corps anniversary weekend. Bandmaster Iain Parkhouse humorously led the event, which included a wide variety of music from classics to

musicals. Former corps officers Major Kevin and Captain Catherine Rand (Norton) led Sunday meetings. – V. J.

SOUTHAMPTON SHOLING: The band and songsters partici-pated in an evening of nostalgia at Bitterne United Reformed church by looking back at musicals, including Gowans and Larsson presentations. The band accompanied singalongs and played ‘Jesus Folk’. The songsters contributed ‘They Shall Come From The East’. – B. E.

NEWS


WEEK 7Monday 15 April Mark 3 – Jesus heals on the Sabbath, is recog-nised by more evil spirits and calls the Twelve

Why do you think Jesus gave the evil spirits strict orders not to reveal who he was?

Test yourself. Can you name the 12 disciples?

Tuesday 16 April Mark 4 – Jesus uses parables to teach and demonstrates his authority over nature

Can you think of cultures, or individuals who fall into each of the categories listed in the parable of the sower?

Wednesday 17 April Mark 5 – Jesus casts out demons, heals a woman and brings a dead girl back to life!

Why do you think Jesus asked the name of the evil spirit within the possessed man? Didn’t he know it?

Can you imagine the impact in the area of 2,000 pigs drowning?

Thursday 18 April Mark 6 – John the Baptist is beheaded, Jesus feeds the five thousand

Do you recognise the ways in which God uses those closest to you? (vv1–6)

Jesus not only met, but also overwhelmingly surpassed the needs of the five thousand. What can you learn for yourself from this event?

Friday 19 April Mark 7 – Jesus explains the need to challenge tradition that obscures God’s will

Are there traditions within the Church and society that seem good but are in danger of obstructing your relationship with God?

Young musicians from Hendon, Croydon Citadel and Enfield take

part in a festival at Bishop’s Stortford; Bandmaster Don Jenkins

is pictured with Thomas Nielsen (and from left to right) Kristen

Nielsen, Naomi Moir, Alice Hardwick and Isobel Daws. Those

present were enthralled by the talent and witness of the young

people

Exmouth and District Rotary Club President Keith Turner

presents a cheque for £500 to Major Steven Watson (Exmouth),

to be used for the Exmouth Community Larder

Ilford Worship Group participate in the Sunday evening meeting

at Southend Citadel

NEEDED 4 APRIL

NEWS


HASTINGS CITADEL: Along with other churches in the area, the corps set up a night shelter during the winter months. The initiative received positive feed-back from the surrounding community and night shelter residents wishing to change their lives. – B. N.

SOUTHEND SOUTHCHURCH: The newly re-formed Rayleigh YP Band and Singing Company led the morning meeting themed God Is Love. Through music, testimonies and prayer the young people shared what God’s love means to them. Corps folk were greatly blessed by their visit. – Y. A.

Ventures’ and ‘That’s The Spirit’, a solo especially written for the weekend by Stephen’s father, Derick Kane (Bexleyheath. Stephen displayed his versatility with a sensitive rendition of the melodic ‘Little Prayer’.

The band’s main contribution

Harpenden YP sections delight Maidenhead corps folk with

music; in the morning meeting the youngsters shared their

favourite Bible heroes

Southend Citadel hosts a Last Night of the Proms event with music sections from Leigh-on-Sea

and the citadel participating, raising £570 for the beaver and cub scouts

Scintillating music helps celebrate band anniversaryLURGAN

UNDER the leadership of Bandmaster Kenneth Briggs, the band celebrated its 121st anni-versary with a weekend of music and worship featuring guest soloist Stephen Kane (eupho-nium, Bristol Easton) and Friends Singers, a choir from Friends School, Lisburn.

Stephen delighted the congre-

gation at the Saturday night festival with his interpretation and scintillating performances of ‘Canaan’s Land’, ‘Glorious

to the evening was ‘Turris Fortissima’ as well as the golden oldie ‘Montreal Citadel’. Friends Singers presented a variety of popular songs and their musical excellence and youthful enthusi-asm were recognised by all.

The celebrations continued on Sunday as Bandsmen Albert Clark, Ian Power, Harold John-ston and Bernard Donaldson (pictured) were presented with 50-year long-service awards. Lauren Stevenson was commis-sioned as a bandswoman and John Murdock as deputy band-master. The weekend concluded with a celebratory festival on Sunday evening when Stephen enthralled the congregation with ‘The Song Of The Brother’. – P. J.

Students from Central Bedfordshire College, with tutor Norman

Herbert, present a cheque for £60 to Dunstable corps officer

Major Carol Evans and centre manager Charmian Knightley; the

students raised the money through selling cakes, Easter eggs

and baby clothes

REVIEW and FEATURE


Major Brian Slinn (Bromley Temple) reviews True Feelings by Michael Jensen THIS book is for those interested in pastoral theology and psychology, presented as a series of essays exploring the place and role of emotions within the Christian life. The contributors are all Christian academics and its approach crosses a wide range of disciplines – emotion is held like a prism and viewed from a number of different angles.

From the opening sermon, where the role of emotion is challenged by scriptural exegesis, the place of emotional intelligence is explored and its validity tested alongside psychological insights into the value of emotional response within faith.

Theologically there is an interesting investigation of the emotions attributed

to the Trinity. The question as to whether God has feelings leads to what may seem an obvious conclusion when modelled by Jesus and perfected in the human experience by the Holy Spirit.

Against the question of the immutability of God and his transcendence, these are helpful journeying within the purpose of this book. Not surprisingly, allowing that humankind holds the Imago Dei, human emotion is viewed phenomenologically within theological anthropology and the search for what it means to be human. The connection made with puritan and modernist rationality helps this investigation in recognising the undergirding of the experiential as an essential in making faith real in each era.

Following progressive theory, the declaration of the gospel in a post-modern world where ‘reason is now dominated by feelings’ is examined by Rhys Bezzant; as a ‘fellow traveller’ he asks, ‘Is emotion in the Christian life really so dangerous?’

EXPLORING EMOTIONS AND CHRISTIANITYThe power of music in worship is

declared, as is the power of the narrative, again a post-modern theme. Storytelling and its power to move people is recognised as a tool of the gospel and also applied psychotherapeutically within pastoral counselling in allowing individuals to ‘re-story’ their lives. Here is the attraction of this book – with a theological and psychological grounding, insights are given into so many areas of human behaviour offering redemptive possibilities when applied pastorally.

As it should, this book offers critical analysis of its subject and acknowledges the spectrum of possible emotional responses; this includes the pathological and the danger of emotionalism. Nonetheless, within the holism of human experience the value and celebration of emotion is here to be explored within our experience of God.

True Feelings is available through www.ivpbooks.com (Inter-Varsity Press) at £14.99 and free UK postage

HIGH NOTES AND HIGHLIGHTSby Staff Songster Kevin Fenton-Herring (Regent Hall)THROUGHOUT the 21 years that I have been a staff songster, I have become increasingly aware of the many people whose lives have been transformed through the ministry of the ISS.

A recent visit to Greenock was no exception. Corps officers Captains Alistair and Lucy Mann took an enormous leap of faith when they hired the 500-seat Beacon Arts Centre for the Saturday evening festival. Commissioner Keith Banks was in the congregation and explains more: ‘It was a “house full” night and the capacity audience was treated to an evening of outstanding choral quality and individual musical excellence. This was a concert worthy of any stage. The varied songs and items kept the full attention of the audience and each item only whetted the appetite for more.

‘The ISS demonstrated how they have mastered the art of combining the highest choral standards with an enthusiastic yet relaxed style. More than that, this concert was unmistakably Army. God was given his place: his greatness was joyfully praised, his love convincingly communicated and

his presence powerfully felt. A number of the songs were themed with Scripture which gave spiritual authority to the programme. The well-chosen words of Executive Officer Lieut-Colonel George Pilkington left no one in any doubt about the meaning of Calvary to all who believe. Unmistakably Army indeed!

‘The programme concluded with the songsters leaving the stage to stand all around the hall, and at all levels, to sing the benediction “The Lord Bless Thee And Keep Thee”. This gesture brought the evening to a spiritual peak. What had been effective connection gently evolved into intimate communication. Two songsters stood to sing very close to my left ear! “The Lord make his face to shine upon you,” they sang. In that sacred moment, he did.’

Keith was not alone in experiencing the Lord’s presence that evening. After the Sunday morning meeting, a woman spoke to one of the staff songsters. She explained that she worked as an usher at the arts centre and had been on duty the night before. Although she had worked at concert halls all her life, she had never been moved by a programme in such a way. As a result she felt compelled to attend Sunday worship at the corps.

She left with a collection of ISS CDs – more about that another time – and with a connection to God that she never could have expected.

Whether an usher in Greenock, or someone who has returned to faith, there are many stories of transformation when the staff songsters come to town!

FEATURE

MY FIRST HEROby Greg TuckWAY back in the Seventies, my parents moved to Johannesburg as leaders of The Salvation Army’s training college. I decided to go with them because life for a four-year-old on his own can be tough! Arriving there is one of my earliest memories: the imposing white mansion, a black wrought iron fence, rose bushes and the biggest field I had ever seen.

I don’t remember how long we lived there before I met my first sporting nemesis. He was a tall, loud man and wore a beard like a South American revolutionary. He wore three red sergeant stripes on his uniform sleeve. I believe that was an early sign of his leadership story or him showing a sense of style to go with the guitar he played to accompany the small band of cadet singers who stood on every platform or street corner they could find. His skin was darker than that of most people I had met up to that point and he apparently loved to laugh – a lot and loudly.

A few weeks after I met him, he challenged me to a game of soccer. Now, by the time I was five, I was pretty good – I could dribble from my mouth and with my feet! And I was fiercely competitive.

A soccer challenge, against an old man on my home field? I’m in! The field was massive, at least the size of nearby Ellis Park from where we could hear the rugby cheers on Saturday afternoons as he and others scrubbed the old orange chairs outside week after week. Those were the cleanest chairs in the world!

The rules were set: the goal he defended was the full side of the pale green prefab building while mine was two shoes spaced two feet apart. The first to ten goals earned two rand in the South African currency, which then could have bought me fried chips from Little Beaver for a lifetime! To be clear, I didn’t have two rand and had never seen that much money in my life. I’d deal with that problem if I lost.

The game started with a flurry, a sprint and hard tackles. I fell, got up and chased him around, kicking the ball and his legs as hard as I could and the more he laughed the more determined I became. With the scores tied, I forced my sweaty little body in my Buck Rogers T-shirt down the sideline, along the porch of the chapel, the site of many victories of other kinds. My final exhausted kick reached the wall and I declared myself the winner. I would have done a victory lap if I hadn’t been so tired and he didn’t have to leave to load the soup into the van for a late-night run for homeless people.

And then the moment came. He gave me a short speech about ‘ambition being made of sterner stuff ’ or something like that. He laughed, patted me on the back and handed me two heavy coins. I had won! I was rich!

That 45-minute session on that field was childish fun, filled with the smell of grass, activity and the sounds of laughter and shouts. But it was far more than that. As I look back I think of a busy young man, pulled in many directions, taking time to befriend a little boy. Reaching out in relationship, and often down to others whom our society says are beneath them, shows the heart of a hero.

I think now of what it is to keep your word. For those two years he never earned a cent as he trained for Salvation Army


GREG IS DIRECTOR, STAR LAKE CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTRE, USA

ministry and prepared for a life of living with very little. And while two rand probably didn’t change his life, it impacted mine. The heavy coins in my hand told me that heroes keep their word.

He was a great athlete. In the following years I got to cheer him on as he stormed in as an opening bowler with more pace than control or scored goals for the football Vanguards in the dubiously named Church League, which reflected Los Angeles street warfare more than hallowed halls of worship. As such, it was hardly fair to have the same size goals or play by the same rules. And so he made it fairer. My target was ten times wider than his.

He grew up with dark skin in a society that, at the time, denied him the basic privileges of fair education, equal opportunity or even the choice of where to live and who to marry. He knew deep injustice, but in those playful minutes he levelled the playing field for me. Real heroes fight injustice at every turn, creating opportunities for success for those around them.

Life was serious for those two years, but in the midst of classes, theological studies and endless additional duties, there was time for fun. And time to ensure a little boy got to enjoy himself. The same loud laugh I heard with his cadets and staff, I heard on that field. Heroes look for opportunities to bring laughter, joy and a smile to themselves and others, taking time out from their responsibilities because they know balance is important.

Recently, the dark man, without his beard, was installed, with his wife, as the leader of The Salvation Army’s original territory, where he will oversee ministries and programmes that will positively affect millions of people. I assume he will lead from a place of relationship – caring for those around him. He’ll keep his word – even when times are tough. He’ll fight for justice for the poor, for minorities and for the oppressed – knowing firsthand what it is to be bound, then liberated. And he’ll have fun and bring laughter, even in gloomy England and in tough seasons for the territory he leads.

I have a lot of heroes – from liberation movements, sports fields and executive office suites. But I will never forget my first hero, who let me win on my home field – Commissioner Clive Adams.

‘‘

HE’LL FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR THE POOR, FOR MINORITIES AND FOR THE OPPRESSED ’’

FEATURE

FROM its very beginnings, The Salvation Army has been concerned with supporting people in gaining access to dignified, meaningful and rewarding

employment. Besides being of tremendous value in itself, in regard to helping to restore loss of dignity and purpose, employment often has the added benefit of directly contributing to breaking the recurring cycles of poverty, homelessness and drug or alcohol dependency.

Sometimes, rather than sitting back, we have to act – even if this is unpopular with others. For us it is about taking action when we see human need, offering practical support.

We focus on the needs of individuals, trying to understand their needs and concerns and trying to address them and help them achieve their full potential. We look at each person as a whole and, through years of experience, we are convinced that the pessimism that pervades the thinking of those who are trapped in poverty and its consequences can often be lifted by work that nourishes one’s self, one’s soul and, indeed, one’s society.

Not everyone would be aware that the cornerstone of General William Booth’s blueprint for lifting Victorian England out of poverty was ‘work for all’. In 1890, in his seminal work In Darkest England And The Way Out he wrote: ‘A man’s labour is not only his capital but his life.

When it passes it returns nevermore. To utilise it, to prevent its wasteful squandering, to enable the poor man to bank it up for use hereafter, this surely is one of the most urgent tasks before civilisation.’

This vision of the Founder has driven The Salvation Army’s engagement in this field – not only in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, but also in a number of other countries where the Army operates. The present work scheme is part of an historical mission focus grounded in our very origins.

Partnering with the Government is not unique to this scheme nor is it unique to this territory. The Salvation Army has always partnered others – especially by utilising their resources to drive our

The Salvation Army and work for allby Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams

mission. We can look back on more than a hundred years of working with all governments, regardless of creed or policy, to enable us to help the most vulnerable – and to offer people a hand up out of poverty. From Catherine Booth’s early collections at her preaching assignments with the wealthier classes, which was then spent on William’s work with the poor, to work schemes in several territories today, we have operated in the belief that we need to share the burden of alleviating poverty and meeting need with those who have the means to help. It is our mission to those in need that motivates us. Therefore, like the apostle Paul who was willing to ‘become all things to all people so that by all possible means (he) might save some’ (see 1 Corinthians 9:19–23), we’ll work with anybody who is able to help us in securing work for people and, moving on from temporary work into full employment, allowing people to make the most of their potential. It also means we will work with people who have complex needs and who therefore are hardest to place, because of the amount of support they will need.

We have the knowledge, skills and experience to make their time with us a rewarding experience for them. We have seen first-hand the positive benefits people gain from being in work, volunteering or taking part in a work-experience placement – becoming part of a community where they are building their confidence and job skills, and discovering new things about themselves. We have found that people benefit from work-placements through

gaining work experience, an up-to-date reference and confidence, and enjoying social contact while benefiting their local community.

Sam, 24, is a prime example. Sam has a very strong and positive work ethic and is thriving in her placement in Lancashire. Describing the difference it made to her life, she says: ‘It’s been incredible. When I was unemployed I used to get so frustrated and down. Now, having work to go to has given me a sense of purpose. I can’t wait to get up in the mornings and go to work!’

In these tough economic times, the need to support people and help them move closer to employment is so great that if we can help, then we want to be able to do so. We want to give people not the fish but the tools to fish for themselves.

Nick was a 23-year-old jobseeker, who found himself at one of our charity shops in Wigan. When he began his four weeks’ mandatory work placement, he arrived in the store seemingly a bit cynical, but by the end of the morning he was much more animated and curious about how the shop worked. A month after his first shift, he was employed – and all because of the positive experience he had had on a mandatory placement with The Salvation Army.

We believe in helping the whole person when it comes to the search for employment. Where we can help people to make connections that fit in with the rest of their lives, we do so.


‘‘

WE HAVE SEEN FIRST-HAND THE POSITIVE BENEFITS PEOPLE GAIN FROM BEING IN WORK, VOLUNTEERING OR TAKING PART IN A WORK-EXPERIENCE PLACEMENT ’’

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

FEATURE


Amy – a single parent of a five-year-old boy – hadn’t worked for ten years. She has just finished a course with us in Kent supporting her with CV writing, interview techniques and looking for work. She told us that we had given her not only these practical skills but also warmth and support that gave her confidence and positivity a real boost. She wants to work to give her son a better future and we managed to find her a placement in the charity that had helped her son medically. She felt this was fantastic as she could give something back to a cause she really believed in and regain her dignity, as she saw it, at the same time.

As a Christian organisation, we believe in transformation – the kind of experiences that Sam, Nick and Amy have had are steps towards such transformation. In addition to personal benefit, those involved in a placement at The Salvation Army are more than likely to be helping others – this can be a powerful transformative experience in itself.

Some may not have understood what the benefits of supporting people back to work actually are and have taken to misinformed rhetoric. It is provocatively inaccurate to say a work experience placement organised via a welfare-to-work scheme is the same as ‘state-

sponsored slavery’. The United Nations’ International Labour Organisation’s Forced Labour Convention of 1930 defines slavery as implying ‘ownership’ over an individual. It must be apparent to anyone who bothers to examine this scheme, that this is not the case here. Indeed, we work with many trafficked victims of modern-day slavery and to equate such sinful, inhumane treatment of people with work experience is offensive to those who are truly enslaved. We respect and value the rich diversity of our staff, volunteers and all

people in the communities in which we serve – whatever their age, background, gender, faith, culture, sexual orientation or circumstances. Exploitative and unfair discriminatory employment practices are unacceptable to us as such practices fail to recognise the value and dignity of every individual – a core value of The Salvation Army.

We operate from more than 1,000 locations across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, in the form of our churches, social centres, drop-in services and charity shops. Some of our local centres have accepted people on mandatory work activity (MWA) placements from the job centre or from independent welfare-to-work providers.

It is our intention that anyone who comes to The Salvation Army will receive assistance based solely on their need and our capacity to provide help. We would be extremely concerned if a person turned down an MWA placement with The Salvation Army because they

had any doubts about the support and welcome they would receive from us or any concerns about what they would be doing. We certainly do not want jobseekers to lose their benefits and would want to talk with any individuals to identify why they have reservations or problems with us, so that these can be addressed.

Our history demonstrates our conviction that every person has worth and that it is our desire to help all who are willing to work, irrespective of their starting point. It is something we hope to

continue to demonstrate today, through the various getting-back-into-employment schemes we operate. Because, ultimately, as General Booth wrote so eloquently over a century ago: ‘Of all heart-breaking toil, the hunt for work is surely the worst.’ Helping people find employment is part of our mission… we have always done it, we are doing it in several countries today and we will continue to do it using every means possible and every resource available to assist those who need our help.

Helping others – that’s who we are and that’s what we do!

COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS

‘‘

THOSE INVOLVED IN A PLACEMENT AT THE SALVATION ARMY ARE MORE THAN LIKELY TO BE HELPING OTHERS – THIS CAN BE A POWERFUL TRANSFORMATIVE EXPERIENCE IN ITSELF ’’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

BIBLE STUDY

MARTIN Luther said: ‘A religion that gives nothing, costs nothing and suffers nothing, is worth nothing.’ With the warm glow of

Easter still upon us, we consider the implications for would-be followers in the 21st century of these words of Jesus: ‘Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me’ (Matthew 16:24).

For his first-century disciples, the costs of following were high and the consequences grave: Stephen was stoned to death (Acts 7:59); Peter was crucified upside down (John 21:18 and 19); James, the son of Zebedee, was executed with a sword (Acts 12:2); James Alpheus was stoned and then clubbed to death; Andrew and Simon the Zealot were crucified; Matthew and Paul were beheaded.

All were willing to die for him – but also to live for him, setting aside their own plans and preferences, exchanging the known and comfortable for the uncertain and painful.

Much has changed since those first followers dared to obey his call, but his demands remain just as radical: ‘Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me, is not worthy of me’ (Matthew 10:38).

We have become so used to the life-giving grace of Christ’s cross that we cannot begin to comprehend the importance of Jesus’ words concerning the carrying of a personal cross. The suggestion was as shocking to his first-century disciples as a life of deliberate self-denial is to this generation.

To a Jew, it was unthinkable that the Messiah would ever follow such a path. Peter responds in typical fashion to the idea: ‘Over my dead body!’ (Or words to that effect.) This is the same Peter who has just experienced a wonderful

moment of personal inspiration as he recognises Jesus as the Christ, the son of the living God. What is striking is how quickly Peter moves from recipient of divine revelation (Matthew 16:17) to stumbling block and agent of Satan (16:23).

Our walk with Jesus often involves progression and regression, a moving forward and a slipping back – so watch out! How awful it would be if the Lord were to brand us as a ‘stumbling block’ rather than a blessing in the fulfilment of his Great Commission (Matthew 28:19 and 20).

Note the use of the word ‘If’ in Matthew 16:24 (Authorised Version): ‘If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.’

This implies a choice, which we as Salvationists have already made: ‘Called to be disciples of Jesus Christ, The Salvation Army… exists to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity.’

We are more than an Army of converts; we have been called to be disciples. The word ‘disciple’ or ‘disciples’ occurs more than 250 times in the New Testament. A disciple is similar to a modern-day apprentice – someone who follows the teaching of another and learns by listening, watching and then doing.

Each of us has a unique calling from God, a work that only we can do and a

path that only we can follow. The specifics will depend on our gifts, skills, opportunities and life’s circumstances, but being obedient will always come with a cost. The call of Jesus to self-denial is not just for Lent – it’s for life.

In all likelihood we will not be called upon to die for our Lord, but he requires that we live for him and not for ourselves. That and nothing less will do.

TO CONSIDERAs you reflect on your own journey,

are you merely a convert or a true disciple? Are you moving forwards or backwards? Are you a blessing or a stumbling block in the fulfilment of the Great Commission?

How costly is it for you to follow Jesus and be obedient to his call on your life?

Have you ever had an ‘over my dead body’ moment?

What things in your Christian life and walk get you fired up and ready to fight?

How do you discern whether this is a godly response, or your fallen human nature speaking?

Next week, we look at the cost of not following Jesus


The cost of followingThe first of two studies on discipleship by Captain Kathleen Versfeld

‘‘

WE ARE MORE THAN AN ARMY OF CONVERTS; WE HAVE BEEN CALLED TO BE DISCIPLES ’’

CAPTAIN VERSFELD IS CORPS OFFICER, PETERBOROUGH

CITADEL

NEW COMMITMENTS


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1. ARTHUR REES Adherent member CWMDURING the all-age worship for Commitment Sunday, Arthur was welcomed as an adherent member by corps leader Territorial Envoy Jo Walters. For his testimony, Arthur sang a solo. – J. W.

2. & 3. ANDRIE DRABBLE, EDWARD WALKER Adherent members TENBYCORPS folk welcomed two more members to the fellowship – Andrie and Edward. They were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Major Martyn Clements. – M. C.

4. – 6. OMOTADE ESO, CHRISTINE EDMUNDS Adherent members FAVOUR EWOFADEJU, ADAM PRYER Junior soldiers DUNSTABLEOMOTADE testified that the support given to her by the corps has helped her find her spiritual home. While living in Africa, Christine prayed hard for a Christian husband and that they would find a church together. She praises God for answered prayer.

Supported by their prayer partners, Adam and Favour signed their promises at the mercy seat. Adam, who was enrolled by his godmother Major Michelle Woodhouse (Anglia DHQ) said: ‘I want to be a junior soldier because I want people to know I love Jesus.’

Favour, Omotade’s daughter, testified that she loves Jesus because he died for her and is excited to be a member. Omotade, Christine and Favour were welcomed and enrolled by corps officer Major Carol Evans. – J. B.

7. – 9. SANDRA WOODFORD, ALEX WOODFORD, OPAL THOMPSON Adherent members THORNTON HEATHIMPRESSED by her mother-in-law’s enthusiasm for The Salvation Army, Sandra decided she wanted to be involved too. Her son, Alex, also made a commitment as an adherent member. Opal connected with the Army through volunteering in the community store. Corps officer Major Kathryn Woodhouse welcomed Sandra, Alex and Opal as adherent members. – I. D.

10. LINDA MALLINSON Adherent member MIRFIELDSEVERAL months ago, Linda came to volunteer in the charity shop. Within a few weeks she was not only attending Sunday worship regularly but also helping out at the parent-and-toddler group. She testifies to the fellowship being a family to her, supporting her through difficult times in her life, including her mother’s death. Linda is eager to know more about God and is keen to tell people what a wonderful difference the Army has made to her life. – J. L.

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11. – 13. BETH HILDITCH, JOSHUA ADCOCK Soldiers KICONCO TUTUNGIRE Junior soldier HENDONAS an enthusiastic Salvationist who loves being with people, Beth enjoys expressing her faith in many different ways, including through music and as a young leader at the guides. She testified that she needs to make sure her personal relationship with Jesus is right, and that she is not just following her parents. Beth was enrolled by corps officers Majors Judith and Paul Hilditch.

Joshua is a young man who is not afraid to speak his faith and readily shares this with his friends at college. He encourages his friends to attend church and wants to make a difference in the world. Captain Julia Adcock (Barnet), Joshua’s mother, enrolled him as a soldier.

Just over a year ago, Kiconco started attending the corps with her family after moving into their home next to the hall. She is a quiet and earnest girl, always wanting to give her best at everything she does. Major Judith Hilditch enrolled Kiconco as a junior soldier. – J. H.

14. PETER BURKE Adherent member BOURNEPETER’S first contact with the corps was through the Cameo group. He started attending the evening meetings and was led to the Lord. Corps officer Major Richard Durrant welcomed him as an adherent member. – C. G.

15. DAVID MacCULLOCH, EVELYN MacCULLOCH Adherent members GOVANEVELYN, David and their baby daughter Mia were introduced to the

corps through the Musical Tots programme. They began attending Sunday worship and felt the desire to make a firm commitment. Evelyn and David were welcomed as adherent members by corps officers Majors Rita and Robert Pearce.

During the same meeting, family and friends witnessed Mia being dedicated to God. – M. W.

16. EMMA MADDERN Soldier COVENTRY CITYMAJORS Graham and Judith Daniels (Sunderland Monkwearmouth) enrolled their niece Emma as a soldier. Supported by family and friends, Emma testified to God’s presence in her life. – C. B.

17. IAN GRIFFITHS Adherent member WREXHAMIAN started attending the corps a few months ago. He enjoyed the worship style and content so much that he expressed interest in adherent membership. Ian participates in many different corps activities and is active in the music sections. Corps officer Major Ian McCredie welcomed Ian as an adherent member. – C. D.

18. JASON GREGORY Adherent member HOVEJASON has been part of the corps for many years, attributing his attendance to corps member Sue Crute’s roast potatoes! Sue, who has since been promoted to Glory, often invited Jason for dinner; she, along with corps folk and the youth fellowship group, offered him stability through his teenage years. Jason testified that it was about time he committed to God. He is pictured with corps officers Captains Doug and Michelle Hayter. – M. H.

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ANNOUNCEMENTS


ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND: The Philippines, Tu 16 Apr - Mon 22 UK, London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Fri 26 Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, Tu 7 May - Wed 15

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: ICO, Tu 16 Apr UK, London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Tu 23 - Sun 28 Italy and Greece (Commissioning), Th 2 May - Sun 5

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS)AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: Central South, Sat Sun 21 Apr The Dome, Doncaster (Roots Conference), Sat Sun 5 May Southern (divisional celebration), Sun 12

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: Northern (divisional officers retreat), Mon 22 Apr - Wed 24 London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Wed 24 - Sun 28* Territorial Advisory Council, Fri 26 - Sun 28** Scotland Council, Th 9 May

COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: UK, London (Called And Commissioned International Conference On The Training Of Cadets), Tu 23 Apr - Sun 28

COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: USA Western, Wed 10 Apr - Mon 15** Canada and Bermuda, Tu 16 - Wed 24

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: Guisborough, Sat Sun 21 Apr

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: Cambridge University, Sat Sun 28 Apr

*wife will not accompany**husband will not accompany

ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED

CSM Margaret Drury, ParkgateYPBL Charlotte Whitbread, Harlow

LONG-SERVICE AWARDBandsman/Songster Bramwell Clark, Harlow (65 years)

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIESPlatinum (70th):

Leonard and Wyn Fullbrook, Reading Central (24 April)

Diamond: Cliff and Sheila Harries, Swindon Citadel (18 April)

DEDICATED TO GODJames Ted, son of Richard and Jo Davies, at Swindon Citadel by Captain Stephen OliverHarry, son of Matthew and Jessica James, at Staple Hill by Major Ian UrmstonLowri Ruth, daughter of Will and Naomi Beddoes, at Coedpoeth by Major Teresa Harris

BEREAVEDNancy Jones, Wrexham, of her husband Wilfred, Major Melvyn Jones, THQ, and Alun Jones, Coedpoeth, of their fatherSongster Valerie Hunter of her

husband SL Paul Hunter; Winnie and Jeffrey Kanyama of their son Jeffrey, Esther Kanyama and Yollander Kanyama of their brother, all Leeds CentralFred Andrew, St Ives, of his wife Eva

RETIRED OFFICERSBirthday congratulations:

Mrs Lieut-Colonel Eileen Thomas (101 on 18 April)

PROMOTED TO GLORYLucy Cockroft, Harrow

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE

Effective 1 April:Major Linda Booker out of Southampton Sholing in 1980 and last appointment Divisional Finance Assistant, Southern DHQMajor Joan Dolby out of Masbrough in 1974 and last appointment Manager, Bielefeld Red Shield Centre, GermanyMajor Barbara Jackson out of Romford in 1979 and last appointment Associate Officer, Bielefeld Red Shield Centre, Germany

CLIVE ADAMS,Commissioner,

Territorial Commander

TRIBUTESMRS JEAN GAMESON, BIRMINGHAM CITADELPROMOTED to Glory at the age of 81, Jean was a beloved wife, mother, daugh-

ter, gran, niece and aunt. She was born into a Salvationist family at Barry Island, South Wales, in 1931, and later became a proud Salvation Army soldier at Barry, Birming-ham Sparkhill and Harborne. She briefly attended Birmingham Citadel in the last year of her life.

At various times Jean served as a songster and Sunday school teacher and enjoyed helping at flag days and collections.

Much loved by many and generous to family and friends, Jean was a most loving mother to her three sons. Her second son, Kevin – a bandsman – was promoted to Glory in 2006. – G. G.

JOHN MELVIN, BURTON-ON-TRENTJOHN was born to Salvationist parents in Loughborough, where he became a junior soldier, singing com-

pany and YP band member. John later became a senior soldier and served the Lord as a songster and bandsman.

Marriage to Doris brought a move to Derby and then to Burton-on-Trent, where they continued to serve the Lord together.

John’s service was curtailed when failing health and the diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease and dementia made it difficult for him to be fully involved. However, his smile never left him.

John was a committed Christian and loyal Salvationist, who served the Master faithfully. He leaves his wife and children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. – D. M.

ON THE AIRBBC Radio Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Guernsey, Jersey (at 7.05 pm), Somerset Sound, Swindon and Wiltshire (at midnight) and online at bbc.co.uk/ devon: Sounds Of Brass on Sunday 21 April will feature music by Erik Silfverberg

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS


RETIRED BANDMASTER BERNARD LAWSON, WINTONBERNARD had many published compositions, and recorded music for

BBC, ITV and feature films. He conducted various bands, choirs and orchestras. Under his leadership, the City of Bradford Police Choir won the national championships four years in succession. Bernard was musical director of Ringwood and Burley Band.

He studied at Leeds College of Music, Trinity College of Music and the Royal Academy of Music in London, and Huddersfield School of Music. He gained an LRAM in brass band conducting and an AMusLCM.

During 36 years’ service as a local officer, Bernard led every music section. He conducted combined divisional bands and songsters on recordings for ITV’s Stars On Sunday. He was also songster accompanist, YPSM, CSM and corps cadet guardian. – A. L.

MRS URSULA GLADMAN, MALDONBORN in 1925, Ursula attended the Congre-gational Church with her family until marriage to Bertie – a

Salvationist – in 1948. The YP record sergeant for more than 40

years, Ursula is still remembered by many former Sunday school members. A quiet lady with a twinkle in her eye, she always gave encouragement and support to corps activities.

She became the backbone of her family, spiritually and emotionally, following her husband’s promotion to Glory in 1971. Ursula continued various corps activities, including the songsters, until ill-health forced her retirement, and managed to attend Sunday meetings until the last week of her life.

Ursula leaves her children – Pamela, Peter and David – four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. – P. T.

MRS BARBARA MORGAN, CHELTENHAMONE of eleven children, Barbara was born in Cheltenham in 1936.

Following an invitation from a Salvationist during an open-air meeting, as a young person she began attending meetings at the goodwill centre, where she found her saviour.

Barbara married Jim in 1958 and they were blessed with four daughters.

A real Christian lady who lived her life to the glory of God, Barbara worked hard behind the scenes – using her gifts of baking and sewing and giving her testimony to anyone who would listen. Her days were given to God and Christianity shone from her face.

In latter years she suffered poor health, but never complained.

Friends and family have the assurance that she is with the Lord. – D. F.

Please note that soldiers’ tributes

submitted for publication should be no

longer than 120 words. Good quality

pictures will be included with tributes.

Corps retreat acts as perfect start for Holy WeekSKEWEN

THIRTY-THREE corps folk travelled to Llangors Lake, Llangasty, for an annual retreat, led by Majors Drew and Beverley McCombe (THQ).

Using the theme A Journey Of Transformation: A Character Study Of The Life Of Peter, dele-gates considered the idea of trans-formation. Key words for the day were displayed on footprints and used later as a prayer walk.

In the second session, time was spent discussing, among other questions, ‘What keeps you in the boat and what does it mean to get out of the boat?’ The final chal-lenging question was, ‘Can we bring about transformation to our community?’

The retreat provided a perfect time for personal preparation before Holy Week. – S. L.

Rosie the donkey leads the

Palm Sunday walk of witness

at Williamstown

LETTERS


A FRANCISCAN ARMY AND A SALVATIONIST POPE?FOLLOWING the Pope’s naming, and the confusion between Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) and Francis Xavier (1505-1551), I remember General John Larsson once starting a sermon at the Royal Festival Hall with ‘Who was the first Salvationist?’, and answering himself: ‘Francis of Assisi’, quoting Isaiah 61: ‘The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek’ (AV).

General Larsson echoed General Booth’s words from In Darkest England And The Way Out: ‘As St Francis of Assisi and his heroic band of saints... were wont to go and lodge with the lepers at the city gates, so the devoted souls who have enlisted in The Salvation Army take up their quarters in the heart of the worst slums.’

Francis Xavier was a Jesuit – founded by St Ignatius as a quasi-military ‘Company of Jesus’, the most direct forerunner of The Salvation Army – practising spiritual exercises, comparable to the early Army’s knee-drill. Xavier reflected ‘the Assisian’ by ‘mingling with the poor as a poor man’, and foreshadowed Army practices by using popular tunes for hymns!

Another Salvationists’ favourite is poet Francis Thompson. Educated at a Catholic public school, ending up destitute in Salvation Army hostels, he wrote on St Ignatius (1909), comparing conditions in Victorian London and 1540s’ Rome: ‘Famine was in Rome… The perishing and destitute lay in the squares and streets, as in London the houseless in our day have lain in Trafalgar Square, and over 400 were carried into the Jesuits’ new house of Torre del Melangolo… Ignatius, one may say, informally anticipated the Salvation Army shelters.’

So much for a Franciscan Army, but what about a Salvationist Pope?

When Benedict XVI came to Britain, and Lieut-Colonel Alan Burns welcomed him to Scotland on television, it seemed as if he was ‘our Pope’. We watched on tenterhooks on Wednesday 13 March 2013, when his successor was

announced: Francis – meaning ‘good news for the poor’ and gratification for The Salvation Army. ‘Habemus Papam!’ It seemed everyone had a new Pope: the world in general and the Catholic Church in particular – everyone but the Pope himself; he, being a quasi-military Jesuit – like us in The Salvation Army – has a General!

Clare Falvey,London

COMMUNICATION ANACHRONISMSTHE Salvation Army might consider consigning a few terms and badges to Room 101. At the top of my list would be the term ‘cartridge’ followed by all those badges of office worn on uniforms such as CSM, CS, CT, RS, YPSM – not to mention the assistant songster secretary!

These are meaningless to the casual visitor and even to some regular attenders. I regard highly our dedicated local officers but they should wear a proper name badge if they feel it’s necessary – for example, Jack Smith – Corps Treasurer.

The designation ‘singing company’ could also be misleading to non-Army folk. What’s wrong with ‘junior singers’? It’s certainly a better description.

Occasionally I need to explain the meaning of our term ‘mercy seat’ to readers of our corps magazine Citadel Scene. Does this term need a rethink? Would a better definition be ‘seat of communion’? Perhaps the central feature of our halls might be more frequently used then, and would be better understood by our church friends.

Fred Crowhurst,Sutton Coldfield

SHIFT TO A JAZZIER DANCEI WAS interested in Carl Jobson’s feature (Salvationist 23 March) entitled ‘Give water, give life’. Having worked in international development for four years before entering training college I was familiar with giving presentations about the ‘one billion’ people without access to

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water worldwide. The feature now confirms the number is down to 783 million! This is the result of the great work of communities resourced from around the world through charities such as The Salvation Army.

I believe the shift from the stiff formal waltz of traditional diplomacy and government workings with global issues to a jazzier dance of improvisational solution-orientated partnerships that include the likes of the Army is an increasingly effective way forward.

I think this is also true for our work here in the UK. That’s why I have decided to run the London Marathon for the Watershed project and aim to raise £2,000. To find out more, or to support this year’s marathon runners for Salvation Army projects, visit www.justgiving.com/teams/salvation-army-london-marathon-2013

Ben Cotterill,Cadet,William Booth College,London

THANK YOU FOR EASTER MUSICI WOULD like to express my appreciation to Salvationist for publishing my request for details of Easter music to assist me with my Easter meditations.

My needs have now been met as I have been inundated with numerous replies from all over the country. This goes to show what a marvellous forum Salvationist is for the Army.

I have been reunited with old friends and made many new ones.

Our music tradition is second to none.

Bram Scott,Woodbridge

ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 13 April 2013 21-23

Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each daySaturdayWhere the tempest is loud,Shepherd, hear my prayer!’Mid the darkness and cloud,Shepherd, hear my prayer!Let me hear thy voice afar,Coming with the morning star;True thy mercies are!Hear, O hear my prayer!Hear, O hear my prayer!

(SASB 641)

SundayHow long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him.

(Psalm 4:2 and 3)

MondaySend out thy light and thy truth, Lord,Into my heart let them shine;Here while I’m waiting in faith, Lord,Hark to this pleading of mine.Search now my heart, do not spare it,Pour in thy Spirit’s pure light;Tell me the truth, I will bear it,Hide not the worst from my sight.

(SASB 457)

TuesdayOffer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord.

(Psalm 4:5)

WednesdayBeside thee as I walk,I will delight in thee,

In sweet communion talkOf all thou art to me;The beauty of thy face beholdAnd know thy mercies manifold.

(SASB 59)

ThursdayFill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound.

(Psalm 4:7)

FridayDear loving heavenly Father, we thank you that in you we can find a place of rest and safety. Help us to trust you to be with us in times of difficulties and to rejoice in your presence all the time. Amen.

Sunset, North Bay, Scarborough. Picture: IAN YOUNG

Praying around the world… India South EasternMajor Deva Sundaram commenced Salvation Army operations in May 1892 after he received a vision at Medicine Hill, near Nagercoil, in Kanyakumari District. He had been praying and fasting with three officers when persecution was at its height in South Tamil Nadu. As the Army experienced rapid growth in South India, the territory separated from the Southern Territory in October 1970. The territory, led by Commissioners M. C. and Susamma James, comprises 474 officers, 310 corps, 84 outposts, 40 societies, 18 schools, 34 institutions, 49,665 soldiers, 17,944 adherent members and 4,910 junior soldiers. This year the territory is focusing on saving new souls through its services. Pray for Go For The Souls – 1,650. Through this programme the territory aims for 1,650 souls to be saved through 60 days of outreach evangelism and visiting 20 new villages.

salvationist 13 april 2013 - amazon s3 › uki-cache.salvation... · 2014-01-16 · 2 salvationist...

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