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SALVATIONIST15 December 2012 // No. 1377 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

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

CONTENTS

Salvationist 15 December 20122

3. FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

4. PAPERSThis week’s quotes from the papers

5. – 10. NEWSCaribbean // Bristol Easton // Chatham // Penge // Sale // Mirfield // North Scotland // Droitwich Spa // Newcastle City Temple // Margate // Stockton // Tunstall // Cardiff Canton // Sherburn Hill // Skewen // Solihull // Rayleigh // Anglia // Leek // Greenock // Berwick // Abertillery // Penarth // Boston // Cowdenbeath // Bellshill // Stapleford // Rugby // Bedworth // Peterborough Citadel // West Midlands // Milton Keynes //

11. LETTERS

12. & 13. FEATUREThe candlestick

14. FEATURECarols catch a star

15. BIBLE STUDYStep out of the traffic

16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS

18. REVIEWSJoystrings Christmas CollectionA Sackful Of Plays And Poems For Christmas

19. ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people and engagements

20. – 23. ADVERTS

24. THROUGH THE WEEK WITH SALVATIONIST

12. & 13.

5.

6. 8.

Salvationist 15 December 2012 3

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

MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson – (tel) 020 7367 4891

ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley – (tel) 020 7367 4892

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, 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.

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

THE SALVATIONARMYFOUNDER William Booth

GENERAL Linda Bond

TERRITORIAL COMMANDERCommissioner André Cox

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARYMajor Leanne Ruthven

A SIMPLE MESSAGETHE word ‘legacy’ has been well used in the UK in 2012, in particular about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II along with the Olympic and Paralympic Games. And now Salvationists around the world will be reflecting on the legacy left by General John Gowans, who was promoted to Glory from London on Saturday 8 December.

Much has been written about this remarkable man, and there will be more to come, but I remember the General as a charismatic leader who kept the Army focused on its mission. I was not in the UK during his term as territorial and then world leader, but his memorable declaration that we are about ‘saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity’ inspired me when I first heard it and continues to do so today. This is just one example of John Gowans’ ability to express complex ideas in plain language. It’s a rare gift, and many Salvationists will be able to quote words of his that clearly and simply convey the thoughts and feelings we so often struggle to articulate.

During Advent we reflect on the fact that in sending Jesus into our world, God made himself clearly and plainly known. Despite the baggage we tend to bring to the season, God’s coming to earth involved no complicated rituals or intricate symbolism, but a child in a stable who was worshipped by poor, uneducated shepherds and well-to-do wise men.

I’m not breaking any theological ground when I say that in this momentous event, God took the initiative. ‘The Incarnation is not about our reaching out to gather a helpless infant in our arms,’ writes the Rev Rosie Dymond, a Welsh rector. ‘Rather, it is about none other than the Godhead reaching out in welcome to us.’ Not us welcoming God, but God welcoming us.

Having been an officer for nearly 30 years I have moved house many times and therefore I’ve had lots of new neighbours to get to know. Sometimes they have knocked on my door and welcomed me; other times I’ve had to take the initiative. But when it comes to God being with us, we never have to make the first move. ‘The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,’ says John 1:14, and throughout Scripture we read of a God who reaches out to humankind. Think of him seeking the wayward Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, and of the father who watches, waits and then welcomes his prodigal son home with an enormous embrace.

This Advent season I want to dwell on the simple yet astounding fact that God entered the world in the person of Jesus. That’s the message I want to tell wherever I go, and soon I will have a new set of neighbours to share this good news with, because after three years in the UK I’m heading back to my native Australia to continue the ministry journey there.

Many of you will not know me personally but I want to thank the UK Territory as a whole for making me feel at home ‘in the neighbourhood’. In particular I want to thank my colleagues in the Publishing Department for the way they have made me feel welcome while I have literally been a long way from home. They are a great bunch of people; skilled professionals who have been a joy to work with.

May God bless you in the way that only he can. And at this Christmas time may we each be reminded of the simple, yet profound words of General John Gowans, who wrote: ‘There is a Saviour, and what a Saviour! There is a Saviour for us all.’

MAJOR LEANNE RUTHVEN

FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PAPERS


THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

TALKING TOLKIENWar CryTHE yyyyyy

FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULSsalvationarmy.org.uk/warcry Est 1879 No 7095

TV DOCUMENTARY LOOKS DEEP INTO A WARTIME CHRISTMAS

writes PHILIP HALCROW

UNDERGROUND, it’s 1944. In Chislehurst Caves, just south of London, men, women, boys and girls are dressed in Forties fashion and singing carols accompanied by a Salvation Army band. They are recre-ating a time in history for BBC Two’s Wartime Farm Christmas, scheduled

HISTORYMAKINGIN

THE

15 December 2012

20p/25c

Biographer tells story of man who wrote ‘The Hobbit’

BB

C/Lion TV

Turn to page 3

GOING TO CHURCH IS REBELLIOUSMy dad was a pastor and we were a religious family. As a teenager, I did all the usual stuff that teenage kids do, but I was also involved in the church; that’s where I learnt about how the world works… My dad was such a cool guy that he made the idea of church cool too. Y’see, Dad was also into rock’n’roll… People may be shocked by this, but I still go to church. In the rock’n’roll business, you hear a lot of talk about rebellion, but let me tell you something: going to church is way more rebellious than anything I’ve ever done on stage! You wanna prove how tough you are? Start telling people you go every Sunday! From an interview with Alice Cooper in Reader’s Digest

ALMIGHTY CHANGE AS GUIDES ‘DROP GOD’ FROM PROMISEThe Guides’ promise to love God and serve the Queen is to be rewritten for a new generation of members who struggle fully to embrace its principles…

Guides and their leaders have told bosses at the headquarters of the movement in London that they would prefer a pledge that they could really believe in, insiders say.The Times

SCOUTS READY TO BROADEN THEIR CHURCHAtheists could be welcomed into the

Scout movement for the first time in

105 years, the association has said.

The movement, led by the TV

adventurer Bear Grylls, is launching

a consultation to see if members

would support an alternative Scout

Promise for those who feel unable to

pledge a ‘duty to God’.

For more than 40 years, versions of

the oath have existed for faith

groups including Muslims, Hindus

and Buddhists, but this is the first

time Scouts have considered an

adaptation for atheists.The Independent

CHILDREN BARRED FROM SCHOOL NATIVITYChildren have been barred from a primary school’s Christmas events because they may be too noisy.

Eldwick Primary School in Bingley, West Yorks, told parents they can come to the nativity play and concerts at the school and local church but they must not bring any other children in case they disrupt the performance of their siblings.

The decision has outraged parents who feel that it goes against the essence of Christmas.The Daily Telegraph

NEWS


The General witnesses progress CARIBBEAN

A VISIT to Haiti gave General Linda Bond the opportunity to see the progress of The Salvation Army’s rebuilding work, follow-ing the devastating earthquake of January 2010. The General shared in worship with Haitian Salvationists and met children from The Salvation Army’s College Verena.

More than 1,000 people crowded a banquet hall in Port-au-Prince to welcome the General with song, dance and united worship. From start to finish there was a spirit of joy and excitement, along with a steady stream of guests arriving from across the country.

The General told the Salvationists: ‘I’m proud of your Christlike service.’ She praised officers, soldiers, employees and friends for their embodiment of the International Vision for the

Army in the days, months and years following the earthquake; joining together as one Army to share the love and message of Christ. She delivered a message of hope and encouragement that brought hundreds to the mercy seat.

Twenty junior soldiers and fifty senior soldiers were enrolled during the meeting. The General encouraged them to be different through the power of Christ and the Holy Spirit. She assured them of the prayer support not only of those who were present but also Salvationists around the world.

A tour of the Delmas 2 construction site – which will

eventually become home to a school, health clinic, offices, conference centre with accom-modation and corps – left the General impressed not only with the plans for the buildings but also for the long-term effect on the community. Haitian contrac-tor Arcotec is committed to hiring and training unskilled workers from the community to participate in the construction. They will walk away with a live-lihood for their families and ownership in the buildings and the community.

Before leaving the site, General Bond prayed for the people involved in the construc-tion and for the ministry that

will be carried out in the buildings.

The General met children who will benefit from the new facilities at a lively send-off at College Verena, where she joined the division in its weekly Thursday morning call to prayer. Following the prayer time the Haitian and Salvation Army flags were raised, with hundreds of children singing the Haitian national anthem followed by ‘O Boundless Salvation!’ The gath-ering also included songs from the College Verena Gospel Choir, dance items and the presentation of small tokens of appreciation.

The General was shown around the school and toured the clinic before leaving the children with the message: ‘I love you, The Salvation Army loves you and, more important than anything else, God loves you.’ – K. L.

S T A N F O R D - L E - H O P E : Major Gillian Miller (THQ) led home and family weekend and used the theme Welcome for the Monday rally which included vocal soloist Captain Susanna Offor (Canvey Island). A collec-tion raised £50 for the helping-hand scheme. – S. K.

Musicians support Kenya Trust

BRISTOL EASTON

AN evening for The Kenya Trust raised more than £3,000 towards the re building of a school in Kenya East.

Staines Songsters, Andrew Wicker (piano, Swindon Cita-del) and the host corps band participated in the programme. The songsters pre sented various African numbers and joined with the band in the prayer song ‘Siyu Kuda Misa’ composed by Ed Mylechreest (Birmingham Citadel).

Andrew’s contributions in -cluded ‘In This Quiet Moment’ and ‘The Red Shield’. The band, led by guest conductor Tom Devoran, presented ‘Fire In The Blood’ and ‘Guardian Of My Soul’ which preceded the Bible thought by Commissioner Kenneth Hodder (IHQ). – H. B.

Chatham Ladies Fellowship contributes 26 shoeboxes to the

Blythswood Care Shoebox Appeal; the boxes will be sent to

Eastern Europe

NEWS


Fellowship band programme includes young soloistPENGE

A VISIT by the South London Fellowship Band to St John the Evangelist church, compèred by Lieut-Colonel Peter Wood, included guest cornet soloist Thomas Nielsen (pictured).

The evening, entitled Music For Everyone, was arranged by Roger Gadsden, a member of the church and solo horn player in the band. The varied programme started with ‘Praise’ and con cluded with ‘How Great Thou Art’. A generous response to the charity appeal raised £419 for Christians Against Poverty. – P. W.

Stuart Townend presents concertSALE

AN appreciative audience welcomed Christian songwriter and composer Stuart Townend to a concert at the corps which was also a workshop.

Beginning with ‘Across The Lands’, Stuart went on to present some of his other songs and explained the reasons behind them. He led the congregation through times of joyous praise and reflective meditation and concluded with ‘In Christ Alone’. – A. D.

At Droitwich Spa Shirley Green and Captain Jenny Forman

present Bob James (Operation Christmas Child) with

89 shoeboxes for the appeal

North Scotland Divisional Advisory Council meets in Aberdeen for the first time in 20 years; the

group represents people from all areas of the division including the islands

Fruitful campaign leads to commitmentsMIRFIELD

THE two-week Give to Grow programme proved to be spiritu-ally and financially fruitful as two corps folk decided to make commitments into adherent membership and soldiership and others refreshed their commitments.

At the final Sunday morning meeting people knelt at the mercy seat after bringing their pledges to the altar and many offered powerful and encourag-

ing testimonies. Corps officers Captains Ian and Sandy Davis are pictured with (left to right) Give to Grow advisers Hilton

Baker and Richard Whitmore and Give to Grow Co-ordinator Major Malcolm Hampton (THQ). – J. L.

NEWS


Youngest cradle roll member

Samuel Williams helps No 1

on the roll Violet Jennings to

cut the cake at Leek’s

125th corps anniversary tea;

Lieut-Colonels Geoff and

Heather Blurton led the

weekend meetings

Newcastle City Temple Band is joined by Tyne Tees Television presenter Pam Royle for the switching

on of the Christmas lights at Eldon Square; presenter Ian Payne also supported the event, which

was to be transmitted in the evening news programmes and throughout the Christmas season

Carolling starts early for Tunstall Band at Wyevale garden

centre, Bridgemere

Band pays tribute to retired bandmasterMARGATE

LONDON South-East Divi-sional Youth Band visited under the leadership of their new bandmaster, David Lockwood (Chatham). Captain Lynne Clifton accompanied the band in her final engagement as divi-sional youth officer.

The band opened the meeting with Ray Steadman-Allen’s ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’ and Captain Clifton interviewed several members of the band. Tribute was also made to the band’s previous band-master, Paul Graham (Croydon), who was present.

The afternoon programme featured a variety of styles, including ‘Godspell’, ‘Grace Alone’, ‘Daniel’, and the tenor horn solo ‘Demelza’ superbly played by Ross Graham (Croydon). – C. C.

STOCKTON: A week of wor -ship led by corps officers Majors Keith and Rosemarie Williams followed the theme Building Altars. Guest speakers included Captain Howard Russell (DHQ) and Major John Ager (Middles-brough Citadel). A Spirit-filled and challenging week of worship included prayer, testimony and a shared meal. – B. C.

Corps supports night of prayerCARDIFF CANTON

A NIGHT of prayer and reflec-tion focusing particularly on the young people was supported by corps members of all ages, either at the hall or at home. Prayer stations at the hall featured different groups of young people, their names and the challenges they face. During the night numerous prayers and thoughts were written down and placed within each prayer station.

At a Kids Alive! open day the following morning, contacts were made with young families and some children brought friends along. Each child received infor-mation about the corps, the Army and Christian children’s activity material. – G. W.

Festive season beginsSOLIHULL

THE West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Band took part in a Christmas Songs Of Praise at Solihull Arts Centre, featuring several local musicians. The actor Andrew Cullum contributed two Christmas soliloquies. As well as accompanying the carols, the band contributed two Christmas marches, ‘Festive Season’ and ‘Christmas Praise’. – D. B.

RAYLEIGH: Leighton Buzzard YP Band and Singing Company, accompanied by the host YP music sections, thrilled corps folk with testimonies and accom-plished music contributions. Their love for Jesus shone through in everything they did. – A. B.

ANGLIA: Thirty-four children enjoyed fun and games at the divisional sleepover Go Bananas party. Under the theme Shine Like Stars, the children partici-pated in creative Bible teaching, worship, crafts, sports and mak -ing ice-cream sundaes. – M. W.

SHERBURN HILL: The corps cadets supported Captain Scott Linnett (Llanelli) when he led youth Sunday at the corps. They also presented a pro -gramme at the ladies fellow ship.

A visit by Chester-le-Street Band brought encouragement with a programme that included vocal, flute and trombone solo-ists and a euphonium duet. – H. E./D. E.

SKEWEN: The corps hosted the divisional Faith In Focus meeting, entitled Who Do You Think You Are? Major Susan Jones (DHQ) led the meeting and discussed Believers, Brothers, Saints and Disciples. The songsters sang ‘You Are The Light’ and the band played a selection from ‘They Need Christ’. – S. L.

NEWS


Guests participate in praise concertGREENOCK

GUESTS Susanne Dymott (vocal, Staines), David Hender-son, Philip Henderson (piano and euphonium respectively, Clyde bank) and Brian Allan (piano, Bellshill) delighted the congregation with an Autumn Praise evening concert. Corps officer Captain Alistair Mann brought a devotional thought about Change. On Sunday, the guest musicians contributed ‘Moment By Moment’ and ‘Compelled By Love’, after which Captain Lucy Mann shared thoughts on The Secret Place. – A. M.

Community project dedicated to GodBERWICK

THE corps has opened Harvest-field, an environmentally friendly furniture recycling and commu-nity project that provides afford-able furniture, clothing and other items. The project will help to create sustainable employ ment in the community and will work with the Criminal Justice Service. At the dedication cere-mony supported by Hawick Band and the host songsters, Divisional Comman der Major Carol Bailey led a prayer of dedi-cation and cut the ribbon. – C. S.

Colonels lead anniversary meetingsPENARTH

THE divisional youth chorus brought a joyful start to Saturday evening corps anniversary cele-brations. Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton and Colonel Sylvia Hinton (THQ) led the Sunday meetings. The newly formed anniversary choir (pictured with corps officer Captain Steve Mayo) and band featured through out the day. – C. P.

Football and faithABERTILLERY

FORMER West Bromwich Albion player Cyrille Regis (pictured with Divisional Commander Major Derek Jones) visited the corps and shared the story of how he was saved. He acknowledged the help his family had received from the Army. – A. B.

Youth share positive testimony

COWDENBEATH

LIEUTENANT Gavin Friday (DHQ) led the youth weekend which began with a well-attended Saturday night café church and talent show. On Sunday morning, the young people shared positive testimony; the afternoon Messy Church brought together young people and adults to learn about God through arts and crafts. – L. W.

Jack Webb, who recently

celebrated his 100th

birthday, still supports

the Army paper sales in

Boston. Corps members

and friends attended his

birthday celebration

at the hall and

acknowledged his years

of service

NEWS


Sainsbury’s Store Manager Nick Wynne and colleagues donate

£1,000 to Milton Keynes Central, their nominated charity of

the year

West Midlands Divisional Fellowship Band presents Songs of

Praise at the Garrick Theatre, Lichfield

Corps celebrates 130 yearsRUGBY

FORMER corps officers Com -missioners Robert and Janet Street (IHQ) are pictured cutting the celebration cake during the 130th corps anniversary.

Saturday afternoon rehearsals for the evening celebration by the band, songsters and worship group included former members of the corps. Commissioner Robert Street presented Songster Leader Albert Wright with a retire-ment certificate recognising 37 years’ faithful service. – G. J.

Corps celebrates anniversaryBELLSHILL

GARY Robb (New Addington) and Major Karen Robb (SISTAD) led the 117th corps anniversary celebrations. The YP band and singing company, along with Kirkcaldy Songsters, ministered throughout the weekend. On Sunday the corps launched a talent and pledge scheme in support of the new building programme. – M. S.

STAPLEFORD: A joyful African Praise Sunday included an afternoon united church ser -vice. £1,235 was raised for Chik-ankata Mission, Zambia. – E. S.

Supported by CSM Jim Gardner and Divisional Envoy John Vale,

Dan Byles MP visits Bedworth’s Employment Plus programme

and meets jobseekers

Divisional Commander Major David Jackson and corps officer

Captain Allister Versfeld meet Stewart Jackson MP when he

visits The Good Neighbours community scheme at Peterborough

Citadel

Busy weekend for visiting band

THE NETHERLANDS AND CZECH REPUBLIC

NORWICH Citadel Band’s weekend in the territory began with a visit to Territorial Headquarters in Almere and then on to the opening of a home for mothers and children at Zeewolde. In the evening the band (pictured) presented an open-air concert in Harderwijk.

The following day the band went to Goodwillburgh, a Salvation Army sheltered housing complex, and led a programme for residents. Remaining engagements were at Amsterdam West Corps with a

Carol concert to be webcastTHQ

FOR the first time the annual THQ carol concert at 9 am on Thursday 20 December will be webcast to enable Salvationists and friends to share in this Christmas celebration.

The programme will include Bible readings read live via Skype from other territories, participation by THQ personnel in the band and singing group and by children whose parents work in the Special Events Unit.

The service will also be on the THQ website salvationarmy.org.uk/THQCarols – A. R.

Residents record a rap

SPRINGFIELD LODGE

RESIDENTS have recorded a rap in tribute to their Lifehouse. Available on YouTube, the rap ‘Feels Like I Made It’ celebrates the rebuilt and modernised Lifehouse in Southwark, which offers a new start for young homeless people.

They used the Bare Beats music studio at the Lifehouse to record the rap.

Centre Manager Ivan Congreve says: ‘We’re so proud of our young people and how they are working hard to trans-form their lives.

‘Our young guys can thrive and develop friendships and social skills among their own peer group, through the medium of music.’ – A. R.

NEWS


SATCoL receives industry awardLONDON

SALVATION Army Trading Company Limited (SATCoL) received a top accolade in recent industry awards at the Lancaster Hotel. The Retail Systems Awards 2012 cited SATCoL, in partnership with its systems provider Azurri, for an award in the IT Project of the Year category, alongside high profile retail names such as Tesco, John Lewis Partnership, the

Post Office and The Entertainer.SATCoL received the highly

commended award for the implementation of its new Electronic Point of Sale (EPoS) system, designed to capture information under the Retail Gift Aid scheme and to run its customer loyalty scheme. The system incorporates touch screen technology in each of SATCoL’s 146 shops, directly linked to a central information system.

Finance Director Beverley Phillips commented: ‘This project has been an outstanding success. The benefits are the ease

of use for our shop staff and volunteers, access to key data via the internet and the valuable funds it helps us to raise through Gift Aid donations’. SATCoL has already generated an addi-tional £100,000 of funds since implementation earlier this year.

Pictured receiving the award from Miles Jupp are Managing Director Trevor Caffull, Jamie Petrie (Azurri), Head of Retail Operations Nick Morton and Chairman and Secretary for Business Administration Lieut-Colonel Ivor Telfer (THQ). – T. C.

TUNSTALL: Major Valerie Mylechreest (THQ) led adult and family ministries weekend. The congregation participated in a prayer chain and the youngest member knelt at the holiness table. During the ladies rally, recognition was given to Major Margaret Farrant’s years of service as home league secretary. – M. H.

Saturday concert and Sunday morning worship led by Major Richard Welch (IHQ) with prayer and testimony by Tom Grimshaw and Michael Grimshaw, respectively. A short concert followed in which Alex Gibson (cornet) contributed ‘Zelda’. – D. F.

TOTTENHAM: Filling the Gap N15 community café celebrated its first week with an afternoon of family fun. The café, the idea of Haringey residents Renee Taylor and Kate King, is run by volun-teers and provides meals using surplus supermarket food. – L. P.

LETTERS


IN PURSUIT OF TRUTH

THANK you for inviting readers to respond to the Rev Graham Hellier’s article ‘In pursuit of truth’ (Salvationist 3 November), which I found most interesting. Whether one agrees with his observations or not, he makes some very interesting points – not least of which is that spiritual death is a serious issue which ‘the gospel tackles by pointing to the nature of God’s love as disclosed in Jesus’.

Incidentally, when I was studying for my GCE O-level Scripture knowledge examination in the 1960s, the group’s teacher, Mr Blower, a part-time Baptist minister, gave us a new insight into the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. He explained that it would have been highly unlikely for people at that time, intending to go out for the day, not to take with them some sort of picnic. Granted there would have been many people who had not originally planned to go and listen to Jesus preaching and teaching for the day but who found themselves, for whatever reasons, caught up in the day’s events.

Mr Blower then went on to suggest to us that those with food were encouraged to share with those who would otherwise have gone hungry. A miracle indeed! Food for thought which has remained with me and never ceased to remind me of a God who ‘specialises in things thought impossible’.

Also, congratulations to all the team on the new look to Salvationist.

Eileen Goldsworthy,Poole

MORE ON FYNNFURTHER to the letter ‘Moved and proud’ (Salvationist 10 November), it might be of interest to readers to know that Private James Henry Fynn was a Salvationist at Abertillery before enlisting in the South Wales Borderers for war service.

Employment in the coalmines of South Wales was an attraction for thousands of men from England and Private Fynn came to Abertillery to work. An army

recruiting team came to the colliery where he worked and he signed up there and then. His war service brought him the Victoria Cross and his name is recorded on a Roll of Honour displayed in Abertillery corps hall. His name is also inscribed on the town cenotaph. The VC is on display at Bodmin museum.

Alan Bowd,Abertillery

DON’T LOSE THE PLOTEXTENSIVE research – I’ve asked lots of people! – has revealed the not-surprising fact that the general public like to hear the carols they know, love and expect from our bands. To forget this is to forget our mission. Out of 115 carols my survey showed a list of 31 tunes as ‘yes’, while the ‘no’ list of 84 was met with comments like, ‘Never heard of it’ and ‘That’s not a Christmas carol!’, etc.

Let us give people what they understand to be carols and not what we like. Of course, a tune requested by a member of the public must be played if possible – as with the gentleman Santa mentioned in a recent letter (Salvationist 27 October) who asked for ‘Who Is He?’

So, when we are out there carolling let’s stick to the tried and trusted favourites – there are enough of them – and not ‘lose the plot’.

Alan Rowe,Wootton Bridge,Isle of Wight

Readers sending letters by email should include their name, full rank if applicable and full postal address

Not all letters can be printed Please remember, letters for

publication in Salvationist should be carefully thought out, logically presented and charitably expressed

The Editor reserves the right to edit letters or print extracts

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

WHERE ARE THESE TREASURES?

I HAVE had for a while, the urge to write with concern about items from old corps and centres long closed down.

Some years ago while serving in Catterick Red Shield Club, my husband and I were given trust of the only Naval and Military League flag, in perfect condition. This was accompanied by the visitors’ book from the war years. This book contained comments by Salvationists who had passed through the garrison to war and included many well-known names.

An officer couple, who lived in London, visited the centre, so I gave them these treasures for the archives but somehow they were mislaid. I am now retired and would like to see these items sent to the archives.

If anyone knows of their whereabouts, would you please return them?

Margaret Kinsey,Major,Catterick Village

HELP NEEDED FOR OUR ANNIVERSARY

WE are presently celebrating the 50th anniversary of the band at Cirencester, which still includes three of the original members.

Retired Corps Secretary Peter Grace has recorded some of his more humorous memories on the corps website (cirensalvationarmy.btik.com). We are, however, attempting to produce a more detailed and comprehensive account. Our main problem is that, being a small corps, there has rarely been anyone available to record anything, as they have been involved in the activity.

If anyone has any photographs, documents or reminiscences, we would be pleased to receive them by email at [email protected] or at my address below. Thank you.

Michael Grace,86 Chesterton Lane,Cirencester GL7 1YD

FEATURE


BEFORE Christmas Eve in the Hunger Winter of 1944 life had been extremely dangerous for a young corps officer couple. Many hongertrekkers, people

wanted by the authorities and onderduikers had been fed and helped in their corps hall*. The chance of betrayal by some neighbours living very close by had made their work doubly stressful. The officers were stationed in a small town close to the German border where a large bend in the railway tracks meant the trains had to slow down. This was the last chance for any young Dutchman being deported as forced labour to escape.

As if directed by some invisible hand many of those who jumped the train arrived at the doors of The Salvation Army. Those who had been travelling for days in dirty cattle wagons were not only filthy but also covered with all kinds of bugs.

Inside the hall, buckets of cold water were brought down from the upstairs quarters and put into tin baths. Large wet white sheets were placed next to the baths to catch the ongedierte (bugs and vermin). Having washed with a special kind of soap provided by a family doctor and reclothed, the men sat on the floor in the long corridor leading to the quarters kitchen where the captain’s wife prepared the meal.

The hongertrekkers were generally in much better shape and cleaner than the men from the trains, so were obliged only to wash their hands before eating.

One such hongertrekker, a well-dressed woman from The Hague, arrived with her two daughters aged 17 and 19. It was dark. They had seen a light burning in the hall. Because the meal had already been served the mother asked whether her daughters might be allowed to lick out the large empty pan in which there had been a meal of potatoes, carrots and onions

known as hutspot. The captain’s wife agreed and with the finger on which she wore her wedding ring the woman drew a line through the middle of the pan. Each young woman had half of the scrapings.

Sometimes in the evening darkness three knocks on a wall with the heel of a shoe would be heard signalling that a guide had come to whisk the escapees from the train away to a safe address. An hour later the three knocks would be heard again saying that all was well and everyone was hidden.

A doctor, various farmers, neighbours, women from the home league and Salvationists were all part of a broad network that kept on making sure there was some food, soap and clothing for the passing guests.

Though the German authorities had cut off the gas and electricity supplies the father of one Salvationist had, with a little ‘creativity’, magically reconnected the hall to both power sources. Even so, most of the cooking was done on a small, rather precarious stove.

No one who arrived was ever asked their name nor where they were from. Their religious beliefs, if any, were of no significance either. It was safer that way. Mrs captain called them all ‘Mister’. The captains never heard from any of them ever again.

During the afternoon of Christmas Eve 1944 around 12 young men aged between 19 and 30 were the only ones left in the hall from all those who had been helped the day before and on the morning of the 24th.

For Christmas Eve the long table in the kitchen had been prepared. The men were sitting on long benches either side of it and the captain and his wife were together at its head. Tonight it was

The candlestickOnly with the promise that their names would never be revealed, two retired officers recorded an interview with Ron Thomlinson more than 20 years ago about a miraculous Christmas during the Second World War

mashed potatoes and carrots. The captain, as usual, started the meal with a prayer after which Mrs captain always served the meal for her guests. Letting nearly starving people help themselves was too risky. She had a special spoon for this sacrament, ensuring that everyone received the same amount. A few tiny wax candles provided some small light to eat by.

Following the meal the moment arrived for the captain to read the Christmas story from the Bible. But he had to wait; his wife needed to collect something.

Mrs captain’s grandmother had been born on a farm in 1851 and had bought a candlestick from a pedlar when 16 years old. In May 1923 her grandfather had died and because grandma could not bear to be alone, Mrs captain, then 15 years old, had to share an upstairs bedroom with her grandmother. That candlestick was there every night holding the candle – their only source of light.

After grandma died in 1936 Mrs captain was given the candlestick with a new candle in it by her father. She had just become an officer and her father had sent it to her. That candlestick and candle were on a sideboard and the candle had never been lit.

Remembering her grandma, Mrs captain placed the candlestick on the table in front of her husband and lit the candle. On Christmas Eve 1944 the Salvation Army captain read the Christmas story to 12 nameless, homeless men by the light of a candle in a very precious candlestick. The officer’s wife had been saving it for a special occasion.

The men had spontaneously folded their hands whilst they listened. The captain prayed again followed by some general chatter. Then came three knocks on the wall. Three men had arrived to take their fellow Dutchmen to safety. In total darkness and silence small groups left by the front and back doors, disappearing into the night. For the captains there was always a great sense of relief when the men had safely left the street.

When all was cleared away and in its rightful place, Mrs captain told her husband that if people appeared on the doorstep the next day – Christmas Day – he would have to turn them away: there

was no more food, not even a potato. There was only one small piece of bread. Her husband replied that she was tired, should go to sleep and leave that to ‘up there’.

At 7.30 on Christmas morning there was a knock on the door. A farmer with a

horse and cart was standing there with two great baskets of potatoes, red and white cabbage and fresh milk in a bottle.

‘It’s for Mrs captain,’ said the farmer in his strong dialect. ‘My wife says that she has so many people to feed.’

As if sent by that same invisible hand,

an hour later hungry people were again knocking on the captains’ door and there was enough food to feed them.

* The Dutch Famine of 1944 is known in the

Netherlands as the Hongerwinter (Hunger Winter).

Many thousands of Dutch starved to death in

particularly terrible winter conditions.

Hongertrekkers were those who either walked or

cycled from the more densely populated west of the

country to the east and the north of the land in the

hope of buying food from the farmers for

themselves and their families. Onderduikers were

those who went into hiding for long periods to avoid

being arrested by the police or German occupying

forces.


‘‘

ON CHRISTMAS EVE 1944 THE SALVATION ARMY CAPTAIN READ THE CHRISTMAS STORY TO 12 NAMELESS, HOMELESS MEN BY THE LIGHT OF A CANDLE IN A VERY PRECIOUS CANDLESTICK ’’

RON LIVES IN THE NETHERLANDS

FEATURE


CAROLS CATCH A STARErnie Young tells how he met a young trumpet player and invited him to the Army SUNDAY afternoon, 4 January 2009, was very cold. The band had been invited by the Manchester Diocese to take part in an Epiphany walk from St Ann’s Square to Manchester Cathedral. It was also requested that, before the walk, the band should play some carols near the entrance to St Ann’s church.

As I was conducting a carol, I became aware of a young man listening to the music. When the music stopped, the listener approached me and asked which corps we were from. I gathered from his question that this young man had at least some Army link and I asked if he was a Salvationist.

He told me he had family members at Staple Hill Corps in Bristol. He had been involved as a youngster but did not continue with his membership. I asked him what he was doing in Manchester and he explained he was at the Royal Northern College of Music studying brass. On hearing this, I invited him to come along to a band rehearsal. We gave the young man directions to the corps and a contact telephone number.

Two Sundays later, I was on the platform with the band when someone whispered to me that the young man we had met was in the meeting. During the offering I went down to where our friend was seated and welcomed him. After the meeting I again invited him to have fellowship and suggested he should come to a band rehearsal.

The young man was Alistair Campbell and, yes, he did come to a band practice and he very quickly joined in with the teenagers in our corps fellowship. Studies permitting, Alistair regularly attended rehearsals and Sunday worship. In the spring of 2010 Alistair decided to become a soldier and was enrolled as a member of the corps. His prowess as a cornet player was instantly displayed and very soon he was a featured soloist on band programmes. Conducting was also one of his studies at college and he was given opportunities to rehearse the band; it was quickly noticed that he was a very good band trainer.

‘‘

I WAS ON THE PLATFORM WITH THE BAND WHEN SOMEONE WHISPERED TO ME THAT THE YOUNG MAN WE HAD MET WAS IN THE MEETING ’’

Alistair completed his studies this summer and, as a last segment of his course, was required to present a final recital to which several of the band and friends were invited. My wife Ann and I were privileged to be present for the event.

In the first part of the recital Alistair was featured on trumpet playing ‘Suite In D’ by George Frederick Handel, followed by a more humorous item ‘Animal Ditties’ by Anthony Plog. This item involved piano accompaniment and a narrator for the four movements of this unusual descriptive piece.

Turning to the cornet, Alistair displayed his versatility. He played ‘Mary, Did You Know?’, originally a Christmas choral number by Buddy Greene arranged for cornet. The RNCM Brass accompanied Alistair in his last two solos, both of which were composed or arranged by Salvationists: ‘Caprice For Cornet’ by William Himes and Ray Bowes’ haunting arrangement of ‘David Of The White Rock’.

It was a privilege and pleasure to attend Alistair’s recital. Alistair has now received an honours degree as a Bachelor

of Music and has a performance diploma.Something else I found out about Alistair: from 2001 to

2004 he was a boy chorister at Bristol Cathedral.I’m so glad our band was playing carols in St Ann’s Square

that day!

RETIRED BANDMASTER YOUNG IS CORPS PRESS REPRESENTATIVE, SALE

BIBLE STUDY

IN Mallorca, as with any corps, the time before Christmas is hectic, with the delicate balance of family life and seasonal preparations. However, unlike many corps within the UK, we do not have a band or a

carolling programme.I believe, though, that Spain has an

advantage over the UK when it comes to Christmas. There is a separation between Christmas Day and the giving of gifts, which takes place on Twelfth Night (6 January). The Dia de Reyes, as it is called, is a major festival where floats are paraded and the people on them throw sweets to the children. The floats are replicas of the traditional three kings, which are paraded with all the pageantry that would make Disney proud.

Keeping Christmas and the exchange of gifts separate helps to keep the focus on what Christmas is all about – the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

In Mallorca we have a twofold ministry to two different ethnic groups: one Spanish, made up primarily of South Americans, and the other being the expat community. All this is combined with managing staff, running shops and the different corps ministries – yet in the height of this busyness and the build-up to Christmas, God teaches us all an important lesson. He says: ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10 New International Version). I believe that God has a sense of humour! As The Salvation Army, we have to go and do this and that, help the poor and needy, organise different parties for the parent-and-toddler and Cameo groups and organise and order the food for Christmas Day meals.

(Trying to get Brussels sprouts in Spain isn’t easy!) We also have the carol services to arrange. While doing all this, we try not to neglect our children.

In the height of this busyness we can forget why we do what we do. William Booth was so right when he spoke about soap, soup and then salvation. We meet people’s physical needs but then need to remember to have the energy and time to meet the spiritual

needs, or we become just another charity doing good. We must remember to be still and know that God is God.

The Message puts this verse of the psalm wonderfully: ‘Step out of the traffic.’ We must remember as we journey on the road of life that we need to stop and rest – to know and recharge ourselves.

General John Gowans (Retired) once said: ‘The Salvation Army is very good at doing, but not so good at being.’ We need to be still more often, listen to that still small voice of the Almighty, and then say: ‘Thank you, Lord, for listening and allowing me to be with you.’ This is

being in communion with God. We then have the right motive and energy to do what God wants, and to promote and build his Kingdom here on earth.

The build-up and work generally stop after an exhausting Christmas Day, where we are so tired that we might fail to enjoy the miracle of Christmas.

Spain has the advantage of keeping Christmas as a family day – a day where the family goes to church or just spends time together without the commercialisation or the exchanging of gifts.

This year, allow Christmas to be special. Allow yourself time to be still and enjoy knowing that God is God. This Christmas, give yourself the gift of quality time with God. Remember, it’s his birthday!

TO CONSIDER At Christmas we spend many hours

doing work, but how long do we spend with God, the director of our work?

At Christmas we spend lots of money on gifts for people, but what do we give Jesus, the ‘birthday boy’?


Step out of the trafficCaptain David McCaw-Aldworth presents the third in a series of studies for Advent written by four UK officers serving overseas

‘‘

THIS CHRISTMAS, GIVE YOURSELF THE GIFT OF QUALITY TIME WITH GOD. REMEMBER, IT’S HIS BIRTHDAY! ’’

CAPTAIN DAVID MCCAW-ALDWORTH IS CORPS

OFFICER, MALLORCA

NEW COMMITMENTS


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1. HANNAH JONES Soldier ABERDEEN CITADEL HANNAH was enrolled by corps officer Captain Matthew Bennett. She attends the corps with her family and testified: ‘This is where God wants me to be and where he wants me to serve.’ She is proud to wear her uniform and to witness to her love for the Lord. – M. R.

2. MARY COX Soldier POKESDOWNMARY is an inspiration to everyone with her strong, unwavering faith in God and determination to cope with increasing health problems. During a meeting she felt God calling her to give more of herself so she decided to become a soldier. She was enrolled by corps officer Major Christine Whittingham. – S. L.

3. BERRI MUNN Soldier CARDIFF CATHAYSMOVING to Cardiff to study at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Berri found a spiritual home at the corps. She testified how the Lord opened up a path for her and played her violin to a delighted congregation. Berri, the first new soldier at the corps in nine years, was surrounded by family who travelled from Hampshire to witness her enrolment by corps officer Major Hendrik Hoitinga. – H. H.

4. CLAIRE HALE Adherent member REGENT HALLCLAIRE was invited to attend meetings by a friend who plays in the band. She enjoyed the style of meetings and fellowship and started to attend regularly. She decided to make a commitment to the corps and was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Major Pat Brown. – J. A.

5. – 8. MATT EMERY, TERESA BATEMAN, ELIZABETH ELLIS, IAN ELLIS Adherent members STOCKTONDIVISIONAL Commander Major Darrell Thomas welcomed four new adherent members.

Matt and Teresa were introduced to the Army by a Salvationist friend. They thoroughly enjoy the fellowship and decided to take this step in order to be of service to the corps.

Ian and Elizabeth started attending the meetings because it was the nearest church to their home. They settled into the fellowship quickly after a warm welcome. Their new commitments reflect their wish to publicly show their love for the Lord and their desire to serve him. – B. C.

9. – 12. FREYA BINGE, JASMINE MORLEY, HARRY KEEGAN, JONAH OZANNE Junior soldiers FELIXSTOWEA CAPACITY congregation witnessed the enrolment of four junior soldiers by corps officer Captain Richard Waters. Cousins Freya and Jasmine attend the meetings with their grandma, and Harry and Jonah attend with their parents. They are all looking forward to joining the singing company and Harry and Jonah are learning to play brass instruments. – R. W.

13. JOEL GRIFFIN, EMMA HARRIS Soldiers LEEDS WEST HUNSLETHAVING grown up at the corps, Joel testified that his decision for soldiership will enable him to become more involved in the corps by renewing his spiritual bond with God. His desire to spread the word and to see Jesus reflected in him resounded with words found in Isaiah 40:31.

Emma testified to how she has become aware of the presence of God, quoting the chorus: ‘I’m In His Hands’. Her father, Major Michael Harris, read from 1 Timothy 4 during the enrolment.

Having previously enrolled Joel as a junior soldier, Major Carol Kendall enrolled Joel and Emma as soldiers. – L. M.

14. JANET O’HARA, SAM O’HARA Adherent members MILTON KEYNESSAM and Janet felt welcome at the corps when they first arrived. They testified to feeling like a part of the family and have enjoyed attending the meetings. Janet is also involved in helping at the lunch club. Corps officer Captain Michael Allen welcomed them as adherent members. – M. A.

15. JONATHAN BROADHEAD Adherent member BARNSLEYJONATHAN started attending the corps again when his father was invited to play with the band. Just recently having turned 18 and certain of his faith, he decided to solidify his commitment. Corps officer Captain Vaughan Bovan welcomed Jonathan as an adherent member. – V. B.

16. JOSH DUTFIELD Soldier PENARTHJOSH was enrolled by Chief Secretary Colonel David Hinton during the 130th corps anniversary celebration. Josh testified to the fact that despite completing membership classes some time ago, the celebration weekend was the right time to further his commitment. Josh has had challenging times in his life recently, but holds on to the promise found in Joshua 1:9. – D. M.

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REVIEWS

Major Bruce Tulloch reviews JoystringsChristmas Collection BY my count, out of 60 songs released by the Joystrings on single, EP or LP between 1964 and 1967, 26 were either Christmas carols or original Christmas songs; four comprised an EP and 20 more make up three quarters of their two full-length LPs Well Seasoned and Carols Around The World. All but three are on this CD and eight are original songs.

Of course they’re a mixed bunch – the sleeve notes of Carols Around The World commented that for this band ‘variety is the spice of religious life’. So while carols such as ‘Silent Night’, ‘God Rest You’ and ‘Once In Royal’ are fairly straightforward, ‘We Three Kings’ and ‘O Little Town’ (using the tune ‘House

Of The Rising Sun’) show more imaginative treatment.

The songs from Carols Around The World introduced many British Salvationists to carol traditions other than their own: Basque, Italian, Austrian, black gospel (‘Rise Up, Shepherd’) and Puerto Rican (the comparatively riotous opener ‘Hurry Shepherds’). Meanwhile on Well Seasoned non-Salvationists could discover Arch Wiggins’ ‘Little King Jesus’ from the old Christmas Praise.

But let’s not forget the originals: Joy Webb’s ‘A Starry Night’ of course, long since adopted by schools over the country, and the delicate ‘Such A Tiny Child’. Bill Davidson contributes ‘This Little Boy’, the Dylanesque ‘Just Be Grateful’ and ‘What Dreams Are You Dreaming’ and Peter Dalziel ‘The Only One’ – any of them could enliven many a carol concert today.

Finally, there’s Joy’s jewel which

Major Jane Kimberley reviews A Sackful Of Plays And Poems For Christmas by John Coutts

ALTHOUGH some readers may already be familiar with A Sackful Of Plays And Poems For Christmas written by John Coutts, it’s a resource that’s worth revisiting. There is a wealth of material that can be used in a variety of settings during the Christmas season including personal devotions, meetings and carol services.

The late General John Gowans who contributed the foreword to the enlarged and revised version published in 2008 said: ‘The plays and poetry of John Coutts spring, apparently painlessly, from a well-stocked mind and well-warmed heart. There is humanity and a seeming

simplicity about his verses which puts the reader dangerously at ease. I say “dangerously” because, thus disarmed, the mind is not ready to defend itself from the sometimes piercing message or the new idea that would normally be summarily rejected. We find ourselves

A RESOURCE WORTH REVISITINGsharing insights and experiences with the writer and not just reading about them… I have been a fan of John’s writings for many years and always felt they deserved a wider readership.’

For the first time some of the collection of prayers, songs, poems and reflections for Christmas written by John Coutts over the years can be enjoyed on a CD recorded by John and his wife Heather.

The ‘sackful’ includes a dialogue for Christmas – The Wise Men Interviewed, A Word From The Sceptical Shepherd, A Carol Interrupted, Sing A Song Of Christmas – a nativity play incorporating a roving reporter and A Prayer For Christmas Eve – a reflection on the Incarnation. For more information visit www.johncoutts.info

A Sackful Of Plays And Poems For Christmas (book and CD) costs £12; CD or book only are £8 each from R. G. Publishing, 138 Ladysneuk Road, Stirling FK9 5NR

A CAVALCADE OF ARMY POP CLASSICS

should easily stand alongside Mel Tormé’s ubiquitous ‘Chestnuts’ as a beautiful 20th-century Christmas classic – ‘Christmas Can Be Every Day For You’.

Joystrings Christmas Collection is available from SP&S priced £13.95, plus £2.95 postage and packing

ANNOUNCEMENTS


ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND: UK, Westminster Abbey (Whitehall carol service), Wed 19 Dec

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX)AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: Croydon Citadel (South London Retired Officers Fellowship),

Fri 4 Jan 2013 William Booth College (spiritual day), Wed 9 ICO, Th 10

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: Westminster Abbey (Whitehall carol service), Wed 19 Dec

COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: UK, Westminster Abbey (Whitehall carol service), Wed 19 Dec

COMMISSIONERS ROBERT AND JANET STREET: UK, Hemel Hempstead (morn), Sun 16 Dec

ARMY PEOPLELOCAL OFFICER APPOINTED

SL Paul Hunter, Leeds Central

MARRIAGESBandsman Peter Howlett to Songster Janet Harrold by Captain Allister Versfeld, Bandsman Martin Saxton to Songster Gemma Fincham by Major Jack Lawrance and Lieutenant Rhonda Hayes, both at Felixstowe

DEDICATED TO GODLukas John Sebastiaan, son of John and Wendy Cousins, at Leeds Central by Major Valerie SpiveyAliya, daughter of Iain and Maxine Currie, at Leicester South by Major Lin HerbertOwen Daniel, son of John Dobbs and Lisa Roth, at Middlesbrough Citadel by Major John AgerZahra Tawananyasha, daughter of Tendi and Caroline Mashiri, at Gravesend by Major Pat Carton

BEREAVEDMajor Kathryn (Kate) Carton, Gravesend, June Wyles, Clevedon, Carol Jones, Wrexham, and Sally Sutton-Thompson of their mother Maureen Sutton-ThompsonJune Worth, Cardiff Canton, of her husband Alan, Major Lindsay Brevitt, Poole, Graham Worth, Cardiff Canton and Helen Enchelmaier of their fatherArchie Cooper, Margate, of his wife MargaretDenise Blake of her husband Dennis, Mary White of her mother Margaret McCarron, both Staple Hill

RETIRED OFFICERSBirthday congratulations:

Major Daphne Brown (85 on 21 December)

ON THE AIRReal Radio Yorkshire (106–108 FM and online at www.realradioyorkshire.co.uk): Musicians from Barnsley will be playing on Real Radio Breakfast (6–9 am) on Friday 21 December

BBC Radio Surrey (104–104.6 FM): Woking Band will be taking part in Sunday Breakfast (7–9 am) on Sunday 23 December

Commissioner William Rivers (85 on 22 December)Commissioner Arthur Thompson (80 on 23 December)Mrs Major Hilda Dallas (85 on 25 December)Brigadier Edward Clack (100 on 27 December)Major Joan Corner (85 on 27 December)

PROMOTED TO GLORYMrs Major Una Nevin from London on 2 DecemberMajor Frederick Smith from Chesterfield on 3 DecemberBrigadier Alma Seward from Cheltenham on 5 DecemberDorothy Langlois, St Peter Port

General John Gowans from South London on 8 December. General John Gowans, The

Salvation Army’s international leader from 1999 to 2002, will be remembered for the unique, colourful and larger-than-life personality that he was.

He was passionate about the Army’s fundamental mission, memorably defining it as ‘saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity’. He boldly reformed the conditions of service for officers, in the process surveying every officer in the world. He markedly widened the advisory circle to the General by creating the General’s Consultative Council. He unfailingly challenged his hearers around the world through messages that were vivid, pointed and prophetic.

General John Gowans wrote more than 200 songs many of them originating in the ten musicals he co-authored with General John Larsson. His ministry will also live on through his three books of prayer

poems and his authoring of Words Of Life.

John Gowans was born in Blantyre on 13 November 1934. He entered the International Training College, London in 1954 where he met Cadet Gisèle Bonhotal. They married in 1957 and became parents to John-Marc and Christophe.

John and Gisèle Gowans served as corps officers in the then British Territory for 16 years, held administrative appointments in that territory and also in the USA Western Territory, and were divisional leaders in both of these territories. They served for 11 years in France, in time becoming the territorial leaders. This was followed by territorial leadership of the Australia Eastern and United Kingdom Territories.

We thank God for giving the Army the gift of John Gowans. Our thoughts and prayers are now with Gisèle and the other members of the family.

Commissioner Gisèle Gowans can be contacted via the Retired Officers Unit, Salvation Army THQ, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN.

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

RETIREMENTS FROM ACTIVE SERVICE

Effective 1 December:Major Joan Cooper out of Dereham in 1985 and last appointment Hoxton Major Frieda Pailthorpe out of Clevedon in 1972 and last appointment Counselling Service, THQ

ANDRÉ COX,CommissionerTerritorial Commander

ADVERTISEMENTS

Salvationist 15 December 2012 20-23

Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each daySaturdayThe Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.

(Colossians 1:15 all quotations fromNew International Version)

SundayLet every kindred, every tribe,All nations great and small,To him all majesty ascribe,And crown him Lord of all!

(SASB 56)

MondayAnd he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the

firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.

(Colossians 1:18)

TuesdayCrown him, ye martyrs of our GodWho from his altar call;Extol the power of Jesus’ blood,And crown him Lord of all!

(SASB 56)

WednesdaySince, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

(Colossians 3: 1)

ThursdayLove perfecteth what it begins;Thy power doth save me from my sins;Thy grace upholdeth me.This life of trust, how glad, how sweet;My need and thy great fulness meet,And I have all in thee.

(SASB 741)

FridayHow perfectly, heavenly Father, Jesus reveals you to us! How perfectly he reveals us to ourselves and how wonderfully he opens up our way to you! More than we could ever hope to be is made real through him, and more, much more than we deserve have we received. Thank you for loving us so much. Amen.

Parracombe, Devon. Picture: HOWARD WEBBER

Praying around the world… Canada and BermudaMajor Thomas Moore officially commenced Salvation Army operations in Canada in July 1882, though activity and meetings were reported some months before this. The League of Mercy originated in Canada in 1892. The work in Newfoundland began in 1886 and officers unfurled the flag in Bermuda in 1896. The territory, led by Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, comprises 836 officers, 314 corps, 18,229 soldiers, 40,587 adherent members and 2,520 junior soldiers. An extensive social services programme includes emergency shelters, health services and correctional and justice services. Pray that the territory will provide training in discipleship, prepare soldiers for engagement in mission and seek ways to capitalise on existing opportunities.

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