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SALVATIONIST11 May 2013 // No. 1397 // Price 60p // Also available digitally

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

Pages 12 – 14

CONTENTS

Salvationist 11 May 20132

NEEDED BY FRIDAY 3 MAY 10 AM

3. FROM THE EDITOR

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

5. – 8. NEWSSwitzerland // Dunstable // Swindon Citadel // Leadgate // Dudley // Colchester // Hednesford // THQ // Wollaston // Darlington // Crichton House // Harlow // Staines // Central South // Govan // Honk Kong and Macau Command // London //

8. NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE READING CHALLENGE

9. LETTERS

10. & 11. FEATURETy^ Gobaith offers help and hope

12. – 14. CADETS’ TESTIMONIESA life of fulfilment

15. BIBLE STUDYLive your heart

16. & 17. NEW COMMITMENTS

18. ANNOUNCEMENTSArmy people, engagements and tributes

19. REVIEWISB120 – The Story

20. – 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

5. 6.

7.

19.

Salvationist 11 May 2013 3

ORDINARY AND EXTRAORDINARYIT will be 40 years in September since I packed my bags for the International Training College to commence the adventure of Salvation Army officership. As a cadet, at the tender age of 21, my aspirations were high, I mightn’t have had much experience of life, but I firmly believed that God had called me to be a Salvation Army officer. Of course at that stage my only impression of what this meant came from what I had seen – my corps officers and fond childhood memories of my retired officer grandfather. I saw people who cared, who were different or ‘set apart’ in lifestyle and who earned respect through the people they were and the lives they lived. The picture has developed considerably since and yet those early images have always remained strong.

Even though sessions of cadets today may be smaller in number, God still calls, because the Army needs officers, and people continue to respond. Territorial Candidates Secretary Major Mark Herbert, at the conclusion of his Bible study on page 15, urges ‘pick up your calling from God and run with it’.

With Candidates Sunday (12 May) in mind, four cadets share their testimonies on pages 12 to 14. I was particularly interested to read what Ben Selfe had to say about strange and exciting experiences that are all part of God’s calling – the ordinary and extraordinary side by side.

Staff at Ty Gobaith Lifehouse, Cardiff (pages 10 and 11), recognise the importance of doing ordinary things well. They know that for someone who feels lost and rejected, even walking into a Lifehouse may seem a daunting experience. However, it can be the first step on the road to a new life and therefore the welcome they receive is

important. Residents’ needs are often complex; some, in their desperation, may be suicidal or might self-harm. Manager Lee Ball, with input from other centres, has drawn up a harm reduction strategy. True to its name, the Lifehouse is a place of hope where miracles happen.

On the subject of amazing things, although it’s almost two years since ISB120, the events at the Royal Albert Hall and along The Mall are still etched on the hearts and minds of those who attended. In a review of ISB120 – The Story, General John Larsson (Retired) refers to the book as ‘a magnificent record of a magnificent event’ (page 20).

So much of the ministry of Jesus was spent with ordinary people in their everyday lives. But every now and then he gave them a glimpse of the extraordinary. The same is true today. I’m glad that I picked up God’s calling and that I’m still running with it!

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

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ADVERTISING (tel) 020 7367 4883 (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

MORE CHOOSE RELIGIOUS LIFEThe number of people entering religious life in England and Wales has risen to its highest level in almost 15 years…

The National Office for Vocation… announced… that 53 men and women opted to become nuns, monks and friars in 2012, an increase of almost 20 in one year. The figure is the highest since 1996…

The increase… continues an upward trend since 2004, when vocations were at their lowest…

Fr Christopher Jamison, the director of the national vocation office, said: ‘I think the rise in numbers reflects a change in approach by many religious communities: rather than trying to recruit them, they are now reaching out to young people and helping them to discover their vocation.’........................................................... The Tablet

PAPERS


THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

Eighteen-month-old Annabelle intently reads her copy of Kids Alive! at the parent-and-toddler group at Knottingley. 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

‘NOMINALS’ ARE THE CHURCH’S HIDDEN STRENGTHThe Church of England’s mission strategies and investment of energy assume that churches and churchgoers are its main resources. But a significant new survey offers a broader answer. It suggests that non-churchgoing Anglicans may be much more important to the Church and its future than the dismissive word ‘nominals’ implies…

They may not want to join a congregation, but this does not mean that they are necessarily less Christian or less Anglican. Many are loyal to the Church, grateful for its place in society and committed to its welfare.Church Times

DREAM OF JESUS COMES TRUE FOR IRANIAN COUPLEChristian television programming in Farsi made Jesus a reality for an Iranian man, his wife and five friends.

The man, K, says: ‘I was raised in a strict religious family… Once I had a dream of Jesus, which seemed real, but I didn’t think much about it.’

As he was watching television one day, K came across SAT-7 PARS, the channel headed up by CMS mission partner Sara Afshari, which broadcasts Jesus-centred programmes…

‘I heard the name Jesus. I remembered my dream and became a regular viewer. Eventually I realised that Jesus was the way’…

‘People in Iran are coming to know Jesus,’ said Sara.Church Times

NEWS


General challenges congregationsSWITZERLAND

DURING a three-day visit to Switzerland, General Linda Bond implored Salvationists and friends to live holy lives. While in the country, the General led officers meetings in Berne, preached at a number of events, met with ecumenical leaders, gave several interviews and visited a Salvation Army hostel in Zurich.

At a public service in Berne Cathedral the General encour-aged the congregation of around seven hundred people to stand up for Christ. Music items by a united choir from Thun and Berne Corps Band enhanced the service.

At the traditional Bernese Museum Night event later that day, the General addressed a large crowd at the Salvation Army museum. Visitors asked many questions, including some about her daily activities as General and how she had been elected.

On Saturday the General attended the Congress in Payerne, in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. She called upon the congregation of around six hundred to pray for awaken-ing and told them: ‘The Salvation Army should be a place of purity where all people find acceptance.’

Many people present respon-ded to their international lead-er’s call to put things right with God.

One of the music, song and dance groups that took part in the Congress was Takasa (formerly known as Heilsarmee), which will represent Switzerland at the Eurovision Song Contest in May. The group performed its song, ‘You And Me’.

In the afternoon, at a meeting with church leaders, the General spoke about the challenges faced by the Body of Christ in the 21st century, particularly secularism and financial restrictions in times of crisis. She encouraged

the leaders representing six denominations and church asso-ciations to embrace the vision of each denomination being part of a jigsaw puzzle in which each piece is needed to complete the picture. In a question-and-answer time she emphasised the need to address human needs holistically. ‘However,’ she added, ‘we must not allow our social work to be isolated from our witnessing for Christ and will forego financial support from governments where it prevents us from proclaiming the gospel.’

During the evening youth event General Bond encouraged her listeners to dedicate their whole life to Jesus Christ.

At the beginning of the meet-ing at Zurich Central Corps on Sunday, the young people greeted the General with a rap: ‘We will, we will greet you.’ The General thanked the young people and told them: ‘Don’t let anyone tell you that you are the Army of tomorrow – you are the Army of today!’ Zurich Central Band and a united choir also took part.

In her address the General

shared a vision of a Salvation Army that honours the Lord by being pure and holy, free of prej-udices and open to all humanity. She called upon the congrega-tion to adopt a holy lifestyle.

Many people responded to her call to rededicate their lives to God and knelt at the place of prayer.

After the service, the General attended a reception at the nearby hostel where she met representatives of the Zurich city authorities, the churches and the media. She also talked with officers and centre managers from Zurich. – F. G.

Bands unite for weekend of music-makingSWINDON CITADEL

MUSICIANS from Andover, Cirencester, Oxford, Trowbridge, Swindon Gorse Hill, Peter-borough Citadel and the host corps met for a Saturday rehearsal, for band weekend, led by Retired Bandmaster Don Jenkins (Bishop’s Stortford). Later, the musicians pre sented an enjoyable pro gramme at Fresh brook Evan -gelical church. Items included the marches, ‘Rosehill’, ‘To Regions Fair’ and ‘Hadleigh Camp’ with solos from Martin Blessett (Eb bass, Peterborough Citadel) and Darren Willis (euphonium, Derby Central) with outstanding piano accompaniment by Andrew Wicker. The songsters and timbrel group also participated.

Representing the visiting musicians, Noel Heaven (Oxford) prayed, Andrew Scott (Andover) brought a Bible read-ing and Mark Walters (Ciren-cester) testified.

Members from the corps band led Sunday meetings, which were enhanced by solos from the visitors. – K. S.

LEADGATE: Corps folk enjoyed peace, tranquillity and beautiful surroundings during a retreat day at Shepherds Dene, Riding Mill. Guest leader Major Nigel Gotobed (DHQ) provided food for thought with the ques-tion: Where does Christ want me to be? – D. P.

DUNSTABLE: Junior soldiers, guided by Junior Soldiers Sergeant Sue Leadbeater, led the morning meeting for their day of renewal. The meeting included the debut of the dance group and junior soldiers received awards. Accom panied by their adult prayer friends, the young people signed their promise bookmarks at the mercy seat. Corps folk responded to the invitation to do the same and rededicate their lives to God. – J. B.

DUDLEY: Coventry City Band presented a festival, arranged by Candidates Glenn and Dawn Roden, raising £500 for the Candidates Fund.

The programme started with ‘Servants Of God’ and concluded with ‘Fire In The Blood’. Soloists included Huw Ellis (cornet), Catherine Wallis (tenor horn) and Gemma Potter (bass trom-bone). Sam Ellis and Seb Farrall offered a xylophone duet, ‘The Two Imps’. – M. L.

Commissioner Hanny Boschung (TPWM), Emil Ramsauer

(95-year-old double bass player from Eurovision Song

Contest entrants Takasa), General Linda Bond and

Commissioner Franz Boschung (TC)

Picture: Alexander Egger

Video tribute to General John Gowans published onlineTHQ

THE Video Production Unit has created a tribute to General John Gowans, who was pro -moted to Glory in December 2012. Looking back at the life of the man who led The Salvation Army from 1999 to 2002, the video includes extracts from his funeral service and clips from the archives such as the General’s famous address at the 2000 Millennial Congress in Atlanta, USA, when he spoke of ‘saving souls, growing saints and serving suffering humanity’.

The feature includes inter-views with Commissioner Gisèle Gowans, General John Larsson (Retired), Commissioner Norman Howe and Commissioner William Cochrane (IHQ). Together they give a sense of the man behind the public persona – poet, preacher, leader and friend.

The tribute – part of the quarterly Link video magazine, which can be ordered from www.sal vationar my.org.uk /uki/video – can be seen on w w w . y o u t u b e . c o m / u s e r /salvationarmyvideo. – A. R.

Music-making for missionCOLCHESTER

SALVATIONISTS, friends and brass band enthusiasts gathered in the Lion Walk United Reformed church for a charity concert in aid of Rosehill Mission in Rajahmundry, South India, by Anglia Fellowship Band. The programme – compèred by Major James Williams (THQ) – included guest soloists Garry Todd (cornet, Waverley Temple, Australia Southern), Jonathan Evans (eu pho nium, Hendon) and Stephen Hopkins (piano, Hendon). The band started with the festival march ‘True Colours’. Garry and his sons Bradley and Matthew gave a scintillating performance of the cornet trio ‘Sweetest Name’, followed by

NEWS


Corps folk join Andy Peddle on his walkathon and lead the way

from Wollaston to Wellingborough; on his arrival at

Wellingborough Andy was greeted by YP and senior band

members and received a cheque for £150

The children of West Hill Primary School offer a programme of Caribbean music on steel drums for

Hednesford Ladies Fellowship tenth anniversary celebration; on Sunday former corps officer

Major Sandra Collins (Leek) conducted the meetings

DARLINGTON: More than 100 former singing company members and leaders gathered from across the territory – including one couple from California – for a reunion week-end led by Retired Singing Company Leader Hazel Webb.

More than 200 photos on display captured the history of the young people’s work, and the massed band, led by former YP band and singing company member Nick Cook, played ‘Star Lake’ and ‘Vanguard’. Major Lynn Oliver (Bury St Edmunds), who entered training from the

corps, reminded everyone that the corps is the people and not the building. – C. B.

CRICHTON HOUSE: The Cardiff Bus Project, which provides emergency healthcare, welfare assistance and warm meals to people with high needs, visited 30 children at The District, a youth event at Llantwit Fardre. The children wanted to learn more about homelessness and to find out how the Army’s outreach services reach out to homeless people on the streets of Cardiff. – G. B.

Jonathan’s solo ‘Harbour Light’. The band continued with Andrew Mackereth’s ‘Amazing Race’. Stephen Hopkin’s perfor-mance of ‘Oh, How He Loves You And Me’ was received in complete silence.

Trevor Austin, founder of Rosehill Instruments, spoke

about his trips to the Rosehill Mission. In a highlight of the evening, Garry united with his father, Ray (Norwich Citadel) his sons and nephews, Cameron and Sebastian Johnson (Norwich Citadel), for a double cornet trio of ‘Cornet Carillon’ (see picture). – T. M.

Kids get activeHARLOW

THIRTY-THREE children from the Sunday school and weeknight activities enjoyed an activity day organised by the children’s


NEWS

Division welcomes territorial leadersCENTRAL SOUTH

CAPACITY congregations gath ered at Staines on Saturday and Dunstable on Sunday when territorial leaders Commissioners Clive and Marianne Adams visited the division.

At the divisional celebration on Saturday, Staines Songsters, Reading Central Band and Steadfast Worship Band (Maiden head) provided pre-celebration music. The songsters sang ‘I Have Decided’ before Lieutenants Vanessa and Xander Coleman (Banbury) led prayers based on Matthew 16:19. The songsters sang ‘Stand Up And Make A Change’ with soloist Helen Johnson. The Territorial Commander and Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries Major Jenine Main, along with other members of the congregation,

stood to witness their desire to make a change.

Junior soldier Will Hudson (Reading Central) spoke about how God broke through in his life and the change that he has made. Theresa Torr (Woking-ham) testified to the remarkable changes that Jesus had made in her life and her desire to make a difference in her community and at work.

The band then played ‘Ever -lasting Love’.

Divisional leaders Majors Paul and Jenine Main introduced a prayer focus for the division highlighting the need to welcome people and go out into the community. The Territorial Commander took the Inter-national Vision focus One Army as he opened the Word. He urged people to move away from just singing the war songs to living the reality of them. He said that while mission is vital to an Army, it can flow only from transformed lives.

On Sunday an African choir comprising Salvationists from Luton and Milton Keynes presented an enthusiastic con tri bution.

Commissioner Marianne Adams said she wanted to see ‘a Salvation Army with a big heart for all sorts of people’ and that we ‘should celebrate unity, diver-sity and opportunity’.

Leighton Buzzard Songsters sang before Mark Edmunds (Dunstable) testified to the transformation God had made in his life. Hayley Greetham (Bedford Congress Hall) invited the congregation to speak about ways people celebrate. Contri butions fol -lowed by Dunstable Worship Band and Harpenden YP Band.

The TC spoke on the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37), stressing the fact that the gospel ‘can change the heart of a person’ to bring hope where hope has died. A number of people went forward to the mercy seat. – A. R.

Spring music festivalGOVAN

THE YP Spring Festival featured music students Rachel Gray (vocal, Regent Hall) and Craig Kilgour (cornet, Govan). In the Saturday festival, com -pèred by Commissioner Robin Forsyth, Rachel sang ‘Some-where’ and ‘We Are The Reason’. Craig played ‘Song To The Moon’ and ‘Glorious Ventures’, the singing company presented ‘Love Shine A Light’ and the YP Band played ‘Holy Ground’.

Commissioner Forsyth led the Sunday morning meeting and spoke of Jesus being a shepherd

and looking after everyone. Rachel gave a beautiful rendition of ‘Nothing But Thy Blood’ and Craig, accompanied by the band, played ‘Don’t Doubt Him Now’. New music featured in the after-noon meeting with ‘The Champion’s Challenge’ from the

singing company and ‘Mission HIM-possible’ from the YP band.

The picture shows YP Band Leader David Cochrane, Rachel Gray, Commissioner Robin Forsyth, Craig Kilgour and Singing Company Leader Matt Ramsay. – M. R.

ministry team. The older children visited Essex Outdoors, an activity centre, and the younger children went to the Pet’s Corner at Harlow Town Park. Some chil dren had to overcome fears such as heights, water activities and handling snakes and spiders. – P. H.

Bandmaster Malcolm

Janes and corps officer

Major Stephen Perkins

(Staines) present Ivor

Thomas with a long-

service certificate

recognising his 68 years’

service as a bandsman

NEWS


WEEK 11Monday 13 May Luke 7 – A centurion demonstrates amazing faith in Jesus, and a dead man is brought back to life

Do you think Jesus raised the dead man out of compassion for the mother, as a sign to the onlookers, both of these, or some other reason?

Why do you think John asked this question (v19)?

Tuesday 14 May Luke 8 – Jesus tells parables, controls nature and raises another dead person back to life

Why did Jesus often use parables (v10)? How easy would it have been to be Jairus and not tell anyone

what had happened?

Wednesday 15 May Luke 9 – Jesus sends his disciples on a mission and describes the cost of following him

Is it feasible that there may come a time to shift the target of gospel ministry if it is not being accepted (v5)? If so, how do you know when that time has arrived?

Is it plausible that verse 27 is referring to the transfiguration and to the witness of Peter, James and John?

How would you interpret and apply verse 62?

Thursday 16 May Luke 10 – Jesus sends out 72 followers and emphasises the priority of salvation

Is it tempting to imagine just 12 disciples? Do these additional 72 help you to imagine the impact his ministry was having?

How can verse 20 be applied to your life and ministry today? Is it possible to become so busy serving the Lord that you neglect

spending time with him (vv 38–42)?

Friday 17 May Luke 11 – Jesus teaches his disciples to pray and opposes the established religious leaders

Verse 13 refers to the gift of the Holy Spirit to those who ask. Is this what these verses are really talking about?

Jesus showed little fear of tackling hypocrisy and false teaching (vv37–54). Are you as fearless?

Army responds to Sichuan earthquakeHONG KONG AND MACAU COMMAND

THE Salvation Army has responded after a earthquake measuring 7 on the Richter scale hit China’s Sichuan Province. Reports estimated that at least 200 people lost their lives in the disaster, with more than 11,500 sustaining injuries and at least 1.5 million people being left homeless.

A Salvation Army team from the Sichuan Earthquake Recon-struction and Recovery Office headed towards the city of Ya-an – the epicentre of the quake – soon after. Initially the city was cut off because of roads being torn apart or blocked by mud-slides. Many rural communities were impossible to reach.

Salvation Army staff contacted officials from the Lushan Township Earthquake Bureau and discovered that four townships – Longmen, Taiping, Shuangshi and Baosheng – were the worst hit. Most of the houses in the area are traditional small huts with green tile roofs. The few buildings to have survived the earthquake initially were destroyed by aftershocks.

At first, most of the victims took shelter under self-made temporary tents, although many had to survive without any shelter at all. Rain made things worse, hindering the rescue work and worsening the living conditions of the survivors. There was urgent need across the region for tents, folding beds and food.

Salvation Army relief personnel attempted to purchase food items such as sausages and instant noodles. After carrying out initial assess-ments, Salvation Army teams prepared to distribute food and folding beds. – S. W.

Meeting for church magazine editorsLONDON

ON Saturday 18 May West-minster Central Hall will host the annual meeting of the Association of Church Editors. Chaplain to the Media the Rev Tony Miles will give the keynote address. The meeting will include an illustrated and interactive discussion on Building Strong Communication Links Between The Local Church And The Community, revolving around

the question, ‘How can we ensure that our paper and electronic publications offer something of interest to a mixed, secular audi-ence?’ The programme will conclude with a question session on church magazine production, hosted by a panel of editors from the Association of Church Editors. The event will begin at 10.45 am and end at 3.30 pm and costs £5.

To attend, or for more infor-mation, email john.farrow@ rushcliff.com, call 01582 769975 or visit www.churcheditors.org

Corps officer Major Carol Evans and corps folk greet Andy

Peddle as he arrives in Dunstable; he was presented with a

cheque for £200

LETTERS

‘PEOPLE’ ARE WHAT WE ARE ABOUT

I WRITE in response to letters on the subject of visitation by officers and sympathise with the writers. Officers are often faced with heavy workloads but that cannot be an excuse for people to feel bereft of spiritual and pastoral care, especially in times of great need.

Pastoral care teams can be of benefit and a means of assisting an officer in caring for the flock but only if those teams work well. However, the best and often the only way for an officer to get to know the flock is through pastoral visitation, especially in larger corps.

‘People’ have always been what we in the Army are about and the people we already have must matter as much as those we are seeking to bring to salvation and discipleship. It saddens me that pastoral visitation no longer seems to be a priority.

Eileen Goldsworthy,Poole

VISITING – AN OFFICER’S VIEW

I WRITE in response to the two recent letters in Salvationist regarding corps officer visitation. As an officer of almost six years now, I would like to think I have visited my ‘flock’ as much as is humanly possible.

I agree how important it is to be able to get to know each member and I feel that I do that by speaking to almost everyone before the meeting on a Sunday. However, these days this doesn’t include only those who worship or used to worship with us but also includes people who come into our community centres each and every day. I imagine that, some years ago, Salvation Army halls would have been open on a Sunday and perhaps for one more midweek meeting but at Worthing we have a thriving community programme that takes place every day, even Saturdays, and therefore the need for pastoral support is ever more present – perhaps even

more so for those possibly ‘unchurched’ people who are in the middle of great need.

Also there are fewer officers these days and some are single-handedly running corps programmes with a huge increase of administration.

A final comment: I can never recall, when I was a young person and part of a very large corps, a visit from the officer, unless they wanted you to do something!

Liz Smith,Captain,Worthing

AM I ON MY OWN?IS it my age (over three score years and ten), my upbringing, sensitive ears, or my musical appreciation? What am I on about? It’s to applaud or not to applaud? Clap or not to clap? On the beat or off the beat?

From our beginning, Salvationists have used their hands to add rhythm to their singing and expression to their feelings. But for me, today, it has become a problem. Now I accept it may be just a difference of opinion, temperament or nationality.

For instance, I have listened to a moving devotional piece of music and at the end revealed my appreciation by sitting in silence. Then, from somewhere in the building comes the clatter of hand clapping from someone who did not think silence was appropriate.

Am I the only one who is disturbed by klaxon, whooping and whistling when a soloist is introduced to perform instrumentally or vocally? It may be in keeping at a pop concert – but at an Army festival?

Do Salvationist readers think the time will come when flowers will be thrown onto the platform? Or will it be easier and cheaper just to stand (standing will be optional for pensioners)?

Name and address supplied

THE CALL – THE MERCY SEAT

BERNARD Cook from Thornaby is quite right in his letter (Salvationist 27 April) headed ‘We are unique’. I am concerned about some calls for change to our terminology. We must not forget the mercy seat. Some time ago the International Spiritual Life Commission’s Called To Be God’s People, by Commissioner Robert Street, was a great aid. I quote: ‘Call to the mercy seat. We call Salvationists worldwide to recognise the wide understanding of the mercy seat that God has given to the Army; to rejoice that Christ uses this means of grace to confirm his presence; and to ensure that its spiritual benefits are fully explored in every corps and Army centre.

‘We affirm that the mercy seat in our meetings symbolises God’s unremitting call to his people to meet with him. It is not only a place for repentance and forgiveness, but also a place for communion and commitment… The mercy seat can be used by anyone at any time, and particularly in Army meetings when, in response to the proclaimed word, all are invited to share loving and humble communion with the Lord.’

Within a few minutes of the start of the holiness meeting at Darlington during the weekend when we celebrated a new set of instruments, the first seeker made her way to the mercy seat. The meeting became a prayer meeting. Eleven seekers stepped forward – bandsmen, songsters and singing company and YP band members, soldiers and a former bandsman.

The mercy seat is unique to the Army. May we always use it!

Robert Harding,Darlington

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


APPLAUSE PLEASE

FEATURE


TY^ GOBAITH OFFERS HELP AND HOPEreports Captain Andrew StoneMANY of us have experienced walking into a department store and being met by a ‘greeter’, welcoming us and asking if they can be of any assistance. Not everyone receives this treatment, though. A homeless person, for example, might have to convince a security guard that they have a valid reason for entering the building. And at the job centre, even if they are genuinely looking for a job, they may have to contend with a less than welcoming guard.

But should they walk into Ty Gobaith, The Salvation Army’s Lifehouse in Cardiff, Matt would greet them and give them a warm welcome to the centre.

‘The minute a new resident walks through the door Matt is there asking them if they need anything and how he might be able help them,’ centre manager Lee Ball tells me.

‘Matt also explains the paperwork that other members of staff will go though with them, and tells them why they will be asked specific questions.’

Lee is convinced that Matt’s ability to strike up a relationship with the clients is so effective because he was formerly a resident at Ty Gobaith.

‘Matt’s knowledge of what it’s like to come into a Lifehouse makes a real difference. He is enabling new residents to settle in straight away. Our residents come from a situation where they wait a long time for everything, so it makes a real difference to have Matt arranging for their needs within the first 24 hours.’

Having a good start at a Lifehouse has proved an important factor to the long-term benefits that coming under the care of The Salvation Army can bring.

One resident described the difference Matt made: ‘I found working with him very helpful. He gave me confidence and made me feel relaxed.’

A Lifehouse, though, aims to do more than just provide someone with a bed, as Lee explains: ‘It’s about bringing a sense of mission into the resident’s life,’ he says. ‘We want to provide psychological, spiritual and emotional support to help people back on their feet.

‘People find themselves homeless because of various factors but the decisions they have made are often no worse than that of other people. But because the individuals we work with have not had anyone giving them support, their lives crumble.

‘We try to take on, in a professional way, the role of an extended family. We want people to feel more positive about themselves and to cope better.’

One of the aims of the centre is to make each resident feel valued. That can be done through simply saying ‘Good morning’ or checking they are well if they have not been out of their room for 24 hours. It is also done by encouraging each resident to make their own informed decisions about their future.

‘Our residents are the best people to make decisions about themselves,’ says Lee. ‘Our role is to explain all the options and give residents time to make their own decisions.

‘Irrespective of the decisions they make, we will be with them every step they take.’

A significant number of residents at Ty Gobaith have faced difficult personal issues such as the loss of a job or a relationship breakdown. This can lead to a sense of complete hopelessness – something Lee wants to help them with.

‘‘

A LIFEHOUSE... AIMS TO DO MORE THAN JUST PROVIDE SOMEONE WITH A BED... ‘IT’S ABOUT BRINGING A SENSE OF MISSION INTO THE RESIDENT’S LIFE... WE WANT TO PROVIDE PSYCHOLOGICAL, SPIRITUAL AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT TO HELP PEOPLE BACK ON THEIR FEET’ ’’

A small group of residents volunteer help

with recycling at Green Man Festival

Resident Damon Short and staff member

Jo Bumford at the Lifehouse fête


‘We want to offer opportunity and hope,’ he says. ‘Sometimes our clients have relinquished hope because it can become a source of pain when it isn’t actualised. They think things are never going to get any better.’

Living with such a frame of mind places Lifehouse residents in a vulnerable position. Some engage in suicidal behaviour – there have been eleven suicides in Army centres in the past five years – while others have developed self-harming habits to help them cope.

These are serious concerns and at Ty Gobaith a number of strategies have been introduced to respond to these problems.

One of them is to encourage the residents to be open to their support worker about their self-harming behaviour, knowing that they will not be judged.

‘If we say what they are doing is wrong, it drives the behaviour underground which will make it more damaging,’ says Lee.

‘For example, a self-harmer knows exactly how deep to cut. If we take away their means to self-harm it won’t stop them. Instead they will use something else which they are not used to, which increases the chances of them hurting themselves more.’

To help manage the situation, centre staff and the residents formulate a self-harm agreement to help them manage their behaviour.

‘We want to make it as safe as we can for them until, ideally, we help them to stop the behaviour completely,’ say Lee.

Ty Gobaith has displayed the same pragmatic approach to substance use by introducing a needle and foil exchange.

‘Giving out clean needles is not condoning drug use but it reduces the risks. Somebody who injects is not going to stop for one day just because they haven’t got a clean needle,’ Lee explains.

‘We are moving towards an end game of encouraging abstinence, but it’s a long journey and we want to make that journey as safe as possible. We do see miracles happen in our centre as we help residents decide if this is behaviour they want to engage in or if they want to find new ways to cope.’

The work and care carried out at Ty Gobaith is a reflection of that carried out in Army Lifehouses across the territory. Lee has drawn up a Harm Reduction Strategy incorporating the best practices at his centre and others, which will be implemented across the territory in the coming months.

‘‘

OUR RESIDENTS ARE THE BEST PEOPLE TO MAKE DECISIONS ABOUT THEMSELVES... OUR ROLE IS TO EXPLAIN ALL THE OPTIONS AND GIVE RESIDENTS TIME TO MAKE THEIR OWN DECISIONS ’’

Centre Manager Lee Ball

CADETS’ TESTIMONIES


BEN SELFE, A SECOND-YEAR CADET SPEAKS ABOUT THE ADVENTURE OF HIS JOURNEY

I BRIEFLY worked for the Army as a children and families worker before studying Biblical Studies at the University of Sheffield.

As a boy, my favourite book was The Hobbit. I’m rather like Bilbo, a very ordinary Hobbit who was called to an extraordinary journey. In each chapter he stumbles upon a new escapade even stranger than the last.

I have already had some strange and exciting experiences. I’ve written and directed a pantomime for the cadets, sung ‘Away In A Manger’ at the request of a care home resident during my summer placement and shared Palm Sunday with a donkey.

When on social placement at Booth House Lifehouse, Swindon, I saw a modern-day working of William Booth’s mission. Two great social enterprise projects, Sandwich People

and recycles (servicing and repairing bikes), help residents learn skills, earn money and serve the community. At Newark I saw the corps involved in practising its mission statement through prayer and the way that the pastoral care team met to pray before they went out to visit people confined to their homes. In July I will take up my appointment at Great Yarmouth.

REBECKA COTTERILL GREW UP IN A SALVATIONIST FAMILY IN GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN. SHE IS A FIRST-YEAR CADET TOGETHER WITH HER HUSBAND BEN

It was not until I had the opportunity to go on the Essential Programme in the UK that I really started to explore what it meant to be a disciple of Christ and I found my true identity in Jesus. My calling to officership was something that grew on me over a period of time. After spending six months in India, I saw the need for leaders in The Salvation Army. Shortly after that I studied at Booth

University College in Canada and I began to understand more about how to respond to societal needs.

As a future officer I want to continue responding to God’s call by living a life that is obedient, authentic and purpose driven. During my training, some of the simple truths that I have based my faith on have been challenged, as we are encouraged to stretch our thinking and question things. I believe this is crucial in order to articulate our beliefs to people who have never encountered the real meaning of Jesus and the salvation and transformation he brings. I find myself going to bed these days thinking about the big questions such as ‘What did it mean that Jesus died?’, ‘How are we justified by faith?’, ‘Why is there suffering?’ and ‘How can The Salvation Army, as a church, be relevant and have a voice in today’s society?’

People of my generation are taught and brought up to be critically thinking

A life of fulfilmentKersten Rieder invites cadets to share how God is leading their lives

‘‘

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE PROJECTS, SANDWICH PEOPLE AND RECYCLES, HELP RESIDENTS LEARN SKILLS, EARN MONEY AND SERVE THE COMMUNITY ’’

individuals who are good at judging whether something is real and true. My prayer is that, as a future Salvation Army officer, I will have a voice among that generation to stir their hearts to something worth living for – something that makes sense and has an impact on our society. Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, said that ‘the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do’. I think God is crying out to us, saying ‘Please be stupid enough to think you can make a difference, because with me you can!’ I pray that God will give me the tools and foundation to build on that simple

conviction that we are called to be God’s hands and feet, to make a difference to our society and this world. You might say I am a dreamer, but hopefully I am not the only one.

DARRON BOULTON ENTERED TRAINING LAST YEAR ACCOMPANIED BY HIS WIFE ANDREA AND CHILDREN ISAAC AND ELIJAH

I WAS 36 when I first experienced God’s call, and I bottled it!

Andrea and I attended a church in Worcester that wanted to support my training for ministry. Around that time our son Isaac was born. I felt that the security of my well-paid job was

important for us as a family and decided that I would stay where I was – but God had other plans.

Within a year we moved to Dorset and soon found ourselves in a spiritual wilderness. I worked as a bakery business development manager. After the death of my boss, each employee was left a small amount of money and the opportunity to attend three sessions to evaluate their lives. I was told that I would be happy working for a Christian charity.

After the birth of our son Elijah, we relocated to the North. On the day of moving, the house we were buying fell through and we ended up living near Nantwich. Several weeks later, I saw members of the Army packing bags at a supermarket. I got talking to the officer and she invited us to the meetings at Crewe. On our first visit, we knew that the Army was where God wanted us to be.

Entering college, at first I was shocked at how much I missed my previous life and I have struggled with academic work; however, I have been well supported by college tutors. I can clearly see that God has a plan and purpose for a 46-year-old bakery salesman in Salvation Army ministry and I am excited about being able to use my gifts to help build his Kingdom to bring his love and mercy to others. ‘If anyone

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

‘‘

I AM EXCITED ABOUT BEING ABLE TO USE MY GIFTS TO HELP BUILD HIS KINGDOM TO BRING HIS LOVE AND MERCY TO OTHERS ’’

‘‘

I PRAY THAT GOD WILL GIVE ME THE TOOLS AND FOUNDATION TO BUILD ON THAT SIMPLE CONVICTION THAT WE ARE CALLED TO BE GOD’S HANDS AND FEET ’’


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13

would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me’ (paraphrased from Matthew 16:24).

ALISON HUTCHINGS IS IN HER SECOND YEAR AT COLLEGE WITH HUSBAND MICHAEL AND DAUGHTERS MADELIN AND HERMIONE

I grew up in a Christian family, but was unaware of The Salvation Army until I met my husband, Michael. Although he felt called to officership it was something I had never considered.

Heading towards a successful teaching career, I lived a comfortable Christian life. However, I became increasingly aware that God had other plans. As I prayed, I began to realise that a life wholly dedicated to God is immensely rewarding but also costly.

I asked God to confirm that he had called me to officership. Within an hour, I received an unexpected text from a friend, saying: ‘I have no idea what this means but… don’t run from what God wants you to do; he will give you everything you need.’

Now, I am nearing the end of my

training and I cannot deny that at times it has been difficult, stressful and exhausting, especially with the additional responsibility of caring for two young children. However, they adjusted really well to college life. The nursery and Jam club have provided brilliant childcare and the fact that their best friends live just upstairs, or across the quad, has meant they have had a great time!

Training has been one of the most rewarding and formative experiences of my life as God continues to prepare and shape me for future ministry; I have no doubt that God has been faithful in keeping his promise to sustain and equip me during this time.

I know that life is unpredictable, challenging and, at times, uncomfortable but I am encouraged by 2 Timothy 1:7 and 9: ‘For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline… He has saved us and called us to a holy life – not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.’

I am really excited about the next chapter in our lives as we head to the beautiful Orkney Islands. Although the transition from college to our first appointment is a little daunting – and a long way from home – I am confident

in God’s continued guidance and provision in the coming years. I am thankful that, as a family, we are already upheld in prayer by many, and I know that our future ministry is firmly in God’s hands.

‘‘

TRAINING HAS BEEN ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING AND FORMATIVE EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE AS GOD CONTINUES TO PREPARE AND SHAPE ME FOR FUTURE MINISTRY ’’

BIBLE STUDY

SOLOMON was the wisest man who had ever lived. He was allowed to ask God for anything he wanted, and so he asked for wisdom. God is the

source of all wisdom. Out of his experiences, Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs – a collection of short sayings that are huge on meaning. At first glance they appear to be a random collection of sayings, but they still have the potential to change lives.

Here is our last proverb: ‘In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps’ (16:9).

This proverb is telling us that what controls our heart controls our life. You may have your life planned out, but God sets the path. If you have your life completely sorted out and know what you are doing for the rest of your days, then there’s no need for you to read any more of this study.

We need to begin with a painful biblical truth. We are all on a treadmill of discovery, an endless pursuit where we seek everything but find nothing. Apart from Christ, there is nothing in you that will bring you long-term fulfilment. You could be in danger of chasing things of lesser value.

The wisdom of this verse is to allow God to plan your life. Rest assured, the only reason that God would require you to leave something behind is because what he has for your future is so much better. Trust him! You can trust your life to the One who holds the whole word in his hands.

Solomon had unlimited power, wealth and influence, yet he sought the Lord’s direction.

How then, can I begin to discover God’s call for my life?

First, discovering God’s call initially may be about discovering God. Knowing him comes before serving him. If you can’t sense a call upon your life, then

you may need to spend time developing this relationship.

Secondly, listen to the right people. Practise selective hearing. It may be a cheesy saying, but it’s true – right voices lead to right choices.

There are always lots of competing influences upon your life. Sometimes the call comes in an audible voice. More often it is heard through the reading of the Bible, in worship, from our circumstances, from responding to a need or in the form of a niggle that won’t go away. But then, I guess you know that.

Thirdly, continue searching until you find the unique thing God created you for. Never apologise for having a big vision for your life. Others won’t be able to see what you can see, because the Lord establishes your steps.

Fourthly, remember your calling is active, not passive. Don’t forfeit your future by not investing in the present. You cannot outsource the preparation for your calling.

Fifthly, link to this the reminder that your calling is present, not future. This is not about what you will do, but about what you are doing now. Everything you are going to do for God stems from what

you are doing now. Don’t defer your destiny.

I am in the last days of my present appointment. Allow me to identify some of the reasons people give for not being able to follow the clear calling upon their life to offer for full-time ministry.

‘It’s not the right time.’ This is often linked to unfulfilled career goals, or not being able to trust God with personal circumstances.

‘My past stops me.’ Most of the time it stops you only because you allow it to.

‘I wouldn’t be accepted.’ It is true to say that not everyone who applies for officership is accepted. There is no apology for the high benchmark we set for applicants. However, with the right self-development and a willingness to learn, most applicants reach the required expectations.

So then, here is the one question we all need to answer: Why I am doing what I am doing now?

It is time – in fact, past time – for us all to pick up our calling from God and run with it.

That’s all the wisdom we need!


Live your heartThe last in a three-part series, entitled The Cry Of My Heart, by Major Mark Herbert

‘‘

PRACTISE SELECTIVE HEARING. IT MAY BE A CHEESY SAYING, BUT IT’S TRUE – RIGHT VOICES LEAD TO RIGHT CHOICES ’’

MAJOR HERBERT IS TERRITORIAL CANDIDATES DIRECTOR

NEW COMMITMENTS


2.1.

4.3.

8.

7.

1. LEE WHITE Adherent member BASINGSTOKEABOUT a year ago, Lee woke up after a difficult night and uttered ‘God help me’. A thought prompted him to visit The Salvation Army. When he arrived, the content of the meeting inspired him to learn more about God and attend meetings as much as his work commitments as a taxi driver allowed. Lee has grown in his relationship with God with the help of supportive corps folk, which Lee acknowledged in his powerful testimony. Corps officers Majors Peter and Stephanie Fallows welcomed Lee as an adherent member. – P. F.

2. GRACE MONAGHAN Junior soldier NORTH SHIELDSIN the presence of family and friends, Grace was enrolled as a junior soldier by corps officer Major Yvonne Dare. Grace expressed her joy at taking this step and helped the corps officer prepare the meeting. – J. G.

3. & 4. STEVE HORNE, KEITH PENTLOW Adherent members WELLINGBOROUGHSTEVE and Keith have been connected to the corps for some time and decided to make a commitment. They were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Major Paul Church. – P. C.

5. SHIRLEY McCORMACK, IAN McCORMACK Adherent members CHESHAMIAN had drifted away from the Church. When he married Shirley,

they both felt it was time to return. They chose to worship at the Army because of the support Ian’s brother received at Torquay Corps. They were welcomed as adherent members by corps officer Captain Linda Charlton. – R. C.

6. LESLEY MALTBY Soldier PARKGATELESLEY was enrolled by Divisional Envoy Barbara Sabin. They are pictured with CSM Margaret Drury. – B. S.

7. GARRET GORDON Junior soldier L’ISLETCORPS officer Major Jamie Hill enrolled Garret as a junior soldier. In the meeting they looked through his course work and Garret read his junior soldier’s promise aloud to the congregation. – J. H.

8. LAURA ROBERTSON Adherent member WILLINGHAMLAURA, who is originally from the USA, contacted DHQ to find her nearest corps. She met corps officer Captain Emma Knights and after a few months felt the time was right to make a commitment. She testified to how important her faith is in her life. – E. K.

9. SHEILA FORD Soldier FELTHAMHAVING previously been welcomed as an adherent member, Sheila felt called to make a further commitment as a soldier. Surrounded by family and friends, Sheila was enrolled by corps officer Captain Richard Thompson. – J. B.

9.

6.

5.


10. SHEILA FLETCHER, DENISE PEARSON Adherent members NORTHAMPTON CENTRALSHEILA drifted away from the Army as a teenager. She recently started attending again and decided to become an adherent member.

Denise’s introduction to the Army was through Street Church, an ecumenical Sunday afternoon gathering at the hall. She inquired about joining the Army which, in time, led to her decision to become an adherent member. – G. S.

11. LENNY BANDA Soldier LEICESTER CENTRALLENNY arrived in the UK from Zimbabwe in 2005 and found her place at the corps through friendship evangelism. Lenny has considered her commitment carefully and was enrolled by corps officer Major Rudi Bruinewoud. – R. B.

12. RITA JENKINS Adherent member SWANSEARITA was taken to the Army as a baby but she moved away from the city and the corps because of married life and work commitments. Since returning to live in the area, she has regularly attended meetings and events at the corps and was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officer Captain Alison Stone. – A. S.

13. & 14. JOHN CLARK, ANITA CLARK Soldiers MICHAEL MOUNTAIN, PAULA MOUNTAIN Adherent members SHEFFIELD CITADELJOHN and Anita were invited to the corps when they moved into the area. They were Methodists but were familiar with the Army because

their son was a member of the Salvation Army Boy’s Adventure Corps (Sabac) as a child. They have attended the corps for some time and decided to commit to soldiership.

Michael grew up in the Army. When he and his wife Paula attended her grandfather’s funeral at the corps, they decided to worship there. – G. B.

15. JOSEPH FISHER, ELIYA HARRIS Junior soldiers DROITWICH SPAJOSEPH and Eliya have attended the Army with their families all their lives. They decided to become junior soldiers and were enrolled by corps officer Captain Jenny Forman. During the meeting they testified to God’s love. – M. M.

16. MARGARET HENNESSEY Soldier WORTHINGMARGARET first attended the corps in 2007 after getting involved in the community programme. Encouraged by the friendly atmosphere, she started to attend each week, later becoming an adherent member. At an Alpha away day, she felt a desire to make a further commitment and was enrolled by associate officer Captain Liz Smith. – L. S.

17. JEAN POTTER Soldier KATHLEEN BOLTON Adherent member YORKJEAN testified to the change in her life since joining The Salvation Army and spoke of her conviction that it is where the Lord wants her to be. Pictured are Jean, Home League Secretary Gill Johnston, Gladys Hewitt, Kathleen and corps officer Major Sheila Dunkinson. – S. D.

13.

14.16.

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10. 11. 12.

15.

TRIBUTES

MARJORY HARLOW, UPPER NORWOODTHE youngest of five children, Marjory was born 94 years ago in Dartford. Her officer

parents – recently returned from Gibraltar – were appointed to public relations work in Leicester, where Marjory later became primary sergeant, life-saving guard and sunbeam leader at Leicester Castle.

In 1950 she moved to Upper Norwood – again becoming sunbeam and guard leader, and then the brownie and guide leader. She also led the guides at the Army’s St Marga-ret’s Probation Home for Girls. She is remembered for her energy and enthusiasm.

For many years Marjory shared her home with her good friend Colonel Doris French. Latterly resident in a nursing home, when a visitor said ‘God bless you, Marjory’, she would reply cheerily, ‘Oh, he does – all the time!’ – R. C................................................... MRS JOYCE GEARD, YEOVILBORN in 1939 at South Petherton, Somerset, Joyce was a good Christian all her life. She was a strong member of the Congregational Church for 30 years

ANNOUNCEMENTS


ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND: Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, Tu 7 May - Wed 15 ICO, Sun 19

IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 - Th 23 Germany and Lithuania, Fri 24 - Mon 27 ICO, Th 30 USA Central, Tu 4 Jun - Mon 10

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF (COMMISSIONER ANDRÉ COX) AND COMMISSIONER SILVIA COX: IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 May - Th 23

ICO, Fri 31

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER (COMMISSIONER CLIVE ADAMS)AND COMMISSIONER MARIANNE ADAMS: Southern (divisional celebration), Sun 12 May Territorial Leaders Conference, Tu 14 - Fri 17 London North-East, Sat Sun 2 Jun William Booth College (Mission Symposium) Tu 4 - Th 6 Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8

THE CHIEF SECRETARY (COLONEL DAVID HINTON) AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON: Territorial Leaders Conference, Tu 14 May - Fri 17 Eston, Sun 2 Jun Royal Albert Hall (Gospel Arts Concert), Sat 8 Music Leaders Councils, Sun 9

COMMISSIONER BIRGITTE BREKKE: France, Mon Tu 14 May IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 - Th 23

COMMISSIONER WILLIAM COCHRANE: UK, Harlow, Sat Sun 12 May IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 - Wed 22

COMMISSIONERS TORBEN AND DEISE ELIASEN: USA Western (Spanish Bible Conference), Fri 17 May - Sun 19

COMMISSIONER DORITA WAINWRIGHT: IHQ (General’s Consultative Council), Mon 20 May - Th 23

INTERNATIONAL STAFF BAND: Llanelli, Sat Sun 19 May

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS: Southampton Sholing, Sat Sun 19 May

ARMY PEOPLEPALACE VISIT

Rtd CT Ken Bovey and Mrs Jo Bovey (Exeter Temple) have received an invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party on 30 May

MARRIAGESBM Stephen Williams to Songster Helen Bridge at Norwich Mile Cross by Major Keith WilliamsAsst YPBL Fraser Smith, Winton, to Songster Caitlin King, Reading Central, at Winton by Major Russell King

WEDDING ANNIVERSARIESDiamond:

Rtd BM Dennis and S/Reservist Barbara Stokes, Bath Citadel (23 May)Lieut-Colonel Geoffrey and Mrs Joan Perry (25 May)

DEDICATED TO GODJoshua Maurice, son of Bandsman Jonathan and Songster Michelle Bale, at Clacton by Major Amanda and Captain Graham Slader

BEREAVEDBertha Dernie, Waltham Abbey, of her husband B/Reservist Bert Dernie, Lesley Thom of her fatherJean Wilson, Hadleigh Temple, of her husband GeorgeCatherine Wright, Newcastle City Temple, of her son John Barbara Fisher, Sheffield Citadel, of her husband Harold; Alf Wileman, Sheffield Citadel, of his wife Betty, Paul Wileman, Sheffield Citadel, Martin Wileman, Doncaster, and CSM Andrew Wileman, Winton, of their motherHelen Wilde, Hove, of her husband Robert, Marian Wilde, Hove, and Davina Fuhrer-Wilde, Winterthur, Switzerland, of their father Christine McKay, Clevedon (previously Doncaster), of her husband Bandsman Malcolm McKay

RETIRED OFFICERSBirthday congratulations:

Mrs Commissioner Olive Lovatt (85 on 16 May)Major David Hird (80 on 19 May)

PROMOTED TO GLORYMarjorie Wenham, Newcastle City Temple

and sang in the choir. She married Julian in 1970.

Joyce first went to the Army some 28 years ago after the band visited her street and invited her two children to the Sunday club. She decided to become a soldier in 1991.

She was a domestic worker in a hospital for 14 years and then at a private school for 17 years.

Joyce had a lung disease and needed oxygen 24 hours a day. Two days before she died she attended the corps bowls club – a fellowship she loved. – J. G.

MRS JOAN HISCOX, BIRMINGHAM CITADELJOAN was born into a Salvationist family in 1920. Growing up at Hanley Citadel, she

was a talented and committed songster and became songster organist as a teenager – a position she held for many years. She was later songster sergeant.

With her husband Norman, she also worked with young people and, after retire-ment, in the home league as singers’ leader and in the charity shop.

For many years Joan worked with Stafford-shire Police, where she was known for her Christian influence.

Always an encourager, she used her many gifts to share her love of the Lord with others. In 2000 Joan and Norman moved to Birmingham near their daughter Glenda and family. – G. D.

REVIEW

A MAGNIFICENT RECORD OF A MAGNIFICENT EVENTGeneral John Larsson (Retired) reviews ISB120 – The StoryNO one present at the 120th anniversary celebrations of the International Staff Band in the summer of 2011 will ever forget the impact of those multiple events. Seeing and hearing eight staff bands in concert at the Royal Albert Hall on the Saturday, and then watching them march down The Mall to play in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace on the Sunday as 15,000 people cheered them on, left no heart unstirred.

These events live on – and not only in the memories of those who were there, for the internet, CDs and DVDs have since multiplied to the far corners of the world the impact of all that took place.

Available now is the definitive record of those celebrations in the form of a 256-page, coffee-table book entitled ISB120 – The Story. As its subtitle suggests, this work provides ‘a behind-the-scenes photographic reflection on this once-in-a-


lifetime event, with added personal accounts from participants and audience alike’.

ISB120 – The Story is a celebration of the photographic and design arts that matches the musical arts of the occasion it records. The panoramic pictures and the close-up images are a delight to the eye. No one person can possibly have seen all that these photos reveal. They repay close and repeated study.

But the book is more than a pictorial account. It is a book to be read. In these pages Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb tells the story of how the event was born, and a variety of contributors record their impressions of the celebrations from their particular perspective, including one from each of the participating bands.

The book, compiled and edited by Malcolm Quinn, the organisational mastermind behind the ISB120 celebrations, is a magnificent record of a magnificent event. It is a book to be treasured by those who were present, but is also a book for those who only experienced the occasion from afar, or have yet to discover it. It will become a collector’s item, a permanent monument to an event unique in the Army’s history.

But it is even more than that. For as General Linda Bond in her foreword bids readers do: ‘Look at the pictures, read the stories and thank the Lord, the true Music Maker, for a weekend of praise and inspiration.’

ISB120 – The Story is available through SP&S at £19.95 (plus £4.95 postage and packing)

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Salvationist 11 May 2013 20-23

Through the week with ‘Salvationist’ – a devotional thought for each day

Saturday‘See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these.’

(Matthew 6:28 and 29)

SundayThere are hundreds of flowers,

thousands, millions,And flowers fair the meadows wear for

all to see;There are hundreds and thousands,

millions of flowers,But God knows every one and God

knows me.(SASB 850)

MondayThe desert and the parched land will be

glad; the wilderness will rejoice and blossom. Like the crocus, it will burst into bloom; it will rejoice greatly and shout for joy.

(Isaiah 35:1 and 2)

TuesdayJesus comes! Where thorns have

flourishedTrees shall now be seen to grow,Stablished by the Lord and nourished,Strong and fair and fruitful too.They shall rise on every side,Spread their branches far and wide.

(SASB 159)

Wednesday‘I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.’

(Song of Songs 2:1)

ThursdayI’ve found a friend in Jesus, he’s

everything to me,He’s the fairest of ten thousand to my soul;The lily of the valley, in him alone I seeAll I need to cleanse and make me fully

whole.In sorrow he’s my comfort, in trouble he’s

my stay,He tells me every care on him to roll.

(SASB 344)

Friday‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing... This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.’

( John 15:5, 8)

Sri Lanka. Picture: CHRIS HORNE

Praying around the world… Italy and Greece CommandMajor and Mrs James Vint and Lieutenant Fanny Hack unfurled the Salvation Army flag in Italy in 1887, though subsequent difficulties necessitated withdrawal. In 1890 Fritz Malan (later lieut-colonel) began meetings once again and in 1893 Army work was re-established. In October 2007 General Shaw Clifton appointed Captains Maria Konti-Galinou and Polis Pantelidis to open fire in Thessaloniki, Greece. The command, led by Lieut-Colonels Daniel and Eliane Naud, comprises 21 officers, 18 employees, 16 corps, 17 outposts, 7 institutions, 240 soldiers, 106 adherent members and 33 junior soldiers. Recently four lieutenants were commissioned at the first commissioning in 54 years. Pray that Salvationists will be challenged and inspired by this event and think about how they can best serve God.

Salvationist 11 May 2013 - Amazon S3...GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael – (tel) 020 7367 4883...

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