salvationist 6 august 2011 - amazon s3 · 2 6 august 2011 salvationist ... when asked to state his...

INSIDE THIS WEEK

Salvation Army provides comfort and support following explosion and shootingNorway PAGE 4

Corps supports Sierra LeoneIpswich Citadel PAGE 7

PLUS LOTS MORE!

PAPERS

2 6 August 2011 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

■ SEE ‘THE SMURFS’AT THE CINEMA

■ NEW KA! JAM SERIES – ADVENTURES WITH GOD

■ SPRAYZA BLASTAGARAGE COMPETITION

■ NEWS FROMAROUND THE TERRITORY IN YOUR SPACE

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: [email protected] Web: www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

A registered newspaper published weekly by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of TheSalvation Army and printed by benhamgoodheadprint Limited, Bicester, Oxon. © Linda Bond, General of The Salvation Army, 2011. The SalvationArmy Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

EDITOR Major Stephen Poxon Tel: 020 7367 4901 MANAGING EDITOR Stephen Pearson Tel: 020 7367 4891 ASSISTANT EDITOR Major Jane Kimberley Tel: 020 7367 4892 ASSISTANT EDITOR Claire Anderson Tel: 020 7367 4894 DTP DESIGNER Colin Potter Tel: 020 7367 4895 DTP OPERATOR Denise D’Souza Tel: 020 7367 4896 GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jonathan Carmichael Tel: 020 7367 4883 ADMINISTRATOR Stella Merino Tel: 020 7367 4881 ADVERTISING Tel: 020 7367 4883 Email: [email protected]

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

THE SALVATION ARMY FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL Linda Bond TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Commissioner John Matear EDITOR-IN-CHIEF AND PUBLISHING SECRETARY Major Leanne Ruthven

MORE TEENAGERS TEMPTED BY CLEAN-LIVING LIFESTYLE

The proportion of young teenagers whohave smoked, drunk alcohol or taken drugs appears to be dropping, with attitudes hardening against the habits, figures suggest…

‘As well as a reduction in the percentagewho say they partake in these behaviours, a shrinking number think that drinking and drunkenness is acceptable among theirpeers,’ [said Tim Straughan, chief executiveof the NHS Information Centre]…

Colin Shevills, director of Balance… said:‘In many ways our young people are settingus an example.’The Times

EVANGELICAL ANGLICAN OF INTERNATIONAL STATURE...

The Rev John Stott was the most outstandingevangelical Anglican of his day. His leadership, authority and influence as a Christian statesmanand biblical expositor were acknowledged notjust in the churches of England but worldwide...

Stott's love of, and concern for, the churchesand peoples of 'Third World' countries grew outof his many travels. He was in constant and affectionate demand as preacher, speaker, lecturer and expositor...

When asked to state his own greatest futureambition, he replied: 'To be more like Christ.'From the obituary of The Rev John Stott in The Times

6 August 2011Page 8

salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry

Param

ount Pictures

Aid in quakeaftermath

THERE are lights, cameras and plenty of action inSteven Spielberg’s latest film adventure. The sci-fiSuper 8 hit cinemas yesterday (Friday 5 August).

It’s 1979. A group of young friends from a small town in Ohio aremaking a movie. But late one night, while they are shooting their film,

EVERY PICTURETELLS A STORY

War CryEst 1879No 7025THE

FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS20p/25c

The kids shoot a movie

writes CLAIRE BRINETurn to page 3

HOPEJAPANIN

■ DRAGONS’ DENAND THE SECRETOF SUCCESS■ ROMANCE ACADEMY DIRECTOR TALKS TEEN RELATIONSHIPS■ BIBLE PHRASESSERIES CONTINUESWITH ‘THE BLINDLEADING THEBLIND’

IF IT’S NOT ALL GREEKTO YOU…If you have finished the

Times crossword and are

looking for a new cryptic

challenge, Oxford University

has just the puzzle for you.

It is looking for volunteers to

help to find the next lost

Gospel.

The university is seeking

tens of thousands of

volunteers to help to

transcribe the Greek letters

on more than two million

pieces of Ancient Egyptian

papyri…

Researchers… have found

a previously unknown

uncanonical ‘gospel’ with

stories of Jesus casting out

demons…

Now ordinary people, who

need not speak or read a

single letter or word of

classical Greek, are needed

to play a part in translating

thousands more of the

ancient documents.

The Times

BIBLE-BURNING VICAR TO BE INVESTIGATED

A Welsh vicar’s foray into modern art has elicited responses of bad taste and heresy…

The Rev Geraint ap Iorwerth… was under investigation by his bishop for burning parts of the Bible he believed wereunchristian and contrary to the teachings of Jesus…

Mr ap Iorwerth said: ‘The passages I cut out referred tothe wrath of God, a God who killed millions of people in avengeful, spiteful way. This has absolutely nothing to dowith Jesus… Nietzsche said we should philosophise with a hammer, whereas I prefer to theologise with a pair ofscissors.’The Church of England Newspaper

NEWSPages 4 – 9 ⟩⟩⟩⟩NorwayRegentHallBangorChelmsfordKetteringGuisboroughDudleySherburnHillBristolEastonLeadgateIraqAirdrieAltonKnottingleyBridlingtonHarlowLondonNorth-EastSouthseaIpswichCitadelFileyCumbernauldTrowbridgeMaidstoneNewbiggin-by-the-SeaCramlingtonHawickSouthamptonShirleyCirencesterBlackpoolCitadelLeekNottinghamAspleyWrexhamMalvernL’Islet

LETTERS

Page 10 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

FROM THE

COMMISSIONER

Keeping up the standardPage 11 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

FEATURE

Lynda’s legacy lives onPages 12 & 13 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

VIEWPOINT

Uniform behaviourPage 14 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

BIBLE STUDY

Band of brothersPage 15 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

FEATURE

WANTED: Snapshots of a MovementPage 20 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

NEW COMMITMENTS

Pages 16 & 17 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Army people, engagements,tributes and captioncompetition resultsPages 18 & 19 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ADVERTS

Pages 21– 23 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

COMMENT

[email protected] SALVATIONIST 6 August 2011 3

TO cut an ancient story short,Nineveh wasn’t a great city tolive in. It flourished briefly, but forthe most part it was a

dangerous place to be. Kings weremurdered whenever anyone felt likekilling one, battles and bloodbaths wereboundless, idol worship wasintermittent, Nahum the prophet wasdead set against it (see Nahum 1:14;2:6–11; 3:19) and God, according toZephaniah 2:13–15, regarded it asworthy only of desolation. A biographerof Sennacherib, one-time king ofAssyria – Nineveh belonged to theKingdom of Assyria – wrote thefollowing, which gives you a flavour ofthe sort of thing you might expect if youdecided to move in: ‘Stone carvings…include many battle scenes, impalingsand scenes showing Sennacherib’s

men parading the spoils of war… Hewrote of Babylon “Its inhabitants, youngand old, I did not spare, and with theircorpses I filled the streets of the city…Hezekiah of Judah who had notsubmitted to my yoke... him I shut up inJerusalem his royal city like a cagedbird. Earthworks I threw up againsthim”.’ Not nice.

Into this scenario, God plungedJonah the prophet-preacher, with asermon about repentance. You canread about it in the book that bears hisname, but the gist of it is that Jonah’sassignment was pretty horrendous. I have enormous sympathy with hisplan to flee to Tarshish on the nextavailable boat.

What will strike you, though, is thegrace of God towards those individualswho pay heed and repent. They aresmothered in forgiveness, even thoughthey remain surrounded by sin.

It’s not unlike the situation inBethsaida. Peruse Mark’s Gospel andyou’ll cotton on to similar threads ofgrace. For example, the healing of theblind man in chapter 8. Jesus takes himout of the village because Bethsaida asa district has resisted repentance and isexcluded from the blessing. Anindividual person, though, remains theobject of mercy. Herbert Howard Boothunderstood this and wrote songnumber 253 in our songbook. Christmay well be locked out of a thousandhearts and maybe even a thousandchurches if Revelation 3:20 is anythingto go by, but that doesn’t stop himknocking a thousand times in pursuit ofone soul. As Jonah might have put it ifhe’d had a songbook to hand, ‘As heknocks and asks admission, sinner, willyou let him in?’

All the above is to draw yourattention to this week’s back page.More to the point, I mention this todraw your attention to a gracious andcompassionate God. It’s a back pageworth reading and he is a God worthknowing.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

Jehovah,Jonah andJesus

‘Do we share in God’s work to be preachers only? Or do weshare in it to save souls?…Witnesses to God’s message in this sin-stained world are notsent forth to court praise or tofear blame, but to cry aloud – “Ye must be born again”.’

(From General Albert Orsborn’s The Silences Of Christ)

4 6 August 2011 SALVATIONIST

NEWS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Celebration concertRegent HallA PACKED hall applauded Bandmaster Steve Hanover and his son-in-law Dale Coles at a concert to mark the culmination of a 900-mile charity bike ride from Scotland to London as part of the Life of Lynda fundrais-ing project for Cancer Research UK and Salvation Army Interna-

tional Development (UK). Corps members are pictured with Steve and Dale as they joined them in the last lap of the journey from Chelmsford to London.

Songster Leader Major John Martin compèred the programme which included soloists Deputy Bandmaster Paul Sharman (cornet), Elliot Launn (piano), David Daws and his daughter Isobel (cornet and trombone, respectively, both Hendon),

David Thornton (euphonium, Black Dyke Band), Quattro Voce singers, 120 Six (comprising six members of the International Staff Band) and the songsters.

Major Martin announced that, including donations from the concert, £32,400 had been raised so far for the Life of Lynda Fund, which aims to reach £50,000. – J. A.

See page 12 and 13

Denis Wick leads band practiceChelmsfordPROFESSIONAL trombonist Denis Wick, who commenced his brass career in the corps young people’s band, led band practice, handing some simple but invalu-able tips to band members as he

Denzil Evans, a finalist in the Bangor Rotary Club Volunteer of the Year Award 2011, displays his award for outstanding work driving the corps minibus

led them through two pieces. He interspersed the practice with anecdotes, talked about how the mouthpieces he produces have developed over the years and presented the band with two practice mutes. He also paid tribute to those who guided and nurtured him through the years and to all YP band leaders and bandmasters for everything they do to encourage brass playing. – D. J.

Salvation Army provides comfort and support following explosion and shooting NorwaySALVATION Army officers in Oslo co-ordinated a response to meet emotional and spiri-tual needs following the bomb blast in the capital on Friday 22 July and the subsequent shooting incident on the island of Utøya. More than 70 people are known to have died in the two attacks, with hundreds more injured or otherwise affected.

‘Our thoughts and prayers go to those who have lost family members and friends, and we will also continue in prayer for those who have been injured,’ said Territorial Commander Commissioner Clive Adams (Norway, Iceland and the Faeroes). Letters of condolence have been sent to King Harald of Norway and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg.

The Army’s territorial head-quarters is in close proximity to the buildings most affected by the explosion, but no injuries were sustained by staff and the building was undamaged. In co-operation with the police, the headquarters was opened up to the community as a refuge before the whole central business area was evacuated at 6.15 pm.

On Saturday 23 July, Chief Secretary Colonel Jan Peder Fosen prayed with other church leaders in Oslo Cathedral before meeting with Salvation Army leaders to discuss the ongoing response.

Sunday was a time of prayer and reflection for the people of Norway and Salvationists were asked – by email and via the internet – to wear their uniforms in order to provide a visible presence on the streets. As they come to terms with what has happened, many members of the community want to talk about their experi-ences with someone they can trust.

Messages of appreciation have already been contrib-

uted to The Salvation Army’s Norwegian Facebook page, such as ‘Thank you for opening the doors... it is not easy to be alone now.’

In addition, Salvation Army centres in and around Oslo will be specifically opened for prayer and a special service will be held at Oslo Temple Corps, attended by senior Salvation Army leaders. – A. R.

Steve and Dale (left) with Regent Hall cyclists at Chelmsford

SALVATIONIST 6 August 2011 5

NEWS

[email protected]

Park ministryKetteringTHE band and songsters presented a programme at Rock-ingham Road Pleasure Park.

Bandmaster Richard Phil-lips compèred the programme, linking an appreciation of music with humour and spiritual chal-lenge. Many people attended including a couple celebrating their diamond wedding and one person accepted an invitation to Sunday worship the next week. – G. B.

Members of the music and drama group at Leadgate Corps gather to present ‘Jairus’ Daughter’ – the tenth religious musical performed by the group

At Sherburn Hill Brown Owl Evelyn Raine receives a certificate of recognition from Girlguiding UK to mark 40 years’ service

Bristol Easton Corps hosts a stand at Thornbury Carnival and makes many good contacts through sharing information about The Salvation Army, face-painting and balloon-modelling

People kneel at mercy seatGuisboroughSEVERAL people knelt at the mercy seat in rededication at the conclusion of the holiness meeting when Majors David and Katerina Lennox (Carlisle Citadel) led 131st corps anni-versary meetings.

No 1 on the roll Joyce Neasham and newer soldier Alyson Eddon gave their testimonies and Janet Ball-inger and Tracy Durrant sang ‘Would You Know Why I Love Jesus?’ Celebrations began with a music evening on the Saturday, with guest soloists father and son Paul and David Gillson (Stockton), who, respectively, played piano and flugelhorn/cornet solos. – S. S./S. P.

Prison ministry couple lead worshipDudleyAG and Kate, a Dutch couple who minister to more than 10,000 people each year in churches and prisons in the USA and Europe, led Sunday morning worship. They read letters from prison-ers, conveying a combined note of sadness and hope – sadness in that some will stay in prison until they die, hope because AG and Kate show them the love of Christ through their music and ministry, something they have been doing for more than 35 years. – R. P.

Chelmsford: Territorial Drama Co-ordinator Keith Turton and Claire Brine (Chalk Farm) led a challenging evening of drama, featuring sketches about worship, service and responding to God. Keith and Claire had written many of the sketches themselves. – D. J.


NEWS


Memorandum of Understanding cements continued relationshipIraqREPRESENTATIVES from International Headquarters trav-elled to Erbil to formalise the ongoing relationship between The Salvation Army and the Iraqi Salvation Humanitarian Organisation (ISHO). Commis-sioner Robin Forsyth (Interna-tional Secretary for Programme Resources) and Mr Muntajab Ibraheem (Chairman, ISHO) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding, ensuring the continued close working rela-tionship between the two organ-isations. An engraved crystal bowl was presented to Mr Muntajab to mark the occasion.

Between 2003 and 2006 the Army’s International Emer-gency Services operated an extensive community recovery programme in Iraq. In deliv-ery of this programme it used a combination of international staff and Iraqi employees who worked alongside each other to ensure the achievement of common goals. From May 2004 until March 2006 the programme was managed from Kuwait because of security concerns but implemented within Iraq by Iraqi personnel.

When the Army formally concluded its work in Iraq some of its Iraqi workers – build-ing on the experience they had gained working with and for The Salvation Army – formed and subsequently managed ISHO as an independent humanitarian organisation.

Today ISHO is a flourishing non-governmental organisa-tion with offices in Baghdad, Basra and Babylon. It supports a number of important projects, working in local Iraqi communi-ties and with internally displaced people who are returning home, providing housing, health educa-tion and school equipment.

The Memorandum of Under-standing envisages that The Salvation Army will continue to provide organisational and project support to ISHO and, where necessary, training and publicity. Similarly ISHO will

assist the Army where it can within the region.

Representing the Army at the meetings was Commis-sioner Forsyth along with Major Raelton Gibbs and Major Drew Ruthven (both International Emergency Services). The ISHO representation included Mr Muntajab, Ms Shaima’a Karim Sadoun (ISHO Deputy) and members of the ISHO board. – R. G.

Band plays for city celebrationsAirdrieTHE band (left) took part in a Churches Together and city council service at the Glasgow City Chambers celebrating Glasgow: the Welcoming City. Also commemorating the 400th anniversary of the King James Version, the service featured Russian choir Russkaya Cappella and St Mungo Singers. The Arch-bishop of Glasgow (the Most Rev Mario Joseph Conti), the Moder-ator of Glasgow Presbytery (the Rev Neil Galbraith) and repre-sentatives of the city council were among the guests. – B. S.

Bands’ ‘open-air’ draws residents outsideHarlowBROMLEY BAND visited for the weekend, leading a Saturday evening festival with the host corps songsters. On the Sunday, the guest band led morning worship and then joined the corps band for a march of witness and an open-air meeting at Partridge Care Home (see picture). One resident, who had not left her room for three years, joined other residents in the grounds and had a wonderful time. The band also led an afternoon programme at the corps. – B. H.

Cameron Evans, 2, and Emily Hewis, 5, make paper-plate fish during Knottingley’s connect4summer Fish-themed event

Yorkshire Divisional Youth Band and Chorus hold an open-air meeting by the harbour in Bridlington; they later presented a festival at the corps

Alton: Visitors who do not normally attend worship were attracted to the monthly Music for Pleasure concert. The programme presented by John Hanchett (Portsmouth Citadel) included a tuba quartet and vocal, cornet, tuba, piano and euphonium solos. – T. U.


NEWS

[email protected]

Dependence Day celebrationLondon North-East THE divisional adult and family ministries celebration at The Princes Theatre, Clacton, on 4 July took the theme Dependence Day.

The event started with the Divisional Fellowship Band playing ‘Stars And Stripes’. This was followed by an audiovisual welcome by American officer Commissioner William Francis.

Divisional Family Officer Captain Glenda Holifield welcomed the guests, among whom were the Hadleigh and Shotgate Line Dancers, Major David Howarth (East Midlands DHQ) and the speaker, Divi-sional Commander Major Carol Bailey.

Divisional Children’s Officer Liz Hall led a reflective prayer time based on Psalm 23 asking the question: ‘Why depend on God?’

The congregation, many adorned with cowboy hats and waving Army flags, entered into the occasion singing songs with an American flavour. Silver Star parents each received a white rose buttonhole on arrival.

Major David Howarth sang and accompanied himself on guitar and thrilled the congrega-tion when he appeared as Elvis

Corps supports Sierra LeoneIpswich CitadelTHE corps provided support for the Army’s work in Sierra Leone. The Bundi blue barrel project, named after the officers who pioneered the work in Sierra Leone, resulted in four large blue water barrels filled with Salvation Army uniforms, hats, shoes and school equip-ment. The corps also raised £2,000 to cover the cost of the barrels, shipping and additional items for the project.

Corps officers Lieut-Colonels Brian and Dorothy Knightley OF, who served in Liberia, are pictured with project co-ordinator Raymond Howe and two of the barrels ready to be shipped to Free-town. – D. S.

Presley, complete with white suit and sunglasses! Divisional Family Officer Major Gillian Dicker announced that £14,037 had been raised by the division for the helping-hand scheme.

Major Bailey expanded the theme of Dependence in her two addresses and spoke clearly of the need to be dependent on God and each other. – P. H.

Trowbridge Sally Anne Tots present Yvonne Brunton (back right) from Dorothy House Hospice with a cheque for £330, the proceeds of a sponsored toddle and coffee morning

Friendship Club celebrationIpswich CitadelTHE Friendship Club weekend led by Major James Williams (THQ) began with a Satur-day evening concert by the Anglia Fellowship Band. The varied programme included contributions by the band, ‘His Guardian Care’ and ‘Victori-ous’, and by soloists Cameron Johnson (cornet) and Ben Lawrence (piano).

During Sunday meetings led by Major Williams people were reminded of God’s presence at all times. – D. S.

Martin Douglas receives a certificate of recognition of service to mark 50 years as corps pianist at Filey

Cumbernauld: A Strawberry Tea coffee morning held to support Chikankata Hospital in Zambia raised £200. Activi-ties included face-painting and puppets. – J. M.

Adherent member Charlie Barton from Southsea receives recognition in Mast community media for the helpful and cheery way he keeps the Landport shopping area clean and tidy and assists police community support officers in identifying vehicles vulnerable to theft


NEWS


YP’s got talentMaidstoneTHE young people’s anniversary weekend began with a day trip to Joss Bay beach (right) where the youngsters enjoyed beach games including a sandcastle competi-tion.

On Sunday, Divisional Youth Officer Captain Lynne Clifton led Maidstone’s Got Talent celebra-tions. In the morning the primary participated by singing ‘I’m Growing Up To Be Like Jesus’ and many of them provided short entertaining items.

In the afternoon the junior soldiers displayed their talents through a sketch, a gymnastics display, a cornet solo and vocal solos. Afterwards they went to a park for games and a picnic. – M. F.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea: Extra seating had to be brought in to accommodate everyone who wanted to attend a programme presented by music teacher Henry Abbott and his pupils. The evening included piano, violin, concertina and clarinet solos and a piano duet and concluded with the song ‘Wor Geordie’s Lost His Penker’. – P. H.

Cramlington: Major Marlene Bingham led Sunday morning worship for the 27th corps anni-versary. In the evening 15 people attended a songs of praise event. – S. Y.

Songsters at Cirencester present the gospel in music; with the commissioning of Songster Leader Helen Grace and Deputy Songster Leader Mark Walters, the corps now has its first songster section since 1934

Junior heroes graduateHawickNEARLY forty children who attended the holiday club graduated as junior heroes.

During the week they learnt about David, Naaman’s servant and King Josiah, participated in games and crafts and watched a drama about the Watt family.

Twenty-four volunteers, mostly from the corps, helped run the club. – S. T.

Quiz night successSouthampton ShirleyA FAMILY FORTUNES quiz night at the corps raised £270. This was shared between Candidate Ben Ellis who is pictured (left) with members of

the winning team and Nathan Highton (Preston), who is pictured right.

Ben will use the money to work with street people in Brazil and Nathan, who is studying at South-ampton University, will take his share to Chikankata Hospital in Zambia when he undertakes a medical elective there. – J. W.


NEWS

[email protected]

Leek: The band and Sunday school were joined by Stockport Citadel Band as they partici-pated with other churches and youth organisations for a march of witness and open-air service in the town as part of the tradi-tional Club Day. In the evening, the bands contributed to a well-attended programme that featured soloists Songster Leader Alan Hayes and his daughter Rachel (piano and trumpet, respectively, both Longton). – B. L.

Celebrating their anniversary, young people at Warrington dress as their favourite comic-book heroes and YP workers depict heroes through the ages; the afternoon café church focused on Jesus, Our Superhero

Members of the growing Salvation Army Youth group at Malvern take part in a concert that they organised; the capacity congregation included a number of parents and friends making their first visit to the Army

The 128th corps anniversary celebrations at L’Islet include participation by the band with St Peter Port Band at St Saviour’s Parish Revels – the annual parish fete

Young people look for heroesBlackpool CitadelTHE young people’s anniver-sary weekend – which took the theme Looking For A Hero – included a trip to Stunt World, Morecambe, and tea, followed by the film Megamind.

Captain Andrea Cooper (Lefroy House, Dublin) led Sunday meetings and intro-duced Bible heroes. The young people contributed to the day in various ways, some for the first time. The timbrelists (pictured)

participated as superheroes. Everyone was reminded that they could be heroes in God’s service. – S. W.

Tea at the allotmentNottingham AspleyA STRAWBERRY tea, at which the band provided music was held at the Mustard Tree allotment as part of the monthly family and commu-nity Sunday event. The allotment, an area of land gifted to the corps a year ago, has been cultivated and is now proving productive.

Sixty people gathered for the event including allotment holders, previously unconnected with the Army, who attended with corps friends or who had linked up during the past year. – M. E.

Southampton Sholing: Extra seating was required when Salvacosta visited for a Saturday evening concert. The event raised £1,118 for Alfie’s Trust, which supports the Neonatal Unit at Princess Anne Hospital. Alfie’s parents, whom corps folk supported in prayer when Alfie died six days after birth, were there to receive the cheque. – B. E.

Wrexham: Fellowship and fine music-making were the hallmarks of a visit by Staple Hill Band. The visitors’ reper-toire included ‘Vitae Aeter-num’, ‘Shine As The Light’ and ‘Majesty’ and their corps officer, Captain Ian Urmston, led worship. – C. D.

v


LETTERS

Old ISBpicture stirs memoriesI NOTICED the picture in Salvationist (16 July edition) of the International Staff Band marching past the remains of the old ‘101’ c 1945 headed by Staff Bandmaster William Stewart, Commissioner Ranulph Astbury (the short one) and Flag Officer Major William Charles (the tall one). This brought back many boyhood memories of the Army in London during the Second World War.

As a 12-year-old, I went with my parents, Major and Mrs George and Florence Church, who were in charge of the Red Shield House for servicemen at 66 Buckingham Gate, to Queen Victoria Street and walked by the band on the footpath as my parents and other officers marched behind the ISB from ‘101’ to St Paul’s Cathedral, where we participated in a service of thanksgiving celebrating


Brothers’show wassuperbI WAS delighted to read in the interview with Alvin and Karl Allison (Salvationist 16 July) that they will be touring again later this year to coincide with the release of their new album.

Having previously come across the brothers in the 1980s and being very sceptical of them, I was surprised and greatly encouraged by their show, which I attended last year.

The show was a superb mix of visual presentation and interaction that complemented their exceptional songs. The flexibility of the show means that it can be used in a variety of different settings, is a perfect vehicle for outreach and delivers a powerful Christian message.

I wish the brothers every success with their tour and new album and I look forward to seeing the show again.Don Aitken,Stoke-on-Trent

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]

John Stott –the person

NEWS of the passing of John Stott prompts me to acknowledge his many influences on me over several decades. It was in 1960 when I first heard him speak at the University of Cape Town on The Doctor As A Person.

I reminded him of the lecture when we met at the International Leaders Conference in 1991. He was the principal speaker, developing a clear Christological approach to the world and its history. I was a recently appointed territorial leader searching for firm scriptural and theological bases for my work. I had read some of his writing on mission, but this clearly articulated exposition on the incarnation, death and resurrection of Jesus spoke powerfully to me. It helped ground our organisational approaches to world mission in the cross-resurrection event. The Lausanne Covenant, drafted by John and now included in the doctrine book, has been a significant influence

in shaping Salvation Army strategies on evangelisation and world mission. The Lausanne Covenant is firmly evangelical in its stance but helped evangelicals move into the field of social concern and social justice, an area already fully familiar to Salvationists.

While the Army might have contributed to this broadening of emphasis for evangelicals, John Stott has had significant influence on Salvationists, The Salvation Army and its leaders. He urged evangelicals to maintain dialogue with the conciliar movement, and to make their voice heard there. I heard his impassioned call to ‘get in and stay there’. This helped those of us who went to represent the Army at the 1983 Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Vancouver, Canada, clarify our thinking and our approaches to the ecumenical movement.

There we heard Commissioner Victor Keanie’s address to the assembly being so warmly accepted.

John’s writings have undoubtedly had a significant influence on many Salvationists. What may be less well known is that he used the royalties from his books to set up the Evangelical Literature Trust and

Salvation Army training colleges have benefited from library grants.

John Stott will remain for me one of those unforgettable people. That first lecture I heard from him lingers in my mind. ‘Character surpasses knowledge and skill in the effectiveness of the doctor’, was his message, ‘and that is best formed by living in relationship with Jesus’. He proved that truth in his life as pastor, preacher, teacher, writer and evangelical mission strategist.Paul du Plessis,Commissioner,Bromley

the centenary of the conversion of William Booth.

I remember that we sat in a row immediately behind some ‘very senior’ officers who insisted on singing at the top of their voices but couldn’t (or wouldn’t) wait for the unaccustomed introduction by the band into the hymns – much to my mother’s chagrin!

That was 2 June 1944, just four days before D-Day and ten days before the first doodlebug landed too close for comfort.George Church,Colonel,Aurora,Colorado, USA

Picture: JO

HN

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FROM THE COMMISSIONER

NEWSPAPERS have been full of reports of phone hacking. Public figures and victims of crime have been targeted. The public may be

tiring of the details, but these incidents are of major significance.

Beyond allegations of lawbreaking or turning a blind eye, the traumatic impact on some pillars of society has shaken confidence in the press, the police and our political system. In our democratic society there is the hope that public life is honest and of good report. We want – and need – to believe there is honour and integrity in public institutions. These values are our bedrock.

It is easy to stand on the sidelines, to buy the papers and watch the live broadcasts as the public’s appetite for sensation or justice is fed.

We too, though, have responsibilities and standards to maintain. The frenzy for celebrity and sensation, crime and crudity sells newspapers and boosts ratings. Financial gain is the motive but there is a price tag attached to the demolition of reputations. Investigative journalists are under great pressure to get the story, meet the deadline, ‘publish and be damned’. In these circumstances standards and values are not always the highest priorities. The headline, the

deadline, the downfall – these feed the public’s appetite.

Christians are not exempt from any of this. We need to accept that questions of what is right and what is wrong are more than mere options. They form the essential standard for Christian living. People under pressure can be pushed to compromise, take short cuts or respond in a way that is inappropriate. With the benefit of hindsight things might be seen differently. We might wish we had made other decisions.

Our discipleship and holiness need to be lived out in every situation. We are required to live out Kingdom values in all spheres of our lives. Integrity, honesty, fidelity, loyalty and accountability are applicable in equal measure in the boardroom and bedroom, public and private.

John Gowans wrote: ‘In a world of shifting values, there are standards that remain’ (SASB 324). The forces of

secularism, modernism and pluralism might seek to make Christian values and standards appear implausible or impossible. At the deepest level, Christianity is about much more than establishing structures, processes or boundaries to put things right; it is about a depth of goodness and true values. Freedom is a precious commodity but when it becomes licence it is destructive. Life and society are interrelated. We do not live in a bubble. Spheres of life such as faith, religion, politics or economics are not self-contained, with separate norms and values for each. Salvation and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ are not confined to the borders of life and compartmentalised as irrational, unexplainable and irrelevant. Our discipleship has to make a difference. It must be seen as something different, as opposed to being squeezed into the world’s mould through compromise or accommodation.

Biblical images of salt and light in Matthew 5:13–16 speak powerfully about our identity, our participation in public life and personal relationships. The gospel transforms individual lives but its message applies to society as a whole. The gospel and its mission are holistic and integrated. Images of salt and light indicate that there are no boundaries confining the word and work of God. As Christ’s disciples we are called to be involved in every aspect of humanity. Our calling and commission are all-inclusive. It is our responsibility to challenge and resist anything bringing decay and destruction to people’s lives. If we become tasteless we lose our purpose and worth.

We are called to fight by doing good: ‘In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven’ (Matthew 5:16 all quotations from New International Version). ‘Good deeds’ cover a variety of dimensions but they are always engaging and participative. ‘All my work is for the Master’ includes that which is upfront and vocal, or ‘back room’ and unseen, maintaining the

balance of participation and identity. We do what we do because of what we believe and whose we are: ‘But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do’ (1 Peter 1:15).

Faith is vital in the public sphere, because whether it is to do with the press, police or politics, it is about people. The heartbeat of the gospel is that people matter to God.

Keeping up the standard

by Commissioner John Matear, Territorial Commander

SALVATIONIST 6 August 2011 [email protected]

We are required to live out Kingdom

values in all spheres of our lives

SCOTTISH band The Proclaimers boasted they would walk 500 miles for love, but Bandmaster Steve Hanover (Regent Hall) went a bit farther… by

cycling more than 900 miles for charity!In 1954, Steve’s parents – Leslie and Frances

– lost their three-year-old daughter Lynda to leukaemia only two weeks after diagnosis. This tragedy had a deep impact on the family. Although Steve and his siblings – Glynis Southam (Inverness) and Territorial Envoy Colin Hanover (Snettisham) – do not have many memories of their sister, they vividly recall the effect her death had on their family. Steve says: ‘Lynda died when I was only 15 months old. Although I have no recollection of her, I am told that aspects of my personality could have been derived from my losing a playmate. My parents, naturally, struggled with her death and for some time I was separated from my mother, which could have been traumatic at that age.’

In 2010, Steve felt it was time that Lynda’s life was marked in a more positive way than

by the cloud that hung over their family. He pledged to use his passion for music and cycling to create a positive legacy and planned a 900-mile cycle journey from Inverness to London, along which he would play his tenor horn at concerts and take part in fundraisers. Setting himself a lofty £50,000 target for his Life of Lynda Fund, Steve selected health charities at home and overseas to benefit from his fundraising – Cancer Research UK (specifically for leukaemia research) and Salvation Army International Development (UK) for the Army’s overseas health work.

He says: ‘I believe the idea was given by God when it became very clear to me that it was time Lynda’s short life be honoured in a positive way, rather than always being surrounded by sadness. This was never going to be just another charity bike ride but was to encompass skills, knowledge and contacts gained in my life to create a positive legacy from Lynda’s life.’

Steve’s route took in places of significance to him – from Inverness where his sister lives to Pitlochry (his favourite place in Scotland) via Edinburgh, where his mum and three Hanover children were born and where his dad’s ashes were interred, to Colchester where Lynda is buried and on to London, where he lives with his wife Major Jacquie Hanover.

‘We visited 24 Army centres and 2 Cancer Research UK shops, travelling 920 miles,’ Steve says. ‘My family, although thinking I was slightly mad, was supportive from the start. My sister organised the first event – a ceilidh – and my brother organised a fantastic cabaret involving my nephew, Captain Nick Hanover (vocal, Stratford). My daughter Alex is a nurse and came on the ride as medic and my son-in-law, Dale Coles, was my support rider, keeping me going when the going got tough. My wife was co-driver of the support van as well as one of our bike mechanics. My other daughter, Laura Coles, together with my granddaughter Mia, joined us at many events to encourage us on our way.’

Such support was essential as the project became an obsession. ‘In the year leading up to the cycle ride every spare minute was applied

lives onlegacy

Lynda’sliveslives on

legacylegacylLynda’sLynda’s

lBandmaster Steve Hanover, Regent Hall, chats to Claire Anderson about creating a positive legacy from tragedy

Steve serenades Mia and Dale


FEATURE

[email protected]

to organising, training or even, occasionally, practising my tenor horn!’ Steve laughs.

Other invaluable support came from a team of Regent Hall friends charged with project co-ordination (Penny Babb), press and media duties (Ann Stewart), finance responsibilities (Ian Jeffery) and corporate sponsorship detail (Derick Yates).

Supporters of the two-week challenge kept up to date online with Steve and Dale’s progress through a blog and video diaries and by checking the itinerary to see where the riders would be.

‘The whole project involved many emotions,’ Steve admits. ‘It was very exciting when goals were achieved; stressful when we were struggling with the elements and racing against time – for example, when we had to meet up for Regent Hall Band’s visit to York; sheer joy when appreciating what people were doing for the project at each venue; and many moments when the adrenalin was in full flow. There were also many emotional moments when people expressed their own stories about leukaemia or, as happened at Derby, when the compère had written a poem especially for Lynda, which subsequently was read at her graveside. My overall feeling after the event is one of contentment that we achieved something that simply had to be done. It was also very moving to visit Lynda’s grave in Colchester with my family.’

In talking about their visit to Lynda’s burial site, where they unveiled a headstone, Steve recalls: ‘My parents could not afford to buy

Lynda’s grave in 1954, so it never had a headstone. My sister, brother and I bought the grave, which meant we could also purchase and erect a headstone. We found out where Lynda’s grave was only as a result of organising the bike ride. This was the first time any of us had been there.’

Web accounts of Steve’s journey are light-hearted and often gloss over the tougher moments of the tour – whether that was working through saddle-soreness, struggling with a particularly uncomfortable hayfever episode or the moment Steve accepted a ‘Glaswegian kiss’ from a wall on the way to the Wallace monument!

Having broken his cycle helmet and wound up in hospital, he confesses to ‘worrying moments at Stirling A&E waiting for the doctor to say I was OK to continue’. Fortunately, no lasting damage had been done, though Steve was encouraged to ‘rest’ before being sent on his way,

albeit in some discomfort.Asked if he was ever

tempted to back down, Steve asserts: ‘That was never an option. Even with the inconvenience of my injuries, compounded by the wind gusting in our faces and our energy levels being very low, strength was given to us at just the right time.

‘While we were resting, a member of the public, who had checked out our website on our shirts,

gave us a donation and great words of encouragement. There was no way we were giving up!’

The Life of Lynda Fund’s Facebook page holds a treasury

of photos illustrating the highs and lows of the journey and showing off the stunning scenery they passed, as well as providing a ready source of anecdotes! Steve adds: ‘On a few occasions, for safety reasons, our support van followed closely behind us at the same speed. In Nottinghamshire, police pulled the van over for travelling too slow!’ (Steve is quick to say the policeman was ‘a fair cop’ and instead of issuing a ticket provided the team with a permit to travel slowly through the county!)

After his 900-mile slog, would Steve ever want to ride again? He confesses: ‘I still enjoy cycling. Although mentally I still feel tired, physically my legs just want to get on the bike again!’

He jokes: ‘The event was a 900-mile cycle and tenor horn challenge, but after a few days we renamed it the 900-mile cycle, tenor horn and eating challenge because everywhere we went people kept feeding us. Dale and I believe we are probably the first people to cycle 900 miles and put on a stone and a half!’

Despite the fundraisers’ weight gain and plethora of scrapes and injuries, the Life of Lynda Fund stands at £35,000 as Salvationist goes to press. Reflecting on all that has happened, Steve concludes: ‘Who really knows what effect losing Lynda had on me – all I know is at last something positive has come from her untimely death.’

For more information, or to make a donation, visit the Life of Lynda fund at lifeoflynda.com or by searching facebook.com for ‘Life of Lynda Fund’

It became very clear to me that it was time Lynda’s short life be honoured in a positive way

A warm welcome at their journey’s end


VIEWPOINT

HOW many people will read this article? The subject is not new and the writer is a retired officer. Maybe not bursting with

promise! However, I am desperate to say something…

I recently attended the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh where I had been invited to a royal garden party with my daughter as my guest. We met other Salvationist friends and Army employees there, so the Army was well represented.

The pros and cons of uniform are often debated and I have been party to the debate for years, switching sides repeatedly. If ever I needed proof of its

value, though, I got it on garden party day.‘Hello,’ said one of the Queen’s Body

Guard for Scotland, of the Royal Company of Archers. ‘So good to see you in your uniform. I’ve just met two of your people who surprisingly are in civvies.’ He had been speaking to two non-Salvationist employees, so they couldn’t be expected to be in uniform, but he had no way of knowing that. What emerged from our conversation was that he clearly linked The Salvation Army with uniform.

‘Pleased to meet you,’ said one of the Queen’s chaplains in an impressive bright red neck-to-toe cassock. ‘Your uniform reminds me that the world cannot manage

without Salvationists’ (slightly overstated maybe!). ‘You are living proof that it is possible to be a Christian without the sacraments and without bishops – but don’t tell my bishop I said that!’

‘Great to see the Army,’ said the Lord Provost of Edinburgh. He spoke warmly of the Army and of his personal contacts with Salvationists.

‘You look dapper in your uniforms. Just what we need,’ said a member of the official video team when he caught sight of four of us walking together and invited us to contribute to the recording.

‘For the cause,’ said a man as he rushed off the train we had boarded for the journey home. He put £25 on the table in front of me as we stopped at his station, and then disappeared. What trust! I’ll pass the money to Govan Corps for the drop-in soup kitchen – a new venture that has attracted many to the corps, some of whom come to meetings and have made decisions for Christ.

‘The Salvation Army is a church, right?’ asked the owner of a fish and chip shop. On the way home by car from the station my daughter and I felt hungry – the cucumber sandwiches and lemon tarts now needed to be followed by something more substantial! We called into the chip shop, where the proprietor told me he is a believer and is looking for a welcoming church – high or low, he said, as long as it welcomed him! I said I would find out and let him know. There is a corps nearby so I have suggested to the officers they might like to indulge in some chips and chat sometime soon.

Uniform can be a controversial issue. Quite possibly, we haven’t helped ourselves by inventing endless versions of it. Maybe we also have a tendency to wear it in the wrong places – when we sit in the hall but not when we walk in the mall; and when it is not suitable – at in-house conferences. However, worn at the right time it is a powerful tool waiting to be exploited in a positive way for the Kingdom and the Army.

The incidents related are not concocted – they happened, just as I have told them, all in one day. I learnt a lot from them.

I sometimes hear Salvationists complain about the Army’s lack of visibility these days, our absence from TV screens and the shortage of positive coverage in the media. We don’t like not being noticed because we know in our hearts the Army has a great story to tell.

So, if we really care about what people think, maybe we should deliberately set out to make ourselves visible by using the tools we already have – uniform being one of them. At the right time and in the right place our uniform, smartly worn, is a gift to the cause for visibility. It is a mark of identification that we could and should use more effectively.

Commissioner Banks lives in retirement in Largs

Uniform behaviourCommissioner Keith Banks suggests common sense for dress sense


BIBLE STUDY

THE furore over Stephen Hawking and Leonard Mlodinow’s book, The Grand Design, which declares that we do not need God to

explain the origin of the Universe, has led me to think again about the basic reason why we believe in God.

It is not because of any theories about Creation, but because of a presence that sometimes – not all the time, perhaps not often – becomes part of our awareness, and to which we feel we must make a response.

People describe this experience in various ways: ‘God has spoken’ is one. ‘I felt his presence’ is another.

One of the earliest occurrences in the Bible when God is said to have touched people is found in the story of Saul, the first king of Israel.

The people had asked for a king to lead them into battle. After some initial resistance, the prophet Samuel was led to present Saul as the chosen man. Not everyone was impressed. He was young, unknown and belonged to an unimportant tribe. Some growled: ‘How can this fellow save us?’ (1 Samuel 10:27 all quotations from New International Version unless stated otherwise) and did not volunteer for service. To them this was an entirely

secular development and they waited to see how the new king would turn out.

But others sensed that the emergence of this hitherto unknown champion was not the result of human choice. Something told them that God was involved, and before Saul had proved himself as a leader there went with him ‘valiant men whose hearts God had touched’ (1 Samuel 10:26).

The New Revised Standard Version calls them ‘warriors’. They were laymen responding to the unseen voice or the touch of God on their lives.

The King James Version says ‘a band of men’ – and it is worth stressing the plurality of the statement. Each young man had his own experience of God, but this moment of being in touch with the Divine did not separate him from the others. Rather, it drew each individual into fellowship with those who had met the same God. Genuine religious experience does not

make for loneliness but for comradeship; each has his or her own different experience of God but the reality and effect are the same – for it is the one God who has acted in the lives of the many.

Once, while listening to cadets’ testimonies, I reflected that each one had a different story to tell – for human beings are individuals and each begins his or her response-journey from a different place. All, however, concluded with reconciliation, liberation and peace.

We all have the same saviour and so there is a family likeness in all our experiences.

What happened to Saul’s heroic band of brothers in the years that followed? They shared his early victories but were they disillusioned by his subsequent decline into despondency and suspicion? How did they view his turning against David when the young champion became so popular that Saul felt threatened? (See 1 Samuel 18:6–11.) Were they involved when Saul neglected the defence of his kingdom to hunt David in the wilderness? (See 1 Samuel 24.)

They could not have been unaware of Saul’s decline; how did this affect their faith?

If we serve the Lord, particularly if we preach the gospel or have a gift for evangelism, people may look at us and think: ‘Through that man/woman, God once touched me.’ If, like Saul, we allow personal jealousy and gloomy negativity to spoil our service, we may make it harder for others to continue in faith.

We follow a leader who appeared to fail, just like Saul. But unlike Saul – unlike every other human being – he was totally consistent in obedience to his Father.

Consequently, he was shown by the Resurrection to be accepted by his Father and declared to be the powerful Son of God – the true victor. And his ultimate triumph meant life and liberty for others, not only for himself.

Through that same Lord Jesus, let us continually claim the grace of God by which we may follow in his steps

– not to repeat his once-for-all achievement but to allow it to reshape our lives.

Next week we will look at the touch of God on the prophets and the mysterious and tragic figure of Job

Colonel Guy lives in retirement in West Wickham

Band of brothersColonel David Guy begins a four-part study entitled Touched By God’s Hand

SALVATIONIST 6 August 2011 [email protected]

We all have the same saviour and so there is a family likeness in all

our experiences


NEW COMMITMENTS


Ken GolbyMaureen Golby

Annette HolmesAdherent membersLeek

KEN and Maureen started to go to the corps last year. They had beensoldiers many years ago at Hanley and felt the need to connect withthe Army again. They describe the way they came back as ‘returninghome’. They are now regular worshippers and take part in variousactivities.

Annette’s late mother, Margaret Stonier, invited her along to thecorps three years ago and, since then, she has been a regularworshipper. She enjoys singing and taking part in meetings and is avery willing helper at various activities during the week.

Corps officer Captain Steven Smith welcomed Ken, Maureen andAnnette as adherent members. – B. L.

Chloe WelfareMegan Welfare

Gaby HinvesJordan Hinves

Hannah CookeMax Russell

Beckie WilkinsonJunior soldiersStrood

THE youngsters, who range in age from seven to thirteen, startedgoing to the corps through the Friday night Kids Zone Club and haveattended Sunday worship and other activities for almost two years.They signed their certificates at the mercy seat and, in the latter partof the meeting, they acted out the miracle of the loaves and fishes,focusing on what it means to offer what they have to the Lord.

Associate officer Major Mary Scott enrolled Chloe, Megan, Gaby,Jordan, Hannah, Max and Beckie as junior soldiers. – M. S.

Andrew MonaghanAaron RobertsonAdherent membersShotts

ANDREW is 17 and belongs to the corps youth fellowship. Aarontransferred to the corps with his family and was a junior soldier. Theyboth felt it was the right time to make a further commitment to Godand the Army. Divisional Commander Lieut-Colonel Alan Burnswelcomed Andrew and Aaron as adherent members. – J. F.

Malcolm HillRose HillAdherent membersSomercotes

HAVING attended meetings for the past six months, Malcolm and Rosetold the congregation of the privilege they felt at becoming members ofthe Army. ‘You have become our spiritual family,’ Malcolm stated. Fora long time they had felt something was missing from their lives andnow, having been led to the corps, ‘that void has been filled’. Afterhaving lived in the town for 18 years, for the first time they feel theyhave found their place in the community. With their teenage daughterHeather they are active participants in the monthly Messy Church.

Corps leader Territorial Envoy Terence Carpenter welcomedMalcolm and Rose as adherent members. – T. C.

Shirley DickinsonSoldier Barton-upon-Humber

AS a youngster, Shirley attended the corps at Barrow upon Humber.After a number of years away from the Army she returned to BartonCorps after recovering from an illness. She testifies to the fact thatGod brought her through the illness and other personal difficulties inher life and is glad of the opportunity to take an active part in corpslife. Corps officer Captain Anita Cotterill enrolled Shirley as a soldier.– N. C.

John NkounkouSoldierCroydon

JOHN was a junior soldier of the corps and followed God’spromptings to make the commitment of becoming a senior soldier.Corps officer Major Roger Batt enrolled him. – L. S.

Val RobertsonPeter LovegroveAdherent membersSunderlandMonkwearmouth

VAL and Peter have been linked with the Army for some time butwished to declare their belief and faith in God and make the Armytheir church. Peter has links with the Army’s community project inthe city. Val asked the band to play ‘How Great Thou Art!’ as adeclaration of her faith.

Corps officer Major Graham Daniels welcomed Val and Peter asadherent members. – E. S.

Roy ShentonAdherent memberSheffield Citadel

ATTENDING a songs of praise meeting, Roy was challenged by themessage and the music and soon began attending meetings on aregular basis. He now considers the corps to be his spiritual home.Roy was welcomed as an adherent member by corps officers MajorsLiliane and Paul Westlake. – P. L.

This report, printed in last week’s issue, appeared alongside a picture of Roy Bolden of

Stanford-le-Hope. Salvationist apologises to both Roys for this error.


NEW COMMITMENTS

[email protected]

Douglas AitchisonSoldier

Ian JohnsonAdherent memberLeadgate

DOUGLAS returned to the Army several years ago after many yearsaway. He made his decision to follow Jesus once again and become asoldier after listening to Territorial Commander Commissioner JohnMatear at the Territorial Congress in Harrogate a couple of years ago.

Ian is a newcomer to the Army. He became interested when hewitnessed his Salvationist neighbour delivering parcels at Christmasand decided that he also wanted to do something like that. Ian lovesthe Army and feels he has found his spiritual home at the corps.

Corps officer Major Barbara Davies enrolled Douglas as a soldierand welcomed Ian as an adherent member. – D. P.

Phibeon KunakaTsitsi KunakaSoldiersBelfast Citadel

PHIBEON and Tsitsi testified to the welcome and encouragement theyhave received since entering the fellowship. Phibeon also talked abouthow his mother, who is a corps sergeant-major in Zimbabwe, and hisson Kuda, who is a junior soldier at the corps, are positive influences.

Corps officer Captain Michael Kinnear enrolled Phibeon and Tsitsias soldiers. – M. K.

Rob LovejoyRuth LovejoySoldiersGrimsby

ROB and Ruth were drawn to attend a corps carol service throughtheir love of brass bands. In that very first service they felt sure thatGod wanted them to love and serve him through the Army. During thepast 18 months, they have been overwhelmed with love, support andencouragement and have grown stronger in their faith and their desireto serve God. Very happy to become soldiers, they pray that God willmake them a blessing to others.

Corps officers Majors Margaret and Mike Bowers enrolled Rob andRuth as soldiers. – M. B.

Michelle JefferiesSoldierStaple Hill

AS a child, Michelle attended church and believed in God. As a teenager,she drifted away from church activities and found herself mixing with the‘wrong crowd’, where she admits she did things that were not acceptable.Moving into the area, she was desperate for help and support and foundthese at the Army. She started to go to Saturday coffee mornings andtook her child to Babysong, which led to her attending Sunday meetings.Michelle accepted Jesus into her life in January this year and said: ‘Mylife has changed, I feel so free, cleansed and blessed. I thank God that Ifound him and for the support of the corps.’

Family and friends shared in the occasion when former corpsofficer Major Janet Thompson (THQ) enrolled Michelle as a soldier.– V. W.

Scott HardingJunior soldierDunstable

SCOTT testified that, although his twin sisters are junior soldiers, hehad made his own personal decision to give his heart to Jesus andbecome a junior soldier. He is only seven years old, but his wordswere challenging and sincere and his determination was very clear.Many relatives travelled from Leicester to be in the meeting whencorps officer Major Carol Evans enrolled Scott as a junior soldier. – H. G.

Joanne DaviesAdherent memberCoedpoeth

JO had gone to the corps as a child but stopped attending regularly over the years. When her son Jack started going to SAK (Salvation Army Kids) Club she renewed her link with thecorps.

Corps leaders Territorial Envoys Andy and Gay Tonks initiated all-age Sunday morning worship and Jo then started attending with Jack.Some months ago she made a commitment to God and found himworking in her life. She is enthusiastic in her love for the Lord and herdecision to become an adherent member is an expression of thatenthusiasm. Her sister and other family members were in the meetingwhen Territorial Envoy Gay Tonks welcomed Jo as an adherentmember. – J. H.

Jenna KincaidSoldierGreenock

JENNA started going to the Sunday school about ten years ago, thanksto the influence of her grandmother who had linked up with the corpsbecoming an adherent member. Jenna became a junior musician andalso helped in Sunday school. She made the decision to become asenior soldier and Lieut-Colonel Robert McIntyre (DHQ) enrolled herwhen he led 129th corps anniversary celebrations with Lieut-ColonelIsobel McIntyre. – A. T.

TRIBUTESMAJOR DENNISPADFIELDDENNIS found the Lord– the focus of his life – atWhiteway Goodwill Cen-tre in Bath in 1965. Fromthere he also offered him-

self for full-time service. In 1966 he mar-ried his corps officer, Major JoanLockwood. As auxiliary-captains they wereappointed to serve together at AnderstonGoodwill Centre (now Glasgow City Centre).

There, in that old, damp building, Dennisworked with drug abusers and alcoholics.He loved them with a passion and workedtirelessly with them in a deeply caring way, coming to know some of them very well.He produced homemade soup and meals,which were very much appreciated, andheld weekly ‘soup meetings’ where he lovingly led the people spiritually. Someeventually came to Christ.

This service became a deeply cherishedmemory.

Nine years later, in 1975, the Padfieldswere appointed to Stratford Goodwill Centre, East London, and in 1977 trans-ferred to corps ministry at Stanford-le-Hope. Subsequent appointments followedat Whitehaven, Wigan, Derby Temple andScunthorpe Ashby, from where they retiredin 1992.

In retirement at St Albans, Dennis com-pleted six years as chaplain to the seacadets, and was presented with an honoraryplaque for his commitment, enthusiasm andspiritual guidance. He also assisted the police by attending interviews as an appro-priate adult accompanying young people introuble with the law.

Increasing ill-health required a movenearer to family at Leigh-on-Sea. Evenfrom his invalid bed, he was able to upliftand encourage people and won the hearts of nursing staff and carers, who will never forget his wonderful smile.

Dennis loved the Lord and his family –his four daughters, six grandchildren, threegreat-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He always had so much love to give,which was his answer to everything. Hisfamily admired and loved him, and misshim greatly. – L. P./C. M.


ANNOUNCEMENTSNatasha Spratt, both at Dunstable by Major Carol

Evans.

BEREAVED

Major Ray Hobbins, Aberystwyth, of his sister

Rosemary Sumpter; Dep BM John Appleby of his

sister Major Florence Ryder, Songster Carol

Headland, of her sister Major Joan Bell, both

Stockton; Diana Salvage, Brighton Congress Hall,

of her husband Keith.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Mrs Colonel Jane

Boardman,

, Hadleigh, Benfleet (85 on

11 August); Colonel Gordon Swansbury,

, Bournemouth

(90 on 12 August); Lieut-Colonel Hugh Nimmo,

, Glenrothes (102 on

16 August); Major Lesley Bates,

Hucclecote, Gloucester (80 on

16 August).

Retirement address: Brigadier John Thompson,

Wellingborough

.

PROMOTED TO GLORY

Reg Saffin, Southampton Sholing.

Mrs Major Vera Pettit from Oldham on 24 July.

A daughter, Mrs Anne Bates, lives at s

, Tarleton, Preston

Mrs Lieut-Colonel Bathenia (Beth) Bolton from

Sydenham on 25 July.

A son, Mr Keith Bolton, lives at

, Orpington .


ARMY PEOPLEAPPOINTED

Effective 28 July:

Major Jane Morris, additional appointment,

Practitioner Tutor, School For Officer Training,

William Booth College; Territorial Envoy Janet

McIntyre, Kinlochleven.

Effective 1 September:

Major Yvonne Dare, North Shields.

Effective 13 October:

Major Peter Disney, Assistant Overseas Services

Secretary, Personnel Service, THQ.

Effective 20 October:

Captain Andrea Cooper, Jarrett Community

Project, Programme Service, THQ.

PALACE VISITS

Bandsman Jonathan Cooke, Enfield, and

CS Grace Cooke, Stockton, received invitations

to a Buckingham Palace garden party.

MARRIAGES

Asst CS/Bandsman Stephen Clark to

Bandswoman/Songster Jemma Gillson at

Stockton by Major David Jackson; Pascal

Cachelin to Claire Wright at Clapton by

Lieutenant Tim Swansbury.

WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Golden: Sam and Mrs Agnes Burns, Kirkcaldy

(19 August).

DEDICATED TO GOD

Tianna Jean, daughter of James Walker and Kim

Le Marchant, at L’Islet by Major Claire Hill;

Matthew James, son of Lee Horton and Angela

Spratt, Harry Thomas, son of Graham and

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

Malawi, Tu 16 Aug - Mon 22

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:

USA Southern, Wed 17 Aug - Mon 22; ICO,

Tu 30, Fri 2 Sep

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER JOHN MATEAR)

AND COMMISSIONER ELIZABETH MATEAR:

West Scotland (Scotland Council and

installation of divisional leaders), Th 25 Aug;

Cumbernauld, Sat Sun 4 Sep

THE CHIEF SECRETARY

(COLONEL DAVID HINTON)

AND COLONEL SYLVIA HINTON:

Edinburgh Gorgie, Sat Sun 28 Aug; Bognor Regis

(New Horizons), Fri 2 Sep - Sun 4

Commissioners Larry and Gillian Bosh: Mexico,

Sat 13 Aug - Th 18

Commissioners Lalkiamlova and Lalhlimpuii: India

South Eastern, Sat Sun 7 Aug; India South Western,

Mon 8 - Mon 15

Commissioner Christine MacMillan: Indonesia,

Tu 2 Aug - Mon 8; Australia Southern (Officer

Training College), Fri 12 - Mon 15

Commissioner Robert Street: ICO, Tu 9 Aug

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

PROMOTIONS

To major –

Captain Glenda Holifield, Harlow and London

North-East DHQ.

Captain Paul Holifield, Harlow.

MARRIAGES

Lieutenant Rebecca McNeill, Stockport Heaton

Norris, to Brian Ward on 24 June; Lieutenant

John Clifton, Ilford, to Lieutenant Naomi

Shakespeare, Ilford, on 23 July.

JOHN MATEAR,

Commissioner,

Territorial Commander

Major Mrs Clare Cloutt (née Nicholson) from

Southampton on 25 July.

Her husband, Mr John Cloutt, lives at 88 Brunel

Road, Redbridge, Southampton SO15 0LR.

Mrs Major Anna Haylett from Reading on

28 July.

Major Maurice Haylett lives at 75 Norfolk Cottages,

Pegasus Court, Park Lane, Tilehurst, Reading

RG31 5DB.

ANNOUNCEMENTS


Army. Mary had a sincere faith that was expressed in practical ways. She gave willinglyof time and talents in her service to the Lord.

Only occasionally was she heard to testifypublicly; her life was her witness. Mary lovedthe Lord, her family and The Salvation Army.She was very proud to wear uniform as partof her witness.

Failing health prevented her from attend-ing Army activities in later years, but she always maintained her interest.

Mary was a lovely lady and is muchmissed by her husband Arthur, daughter, sonand extended family. – M. W.

NORMAN BECKETT,HULL ICEHOUSENORMAN grew up atEston, where, aged seven,he became a junior sol-dier. He worked as an apprentice plumber at

ICI until – readily obeying God’s call to officership – he entered the 1956 FaithfulSession.

Norman later married Ivy Webster. Their first married appointment was to Elland. Their daughters, Janice and Joy,were born at Skipton and Senghenydd; other commands included Whifflet andBo’ness.

Health problems necessitated transfer tosocial services in London and, finally, toWilliam Booth House in Hull. Norman wasbandmaster at Icehouse for 15 years andthen band sergeant.

During the last three years his faith and determination to serve remained strong, despite health difficulties.

Norman was a true family man and soldier of God. – J. D.

[email protected]

RONALD MAUGHAN,GATESHEADRONNIE, who was born at Birtley in 1946, finallylost his battle with oesophageal cancer, but he never lost his faith. He

set himself certain targets: to walk hisdaughter Angela down the aisle, to have alast family holiday and to be around whenthe band played at his house, which it didthe day before his promotion to Glory. Heachieved all of these.

He spent his life in Birtley, where the corps(now closed) played a large part in his life.Ronnie was well known as a drummer andalso played in the divisional fellowship band.

Throughout his illness he knew his redeemer and was positive about his promo-tion to Glory. – A. L.

MRS MARY KNIGHT, STRATFORD-UPON-AVONTHE youngest of five children, Mary was bornin 1924. All the family were involved in the

CAPTION COMPETITION RESULTS

On 9 July Salvationist asked readers for

captions for this picture of Major James

Williams outside Buckingham Palace

during ISB120 celebrations. Here is a

selection of the best captions:

� Where does one put the mouthpiece?– Kathryn Heath, Knottingley

� But, Major, the fourth plinth is in Trafalgar Square! – Denise D’Souza, Redhill

� You can never find a staff band whenyou need one, then eight come all at once!– Ali Pearson, London

� This must be the high light of the weekend! – Bill Armstrong, Salford

� Jim: ‘Do you know I’m leaning on alamppost?’ Bert (on left): ‘You hum it, lad, and me and the missus will sing it!’– Major Nigel Bovey, Shirley

� MAJOR HAZARD AHEAD – DavidPayne, Bolton

PLEASE note that soldiers’ tributessubmitted for publication should beno longer than 120 words. Goodquality pictures will be includedwith tributes.


FEATURE

IN May 2012 the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland will be marking the centenary of the final public address of our Founder, General

William Booth. The ‘I’ll Fight’ Congress will have a strong social justice element to it, celebrating the work and ministry of The Salvation Army – then and now – in this field.

THE PROJECTTo coincide with this occasion the territory will be producing a commemorative book to reflect and celebrate the ministry of the thousands of officers, staff, volunteers and friends today, 100 years after the Founder’s final speech at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

The working title for this volume is Snapshots: A Month In The Life Of The Salvation Army and during October 2011 every corps and centre across the territory is invited to take photographs of Army life where they are. Although the book will include some professional images, the bulk of the content will, it is hoped, consist of

photographs taken by those directly involved in the many expressions of Salvation Army work around the territory.

YOUR PARTYou can be involved by submitting photographs of the Army at work where you are, for example in:

Sunday meetings weekday activities social-service programmes chaplaincy work sports ministries special projectsThese may or may not specifically be

about social justice work because any cross-section of Army ministry will, by its very nature, have this element running through it.

Photos must be taken during October 2011.

Guidelines will be issued in due course,

explaining further what is required and to assist you in taking the best possible images.

You will need to submit short notes explaining what is happening in your photos. Examples of these will also be

sent out in the coming weeks, along with any consent forms that may need to be signed.

It is hoped the end result will be an image-driven commemorative volume that will give a ‘snapshot’ of the work and mission of the UKT in the 21st century.

It will not be possible to include every photograph submitted, but additional images may be incorporated into a photographic exhibition to be staged at the Albert Hall during the 2012 Congress. Some pictures may also be featured on a special website and social media sites. The idea is to include as many contributions as possible in the project.

Territorial Commander Commissioner John Matear writes: ‘The “I’ll Fight” Congress in 2012 will be a significant event in the life of the territory and the Month In The Life book project is an exciting part of all that is being planned. As a territory we have a story to tell and this project provides the opportunity to contribute and record a snapshot of Kingdom work currently taking place. I strongly encourage your participation and add my warm support for this imaginative project.’

The book is being produced by the Publishing Department at Territorial Headquarters, and the project manager is Cathy Le Feuvre, a Salvationist at Staines. Watch out for further information and – in the meantime – start thinking about the ‘snapshots’ your corps or centre could contribute.

Major Ruthven is Editor-in-Chief and Publishing Secretary at THQ

WANTED: Snapshots ofa MovementMajor Leanne Ruthven introduces an exciting, territory-wide project


I’ll Fight!While women weep, as they do now, I’ll fight; while little children go hungry, as they do now, I’ll fight; while men go to prison, in and out, in and out, as they do now, I’ll fight; while there is a drunkard left, while there is a poor lost girl upon the streets, while there remains one dark soul without the light of God, I’ll fight – I’ll fight to the very end!

We have a story to tell and this

project provides the opportunity

SALVATIONIST 6 August 2011 21-23

ADVERTS

[email protected]

BOOK OF THEWEEKA Gracious And Compassionate God: Mission, Salvation And Spirituality In The Book Of Jonah by Daniel Timmer, InterVarsity Press, £12.99

This is the 26th volume in IVP’s series ‘New Studies in Biblical Theology’ and represents fine evangelical scholarship. Daniel Timmer is a professor of biblical studies in North America with an enormous academic pedigree, testified to by the 32 pages of bibliography.

His study of Jonah is therefore well founded; it is not always an easy read, but keeps a clear eye on its relevance to mission. In fact, before he digs into the text he examines the issues of

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Exploring bluebell woods, Sussex. Picture: BRUCE TULLOCH

evangelism and conversion represented in the book. Jonah was sent to carry God’s demand for repentance to Nineveh in Assyria, but the book’s message is directed to the children of Israel showing them that the judgment and mercy of God spread beyond their borders to ‘the nations’, even to their enemies.

Professor Timmer chooses to assume that the book of Jonah dates from the reign of Jeroboam II, well before the Exile (Jonah is mentioned as a prophet in 2 Kings 14). Because of this, he seems not to take into account its nature as literature. Many other scholars, on the other hand, suggest that it’s a clever short story –‘sheer fun and fantasy’ as William Neil calls it – dating from the time after the Exile when the Jews were struggling to find their new identity.

Nevertheless, if Professor Timmer’s book leads to new interest in Jonah, and a deeper examination of the themes of ‘mission, salvation and spirituality’ in the Church today, then it’s well worth attention. – B. T.

SONGThou hast called me from the bywayTo proclaim thy wondrous love;Thou hast placed me on the highwayThat to all men I may proveThere is mission in my living,There is meaning in my word;Saviour, in my daily strivingMay this message yet be heard.

For thy mission make me holy,For thy glory make me thine,Sanctify each moment fully,Fill my life with love divine.

Brindley Boon (SASB 463)

BIBLE VERSES[The king of Nineveh proclaimed:] ‘Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.’ When God saw what [the people of Nineveh] did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.

(Jonah 3:8–10 New International Version)

WIT ’N’ WISDOMMore precious is a team of enthusiastic children’s workers than a list of legacies.

Major Martin Hill (South-Western DHQ)

salvationist 6 august 2011 - amazon s3 · 2 6 august 2011 salvationist ... when asked to state his...

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