PAPERS

2 16 April 2011 SALVATIONIST www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

THIS WEEK’S QUOTES FROM THE PAPERS

■ READ ABOUT PALM SUNDAY

■ KA! JAM CONTINUES WITHCOMING AS A SERVANT

■ GET OUT YOUR PENS AND PENCILSFOR COLOURINGCORNER

■ ERIC THE ELECTRIC EEL

TERRITORIAL HEADQUARTERS Tel: 0845 634 0101SALVATIONIST 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN Tel: 020 7367 4890 Fax: 020 7367 4691 Email: salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk 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: advertising@salvationarmy.org.uk

DISTRIBUTION Salvationist Publishing and Supplies (Periodicals), 66-78 Denington Road, Denington Industrial Estate, Wellingborough NN8 2QH Tel: 01933 445451 Fax: 01933 445415 Email: keith.jennings@sp-s.co.uk

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

SEND ME YOUR TWEETS, SAYS PRIEST

Members of a congregation in the diocese of Liverpool are being encouraged to text,tweet and post Facebook questions to apriest while he is delivering his sermon at a café-church service.

The Priest-in-Charge of St John the Baptist’s, Burscough, the Rev Richard Jones,believes that new technology can help thecongregation to interact with the sermon,ask questions and share their viewpoints.Church Times

NUNS AND PRIESTS IN

LEAD FOR CLASSIC

AWARD

When the great and thegood from the classicalmusic world gather at the Royal Albert Hall [for the ClassicBrits] there will be aneven more saintly atmosphere than usual.The main contendersfor the Classic Brits’major award are an

order of French nunsand a trio of NorthernIrish priests.

The nuns of the Abbaye Notre-Dame del’Annonciation, from aregion of France nearAvignon, and ThePriests, who hail fromcounties Londonderryand Antrim, will gohead-to-head for theAlbum of the Year prize.The Times

■ TV SERIES LOOKSAT JESUS THROUGH1ST-CENTURY EYES

■ RESCUEDCHILEAN MINERSAYS GOD BROUGHT RECONCILIATIONUNDERGROUND

■ TRUST IS NO LITTLE MATTER FOR FILM’S RED RIDING HOOD

HAVE CONFIDENCE, CHURCHES ARE TOLD AS STUDY

CHARTS THEIR DECLINEThe Church faces huge challenges over the next few

years – but growth is still possible, according to a leading

researcher.

In 21 Concerns For 21st-century Christians Dr Peter

Brierley points to continuing decline in many

denominations… But it was possible to learn from the best

practice of growing churches, he said, and reverse the

decline…

‘There are seeds of hope,’ he said. ‘Change is possible. We

need to look at which denominations are growing, and why.

‘Another element is leadership – do they know where they

are going? If they don’t, they can’t get there. There is often a

lack of church growth because people won’t take risks.’

The Baptist Times

PRAYERS ‘ARE SAFE’

IN PARLIAMENT

The Governmenthas no plans toalter or end thepractice of recitingprayers before thestart of business inthe House ofLords.

The… statementcame in responseto a question from Lib Dem peer,

Lord Roberts of Llandudno, whoasked whether itwas now time forprayers to reflectthe ‘different faiths and different denominations we have, not onlyin the House but in the United Kingdom’.The Church of EnglandNewspaper

COMMENT

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk SALVATIONIST 16 April 2011 3

HIGH Church people tend to bebetter at this sort of thing thanSalvationists, although we toohave our moments. I’m talking

about memorials and monuments; pews,marble busts, inscriptions, that sort ofthing. Granted, the General’s crestadorning the wall at the back of theplatform at Boscombe is quitesomething. So too the stained-glasswindows in some halls. By and large,though, Army style tends to demonstratea preference for the plain and functionalrather than the ornate and decorative.

I mention this because I note from thetribute to Major Walter Cottier, whichappeared in last week’s Salvationist, thathe and his wife were once stationed atPaisley Charleston. I happen to know (onaccount of calling there most weeks aftersongster practice when I too was

stationed in Paisley) that what was theCharleston hall is now a Chinese takeaway(or carry-out, to use the local parlance).

I visited in uniform once, and theproprietor nearly fell over as I entered,excitedly telling me that the 1934 stoneinscription of ‘The Salvation Army’ remainsintact, behind the yellow and red (but notblue) plastic signage declaring that this isnow the ‘Crystal Garden’. He also advisedme that meals are nowadays preparedabove the covered mercy seat. Well, wehave always known that we cannot live bybread alone.

I have mixed feelings about the closureof Army corps, whatever the eventual fateof halls. My own home corps, HartlepoolCitadel, no longer exists, and thatknowledge is tinged with sadness, eventhough I have been kindly adopted bywhat was Hartlepool Temple and is nowsimply Hartlepool Corps.

On the other hand, I read enough aboutnew designations, optimistic openings,mission development opportunities,transitioning churches and church plantinginitiatives to be convinced that TheSalvation Army continues to evolve inways suited to the present age.

This is, of course, nothing new. Thisprocess of adaptation is as old as theBible, and one of the jewels in the Army’scrown is its pragmatism.

At face value, for example, the last lineof Joshua 4:9 makes little sense. Literallyspeaking, it is architecturally inaccurate.Spiritually speaking, though (and here’swhere we need to look at things throughthe eyes of faith), when that verse is linkedwith 1 Peter 2:5, we begin to see a newtruth dawning.

Stone-chiselled, wood-panelled orbrass-engraved memorials to thegoodness of God will all, sooner or later,crumble, disappear, tarnish or be turnedinto chip shops. They live on best, asPeter, and indeed song number 941 in our songbook would indicate, in theministry and influence of the likes of Major Cottier. And, if I may be so bold, inthe likes of you and me.

MAJOR STEPHEN POXON, EDITOR

Not set instone

‘For centuries it has beenthought that public worship isproperly held in buildings ofrecognisable design at statedhours on the first day of theweek. This is agreed – so long asit is not then supposed that thisprovides the only pattern to befollowed in preaching Christ.’

(General Frederick Coutts)

NEWSPages 4 – 9 ⟩⟩⟩⟩MargateBurtonuponTrentIHQNorthernRegentHallSouthandMidWalesHeckmondwikeRomfordHadleighTempleJapanInvercairnLongEatonNewbiggin-by-the-SeaBargoedRockFerryChristchurchGreatYarmouthNewtonAbbotPlymouthCongressHallCentralNorthBirminghamCitadelIsleofWightCampbeltownBramwellHouseGuisboroughArmàdàspasyMargateConnah’sQuay

LETTERSPages 10 & 11 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

FEATURE

Freed from addictionPages 12 & 13 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ALOVE UPDATE

Essentially my storyPage 14 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

BIBLE STUDY

Costly praisePage 15 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

NEW COMMITMENTS

Pages 16 & 17 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Army people, engagements,tributes and melodycompetition reminderPages 18 & 19 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

ADVERTS

Pages 20 – 23 ⟩⟩⟩⟩

4 16 April 2011 SALVATIONIST

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Seekers kneel atmercy seatMargateSEEKERS knelt at the mercyseat during the Sunday meetingswhen Commissioner WilliamCochrane (IHQ) led 116th bandanniversary celebrations. In theholiness meeting the band played‘In The Love Of Jesus’, the song- sters took up the theme with‘What A Friend We Have In Jesus’and, prior to the commissioner’smessage, the band members sang‘Softly And Tenderly’.

In the salvation meetingCommissioner Cochrane spokeon the calling to frontline Chris-tian living and ministry.

The commissioner describedSaturday evening’s music festi-val as ‘an evening of classics’.Maidstone musicians Bandmas-ter Kevin Ashman (cornet) andStuart Atkinson (euphonium)played solos and a duet.

Pianist Bandmaster DavidMiles, who received recognitionfor his 25 years of loyal serviceto the band, played the firstmovement of Beethoven’s‘Sonata Pathétique’.

Band items included ‘To GodBe The Glory’ and ‘Joyful Day’and the congregation also en joyedthe group vocal items ‘Bill Booth’sArmy’ and ‘When The Good LordBrought Him Through’.

The picture shows Commis-sioner William Cochrane andBandmaster David Miles withthe band. – R. K.

The SalvationArmy opens inTogo andcontinues togrow in MiddleEastIHQAFTER consultation with theInternational Management Coun- cil, General Shaw Cliftonapproved the official commence- ment of Salvation Army work inTogo, effective 1 April 2011.Togo – officially the TogoleseRepublic – is a country in WestAfrica, bordered by Ghana to thewest, Benin to the east andBurkina Faso to the north. Thefledgling work in Togo has beendeveloping under supervision ofthe Ghana Territory and willcontinue to do so. With this newopening The Salvation Army isnow at work officially in 124countries.

Many messages reached Inter-national Headquarters between1999 and 2005, from residents of the country and Togolesepeople living in the USA andCanada, asking that Army workbe commenced in Togo. InMarch 2007 the Ghana Territorydispatched a fact-finding team toTogo, which was greeted withgreat enthusiasm by establishedchurches and community leadersalike. It was discovered that

Salvation Army meetings werealready being held and con-verts were being made. Sevensocieties have been openedduring the past year, 230 seekershave been registered and 14indigenous soldiers have beenenrolled. Work among childrenand young people is also devel-oping well.

Captains Hervé Michel andNaty Dorcas Ahouyanganga, ofthe Congo (Brazzaville) Terri-tory, have been appointed to giveleadership to this new work.

There are also developmentsconcerning Salvation Army workin the Middle East. The Salva-tion Army was officially estab-lished in Kuwait in 2008 and inthe United Arab Emirates (UAE)in 2010. The Army receivedexcellent support and co-opera-tion from St Andrew’s Church inDubai in the early days of explo-ration leading to the start of itswork in Kuwait.

Three centres now operate –Abu Dhabi and Sharjah (both inthe UAE) and Kuwait. In recent

days regular Army meetingshave also been taking place inBahrain and Oman, though theseactivities remain on an informalbasis for the time being and arenot yet officially established asSalvation Army activity.

In view of the developmentthat has taken place in the regionin the past three years, and theobvious potential for furthergrowth, the General approvedthe proposal that the work inKuwait and the United ArabEmirates shall be known, forSalvation Army purposes, as the Middle East Region as from1 April 2011 (reporting directlyto International Headquarters).Should the activities in Oman,Bahrain or other countries in thatarea move to official recognition,they will be included in theMiddle East Region.

Majors Mike and TeresaHawley, officers of the USASouthern Territory, will be theregional leaders – Major MikeHawley serving as RegionalOfficer. – A. R.

Women spendday with theShepherdNorthernMORE than 100 women mettogether at South Shields for theannual divisional women’sretreat, themed A Day With TheShepherd. Captain Jane Alton

(Aberdeen Citadel) led the eventin a thought-provoking andencouraging way, taking thedelegates through Psalm 23. The women considered how they are led by the Shepherd and how he cares for them and they were also given theopportunity to express their feelings by writing their ownpsalms. – K. G.

Celebrationscommence withnostalgiaBurton upon TrentCELEBRATIONS for the 125thcorps anniversary commencedwith An Evening Of Nostalgia,in which corps members andmany people new to the Armyexplored its beginnings throughmusic and film clips. They wereespecially interested in the infor-mation about the start of theArmy’s work in the town. Theband, songsters, timbrel groupand soloists contributed to thesense of nostalgia by presentingmusic of a bygone age. Many ofthe people who attended are onthe periphery of the corps and itis hoped they will take part insubsequent events. – K. A.

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Many peoplevisit mercy seatSouth and Mid WalesWHEN territorial leaders Com -missioners John and Betty Matearled the annual divisional Celebra-tion of Faith, held in the PrincessRoyal Theatre, Port Talbot, manypeople were challenged by theirmessages throughout the day andmade their way to the mercy seat.

During the morning meeting,Swansea Band played ‘Gift OfLove’ and ‘Wonderful Day’,accompanying the music withmultimedia presentations. Thesongsters from Maesteg andCardiff Canton participated andalso joined the band in present-ing pre-meeting music.

Pentre Singing Companyreminded the congregation thatthe Lord is their shepherd andLea Strudden (Aberystwyth)talked enthusiastically abouthow God is working in her life.

During the lunch break Alive InHim, the divisional youth chorus,sang inside the theatre beforeeveryone went outside to witnessthe Territorial Com mander dedi-cate the new double-decker bus(see picture) that will be used toprovide services to homelesspeople in Cardiff city centre.

Nearly 600 voices were raisedin a rousing rendition of ‘GuideMe, O Thou Great Jehovah’ atthe commencement of the after- noon meeting, after DivisionalCommander Major Peter Moranhad given a report from aroundthe division. GodZone Puppets(Risca) made people smile withtheir contribution. A recentconvert at Abergavenny, dancerand actress Sharon Lewis,dramatically illustrated God’sintervention in her life by usingfour young dancers and thespoken word. – C. T.

Chorus enthrals and enlivensHeckmondwikeYP annual weekend commenced with the inauguralsolo festival of Yorkshire Divisional Youth Chorus,who displayed an out standing standard of singing anddeportment. The congregation were alternately heldin thrall by the sensitive singing or up on their feet tojoin in with livelier songs.

Divisional Youth Officer Ryan Wileman led Sundayworship and reminded the young people of the wordsof their junior soldier promise. Young people testifiedto their love of Jesus and, in the evening meeting, thesinging company, YP band, timbrelists and dancegroup contributed items. – L. T.

He looked at the time the Founder preached in tentsor in the open air and thence to his purchase ofderelict circuses, music halls and skating rinks. In theearly days the Army did not recognise the importanceof buildings; now they are seen as vital to achievingthe Army’s goals at all levels.

Colonel Jane Paone of the France and BelgiumTerritory traced the pioneering work of Kate Booth,who was known as La Maréchale. The colonel spokemovingly about the Army’s huge social work inFrance and the shortage of volunteers.

Graham Parkhill and Gordon Cook, authors ofHadleigh Salvation Army Farm: A Vision Reborn,talked about the varied programme of the HadleighTraining Centre. It is now 120 years since this wasopened as a farm colony; the centre provides trainingin carpentry, catering, estate management and ITskills for those with special needs and the long-termunemployed. The grounds are also to be used for theLondon 2012 Olympic Mountain-Biking event.

Captain Nick Coke (Stepney) was the final speaker.He explained how he and his wife Kerry have had toadapt to meet the demands of what is today a multi-cultural area in a place close to where William Boothfounded the Movement.

Editor-in-Chief Major Leanne Ruthven (THQ)summarised the day’s events and spoke of theFounder’s ‘audacious vision’. – J. A.

Corps hosts Save TheWorld symposiumRegent HallDIRECTOR of the International Heritage CentreMajor Stephen Grinsted led the Save The WorldArmy Heritage Symposium. The title was takenfrom Hal Beckett’s book Save The World Army,which recounts his memories of four yearspioneering the Army’s work in China; his grand-son Andrew was one of the delegates.

Expert speakers looked at how the Army’shistory has impacted its present and future role.Lieut-Colonel Margaret Wickings (Under Secre-tary for Africa, IHQ) explained the specific issues,based on biblical principles and the teachings ofJesus, which governed the Army’s far-reachingsocial initiatives.

General John Larsson (Retired) spoke about thebackground to his book in his presentation, 1929 –A Crisis That Shaped The Salvation Army’s Future.

Tony Fletcher, a researcher at the InternationalHeritage Centre, showed an early film depictingthe Army’s work teaching trades and skills to thecriminal tribes of India.

Lieut-Colonel Ray Oakley, a chartered surveyorand accountant, entitled his session To The GloryOf God – Insights Into Salvation Army Buildings.

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Corps hostsCodelifeRomfordTHE corps hosted Codelife, anall-day men’s conference, inpartnership with Christian Visionfor Men (CVM). The day startedwith 284 men from 42 corps andchurches queueing up outside thehall for breakfast, before theday’s programme of motivatingand challenging seminars.

Pete Sims of the ChristianChurch Growth Centre inChelmsford led times of inspir-ing worship.

Carl Beech (CVM) introducedthe day’s main theme, explainingthat Codelife is a 12-point rule oflife for men to help them stayfocused on living a full-on,uncompromised, Jesus-centredlife, in company with others.Often humorous, Carl urged thedelegates to say no to beingpassive church benchwarmersand to get active and confront theissues of the day.

This message was underlinedas representatives from StreetPastors, Christians AgainstPoverty and Oxfam gave presen-tations.

In his follow-up seminar entitled Winning Men, Carlexplained how to run a men’sgroup and challenged delegatesto install the men’s programmemodel to develop relationshipsand bring Jesus to unchurchedmen.

At lunchtime, the delegatessampled the delights of a hogroast straight off a real roastingspit before selecting from furthersessions. These included ademonstration of how to createmeaningful conversations aroundlife issues using TableTalk cards,Elephants In The Room –Hidden Addictions and You’ll BeA Man, My Son, a practicalprogramme for teenage boys. – G. J.

Hadleigh Temple: In gratitudefor all that the staff at GloucesterHouse Addictions RehabilitationCentre, Highworth, did for herson – a former drug user – corpsmember Christine Horton, withthe help of Major David Groves,arranged a fundraising filmevening for the Buy A Bed –Save A Life project. Christinewas able to present acting CentreManager Sue Tollington with acheque for £430. – B. N.

Salvation Army considerslong-term response toearthquakeJapanSALVATION ARMY emergency workers in theearthquake-hit country report that the govern mentdisaster response is proceeding well and that mostareas in need of assistance have now been reached.Army teams continue to provide vital supplies suchas food and water in Sendai and also in Yabuki-cho,both of which are near Fukushima but outside theexclusion zone set up around the nuclear powerplant. Yabuki-cho appears to be one of the few areasnot yet reached by government help.

Some areas hit particularly badly by the disasterare still not accessible but Salvation Army workersunderstand that other non-governmental organisa-tions are also not being allowed into these parts. Theexclusion zone around the Fukushima Daichinuclear power plant remains in place and reportssuggest the situation is improving.

As previously reported, the Korea Territory

arranged for bottled water to be sent to Japan. TheSalvation Army World Services Organisation(SAWSO) in the USA is organising a delivery ofblankets and has arranged for samples of food packages to be sent to the territorial leaders whowill then have the option to order any if needed.

There has been a considerable financial responseto the Army’s Japan Disaster Fund appeal fromaround the world. The Japan Territory believesfunds already available in-country will cover thecosts of the current response and that money raisedfrom around the world will enable a medium tolong-term response. The territory is consideringbuilding temporary accommodation and providinghousehold goods and equipment but these plans arestill at the early stages.

Territorial Commander Com missioner MakotoYoshida is grateful for the practical and spiritualsupport that has been offered from across the world.

He reports that commuters in Tokyo who weregiven food, drink and shelter at Territorial Head-quarters on the night of the earthquake have sentletters of thanks, some including a donation for therelief work. – A. R.

Majors usepuppets to tell storiesLong EatonMAJORS Carol and MartinWhybrow (Cambridge Citadel)led Sunday meetings during the young people’s prizegivingweekend. They used differentstory-telling techniques, includ-ing puppets, to relate familiarBible stories and explore otherthemes. The puppets picturedrepresent King James I, theBlack Book and the Court Jester

in a sketch looking at how theKing James Bible came into being.

The singing company sang‘Walk, Talk And Praise Him’ andthe YP band played ‘Mini March’and ‘As The Deer’. Several youngpeople shared their favouriteBible stories, including thefeeding of the 5,000, Noah andthe ark, the Last Supper andMoses and the burning bush.

The weekend commencedwith a visit to Conkers Dis coveryand Waterside Centre, whereworkers and children enjoyed allthe activities, and continued witha barbecue and film. – I. Y.

Rally raisesmoney for JapanInvercairnAROUND 130 people gatheredfor the home league rally, whichraised more than £400 for theJapan Disaster Fund. MajorsRussell and Catherine Wyles(DHQ) compèred the programmeand presented vocal solos and the evening’s talk, respectively.Dorothy Ritchie contributed read- ings and corps officers MajorsFiona and Martin Sayer per -formed a skit on the theme ofInitiative. The officers alsopresented vocal items. – M. S.

Newbiggin-by-the-Sea: MajorKim Gotobed (DHQ) led Homeand Family Weekend Sundaymeetings and spoke at theMonday rally. During the rally,Captain Donald Mont gomery(North Shields) played piano andeuphonium solos. – P. H.

Bargoed: Members of theGood Companions over-60 clubjoined the congregation for the monthly songs of praisemeeting. Corps folk are alsopraising God for a new couplewho have begun attendingworship. – L. C.

Rock Ferry: Majors Linda andMark Herbert (William BoothCollege) led inspiring 129thcorps anniversary weekendmeetings, blessing those whoattended. – J. L.

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SA world leadersfarewellIHQTHE ground floor was comfortably filled forthe farewell meeting and presentation of retire-ment certificates to General Shaw Clifton andWorld President of Women’s MinistriesCommissioner Helen Clifton – led by Chiefof the Staff Commissioner Barry Swanson.

Caring, justice and the Cliftons beingdifference-makers were three commonthreads running through each of the prayersand talks delivered during the farewell.

In his prayer, specifically for Commis-sioner Clifton, graphic designer BerniGeorges thanked God for her love for theLord, officer calling, faith, desire to seepeople of all races come to know Jesus Christ,strong sense of justice and her support of andvision for Salvation Army women leadersacross the world. He also gave thanks for thecommissioner’s strength and clarity as shefaced a new challenge at this time in her life.

Major Richard Gaudion, Private Secretaryto the General, stated in his prayer that no onecan estimate the influence for good that theGeneral and Commissioner Clifton have hadon thousands of people around the world. Hesaid: ‘We know that they live their lives foryou, Lord, that they trust you for the future andthat they will continue to be faithful to you.’

When paying tribute to CommissionerClifton, Major Lynn Gibbs (Personal Assis-tant to the WPWM) said that the commis-sioner not only ‘talks the talk but she walksthe walk’. She shared instances of when thecommissioner had revealed deep caring andcompassion, especially in leading the fightagainst human trafficking but also in caringfor officers and their families pastorally. ‘Youare a role model, advocate, prayer warrior andfriend – you are a blessing,’ said Major Gibbs.

In delivering a tribute to General Clifton,Commissioner William Cochrane declaredthat the General was still a corps officer atheart and ‘many of us have been the recipi-ents of your care and concern’.

Commissioner Cochrane emphasised theGeneral’s global vision, decisive action andapparent fearlessness in the face of difficultsituations. He also disclosed two phrasesGeneral Clifton often used, ‘intentionality’ and‘is it do-able?’ Hindsight has revealed, saidthe commissioner, that if the General thoughtit was do-able then it was. He added that theGeneral’s intentionality had, among manyother achievements, resulted in the elevationof soldiership within the Army, reasserted thesupremacy of the covenantal relationshipbetween officers and God and demonstratedto the Army that it can be confident in itselfand its place in the Body of Christ.

Prior to presenting the Cliftons with theirretirement certificates, effective from 2 Apriland each recording 38 years and 10 months’active officer service, the Chief said that heviewed it a privilege to express appreciationto the retiring leaders on behalf of ‘a million-

plus Salvationists who have been inspired byyour leadership’.

In her heartfelt response to all that had beensaid in the meeting Commissioner Cliftonquoted Hebrews 13:8 and said: ‘These wordsdescribe my experience of the Lord JesusChrist ever since I took him as my personalSaviour as a child.’

The commissioner commen ted that eventhough she had missed being able to attendthe office during recent weeks she had beengreatly aware of the loving and prayerfulthoughts coming to her from all at IHQ. Shealso commended the visionary and enthusias-tic approach of the next World President ofWomen’s Ministries, Commissioner SueSwanson.

After thanking God for calling her to serveas an officer, Commissioner Clifton said: ‘Iface the future with my faith unchanged andundiminished. Hebrews 13:8 is true. We willtake the future one day at a time, our handsplaced in [God’s] hands, as we have alwaysdone.’ She continued with a challenge: ‘Bebold for Christ! Be brave for Christ! Be beau-tiful for Christ, in the beauty of holiness!’

During the early portion of his message theGeneral expressed his thanks to a large numberof people, including the two officers who haveserved as his Chief of the Staff, CommissionersRobin Dunster and Barry Swanson, and all theIHQ commissioners. General Clifton alsoencouraged Salvationists to support prayerfullyGeneral Linda Bond.

In measured tones, reflecting the transi-tional nature of his life at present, the Generalsaid: ‘These are indeed strange and unfamil-iar moments for Helen and me. We’ve neverretired before! We’ve seen others do it withconsiderable poise without realising howdifficult it is.

‘As we look back over our shoulders at theyears that have passed, we see God in it all.He has led us. He has graced us. He has beenfaithful. He has been ahead of us, pouring outprevenient grace.’

He presented a brief summary of theirofficer service leading to the final five years asactive officers.

‘These past five years serving as the

Army’s world leader have thrown me backagain and again on the grace and help of God.If you are risking much for God, your need ofgrace doubles and redoubles. Your prayersgrow more and more passionate, even desper-ate, as you seek guidance. God hears, Godguides and God opens up the way.

‘A word about the Army – we all know Godraised us up, but also we know that we Salva-tionists are very human and that, as a result,the Army is not perfect. Nevertheless, I wantto affirm clearly and with all my heart todaythat I have been deeply privileged to havebeen called by God to be a Salvationist. God’sgreat Army of Salvation has allowed me topastor, preach, teach, write, research, study,learn, travel, encourage, experience myriadcultures, to serve and to lead. The Army,under God, has allowed me to be stretched,challenged and – above all else – to bechanged and to grow in grace.

‘All of this has happened with Helen at myside. We have gone every step of the way – allof it – together. How grateful I am that we haveboth been spared to retire together. Helenmarried me in 1967 when she was just 19. Shehas made a huge contribution in her own rightto the furtherance of the gospel and to the build-ing up of the Kingdom and the Army in everyappointment. She has lovingly reproved andcorrected me, as only a devoted spouse can. Shehas encouraged me and has quietly empoweredme in every place, in every appointment and inevery task,’ said the General.

He also thanked God for his family, someof whom were present, and for the supporttheir children and grandchildren provide.

Using verses from Acts 20, General Cliftonreaffirmed his Christian faith and thanks to Godfor the past, present and future. He concludedwith a sacred reminder for all Salvationists:‘All of us are called to be pure for God, sacredvessels for him, sanctified and made holy byhis blood poured out so freely at Calvary. TheOne who calls you can do it. He is able.’

Earlier in the meeting Captain Matt Clifton(UK THQ) read from Scripture, an ensemblefrom the International Staff Band providedmusic support and an IHQ vocal group sang‘The Stranger Of Galilee’. – A. R.

Commissioner Sue Swanson presents the retiring international leaders with a picture of IHQ staff members

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Beaver colony inauguratedNewton AbbotMANY parents were on their first visit to the Army when theyattended the inauguration of the corps beaver colony. Majors Davidand Gillian Coates (DHQ) led the meeting, which also includedchurch parade and the young people’s prizegiving. The new beaverssang a song and recited the Beaver Promise, before the group’s leaderswere presented.

Pictured with the beavers are: Beaver Leader Clare Philps, GroupScout Leader Major John Roberts, Beaver Helper Kelsey Bowers, corpsofficer Major Dawn McGarvey and Assistant Beaver Leader ClaireMayhew. The corps plans to open a cub pack in the near future. – J. R.

The Air Training Corps celebrates 70 years on the Isle of Wight with chaplain Major Keith Wallis (Regional Officer, Isle of Wight); the ATC held aparade of colours with other military services and Major Wallis led a service

Division holdsfirst Children’sAdvisory GroupmeetingCentral NorthTHE division held its first Chil-dren’s Advisory Group meeting.As well as a trip to McDonald’sand enjoying lots of cake, thechildren spent time in gooddiscussion about what theywould like to see happening inthe division.

One of the items the childrenconsidered was the open-endedsentence: ‘If I were the chil-

dren’s officer, I would…’ Thechildren let their imaginationsrun loose and presented somegreat ideas. Pictured are just afew of the children who make upthe group. – H. B.

Concert raisesmoney for guide dogsPlymouth Congress HallTHE band, SA brownie pack and Elburton, Goosewell andWeston Mill Primary SchoolChoirs held a charity concert,raising £275 for the LordMayor’s charity, Guide Dogs forthe Blind. The Lord Mayor ofPlymouth (Councillor MaryAspinall) and the LadyMayoress (Kate Aspinall)attended the concert and theLord Mayor was happy toreceive the cheque on behalf ofthe charity.

Captain Helen Schofield(DHQ) compèred the evening,which featured music and drama,and a timbrel display by thebrownies. The event concludedwith the three choirs singing‘Make Someone Happy’. – R. A.

Corps supportsNZ namesakeChristchurchAFTER hearing about the earth-quake in Christchurch, NewZealand, last September thecorps renewed links withChristchurch City Corps,sending a message that corpsmembers were ‘upholding thecorps through prayer’.

When folk at the UK corpsheard about the second earth-quake, they rose to the challengeof raising money. A PancakeEvening, personal giving andfundraising stalls realised morethan £400. – D. J.

Fellowship brassby the seaGreat YarmouthAT Gorleston Pavilion more than200 people enjoyed a pro -gramme of music entitled BrassBy The Sea presented by Nor -folk Fellowship Brass in aid ofthe Palliative Care East Appeal.

Vocal soloists Bram Bryantand Elayne Green sang ‘YouRaise Me Up’ and ‘Bring HimHome’, respectively, andteenaged cornetists Sam Gibsonand Daniel and Matthew Frostplayed ‘The Veterans’. BBCRadio Norfolk’s Tony Mallionwas the compère. – T. M.

Droitwich Spa and Birmingham Citadel YP Bands unite at the Citadel fora programme that included a trombone solo by Tom Farmer (DroitwichSpa); the audience enthusiastically showed their appreciation for theyoung people’s musicianship

SALVATIONIST 16 April 2011 9

NEWS

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Worship groupmeets the worldArmáda spásy, MargateTHE junior worship group fromthe new plant was one of twomusic groups featured at Mar gateMeets The World, an activity dayheld at Cliftonville Children’sCentre. Pictured sing ing ‘DikhesMiro Jilo, Devla’ (‘Look Into MyHeart, O God’) are (front) FerkoGodla, Maruska Karickova andTibor Petik and (at back onkeyboards) Roman Godla andDenis Horvath. – D. B.

Festival raisesmoney for JapanConnah’s QuayTHE corps hosted a joint festivalraising £151 for the Army’sJapan Disaster Fund. The jointbands of Coedpoeth and Rhos -llanerchrugog and the host corpssongsters took part. MoldOutreach Centre gave a dramapresentation and vocal soloistTerritorial Envoy Gay Tonks(Coedpoeth) sang ‘Come, PeopleOf The Risen King’ and ‘Pic t-ures Of Perfection’. She wasaccompanied by her father, LesHartill, who was visiting fromthe Isle of Man. Songster LeaderAlistair Brown (euphonium,Rhosllanerchrugog) played ‘MyLove Is Like A Red, Red Rose’.Corps officer Major Marc McKen-zie was the speaker. – S. M.

Singer takespart in outreachconcertCampbeltownSINGER and songwriter IanWhite took part in a Fridayevening corps outreach concertin a cinema as part of his 25th anniversary tour. Around150 people gathered to hear him witness and testify to the Lord through his music. Ianis pictured (centre) with CorpsSergeant-Major Stuart McLean(left) and Corps Treasurer JamesRaeside.

A week later, the corps held afollow-up meeting, giving peoplean opportunity to see the filmThe Touch Of The Master’sHand and discuss the Christianfaith and how it relates to them.Fifteen people attended.

As a result of the concert aman has started to attend meet-ings and weekday activities. – M. R./D. T.

Bramwell House: Prince’sTrust volunteers, as part of their team challenge, organisedrecreational activities for residents at the Blackburn-basedLifehouse. Residents took part in a music and general-knowledge quiz, bingo and a snooker competition andenjoyed a buffet. The next daysome residents went tenpinbowling with the volunteers. – V. Y.

Puppets andband celebrateBridge AssociationGuisboroughTHE Puppet Ministry Team andan ensemble formed from thesenior and YP bands took part inan open day to celebrate thetenth anniversary of the Guisbor-ough Bridge Association. Theproject was set up by ChurchesTogether to provide life andsupport in the heart of thecommunity.

At the event at SunnyfieldHouse Community Centre each church gave displays and contri buted music and drama items. The band played in the front grounds to encourage people out shoppingto go in and see what washappening. Inside, the PuppetTeam performed a number ofsongs.

The event was well attended and the corps andchurches took the opportunity to distribute leaflets and information about activities and weekly pro grammes. – S. S./M. P.

LETTERS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist10 16 April 2011 SALVATIONIST

READERS SENDING LETTERS BY EMAILSHOULD INCLUDE THEIR NAME, FULL RANKIF APPLICABLE AND FULL POSTAL ADDRESS� Not all letters can be printed� Please remember, letters for publication in Salvationistshould 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 salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

� Insight andimagination areimpressiveIT is a long time since I was

considered eligible to be part of a

youth group. But I’ve been privileged

to take a sneak peek at some cell

group Bible study material produced

for our ALOVE groups from time to

time, and want to report that I’m as

much impressed with its depth of

insight as with its breadth of

imagination.

So much so that I can’t imagine why it’snot more widely used. Well, yes, I can –it’s because people don’t know about it.

Let me recommend, then, to cell group and Bible study group leaders of any age, that they sample these free cell notes, available fromwww.salvationarmy.org.uk/alove

(click on ‘Resources’). They arrive monthby month – or you can even download thewhole past year’s worth.

Thanks to those who produce thismaterial for their constant stimulation, andto those who use it in today’s youthgroups.Bruce Tulloch,Major,Worthing

� Musicals live

on – hallelujah!IN response to General John

Larsson’s letter about scores for the

musicals being made available from

SP&S – hallelujah!Since starting the

www.gowans-larsson.com website afew years ago, I regularly receive emailsrequesting information on where copies ofscripts/soundtracks can be obtained.This is welcome news and with the CDreleases of General Larsson at the piano(see www.johnlarsson.com) I know thata lot of people will be glad to relive theirexperiences of the musicals.

Is there any chance of SP&S makingthese scores available to theircounterparts overseas?Morvyn Finch,Ipswich

� Uniform-wearing brings

respect and opportunitiesI AGREE with the sentiments

expressed by Major Clifford Kent in

his letter (Salvationist 26 March).

My late wife spent several weeks in thestroke unit of the local hospital. One ofher specific requests was that I shouldwear my full uniform when visiting her ona Sunday (I visited her every day).

This I did, and staff and patientsshowed nothing but respect. They werefull of admiration and paid manycompliments.

More importantly, questions wereasked which gave me the opportunity toexplain much regarding the Army both asa church and a charitable organisation.

May the wearing of uniform longcontinue, outside the walls of our worshiphalls as well as inside.A. Brough,Derby

� Only the bestis good enough!IT was encouraging to read the letter

from Major Clifford Kent about

battledress. The major expresses the

view of countless numbers of

Salvationists. As a Salvation Army

officer of 42 years’ active service –

30 as a corps officer and 12 on

divisional headquarters – I have

never found uniform-wearing a

barrier in any way. Even in

retirement it has opened many

doors of service to my wife and me

and given opportunity to witness to

our faith.

However, I am concerned at how lightlyuniform-wearing is treated within ourmusic sections. Some former memberswho don’t worship on a regular basis areinvited to participate in the sections whenthey do attend. Others, who have neverbeen members of Salvation Armysections, receive the same treatmentwhen they come to a meeting, and areasked to take part. And on specialoccasions these people are rounded upto take part with the section so it isboosted numerically for that occasion.

When one challenges such actions theanswer is: ‘We are trying to encouragethem.’

Surely the way to encourage people isto maintain our standards and show thatonly the best is good enough!William Laird,Major,Wigan

See ‘uniform’ letters below

SALVATIONIST 16 April 2011 11salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

� We ought togive generously

FOR a number of years my wife and

I worked in Africa and, having now

retired in the UK, are familiar with

similar questions to those mentioned

by Michael Penny in his letter

(Salvationist 2 April).

First, we must ask: whose money is itthat we might deny to give? AsChristians, do we not believe it belongs toGod? We are but stewards of whateverwe possess.

Secondly, it is so easy to thinknegatively of groups of people, but whenyou live and work alongside those in adifferent country, they becomeindividuals.

Thirdly, Jesus left his glory and came tolive in this world. He knew what sort oftreatment he would receive but it didn’tstop him coming. He was mocked,hated, rejected, tortured and killed, yet hecontinues to love us.

I’m presently reading a book entitledI Shall Not Hate by Izzeldin Abuelaish, aPalestinian infertility expert who wasbrought up in Gaza and worked in Gazaand across the border in Israel. He hasfirst-hand experience of the hatredbetween different races. Three of hisdaughters were killed when Israelis firedon his house in Gaza, yet he refused togive way to hate. Instead, he has worked

steadily to bring about understandingbetween the two factions. A fellowPalestinian asked him: ‘How can you helpthese Jewish women to have babies?They will grow up to be soldiers whobomb us and shoot us.’ He goes on tosay: ‘We all need to understand that thereare evil people in every country, everyreligion, every culture. But there is also asilent camp of people in every countrywho believe, like I do, that we can bringtwo communities together by listening toeach other’s points of view andconcerns.’ That is the response of aMuslim living in Gaza!

We should give because to do so ispart of our Christian loving service and wetrust the Army to use it where it is neededmost.

From my experience people in Africaare not sitting waiting for handouts; mostwork hard to try and support theirfamilies, often in very difficult situations.

Also, we should remember that manypeople with Aids, particularly the womenand children, are innocent victims.

Wasn’t it to bring the gospel in itsfullness to sinners like you and me thatGod raised up the Army in the first place!Paul Latham,Major,Blairgowrie

� We must continue to give

MY husband and I were regional

leaders in Mozambique for three

years. The Salvationists in that

country humbled us with their

sacrifice and generosity.

Speaking from personal experience,the Christian influence in that country isimmense and the gospel is beingpreached and many people are beingconverted.

During our time in the country thenumber of people being diagnosed asHIV-positive increased (although not allof those would go on to develop Aids)but this has to be seen against abackdrop of educating the people andthe fact that testing for the virus wasbecoming more widespread andavailable. This can account for some ofthe increase.

To suggest that a change in lifestyle ofthe people (which I interpret to mean theirsexual lifestyle) would bring a decreaserather than an increase is an uneducatedstatement. HIV can also be passed on byblood transfusions and by using medicalequipment more than once, and manypeople have been infected without anywrongdoing on their part.

I know many HIV-positive people whoare sincere and active Christians andSalvationists and are trying to train andeducate others about the virus.

Many young people are making a standin changing values and culture and are tobe encouraged.

For us, who have plenty, it is imperativeto go on giving to those who have little.Susan Pereira,Major,Oldbury

� I’m building a collection of DVDsWOULD any readers of

Salvationist have copies

of DVDs of Commissioning

Days prior to 2009?

If so, please would they be able to let me have themas I am trying to build up acollection?

I already have 2009 and2010 so DVDs from previousyears would be appreciated.

Thank you.Dorothy Turner,Glenageary,Co Dublin(003531 2024844 or 00353 861679300)

FEATURE

IN his teens Mark Godwin grewincreasingly embarrassed about hisSalvation Army background – ‘I oftenhid behind my instrument when we were

carolling,’ he now laughingly admits, addingthat it was his enjoyment of friendshipgroups at this age that eventually drew himaway from the Army and its expectations ofjunior soldiers.

‘I started to drink on Friday and Saturdaynights with friends and I experimented withcigarettes – I think it might’ve even been anArmy friend who introduced me to it!Though it wasn’t just down to friends; I knew my own mind and wanted toexperiment.’

Although Mark’s dad had not beenteetotal before becoming a Salvationist andthere had been alcohol in the house, Markhad not grown up in an environment ofexcessive drinking.

‘When I got into drinking I found it quiteenjoyable,’ he recalls. ‘And, given that I wasquite big for my age, I could buy alcohol forothers, so was a key person in ourfriendship group.’

Mark tries to pinpoint the reasons hestarted drinking: ‘Maybe it was because weweren’t supposed to do it; the buzz we got;it made us more confident talking to girls; itfelt like what we were supposed to be doingat that age; it was social. I think I wanted todo what my mates were doing and I wasnot really interested in church. I also playeda lot of rugby, which traditionally has anestablished drinking culture.’

He rather more shamefacedly confesses:‘I would go to the Army and be sat with theYP band still feeling the effects of the night

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Cadet MarkGodwin tells

Claire Andersonhow God’s

power freed him from a

binge-drinkinglifestyle

before. Drinking eventually took me awayfrom the Army and from God. There wasnothing anyone could’ve done to stop me– the draw from culture around me was sostrong.

‘Those who taught me were brilliantpeople who loved me. Our corpssergeant-major wrote to me while I was atuniversity, and I know my parents prayedfor me and advocated teetotalism – but itcouldn’t stop me. They just loved me, andthat is all anyone can do. For peopledealing with young people who are goingto be up against these things, the bestthing to do is show love to them, speakabout your own experiences and showthem the love of Christ in any way you can.’

University, with its heady mix of freshersweeks, rugby nights out and celebrationsgave Mark the opportunity to become aheavier drinker. He says: ‘I always wantedto be at the pub at a weekend. I have anaddictive personality, so when I wasdrinking it wouldn’t be one or two drinksbut as many as I could fit in till money ranout or I fell over. I am also quite fidgety andneed to be doing something, which thenled me to the gaming machines.

‘There were some great times; if it hadbeen ending in tears every night I would’vestopped.’

After university Mark used alcohol as aconfidence-booster – ‘I sweat a lot sowould have a few beers to dehydrate mewhile I was dancing. I would drink to feelbetter but the payback would be a lost daybecause I was hungover.’

Back home again after university, Markwas ‘invited’ by his parents to attend a

Mark Godwin

SALVATIONIST 16 April 2011 13salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

in his life. Although he had not stoppeddrinking, Mark’s urge to gamble had gone,and with it his addictive nature. ‘My desireto drink didn’t go overnight, but it wasn’tas strong. I had the occasional pint butdidn’t want to get drunk any more. A yearlater my corps officer challenged me tothink about soldiership and I started to doa lot more in the corps.’ Mark led Alpha,became involved in Bible study andfocused on God.

‘I decided to stop drinking, not just tobecome a soldier. Although I still miss thefirst pint when out with mates – or a glassof wine – it has not been a problem. For a

start, I don’t have hangovers any more! I attended a stag do in London but itrevolved around drinking so I went tochurch on the Sunday for something thatinterested me!’ he admits.

‘I feel really privileged to have a realexperience of the Holy Spirit; I don’t think I could’ve changed in my own power –addiction is really strong. I had theupbringing to get me to the point ofobedience and turned to the person I hadbeen taught to turn to. If I had known thenwhat I know now, I would’ve turned to Godearlier and not wasted ten years of my life!’

How does Mark explain his deliverancefrom drinking, gambling and his past life?

‘It doesn’t matter if people believe it ornot. Lots of people when I told them said:“That’s nice for you.” But to me it’s amazingfor a person to be freed from addiction. Inthe Bible there are examples of people freedby Jesus and the disciples from whatever inlife had a grip on them. In the Army’s historyin the East End there was a lot of drinkinggoing on, with people needing to be freed.We need to rely on God to do these things– not merely on our own steam.’

Playing devil’s advocate, I ask Mark if hethinks the Army’s stance on teetotalism isoutdated. He responds: ‘In Bible study weconsidered Jesus and John the Baptist. In

one passage, John the Baptistis thought of as being too piousand Jesus a drunkard! It’s wiseto teach young people thatdrinking is not a sin, butanything that enslaves themand stops them having controlof their life is not good – Godwants you to have freedom.Although Army rules might feelrestrictive, they are in place toenable Salvationists to maintaintheir freedom. Personally, I havenever felt so free in all my life:free from addiction andsociety’s requirement to becareer or money-orientated.’

Mark suggests that people will make theirown choices, adding: ‘If you’ve taughtpeople, they will come back.’

What about the suggestion that the Armyshould change its non-drinking stance? ‘I’mglad Salvationists don’t drink,’ Mark shares.‘A big part of my progress and faith walkwith Christ was making the commitmentnot to drink. It’s good that there is a churchthat has this stance, despite somesuggesting it is regressive. On the contrary,the Army, in its work, is very muchprogressive and freeing.’ ■

■ Cadet Godwin is a member of the

Friends of Christ Session

youth away weekend they were leading.‘They had a place booked for me and said:“You can stay at home, the cupboards areempty and you can walk the dog, or youcan come with us” – I had no choice!’

People Mark had known from a youngage were there as well as some newpeople, including a woman called Alison.‘My friends’ faith had grown and I foundmyself attracted to that. They had thisamazing relationship with God. I wanted tofind out a lot more about it. I started goingout with Alison and read my Bible, went onAlpha and probably experienced God a bit,but I wanted to keep God and my sociallife.’

At this point Mark admits that, whilenever being an alcoholic, he would stilldrink socially at any given opportunity.

In 1998 Mark married Alison, at whichpoint he was working away in Bristol andwhen staying over would take theopportunity to drink and game heavily.

Some years ago things came to a headfor Mark when he felt God was calling himon his double life: prompting him about hispretence of being one person with Alison,their children, family and church family –and somebody different at work. AlthoughMark’s Bristol friends described him as a‘good person’, Mark admits: ‘Although I didn’t swear or do the things thatthey did, I had a lustful nature; I drank and gambled. When myparents went to train to be officers,it was a challenge. What did I reallybelieve? Was I honouring them?’

In 2004, Mark made a completecommitment to God and straightaway God started to reveal himselfin amazing ways.

While at a Christian conference,Mark witnessed deliverance takingplace. On his way home, Markshared some of his past with afriend, before he began to feel achurning in his stomach thatincreased so much his friend hadto pull over – into a pub car park! Fallingout of the car onto his hands and knees,Mark felt the churning consume him andhe knew he was experiencing what he’dseen at the conference.

‘I was praying to Jesus and after tenminutes of my friend walking and praying, Icoughed up “fluid” and saw a “demonvapour” go into the concrete in front of me.I got up; it was gone. I praised God it wasgone.’

Although elated by the experience, Markknew he had to be honest about his lifewith Alison; a tough time followed for thecouple but each pulled closer to God.

In 2004 Mark experienced big changes

I coughed up ‘fluid’ andsaw a ‘demon vapour’go into the concrete infront of me. I got up; it was gone. I praised

God it was gone

Mark (second left) at a friend’s wedding

14 16 April 2011 SALVATIONIST

ALOVE UPDATE

Essentiallymy storySarah McCamphill, 19, is on placement atWetherby Corps as part of ALOVE’s Essential1 gap-year programme. She shares her testimony

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

ISTARTED attending Oldham Fitton Hill,which was then a Neo (Newexpression of) project, on my estatewhen I was 14 years old. I had never

attended church before but a friend tookme along. I went to the youth club on aregular basis and was then introduced tothe cell group. Slightly interested, I wentalong and learnt things I’d never heardbefore – people talked about all this ‘Godstuff’. I attended the group for aboutseven months and then went to an eventrun by The Message Trust, where Iresponded to the call to become seriousabout God. I prayed what I now knowwas the believer’s prayer.

The more I think about it, the more I realise God was preparing me forEssential. At Fitton Hill, I became a leaderof several youth clubs as well as part ofthe leadership team. Through this, Godprepared my heart to work with youngpeople, to be a servant and to blesspeople. This is now something I lovedoing – I love serving God and hisKingdom and nothing in my past hasbeen wasted.

I had been thinking about taking part inEssential for a while but it wasn’t until I faced a T-junction in my life – one way: an option of going to college; the other:Essential – that I made my choice.

I remember making a tally chart to decidewhich path would help me the most.Essential won by one point, but I knewGod was in this decision and that it wasright to be an Essential this year, even if itprobably seemed a silly way to decide.But it worked out for the best and hasbrought me to where I am. Through thisexperience I have learnt a lot about God,who directs my life when I am prepared tosay ‘Yes’.

My placement is in the small town of

Wetherby, and what has surprised memost is that poverty is everywhere. Moving from Fitton Hill has shown me that even in seemingly well-off, leafy areas like Wetherby, there is still poverty. In fact, in some ways, being in an area ofwealth actually highlights poverty evenmore – those who have little stand outamong those who have a lot.

One of my biggest challenges is beingbased in a high school, where we run aninclusion project. The project is for youngpeople who are disengaged with schooland on the verge of exclusion. I find thisdifficult because I didn’t do very well atschool and, actually, hardly ever went. It ischallenging for me when we work withthese students because they may knowmore than I do about a subject, which issometimes embarrassing! Despite this, it isalso one of my highlights, because someof the young people face issues I faced atschool and I find I can share myexperiences and help them to finish schooland not just avoid it like I did.

Over the year the training element ofEssential has played a big part in myspiritual development. I can definitely say I have received lots from the residentialtraining weeks that took place throughoutthe year. But it is not just the formal trainingthat has been of benefit; the whole yearhas been a hands-on training experienceand that is amazing!

As I enter the last few months of my gapyear, my plan and hope for the future is totake part in the Essential2 follow-onprogramme, which will support methrough a youth work degree while I ambased at a corps putting into practice all I am learning. At the end of three years I will be a qualified youth worker ready toserve young people in The Salvation Army.

I am hoping to stay in Wetherbybecause it has shaped so much of my lifein recent months that I want to be part ofwhat God is doing in this community.

I am also going to be enrolled as asoldier, because I want to be serious aboutmy relationship with God. I want to take astand against the wrong things in this worldand say: ‘No, there is another way!’ �

� Essential1 is for those aged 18 to 24

who want to go deeper in discipleship

while being involved in mission and

service at a Salvation Army

placement. To find out more, contact

ALOVE by telephone

(020 7367 4555) or email

alove@salvationarmy.org.uk

In some ways,being in an area of wealth actuallyhighlights poverty

even more –those who havelittle stand outamong those who have a lot

BIBLE STUDY

SALVATIONIST 16 April 2011 15salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

SOMETIMES when we look at aBible narrative it is a small detailthat can catch the eye. In thestory of the triumphal entry of

Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sundaythere is a notable example of this.

We know the scene. When Jesus rodeinto Jerusalem on a donkey he was met bya large crowd that praised God, shouting:‘Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed ishe who comes in the name of the Lord!Hosanna in the highest heaven!’ (v9 allquotations from New International Version).

Here is the small detail. We read thatsome in the crowd ‘spread their cloakson the road, while others cut branchesfrom the trees and spread them on theroad’ (v8). We are so familiar with thestory that it is easy to miss the small detailthat praise was offered in two differentways.

Those who cut branches from the palmtrees and spread them on the road didtheir praising on the cheap. The treeswere not theirs, and cutting off a few

branches was no problem to them.Praising the Lord cost them nothing.

But for those who spread their owncloaks on the road it was a different story.Their robes would be trodden on not onlyby the donkey and the colt, but alsowould be trampled on by the crowd thatfollowed. At the very least the cloakswould be dirtied and might even be torn.This was praise at a price – it was costlypraise.

I think that Jesus would have noticedthe difference. He had an eye for costlypraise, for costly devotion.

Just the previous evening, when hewas dining in Bethany, a woman whohad lived a sinful life in that town broughtan alabaster jar of perfume and pouredthe perfume over him. ‘Some of thosepresent were saying indignantly to oneanother, “Why this waste of perfume? Itcould have been sold for more than ayear’s wages and the money given to thepoor.” And they rebuked her harshly.“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are

you bothering her? She has done abeautiful thing to me… Truly I tell you,wherever the gospel is preachedthroughout the world, what she has donewill also be told, in memory of her” (Mark14:4–9).

Jesus honoured her costly devotion.The critics thought it a waste of money.But not Jesus. He knew the power ofdeep devotion, and called what she haddone a beautiful thing. He honoured hercostly thanksgiving and praise. And thenext day, as he entered into Jerusalem,he would have known the differencebetween those who cut off palmbranches from the trees and those whowere prepared to lay their robes on theroad.

It has always been so. Jesus honoursdevotion and praise that are costly. Theworld may say, ‘Why this waste?’ – asthey did to the early Christian martyrswhen they prepared to die rather thangive up their faith.

The critics may say, ‘Why this waste?’– as they did to Father Damien, whenthat brilliant young Belgian priestannounced that he would be devotinghis life to serving the needs of peoplewith leprosy on a remote Pacific island.

And some may ask, ‘Why this waste?’– as they asked young Samuel Brengle,when he abandoned the prospect of a glittering ecclesiastical career to join with the early-day Salvation Army.But not Jesus. He understood themeaning of costly devotion and knewthat what each was doing was a beautifulthing.

It is still so today. I once preachedabout costly praise on a Palm Sunday,using as my text this difference betweenpraising the Lord with a branch or a robe.Many years later a woman Salvationistsaid to me: ‘I was a visitor in yourmeeting that Sunday. My own corpsofficer had just asked me to take over the youth group. I didn’t want to do it. I enjoyed simply coming to the meetingson Sunday and worshipping and praisingthe Lord. But when I heard that messageI knew that my praise was costing menothing, and that the Lord wanted morefrom me. So I said yes to the request – I placed my cloak in the road, and tookover the running of the youth group.’

I have no doubt that, as her praisebecame costly, it became a beautifulthing in the eyes of the Lord.

What kind of praise will we be offeringto the Lord this Palm Sunday? �

by General John Larsson (Retired)

STUDY PASSAGE: MATTHEW 21:6–11

16 16 April 2011 SALVATIONIST

NEW COMMITMENTS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

Wanny MbokoloAdherent memberWelwyn Garden City

WANNY started attending the corps with her husband after her arrivalin the UK from the Democratic Republic of Congo. They had beenlooking for a spiritual home and found a home and a welcome at thecorps. Corps officer Lieutenant Rhonda Hayes publicly welcomedWanny as an adherent member. – B. H.

Malcolm ShepherdAdherent memberGainsborough

CORPS officer Major Geoff Martin publicly welcomed Malcolm as anadherent member. Around seven months ago, after a period in his lifewhen he had experienced many low points, Malcolm attended the corpsthrough contact with a Salvationist couple. He testified to the love andwelcome he received from the corps family and the peace andcontentment he has discovered in serving Jesus. He said that his Biblehas been taken from the shelf and is now part of his daily living. – P. H.

Jackie DarlingtonAaron FittonAdherent membersBlackpool South

JACKIE began attending Sunday worship two years ago andtestified to the warmth of fellowship at the corps which compelledher to return and stay. Aaron has been going to the corps for someyears now and is fully involved in the young people’s activities.They see becoming adherent members as a positive step in theirjourney of faith. Corps officer Major Sheila Loman welcomedthem. – S. L.

Harry DottSoldier

Hayley WilsonAdherent memberTunbridge Wells

HARRY started attending Sunday worship after becoming involvedwith the midweek community activities at the corps. He very quicklyfelt at home and, having made a decision for Christ, wanted to be fullycommitted to the Lord through the Army.

Hayley stopped attending church in her teens – she had been ajunior soldier as a child. She now attends the corps with her mother,who recently became a soldier, and enjoys helping at midweekactivities. – M. L.

Clive ConnollySoldier

Sharon RalphAdherent memberBraintree

CLIVE, a former Salvationist, returned to the Army after his wifepassed away. He found a warm and friendly welcome at the corps andbegan helping with the programme, collecting for the Annual Appealand selling Army papers in the high street. During his testimony, hespoke of his desire to work in the corps and be a good soldier for theLord.

Divisional Commander Major Carol Bailey enrolled Clive as asoldier and also welcomed Sharon as an adherent member.

Sharon has been the project manager at the Army’s New DirectionCentre Lifehouse in the town for seven years. She started attending thecorps last year and said she chose the Army as her place of worshipbecause she felt a real welcome there. Since she started going to thecorps she has found her relationship with the Lord really developingand she feels closer to him. Staff and residents from the centresupported her at her welcome. – P. H.

Pam WestJohn LeachLogee FonsecaJean RedfernAdherent membersFeltham

CORPS officers Captains Jo and Richard Thompson welcomed Pam,John, Logee and Jean as adherent members in a meeting whichfocused on belonging to God. Each of the new adherent membersspoke about how they felt a sense of belonging to God and the corps.– R. T.

Celia StringerAnnie WheeldonHazel DunhamSheila TownerHilary RobsonAdherent membersDriffield

OUTREACH centre leaders Majors Denise and Robert Barham-Hallwelcomed Celia, Annie, Hazel, Sheila and Hilary as adherentmembers.

Celia and Hazel had family connections with the Army. Throughthe fellowship Celia received comfort and blessing and Hazel foundinspiration and the opportunity to serve others.

Annie had Salvationist friends and was prompted to return to churchat a Churches Together Good Friday open-air service. Sheila acceptedan invitation to worship and enjoys being involved in the fellowship.Hilary first attended when bereaved of her husband. She attends thelunch club and helps in whatever way she can. – R. B-H.

SALVATIONIST 16 April 2011 17

NEW COMMITMENTS

salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Kara LaceyJunior soldierGovan

KARA came to the corps with her family when they were invited toa dedication ceremony. Kara is the first of four sisters to make adecision to become a junior soldier – two younger sisters are to bededicated to God soon. Corps officer Major Derek Tyrrell enrolledKara as a junior soldier. – D. T.

Alistair StegglesSoldierHarrow

ALISTAIR felt called back to the corps four years ago and since thenhas recommitted his life to God. He takes an active role in the corpsas pianist. Lieut-Colonel David Burrows (IHQ) enrolled Alistair as asoldier. – S. C.

Daisy LovickPoppy LovickJessica HookerJunior soldiersNewton Abbot

DAISY, Poppy and Jessica started going to the corps through theguiding sections. Corps officer Major Dawn McGarvey enrolled thegirls as junior soldiers. – L. P.

Stacey LoftusHannah AylingSoldiers

Roy DriscollAdherent memberEastbourne Citadel

STACEY chose verses from Psalm 119 to express her desire to be ledby God and to be continually in his presence. She is a member of thesinging group, assists in the charity shop and is Tawny Owl to thebrownies.

Two years ago, during youth councils, God spoke powerfully toHannah concerning her relationship with Jesus. She now has moreconfidence to share her faith at school.

Roy first linked up with the community programme and then started toattend worship. He feels that the corps has become like a family to him.

Corps officer Major David Squirrell enrolled Stacey and Hannah assoldiers and welcomed Roy as an adherent member. – D. S.

Keziah CawkwellSoldierBoston

FAMILY and friends supported Keziah when corps officer Major JulieHouse enrolled her as a soldier. Keziah chose the congregational song‘King Of Kings, Majesty’ and testified to wanting to be a witness toher friends. – J. H.

David HaddowGill HaddowSoldiers

Ann RignallBetty PowerDorothy FyshJanet O’HaraIrene SeniorShirley WardAdherent membersChatteris

IT has been many years since there was such excitement at the corps,and the hall was filled with friends and family when corps officerCaptain Robert Campbell enrolled David and Gill as soldiers andCaptain Christine Campbell welcomed Ann, Betty, Dorothy, Janet,Irene and Shirley as adherent members.

David and Gill testified that they felt very welcome when they startedto attend the corps several months ago. It was not long afterwards thatthey felt God’s hand upon them, leading them back home to where theybelonged – in uniform and going forward in his strength.

Ann had the privilege of testifying on behalf of all the new adherentmembers. She said: ‘There is a song which says “Give me joy in myheart” and, since coming to The Salvation Army, I have found this joythrough the worship and the friendship of the people I have met. So,I decided that I would like to become a member of the Army and afollower of Jesus.’ – C. C.

Janet DobsonAdherent memberBirkenheadJANET first started going to the corps when she joined the weeklyline-dancing class. She accepted an invitation to the carol service andbegan to attend Sunday worship regularly. She said that it was likecoming home because of the welcome she was given and thefriendship she was offered.

Corps leader Territorial Envoy Caroline Brophy-Parkin welcomedJanet as an adherent member. – C. B-P.

18 16 April 2011 SALVATIONIST

ANNOUNCEMENTSPROMOTED TO GLORY

Lala Hogg, Parkhead.

Major Idwal Evans from Leigh-on-Sea on 3 April.

His wife, Mrs Jacqueline Evans, lives at

, Leigh-on-Sea .

OFFICIAL GAZETTEUK Territory

RETIREMENT FROM ACTIVE SERVICE

Effective 1 April:

Major Stephanie Jones (née Watts) out of Sutton

in 1969 and last appointment Legal Assistant, IHQ.

JOHN MATEAR,

Commissioner,

Territorial Commander

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

ARMY PEOPLEAPPOINTMENT LIST CORRECTION

Territorial Envoys Paul and Sandra

Stanford, Tewkesbury and Evesham.

DEDICATED TO GOD

Emily Jane, daughter of SL Stephen and Jane

Foulkes, at Ripley by Div Envoy Kevin Wibberley;

Gwendolyn Mari, daughter of Alex and Sian

Gaze, at Regent Hall by Major Ray Brown;

Joshua, son of B/Sec James and Judy

Newson, at Norton by Captain Catherine Rand;

Hayden George, son of Derek and Rowena

Moseley, at Birmingham Citadel by Major

Maurice Hunt.

BEREAVED

Captain Mike Smith, Rushden, of his mother

Irene; Songster Linda Orr, Rutherglen, of her

mother; HLS Jean Sleeth, Woodhouse, of her

husband Rtd CT David Sleeth, Ann Pearson,

Scunthorpe, of her father; Dorothy Nettleford,

Dudley, of her husband Levi (Roy); Songster

Letitia Black, Ayr, of her husband Rtd BM

Bobbie Black, Bandsman Robin Black, Ayr,

BM Jim Black, Concord, California, USA

Western, and John Black, Birmingham Citadel,

of their father.

RETIRED OFFICERS

Birthday congratulations: Major Gordon

Stacey, Oakwood,

(80 on 19 April); Major Edna Laird,

, Whelley,

(80 on 21 April); Brigadier Mrs Hilda

Cook, ,

Fiskerton, (95 on

23 April); Colonel Joyce Northwood,

4 , Brickhill,

(80 on 26 April).

Retirement address: Major and Mrs

William and Shirlee Green, ,

, Byfleet .

ENGAGEMENTSGENERAL LINDA BOND:

Lancaster Hotel, London (welcome), Sun 17 Apr

THE CHIEF OF THE STAFF

(COMMISSIONER BARRY SWANSON)

AND COMMISSIONER SUE SWANSON:

Lancaster Hotel, London (welcome to General

Linda Bond), Sun 17 Apr; ICO, Tu 19; UK,

Maidstone, Fri 22 - Sun 24

THE TERRITORIAL COMMANDER

(COMMISSIONER JOHN MATEAR)

AND COMMISSIONER ELIZABETH MATEAR:

Lancaster Hotel, London (welcome to General Linda

Bond), Sun 17 Apr; Jubilee View, Newcastle

(opening), Th 21; Sunderland Monkwearmouth, Fri

22 - Sun 24; Westminster Abbey (The Royal

Wedding), Fri 29**; Southport (Roots Conference), Fri

29 - Mon 2 May; East Scotland (Scotland Council),

Th 5; William Booth College (Spiritual Day), Wed 11;

William Booth College, Fri 13**

THE CHIEF SECRETARY

(COLONEL BRIAN PEDDLE) AND

COLONEL ROSALIE PEDDLE:

Lancaster Hotel, London (welcome to General

Linda Bond), Sun 17 Apr; Bristol Easton, Fri 22 -

Sun 24; Southport (Roots Conference), Fri 29 -

Mon 2 May; Waterbeach, Sat Sun 8

Commissioners Larry and Gillian Bosh: USA

Southern, Mon 25 Apr

Commissioner William Cochrane: Lancaster

Hotel, London (welcome to General Linda Bond),

Sun 17 Apr; Reading Central, Fri 22 - Sun 24

Commissioners Kenneth and Jolene Hodder:

Kuwait, Mon 18 Apr - Wed 20*; UK, Glasgow City

Centre, Sat Sun 24

Commissioners Robert and Janet Street:

Lancaster Hotel, London (welcome to General Linda

Bond), Sun 17 Apr; St Albans, Mon 18; Maidenhead,

Sun 24

*wife will not accompany**husband will not accompany

TRIBUTESLES BANTON,STAPLEFORDLES was born in 1920 toSalvationist parents atShirebrook. After movinghouse they worshipped atLong Eaton. Les married

Hilda in 1946 and they welcomed their daugh-ter Josephine and son Nigel into the family.

At Stapleford – where Les transferred as abandsman in 1963 – he held the commissionsof corps secretary, corps treasurer and YPSM. His deportment was always immacu-late and he was a great source of support and encouragement. Les played his part dili-gently and was proud to be a Christian and aSalvationist.

The corps was privileged to have him as a member. His life was well-lived and he is fully deserving of his heavenly reward. – E. S.

MRS EDNA BAKER,STAPLE HILLEDNA was invited to Sun-day school at ManchesterStar Hall by a schoolfriend. Her mother also be-came a Salvationist. The

family later soldiered at Perry Common inBirmingham, where Captain Oliver Bakerwas appointed in 1934. He and Edna marriedin 1935. She became an officer in 1938.

Subsequent appointments included Widnes,Liverpool Edge Hill – which included responsibility for the wartime mobile canteen– Ashton-in-Makerfield, Chesterfield, StapleHill and divisional youth leadership in WestYorkshire, Norfolk and Bristol.

An active and supportive soldier at StapleHill, Edna was widowed for more than 40 years. At 94, she still attended both Sunday meetings.

Encouragement, care and compassionwere the hallmarks of her life and character.She was a true servant of God. – H. B.

YP BAND LEADERDAVID MORTON,DERBY CENTRALDISORGANISED, ‘out ofthe box’, generous, YPband mad, devoted DerbyCounty fan and committed

Christian, David was YP band leader formore than 26 years. With countless numbersof children coming under his influence, heheld the holistic view that their training wasalso about how to be a good Christian.

In August 2010 David was diagnosed witha rare form of lymphoma and, with his wifeDiane and sons Jordan and Joe, faced tremen-dous challenges with great grace, courageand perseverance.

Almost a thousand people attended hisservice of thanksgiving in Derby Cathedral –a tribute to his influence within the corps andcommunity.

Donations to the YP band in David’s mem-ory presently total more than £4,000. – F. B.

SONGSTER MRSBETTY WOODALL,HARTLEPOOLBETTY was born to Salva-tionist parents in 1923 inCo Durham. Soon after-wards the family emigrated

to Canada, returning when she was ten. Shespent her teenage years at Horden beforemoving to a farm outside West Hartlepool,where she met her husband Norman.

Betty lived her life holding firmly to Chris-tian values. She did not enjoy the limelight butsupported Norman as songster leader, offeredhospitality to many visitors and students andworked tirelessly in the Sunday school, ladiesfellowship and over-60 club.

Work commitments necessitated movingaround the North East before retirement inHartlepool. After Norman’s promotion to

Glory, Betty continued to find fulfilment in hersongster service and worked in her unassum-ing way until poor health prevented it. – A. L.

MRS PHYLLISBUNTING, MARGATEPROMOTED to Glory at94, Phyl was at varioustimes a songster, primarysergeant, company guard

and staff member at SP&S.In 1943 she married Eric at Leytonstone

Citadel. She was fully supportive of him,their sons Roger and Clive, their daughter,Major Kathryn Blowers, five grandchildrenand six great-grandchildren.

Phyl was faithful to God in every circum-stance and thought the best of everyone, giving regular encouragement to manythrough cards or calls.

At Wimborne and Winton she gave manyhours of devoted practical care to neighbours.

One wrote: ‘She was a very special personand friend, and was the reason for me be-coming a Christian – not by the words shespoke, but by the way she lived her life.’ – R. B.

MRS MAUDCLAYSON,PLYMOUTH EXETERHALL WHITLEIGHPROMOTED to Glory atthe age of 102, Maud hadlived a good life as a Salva-

tionist. For 90 years she lived in her hometown of Folkestone, where she served formany years as assistant home league secre-tary and home league treasurer.

Maud moved to Plymouth in later life to beclose to her son Denis. Her faith remainedstrong and was evident for all to see – partic-ularly at the Bethany Christian Care Homewhere she lived.

She is greatly missed by her family, but isnow in Heaven with the Lord. – K. S.

BANDSMAN/SONGSTER JOHN HILL, ENFIELDBORN to officer-parents in1945, John spent his earlyyears at Tottenham Citadel.

The family transferred to Wealdstone in1953, where John was influenced by manyfine Salvationists. He returned to Tottenhamin 1964, serving the corps (now Enfield) andits band with great distinction for the rest ofhis life.

He married Glenys in 1971. They had threechildren and delighted in spending time withthem, their spouses and grandchildren.

Diagnosed with cancer in 2004, John remained generally well until spring 2010 –serving as corps pianist, songster and bandreservist until the autumn. His promotion to Glory came with little warning, but the

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SALVATIONIST 16 April 2011 19salvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

THE short poem on the frontcover of the 18 December 2010issue of Salvationist was thefirst verse of a new carol byStephen Pearson. The full lyricis printed here.

In that issue of the paper,

Salvationist – in association with theMusic Ministries Unit at THQ –invited entries to a melody-writingcompetition, explaining that this wasopen to absolutely anyone, regardlessof age or musical education.

We have been thrilled by theresponse to this competition and nowwish to remind readers that theclosing date for entries is Tuesday 31 May.

If you have a melody you wish toenter, please send it by post to MelodyCompetition, Salvationist, 101Newington Causeway, London SE16BN. Alternatively, if you wish, youcan send your PDF by email (with thesubject line: Melody Competition) tosalvationist@salvationarmy.org.uk

Sorry, but no entries receivedafter the end of May will beconsidered.

Incarnate(2 Corinthians 4:6)

No longer far away,

remote, on high,

A King of Heaven,

distant as the sky,

Our Lord appears,

all grandeur sacrificed:

We glimpse the child

and see the face of Christ!

No longer far away,

he comes with grace,

The light of Heaven

shining from his face,

A human child

In gentle garments curled,

Long-promised Lord:

the Saviour of the world!

No longer far away,

New hope is here,

And all of Heaven

through this child comes near;

Incarnate God,

For whom the angels sing,

We worship you,

And praise you, Christ the King!

MELODY COMPETITION

family is sustained by, and gives thanks for,John’s cheerful, generous nature and legacyof Christian encouragement. – G. H.

CORPS COLOURSERGEANT JOHNMILLS-DARRINGTON,LEWISHAMA FIFTH-GENERATIONSalvationist, John movedfrom Poplar to Becontree,

aged 10, with his family. There was no corps,so they worshipped at the local mission. During wartime service in the RAF with 149Squadron – as wireless operator in a Lancaster bomber crew – John renewed contact with Poplar Corps, where he met andmarried Eleanor. They had three children.

John became a soldier and took this commitment very seriously. Employmentbrought a move to Lewisham, where he wascorps colour sergeant.

In retirement at the Army’s Spa Road Hostel in East London, he taught craftwork topeople with mental disabilities and ful filledother duties. When Spa Road closed John soldthe Army papers, becoming well-known andrespected in the community. – C. K.

RETIRED BANDCOLOUR SERGEANTVIC RESTALL,PORTSMOUTHCITADELVIC was introduced to theArmy by a girl who later

became his wife. Making Portsmouth Citadeltheir spiritual home, Vic became band coloursergeant – a position he held for 15 years.

A caring family man, he also loved theArmy and his corps. He was quick to offerencouragement to those in leadership positions and, when unable to attend, wantedto be kept up to date with corps news. A keenreader of Salvation Army periodicals, heoften commented on articles that had inspiredhim.

He is now reunited with his wife Betty andson David, and – after years of endeavouringto bring others to a knowledge of Christ – isat peace with his Heavenly Father. – J. E.

PLEASE note that soldiers’ tributessubmitted for publication should be nolonger than 120 words. Good qualitypictures will be included with tributes.

20-23 16 April 2011 SALVATIONIST

ADVERTS

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/salvationist

QUOTEI look first to Jesus for clues to the mysteries of faith, and regardingprayer he did not seem to share some of my biggest struggles. Henever wondered whether God exists, whether anyone is trulylistening. He never questioned the importance of prayer; indeed, hewould flee a crowd of needy people in order to spend time alone withGod, and sometimes devote all night to the task. The way Jesustalked, prayer made everything else possible.

Philip Yancey, taken from Prayer – Does It Make Any Difference?

SONGI am praying, blessèd Saviour,To be more and more like thee;I am praying that thy SpiritLike a dove may rest on me.

Thou who knowest all my weakness,Thou who knowest all my care,While I plead each precious promise,Hear, O hear, and answer prayer!

I am praying to be humbledBy the power of grace divine;To be clothed upon with meeknessAnd to have no will but thine.

I am praying, blessèd Saviour,And my constant prayer shall beFor a perfect consecrationThat shall make me more like thee.

Fanny Crosby (SASB 584)

BOOK OF THE WEEKPrayer – Does It Make Any Difference? by Philip Yancey,Hodder & Stoughton, £8.99

Being familiar with Philip Yancey’s writings, I knew this book wasgoing to be good. I wasn’t disappointed. Yancey writes in a freshstyle and with a powerful honesty. He asks some very searchingquestions such as: ‘Why does prayer rank so high on surveys oftheoretical importance and so low on surveys of actual satisfaction?’And: ‘What accounts for the disparity between Luther and Simeonon their knees for several hours and the modern pray-er fidgeting ina chair after ten minutes?’

Yancey describes contacting prayer partners by email and afterpressing the send key wonders if this is how prayer works, sendingmessages from a visible world to an invisible world in the hope thatsomeone receives them.

There is a very interesting chapter dealing with how and whyJesus prayed. Yancey questions whether God is really interested inthe small details of our lives like finding a lost cat or securing aparking space and observes that there was very little place for trivialthings in the prayer life of Jesus. He points out, however, that Jesusexperienced a compelling need to pray, asserting that perhaps thesimplest answer to the question: ‘Why pray?’ is: ‘Because Jesusdid.’

He goes on to draw our attention to the prayers Jesus didn’t pray.He didn’t pray for his cousin John facing execution, or for Judas tochange his mind, or that Satan would keep his hands off Peter, butrather that Peter’s faith would not fail.

One of the most appealing chapters centres on Yancey’s assertionthat our prayers are too polite and are not biblically styled. Hementions the bargaining sessions God has with Abraham and Mosesand how Jeremiah told God that he had deceived the Israelite nationby promising peace when what they’d got was the sword. He goes onto assert that maybe we should stop grovelling and start wrestling.

This book is a must-read for all those struggling with prayer. DareI say that means all of us? – P. W.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Cheshire Hills. Picture: MALCOLM HIGH