Salvation Army International Facts

Matthew 28:18-20
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

Having provided you with some details on Tuesday this week about the Salvation Army and it's work in the UK (Salvation Army Facts), I thought today I'd share with you some more information about the Salvation Army's work internationally:

• The Salvation Army is currently working in 115 countries workldwide
• There are 175 languages used in SA work, including some tribal languages
• There are 15,175 corps, outposts, societies, new plants and recovery churches
• 1,155 goodwill centres exist
• There are 25,974 officers/ministers of which 16,945 are active and 9,029 are retired
• 107,902 people are employed by the Salvation Army
• There are 1,082,166 senior soldiers
• 190,215 adherents of the Salvation Army
• 360,222 commissioned junior soldiers
• There are 25,653 senior band musicians and 94,921 senior songsters
• In addition there are 45,753 other senior musical group members
• There are 128,854 senior and young people’s local officers (leaders)
• 564,566 people are members of women’s ministries (all groups)
• 359,230 people attend the Over-60 clubs
• There are 74,072 men’s fellowships members
• There are 10,652 poung people’s band members and 79,665 young people’s singing company members
• In addition there are 55,776 other young people’s music groups members
• 612,533 Sunday schools members
• Junior youth groups (scouts, guides, etc, and clubs) have 236,067 members
• Senior youth groups have 79,912 members
• There are 23,035 corps-based community development programmes
• 1,603 thrift stores/charity shops
• 26 recycling centres

Statistics included in this post have been taken from the Salvation Army's International Headquarters website.

Salvation Army Facts

Following on from yesterday's blog post, Language and Uniform, I realised that talked about the Salvation Army as if all of you know a lot about it - this was very remise of me, so to put it right I thought today I'd share some facts with you about the Salvation Army:

• The Salvation Army came into existence in 1878 - This was when the then Christian Mission changed its name to The Salvation Army.
• The founder of the Salvation Army was William Booth who was born in Nottingham in 1829.
• The Salvation Army is a registered charity
• Many of the terms used in the Salvation Army have army associations:
• Our ministers are called Officers (Captain, Major, ..., General etc)
• Our local churches are called Corps
• Many corps have junior and senior bands and/or choirs
• Junior band is known as the Young People's Band or YP Band
• Junior choir is known as the Singing Company
• Senior choir is known as the Songsters
• Senior band is known as....the Senior Band!
• Within the UK, there are currently approximately:
• 50,000 members (adult, junior and adherent members)
• 4,000 employees
• 1,500 Salvation Army officers (full-time ministers)
• And within the UK the Salvation Army provides a range of services, including:
• 3,000,000 meals served every year at community and residential centres
• 79,000 prisoners visited each year in 134 prisons
• 3,200 homeless people given food and shelter every night in 57 centres
• 709 local church and community centres
• 636 elderly people accommodated every night in 17 residential centres
• 300 youth clubs providing a caring environment for young people
• 120 drop-in centres offering support and help for people in need
• 70 day centres for elderly and disabled people
• 50 nurseries and playgroups
• 30 Red Shield support centres for military personnel in the UK, Germany and the Falkland Islands
• 10 people reunited every working day with their families through the Family Tracing Service
• 6 residential centres for victims of alcohol and drug abuse
• 6 centres for families and one community home for children
• 2 centres for people with special needs
• 2 employment training centres
• 1 centre for women escaping from domestic violence

 
So there you go, I hope you've learned something from this information about the Salvation Army. You can find out more about the Salvation Army and it's work in the UK at http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf
 
The statistics used above were taken from the Salvation Army's UK website: http://www1.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf

Language and Uniform

When I was in my office on Friday last week, during a general conversation that was based around the closure of Borders and specificly the one at the Glasgow Fort, the word "hoaching" was used to describe the Borders during it's final days before closure.

I knew exactly what was meant, but one of the other folk who is not Scottish did not understand what was "hoaching" meant, despite having lived in the West of Scotland for quite a number of years now.

So, now I've given you a clue that "hoaching" is a Scottish word, do you know what it means?

Hoaching means:
- To have a plentyful supply of
- To teem with

- Busy

While those definitions explain what "hoaching" means I personally still think "hoaching" is a far better descriptive word of just how very busy Borders was.

Isn't funny how everyday we use words which we assume those around us understand. But do we as Christians use words to explain our beliefs and our faith, in a way non believers can understand?

My Thoughts...

I have no answer to this question for you, this is a question we must each answer based on our own experiences. Don't be surprised if you find your answer is "no" because, personally I think that we as Christians, can often seem a different breed to non Christians because of the words/phases we use when talking about our our faith and the Bible.

Although I've attended the Salvation Army all my life, and have been a uniform wearing Salvationist for a number of years now, it doesn't stop me from feeling that maybe the Salvation Army isn't as welcoming and open to everyone as it likes to think it is.

So what do I mean by that? Well going back on my previous comments about how the way Christians talk may put non believers off finding out more, I think that sometimes the Salvation Army can be seen as an exclusive club, only accessible to those who wear their specific uniform.

Just a few thoughts today to get you all thinking at the start of another week!

I'd be interested to hear your views on what I've said today, so please comment on my blog.

A Call To Celebrate

That was the Sydney Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army singing a wonderful arrangement of Revelation 19.

Revelation 19 contains words of praise and worship and encourages us to celebrate God's wonderful love for us each and every day. We so often take God's love for us for granted, so why not listen to the Songsters sing Revelation 19 again, and then share a prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God for all he's done for you today and for all He will do in the future.

The Message version of the bible says the following in Revelation 19:1-10 under the heading of The Sound of Hallelujahs:

I heard a sound like massed choirs in Heaven singing, Hallelujah!
The salvation and glory and power are God's—
his judgments true, his judgments just.
He judged the great Whore who corrupted the earth with her lust.
He avenged on her the blood of his servants.
Then, more singing:
Hallelujah!
The smoke from her burning billows up to high Heaven forever and ever and ever.


The Twenty-four Elders and the Four Animals fell to their knees and worshiped God on his Throne, praising,
Amen! Yes! Hallelujah!

From the Throne came a shout, a command:
Praise our God, all you his servants,
All you who fear him, small and great!

Then I heard the sound of massed choirs, the sound of a mighty cataract, the sound of strong thunder:
Hallelujah!
The Master reigns, our God, the Sovereign-Strong!
Let us celebrate, let us rejoice, let us give him the glory!
The Marriage of the Lamb has come; his Wife has made herself ready.
She was given a bridal gown of bright and shining linen.
The linen is the righteousness of the saints.

The Angel said to me, "Write this: 'Blessed are those invited to the Wedding Supper of the Lamb.'" He added, "These are the true words of God!"


I fell at his feet to worship him, but he wouldn't let me. "Don't do that," he said. "I'm a servant just like you, and like your brothers and sisters who hold to the witness of Jesus. The witness of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

Everywhere

God sent his son into this world to live among us.
Jesus died on the cross to save us, and forgive us of all our wrongdoings.
God is still here with us.
He is everywhere.
We can't hide from Him.
No matter what we do, or how we disappoint God, He's still there looking out for us everyday, all day.

Sydney Staff Songsters of the Salvation Army sing All the Earth:

All the Earth

Father, into Your courts will I enter

Maker of Heaven and Earth

I tremble in Your Holy presence

Glory, glory in Your sanctuary

Splendor and majesty Lord

Before You

All life adores You

All the earth will declare that Your love is everywhere

The fields will exalt, seas will resound

See the trees' joyful cry

Praising You and so would I

A new song I'll sing

Lord I will glorify and bless Your holy name...

Lord I will glorify and bless Your name

Lord I'll glorify and bless Your holy name!

Do They Know?

Christmas 1984 saw the release of the single Do They Know It's Christmas to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The single was made by the supergroup Band Aid which was founded by Sir Bob Geldof and was comprised of many pop stars of the time.

We are now 15 years on from the release of that single so I'd ask you to take a few minutes out of your busy day and consider this - Has famine been eradicated from our world?

The answer to this is quite obviously NO! Not only has famine not been eradicated in Ethiopia, there are still hundreds of people starving in our very own countries, countries that are supposedly amongst the richest (yes even in these debit ridden times!) and most educated.

This Christmas you can help by donating to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal 2009.

YOU can make a difference in someone's life this Christmas!

Do They Know It's Christmas Time
It's Christmas time, there's no need to be afraid
At Christmas time, we let in light and we banish shade
And in our world of plenty, we can spread a smile of joy!
Throw your arms around the world at Christmas time
But say a prayer - pray for the other ones
At Christmas time
it's hard, but when you're having fun
There's a world outside your window
And it's a world of dreaded fear
Where the only water flowing is a bitter sting of tears
And the Christmas bells that ring there are the clanging chimes of doom
Well tonight thank God it's them instead of you

And there won't be snow in Africa this Christmas time
The greatest gift they'll get this year is life
Where nothing ever grows
No rain or rivers flow
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Here's to you
Raise your glass for everyone
Here's to them
Underneath that burning sun
Do they know it's Christmas time at all?

Feed the world
Feed the world
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time and
Feed the world
Let them know it's Christmas time

Kingdom Triumphant

A wonderful piece of Salvation Army brass band music The Kingdom Triumphant, with a fantastic presentation and a great message....Enjoy!

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Isaiah 9:2 (New Living Translation)
The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine.

What is "a great light"? It is of course the Saviour, Jesus Christ. The light of Christ brought the promise of deliverance for Israel, just as it can for us.

Are you in the depth of darkness and despair and need a glimmer of light and hope at the end of the tunnel? Maybe you are living in the darkness of divorce or in the shadow of death, or perhaps you have given up seeing any light in a dark family or church situation. Even those who seem to be iving "in the light", may be living in the deepest darkness of all - they may just be able to put on a "public" persona when needed.

Don't despair, there is light at the end of the tunnel - just look up and see Jesus! Here's what Jesus said in John 8:12 (The Message):
I am the world's Light. No one who follows me stumbles around in the darkness. I provide plenty of light to live in.

When it's dark things always seem worse, just switch off your electricity for a wee while and you'll soon see how difficult it is! But the word of God penetrates the darkness of our soul - God can turn the lights back on and lift you from your darkest times. Take the opportunity today to ask God to let the light shine on you again.

The Light Has Come by The New York Staff Band of the Salvation Army contains several of my favourite songs "The Candle of the Lord" and "The Light Has Come" - to me the most powerful words in these songs is the last line of The Light Has Come which states:

No more we walk in darkness
The Light HAS come!

Enjoy the music and the video accompaniment!

Give It All To God

Do you have someone in your life you taunts you and reduces you to tears? It's no fun when you have someone in your life who provokes you relentlessly, and taunts you with cruel words.

So what should we do if we find ourselves in a situation like this? First and foremost we should pray. Pour our your heart to the Lord, and tell Him how you feel. No matter how difficult your situation and how hard you are finding it to cope, God is there. Prayer, trust and worship will help you deal with your situation, no matter how hard it is for you.

Give your burdens all to the Lord, and leave them there so you can't pick them up again. Let God dry your tears and give you back your joy.

Peterborough Weekend

I'm in His hands, I'm in His hands,
Whatever the future holds
I'm in His hands.
The days I cannot see
Have all been planned for me;
His way is best you see;
I'm in His hands.

I shared those words with you last week, when I told you of some difficult days ahead for me. Well I've survived those days! It's certainly not been plain sailing but God has certainly held me in His hand during the last few day. I certainly wouldn't have got through them as well as I have without Him!

Our weekend visit to Peterborough Salvation Army was absolutely fantastic, and I'm delighted to say a number of people even knelt at the Mercy Seat during the Sunday morning service which was led by David Kendall. There was great atmosphere in the meeting - God was most certainly there, and working!

Well it was such an emotional meeting for me with Olwyn Mathie singing "Written In Red" which as always she sang so beautifully and with so much feeling, and the congregational song "The Power of Your Love" that both always really touched me, that I fell apart during the meeting and found myself kneeling at the Mercy Seat! I'm still not quite sure how I got myself there!

It was an emotional day for me not just because of the morning service, but during the afternoon service I didn't feel too well again so had to stop playing with band. I really had hoped I'd have managed to get through the weekend pain free, but at least it was the last meeting of the weekend before it happened I suppose.

Thank you God for holding me close these last few days, they've been tough but through your strength I've made it through.

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for me particularly over these last few days - I really do appreciate your prayers and your support.

I'd also like to thank those in Bellshill Band and Peterborough corps who offered their support during the weekend, I was much appreciated.

Thank you all.

God Knows You

Have you found yourself doubting God recently?
Have you found yourself in difficult situations and found that the last person you turn to is God?

You're not alone in these feelings. I think we all have those thoughts and feelings at times. We often find that when we struggle we completely forget about God because we wonder why he can let these things happen to us. But he hasn't forgot you, he knows everything about you because he made you in his own image.

One song in our Salvation Army songbook which I've always turned to when I feel I'm not giving everything to God, or not turning to Him in times of need:

Knowing my failings, knowing my fears,
Seeing my sorrow, drying my tears,
Jesus recall me, me re-ordain;
You know I love you, use me again.

I have no secrets unknown to you,
No special graces, talents are few;
Yet your intention I would fulfil;
You know I love you, ask what you will.

For the far future I cannot see,
Promise your presence, travel with me;
Sunshine or shadows? I cannot tell;
You know I love you, all will be well.

Love God and put your trust in Him, he will be with you every step of the way.

Harvest

Today at our services at Bellshill Salvation Army we celebrated harvest time. What images does that conjure up for you?

Here's the dictionary definition of "harvest":
1. the gathering of a ripened crop
2. the crop itself
3. the season for gathering crops
4. the product of an effort or action

Traditionally we always think of farmers, crops and food when we think about harvest.

This harvest I'd ask you to pray for those who are starving...not just in foreign lands but here in this country. We all can be very guilty at time of taking our food, possessions and our family and friends for granted, so I'd also ask you to thank God for all you have, all He has given you.

But harvest need not just be all about the crops and the food being harvested, it's also a time for us to think about bringing others into a knowledge and understanding of God's love...to "harvest" others lives into God's will.

We must all be examples for Christ, after all something we say or do may be the thing which brings someone into a relationship with God. We may not always see any results of what we do/say, but if we a simply word or action may be the seed that lands in someone's heart and develops into a heart full of love for God.

2 Corinthians 9:10
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

In conclusion, pray today that God might use you to plant a seed in someone's heart so that they might come to know God as their friend and saviour.

New Look BSAB Website Launched

Tonight I launched the new look Bellshill Band of the Salvation Army website. (www.bsab.co.uk). The band has had a website for a number of years now but we felt it was time for a freshen up!

Over the last few days while I've been doing all the work to get the new versiion of the website up and running, I've found myself overwhelmed by the responsibility that comes being the person who updates/maintains a website especially one with such a powerful message to give.

As a member of Bellshill Salvation Army Band, I often remind myself that I must only be part of the band if I'm doing it "for the right reason" (this is the band's motto). So the last few days I've found myself thinking "I am looking after the band website for the right reason?" - I certainly hope I am, as I certainly do not expect (or want) praise/thanks for the work done - It was done in my own time because I want to promote what we as a band at Bellshill are all about, and if that means we can help bring one person into a relationship with God that would be wonderful!

I pray that God will continue to help me in the work I do with the band website, and that it may become an even greater outreach to others for the band.

Remember to go checkout the Band's website now - www.bsab.co.uk

If you find any problems/issues please notify me via the Webmaster contact option.

Thank you and God bless.

It's The Same Air

Think about those people who are less fortunate than yourself...living in the same town or city as you...in far away lands...with little to call their own...in desperate need of help...in need of you and me!

But what can I do? What can you do?
There are many things we can do to help - first and foremost we can pray for these people and the circumstances that have led them to be in their current position; pray for their physical and emotional healing. There are also many practical ways we can help - why not donate some of your time and/or money to help people in your own area.

There no excuse why each of us can't do something to help others. we may think our small monetary donation or an hours work will make no difference, but what if we all do that! Wow, what a fantastic difference we can make in people's lives.

Take that step today, help someone in need - after all we all breathe the same air...God's air!

I've used the following song Breathe before (blog post on 12/5/2009 entitled Breathe), however I've using a different version of it this time. The video associated with this version of the song show the Salvation Army's international work in action and to me reinforces the message I've tried to pass to you today, that we all breathe the same air.

Visit the Salvation Army's UK website and make a donation today: http://www2.salvationarmy.org.uk/uki/www_uki.nsf

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

And I I'm desperate for you
And I I'm I'm lost without you

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
this is my daily bread
your very word spoken to me

And I'm, I'm desperate for you
And I'm, I'm lost without you

And I'm desperate for you
And I'm, I'm lost without you.

I'm lost without you.
I'm lost without you.
I'm desperate for you.

I'm desperate for you..

I'm lost, I'm lost, I'm lost without you..
I'm lost without you

I'm desperate for you

His Provision

At our morning service we had the retirement of two officers (ministers) who have served as Salvation Army officers (minister) for 38.5 years! We celebrated there many years of faithful service and the love and teaching they have passed on to all they met during their service.

This all got me to thinking about my own service, obviously not as a Salvation Army officer (minister), but simply as a follower of Christ who is serving Him as a soldier in the Salvation Army at Bellshill. What I started thinking about was my own service. If this were my "retirement" today, would I be celebrating my service to God, confident I had served Him well all my life?

This is a very tough question, and an even tougher one to answer honestly! So what's my answer? Well, I could tell you that I have served God as well as I possibly could and done everything He's asked of me, but I'm afraid that would not be the truth. I have done something in my life that I am not proud of, I've done some things in my life that gone against God's plan for me and I've said and done some things which I am ashamed of.

However, I am so thankful to God that despite all of this, He has forgiven me for all my sins, because He still loves me and cares for me and wants me to serve Him.
So how about you - If this were your"retirement" today, would you be celebrating your service to God, confident that you had served Him well all your life?

Whether your answer is positive or negative, rejoice, because God still loves you, and will always love you no matter what your sins.

On Thursday night at our band practice we practiced the beautiful Ivor Bosanko piece "His Provision" which was originally published in in the 1985 Musical Salvationist as a songster (senior choir) piece. The words of that piece are very relevant to where my thoughts have been today, and in fact we played this piece during our morning service.

Please consider the words of this song, and try to see how they fit with your life:

His Provision (Ivor Bosanko)
At the moment of my weakness,
When my need for pow'r is plain,
And my own strength is exhausted once again,
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer,
Then my Lord has made provision
For the day of my despair,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Holy Spirit! Promised Presence fall on me.
Holy Spirit! Make me all I long to be.
Holy Spirit! Holy Spirit!
Give your pow'r to me,
O Holy Spirit.

When the darkness falls around me,
When bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my ev'ry need is answered
By God's providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer,
Then my ev'ry need in answered
BY God's providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

Nothing now can rob God's servant
Of the peace that He bequeaths,
Nothing take away the strength His presence breathes,
Of the EVERLASTING ARMS OF LOVE I'M DAILY MADE AWARE,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer, my prayer,
of the everlasting arms of love I'm daily made aware,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

In conclusion I just want to leave the highlight me favourite words in this song:

When the darkness falls around me,
When bewildered and afraid,
When I feel the most deserted and betrayed,
Then my ev'ry need is answered
By God's providential care,
And His precious Holy Spirit hears my prayer.

These words are so reassuring to me, I hope they are reassuring to you too.

A Promise

During our lifetime, we make many promises. Here are just a few examples:

• some we make when we're very young just to appease our parents like "I promise I'll tidy my room tomorrow";
• some to close friends when they confide in us and ask us not to divuldge the information to anyone else;
• for those of us who are married we made promises when we said our wedding vows;
• those of us who wear Salvation Army uniform, have made promises to God to serve Him all our days.

So, how many promises have people made to you that they have actually kept?
The chances are, many promises might have been made, but many will have been broken.

Following on from that, how many promises have you made in your life, and how many of them have you kept?
I'm guessing there will be many promised made but not so many kept...am I right?

What about God's promise of eternal life -
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son." (John 3:16-18)

Do you believe God's promise of eternal life? Are you doing all you can to live a holy life, directly by God?

If not, make today the day when you make a new commitment to God to give your life to Him and serve Him the rest of your days.

I came across the song "Promise of a Lifetime" by Kutless a while ago, but the words and music seems to fit perfectly with the message I've tried to pass on to you today. Please read the words below before watching the video - I hope you find blessing and encouragement from them.

Promise of a Lifetime by Kutless
I have fallen to my knees
As I sing a lullaby of pain
I'm feeling broken in my melody
As I sing to help the tears go away

Then I remember the pledge you made to me

I know you're always there
To hear my every prayer inside
I'm clinging to the promise of a lifetime
I hear the words you say
To never walk away from me and leave behind
The promise of a lifetime

Will you help me, I'm falling apart
Pick me up, take me in your arms
Find my way back from the storm
And you show me how to grow
Through the change

I still remember the pledge you made to me

I am holding on to the hope I have inside
With you I will stay through every day
Putting my understanding aside

And I am comforted

Enjoy listening to this song by Kutless, and enjoy the pictures that have been used to enhance the words of the song...

Visit the Kutless website: http://www.kutless.com/

It's Thursday Night!

...and for me that means band practice night. No I'm not in a rock band, I am in fact a member of the Bellshill Salvation Army Band, where I play trombone. So today I thought I'd tell you a wee bit more about me and the Salvation Army.

My Mum's side of the family has always been in the Salvation Army so I was taken along to the services at Rutherglen, from a very early age. When I was 7 I gave my heart to Jesus. I joined the Singing Company (which is the junior choir), and about 5/6 years later I joined the Young People's Band (the junior band) playing percussion for a few months before moving onto trombone.

When I was 18, after a number of years of doubt and soul searching, I decided that I wanted to continue serving God through the Salvation Army, so became what we call "soldier" - I wear Salvation Army uniform. From then I sang in our Songster Brigade (senior choir) and played in the Band.

I continued to attend the Salvation Army in Rutherglen until 2002. Since then I have been attending Salvation Army in Bellshill where I play in the band and also look after the band's website (www.bsab.co.uk).

I have been very priviliged to travel with the band to a number of place in Scotland, England and further afield. Our Easter Tour in 2003 to the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium was a particular high for all of us in the band. You can read more about all the places we've visited in the band's website.

The band has recorded 4 CDs, the last of which we just recorded a few weeks ago and has not yet been released. It was really hard work recording the CDs but I'm sure those who have listened to them will tell you our hard work has been well worth it! Again if you want more details please visit the band's website.

So there you go, that's a very brief history of my time in the Salvation Army. If you want to know more, I have two testimonies listed on the band's website, plus if you keep reading the blog I may tell you more about me in the coming weeks. :)

Today I've been thanking God for the allowing me the opportunity to play in the band again - for several years I was unable to play much due to some health issues. Music has always been a big part of my life and so I find it a great way of expressing my faith and praising God's name.

I'd ask that today you say thank you to God for the wonderful music that He has inspired many to write, and for those use their musical talents to share God's message by singing/playing the music.