An awe-ful Christmas

I love Christmas: the lights, the carols,the greeting cards, the family gatherings. But there is a danger that we miss what Christmas is all about. I therefore wish all my friends an awe-ful Christmas - that is, a time when they sense the awe-some truth that God was down to earth in the coming of Jesus Christ. He visited our shores and through his Spirit is a permanent resident with those who open their hearts to him. Wow! Is'nt that something?

A bad press

Booze has had some bad press - and deserved it! The 'Herald Sun' carried a report that more than 2500 Australian babies are born brain damaged each year because their mothers drink alcohol during pregnancy. Add that statistic to those about alcohol related road accidents, domestic violence, binge drinking and time lost from the workplace through alcohol and talk about the demon drink doesn't sound like a joke any more. People such as Salvationists who are pledged to total abstinence should not be dismissed as wowsers; on the contrary. For those with addiction problems the up coming Christmas season can be scary which is why my wife and I invited one such person to spend Christmas in our safe house. Others might consider doing something similar.

Leadership

I mean no disrespect to the senior leadership of The Salvation Army. After all I was once part of it as a teritorial commander for 11 years and a chief/general secretary for a further seven years. But I have to say that some of the best initiatives have come from the bottom up rather than from the top down. For example, take the Army uiniform. Commissioner Catherine Bramwell-Booth, granddaughter of our founders, told me that it was not introduced because of an edict from headquarters but because of the desire of ordinary salvationists to show whose side they were on.Following the great 'Connections' weekend I believe there will be a ferment of new ideas in our movement. And ideas have legs! On the internet (www.beyondconnections.com.au) is a spontaneous new feaure entitled 'Youth Speak'. I may not agree with every idea which will be expressed but I will be thrilled at the enthusiasm engendered. After all, the word enthusiasm literally means 'full of God'which is what being a salvo is all about.

'Cleveralities'

A wise man who had great influence on me in my youth concocted the word'cleveralities' to describe the pseudo-science or apparent cleverness sometimes employed to cover foolishness or self-indulgence. Sometimes we can even blind ourselves with such false reasoning which is why many clever people are also extremely foolish, convinced that even black is white.We may know people like that and even have caught sight of them in the mirror.

Another little drink

It is reported that in Australia 3000 die annually and 10,000 more need ongoing medical treatment for on-going alcohol related harm. Presumably all began with another little drink which, it was said, would do them no harm.! (I have met many who rued the day they started to drink but cannot recall anyone who regretted that they did not!) Over imbibing causes the loss of 7.5 million working days and an economic cost of $15.3 billion in Oz. Alcohol contributes to carnage on the roads and many cases of abuse within the family. A prison governor once told me that nearly 70% of his inmates were imprisoned for alcohol related officences. Of course, many people drink moderately. Personally I do not because I would not want my example of drinking a little be an example that led someone else to drinking a lot and to addiction. The Bible poses the question, 'Am I my brother's keeper'. As far as I am concerned the answer is a resounding 'yes'.

No worries

In most localities there are characteristic phrases which people use a lot. One such in Australia is, 'No worries!' but I guess there are few people without any worries. Some might even worry because they don't have any worries! It is said that worry is the interest we pay on tomorrow's troubles and the interest rate may go up as we get older!

Jesus and the Apostle Paul urged us not to worry but that may be easier said than done. The secret is in trust. Our Lord said, 'Have faith in God' and he practised what he preached. Even when faced with a cross he continued to trust in God. In this I try to follow his example although not always successfully. Still, in the school of faith I keep trying!

The forthcoming meetings in Melbourne under the title 'Connections' are an opportunity for Salvationists and friends to connect with each other and with God. They are also an opportunity to connect with the wider population and particularly with those in need. Army meetings take place for the sake of those who don't belong to our movement as well as for those who do. I am one of many who are praying for the good success of what is being arranged. Watch this space for further details.

Urgency

For many years I have had a David Shepherd picture on the wall of the lounge in my home. It depicts farm workers urgently gathering the harvest while storm clouds gather overhead. It speaks to me of the urgent need to make a difference while there is time. We should seize the day. We should take every opportunity. Sometime is no-time.

The sands of time are running out for everyone and for me as a senior that is a particularly pressing point. I will not pass this way again therefore if there is any good I can d0 it should be done NOW. Life is good but it won't last for ever. That is not being morbid, just realistic. Edward Young said, 'All men think all men mortal but themselves' but for us all, young or old, eternity is only a heart-beat away.

No discharge

The South Pacific Retired Officers Convention - a meeting of Salvation Army officers from Australia and New Zealand -commences in Adelaide this week. Thousands of years of service will be represented by those who gather. There will be lots of references to the past for many of us have entered our 'anecdotage'! But there will also be a lively interest is the challenges of today and a desire still to serve as opportunity arises. There is no discharge in the war against rampant evil in the world and even in old age we feel that we can still play our part.

Sad loss

Word is to hand of the shooting of the very gifted and dedicated leader of The Salvation Army in Pakistan. It seems that no-one is immune from the culture of death evident around the world. Too many seek to solve their problems through the barrel of a gun rather than through ways of peace. We should all seek to be not just peace lovers but peace makers in the place where find ourselves.

Innovate or enervate

If we don't innovate we'll enervate. If we are not always open to new ways of pursuing our mission while still maintaining old methods still workable we are on the way to extinction. We must move on from failure and build on success. Among more recent innovations in The Salvation Army have been the 614 street ministry by young people in central Melbourne, the Mainly Music outreach to parents and young children in many centres and the current tour of remote centres in South Australia and the Northern Territory by Commissioner James Knaggs and the Staff Songsters. These and other ventures require huge prayer support.

Middle of the road

When I was young I thought that everything was black or white, quite simply good or bad. But the responsibilities of leadership taught me that life is not always as simple as that. Sometimes the only choice is between grey and grey and good (and intelligent) people may be on both sides of an issue. Staying in the middle of the road may be all very well but it does mean being liable to getting hit by traffic going both ways! At election time we are subject to a barrage of opinions held, sincerely perhaps, by those on both sides of the political divide. The luxury of not making a decision is not for us. We have to balance considerations and use our best judgement. That's life. God help us!

The prize

It is almost sixty years since, while still in my teens, I commenced pastoral work for The Salvation Army in Wales. Since then I have served in the Army in England, Scotland, Australia and Canada. Frankly, I have not made a lot of money and I didn't expect to do so. But I have had an immensely fulfilling life of service. It would be hard to imagine what could have been more satisfying. Like everyone else I must have made many mistakes but overall God has been good and I am grateful. The Duke of Edinburgh said, 'The only prize worth winning is a clear conscience at the end of your days that you have lives a ...useful life'. I say Amen to that.

Exercise

I have just done some light exercises featured on T-V. No doubt I should do more. People in Biblical times before the advent of modern means of transport probably got a lot of exercise through walking about and were better for that but there was still the exhortation to exercise in godliness. I often try to combine physical and spiritual exercise by going on prayer walks. Sometimes I do a thanksgiving walk and never run out of matters for which to praise God. Sometimes I do a mental round up-of friends and associates for whom I pray. In a way I do not understand I am sure that my prayers help others. They certainly help me , but most importantly they honour God.

Sick, and you visited me

My wife and I have been visiting some people in hospital and have been impressed by the faith and courage with which they face suffering and even death. I hope we were an inspiration to those we visited. Certainly, they were an inspirtation to us.

Communication

The marvels of modern communication would have seemed like science fiction a few years ago.
It is wonderful that we can get messages to family and friends in split seconds. My wife and I
have a webcam and enjoy seeing and hearing our daughter and family in the UK. A great neice of mine has just gone as an exchange teacher to the USA and I have just spoken to her on the phone. But of course, communication must involve more than technology. There must be mutuality. Technology alone cannot overcome loneliness. That takes the old-fashioned thing called love. And that is what the world needs more than anything else.

The end of an era?

On Sunday I was privileged to speak at a final meeting at the Bethany Aged Care Complex in Camberwell. I noted that the site was first purchased by the Army in 1917 for the first eventide home for women run by the Army in Australasia. The Army's tenure continued until the divestment a couple of years ago. New facilities for seniors will rise like a phoenix on the site and being situated next door to the Camberwell SA Citadel (church) should provide opportunities for outreach. Always, the vineyard is as big as out vision!

A kick in the interim

I heard of a minister who was surprised when he heard that the young people in his church were organising a party for him and for his wife. He asked them why and they replied, 'When you first came you were given a good kick off and when you farewell no doubt there will be something similar but we felt that perhaps you might need 'a kick in the interim'.' Perhaps we all need one of those occasionally! A little encouragement can help us to go a long way.

The scourge of alcohol

Recent reports have pointed to the harmful effects of alcohol in Australia. We have learnt of abuse in the Northern Territory, binge drinking by young people, road trauma, reports of research indicating brain damage etc.,etc. Fear of being dubbed a wowser would prevent some from condemning the demon drink but evidence mounts nonetheless. No-one sets out to become an addict but too many do. I have never met anyone who seriously regretted not being a drinker but many with cause to regret the day they first imbibed, often because of peer pressure. I, like many others, am a pledged total abstainer as a matter of example, apart from anything else. I do not criticise friends who take a different view but I would not want to know that someone who followed my example of moderate imbibing then went on to become an addict. So am I my brother's keeper? Yes, to some extent I think I am. Aren't we all?

A film to see

'Amazing grace' is a film to see. It tells the story of William Wilberforce, a man with a magnificent obbsession - the freedom of the slaves. He was much influenced by John Newton the slave ship captain turned parson and the writer of the song, 'Amazing grace'. The film is particularly relevant today as slavery is again rearing its ugly head. Right thinking people should be inspired to join the crusade against the traffic in people which is a big and bad feature of life today.

Loss of a friend

I have just lost a friend. For years Alida Bosshardt of the Netherlands has sent me cards and letters written in somewhat quaint English (much better than my Dutch, be it said!) and always showed interest in my family. At over ninety years of age Alida was a legend in her lifetime. For years she worked in the red light district of Amsterdam and identified with the prostitutes. But with that identification she maintained her Christian identity. I am grateful for having known one who epitomised Salvationism.

Thank God its Sunday

The sun is shining and the signs of spring are to be seen. With all the suffering and sadness in the world there is much for which to be thankful. The words think and thank are first cousins and if we think we will find plenty for which to thank. Today I am going to my place of worship and I would urge others to do the same.

HIV and all that

Nikki Capp, a fellow soldier of mine in the Camberwell Corps of The Salvation Army had what she described as a waking dream. She wanted to further the work of the Army among AIDS victims around the world and felt that Rupert Murdoch, the media mogul, could help in this. She sought and was granted an interview with the great man and with his backing a professional writer, Rhidian Brook, was commissioned to write a book after spending nine months with his family travelling the world to see at first hand what the Army was doing about the problem. The book is now out under the title, 'More than eyes can see' (published by Marion Boyars) and is the remarkable result of one Salvationist following her dream with dedication and determination. Isn't it surprising what can be accomplished when individuals follow the leading of God's Spirit?

The is is the day.

Thank God it's Sunday. This is a day when I join with friends in worshipping God and enjoy good fellowship. Just as punctuation enlivens prose so observance of a day set apart for praise and worship enhances life. This is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. Hallelujah!

/a bew book

I have just read the recently published autobiography of General John Larsson (rtd), 'Saying yes to life' Having worked closely with the author for a few years and having shared some of the events described in the book it has proved a particularly good read. The pages have seemed to turn themselves!The quality of the writing is excellent and there is both information and inspiration for the reader.

We could all do with more of the grace of gratitude! I have just had a clean bill of health from my cardiologist and that almost 18 years after I had a quadruple heart by-pass operation. I have been grateful to God for the added years given to me and appreciate the medical science which has helped so many of us to live longer. But of course, the important thing is not the number of years we have but what we do with them. On a daily basis I ask God to help me to make a difference for someone even if it is in some small way.

There are those who say they are not interested in the past, only the future. But of course, the past affects the present and provides lessons for the future as well. In the Bible God is portrayed as the God of history. He has been at work through good times and bad, undertaking and over ruling. I believe that he is still at work in the troubling time through which we are living. He is not remote or removed but active with us even in the midst of problems. Trust him, he knows what he is doing!