The Salvation Army Chatham

Songster Leader Adrian Horwood

A songster writes:

Despite a difficult week in the lead-up to the Songsters weekend at Kettering, with some songsters losing their voices, it should not be a surprise that the overall impression of the weekend was one of God using the brigade to bring people closer to Himself. It was appropriate that the theme for the weekend was ‘Be strong in the Lord’! – the song of which this is the theme was featured on Saturday evening.

40 songsters and 1 songster leader travelled to Kettering on Saturday 21 April, this being the first weekend away with the group for 13 – almost 1/3 of the brigade. This naturally meant that there was a real air of anticipation as we headed north for this return visit (Kettering Songsters visited Chatham in October 2006). We were encouraged by good crowds at each meeting with some people new to the Army attending and others travelling from surrounding Corps.

Saturday evening’s songs had been chosen to highlight different ways in which we can be supported by God’s strength, including ‘Come on David’ with David and Goliath puppets battling it out in the body of the hall! This story was further reinforced by the children’s spot on Sunday morning when David Lockwood, sporting extremely small armour as Goliath, was successfully annihilated by a diminutive Mike Cooke (on his knees) as David. The same theme was developed through other examples from scripture presented by Mike Cooke, Rosemary Steadman-Allen and Major Alma Brown in the three meetings.

All preparation for the weekend had clearly been carefully and thoughtfully made with the theme of the weekend in focus. Personal testimony is always a powerful tool in presenting what can otherwise seem abstract, and Gwyneth Williams, John Mills, and Peter Cole all clearly spoke of how God had given them strength in specific ways in their lives.

The songsters were made to feel very welcome by the Kettering people who were very responsive to the more lighthearted as well as serious items and solos. The home corps sections supported superbly, and there was an uplifting spirit of unity in God throughout the time spent there. It was encouraging to hear of new people attending the Saturday evening and enjoying the experience such that they returned on the Sunday. As always in an ‘away weekend’ there were many stories of personal encounter, which clearly showed how God uses the time and effort given by a section committed to Him.

Mingling with the audience

Thankyou Chatham songsters for your commitment, enthusiasm and clear wish to present the songs in such a way that those who listened were attracted to the message.

Thankyou Lord for giving us a weekend of inspiration and encouragement.

Final words taken from the beautiful song ‘Vesper’ used during the weekend:

He’ll supply every need, His resources are limitless, His grace is sufficient for me.