The Salvation Army Chatham

The weekend of the London Marathon is one which brings many thoughts to our minds.

Paralympian Rob Matthews completing the London Marathon in 2000

For many competitors it is a demonstration of their ability to achieve more than they would expect. For some it is a chance to overcome adversity. For most it is an opportunity to do something for someone else, like raising money for example. This is, after all, the biggest single fund raising sports event on the planet. Often for us it is a time when we say ‘well done’ and admire what we are watching. Sometimes we put our hand in our pocket and sometimes not. It is the job of the Christian to serve others and this does not, of itself, mean just giving financial support. Sometimes it does though and many will benefit from all that is raised.

Yesterday we welcomed our Songsters back from their visit to Derby last weekend (see earlier report) and had a good day under the leadership of Majors Beverley (morning) and Kathy (evening).

Major Beverley

Beverley’s theme was ‘what does God think about work – workwise?’. She selected songs 39, 143, 614, 522 and 734 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 40 from Songs of Fellowship. Her chosen scripture was Colossians 3:18 – 4:1. Musical ministry was provided by the Singing Company and Songsters who brought ‘Whose life is it anyway?’ and ‘Somebody prayed for Me’ respectively.

Major Beverley took time out to talk to the children and demonstrated, with the use of a lighted candle and a piece of paper, that when things aren’t easy Jesus can be seen in us. During the meeting Isabel Morris was recognised as an adherent. In her testimony she spoke about the many years she has been a Christian and what a good life it has been for her. She encouraged the young to find Jesus early in life but also confirmed that it was never too late to do so.

Isabel gives her testimony

In her sermon Beverley said it is easy to live our lives in compartments. Our home, our work, our church. Our scripture says there is no divide in our lives. God is interested in all of it. Paul told the slaves in Colossus to obey their earthly masters in everything. Therefore we must take our fair share of the mundane and unreasonable duties. We must have a ‘right’ attitude at all times. Its a tall order but that’s how a Christian should approach his work. Work for the Lord, not for men. Your earthly boss may not know the difference but God does and He will reward you accordingly. Eternity with Him! Who do we work for? JESUS!

Major Kathy

In the evening we continued with the theme of ‘Compelled by Love’. The scriptural references were John 21:1-17 and 2 Corinthians 4:1-6 and Kathy suported these with songs 224, 613, 848 and 171 from The Salvation Army Song Book and 742 and 40 from Songs of Fellowship. The Band contributed ‘Jesus Loves Me’ and the Sonsters ‘Compelled by Love’ and ‘Jesus, Name above all Names’.

An interesting testimony was given by Barbara Clayton, visiting Britain from Tenerife where she now lives and works. Barbara belongs to the ‘Inglesia Cristiana Evangelica’ in San Sebastian de La Gomera and she brought greetings from that congregation. We are happy to return those greetings and offer our best wishes for the ministry there.

Barbara Clayton, visitor from Tenerife

In her address Kathy said if things get in our way it is easy to get the wrong picture. Purity in purpose is of vital importance if we are to maintain the purpose of our mission. How often is scripture quoted in a selective way? We must be clear because the message is a simple one. We must focus on Jesus and not ourselves so that people who need to hear the message hear Jesus and not us. Proclaim the lordship of Christ and you need not be discouraged. Serve God in this way and He will give you the strength you need. Encouragement comes from being in the presence of God. Then you can overcome your doubt and everything will become clear. God will reveal himself to us all.

Some living in our locality might like to try their hand (or their feet) at line dancing with the Ladies Fellowship this evening (Monday) at 7.30pm in our Church Street hall. Admission is just £1. Just turn up and join in. You will be most welcome.

How to find us. Click on the maps for larger versions

Finally we bring you news of the Service of Celebration for the life of Chris Page which will be held at the Hall on Tuesday 22 April at 10.30am. This will be followed by the Committal at Medway Crematorium at 11.20am. Joan has specifically asked that no Salvation Army uniform or black ties shall be worn and that no flowers be sent. Donations received will be sent to Cancer Research UK and the British Heart Foundation. Contact us for details.