The Salvation Army Chatham

This September we will say farewell to Steve and Mel Scoulding as they enter William Booth College, Denmark Hill, London to train as Salvation Army Officers. We are pleased to publish their testimony and will feature them throughout their training.

Steve & Mel

Steve writes:-

To be honest, Mel and I have been trying not to think about leaving Chatham: It’s been home since we came to faith. Most know how Mel and I happened to come to Chatham and The Salvation Army – it was the darkest of times. But, thanks to God, it was a time that we can now look back upon and give Him thanks and praise for. It was when there was nothing left of us that we both realised our needs could only be met through an ongoing relationship with Jesus.

Now, as we approach the greatest step of faith that we have made in our short walk with Christ, we both feel a sense of peace and excitement. He who called us to this work has finally said  ‘Go now, don’t delay’. It is only seven years since we first walked through the doors of the hall to start Alpha  but God has brought us so far in such a very short period. We have experienced such love as is difficult to describe. So many at Chatham have been Jesus to us, meeting our needs just where and when we had need.

Mel and I have been so blessed by all those at Chatham and we give thanks to God for each and every one. We can truthfully say that we count amongst our friends some of the most awesome God-filled individuals that have ever drawn breath, from those who walked at the very highest levels of The Salvation Army to the extra-ordinary ‘soldiers’ who take the Gospel to those in need. Again we give thanks for each and every one of them.

As for the future: Only God truly knows what He has in store for us both. As for our thoughts for the future, these are best summed up in the words of our dear friend General John Gowans:

If crosses come, if it should cost me dearly,
To be the servant of my Servant Lord,
If darkness falls around the path of duty,
And men despise the Saviour I’ve adored.

Chorus

I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost
I’m called to live, to love and save the lost
I’ll not turn back, whatever it may cost,
I’m called to live, to love and save the lost

If doors should close, then other doors will open,
The word of God can never be contained,
His love cannot be finally frustrated,
By narrow minds or Prison bars restrained

If Tears should fall, If I am called to suffer,
If all I love men should deface, defame
I’ll not deny the One that I have followed,
Nor be ashamed to bear my Master’s name

God Bless ~ Steve & Mel Scoulding

Steve & Mel will be leading the meetings this coming Sunday at 10am and 6pm in our Church Street hall. Why not join us for a special day?

How to find us:

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