INTRODUCING OUR NEW SENIOR LEADERS

To All at Ashford
Salvation Army Christian Centre,

At this time of change for us all we wanted to first introduce ourselves a little and share with you a few thoughts.

We have been married for nearly six years and for most of this time lived in Ipswich in Suffolk. We both enjoy being with people and this was reflected in our previous jobs, Emma working for a music organisation running community projects and Mark as a Youth Worker. Emma loves dancing and having coffee with friends and Mark loves sport, especially football, and watching films.

We are very excited about moving to Ashford and getting to know you all and we trust in God’s hand believing He has a purpose for us all as God’s people in His wider mission. We know Ian, Sue, Grace, Adam and Hope have been very special to you and that you have journeyed as a family in God’s purposes for Ashford. We pray that we will come and join that journey, sharing in all the highs and lows that a family goes through.

Isaiah 61:1-3 talks about the year of the Lord’s favour otherwise known as the year of jubilee. This was a time when the Israelites were asked by God to free their slaves, return property to the rightful owner and rebuild their cities. Verse 3 says at this time they will be called “…oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendour.” Our prayer is that as a community of his people we will be agents of God’s Kingdom here on earth, that we will be oaks of righteousness in our community and that we will be a planting of the Lord, displaying all his splendour and majesty through the love we give God and each other.

Over the next five months we will be holding you all in prayer and look forward to being able to spend time with you. Thank you for the prayers we know you are saying and we’ll see you soon!

Much love in Christ
Mark and Emma

VISIT OF BIRMINGHAM SONGSTERS

The weekend visit of Birmingham Citadel Songsters of The Salvation Army was first discussed nearly a year ago, now it is over! But we thank God for the opportunity of meeting fifty or so new friends, our brothers and sisters in Christ, and being blessed through their ministry of music and more. Equally great to hear how we were a blessing to them. Saturday started with outreach in County Square, and that was great because we were able to reach many people. Following this they walked to ashford baptist church where they rehearsed for a while, enjoyed tea and then presented an evening festival of music to nearly three hundred people. After this some stayed in the local travel lodge, while others stayed with our own church members and friends. Sunday started with prayer and then our morning celebration meeting, in addition to the songsters seeing over 100 people sharing with us. Following morning worship some of the songsters went into our community to invite people to come that afternoon to share in our festival of music - and about twelve people returned and responded, which was great. The day concluded, after a meal (serving about 130 people), with our final meeting, again led by the songsters and attended by over 100 people again. A cup of tea and cake concluded, and we then sent the songsters back to Birmingham with packed lunches!!! The weekend was at their own expense, which was a blessing to us of course, but we did want to bless them back financially. So much prayer went into this, and we wanted to be able to pay for the coach which was £800. At the end of the day in his word of thanks, our assistant senior leader, Carl, presented £803.50 to the songster leader - thank you God. We have so many to thank for the weekend - the songsters and their leadership team, our own caterers, mini bus and car drivers, attenders, sound team, clearing away team and so many others - and above all, thank you God for all we shared together. Finally it was great to have in support BBC Choir Boy of the Year - Joel Whitewood - supporting the songsters and of course being at home with family too.

DEEPER

Twice a month time is put aside to encourage us to come together to explore and actually do it - DEEPER with God. This is through prayer, the Scriptures and ministry. This evening a group met in Willesborough and we explored what Captain Ian taught on Sunday from Acts 20, and the importance of living by Faith through Living, Giving, Praying and Loving. We explored all four aspects tonight, recognising that ministry on a Sunday is more than just hearing it, its putting it into action, its taking it in, its doing something about it. Its always encouraging when God's people are not content and as Scripture says, Hunger and Thirst after more of God. Its always encouraging when people give up TV, or other stuff on an evening, drag themselves out, and share in this way. Its hard for so many of us to do it. BUT we thank God because we are blessed.

Once a month we meet in South Ashford, but its not exclusive to South Ashfordians, and thats the First Tuesday. The Third Tuesday is in Willesborough area. Next time we meet will be at the home of Envoy Vals.

Part of tonight was given to pray for this forthcoming weekend, and we are waiting on God for all He has in store.

WE CAN'T WAIT!

THE LONG AWAITED WEEKEND VISIT of the Birmingham Citadel Songsters of The Salvation Army is now just days away. Teams of people have been praying - and continue to pray - and teams of people have been engaging in door to door leaflet drops to let everyone know its happening. The local paper has also included a press release as well. So, lets honour the commitment of our brothers and sisters and not miss this weekend.

Saturday the songsters will start about 2.30pm in an outreach concert in county square. Do come and listen and support. Then at 6pm come and enjoy a Musical Festival led by the songsters but also featuring our very own Joel Whitewood. This will be at Ashford Baptist Church

Sunday join us at 10.30am and 3pm at the East Stour Schools for Celebration Meetings led by the songsters. Between the two meetings a meal is available, and if you would like this, then do let us know. A donation towards this is asked.

In the mean time we keep praying that His will will be done and His Kingdom would be known, expressed and celebrated among us.

COME UP HIGHER

REFLECTING TOGETHER WITH SUE HORNE
I was looking out of my kitchen window today, looking at the trees. I live in a first floor flat, so I consider this my bit of garden. The Catholic Church is only a few yards behind in the background and I can see very clearly the cross on the roof which is even higher. I’ve seen all the seasons go by from this little window. I have a robin who comes nearly everyday and has his special little routine. He always jumps on the lower branches of the bushes by the trees, then he gets braver and flies up to the wall and fence and stays a while, has a little sing and rests in the sunshine. Then again, he goes to the same tree but goes halfway up and stays a while. Then last of all he flies to near the very top and sings his song and turns as if surveying all of nature around him. He does this most of all in the season of winter to springtime, as the sun comes round more every few weeks and rises higher in the sky so does the robin.

Now, you may think isn’t that a nice story, or you may have no interest at all, but what is the Lord saying through this or to you?

I believe ‘He’ wants us to ‘come up higher’ to go deeper with ‘Him’. To know ‘Him’ in an even more deeper way, not just to ‘know Him’, but to really know Him and the depth of His love, His Power, His enabling, His authority and much more.

To have relationship with someone you need to get to know them, you need to get close to them. It takes time to know their personal ways and all about them.

Sometimes we need time to draw aside from the world, even a few minutes in a day, just to sit in God’s Presence, not asking for anything, not complaining, not telling Him our needs. Rest in Him, sit with Him, think about His goodness, think about His Grace, think of the depth of His Love and His desire to want to be with you. He will speak to you, answers to your prayers will come more easily, not necessarily in that moment, but as you are focusing on Him. He is already sorting things out, trust that He’s doing this.

He will take you to new levels in your life, and the ‘Peace of God’ that passes all understanding, will be very real in your life.

In the times we are living in, we need to know that there is security and an anchor stronger and more powerful than the worlds ways of systems. We’re living in a shaky time in every area of life, listen to Him, Jesus calling you, know Your Master, Your Friend, Your Hope.

You will be blessed and you can be a Blessing and a witness to others when the boat rocks, or your anchor becomes loose, but not only that you will be in a cocoon of His love and protection and care.

Love Him, as He loves you. Amen

THANKING GOD FOR THE PAST

The articles recently featured in Salvationist has drawn a lot of interest and people really encouraged by what has been shared. The following is an email received from a former ‘member’ of the church many years ago, now a retired Salvation Army Officer


Dear Captains,

I was thrilled to read of the work being done at the corps in the latest Salvationist.

I was a very new soldier when I came to the corps in 1956. That was when the hall was in the main town of Ashford. I was a student at Wye agricultural college, a few miles north. I used to either cycle in or travel in on my motorcycle. I remember being invited to a band practice one evening by bandmaster Stanley. I was put on the drum but couldn't seem to beat it at the right moment. At the end of the practice I remember he came to me and said "I think your talents lie elsewhere". We used to have an open air meeting every Sunday morning and I shall never forget the songster leader singing "Would you know why I love Jesus ?". He put his heart into the singing and it was very moving to hear him. I'm sure God used his singing to bless many folk even though we couldn't see them. Corps folk were very good to me and one family or another always used to invite me to their home for lunch and tea. After the holiness meeting we would have a Sunday school with crowds of children and then before the Salvation meeting an open air meeting on the High St. I used to sell the War Cry in the pubs and I remember having some of the people who eventually became the Joy Strings come to the corps and taking them round the pubs to sing. They were very happy days and, as I was new to the Army, the corps helped me learn what the Army was about in a very practical way. My wife and I are now retired, having served most of our lives in Africa in agricultural development work but I thank God for the witness of Ashford Salvationists those years ago.

Please remember me to the corps folk, though I rather doubt whether there will be any there who will remember me.

Paul Latham (Major)

SUNDAY 17TH FEBRUARY 2008

Today was a very special day, and we thank God for it with all our hearts. This Morning we had a really full hall, and that was not just because we had International Visits. Some of the current session of the International College for Officers travelled from London to share worship with us, and one of the officers shared her testimony with us. The meeting included time for praise, worship, an all age presentation from Pam, and also opportunity for listening to God's Word and ministry to follow. Our senior leader, Ian, opened The Word among us. Following this the officers travelled to our church centre and shared a meal with our church leaders, and also some of our friends who attend Disciple College, but would need a lift, so we invited them too to make the day easier. Following this the senior leadership and church pastors and leaders met together for a Pastoral Care Council Meeting, and this was a really encouraging time as we shared what God was doing in our midst. The day concluded with DISCIPLE COLLEGE, which looked at healing and wholeness. About twenty five shared in this time, and God's Spirit touched the lives of many. We do thank God so much for today and the opportunity of being together in His Presence. That is never wasted!!!

FURTHER SHARING....

During a recent Home and Family Meeting, Jennifer Lowe was asked to testify about God’s Love in her life. The following is roughly what Jenny shared:-

Four years ago a friend of mine told me about the local Salvation Army and that they had a lunch club. So I went to see for myself. I found it was really friendly and had a good lunch, and an enjoyable time. In the afternoon we enjoyed the Home League meeting. Then I attended a Sunday service, and it was wonderful. Later I became a member of the church. In the past I really had not had a lot to do with religion. I never attended Sunday School, but had been to church a few times over the years. But I was not a Christian. I did believe in God, and always thought about there being a God.

Over the past four years, I began to read my Bible more and listen to everyone else, who spoke about God’s presence in their lives. I attended an Alpha course, and during this time had a vision and there was a Light, and I knew then that I wanted to follow Jesus for the rest of my life.

Before being a Christian, I was not a very nice person. I broken everyone of God’s commandments. I was always falling out with people. I was a nasty person. Now I have found faith, companionship, love, and a big loving God’s Family. I have learnt that you have got to get the relationship with God right, then everything will fall into place; that you should treat people as you should be treated or would like to be treated. There is so much love in our church, you can feel it all the time. Although, I say, I feel sorry for people who do not yet know God, but if they keep going it will happen to them.

Just keep having Faith, and also it helps you if you get together with other Christians, they will always help you to keep your faith.

TESTIMONIES CONTINUE

The following testimony has been shared with us by Gary Chittenden

In a few days it will be jans birthday.
It will be a special day for us both.
Two years have passed with no alcohol
It hasn’t been easy, there have been times I felt like a drink.
Having jesus and my family at the ashford salvation army corp has kept me going.
With the love and care from jesus and you ,it well exceeds anything else.
Thank you jesus and thank you to the family, I have been blessed with.
Jesus has stuck by my side ,and the family have been the light of christ.
In times of darkness, jesus and yourselfs have helped me to see.
Jesus I love you ,and I love you all.
Godbless. gary

SUNDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 2008

Majors Beverley and Drew McCombe, officers on the staff at Divisional Headquarters in Maidstone, and also on the officer team at Chatham Salvation Army, were our guest speakers today. It was an exciting and encouraging day, as in the morning we shared in worship at the school, and were packed out, that knowing that so many were away on family commitments and work. It was great again to see new faces becoming regular faces, and some who have 'tried' a Sunday, trying another one. Radiate Worship Team led worship, and this included time for the use of Spiritual Gifts and Witness. This was a powerful time as some shared what God had laid on their hearts, others used gifts from The Spirit, and we knew God was there. Songs included Everlasting God, The Rising Sun, Jehovah is our Strength, Give thanks to the Lord our God and King, Faithful One, We have sung our songs of Victory. Major Drew brought The Ministry of The Word and spoke from Luke 4, and shared about finding FREEDOM in our lives from our prisons.

Disciple College held in the evening, saw about 20 attend, again good numbers considering a number were away, and we considered the journey that Peter took in his discipleship. Major Beverley shared the teaching, and helped us to understand that this journey brings us to different places at different times, but should lead us to the point of maturity and Holiness, as seen in Peter as he wrote his two letters. In response people were invited to walk that journey in prayer and find their place along that road. Worship, led by our senior leader Ian, included songs You servants of God, You are beautiful beyond description, We are standing on Holy Ground, The Rising Sun, and Above all Powers.

We Thank God for today as we do the amazing testimonies that people have shared about what God has doing, including today Gary sharing about two years of freedom from drink and deliverance! We also thank God for the encouragement we are knowing within the church community. Part of today too, was taken praying for our new family members, Mark and Emma Scott. More news on them as soon as possible

MARKET OUTREACH STALL

SATURDAY MORNING saw a number of the church family pitching at the local market and selling goods, as well as, of course, meeting the public. Over £100 was raised from this, and we are so thankful to all those who gave their time towards this, and in that too, Elsie who arranged the venture.

YOUTH RALLY

THE FLAME YOUTH CELL travelled on Saturday to the Territorial Youth Rally, held in Watford. The day included two 'meetings' plus of course opportunity to share in enjoyign music, challenges, ice breakers and so much more.

APPONTMENTS

The Following Announcements have been made in regards to changes that will take place in leadership from this summer:-

Ian and Susan Woodgate, currently senior leaders of the Ashford Salvation Army Christian Centre, have been appointed leaders of the Forestdale Salvation Army Church. Ian also holds an additional appointment of Divisional Mission Partner for New Expressions

Emma and Mark Scott, currently training for Salvation Army Officership at the William Booth college, have been appointed leaders of the Ashford Salvation Army
Please pray for all this concerns

WHATS LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

CAROL MONK shared the following thoughts during THE EVENT yesterday morning:- I have been asked to tell you about the difference God's love in me has made in my life, and is still making in my life. I thought I would start by finding out what love is. First I looked in a dictionary, and found this definition:- love is: affection, a strong liking, goodwill, benevolence, charity and devoted attachment to one of the opposite sex and passion. This is of course a worldly definition, so I looked in the Bible, in Corinthians chapter 13, and there Paul lists the things that love does and does not do, it says:- love is patient, love is kind, love is never jealous or envious, never boastful or proud, love is not arrogant or rude, love does not demand its own way, love is not irratable or resentful, love does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, and love never fails. So, as GOD IS LOVE then He does or doesn't do these things.

I always thought that I was a Christian and that Jesus was in my life, and I thought that I was doing what God wanted me to do. In 2003 we had a change of officers and Ian and Sue came to lead us. Soon after they came I realised what being a Christian was all about, and that I had never really let Jesus in my life, and I started to go deeper and learnt about the Holy Spirit. In 2005 we had a retreat at the William Booth College in London. It was there that I really felt God speaking and telling me that I needed to change the way I was serving Him, so I gave my life to Him and told Him that I would change the way I was serving Him. This meant that I had to stop helping at the Kent Association for the Disabled Lunch club, and start help at our own community drop in, called GLOW. I found it very difficult, but after a lot of prayer I wrote and told them that I would not be going to the lunch club anymore, because I felt that God wanted me to do something else. Since I started doing what God wanted me to do, I really feel fulfilled in what I am doing. When I am making the tea and coffee, I can also talk to the people about their families and things that are going on in their lives, this is something I used to find very difficult before I gave my life to God and knew this love in me. I also found it difficult to testify in meetings. I knew what I wanted to say, but something seemed to stop me. Now I find it easier because God gives me the strength to do it.

Something that really needs changing in me is my temper. I am really trying with God's help to stop snapping at people when they upset me. God is changing me all the time, but many times I fail Him, by not doing what He wants me to do, or doing something which I know is wrong. But He is always there and forgives me, and gives me another chance. I would say, love has everything to do with it especially God's love, because we sometimes sing a chorus which says; God's Love is wonderful, So high you can't get over it, so low, you can't get round it, O wonderful love. So you can't get away from it!

THE EVENT - FEBRUARY

THE EVENT - FEBRUARY was a great occasion with over 100 people sharing together. Our vision for this 'event' for sometime has been that 'different' people would come to church, and for this occasion we sent out a great number of invitations, and a great number of people attended that we do not normally have the opportunity to share with. The focus for this month was What's Love got to do with it? and throughout the event looked at this through a number of ways. This included really thoughtful and challenging talks from Rachel Whitewood, Ruth Wadsworth, Carol Monk and Ellie Durston. They helped us understand what difference God's Love have made to them. 'Game Show' was also featured asking couples, friends and siblings to answer questions about what they know (or do not know) about each other. The winners were the couple - Lyn and George. Tina Turner sang (by CD) What's Love Got to do with it, which was followed by a clip from Love Actually, which answered clearly - everything! Captain Sue sang Love changes everything and reminded us clearly that it does, but its God's Love that does it all. While all this happened the Kingdom Kids had lots of challenges to complete, which included love letters to God, a banner on how we can share love, and cards to give to everyone reminding them that love matters and we love them! Captain Ian concluded the event by reminding us simply three words - GOD IS LOVE - and how the Cross speaks of that so powerfully. Love changes everything in us, through us and we can indeed help people realise that Love has got everything to do with life because of THE CROSS. 'Written in Red' - a beautiful pieace of music followed in which people prayed.

THE FAMILY CELEBRATION MEAL gave us opportunity to celebrate Envoy Val's 60th birthday after which she cut her birthday cake, and as Captain Sue let us in some songs about love, we eat. Songs included Its' love that makes the world go round, Jesus' love is very wonderful, Yes Jesus loves me, Your love is amazing. We thank God again for this opportunity of providing a healthy growing Christian Community - faith in action, and sharing our love and trust in God, through sharing as the early church did in providing, eating, praying, worshipping and so much more.

PRAYERS

Please remember in your prayers our senior leaders and their family, as this Thursday they receive news of where their new appointment within The Salvation Army will be. Additionally we will also receive news of who our new leaders will be here in Ashford - so equally please pray for those people, whom we do not know at this time, but God does. This is an important time for many throughout the UK - some corps/churches will not be receiving replacements and we need to remember them too at this time. Letters received this week will change the lives of many - your prayer support for them and our own situation is important.

IT WORKS FOR US....

As part of their series 'It works for Us', Salvationist carries a double page spread on what is happening at Ashford - and it sounds like a great place. Actually, it gives us a great opportunity to share what God is doing, but also to see what He has been doing over the years and creating among us. God is pretty amazing isn't He? Make sure you get your copy of the 2nd February edition now.

BIRMINGHAM SONGSTERS

A reminder that VERY SOON we will be visited by the Birmingham Citadel Salvation Army Songsters for a whole weekend. On Saturday 23rd February they will be sharing outreach at County Square, and then at 6pm a musical festival at the Ashford Baptist Church. Admission is free but complimentary tickets are available. On the Sunday they will be leading our worship meeting at 10.30am, and following this will be sharing a meal with us. At 3pm, they will lead their final celebration meeting. If you would like to book a meal, please contact us.

There are lots of ways that people can be involved - if you could offer bed and breakfast that would be great - see Captain Sue. If you would like to make a financial donation towards the weekend that would be great. If you could help provide food for the Saturday tea and Sunday tea, that also would be great. Speak with the senior leaders about any of this.

LEADERS RETREAT

Salvation Army Officers from throughout the London South East Division have just returned from three days retreat at Ashburnham, under the theme - To Boldly Go. Bishop Wallace Benn, the bishop of Lewes led some Bible studies, and Adrian and Bridget Plass spoke in an evening session. Other sessions were led by our divisional leaders.

DAY OF RETREAT ANNOUNCED

We are pleased to announce information regarding our day of retreat and renewal, which is booked for 15th March, and will take place from 10.30am-4pm. This will be the launch of our Holy Week activities for this year, and will be based around our teaching focus for 2008 - Living by faith. Chick and Margaret Yuill will be our leaders for the Saturday and also speaking on the Sunday. The day will be FREE, but we are asking for support towards the expenses of the day and also towards a light meal that will be provided. There is also a childrens programme provided. Please contact us to request a booking form.