Praise for The Salvation Army's work in Scotland

 

The transformational ministry of The Salvation Army in Scotland was the focus of BBC Radio Scotland in an extended feature. The high profile Sunday morning programme, hosted by Sally Magnusson, provided listeners with a historical context of William Booth's Christian and social mission from Assistant Scotland Office Secretary, Lt Col Jonathan Roberts.

Lt Col Carol Bailey, Scotland Secretary, unpacks the relevance of the Army's mission to save souls and grow saints in society today. During an inspiring interview, Gorgie Corps bandmaster, Keith Johnston explains that bands are more than just playing music, they communicate the Gospel and enhance the worship.

Joining forces to drive mission through practical professional support from the Scotland Drug and Alcohol strategy, Stirling Corps and Homelessness Services Unit, is also a focus through 'Sandy', who honestly expresses how God has saved his life from addiction.

The full interview is available on BBC iPlayer. It last for 13 minutes and starts at 1:31:40.

Pause for thought

To conclude our posts about Greenock, Lynn the Salvation Army Officer at Greenock brings us a pause for thought.

..Lynn, Salvation Army Officer, Greenock

I have just completed an insurance renewal form that asked me to confirm the value of my most important possessions and those that were to be put on the all-risk category.  It got me thinking about Value and Security

What are  your most valuable possessions – a mobile phone, your TV, your home?

Yet, are not our most valuable things in life often what money cannot buy – friendship, family,  being part of community life at the Salvation Army, the love and respect of those who know us well, the inner satisfaction of a day well lived?

For me personally it is also the real assurance within my heart that through Jesus Christ I have the unfading hope of everlasting life.

No circumstances can take God and His love away from me – they are not at risk! 

If you are a Christian, in Him is security now and forever.

Do you have this “blessed assurance”?

John 1:3 says, “We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us.  And our fellowship is with the Father and with his son, Jesus Christ.”  Want to know more? Then contact us.

Greenock Drug and Alcohol Work - A story

Today we hear from Alan and his story about the work at Greenock


.. Alan, Greenock

I have had quite a journey since I first came into contact with the Salvation Army and without them I know I would not be here today to tell you about it.

I had been evicted from my flat, lost my family, job, dignity and self-esteem, all due to my alcoholism. I was suicidal and did not see any future for me at all.

Social Work referred me to Hope House, an environment that I knew nothing about. I spent almost 3 months there, at what was the worst time in my life.

The staff at Hope house continually tried to motivate me and never gave up on me. The chaplain put lots of time and energy into trying to help me. It is only now when I look back that I am grateful that they never gave up.

At this point I still needed alcohol everyday and I was a physical wreck, I was also mentally and spiritually bankrupt.

I had reached my gutter and it was then that staff informed me that if my conduct continued I would be asked to leave. (Looking back they were right: my behaviour was totally unacceptable.) My reply to this was ‘what do you want me to do?’ (I was beat)

Staff then took the time to speak to me and gave me some options. One of these options was Fewster House and the beginning of my path to recovery. The staff team threw their support behind me and ensured that I took up my place at Fewster House.

At Fewster House I learned about myself, my actions, responsibilities and the affect that my addiction had on myself and those around me. I learned to deal with issues one day at a time and started to build a life in recovery.

There were still many hurdles and anxieties to deal with: in particular moving into accommodation in the community.

This is when Greenock Floating Support Service came in. They worked with me to find appropriate accommodation and to support me through the transition of moving from Fewster House to a shared house (3 people) in a fantastic tenement in the west end of Greenock.

As well as supporting me to deal with any tenancy related issues they also continued support with my alcoholism. They never gave up on me and allowed me to see the potential within myself. I started volunteering at a Salvation Army shop and also went back to college to retrain and educate myself.

Now I am looking to get to work and to move to my own tenancy. I am at the final stages of hearing about a position with the Scottish Drugs Forum which will give me a paid placement to complete my SVQ in Social Care.

After 2902 days of sobriety, I am still taking it one day at a time.

Words can’t convey my gratitude or appreciation to the staff of the Salvation Army as they saved my life. They also supported me to see that I could have a future.

Thanks for not giving up on me.

Alan.

Greenock Drug and Alcohol Work

This week we are going to be focussing on some of the work done at Greenock.

A very special meeting was held at the Greenock Salvation Army Corps which celebrated all that has been achieved over the past three years.

 A Covenant has existed between Greenock Corps and Greenock Floating Support Service since November 2011, building on a relationship established over many years. Integrated Mission is at the heart of the Salvation Army's work in Greenock.

This has led to:

• permanent prayer/quiet room
• joint Bible study and prayer events
• twice weekly Community Cafe
• "Lifetree" - staffed by corps volunteers and service users from Greenock Floating Support
• corps based addiction worker (as part of the Scotland Drug and Alcohol Strategy)
• Garage Project - providing weekly volunteer opportunities for service users and the chance to pick up a bargain or two

Just over a year ago the partnership was further enhanced when the Floating Support team relocated to new offices in the former quarters attached to the corps, establishing the first campus model in Scotland.

Likening the renewal of the Covenant to a renewal of vows and other lifelong commitments, the leader of the meeting, Divisional Commander, Major Russell Wyles, encouraged all of the congregation to be part of this ministry - corps members, service users, staff and volunteers - came forward to sign the Covenant, pledging to '"Share of ourselves, our resources and do together all that we can in order to fulfill God's Kingdom within the town and community of Greenock".