Northern Division, United Kingdom Territory
Testimony Archive
I have been a member of Chester-le-Street Salvation Army all my life, well over 60 years.
I was brought by my parents who had been brought to the Army by their parents, my grandparents.
I never had a miraculous conversion only a good solid upbringing, growing in grace and a love of Christ, as God was part of our family.
I married a Salvationist from another Corp and we set up home here in Chester-le-Street.
Our children were brought to the Army and they again became Christians.
I worked for many years, after my children had grown up, as a School Secretary. A job I loved very much. Last year I decided to retire and to my surprise the head teacher commented on who would be her conscience after I left. I hadn’t realised I had made such an impression on her. For my leaving gift I asked if my colleagues would like to sponsor a child’s schooling in one of The Salvation Army’s homes abroad. I was delighted when I was presented with enough cash for four children. I have never been one to shout my Christianity from the rooftops but they all knew I was a Christian, obviously my day to day working life had been observed.
My husband and I decided to travel earlier this year to Australia. On our way there we visited Dubai for a few days. Our hotel was situated midway between two temples and the call to prayer (Five times a day) could be heard all over the city. The people would stop, no matter wherever and whatever they were doing, and would kneel down to prayer. This struck a cord with me. Would I/we do the same?
These words have been a great help to me and I would like to share them with you.
I never had a miraculous conversion only a good solid upbringing, growing in grace and a love of Christ, as God was part of our family.
I married a Salvationist from another Corp and we set up home here in Chester-
I worked for many years, after my children had grown up, as a School Secretary. A job I loved very much. Last year I decided to retire and to my surprise the head teacher commented on who would be her conscience after I left. I hadn’t realised I had made such an impression on her. For my leaving gift I asked if my colleagues would like to sponsor a child’s schooling in one of The Salvation Army’s homes abroad. I was delighted when I was presented with enough cash for four children. I have never been one to shout my Christianity from the rooftops but they all knew I was a Christian, obviously my day to day working life had been observed.
My husband and I decided to travel earlier this year to Australia. On our way there we visited Dubai for a few days. Our hotel was situated midway between two temples and the call to prayer (Five times a day) could be heard all over the city. The people would stop, no matter wherever and whatever they were doing, and would kneel down to prayer. This struck a cord with me. Would I/we do the same?
These words have been a great help to me and I would like to share them with you.
GOD KNEW OUR GREATEST NEED.
‘If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour’.
‘If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator.
If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist.
If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent us an economist.
If our greatest need had been pleasure, God would have sent us an entertainer.
But our greatest need was forgiveness, so God sent us a Saviour’.
He can be your Saviour too, if you allow him into your life.
In the Army we sing a song, written by General John Gowans (retired).
In the Army we sing a song, written by General John Gowans (retired).
‘You can’t stop God from loving you, though you may disobey him.
You can’t stop God from loving you, however you betray him.
From love like this no power on earth the human heart can sever,
You can’t stop God from loving you. Not God, not now, nor ever’.
You can’t stop God from loving you, however you betray him.
From love like this no power on earth the human heart can sever,
You can’t stop God from loving you. Not God, not now, nor ever’.
I have found that a good example is the best sermon.
Over the last few years my faith has been tested and I questioned why certain things should happen when I have striven to serve God to the best of my ability, but these words, which I read daily, give me the answer;
‘God said He would never leave nor turn His face away
He offers ample strength for each and every day.
So, no matter how you feel or what you are going through
Remember, you are not alone for God is always with you’.
He offers ample strength for each and every day.
So, no matter how you feel or what you are going through
Remember, you are not alone for God is always with you’.
Florence Laverick
March 2008
March 2008
I really enjoy coming to The Salvation Army. It is a place not only to come and worship God, but to enjoy the company of all the people who are there.
I also go to the Youth Fellowship which has not only helped me to grow as a Christian but also as an individual as well.
The youth fellowship is made up of a great group of young people who are very supportive and caring.
Growing up I never felt completely comfortable with telling people that I am a Christian however by attending the Salvation Army I am now happy to tell the people I meet about my faith because of the friendships and support that I am shown by the people of Chester-
Laura
May 2008
May 2008
LOOK
Look for the good and not the bad,
Praise the Lord and don’t be sad
We all have faults which God knows well
But unlike humans, he’ll never tell.
Look for a blessing while you can
Don’t mutter and moan like every man?
Try to encourage, it’s a God given gift
Praise someone today and give them a lift.
Look to God for help each day
He’s promised to guide you on your way.
People will always put you down,
But a smile is preferable to a frown.
Look to the future and not the past
Strong foundations always last.
Christ is the strongest foundation of all,
Without Him all else will fall.
Look for the good and not the bad,
Praise the Lord and don’t be sad
We all have faults which God knows well
But unlike humans, he’ll never tell.
Look for a blessing while you can
Don’t mutter and moan like every man?
Try to encourage, it’s a God given gift
Praise someone today and give them a lift.
Look to God for help each day
He’s promised to guide you on your way.
People will always put you down,
But a smile is preferable to a frown.
Look to the future and not the past
Strong foundations always last.
Christ is the strongest foundation of all,
Without Him all else will fall.
I first came to Chester-le-Street Corps two years ago. I used to go to another oorps but after attending the youth fellowship for a few months I realised that I felt more comfortable and happier worshipping with my friends at Chester-le-Street than I had ever done before.
I have met lots of new people who have helped me with problems I was unable to deal with myself and who have each touched my life in a special way. I am enjoying my time here at Chester-le-Street and I am sure that I will be here for a lot longer!
Kirsten
The power, suddenly, was gone!
Changing the light switch had caused the ‘trip’ switch to cut off all the electricity in the house. I was just in the middle of doing my housework!
‘Bother!, Oh well, I’ll go and wash up, and do the hoovering later…… I couldn’t… the boiler was off too, so had no hot water.
Well, I’d go and do some Office work instead… but the telephone was off, and so was the computer.
Not to be beaten, I decided to have an ‘enforced’ rest, and make a cup of coffee; after all it wasn’t my fault! ……but you’ve guessed it, no microwave, and no kettle working.
Fortunately this situation was not serious, and rectified inside the hour, the connection to the national grid was once more established and our house came to life again and I got my cup of coffee.
There are times in our lives when the ‘trip switch’ comes into play. Circumstances happen, and we feel as though we have been disconnected from the ‘Power’ that had been driving us.
BUT thankfully, unlike the situation at home, where we had to wait until the repair had taken place, before the power could be re-instated, God has provided an ‘instant’ emergency line, prayer, which we can use any time, any place, to keep the connection to His Power.
True we may not have ‘full power’ for a while. He sometimes needs to do some ‘repair’ work on us, before that can happen, but we have that ‘life saving’ trickle of power, which allows us to carry on.
2 Cor 4 v 8 & 9.(LB) We are pressed on every side by troubles, BUT not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, BUT we don’t give up and quit.
We are hunted down, BUT God never abandons us. We get knocked down, BUT we get up again and keep going.
Psalm 18 v18 (LB) On the day when I was weakest, they attacked, BUT the Lord held me steady.
J.S.
LOST!
I have been watching DVDs of the TV programme ‘Lost’. A plane crashed on a remote island and the forty eight survivors each have their own story to tell. As you can imagine they all divided between helping each other and looking after ‘number one’.
One call was feeling particularly vulnerable and wondered when she was going to be rescued because she could not cope. Another survivor took her into the jungle and showed her a cocoon on a tree. She was told that inside was beautiful creature but it would only be able to get on with it’s life when it had the strength to break free.
This small part of a series of DVDs has stayed with me. If we feel down and wish for changes they will not happen until God feels that we have the strength to deal with them - otherwise we have to stay put and be patient.
One call was feeling particularly vulnerable and wondered when she was going to be rescued because she could not cope. Another survivor took her into the jungle and showed her a cocoon on a tree. She was told that inside was beautiful creature but it would only be able to get on with it’s life when it had the strength to break free.
This small part of a series of DVDs has stayed with me. If we feel down and wish for changes they will not happen until God feels that we have the strength to deal with them -
‘EVERLASTING GOD’
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord.
God, You reign forever.
Our hope, our strong deliverer.
You are the everlasting God,
The everlasting God.
You do not faint, you won’t grow weary.
You’re the defender of the weak,
You comfort those in need,
You lift us up on wings like eagles.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord.
Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord,
We will wait upon the Lord.
God, You reign forever.
Our hope, our strong deliverer.
You are the everlasting God,
The everlasting God.
You do not faint, you won’t grow weary.
You’re the defender of the weak,
You comfort those in need,
You lift us up on wings like eagles.
VR
MID ALL THE TRAFFIC
At Easter I visited family in London and when thinking of places to visit, it was suggested we went to St. Alban’s Cathedral as other family members lived nearby and we could see them as well.
I was told of some beautiful embroidered wallhangings on display in the cathedral but when we got there we were disappointed to find ‘restoration in progress’ and the wallhangings had been removed for safekeeping and replaced by scaffolding!
Feeling let down, we decided to visit the gift shop in another part of the cathedral. We had to go out of the main part and through what could only be described as a square passage which led to an entrance to the shop. In this small area, two scenes had been created using natural materials showing Calvary and the Easter Garden. On the stone wall behind were chalked initials - possibly of the people who created it.
We were fascinated by this beauty in a dark corner of the cathedral, away from the main part. Yes I was disappointed about the missing wallhangings but maybe I could return to see them one day, but would the Easter scene still be there - I hope so!
I was told of some beautiful embroidered wallhangings on display in the cathedral but when we got there we were disappointed to find ‘restoration in progress’ and the wallhangings had been removed for safekeeping and replaced by scaffolding!
Feeling let down, we decided to visit the gift shop in another part of the cathedral. We had to go out of the main part and through what could only be described as a square passage which led to an entrance to the shop. In this small area, two scenes had been created using natural materials showing Calvary and the Easter Garden. On the stone wall behind were chalked initials -
Mid all the traffic of the ways
Turmoils without , within.
Make in my heart a quiet place
And come and dwell therein.
A little place of mystic grace
Of self and sin swept bare.
Where I may look into thy face,
And talk with thee in prayer.
Turmoils without , within.
Make in my heart a quiet place
And come and dwell therein.
A little place of mystic grace
Of self and sin swept bare.
Where I may look into thy face,
And talk with thee in prayer.
VR
Early November 2008, it was Megan’s responsibility to give the devotions at the Singing Company. Because it was near to Remembrance Day, she based it on an English assignment at school and presented this to her teacher, her classmates and the Singing Company members!
I will forget my complaint,
I will put off my sad face
And wear a smile.
Job 9: v27 (NKJV)
A RIDDLE
It costs nothing but gives away much when used.
It reflects and is reflected.
The wealthy and powerful need it as much as the weak.
It enriches everyone who receives it without making poorer
those who give it away.
What is this miracle?
An original song by Megan
I’m there but I’m not!
Verse 1
I put my uniform on and I polish my gun,
I tie up my boots and I’m there,
I’m ready to fight, to die,
To risk it all, no turning back,
I’m there.
Chorus
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Verse 2
I fall down on my knees
‘n’ crying ‘n pain,
With the shame coz my friends are dead,
They’re gone, they’re never coming back.
Chorus
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Verse 3
I’m captured, I’m falling, my family’s calling
My little boys hurting!!
We’re lined up against the wall,
What’s going on?
Four men come out with guns ‘n’
I’m dead, I’m not there.
Chorus
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Verse 4
If there was peace in the world
We would all be alive,
If we were in peace then our families
Would be together,
We would be there,
But we’re not.
Chorus (x2)
(Last chorus harmonies)
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Her closing prayer:
‘Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for all you do for us.
Help us to be better day by day.
Thank you for loving us.
Help us to love one another for Jesus sake.
Amen’
I will put off my sad face
And wear a smile.
Job 9: v27 (NKJV)
A RIDDLE
It costs nothing but gives away much when used.
It reflects and is reflected.
The wealthy and powerful need it as much as the weak.
It enriches everyone who receives it without making poorer
those who give it away.
What is this miracle?
An original song by Megan
I’m there but I’m not!
Verse 1
I put my uniform on and I polish my gun,
I tie up my boots and I’m there,
I’m ready to fight, to die,
To risk it all, no turning back,
I’m there.
Chorus
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Verse 2
I fall down on my knees
‘n’ crying ‘n pain,
With the shame coz my friends are dead,
They’re gone, they’re never coming back.
Chorus
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Verse 3
I’m captured, I’m falling, my family’s calling
My little boys hurting!!
We’re lined up against the wall,
What’s going on?
Four men come out with guns ‘n’
I’m dead, I’m not there.
Chorus
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Verse 4
If there was peace in the world
We would all be alive,
If we were in peace then our families
Would be together,
We would be there,
But we’re not.
Chorus (x2)
(Last chorus harmonies)
And the guns go bang,
And the bombs go off,
And my mates are dead ‘n’ I’m there,
But I’m not.
Her closing prayer:
‘Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank you for all you do for us.
Help us to be better day by day.
Thank you for loving us.
Help us to love one another for Jesus sake.
Amen’
Megan Gibb
All those who witnessed were very impressed.
August 2010
This month I don’t have a ‘Thought’ from Fred & Doris so I thought I would share this email that I received from a friend. Like most emails we receive, I have no idea where it originated so I hope whoever first wrote it will allow me to use it.
Special Hymn For Seniors
Many years ago, while watching a little TV on Sunday instead of
going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its
senior pastors who had been retired many years...... He was 92 at that
time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old
gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome and introduction of this speaker, as the
applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked
slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a
note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to
steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak......
'When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your
pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in
my 50 odd years preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled
it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and
sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always
rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow
paralyzed me......the only thing that would comfort was this verse...
'Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
We are weak but he is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so.'
When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear
his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will
ever forget it.
A pastor once stated, 'I always noticed that it was the adults
who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of
course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest
because I could see they knew it the best.'
Senior version of 'Jesus Loves Me'.
Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no
hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all
you others, check out this newest version of 'Jesus Loves Me'. It is
quite good, so read, sing and enjoy:'
'JESUS LOVES ME'
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME..YES, JESUS LOVES ME...
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
'Have no fear, for I am near.'
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.
Many years ago, while watching a little TV on Sunday instead of
going to church, I watched a church in Atlanta honoring one of its
senior pastors who had been retired many years...... He was 92 at that
time and I wondered why the Church even bothered to ask the old
gentleman to preach at that age.
After a warm welcome and introduction of this speaker, as the
applause quieted down he rose from his high back chair and walked
slowly, with great effort and a sliding gait to the podium. Without a
note or written paper of any kind, he placed both hands on the pulpit to
steady himself and then quietly and slowly he began to speak......
'When I was asked to come here today and talk to you, your
pastor asked me to tell you what was the greatest lesson ever learned in
my 50 odd years preaching. I thought about it for a few days and boiled
it down to just one thing that made the most difference in my life and
sustained me through all my trials. The one thing that I could always
rely on when tears and heart break and pain and fear and sorrow
paralyzed me......the only thing that would comfort was this verse...
'Jesus loves me this I know.
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to him belong,
We are weak but he is strong.....
Yes, Jesus loves me...
The Bible tells me so.'
When he finished, the church was quiet. You actually could hear
his foot steps as he shuffled back to his chair. I don't believe I will
ever forget it.
A pastor once stated, 'I always noticed that it was the adults
who chose the children's hymn 'Jesus Loves Me' (for the children of
course) during a hymn sing, and it was the adults who sang the loudest
because I could see they knew it the best.'
Senior version of 'Jesus Loves Me'.
Here is a new version just for us who have white hair, or no
hair at all. For us over middle age (or even those almost there) and all
you others, check out this newest version of 'Jesus Loves Me'. It is
quite good, so read, sing and enjoy:'
'JESUS LOVES ME'
Jesus loves me, this I know,
Though my hair is white as snow.
Though my sight is growing dim,
Still He bids me trust in Him.
(CHORUS)
YES, JESUS LOVES ME..YES, JESUS LOVES ME...
YES, JESUS LOVES ME, THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.
Though my steps are oh, so slow
With my hand in His I'll go
On through life, let come what may,
He'll be there to lead the way.
(CHORUS)
Though I am no longer young,
I have much which He's begun.
Let me serve Christ with a smile,
Go with others the extra mile.
(CHORUS)
When the nights are dark and long,
In my heart He puts a song.
Telling me in words so clear,
'Have no fear, for I am near.'
(CHORUS)
When my work on earth is done,
And life's victories have been won.
He will take me home above,
Then I'll understand His love.
(CHORUS)
I love Jesus, does He know?
Have I ever told Him so?
Jesus loves to hear me say,
That I love Him every day.