Celebrating influential older people

Salvationists across the territory celebrate older people who have influenced them in their faith.

Major William Lambert

from Corps Press Representative Sharon Lambert (Bath Citadel)

I was born to Salvation Army officer parents and I have so many fond memories of my dad and his work. He radiated the love of Jesus from every angle and was a true and gentle man. He taught me to love, to be kind and to always put others before myself. He passed away in 2013, but I always remember his words and deeds, and I try to carry them on in the way I live and worship.

Brigadier and Mrs Burnett

from Nick Oliver (Bath Citadel)

As a young person with grandparents who were brigadiers, I could rarely go to a meeting and not be told that somebody knew my grandfather – Brigadier and Mrs Burnett were known just about everywhere! Even after entering retirement, they never stopped serving the Lord. Many people have been touched by them and have come to know Christ through their work. To this day, their legacy lives on in their grandchildren, and I still hear of people who knew of them. Some people see Christ through the work of others. I saw him in my grandfather’s face.

Jean and Ray

from Ben Broad (Cambridge Citadel)

My grandparents, Jean and Ray, are amazing examples of what trusting and serving God looks like. They spent their lives showing how living life with God at the centre is not only possible but also beautiful. Without them as my role models, I’m not sure I’d be in church today. Grandad is affectionately known as Hallelujah Ray at our church and always brightens up the room. Grandma is such a wise and kind person, whom I will always admire for how she handles tough situations. If I can live life the way they do, I will be happy. When asked who my faith hero is, my answer is them!

My grandparents and great-grandparents

from Oliver (Dunstable)

It’s cool that so many people in my family go to church. It’s nice to see them every week and I think it’s cool that one set of my grandparents and my great-grandparents are retired officers. I trust them and if they believe in Jesus, it helps me to trust him too.

My great-grandparents and Heather

from Michael Richards Gera (Newcastle City Temple)

My great-grandparents served as Salvation Army officers. Their dedication to God and faithful work left a lasting impact on me. Their lives showed me the importance of living out faith not just in words, but in action. When I came to the UK in 2020, I was blessed by the love of my church family. In particular, Heather has had a very positive influence on me. Through her kindness, love and hospitality, she has looked after me in a way that reminds me of my grandparents. I have learnt the value of community, encouragement and walking alongside one another in faith.

Major Yvonne Field

from Harriet Anyon (Sale)

I’m blessed with an abundance of intergenerational relationships that have impacted my faith journey. Yet, there is one who stands out. I have a close relationship with the wonderful Major Yvonne Field. While most people would note Yvonne for her musical ministry – as they should – it is not simply this ministry that has the greatest impact on me. Through knowing her, I have witnessed how having a true relationship with Jesus leads to a radiance of joy, humility, peace and constancy. She challenges and inspires my personal relationship with Christ, and I’m encouraged to reflect Jesus in the same way she does: with enduring and truthful faithfulness.

John Duckett, Dennis Fothergill and Russell McCartney

from Bandmaster Jonathan Evans (Sale)

I joined Wrexham Band at 12 and found myself on trombone with Retired Bandmaster John Duckett. I was terrified! But, over subsequent years, I was nurtured, supported, challenged and loved as he shared Salvation Army music with me, often spending hours accompanying me on piano. When I moved to Sale, I met retired bandsman Dennis Fothergill. We had a shared experience of the importance of Holman Hunt’s The Light of the World, coupled with Dean Goffin’s music, in our coming to faith. Dennis taught me that I need to open my heart to Jesus every day. Finally, bass trombone player Russel McCartney. He’s 80 years young and still loving life, the trombone and the Lord. I hope I will still be playing for Jesus and allowing his music to move me in the way it does Russel when I’m his age. I thank God for their examples.

Shirley Pembleton

from Sunderland Millfield

Shirley Pembleton has cared for generations in the corps. Here are some snippets from different generations about what she means to us – I could have shared 100!

Solomon says: ‘Auntie Shirley is a great friend. She looked after me when I moved and played dots and dashes with me.’

Katie Smith says: ‘Shirley is a dear friend. She has a commitment to loving others. Shirley is truly like no other, and she means the world to our church family!’

Another member says: ‘I remember Auntie Shirley as cradle roll sergeant and songster secretary, roles she gave 100 per cent to. She has a passion for her family, her corps and God. She has been Auntie Shirley to me, my children and now my grandchildren. Everyone loves her because she shows love to everyone.

Major Ruth Pope

from Esme (Wrexham)

A few years ago, all the young people’s names were placed in envelopes on the mercy seat for people to take if they wished to be a prayer partner. My name was selected by Major Ruth Pope, and I count myself very lucky that it was! Ruth always makes time to talk to me and takes an interest in my life, asking about school and my hobbies. She’s kind to me on birthdays and at Christmas but, much more importantly, I know she keeps her promise to pray for me, which makes me very happy. I am very grateful for the friendship we have.