Thank you Maggi

"Regardless of theologies and postmodern theories and new ideas of church, and irrespective of our programmes, plans and energy levels, God will come and be born in our world...he will be born in our world whether we are ready or not, deserving or not, prepared or not. The incarnation of God will defy our plans, upset the organised and come with ease and rapturous joy to undeserving sinners and the poor in spirit."

Maggi Dawn (university chaplain in Cambridge)

Christmas Collecting Reflections

On Pricess Street today - street is thronging with people rushing here and there with bags loaded with presents. Amazed at those who stop when they see me in my uniform and am greeted with a warm smile and comments like "never pass the sally army", "you do good work", "you're my favourite charity".

But one lady said something to me that really made me think. Grabbing a crumpled £5 note from her purse, she pushed it in the box saying, "when I think what I spend on other things, this is a poor donation" Wow I thought - its a shame some of my corps folk don't think like you.... and then I thought hard about me. And what about you Iain, what have you given? Yes I could tott up the extra hours of carolling, toys and tin parcels, but what about my giving? I don't give anything extra at Christmas other than my time. And yet I'm happy to receive from people in the street who have no affiliation to the corps or Salvation Army. What can I give him poor as I am ... Is my heart totally given to God? Or am I being distracted like everyone else by the frivolities of this season.

Great Kidz Deal

Just catching up updating my blog and aware that I couldn't not make a comment on our recent Kidz Weekend with Justin Reeves. A self proclaimed disorganised person (with Paul they make some organising team!)he mentioned forgetting to bring his sermon on Sunday morning. A great weekend was had by the kidz and adults. Special moments in the Sunday morning with kidz posting prayers on a washing line, kneeling to pray and showing the adults how to be responsive to God - what a lovely picture!


"Deal or No Deal" was the theme for Sunday afternoon, bringing the message that as far as God is concerned, the deal has been done on the cross with Him offering us eternal life.

It's no big deal to have a children's Sunday a couple of times a year. We have a great bunch of kidz and their leaders who are so committed to teaching them about Jesus.


I don't want the occasion to be missed before I pay my own tribute to the work that Paul has done in leading the Sunday children's ministry over the past two years. Taking on the responsibility was him working outside his comfort zone and at considerable personal cost, Paul's wish is to hand over the responsibility as he prepares for a new chapter in his life with Fiona (to be married on 19th July). Kevin Avis has agreed to accept the overall responsibility for children's ministry at the corps ably assisted by Sheonagh who will step down from her leadership of the youth ministries at the end of the year, with Adam and Karen assuming that ministry.

Kindest Donation for Corps

An amazing generous cheque came my way from the ladies of a community group. After giving a talk on the work of the local corps community work, the 20 ladies, who have been meeting every Thursday evening for the past 22 years, donated the proceeds of their fundraising to the Edinburgh Gorgie Salvation Army Corps. The Salvation Army is the latest charity to benefit from their efforts which have included Children's Hospice for Scotland, Cancer Research and Marie Curie Cancer in previous years. Captain Hudson thanked them for their generous donation which will be used to improve the community work. Thank you ladies of Longstone. The corps accepts your gift with grateful thanks.

Perth Corps Anniversary Weekend.

Oh yes, what a time we had, visiting our former corps in Perth. Saturday night allowed us to reacquaint with many people we grew to love and respect in our nine years in the corps. It was also refreshing to see new faces that have come to the corps during the ministry of Carole and Gordon Tucker's ministry.

Got speaking to Lyn whose father Ian passed away early on in our stay in Perth. Ian came to know the Lord just shortly before dying due to the cancer he had. He was the first person who I had the privilege to lead to Christ as an officer. Well his daughter Lyn and her partner Andrew attend the corps now and I was interested to hear of her journey of faith thus far.

As I shared a rather longer than expected 'reflection' on Saturday night, I mentioned that our time there holds very special memories for us. It was the place of our children's birth, our first corps appointment and a people that accepted our mistakes as well as rejoicing with us when we actually got it right as leaders! But the abiding memory is of people we journeyed with, some now gone to be with the Lord, some who have moved on and others who have sadly lost touch.

I left my prayer for the corps on Sunday.

"You know, Father, next to salvation, the greatest gift you have ever given us is the opportunity to be a part of your family. Thank you that we don't have to go through life disconnected and isolated. Thank you for creating the Perth Corps family.
Help us to be a part of your family and help us learn to love this spiritual family just like you do. Forgive us for taking it casually. We want to grow in fellowship, so today we choose to belong. We want to learn to share and make time to develop real friendships. We want to do our part in this family. We want to learn to love other believers like brothers and sisters. Teach us the meaning of real love. In your name we pray, Amen.”

Climbing Bidean

Saturday returned absolutely exhausted after 'bagging' my 3rd munro. Bidean is the 23rd highest of all the 284 munroes and the highest in the glencoe range. I joined two more experienced climbers in Grant and Matthew, and as always the descent was more painful than the ascent. But all in all a fastanstic experience and one my poor knees are still recovering from, 2 days later!

Walking for Charity

Friends, I'll be walking the West Highland Way at the end of May with a colleague officer Captain Tim Wills of Kirkcaldy Corps. We are walking 48 miles of the total 95 miles from Inverarnan to Fort William. I've decided to walk this year for Cancer Research UK, as like many of you, I've lost many good friends to this terrible disease and the sooner we can eradicate it from blighting our lives, the better.

A Saved Life

An unusual thing happened to me yesterday. During my time in prison (as a Chaplain) I was asked to be seen by one of the remand prisoners. After 10 minutes of discussion he confessed to having swallowed his entire weekly prescription of drugs. I told him I would have to alert the prison officers, he agreed. They whisked him away to suicide watch, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital, presumably to have his stomach pumped.

The actual event wasn't remarkable except that the timing was perfect. I happened to be late into prison yesterday and so my calls in the halls were delayed by ½ hour. Had I been on time, I would have missed the chap who asked to see me. As it was I believe he was saved from the drugs taking effect and causing him to kill himself.

God's leading and timing is perfect.

This chap was talking of taking his own life. His mind was full of 'voices', his life had been one of physical abuse, and he was "tired". He was certainly talking from the perspective of darkness.

I tried to minister, pray, listen to him. He couldn't see ahead. Life was so difficult for him.

I read last week that its such times the Lord wants us to be silent before him. 'in quietness and confidence shall be your strength' (Isaiah 30: 15) Not an easy thing to do in a crowed hall of prisoners. Not an easy thing to do for a Salvation Army Officer who is in demand from so many people, who request diverse questions.

"Speak to me Lord even through the dark circumstances of life."

Fire Comes to Gorgie

We'll it happened and I'm still here to tell the tale. I did my Fire Walk along with Kevin and 22 others. Jan and Ed Donaldson took part from Glenrothes corps. The motivational talk by Vaughan the trainer from "Blaze", left us all without voices, with all the shouting we were doing. We walked over hot coals of the standard temperature of 1200 C with our bare feet. Thanks to Sheonagh Alison and my kids for supporting from the corps. There were a few pictures taken and Kevin's video diary should be interesting to watch. I'll try to post a link when I find it on You Tube. None of the participants were injured and apart from getting dirty feet from the ash, the 7 steps were the shortest sponsor walk I've completed! Thanks to sponsorship from corps and family we've managed to raise around £450 for the children’s and youth retreat later in the year.

All fired up!

In a weak moment I agreed to take part in a fire walk later this month.

This will involve me walking barefoot over hot burning coals without getting burnt. I'm doing this with my children's development work to raise funds for our children's and youth retreat they will be holding later on in the year. Hopefully we'll be joined by at least 2 equally lunatic salvationists from Glenrothes.

Some may think me mad for attempting this. But it will be facilitated by a professional fire walking company "Blaze Firewalking".

It will take place on Saturday 23rd Feb at 5pm on the patch of grass alongside our hall. If you're in Edinburgh, why not support in person.

Piano talk

We're due to take delivery of a new piano at our corps on Friday 8th Feb. It's been purchased in memory of a dear old lady whose daughter is a member of our corps and who believes her mother's money should be put to good use, seeing that our current main hall piano has seen better days (in its 30 year existence)

The piano that is arriving is a factory refurbished model that looks and plays as new and yet its cost is ½ the price of buying it new.

I've been thinking about this salvationists attitude - using 'mum's money' and putting it to such a good use. What a commendable attitude to have. Possessions, including money, can never satify the deepest longings of our heart.

Talking of pianos, just recently 24 pianists from the corps embarked on a 24 hour marathon piano play. It provided great fellowship, a good amount of sponsorship for our forthcoming childrens and youth retreat and an opportunity to see this unique corps' talent. How many corps in the UK can boast such a wealth of pianists?

I went along to 'test' the piano. It was housed in a room full of various sizes and makes of piano. Being the nosey type, I went around looking and playing each variety and came to one that outwardly was no different from the others but when played made no sound. It was in the process of being rebuilt. The hammers inside were not there.

Oh that I may always be in progress of being rebuilt and refashioned by God. Mindful of the potter and the clay in Jeremiah.
Peter reminds me "Let not your adornment by the outward thing of braided hair and gold ornaments, but let your adornment be that of the inward personality of the heart. Let it be the unfading loveliness of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."

No Room

Been reflecting over the past month and have to be honest, in all the carolling and community programme at Gorgie SA that I've been involved with, there has been no room for family stuff. Thankfully we are now off for a few days and I plan to totally relax and chill.

Had a lovely time yesterday with a corps community lunch which followed the Christmas Day Meeting. Good to see a great crowd that gathered for that. This was followed by time with corps family where we enjoyed a 4 course meal (thank you Alan and Jean) and then some crazy games (OK Sharon the second one made up for the first!) Arrived home totally blessed but tired.

Interested to hear the Quuen's Christmas Day Message followed along the lines of my thought this year. Making room for the Christ Child in all the hustle and bustle. The preacher here needs to listen to his own message.

Ruby Gems

Mrs Brigadier Ruby Sloan
A gracious, sincere, loved, respected and cheerful lady, a lover of parties and someone who practised Christian hospitality. A lady who with her husband ministered the Christian gospel through Salvation Army Officership for nearly 70 years. She exemplified God's love to thousands of people, young and old alike, she influenced many to follow in her footsteps as a minister of God's grace. Latterly her intercessions for younger people were greatly valued. How we will all miss her. Physically a small lady, spiritually a lady whose heart was huge. Who will step into her shoes? Servant of God well done.

Totally Blessed

Totally blessed today by the commitment of Gorgie young people and their workers. Just witnessed what happens when God's people work together. A packed hall of parents, grandparents, and other relatives gathered for the annual Childrens Carol and Toy Service. Dividing the two halves of the evening was refreshment. In the 1st half, dance routine from the Telfer School of Dance, music provided by our YP Band and Singing Company and items by the Kidz Clubs were indispersed by congregational carol singing. The 2nd half comprised the "Hosanna Rock" musical produced by Sharon Bell and Karen Telfer. The kids from all aspects of the children's ministry took part.

Well done Kevin and Paul and your team ministries.

Sainsbury Murrayfield New Opening

I've been asked to do some strange things in my time as a corps officer of 13 years, but last thursday was a first for me and Alison when we were asked to officiate at the opening of a new supermarket. Our new Sainsbury's supermarket was opened and the manager, Callum Nicolson, is really keen to develop links with the local community of which the corps is ideally placed and a significant mover. Contained in a goody bag for Alison and me was a specially labelled bottle of whisky for each of us! We're looking for two homes who would welcome this gift.

Our band have been invited to play carols in the store, our Christmas community food parcel distribution has been assisted with the donation of a large amount of food and it seems we will be looking forward to a great partnership in the future with our new neighbours.

Prison Visitor's Centre Partnership

Just had a really interesting meeting about how our corps, in particular our Children's community work, may be able to work in a partnership with The Salvation Army's Prison Visitor's Centre. Kerry Watson, our visitor's centre community worker and Alan Montgomery our divisional director for social services are keen to maximise the resources and commitment at the corps in terms of the West Hall building and the expertise we have gained from our work in the community around the hall, to operate a kind of 'place to be' for children of prisoners. The idea would be to offer a counselling/education safe environment where the children may be invited to talk through issues about having a family member in prison.

With my passion for working in the prison, together with the passion and current successes of Kevin Avis, our children's development worker for reaching out to children in our community, this would be an amazing development for the corps. Lots more discussions and ideas to work through, but a great potential opportunity lies ahead.

Teddy Bears

I've just had an interesting conversation with my colleague chaplain in prison today. Yasim visits the prison as a Muslim man to chaplain Muslim prisoners. When I asked him about the news of the UK teacher being released, his comment was so refreshing. "Most Muslims around the world are so embarrassed at the Sudanese authorities response at jailing this woman. It's an utter disgrace. Most Muslim's are God fearing peaceable men and women. This news paints Muslim's in such a bad light."

Gillian Gibbons, who has been the victim of misunderstanding. Her crime was to be naive at cultural differences. As I meet and welcome strangers who are different from me over the next wee while, I hope I can show the same care, understanding and loving kindness that she displayed to the children she taught. "love our enemies and pray for those who persecute you." we're commanded by the man who was the baby we celebrate coming into our world at this time of year. I guess I'll be encountering over the next few weeks those who are different from me and I hope I can show Christ-like attitudes.

Destiny Church moving into Gorgie

Had a meeting with Peter Anderson, of Destiny Church, Edinburgh who wanted to speak about their church moving into the Gorgie Area.

I listened to Peter's story and to the story of the church who are currently based in Leith but who in the New Year are planning on acquiring the old Bingo Hall at the other end of Gorgie as their current church premises are too small for their growing congregation. They plan on retaining their base in Leith and running the two churches.

Peter was interested to hear about the Salvation Army's work in Gorgie and was anxious that their move wasn't viewed as a threat. He re-iterated their mission is to seek the lost. A large part of their congregational demography is in the Gorgie area. The church is raising funds to pay the deposit of £350,000 for a £900,000 purchase price. So far it has managed £160,000 as donations from its members.

Pete has already met with Peter Barber of Gorgie parish church.

It is hoped as ministers together we can meet together and pray together as we seek to "reclaim the land" for God in this part of our city.

I've posted the link to destiny church for you to read about our possible new neighbours.

Identity Theft

The latest 'worry' to hit the media is the loss of two data discs containing an estimated 15-25 million personal records. Heads have rolled as the media has been full of speculation that the data will be sought after by fraudsters, misused and the innocent people’s identity will be stolen. It's horrible when personal space is violated whether that be through a burglary or someone pretending to be me and using my financial details to get goods and services. It's never happened yet, but with all this computer data floating around on the super highway, I guess it will only be a matter of time.

Spiritually it’s even more frightening when the devil tries to steal our identity in Christ! Unlike my personal space, this has happened in the past. In Paul's epistles, his favourite catchphrase is "being in Christ". It's good to know and take comfort from the fact that my identity is secure through the blood shed at Calvary. That's how I'm viewed according to Colossians 3. That's an amazing thought - no reality! And what a hope.

So if someone wants to steal my personal details and get things by deception, so be it. They will never steal my identity in Christ, unless I let them through fear and moving away from Christ. I read today “we are intermingled with Christ!” and I’ll settle for that! What an awesome reality! Be well, be encouraged.

Quote of the day.

"Before we complain too loudly about a world of disposable relationships and short term policies, a world of fracturing and insecure international bonds and the decline of trust, we should remember today we have cause for thanksgiving." (Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury) Quite a thought really. Said at the 60 year wedding anniversary celebrations in Westminister Abbey for our Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Relating to marriage it also could apply to the marriage of Christ and the Church. I'm immensely privileged to be part of His Church, despite issues of relationships, short term thinking, fracturing society and a lack of trust.