Daniel

Tea, Toast, and the Presence of Jesus This morning, I stepped out of the tube station into the pouring rain of central London. Not just any rain—the kind that soaks you through, falling sideways, relentless and cold. As I walked to The Salvation Army centre where I serve, I gathered some of the people we have the privilege of journeying alongside as I walked past them on the short distance from the tube to the centre. These beautiful people had spent the night sleeping on the streets of London. They were soaked, freezing, and weary. I couldn’t bear to see them stand outside a second longer than they needed to, so I opened the doors of the centre before we had officially opened to let them all in with me. Some moments in ministry are not about schedules or policies—they are about people. Inside, the toasters were soon turned on and the hot water dispensers filled. Butter, jam, peanut butter, chocolate spread—the orders came in quickly, and I made toast while others prepared their o...

For the Privilege of Service Commissioner Robert Street has written a song with the same title as a book he has also written: For the Privilege of Service . The song includes these words: “ For the privilege of service,   For the ministry we share... ” You can listen to the full song here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/15MLziVyED/?mibextid=wwXIfr  Ministry is a real privilege. Journeying with people through the joys and sorrows of life. Having people share things with you that they’ve never shared with anyone else. Walking alongside individuals in their brokenness, celebrating with them in their victories. Ministry opens doors to places and experiences that most people will never have. More than anything, it is the opportunity to partner in the gospel with others and witness the transformative power of Jesus. To see God ransom, heal, restore, and forgive. But let’s be honest—ministry is not easy, that’s certainly my experience. It requires hard work. It brings challenges. I...

The Cost and Privilege of Following Jesus There is a common misconception that following Jesus leads to a life of joy and happiness. This is often the case when it comes to those in ministry, as if being a Christian leader equates to a constant state of perfection. While I certainly experience joy in ministry, the reality is far more complex. Ministry is a privilege that brings joy and fulfillment. But alongside that, there is struggle, sacrifice, and, at times, deep sorrow. Where has the idealised, utopian image of discipleship come from? Scripture speaks of the cost of following Jesus. In Luke 9:62, Jesus says, " Anyone who starts to plough and then keeps looking back is of no use for the Kingdom of God. " This is a reminder that discipleship demands focus, a commitment. It is not about convenience or comfort; it is about obedience and faithfulness. There is joy in service, but there are also days when it is incredibly hard. Days when faith is tested, when the cost of disci...

Releasing All People into Flourishing Mission and Ministry I today had opportunity to have coffee with the one and only Andrew Vertigan. It was good to share with Andrew, especially as he co-leads my home church and was pivotal in my own call to ministry.  Afterwards, my mind turned to the following questions:  • What happens when leaders don’t fit into a box? • What happens when leaders don’t flourish on their own? • What happens when leaders have their skills, talents, and preferences assumed? These are vital questions for The Salvation Army today. As we seek to be a movement led by the Spirit, sent into the world to proclaim the good news of Jesus, we must consider how we release people into ministry and mission in ways that allow them to truly flourish. Some leaders flourish best in structured, clearly defined roles, while others, like myself, thrive in the messiness of life. I flourish best in messy, intergenerational settings where life is lived out in supportive, loving...

The Church Must Stand: Christianity and the Future of Society I was listening to a debate on LBC while driving from London to Yorkshire this morning. The discussion revolved around comments made by JD Vance, the Vice President of the USA, who spoke about Britain and other European nations eroding free speech and the values that once defined them. His words clearly struck a chord with callers as the debate was passionate. You can listen to the debate on Global Player. The reality is that we are living in dangerous times. I don’t say this lightly. Geopolitically, morally, and spiritually, the world is shifting in ways that threaten the very fabric of our societies and our country as we know it. We are debating assisted suicide in England, Wales, and Scotland. We see wars continuing in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. We witness the rise of far-right political parties in the West and, in response, an increasingly authoritarian progressivism that silences opposition ...

Control, Change, and the Kingdom of God There’s a quote I read on social media today: “ People don’t want change; they want control. ” It’s true, isn’t it? We often say that people don’t like change, but perhaps the reality is that people want to feel in control of their situation and circumstances. Change, by its very nature, disrupts that control. I see this in Homelessness Services every day. Many people who come through our doors have experienced deep trauma, instability, and Adverse Childhood Experiences. Their behaviours—sometimes seen as disruptive or challenging—are often about survival, about trying to assert some sense of control in a world where they’ve had very little say over what happens to them. When you’ve lived through systems that have failed you, when people have made decisions about your life without your voice being heard, when you’ve been let down time and time again, it makes sense that you’d want to hold on to control in whatever way you can. Sometimes that cont...

Come Occupy My Silent Place I’m unsure what to write today. In many ways, my head, heart, and soul are full—full with thoughts, feelings, and emotions that I haven’t quite managed to untangle fully, yet. There is so much still to process, to reflect on, and to work out. The unknowns in life remain, and if I’m honest, the lack of answers and solutions feels uncomfortable. And yet, in this moment, as I sit drinking my morning coffee, there is a gentle of reassurance. A reminder that even “ ‘mid all the traffic of the ways, turmoils without, within ,” God is present. There is space—if I allow it—for Him to turn up and do His thing. There is a temptation, when life is uncertain or overwhelming, to fill the silence with noise, to drown out the discomfort with busyness or distraction. But today, I am drawn instead to the quiet. To the silent place within where God is waiting to meet me. John Oxenham’s words are food for the soul: “ Come occupy my silent place, And make Thy dwelling there! Mo...

A Powerful Reminder in the Heart of Westminster  In the heart of Westminster, London, a profound message is etched in stone outside Westminster Abbey: “ May God grant to the living grace, To the departed rest, To the Church & the world peace and concord, And to us sinners eternal life. ” Amidst the noise, this engraving stands as a reminder of our deepest need and greatest hope. It speaks to the living with the assurance of God’s grace. It honours the departed with the promise of rest. It lifts up the Church and the world, praying for peace and concord in a time when both feel fragile. And it humbles us all, sinners in need of mercy, pointing us to the gift of eternal life. This prayer speaks of a greater power—the God who gives grace, rest, peace, concord, and eternal life. In the centre of a busy city, it calls us to pause, reflect, and remember that no matter how chaotic life becomes, we have a hope that is unshaken.

Lift Your Eyes: Walk Looking Up I love walking. I find that walking improves my mental health, enhances my wellbeing, and deepens my spirituality. There is something about the rhythm of placing one foot in front of the other, the fresh air filling my lungs, and the changing scenery that brings clarity and peace. Walking in the countryside, especially in Yorkshire, is where I most sense and connect with God. The vast open spaces, rolling hills, and endless skies remind me of His presence. There, I feel truly alive. Unfortunately, I don’t often get the opportunity to walk in Yorkshire. Each day, however, I do spend a lot of time walking around central London. London is a city full of life—people rushing to meetings, tourists exploring landmarks, and the ever-present hum of movement. As I walk through the streets, I notice something striking: so many people walk with their heads down. They look down at their mobile phones, distracted by the digital world. Others look down at the pavement,...

Salvation Is Not a Reward This morning’s meeting at Regent Hall Corps was led by Commissioner Susan McMillan. A stand-out line for me from this morning’s meeting was: “ Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done. ” This is a clear doctrinal principle—we cannot earn our salvation through works. Rather, we gain salvation through repenting, having faith in Jesus, and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us. I know this. It is part of our faith. But that phrase really stood out, hit me between the eyes, and spoke to me in a very new, and very clear way. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done. I don’t deserve salvation. I can never earn it. That’s grace! Thank God for His amazing grace!

Are You the Bacon or the Egg? I spend most Saturday mornings sitting in my local café while my two girls go to their dance classes. As I sit in the café, doing my favourite activity—people-watching—I observe the number of people eating the traditional full English breakfast. All around the café are plates piled high with eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, and toast. Some with beans. Some deciding if they should go for the tomato or brown sauce. I’m reminded of the conversation between the pig and the hen in the field. The hen turned to the pig and said: “ Isn’t it amazing! Every morning, when people eat their full English breakfast, they’re reminded of you and me. ” The pig replied to the hen: “ It’s okay for you, you only gave up your eggs. I had to give up my life. ” And it makes me think. Jesus is not interested in contributions. He doesn’t ask for a convenient offering, something we can spare, something that costs us little. Partial obedience is still disobedience. Jesus is only inte...