Daniel

Back to Our First Love: A Call to Officers The call to Salvation Army officership is not a job. It is not a career path, or a set of tasks to complete. It is a calling—a life surrendered in service to God through The Salvation Army. I entered this covenant not for the love of policies, procedures, finance forms, or building maintenance, but because I was captivated by Jesus, convinced of His calling and grace at work in my life, and compelled to follow Him. Yet, if I am honest, I must acknowledge that the weight of administration, compliance, and expectations can sometimes feel overwhelming. The demands are real, and officers are doing their very best to serve with faithfulness and integrity. But in the midst of it all, I ask myself: Am I still living out my first love? Am I still making the salvation of souls and the transformation of lives my first priority? Dr. John Clifton’s recent piece— Not Employees —was helpful, and I find myself reflecting on what officership is meant to be: A...

The Ghosts of the Elizabeth Line: A Great Cloud of Witnesses  The Elizabeth line has been a game changer for travel across London. It has made my journey to work each day much quicker and much more comfortable. It is, quite simply, fantastic! But beyond its efficiency and convenience, the Elizabeth line has also given rise to an unexpected phenomenon... At various stations along the line, there are seats on the platforms for passengers to rest while waiting for their trains. These seats were placed against the pristine white walls of the platform, but over time, something peculiar happened. The constant presence of passengers leaning back against the walls left behind grey, mucky outlines—shadows of those who had once sat there. These became known as the ‘ ghosts of the Elizabeth line. ’ To combat these marks, Transport for London has now installed stickers behind the seats to brighten up the platforms. But as I reflected on those faded outlines, I found myself thinking about somet...

Jesus: The Ultimate Street Cleaning Team As I arrive in Westminster early in the morning, the incredible, awesome street cleaning teams are out in force. These are the people who get up early to pick up the rubbish, jet wash the pavements, empty the bins, and clean up from the chaos of the night before. They work hard, often unnoticed, ensuring that by the time the city wakes up, the mess is gone, and the streets are ready for another day. As I watch these teams in action, it reminds me of our relationship with God. Life is messy. That’s not a judgment; it’s simply reality. We all make mistakes, we all have times when we mess up, and we all carry things that need clearing away. Sometimes, our metaphorical bins overflow with pain, our pavements are marked with regret, and our lives feel littered with the chaos of past choices. But here’s the good news: God doesn’t leave us in our mess. John 3:16 reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate street cleaning team: “ For God loved the world so muc...

Come on, Salvation Army! Remain faithful! This past week, I’ve had a number of exciting and thought-provoking conversations with people outside of The Salvation Army. These were people from different backgrounds, with no formal connection to our movement, yet they shared their deep respect for The Salvation Army and all that it represents. They spoke of how they see The Salvation Army as being uniquely placed, both as a church and a charity, providing support from cradle to grave. They acknowledged our history of pioneering, of innovation, and, most importantly, of faithfulness to God. Each conversation was incredibly positive about The Salvation Army and its place in society across the United Kingdom and Ireland. These conversations got me thinking… Are we, as Salvationists, less confident and less sure about who and what we are than those external to our movement? Have we, as Salvationists, forgotten our ability to impact, challenge, and change our communities for the better? Have we...

Moving Beyond Deficit in Homelessness Services In homelessness services, we often focus on vulnerability. We acknowledge the impact of trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), addiction, and systemic inequality. We aim to create psychologically informed environments and utilise trauma-informed practice. We recognise that homelessness is not simply a case of personal circumstances but is often the result of deep-rooted societal and personal challenges. But have we developed a culture that primarily sees those experiencing homelessness as victims? As people to be rescued and fixed? Research shows a strong correlation between ACEs, trauma, poverty, and homelessness. Many people who find themselves without a home have experiences that have shaped their lives in difficult ways. However, this is not the whole story. People experiencing homelessness are not defined by their experiences. They are individuals with skills, talents, and gifts. They have something to contribute to society, to...

Come On, Salvation Army! When I read documents and sit in meetings, there is at times a sense of weariness in our movement. A sense that we are managing decline, maintaining what we have rather than advancing into what could be. Too often, I sit in meetings or hear conversations mixed with despair—people who have lost hope, who have given up dreaming, who no longer believe in a future where The Salvation Army thrives. I thank God for the faithful who keep going, who keep trying.  But I refuse to accept that as our story. The God we serve is not a God of decline. He is not a God of maintenance mode. He is the God of resurrection, the God of new beginnings, the God of immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:20). So why do we settle? Why do we lose sight of the fact that we belong to a Kingdom that will not be shaken? (Hebrews 12:28) We are called to be bold. We are called to dream big. We are called to pray more. We are called to have faith. The victory has alread...

It’s Not Too Late “It’s too late.” “I’ve run out of time.” “I’m too busy.” “I’m too bad.” “I can’t change.” “I’m beyond help.” “Nobody can help me.” These are words I hear so often in my work, spoken by those who feel overwhelmed, lost, or beyond redemption. If I’m honest, they’re also words I’ve spoken myself at times. Life can feel relentless, pulling us under with its demands and pressures. We can feel too busy to pause, too exhausted to hope, too broken to believe that change is possible. But I wonder—are we so focused on the future that we forget to live in the present? We chase after what’s next. Always planning. Always striving. Always looking ahead. Vision and ambition are good things; we need them. But in the pursuit of what’s next, do we miss the beauty of what’s now? Spring is beginning to show itself—blossom is appearing on the trees, daffodils are pushing through the soil, the warmth of the sun is being felt. These small signs of life and hope remind me to slow down. They ...

Sometimes poetry is so beautiful and powerful no additional context is needed. Here’s General Albert Orsborn's words, ' I have no claim on grace '. 1. I HAVE no claim on grace; I have no right to plead; I stand before my maker's face Condemned in thought and deed. But since there died a Lamb Who, guiltless, my guilt bore, I lay fast hold on Jesus' name, And sin is mine no more. 2. From whence my soul's distress But from the hold of sin? And whence my hope of righteousness But from Thy grace within? I speak to Thee my need And tell my true complaint; Thou only canst convert indeed A sinner to a saint. 3. O pardon speaking blood! O soul renewing grace! Through Christ I know the love of God And see the Father's face. I now set forth Thy praise, Thy loyal servant I, And gladly dedicate my days My God to glorify.

Rethinking Homelessness Services: A Call for Change in The Salvation Army For over a hundred years, The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland has provided vital homelessness services. In more recent history, these services have often been funded through contracts with Local Authorities. These contracts usually dictate how services operate, setting financial limits, service models, and key performance indicators (KPIs). While they ensure some level of support and accommodation is available, they also present significant challenges—challenges that make me question whether this is still the right model to be used. The Problem with Contracted Services At first glance, contracts appear to offer stability and reduce risk. They provide funding, structure, and a framework for homelessness service provision. However, they also force providers—charities, faith groups, and housing associations—into a competitive business model that simply doesn’t work for a people-focused sector. Inste...

What a Wonderful World? The Bible is full of encouragements: “ Do not be afraid. ” “ Do not be anxious. ” “ Fear not. ” Scripture reminds us that God is with us, even when we walk through dark valleys. These are verses I often return to, and words I’ve written many blogs on. Recently, my youngest daughter came home from school singing a song she had learnt—Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds: “ Don’t worry about a thing, ‘Cause every little thing is gonna be alright. ” It’s a comforting sentiment. But if I’m honest, I do worry. I am anxious. I am afraid. I worry about being alone. About loneliness. I worry about my children—I want the very best for them. I’m afraid when I look at the world, at the leadership of the American President, at the ongoing war in Ukraine. I worry about my family—their health, their struggles, their future. I worry about the people I work with and serve—those facing homelessness, those searching for hope. There’s a lot on my mind. But please hear me clearly: I don...

Spring, Lent, and Enduring Hope Today marks the first day of meteorological spring. The days are a little longer and a little brighter. The harshness of winter begins to give way to something softer. For me, spring only feels like it has begun when the daffodils emerge along the banks of the city walls around York. Their yellow heads are more than just a seasonal marker; they are a reminder of home, of family. Spring is a visible reminder that life is a journey—always changing, always moving. It speaks of hope after a long, hard, dark winter. There are moments when the darkness seems endless. And yet, every year, without fail, spring comes. And so does hope. Why do I have hope? Not because of anything I have done. Not because I have somehow earned it or achieved it. I have hope because my future is certain because of the One who gives hope and salvation. I am not worthy. I am a failure. I mess up, time and time again. And yet, even in my brokenness, even in my failure, God continues to...