Messengers of Hope

Messengers of Hope

26th May 1995

On 26th May 1995 my parents were commissioned officers in The Salvation Army at the Royal Albert Hall in London. It was an amazing day and I remember walking proudly onto that stage in my new dress and matching hat. What you can't see in this picture are my white frilly socks with gold beading embellishment and black patent shoes (a particular treat as I loved patent shoes but always scuffed them!). Their sessional name was the 'Messengers of Hope' (for those unfamiliar with SA training - each year group is a called a session with its own name).

Fast forward 20 years and although my parents are no longer SA officers; they continue to be Messengers of Hope. Their lives are inspirational, having overcome personal hardships and they make sacrifices to put others first.

In what was traditionally considered a 'mans role', Mum serves the fishing community in Hull working for The Fishermens Mission. She brings tenderness to those in need, and is compassionate and kind, helping people in practical ways and providing emotional support. She befriends those that have no friends. Her abilities were recognised when she was asked to travel to the Falklands to support their fishing community.

Dad is a committed and hard working teacher, he has recently established the poignantly named Hope School in a very poor community in Sierra Leone. He goes the extra mile and does not give up. He loves and prioritises people that others would consider a lost cause: those percieved as unloveable. William Booth once said: 'If I thought I could win one more soul to the Lord by walking on my head and playing the tamborine with my toes, I'd learn how!'. That is my dad's attitude.

Thank you Mum and Dad for teaching me to put others first, for modelling your covenant promises 'to care for the poor, feed the hungry, clothe the naked, love the unlovable, and befriend those who have no friends.'

I am very proud of you both.