Day 106: Praying for Cardiff Canton (1979)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 106 of 150 days of prayer.

• 'Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! Thank the Lord, because he is good. His faithful love will always be with us' (Psalm 106:1, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1979

In Forth in Thy Name: A History of Cardiff Canton Corps 1879-1979, Keith Griffin records the following testimony from Mrs Annie Jarvis, No 1 on the soldiers roll:

‘I count it a privilege to send greetings to my fellow comrades, and to give my testimony on this, the centenary of the Canton Corps, where as a child of ten I gave my heart to the Lord Jesus. It is 75 years ago, but the memory of that Saturday night is as fresh as ever. The next day I was so happy I had to tell my school friends about it, but I am afraid they did not understand what I was talking about; but I knew, and since that Sunday in November 1904 I have endeavoured to be his follower, falling far short of what I had wanted to be, but always being assured of his love and forgiveness.

‘How can I ever thank God for saving and keeping me through all the various experiences of life! I have had much joy and happiness – sorrow and disappointments, too, such as come to all: but with Jesus walking beside me, I have been able to appreciate the joys and, in sorrow, have felt his everlasting arms around to support and comfort me. I must mention, too, how grateful I am for so many opportunities for witnessing that have come my way through wearing Salvation Army uniform; also, for the joy my husband and I had working with the young people.

‘Now, in old age, missing loved ones and friends with whom I enjoyed sweet fellowship, I know in the loneliness I am not alone; my Lord is “ever near to bless and cheer”. To him my heart is full of gratitude, so very sincerely I say, “Thank you, Lord.”

‘To Him be the glory! Praying that God will richly bless our corps in the future, as he has done so often in the past.’

Commissioners Mike and Joan Parker (R), former corps officers and divisional leaders in South Wales, recall the Army’s response to flooding in the valleys:

‘Trehafod is a small village in the Rhondda valley where, on 27 December 1979, the river Taff overtopped the banks and floodwaters entered the low-lying areas of Colliery Street and Great Street causing flooding to many properties. There were floods in the Merthyr valley as well, where a falling wall killed two pensioners. 

‘Major Laurie Jardine was the divisional commander at this time, and he played a leading and co-ordinating role in the response to this disaster. Officers were mobilised and Salvationists in the area supported the community in many ways. The Home League ladies of Gelli Corps gave wonderful support in ascertaining the needs of the residents who had lost their possessions. Sandwiches and drinks were provided for several days while the clean-up and response to the devastation was engaged in. 

‘The Salvation Army worked closely with the emergency and social services during this time and received valued support from local supermarkets in the area to meet the immediate needs.’

Prayer

• Having read the testimony from Mrs Annie Jarvis, take time to reflect on that moment when you gave your heart to Jesus and thank him for his steadfast love to you.
• Pray for Cardiff Canton, that they will be blessed and will glorify God in all that they do for him.