Day 37: Praying for those in need of support (1910)

Join with Salvationists of the Wales Division for day 37 of 150 days of prayer.

• ‘Be patient and continue to trust the Lord. Obey his commands. Then he will give you honour so that you live safely in the land’ (Psalm 37:34, EasyEnglish Bible). 

1910

This year a Women’s Industrial Home opened in Cardiff. Almost 20 years earlier, in 1892, Bessie Harding had come to another Salvation Army home in Cardiff. The bare outline of her sad and complex story is found in a ledger, with language and outlook reflecting the Victorian era.

Girls Statement Book III (Country)

• Name: Bessie Harding
• Born: India
• How long fallen? 3 months
• Cause of first fall? Engaged to young man – seduced.
• Given to drinking? No
• Ever been dishonest? No
• Ever in prison? No
• Been in other homes, and where? Yes Gloucester
• Is she, or has she been diseased? No
• Father? No
• How long dead? 11 years
• Mother? Yes, In Australia
• Brothers? 3
• Sisters? 4
• Married? No
• Children? No
• Pregnant? Yes
• Been to Salvation Army meetings, and where? Yes, Penarth
• Further particulars: Bessie is a superior girl, quick and energetic.

Final Statement

• Where sent from receiving house? To rescue home, Cardiff
• Personal Appearance: Short, rather thick set, fair complexion, prominent forehead, blue eyes
• Has she given evidence of being saved? Professed
• Conduct in home: Good.
• Disposition and capabilities: Fiery temper, deceitful, fair worker, clever needlewoman.
• Left the home for? Confinement
• Date of leaving: November 30th, 1892

Remarks

Bessie has been respectably brought up and is an old Sunday school girl, was a great anxiety to her friends, wild and uncontrolled, at last she met a sea-faring man who took her to lodgings, she lived with him a week, he left for sea promising to come home and marry her. Being pregnant she was brought to us by the Sunday School Superintendent … the man promising to bear all expenses and marry her… We believe Bessie has learnt a never to be forgotten lesson.

Prayer

• Pray for all those who call upon The Salvation Army in a time of need.
• Pray that they may find kind hearts and practical assistance.