“'My Hand is in God's hands': It was great news to us when our Rector gave out from the pulpit on Sunday, Feb.6, that the Church Army Van was coming in our midst. We asked the district visitor, if it was the same as the Salvation Army, and she said it used some of the same methods, but was on Church lines. Well, we were not much the wiser for this. The first night there was a Magic Lantern in the schoolroom, and, when the room was dark, the Church prayers and hymns were thrown on the sheet; and our Rector was there to say the prayers. Then there was a talk about the Church Army, with lantern pictures; and a wonderful work it does seem, with its Labour Homes and Vans. We went and saw the Van next day, as neat as the cabin of a ship, but wonderfully small for three men to sleep in, and good texts hung up, and flowers and a lamp, and all quite smart. The next evening we went to the Service in the school, and then again and again - we couldn't stop going; and how we did sing, to be sure! Men that had never been to a place of worship in my time came in their working clothes, and Dissenters came, and even Romanists. Well, what did we go for? I asked myself over and over again. It was all so quiet - Church prayers, mostly Church hymns, no ranting, no groaning and shouting 'Hallelujah!' But we seemed to feel plain Gospel Truth was there, and it went to each men's soul and found out his weak place, and made him cry for forgiveness. At the end of the time the room was so full we could hardly sit, and the very children were quiet and interested, and liked it as well without lantern as with. I'll not soon forget the last night, Capt. Coleman told us God was waiting fot us to come to HIm, and would guide us all our life long; and he held up his hand, and he said, 'My hand is in God's hand, and He will never leave me nor forsake me.' It fell into our souls like a srop of dew in a parched clover-leaf, and I for one felt, as I took the memorial card they gave me that I could get nearer to God from that day forward. God bless the Church Army, say I, and bring it to us again. Mrs. Jerome Mercier, Kemerton Rectory, Tewkesbury.”