I nearly forgot my big brother’s birthday last week.

I’m normally pretty good with presents for him, but when every day looks nearly the same, it can be difficult to remember these things. But remember them, we must. And celebrate them we must. My brother deserves it!

This fortnight Ilford Salvation Army celebrates two anniversaries. February 24 was the first anniversary of clients moving into Malachi Place, our supported accommodation project in Ilford Town Centre. March 5 is the 135th anniversary of The Salvation Army starting work in Ilford.

Like other anniversaries, birthdays and celebrations in recent days, these occasions are recognised with video calls. It’s nowhere near the same, but it is still important to mark them. Perhaps because of our circumstances, it is even more important.

Ilford Recorder: Captain Dr John Clifton says it's important to remember birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrationsCaptain Dr John Clifton says it's important to remember birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations (Image: Captain Dr John Clifton)

Psalm 100:4-5 says “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

That’s our testimony at Ilford Salvation Army. We celebrate because it reminds us of what God has done in the past and that helps us to have new hope for what he will do in the future.

You’ll be glad to know that I did manage to remember my brother’s birthday. I gave him a call, heard about how he’d celebrated, consoled each other about Spurs’ form, and sent him a video of my kids singing happy birthday to their beloved uncle. And he’ll get a belated present this week.

Don’t forget to celebrate!