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Go to salvationist.org.uk/radio to get your morning started with half an hour of music, prayer, a thought and lots of giggles
Patch’s Pals: Pirate Pete and His Jolly Crew
there, readers! We hope you’ve enjoyed reading this issue of Kids Alive! If you would like to get your own copy of Kids Alive! delivered to your home every week, why not ask your parents or carers to take out a subscription* for you? Every week, Kids Alive! includes a cartoon Bible story, a competition, puzzles, jokes, comic strips and topical activities and articles for you to enjoy.
Ask your parents or carers to go to sps-shop.com/kids-alive, call 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email subscriptions@satcol.org to set up a subscription.
*A subscription costs just £4.33 a month (or a one-off payment of £52). This subscription offer applies in the UK and Republic of Ireland, with 51 copies delivered over 12 months. Please note that different prices apply to Europe and international orders.
EDITOR Cara Mott
DEPUTY EDITOR AND KA! JAM CO-ORDINATOR Ibukun Baku
Email kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk Post 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ
FOUNDERS William and Catherine Booth
INTERNATIONAL LEADERS General Lyndon Buckingham and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham
TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Major Julian Watchorn
Published weekly by The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory. The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. ISSN 1363-5662.
Helping-Hand Appeal 2025
What’s your favourite food? If you’re thinking of chocolate, pasta or citrus fruits then your most-loved food has been on quite a journey before reaching your kitchen. This isn’t just the trip from the supermarket – many of the foods we love are grown in other countries and brought to the United Kingdom. Climate change is affecting how food is grown and transported, which means some foods might become harder to nd or more expensive. Heavy rain, strong winds and heatwaves can damage crops and reduce how much food farmers can grow. Unpredictable weather also makes it dif cult for farmers to plan their planting and harvesting. Climate change is also affecting people. In places where people rely on their land to feed themselves and their families, there’s no help or safety nets when crops fail. For them, it’s a matter of life or death.
The Salvation Army (who publish Kids Alive!) are supporting farmers around the world to make the best use of their land and nd ways to cope with the impacts of climate change.
One project in Zimbabwe, called Raising Champion Farmers, helps families to grow enough food and build a better future. Why not turn to pages 12 and 13 to learn more about food security projects and how you can make a difference by taking part in the Helping-Hand Appeal?
Have you ever felt hungry? I don’t mean your tummy rumbling before dinner. I mean hungry because you haven’t eaten for days and you don’t know when you next will. I’m so grateful that I’ve always had enough food in the house, or I’m able to pop to the shops when I need something. Sadly this isn’t the situation for everyone.
One day, when Jesus was talking to a group of people, he told them that whenever they gave a thirsty person a drink or a hungry person some food they also gave it to him. That might seem like a strange thing to say, because Jesus doesn’t need food or drink from us. However, what Jesus meant was that when we help others, it’s like giving Jesus a gift. Jesus loves it when we help and care for each other, and taking part in the Helping-Hand Appeal is one way we can do exactly that!
Keep Calm
Imagine this – your teacher comes up to you and tells you that you’re not allowed to go out for playtime because you’ve been misbehaving. But guess what? You haven’t done anything wrong! How would you react? You’d probably be upset or angry, and rightly so.
In this week’s Bible cartoon, Jesus has been arrested and is on trial. He is presented to lots of different important people, and is treated very badly. But guess what? Nobody can !nd anything that he’s done wrong. Despite that, he still ends up being killed.
What’s really surprising about this story is that throughout everything Jesus had to face, including being teased and shouted at, Jesus never lost his temper. He faced everything that they threw at him in a completely calm way. Jesus wasn’t someone who was afraid to speak up when he thought people were behaving badly, but on this occasion, he kept quiet.
The reason Jesus reacted in the way that he did is because he knew what was coming. He knew that he had to die, because it was all part of God’s plan. That doesn’t mean that it would have been easy for him to live through these moments, but he always had the Holy Spirit with him, helping him to keep calm and be strong.
The Holy Spirit is with each of us when we face dif !cult situations too. All we have to do is ask for help, and he will help us with whatever we need.
Prayer Space
Read the comment on the left about asking for help
Think about times when you’ve felt angry, upset or annoyed. Then complete the sentence below to ask the Holy Spirit to help you keep calm and strong, just like Jesus did.
Please help me when...
says Cara Mott
Paul and Peter
Jesus on Trial
Check out your Bible –Luke 23:1-25
Bumper Bible Breakdown
Did you know the Bible isn’t one big book? It’s actually 66 books put together to tell one big story of God’s great love. Join us as we look at each Bible book and discover why God made the world, what went wrong and how in the end God saved the world through his son, Jesus.
The Day of the Lord
Joel is a book in the Bible that’s a bit tricky to understand because we’re not quite sure when it was written! It could have been written before the Babylonians invaded Jerusalem or after the people of Judah had returned from captivity.
What we do know is that the people of Judah had just experienced a terrible event. Locusts (which are ying insects) had swarmed Judah and ruined the land. This event was known as the ‘day of the Lord’, because God (otherwise known as the Lord) had punished his people.
Joel told the people that another terrible event was coming unless they returned to God. However, if they returned to God, then he would protect them and give them the Holy Spirit. Finally, Joel talked about a day of the Lord that’s still in the future for us. This is a day when God’s people will live with him!
Join...
KA! JAM is the coolest Bible activity club around. As a member you’ll go on amazing adventures through the Bible learning about Jesus. Each activity sheet is filled with lots of great stuff about being a Christian. You’ll also receive our mini-mag, Chatterbox which is filled with jokes, games and much more. And to top it off, there are loads of awesome prizes to be won!
To join KA! JAM and complete the Bible activity courses online, go to salvationist.org.uk/kajam.
Or if you would like to receive the postal version, simply fill in the coupon below.
To join KA! JAM just !ll in the application form and send it – along with two KA! JAM, 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ. Applicants must be between 7 and 17 years old to join.
Name:
Address:
Date of birth:
Postcode:
Boy or girl: Do you attend a church, and if so, which one?
I, (signature)
apply for membership of Kids Alive! Jesus And Me. I understand that joining KA! JAM doesn’t mean I have joined The Salvation Army and that it is not a free subscription to Kids Alive!
PLEASE USE BLOCK CAPITALS.
There are 195 countries in the world. We’re going to explore 26 of them, using the alphabet to decide where to go to next!
M for Malaysia
Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. Malaysia is actually made up of two separate areas of land, which are split by the South China Sea. They’re about 400 miles apart! Its capital city is called Kuala Lumpur, which is home of the Petronas Towers – two of the tallest buildings in the world!
Most human grown-ups have around 32 teeth, but that’s nothing compared to the number of teeth that snails have. A garden snail has around 14,000 teeth, and other species can have more than 20,000. Not only do snails have lots of teeth, but some snails have teeth that are incredibly strong. In fact, a limpet snail’s tooth is the strongest biological material on Earth!
Hello, readers, i’M PATCH AND I’VE GOT A PROBLEM I THINK YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP ME WITH. i’VE LOST A VERY IMPORTANT OBJECT SOMEWHERE IN THIS ISSUE. WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO HELP ME FIND IT? i HAVE A CLUE OF WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE HERE.
You might know the date that Valentine’s Day is on or the name of the current king of the United Kingdom. However, there are also plenty of strange facts we reckon you haven’t got stored in your noggin! So here are a couple of random facts that you de!nitely (and by de!nitely, we mean don’t really) need to know.
In 1961, a man called Yuri Gagarin became the !rst person to go into space. When Gagarin’s tummy started rumbling, he also became the !rst person to eat food in space. Yuri didn’t bring a fancy meal with him. Instead, he ate meat-paste out of the kind of tube you’d get toothpaste from. Then he ate a tube full of chocolate pudding!
Knock, knock! Who’s there?
Turnip!
Turnip who? Turnip the radio please!
Knock, knock! Who’s there?
Chicken!
Chicken who? Chicken my pockets, I can't find my keys!
Crossword
Clues
by Neil Locker
across:
Crossword Clues
1 Autumn in the USA. 3 Something that's been previously owned by another. 7 Period of darkness. 8 Writing fluid. 9 Abnormal reaction to pollen, for example. 13 Very warm. 14 Type of exercise or sudden forward movement. 16 Small garden bird. 17 Turn around quickly. down:
1 Large sharp tooth. 2 Lower limb. 4 Playground ride. 5 High-ranking nobleman. 6 Spire. 10 Unit of liquid measurement. 11 TV programme or display. 12 Someone aged between 13 and 19. 15 Short sleep.
Answers on Page 2
He he, he he!
Find the Helping-Hand-related words listed below in the grid food security fundraise slow fashion drought save water climate
What do you call a sleeping pizza? A pizzzzzzzzza! Why did the tofu cross the road?
Why are mushrooms invited to parties?
Because they’re such fungis!
prove that it wasn’t a chicken!
Which day of the week do potatoes hate the most? Fry-day!
did the chef have to stop cooking? Because they ran out of thyme!
What’s orange and sounds like a parrot? A carrot!
by Neil Locker
THE LAND OF LOST THINGS Competition
Have you ever been on an adventure that you’ve completely forgotten about? You probably have! Don’t believe us? Well, do you remember the time you !ew to the moon without using a rocket? Or the time you battled a high-voltage octopus in the deepest depths of the ocean? How about when you went to the Land of Lost Things? If you can’t remember any of those adventures, then you de nitely need to read The Land of Lost Things! This is the new adventure book from Andy Grif ths, author of the bestselling Treehouse series, and it puts you right in the middle of the adventure. In other words, you’re the main character – and you’ve been on a very wild journey (at least, that’s what this book says). You’ve made some wacky new friends, discovered a talking book and even met a pirate rabbit! Of course, you already know all of this, because YOU were there!
For your opportunity to win a copy of The Land of Lost Things, answer the question below and email your full name, age, address and answer to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk
Remember to put ‘The Land of Lost Things Competition’ in the subject box. Your entry needs to reach us by Friday 25 April when the winners will be chosen.
You can also enter by lling in the details on the coupon below and posting it to: The Land of Lost Things Competition, Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ.
What did you discover in The Land of Lost Things?
Talking book Dancing radio Laughing hat
Name:
Address:
Now that it’s of!cially spring, the weather is starting to get a lot warmer. This means that it’s the perfect time to get outdoors to explore some of the amazing places that the United Kingdom has to offer! Here are just a few ideas of places you could visit on an outdoor adventure…
ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH
Do you want to see one of the most beautiful gardens in the world? Then you’ll want to check out a garden that was created in 1670 –the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh!
HADRIAN’S WALL
Hadrian’s Wall, which can be found in the north of England, was built by Romans to guard their empire. A lot of the wall has been destroyed, but it’s still worth checking out.
FOREST PARK
Do you like going to wild places on your adventures? Then you’ll love Glenariff Forest Park in Northern Ireland. There are plenty of trails to explore, and even a few waterfalls to check out! GLENARIff
If you fancy taking your outdoor adventure to the next level, then you might want to climb the tallest mountain in Wales – Yr Wydffa, otherwise known as Snowdon!
LONDON EYE
Even if you don’t get to go on the London Eye, this giant wheel in London is worth visiting. Plus, it turned 25 years old this month!
Living a healthy and an active lifestyle and caring for your physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Helping-Hand Appeal
The Helping-Hand Appeal is an annual fundraising project run by The Salvation Army’s International Development UK and Family Ministries departments. Its aim is to encourage people to look beyond their own communities and help others around the world. This year, the focus of the appeal is food security.
What is Food
Security?
Food security doesn’t mean putting a padlock on the fridge or having a police of!cer guard your groceries. When a person has food security, it means they have access to enough safe and nutritious food so that they can live a healthy and active life. When someone doesn’t have access to enough food, they could be described as having food insecurity.
Climate Change
Climate change is the changing pattern of weather over a long period of time. It means the weather is getting less predictable and more extreme.
Family farmers around the world are already feeling the impacts of climate change. In the face of unpredictable rainfall, severe drought and extreme weather events, each day they work hard to look after the land they depend on.
However, they are struggling to grow enough food using the traditional farming methods they have relied on season after season.
Meet Machanzi
Machanzi is one of the project co-ordinators of The Salvation Army’s Raising Champion Farmers project in northern Zimbabwe, Africa. He works alongside family farmers to create change. He said...
‘The impact of climate change has been severe. We are experiencing extremes of weather and the rainfall is changing over time … We need to take action to ensure that the population survives the extreme weather systems that are prevailing these days.’
Raising Champion Farmers
Through the project, 300 farmers have received training in conservation agriculture. This method teaches them ways to make the soil stronger. It includes techniques such as...
Soil coverage – this means covering the ground with plants or leaves to protect the soil from getting washed away by rain, and keep the moisture in when the rain stops.
Zero tillage – this means not digging or turning the soil. It helps keep the soil strong and full of nutrients.
Crop rotation – this means changing the type of plants grown in a !eld each year. This helps keep the soil healthy and deters pests.
Organic compost – this is natural fertiliser made from things such as leaves and animal waste. It helps plants grow better, without using chemicals that are expensive and can harm the environment.
By adopting conservation agriculture, farmers are building a more sustainable future for themselves and their communities.
What Can You Do?
If you want to show your support for farmers around the world who are affected by climate change, here are a few things you can do...
Fundraise for the Helping-Hand Appeal
Gardening class – if your church or school has a garden, you could invite an experienced gardener to teach others how to grow food. Charge a small fee to attend the class.
Sponsored walk – organise a sponsored group walk, or a challenge to reduce car journeys. This will raise money and promote sustainable travel!
Generosity jar – place a collection jar at your church or school for spare change donations throughout the year. Spread the word – ask your church leaders or teachers if you can talk about the Helping-Hand Appeal in a church service or assembly. You could show one of the videos that are available at salvationist.org.uk/helpinghand and collect donations.
Care for Creation
As well as supporting international projects, you can make a difference to the world from where you are.
Slow fashion – buy less and repair, donate or swap clothes. You could visit your local Salvation Army charity shop to donate or purchase second-hand items.
Food choices – eat more fruits and vegetables and less meat. Try not to waste food. Save water – turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Pray
Pray for politicians to make good decisions for the environment.
Pray for family farmers who are working hard to grow enough food.
Pray for your community to be inspired to help.
Emmy
Super Storytime
Age? 7.
Favourite colour? Gold.
Favourite food? Mackerel.
Favourite sport? Rugby.
Favourite bit of Kids Alive!? Colouring Corner and competitions.
Favourite Bible story and why? Daniel and the lions’ den, because my daddy is called Daniel!
Favourite TV programme? Unicorn Academy.
What do you want to be when you’re older? A vet, because I love animals and want to help them.
As part of World Book Day celebrations, children’s author Laura Diebelius visited the preschool and parent and toddler group at Leigh-on-Sea Salvation Army. Laura read her latest books, I’m Going to Have a Brother and I’m Going to Have a Sister. Everyone enjoyed listening to the stories and meeting Laura.
Pets? Two rabbits – Flower and Bambi – and a hedgehog lives in the garden!
Hobbies? Dancing, Rainbows and rugby.
Tell us a joke. Why did the blossom tree cross the road? Because its leaves had fallen off and it wanted to see the doctor!
What special skill or talent do you have? I’m quite creative and artistic. Tell us something interesting about yourself. I have a little brother called Oliver and I love doing face painting on him.
Is there anything else you would like I love art and crafting.
G e t I n T o u c h !
The Kids Alive! team loves to hear from its readers. And guess what –other readers love reading your news! So why not get in touch? You can email or post your own colourings, drawings and letters. Or you could ask your Sunday school, church or corps leaders to email us or write to us with any news about the fun stuff you’ve been doing at your church or corps.
Email: kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk
Post: Kids Alive! 1 Champion Park, London SE5 8FJ
H a p p y
B i r t h d a y t o y o u !
To see your name and birthday printed in a future issue of KA! email your full name and date of birth to kidsalive@salvationarmy.org.uk
22 March
Jasmine Hundal – age 12
23 March
Bella Massey – age 9
27 March
Lachlan Pentney – age 13
Isla Poirot – age 13
1 April
Sophie Adesola – age 13
Maisie Mott – age 7
Age? 8.
Favourite colour? Orange and blue.
Favourite food? Burger with chips.
Favourite sport? Football girls. Favourite bit of Kids Alive!? Reader profile.
Favourite Bible story and why? Daniel and the lions, because it shows that Daniel is determined.
Favourite TV programme? Strictly Come Dancing.
What do you want to be when you’re older? A teacher.
Pets? No, but I would like a guinea pig and rabbit. Hobbies? Brownies and dancing. Tell us a joke. What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear!
What special skill or talent do you have? I can do 10 cartwheels in a minute!
Is there anything else you would like to tell us? Mrs Beeing is the best teacher!
If you’d like to star in our reader pro!le section we’d love to hear from you! Get a grown-up to send us an email using the address in the pink box on the left. Then we’ll send you the forms to complete.
CAP’N PETE ISN’T VERY HAPPY WITH ME, PATCH.
WHY’S THAT, pirate?
IT’S HIS BIRTHDAY TODAY AND I ASKED HIM WHAT HE WANTED.
HE SAID TO JUST SURPRISE HIM…
…SO, JUST NOW I JUMPED OUT IN FRONT OF HIM AND SHOUTED, ‘boo!’
I DIDN’T THINK THE SURPRISE WOULD SCARE HIM QUITE SO MUCH.
