War Cry 1 August 2020

1 August 2020 20p/25c

Family ties hold strong

Life is not easy for the Yates FAMILY in TV comedy

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity providing services in the community, particularly to those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Motivated by our Christian faith, we offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK to all who need them, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. To find your nearest centre visit salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church

What is the War Cry? The Salvation Army first published a newspaper called the War Cry in London in December 1879, and we have continued to appear every week since then. Our name refers to our battle for people’s hearts and souls as we promote the positive impact of the Christian faith and The Salvation Army’s fight for greater social justice.

WAR CRY Issue No 7485

Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Ivan Radford Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku Staff Writer: Emily Bright Staff Writer: Claire Brine Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston Graphic Designer: Mark Knight Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Helpline: 020 7367 4888 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Mal Davies Published weekly by The Salvation Army ©The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper

ONLINE a warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk @TheWarCryUK TheWarCryUK

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salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry

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EDITOR From desk From the editor’s desk

SINGING is good for you. So say scientists quoted on the BBCjet-set Futurelifestyle, website.

Theinexperts said locations that singing can boost THE living glamorous or mixing with the our moods and sense of social connection. rich and famous would be the dreams for many people. Others may Perhaps it is with these mind that people hope to compete at the topbenefits level of in their favourite sport,have whilebeen a life joining online choirs during lockdown.

In this week’s issue, the on scuba diving in the balmy waters of the Bahamas could be found War Cry’s Sarah Olowofoyeku joins a virtual rehearsal of the London many people’s bucket list.

International Gospel Choir to discover herself theexperienced pleasures Between them, Iona Rossely and NickforHiggs have people have of singing alone,working yet together with others. Cape all of this.

Nickfound is a marine biologist for the Bahamian Meanwhile Austen Hardwick has found similar value in running.

Eleuthera Institute, while Iona has competed in sport at international This as week’s War Cry also includes an interview with living the marathon level well as working in PR for Formula One while in Dubai. runner that helped him to his life after They tellwho theirfound stories in his twosport separate articles in regain this week’s War Cry. heThis suffered strokes while in his early forties. week three we also feature podcaster Pandora Sykes’s book However, it wasWe’re not only running that It helped Austen’s of recovery.

How Do We Know Doing It Right? is a collection essays His Christian played a vitalfeel partthey in him positive examining whyfaith so many people aretaking gettinga life wrong. approach to all that faced. of others can lead many people to Comparisons with thehelifestyles ‘When I wasare in missing hospital,’out Austen says, ‘I asked God to take think that they on the dream that someone elsewhat is I was going through and to transform me through it.’ enjoying.

Christians that canaspire take any situationcan or anything Even those believe living the lifeGod others to, though, find that they do or face and use it to make a positive impact in others’ themselves feeling less than satisfied. That was certainly the case lives or Rossely. their own. has beenshe the describes experience of painter Oliver for Iona In That her interview how she would wake Pengilley. up feeling sad – even after having won international competitions the Oliverday. had developed a successful career as an artist with some previous ofThen his work selling for significantand sums money. he tells she became a Christian life of took on a But, new as perspective, the War this week, he grewvalues. frustrated. with new Cry priorities and different ‘I didn’t see out the meaning of it,’ he Now after he travels to What stands in her interview is says. that, even becoming over life the was world toall paint pictures worship achurches Christian,allIona’s not plain sailing.during She still had sessions and hisand faith-based artwork helped other people disappointments knock-backs.

Buthas Jesus gave her a peaceinthat their own journey. allowed herfaith to deal with those situations.

It is an truth that cantheir takedreams any skillofa aperson While notamazing many people mayGod realise jet-sethas or any situation theydiscover are facing can transform it into something lifestyle, anyone can theand difference Jesus can make in their that can change their lives and the lives of the people around them. life. He offers everyone the opportunity to enter into a relationship with him and to then experience the fulfilling life that following him brings.

Contents

What is The Salvation Army?

FEATURES 3

Life’s not all Rosie TV comedy depicts the challenges of raising a family

5

Right questions Book examines how we measure success

6

‘There’s joy in studying marine life’ The experiences of a marine biologist

9

In the fast lane Interview with former speed skier

REGULARS 4

War Cry World

12

Team Talk

13

Puppy Tales

14 Puzzles 15

War Cry Kitchen

6

Front-page picture: BBC/Merman/Scott Kershaw

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15

TELEVISION

Give us a break!

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HEY’RE all going on a summer holiday! But there’s little time for the Yates family to relax with Rosie in tow. As an 11-year-old girl with a severe learning disability, her idea of a good time is to switch the hotel bedroom lights on and off and then sit in the car. Trying to keep everyone happy isn’t going to be easy in the BBC Two comedy drama There She Goes, which concludes next Thursday (6 August).

Even driving to the holiday proves stressful for Rosie’s parents, Emily (Jessica Hynes) and Simon (David Tennant). First Rosie (Miley Locke) takes off her seatbelt.

Then she tries to grab the steering wheel.

Her next trick is to open the car door while they’re still driving. By the time the family pull into the car park, everyone is feeling frazzled.

While Emily unpacks the bags, Simon takes Rosie and her older brother Ben (Edan Hayhurst) to check out the hotel’s kids’ entertainment. Unlike in previous years, there’s no Professor Fumbles at the helm.

This year, it’s Captain Banana Crackers.

Rosie isn’t impressed by the change and breaks the captain’s bubble wand.

After a sleepless night when Rosie won’t settle, the family head to the beach. But Rosie isn’t interested in sandcastles. All she wants to do is to play with a mobile phone.

By the evening, Emily is considering giving up on the holiday and driving home.

She can’t understand why Rosie is so unsettled – and Rosie is non-verbal, so she can’t tell her.

‘Why couldn’t she have just been born normal?’ Emily sighs.

While the family love Rosie, at times they can’t help but ask painfully difficult questions. They are questions that the series writers Shaun Pye and Sarah Crawford have asked for themselves. Their daughter, Joey, – who provides inspiration for the character of Rosie – has a severe learning disability. The couple say that writing truthfully about their own family’s experiences has been helpful.

‘It’s been quite cathartic for everyone, allowing us to think about what was a terribly difficult period in our family’s history,’ says Shaun. ‘We think it’s important to have truth and, like in all families, sometimes situations will be funny and sometimes they really won’t.’

In times of despair, heartache and frustration, it’s only natural to want to ask the type of questions that often remain unspoken. It’s also natural to feel sadness

Emily considers giving up on the holiday

Rest and relaxation aren’t all-inclusive for family holiday, writes Claire Brine

BBC/Merman/Scott Kershaw

Emily and Simon look for ways to keep their kids entertained on holiday

when those questions have no answers.

Whatever our situations, we all go through times when we wish life could be different. Perhaps we wish our child wasn’t disabled. Or that our spouse was still alive. Maybe we just wish that people weren’t so complicated.

When our life becomes overwhelming and we can’t make sense of it, we don’t need to feel lost or despairing. We can tell Jesus exactly how we feel in prayer. No topic is off-limits. No words need censoring.

In the Bible, Jesus says: ‘I will never turn away anyone who comes to me’ (John 6:37 Good News Bible).

That means we can be honest. When we tell Jesus the things we cannot tell anyone else, he will listen. He will understand. And if we ask him, he will even forgive us for the less than perfect parts of ourselves.

If we’re worried about being accepted, we can relax.

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HOLLYWOOD actor Jude Law has joined other film stars in volunteering at The Salvation Army’s Chalk Farm drop-in centre for people experiencing homelessness. He was accompanied by his co-star Katherine Waterston from Harry Potter spin-off franchise Fantastic Beasts, while Naomie Harris, who plays Moneypenny in the James Bond films, volunteered on another shift.

In partnership with Spare Hand, a non-profit volunteering initiative, the actors lent a hand with tasks such as preparing food bags and cooking for the most vulnerable.

The Salvation Army’s Chalk Farm has been working throughout lockdown to provide clothing, toiletries, sleeping bags, travel first-aid kits and tents to those experiencing homelessness. They also provide shower facilities, breakfast and lunch on site.

Naomie Harris (left) posted on her Instagram account after her shift: ‘Thank you @chalkfarmsa and @katherinewaterston for providing me with an opportunity to serve my community. Please take action today, no matter how small, to help move our world in a more positive direction!’

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WAR CRY

CHELSEA footballer Oliver Giroud has encouraged people to take part in an online Alpha course, which is designed to introduce people to the Christian faith.

In a video of Oliver posted by Alpha pioneer Nicky Gumbel on Twitter, the Christian footballer explained that he had participated in the course himself and invited his friends to join him.

He said: ‘I did Alpha online these last two months, and I have to say it was a great experience to share my faith with friends.

‘I really enjoyed it and I’m pleased that my friends could enjoy it also. I highly recommend [Alpha], don’t hesitate to do it, it’s fantastic and you won’t be disappointed. Be blessed and keep being a blessing.’

PM: Church action is ‘inspiring’ BORIS JOHNSON has described the UK Church’s response to the coronavirus pandemic as ‘absolutely inspiring’.

Addressing this year’s parliamentary prayer breakfast, which was broadcast online, the prime minister praised all the churches who had stepped in to help their communities.

He said: ‘It has been absolutely inspiring to see churches respond to the lockdown as they have with true Christian values.

‘They’ve reminded us all of their role as pillars of their communities, reaching out to bring hope, peace and practical care to those in need.’

He also expressed his gratitude to all those who had prayed for him while he was ill with coronavirus.

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FEATURE

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All right?

Claire Brine picks up a book that asks the questions behind the answers

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THE Salvation Army has helped a man to have his first hot meal in 27 years after providing him with a microwave.

The man, who is in his late forties, contacted The Salvation Army’s Derby Central church specifically requesting food that didn’t need cooking.

Major Anthony Colclough, who leads the church, called the man and discovered that he had been living off cold beans, tinned spaghetti and soup for almost three decades.

He bought the man a new microwave and the corps is now regularly supplying meals that he can warm in the microwave.

APPINESS lies within, claims one expert. We can be whoever we want to be, asserts another. We have so much choice these days, we tell ourselves. But, reflects journalist Pandora Sykes, ‘there is a widespread feeling of restlessness … like something is not quite adding up. Like we might be getting life wrong.’

In her book of essays, How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? (released earlier this month), Pandora replaces humankind’s quest for answers with more questions. What does doing it right look like? Why do so many Pandora Sykes people feel they are failing? And failing at what, exactly?

One topic on Pandora’s mind is the relationship between work and happiness and whether the relentless pursuit of happiness has become a job in itself. ‘We have become obsessed with the idea that everything we produce should be valuable and visible, or else we’re doing life wrong,’ she writes.

It’s why when friends talk about their working week, there’s unspoken competition over who has the busiest calendar, fuelled by a fear that free time leads to missed opportunities. But, Pandora asks in the book, where’s the happiness in being constantly active or chasing goals?

Another essay focuses on box-set bingeing and the physical and mental endurance it requires. ‘We are endlessly consuming and yet seem to make no headway,’ Pandora points out. ‘What are we trying to reach?’

It’s a good question. In trying to ‘do life right’, millions of people end up feeling overwhelmed, overstretched and overtired. Rather than enjoying life, they’re dashing through it. That can’t be right. There has to be more.

Perhaps the answer lies in less. Christians believe that life doesn’t need to be a never-ending to-do list. They believe just one thing is needed.

Jesus says: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest’ (Matthew 11:28 New International Version).

When life becomes too fast and the demands too heavy, we can find a way through with Jesus. When we give him our heart, we open ourselves to an other-worldly peace that can’t be shattered. Whatever anyone says, there’s nothing wrong with that.

Why do people feel they are failing?

l How Do We Know We’re Doing It Right? is published by Penguin Random House 1 August 2020 • War Cry • 5

Making waves National Marine Week, which started on 25 July, seeks to celebrate the life in our seas and oceans. To coincide with the campaign, marine biologist NICK HIGGS explains to Emily Bright why we should care about conservation

Nick Higgs

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HE balmy waters of the Bahamas provide a home for whales, sharks, turtles, fish and countless other species of marine life. They also support the livelihoods of generations of Bahamian fishermen as well as drawing tourists in search of sun, sea and scuba diving. Such a rich marine environment is a precious resource and well worth protecting.

As director of the Cape Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas, a marine research facility, Nick Higgs plays an important part in conservation efforts. He has a personal investment in securing a sustainable future for the area in which he works.

Nick conducts lobster research

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‘I grew up on Eleuthera, in a big fishing town,’ he says. ‘I come from a long line of lobster fishermen, so I grew up with the sea, playing and diving in it. From an early age, I wanted to be a marine biologist.’

Nick dived into his chosen career by studying deepsea marine life for a doctoral degree at the University of Leeds in partnership with the Natural History Museum.

‘The Natural History Museum is a really cool place,’ enthuses Nick. ‘Their offsite storage place is full of specimens that

aren’t out on display. There are dozens of whale skeletons, as well as stuffed antelopes and zebras. I saw a huge blue whale heart, and they also have one of the few intact giant squid specimens in the world there.

‘But it’s not just about specimens in cabinets, the people who look after the collections there are also actively doing research. You mix with a much wider range of researchers than at a university: you’re kicking around ideas with palaeontologists, botanists, entomologists.’

Among the highlights of Nick’s doctorate was exploring the marine environments first-hand.

‘We would do a deep-sea dive once a year,’ he remembers. ‘It was a big operation, and you’d have to go on a ship for weeks at a time to collect samples for further study.

‘But the deep-sea work I did on whale falls, or marine life that feeds off whale carcasses, later opened up a lot of opportunities to go to sea. That culminated in my first UK TV work, two documentaries called Britain’s Whales and Britain’s Sharks, where we filmed these huge aggregations of blue sharks which had never been seen before.’

Another of the most memorable experiences that Nick enjoyed took place in his home country. ‘Shortly after I came back to the Bahamas two years ago, I got to go in a submersible

The deep-sea work I did opened up a lot of opportunites

INTERVIEW The Cape Eleuthera Institute has a long-running turtle research programme

There’s a sheer joy and delight in studying marine life

dive down to more than 2,000 feet deep,’ he recalls. ‘It was amazing to see those landscapes in the flesh rather than via a remote camera and to find animal life down there that nobody else had seen.’

Nick explains that, as a Christian, his faith is fed by discovering the wonders of the marine world. ‘There’s a sheer joy and delight in studying marine life,’ he says. ‘I find even the tiny uncharismatic organisms fascinating. It fuels my faith and keeps that wonder going.

‘And when you discover things that no one else knows about, there is an

intimate connection there. It also fosters a sense of gratitude. As a Christian, I direct that gratitude towards God. My faith provides the world view that shapes my life.’

Nowadays, the nature of Nick’s role means that he has switched specialisms.

‘I still do some deep-sea work, but most of my time now is taken up with ensuring a sustainable future for the lobster fishery here in the Bahamas,’ he explains. ‘As the only certified sustainable lobster fishery in the region, it accounts for about 80 per cent of fisheries’ income in the country.’

He says that the need for sustainability has become even more pressing in the wake of the economic impact that coronavirus has had on the people of the Bahamas.

‘At the start of this pandemic, I discovered that we don’t really have food banks here. People turn to the sea for food and we saw a huge surge in subsistence fishers going out. I thought that we had to document this and understand how people are using the

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1 August 2020 • War Cry • 7

From page 7 sea and how much they rely on it. So I dropped the other projects that I was working on to focus on a subsistence fishery near us.

‘I’m helping to influence who gets to access these resources, to ensure an equitable sharing of all our common resources and that people are looked after.

Although that is not just a Christian idea, my faith draws me to such subjects.

‘Sustainability is about the future, and about justice and equity. By allowing misuse and overfishing of natural resources now, you’re taking away from future generations the ability to enjoy the benefits that you now have.’

One sustainability project run by the Cape Eleuthera Institute, as Nick explains, is about growing coral fragments to restore the population of endangered species of coral.

‘In our innovation lab that we built here, we are seeking to improve the methods for growing different species of coral, providing the optimum conditions to help them grow as fast as possible. We also

The institute runs education programmes

8 • War Cry • 1 August 2020

The local lobster fishery accounts for 80 per cent of the country’s fishing income

make sure that the coral is resilient to future changes that we might see in our oceans.’

The institute’s conservation projects also monitor marine wildlife populations.

‘Historically, we’ve had a large research programme on sharks, and that’s continuing still,’ says Nick.

‘Right now, the researchers are focused on understanding movements of silky

sharks, which is a species that we don’t know much about here in the Bahamas, or in the Atlantic in general. We carry out tagging studies to understand behaviours and movements so that we can inform the management and conservation of these animals.

‘Then we have a longstanding turtle programme, which has been about monitoring local population dynamics.

Before the Bahamas outlawed killing sea turtles in 2009, people used to eat them.

But we are starting to see glimmers of hope in what seems to be rebounding turtle populations.’

An important part of ensuring longterm sustainability is through educating people about the marine environment in which they live. Nick adds that the site is ‘not just a remote tropical research station. We use the research as an educational tool and work with the schoolkids and adults alike. Our outreach department, which works with the community, is of equal status to the research division.

‘The institute is a part of a Cape Eleuthera school that is focused around living sustainably. Most of our work is around education and leadership, which is all about getting people involved and engaged with doing conservation research that will effect change.

‘We offer experiential education options for local schoolkids, and for three weeks of the year, they are allowed out on the boats with us as we do our research and collect specimens. They’re learning about the ecosystems through that hands-on experience.

‘Our outreach teams also run a programme for young men at risk in the community. They will help with one of our science projects around fisheries to give them experience in how sustainable fisheries work.

‘We’re also training the young men in scuba diving, and giving them skills that they will be able to use to make a decent living. What we do is much more than just the research – the organisation generates its own ecosystem.’

INTERVIEW

From endurance racing to

enduring love Speed skier and equestrian endurance racer IONA ROSSELY tells Claire Brine why she put Christianity before competing

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Iona represented Ireland in the World Equestrian Games and (right) was the ladies’ British overseas champion for speed skiing

ONA ROSSELY knows what it means to live life in the fast lane. In the 1980s she represented Great Britain in speed skiing.

In the 1990s, her career took an unexpected sharp turn into Formula One, where she managed the PR for Williams Renault.

Her next achievement was to jump on a horse and represent Ireland in the World Equestrian Games. Whatever goal Iona set her mind to, she accomplished.

‘I had money to travel the world, villas wherever I wanted, 19 horses that I loved – the most amazing lifestyle,’ says Iona, who tells her story in her book Racing on Empty.

‘But despite having everything, I felt empty.

I looked for meaning in tarot cards, reiki, Buddhism and crystals – but nothing made sense. Sport was my identity and yet I thought there had to be more to life.’

After falling in love with sport at school, Iona moved to France to become a ski instructor. The resort had a speed skiing track, which Iona vowed never to try as competitors reach speeds of 125mph and more.

‘I used to watch the speed skiers and think they were nut cases,’ she laughs.

‘Speed skiing is like jumping out of a block of flats.

‘But some of the other ski instructors wanted to give it a go, and they knew that we were allowed access to the bottom quarter of the track. I didn’t want to look like a wimp, so agreed to do it. But when I turned up on the Saturday morning, I was the only one there!

My friends had stitched me up.’

Iona knew that the

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1 August 2020 • War Cry • 9

Sport had always been my identity

Iona worked alongside racing driver Damon Hill

From page 9 quickest way down the course was on skis and so she pushed off gently. Within seconds she thought she was flying.

‘The adrenaline pumped through my body,’ she remembers. ‘When I got to the bottom, I couldn’t speak. I’d just skied at 89mph and wanted to do it all over again.’

Iona was a natural. In 1986 she competed at the Speed Skiing World Championships in France and became the ladies’ British overseas champion. Later the same year she jetted halfway across the world to become the New Zealand ladies’ champion. But just as Iona’s sporting career was hitting full speed, her world came crashing down.

‘Competing at a pre-qualifier for the next World Championships, I had an equipment fault and my right ski came off,’ she recalls. ‘Suddenly I was hurtling down the track on one ski and I thought: “I’m finished.” I fell for about half a mile. It felt like I was in a washing machine. When I got to the bottom, I couldn’t believe I was still breathing.

‘After an eight-hour operation, I was told by doctors that I’d shattered my leg in nine places and that I would never do any sports again.’

Accepting that her skiing career was over, Iona focused on her recovery and rehabilitation. Four years later she took a PR job in Dubai, co-ordinating the Williams Renault Formula One account. Life was full of international travel, Grand Prix, five-star hotels and rubbing shoulders with the likes of David

Coulthard, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve.

‘My life was a high-speed rollercoaster,’ she says. ‘I loved the racing, the pit lanes, the partying and drinking. But within five years, I was burnt out.

I knew it was time to let the racing go.’

Iona remained in Dubai and moved into photojournalism. Her new job gave her plenty of free time – so she got back in the saddle and pursued her childhood interest of showjumping.

‘Then I ended up going through several traumatic years,’ she says. ‘My marriage ended and I got cancer. I couldn’t comprehend what was happening to me. I felt numb.’

After an operation in England, Iona was declared cancer-free and went home to Dubai. Slowly, life got better. She met a man called Jeff, who later became her husband. She enjoyed filling her free time with showjumping and polo.

‘One day, a couple of friends asked me if I would enter an endurance race on a polo pony that they were training,’ Iona says. ‘I said OK. Pretty quickly I became obsessed with endurance races.’

Iona joined the Irish endurance

My life was a high-speed rollercoaster

10 • War Cry • 1 August 2020

INTERVIEW

Iona wins a two-day 160km race in Ireland and (right) relaxes at her farm in Australia

equestrian team and went on to represent the country at the 2002 and 2006 World Equestrian Games, competing in 160km races.

‘Sport had always been my identity – so suddenly I felt like a somebody again,’ she says.

‘I knew I was where I was meant to be.’

But while Iona enjoyed the excitement of competing in world class sport once more, she couldn’t shake off a feeling of emptiness.

‘Doing well in a race made me feel good for a few hours, but the next morning I’d wake up quite sad,’ she says. ‘Having a sports title can be very fleeting. Someone is always waiting to knock you off the podium.

‘But then we moved to France and I met a lovely Christian couple, Thierry and Silvia. They lived and breathed Jesus and I loved

my talks with them. So over the next two years, I studied the Bible, did an Alpha course, prayed every day and went to church. I became a Christian, but deep down I knew that racing was still my treasure. I didn’t want to let go of it.’

In 2010, Iona had her sights set on competing at her third World Equestrian Games. To qualify, she needed to complete a 160km race within a certain time limit. Easy, she thought.

‘But my horse became very ill the day before, meaning I couldn’t compete,’ she recalls. ‘I felt as though God had abandoned me and taken away my identity. I was so angry with him that I couldn’t pray any more.

‘When I got home to France a few days later, I still felt depressed. Thierry and Silvia prayed with me, but I couldn’t say anything. The next morning I woke up, went into the kitchen and saw my Bible.

Suddenly I felt an overwhelming sense of love. It was as though Jesus had walked into the room. I realised that he had never left me, as I had thought. I was the one who had walked away from him.

‘I sat in the kitchen and cried, saying: “I can’t do this any more, Jesus. I don’t want to be in control.” I knew it was time to hand everything over to him. My life changed that day. I felt peace.’

Embracing her new perspective on faith, Iona withdrew from the endurance racing scene. She set herself a new target – Bible college. She couldn’t wait to learn more about Jesus and his enduring love. Later, when she and Jeff moved to Australia, she became a lay minister for St John’s Anglican Church in Tyalgum.

Her passion for sport was replaced by a passion to spread the gospel.

‘Today, Jesus is my everything,’ she says. ‘He is patient and loving – more than I could ever imagine. Every day when I pray, I hand my life over to him, asking him to guide me so that I don’t drift off the path. My identity is no longer in sport, but in the one who brings me freedom and peace.’

l Racing on Empty is published

by Sarah Grace Publishing

1 August 2020 • War Cry • 11

EXPLORE

Prayerlink THE War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their ­circumstances. Send your Prayerlink requests to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk or to War Cry, 101 Newington Causeway, Lon­don SE1 6BN. Mark your correspondence ‘Confidential’.

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Becoming a Christian

There is no set formula to becoming a Christian, but many people have found saying this prayer to be a helpful first step to a relationship with God

Lord Jesus Christ, I am truly sorry for the things I have done wrong in my life. Please forgive me. I now turn from everything that I know is wrong.

Thank you that you died on the cross for me so that I could be forgiven and set free.

Thank you that you offer me forgiveness and the gift of your Holy Spirit.

Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Amen

Team talk Team talk

talk ‘ ’ A suitable cast for new drama Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters

LAST Sunday night there was a new period drama on BBC One. Elements of the plot were familiar: a beautiful, intelligent young woman. Forbidden love.

An interfering mother. But, as the Evening Standard couldn’t wait to point out, ‘there’s not a brooding English protagonist in sight’. A Suitable Boy is the BBC’s first historical drama with no white characters. All of the cast are Indian.

After writing my thoughts just a month ago about the Black Lives Matter movement and the need for racial equality in all areas of life, I’m thrilled to see more and more TV series starring people of colour in the main roles. I agree with the show’s leading actress Tanya Maniktala, who is quoted in The Guardian as saying: ‘This is an Indian story, so it’s about time it was told by us.’

But while the media points out that an Indian drama – directed by an Indian woman and acted by an Indian cast – is refreshing, the fact that the BBC’s commissioning editor, Mona Qureshi, called the programme ‘a landmark’ serves as a wake-up call. The UK still has a long way to go when it comes to establishing racial equality on screen. If we see the making of A Suitable Boy as a big deal, then perhaps we shouldn’t, argues series director Mira Nair.

‘When people say the casting of the show is radical, it’s only radical to you guys,’ she says in the same Guardian article. ‘It’s about time that this western world understands that [Indian people] have extraordinary talent and that should be normalised.’

In other words, there have always been highly accomplished Indian actors and directors and authors around – it’s just that only a tiny fraction of them have found a home on British TV before now.

I hope that changes. I hope that A Suitable Boy paves the way for more diverse programming in the future, so that the stories we watch truly reflect the faces and voices of the whole world. Because without them, we miss out on establishing enriching connections with our neighbours – and risk losing our opportunity to discover a range of perspectives on life.

It’s the BBC’s first historical drama with no white characters

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War Cry 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN

Basic reading about Christianity Information about The Salvation Army

Looking for help?

Contact details of a Salvation Army minister Name Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International

Address

Or email your details and request to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk 12 • War Cry • 1 August 2020

EXPRESSIONS

puppy tales Life with a young dog leads Barbara Lang to look at the world from a new perspective

Play time treasure T

q

quick quiz 1

Who won the Fifa World Cup

2

Who plays Dr John Watson in

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From what language does the

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Who wrote the book I Know

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What is the capital of

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Who had a No 1 hit with the

in 1982?

a the BBC TV series Sherlock?

phrase ‘bona fide’ come?

Why the Caged Bird Sings?

South Korea?

song ‘Stronger’ in 2007?

ANSWERS

HE first few days with our puppy, Jak, were magical if a bit tiring for the whole family and for him. Jak spent all the time he was awake from 5am until bedtime playing. It was non-stop.

We had bought squeaky toy ducks, puppy bones, cuddly toys and other toys that Jak could tug. But he picked an old gardening glove that he found buried in an overgrown part of the garden. More than 20 months later, it is still Jak’s favourite toy.

We had no idea that the glove was in our garden until Jak found it. I find it remarkable that he continues to treasure something that cost us absolutely nothing.

It made me think about the value we put on things. We often assume that the most expensive item is the best one to treasure. But that is not the message that Jesus gave. He said we should not put too great an emphasis on material things, but that instead, attributes such as love and compassion, which have no monetary value, are some of the most valuable things on earth.

Do not store up for yourselves treasures on Earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in Heaven.

Matthew 6:19-20 (New International Version )

BOOK REVIEW Seven More Men Eric Metaxas Zondervan HEROES of the Christian faith including Billy Graham, Martin Luther and William Booth are examined in Eric Metaxas’s biographical sequel, which features another selection of seven influential men. Through his exploration of context and historical accounts, Eric offers an overview of each individual’s significance in history and in the present day.

While highlighting their strengths, he also acknowledges their flaws and humanity, making them more relatable to readers. His attention to detail brings personality and life to each character, from the individual’s turn of phrase to pithy accounts of them by their peers. Eric’s incisive and gentle humour makes this not just an educational but also an entertaining read as he follows each man’s personal journey with faith.

This book also reveals the earnestness of these men as they overcame life’s trials and disappointments to serve God as best as they could, each trying to pave the way to a brighter future for the next generation.

Emily Bright

1 August 2020 • War Cry • 13

1. Italy. 2. Martin Freeman. 3. Latin.

4. Maya Angelou. 5. Seoul. 6. Kanye West.

CROSSWORD CROSSWORD

PUZZLES

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Pulsate (5) 4. Hindu class (5) 8. Girl’s name (3) 9. Comrades (5) 10. Declare (5) 11. Fowl (3) 12. Mock (5) 13. Hug (7) 16. Roam (6) 19. Diplomatic agents (6) 23. Interfered (7) 26. Glitter (5) 28. Animal doctor (3) 29. Long for (5) 30. Threaded (5)

31. The woman in question (3) 32. Bravery (5) 33. Regretful (5)

DOWN 2. Proportion (5) 3. Shy (7) 4. Young swan (6) 5. Firework (5) 6. Additional (5) 7. Wait on (5) 9. Skinflint (5)

14. Increase engine speed (3) 15. Sob (3) 17. Hatchet (3) 18. Not good (3) 20. Snuggles (7) 21. Pay out (5) 22. Counsel (6) 23. Perhaps (5) 24. Sewer (5) 25. Ship (5) 27. Become subject to (5)

SUDOKU Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

HONEYCOMB HONEYCOMB

1

Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number

Answers

9 2 3 9 6

9

8 6

7

3 6

3

8 1

8

4 2 2 7 5

8 2 9

1

Wordsearch ANNUAL

BIENNIAL CLOCHE

COLD FRAME CORDON

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1. Throb. 4. Caste. 8. Amy. 9. Mates. 10. Utter. 11. Hen. 12. Scoff.

13. Embrace. 16. Ramble. 19. Envoys.

23. Meddled. 26. Shine. 28. Vet. 29. Yearn.

30. Laced. 31. She. 32. Nerve. 33. Sorry.

DOWN: 2. Ratio. 3. Bashful. 4. Cygnet.

5. Squib. 6. Extra. 7. Serve. 9. Miser.

14. Rev. 15. Cry. 17. Axe. 18. Bad. 20. Nestles. 21. Spend. 22. Advise.

23. Maybe. 24. Drain. 25. Liner. 27. Incur.

HONEYCOMB 1. Dilate. 2. Polish. 3. Go-kart.

4. Insult. 5. Bumper. 6. Trauma.

CULTIVAR

DEADHEAD

DECIDUOUS

ERICACEOUS FERTILISER FOLIAGE

GERMINATION HALF-HARDY MAINCROP MULCH

ORGANIC MATTER PERENNIAL

1 6 9 3 2 5 8 7 4

7 5 2 9 4 8 6 1 3

8 4 3 6 1 7 9 2 5

5 8 4 2 9 1 3 6 7

3 2 1 5 7 6 4 9 8

9 7 6 4 8 3 1 5 2

6 1 5 7 3 4 2 8 9

4 9 8 1 5 2 7 3 6

2 3 7 8 6 9 5 4 1

SUDOKU SOLUTION

PROPAGATE

8 2 9

7

1

14 • War Cry • 1 August 2020

7 6

ordsearch ordsearch ordsearch ordsearch ordsearch

1. Become larger 2. Nationality of Chopin 3. Small racing car 4. An offensive remark 5. Bar across front and back of a motor vehicle 6. Deeply distressing experience

8 5 3

up, down, forwards, backwards 1 Look 7 diagonally 8 5 3on the 9 grid 6 to4 find 2 these and 6 words 5 4associated 8 2 with 7 gardening 1 9 3 9 2 3 4 1 6 5 8 7 X K C H V C V L C Y M S S X H X O Z 3 9 6 2 5 4 I 7M L H 1 8I V T T Q A O V A A A W C A C Z B X Q L Z H 2 4 1I 9I V N O U E Z V Y 7 8 3 5 6 R S F P I D F N H M N B C R D F Z C 8 7 1 6 3 4 2 9 B H Q O P 5F C H Z U T N Q A D C N Q J D A G P R O P A G A T E V A O E 8 6 9 3 4 1 2 7 5F V D Y P O A E L L R K H P I I S N Z 7 1 2I A D Z A T B U Z H 6 9 5 8 3 4 T Z A P Q M J S R Q Y S T 4E Q Z 3 5I A 7 I 8Y A 2 L M O Q Y 9 6 1

M H Y S Z V X N E L G N M U K U E L D I L Z T Q A D F W I E N C T D G U M N O R G A N I C M A T T E R I B M J U N O J B V L R H W M R E R C T B Q D L F S U O E C A C I R E D E H Q R I L C E C G K R Q D Z W Q F D P A K A O Y H J R W T N K Z J L S O Q V X I O E G U S Q N U W M S O M F O C F A U D V J N W S Y O J R M G B A M

8 6

3 6

4 2 2 7 5

D Chicken biryani Ingredients

Method

2tsp sunflower oil

Heat the oil in a pan with the onion for 2 minutes. Add the chicken and stir. Continue cooking for a further 3 or 4 minutes. Mix in the red pepper, carrot, mushrooms and aubergine.

Cook for a further 5 minutes, stirring regularly.

1 large onion, chopped 300g skinless chicken breast, cut into chunks 1 red pepper, chopped 1 carrot, diced 8 mushrooms, sliced 1 aubergine, chopped into cubes 1tbsp curry paste 1tbsp sultanas 300g basmati rice, rinsed in cold water 800ml boiling water

SERVES

4

100g frozen peas, defrosted

Mix in the curry paste, sultanas and the rice. Pour in the boiling water and stir again. Bring to the boil and reduce the heat to low.

Cover and simmer for 11 minutes.

Turn off the heat, then add the peas. Chop a handful of coriander and add to the rice with the olive oil. Leave for 5 minutes with the lid on. Mix well and serve.

Fresh coriander 1tbsp olive oil

Blackberry and apple cake Ingredients

Method

100ml rapeseed oil

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.

Grease a 27cm x 12cm loaf tin using 1tsp of the oil.

2 apples 2 medium eggs 1tsp vanilla extract 75g caster sugar 150g wholemeal flour 1tsp baking powder 150g blackberries

Grate the apples into a bowl and discard the cores. Add the eggs, vanilla extract, caster sugar and remaining oil to the bowl and beat together. Add the flour and baking powder and mix well.

Fold in the blackberries.

Pour the mixture into the loaf tin and bake for 25 minutes until firm and golden.

SERVES

12

Recipes reprinted, with permission, from the Diabetes UK website diabetes.org.uk 1 August 2020 • War Cry • 15

Even when we take a wrong path, God is still able to use us Alister McGrath