War Cry 2 September

WAR CRY

Square eyes trouble

Cindy and Ian’s return is bad news for George in EastEnders

The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity seeking to share the good news of Jesus and nurture committed followers of him. We also serve people without discrimination, care for creation and seek justice and reconciliation. We offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK. Go to salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church to find your nearest centre.

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 7643

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 United Kingdom and Ireland Territory

101 Newington Causeway London

SE1 6BN

Tel: 0845 634 0101

Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org

Founder: William Booth

General: Lyndon Buckingham

Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

Editor-in-Chief: Major Julian Watchorn

WITH access to the internet, children have an unlimited resource of information and entertainment that their parents and grandparents could never have dreamt of when they were young themselves. Sadly, that treasure trove of possibilities can also be full of danger. There are unscrupulous people who want to abuse and take advantage of youngsters online.

The potential for harm means that it’s important for young people to learn how to use the internet safely. As they settle into the new academic year, some pupils will benefit from a drama staged by theatre company Saltmine.

As we report in this week’s War Cry, the company is touring schools and presenting Blast Off, a play that introduces the themes of being safe and keeping to the rules and is then followed up with workshops that apply those themes to staying safe online.

‘We’re all about preventative education at Saltmine,’ the play’s director Ben Kessell tells us, ‘and how we can use story and theatre to connect with children and teach them a really important thing.’

While parents at the schools will no doubt be pleased that their child is learning how to surf the net safely, they may not have expected Saltmine to be a Christian organisation. But Ben believes that helping in such a practical way is a natural thing for Christians to do.

‘We’re following the example of Jesus,’ he says. ‘He was the ultimate storyteller. He captured people with a story, but within that there was a message he wanted to communicate. He talked about things that people related to – sheep, trees, neighbours – and it’s the same for us.

‘We believe in the value of every human being and every child. That’s why preventative education is such a big part of what we do. We want to look after these young people.’

Caring for others, whether young or old, is one of the core principles taught by Jesus and, as we report every week in the War Cry, it’s the reason why Christians are helping people in ways that otherwise may not have been dreamt of.

INFO INFO

Reunited?

Cindy’s return means life isn’t rosy for the Knight family in BBC soap

TV feature by Claire Brine

THEY left Marbella for Walford in search of a fresh start – but now the Knight family must face their history.

Cindy Beale (Michelle Collins) is back in Albert Square with her partner Ian (Adam Woodyatt) in tow, and that return is sending shockwaves through the community in BBC1’s EastEnders

As Anna (Molly Rainford) and her friends gathered in the Queen Vic to celebrate her 21st birthday earlier this week, little did she know that her estranged mum was just a few metres away. Outside the pub, George Knight (Colin Salmon) spotted Cindy –known to him as Rose – who walked out on him and their two daughters Anna and Gina (Francesca Henry) almost a decade ago.

There have been a lot of lies

Stunned and confused by what he was seeing, George wanted answers – and Cindy tried her best to give them. But whatever happened in the past, George made it clear to his ex that his priority was to protect his daughters from any more hurt that could be inflicted by their mother.

Later that night, when Cindy dashed over to the Queen Vic to see Anna and Gina, she gave them the shock of their lives. After all, how is a girl supposed to

react to the reappearance of a mum who abandoned her? And how will Cindy’s presence affect George’s relationship with new love Elaine (Harriet Thorpe)?

Actor Colin Salmon tells the War Cry that, with Cindy on the scene, life is about to get increasingly complicated for the Knight family.

‘George is facing a huge dilemma,’ Colin explains. ‘He loved Rose –Cindy – and was passionate about her. But she left him nine years ago. There have been a lot of lies. Did he even really know her?

‘With Cindy’s return, George feels conflicted. He knows that he can’t run any more. He tried escaping the past by moving to Walford, but I think there comes a point in life when you have to face the storm and what’s going on within it. Usually there is a lot of noise in a storm, but that doesn’t mean George can’t get through it. It won’t be simple – but no one said life was easy.’

Far away from Albert Square, we all know what it’s like to experience moments of drama or tension in our day-to-day life. Family relationships can be stressful. Our

friends may ditch us. When things get messy, we might not know what we are going to do or how we are going to cope.

The Bible often likens such times to being caught in a storm. It also tells us that, whenever we feel overwhelmed by our circumstances, God’s presence can bring us an unshakeable comfort and peace.

In the Book of Isaiah, God promises: ‘When you face stormy seas I will be there with you with endurance and calm; you will not be engulfed in raging rivers … I will save you’ (43:2 and 3 The Voice).

Though turbulent days may lie ahead, God will never abandon us. Even when we get things wrong, he remains by our side. In every testing circumstance, he offers us his strength and love. The cliffhanger we face is this: will we accept him?

George is shocked to see Cindy (below) in Walford

‘ ’

j TEA M TALK School

age

Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters

AS pupils settle into a new school term, so my thoughts are turning to their teachers in response to an article I saw in The Guardian, which said that ‘the over-55s account for the biggest rise in trainee teachers in England, with a 75 per cent increase in applications’.

According to the feature, ‘greying ex-bankers, news presenters, scientists and former healthcare workers’ are among those appearing in school staff rooms. Lucy Kellaway, who quit her job as a Financial Times journalist to train as a maths teacher when she was 58, was quoted on why the move into education could be a positive step for older workers.

‘Teaching is perfect for the over-50s who want to do something more useful – something that actually matters – with their lives,’ she said. ‘People in their 50s and older make brilliant teachers.’

Certain teachers stand out

As someone with a lot of teacher friends, many of whom are facing staff shortages in their schools, I found the article encouraging. The world needs competent teachers – and age shouldn’t be a barrier. Teachers who are experienced in their subject and passionate about sharing their knowledge with students are priceless.

When I look back over my own years at school, certain teachers stand out in my memory. I can recall Mr Theobald, who encouraged my love of performing, and Mrs Russell, who gave up her lunchtimes to tutor me in German. They may never know the influence they had on my life. They may have thought: “I’m just doing a job.” But, in giving me their time and expertise, they were doing something that mattered to me. They played a part in shaping who I am today.

For Christians across the world, Jesus is the ultimate teacher, whose words and actions have the power to change lives. He told people to forgive others – and then demonstrated how through his own life. He encouraged them to love not just their friends but their enemies, which was a mind-boggling concept. He showed people that, with God’s love in their life, they could reach their full potential, discovering the joyful truth of living life in all its fullness.

Though the teachings of Jesus are millennia old, it’s never too late to learn them. Class dismissed.

Team talk Team talk

nTHE Salvation Army requested prayers after its premises along with buildings used by other Christian churches were attacked in Pakistan. In posts on social media, it asked for ‘prayers of reconciliation and comfort for all those affected’.

Do you have a story to share?

Church provides bags of help

THE Salvation Army in the Canadian city of Saskatoon has been distributing 2,000 backpacks stuffed with stationery to support students and their families as part of an annual programme.

Ahead of the new school term, the church and charity was giving items such as pencils, pencil cases, notebooks and sticky notes to low-income families. The backpacks cater for children aged from 5 to 18 years old, with the contents being adapted according to age categories.

A Salvation Army representative told national media outlet Global News that registration places for the backpacks were filled within two days, and demand for the items was almost double that of the available supplies, despite the fact that it was giving out 500 more backpacks than last year.

WAR talk talk

WAR CRY

Star ‘grateful’ for faith upbringing

ACTOR David Tennant has revealed the impact that his parents’ faith has had on him.

In an interview on the Radio Times podcast, the Good Omens and Doctor Who star reflected on his experiences of being brought up in the Church of Scotland with a father as a minister.

‘My parents were Christians in the proper sense of the word,’ he said. He explained: ‘That was about values and that was about kindness, community, tolerance, understanding, about helping people out, about going the extra mile to be charitable … and just trying to walk a mile in another man’s shoes, as it were.

‘I mean that’s the version of Christianity that I got from them,’ he added. ‘I certainly think it’s a way of living and that’s something I’m forever grateful to them for.’

Playing Jesus changed actor’s interaction with fans

A HOLLYWOOD actor told The New Yorker how playing Jesus has affected his encounters with fans.

Jonathan Roumie, who plays Jesus in the TV series The Chosen, told the weekly magazine that fans often address him as Jesus.

‘Some people want a spiritual encounter, and that can be hard to live up to,’ he said. ‘I’m not Jesus.’

The actor, however, said that he does try to interact generously with fans because of his own Christian faith.

‘Jesus is the only character who I would hope to stay in character as all the time,’ he said.

The 49-year-old’s faith deepened in 2018 when, penniless after two decades of struggling in the industry, he ‘surrendered to God’ on his knees in his tiny apartment. A few months later, he received a call from Dallas Jenkins, the director and co-writer of The Chosen

Jonathan preaches to the crowds as Jesus in ‘The Chosen’

Little-known activist honoured by church

A PROMINENT but often forgotten black abolitionist has been honoured by a central London church 250 years after he was baptised there, BBC News reported. On the anniversary of Quobna Ottobah Cugoano’s baptism, St James’s Church Piccadilly commemorated his contribution to the campaign to abolish slavery by dedicating a plaque to him.

Cugoano’s 1787 book Thoughts and Sentiments on the Evil of Slavery describes how he was trafficked when he was 13 to work on a plantation in Grenada.

The BBC reported that he gained his freedom in 1772 and decided to be baptised at the London church a year later. His book, which was influenced by his Christian faith, is considered to be one of the most radical arguments of its era for the abolition of slavery.

COURTESY OF THE CHOSEN

Theatre company plays it safe

Feature by Sarah Olowofoyeku

IMOGEN has been sent on a mission into space by her mother. Armed with rules about how to keep safe, she takes off, but how will she fare? It’s the premise of Blast Off, a play to teach children about internet safety, produced by Christian theatre company Saltmine.

After pupils settle into the new school year, Saltmine will begin touring Blast Off round classrooms and assembly halls up and down the country as part of its education work.

‘We use the universe to represent the internet,’ says the play’s director Ben Kessell. ‘The young girl Imogen is tasked with her first space mission, to deliver urgent cargo to different planets. Her mum, one of the captains of the space station, has given her the space code – rules about how she can stay safe while she’s doing it.

‘It’s the first time she is off on her own with her robot assistant and there’s a spaceship computer to help her. We see her navigating the different challenges and excitements that she experiences in space, then we use that allegory to unpack online safety issues.’

After each performance, actors run a workshop for the children, helping them to process the themes of the play.

‘We’re all about preventative education

at Saltmine,’ Ben says, ‘and how we can use story and theatre to connect with children and teach them a really important thing.’

Tom Sherman, who wrote the play with primary school children in mind, says: ‘We want to portray that the internet is fun. Kids are going to go on the internet regardless of what you say, so the play is about directing their online experience to be healthy and positive. We say how to treat others online – for instance, how to be good friends and allies – as opposed to just talking about all the negatives and pushing children away from it.’

We’re all about preventative education

Ben explains further how they explore the space allegory.

‘There are four rules. Imogen should stay in the safe zone and not go into unguarded space – that’s about using safe websites and age-appropriate content and apps, which we unpack in the workshops.

‘She has a space badge with her ID number on it, which she shouldn’t share – that’s about protecting your identity, photos, school uniform and who you’re telling bits of information to.

‘Then there’s the idea of respecting other astronauts and being kind online. We want to show what children

As the new school year begins, director Ben Kessell and writer Tom Sherman talk about a drama production going on tour to teach young pupils about internet safety

can actively do that’s positive towards other people online – maybe standing up for a friend who might be being cyberbullied.

‘The last rule is about calling for help. If something is wrong, or if they are scared about something, kids can call an adult that they trust. They can talk to their parents and people at home about what they’re doing online, the things they’re loving and what they’re playing on, then, if something comes up that they are worried about, it’s easy to have that conversation.’

Sadly for Imogen, she doesn’t always adhere to the space rules. Ben describes how the protagonist goes to the unsafe planets and takes pictures that get sent across the galaxy, a theatrical device to help audiences learn from someone else’s mistakes.

Tom adds: ‘When you see someone going through that emotional journey, you connect with them and what’s happening so much more. You understand why you shouldn’t do something. With online stuff, it’s easy to let yourself think you wouldn’t fall into the trap, but when people see the play, it’s as if a switch goes in their brain. They think, “Oh, that can actually happen to me” and they know how to avoid it.’

Saltmine’s slogan, says Ben, is ‘faith-motivated arts’. He explains: ‘We’re following the example of Jesus. He was the ultimate storyteller. He

captured people with a story, but within that there was a message he wanted to communicate. He talked about things that people related to – sheep, trees, neighbours – and it’s the same for us.

‘We believe in the value of every human being and every child. That’s why preventative education is such a big part of what we do. We want to look after these young people, and to help them make better choices.’

Tom says: ‘We’re always seeking God’s heart on an issue. God loves people so much, and we want to love them in the same way. We want to protect children just as God wants to protect children.

‘I’m sure if Jesus was around when the internet was invented, he’d have so many parables about looking after yourselves. So that’s the drive behind what we do and what we see as our mission.’

l For more information visit saltminetrust.org.uk

Ben Kessell

Tom Sherman

LLAMA-RAMA

A trekking centre in North Yorkshire offers animal therapy to all

Feature by Emily Bright

THE names Naughty Nev, Dennis the Menace and Colossal Colin may evoke images of a gang of local lads with a penchant for finding trouble. But Dennis is an affable alpaca and Neville and Colin are both lovely llamas who live at a trekking centre in Nidderdale, North Yorkshire.

Nidderdale Llamas offers people of various ages treks and animal-based experiences, as centre owner Suzanne Benson explains when we meet at the centre on a blustery and overcast day in August.

‘The experiences for teenagers and adults are quite popular,’ she says. ‘They get to interact with the animals in the shed and go on a 40-minute walk without hills or strenuous walking.

‘The junior experience goes down well. The children come with their families. You get inquisitive children asking lots of questions and some shy ones who develop in confidence.

‘We’ve also developed an experience for seniors and those with disabilities. It lasts an hour, and people can go for a little walk or we’ve got some animals that will walk well with a wheelchair on the flat. It gives those people the opportunity to meet the llamas, learn about them, interact, take photos and get out into the countryside.’

We match people with the animals

In addition to its animal experiences, Nidderdale Llamas offers a range of lengthier treks: a scenic route around the farm, half-day hikes and a full day trip that covers up to eight miles. When I arrived at the centre, which is set in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, I had been struck by the panoramic views of countryside, fields and woodland, so I can see why the treks are popular.

Before any experience or trek, the staff match visitors with the right alpaca or llama. Most treks feature llamas rather than alpacas, who don’t appreciate being stroked as much as their camelid cousins and are slightly more feisty, making them harder to handle.

‘We always start with an introduction and “speed dating” to match people with the animals,’ says Suzanne. ‘Within that introduction, we’re assessing people in terms of body language, confidence levels, tone of voice, sometimes even height and what they’re wearing. The team will generally know within 15 minutes of meeting the group who will be matched to which animal. We match people so that they get the best experience and so the animal is the most relaxed it can be.’

She rattles off some of the different llama personalities to illustrate her point. Colossal Colin is ‘really cheeky’ and aims to get the better of the tough and confident men with which he is normally paired. Dobby – who

Suzanne with one of her llamas, Rosebud

appeared on Channel 5 documentary series

The Yorkshire Vet when he was critically ill as a youngster – will ‘talk’ to visitors all the way round and loves cuddles. Meanwhile ‘snooty’ Trevor won’t tolerate being shared between two people and only likes people to walk on his left.

Suzanne explains that these expressive and characterful llamas elicit a lot of laughter.

‘They pull faces and can be hilarious. You get some people who are in hysterics the whole way round, and it gives them that release.’

The animals also add levity to special events for which they can be hired out, such as weddings and Nativity plays.

The idea for the centre came about through a chance encounter with an animal. Back in 2002,

Turn to page 10 f

From page 9

Suzanne and her husband, James, bought the 25-acre farm to graze their 400 sheep. A year later, they attended a horse sale to purchase ponies, but they returned home with an unexpected extra.

Suzanne recalls: ‘A llama walked in the ring, and we said: “Why not?”’

They took Larry home, which sparked Suzanne’s interest in the species. She bought a breeding pair, and then, as she researched the subject, she stumbled across the concept of llama trekking.

At that time, Suzanne was working full-time as a housing manager, caring for her husband during a period of ill health and raising three sons, and she hoped such a venture would enable her to work from home. She visited llama trekking centres in Scarborough, Dorset and Northampton to find out more, before buying trained trekking llamas and an alpaca in March 2008.

As Suzanne investigated trekking routes and sorted out the logistics of the business with help from family and friends, the venture began to take shape.

‘We thought about how I might go part-time, and we planned to start with the llamas in April 2009. But that March, I was called into the director’s office where I worked and was told I was facing redundancy. Half of me sank, thinking, “I’m losing this income” and half of me

was excited, thinking, “Is this kick exactly what I need?”’

As a Christian, Suzanne decided to take a leap of faith and go straight into the business full-time.

‘Something – which must have been God – told me: “Go for it.” And I took the plunge.

‘It was scary, because we had to cut back financially on so much. Initially, Nidderdale Llamas was not busy at all, and we got a lot of negativity, especially from farmers.’

As more visitors came, word spread and the business built momentum.

Suzanne and James invested in more llamas and employed a part-time staff member, but the money still wasn’t rolling in.

‘The accountant kept saying: “Is this a good idea?” she recalls. ‘But I had this passion inside me.’

Suzanne believes that God has helped her through her tough times, and a breakthrough came for the centre when Suzanne was referred to Skeldale Veterinary Centre in Thirsk, whose staff feature in The Yorkshire Vet

‘One of the vets paid us a visit to see if he could take us on as a client,’ she says. ‘We had a couple of animals who were poorly, and he solved the issues straightaway. Of course, the cameras came

with him. It started to really boost us.’

The centre is now home to 97 animals, 12 are alpacas and the rest are llamas.

During our interview, visitors emerge from the large shed opposite our picnic table, leading out Dobby and Bolly, two of the centre’s llamas. One of their pals, Trevor, trots up to the wooden fence, looking miffed that they’re going out on a trek without him.

‘Are you jealous, Trev, that you’re not going out?’ laughs Suzanne. ‘We did take you out on a trek yesterday.’

She turns to me. ‘We have a trek going out for a mile and a half. The visitors will get introduced to the herd down there as well. They’ll also enjoy tea and cakes when they arrive back.’

As the llamas and their humans start their trek, Suzanne explains that Bolly is one of their therapy animals. Nidderdale Llamas offers private therapy sessions, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. These cater for people with a variety of issues, such as learning and physical disabilities, bereavement, dementia and stress. The organisation works with a couple of schools, and charities such as Dementia Forward and Carers Resource.

The llama therapy is already having an effect on the community.

‘The visits we’ve done have been so positive,’ she says. ‘We’ve been to the back gardens of dementia homes where residents spent loads of time stroking and interacting, because it was such a highlight of their day.’

For Suzanne, the work carried out at the centre is a vocation. ‘I think God plans things for people,’ she says. ‘I feel he has put me in a position to help people.’

Last year, Nidderdale Llamas received

The accountant said: ‘Is this a good idea?’

funding to host educational and therapy serssions.

‘The funding of visits has come at the right time, and again I look to God,’ Suzanne reflects. ‘I think: “You’ve made this happen.”

‘It is not just about the finances. We want to help people. But God knows that without the finances, we can’t exist.’

I wonder why these furry herbivores lend themselves to a therapeutic experience.

‘Llamas somehow relate in a different way, whether it is the way they look at you, the fact that they’re at your head height or that you can put your arm round them,’ Suzanne explains. ‘There is an extra special connection with them. And, although they’re big animals, they’re not intimidating. They can be very affectionate with people.’

She shares a couple of examples to illustrate the impact that her four-legged friends can have on visitors.

‘We had one llama, Chester, who was amazing. I used to think that God placed him here for this job, because he was so connected with people. A teenage girl who used to visit twice a year had physical and mental issues, and she had a real connection with him.

‘Every time she came, he knew her straightaway. She used to have to be supported with walking, but as soon as she took hold of Chester, she didn’t need to be. It brought a tear to my eye, and her mum couldn’t believe it.

‘One lady in her 30s who comes has got learning difficulties and doesn’t really communicate. But she is very attached to

one of our alpacas. Her grandma said that she’d spoken for the first time in a year when she came here for the alpaca.’

Running the business during often exhausting days, Suzanne draws on her faith to keep her going.

‘Sometimes I can turn to God in the hard times and wonder: “Why?” And sometimes there is no reason why, but he has made me so strong over the years.

‘God gives guidance and is a comforter. I believe he plans things out for people. And I think if you take his guidance and believe in him, even though you go through bad times, he is there to help you through.’

Suzanne introduces me to some of the alpacas and llamas in the shed –Lenny, Little Dec, Xavier and Tyson. She opens the metal gate, and one by one, gently leads them out. They trot behind her obediently.

When I meet Little Dec, he strikes a pose for my camera as he stands beside his owner. As I’m introduced to Xavier, he perks his ears back, as if to bask in the limelight. Meanwhile, Lenny pokes his

head through the metal bars behind me, inquisitive as to what I’m up to. I’m struck by their characterful interactions and comical expressions. As I reluctantly leave the shed and Nidderdale Llamas behind, I see why Suzanne and James fell in love with llamas all those years ago – and why the couple and their creatures are able to help so many people.

Tyson and Suzanne

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

jBecoming 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

a thou

Now, ther NO W, THERE’S A THOUGHT!

by Jim Burns

Is there reality in celebrity shows?

LOOKING at the lists of names on the line-ups of upcoming editions of celebrity TV shows – be they for baking, cooking, dancing or ice skating – I often can’t recognise them. And that got me thinking: What makes someone a celebrity?

Nowadays a number of people are famous for … well, for being famous. Many of them have become known to the public by taking part in reality TV programmes. But I’ve often wondered what’s real about being holed up in a home under 24/7 scrutiny or finding love while sharing a villa with a group of strangers. Time was when ‘famous’ meant a sports star, actor or singer –someone who had excelled in their field.

Going back even further, I think of a celebrity who hadn’t won any sporting events, starred in any films or posted on any social media platforms. Yet he was certainly a celebrity around the places where he lived.

He wasn’t universally liked, but he was a man of the people. He challenged the hypocrisy of those in power who were supposed to set an example. He met ordinary people where they were – be they happy, sad, grieving or buckling under ill health, physical or mental – and gave them encouragement and hope for the future. He demonstrated what God was like.

Some 2,000 years later, millions of people throughout the world are doing their best to live according to the teaching that Jesus passed on. They have accepted his offer of ‘real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of’ (John 10:10 The Message).

It’s a life we can all have. Whether we spend our time dancing in front of cameras for television programmes or at home in front of the TV, we all want our lives to have some sort of meaning or purpose.

The ‘real life’ offered by Jesus brings fulfilment, regardless of our accomplishments or lack of them. It assures us that God loves us and sees us as important even if we don’t have our name in lights.

We want our lives to have meaning

QUICK QUIZ

1 2 3 4 5 6

Decisions, decisions

Viewers choose outcome

Ichthyology is the study of what?

By what name is the fictional high school student Peter Parker better known?

In which year was Elton John born?

Which two countries hosted last month’s Fifa Women’s World Cup?

Who wrote the novel The Color Purple?

In Greek mythology, who is the god of the sea?

SHE has it all. A good job, a wonderful boyfriend and a comfortable life which is all heading towards marriage and kids. But should she push for something else? That’s a question only viewers can answer, because Choose Love – out this week on Netflix – is an interactive romantic comedy.

Cami Conway (Laura Marano) knows that her work as a recording engineer is a good job, but she can’t stop thinking about her (longabandoned) singing career and what might have been. She also questions her long-term relationship with Paul (Scott Michael Foster), wondering whether he truly is the love of her life. Could it be that rock star Rex (Avan Jogia) is a better match for her? Or should she pursue Jack (Jordi Webber), her first love, who’s back in town?

Choices come with consequences

Step in, viewers. As Cami faces choices, so viewers at home have the power to decide what action she should take. They can choose whether she kisses Jack, sticks with Paul or tells Rex what she really thinks of his music. Whatever option the audience pick on their screens will affect how the rest of the story unfolds for them. Cue decision time!

Though interactive dramas may still be an unusual genre, the underlying concept will probably be familiar to audiences, whether they are rom-com fans or not: choices come with consequences. In our own lives, we know that we can act unkindly or we can live in a way that demonstrates love for others.

We also face a choice on how we approach our route through life –making our decisions alone or with the support of one who promises to be with us, however our days pan out. The consequences of putting our trust in God include finding forgiveness for the mistakes we make and receiving guidance for the future. One Bible passage points out that God is a worthy choice because ‘his faithful love lasts for ever’ (Psalm 136:1 The Voice).

Whatever our backstory, the impact of God’s presence in our life can lead us to become people we never imagined. That’s why following him is – undoubtedly – the best option open to us.

Cami is tempted by her first love, Jack

NETFLIX

1. Fish. 2. Spider-Man. 3. 1947.

4. Australia and New Zealand.

5. Alice Walker. 6. Poseidon.

Film preview by Claire Brine

22. Catchphrase (6)

WLook up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these cakes

S S R O L L N L X Q U J V

W M Y R T E J T T R F A L N Z K Q W

R X A C H O C O L A T E F U D G E H

V E L Z Z I R D N O M E L V N F T G

U K M B V Z Q R Y C K F U L D G Q A

B I H G P O W I A B M F R H J F R H

P X L Q X R P J Z C A O K P M Y W Y

Y J G H U W D C X P T C E B A I G N

BATTENBERG

CARROT

CHOCOLATE

FUDGE

COFFEE AND WALNUT

LEMON DRIZZLE

MADEIRA

MALT LOAF

PARKIN

POUND

RED VELVET

SWISS ROLL

VICTORIA SPONGE

SERVES 8

Chocolate banana bread

INGREDIENTS

4 large ripe bananas

80g butter, melted and slightly cooled

150g brown sugar

½ tsp salt

1 large egg, beaten 1tsp vanilla extract

165g plain flour

30g cocoa powder

1tsp bicarbonate of soda

¼ tsp ground cinnamon

SERVES 6

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Grease and line the base and sides of a 23cm x 13cm loaf tin with baking paper. Peel and roughly chop 3 bananas, then mash them in a bowl.

Add the melted butter, sugar and salt. Stir or whisk well to combine. Stir in the beaten egg and vanilla extract.

In a separate mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, bicarbonate of soda and cinnamon. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture to make a rough batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared tin, peel and halve the remaining banana, arranging the halves on top of the batter. Bake for 1 hour, until the loaf is risen and dry to the touch. When ready, a skewer inserted into the centre should come out clean. Transfer the tin to a wire rack and let the bread cool in the tin for 10 minutes before turning out on the rack to finish cooling. Slice and serve.

Courgette and ham lasagne

INGREDIENTS

2tbsp olive oil, plus extra for greasing

500g fresh lasagne sheets

4 large courgettes, thinly sliced

450g cooked ham, cut into strips

475g mozzarella, drained and sliced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/Gas Mark 5. Grease a rectangular baking dish with olive oil.

Place a layer of lasagne sheets in the baking dish, cover with a layer of courgette, ham and mozzarella, then continue building up the layers, finishing with a layer of courgette, ham and mozzarella on top.

Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the mozzarella is melted and the pasta and courgette are cooked through.

Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Luke 6:45 (The Voice)