What is The Salvation Army?
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 7639
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
WHEN father and family man Rich Wilson says ‘there is something very wrong with a child dying’, there will be few people, if any, who disagree with him. And yet Rich lost a son and a daughter to two different health issues.
In this week’s War Cry, Rich tells us his story. But, while it is one of heartbreak, it demonstrates how support given to people who are suffering makes a difference to them.
‘When I did experience comfort, it was through church and through friendships,’ says Rich. ‘We mustn’t underestimate how much comfort we can bring to others when we choose to enter into their brokenness and pain.’
When people are going through hard times – whether because of bereavement, sickness or challenges in a relationship – it is good if they can receive support from others.
This week the new football season kicks off in the EFL. While footballers may live a life very different from their supporters, in this week’s issue Leyton Orient footballer Omar Beckles reminds us that they are ‘just human beings’.
‘We have families, we go through bereavements, we suffer setbacks, just like everyone else,’ he says. ‘We have to deal with these things and yet still have to operate in a very competitive environment.’
Omar is the chair of the Professional Footballers’ Association, a union that supports players in and out of the game. In his interview Omar explains the way the association works.
He also talks about the support he found from his church when he suffered a family bereavement.
‘The love that came from God was one thing, and there was also the love shown to me by the community of believers,’ he says.
Both Omar and Rich found the support of other believers to be vital as they faced tough situations. That’s why, when it is possible, belonging to a church community can benefit us all.