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 7648
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
THERE are new journeys being made on BBC2. The nature documentary Big Little Journeys trails six tiny young creatures as they make their way in what is sometimes a scary and hazardous world.
As we report in this week’s War Cry, the first episode, which will air on Sunday (8 October), covers the experiences of a bushbaby and a turtle who are leaving the comfort and safety of their parents’ protection to start their lives in the world.
Meanwhile, this is the time of year when many teenage humans are experiencing a new life as they leave home to become university students. It is a time of change.
Thankfully there are groups and organisations in place to offer them guidance and support. One such group is Fusion, a Christian organisation that supports those at university and brings hope to campuses.
This week we speak with one of its leaders, Rich Wilson, who believes that the best way to bring hope is through introducing the students to the Christian faith – something he has found they are open to hearing about. ‘Fusion has carried out a survey that showed 74 per cent of students would come to church if invited by a friend,’ he says. ‘There’s a hunger and openness out there.’
He also notes: ‘The challenge for the churches is to give students spiritual bread, because we have got something we know is good and is healthy and will bring life.’
The good news of the positive difference that following Jesus can have on a person’s life is not only for younger people or academics. Jesus’ offer of a better and everlasting life is available to everyone, regardless of their age or ability.
Deciding to follow Jesus can be the beginning of a new journey that will change our lives for ever.