WAR CRY 10 September 202250p MotoFest Coventry gets in gear Elf-portrait Galadriel aims to rescue Middle-earth in Tolkien-inspired TV series ‘It was an honour to be a high sheriff’
However, the sheriffs of today are definitely not the villains portrayed in legend. They are individuals appointed for a 12-month period, and their principal role is to support and encourage crime prevention agencies, the emergency services and the voluntary sector – especially groups who work towards social cohesion or help those most in need.
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. 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
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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.
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Whenyou’veread the WarCry,whynotITPASSONf Front-page picture: BEN ROTHSTEIN/PRIME VIDEO 156Your local Salvation Army centre FEATURES 3 Ring of truth There are lessons to be learnt in new Lord of the Rings series 5 A new chapter The Thursday Murder Club have another mystery to solve 6 ‘I considered it an honour’ The work of a high sheriff revealed 9 Drive behind the festival Interview with MotoFest organiser REGULARS 4 War Cry World 12 Team Talk 13 Keys of the Kingdom 14 Puzzles 15 War Cry Kitchen CONTENTS 9
Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Mal Davies Issue No 7593 The The Salvation Army United Kingdom Ireland Territory ISSN 0043-0226 Army Trust is a charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. CKN Print, Northampton, on
In this week’s War Cry, we talk with Lionel Wallace, who has recently completed his year serving as the high sheriff of Hertfordshire. In the interview, Lionel explains that he wanted to encourage more young people to engage with the justice system and so launched a magistrate intern programme. ‘Defendants are the complete inverse age to the people they see on the bench,’ he tells us. ‘Young people haven’t really been encouraged to be magistrates. We would see a different society among the youth if their peers told them that their behaviour was unacceptable.’
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Lionel’s passion to see society and the individuals within it transformed comes from his Christian faith. He tells us: ‘Through Jesus, God gives people an opportunity to change.’ Lionel is right. Whoever a person is, or whatever they have done, God wants to give them the opportunity to change their lives by following his guidance. And, because God loves everyone, the changes he encourages us to make are ones that will help us live our lives to the full and with purpose.
THOSE familiar with the legend of Robin Hood will know that the archenemy of the hero in green is the Sheriff of Nottingham. While Robin is busy stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, the sheriff is in his castle looking to line his own pockets. While the exact origins and accuracy of this folklore tale of good versus evil are still a matter of debate, what is known is that the position of sheriff really did exist – and still does today. In the 21st century, there are 55 high sheriffs in the counties of England and Wales.
What is The Salvation Army?
DARTING through golden grass, elf children played in paradise in the opening scenes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, which has started on Amazon Prime Video. Inspired by JRR Tolkien’s writings, the new show tells the story of the adventures, quests and battles predating the opening of his Lord of the Rings trilogy. Among the elves at play was Galadriel, who floated her carefully crafted fabric boat downriver. However, the other elves threw rocks at it and the boat sank. Enraged, she sought out her brother for advice. He told her that, while the rocks always sink because they are drawn towards the darkness, the sailboat resists and rises towards the light. She was challenged with a choice of which one to become.
Before long, war broke out in Middleearth as the elves decided to resist the forces of darkness. Their enemy was Morgoth, an inherently evil being, and his servant sorcerer Sauron. When her brother was killed by Sauron, the now-grownup Galadriel (Morfydd Clark) determined to avenge his death and became a soldier. Several centuries later, after climbing the sheer icy cliffs of Forodwaith, Galadriel found a tantalising clue that Sauron was summoning monsters called orcs. But the soldiers under her command raised mutiny at her extreme pursuit of the sorcerer, and Galadriel was forced to return home without answers.
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At the heart of Tolkien’s writings, and the films and TV series they inspire, is the theme of the forces of light overcoming darkness. Whether in fantasy or in real life, warring between good and evil is something that most people can relate to. Sometimes the darkness may seem insurmountable – for example, if we’re trying to deal with our own wrongdoing or the suffering that others have caused us. But there is always hope. In the Bible, one writer explains that, because of God, ‘the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it’ (John 1:5 New International Version). He tells the story of how God’s Son, Jesus, came into the world and rescued us from our darker experiences to restore our relationship with God for ever.
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Having received a hero’s welcome, she set sail for the Blessed Realm, an elf paradise. But a vision that warned her of an impending threat to the elf kingdom prompted her to dive into the sea to head home. Galadriel fought to survive at sea and return to rescue her fellow elves from danger.Meanwhile in the human settlement of the Southlands, danger came to humankind when a boy called Theo (Tyroe Muhafidin) played with a knife bearing the markings of Sauron.
If we believe in him, we can receive his love and strength to face our daily battles. That’s a story truly worth telling.
There are more stories to tell about the characters of Middle-earth TV feature by Emily Bright Galadriel fought to survive at sea Good elf Galadriel clings to a raft at sea
Elf soldier Galadriel seeks to avenge her brother’s death
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FORMER Big Brother contestant Glyn Wise is to run next month’s London Marathon to raise funds for The Salvation Army.
THE Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, has said that church buildings provide ‘a space of memories, of connection with the past and of hope for the Writingfuture’.inThe Times, the archbishop said: ‘For me, the heart of church buildings is the important part they play in our worshipping lives; we gather as God’s people to worship daily in some places, weekly in others. However, the impact of the church building extends far beyond the gathering of the faithful.’ He explained: ‘In many places, the church hall hosts community play groups, exercise classes, youth groups, a food bank and other help for local people, making it a bustling hub of activity. ‘These activities show the many and varied ways in which the church building is central to the vitality of the community and why so many people who are not part of the worshipping community feel passionate about church buildings.’ He continued: ‘Just as the steeples rise into the city skyline, so hope should rise from the message of the church, a place of safety, a sanctuary, a gathering place, a community hub.’ Church offers hope, says archbishop
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Marathon effort for Big Brother star
‘My advice for getting through the tough miles or if you hit the wall is to make sure you drink plenty of water or fluids. Do your stretching –and a tip is to keep a few sugar cubes in your pocket to help you when you need that sugar rush to keep your energy going. I also find that it helps the mind because sometimes you’ll have those voices in your head saying “I want to give up”, but the sugar rush helps keep you going.’ He said the marathon was ‘a really good way of raising money for charity’.
GUINEA has become the 133rd country in which The Salvation Army is officially at work. The church and charity began exploring the potential of developing its outreach to the west African nation in 2018. It now has one main church and five outreach centres in the predominantly Muslim country, where only 10 per cent of the population identify themselves as Christians.Speaking about the establishment of the work in Guinea, the international leader of The Salvation Army, General Brian Peddle, said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Guinea into the worldwide Salvation Army fellowship. Africa is a wonderful example of God’s presence. It is fantastic to see God answer prayers made in faith so many years ago in creating this opportunity. God bless The Salvation Army in Guinea.’
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The 34-year-old, who appeared in the Channel 4 programme in 2006 and is now training for the priesthood, has joined an athletics team to help him prepare for the run. ‘I run with a mixture of people,’ he said. ‘Some are Christians and some are not, but they always ask me to pray before our meals when we socialise after going out for a run. I enjoy teaching people about the Bible and about Christianity, and I’ve noticed that more of the people I run with are taking more of an interest.
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OsmanRichardAuthor SCIENTIST/ALAMYCHEESEtWwxcx Bibles bring Ukraine ‘light in the darkness’ 10 September 2022 • WAR CRY • 5
ROUBLE is never far away for the Thursday Murder Club. The investigative pensioners from Cooper’s Chase retirement village are back, looking into old police files, finding fresh clues and tackling unsolved crime in Richard Osman’s third novel, The Bullet That Missed, published by Viking next Thursday (15 September).
salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry Brine
In the gang’s latest case, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are trying to get to the bottom of what happened 10 years ago to a young woman named Bethany Waites. What they know so far is that Bethany was a successful reporter investigating a massive story of VAT fraud. Late one night she left her apartment and was spotted on CCTV with an unidentified passenger in her car. The next day her vehicle was found at the bottom of Shakespeare Cliff, completely wrecked and containing her blood and clothes. The police called it murder, though no one was caught and her body neverThefound.Thursday Murder Club ponder some key questions. When Bethany left her apartment on the night she disappeared, was she going to confront someone? Why did the short journey to Shakespeare Cliff take four hours? Who was the passenger in her car?
Although finding out what happened to Bethany is no easy feat, the pensioners are committed to uncovering the truth. While readers are likely to enjoy trying to solve the mystery alongside the members of the Thursday Murder Club, many of us will have more serious times when we look at the life in front of us and feel clueless. We may be searching for answers to our big questions, but not know who to ask or where to look. The Bible is a good place to start. It tells the true story of a God who loves us, forgives us and wants us to turn to him with our troubles. He promises that, in every confusing circumstance, ‘you will … find me when you seek me with all your heart’ (Jeremiah 29:13 New International Version). In cases when life is messy, overwhelming and difficult to understand, God is by our side every day of the week, waiting to reveal his love that lasts a lifetime and beyond.
THOUSANDS of Bibles and other Scripture-based books have been distributed in war-torn Ukraine since the Russian invasion more than six monthsProvidedago.by the British and Foreign Bible Society, and distributed by the Ukrainian Bible Society, the literature includes 34,000 Ukrainian compact Bibles, 57,000 Ukrainelanguage copies of Beyond Disaster, a booklet enabling people to look at trauma in the light of the Bible, 7,000 New Testaments and 20,000 children’sAnatoliyBibles.Raychynets, deputy general secretary of the Ukrainian Bible Society, revealed that Bibles have been in increasing demand since the conflict broke out. ‘I have personally delivered several thousands of Bibles,’ he said. ‘It is light in the darkness.’ Among those to receive Bibles were Andriy and Yana. The couple have had to flee conflict twice, first from their home in the Donetsk region in 2014 and this year from their new home in Mariupol, when it came under sustained Russian attack. They came to faith under fire in Mariupol as they queued for food outside a shop. Russian bombs fell close to where they were. ‘Faith started at that point, when God spared all of us,’ said Andriy. ‘We try to get busy with work and studying the Bible. So, everything that happened to us before, it slowly departs. And the wound in your soul becomes smaller because – and this is how we understand the Bible – we don’t focus on losing our home, we focus on retaining our lives.’ As well as Bibles, since February the Bible Society of Ukraine has been delivering bread and first aid.
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B On the case The Thursday Murder Club are back solving crime Feature by Claire
Interview by Emily Bright SAY the word ‘sheriff’, and you might think of hardy law-enforcers in westerns or Robin Hood’s nemesis. But when I meet Lionel Wallace, the former high sheriff of Hertfordshire, he couldn’t be more different. He’s affable, enthusiastic and earnest in his drive to help young people in the county.
LIONEL WALLACE, the former high sheriff of Hertfordshire, explains how he used his appointment to champion young people
The role of high sheriff has been woven into the fabric of British social history for hundreds of years, as Lionel explains.
The sheriff ’s in the sovereign’s representative, they looked after taxation, law and order, justice and policing.’Thereare currently 55 high sheriffs across England and Wales, who serve their respective counties with their time, resources and title for 12 months. Lionel was appointed on 10 March 2021. The two official duties of a high sheriff are to announce the results of MP elections and, if the sovereign dies, to declare who succeeds them. Beyond those duties, high sheriffs can decide the causes that they’d like to invest in during the year, typically supporting Lionel meets young people from a One YMCA group in Hertfordshire to talk about volunteering as magistrates
‘It’s the longest sovereign-direct appointment in the history of Great Britain,’ he says. ‘The sheriff was noted in certain documentation up to 1,200 years ago. As
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‘I considered it an honour being asked,’ he says. ‘The opportunity to be selected by the Queen to be one of 55 high sheriffs from millions of people isn’t something that passes your door every day.’ But Lionel’s primary motivation was to ‘do some good for people and use it as a platform’, which he has continued to do since his appointment ended. Lionel’s work ethic and sense of civic duty came from his upbringing. ‘I grew up in a large family, and my parents were migrants to the country in the 1950s. They were extremely hardworking. ‘There were also other people who, through school or other activities, made differences to the choices I made. As a result, I’m a great believer that society can impact young people for good.
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We ought to invest in our young people more
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Turn to page 8 f law-enforcement, emergency services, community groups and the voluntary sector. In his year, Lionel prioritised youth initiatives.‘Ilooked at opportunities for young people to increase their employability and sense of citizenship,’ he says. ‘I’ve also focused on youth engagement with the magistracy. Not many people know you can become a magistrate without any legal qualification from the age of 18.’ Lionel, a full-time aviation engineer who also pastors a church, agreed to be nominated for the appointment after a seemingly innocuous invitation to coffee from the high sheriff at the time, who suggested that Lionel should give it a go.
‘As high sheriff, I wanted to demonstrate that we ought to invest in our young people more and give them much greater roles as citizens. Lots of them have got great ideas, capabilities and creativity, and I think they should be encouraged.’ For example, says Lionel, young people should be encouraged to become magistrates. He points out that, while a
Alongside his role as high sheriff, Lionel juggled a full-time job as an aviation engineer. His passion for aviation was first sparked when he was 14 years old, staring out the window during a French lesson at school.
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‘Defendants are the complete inverse age to the people they see on the bench,’ he says. ‘Young people haven’t really been encouraged to be magistrates. We would see a different society among the youth if their peers told them that their behaviour was unacceptable. It’s a much stronger message coming from their peers.’
‘At the time, there was an aircraft company in Hatfield,’ he recalls, ‘and an aircraft flew low across our school field. I thought to myself: “Now, that’s what I want to do. I want to be a pilot flying like that.”
From page 7 significant percentage of defendants are aged between 18 and 24, that age group make up only 1 per cent of magistrates.
I look back on my time as high sheriff, I can see God’s hand working in what I was able to achieve, the people I met and the things that might happen in the future.’
‘I started making applications and tried to become a professional pilot, but that didn’t happen. Instead, I applied for an apprenticeship with the aircraft company in Hatfield. I started off as a craft apprentice, learning how to build aircraft and learning skills such as woodwork and metalwork.‘Sincethen, most of my working life has been spent on what we call airworthiness, where I make sure the design of the aircraft matches the regulatory requirements that enable it to carry passengers and operate safely.’ He later gained his pilot’s licence in the United States and flew private planes at an airfield in Hatfield. Whether he’s in the air or grounded in the realities of improving life in his community, Lionel’s faith consistently runs throughout all he does, providing reassurance when he needs it the most. ‘There are many passages in the Bible that speak to me at different points in my journey and have been an immense support,’ he reflects. ‘One that particularly sticks out is Philippians 4:13, which says: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” I trust in God, and I try to listen to him on what to do and how to do‘Whenit.
To boost recruitment, Lionel has launched a magistrate intern programme, which takes young people from the age of 16, teaches them about how the justice system works and enables them to make an informed decision on whether or not to become a magistrate when they turn 18. His work to support the criminal justice system and empower young people to serve as magistrates is motivated by his Christian faith. He says: ‘If you read the Old Testament and the New Testament, there’s a concept of God and the justice that he seeks, one that is not self-seeking but is Throughserving.’the lens of his faith, Lionel also sees the role of justice as not purely punitive, but restorative too. ‘There’s the example of justice in the New Testament about the lady that Jesus Lionel at a justice service, held in St Albans Cathedral, which gave thanks for those who administer law and order, prevent offending and protect people
met who was caught in adultery and broke religious law, and who was condemned to be stoned by all the people around her. ‘However, Jesus took the view that it would be better for her to receive mercy and to have a chance not to do it again than for her to be killed. The people were choosing to have her killed according to their interpretation of the Law, but they were wrong in the heart of what God wanted.‘Through Jesus, God gives people an opportunity to change. Sometimes that opportunity involves orders that constrain their liberty. I don’t think that putting people into prison is an unjust act in itself. It may be what some people need to change. It may be that, when you put them into prison and they receive some level of restorative justice or education, it’s doing them good.’
God gives people an opportunity to change
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of Jubilee Church Coventry instead.
‘Meanwhile, the people that I’d met in MotoFest Coventry festival director JAMES NOBLE explains why he created a city-wide weekend celebration of cars and motorbikes
September
James explains: ‘They basically said, “We have a problem. We know that Coventry has a bright future as a city, but the people who live here haven’t got any hope for it.”
Interview by Emily Bright
‘To leave a job I loved doing was the hardest decision I ever had to make,’ he says. ‘But Volkswagen, who I was working for at the time, made it easier for me. They said: “Why don’t you go and try it? We’ll hold your job for the next year or so.” And they gave me a laptop to write my sermons on as a leaving present.’ As James settled into his job as a pastor, Coventry City Council gathered a group of community and business leaders in a bid to revitalise the area.
James Noble
‘T HE first word I learnt to say was the name of a Ford car –Cortina,’ laughs James Noble, festival director of MotoFest Coventry, a weekend celebration of the automotive industry, which starts today (Saturday 10 September). ‘That probably tells you all you need to know.
‘I have a mechanical bent and was taking bicycles apart when I was eight years old. As soon as I could, I persuaded my parents to let me buy an old car to fiddle with.’ So, it’s perhaps unsurprising to hear that James embarked on a career in the automotive industry. ‘I moved to do my master’s in automotive design at Coventry University 22 years ago and fell in love with the city,’ he says. Then, in 2011, his life took an unexpected turn. He decided to leave the automotive industry and become a pastor Turn to page 10 f 10 2022
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‘I knew from my work in the car industry that the city had global influence. It didn’t matter where I went in the world, I could walk into a manufacturing facility or design facility and would meet somebody either from Coventry or trained in Coventry.
A classic car display in front of Coventry Cathedral
Elsewhere at the festival, modern cars, motorbikes and sleek supercars are on display. The West Midlands Fire Service will be conducting car-cutting demonstrations and hosting virtual reality experiences. Live music performances provide the soundtrack to the weekend. MotoFest is also gearing up for a cycling expo, which includes e-bikes, a riding skills course and a bicycle health check station. And on Saturday evening, people can cycle round the festival’s twomile sprint circuit on the ring road. The festival is about the future of the industry too, with a focus on advanced automotive technology, electric cars and alternatively fuelled vehicles. ‘We expect to see lots of future technology at the event,’ says James. ‘We’re looking From page 9 We expect to see lots of future technology
10 • WAR CRY • 10 September 2022 WHITEMICHAEL the city knew that it had had a great manufacturing heritage for the automotive and other related industries, but they felt that was all finished. However, I knew the story was different. It was still a world centre for research and development. ‘I said to the group: “What if we could put an event on that tells that story, that meets the past and the future and gives people in Coventry back some belief in the city’s future?” The group said: “Go and make it happen.” ‘My church supported the idea and released some of my time to make it happen, as it was about making a difference to people’s social wellbeing, MotoFest seemed to tie in with a Bible passage, Jeremiah 29, that talks about blessing the city that you’re in for the good of the city and for the good of you.’ The concept of MotoFest Coventry was born, and the first event took place in 2014.‘Wedecided the event must be in the city centre, have live motorsports and link the past with the future,’ continues James. ‘So, through various displays around the city, we showcase vehicles that Coventry has made over the past 100-plus years. What’s wonderful is that people who used to be in the factories making those cars come up to the owners and tell the stories of how they welded the bodyshell together or put in the carpets or upholstered the seats. It’s lovely to see those interactions.’
Among the attractions is a concours d’elegance. Situated in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral, it showcases classic and vintage vehicles. This year’s display theme is the Queen’s heritage.Coventry’spasthighlightingJubilee,the70yearsofmotoring
towards a more sustainable way for people to move around and at how to make sure people don’t experience transport poverty. ‘As people move to electric cars, there won’t necessarily be the trickle down of older vehicles, because electric cars don’t last as long as petrol cars. For poorer families, it won’t be as easy for them to access the vehicles, so we need to think about how else they get around. We’re working with the city council now on cheaper transport policy, and it’s encouraging to have an influence on all of MotoFestthat.’is conscious of its carbon emissions, so has partnered with Chrome Carbon, a reforestation and carbon reduction programme, to ensure that the festival offsets the environmental impact of the Jamesweekend.hasafeeling that Coventry MotoFest is becoming a driving force in the city. In 2019, 229,000 people attended the event over the two days. ‘Coventry appears to love it,’ he says. ‘But it also resonates with people wider than that. We drew a national audience from the very first year. And that’s been great for Coventry. We were part of the bid for Coventry winning the UK City of Culture, and we’ve seen the city transformed. It’s clear that Coventry does have an industrial future now. I think people who live here believe that. ‘Coventry University calculated in 2019 that the uplift to the local economy was £10.7 million over the weekend.’
James says that the event has had a significant social impact too, drawing the city‘Wetogether.seealarge number of families, which is great, and not necessarily people you would class as being petrolheads. Ultimately, transport is about bringing people together and connecting different communities.’Jamessees the creativity on show at MotoFest Coventry as mirroring his Christian beliefs. ‘The car has been described as the cathedral of the 20th century. It’s one of the most complex pieces of design you can imagine. It has aesthetic beauty and incredible functional engineering, and feels like the ultimate expression of human creativity. And the author of that creativity is the God who I worship. ‘If you believe in a God, you have to believe in creativity and that the world was designed. Whether you believe that the creation story is allegorical or factual isn’t really important. What’s important is the concept that God is a creator, a designer, an ‘Iengineer.finditfascinating that when his Son, Jesus, was doing his ministry on Earth, he chose to be a carpenter. He did stuff with his hands. And it was those same hands that were then nailed to a cross so that we could receive the grace of God and have a relationship with God again.’ God is engineeran
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Trying something new takes courage Address forLookinghelp?War Cry 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Or email your details and request to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk Name a To receive basic reading about Christianity and information about The Salvation Army, complete this coupon and send it to
Andrew Stone gives his take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters
‘Reheated’ favourites may not be that cool
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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 aBecomingChristianj
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GLADIATORS, ready! Well, they will be next year as BBC1 brings the ’90s Saturday evening show back to our screens for a brand-new series. Revamping past television programmes such as Gladiators is a popular thing to do with TV bosses. In recent years, viewers have been able to enjoy new versions of Changing Rooms, Blind Date and All Creatures Great and Small But it would appear that not everybody is a fan. BBC News reported that Channel 4 chief content officer Ian Katz said it was ‘depressing’ that ITV2 plans to broadcast a new series of Big Brother next year, five years after it was axed by Channel 5. Speaking at the Edinburgh TV Festival, Mr Katz said: ‘I’m sure it will bring an audience to ITV, but I do think there is something depressing about this microwave moment of TV of shows being reheated.’ Although I was a fan of Gladiators when it first hit our screens, I can understand this sentiment. But I guess that the people responsible for commissioning programmes find a certain amount of confidence in going back to something familiar. Returning to the familiar can be attractive in all sorts of areas. It’s something that people are inclined to do in their own lives. When faced with difficult decisions or challenging circumstances, it is tempting to revert to what we’ve known or done in the past. The trouble is that there is comfort in going back to something that’s familiar, even if we know that it’s not the best thing for us. Trying something new may take courage when we are uncertain as to how it will work out. However, there is one course of action that we can have complete confidence in. If we put our trust in God and follow his teaching, he will guide us through every situation we face. Then we can be certain that we’re ready to take on whatever challenges come our way.
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 Thankwrong.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 YOUR prayers are requested for Terry, that he will make a full recovery after his stroke. 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’.
Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International
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T HROUGHOUT his ministry, Jesus makes it clear that the principles and values of the Kingdom of Heaven are starkly different from those of the everyday world. In chapter 5 of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus says that God values meekness, mercy and peacemaking.
History is full of courageous Christians who accepted death rather than deny their faith. Here, though, Jesus is addressing a lower level of persecution – harassment and verbal abuse. In the original text of verse 11, the Greek word translated as ‘persecute’ means ‘pursue’ and ‘put to flight’. The word for ‘insult’ is connected with defaming. Falsely saying ‘all kinds of evil’ is telling lies. Later in the Gospel, Jesus also says that ‘the Kingdom of Heaven has been subjected to violence’ (Matthew 11:12). The reality is that Jesus’ followers can face misunderstanding and opposition. They may be misrepresented and discriminated against. Some people are imprisoned, tortured and killed simply for being a Christian. Whatever the challenge, Jesus says it should come as no surprise – the prophets of the past were persecuted. Jesus himself would be hounded to death. Elsewhere in the New Testament Jesus warns: ‘If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also’ (John 15:20). Rather than retaliate, the righteous response is to ‘love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you’ (Matthew 5:44). By so doing, the follower of Jesus shows the world just how different they are now that they live according to the values of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jake Wightman won gold in which event at the World Athletics Championships this Whichyear? retired astronaut’s debut novel The Apollo Murders was published last year? Who had a No 1 hit in 2014 with the song ‘Stay with Me’? What does the French phrase ‘bonne nuit’ mean in English? In which southeast Asian country is Unesco World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay?
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1.Popstars:TheRivals.2.Themen’s1500m. 3.ChrisHadfield.4.SamSmith. 5.Goodnight.6.Vietnam. Pop group Girls Aloud were created through which TV talent Britain’sshow?
The cost of the Kingdom
Such a radical lifestyle is a challenge not only to those who adopt it but also to those who don’t. Confronted by goodness, they feel bad. Feeling threatened, they retaliate. Jesus describes the Kingdom of Heaven in terms of ‘blessedness’ – an awareness of God’s presence in every circumstance. He warns people that there can be a cost: they may be ‘persecuted because of righteousness’ (Matthew 5:10 New International Version).
The first thing to note is that Jesus does not promise extra reward to those who are persecuted. In effect, he says that following him can be costly. Nobody should think of becoming a Christian to gain popularity.
10 September 2022 • WAR CRY • 13
In this occasional series, Nigel Bovey unlocks the mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven, which Jesus speaks to his disciples about in Matthew’s Gospel
14 • WAR CRY • 10 September 2022 ANSWERS PUZZLES Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 SUDOKU WORDSEARCH Quick 14. Offer (3) 15. Hint (3) 16. Depressed (3) 17. Deer meat (7) 18. Mollycoddle (6) HONEYCOMB Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number 1. Easy to understand 2. Express admiration for 3. Stand around 4. Journey by aircraft 5. Building used for vehicles 6. Metal CROSSWORD 1.ACROSSFundamental (5) 5. Humorist (5) 8. Haul (5) 9. Stage play (5) 10. Extemporise (2-3) 11. Opponent (5) 12. One of a pair (4) 15. Hug (6) 17. Infection (5) 18. Supplicated (6) 20. Yell (4) 25. Suffer (5) 26. Apply force (5) 27. Presses (5) 28. Animal organs (5) 29. Mature (5) 30. Not now (5) 1.DOWNSpending plan (6) 2. Fried prawns (6) 3. Allure (5) 4. Slice (5) 5. Envious (7) 6. Slaughtered (6) 7. Partial refund (6) 13. Armedconflict (3) QUICKCROSSWORD ACROSS:1.Basic.5.Joker.8.Heave.9.Drama. 10.Ad-lib.11.Rival.12.Twin.15.Cuddle.17.Virus. 18.Prayed.20.Bawl.25.Incur.26.Press.27.Irons. 28.Offal.29.Ripen.30.Later. DOWN:1.Budget.2.Scampi.3.Charm.4.Carve. 5.Jealous.6.Killed.7.Rebate.13.War.14.Bid. 15.Cue.16.Low.17.Venison.18.Pamper. 19.Asleep.21.Adroit.22.Lesser.23.Scoff.24.Grill. HONEYCOMB 1.Simple.2.Praise.3.Loiter. 4.Flight.5.Garage.6.Copper. Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these science fiction films 781256934 342819567 965374812 298543671 654791328 137682495 573928146 429165783 816437259 216 1675 7 8 1 2 5 6 9 3 4 3 4 2 8 1 9 5 6 7 9 6 5 3 7 4 8 1 2 2 9 8 5 4 3 6 7 1 6 5 4 7 9 1 3 2 8 1 3 7 6 8 2 4 9 5 5 7 3 9 2 8 1 4 6 4 2 9 1 6 5 7 8 3 8 1 6 4 3 7 2 5 9 8 2 9 3 1 9 6 5 3 34 6 5 4 7 1 3 2 7 96 8 1 2 1 6 1 6 7 5 N E R L X L U L N E N U D Z M R V Z X A D Z E K N A L U J I A Q D F P Z I K E G A D T W E V N H D R G G Z M R U O Y E N N Q N J X I A N K D R T T Y X R Z O I O G N Z P S R M E G H A L Q M E M F H Y Q R Z T T M R G E M K V A T W W T C E J O R P M A D A E H T H I D W R O A B J A S Q Z G V H F O X Z L T E A M M K O T M N X E T K Z V S R S M Y L O X E M F Q A N D Y X I Q O T U J P L R E R Z R M G N D Y Z N W X S O Q W E R U T U F E H T O T K C A B X V R V T O Q R Z R Z R B N F I E B Q Z Q E M S W L A S B X L A K S S P R K C W R Q R U V T N P T M Z S R J T Q F A J Z E E Z H S A E S D A Q G D I E Q L N S K T F Q G A X V R O G U E O N E U J K N N V C S V Q U A B N I B N T C L E X I I K N W X J F I C P Z D M K Z W W Q R 19. Dormant (6) 21. Skilful (6) 22. Not as great (6) 23. Deride (5) 24. Broil (5) AD GRAVITYGEOSTORMEXEDGEDUNEBACKARRIVALARMAGEDDONASTRATOTHEFUTUREOFTOMORROWMACHINA THETHETHESTARROGUEMANJURASSICINTERSTELLARINCEPTIONWORLDOFSTEELONETREKBEYONDADAMPROJECTAVENGERSMATRIX
Method
flapjack
Ingredients 30ml 30gblackSaltbreadcrumbs100gfinely6meat400g1free-range5300g1tspvinegarbalsamicbrownsugarblackberriesmediumeggs,beatensausagesageleaves,choppeddriedandgroundpepperflour
Method
To make the sauce, add the vinegar, brown sugar and 150g blackberries to a small pan and simmer for 5 minutes, until the fruit has softened. Remove from the heat and push the sauce through a sieve, discarding the pips. Set aside to cool. Bring a pan of water to the boil and carefully add 4 of the eggs. Simmer for 6 minutes. Remove from the pan and immediately place in cold water. Gently crack the shells and leave to cool in the water. Once cooled, peel away the shells.
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Line a 20cm baking tin with parchment. Melt the margarine, honey and sugar in a pan. Stir in the oats and flour. Pour two thirds of the mixture into the baking tin, firming it down and smoothing the top. Scatter over the blackberries, then spoon the remaining oat mixture over the top, leaving it loose and rough. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the oat mixture is golden and the blackberries are oozing. Leave in the tin to cool slightly, before serving warm in slices.
10 September 2022 • WAR CRY • 15
Ingredients blackberries,250gflour50g200gsugar2tbsp60gmargarinevegetable100ghoneybrownoatsplain Recipes reprinted, with permission, from the British Summer Fruits website lovefreshberries.co.uk SERVES8MAKES4 Blackberry Scotch eggs
Combine the sausage meat with the remaining 150g blackberries, allowing some to get crushed in the mix. Stir in the sage, 40g breadcrumbs and some salt and pepper. Divide the mixture into 4 portions. Use wet hands to shape a quarter of the mix into a round and flatten it. Place a boiled egg in the centre and cover the egg with the meat until it is fully encased. Repeat with the remaining boiled eggs. Heat the oil in a deep pan or fryer to 160C. Place the beaten egg, flour and the remaining breadcrumbs on separate plates. Dip each Scotch egg first into the flour, then into the beaten egg and finally the breadcrumbs. Carefully add the eggs to the hot oil, cooking, in batches as needed, for 6-8 minutes, turning a couple of times, until the coatings are golden. Remove and drain on kitchen paper, before serving with the sauce.
Blackberry
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