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

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: Brian Peddle

Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill

Editor-in-Chief: Major Julian Watchorn

SEVENTY years ago this week the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale, was published. As we report in this week’s War Cry, in the seven decades since, 007 has been operating with a licence to thrill his fans. Millions of people around the world have found Ian Fleming’s stories of espionage and adventure the perfect escape from their day-to-day lives.

However, the reality of some people’s lives is such that not even a gripping all-action tale could give much relief. This week we speak to two people who have spent years helping those who are experiencing challenging circumstances.

Val Jeal worked with some of society’s most vulnerable people – sex workers and those experiencing homelessness. Emma Heath supports people living with addiction.

Both women have established their own charities to carry out the work and both women are inspired by their Christian faith.

‘God changed my heart,’ Val tells us, before adding that she saw those she helped as ‘people who needed to be loved’.

For Emma, God’s intervention was even more marked, as it freed her from her own battles with addiction while she was taking part in a six-week recovery programme.

‘I remember walking into the main room,’ she says. ‘I saw the word “God” in there. It made me think how I had been brought up knowing about Christianity but that I didn’t have a relationship with Jesus any more.’

Over time Emma went back to that relationship with Jesus, and now she is helping people who are dealing with similar addiction challenges to those she experienced herself. She is convinced that it is her faith that enables her to give such support.

‘I’m absolutely in awe of the things God is doing through me,’ she tells us. ‘Every day I’m grateful. God has never let me down.’