20 June 2020 20p/25c
There’s reel competition FANS WAIT TO SEE WHO WILL WIN TV’s SEWING BEE final
The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity providing services in the community, particularly to those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Motivated by our Christian faith, we offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK to all who need them, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. To find your nearest centre visit salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church
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 7479
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 UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Helpline: 020 7367 4888 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 Mal Davies Published weekly by The Salvation Army ©The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper
ONLINE a warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk @TheWarCryUK TheWarCryUK
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salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry
2 • War Cry • 20 June 2020
EDITOR From the editor’s desk
SINGING is good for you. So say scientists quoted on the HAIRstyles have changed dramatically over the past months BBC Future website. The experts said that singing canthree boost as have been forced to close because of the ourbarbers moods and and stylists sense of social connection. restrictions brought to control theincoronavirus. Perhaps it is with in these benefits mind that people have been For many haslockdown. been the longest time they have joining onlinepeople, choirs this during In this week’s issue, thegone without a haircut. For others, clippers and scissors have been War Cry’s Sarah Olowofoyeku joins a virtual rehearsal of the London rummaged out of drawers number home the haircuts has grown International Gospel Choiras to the discover forofherself pleasures at an even greater than the hair on people have foundrate of singing alone, yetpeople’s together heads. with others. The results Austen of theseHardwick amateur has trimsfound have similar been varied. Some Meanwhile value in running. people have War wondered why they ever paid for awith haircut the past, This week’s Cry also includes an interview the in marathon while have wondered whyhelped they thought was ahis good idea runnerothers who found that his sport him to itregain life after even to try to cut strokes their own hair.in his early forties. he suffered three while Many of the results on helped social media, with friends However, it was nothave only appeared running that Austen’s recovery. and followers faith commiserating or congratulating the abrave poster. His Christian played a vital part in him taking positive As we report in this War Cry, tomorrow (Sunday 21 June) is approach to all that week’s he faced. National – a time Austen to encourage taking ‘WhenSelfie I was Day in hospital,’ says, ‘Ithose askedwho Godenjoy to take what photos of themselves to be even moreme creative in their I was going through and to transform through it.’ snapping. During lockdown, to any become moreorcreative have Christians believe people’s that Godquests can take situation anything not their haircuts and aselfies. The scissors have thatbeen they restricted do or facetoand use it to make positive impact in others’ also outown. as self-isolation andthe social distancing have created lives been or their That has been experience of painter Oliver time for people to develop an interest in arts and crafts. Pengilley. Ellen interestainsuccessful craft, though, dates back much OliverHopkin’s had developed career as an artist withfurther some than In an interview in thissums week’s issue, she about of hisMarch. work selling for significant of money. But,talks as he tells her withthis fabrics and way she believes it brings her closer the work War Cry week, he the grew frustrated. to God. ‘I didn’t see the meaning of it,’ he says. Now he travels to Ellen explains can she works. She adds: ‘Being churches all overthat the she world topray paintaspictures during worship creative what do, and Godartwork knew that would need outletinfor sessionsisand hisI faith-based has Ihelped other an people that theircreativity.’ own faith journey. It is encouraging to read God us and thingshas we an amazing truth thatthat God canknows take any skill the a person need help us live fulfilling story underlines that, if we or anytosituation theyaare facinglife. andEllen’s can transform it into something will trust in him, God can craft our something thatput canour change their lives and the lives of life theinto people around new. them.
Contents
What is The Salvation Army?
FEATURES 3
Picture perfect? What our selfies may say about us
4
Competition is stitched up The final of BBC One’s Sewing Bee
6
‘It’s like someone hitting me with a hammer’ Sickle cell sufferer tells her story
8
Life after abuse Supporting survivors
10 Evidence of faith The society that argues for Christianity REGULARS 12
Team Talk
13
Now, There’s a Thought!
14 Puzzles 15
War Cry Kitchen
4
6
Front-page picture: BBC
15
d e d e e n r e t l fi o N
FEATURE
Emily Bright offers a snapshot of what National Selfie Day is all about
T
aylor Swift, Helen Mirren and Adele are all at it. So are David Beckham and Pierce Brosnan. The idea of taking lockdown selfies has captured the imagination of celebrities and the general public, and tomorrow (Sunday 21 June) people will celebrate National Selfie Day. The first recorded selfie dates back to 1839 when an amateur chemist and photographer from Philadelphia, Robert Cornelius, snapped a self-portrait in the back of his family’s chandelier store. However, the culture of posing by yourself on camera only really developed into a phenomenon in the 21st century with the dawn of camera phones and the birth of social media. In 2013, the term ‘selfie’ became Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year. A year later, a Texan DJ called Rick McNeely tapped into the trend by devising a day to promote creative selfies. The celebration has spread to the UK. Photo-focused apps such as Instagram and Snapchat have thrived, as snap-happy individuals take and share pictures of themselves enjoying holidays, celebrating achievements or simply showing off their physical appearance. Filters and editing software allow people to erase perceived flaws or enhance images of themselves in order to impress. Selfie-takers often intentionally highlight the positive parts of their lives while omitting the realities of their daily struggles and insecurities. Carefully edited photos of our role models, celebrities and even friends can make it seem as though they have achieved perfection in their lives, which, in reality, is not the case. It’s easy to start comparing ourselves with others online, which can lead to false thoughts about what our lives should look like and then feelings of inadequacy. In our everyday lives, we can often focus on our flaws instead of our strengths, and can feel inferior to those who may be more skilled, wealthy or successful than we are. It can be easy to downplay our own value or be insecure about our identity. Many people, though, have found their identity in their Christian faith. They believe that God, their loving Father, is there for them, regardless of their circumstances. They take solace from the knowledge that they don’t need a filter with him. He knows them completely and values them for who they are. In one book of the Bible, a priest called Samuel is about to choose the next king of
Software allows people to erase perceived flaws Israel. His first instinct is to pick the strongest and tallest man, but God gently reminds him that a person’s character is far more important, saying: ‘The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart’ (1 Samuel 16:7 New International Version). We do not need to focus on how we are perceived on the outside. What is in our hearts is far more important. We can receive acceptance and live life to the full, regardless of our past or present circumstances, if we frame our lives around God.
20 June 2020 • War Cry • 3
Fan of BBC One’s The Great British Sewing Bee Ellen Hopkin tells Claire Brine why faith inspires her work with fabric
T
HEY’VE snipped and stitched, pinned and patched. Now, accompanied by the quips of presenter Joe Lycett, the amateur sewers are about to find out who will be crowned the winner of The Great British Sewing Bee. The final of the BBC One show is scheduled to be aired next Wednesday (24 June). So far in the series, judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young have asked the contestants to create a variety of clothing including sleepwear, sportswear, children’s wear and even One sewer who can’t clothing made out of heavy-duty plastic wait to watch the final bags. After weeks of trimming down the unfold is Ellen Hopkin, 12 competitors by assessing their skills through a series of pattern, transformation a self-described fabric addict. She has been a and made-to-measure challenges, there fan of The Great British are just three hopefuls remaining. At Sewing Bee since its this stage of the game, all three need Ellen Hopkin launch in 2013. something very special up their sleeves. ‘What I love about it is that there’s never any drama,’ she says. ‘It’s lovely to a cheery one. Plus, I make clothes for my watch people being creative for an hour own kids, so that kind of sewing is what and know that they’re not going to be I know. I loved the dungaree challenge in slammed by the judges if they make particular, because I could see the sewers a mistake. using a pattern that I was familiar with.’ ‘My favourite episode so far has been While Ellen enjoys watching the series children’s week, because it was such from the comfort of her own home, she also faces a recurring question: Could I do that? ‘Every year I toy with the idea of applying for the programme,’ she says. ‘But while I’m an amateur expert in some things, there are other areas that would terrify me. If I had to make something out of leather, I wouldn’t have a clue. But then again, that’s why the challenges are designed to be so different. Maybe in a few years I’ll give it a go.’ For the past five years Ellen has been running her Ellen uses free motion own business called Faith embroidery in her work in Fabric, creating pieces of art using free motion embroidery. ‘Basically I’m using a
It’s lovely to watch people being creative
Sewing se special Holly Booth Studio
4 • War Cry • 20 June 2020
BBC
INTERVIEW
The contestants of ‘The Great British Sewing Bee’, hosted by Joe Lycett (centre), take on challenges set by judges Patrick and Esme (left)
sewing machine to draw with thread,’ she explains, ‘so I can be in control of where the thread and fabric go. I also do a lot of mixed media work, using things like watercolours, ink stamping and crochet. ‘People often ask me to make christening hoops, memory pillows out of old clothing and banners with pictures and sewn words for hanging up at home. I also use free motion embroidery to recreate old photographs or childhood drawings. So if a five-year-old drew a funny picture of their dad, I can put that picture in a frame on some fabric as a template, then add their handwriting underneath. It’s quite a sweet keepsake.’ Bible art also forms a big part of Ellen’s work. ‘I’ve created designs of families’ welly boots pictured alongside Bible verses,’ she says. ‘When I’m stitching a Bible verse, I can’t help but acknowledge the words in front of me. So it’s a project that is good for my spirit. Last Christmas, I made lots of cake topper flags that said “Prince of Peace” and “Wonderful Counsellor” – the names given to Jesus in the Book of Isaiah. Doing that over and over again was like a meditation. ‘My work also gives me plenty of time to pray. If I’m making an item for someone who isn’t very well, I have the opportunity to think about them.’
The Christian faith is important to Ellen not just in her business but in all areas of life. She believes her creativity is a gift from God that helps her to cope in stressful times. ‘I’m blessed with a wonderful family, but we also have our challenges,’ she says. ‘I have three children and our middle child has a heart condition. She has had four open-heart surgeries. ‘When I find myself getting a bit stressed with everything, my family know that I just need to shut myself away for half an hour and do some crochet or drawing. Having the chance to focus on something completely different helps me to feel better. Being creative is what I do, and God knew that I would need an outlet for that creativity.’ While the challenges for the contestants on The Great British Sewing Bee are drawing to a close, Ellen intends to press on with Faith in Fabric and hopes to undertake some new projects. ‘I make a lot of small, delicate pieces, so next I’d like to make something big for a church,’ she says. ‘I’m sure that if there’s something I’m meant to be doing, God will stick it front of me and say: “Hello! This next!”’
eams
God knew I would need an outlet for my creativity
l For more information visit @faithinfabric83 on Instagram 20 June 2020 • War Cry • 5
‘It’s an Invisible Friday (19 June) was World Sickle Cell Day, which is designed to raise awareness of a genetic blood disorder. Ahead of the day, ANNE WELSH told Emily Bright what it’s like to live with the chronic condition
‘W
hen I have a sickle cell crisis, I get pains and twitches in my arm,’ explains Anne Welsh. ‘It starts little by little, but suddenly it gets much worse, like someone hitting you with a hammer. I can barely breathe.’ Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder, inherited from both parents, which affects about 15,000 people in the UK. It stems from an abnormality in haemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen round the body. The disorder means that the cells can change from a circular to a crescent moon or sickle shape. These cells stick together and block smaller blood vessels, disrupting the flow of oxygen and causing chronic pain in what is known as a sickle cell crisis. A crisis may be severe, sometimes lasting up to a week. It can be triggered by stress, not drinking enough water or significant changes in temperature. The lack of oxygen flowing round the body can also lead to anaemia, tiredness and shortness of breath. In the long-term, sickle cell disease can cause organ and bone damage, serious infections, strokes and even, in some cases, early death. Anne, who lives in London, turns 40 years old this year, and is no stranger to these bleak prognoses. ‘Doctors told me: you’re not going to live past 21, have kids or a fulfilling career,’ she says. ‘As a child, that was very daunting.’ She recalls when the disorder first manifested itself. ‘Although I first had symptoms at six months, I was officially diagnosed with sickle cell when I was three,’ she tells me. She says that sickle cell disease has not only had health implications, but has also affected her social and educational development too. ‘It was difficult, growing up. I was always sick and missed classes, which affected my grades. Kids bullied me, and teachers didn’t know how to treat me, so I felt insecure.’ At school, almost constant sickle cell crises meant that she was unable to study and she left without any GCSEs. Nevertheless she went on to achieve a master’s degree in investment management from Cass Business School in London. Yet, even after qualifying, her sickle cell disease made it difficult for her to find employment.
6 • War Cry • 20 June 2020
INTERVIEW
illness’ Anne’s condition has led to frequent periods in hospital
‘Workplaces had to make special accommodations for me,’ says Anne. ‘When I was first looking for a job, companies didn’t want to hire me when they didn’t know how the disability would affect me. It’s an invisible illness.’ Eventually, she secured a ten-week internship at Lehman Brothers as part of a disability and ethnic diversity scheme,
My body was rejecting blood and my doctors were panicking and afterwards was offered a job in asset management. While she had succeeded in starting a career in the competitive banking industry, her sickle cell disease meant that other life goals proved daunting. ‘When I met my husband, I was scared because I didn’t know how he would react if I had a sickle cell crisis,’ she says. ‘I’ve had friends who, when they see me in that situation, run away. ‘When I was about to get married, I turned to my husband and said: “Look, I don’t know if I’m going to make it to the wedding. I’ve been so sick lately.”’ However, as a Christian, Anne’s faith sustained her. She explains: ‘I had to hope that God would listen to our prayers and make sure the wedding happened. And he did.’ Although Anne has been a Christian
An ne ren wit hild hh c o er h ir tw usban d, Marvin, and the
since she was a child, her faith became more real to her when she was seriously ill in her twenties. ‘I had a blood transfusion in hospital, but my body was rejecting blood,’ she remembers. ‘My doctors were panicking. I realised that my life was not my own any more. I really prayed. ‘From the way things turned around so quickly, I realised that there was someone out there.’ Her faith has continued to aid her since. ‘Chronic illness has had a big impact on my mental health, because I’m always scared and stressed out,’ she says. ‘But when I’m worried, I remember what God has done. He has not let me down in my past, so there’s no way that he will let me down in my future. I believe that if you serve the living God, all things are possible.’ Although Anne still faces challenges, she seeks out the positives that have come from her life-altering illness. ‘When I was in hospital, I couldn’t believe God could put me through so much pain,’ she says. ‘I would ask
him why it was happening to me. ‘But actually my sickle cell has made my family closer and given me an appreciation of life. And if I didn’t have this illness, I wouldn’t be speaking out and encouraging more people to reach out for help.’ Anne has written a book, Pain-less, about her experiences, in the hope that it will help other sufferers. ‘I want people to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel, there is joy. Yes I suffered, but everybody is suffering one way or another. My suffering was a chronic illness, but God saw me through and gave me wisdom to deal with all life’s challenges.’
l Pain-less is published by Silverwood Books 20 June 2020 • War Cry • 7
‘People need
healing at different
levels’
Giles Lascelle
GILES LASCELLE tells Sarah Olowofoyeku about equipping people to survive well after being abused
T
HE trauma of being abused as a child can have a significant impact on a person’s life, whether or not the abuse was reported or remained hidden. Psychotherapist Giles Lascelle works to help people deal with the effects of abuse. ‘There aren’t that many comprehensive resources for survivors,’ he says. ‘There are booklets and leaflets that do a quite superficial job of helping survivors understand their own processes. Then you get a big leap to academic books that go into way too much detail and are hard to read.’ To address the imbalance, Giles wrote
8 • War Cry • 20 June 2020
Breakthrough: The Art of Surviving. ‘I wanted to write something for survivors that was accessible but also went into a little bit of depth. I wanted them to know that the ways they respond are understandable and to recognise the reasons for their responses.’ The book explores the impact that being abused can have on people, as well as the ways in which they can deal with shame, get help, create healthy boundaries and restore their experience of relationships. Each chapter ends with resources for the survivors as well as a pause for thought and questions for supporters of those who have been abused. Breakthrough also discusses how the Church can be a safe space for survivors. Giles hopes that it can offer such safety,
INTERVIEW
but he recognises that it doesn’t always. Attitudes that he came across in one church some years ago almost stopped him from doing the work he does today. Giles came to the Christian faith at the turn of the millenium. ‘My life was in a bit of chaos – psychotherapists can have their lives in a mess too,’ he says. ‘And I had a Christian colleague who witnessed to me. I heard a meaningful message and began to read the Bible to check out what was being said. What got me was Jesus as the good shepherd. I had a sense that there was someone bigger than me who looks after everyone – the broken, the lost, the hurting. I thought: I need someone like this in my life.’ So Giles began attending a church and experienced positive change, but some of the people he met did not agree with his being a psychotherapist. ‘The Christians I met weren’t that enthusiastic about my work, and I found that confusing,’ he says. ‘They said you don’t need all that psychology stuff, you’ve got Jesus now. They didn’t understand that there is a need for people to heal at all sorts of levels – not just spiritual, but emotional and mental as well.’ Giles did get a different job in a homelessness charity. He also became part of a team setting up a new church in a deprived area. ‘We found that we were
dealing with an awful lot of broken people, and I realised that I needed to go back to my original calling and take up the reins that I’d let drop,’ he says. After starting work as a therapist again, Giles founded a charity. Breakthrough works across the southwest of England with adult survivors of trauma, offering psychotherapy, support groups, mentoring and befriending. It also provides training for churches and other organisations to help them become more aware of trauma and its impact, enabling them to offer survivors effective support. Breakthrough: The Art of Surviving is one of the many resources made available by Giles not only as a Christian and a psychotherapist, but as a survivor of trauma himself. ‘I have had to go on my own very long journey of healing from sexual and emotional abuse,’ he says. ‘I took the first step when friends pointed out that some of the ways I reacted to things were not the norm. I realised my behaviour was coming out of deep wounds. ‘I did a lot of therapy and a great deal of healing. But after coming to faith I discovered there were still wounds that were unhealed. On that journey, my faith felt tenuous, but there was always a sense that no matter how rocky the journey, there was someone who had hold of me
You cannot recover on your own
and no matter how bad it got, I wasn’t going to fall.’ He advises survivors to take a first step towards healing by finding a safe person to talk with. ‘You cannot recover on your own,’ he says. ‘Find friends or family willing to walk with you, and also somebody who is objective and has specific training to help you through. ‘A lot of healing can take place without any faith, but I do think a sense of something bigger than ourselves is necessary to take people beyond a certain place of healing. Even before I came to faith, I realised that I didn’t have all the answers, but somebody must. I think deep down we all hope that there is a wholeness greater than us. And for me, Jesus is the one who makes every broken thing whole.’
l Breakthrough: The Art of Surviving is published by Instant Apostle
20 June 2020 • War Cry • 9
PHILIP HALCROW
evidence Within reason The Christian Evidence Society it used a van with a fold-down pulp
Edward Carter
For 150 years, the Christian Evidence Society has been arguing the case for Christianity. Its chair, the Rev Canon EDWARD CARTER, talks with Philip Halcrow about Darwin, debates and why Richard Dawkins ‘has defined his parameters wrong’
I
TS origins were in the era of Charles Darwin, so it seems appropriate that its present chair, the Rev Canon Edward Carter, tells me: ‘The good thing about the Christian Evidence Society is that it has evolved quite creatively.’ Edward explains how the society, which discusses and argues for the Christian faith, began in 1870 and has continually found new ways to commuicate its message, so that it is now celebrating its 150th anniversary. ‘Early on, there were some big public events, and that was in the first flush of the Darwin debates and the discussions about science and religion,’ he says. ‘It’s easy to overdramatise it, but at the time there was a sense in which some of the old certainties of faith were under attack. There were a variety of responses. Some people in the churches pulled up the drawbridge and said: “You can’t interfere with our spiritual insights. We just know we’re right.” Others realised that such an approach wasn’t going to work in terms of trying to explain the faith. ‘The basis of the Christian Evidence Society was that, by discussion, debate
10 • War Cry • 20 June 2020
and presentation of ideas, it would be possible to talk about the faith in a reasoned way. It has been about seeing what philosophical and theological issues the world is talking about and then beginning a conversation. Doing that has meant different things in different eras, because what people are talking about has changed over the past 150 years.’ Earlier this month, the group’s Facebook page hosted a live discussion with theologian NT Wright about God and the coronavirus. A series of lectures scheduled to take place to mark the society’s 150th anniversary – but inescapably cancelled – was due to have explored quotes that have gained widespread attention over the past few years, including journalist Christopher Hitchens’s assertion, ‘Religion poisons everything’ and comedian Stephen Fry’s questioning, ‘Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid God who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain?’ The Facebook live stream highlights
that it is not only the specific topics up for discussion that have changed. The Christian Evidence Society’s methods have too. It previously would appear at open-air gatherings where it would engage with the ‘freethinkers’. It once owned a van that had been modified to feature a fold-down pulpit. It has published booklets in print and more recently online. ‘Nowadays,’ says Edward, ‘instead of soapboxes on Speakers’ Corner, we have a website and social media.’ Through these, the society draws attention to archaeological finds, philosophical discussions and scientific discoveries to make the case for Christianity. Edward explains that the group’s work is not about presenting ‘some mathematical proof of God’ but of exploring ‘reasonable ways in which we can understand the spiritual aspect of life’. What constitutes Christian evidence? ‘Different people would start in different places,’ says Edward. ‘One person would
Our work is not about presenting mathematical proof
e
INTERVIEW
Courtesy of the Christian Evidence Society
Preaching in London’s Hyde Park in the 1960s, and hosting a Facebook Live event this month
point to the way that scientists have shown the improbability of the Earth being in exactly the right orbit around the Sun, with a moon the right size and all the resonances within the carbon atoms being just so. They see God in the design of a universe in which it seems incredible that a beautiful planet such as Earth can exist.’ Other arguments, says Edward, are derived from morality or on the broad topic of wellbeing. Some people may find it odd that a
Christian group is even concerned with evidence. After all, Richard Dawkins has described faith as ‘the great excuse to evade the need to think and evaluate evidence’. Edward reckons that Richard Dawkins is wrong on religion ‘because he has defined his parameters wrong’. He explains: ‘In a narrow sense he is on to something. If the argument is about the temperature at which water boils and turns to steam, you repeat an experiment
50 times and you discover the point, and that’s scientific evidence for a theory. But when it comes to matters of faith and spirituality, you’re working with a different parameter. You can’t repeat the experiment of living today 50 times. You have just to live today in trust that you’re going to get through it. Yes, you have to make the most of sensible, rational viewpoints. But it’s not the same as a scientific experiment. ‘There are some things that the Dawkins metanarrative has struggled to work with – like regret. What does regret mean in the eyes of a scientist? It can’t mean anything. Whereas we know through daily life that things like regret and starting again really do mean something. ‘Of course there’s a real discussion to be had. Ardent atheists are not being stupid, but I would say that they haven’t allowed the scope of the discussion to be given its full breadth. I think there’s enough evidence that faith is something worth talking about.’ l For more information visit christianevidencesociety.org.uk 20 June 2020 • War Cry • 11
EXPLORE
Prayerlink YOUR prayers are requested for Alfie, that God will help him start a new life when he is released from prison. The War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their circumstances. Send your Prayerlink requests to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk or to War Cry, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN. Mark your correspondence ‘Confidential’.
j
Becoming 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
Team talk
talk
Team talk
‘
Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters
Do we want the exact same life?
" Tick one or more of the options below, complete the coupon and send it to
a
War Cry 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN
Basic reading about Christianity Information about The Salvation Army
Looking for help?
Contact details of a Salvation Army minister Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International
12 • War Cry • 20 June 2020
’
AFTER weeks in which people have had to live without them, non-essential shops in some parts of the UK are beginning to open for the purchase of items that suddenly seem essential again. An easing of lockdown conditions also means that zoos, safari parks and drive-in cinemas are opening their gates. It’s perfect timing for the thousands of children who won’t be going back to school until August or September. But while some families will be enjoying the freedom to visit tourist attractions, others simply can’t afford to. People who have lost income while coronavirus has swept the nation may have no choice but to stay at home. Again. Better not put Buckaroo! back in the cupboard just yet. Last week, the BBC highlighted toys that have ‘saved lockdown’ for families with children. Monopoly and Dobble were among the top ten bestselling games. So was Swingball. The online article quoted Dr Amanda Gummer as saying that ‘playing is a great distraction’ from anxiety caused by the pandemic. The founder of the Good Play Guide organisation also said that ‘families communicate better when they are doing something together’. While I have found that spending weeks at home has at times been stressful, depressing and boring, I can’t help but wonder if it has also been good for me – and others too. Some parents who might previously not have had much time to play with their kids suddenly had tons of it. Instead of learning in a classroom, children were free to learn in their homes and gardens. There was the opportunity to be creative. To talk and listen. To be still rather than dash about. As the high street gradually wakes up in time for summer, I get a sense that things are slowly ‘getting back to normal’. But my question is: Do I want that? Do we want the exact same life we lived before? Or do we want normal to look a bit different now? Lockdown has prompted me, like many other people, to reflect on my life and consider what I want from it. But so far, thinking is all I’ve had to do. The next few weeks are about whether or not I make those thoughts my new reality. If I want my future to be less cluttered than before, then I need to make sure I leave plenty of room for what I consider my new essentials.
Name Address
Or email your details and request to warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk
EXPRESSIONS
Now, there’s a thought! Sid, with family members, including Bob
q
quick quiz 1
Who wrote the novel The Day of the Jackal?
2
Is the expression ‘et cetera’ Latin or Greek?
3
Who was the reigning monarch in Britain during the First World War?
a 5
6
What was the name of the clergyman investigator in the latest series of Grantchester? Which 19th-century artist painted The Hay Wain?
Who had a No 1 hit in 1965 with the song ‘The Minute You’re Gone’?
ANSWERS
1. Frederick Forsyth. 2. Latin. 3. King George V. 4. Will Davenport. 5. John Constable. 6. Cliff Richard.
4
Dad’s positive impact is still felt today M
Y father returned from the war in May 1946. I was born in February 1947. I have a special reason to thank God that the war ended when it did! I was the second of four children and Sid, our dad, frequently managed to get our names mixed up, often going through all the names until he got the right one. Sid had gone to the war a non-smoker but returned, like many soldiers, smoking quite a few a day. Mum wasn’t pleased, especially when she saw me, at three years old, picking up one of his discarded cigarettes. Not long after, he got his life’s values sorted out and became a Christian and an example to us all. We are grateful for our parents’ guidance and love. His war stories were not about action but about his cheeky responses to his superiors. He had a winning way with people and, it seems, could get away with anything. That winning way meant he had a great rapport with others, and he used it to good effect in getting to know them. He was able to talk with ease about his faith. Fourteen years after his death, I still meet people who attribute their attendance at Salvation Army meetings to Sid’s unfaltering encouragement. When I became editor of the War Cry in the 1980s, Sid started a paper round and supported my ministry back home. It was very affirming – and I realise that the personal confidence I enjoy comes straight from him (and Mum). He wasn’t perfect. No one is. All parents get it wrong sometimes. Even now, if I think I could have done better as a father, I tell our eldest child: ‘Well, Nicola, I’m still practising. I’ve never been the father of a 50-year-old daughter before.’ (Sorry about the age info, Nik). At the heart of everything, my father ensured I knew what Jesus said about his Father, God – how he knows our needs before we ask him, welcomes us home unconditionally when we go astray, and supplies strength for all kinds of problems if we will only ask. It has been well worth knowing – and passing on to our children. Thanks, Dad.
He was an example to us
by Bob Street 20 June 2020 • War Cry • 13
CROSSWORD CROSSWORD
PUZZLES
QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Swamp (5) 5. Portico (5) 8. Diminish (5) 9. Observed (5) 10. Resist authority (5) 11. Era (5) 12. Rave (4) 15. Withheld (6) 17. Desert fertile spot (5) 18. Leave (6) 20. Planet (4) 25. Heave up (5) 26. Artery (5) 27. Mistake (5) 28. Uplift (5)
29. Ate (5) 30. Entreat (5)
DOWN 1. Style (6) 2. Keep (6) 3. Mythological underworld (5) 4. Christmas hymn (5) 5. Maybe (7) 6. Eraser (6) 7. Bisected (6)
13. Wonder (3) 14. Tap (3) 15. Wrongdoing (3) 16. Blunder (3) 17. Garden of fruit trees (7) 18. Order (6) 19. Protector (6) 21. Accumulate (6) 22. Frightened (6) 23. Very angry (5) 24. Sloping sharply (5)
SUDOKU
Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9
HONEYCOMB HONEYCOMB
4 3 7 5 2 6 2
Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number 1. Writer of a book 2. Fully grown 3. Talks loudly 4. Story of doubtful truth 5. In need of food 6. Attractiveness
Answers
Wordsearch APP
DESKTOP
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INTERNET PROTOCOL KEYBOARD
QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1. Marsh. 5. Porch. 8. Abate. 9. Noted. 10. Rebel. 11. Epoch. 12. Rant. 15. Spared. 17. Oasis. 18. Depart. 20. Mars. 25. Hoist. 26. Aorta. 27. Error. 28. Raise. 29. Dined. 30. Plead. DOWN: 1. Manner. 2. Retain. 3. Hades. 4. Carol. 5. Perhaps. 6. Rubber. 7. Halved. 13. Awe. 14. Pat. 15. Sin. 16. Err. 17. Orchard. 18. Demand. 19. Patron. 21. Accrue. 22. Scared. 23. Livid. 24. Steep. HONEYCOMB 1. Author. 2. Mature. 3. Shouts. 4. Rumour. 5. Hungry. 6. Beauty.
LAPTOP
1 8 7 6 4 2 3 9 5
4 9 6 3 8 5 2 7 1
3 5 2 7 1 9 6 8 4
7 2 3 1 5 8 9 4 6
8 6 9 2 7 4 1 5 3
5 1 4 9 6 3 8 2 7
6 3 8 4 2 7 5 1 9
9 4 5 8 3 1 7 6 2
2 7 1 5 9 6 4 3 8
SUDOKU SOLUTION
NETWORK
SEARCH ENGINE
Look up, down, forwards, backwards
1 and 4 diagonally 3 7 8on the 5 grid 6 to 9 find 2 these technology terms 8 9 5 2 6 1 3 4 7 7 6 2 3 9 4 8 5 1 S X K N I J K I Q L P B G O M Z E A K T E E R Q W N Q R S K W F 6 3 7 1 2 9 4 Y K C 8 5J F Z Y M N K E T I S B E W Z I Q R Y 4 8 1 5 7 6 2 3 9 S U B L A I R E S L A S R E V I N U Z M O Z U 2 I 5G R H Q R N M V Z 9 8 4 3 7 1T S P 6 G S A V G S L N C M Y E A I E R M E 3 2 6 9 1 8 5 7 4 X K R R Q Z V E E A W T P B F R N Z H Z D J T X A T P H 9 7 8 4 I 5W O Y Q S X Y 2 1 6 3 M U F O R P H P D R C O T P H X G W 5 1 4 6 3 7 9 2 8 U Q M V W O H R I W V R P X Y C L H
B L R U G N Q O S S M K A K X J T D D L A J H W L T N T A B L E T B T W SMARTPHONE R E Q N B Q P O Z E E Z T A S Q N I STREAM I F B S F M O C A I R P Z K A I I F STYLUS B B D E S K T O P D T V H T I J J I TABLET Y I T A A G J L Q L S M D Q Y R A Q UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS S M Q A W U D Z S L R Q W D C W L X WEBSITE Y O D H W R T Z J S S M I K Y A M X SERVER
WIFI
5 9 6 9 4 6 7
5 7 2 1 7 9 2
14 • War Cry • 20 June 2020
5 7 2 1 7 9 2
ordsearch ordsearch ordsearch ordsearch ordsearch
8 5 9 6 9 7 4 6
5 1 4 4 8 4 8 7 3
D Roast cauliflower and rice pilaf Ingredients
Method
1 small cauliflower, cut into florets
Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/ Gas Mark 6.
Olive oil 1tsp turmeric Black pepper 6 large vine tomatoes, skinned and finely chopped 1 red pepper, diced 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 small fresh chilli, deseeded and diced 1tbsp ground cumin 2 x 400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained 1l low-salt vegetable stock 125g peas 300g rice, cooked 1 small bunch coriander, finely chopped
SERVES
4
100g pomegranate seeds 120g cashew nuts 1 small bunch fresh mint, roughly chopped
Ingredients
Method
200g fresh kale
Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.
1tbsp olive oil
Use a sharp knife to remove the stalks from the kale. Wash the kale, then dry completely with kitchen towel. Place the kale in a large mixing bowl with the oil and rub the leaves until coated.
Âź tsp salt, to serve
Spread the leaves across a baking tray lined with greaseproof paper, being careful not to overlap them. You may need to do this in two batches. Cook for 10 minutes, checking regularly, until the edges have coloured and leaves are crispy. Remove from the oven and serve sprinkled with smoked paprika and salt.
Recipes reprinted, with permission, from the Vegetarian Society website vegsoc.org
Heat 2tsp olive oil in a saucepan. Add the tomatoes and cover with a lid. Cook gently for 8 minutes until softened. Add the red pepper, garlic and chilli and fry gently for a further 3 minutes. Sprinkle over the cumin and add the chickpeas with 800ml stock. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Add the peas and cooked rice and heat through for 3 minutes until the rice is piping hot. Add the remaining 200ml stock if the broth looks too thick. Take the rice mixture off the heat, add the roasted cauliflower and gently stir through the coriander. Season with black pepper, to taste. Garnish with the pomegranate seeds, cashew nuts and mint, to serve.
Kale crisps
1tsp smoked paprika, to serve
Place the cauliflower in a large bowl, toss with 1tbsp olive oil and the turmeric and season with black pepper. Spread out evenly on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes, turning halfway, until the cauliflower is golden and slightly charred.
SERVES
2
20 June 2020 • War Cry • 15
God has said ‘I will never fail you. I will never abaNdon you’ Hebrews 13:5 (New Living Translation)
