War Cry 22 July

WAR CRY

22 July 2023

Step back in time

New comedy transports viewers to 1990

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 7637

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

FROM this weekend, pupils of all ages can join Alice Cooper in declaring, ‘School’s out for summer’.

Now that schools in England and Wales have joined their counterparts in the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland in finishing lessons, there are more parents facing the challenges of childcare, the absence of free school meals and the perpetual responsibility of making sure their offspring are entertained.

In this week’s War Cry, we find out more about an activity centre, run by Christian Youth Enterprises, which hosts adventure holidays for members of churches, schools and youth groups.

‘At the beginning of a camp, there may be a lot of apprehensive teenagers all looking round, unsure of how to interact,’ Mark Sheldrake, the centre director tells us. ‘By the end of the week, these young people have found a community who accept and love them.’

While the adventure holidays are specifically for children and young people aged up to 30, the opportunity to find Christian communities offering acceptance and love is available to all ages. In this week’s issue, we also speak with Dayle Hill who found a place to belong at a church she started to attend after God answered her desperate prayer to heal her sick cat. Before her cat was ill, Dayle had stopped believing in God.

And yet God responded to her when she called out to him. That acceptance and love inspired her to run events for adults in her community.

‘We have a whatever club on a Tuesday, crafty coffee on Friday and Zumba,’ she says. ‘We’ve got people coming out of their homes who are lonely and who suffer from anxiety, so we’ve made our groups a safe place, where they know they can come and have a coffee or just come in, say hello and go back out again.’

Every person has worth and value, whoever they may be. They are also loved and accepted by God – and that’s a lesson well worth learning.

INFO INFO

The truth comes to light

EVERYTHING is coming to a head for Martin Parker in comedy drama series The Power of Parker, which starts on BBC1 next Friday (28 July). His bad decisions are catching up with him.

The year is 1990, and in Manchester, Martin Parker (Conleth Hill), owner of a chain of electrical stores, is in trouble. From the outside looking in, he appears to have it all, but he is beginning to suffer the consequences of the actions that got him everything.

After chastising his employees about poor sales, a meeting with his accountant brings bad news. Martin has not been honest about his expenditures and he has been slow to accept the reality that business isn’t booming. Having borrowed money from some unsavoury characters to try to keep up appearances, he is in the type of debt that could cause him and his family some serious trouble.

Electrical store entrepreneur’s lies start to be revealed in new comedy drama

TV preview by Sarah Olowofoyeku

had made over the years, including the choice to be unfaithful to his wife, Diane (Rosie Cavaliero). However, when sobered enough by the financial forecast of his business, he pulls the plug on the extramarital affair that was costing him money.

It is simply another way to look out for himself, but for his mistress Kath (Sian Gibson), it is a painful end to the years-long relationship.

Martin is the modern-day self-made man – and his success has come at the expense of others. His hunger for money, sex and power has driven him to all sorts of unscrupulous behaviour.

He has borrowed money to keep up appearances

It can be entertaining to watch the plight of someone on a comedy programme, especially if they may be getting their just deserts. But sometimes it is also worth looking at our own lives and the decisions that we have made over the years.

people who have chosen to live God’s way.

One character whose bad choice is recorded in the Bible is David. A powerful man, David once made the decision to take another man’s wife. The truth of what he did was soon revealed, and the consequences were devastating.

But that wasn’t the end of the matter. After being confronted about his actions by the prophet Nathan, David took action.

David confessed to Nathan, ‘I’ve sinned against God.’ Nathan told him: ‘Yes, but that’s not the last word. God forgives your sin’ (2 Samuel 12:13 The Message).

Although what David did was wrong, God was willing to forgive him.

The good news for us all is that no matter how damning the decisions we have made seem, we can always find forgiveness from God. We may experience the natural consequences of our actions and should try to make things right, but we don’t need to feel forever condemned. If we confess our wrongs, God will forgive us.

The decision to borrow the money was more than just a slip-up. It was only one of a series of bad choices that Martin

Perhaps it has been the choice to be dishonest, to think of ourselves before others or to hurt a family member or loved one through our selfish actions. No one is immune to making such mistakes – even

We may still make other bad choices for all sorts of reasons, because we are human, but if we make the decision to live for God, he will help us to make good choices and be there to catch us if we slip up.

Martin Parker’s thirst for power is set to be his downfall

‘ ’

j TEA M TALK

She’s a Barbie girl outside a Barbie world

Claire Brine gives her take on a film that has caught the attention of War Cry reporters

‘EVERY protagonist must go on a hero’s journey, and Stereotypical Barbie is no exception,’ commented Abby Aguirre in Vogue, ahead of the cinematic release of Barbie this week.

In the film’s trailer, a perfectly dressed Barbie (Margot Robbie) is embarking on yet another perfect day in Barbie Land as she floats down from the roof of her dream house to meet boyfriend Ken (Ryan Gosling). Then comes the surprising existential crisis.

‘The first sign of trouble arises during a group dance number,’ noted Abby. ‘Breezing through the choreography at the front of the pack, she suddenly turns to the other Barbies and asks: “Do you guys ever think about dying?” Later she wakes up and finds her feet are no longer arched.’

Cue the screams of despair from Barbie’s pals, who worry that their friend is (let’s just whisper it) malfunctioning. Unsure of what to do, Barbie seeks advice and is encouraged to explore the ‘real world’.

She feels out of sorts

Barbie is torn. The idea of wearing high heels with ease again is tempting. But eventually she heads off to the real world and learns about another kind of life. Who knows where she will end up?

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I don’t think I’ve ever related to Barbie more. Here’s a woman who knows what it is to feel out of sorts in her day-to-day life. Who can’t always relate to the people around her. Who longs to see what else the world has to offer, but feels out of her depth when she takes that first step.

While I’ll have to wait to see the end of the film to discover what ‘truth’ Barbie discovers, I find myself being reminded of a comforting truth that I picked up a long time ago. It’s the story of God’s love for me – no matter what I look like or however imperfect I am. It’s a love that isn’t fooled by any plastic grin. It’s also not guaranteed to promise me the life of my dreams. But the way it reaches deep into my heart leaves me certain of one thing – it’s real.

Team talk Team talk

Church warns of ‘undignified’ weddings

‘You can go back to your regular life,’ suggests another Barbie (Kate McKinnon). ‘Or you can know the truth about the universe.’

THE Church of England has warned against the commercialisation of weddings after the Law Commission conducted a review of marriage ceremonies in England and Wales, reported The Times. Speaking at a meeting of the general synod, the Bishop of Durham, the Right Rev Paul Butler, warned that ‘the move to commercialise weddings is likely to undermine the Christian understanding of marriage’. He suggested that the review’s recommendations could lead to weddings that were not dignified being permitted. While the bishop acknowledged that the reforms stated they were ‘designed to preserve the dignity of weddings’, he warned that the commission had not provided ‘any notion of what that would mean or how it could be enforced’.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman told The Times: ‘This is a complex area of the law and the 57 changes that they recommended … need to be fully considered and would require an act of parliament to implement.’

WAR talk talk

WAR CRYWnRLD

Modern slavery survivors write to prime minister with fears over Illegal Migration Bill

A GROUP of survivors of modern slavery who have been supported by The Salvation Army and its partners have written to Rishi Sunak to outline their fears that the Illegal Migration Bill will have a negative impact on survivors in the future if it passes without change.

The survivors asked The Salvation Army to pass on their letter to the prime minister. In it they explain how they may not be alive today had they not been sheltered in safe houses and given specialist support to recover from their abuse.

They fear the Illegal Migration Bill will prevent other victims being able to access the lifesaving support they received.

‘Most of us have been taken away from traffickers in a horrendous situation, traumatised, fragile, wounded, without any money, documentation, and hungry,’ they write in the letter. ‘We were put in a safe place where we saw humanity for the first time after a very long time.’

The group of survivors signed the letter using only initials to maintain their anonymity, as threats and brutal

treatment by their traffickers have left them in fear of disclosing their real names in public. However, they were determined to advocate for people trapped in slavery now and in the future.

Each signatory has received support through the government’s modern slavery victim care contract, which is fulfilled by The Salvation Army. Having had access to help including safe accommodation, translation services, counselling and financial, medical and legal assistance, many survivors are now able to contribute to society as ‘care workers, chefs, lorry drivers, students, dentists, solicitors, volunteers’ and in ‘many more roles’.

They go on to express regret that the Illegal Migration Bill was brought in without consultation with people who have lived experience of modern slavery and offer their help to parliamentarians and other decision-makers considering this issue.

The letter closes by calling on the prime minister to have compassion and care when considering the impact of the Illegal Migration Bill on people’s lives.

Help when the heat is on

THE Salvation Army has supported the work of emergency services and people experiencing homelessness during high summer temperatures. Its personnel provided refreshments and emotional support to emergency crews and those affected by incidents, including an office fire in Wigston, Leicestershire, where the church and charity’s Leicester South centre became a base for evacuated staff.

The Salvation Army’s incident support vehicles also supported firefighters tackling wildfires in the Rhigos Mountain area in south Wales, at a large farm fire north of Ipswich and at four incidents in London.

In Cardiff, a Salvation Army outreach service – which runs seven days a week – offered clothing, suncream, first aid access and extra water to people experiencing homelessness. Across northwest England, emergency beds were made available to rough sleepers.

LIBRARY PICTURE POSED BY MODELS

Leicester South Salvation Army provide refreshments and support to emergency crews

Hill

No worries

Life for DAYLE HILL had become all about her. Until the night her cat got sick, and she called out for help. Her priorities changed, and now she is focused on helping the people around her. She explains what happened that night and how she came to start a community group

Interview by Sarah Olowofoyeku

LIFE, says Dayle Hill, used to be hectic. ‘I was always stressing, worried, anxious,’ she says. To try to solve her problems, she began to engage with spirituality and a range of religions, including satanism.

‘I think the interest came out of fear to be honest,’ says Dayle, ‘and out of there being so much going on in my life, me not coping very well, and one person asking me to join something. With satanism, the idea is that you’re more important than everybody else. In the wrong kind of way, it made me feel powerful. But it led me to be a selfish person, and I didn’t like it.

‘I was practising paganism, and I would go into the woods and pray there. I was celebrating their holidays and making up spells. I started reading new age self-help books that say you’re in charge of your life and that good things happen because you make them happen. That was when I stopped believing in God, as I thought

it wasn’t him making things happen, but that it was me.’

Life however, hadn’t changed for the better for Dayle. Then one night, she found herself reaching out to God.

‘I was about to fall asleep when my husband called up from downstairs and said my cat Jackie was having a fit. Suddenly, I just said, “God, please, if you get her through the night, I’ll buy a Bible.” A couple of hours later my husband came up, because he had been on the phone to the vets and said that my cat was fine. It wasn’t a fit but she had been choking. So the next day, I went to the shop and got a Bible.’

While Dayle had never attended church or read the Bible, she says that she somehow knew that only God could help her.

‘It was what I now call the pull of God,’

she says. ‘I started reading the Bible that day because I’d promised God I would.

‘The next pull I got was to go to church. It was scary, but everyone was so lovely and that was it – I just never left. I got another pull to join a Thursday group at the church where we talked about the Bible, and that’s become like a family now.’

Dayle found the group at Rotherham Minster enriching.

‘It opened up my eyes to where God is and to who God is, because we all see him differently. And in reading the Bible, we learn how people were then, why things happened and about all the miracles that Jesus did.

‘One night I read a bit in the Bible where Jesus comes back from being crucified and says, “I’ll always be with you”, and it stuck in my head. I said to Jesus: “If you’re here, do you want to come and sit and watch this programme with me?”

I was making up pagan spells

Dayle

Then I just got this warm, happy feeling and it really did feel like he was next to me. I’d say Jesus is my best friend now.’

Over the past three years, since opening the Bible and walking into the church, Dayle’s life has changed for the better. She has a close relationship with God and she says that when she has troubles, she can also talk with her Thursday group members who will listen and help any time.

Dayle’s experience has had an effect on not only her; it has caused her to look outwards to the place she lives, the Rotherham suburb of Canklow – one of the most deprived areas in the UK.

Inspired by a sermon at her church about charity, she started the Community Tree, which runs groups for residents.

‘What we’re trying to do is bring God’s Kingdom to Canklow,’ she says.

For Dayle, that means making sure Canklow is a place that’s clean and where ‘there’s no worries and there’s a lot of love’. The first step towards this was to start tidying up the neighbourhood.

‘I started a litter-picking group,’ she says. ‘It takes about 20 minutes to walk

from here into town, and there weren’t any bins along the way. But now, because of the litter-picking group, we’ve got six new bins put in, which is a major thing for us. Fly-tipping has gone too.

‘We have a whatever club on a Tuesday, crafty coffee on Friday and Zumba. We’ve got people coming out of their homes who are lonely and who suffer from anxiety, so we’ve made our groups a safe place, where they know they can come and have a coffee or just come in, say hello and go back out again.’

The groups are helping the people of Canklow overcome anxiety and become more united – something Dayle experienced in her own life.

She says: ‘With anything that

I know God is there for me

Canklow is one of the most deprived areas in the UK

happens now, I know God is there for me and he’ll help me. I don’t need to worry about it.’

Dayle at Thursday group

MARK SHELDRAKE explains how activity camps at Christian Youth Enterprises help young people and families to explore faith

Interview by Emily Bright

Making waves

SAILING, kayaking, archery and climbing are all part of the package offered by Christian Youth Enterprises (CYE). Situated on the waterfront of Cobnor Estate near Chichester, its activity centre lies at the heart of a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, near the South Downs National Park.

CYE first established a sailing centre back in 1985, with the original purpose of providing adventure holidays for members of churches and youth groups.

‘The aim was to share the gospel through activities,’ explains Mark Sheldrake, the centre director. ‘So people came, they had adventurous activities and they heard about Jesus. It started mostly with summer camps.

‘We developed more permanent staff and were able to welcome schools in term-time. They would visit, stay for various lengths of time, and have an active and educational programme, including assemblies about Jesus. The mission was always gospel-focused.’

The organisation works with primary and secondary schools, offering a range of residential trips for children aged eight and older. There are also camps in the summer and spring for younger children and teenagers, which feature a guest speaker, times of worship, prayer, discussion groups and outdoor activities.

As well as working with a variety of age groups, CYE caters for a range of abilities. It works with some children who have challenging behaviours or disabilities. In

such cases the programmes are modified to make them suitable for those taking part.

‘For instance,’ Mark says, ‘we work with a group called Pacso, the Parent and Carers Support Organisation. They bring children with a wide range of needs. With them, it just wouldn’t be appropriate to say: “Right everyone, sit down and listen to this.” So we preach the gospel through serving them and loving them unconditionally.’

Mark explains how his team go about facilitating fun activities while also sharing their faith.

‘Because we lay the groundwork about our faith quite well, no one’s surprised when we talk about it,’ he says. ‘But also we make sure that we respect everyone’s

Mark Sheldrake

views, and that we take time to listen if someone disagrees. And we don’t ever say you must stay and you must listen to this. But we tend to find that people are interested.

‘Generally, when we work with primary school age – years four, five and six –they’re so enquiring, accepting and good at listening to other points of view that we don’t really have any issues.’

Mark elaborates on what sharing faith in an accessible way looks like at a CYE camp.

‘With the schools – whether they’re church schools or multifaith – we do an assembly every day, and we make sure that it is explaining Christians’ points of

view, and allowing children to interact with them.

‘We also use the world around us to make the stories come to life. When we’re out on a walk, we can talk about creation, or if we’re down at the beach we can talk about the Bible story of Jesus calming the water during a storm.’

Although the activities for school-aged children are very popular, CYE was conscious not to make its ministry just about child’s play. When the team spotted a gap in the market for younger adults, Mark explains, they decided to take action.

came through our camps during their teenage years would then drop away.

‘We now have an 18 to 30s ministry –usually a camp in Devon – which we call Reload. Again, we invite speakers and we have a wonderful weekend of surfing. It’s a time to support each other, listen to each other and pray over each other.’

Holidaying families are also welcomed to CYE for weekends that include prayer and worship, as well as activities such as water sports, games, crabbing and talent shows.

While CYE’s work is outward-looking, it also values its staff and volunteers and is proactive in providing spiritual care and

‘We recognised that there wasn’t much out there really for 18 to 30s. Those who Turn to page 10 f

DAVID SAVILE

We serve and love unconditionally

training for them.

‘We do quite a lot of discipleship with our team – particularly through the winter – so that when they’re living out their faith, it’s a real faith,’ Mark says.

‘It means that anyone visiting us can ask them a question, and they can be fairly solid in their answers. We don’t try and put on a show. We have good days and bad days as Christians, and we try to make sure we’re real. We do days where we have a speaker come and talk to us, we minister to each other and have fellowship together.’

Mark is personally invested in the work of CYE, having attended its camps as a child before becoming a volunteer at 17, which entailed taking kids out on the water and leading activities. But he didn’t find only leadership skills with CYE. He also found faith.

He explains: ‘I was brought up in a Christian home, but it was when I came to CYE as an activity staff member in my early 20s that I became a Christian for myself. I had a bit of a crisis of faith, where I felt it was my parents’ faith not mine, and I had to puzzle that through. I made a decision when I was here.

‘I joined the staff here as soon as I finished my uni course at 21, and was here until 25, when I got married. I became a teacher for 10 years, and then we came back down here in 2010 but I carried on teaching. Then I got this job in 2018.’

Mark believes that the atmosphere and culture of CYE allow those taking part and those who work there to experience God in a close way.

‘I’ve had quite a few challenges in my life. My wife and I have had some health

issues over the past decade and a half. My faith has been strengthened by how close God has held me through those.’ His faith is built on a foundation of a committed relationship with God, even when life isn’t plain sailing.

‘Jesus, first and foremost for me, is a friend,’ he says. ‘Proper friends are the ones who show up when it’s really hard. They’re the ones who knock on your door, who say: “I’m here.” For me, Jesus is the best example of that kind of friendship. There’s never a point where he’s going to say: “I don’t know what to say.”

‘He’s also our saviour – because there are times when you need more than a

friend; you need someone who’s got the answers, who is in control, who is all-powerful.’

Given how central his faith is to his own life, Mark is keen to keep faith at the heart of CYE’s work culture too.

‘When any challenges arise, as a team our culture is to always turn to God and know that he wants the best for us,’ he explains.

‘There is a peace that does pass understanding. For me, it comes at those moments when it really doesn’t make any sense to be peaceful. We know that God wants this ministry to succeed, and even if things are difficult, then we will get through. And good things can come through challenging times as well.’

Mark says that one of the most rewarding

My faith has been strengthened

At a CYE camp for 9-12 year olds

aspects of his role is to see God at work.

‘I’ve run a few camps here, and there is nothing like the feeling at the end of a camp, when God has done amazing things with a group of kids and the team have worked at their absolute best.

‘At the beginning of a camp, there may be a lot of apprehensive teenagers all looking round, unsure of how to interact. They often come from situations where living for Jesus is seen as unusual at best or, at worst, something to despise. Not all are plugged into a healthy church setting. Some may even be thinking of giving up on God.

accept and love them. And they are enthused to keep on in their faith with joy and passion. The transformation is visible. I have lost count of the number of times that people at their baptisms have referred to the way in which CYE camps played a part in their decision to live for Christ.’

God has done amazing things

As young people and families come to CYE, Mark is keen to create a space where they can explore the Christian faith for themselves, so that they can have a life-changing encounter as he did when he was younger.

him to meet with us. My hope is that we provide the space and we remove barriers so that God can meet with people.’

‘By the end of the week, these young people have found a community who

‘I want them to meet with God,’ he says. ‘I think that means a lot of different things to people at different times. But God always shows up when we allow

CYE’s staff team

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’.

jBecoming 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

a thou

Now, ther NO W, THERE’S A THOUGHT!

by Jim Burns

Whatan elation we get from happy songs!

SONGWRITERS have my admiration. Whether they compose hymns or popular songs, their ability to get a message across in perhaps three verses and a chorus – and elicit emotions in their listeners – is a real gift.

I was a teenager in the 1960s, and I’m most familiar with music from that decade. So I was interested to read that the Beach Boys song ‘Good Vibrations’ had been declared the happiest song ever created.

Dr Michael Bonshor, music psychology professor at the University of Sheffield, came to this conclusion, having devised a formula for what constituted a happy song. Apparently, to hit the right note, it should have a major key, 7th chords, 137 beats per minute, four beats to the bar, a short intro, a verse-chorus-verse-chorus structure and repeated riffs. I do think a song’s lyrics are important too.

Many of us have probably sung the Christmas carol ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, but have we ever wondered what other songs the angels might sing in Heaven? The carol says that they sing: ‘Glory to the newborn King.’ We are told in the Bible that God is love, so I like to think that there must be plenty of love songs sung above. I think there will be some feelgood songs of joy up there too.

Elsewhere in the Bible, we can read that the angels sing songs of worship to God, songs about his glory and his worth. But the angels are not the only ones singing in Heaven. The Bible tells us that God sings too, with one verse of scripture saying: ‘The Lord … will rejoice over you with joyful songs’ (Zephaniah 3:17 New Living Translation).

What a wonderful picture! This means that God isn’t the judgemental, angry or distant God that some of us may have been told about. He is a God who is glad to be in a relationship with us, so much so that it causes him to break out in joyful songs. And the offer of a relationship with him is open to everyone – which surely should give us good vibrations.

The Bible tells us God sings too

QUICK QUIZ

1 2 3 4 5 6

Which author wrote the novels The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns?

According to the proverb, what does a stitch in time save?

In which county is Caernarfon Castle?

Who had a Top 10 hit in 2020 with ‘Levitating’?

What is the white part of the eye called?

Who played Ariel in Disney’s live-action remake of The Little Mermaid?

Moving on up

Players compete in the British Chess Championships

Feature by Claire Brine

SHHH! Chess players are trying to concentrate as they compete in the British Chess Championships, which are taking place all week at De Montfort University in Leicester.

Each year, the highly competitive event features a number of tournaments for players in various categories, including an international open, senior and junior championships, and quick-play tournaments – but the main focus for competitors and fans alike is the British Championship itself. Running over nine rounds, it attracts about 60 of the top chess players from all over the country.

‘The championships are important to the chess community because they allow players at all levels, from beginners to grandmasters, to take part in different competitions side by side,’ says Nigel Towers of the English Chess Federation. He tells the War Cry that, on average, the championships attract about 1,000 players each year. He also points out that, this summer, organisers are staging various social events for those wanting to know more about chess, including drop-in games and coaching sessions.

There is no luck in chess

‘Chess is universal and inclusive, knowing no boundaries of age, gender, ethnicity, disability or geography,’ says Nigel, explaining the game’s broad appeal. ‘It can be played with a low-cost chess board or online. It has a unique appeal because of its long and distinctive history and the ability to become proficient based on study, as there is no luck in a game of chess.’

He makes a convincing analysis. Chess is about calculation, strategy and thinking ahead – not the roll of a dice. Players who practise and study the game of chess are far more likely to win than those who turn up simply hoping for the best.

The same levels of commitment and persistence are needed for anyone interested in establishing a strong relationship with God.

The more we advance in his direction by reading the Bible and talking to him in prayer, the more it’s possible for us to experience the reality of his life-changing love. When we make blunders, he offers us forgiveness and a breakthrough. And when we feel attacked on all sides by insurmountable problems, his strength is the perfect support point. Whatever our current position on faith, getting to know God is always a good move.

1. Khaled Hosseini. 2. Nine. 3. Gwynedd.

4. Dua Lipa. 5. The sclera. 6. Halle Bailey.

Quick

8. Cleaning agent (9)

11. Make amends (5)

12. Delay (5)

Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these European summer holiday destinations

R E G L X N W L N T F V C

R K J M I W Z N A Q T H R Y K H D O

I B H S R K D M G N D O I K

SERVES

Meatballs with tomato and mozzarella

INGREDIENTS

300g beef mince

300g pork mince

1 garlic clove, crushed

100g dried breadcrumbs

1tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 large vine tomato, cored and sliced into 8

100g grated mozzarella

2tbsp fresh basil, chopped

SERVES

METHOD

Preheat the oven to 190C/375F/ Gas Mark 5.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the beef mince, pork mince, garlic, half the breadcrumbs, the dried herbs, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Scrunch together with your hands until evenly combined. Divide and shape the mixture into eight meatballs. Place the remaining breadcrumbs in a shallow dish and add the meatballs, rolling to coat.

Place the breaded meatballs in one large baking dish (or more if necessary). Bake for 25-30 minutes, until almost cooked through. Remove from the oven and top with the tomato slices and mozzarella. Return to the oven and bake for a further 5 minutes, until the cheese is golden and melted. Top the meatballs with the basil, to serve.

Pavlova with summer berries

INGREDIENTS

5 egg whites

250g icing sugar

1tbsp cornflour

1tbsp apple cider vinegar

METHOD

400g strawberries

200g double cream

2 drops vanilla extract

100g blueberries

2 sprigs mint, to garnish Fresh daisies, to garnish

Preheat the oven to 100C/250F/Gas Mark 2. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

Beat the egg whites with a hand mixer or in a stand mixer until stiff peaks form. Sift the icing sugar and cornflour, then gradually whisk into the egg whites, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture is thick and glossy. Whisk in the apple cider vinegar.

Spoon the meringue mixture on to the lined baking tray and gently spread into a 20 cm round, making a shallow well in the centre with the back of a spoon.

Bake the meringue in the oven for 11/4 hours then turn off the oven, leaving the meringue inside until completely cooled.

To decorate, cut the strawberries in halves or quarters, depending on size. Whip the cream with the vanilla until stiff and spoon into a piping bag fitted with a star-shaped nozzle. Pipe small rosettes round the edge of the meringue and fill the centre with the strawberries and blueberries. Pipe the rest of the cream between the berries and serve garnished with mint leaves and daisies.

When we connect with God, we go from dark to light

David Gyasi