War Cry 25 March

WAR CRY

Never the bride

Olivia Colman brings Miss Havisham to life in Great Expectations

‘Being part of the Boat Race was incredible’

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 7620

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

WITH Olivia Colman leading the cast of a classic Dickensian novel adaptation, BBC bosses will be hoping that the new series Great Expectations, is a ratings winner.

Many people will find the main theme of the story, the hopes and expectations of the central character, Pip, easy to relate to. The boy dreams of greater things and improving his lot in life.

That’s a dream shared by countless people. Sadly, though, not everyone’s great expectations go on to be realised. For all sorts of different reasons, some people find it impossible to achieve their dreams. Sometimes that can be because of inequalities and injustices that exist within our societies. Sometimes it can be for reasons beyond human control – such as natural disasters or global pandemics.

It was three years ago that the UK went into lockdown because of the outbreak of Covid-19. That impacted the lives of us all and, for some, brought an end to the hopes they previously had for the future.

When we face such times, it is natural to question why these things happen, particularly if we believe in a loving, all-powerful God. In this week’s War Cry we speak with author Sharon Dirckx who has written about these questions and explored the place of faith in a world where bad things happen.

‘The world has been made by a good God, but something has gone wrong,’ she tells us, before adding: ‘At the heart of the Christian faith is a God who knows what it is to suffer.

‘He was willing to take the biggest hit of all – letting the evil of the world, all the brokenness of the planet rest on his shoulders – so that the brokenness in our planet doesn’t have to sink us.’

It’s good to know that, however short life has fallen of our own expectations, we are not condemned to a lesser life. God is willing and able to guide us towards greater things.

INFO INFO

Tale of the unexpected

VIEWERS may have great expectations of the latest TV adaptation of the Dickens’ novel, featuring Olivia Colman as Miss Havisham, when it airs on BBC1 tomorrow (Sunday 26 March).

In 1830s London, a dejected Pip (Fionn Whitehead) walks along a bridge overlooking the river. He unravels a rope and ties it to the bridge, draping it over his neck as he prepares to plunge into the shadowy waters beneath.

The first episode of Great Expectations then flashes back to seven years earlier, when young orphan Pip (Tom Sweet) worked at his brother-in-law’s blacksmith forge in Kent. But with a love of language and learning, he always felt destined for something greater.

When he visited his parents’ grave one day, he came across the bedraggled

TV preview by Emily Bright

Magwitch (Johnny Harris), who had escaped from the prison ship HMS Retribution. Threatening to kill Pip if he turned him in, Magwitch demanded food and drink the next day. Before long, Pip was aiding and abetting a fugitive.

Then an unexpected opportunity came knocking: the rich but eccentric recluse Miss Havisham wanted a companion for her adopted daughter, Estella (Chloe Lea). After being introduced to Pip through a mutual acquaintance, she offered to pay him handsomely in return for a weekly visit.

The two events of meeting Magwitch and Estella went on to transform Pip’s life in ways that he never could have imagined.

Sometimes, we might have to make lifechanging choices – where we should live, which job we should go for or who to be in a relationship with. Having to make such choices can leave us confused because we cannot be sure what is best.

Advice from friends and family can be helpful, but we can also learn a lot from stories of people we have never met who have faced similar challenges. Knowing that there are people out there who have come through what we are facing can be comforting.

Many people find encouragement from the story of shepherd-turned-king David. He had to make tough decisions on matters of the heart, spent years on the move and overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges. His life story is told in a book called the Bible, detailing all the wise decisions and foolish mistakes he made and how he dealt with their consequences.

David also penned a series of poems called the Psalms about his life experiences and his faith in God. In them, he acknowledged that whatever he faced, God’s love and wisdom would eventually see him through. Turning to God for guidance equipped him to make better decisions.

In one poem, he expressed his trust in God, saying: ‘You will show me the path that leads to life’ (Psalm 16:11 Good News Bible). David knew that God could show him the best way forward, and would provide him with boundless wisdom and love. With God by his side, David lived life to the full.

The good news is that we too can know God’s guidance and love in our lives, and we never have to face big decisions alone. If we explore a relationship with him, it will open up an exciting new chapter in our lives where we don’t have to fear the future.

Choices can leave us confused

Adaptation of Victorian novel shows how decisions can dramatically change the course of a life

Miss Havisham seeks a companion for her adopted daughter BBC/FX NETWORKS/PARI

Magwitch escapes prison ship HMS Retribution

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j TEA M TALK

There’s value in talking about debt

Claire Brine gives her take on a story catching the attention of War Cry reporters

WHEN it comes to falling into debt, it can happen to anyone. That’s according to StepChange, the charity behind Debt Awareness Week, which concludes tomorrow (Sunday 26 March).

Though many people find it difficult to talk openly about money, StepChange believes that facing up to our financial problems is vital, especially if our debt is spiralling out of control. All year round, the charity helps people by offering free debt advice, assistance on budgeting, and ideas on how to manage existing debt. Through Debt Awareness Week, it hopes to put the problem of debt in the spotlight, assuring people in despair that there is a safe place for them to turn.

Though the stress of falling into debt can feel like an isolating experience, the problem affects thousands of people from all walks of life. And, after a year of rising prices, things seem to be getting worse for some.

‘In January we saw startling demand for debt advice – our highest client volumes for the charity since well before the pandemic,’ said Richard Lane, director of external affairs at StepChange. ‘[It] may suggest that problem debt triggered by a year of rising prices is beginning to take hold.’

While confronting the reality of our debt may feel like a frightening prospect, StepChange stresses that tackling money worries is best done sooner rather than later. ‘Don’t sweep it under the carpet,’ it says on the website. ‘Waiting only makes debt problems worse.’ One service user named Daisy is even quoted as saying that if she had sought debt advice earlier, ‘years of worry, stress and depression would have been prevented’.

It may not be easy to open up to someone about our financial worries – but telling the truth about debt is the first step to tackling it. It seems that it always has been. In the Bible, it’s a subject Jesus doesn’t shy away from, telling stories about borrowers and moneylenders and forgiving debt and paying it back. I believe that his readiness to talk about an issue which many would prefer to avoid should encourage us to do the same today – because once a person in debt admits that they need help, they can take the first step to changing their life. And such a move is always priceless.

Team talk Team talk

talk talk

WAR

BRENGLE, a Salvation Army therapy dog, has received an honorary ‘dog-torate’ from Teesside University.

The golden retriever was awarded the accolade in recognition of his services to student wellbeing after providing canine comfort to those struggling with their mental health.

His owner, Middlesborough Salvation Army church leader Captain Naomi Kelly, works for the church and charity’s chaplaincy service, supporting students who are experiencing stress or have mental health issues.

Naomi explains: ‘People who don’t want to talk to people will talk to dogs, so Brengle helps open up conversations; he is a stepping stone. A lot of students say they are stressed but feel better being with him, which gives me the chance to ask what it is that is making them feel stressed.

‘I couldn’t quite believe it when I got the message to say that Brengle was being recognised in this way! It’s amazing because he has impacted people’s lives in such a positive way, so it’s nice that the university want to honour that and that it’s recognised as a valuable ministry.’

Tackling money worries is best done sooner

Therapy dog is leader of the pack

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nA SECONDARY school teacher is taking on the role of Jesus in a Passion play that takes place every year in London’s Trafalgar Square.

Faith brings actor ‘great peace’

STAR of Frasier Kelsey Grammer, has spoken about his Christian faith, saying that Jesus has made a difference in his life.

The Emmy and Golden Globe awardwinning actor told entertainment platform USA Today that his recent role in Christian film Jesus Revolution might be his greatest work. ‘My wife and I saw it together. She was just dissolved in tears and said, “It’s the best thing you’ve ever done.”’

Asked about how his relationship to

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faith has evolved over the years, he said: ‘I’ve had hiccups. I’ve had some tragic times. I have wrestled with those and worked my way through them: sometimes rejecting faith, sometimes rejecting God even, in a period of being pretty angry about it, like, “Where were you?” That kind of thing. But I have come to terms with it and have found great peace in my faith and in Jesus. It’s not cavalier – Jesus made a difference in my life. That’s not anything I’ll apologise for.’

Peter Bergin, who as well as being an English teacher in Woking is a trained actor, has been an understudy twice for the part. For most of the time since it began in 2010 the role has been played by one actor, James BurkeDunsmore.

The Passion play, which tells the story of Jesus’ arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection, takes place twice on Good Friday and regularly attracts tens of thousands of people.

The company that puts on the play, Wintershall, is also facilitating productions in Edinburgh and Worcester this year.

Kidney donor inspired by love of Jesus

AN organ donation from a fellow churchgoer has transformed the life of a Scottish woman with polycystic kidney disease, Christian media outlet Premier reports.

Lois Denham, a 50-year-old member of the leadership team at Love Church in Paisley, has had the hereditary condition since she was eight years old, which causes

Church band was tops for darts champion

DARTS champion Andrew Gilding told the BBC that, before he took up the sport, he joined a church band in order to improve his mental health.

The new UK Open champion – who beat Michael van Gerwen in the tournament in Minehead – explained that he was ‘quite reclusive’ in his thirties after facing a period of unemployment.

‘I had some mental health problems and I started to spend all my time indoors,’ he said. ‘I started getting out when I played guitar for a church band. Joining the church band got me mixing with people and then people said I should join a [darts] team. I decided to join the local pub team and I suppose that’s where it started.’

The BBC reported that Andrew’s victory moves him to 25th in the world and ensures entry to the Grand Slam of Darts in November.

kidney function to deteriorate over time. Josh Hall, a member of the congregation and family friend, donated his kidney to Lois.

Josh told Premier: ‘We all claim to love Christ but if we don’t demonstrate that love by how we treat one another then the world will never see it. That was my motivation.’

Kelsey Grammer in ‘Jesus Revolution’

Noticing wrongs is right

Sunday 26 March marks three years since the first Covid-19 lockdowns laws came into force across the UK. Suffering and loss were seen not just in this country, but on a global scale – in a way many had never experienced before. Throughout the pandemic, questions about why it was happening were prevalent. Author SHARON DIRCKX explains why humanity’s questions about suffering can point them in the right direction and talks about her book Broken Planet , which explores the place of faith in a world where disasters occur

Interview by Sarah Olowofoyeku

BEFORE 2019, a lot of people might have been able to say that they had not seen a disaster on a global scale. But the outbreak of Covid-19 changed that. In the early days of the pandemic, the entire world was impacted and suffering was felt in almost every part of the world, at every level of society.

‘Often we either experience natural disasters very close up in terms of widespread chaos, or we experience them from afar through TV screens,’ says author and speaker Sharon Dirckx. ‘But now that the pandemic has swept through, we have all experienced a natural disaster both close up and from afar. We all have a story to tell. Suffering is a universal experience, therefore it needs addressing in a way that can be related to on a universal level.’

Since the pandemic began, Sharon

says that she has noticed ‘more openness’.

‘The pandemic has made us aware that life is fragile and that it can be over in a moment or a matter of days,’ she says. ‘So what is life really about? It has caused people to think in different ways from before the pandemic, and it has shown us that we are relational beings. It’s not good for us to be on our own for long periods of time. The Christian faith would say that we’re relational because we’re made for a relationship by a relational God.’

We need never suffer alone

saying that this isn’t right and things ought to be different. The Christian faith says that we don’t need to ignore that. We’re right in saying that something is wrong. The world has been made by a good God, but something has gone wrong and we live on a broken planet.’

In her book Broken Planet, Sharon responds to the question about human suffering caused by natural disasters with a multifaceted approach.

Sharon also believes that the pandemic heightened people’s awareness of suffering, which she says highlights something significant about humanity.

‘It’s a reminder that we have this in-built sense that something isn’t right with the world. When we ask why, we’re actually

‘I wrote a book on suffering more generally called Why? that was published in 2013,’ she says. ‘I weaved in stories of people who have a Christian faith and have suffered. But it was a broader treatment of the subject. I was aware that in the one chapter on natural disasters, so much more could be said. It is perhaps the hardest kernel of the

Sharon Dirckx

our freedom for good and bad. But evil within nature – disease, sickness, earthquakes and tsunamis for instance seem to happen in spite of us and not because of human action.

‘They need a slightly different treatment. Why has God set the world up the way that he has? What does that say about him?’

Sharon offers a framework of responses to help us make sense of natural disasters, even though there are no easy answers.

‘God has made a beautiful and lifesustaining planet, but with complications as well, because it’s broken,’ she says. ‘God has demonstrated his love for us in very concrete terms by not remaining

distant from our suffering, but coming to be with us. And more than that, by suffering like us and for us.

‘At the heart of the Christian faith is a God who knows what it is to suffer. We have a God who died on a brutal Roman cross so that, whatever we go through, we need never suffer alone. He was willing to take the biggest hit of all – letting the evil of the world, all the brokenness of the planet rest on his shoulders – so that the brokenness in our planet doesn’t have to sink us. Even if we are killed by it, death doesn’t have the last word.

‘There is an eternity with God, which

that God will come from Heaven to Earth and establish a world in which there is no more death or suffering or crying or pain, that he’ll wipe every tear from our eyes. We know that God is loving, because however great the brokenness and the trauma, these things will not have the last word if we turn and look to him.’

l Broken Planet is published by IVP

Stroke of genius

CHRIS

Interview by Emily Bright

STRETCHING across four miles of tidal Thames waters in southwest London, the Boat Race is one of the best-known intervarsity competitions in the UK, last year attracting 250,000 spectators and BBC coverage of the event. Each year Oxford and Cambridge’s rowing crews go head-to-hand in a course that runs between Putney and Mortlake.

The race has a rich rivalry and heritage behind it – the men’s competition dates back to 1829, while the women’s Boat Race first took place in 1927.

Trainee vicar Chris Rimmer has made waves at Oxford University’s boat club, having competed twice in the Boat Race as part of its reserve crew. ‘I did two Boat Race campaigns,’ he says. ‘The first year was during the pandemic. It was at Ely in Cambridgeshire that year, with no spectators. I was in the reserves’ boat. I can still picture so vividly the Cambridge boat rowing away from us. I drew on that in last year’s race.’

When his second race took place last year, supporters were out in force, generating a powerful atmosphere. ‘As you go out, you’re warming up, there are helicopters flying over, with

people all over the bridge and on either side,’ says Chris. ‘It was the proper Boat Race experience that we all see on TV, with the reserve boat race on 20 minutes before the televised one. The launch comes up and you’re thinking: “Wow.” You’re rowing in front of 250,000 people and it’s amazing, there’s this roar.’

Chris recalls that during the whole race, he had to remain focused. ‘On the start line, I was thinking about that first stroke. If I got that right, the rest would take care of itself, stroke by stroke,’ he says. ‘Your whole preparation is coming down to how you can perform on the day. And I think that means you don’t really take it all in. But my first thought on the start line before it all began was: “This is incredible.”

‘After three strokes, I remember we had taken half a length lead and we had a full length by Westminster. In rowing, when you get out ahead, it’s yours to lose. I knew we were in an incredibly good position.

‘You start at a sprint, then you keep on sprinting. I remember thinking about the mile posts, that I’d gone too hard and wasn’t going to make it. But then

I realised: “No, I’m going to be okay.” Then right at the end, with 200 metres to go, I thought: “We’re going to win this.” Crossing the line, I tried to lift my arms, but I couldn’t, so I just collapsed forward. I was in so much pain that when I tried to send out a whoop, I couldn’t breathe.’

Chris and his team had worked for that victory, with a gruelling exercise programme.

‘We were training for about two to three hours a day,’ he recalls. ‘But in terms of the actual time commitment, it was more like seven hours a day really.’

Much of that time was taken up by the team travelling to different training sites. From Tuesday to Friday, they were training for an hour and a half from 6.30

Chris Rimmer

RIMMER won the Boat Race as part of Oxford’s reserve team last year. As this year’s race gets underway tomorrow (Sunday 26 March), he reveals the oar-inspiring training programme he underwent, what it was like to compete in front of thousands of people and how it felt crossing the finish line

I was fighting tooth and nail

in the morning and then spending their afternoons training at Wallingford.

Chris continues: ‘We’d go over to Wallingford every day, train for an hour and a half on the water and then come back. And then on weekends we’d split our time between Wallingford and the GB centre at Caversham and do timed pieces, or we’d go down to London.’

Chris adds that rowing could sometimes feel all-consuming.

‘It was both the most amazing thing I did for the last two years, but also the toughest by a long shot. You’re constantly thinking about the schedule, the nutrition, the sleep and everything. There is a big temptation for it to become your God.

‘Both years I was fighting tooth and nail for the last seat in the boat. Because we had Olympians turn up, the standard was

out of this world. But it meant that I had to turn up and be my best every single day.’

To qualify for the race, Chris had to take numerous tests that assessed the power he was producing in his rowing. He also had to undergo ‘seat racing’, racing in boats on rotation against other oarsmen.

‘I had to beat this other guy in the seat race,’ he remembers. ‘Whoever won was going to be in the boat, and I won by a few seconds. It was fine margins between

being in or not. And that was really tough mentally.’

As a Christian since childhood, though, Chris’s faith in God kept him grounded amid the fierce competition.

‘I was first introduced to Jesus as a young child, and to me he was the Good Shepherd, and a dear friend,’ he says. ‘I later had a revelation of him as my Saviour

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and of God as my Heavenly Father, and with my identity being found in being part of God’s family. Something in me as a little boy knew that Jesus was real, and that he was a friend who I could talk to. And then as I got older and learnt more, I learnt about the reality of salvation and my identity.’

Chris decided to become a teacher and spent two years at Monkton Combe School in Bath. As well as teaching, he spent time developing his faith and, as he did so, he believed he clearly heard God telling him to go into full-time ministry in the Church. He says that he couldn’t think of anything else he would rather do and so he began studying at Wycliffe Hall, a theological college at Oxford University. After rowing at Durham University as an undergraduate,

he decided to pick up his passion for the sport while at Oxford.

‘I felt a calling to the boat club in that I knew I wanted to row,’ he says. ‘I was in this unique environment where I was surrounded by some of the most intelligent people in the world. A lot of them came from public school backgrounds, and I knew that through their education and their contacts, they would end up being in positions of leadership in the world – in politics, science, business.

‘I had an opportunity to have an eternal impact in their lives through conversations with them at the boat club about my faith, Jesus’ life, the morals of the Bible and

to know him. And I hope that the Lord will then influence the impact they have on society for the rest of their lives.’

Chris believes that Christians should be authentic about their faith.

‘We can be totally ourselves and be respected for that,’ he explains. ‘That’s the way we live, so that people who aren’t Christians see something different. I believe it’s the Holy Spirit living in me, transforming me.’

Chris adds that when he is tempted to question his self-worth or define himself by his achievements, he reads the Bible for encouragement and prays to God. Throughout his time as an Oxford University rower, prayer has been an important part of his preparations for competition. ‘I remember going to bed, phoning my parents in the night and being like: “Please pray for tomorrow, I’ve got

We can be totally ourselves

Chris celebrates winning the Boat Race with Oxford’s reserve crew in 2022

ALLMARKONE

seat racing.” And I would get this knot in my stomach. I would have to remind myself it’s just sport.’

He says that he prays not just privately, but also with his teammates before important fixtures.

‘For some of the big races I’ve done in my career, I’ve prepared my own prayer. Before the Boat Race last year, Charlie, an Olympian, said to me: “Are we going to have a prayer, Chris?”

‘First, I said the Lord’s Prayer. And everyone loves it because, even though it’s pretty simple, it really fires people up. I quickly got out my Bible, and I just read a few verses from Psalm 23: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I shall fear no evil, because you are with me.” And I

thanked God for these incredible men, for everything we’d accomplished, the friendships we’d forged, this band of brothers.

‘And then I prayed that we’d go out there on that ancient stretch of river and put everything into it. Then the guys said “Amen” and it was just like pandemonium because the BBC was knocking on the door, they were like: “Coin toss now”. So we had to go outside.’

As he embarks on his latest challenge – his vocation as a vicar – Chris remains confident that his faith will see him through any challenge he faces. He

says that the Bible teaches him that he is ‘beloved’ in God’s eyes and that his identity is found in a relationship with God. Reflecting on his faith, Chris summarises the essence of its significance in a few words: ‘I am loved. I do not need to seek human affirmation, but God. If I lean on him, he will come through for me.’

Chris and the rest of the crew row past the Putney Embankment the day before the Boat Race

ALANNAH BURDESS

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 Callum McKenna

Time to assess our direction of travel

IT was as an 11-year-old, in the back of the car on a summer holiday in Ireland with my grandparents, that I first remember becoming aware that there are two types of journey-takers. We were bleary eyed from an overnight ferry and, with 150 miles still to go, a heated discussion was under way about the best route to take.

My grandma wanted to ‘take it all in’ on the scenic route, meandering through Ireland’s picturesque villages, while my grandad was making an impassioned plea to take the motorway, which would cut two hours off the journey time: such was his resolve to get to where we were going. (If you’re curious, I gained a great appreciation for the Irish countryside that summer.)

Easter invites each of us on a path

Over the past five weeks or so, in a period called Lent, many Christians have been journeying towards a big event in the Church calendar. Lent is a time to look ahead and prepare for Easter, when Christians remember Jesus’ sacrificial death on a cross and celebrate his resurrection.

Some people ‘give up’ something luxurious for the period while others might more intentionally practise spiritual habits, such as prayer, to help them along the way. Lent is a great reminder that the best journeys can’t be rushed, and the celebratory notes of Easter will be heard more clearly because of the intentional journey taken to get there.

There is, however, a moment on the road to Easter when Jesus takes the other type of journey. Luke’s Gospel tells us that, despite knowing the suffering he would face there, Jesus ‘resolutely set out for Jerusalem’ (Luke 9:51 New International Version) – perhaps because he knew the great triumph, healing and reconciliation that would be made possible for all people because of that journey.

Easter invites each of us on a path that will probably contain elements of both types of journeying. There will be moments of gentle wandering and wondering, where we take it all in, and there will be times when we need to be decisive about what is really important.

The great news about the Easter story is that, wherever life leads, God offers to journey with us.

Address

The world at our feet

New

QUICK QUIZ

1 2 3 4 5 6

Which children’s author penned The Gruffalo?

What is the title of Stormzy’s third consecutive No 1 album, released in November last year?

Which musical features the songs ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ and ‘I’ve Grown Accustomed To Her Face’?

According to the poet Edward Lear, which animals went to sea in a ‘beautiful pea-green boat’?

What is the scientific name for the kneecap?

According to the proverb, what do you become if you are ‘once bitten’?

landscapes

Feature by Sarah Olowofoyeku

ONE visit to London can be a ticket to seven continents of the world – with no passport needed – thanks to the BBC Earth Experience, which opens on Thursday (30 March) at the new Daikin Centre in London.

The immersive journey will take visitors on a trip through the natural world, to see animals from Africa, Europe, South America, Asia, Antarctica, Australia and North America along with the diversity of landscapes on each continent. The 360-degree audiovisual experience features footage and music from the BBC documentary Seven Worlds, One Planet, and will be narrated by David Attenborough.

With multi-angle screens, interactive rooms and three breakout zones, which offer drone footage of landscapes and a virtual journey down to the ocean floor, visitors can get up close to natural wonders – including fourtonne elephant seals and a forest full of fireflies, and are invited to think about how they can protect the planet.

Sights that might have seemed out of reach are now there to be seen for anyone who attends the experience, with the potential to provoke a sense of awe at the world we live in.

Humans have long marvelled at the natural world. Countless works of art, pieces of music and writings have been made about the beauty of creation. For many people, the magnificence of what they see gives them reason to believe that somebody must have created it.

Christians believe that the Creator is God, and that he is in control of the whole universe. This can be comforting for them, even when they are facing storms in their own lives. One writer’s words, found in the Bible, say: ‘How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the Earth is full of your creatures’ (Psalm 104:24 and 25 New International Version).

It isn’t just God’s power that offers comfort, but also the belief that this God came down in human form through his Son, Jesus, to be with us in our world. God is never out of reach and he is keen to interact with us. No matter who or where we are, we can experience God’s love and care for us, and trust that he is in control and will guide our steps.

The experience will allow people to get close to nature

1. Julia Donaldson.

My Fair Lady.

The owl and the pussy-cat.

immersive experience allows visitors to walk through the seven continents to see animals and

It can provoke a sense of awe

The BBC Earth Experience is narrated by David Attenborough

ALEX BOARD/BBC NHU

PUZZLES

Quick

1. Sink back (7)

Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number

16. Intensely cold (6)

18. Biblical tower (5) 20. Not succeed (4)

Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these classical music composers

E N N F T E S V Q K B W W O E I S D Y

D I J J E D E T Q M D N M K L V O R X

E X A H E E G Q R J Q G N L F O M I C

D J M P B R P O M A N H I A Y I J C E

U D I B N I J B L A V W S F H N C H G

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C H R O G H L O O M R X N S D N P D U

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S F T S D I D R E V E P P E S U I G H

B Z E F U N P H I L I P G L A S S N H

A R N O L D S C H O E N B E R G S E Z

W C W A N

Pork skewers

INGREDIENTS

8 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed from bottom and finely chopped

1 large red onion, cut into 1cm slices

2 peppers, yellow and red, cut into 3cm chunks

800g pork fillet, cut into 3cm cubes

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 80ml olive oil

2tsp sweet paprika

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

METHOD

Remove the leaves from the bottom of the rosemary branches, finely chop them and set aside.

Thread the onions, peppers and pork alternately onto the rosemary branches and place next to each other on a flat dish.

Add the chopped rosemary and garlic to the oil, together with the paprika, and mix well to make a marinade. Brush it over the vegetables and meat, on all sides. Cover with cling film and leave to marinate in the fridge for around 1 hour.

Unwrap the skewers, allow to drain, reserving the marinade, then grill for about 10 minutes. Turn the skewers for even cooking and brush from time to time with the marinade.

Season with sea salt and ground black pepper and serve.

Spinach, pea and goat's cheese pasta salad

INGREDIENTS

450g penne

150g frozen peas, thawed

3tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 lemon, juice

1 small red chilli pepper, seeded and minced

1tsp caraway seeds

Handful flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 large vine tomatoes, cored, seeded, and diced

2 spring onions, finely sliced

100g baby spinach, washed

125g soft goat's cheese, roughly chopped

METHOD

Cook the penne for about 10 minutes until al dente, according to the packet instructions, adding peas to the boiling water after 7 minutes.

Drain the pasta and peas, refresh in a bowl of iced water, then drain again and spread out on kitchen paper to dry.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, chilli pepper, caraway seeds and chopped parsley with some salt and pepper to taste.

Add the pasta, peas, tomatoes, spring onions, spinach leaves, goat's cheese, and some more salt and pepper to the bowl, stirring and tossing to combine.

Transfer to a serving platter when ready to serve.