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War Cry THE

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MARRIAGE WEEK UK

FIGHTING FOR HEARTS AND SOULS

5 February 2011

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LOVE IS COMING TO A GARDEN NEAR YOU writes CLAIRE BRINE ‘O GNOMEO, Gnomeo, are we really doomed, Gnomeo?’ That’s the question garden gnome Juliet asks after she falls in love with the gnome next door.

Sadly, the course of true love does not run smooth for the couple. Juliet comes from a family of Red gnomes. Gnomeo is one of the Blues. And the two families cannot stand each other, as cinemagoers will see when Gnomeo and Juliet is released Turn to page 3

NO MATTER: it’s love at first sight for Gnomeo and Juliet Miramax

2

NEWS

The War Cry 5 February 2011

ANTI-POVERTY CAMPAIGNERS GAIN PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORT

MPs get millennium goals reminder

BIBLE STORY FILMED p8

PLUS

MEDIA/COMMENT p6

Stephen O’Brien receives promises from Micah Challenge supporters

Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs were also present at the handover.

Joel Edwards, international director of Micah Challenge, told The War Cry: ‘In the UK the campaign has taken on an element of critical collaboration with our leaders. Christians recognise that before you point the finger elsewhere, you point back at yourself. So we have to start with our personal commitment. We have promised to take action, and we bring those promises to our politicians not as veiled threats, but as a statement of our commitments in joining theirs.’

GARDENING p7

Last year Micah Challenge urged people to commit themselves to an action that would help in the fight against global poverty. Many of the promises were initially presented to MPs in their constituencies.

EIGHTY-TWO per I cent of adults in England and Wales say

The aim of the campaign is to remind MPs of the UK’s commitment to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which aim to halve extreme global poverty by 2015.

they belong to a religion, according to the latest social trend figures published by the Office for National Statistics.

But, although Christianity was the faith most widely followed, only 32 per cent of those who said they were Christians practised their faith.

NEW GENERAL ELECTED

The name is Bond!

THE Salvation Army has elected a new General.

On Monday afternoon Commissioner Linda Bond, currently in charge of the Army’s work in Australia Eastern Territory, was named the movement’s 19th international leader. The announcement came after ten days of prayerful deliberations at Sunbury Court, West London.

A Canadian, General-elect Bond will assume office and responsibility for the world’s million-plus Salvationists on 2 April, the day after the present world leader, General Shaw Clifton, retires. The Salvation Army is at work in 123 countries.

PUZZLES p12

INNER LIFE p13

THE Salvation Army has been I assisting people at relief centres as the floods in Australia spread to Victoria.

IN BRIEF

THIS ISSUE:

PHILIP HALCROW

CAMPAIGNERS have taken thousands of promises made by people across the UK to Parliament.

Supporters of the What’s Your Promise? campaign, run by Christian group Micah Challenge, handed over the 11,160 promises to members of the coalition Government at the House of Commons.

In response, Stephen O’Brien, Conservative Undersecretary of State for International Development, told supporters of the campaign that churches could help the world to achieve the MDGs. He said: ‘The challenge is mutual. It is absolutely right for you to hold governments accountable. But equally we need you, with the inspiration you have from your faith, to be the champions for this. You need to be out there talking to your neighbours, friends, families and fellowships.’

Abby Olufeyimi, pastor of the Builder’s House church in Croydon, said that members of her congregation took part in the campaign. ‘Some promised to give money to relief appeals,’ she explained. ‘Others promised to pray. Some promised to talk to other people to raise awareness of poverty.’

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

p14

THE Archbishop of I Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, wrote to Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow, assuring him that he would pray for the Russian people after the bombing of Moscow airport.

RECIPES p15

5 February 2011 The War Cry

From page 1

3

Gnomeo and Tybalt have a lawnmower race

next Friday (11 February).

The animosity between the Blue and the Red garden gnomes is the result of a long-standing rivalry between human neighbours Miss Montague and Mr Capulet. Both take pride in having a more impressive garden than the other. When their backs are turned, the warring gnomes spring to life, quick to get their hands dirty and create the best garden for themselves.

In Miss Montague’s Blue garden lives Gnomeo (voiced by James McAvoy), the star gardener. On the other side of the fence lives Juliet (Emily Blunt), a beautiful gnome whose job is to stand at the top of the Red garden’s fountain.

But the young gnomes become fed up. Gnomeo has too many responsibilities. Juliet is bored. Her father doesn’t want her to come down from the pedestal for fear that she will become chipped.

But then Juliet spots a rare orchid in the distance and slips away to retrieve it. While she’s out of her garden, she meets Gnomeo. Instantly the couple fall in love.

Then comes the shocking reve- is open to us. lation. ‘He’s a Blue!’ Juliet conOver thousands of years many fides in her froggy friend Nanette. people have had their lives transEveryone knows that Red and formed by following the ways Blue don’t mix. Gnomeo and and teachings of Jesus. Through Juliet’s relationship seems to be their relationship with him they doomed before it has begun. find forgiveness for their past Even the park statue of William mistakes and strength to become Shakespeare speaks up, warning a better character in the future.

Gnomeo that their love will end Jesus said: ‘I am the way, the in tragedy. truth, and the life!’ (John 14:6 ‘There’s got to be a better end- Contemporary English Version). ing,’ says Gnomeo. Having had And he invited people to follow enough of the feud keeping them him. apart, the couple plan to move to Jesus’ invitation still stands. a new garden to start again. Will He is willing to forgive our past Gnomeo and Juliet finally live and guide us in the days ahead. happily ever after?

There’s no need Cinema audiences will hope to sit on the fence. so. The idea that people can take We can find a action to secure a brighter future new future if we is attractive. allow our lives The truth is that we don’t have to be rooted in to be bogged down by a painful him. past.

We may have spent our life feeling guilty, acting selfishly or being impatient with others. We may have made countless wrong decisions. But the opportunity to take a new and better path in life

Everyone knows that Reds and Blues don’t mix

Nanette is shocked that Juliet has fallen in love with ‘a Blue’ Miramax

4 The War Cry 5 February 2011

of the

MICHAEL TAYLOR tells Claire Brine why a Christian theatre company is putting on a play about the Devil HERE are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence.

The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.’

Those words were written by C. S. Lewis in the preface to his novel The Screwtape Letters. The book has been adapted for the stage and is currently being toured across the UK by Christian theatre company Saltmine.

Since its publication in 1942, Lewis’s masterpiece has challenged many people. Allegedly, even Lewis himself

Michael Taylor

admitted that it was difficult to write.

The book consists of a series of letters written by Screwtape, an experienced devil, to his nephew Wormwood, a junior demon at the start of his career. Wormwood is assigned the task of securing the damnation of a young man who has recently become a Christian, and Screwtape’s epistles provide him with strategies of how to complete his task successfully.

‘In the production, Screwtape is a university professor living in the lowerarchy of Hell, and Wormwood is his student,’ says Michael Taylor, who directed the show and plays Wormwood. ‘Wormwood is desperate to become as brilliant as Screwtape.’

Screwtape teaches Wormwood the necessary tactics to lure a Christian away from the faith. Then the audience, along with Screwtape, observes scenes

JAMES WHITE/Saltmine Media

‘T

5 February 2011 The War Cry

where Wormwood tries to put his lessons into practice.

Screwtape says: ‘Our first weapon is that we do not exist as far as our subjects are concerned.’ He goes on to advise: ‘While cartoonists show us as figures of fun, we are safe.’ Throughout the play Wormwood discovers for himself that human disbelief in his existence is helpful, because it allows him to get on with trying to corrupt his ‘patient’.

Screwtape gives Wormwood other advice. He tells him that the job of a demon is to raise doubts and questions in the mind of a Christian and to divert them from praying with distractions.

Screwtape also points out that ‘a big sin can be repented of easily’, but it is far better for a demon to lure a Christian away from God slowly, so that they don’t notice it is happening.

‘I believe that the Devil is real and infiltrates our society today,’ says Michael. ‘I don’t believe that he has horns and hoofs. He is much more subtle.

Screwtape says that the Devil does not put lies into a person’s head. Instead, he works on keeping the facts out.

‘In this world the Devil can appear

extremely powerful. Look at events such as the Holocaust.

But God has the ultimate victory – even if it doesn’t always seem that way. For example, if someone stood watching Jesus from the foot of the cross as he died, they wouldn’t think he was a winner. But Jesus rose from death, gave us the gift of eternal life and restored humankind’s relationship with God.’ Michael believes that a play which highlights aspects of the Devil’s character consequently reveals truths about the nature of God. ‘God leaves humans to stand on their own two feet.

Wormwood doesn’t understand this, because the Devil can interfere with them. But God does this because he wants to give people choice. God loves us so much that we can choose freely whether we want to love him back or not. “God can’t tempt to virtue as we can to vice,” says Screwtape. He doesn’t

The Devil infiltrates our society. He is very subtle

5

I For more information visit saltminetrust. org.uk

understand the depth of God’s love.’

Nor does Michael.

Working on the play made him ask questions about God and the Devil; Heaven and Hell.

‘I was brought up in a Christian family, but I’m still trying to get my head around all this,’ he says. ‘I believe that by following God I’m on a winning side, but the words of Screwtape tell me that life is a battle.

And it’s important I remember that. If I weren’t aware that I’m in a battle against temptation to do wrong, I wouldn’t bother to fight.’

Michael believes that the Screwtape Letters tour is happening at the perfect time for a society where people are constantly questioning their views on God and the Devil.

‘Today people are open to the notion of spirituality, but maybe not the concept of the Christian God. Books such as Richard Dawkins’s The God Delusion are popular.

Saltmine is touring this play because there is good and bad, light and darkness in the world.

And when people have an understanding of the darkness of the Devil, they can begin to see the light of God.’

Michael (right) as Wormwood with David Robinson as Screwtape in a scene from the play

MEDIA

6 The War Cry 5 February 2011

IN THE PRESS

Comment

Great pretenders IF the number of hopefuls who queue in their thousands at auditions for shows such as The X Factor is anything to go by, the lure of the big time is as great as ever. Once upon a time, running away to the circus was the ultimate in childhood fantasy getaways. Today, it’s likely to be a variation on signing a record deal, landing a part in a West End musical or becoming Britain’s next top model. Times may change, but the dream of fame and fortune remains the same.

Bishop has pictures of Lily’s lyrics PA A LILY Allen song has been recommended by the Bishop of Sheffield to photo help churchgoers prepare for Easter, reports the Metro.

According to the commuter paper, the Right Rev Steven Croft has designed a new Lenten course, during Lily Allen PA which participants may hear the radiofriendly version of SINGER Barbara Dickson will talk ‘The Fear’. He about her faith and will explain how it believes that the has shaped her life in Aled Jones With Good song is useful in setMorning Sunday on Radio 2 tomorrow ting the scene for (6 February).

Bible studies on the Also on the programme former nun course, which Deborah Hollamby will look at the news of explores the theme the week from a faith and ethics perspective of God’s mercy. and give the moment of reflection.

The Right Rev Steven Croft says RADIO 2 presenter Brian D’Arcy plays that within the song hymns from the first edition of Hymns ‘there is the kind of Ancient and Modern Revised on Sunday Half mindset expressed to Hour tomorrow. The programme features the which I think the Derby Cathedral Choir. Hymns include ‘Rock Christian gospel has Of Ages’ and ‘O Jesus I Have Promised’. a great deal to say’.

RADIO

I

DVD

While showbusiness attracts people in their droves, what happens to the chosen few after the curtain closes largely goes unnoticed.

One group that knows the inside track is Christians in Entertainment. The group offers support to people whose showbiz lifestyle puts them beyond the reach of the general public. It is billing tomorrow (6 February) as Entertainment Sunday and is asking for prayer for everyone connected to the industry.

Isolated According to founder Chris Gidney, showbusiness ‘may seem full of glitz and glamour, but it can be one of the loneliest, most insecure and most isolated places to work.

‘Entertainers are often under a huge amount of pressure in terms of unemployment, separation from their families and the stress of keeping a career alive in a fast-moving industry.’

Some of those who live by celebrity’s sword also die by it. The glare of the spotlight is unforgiving. It can show an entertainer in their best light; it can leave a person with nowhere to hide.

The price of fame? Maybe. But those who busily follow such events in gossip pages are not members of an audience.

They are voyeurs.

It is a sick society that finds the alltoo-intimate minutiae of a person’s fall from favour and grace entertaining.

ACTRESS Wendy Craig appears in a DVD which has been designed to encourage churches to pray for those working in the entertainment business.

Christians in Entertainment have produced the DVD to mark the fourth annual Entertainment Sunday tomorrow (6 February).

The organisation, which includes among its members the comedy duo Cannon and Ball, hopes the occasion will prompt congregations to pray for people

I

That’s entertainment, says Christian group connected to showbusiness.

‘For the past 27 years we have supported those in the profession with all levels of belief who are working away from family, friends and perhaps church,’ says founder Chris Gidney.

‘Through our backstage discovery groups, dressing room

Bible placements, oneto-one visits and our prayer textline, we offer opportunities for performers to explore what the Christian faith might mean to them.’

For more information visit cieweb.org.uk

Wendy Craig, Bobby Ball and Tommy Cannon

NIGEL BOVEY

PA

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

5 February 2011 The War Cry

7

Primroses push their way through the snow

by LEE

SENIOR LEE SENIOR

Longer days bring more GOOD news! The days are lengthening, birds are singing once again, and spring will soon be well and truly in the air.

For the second successive year we have endured an arctic winter. For many gardeners, this has meant that the garden has been a no-go area for the past few months. Wildlife and plants have struggled to survive.

But in nature hard winters separate the weak from the strong. This may seem ruthless, but in the end it benefits us all, because it helps to preserve the future of the natural world.

Winter-bedding colour has been in short supply as a result of the extreme weather, as flowering depends on the right temperature. Once the temperature rises over the coming months flowering will increase.

Remove dead or weatherdamaged foliage to enhance the appearance of the tougher bedding plants. Here in the

work!

North of England, primroses have survived the cold better than winter pansies.

February is a good month to spread organic mulch or garden compost round established shrubs and trees in your permanent beds and borders. The organic matter will enrich the soil, slowly feeding the plants over the course of the summer.

It is good organic husbandry to feed the soil, which in turn will feed the plants. Instant plant foods that are sprayed on foliage or watered into the soil in summer supply little more than an instant, quick fix of fertiliser. These are no substitute for well-rotted organic matter, as they do nothing for the soil or its microorganisms.

Check the soil round new or existing plants. Frost and wind

can lift or rock roots, leaving unwelcome air pockets and gaps where water can sit and cause rot.

Check your compost bins and leaf mould store for any signs of rodents setting up home. Check your sheds and outbuildings for similar signs of habitation.

Potatoes

Indoors it is sprout firs time to chit or t potatoes. early seed S egg trays tand them in empty w ends poin ith the rounded ti will encou ng upwards. This rage the fo of ‘eyes’ th rmation turn into s at will eventually hoots.

and don’t forget…

Perennials

Seeds of p delphiniumerennials such as and coreo s, rudbeckia, laven d p Grow them sis can be sown in er d oors. in fr o s t-free con Many will ditio fl sown earl ower in the first ye ns. y a way, they enough. Cultivated r if cost only several pe in this per plant, n c more whe ompared with £5 o ce r n purchas a garden c ed from entre.

Beans

Sow broa d and onion beans, first early p e s Garlic and from seed under c as o in a cold fr shallots can be pla ver. nted greenhou ame or cold se. A little ligh do no harm to any of th t frost will ese.

8 The War Cry 5 February 2011

God, the bad and the ugly

Film-maker NORMAN STONE tells Philip Halcrow that the story behind the King James Bible is like the Wild West

THE MAN WHO SHOT FILMS: Norman Stone directs his drama-documentary

5 February 2011 The War Cry

9 GARY D’ARCY

TRUE GRIT: King James of Scotland will also rule England

D

IRECTOR Norman Stone’s new drama-documentary is based on one of the greatest books in the world. But his film is not an adaptation of the story told inside it. Instead the film tells the story of how the book came to be written. And the book is not a novel, but the King James Bible.

Norman’s DVD KJB – The Book that Changed the World portrays the characters and events which led to the publication of the translation in 1611. Actors play out dramatic scenes, scholars give insights into history, and John Rhys-Davies – whose film roles include Gimli the dwarf in KJB – The Book Peter Jackson’s Lord of the that Changed the World Rings trilogy – narrates is released on DVD by 1A Productions. developments in the plot.

I

Together they tell how rivalries ended with the Scottish King James VI taking the English throne, uniting mutually suspicious factions in society and overseeing the translation of the Bible – in the middle of all of which he also managed to survive Guy Fawkes’s Gunpowder Plot.

Norman counts himself as a fan of the translation. ‘On my phone I’ve got an app that has the whole King James Bible on it,’ he says.

But when someone alerted him to the fact that the book was to be 400 years old in 2011 and suggested that he make a film to mark the anniversary, he was initially unsure.

Norman explains: ‘I’ve got used to people saying: “I think you should make a film about this.”

‘But I was intrigued enough to read a book called Power and Glory by Adam Nicolson, which is about the making of the King James Bible. I began to get the tastes and smells of those times.

Above all, I saw that the story of GARY D’ARCY

For more information visit kjbthefilm.com

how it came to be written was full of twisted characters, which is good news for a dramatist. It was like the Wild West but with ruffs and rapiers.

‘Out of all the turmoil came an amazing book.’

The film is the story of a man who’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do: this James Stuart wanted to bring unity to a divided country.

Once he was aware of the drama behind the scenes in making the King James Bible Norman wanted to tell it.

‘But my film had to be story, story, story. I didn’t want it to be an academic lecture or even one of those television illustrated lectures where people stand around in pretty clothing looking out of windows. I wanted a real story with

real characters – and it was there in bucketloads.’

The bucketloads of characters include the heirless Queen Elizabeth I, who on her deathbed makes a ‘crown’ gesture with her hands to indicate that James should be her successor. They include a severe but brilliant scholar George Buchanan, who teaches the young orphan James in classics and theology.

And they include James himself, who is obsessed by the idea of bringing together rival groups to make a harmonious society.

Norman learnt more about the King James Bible as he made his film by personally carrying out the interviews with scholars.

‘They told me lots of details,’ he says. ‘For instance, the story that

It was like the Wild West, but with ruffs and rapiers

Turn to next page

10 The War Cry 5 February 2011

It’s a wonderful story of God working with deficient humanity

From page 9

Queen Elizabeth made the crown sign with her hands is apparently true. When I heard something like that, I made a mental note, because I knew that would make good drama.’

Although the events described are four centuries old, Norman says he did not have to reach for his artistic licence too often. The scholars he interviewed provided him with plenty of material.

‘The people and events surrounding the King James Bible were fairly accurately recorded, so I didn’t have to invent too much. The historians have seen documents and correspondence that most people could not see – letters have survived and books have been written about events such as Guy Fawkes being he goes on to hammer the Puritans as approached by nobles with their idea to well. It’s like a courtroom drama. blow up Parliament.’

‘Nobody gets one over James. He has Guy Fawkes’s plot to assassinate got them all spinning. He is better at James was uncovered in 1605, a year theology than most of them. He is far after the King had commissioned the more naturally academic than most of new translation of the Bible at a them, having been brought up in this conference in Hampton Court Palace. sort of boot camp in Scotland, where if The conference is, arguably, the you didn’t fight your corner and enjoy it, central act in the drama. James you were finished.’ convened it to try to establish some unity between two groups who had different ideas of how James should run the country – the bishops and the Puritans.

At the Hampton ‘high noon’, the aving commissioned the new Puritans suggest a litany of reforms they translation of the Bible, James want to see implemented in the church. made sure that it did not bite the dust.

The bishops are furious at any ‘What he did to make it survive was to suggestion of change. King James keep a strong theological and academic argues with both parties. hand over the process so that people But at the end of the showdown, who would not normally work together James makes sure that this country is did. He stood over it like a matron over big enough for the both of them. He squabbling kids.’ agrees with the Puritans’ demand that Working together, the six translation one Bible should be used in all teams produced a work that has lasted. churches. Seeking unity, he commands ‘A couple of the professors I both groups to work together on a new interviewed said that the scholars who translation. worked on the King Again, Norman says he did not have James Bible were to invent much to make drama out of the probably better at conference. languages than people ‘The Hampton Court conference is all are today,’ says Norman. written down. Mostly, I had to soften the ‘One of the translators, rough language of King James – he was Lancelot Andrewes, very fond of expletives. would not only hold his ‘But what I put in the film is a good own in today’s academia, summary of what happened. The he would probably race past everyone. conference went on for two days, and it He knew something like 15 languages. was much bigger than I could show.

Of course, those people didn’t have the There were more than 80 bishops distractions we have today – they present. I boiled it down to its essence. worked and worked, and when the sun James hammers the bishops – and then went down they worked

H

James would have looked back at it as a failure

some more by candlelight.

‘They were at the top of their game, and thanks to them the translation is not only accurate but also beautiful. James wanted it to be beautiful. So they looked at which way of translating a verse would be most accurate; and then they also tried to find a way of making it sound right.’

Perhaps surprisingly, the King James Bible was not a success straight away.

‘The book didn’t sell at all. James would have looked back at it as a failure. It was only after Cromwell and the Restoration that the book got dusted off and people realised it was a brilliant translation.’

After the translation was made, James’s life seemed to go downhill. ‘He didn’t die until the 1620s, but his time of power, influence and goodness came in those ten years leading up to the publication of the Bible. After, he went off the boil and there are stories of drunken orgies, debauchery and all sorts of things.

‘But before then he was a talented guy who had ten years of ideals and marching forward. And he did all this after being brought up with no family in such troubled times. It was amazing that he survived.’

Was it also amazing that such a ‘wonderful gem’ of a book – as Norman calls the King James Bible – came out of such turmoil and tension?

‘I guess it isn’t what you would expect to come out of all those arguments and threats. But, let’s face it, God is used to dealing with imperfect humanity.

‘To me, the story behind the King James Bible is a wonderful story of God acting within broken, deficient humanity to communicate his word.’

Ultimately, however, Norman hopes that viewers of his film will want to learn about more than the story behind the book.

‘I hope people will be prompted to open up the Bible itself,’ he says.

5 February 2011 The War Cry 11 WILD BUNCH: the ‘King James Bible’ emerged out of violent times, says narrator John Rhys-Davies (centre)

PETER KIRKWOOD

PUZZLEBREAK

12 The War Cry 5 February 2011

SUDOKU

WORDSEARCH Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these words associated with rugby union Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9 Solution on page 15

BALL BLIND SIDE CENTRE CONVERSION CROSS KICK

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)

ANSWERS

E U A G T P G H C U T A C K L E

N P L H U L M T K N O C K O N R

P S A N O M N E W O Y L A G R D

E I T C R O S S K I C K O M R K

N N K R M T R H C S E H O B E U

CROUCH DROP GOAL DROPOUT ENGAGE FLAG FLY HALF FORWARD FULL BACK GUM SHIELD HOOKER

A O E E S U A P I R E S A F A O

L H M F T O R P K E U L C O B L

T C C E S P R C D V L M F R F U

Y U R R O O U I S N R D H W U A

KNOCK-ON LINEOUT LOCK MAUL PAUSE PENALTY POINT POSTS PROP PUNT

T O O E P R S D R O P G O A L M

I T U E G D U J H C U O T R L O

N O C E N T R E K A T E S D B F

G E H I R I N S F W L N F N A R

E F L Y H A L F S A I L I F C P

E B I H O O K E R M A N W O K U

U E S O O L E G A G N E G G P D

REFEREE RUCK SCRUM SCRUM CAP SCRUM HALF TACKLE TOUCH TOUCH JUDGE TRY WING

HONEYCOMB Each solution starts on the coloured cell and reads clockwise round the number 1. A child 2. Abdominal organ 3. List of items to be discussed 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. Wickedness (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)

4. Upper bony part of the nose 5. Engaged person 6. Written communication

QUICK QUIZ 1. Which actor provided the voiceover for cowboy Woody in Toy Story?

2. What does a vexillologist study?

3. In which country was the 1982 football World Cup held?

4. Which musical includes the song ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’?

5. What is the capital city of Malaysia?

6. What flower was once known as the ‘day’s eye’?

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.

QUICK QUIZ 1 Tom Hanks. 2 Flags. 3. Spain. 4 My Fair Lady.

5 Kuala Lumpur. 6 Daisy.

HONEYCOMB 1 Nipper. 2 Spleen. 3 Agenda. 4 Bridge. 5 Fiancé.

6 Letter.

INNER LIFE AS an expat Australian, it worries me that my national cricket team is now considered the underdog, at least when it comes to Test matches. According to my work colleagues, Aussies cannot bat, bowl, catch or throw to save their lives.

The word ‘underdog’ is generally used to mean someone at a disadvantage, a loser. All through history, civilisations have had their share of underdogs, those on the edges of society who have little say over their lives. They are often trapped by circumstances. In Bible times things were no different, and over the next four weeks we will look at how Jesus treated those for whom few others had much time.

In Matthew 8:1–4, we read that Jesus healed a man who was a leper. This was not the leprosy we may be familiar with, which causes sensory loss

5 February 2011 The War Cry 13

JESUS and the

UNDERDOG

1

The

In this four-part series LEANNE RUTHVEN looks at how Jesus reached out to people on the margins of society

‘Untouchable’

MATTHEW 8:1–4

and sometimes disfigurement, doubt to the astonishment and but a skin condition that even disdain of onlookers. nevertheless made this man Remember the fuss made socially and ritually unclean in the when Princess Diana shook eyes of his contemporaries. hands with an Aids patient more The Bible tells us that the man than 20 years ago? In the was part of a crowd that was 1st century, Jesus was constantly following Jesus – quite a brave making the news for spending action considering his affliction. time with people his society saw But perhaps he was so desperate as worthless: the physically to do something about his disabled, mentally ill, widowed, circumstances that he thought homeless, those with any ridicule worth the trouble. questionable morals. He stood up This man came to Jesus and, for the underdogs, kneeling before him, said: ‘Lord, if acknowledging their value not you choose, you can make me only to society but also in the clean’ (8:2 New Revised Standard eyes of God. Version).

In 21st-century Britain those He knew Jesus could heal who are vulnerable, who have him – but would he? few resources at their disposal Yes, Jesus would. and no voice, are still just as And he didn’t just important to God. tell him he was CAN WE HELP? healed.

Jesus reached out Just complete this coupon and send it to and touched him, no The War Cry, 101 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6BN

Remember the fuss made when Princess Diana shook hands with an Aids patient more than 20 years ago?

Please send me Basic reading about Christianity Information about The Salvation Army Contact details of a Salvationist minister Name Address

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

14 The War Cry 5 February 2011

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Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or worse

TH

Editor: Nigel Bovey, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Stephen Pearson Editorial Assistant: Claire Brine Editorial Assistant: Renée Davis Chief Designer: Gill Cox DTP Operator: Denise D’Souza Secretary: Joanne Allcock War Cry office: 020 7367 4900

Library picture posed by model

The War Cry

patronising nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us.’

Is that clear enough?

Who do you say Jesus is?

MY

The route gave us a spectacular view of hills and a small lake called Overwater. We passed a pink cottage where the owner

was weeding her garden, and we climbed a stile into a meadow full of buttercups.

Further along our trail we saw what appeared to be a pillar of stone. However, as we approached we could see that it was a carving of a male head with a hat on.

We were puzzled. There was no explanation. Was the man someone famous – or infamous – and why was he remembered in this isolated place? Just who was this mystery man?

We never found out.

Many years ago people had similar questions about the identity of Jesus. Some thought he was another man, John the Baptist. Others believed he was a dead prophet brought back to life. One follower said Jesus was ‘the Messiah’ and thought he had come to save the nation from the Roman occupation.

Then, as now, people struggled with who Jesus really is.

The author C. S. Lewis saw Jesus in these terms: ‘Either this man was, and is, the Son of God: or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool … or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come with any

R

THE bees were buzzing, the swallows were swooping and the scent of wild flowers filled the air as my husband and I set off for a country walk in the Cumbrian fells.

B LO

by JENNIFER HEATON

Mystery man poses questions

SA

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LVATION

WHAT’S COOKING?

5 February 2011 The War Cry 15

Tomorrow (Sunday 6 February) is the start of Bramley Apple Week.

So why not try these apple-filled recipes

Beef and Bramley meatballs Ingredients: 450g Bramley cooking apples, peeled, cored and quartered 500g lean beef mince 75g fresh breadcrumbs 2tsp dried sage 1 egg yolk, beaten

Bramley and goat’s cheese tarts Ingredients: 500g ready-made shortcrust pastry 1tbsp olive oil 1 red onion, chopped 1 red pepper, deseeded and thinly sliced 2 cloves garlic, crushed 300g Bramley apples, peeled, cored and diced 4 sprigs thyme, plus extra to garnish 150g goat’s cheese with rind, sliced into 8 rings Salad leaves, to serve Method: Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas Mark 6.

Cut the pastry into 4 pieces and roll each piece into a circle measuring 10cm in diameter. Press the circles into 4 individual fluted tart tins and trim the edges. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes until the pastry is set and golden.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Meanwhile, heat the oil in a frying pan and add the onion. Stir occasionally for 5 minutes until the onion has softened.

Add the pepper and garlic and cook for a further 3 minutes.

Reduce the heat and add the apple pieces, thyme and 3tbsp of water, then cook for 3–5 minutes until softened. Season with a little salt and pepper.

Spoon the mixture into the pastry cases, top with the cheese slices and bake for 15 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the apple has turned soft. Serve the tarts warm with salad leaves.

Serves 4

2tbsp olive oil 700g passata, with onion and garlic Method: Coarsely grate the Bramley apples and place half in a large bowl. Add the mince, breadcrumbs, sage, egg and plenty of seasoning. Use clean hands to mix the ingredients together.

Divide the mixture into 32 pieces and roll into small balls.

Heat the oil in a large non-stick frying pan, add the meatballs and fry over a high heat for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

The balls should turn golden brown on all sides.

Add the remaining grated apple to the pan and stir well.

Add the passata and season to taste.

Cover the pan and leave to simmer for 5–7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Serve with freshly cooked pasta.

Serves 4 Recipes reprinted, with kind permission, from the Bramley Apple website bramleyapples.co.uk

WHY

Dearly beloved – it’s Marriage Week writes

RENÉE DAVIS

THE big day is nearly here. Monday (7 February) ushers in Marriage Week UK.

YOUR LOCAL SALVATION ARMY CENTRE

Library picture

The organisers – which include Christian charities and the Church of England – aim to celebrate marriage as the basis for family life.

This year Marriage Week UK is urging husbands and wives to take time out from their busy lives to ‘eat, talk and play together’.

Dave Percival of Marriage Week UK tells The War Cry: ‘We want to encourage couples to sit down and have a meal together, talk a bit about their relationship and have some fun. I know it sounds pretty lightweight, but actually Relationships it’s amazing how many couples don’t even do that in an average week.’ need firm Although the number of divorces has been foundations falling in the UK, so have the number of marriages taking place. According to the Office for National Statistics, men and women in their late twenties have the highest divorce rates.

Dave suggests why couples might be untying the knot: ‘It’s very easy to drift into a relationship and think, “This is great” when you’ve never sat down and asked yourself, “Is this per- dation of a commitment. son for life?” Without that But whether we are marfoundation, the rest of the ried, single or other, we house is not secure.’ need to ensure that we Marriages need the foun- make the right decisions to

get the best out of life.

Jesus told people that making a commitment to live according to his words was like building a house on a solid foundation.

‘Anyone who hears these words Making a of mine and commitment obeys them,’ he said, ‘is like a was like wise man who built his house on building a rock. The rain poured down, the house

rivers overflowed, and the wind blew hard against that house. But it did not fall, because it was built on rock’ (Matthew 7:24, 25 Good News Bible) If we love, honour and obey Jesus’ words, we are promised not only his guidance in times of health but also his comfort in sickness. We can know not only his presence for our better moments, but also his forgiveness for our worse.

The War Cry is printed on paper harvested from sustainable forests and published by The Salvation Army (United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland) on behalf of the General of The Salvation Army.

Printed by Benham Goodhead Print Ltd, Bicester, Oxon. © Shaw Clifton, General of The Salvation Army, 2011