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 7621
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
EVERY year some dates stand out from the rest. For example, there’s 25 December, 5 November, 1 January and, topically for this issue of the War Cry, 1 April.
Experience has taught many of us to be on our guard on April Fool’s Day. If last year we were caught out and made an April fool, then this year we will be more cautious about what we believe. Even though the vast majority of the jokes will be good-natured and fun, nobody really wants to be a fool.
Unless, of course, they chose acting the fool as a way of life. That’s what David Girt and Neil Wilkin have done. Separately, they entertain audiences of all ages by clowning around with puppets and props while enjoying the laughter their acts can bring.
In a world beset with issues such as armed conflict, the cost of living crisis and the climate emergency, it is great that there are people like David and Neil. For a while at least, they help us forget the cares of life and bring a smile to our face.
However, as we discover this week, these two entertainers include in their acts something more than a temporary respite from the trials of life. Both men use their routines to talk about their Christian faith and the positive impact it can bring to anyone’s life.
Some people may be surprised that the middle of a clown act is the place to share the Christian message, but Neil takes his inspiration from Jesus himself.
‘When Jesus came, he was never really accepted here on Earth,’ he tells us. ‘He was told: “You should go and work with these certain people.” Religious people wanted things done a certain way, and said there was a certain way to meet with God. But Jesus was saying, no, anyone can meet with God.’
Neil is right – and it’s no joke – we all have an invitation to meet with God. And it will change our lives for ever, if we accept it.