From the editor’s desk
What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity providing services in the community, particularly to those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Motivated by our Christian faith, we offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK to all who need them, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. To find your nearest centre visit salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church
HOW much longer? That is the question occupying the thoughts of many people at the moment. We have wondered when lockdown will end and we can return to ‘normal’ life. We all hope it will be safe to do so soon. It can be difficult to stay hopeful for the future when every day we hear the numbers of people in hospital with the coronavirus and, tragically, those dying with it. However, the back page of the War Cry this week reminds us of some words from the South African archbishop Desmond Tutu, who said: ‘Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.’ At the War Cry office, we have heard over the past few years about our back pages being cut out and put up in prison cells, on church noticeboards and in workspaces. Now some of our readers are placing them in their windows to give hope and inspiration to people going past as they take their daily exercise. Displaying a back-page poster is something we can do to cheer and encourage other people as we all wait to see what the future will hold. Why not give it a try?
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 7472
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 War Cry office: 020 7367 4900
While it’s much better to have your weekly copy of the War Cry in your hands, we recognise that at the moment it is hard for some people to obtain a copy. So, as an alternative while the coronavirus restrictions are in place, you can access the War Cry at salvationarmy.org.uk
Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101
Contents
Helpline: 020 7367 4888 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Mal Davies
Published weekly by The Salvation Army ©The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper
Your local Salvation Army centre
FEATURES 3
Old times’ sake Celebrity pensioners explore retirement abroad in reality TV show
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‘At 26, I had a stroke and nearly died’ A survivor’s story
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International Firefighters’ Day An insight into life-saving work
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You’ve got app friend The tech that alerts supporters when people are having a bad day
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Tooth fairy brings people home How a young boy’s generosity inspired a housing project
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REGULARS 12
Browsing the Bible
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Out of the Mouth of Babes
14 Puzzles 15
War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: KAY ZIEBA, courtesy of the British Firefighter Challenge
2 • War Cry • 2 May 2020
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