War Cry 13 April 2019

13 April 2019 20p/25c

IT’S GOOD TO TALK Innovative thinkers share ideas at TED 2019

DRAMA ON THE STREETS

CUSTOMS CHECK TV series explores Easter traditions

Actors bring Bible story to life

WILD THING LIFE’S NOT ALL ROSY FOR WOULD-BE SINGER IN NEW FILM

2 COMMENT AND CONTENTS • WAR CRY • 13 April 2019

What is The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is a church and 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 over 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

From the editor’s desk IN this final week before Easter Sunday (21 April) many people will be looking forward to scrolling through social media, gorging on copious bars of chocolate or returning to whatever else they gave up for Lent.

Others have observed the season by signing up to 40 Acts, a programme in which they receive daily emails that encourage them to carry out acts of generosity.

Whether by giving up or giving out, thousands of people have marked the weeks leading up to Easter – a time of year when a variety of traditions are observed.

A new two-part BBC One documentary series, presented by Gareth Malone and Karen Gibson, will explore some of these traditions. In an interview in this week’s War Cry, Rob Unsworth, the executive producer of Britain’s Easter Story, talks about the series.

‘You get a real sense in these programmes of the … joy of Easter traditions,’ he says. ‘Easter is the big celebration in the Christian Church.’

Rob is right about the importance of Easter. But not everyone is familiar with the events that are remembered at this time.

That is why, on the streets of towns and cities across the country, the last days of Jesus’ life on Earth will be dramatically recreated in Passion plays.

In another article this week, Marcel White – who is playing Jesus in the Passion play in Birmingham’s city centre – explains why he is taking part.

‘The story we are telling is that Jesus is not this mystical guy floating in the sky,’ he says. ‘He hung on a cross 2,000 years ago to die for people’s sins past, present and future.’

That truth is the reason Easter is the most important date in the Christian calendar and it is why the Easter traditions that commemorate Jesus’ sacrifice are still so important today.

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 7418

Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Stephen Pearson Assistant Editor: Claire Brine Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku Staff Writer: Emily Bright Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston Graphic Designer: Mark Knight War Cry office: 020 7367 4900 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@sp-s.co.uk Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Secretary for Communications: Lieut-Colonel Dean Pallant

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 and Wales is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399.

Printed by Walstead Grange Ltd, Southwick, on sustainably sourced paper

Your local Salvation Army centre

FEATURES 3 Escape to the country

Former convict aims for Nashville in Wild Rose 5

Well thought out TED Talk speakers share their ideas

6

6 Good traditions

TV programme uncovers British Easter customs 8

Showing some Passion Theatre company re-enacts the last days of Jesus

REGULARS 4

News and media

12

Browsing the Bible

13

Now, there’s a thought!

14 Puzzles 15

What’s cooking?

Front-page picture: Entertainment One

8

15

Entertainment One

13 April 2019 • WAR CRY • FILM 3 Aspiring singer Rose-Lynn steps up to the mike

Finding her voice Country singer vocalises her big dream, writes Emily Bright

A

FTER serving time for a drug-related offence, Rose-Lynn Harlan (Jessie Buckley) is desperate to leave behind the prison blues. In Wild Rose, released in cinemas yesterday (Friday 12 April), the plucky Glaswegian sets her sights on her lifelong dream of becoming a Nashville country singer.

When she is released from prison, Rose-Lynn is forced to confront the reality of being a single parent. Her son runs into her arms, but RoseLynn’s daughter and her mother, Marion (Julie Walters), give her a far frostier reception. Rebuilding her life and relationships will be more complex than receives an invitation to a recording of Bob’s show and travels to London to she first thought. It will require courage meet her country music hero. When she and determination.

One night, Rose-Lynn tells her mother seeks his advice, he encourages her: that she intends to leave town to pursue ‘You’ve got a voice. So what do you need to say?’ her dream of performing in Nashville, Rose-Lynn returns home elated, and Tennessee. ‘There’s nothing for me here,’ she asserts. ‘I’ve got my talent and I want to use it.’ But Marion is not impressed and reminds her daughter of her responsibility as a parent.

Still clinging to her dream, RoseLynn takes a cleaning job for an affluent middle-class Englishwoman, Susannah (Sophie Okonedo), to fund her trip to Nashville. When she sings heartily while tries to become a better mother while boldly pursuing her dreams. But as her hoovering the flat, she is overheard rise to stardom begins, her relationships

by Susannah’s two children, sparking a family interest in country music. with her children suffer. Rose-Lynn eventually faces the ultimate choice: her Susannah suggests that Rose-Lynn should record an audition tape and send children or her career. it to the leading country music authority As her life begins to unravel, a new in the UK, Radio 2 DJ Bob Harris. opportunity presents itself. She needs to Emboldened, Rose-Lynn does exactly work out what she really wants. that.

‘Rose-Lynn has the bravery, the will The singer is shocked when she and the hunger to fulfil her dreams, be an

Rose-Lynn has the bravery, the will and the hunger to fulfil her dreams

inspiration to her kids and give them an opportunity for another life,’ says actress Jessie Buckley. ‘I hope this film will be about the people who are often forgotten or who are not given the opportunity, and inspire them to dream big and go grab their dreams.’

Rose-Lynn’s story may strike a chord with us when we consider our own experiences of facing formidable challenges. However, many people take heart from knowing that God is with them through it all.

The Bible tells how one man was nervous about stepping up and leading the people of Israel, but God told him: ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9 New International Version).

God offers us all the same promise to walk alongside us, assuring us of his unconditional love and giving us renewed strength for whatever we may face. If we tune into God, he can give us the courage to continue.

4 NEWS AND MEDIA • WAR CRY • 13 April 2019

HOME secretary Sajid Javid (pictured) has condemned an asylum rejection letter as ‘totally unacceptable’ and ordered an investigation after it described the Bible as violent and filled with revenge.

Last month, an Iranian Christian convert’s asylum application was turned down after he said that he had wanted to join a peaceful religion. The rejection letter cast doubt on his reason by listing Bible passages that included violent images.

In response to a question in the House of Commons, the home secretary said: ‘It is not in accordance with the policies of the Home Office in any way. I have ordered an urgent investigation and not ruled out any further action.’

THE foreign secretary has pledged to n use UK aid to support religious freedom around the world.

Speaking in the Commons during Foreign Office questions, Jeremy Hunt revealed that up to 80 per cent of people who experience religious persecution are Christians and said that the UK would use ‘all diplomatic leverage’ to highlight the issue.

‘Where we have a large aid budget, with countries such as Afghanistan, it is absolutely essential we make clear to the government in those countries that we are expecting progress on freedom of religious belief,’ he added.

Thai TV company films Salvation Army work in Cardiff A THAI TV company has filmed the work of The Salvation Army in Cardiff as part of a foreign affairs documentary series.

PPTV’s programme Around the World with Karuna will feature the Bus Project, which provides support to people experiencing homelessness.

Staff and volunteers operating out of a purple double-decker bus distribute warm clothing, bedding, food and drink to those in need.

‘We contacted The Salvation Army back in January after seeing a piece about the Bus Project on the BBC’s Cymru Fyw website. We enjoyed our visit to Cardiff and were inspired by the people we met,’ said PPTV producer Karnklon Raktham.

Yvonne Connolly, the regional manager of The Salvation Army’s homelessness services, said: ‘The Bus Project is only one of our support services for people who are experiencing homelessness in Cardiff to help them rebuild their lives.’

Shutterstock.com

Home secretary condemns ‘violent’ Bible description

Anti-scam resources launched THE Salvation Army has published resources to prevent vulnerable people across the UK becoming victims of fraud.

Posters and flyers published by the church and charity list common types of scams and frauds along with details on how to report fraudsters.

Teams will distribute the material to people at The Salvation Army’s various projects, which include lunch clubs, befriending services, dementia-friendly singing groups, debt advice services and parent-andtoddler groups.

‘Victims can be targeted through a number of avenues: through the post, over the phone, on your

n

doorstep and increasingly online,’ said The Salvation Army’s Gail Millar.

‘By being vigilant there are ways you can protect yourself from criminals and we hope our resources will help people do this.’

STUDENTS and staff at Canterbury Christ Church University joined hands outside its library to show that they were taking a stand against human trafficking and modern slavery.

The action was part of a week of events organised by the chaplaincy team at the university to raise awareness of the problem.

During the week, films highlighting human trafficking and modern slavery were shown in the chapel and Major Heather Grinsted of The Salvation Army gave a talk about the organisation’s work in supporting victims of the crime.

Major Chris Sands, a Salvation Army chaplain at the university, said of the action outside the library: ‘We were creating a symbolic barrier to human trafficking. People who were coming along to use the library asked what we were doing, and when we told them they joined in. It was good that people were willing to give up their time to make a stand.’

13 April 2019 • WAR CRY • FEATURE 5 A WILTSHIRE drug and alcohol n rehabilitation clinic run by The Salvation Army has been rated as ‘outstanding’ for its quality of care.

A Care Quality Commission report found that staff at Gloucester House always treated clients with compassion and kindness and respected their dignity and privacy, and that feedback from clients was continually positive.

Gloucester House, near Swindon, houses 13 people at its premises.

THAT’S AN IDEA

IN the final episode of BBC n Two’s Pilgrimage: The Road to Rome (Friday 9 pm) celebrity pilgrims

Stephen K. Amos, Mehreen Baig and Les Dennis visit a Christian church that was originally Etruscan and pagan.

They look at pilgrim frescoes dating back to the Middle Ages, and Stephen questions how the notion of religious belief began.

Sarah Olowofoyeku writes about the conference that wants to change the world through conversation

THE team behind a website n about historic churches has launched a scheme that will allow

seems that it’s good to talk. This weekend, hundreds of people will IT gather at the TED conference in Vancouver to listen to innovative thinkers. The annual event brings together speakers from a variety of

people to book visitor experiences at sacred sites.

From next month, tour operators, church lovers and tourists will be able to use the National Churches Trust’s Explore Churches website – explorechurches.org – to search for and book events, which have been developed in partnership with churches and cathedrals. Among them are a guided tour and embroidery demonstration at Lincoln Cathedral and a package exploring faith and food in Yorkshire, which will include a visit to Fountains Abbey and afternoon tea at a Betty’s tearoom in Harrogate.

fields for the five-day programme, which begins on Monday (15 April).

The theme of the conference this year is ‘Bigger than us’, and attendees are invited to join the ‘search for deeper meaning’ that the organisers believe has arisen in society as a result of the political and technological ‘turmoil’ of the past few years. Audiences will listen to talks, engage in workshops and connect with others through dinners and parties. Some 70 speakers, including a poet, a rocket entrepreneur and a sleep scientist, will be sharing their ideas.

Sharing ideas is at the heart of TED, a non-profit organisation. It is why in 2009 TEDx was launched. The programme allows TED’s mission of ideas to reach communities by encouraging individuals to put together their own event with live speakers.

Almost 30,000 of these independently organised events have taken place in cities all over the world, including Islamabad, Nairobi, Cairo and Stockholm. This year, comedian and magician Tom Elliot was invited to be part of TEDx Wolverhampton.

Tom felt honoured to receive the invitation and believes that so many people engage with TED because ‘we live in a curious world’. He adds: ‘People are asking questions, seeking wholeness, meaning, purpose and contentment.’

The entertainer also shares TED’s belief in the power of ideas to change attitudes, lives and ultimately the world. He explains that his Christian faith underpins this concept. ‘Jesus shared ideas, perspectives and teachings that initially changed the lives of his disciples and ultimately changed the lives of billions of people who have since chosen to follow him,’ he says.

Jesus offers the same change to everyone, saying: ‘Come, follow me’ (Matthew 4:19 New International Version). It is an invitation to have our lives transformed by his ideas of love and his Tom Elliot teachings on finding peace, joy and eternal life in him.

We live in a curious world

MATTHEW CROCKATT

Chris Watkins Media

6 INTERVIEW • WAR CRY • 13 April 2019

Cross countr y ROB UNSWORTH tells Emily Bright about his new two-part television series exploring Easter in Britain BBC

OR many people, Easter evokes ideas of Fbouncing chocolate egg hunting, chirping chicks, bunnies and a few extra days off

Holy Island in Northumbria

work. But the Christian celebration of Easter has a far richer cultural heritage, which presenters Gareth Malone and Karen Gibson will explore in Britain’s Easter Story, which begins on BBC One on Friday (19 April).

‘Easter is the big celebration in the Christian Church, so we thought it would be interesting to look at it from a British perspective,’ explains Rob Unsworth, the programme’s executive producer. He says the two-part series will examine the historical and musical significance of Easter and explore ancient and newly revived Christian traditions.

‘We’re looking at Easter through British history because we felt that was something we hadn’t really seen in TV programmes.’

He outlines some of the aspects of a British Easter that TV choirmaster Gareth and Kingdom Choir conductor Karen will be exploring. ‘Gareth spends a bit of time looking at historical sites and the events connected with them and Karen will be telling the stories behind some wellknown Easter hymns and the people who wrote them.’

Rob Unsworth He says that the presenters’ musical backgrounds allow the series to offer an informed cultural spin on Easter traditions.

‘They’ve got a genuine interest in this sort of history – it’s a history in the musical as well as in the wider sense.’

Britain’s Easter Story will travel to Northumbria to document an unconventional annual tradition that was revived eight years ago. Bearing their

Easter is the big celebration in the Christian Church crosses, pilgrims stumble across the sands to Holy Island to commemorate the walk Jesus made to his death on Good Friday.

The presenters also visit landmarks such as Skirrid Fawr – Holy Mountain – in the Brecon Beacons, where a dramatic landslide was said to have been caused by an earthquake or lightning strike at the exact moment of Jesus’ death. A TV crew follow the Welsh parishioners as they walk up Holy Mountain to commemorate

13 April 2019 • WAR CRY • INTERVIEW 7 The Holy Mountain is said to have split in two when Jesus died

Easter is still so important to people whether they have faith or not to him to see what’s done there,’ Rob explains.

‘We also look at a Passion play in Birmingham that aims to involve as much of the community as possible, reinventing it for believers and non-believers as a way of bringing the community together.’

Rob explains that in this spirit of reinvention, Easter traditions as a whole are constantly evolving with the times,

Presenters Karen Gibson and Gareth Malone

BBC

Jesus’ sacrifice.

The series will also investigate how political history has shaped church traditions.

‘We may all know that Christmas was banned by Oliver Cromwell, but that extended to Easter as well,’ says Rob. ‘So we’ll be looking into the reason why and what survived afterwards, when Easter was enthusiastically celebrated in the Restoration.’

He says that Britain played an important role in the formation of global Easter traditions. ‘It had an influence on the wider Christian Church in the whole of Christian Europe. For instance, we’ll be going to Whitby Abbey, where a synod determined how the date of Easter should be set.’

In turn, Britain’s traditions have been shaped by other countries. The series provides a personal insight into the Easter traditions Karen inherited from the Windrush generation.

‘We will be finding out a little bit about the Caribbean traditions that came over with her family and that she grew up with,’ says Rob. The series will also take a look at the role of Easter within modern society as an increasing proportion of the public identify themselves as non-Christian.

‘The Archbishop of York has worked very hard to reawaken interest in Christianity, particularly in promoting Easter at York Minster, so we’ll be talking

bringing together ideas from different church denominations to make the season ‘something fresh and exciting’.

He explains: ‘We’re talking about a faith that’s very much alive. The Easter story of Britain isn’t something that’s all in the past or static. It’s something that’s always developing and really rich.

‘You get a real sense in these programmes of the celebration and joy of Easter traditions, which are still so important to people, whether they have faith or not. I understand now more than ever why it is the most important date in the Christian calendar.’

8 FEATURE • WAR CRY • 13 April 2019

An act of faith Sarah Olowofoyeku finds out why Saltmine Trust is taking to the streets to tell a story HEN Rachael Orrell was asked whether her Christian theatre company W Saltmine Trust would be interested in putting on a play depicting the events of Easter, the answer was a no-brainer. ‘An invitation to tell God’s story on the streets of Birmingham? How could we say no!’ enthuses the company’s CEO. Known as Passion plays, these dramas recreate the final period in the ministry of Jesus and have been taking place in towns and cities in Britain for centuries. They date back to medieval times, when they were a form of education, teaching the general public about the Easter story as well as being an entertainment.

The Church realised the power of theatre as a form of communication and developed the passion plays into mystery plays, which were dramatisations of other Bible stories.

Rachael is also aware of how powerful theatre can be. ‘We won’t be ramming a message down people’s throats,’ she says. ‘We’ll just be telling a wonderful, engaging story. It’s a much more inclusive way to communicate.’

The term Passion comes from the Latin word passionem, which means suffering. During the short period of days covered by the plays, Jesus was arrested, tried and crucified. Since the real events, which took place about 2,000 years ago, countless people have retold the story. The earliest accounts can be found in the gospels in the Bible, as told

Jesus is not this mystical guy floating in the sky

by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. More recently, in 2004, these events were the subject of a Hollywood film, The Passion of the Christ, directed by Mel Gibson. This Easter there will be other Passion plays being performed throughout the UK and in other countries.

Saltmine Trust’s production takes place from 16 to 18 April and is a free, non-ticketed event, making it accessible to everyone. ‘We’re doing it over lunchtime because we want people to be able to attend. We chose to do it in the week leading up to Easter weekend so that people can see the play before Good Friday and we can

Passion plays take place all over the country

connect them with churches if they want to attend over Easter,’ says Rachael.

True to tradition, the Passion play will process through the city. Starting at the Birmingham Bullring, it will move through two of Birmingham’s busiest areas – New Street and Victoria Square – and end at one of the oldest buildings in the city, Birmingham Cathedral. An amplification system will ensure that as the play moves through the streets, the people of Birmingham are able to hear the story being told.

‘The story we are telling is that Jesus is not this mystical guy floating in the sky. He’s here on the streets,’ says Marcel White, one of Saltmine’s actors. ‘The fact that God loved us so much that he became a human being is still relevant today. He hung on a cross 2,000 years

13 April 2019 • WAR CRY • FEATURE 9 PA

ago to die for people’s sins past, present and future.

‘When we look to the cross we can see not only the state of our sin but also our value to God. The very fact that he came exposes more about our value to him than it does about our sin. We were created in his image and he came to restore us back to himself.’

It is important for the team at Saltmine Trust that people are able to connect with this story.

So, although there are existing Passion play scripts, the company decided to write their own. Emily, one of Saltmine’s actresses, wrote a contemporary version of the story, which includes the spoken word and live music.

While Saltmine’s play is performed in

Turn to page 10

➥

The play will move through two of Birmingham’s busiest areas Rachael Orrell

10 FEATURE • WAR CRY • 13 April 2019

Behind the scenes of the Birmingham Passion play, actors rehearse and design the set

From page 9 contemporary dress and in a modern context, Rachael believes that the script is still ‘authentic and honours the biblical narrative’.

The production is also tailored to the people of Birmingham.

The cast consists of 16 actors from Saltmine, who play the principal characters, as well as a community cast of 70 amateur actors from Birmingham. ‘We’ve got different cultures, ages and backgrounds within our community cast,’ says Rachael. ‘They’re all excited. And they’re all Birmingham people, which is fab.’

anting to connect with the people of W Birmingham, Saltmine has included in its script references that locals will understand,

such as slang and phrases unique to the city.

‘We want to celebrate the city’s diversity, so we’ve been deliberate in our casting,’ Rachael adds. ‘One of our black Brummie actors is playing Jesus. Jesus is often portrayed as white

with long, curly hair and a beard, so we believed our casting was an important statement.’

Marcel, who is playing Jesus, says: ‘Because of the way Jesus is usually depicted, black people and people from other cultures and races can feel as though they are separate from that or that they can’t relate to that type of Jesus.

‘We wanted to say to people: “Jesus is for you as well.” At the same time, it isn’t just a black Jesus for black people. Jesus is for everyone – every people, every nation.’

The script has also drawn out other voices that are usually unheard. Rachael explains: ‘What has jumped out through reading the script is the equality of the female disciples to the male disciples. It’s true in the biblical text too. The women were as much followers

of Jesus as the men were. In our production, the women’s voices are heard. It’s not a maledominated portrayal, which is the way we can sometimes read the story.’

The story is of Jesus’ sacrifice for humanity.

He gave his life so that all people everywhere could have life.

‘This story is right at the centre of who I am,’ says Rachael. ‘Whenever I hear it, I am reminded of the value of what God did for me. It’s a reminder of his inclusive, personal love for me and his sacrifice which means I

13 April 2019 • WAR CRY • FEATURE 11 Saltmine

Marcel White (centre), who plays Jesus, at a script reading can have a living relationship with him. It also challenges me not to live for myself, but to live for him and for his Kingdom.’

Saltmine began telling stories across the UK in 1985. The theatre company works all year round staging theatre performances and workshops in schools. The faith-motivated arts organisation believes that through godly principles and wisdom it can help a generation of people to make better choices.

Rachael sees the Easter narrative as being at odds with many of society’s basic principles but believes its themes will resonate with the audience.

‘We live in quite a selfish society,’ she explains. ‘But the story of Jesus is the opposite of that. It’s a story of sacrifice. A lot of the secular world is about the material, but this story connects with the spiritual and with the soul of humanity.

‘I think a lot of people feel empty because they haven’t connected with God. The Easter story is an invitation to have our eyes opened

to the truth, to a God who created us and is inviting us to come into that story.

‘References to loneliness, hopelessness and a lack of self-worth come through the script, so we want people to be encouraged and to find a deeper sense of worth through knowing the story of Jesus and, hopefully, the person of Jesus.’

People are looking for love, hope and peace Finding worth through Jesus was Marcel’s experience. ‘I believe everybody is looking for love and happiness,’ he says. ‘We pursue jobs and relationships and think if we get them, then we’ll be happy. But what I found was that no matter what I got that I thought was going to bring fulfilment, it felt empty.

‘The Easter story is relevant because Jesus

fills that emptiness. His death on the cross shows the fullness of what love is – that someone would sacrifice their life for others to give them happiness and a joy, not just for now but for eternity. We live in a time when so many things are falling apart and people don’t know what to trust or what to put their hope in.

‘God is calling out to those people, saying “Come to me. I want you to know me and I want to know you so I can give you a hope and love that can’t be taken away.” People are looking for love, hope and peace, and I believe they are found in a relationship with God.’ While many Passion plays end with Jesus’ crucifixion, Saltmine’s presentations end with a resurrection scene. It will take place in St Philip’s Cathedral, also known as Birmingham Cathedral.

‘We want it to be a real celebration,’ says Rachael, ‘and we want that celebratory hope to have a life-giving impact on the streets of Birmingham.

‘It is a story of hope and purpose.’

12 INNER LIFE • WAR CRY • 13 April 2019

Prayerlink YOUR prayers are requested for Craig, who is struggling with housing and money.

The War Cry invites readers to send in requests for prayer, including the first names of individuals and details of their ­circumstances. Send your requests to Prayerlink, War Cry, 101 Newington Causeway, Lon­don SE1 6BN. Mark your envelope ‘Confidential’.

Becoming 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 Extract from Why Jesus? by Nicky Gumbel published by Alpha International, 2011. Used by kind permission of Alpha International

Nigel Bovey gives chapter and verse on each book in the Scriptures

2 Chronicles HE second book that appears under T the title Chronicles picks up where the first left off. David’s son, King Solomon,

has been tasked with building the Temple – the spiritual centre of Israel’s relationship with God. Having asked God for wisdom and gathered the men and materials, Solomon commences work, siting the Temple on Mount Moriah (chapters 2 to 3). Once work is completed, Solomon orders the Ark of the Covenant – the symbol of God’s presence with his people – to be installed. As the Temple is dedicated, so Solomon dedicates himself to obeying God. He then commences a building programme throughout his kingdom (chapters 5 to 8).

Most of the remainder of the book is a series of brief histories of the 19 kings and 1 queen who reigned in Judah from Solomon’s death to the people’s exile in Babylon (chapters 10 to 36).

Eleven monarchs, according to the chroni-

cler, are unfaithful to the covenant that their predecessor David had made with God. When they are, two consequences tend to follow: the nation slips into spiritual decline – typically worshipping idols – and God punishes such unfaithfulness with war.

For example, David’s grandson Rehoboam ‘abandoned the law of the Lord. Because

Monarchs who urge their people to be faithful to God, prosper

they had been unfaithful to the Lord, Shishak King of Egypt attacked Jerusalem’ (12:1, 2).

Monarchs, such as King Asa (14:2, 3), who urge their people to be faithful to God prosper.

Under some reigns, sorcery and the worship of false gods extends to the desecration of the nation’s holiest site. King Joash repairs the Temple and King Hezekiah purifies it (chapters 24 and 29).

Josiah is the last king to purge the Temple and the nation of idolatry. He celebrates the Passover, the national rememname, brance of the escape from ‘If my people, who are called by my k see and y Egyptian slavery (chapters 34 pra and s elve ms will humble the to 35). n the s, way ked wic ir the my face and turn from Three ‘evil’ kings and 22 ive their years later, the Jewish people I will hear from Heaven and I will forg onicles 7:14 are in captivity in Babylon sin, and will heal their land ’ (2 Chr (chapter 36). ) sion Ver al tion

Key verse

New Interna

"

Looking for help?

Just complete this coupon and send it to War Cry 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Basic reading about Christianity Information about The Salvation Army Contact details of a Salvation Army minister

Name Address

13 April 2019 • WAR CRY • EXPRESSIONS 13

NOW, THERE’S A THOUGHT!

by Callum McKenna

WAR CRY annual subscription Call 01933 445445 email subscriptions@sp-s.co.uk visit sps-shop.com or contact your local Salvation Army centre

CBAD a warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk Twitter: @TheWarCryUK Facebook.com/TheWarCryUK

B www.salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry

I put a new spin on DJ’ing O earn some extra cash while I was studying at college, I worked T weekends as a mobile DJ. It wasn’t all glamour. Before each engagement I’d have to pile equipment into my car: speakers, lights, amps and CDs. The problem? My car was a 2002 reg Ford Ka, which wasn’t much bigger than a go-kart.

I remember pulling up outside a party in a rather fancy hotel where I introduced myself to the manager as working for Best-Time-Discos. She took one look at me, another at the car, and then asked: ‘But when’s the DJ arriving?’

The hotel manager’s problem was that my car didn’t make sense to her. DJs don’t typically drive Ford Kas. The ride didn’t match the rider.

It was similar for Jesus when he rode into a packed Jerusalem on what Christians now call Palm My car didn’t make Sunday.

A rumour had begun to spread sense to the hotel among the people that the Messiah – the long-awaited saviour – was on manager his way to Jerusalem. People were desperate for liberation and salvation from the oppressive regime they lived under and expectation was growing that Jesus might be the royal leader they were looking for. It was exciting stuff.

As they looked out, what did they see? A gold chariot? A war horse?

No. They saw Jesus on a lowly donkey, a symbol of peace and humility.

For the people, the ride didn’t match the rider.

And that’s the thing with Jesus: he is full of surprises. He didn’t meet the people’s expectations for liberation achieved through military might.

Instead, he brought liberation, freedom and hope through his death on the cross and his resurrection from the grave.

What is it that we need liberation from? What keeps us up at night with worry? What are the longings of our hearts?

If we put our trust in Jesus, he might surprise us too.

14 PUZZLES • WAR CRY • 13 April 2019

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Dull (4) 3. Gratuity (3) 5. Moderately hot (4) 7. Possession (9) 9. Tug (4) 10. Seize (4) 11. Restrain (5) 14. Irritable (5) 15. Representative (5) 17. Urge (5) 18. Spine (5) 19. Thrust (5) 20. Dizzy (5) 23. Believe (4) 25. Genuine (4) 27. Essential (9) 28. Bucket (4) 29. Also (3)

HONEYCOMB

30. Cash register (4)

DOWN 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Hurry (4) Basin (4) Subject (5) Adhesive (5) Summons (4) Colliery (4) Frank (9) Splendid display (9) 11. Expiring (5)

12. Recorded (5) 13. Mass meeting (5) 14. Small bird (3) 16. Foot digit (3) 21. Torpid (5) 22. Club for dancing (5) 23. Trickle (4) 24. Repast (4) 25. Gait of a horse (4) 26. Wicked (4)

SUDOKU Fill the grid so that every column, every row and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1 to 9

5

1

4

3

6

2

9

7

8

9

2

6

1

7

8

3

4

5

3

7

8

5

9

4

6

1

2

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

7

4

3

8

5

6

1

2

9

6

8

1

7

2

9

5

3

4

1. Going to happen 2. Customer 3. Humorous drama 4. Rat 5. Try hard 6. Hungry Mr Man

2

9

5

4

1

3

7

8

6

4

5

7

9

8

1

2

6

3

1

3

2

6

4

5

8

9

7

8

6

9

2

3

7

4

5

1

ANSWERS

WORDSEARCH

Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these films

5 1 4 3 6 2 9 7 8 CAN YOU EVER M A E K A M L V M D 9 B 2T 6 1 7E M X 8 3 B 4A A Q 5 FORGIVE ME? I D C W N N V A D C B S Z U F O A T P 3 7 8 5 9 4 6 1 2 CATCH ME IF YOU CAN D Q O E S E L B A H C U O T N U E H T DOG DAY AFTERNOON N Z M G S Q D 7 M W M 4 3 I 8 I 5A A 6 P 1 O 2F G 9 Q GOODFELLAS I P I H D H T W G G W K C M O G C I R 6 8 1 7 2 9 5 3 4 INCEPTION G J C Z T A Z K O T E U E I A Y D E S 2 9 5 4 1 3 T Q G S M 7 8 6 H Q H S O C Y C O N O Y U T MICHAEL CLAYTON

T F A Z V Y T A D Y S S N L S B Z N E MIDNIGHT EXPRESS 4 5 7 9 8 1 2 6 3 E M E V I G R O F R E V E U O Y N A C NIGHTCRAWLER 1 I 3E T U E C E P U Z E W 2 6 4 5 8 9 7 X L L Q Z A C OCEAN’S EIGHT P L C B N P E L E SNOWDEN 8 F 6L 9 2 J W N E R W C B 3 7 4 5 1

R F L R Z M A L L P C R H R H V N O Z TAKEN E U A N H B Z Z A D J C N U T C W G P THE BOURNE

S L Y C L C V H S U T L B O K N B Y C ULTIMATUM

S F T H E D E P A R T E D B O F X S H THE DEPARTED T A O H I H Z M S F Q O L E H N A Y J THE POST C X N Z F R E L W A R C T H G I N Q T THE UNTOUCHABLES I C Z M A K R I I N C E P T I O N J K

HONEYCOMB 1 Future. 2 Client. 3 Comedy.

4 Rodent. 5 Strive. 6 Greedy.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1 Drab. 3 Tip. 5 Warm.

7 Ownership. 9 Haul. 10 Take. 11 Deter.

14 Testy. 15 Agent. 17 Impel.

18 Thorn. 19 Lunge. 20 Giddy.

23 Deem. 25 True. 27 Necessary.

28 Pail. 29 Too. 30 Till.

DOWN: 1 Dash. 2 Bowl. 3 Theme.

4 Paste. 5 Writ. 6 Mine.7 Outspoken.

8 Pageantry. 11 Dying. 12 Taped.

13 Rally.14 Tit. 16 Toe. 21 Inert. 22 Disco.

23 Drip. 24 Meal. 25 Trot. 26 Evil.

6

8

3

1

5

4

9

2

8

6

4

7

7

3

2

9

1

5

9 2 7 5 1 3 8 6 4

2 6 9 4 7 8 5 1 3

3 4 8 1 2 5 9 7 6

7 5 1 3 9 6 4 8 2

4 8 2 7 5 1 6 3 9

5 9 6 8 3 2 1 4 7

1 7 3 6 4 9 2 5 8

SUDOKU SOLUTION

6

8

3

1

9 2

2 6

3 4

7 5

4 8

5 9

1 7

13 April 2019 • WAR CRY • WHAT’S COOKING? 15

Chicken casserole 100g lean smoked back bacon, chopped 4 small skinless chicken breasts 1 large onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 green peppers, seeded and chopped ½ tbsp dried marjoram 400g can chopped tomatoes 150ml chicken stock SERVES

420g can borlotti beans, drained and rinsed

4

2tbsp tomato purée Freshly ground black pepper

Creamy asparagus soup 15g dairy-free spread 1 small onion, finely chopped 125g asparagus, chopped 25g plain flour 450ml vegetable stock 150ml soya milk Freshly ground black pepper SERVES

Heat the spread in a medium pan and fry the onion and asparagus for 3 minutes until slightly soft. Add the flour and cook for a further minute.

2

Gradually stir in the stock and bring to the boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until the asparagus is cooked through.

Reserve a couple of asparagus spears for serving.

blender and blend until smooth.

Season with plenty of black pepper and top with the reserved asparagus spears. Serve with crusty bread.

Add the milk and bring the soup almost to boiling point. Transfer to a

Recipes reprinted, with permission, from the Diabetes UK website diabetes.org.uk

Heat a large non-stick saucepan, add the bacon and fry for 3 minutes until it begins to crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Cook the chicken in the pan and brown on each side. Add the onion, garlic and peppers and continue to fry for 3 minutes.

Return the bacon to the pan with all the remaining ingredients.

Stir well and bring to the boil. Cover and simmer gently for 45 minutes. Serve hot.

When Christ died, he died for you individually C. S. Lewis