War Cry 12 November

Author explores the value of kindness

WAR CRY

12 November 2022 50p

On the front line Film recreates the realities of the First World War

From footballer to battlefield hero

From the editor’s desk

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.

LAST year, when people gathered to remember members of the armed forces who had lost their lives in conflict, not many would have imagined that a war would break out in Europe in the months that followed.

The scenes we have seen from Ukraine serve as a stark reminder of the devastation that armed conflict brings. Millions of innocent people have had their way of life taken from them, and many lives – military and civilian – have been lost.

Although British forces are not engaged in the fighting, the shock of a war being waged so close to home brings new significance to the acts of remembrance that will be observed this weekend. Sadly, violence and war are as much a reality in this century as in the last.

Even though we do not have a war being fought in the UK, other types of violence are going on in the country. There is gang-related crime, structural inequality, racism, discrimination and bullying in schools.

When confronted with these realities, it can be easy to despair. But we can make a difference to the part of the world in which we live. As we report in this week’s War Cry, tomorrow (13 November) is not only Remembrance Sunday but also World Kindness Day. It is a day that celebrates and promotes good deeds and encourages us to think how we can be kinder people.

Cathy Le Feuvre has co-authored a book on kindness, and she tells us: ‘There are little acts of kindness that we can carry out. It can be as simple as letting someone pass through a door before you or giving someone your seat on the bus or the Tube. It’s just about being aware of maybe what people are needing rather than being totally engrossed in ourselves.’

Perhaps this weekend, as well as taking time to ad the War C remember, we can take time to look for ways in e re ry v ’ which we can be kind to others. u

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.

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Of all people Festival celebrates the humanities

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‘He was brave and conscientious’ The story of one of the first black officers of the First World War

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Battle fatigues Film depicts the horrors of war

Published weekly by The Salvation Army © The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 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.

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All kinds of everything The importance of Kindness Day REGULARS

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14 Puzzles 15 War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: REINER BAJO

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Paul Bäumer experiences the shocking realities of trench warfare

DRAMA DEPICTS THE WESTERN FRONT Novel adaptation portrays horrors of First World War Film feature by Emily Bright

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N a misty French forest, a vixen and her cubs are resting in their den.

But above ground, there is death and destruction on the front line of the First World War. The rat-a-tat of gunfire and screams of desperate men punctuate the peace, as mortars explode all round the soldiers. Bodies are strewn across no man’s land.

Based on the book by Erich Maria Remarque, the Netflix film All Quiet on the Western Front then switches to the home town of a 17-year-old German student in 1917. Paul Bäumer (Felix Kammerer) and his schoolfriends, giddy with the prospect of wartime glory, have signed up to fight.

They triumphantly march towards battle, with no idea of the reality that awaits them.

‘Man is a beast,’ says war-hardened soldier Katczinsky (Albrecht Schuch) to Paul as he arrives at the front. The men face the constant threat of mortar fire, gas and bullets. From early on Paul faces the sobering task of collecting the military dog tags of his dead colleagues. As the war goes on he struggles to retain his humanity in the

face of unimaginable suffering.

Eighteen months later, in November 1918, Germany knows that the war is lost.

Politicians negotiate a ceasefire, much to the outrage of one German general, who is determined to fight until the bitter end in one last disastrous raid on the French trenches. His soldiers fight for survival in a final and seemingly futile offensive, minutes before the armistice is declared.

While the film is based on a work of fiction, the horrors it depicts were all too real for soldiers on both sides in the First World War. Remembrance Sunday provides a sobering reminder not only of the sacrifices made by those who died while fighting for freedom but also of the brutality of wars, past and present.

When we look back on previous wars and witness the horrors of current conflicts in the news, the world can seem like a godforsaken place.

But the truth is that God was and is

present in the midst of conflict: he is no stranger to suffering. He sent his only Son, Jesus, into the world to sacrifice his life for us so that we could be reconciled with God. A prophet called Isaiah, who foresaw Jesus’ death centuries before it happened, said: ‘He was hurt for our wrongdoing. He was crushed for our sins. He was punished so we would have peace. He was beaten so we would be healed’ (Isaiah 53:5 New Life Version).

Jesus endured horrendous cruelty at the hands of his enemies and willingly died so that we could be in a relationship with God. By making the ultimate sacrifice, Jesus dealt with the consequences of the things we do that are wrong.

He then rose from the dead, defeating sin and death.

His death and resurrection enables us to encounter the life-changing power of God’s love now and into eternal life, if we will give our lives to him and follow his way. The significance of Jesus’ sacrifice should never be forgotten.

Jesus endured horrendous cruelty

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WtwxcxzWt PRESENTER of 5 News Dan Walker told The Guardian that being a Christian is more important to him than his job in the media.

In an article exploring the broadcaster’s background, home life and personal interests, Dan said: ‘The most important thing for me in terms of my faith – my Christianity – is that it gives me a sense of perspective. When it comes to the job, I love it but I am not defined by my career… Instead, I am led by what I call the “Fs”: the important Fs to me are family, friends and faith, and the things that don’t matter are fame, fortune and the froth that sometimes comes with the industry.’

Dan also said that, because of his Christian beliefs, he won’t work on Sundays.

‘It’s not something anyone else has to adhere to,’ he said. ‘My sister is a nurse and works on Sundays all the time – but I’ve often worked hard the other six days of the week, and I want our family to be together on that day no matter what.’

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Faith trumps fame for Dan

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TOYSHOP The Entertainer has teamed up with The Salvation Army to launch a Christmas appeal.

This month, in-person and online customers of The Entertainer will be asked if they want to donate a toy to the appeal when they make a purchase.

The Salvation Army will distribute the donated toys to children whose families may not be able to afford gifts at Christmas.

Webinar asks what Jesus would do A HYMN-writer will answer the question ‘What would Jesus do?’ in a webinar on Tuesday (15 November).

John Bell, who is a minister in the Church of Scotland and a member of the Iona Community, has written many hymns. In the free-to-view webinar, he will be considering how Jesus might react to war, poverty, suffering and the climate crisis.

The webinar is part of a series – Questions of our Times – presented by Christian Evidence, an interdenominational trust that makes the case for faith in the modern world. l For more information visit christianevidence.org

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Princess meets slavery survivors PRINCESS Eugenie has visited a Salvation Army music therapy session for survivors of modern slavery.

As co-founders of the Anti-Slavery Collective, the princess and Julia de Boinville joined in with the therapy group’s warm-up and breathing exercises before listening to an informal performance of their songs. Afterwards, she spoke to survivors and support workers to learn about the positive impact that the sessions have on the survivors’ wellbeing.

Each week, with the help of a specialist support worker, the group gather together to practise their singing and to learn how to play the guitar.

Jenny Thompson, who oversees The Salvation Army’s London outreach service, explained that Salvation Army churches and community centres provide a ‘key safe space’ for survivors.

‘This particular church has been hosting this music session for almost a year now,’ she said. ‘The sessions are about so much more than music and singing skills. They are about building confidence and giving survivors space to have fun and share with each other, at the same time as getting support from our team of specialist support workers. Every time they leave, they are so excited to come back the following week.’

Princess Eugenie and Julia de Boinville speak to specialist support worker Nigel Long

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tWwxcx Do you have a story to share? a warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk

FESTIVAL SHOWS FAITH IN HUMANITY

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Event explores what it means to be human Feature by Sarah Olowofoyeku

H Stormzy’s ‘bedrock’ is faith

People have created plays after reading the Bible

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PLATINUM-selling British rapper Stormzy has told Louis Theroux how his Christian faith plays a central role in his life.

As part of the BBC2 documentary series Louis Theroux Interviews, the TV presenter joined Stormzy, his mum Abigail and his sister Rachael in attending a Christian worship meeting in Camberwell, south London.

After the meeting Stormzy said: ‘We grew up in church, so I’ve had faith all my life and I’ve loved God all my life. But I feel like you’ve got to come to your own realisation… I’ve got to know God for myself. And I think during the pandemic, there was a grownman realisation, there was an adult realisation, like: “Oh wow, this is what it means to pray, this is what Scripture means.”’

Later in the programme, which is available on iPlayer, he added that he wanted to build his home on ‘family, love and God’.

Louis noted that faith is ‘the bedrock of everything’ that Stormzy does, highlighting how the rapper hosts weekly Bible studies at his house and attends Sunday services in Brixton.

UMANITY is up for celebration at the Being Human festival, which began on Thursday (10 November) and is offering more than 200 events across the UK. With a focus on the humanities, the festival gives people an opportunity to delve into the way such subjects shed light on everyday life. The humanities – which include literature, history, archaeology and theology – are a bid to explore and appreciate what it means to be human.

Being Human’s theme this year is Breakthroughs – which can be scientific, artistic, physical or spiritual. Each of the discussions, exhibitions, installations, performances, museum takeovers, walks and workshops will connect in some way to the theme.

A festival hub in Bradford will celebrate the centenary of the BBC. By contrast, in an art gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne on Tuesday, the Lindisfarne Gospels will serve as inspiration for visitors, who will be invited to produce their own poems.

Participants will first hear poems from and linked to the medieval world of the illuminated manuscript.

The Gospels – Lindisfarne or not – and the events they portray have served as inspiration for humans all over the world. People have created plays, sculptures, paintings, books and poems after reading the four Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, which tell the story of God’s Son, Jesus, and how he was sent into the world to save humankind, who had turned their back on God. One Bible writer explains that Jesus ‘had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might … make atonement for the sins of the people’ (Hebrews 2:17 New International Version).

While fully human, Jesus was fully God. So, when he took on the punishment for our wrongs and was killed by his enemies, he could offer humanity forgiveness. But he didn’t stay dead. Instead he rose to life and, in so doing, made a way for all who put their trust in him to live for ever.

If we choose to follow Jesus, he will help us to break through the challenges that we face and live with the hope that the beauty and joy of humanity that we The Lindisfarne Gospels experience today will will feature in the festival never end.

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A life overcoming prejudice and discrimination W

To mark Remembrance Sunday tomorrow (13 November) the War Cry takes a look at the life of Walter Tull, a footballer who became one of the first black officers during the First World War Feature by Emily Bright Walter’s father passed away from heart disease.

Walter’s stepmother took care of him, his four siblings and his stepsister but, overwhelmed by the scale of the task, she made arrangements for Walter and his brother Edward to be admitted to a children’s home in London, where they were provided with a basic education and

taught a trade. The home also promoted a lively, thoughtful, disciplined and socially engaged approach to Christian faith, belief and lifestyle.

Nairobi, a poet and writer who has looked into Walter’s life, gives an insight into how his upbringing may have shaped his Christian faith.

‘I believe Walter lived out his faith in

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

ALTER TULL. It may not be a name that is familiar to many, but his is a story that his family and poet Nairobi Thompson believe should be told. As one of the first black outfield players in UK professional football and one of the first black officers to command white men in combat during the First World War, Walter achieved great success and was recommended for the Military Cross.

Walter was born in Folkestone, Kent, in 1888 to a Barbadian father and English mother. His family were devoutly Christian and were active in the work of the church and community. But Walter had a tough start in life, as he lost his mother to cancer when he was only seven years old. A year later his father remarried. Then, in 1897,

Walter played for Tottenham Hotspur 6 • WAR CRY • 12 November 2022

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Walter Tull served in the First World War

his determination, pursuit of excellence and refusal to be bullied because he was black or mixed heritage,’ she says. ‘I think that he drew from his faith in a way that enabled him to overcome adversity.’

While at the orphanage, Walter developed not only his Christian faith, but also a talent for football. He was spotted and signed while still young.

Nairobi explains: ‘He was one of the first mixed heritage outfield footballers. He played at the highest level as a teenager at Clapton FC and joined Tottenham

Hotspur when he was 21 years old. He was described as the team’s brainiest forward, so clean in mind and method as to be a model for all white men who play football.’

Despite his exceptional talent, Walter was racially abused on the pitch by opposing fans in a game in October 1909. This incident was recorded in the Football Star newspaper, which described them using language that was ‘lower than Billingsgate’. At the time Billingsgate, the

He was described as the team’s brainiest forward

fish market, was notorious for profanity and offensive language.

Nairobi says: ‘After the game, the headline was, “Football and the colour prejudice”. The account emphasises how Walter remained professional and composed, despite the intense provocation. But he was still then dropped – it was like they didn’t know how to deal with racism – and he ended up at Northampton Town.’

Walter played 110 games for the Cobblers until armed conflict interrupted

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TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Nairobi Thompson

From page 7 his footballing career. At the outbreak of the First World War he was the first member of the Northampton senior team to enlist in the 17th Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment, known as the ‘Football Battalion’. Once again he challenged the racist norms of the time with his exceptional talent.

‘Walter transcended racist military rules to become one of the first black combat officers in the British Army,’ says Nairobi. ‘The manual of military law 1914 stated quite clearly that officer commissions were given to qualified candidates who were natural born or naturalised British subjects of pure European descent.

‘Yet Walter’s level of competence was so high that it meant that it would have been a madness to not rely on his very clear leadership strengths, intelligence and that capacity to engage others. As a fine leader of men, he was commissioned as an officer in May 1917.’

Walter rose through the ranks to become second lieutenant, showing courageous and effective leadership time and again, as Nairobi explains: ‘He fought in six battles, and while on the front line in Italy, he twice led men on perilous night raids behind enemy lines. Both times he returned without casualties. He was cited in a letter for his gallantry and his coolness under fire by Major General Sir Sydney Lawford, which may have led to the recommendation for Walter to be awarded the Military Cross.’

But like many men of that generation, his life was cruelly cut short by the war. Walter was killed in action on 25 March 1918, aged just 29, during the Second Battle of the Somme. His loss was felt keenly, not only by his family, but also by those he served with.

‘Walter was such a popular officer that his men tried to rescue him and to recover his body under heavy

machinegun fire, but without success,’ says Nairobi. ‘We know that he was really popular, because of a letter written to Edward, Walter’s brother, from Second Lieutenant Pickard on 17 April 1918.’

In the letter, Second Lieutenant Pickard writes: ‘Being at present in command … allow me to say how popular he was throughout the battalion. He was brave and conscientious.

He had been recommended for the Military Cross and had certainly earned it, the commanding officer had every confidence in him, and he was liked by the men. Now he has paid the supreme sacrifice; the battalion and company have lost a faithful officer; personally, I have lost a friend. Can I say more, except that I hope that those who remain may be true and faithful as he.’

Walter’s achievements suggest great resilience

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Looking at Walter’s life, Nairobi sees ‘indicators of his faith’ in the way that other people referred to him and in the way in which he lived.

‘He was a man who refused to walk away from the things he believed he could do,’ she says. ‘Intellectual, political and social arguments were silenced by his conduct and by his achievements.’

The Walter Tull Archive, which is run by his extended family members and seeks to preserve his memory, tells me: ‘Walter’s achievements, in his short life, suggest a person of great resilience and determination. Despite facing great adversity in life, he overcame prejudice and discrimination and set an example through his character and behaviour.

‘From our perspective as a family, we believe that his faith continued to be important to him throughout his life and influenced that character and behaviour.’

My kinda world CATHY LE FEUVRE teamed up with a friend to write a book about kindness. Ahead of World Kindness Day on Sunday 13 November, she reflects on how kind acts may be able to play a part in making life better for individuals and society Interview by Philip Halcrow

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Cathy Le Feuvre

Clapping for carers was an act of kindness

S a journalist and broadcaster, Cathy Le Feuvre had been gathering stories for BBC Radio Jersey on a topical issue.

Over in Northern Ireland, her friend Debbie Duncan, a lecturer in nursing, had read up on the subject. Making use of their different backgrounds, the two long-time friends have now collaborated to write a book on their common interest in the subject of kindness.

‘During the pandemic, it was almost as if society had rediscovered kindness,’ Cathy tells me. ‘People suddenly started looking out for each other. We did “clap for carers”. Everybody seemed to be putting rainbows in their windows, and Debbie and I saw a lot of people on social media asking if they could help others. In Jersey we had a Facebook page where people were messaging things like: “I’ve got some extra spuds – would anyone like them? I’ll come and put them on your doorstep.”

‘At the time I had been part of a team rolling out the BBC’s Make a Difference campaign. As a communities journalist, my job was to gather stories and make sure they got read out on air.

‘I had also done some PR work for the Kindness Festival, which a guy called Brian Clarke puts on in Jersey every two years and which invites a couple of dozen little charities to set up stalls. When I mentioned the festival to Debbie, she said she had been thinking of writing a book about kindness for a while.’

Cathy explains that she and Debbie wanted to explore why individuals are kind and whether it would be possible to build a better world if people created a kinder culture. Consequently, they looked at the causes and effects of kindness from a variety of perspectives.

‘The psychology of kindness is a hot topic at the moment,’ says Cathy. ‘While we were writing the book the

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BBC and the University of Sussex ran the Kindness Test on Radio 4. It hadn’t quite ended when we finished the main text, but Malcolm Duncan – Debbie’s husband – was able to include some of the results in his foreword. The study found, for instance, that lots of people felt social media made it harder to be kind, because it can be a place where people are quite nasty.’

As well as psychology, Cathy and Debbie wanted to investigate whether kindness had any physiological effects.

‘Debbie has a nursing background, and she is interested in studies that have shown the medical benefits of kindness. It seems that oxytocin, the “love hormone”, is released if you are kind or receive kindness, which helps with self-esteem and lowers blood pressure, and that kindness increases dopamine, which makes you feel euphoric.’

While Debbie looked into the science, Cathy explored where and when kindness has appeared in literature, notably the writings associated with religions.

‘What is known as the Golden Rule is basically what Jesus said: “Do unto others what you would have done to you.”

When he said it, he would have been quoting from Judaic Scripture. But it also seems to be a tenet that goes through nearly every religion in the world. I have seen it in the writings of the Muslim, Hindu and

TRANSPOR TF

From page 9

Baha’i faiths and in Zoroastrianism.

Something along similar lines can also be found in humanism.

‘Some anthropologists even believe that the idea of helping others is what raises humans away from just being animals. It goes beyond the day to day. It is something almost spiritual.

‘It’s clear that kindness has been passed down through the centuries. So kindness is for life, not just for a pandemic.’

Cathy has noted stories of how kindness can make its presence felt in the world. Sometimes it takes the shape of an individual act – as when ice cream seller Stuart Young marked

Studies have shown the medical benefits

Cathy with friend and co-author Debbie Duncan

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Kindness ‘can be as simple as letting someone have your seat on the Tube’ his own birthday during the early days of the pandemic by driving his van to Jersey General Hospital and handing out 760 free ice creams. At other times it is encapsulated in organised events, such as World Kindness Day, held annually on 13 November, when people are encouraged to set out with the intention of performing kind acts for friends, family members, colleagues or even strangers.

‘Kindness Day is not about making it the only day on which to be kind, but it simply helps people to focus on kindness and to carry it on,’ says Cathy. ‘It draws attention to the need for humans to be more aware, caring and compassionate.’

Cathy and Debbie’s The Gift of Kindness contains not only observations of kindness, but also tips on being kind.

‘There are little acts of kindness that we can carry out,’ Cathy tells me. ‘It can be as simple as letting someone pass through a door before you or giving someone your seat on the bus or the Tube.

It’s just about being aware of maybe what people are needing rather than being totally engrossed in ourselves.

‘It might even be to smile at people. When we’re walking down the street, we don’t know what the person in front of us is feeling. They might be having the worst day. If I’ve

been having a terrible day but then someone just looks up and says “hi”, it’s good to know that I’m not on my own – someone has recognised that I exist. And that’s a kind thing to do.’

The word ‘kindness’, she says, can denote a variety of experiences, action, tendencies and attitudes. It can be spontaneous or organised or cultural.

‘Since the book came out, I have had a few chats with groups about whether we can build a kinder world. We’ve discussed whether politics, education and media can be kinder. Every time, we’ve come to the conclusion that it always starts with one person. Kindness in a culture starts with the individuals in that society deciding that they want to help someone else.’

The two authors of The Gift of Kindness may have different work backgrounds, but they both draw ideas of kindness from one particular source.

While acknowledging that Christians don’t have a monopoly on the virtue, Cathy says: ‘What has made a difference to my understanding of kindness is the idea that humankind has been shown kindness by God. ‘God has been greatly kind to his creation by giving us the beautiful world that we have around us and all the

Cathy sees rainbows and sunsets as examples of God’s kindness different personalities of people. He didn’t have to do that. He didn’t have to create sunsets and rainbows.

‘But his ultimate kindness is sending Jesus. He didn’t want us all to end up separated from him, so he sent Jesus, his only Son, to die so that we didn’t have to.

‘As a Christian, I get a model of kindness from God himself.’

But, whatever a person’s world view, Cathy has one piece of advice on kindness.

‘Just give it a go,’ she says. ‘If you’re shy about offering help to someone, just give it a go. Deliberately try to do one act of kindness a day. Listen to other people.

And keep your eyes open for anyone who might be struggling. Even a small act of kindness could mean the world to them.’

Keep your eyes open for anyone struggling

l The Gift of Kindness is published

by Authentic

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Prayerlink 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’.

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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.

talk ‘ ’ Team talk TEAM TALK Word gets out

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

LIVING at a time of war, coping with inflation and experiencing political instability has led the UK to a permacrisis. Do you know what I mean? If not, let me explain.

A permacrisis is ‘an extended period of instability and insecurity’, and it has just been chosen by dictionary publisher Collins as its word of the year for 2022.

According to Alex Beecroft, managing director of Collins Learning, the word ‘sums up just how truly awful 2022 has been for so many people’. He pointed out that many people are living in ‘an ongoing state of uncertainty and worry’ after coping with ‘upheaval caused by Brexit, the pandemic, severe weather, the war in Ukraine, political instability, the energy squeeze and the cost of living crisis’.

Some of the other words included in the top 10 list by Collins also relate to specific challenges faced by the UK over the past 12 months. ‘Partygate’ is listed as ‘a political scandal over social gatherings held in defiance of publichealth restrictions’, while the term ‘warm bank’ refers to a ‘heated building’ where people go when they ‘cannot afford to heat their own homes’.

The list, says Alex, reflects ‘the state of the world right now’.

It’s hard to disagree. It has been a difficult year for lots of reasons and for lots of people. But 2022 isn’t over yet. There are still six weeks to go. And maybe, as we enter into those final weeks, we could all do with a bit of a ‘vibe shift’ – or, as Collins defines this (one of its other words of 2022), a ‘significant change in a prevailing cultural atmosphere or trend’. We could consider positive ways of responding to our permacrisis, rather than just declaring its existence and then worrying about it.

Defined by Collins as ‘the activity of speaking to God’, prayer is one option available to us when we are facing extended periods of instability and insecurity. The Bible tells us that when anxieties overwhelm us, talking to our heavenly Father can bring a peace that is beyond understanding. It can give us hope for the future.

Whether eloquent or inarticulate, flowing or stilted, the prayers we utter to God could be words that end up changing our year.

We could do with a bit of a ‘vibe shift’

Please come into my life by your Holy Spirit to be with me for ever.

Thank you, Lord Jesus.

Amen

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NOW, THERE’S A THOUGHT!

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QUICK QUIZ 1

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What does the musical instruction ‘piano’ mean?

What does RSVP stand for?

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Which planet is closest to the sun?

Which singer had a No 1 hit in 1978 with ‘Wuthering Heights’?

Which actress played Professor McGonagall in the Harry Potter films?

Who wrote the children’s book We’re Going on a Bear Hunt?

ANSWERS

by Nick Hanover

Let’s not forget how to remember H

OW good is your memory? I have a hunch that, because we don’t have to remember as much as we once did, our capacity to remember things has decreased.

For instance, how many phone numbers do you know? Do you remember when your favourite TV show is on or does series link take the strain? When you travel in a car do you look at a map and memorise the directions or use a sat-nav?

I reckon most of us increasingly rely on technology rather than remembering, and we risk forgetting how to remember. But there are some things we can’t and shouldn’t forget.

Whether we do it collectively or individually, there is power in remembering. We’re shaped by the lessons that we learn from history and from the stories of others. Nurturing our collective memory helps us to avoid repeating mistakes. When we remember, we don’t remember just historical facts, but also values, truths and significant moments that we are better for hearing and for heeding. We would do well not to forget our need to remember.

People who live and serve within the military community – as I once did for seven years as a military chaplain to the RAF – and those who live with the effects of conflict know that the freedoms we enjoy and the peace we all desire are not given easily. They know that, at times, it has to be fought for.

Those who have lived through conflict know the cost of war, and they know, uniquely, the price and value of peace. They alone know the commitment and perseverance needed to secure and enjoy it.

For members of the military community, remembrance is not merely an historical act – it’s personal. And when things are personal, the memories are vivid and the scars are tender.

In our own ways, we all know the pain, hurt and sadness that occur when an issue becomes personal. Which is why it is important to remember that loss is personal for God as well – painfully so.

God’s sacrifice was that of Jesus. God ‘did not spare his own Son,’ the Bible tells us, ‘but gave him up for us all’ (Romans 8:32 New International Version). And that’s always worth remembering.

There are some things we shouldn’t forget

12 November 2022 • WAR CRY • 13

1. Softly. 2. Répondez s’il vous plaît. 3. Mercury.

4. Kate Bush. 5. Maggie Smith. 6. Michael Rosen.

PUZZLES Quick CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

ACROSS 1. Submerge (4) 3. Thick mist (3) 5. Tome (4) 7. Commonly (9) 9. Story (4) 10. Vault (4) 11. Adjust (5) 14. Destined (5) 15. Proportion (5) 17. Impel (5) 18. Squander (5) 19. Warning signal (5) 20. Attire (5) 23. Intellect (4) 25. Stated (4) 27. Pressing necessity (9) 28. Encircle (4) 29. Boy (3) 30. Repair (4) DOWN 1. Remain (4) 2. Eager (4) 3. Meadow (5) 4. Clutch (5) 5. Invoice (4) 6. Retain (4) 7. Weird (9) 8. Day before (9)

11. Appended (5) 12. Nimble (5) 13. Long lock of hair (5) 14. Not many (3) 16. Possess (3)

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

9 8 6 7 9 2 1 4 9 4 1 4 3 2 21.

22.

23.

24.

25.

26.

Pastoral (5) Pace (5) Close (4) Self-satisfied (4) Dross (4) Expired (4)

3 3 7 2 7 1 2 9 8 2 3 9 6

4 1 5 7 2 9 3 8 3 2 8 5 6 1 9 4 Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally 6 find 7 these 9 8 4 cities 3 5 1 on the grid to capital 2 9 1 6 3 7 4 5 S N U WM P P D N J T P F K L G W T F J S F N H R5 Z 6P A4 R 9R E8 B 2N A7 C 3W F C B V P C Z7 S 8 K T3 G 4X Z1 D 5R H2 M 6J Q B QG D F DM I B C I SMY I K F M L R A S I B9N 5 N R6 T 1 Q K7 U 4Q N8 B 2F L Q O J B U E1N 4 O S2 A 3I R9 E 8S D6 Y 7M L K R N QWRMR T Z P S Q L X C Y Y C G L D W L8 X 3 H V7 G 2V S5 Z 6Y Z1 V 9 W

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

K N F QO L L H B I T A YWP A H G Y N Q W I B XM F S C Y

Bell-bottoms Take a brief look Break free Portable computer Spot A reclusive person

ANSWERS 4 3 6 2 5 7 9 1 8

1 2 7 9 6 8 5 4 3 4 3

5 8 9 1 4 3 6 2 7

7 5 8 6 9 4 1 3 2

2 6 4 3 8 1 7 9 5

9 1 3 7 2 5 4 8 6

3 9 5 4 7 2 8 6 1

8 4 1 5 3 6 2 7 9

6 7 2 8 1 9 3 5 4

HONEYCOMB 1. Flares. 2. Glance. 3. Escape.

4. Laptop. 5. Pimple. 6. Hermit.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1. Sink. 3. Fog. 5. Book. 7. Generally.

9. Yarn. 10. Leap. 11. Adapt. 14. Fated. 15. Ratio.

17. Drive. 18. Waste. 19. Siren. 20. Dress. 23. Nous.

25. Said. 27. Emergency. 28. Ring. 29. Lad. 30. Mend.

DOWN: 1. Stay. 2. Keen. 3. Field. 4. Grasp. 5. Bill.

6. Keep. 7. Grotesque. 8. Yesterday. 11. Added.

12. Agile. 13. Tress. 14. Few. 16. Own. 21. Rural.

22. Speed. 23. Near. 24. Smug. 25. Scum. 26. Died.

14 • WAR CRY • 12 November 2022

6

WORDSEARCH

M O HONEYC B 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

8 4

E H T O K Y O L C A

U T N B C K H H S I

O C S O M V S Z M J

I N F Q F O G E B X

E L V Z SM QG G N R I X J K I ME Q B

ATHENS BEIJING BERLIN BUDAPEST BUENOS AIRES CAIRO CANBERRA LONDON

T F A Z C A L A U V

S J Q O Q C M D O I

N A C Y K N A F E Z

V I Y S Z P R L Q L

T F H T E H N P V Z

G N Q S C Q I X K Z

N G T P A Z L O K C

P O S G V A S I C T WN Q A J S J I KW

MEXICO CITY MOSCOW NEW DELHI OTTAWA PARIS SANTIAGO TOKYO WASHINGTON DC

6 7 2 8 1 9 3 5 4

2 9

6

Lemon and asparagus risotto Method

Ingredients 2tbsp olive oil 1 onion, finely chopped 2 garlic cloves, crushed 1 lemon, zest 150g risotto rice 100g asparagus, chopped 1l hot vegetable stock 2tbsp butter Salt and ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a pan and gently fry the onion for 5 minutes.

Add the garlic and most of the lemon zest and cook for a further 2 minutes, then stir in the risotto rice. Mix well.

Add the asparagus, followed by 2 ladlefuls of stock. Cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the stock has been absorbed. Add another 2 ladlefuls of stock.

Keep adding stock and stirring for another 15 minutes or until all the stock has been used and the rice is just tender. Stir in the butter, then cover the pan and take off the heat to rest for 4 minutes.

Uncover the pan and season the risotto well with salt and pepper, then spoon into warm bowls and garnish with the remaining lemon zest, to serve.

SERVES

2

Ham, goat’s cheese and sweet potato salad Ingredients 800g sweet potatoes, peeled and thickly sliced Salt and freshly ground black pepper Olive oil 10-12 sage leaves 3-4 cooked ham slices, cut into strips 200g goat’s cheese, crumbled 3tbsp balsamic vinegar 2tbsp clear honey 1tbsp wholegrain mustard

Method Put the sweet potatoes in a pan with a pinch of salt and cover with water. Bring to the boil and cook for 5 minutes. Drain well and toss them in some olive oil, until coated, then season with salt and pepper and add the sage leaves.

Heat the grill to a medium heat. Place the sweet potato and sage leaves in a grill pan and cook for a few minutes on each side, until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Add the ham and continue to grill until slightly crisp. Remove the pan from the grill and toss the contents together with the goat’s cheese in a large salad bowl.

To make a dressing, whisk together the vinegar, honey, mustard and 1tbsp olive oil and season with salt, as required.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and sprinkle with black pepper, to serve.

SERVES

4

12 November 2022 • WAR CRY • 15

I SOUGHT THE LORD, AND HE ANSWERED ME; HE DELIVERED ME FROM ALL MY FEARS Psalm 34:4 (New International Version)

WAR CRY