Issuu

SINCE

1879

21 September 2019 20p/25c

S YEAARRCRY 140 W THE OF

‘I WAS WILLING TO DIE IN SYRIA’ One woman’s battle to help children in a war-torn country

CARE THAT’S ON SONG How music helps people living with dementia

Up for the challenge

NATIONS UNITE TO SUPPORT THEIR TEAM IN RUGBY WORLD CUP

THEY’RE STILL THERE FOR YOU Fans continue to watch Friends

What is The Salvation Army?

2 COMMENT AND CONTENTS • WAR CRY • 21 September 2019

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

From the editor’s desk ‘IF at first you don’t succeed try, try and try again’ is a phrase said to have been coined by Robert the Bruce, King of Scotland, just before his army defeated the English at Bannockburn in 1314. According to legend, Robert was inspired by watching a spider take several attempts to spin its web. Although the authenticity of the legend is questioned by some, the phrase itself has certainly crept into the public consciousness. It is a maxim that could easily be applied to the efforts of Samara Levy to help the children in war-torn Syria. In this week’s War Cry, Samara explains how pictures of young Syrian children wearing flipflops in the snow stirred her to take action to help them and others in a similar situation. Her conviction led her to ask other people to join her in donating clothes. The appeal was successful but Samara found she could not get the donations into Syria. Although frustrated, Samara tells how she didn’t give up but continued her efforts for children whose lives had been ravaged by war. Those efforts have now borne fruit and Samara herself has made repeated trips to Syria in order to bring the much-needed relief. Samara says that her Christian faith supported her through all the challenges that she faced and she talks about the way, at various moments in time, she called out to God in prayer. That is something Emma Weaver could relate to. Emma is the development co-ordinator of a Try Praying campaign, which is promoting prayer through adverts placed on buses, in trains and across station ticket barriers. Emma is keen for everyone, regardless of their faith, to learn that they can pray, and do so knowing that God will hear their prayers. As Emma says in this week’s issue, it is an initiative that is changing people’s lives. The message is simple: if at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try praying.

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.

SINCE 1879

140 YEARS

OF THE WAR CRY Issue No 7441

Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Ivan Radford 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@satcol.org 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 Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper

Your local Salvation Army centre

FEATURES 3

Tackling the opposition Who will win the rugby World Cup?

Forever friends Comedy series stands the test of time

Kept in tune How singing helps people living with dementia

Childcare under fire Supporting the children of Syria

Say a little prayer Campaign encourages people to try praying

REGULARS 4

News and media

Browsing the Bible

Faces of Faith

14 Puzzles 15

What’s cooking? Front-page picture: PA

21 September 2019 • WAR CRY • SPORT 3 Japan score a try against South Africa during the 2015 World Cup

POSSESSION OF

HOPE D

REAMS of global glory kicked off for rugby fans yesterday (Friday 20 September) with the start of the World Cup. Twenty teams are in the running for the coveted Webb Ellis trophy. The 48-match tournament, which will be broadcast on ITV, includes fixtures for England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, and runs until 2 November. Reigning champions New Zealand, who have won the last two tournaments, will aim to consolidate their success. But it seems this World Cup will be one of the most closely contested to date. Retired England women’s rugby player Maggie Alphonsi explained to ITV: ‘This is going to be the most competitive, unpredictable and entertaining World Cup we have ever seen. It will be a tough one to call. Many teams have already shown they are capable of winning the Webb Ellis cup, but, come tournament time, anything can happen.’ Host nation Japan will look to make their mark after causing a major upset in the last World Cup in 2015. They beat strong contenders South Africa 34-32 in the group stages, scoring their winning try in the last minute of the game and shocking followers of the

r Rugby underdogs try fo Emily Bright World Cup title, writes sport across the world. Rugby fans may have been surprised, but – outside South Africa – many will have enjoyed the spectacle. We can often sympathise with and even support life’s underdogs, cheering them on as they face impossible odds. Their achievements are all the

Many teams have already shown they are capable of winning more remarkable when their humble beginnings are considered. They make for amazing stories. One underdog story chronicled in the Bible is that of an ancient Israelite called Gideon. He was an ordinary man, but God called him to do the extraordinary job of rescuing his fellow countrymen, who were struggling under oppression from an enemy people.

Feeling as if he did not qualify for the task, he was understandably reluctant to tackle it. He asked God: ‘How am I supposed to deliver Israel? My family is the weakest in the tribe of Manasseh, and I am the least of my family.’ But God asserted: ‘I will be with you’ (Judges 6:15 and 16 The Voice). With God’s support, he was able to overcome the challenges he faced. In our lives, it can feel as if circumstances kick any hope for our future into touch. It can seem that, no matter how hard we try to tackle our problems, we are getting nowhere. We may feel unqualified to defeat the challenges that we face. However, God offers us all a relationship with him. If we let him into our lives, he can be on our side, working in our weakness. He will provide love, peace and strength when we need them the most. God can convert us from a state of helplessness to one of hope.

4 NEWS AND MEDIA • WAR CRY • 21 September 2019

Hurricane victims find shelter with The Salvation Army PEOPLE who left their homes to escape from Hurricane Dorian are receiving vital supplies from The Salvation Army’s churches in the Bahamas. Evacuees fled the Abacos to Nassau, where The Salvation Army shelters are over capacity. The church and charity is supplying clean drinking water and providing up to 300 meals every day to people living in the emergency shelters. Its church in Freeport has set up a kitchen, to prepare meals for distribution. The Salvation Army is also offering clothing, tarpaulins and clean-up kits where required. At least 50 people are A couple survey the ruins of their home in Grand Bahama reported to have died after the hurricane hit the Abacos and Grand EMERGENCY supplies are being distributed Bahama earlier by The Salvation Army after floods across this month, northern India. triggering floods Teams from two rapid response projects are and widespread handing out tea, flour, dal, sugar, oil and bedsheets to 1,400 of the most vulnerable families, totalling destruction CHURCHES in Southsea joined together to approximately 7,000 people. of homes and host Christian entertainment and hand out free Ninety people were killed in July as a result of crops. The storm flooding in and around Jasidih, with heavy rain in fish rolls to remind people of a miracle of Jesus. is the most August triggering further devastation in the area Freshly battered cod was cooked in three severe to have hit surrounding Bajpur in Uttarakhand state. Riverbanks mobile vans and handed out in bread rolls to the Bahamas in have also flooded in Jalandhar and Patiala, forcing members of the public. The church members recorded history, thousands of families to flee from their homes. also distributed copies of the story of Jesus’ with wind speeds miracle of feeding 5,000 people with five of up to 220mph. loaves and two fishes, as chronicled in the New Testament. In Southsea more than 4,000 people were fed within four and a half hours. The event in the seaside resort’s Castle Field also featured live Christian music and guest speakers, as well as sports and children’s activities. ‘We want to put Jesus back at the centre of the life of our city by showing that he still does miracles today,’ said the Rev Neil Smart of St Jude’s Church. AN allotment in Jersey run by The Salvation Army is tackling social isolation by helping people with learning disabilities to grow fruit and vegetables, reported ITV News. Running for an hour and a half a week at the organisation’s centre in Gorey, the project aims to boost mental health, reduce loneliness and build a sense of community. Six individuals between the ages of 20 and 70 are taking part in the scheme, which is being supported by the Jersey government. Some of the produce will be made into soup and distributed at The Salvation Army’s café in St Helier. ‘This scheme provides community integration through a meaningful activity – it’s important that the vegetables go back into the community via the café,’ said clinical psychologist Dr Sinead Peacock-Brennan, who is supporting the project. ‘Being active is great for mental health and the project enables us to have conversations with service users, which can sometimes be difficult within a clinical setting.’ Volunteers hand out free fish rolls as part of the festivities

Churches feed thousands with free fried fish

Diocese of Portsmouth

Islanders dig deep to tackle social isolation

21 September 2019 • WAR CRY • TELEVISION 5

The one with the

CHURCH pews are to be n chopped up to make furniture and kitchenware for ex-offenders,

good news

in a partnership between prisoner rehabilitation charity Landworks and St Matthew’s Church in Exeter. Approximately 20 pews were donated to the Devon-based charity. They will be made into chopping boards, cookbook holders, bowls, plates and garden benches. St Matthew’s is being renovated as part of a project designed to reach out to the student community, homeless charities and organisations working with former prisoners. ‘We believe that there is hope for people that are on the margins of society,’ the Rev Matt Clayton from St Matthew’s told Premier Christian Radio. ‘There is real transition that can happen if we give them a chance to prove themselves and give them a great start.’

Friends stand the test of time, writes Sarah Olowofoyeku WENTY-FIVE years ago, six actors danced round a fountain, and went T on to make a big splash. Tomorrow (Sunday 22 September) marks 25 years since the pilot of Friends, one of the most popular TV shows of

recent times, was aired. In ten series, viewers watched twentysomethings Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Joey, Phoebe and Monica as they navigated the joys, pains and laugh-out-loud moments of friendship, love and careers in a big city. In 2004, the show came to an end. But 15 years later, people still watch it – some meeting the friends for the first time, and others simply enjoying the reruns. Perhaps the show has been a success because the characters faced situations to which many people can relate. All six had difficulties with The characters their job, entered new relationships and experienced heartbreak. faced relatable But each went through their struggles with their best friends at their sides. The words of the theme song, ‘I’ll situations be there for you’, always rang true. The idea of having the support of some good friends as you go through the ups and downs of life is an appealing one. The stories and characters in Friends may be fictional, but most people are not strangers to heartbreak, loss, and career or family challenges. Such situations do not always have the same neat endings that they do on our favourite comedies. But the good news is that the joy of friendship is not just made for TV. While connections with other people are essential to our wellbeing, there is one connection that can bring us unlimited joy. Many people have turned to Jesus and found a faithful friend in him. When Jesus came into the world, he wanted us to experience a loving and supportive relationship with him. He made it possible through the ultimate act of friendship, which he described by saying: ‘Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends’ (John 15:13 New International Version). It is as a result of Jesus laying down his life that we can receive forgiveness and experience the love and comfort of a friend, no matter what drama we may be facing. Will we get switched on to a friendship with him?

UP to two thirds of adults n (67 per cent) still see the value of children celebrating Christian

The cast of ‘Friends’ enjoyed great success with the sitcom

Featureflash Photo Agency/Shutterstock.com

harvest festivals, according to a ComRes survey commissioned by the Church of England. Asked what they thought were the benefits of a harvest festival, 62 per cent of people said that it encouraged generosity, and 51 per cent said that it led to thankfulness for the good things in life. The majority of produce donated during harvest festivals will stock food banks, with a previous survey revealing that about 8,000 churches either run or support food banks through volunteers, donations and providing venues. ‘Harvest is a wonderful opportunity for all schools and nurseries to help children and young people to think about how food reaches their plates, and to say thank you for all they have received, as well as giving to those in need,’ said the Church of England’s chief education officer, the Rev Nigel Genders.

6 INTERVIEW • WAR CRY • 21 September 2019

Today (21 September) is World Alzheimer’s Day, which is designed to raise awareness of dementia and reduce the stigma surrounding it. LEE HIGHTON-NICHOLLS tells Emily Bright about a Salvation Army scheme helping those living with the condition

ERFORMING to 2,000 people is daunting even for seasoned professionals. But for one amateur Nottinghamshire choir, the challenge was much greater: they had to learn lyrics while living with memory loss. The two-part documentary series Our Dementia Choir with Vicky McClure, which was aired in May, followed the choir’s journey from their being set up by the Line of Duty actress to their stirring final performance. Heart-warming scenes unfolded as members learnt lyrics, gradually grew in confidence, made friendships and unlocked emotions and new capabilities. The series ended with the singers overcoming their fears and wowing audiences at Nottingham’s Royal Concert Hall. Vicky also spoke to experts in the fields of medicine, musical therapy and performance to see how music can affect memory and to find out about some of the pioneering treatments being tested. Lee Highton-Nicholls, who is a regional specialist of older people’s ministries at The

Lee Highton-Nicholls

Salvation Army, believes that the programme has played an important role in boosting understanding of the condition. ‘It has massively heightened people’s awareness, which is great for organisations like ours. We’re able to say that we run singing groups for those living with dementia, and invite people to come along.’ The Salvation Army’s Singing By Heart initiative started two years ago as a collaboration between the church and charity’s

Singing By Heart brings together people affected by dementia older people’s ministries and its music and creative arts teams. Hour-long singing sessions are hosted in Salvation Army churches and in residential homes across the UK. They are designed to encourage communication, bring

people together, help trigger memories and boost the mood of those taking part. Lee explains: ‘Singing By Heart is all about bringing together a group of people who are affected by dementia, whether they’re a carer or living with the condition. We wanted to develop a singing programme that would meet their physical, social and spiritual needs.’ Group leaders receive training from Salvation Army specialists such as Lee, and the format of the session remains generally consistent. Each one begins with a warm-up welcome song, in which every individual is greeted by their first name. This is followed with light-hearted songs such as ‘Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes’, ‘The Hokey Cokey’ or ‘Knees Up, Mother Brown’, which Lee describes as ‘always fun but utter chaos!’ Participants then open their Singing By

21 September 2019 • WAR CRY • INTERVIEW 7

A Singing By Heart group in Oldbury Heart song books, which contain a mix of secular and Christian songs, with a prayer and Bible verse on each page. The session ends on a high note, always with the same song: ‘Bring Me Sunshine’. Since Singing By Heart was first trialled in September 2017, the initiative, Lee says, has ‘taken off in a massive way’. He adds: ‘It’s fun and accessible for anyone who wants to come.’ So far, 150 Salvation Army churches have held at least one session, with 50 groups meeting regularly across the UK. There are a further 30 to 40 groups in the pipeline. The Singing By Heart scheme has already made an impression, as Lee elaborates. ‘These sessions have a massive impact on those living with dementia, but also their loved ones, accessing a new group of people who have an understanding of the illness.

‘Someone told me about a gentleman at their Singing By Heart group who has advanced dementia. He didn’t communicate much at all. But when they played a certain song, they started to see his foot tapping and him engaging

Singing is proven to reduce anxiety and depression physically with the rhythm of the music. It’s evident that the music spoke to who he was. ‘At our original group in Sedgley there was a lady who couldn’t speak to care staff. When she attended one of our sessions, this lady started to sing “Daisy, Daisy”. And she recollected all the words. For the next half an

hour, she sang the song constantly all on her own. Obviously it had unlocked a powerful memory. ‘We’ve also had tears where people have connected spiritually or where family members have seen their loved ones sing in a way that they haven’t seen in a long time.’ Lee adds that the medical and social benefits of singing are manifold. ‘Singing creates a positive mood, a sense of fun, and often brings people out of a place of loneliness. It is also proven to reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure and helps control breathing.’ So what would Lee say to any aspiring Singing By Heart members or their carers? ‘I think it’s about trying it. It’s about going along, seeing if it fits for you or your loved one and recognising that everybody’s journey with dementia is different.’

8 INTERVIEW • WAR CRY • 21 September 2019

‘Children in Syria are as precious as my own’ SARAH OLOWOFOYEKU

SAMARA LEVY talks to Sarah Olowofoyeku about following the tug on her heart to help people in Syria willing to die in Syria if that’s ‘ILevy’Mwhatsaid you want.’ That is what Samara to God, a few years after

Samara Levy

Children were wearing flip-flops in the snow

starting an aid organisation. ‘I’d been praying about whether to go,’ she says. ‘I said to God: “I’m sure you don’t want me to go and die there, but if you do I’m willing. As long as I know it is your will and not just some crazy idea that I’ve had.”’ Some years earlier, Samara, a mother of two young children, began to feel unsettled about what was happening in Syria. ‘At Christmas in 2013, I was shocked by reports of children wearing flip-flops in the snow,’ she says. ‘I looked at the pile of clothes that my baby had outgrown and thought I should be sending them to Syria.’ Convinced that she needed to take action, Samara sent out old clothes from her home in the UK, but knew that it wasn’t enough. She decided that she would gather clothes from other people, but hit a wall when it came to sending them out to Syria. Samara became frustrated when she

could not get the clothing into the country, and so decided to put the idea to one side. But she could not get away from thoughts about helping Syria. ‘I’d think about sending the clothes again, but feel frustrated because I didn’t know how to do it,’ she recalls. ‘The last straw came when I saw a photo of a baby that had been beheaded by Isis. I wept on my husband’s shoulder. ‘Later I cried to God, saying: “I don’t care what it takes, I don’t care what it costs me. Just use me.” I felt like he told me to start collecting,’ she says. ‘That was the third time in eight months I’d had that instruction, but it felt then as if God was showing me that the timing was right. ‘I sensed him promising that if I trusted him and took the step of faith to start collecting, he would open all the right doors and provide everything I needed. Suddenly I had this determination in my heart. And then it all snowballed from there.’ Samara’s Aid Appeal has now sent some one million kilograms of aid to Syria, and provided for half a million people. It has also sent medical equipment and ambulances. A small field hospital was

21 September 2019 • WAR CRY • INTERVIEW 9

Samara in Deir Ezzor, Syria, where bombings destroyed homes established to help those who couldn’t get to the one in the city. Now plans to build a multimillion-pound hospital, offering specialist services lacking in the country, are under way. About a year after the work had begun to develop, Samara wanted to visit Syria

Explosions are like fireworks, but you know they’re not fireworks and meet the people for whom her heart had been so wrenched. ‘People here told me not to be crazy. They said I didn’t need to go and people would understand because I had two young children. But I didn’t feel satisfied with that,’ she admits. ‘I felt in my heart that I needed to go, so I put it in God’s hands.’ As she made plans, though, nerves

began to settle in. ‘I felt quite anxious about it,’ she says. ‘As I sat with my children, the “what ifs” crept in. “What if something did happen? My children are so precious – what would happen to them?” But I knew that was why I was going – because those children in Syria had lost their parents. They were as precious as mine, and if my children were in that situation I’d hope someone would be willing to sacrifice something to help them.’ Since her first trip, Samara has travelled to Syria many more times. On one occasion, in addition to seeing the unthinkable situation Syrians were facing, she experienced something of it. Samara woke up one night to the sound of explosions. ‘They were so loud,’ she recalls. ‘They came closer and closer. I was terrified. It’s like going to a firework display. When you’re right underneath fireworks, they’re really loud. Explosions are like that but more so, and you know that they’re not fireworks. ‘I had this tightness in my chest all

night, and no amount of trying to make myself relax worked. It was humbling. I realised that when you’re in that situation, you don’t think straight at all. Many refugees flee without any documents, and before, I’d thought: “It doesn’t take long to pick up documents, does it?” But when you’re under attack, you don’t think about anything like that. You pick up your children and you go.’ Samara shares such personal lessons and the stories of her experiences in a book, Rebuilding the Ruins. ‘It’s easy to think that Christians who do this sort of thing are like saints and everything is perfect in their lives,’ she tells me. ‘But I’m definitely not a saint and I’m full of imperfections. I wanted to tell the story from a human perspective and give people the courage to step out and do what God calls them to do.’ l Rebuilding the Ruins is published by Hodder & Stoughton

10 INTERVIEW • WAR CRY • 21 September 2019

Living on a prayer Campaigner EMMA WEAVER explains to Emily Bright why she is encouraging people to try praying

HE Archbishop of Canterbury does it. So do film stars Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence. In fact, according to a 2018 survey commissioned by Christian charity Tearfund, 51 per cent of the UK public admit they’ve given it a go. People of all faiths and none are praying. One Scottish charity, There is Hope, is helping people to pray by providing a step-by-step guide. Emma Weaver Founder David Hill wanted to create a resource for non-Christians, so he launched the Try Praying campaign ten years ago. just give one to a family member or ‘He came up with the idea of a work colleague.’ very simple, subtle seven-day guide,’ Try Praying has created books for explains Try Praying development primary school children, teenagers, co-ordinator Emma Weaver. ‘It’s a adults and prisoners, and has booklet which includes the stories of expanded into various sectors across people who’ve said a prayer, showing the UK. how God came in and helped them. When an army chaplain discovered There are Bible verses and stories that the guide, he arranged for 500 copies replicate each person’s testimony.’ to go out with a battalion that was Emma says that the campaign’s leaving for a tour of duty. A nightclub appeal lies in its accessibility. manager in Dundee approached the ‘By having a Try Praying book in their charity to come and pray for clubbers, pocket or handbag, people can easily and rival establishments have since share it at community cafés, food asked for prayer visits too. banks and church outreach groups, or The resource also made a dramatic

difference to someone’s life when a woman walking in a park heard a noise in the trees above. She spotted a man attaching a rope to a branch and

The campaign’s appeal lies in its accessibility learnt that he had a drug and alcohol addiction, having been living with a mental illness for a long time. He’d wandered out of a psychiatric ward, and the emergency services were called. Emma says: ‘When he was being

21 September 2019 • WAR CRY • INTERVIEW 11

Try Praying

Try Praying advertisements are going up across the UK put in the ambulance, the lady gave him a Try Praying book. She encouraged him to read it and said that she’d visit him in a couple of days. He told her he would use it for his roll-up cigarette papers. She said: “Fine, but read it first.” And she gave him a Bible as well. ‘The man read the booklet, and within two or three days he said that he wanted to be transferred to a specialist rehabilitation centre.’ He was told that he’d be on the waiting list for months, but a bed was found for him four days later. Within two weeks he was free from alcohol and drugs without any withdrawal symptoms. The campaign is steadily gaining recognition through its bus advertisements and posters placed across the walls of train stations and ticket barriers. According to a survey commissioned by Try Praying, more than half the people living and working in Edinburgh recognised its logo, banner and posters. In April, 500 churches across the UK took it upon themselves to promote the campaign. Next year, Try Praying is planning to extend its poster campaign into some of the UK’s largest cities. Emma is convinced that the availability of prayer to everyone is an essential message for today.

‘There is so much stress and desperation in the world,’ she says. ‘We need hope. We need to know that there’s something bigger out there that can help us. ‘When people see the campaign as they’re going about their daily business, I hope they think: “Maybe I should try praying, I’ll give it a go, I’ve got nothing else to lose.” When they read the guide, they begin to ask questions and start that conversation with God.’ But what happens when prayers don’t seem to elicit an answer? Emma believes that God does respond, just not always in the way that we’d expect. ‘Sometimes we need to step back and say: “Has God really not answered your prayer? Or did he just give you an answer that you didn’t want?” His answer might be yes, no or not now.’ So how exactly do you start a conversation with God? Emma believes that the key is to keep it simple. ‘Many people think that prayer is such a complicated thing,

We need to know there’s something bigger out there that you have to quote Scripture and come out with all these elaborate words when talking to God, which you don’t. God just wants you to talk to him like a friend.’ And Emma is keen to emphasise that, just like a friend, we can speak to God no matter how we are feeling. ‘God doesn’t mind if you shout at him – that’s all part of a relationship. It doesn’t matter if you’re angry, if you’re hurting, if you’re crying. Just come to him and know that he loves you.’

12 INNER LIFE • WAR CRY • 21 September 2019

Prayerlink YOUR prayers are requested for Hefin, who is in custody, awaiting a court case; and for Anthony, who hopes to be admitted into a rehabilitation centre on his release from prison. 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

Zephaniah EPHANIAH is prophesying durZ ing the reign of Judah’s King Josiah (640-609BC). When he was 20 years old

(632BC), Josiah began to purge Judah of false idols (2 Chronicles 34:3) before introducing wider spiritual reforms. Zephaniah’s mentioning of the gods Baal and Molek (1:4 and 5) and of the future destruction of Nineveh (2:13), which occurred in 612BC, suggests that he prophesied about 50 years before the fall of Jerusalem. Zephaniah’s overriding theme is God’s judgment. Because of people’s wickedness, divine retribution will fall on the whole earth (1:2 and 3), on Judah (1:4 to 2:3), Jerusalem (3:1–7), neighbouring nations (2:4–12) and Assyria (2:13–15). The mention of God’s jealousy (1:18) echoes the Ten Commandments, where God reveals himself as ‘a jealous God’ (Exodus 20:5). In God’s case, ‘jealousy’ does not mean petty, pouting envy, but signals that he

expects single-minded and exclusive devotion from his followers. Worshipping other ‘gods’ is an offence in God’s eyes. The charge sheet on Jerusalem also includes oppression, rebellion, arrogance, treachery and profanity (3:1–4). God’s judgment is characterised by the concept of ‘the day of the Lord’. God’s day of sacrifice and punishment is near (1:7–9). It will be a day of ruin, distress,

In God’s case, ‘jealousy’ does not mean petty, pouting envy

darkness and death, when riches will not save the wealthy (1:14–18). It will be the day of God’s anger (2:2 and 3). It will be the day when God assembles the nations and when ‘the whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger’ (3:8). As well as retribution, it will also be a day of restoration. God will still be in Jerusalem (3:5). He will remember ‘the meek and humble’, who ‘trust in the name of the Lord’ (3:12). He will rid his people of their enemies (3:14–17). He will the ‘The Lord your God is with you, restore his people. God tells them: 3:17 niah ‘I will restore your fortunes before Mighty Warrior who saves’ (Zepha your very eyes’ (3:20). New International Version)

Key verse

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j Q&A

21 September 2019 • WAR CRY • EXPRESSIONS 13

FACES OF FAITH JOHN HOLMAN from Staines on grey hairs, football and if God ever gets bored

What’s your typical day?

I do like routine, but for the past few months my typical day has been somewhat different because I had a heart condition diagnosed and was then involved in a road traffic accident. These have resulted in time off work and numerous hospital and doctor’s appointments. They have shaken me up – however, a lot of good has come out of them, giving me time to reflect and count my blessings.

What did you want to be when you grew up? A footballer. I had a decent schoolboy career and played at a good level for the Boys’ Brigade district team. I even had a trial for Brentford, but that didn’t work out.

What advice would you give your teenage self?

What makes you feel like a grown-up now?

Work hard, play hard and get the most you can from all life’s opportunities.

Grey hairs, drawing my pension, taking an array of tablets and saying: ‘I can remember when all of this used to be fields.’

What was the last book you read? I tend to have three books on the go, so the danger is I never finish them. One I can’t put down at the moment is All About Jill, an account of the life of murdered TV presenter Jill Dando.

QUICK QUIZ 1. What is the equatorial circumference of the Earth in kilometres? 2. In which country are the Lascaux Cave prehistoric paintings? 3. Who had a hit in 1993 with the song ‘That’s the Way Love Goes’? 4. Who won TV singing competition The Voice UK last year? 5. Who played Scarlett in the classic film Gone With the Wind?

How did you become a Christian? My parents took me and my brothers to a Baptist church in Hammersmith, where we joined the Boys’ Brigade company, which has influenced my life greatly (the advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys being the object of the organisation). I also met my wife-to-be at the same church.

What’s good about being a Christian? I believe it gives us an extra tool or dimension to advance mentally, physically and spiritually. It’s more than good to be a Christian – it’s a way of life.

What one question would you ask God? As you have been around since day one, Lord, do you ever get bored, and if you do, how do you deal with it?

What do you pray about? I pray about what’s on my mind at the time. I read recently that prayer is a door that we can go through to communicate with God.

6. In what year did the Berlin Wall fall? ANSWERS

What is your favourite Bible verse? It has to be Hebrews 13:8: ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for ever.’ How mind blowing is that!

1. 40,075. 2. France. 3. Janet Jackson. 4. Ruti Olajugbagbe. 5. Vivien Leigh. 6. 1989.

14 PUZZLES • WAR CRY • 21 September 2019

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Restrain (7) 5. Structure carrying cables (5) 7. Deviate (7) 8. Fragment (5) 10. Douse (4) 11. Confuse (8) 13. Really (6) 14. Delight (6) 17. Shaky (8) 19. Place to eat and drink (4) 21. Upright (5)

6. Sensational (5) 7. Povertystricken (9) 9. Persist (9) 12. Lately (8) 15. Forsake (7) 16. Repulsive (6) 18. Sloping sharply (5) 20. Prohibit (4)

22. Outstanding (7) 23. Overjoyed (5) 24. Fainted (7) DOWN 2. Gaunt (7) 3. Sugar (4) 4. Savoured (6) 5. Capable of happening (8)

SUDOKU

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

HONEYCOMB

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

1. Group of five 2. Sick 3. Breathe in 4. Having an even and regular surface 5. Muscular organ of the mouth 6. Calm and unhurried

ANSWERS

WORDSEARCH ANTIMATTER ASTEROID BLACK HOLE ELECTROMAGNETIC FORCE GALAXY GAMMA RAYS GRAVITATION KUIPER BELT LIGHT YEAR MILKY WAY QUASAR RED DWARF SOLAR SYSTEM SOLAR WIND SPACECRAFT SUPERNOVA TERRESTRIAL PLANET ZENITH

Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally on the grid to find these with4space 3 words 1 6associated 8 2 9 5 7

9 4 2 3 5 7 8 6 1 V X D G M C A Q D Z D V X K H Z T G T G Z E G R J G W R K N N W Z Z X E D Y F Z 7 5 8 1 6 4 3 2 9 L E M A Z K O Y I H A H X G N J I I A N 2 3J 1R O H A Z N 7 8 6 9 J G R H 4 5 T Z X L M H G W Z V D A L D M R J M K 5 9 4I U 2 L 3T 1S C H 7 8T C R 6 S J L F S A A C W B Q P Y J N H L D E Z 8 6 7 4 9 5 1 3 I C N 2 F P T Q L Z V R F U L A Y Z Y S Z K M D O J X I L A A V O N R E P U S A Z 6 7 9 5 4 3 2 1 8 U H S H Z S T S I Y U I D Z M N T M P L 4 8 5 9 1 2 6 7 3 I O W S O L A R S Y S T E M H Y I T S I 1 2 3I N Z U X L M T Q G 6 7 8 5 9 4 P F T O I R T B B Z E F N Z H S I V B R C X W A K Z B M H H R A S T E R O I D B I Q L Y F N G Z A T B Z F R T R N P V T B A W Z N Z A T V Y E C R O F C I T E N G A M O R T C E L E L E L O H K C A L B Y T B K R Z D Z I A T F Z E I L V Q D C A N T I M A T T E R Q F Q Y B R E D D W A R F K B Q J Z J P

HONEYCOMB 1 Pentad. 2 Unwell. 3 Inhale. 4 Smooth. 5 Tongue. 6 Sedate. QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1 Inhibit. 5 Pylon. 7 Digress. 8 Scrap. 10 Soak. 11 Bewilder. 13 Indeed. 14 Please. 17 Unsteady. 19 Café. 21 Erect. 22 Overdue. 23 Happy. 24 Swooned. DOWN: 2 Haggard. 3 Beet. 4 Tasted. 5 Possible. 6 Lurid. 7 Destitute. 9 Persevere. 12 Recently. 15 Abandon. 16 Odious. 18 Steep. 20 Veto.

3 5 9 7 4 1 8 2 6

6 9 5 4 2 7 1 3 8

7 1 4 9 3 8 6 5 2

8 2 3 5 1 6 4 7 9

5 6 2 1 7 9 3 8 4

9 7 1 3 8 4 2 6 5

4 3 8 2 6 5 9 1 7

SUDOKU SOLUTION

3 5

6 9

7 1

8 2

5 6

9 7

4 3

21 September 2019 • WAR CRY • WHAT’S COOKING? 15

Twice-baked potatoes with leeks and cheese 2 large baking potatoes 1 medium leek 1tbsp pumpkin seeds 80g vegetarian cream cheese with garlic and herbs 1tbsp semi-skimmed milk Pinch ground black pepper

SERVES

40g vegetarian mature cheddar cheese, coarsely grated

6 bread slices Butter, to spread 3tbsp mixed dried fruit, extra to garnish 300ml milk 50g sugar, plus extra to garnish

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4. Butter the bread and cut diagonally. Place half the bread slices on the bottom of an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle the bread with the dried fruit. Place the remaining bread slices over the top.

SERVES

Bake the potatoes on a baking tray for 45 minutes until cooked through. Halve the leek lengthways and fan it out under a tap to wash away any trapped dirt. Slice each half into 4 lengthways and cut into 5mm-thick slices. Blanch by tipping the leek slices into a medium-sized pan of boiling water for 1 minute. Drain and set aside. Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry pan over a low heat for 2 minutes. Set aside.

Bread and butter pudding

2 free-range eggs

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/Gas Mark 4.

Beat the eggs with the milk in a bowl and pour over the bread. Leave to stand for 30 minutes. Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve with a sprinkle of mixed fruit and sugar on top.

Once the potatoes have finished baking, cut them in half lengthways and scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. Reserve the potato skins for later. Add the cream cheese and milk to the bowl and season with the pepper. Use a fork to mix together. Fill each of the 4 potato skins with the potato and cheese mixture. Top with the leek slices and grated cheese. Place the filled potatoes on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and serve.

Recipes reprinted, with permission, from the Vegetarian Society website vegsoc.org

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