War Cry 22 June 2019

22 June 2019 20p/25c

‘I PUT MY FAITH IN POLITICS’ CARRY ON CHAMPING Why churches make great places to stay

Grand designs PLANS ARE BEING LAID IN NEW TV DRAMA ‘BEECHAM HOUSE’

Assembly member who does do God

2 COMMENT AND CONTENTS • WAR CRY • 22 June 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 THERE are now fewer than ten days before the school summer holidays start in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Within the next month, schools in England and Wales will also have closed, while for children in the Republic of Ireland, the holidays are already in full swing.

Many parents’ holiday preparations will be well under way, with two thirds of holidaymakers intending to travel abroad, according to a survey by Post Office Money.

The research found that Spain, Greece and Bulgaria are the destinations considered to offer the best value for money, but that two thirds of holidaymakers find it impossible to stick to their budget. Last year, holidaymakers overspent by a total of £2 billion.

It is no wonder that some people are looking for cheaper alternatives. Some are trying Champing, camping overnight in historic churches.

In this week’s War Cry, we discover how Champing works and why people enjoy sleeping in these ancient buildings that often don’t have heating or flushing toilets.

Chana James, of the Churches Conservation Trust which promotes Champing, describes how there is ‘something special about staying somewhere that’s so old’.

Chana reveals how champers appreciate the quietness they find in the churches, explaining that ‘they love waking up and seeing the sun shining through the stained-glass window or being able to hear owls at night’.

Last month, we reported in the War Cry that there are now more churches in the UK than pubs, according to the National Churches Trust. Its report also revealed that many of those buildings are being used, not only as holiday destinations, but as community hubs, supporting activities such as GP surgeries and farmers’ markets.

Many communities and individuals are under strain. Churches are often located at the heart of communities, and it is good that they are being utilised to help in new and imaginative ways, providing not only places of worship, but venues working for the good of all.

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 7428

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 Helpline: 020 7367 4888

Contents

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 Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper

Your local Salvation Army centre

FEATURES 3

House rules New period drama set in India begins

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Playtime blues Not everyone’s happy in Toy Story 4

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Faith that’s politically correct Welsh assembly member does God

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Champing holidays Churches provide a place to stay

REGULARS 4

News and media

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Browsing the Bible

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8

13 Expressions 14 Puzzles 15

What’s cooking?

Front-page picture: ITV

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Kudos/ITV

22 June 2019 • WAR CRY • TELEVISION 3

TRULY NOBLE? Linda McTurk sees if an Englishman in India can overcome suspicions about his background

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HE rumours spreading across Delhi in 1795 are true.

Englishman John Beecham (Tom Bateman) is to become the master of a grand mansion in the city, in ITV’s new drama series Beecham House, which starts tomorrow (Sunday 23 June).

No one is quite clear why John is in Delhi or even who he is.

Servants wonder whether he is ‘a nobleman’ or a high-caste ‘Rajput’. But the more important question is simply whether he has a noble character.

When he arrives at his new home with his infant son of mixed heritage, eyebrows are raised. The servants are keen to find out the identity of the boy’s mother, but John keeps it a secret. ‘You will learn that I am a private man,’ he says.

What little is known about John’s past does not help him to fit in with his neighbours. General Castillon (Grégory Fitoussi), a French mercenary for Emperor Shah Alam, arranges to meet him, but their conversation turns icy when the general

Judge me not by my flag but by my actions confronts John about his time at the disreputable British East India Company. John insists that he has severed ties with his former employer and that he is looking to trade independently, but Castillon is not convinced.

Not everyone, however, sees John as a threat. A kindly neighbour offers to introduce him to the emperor (Roshan Seth), so that John can ask for a licence to trade. But when they meet at the royal palace, the emperor is wary of believing anything that he is told. The past pillaging of India by the British is still fresh in the emperor’s memory.

Despite these setbacks, John wants the chance to make a clean start. He says to the emperor: ‘I implore you, judge me not by my flag but by my actions.’

John’s predicament highlights a human problem. Many of us would like to cut ties with the past, but find it difficult. We want to be known as trustworthy, but our reputation can be tainted by mistakes – sometimes our own. We hope to be given a chance to do things differently, but people may see us only as who we used to be. We may feel haunted by the shadow of our old selves and unable to start afresh.

Across history, many people have taken comfort in knowing that their past does not need to determine their future. We can always have a fresh start with Jesus. He does not exclude us from his love even when we have made a lot of mistakes.

In his earlier days the Bible writer Paul had made many harmful decisions. But when he chose to follow Jesus, he was able to put them behind him. ‘Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person,’ he wrote. ‘The past is forgotten, and everything is new’ (2 Corinthians 5:17 Contemporary English Version).

We do not need to be mastered by our past. If we turn to Jesus and admit our wrongdoing, he will free us from any guilt or shame. If we trust in him, he will grant us the key to a noble life – one full of lasting love, joy and peace.

John Beecham is seeking a licence to trade

4 NEWS AND MEDIA • WAR CRY • 22 June 2019

Green fingers help overcome mental health concerns

Charity’s concern for carers with debts MORE than a quarter of the people receiving help for debt from Christians Against Poverty (CAP) are caring for an ill or disabled person at home, the charity has revealed.

CAP, which provides free debt counselling, surveyed more than 1,200 of its clients. As well as finding that 26 per cent were balancing financial demands with caring for someone, it discovered

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that over half of those carers were unable to work.

Matt Barlow, chief executive of CAP, says: ‘Society sometimes finds it easy to dismiss people in debt, but our experience shows that unexpected changes in circumstances such as ill health can change the family dynamic and the level of income coming into the home.’

THE Pope has approved plans to change the wording of the Lord’s Prayer in Italian, the Evening Standard reported.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church signed off the alteration of the traditional ‘lead us not into temptation’ to ‘do not let us fall to temptation’ after the General Assembly of the Episcopal Conference of Italy voted for the change last month.

Pope Francis previously expressed support for the move in December 2017 and told Italian Catholic channel TV2000 that the traditional wording was ‘not a good translation because it speaks of a God who induces temptation.

‘I am the one who falls. It’s not him pushing me into temptation to then see how I have fallen. A father doesn’t do that; a father helps you to get up immediately.’

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of England’s lead bishop on healthcare issues the Right Rev James Newcome.

‘Churches are places where people can find healing and community,’ he said. ‘We know that gardening is a powerful form of therapy, and when done with others it tackles loneliness and isolation. It is my hope that churches will embrace this opportunity.’

Last year, a survey of 1,000 clergy found that 60 per cent of respondents viewed mental health problems as a major or significant issue in their area.

Documentary highlights work of The Salvation Army A DOCUMENTARY featuring The Salvation Army’s work with people experiencing homelessness in Australia will premiere at the Sydney Film Festival this month, The Guardian reported.

Life After the Oasis is a sequel to 2008 ABC documentary The Oasis, which explored how Salvation Army officers Major Paul and Captain Robbin Moulds used their Oasis Youth Support Network to help children experiencing homelessness in Sydney.

The new documentary tracks down people from the previous programme ten years on to see how they are progressing.

Oasis Youth Support Network beneficiary Darren, who features in both documentaries, told The Guardian he saw Paul Moulds as a ‘father figure’, adding: ‘If it wasn’t for the Oasis, I don’t think I’d be alive right now.’

A PHOTOGRAPHY competition is giving Anglican churches a shot at winning cash prizes.

The Parish Pixels competition is inviting churches to submit a single photograph and a one-sentence caption. The image can be of people, places, features or artefacts highlighting the uniqueness of the church or its importance to the area.

A panel of judges will select eight winners, who will each receive £1,500 for their church. The public can then vote for their overall favourite, who will earn a £5,000 prize.

Ecclesiastical Insurance launched the competition to highlight the heritage and stories of Anglican churches and their congregations across England, Scotland and Wales.

PA

Attendees of Green Health Live 2 explored the ways in which gardening can be therapeutic

SPEAKERS at Green Health Live 2 – an event hosted by the Church of England – highlighted the physical and mental benefits of gardening.

During the conference, held at Lambeth Palace, chaplains, public health experts and healthcare professionals explored the work of parishes in providing therapeutic gardening spaces. They discussed the ways in which gardening helps people overcome stress and cope with anxiety.

Among the church people taking part was the Church

PA

22 June 2019 • WAR CRY • FILM 5

A SPORK

IN THE ROAD New toy in town thinks he doesn’t cut it, writes Emily Bright LUCKY cowboy Woody and the gang are back to play with cinemagoers’ P emotions, after Toy Story 4 landed yesterday (Friday 21 June). Woody’s pals, including astronaut Buzz Lightyear, cowgirl Jessie, stretchable

RETIRED Salvation Army officer Harry Read completed a parachute descent to mark the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Harry, who in 1944 parachuted into Normandy as a 20-year-old wireless operator, took part in a tandem jump with the Red Devils as part of D-Day commemorations in Sannerville.

He told ITV News afterwards: ‘The jump was wonderful in every way. But I don’t think I’ll do another jump again.’

CHRISTIAN adventurer Bear Grylls has been appointed OBE for services to young people, the media and charity. He received the accolade as part of the Queen’s birthday honours list.

Bear, who is UK chief scout, said the award was ‘for every one of those incredible scout volunteers’.

As well as promoting scouting, which encourages young people to consider joining a faith or religious body, he has also supported a range of charities including the Christian relief and development agency Tearfund.

sausage dog Slinky and dinosaur Rex, help him navigate his owner Bonnie’s pre-nursery school nerves as she heads off for her first day.

When Bonnie feels lonely during nursery orientation, Woody rummages through rubbish to find art supplies for her to play with. From a spork (a spoon and fork in one), Bonnie makes Forky, a googly-eyed toy with pipe-cleaner arms. She becomes devoted to him. But Forky experiences an identity crisis, exclaiming: ‘I was made for soup, salad, maybe chilli. I am not a toy!’

As Bonnie and her family embark on a road trip with Forky in tow, Woody and the gang unite Forky has a to foil his escape attempts and teach him why he should treasure his role as a toy. crisis when ‘The world of Toy Story is built upon the idea that everything in the world has a purpose,’ he has a new explains director Josh Cooley. purpose thrust ‘A toy’s purpose is to be there for its child.

But Forky is a toy that Bonnie made out of a upon him disposable spork, so he’s facing a crisis. He wants to fulfil his purpose as a spork, but now has a new toy purpose thrust upon him.’

Whether we base our identities on our relationships, lifestyle or career, a change in our circumstances can mean that our sense of self can slip away.

But Christians anchor themselves in the promises God has given to them, they remember that regardless of their circumstances, they will always be loved by their heavenly Father.

He offers us all a renewed sense of purpose, as well as a hope and a future, through the love for us that he revealed in his son, Jesus.

Bible writer Paul explains: ‘We are God’s masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago’ (Ephesians 2:10 New Living Translation).

Although we may feel that life has knocked the stuffing out of us, God can enable us to pick up the pieces if we let him.

His love lasts to infinity and beyond.

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures UK

6 INTERVIEW • WAR CRY • 22 June 2019

WELSH ASSEMBLY DOES ‘DO GOD’

Welsh politician DARREN MILLAR tells Emily Bright about his faith in politics Darren Millar

We’ve discussed transgender issues, same-sex marriage, spiritual care in the NHS and organ donation

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LASTAIR CAMPBELL remarked during his time as spin doctor for prime minister Tony Blair that politicians ‘don’t do God’. But Member of the National Assembly for Wales Darren Millar disagrees.

‘We celebrate the fact that we’ve got people of faith in politics,’ he says. ‘Politicians represent people of faith. How can you not have faith perspectives brought into national debates and allow them to shape the decisions that you make?’

Darren says that his Christian faith has become ‘an integral part’ of his identity and working with young people and attracting his own political decision-making. ‘Bible tourists to the area. Gweini calculated that the verses about justice and about helping the economic contribution of all faiths to the Welsh poor, widows and orphans all inform what my economy stood at more than £100 million. priorities are as a Christian in world politics.

Struck by the findings, Darren was inspired ‘So my faith influences the work that I’ve to set up a cross-party group that would provide been doing to support old people, those with a forum for discussion of the contributions autism, and our schools and healthcare.’ that faith communities were making to Welsh Darren has also channelled his Christianity society. Since he established the group in 2008, into establishing a cross-party group on faith attendees have explored a myriad of topics within the National Assembly for Wales. He with speakers who have included archbishops, recalls that when he was first elected in 2007, charity leaders and reformed prisoners. the chamber ‘really prided itself on being a ‘We’ve discussed transgender issues, secular institution’, without official chaplains same-sex marriage, spiritual care in the or opportunities for assembly members to NHS, organ donation and the work that faith engage with faith groups. communities are doing to tackle extremism, Within a year of Darren’s election to the support rehabilitation of prisoners, and provide assembly, a report emerged from Gweini, the housing,’ he explains. council of the Christian voluntary sector. The No matter how commendable, policy study highlighted the role of faith in supporting discussions can often be derailed by partisan communities by renting out their buildings, politics. But in one of the most divisive eras in

22 June 2019 • WAR CRY • INTERVIEW 7

The Welsh National Assembly building in Cardiff

British politics, Darren believes that his faith can help him to bridge party divisions.

‘One of the most difficult things to do in politics at times is to agree well, and to have the grace to acknowledge another person’s opinion,’ reflects Darren. ‘I can find that a challenge sometimes. I’m a bit of a feisty politician; a terrier in debates in the chamber.

‘But the key to bridging those political divides is seeking the common ground, working constructively with other people, and having respect for their view even when you fundamentally disagree.’

Facing fundamentally different views was something that he had to do as a 17-year-old political campaigner. During a frustratingly fruitless afternoon of political doorknocking, a smiling man opened the door. Darren thought he had finally found a supporter.

Instead the man, still smiling, told him how Jesus had given him the strength to get through some very difficult recent experiences.

‘I was not interested at all,’ recalls Darren.

‘I thought he was some sort of loon.’

Unperturbed by the lacklustre response,

the stranger told Darren where to find his Pentecostal church.

A month later, Darren was job-hunting.

In desperation, he recalled his Christian upbringing and prayed for an opening at an accountant’s, then for an interview, then to get the job. Each successive prayer was answered.

One of the most difficult things to do in politics at times is to agree well Consequently, Darren says that he felt ‘an overwhelming compulsion’ to go to church the next Sunday.

‘To be brutally honest, I wasn’t even sure if God existed or not, but I’d seen a correlation between these prayers and things happening.’

He recollected the Pentecostal church he’d

heard about a few weeks before and dashed off in his car.

As the service began, Darren felt inspired by the Christian message of redemption.

‘It was an uplifting experience. I heard that Jesus had died on the cross for me, for my sins.

I’d never really heard that message before.’

The following week, Darren returned to church. He says: ‘I had this consciousness of God and his love that I’ve never experienced before and that has never left me since.’

He reflects that his faith shapes the decisions that he makes throughout his life. Although he seeks a mandate from voters to represent them, he says that he cannot legislate without God’s help.

‘I really do believe those verses in the Bible that say those in authority are given the opportunity as a result of God’s appointment.

So when it comes to seeking re-election, I always commit that to the Lord and seek his wisdom and guidance,’ he explains.

‘Voters vote, but at the end of the day, God appoints. He enables people to serve and gives them that privilege.’

8 FEATURE • WAR CRY • 22 June 2019

A room with a pew T

HE concept has altered – or altared – how hundreds of people spend their time off. In only a few years, the Churches Conservation Trust scheme that allows people to stay overnight in historic places of worship has spread out from All Saints in Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, and is now in 19 churches across the country.

And it seems that this year people will carry on Champing.

Chana James helped to lay the foundations of the scheme, and, through her work with the Churches Conservation Trust, she can see the attraction of the buildings.

‘The Churches Conservation Trust

ANDY MARSHALL

A scheme is allowing people to camp overnight in historic churches. Philip Halcrow hears how Champing works – and why people enjoy going to sleep with angels watching over them

St Cyriac and St Julitta in Swaffham Prior is one of the churches that hosts Champing

is a national heritage charity that looks after historic redundant churches,’ she explains. ‘The churches come into our care through the Church of England when they’re no longer needed for regular worship. They remain consecrated, but there isn’t a congregation to support them.

They’re all historically important – most of them are grade I listed – so we conserve them, open them to the public and hold events.

‘And now we have Champing, which is a great way of getting a different audience into our churches. It also brings in income.

‘I’ve been Champing a few times. It’s

22 June 2019 • WAR CRY • FEATURE 9

a unique feeling to stay in an 800-yearold building, to be lying on a camp bed, looking up at a massive ceiling. It’s so atmospheric in the candlelight.’

The concept of Champing was pioneered by some scouts – although neither they nor the Churches Conservation Trust realised it at the time.

‘Back in 2012,’ Chana remembers, ‘as a one-off project, some scouts went to do some cleaning of a church, and they camped in the church and the churchyard.

We were sort of joking about it, and

then Peter Aiers, who is now our chief executive, said: Why don’t we use the idea of camping in churches?

‘So we tried it at All Saints, Aldwincle, and it was so well received that the following year we added two more churches, and the scheme has grown from there.’

This summer people can go Champing in 18 churches in England and one in Orkney.

Generally, says Chana, people champ in groups.

Turn to page 10

Champer Annabelle Blackham in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Warminghurst

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JOSEPH CASEY/The Churches Conservation Trust

10 FEATURE • WAR CRY • 22 June 2019

Champing in Emborough

The churches have nice walks or rivers nearby

Chana James of the Churches Conservation Trust

From page 9 ‘People do it for the experience, and it’s an experience they want to share with friends and family. Some of the churches can hold 12 to 14 people. You have the church to yourself – you’re not sharing with strangers.’

Chana gives a guide to the practicalities of Champing. ‘Champers pick up the key to the church in the afternoon or evening,’ she says.

‘We provide tea-making facilities, cushions, beanbags, chairs and camp beds. The churches aren’t heated, which we’re upfront about on the website and which is why we run the Champing season from spring into summer. Inside a church it’s a similar temperature to when you’re in a tent. People bring their own bedding, but if they are travelling far – and some visitors come from abroad or are backpacking and don’t want to carry things – they can order sleeping bags and pillows.

‘Most of our churches weren’t built with facilities, so there’s a compost toilet, which is much nicer than it sounds.

‘And at many of our churches we can offer an option of breakfast, whether that’s a hamper or something at a nearby café or pub.

‘Each church has a Champ Bot, a paid member of staff who cleans and sets

everything up and then takes everything away when the champers leave in the morning, because the church will still be open for visitors.’

Champing churches have been chosen so that when champers step out from them, there are activities that are available to them.

Chana points out: ‘The churches are all in rural locations and have nice walks or rivers nearby. So you can go canoeing or cycling.’

Annabelle Blackham is one happy champer. She organises walking weekends and estimates she has been Champing ‘probably about 20 times’ with groups ranging in numbers from about four to eighteen.

She says: ‘I heard about Champing on Radio 4 and thought it sounded interesting. The glamping thing has become fashionable and ridiculously expensive. So Champing seemed an ideal way to get a bit of a different experience of camping with the added benefit of not actually being outside.

‘I normally design a walking weekend so that we walk in the area, then go to the church, set up all our bits and bobs, and then sit down, have a cup of tea and a

22 June 2019 • WAR CRY • FEATURE 11 Accommodation at churches in Wolfhampcote and (inset) Warminghurst

Champers appreciate how quiet it is

piece of cake and just enjoy being in the space.

‘A church does not come with all mod cons, but it is simply not a problem. There are often games left in the church that you can play and there are fairy lights.

In the church at Fordwich there are box pews that you can put your bed inside, so you’ve effectively got your own bedroom up to head height.’

Annabelle also appreciates the information leaflets that are left in the church so that groups can ‘have a little wander to find out more about the building’.

At St Andrew’s Church in Wroxeter her roamers were confronted by Rome.

‘The Romans had a town there,’ says Annabelle. ‘Nearby was what had been the Roman baths. And the church’s font is made from the top of a column that had been taken from that Roman settlement.

It was fascinating to go round the whole church, finding bits that dated back to Roman times.’

Other Champing locations have also left an impression.

‘There was some beautifully painted decoration at Edlesborough in Buckinghamshire,’ she says. ‘And the church in Booton in Norfolk took our breath away. It was refurbished only about 125 years ago. It has slim, twin towers, and when you go inside and look up at the ceiling, there are the most beautiful roof angels. They must be about six foot tall. When you’re lying in bed, you’re looking up at these amazing carved angels.’

Annabelle says that she is ‘not a churchgoer’ and that the groups she walks with include ‘people who believe and people who don’t – but Champing brings everyone together in this reflective space’.

It chimes with what Chana has heard about people’s experience of Champing.

‘People are sometimes anxious about visiting churches,’ Chana says. ‘They think that because they’re not religious, going into a church is not for them, but a historic church is there for everyone to enjoy.

‘Champers often say they appreciate how quiet it is. They love waking up and seeing the sun shining through the stained-glass windows or being able to hear owls at night. They enjoy being away from the TV. They chat and tell stories.

There’s also something special about staying somewhere that’s so old.

‘A lot of people say they initially felt a sense of trepidation, because they were not sure what to expect, but then they enjoyed it.’

Chana believes that the Champing

churches can be appreciated for a variety of reasons.

‘We like to highlight their stories,’ she says. ‘St James’ Church at Cooling in Kent has a link to Dickens – it was the inspiration for the opening of Great Expectations, the scene out on the marshes.

‘John Betjeman wrote a poem about St Katherine’s in Chiselhampton, Oxfordshire, while Fordwich near Canterbury has links with the cathedral and with St Augustine of Canterbury.’

As well as connections with A-list historical celebrities, the churches on the Champing list offer a variety of architectural styles.

‘We have one in Buckinghamshire that’s very gothic,’ says Chana, ‘and we have Regency churches and medieval churches.’

The Churches Conservation Trust describes the 350-plus churches in its care as irreplaceable because of their architecture, archaeology and art. Chana adds that they should be valued because ‘they tell the stories of ordinary people in history – the people who would attend the church several times a day because it was central to their lives’.

And Champing, she says, is helping the Churches Conservation Trust carry out its mission.

‘Champing highlights our work of saving churches. Even if people don’t go Champing themselves, people are becoming aware that historic churches are important and that if we don’t care for them, many of them will be at risk.’

12 INNER LIFE • WAR CRY • 22 June 2019

Prayerlink YOUR prayers are requested for Aaron, who is depressed; for Wendy, who is worried about her future; and for Kerry, who is on probation.

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

Isaiah HE warnings of the prophet Isaiah to T the people of Judah run parallel to the events described in 2 Kings chapters 15

to 20.

This book is divided into two parts.

Chapters 1 to 39 focus on judgment and chapters 40 to 66 major on restoration. Scholars see this as indicating that the book is the work of more than one author.

The first section is set against the background of Assyrian attacks on Judah. The reason for the turmoil, Isaiah discerns, is Judah’s rebellion against God. Judah is a ‘sinful nation’ (1:4) and the capital Jerusalem is a ‘prostitute’ (1:21) because its people have abandoned God’s command of having no other gods but him. Instead they practise divination and idolatry (2:6).

God’s message through Isaiah is twofold: repent of your sin and return to me or face the consequences (1:18 – 20). If rebellion continues, God will use Assyria to punish his people (8:7).

While there will be a day of judgment (2:12), there will not be a total annihilation of the people. David’s kingdom will continue

(9:7), a ‘remnant’ will remain (10:20), and a ‘shoot’ of new life will rise from the tribe of Jesse (11:1).

After these prophecies against the surrounding nations (chapters 13 to 34),

The ‘suffering servant’ pays the price of human sinfulness

the second section of the book focuses on renewal.

There will be a ‘way for the Lord’ (40:3), a Spirit-filled servant (42:1) and a repopulating of Judah (44:26). Babylon will fall and Judah will be freed from exile (chapters 47 to 49), Jerusalem will be restored (chapters 51 and 52), there will be a ‘year of the Lord’s favour’ (61:2). Ultimately, God will create new heavens and a new earth (chapters 65 and 66).

Central to the possibility of spiritual renewal is the ‘suffering servant’, who pays the price of human sinfulness and rebellion against God. On him, God lays ‘the iniquity of us all’ (53:6). He is ‘crushed for our iniquities’ and ‘pierced for our transgressions’ (53:5). He bears the punishment that can bring us peace with God. It is by his ,’ wounds that we can be healed.

‘Come now, let us settle the matter are like Christians believe this defining says the Lord. ‘Though your sins prophecy is fulfilled in the person of w’ sno as te whi as scarlet, they shall be Jesus Christ. al Version)

Key verse

(Isaiah 1:18 New Internation

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22 June 2019 • WAR CRY • EXPRESSIONS 13

NOW, THERE’S A THOUGHT!

by Jim Burns

Passwords provide only so much protection

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

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B www.salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry

‘H

OW strong are you?’ was the question posed in the advert on the radio. But it wasn’t asking about physical strength; it was about the passwords we use online.

With so many phishing scams and hackings going on, it certainly makes sense to come up with passwords that are unlikely to be obvious to others. We know it is a good idea, but we sometimes end up with so many different passwords for different sites and apps that it is a struggle to remember them.

There have been times when, finding myself locked out of an account, I’ve been tempted to think that it might have actually been useful to have a hacker with me to log me in!

While a strong sequence of letters and numbers (including one capital and one special character) may be enough to protect us from online dangers, our own mental or spiritual strength is not always enough to protect us from the dangers of daily life. During difficult times it can feel as though we are too weak to get through them.

During difficult Paul, one of the first Christian times it can feel missionaries, experienced many difficulties. we are too weak He was beaten with rods, stoned, shipwrecked three times and put in prison – all because of his faith in Jesus. Many people would probably feel they did not have enough strength to endure such challenges.

But, perhaps surprisingly, in a letter Paul wrote to some early Christians, he told them something about going through difficulties. He believed Christ had said to him: ‘My power is strongest when you are weak’ (2 Corinthians 12:9 Contemporary English Version).

Paul concluded that when he felt as though he couldn’t face hardships in his own strength, Jesus would be his strength. For him, moments of weakness were now an opportunity to be glad.

Though written many years ago, the words Paul wrote are still relevant today. People all over the world have been able to access Jesus’ strength by trusting in him. We can ask him to help us when we are feeling weak, and we can trust that we will never be shut out.

If we need Jesus’ strength to keep going, it’s only a few words away.

14 PUZZLES • WAR CRY • 22 June 2019

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS 1. Hilarity (5) 5. Detest (5) 8. Assumed name (5) 9. Bestower (5) 10. Biblical song (5) 11. Crash (5) 12. Sudden pull (4) 15. Sufficient (6) 17. Date (5) 18. Smashed (6) 20. Diplomacy (4) 25. Strong thread (5) 26. Scent (5) 27. Sharp (5) 28. Turn away (5)

HONEYCOMB

DOWN 1. Noon (6) 2. Fame (6) 3. Strident (5) 4. Essential (5) 5. Bitumen (7) 6. Paradise (6) 7. Cure (6)

SUDOKU

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

9

7

1

5

2

8

3

5

9 8

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

6

3 7

9

1. State between solid and gas 2. Second-hand clothes sale 3. Make a journey 4. Optical illusion 5. ______ wheel 6. Burnt piece of coal

6

5 5

4

7

1

3

4 2 2

6 8

2 3

WORDSEARCH

ANSWERS

13. Ventilate (3) 14. Succeeded (3) 15. Snoop (3) 16. Twitch (3) 17. Middlemost (7) 18. Farther (6) 19. Combat (6) 21. Exonerate (6) 22. Cord (6) 23. Blended (5) 24. Demise (5)

29. Reside (5) 30. Loathed (5)

ADVANTAGE CORNER KICK DEFENDER DRIBBLE GOALKEEPER HANDBALL HEADER KICK-OFF MATCH MIDFIELDER OFFSIDE PENALTY AREA PENALTY SHOOT-OUT STRIKER TACKLE THROW-IN TOUCHLINE YELLOW CARD

1

7

8

Look up, down, forwards, backwards and diagonally 2 6 on 1 the 8 grid 9 to 7 find 4 3 5 these football terms

5

3

9

2

6

4

1

8

7

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

HONEYCOMB 1 Liquid. 2 Jumble. 3 Travel.

4 Mirage. 5 Ferris. 6 Cinder.

QUICK CROSSWORD ACROSS: 1 Mirth. 5 Abhor. 8 Alias.

9 Donor. 10 Psalm. 11 Smash. 12 Yank.

15 Plenty. 17 Court. 18 Broken.

20 Tact. 25 Twine. 26 Odour. 27 Acute.

28 Avert. 29 Dwell. 30 Hated.

DOWN: 1 Midday. 2 Renown. 3 Harsh.

4 Vital. 5 Asphalt. 6 Heaven. 7 Remedy.

13 Air. 14 Won. 15 Pry. 16 Tic. 17 Central. 18 Beyond. 19 Oppose.

21 Acquit. 22 Thread. 23 Mixed. 24 Death.

1

3

8

7

9

4

5

1

2

9

7

6

4

8

3

5

6

2

1

3

2 6 5 8 3 4 7 9 1

7 5 1 4 6 9 3 2 8

8 4 3 7 5 2 1 6 9

6 9 2 3 1 8 5 4 7

5 2 7 9 8 3 6 1 4

4 1 6 2 7 5 9 8 3

9 3 8 6 4 1 2 7 5

SUDOKU SOLUTION

7

8 2

5

1

3

2

8

22 June 2019 • WAR CRY • WHAT’S COOKING? 15

Barbecue lime and ginger steaks 4 lean pork loin steaks 2.5cm root ginger, peeled and grated 2 limes, juice and rind

Place the steaks into a large shallow bowl.

Add the ginger, and the lime juice and rind. Mix together to thoroughly coat the steaks.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

Meanwhile, heat up the barbecue grill

SERVES

4

Pork, spinach and mango wraps 225g pork loin medallions 2tbsp curry powder 2tbsp Greek yoghurt 2tsp mango chutney ½ lemon, juice 4 wholemeal tortillas 50g baby spinach leaves 1 small ripe mango, stoned and cubed

Recipes reprinted, with permission, from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board website lovepork.co.uk

until the coals are hot and grey.

Remove the steaks from the marinade and cook for about 15 minutes, turning halfway, until all the steaks are browned and cooked through.

If the outside of the meat starts to catch, cover with foil and adjust the grid height to slow down the cooking.

Serve the steaks with a broad bean, mint and lime salad.

Drizzle with olive oil.

Preheat the oven to 170C/325F/Gas Mark 3.

In a small bowl, mix the pork and curry powder together.

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

To make the chutney relish, mix together the yoghurt, chutney and lemon juice.

Cook the pork in the oven for 3 minutes and then on a hot griddle for 10 – 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until meat juices run clear. Once cooked, slice into strips.

Place the tortillas on plates.

Spread a portion of the relish over the base of each one and top with the spinach leaves and mango. Add the pork strips and roll each tortilla into a wrap. Cut the wraps in half.

Serve immediately with a crisp green salad.

SERVES

2

Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Contemporary English Version)