From the editor’s desk
What is The Salvation Army? The Salvation Army is a Christian church and registered charity providing services in the community, particularly to those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Motivated by our Christian faith, we offer practical support and services in more than 700 centres throughout the UK to all who need them, regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender or sexual orientation. To find your nearest centre visit salvationarmy.org.uk/find-a-church
THE lives of millions of people have changed beyond anything they could have imagined just a few weeks ago. Spring is normally associated with new life and new beginnings in the natural world. Many people look forward to getting out and about more, especially during the long Easter bank holiday weekend. However, this year things are significantly different because of the rapid spread of the coronavirus. But perhaps some comfort can be drawn from the fact that spring has still sprung as the natural world continues to follow its seasons – regardless of whatever else may be happening. Some comfort, maybe, but not for the many people in the country who are unwell or struggling with the significant demands of self-isolation. The hope of the War Cry team is that having the opportunity to read this magazine will provide a break in people’s routine and that the uplifting and positive stories we carry will give some relief from the relentless news of the worldwide pandemic. Stories such as Shirley Donovan’s. In this week’s issue, Shirley describes the horrors of being kidnapped at gunpoint and held captive for more than three weeks. That may not sound particularly uplifting, until you read how Shirley’s faith helped her through the situation she faced. And that is the message of the War Cry. In life, we all face difficult situations and sometimes wonder how we will ever get through. But millions of people have found God to be a source of support and comfort, helping them to deal with their difficulties. The Earth’s seasons have not changed despite coronavirus and neither has God. He continues to offer his love and support to all who ask for it – and the War Cry will continue to deliver that message. If you would like to continue to hear the way in which God can make a positive impact in your life but struggle to obtain a copy of the War Cry, you can visit our webpage: salvationarmy.org.uk/warcry or follow us on facebook.com/The WarCryUK or twitter @TheWarCryUK.
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 7467
Editor: Andrew Stone, Major Deputy Editor: Philip Halcrow Production Editor: Ivan Radford Assistant Editor: Sarah Olowofoyeku Staff Writer: Emily Bright Staff Writer: Claire Brine Editorial Assistant: Linda McTurk Graphic Designer: Rodney Kingston Graphic Designer: Mark Knight War Cry office: 020 7367 4900 Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN
Contents
Tel: 0845 634 0101 Helpline: 020 7367 4888 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founder: William Booth General: Brian Peddle Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Mal Davies
Published weekly by The Salvation Army ©The Salvation Army United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland ISSN 0043-0226 The Salvation Army Trust is a registered charity. The charity number in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 214779, in Scotland SC009359 and in the Republic of Ireland CHY6399. Printed by Walstead Roche Ltd, St Austell, on sustainably sourced paper
Your local Salvation Army centre
FEATURES 3
Following in Fatima’s footsteps
Former Olympian takes part in TV pilgrimage
5
Kidnapped at gunpoint
Missionaries at the mercy of masked abductors
8
Singers pitch in
How a vocal group are using their talents for good
10
Almighty answers required
Podcast explores the questions guests would
put to God
8
REGULARS 12
Browsing the Bible
13
Out of the Mouth of Babes and Media
14 Puzzles 15
War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: BBC/CTVC/OLIVER ROSE
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