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.
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 7648
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
From the editor’s desk THERE are new journeys being made on BBC2. The nature documentary Big Little Journeys trails six tiny young creatures as they make their way in what is sometimes a scary and hazardous world. As we report in this week’s War Cry, the first episode, which will air on Sunday (8 October), covers the experiences of a bushbaby and a turtle who are leaving the comfort and safety of their parents’ protection to start their lives in the world. Meanwhile, this is the time of year when many teenage humans are experiencing a new life as they leave home to become university students. It is a time of change. Thankfully there are groups and organisations in place to offer them guidance and support. One such group is Fusion, a Christian organisation that supports those at university and brings hope to campuses. This week we speak with one of its leaders, Rich Wilson, who believes that the best way to bring hope is through introducing the students to the Christian faith – something he has found they are open to hearing about. ‘Fusion has carried out a survey that showed 74 per cent of students would come to church if invited by a friend,’ he says. ‘There’s a hunger and openness out there.’ He also notes: ‘The challenge for the churches is to give students spiritual bread, because we have got something we know is good and is healthy and will bring life.’ The good news of the positive difference that following Jesus can have on a person’s life is not only for younger people or academics. Jesus’ offer of a better and everlasting life is available to everyone, regardless of their age or ability. Deciding to follow Jesus can be the beginning of a new journey that will change our lives for ever.
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Email: warcry@salvationarmy.org.uk The Salvation Army United Kingdom and Ireland Territory 101 Newington Causeway London SE1 6BN Tel: 0845 634 0101 Subscriptions: 01933 445445 (option 1, option 1) or email: subscriptions@satcol.org Founder: William Booth General: Lyndon Buckingham Territorial Commander: Commissioner Anthony Cotterill Editor-in-Chief: Major Julian Watchorn 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. Printed by CKN Print, Northampton, on sustainably sourced paper
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INFO 15 Your local Salvation Army centre
2 • WAR CRY • 7 October 2023
CONTENTS FEATURES
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One small step Documentary follows young creatures’ first journeys
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‘Each scan showed things were getting worse’ Father speaks about his experiences of baby loss
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A man about a dog Author on how dog-walking helps his faith
10 Re:freshers How Christianity can benefit uni students 13 Recipe for success Cooking drama highlights female empowerment REGULARS
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War Cry World
14 Puzzles 15 War Cry Kitchen Front-page picture: BBC NHU/DEYA SWIFT