T U PU W H A K A R A NG I
JERRY MORELL HOLDING THE BIBLE HE WAS CONVERTED THROUGH IN PRISON P.12
OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF MAORI POSTAL AOTEAROA | ISSUE 230
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ISSUE 230 | TA B L E O F CO N T E N T S 4. THE WRITING ON THE WALL 9. TASTE AND SEE
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10. CALLED TO BE MOTHERS
By Elizaberth Elliott
12. THE STORY OF JERRY MORRELL 16. CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE
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What does the Bible say?
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Read in your bible daniel chapter 5
wenty-three years had passed since the death of the most powerful ruler of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, and the events told here. According to historical records, it was a stormy 23 years. Within the first six years there were three different reigning monarchs, two of whom were assassinated. The fourth was a man by the name of Nabonidus who, apparently, was married to a daughter of Nebuchadnezzar. He was the father of Belshazzar, who was co-regent under his father at the time the empire was conquered by Medo-Persia. Belshazzar was, therefore, the grandson of Nebuchadnezzar on his mother's side. According to one source, at the time the events of this chapter occurred, the greater region of Babylonia had been conquered, although enemy forces had not yet entered the fortified capital city of Babylon. Nabonidus, who spent much time away from the capital, had returned for a short visit. But upon receiving word of the invading foe, had gone forth with his army to meet the enemy, leaving Belshazzar in charge of the city. Unknown to Belshazzar, Nabonidus had been captured and now the enemy was planning the final assault. Our modern civilization is much like ancient Babylon, secure in its technological triumphs and human ingenuity. But, like Babylon, it will be defenseless against the onslaught of the judgment of God when the appointed time finally arrives.
A BLASPHEMOUS FEAST
Verse 1: It is most likely that Belshazzar already knew the enemy was in the land. The purpose of this feast, therefore, was in honour of the false Babylonian gods, probably to reassert his allegiance to them, to seek their favour concerning the current situation, and he deemed it appropriate that all the heads of state be present for the occasion. Verses 2-4: Under the effect of alcohol a wicked, blasphemous idea was born in the king's mind. He would bring in the gold and silver vessels taken by his grandfather from the Temple of Jehovah in Jerusalem, so that he and his guests could drink wine from them. By this act he showed his utter contempt and rejection of the one true God his grandfather had come to honour. He signified his 4
THE WRITING ON THE WALL
GOD DEALS WITH KING BELSHAZZAR
''Our modern civilization is much like ancient Babylon, secure in its technological triumphs and human ingenuity. But, like Babylon, it will be defenseless against the onslaught of the judgment of God when the appointed time finally arriveS.''
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defiance by taking the sacred things of God and using them in worship of false and evil deities. When we take that which is dedicated to God and use it for Satan's purposes, it is a serious affront to God. True Christians are God's redeemed people. They have been bought by the precious blood of Christ and sanctified by Him. They, therefore, need to be careful of the activities and associations in which they become involved, and the way they use their gifts, possessions and talents. (See Romans 12:1-2).
by Editor
A BAD FRIGHT
Verses 5-6: Suddenly, in the most prominent, well-lit part of the banqueting hall, was a sight which brought the festivities to a halt. The hubbub of alcoholsodden voices was replaced by a deathly silence. There on the white plaster of the wall, near the lamp-stand, the appearance of a human hand was writing a message. In fascinated horror the king watched as the hand completed its task. Having done so, it vanished and left some strange words on the wall. The king, whose face up till this point had been red with the influence of his wine, had suddenly been drained of its colour and turned sickly white, and he could not remain standing because of the uncontrollable trembling of his hip and knee joints.
A DESPERATE SEARCH FOR TRUTH
Verses 7-12: Finally, Belshazzar managed to find his voice and gave command for the usual group of Babylonian "wise men" to be called. In his desperation he promised that whoever could interpret the writing would be clothed in purple, have a golden chain placed around his neck, and be made the third ruler of the kingdom. The king had suddenly become a man desperate to know the truth, but he had left his search too late. When God's time of intervention in the affairs of this world finally arrives, it will begin with the calling 6
out from this world of all true Christians – an event known as the Rapture of the Church. There will be many desperate truth seekers in that day, also. But as with Belshazzar, it will be too late. It is now that we need to know the truth and accept it. (See John 14, vs 1-6). The failure of his "wise men� to interpret the writing caused the king to be even more terrified, for now he realised that the strange message did not originate with any of the false gods of Babylon. Buried in the depths of his perverted conscience was knowledge of the true God of whom his grandfather, Nebuchadnezzar, had testified. This was the God he had rejected and whom he hoped he had escaped. But suddenly, his conscience had been aroused, and he was brought face to face with the awful probability: This message on the wall before him had something to do with his blasphemous, defiant actions, and he had not escaped after all.
A MESSAGE OF JUDGEMENT Verses 10-12:
The king's dilemma was ended by his mother who noticed the sudden cessation of festivities, accompanied by complete silence, followed by a babble of anxious voices. She entered the banquet hall where she was soon made aware of the problem. Immediately she thought of Daniel who, for many years, had largely been forgotten. She informed the king of his ability when the "wise men" in the days of Nebuchadnezzar had also failed, and so on her advice Daniel was sent for. Verses 13-16: Daniel was then brought in and introduced to the king. He was now an old man, having been in Babylon for some 70 years. The king informed Daniel of the situation and of the failure of his "wise men" to interpret the strange message. He then promised Daniel the same rewards offered to his "wise men" if he could only solve the mystery for him. Here then, was
Daniel, an old man with the characteristics of godly living evident in his bearing, calm and dignified, in sharp contrast to the alcohol-flushed faces of the crowd around him, who now exhibited fear and panic. Verse 17: Daniel's refusal to accept the king's reward was evident of his contempt for the king and his defiant ways. He knew that soon this blaspheming monarch would be no more. In any case, Daniel was not there to receive the honours of man, but to be the messenger of God, and the fulfilment of this role continued to be the most important calling of his life. Verses 18-21: Daniel began by reminding the king of God's dealings in the past with his grandfather had, but he also reminded him that he only had that power because God had given it to him. He retraced the events which had occurred because of Nebuchadnezzar's pride and the way God had humbled him by depriving him of his sanity and giving him the heart of a beast for seven years "until he acknowledged that the most high God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone He wishes." (Daniel 4). Verses 22-23: Having dealt with past events as a background to the message of doom Daniel was bringing to Belshazzar, he then addressed the king, "You, his descendent, O Belshazzar have not humbled yourself, though you knew all this." There was no excuse for the king's defiant and arrogant behaviour, for he knew full well how God had dealt with his grandfather. Moreover, his grandfather, after his submission to the one true God, would surely have sought to have taught his children and grandchildren the truth
and to have encouraged them to serve the God he himself had come to worship and to acknowledge as Sovereign. Instead Belshazzar had rebelled and worshipped the false Babylonian gods. He rejected the true God "in whose hand were his very breath and all his ways". By his actions at this blasphemous feast he had shown his allegiance to evil Satanic deities, while he had virtually shaken his puny fist in the face of the Almighty God of the universe.
A TRAGIC END
Verses 24-28: There is a certain line God will not allow a man to cross without serious consequences and Belshazzar had crossed that line. God intervened in this man's life and wrote his doom on the wall of his palace. Daniel continued, “This is the inscription that was written: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, PARSIN. MENE -- NUMBERED. God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end." Time is indeed a precious commodity. God has given to each of us a certain amount of time and we will be held responsible as to how we use it. (Psalm 139:16). "TEKEL -- WEIGHED. You have been weighed on the balances and found wanting." This applies to each one of us. One sin is enough to tip the scales against us, but Christ has born the judgment for our sin. When we receive Him as Lord and Saviour, the record of our sin is removed, and we are no longer found wanting in God's sight. "PERES (singular of PARSIN) -- DIVIDED. Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and the Persians". All that the king 7
had accomplished and all the wealth he had amassed was to be left behind, and he was about to go out into eternity with nothing except his defiant, sinful soul, unprepared to meet the God he had shunned all his life (Mark 8:36-37). Verse 29: Although futile and useless because of the impending doom of the king and the empire, Belshazzar honoured his promise to reward Daniel and he was dressed in purple, a golden chain placed around his neck and he was made third ruler in the kingdom. Verses 30-31: The chapter ends on an extremely solemn note. In fulfilment of the divine message given through Daniel, "that very night Belshazzar, king of the Babylonians was slain, and Darius the Mede took over the kingdom, at the age of sixty-two". The account of the final assault on the capital city of Babylon is well documented in history. The Medo-Persian army, under Cyrus, unable to breach the massive walls, diverted the course of the Euphrates River which flowed under walls and through the heart of the city. He was then able to march his troops right into the midst of the city on the dried-up bed of the river. Because of the festivities in which all the chief officials were engaged, the city was left largely unguarded, most of the smaller gates leading from the river into the city being left open. Thus, as Belshazzar was presiding over his blasphemous feast, showing his contempt for God, he was completely unaware of the fact that the enemy was even then entering the city.
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For yourselves know very well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. When they say “Peace and security� then sudden destruction will come upon them, like labour pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. (1 Thessalonians 5:2-3). To use the phrase in its more modern sense, the writing was indeed on the wall for Belshazzar. And such is the case for all who reject the Saviour God has provided for there is no m ercy and no salvation outside the redemptive work of Christ.
TASTE AND SEE
TATAU ME TE KITE
"BUT HOW CAN YOU SPEAK ABOUT HIM WHEN YOU HAVE NEVER TASTED HIM FOR YOURSELF?"
A man who did not believe in God was once giving a speech explaining why he did not accept Christianity. When he had finished, he asked the audience if there were any questions. An old man with a half-eaten apple in his hand mounted the platform, stood before the audience and continued to eat it. When he had swallowed the last mouthful, he turned to the speaker and said, “I have just one question sir. Can you tell me whether the apple I just ate was sweet or sour?” “Don’t be stupid, old man,” retorted the speaker rudely. “How on earth can I know if that apple was sweet or sour? I didn’t eat it, did I?” “Exactly,” replied the old man with satisfaction. “I was a drunkard and a gambler for many years until I came to Christ and proved the sweetness of His love and mercy. But how can you speak about Him when you have never tasted Him for yourself?”
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CALLED TO BE MOTHERS “You mean that’s all you do?” That’s all? As a mother your life is given to taking care of people – small ones, to begin with, whose wants never seem to cease. Sometimes when your days seem to be taken up with wiping things – dishes, sinks, little runny noses and big slow tears – you wonder what “fulfillment” is supposed to mean for you. You wonder about being (besides the perfect wife and mother) the hostess-with-themostest, creative, intellectually productive, beautiful . . . and slowly your dreams seem to evaporate. You’ve been listening to what they’ve been telling us for quite some time, about how important it is to find yourself, express yourself and assert yourself. Maybe you’re thinking that you’re nothing more than somebody’s wife and somebody’s mother. And what kind of life is that?
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There is a tribe in the Southern Sudan called “Nuers” where a woman’s name is changed not when she becomes a wife, but when she becomes a mother. She is “ManPuk”— “Mother of Puka”. Among the Nuers, being someone’s mother is what makes a woman’s life meaningful. Two thousand years ago there was another young woman, of the Jewish tribe of Judah, who understood that truth. The world has never forgotten her – Mary, the mother of Jesus – because she was willing to be known as simply Someone’s mother. Motherhood is a calling. It is a womanly calling . . . and let’s not be cowed by those who extinguish the light and joy of sexuality by trying to persuade us to forget words like manly and womanly. At the beginning of time when God made the first man and woman in His image He put both under the divine command to be fruitful. The woman’s obedience to that command meant selfgiving. First, she gave herself to her husband – he initiated, she responded – then she gave herself for the life of her child. A woman knows in the deepest regions of her being that it is this very self-giving for which she was made. Single or married, her level of maturity is measured by how much she gives to others. If she is married, she gives herself to her husband and she receives. If she is a mother she loses her life in her child and – mysteriously – she finds it. A woman knows that no one can really say where the giving ends and the receiving starts. It is no wonder we are confused when urged to look for some “better” or “higher” vocation in which to improve our personhood. No wonder we are distressed to be subjected to male standards, or told that the notions of femininity or masculinity are obsolete.
Himself who calls. He calls some to be single, some married people to be childless, but He calls most women to be mothers. There are, the Bible tells us, “differences of gifts” and they are all given to us according to God’s grace. None of the gifts of my own life – not my career nor my work, nor any other gift – is higher or more precious than that of being someone’s mother. If our calling is to be mothers, let’s be mothers with all our hearts – gladly, simply and humbly – like that little peasant girl, Mary, who spoke for all women for all time when she said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as You have said” (Luke 1:38). By Elizabeth Elliott
Old fashion notions they are indeed, but they weren’t ours to begin with. They were God’s. He planned the whole system, and it is God 11
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When I was young my parents were involved in contract shearing and my father was a record holder for the greatest number of sheep shorn per day. But three of us were adopted out and I was brought up by my grandmother (who was in the Mormon church) and another daughter of hers, in Hastings, at Bridge Pa. My stepfather was into the gambling scene, as well as crime and was a very angry person. He was verbally loud and quick with his fists.
the South Island. I stayed there for a few years and then began following the seasonal work around the country.
Living at Bridge Pa I used to go along to the Mormon church with everyone else. I remember the time when the blacks were allowed into the Mormon priesthood and I felt this was a racial situation because previously they were not, and so I left the church. As soon as I could leave school I wanted to go to work. My step father had left when I was about 10 years old. I started work in the shearing sheds doing wool pressing. There was plenty of work in the contract shearing scene at that time.
When I was 22 I moved back to Hastings with the mother of my children who I had met when shearing in Dannevirke. After the shearing season ended I went back to Hastings and soon after was joined by my partner there. After a year or so we moved back to Dannevirke to work with her Dad who was also a shearing contractor. I was keen on sport and played a lot of rugby. Through a combination of rugby and my work I injured my back which hindered me from that time on. Although I had a house, car and boat, this wasn’t enough for me as I was trying to compete with my mates and all that they had. The more I got, the more I wanted and I was never satisfied. To get the stuff I wanted and to keep pace with my mates I turned to crime. I became involved with a group in burglary which progressed into armed robbery and kidnapping.
During my first Christmas at work, my sister invited me to join them shearing in Tuatapere at the bottom of
I eventually got caught and pulled in with the group I was with and finished up on remand. While in prison
I did a lot of praying, “God get me out of this, and I will never do anything bad again.” I was really worried about my children and what would happen to them. At my trial I was acquitted because they did not have enough evidence on me. When I got out of prison I soon forgot my promise to God and wanted to make some money, so I then turned to drugs and growing marijuana. Through this I made a lot of money, but still it wasn’t enough. I watched a programme on Tv on methamphetamine and saw how it was possible to make $200 grand in a few days. Such fast money aroused my greed. So I told one of my mates to go to Auckland and find out about this stuff. This was in 1999. He came back and had got hooked up with a “cook” and I was able to go and watch the process. I became a “cook” myself. I can say now that it is a very shifty, scary world and I had to sleep with a gun under my pillow every night after I got involved. I was still in Dannevirke at this time, but had to get out of there because of the heat from the police. 13
as told by Jerry to the Editor
"GOD GET ME OUT OF THIS, AND I WILL NEVER DO ANYTHING BAD AGAIN."
Some of my family had connections with the police and told me I was under investigation and should get out of the scene. So I left Dannevirke and went on the road living from motel to motel. It was at this time that my relationship with my partner fell apart. I ended up moving to Christchurch working in manufacturing. My children were with me at the time because my partner was not looking after them. I asked a cousin of mine to join me to help look after the kids and see they went to school. Through her we got a nice house. But eventually the law caught up with me and I got busted. I can remember sitting in the back of the police car feeling relieved that it was all over. My children were taken by CYPS back to Hastings, but my partner was in a violent relationship and wasn’t able to have them. Instead my older brother agreed to care for them. At my trial I pleaded guilty and asked for a transfer back to the North Island and finished up in the Hawkes Bay Prison. I was really happy about this because I was only a short distance from my children. My sister, who was bringing my children in to see me, recommended that I get into the Maori unit because it would be better for visits and the children. So I managed to get transferred to the Maori unit. In this unit I became involved in kapahaka which included haka, waiata, moteatea, taiaha and karakia. Because the man who was the chairperson moved on I was asked to take on this position and lead the group. Here I learned about Maori wairua and began teaching many of the new prisoners. I connected with it and at the time believed in it all. I know now that there is only one true God, the God of the Bible. When I eventually came out of prison, in March of 2006, I was able to pull my family together again and at that time I was diagnosed with cancer and needed to have a serious operation which I had in 14
2007. My daughter had four children and after my operation and I had recovered somewhat I adopted two of them. Through a false charge laid against me I once again found myself back on remand. It was then that I really started to do some serious thinking. I still had various drug operations on the outside. I saw the effects of greed in my family as they fought over who was going to get the proceeds of my various operations. I thought back over the years, what I was doing to my family and the situations I had put them through. I came to the realisation that I was an utter failure, and I was completely devastated. I even became suicidal. I reached the stage where I was truly broken. In my despair I turned to the Bible that was in my room. Previously I had no time for it, but now I became so engrossed in reading it that I didn’t even want to go for meals. When I did I just wanted to eat fast and get back to reading the Bible. It was awesome! I read till late at night and some of my fellow inmates were wondering what was going on with me. Even some of the officers were wondering about me as they saw me reading the Bible, especially at around 2 a.m. At this time, through a cell mate, I was put onto a Bible study course that showed me clearly the way of salvation. One question asked was, “Do you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and that He died to be your Saviour?” I believed in my heart that Jesus Christ died and in His death took all the punishment for my sins. I knew that as I looked back on my life of crime that I deserved to go to Hell, but Jesus took the punishment for me. I got down on my knees and said, “I give in Lord. I surrender to You. I have had enough of it all. I give it all to You”. Up to this point, because of the charge I was on, I felt completely deserted and that no one cared or loved me. But now I knew
that God loved me, and I felt His love as never before. As I kept reading the Bible I learned more about God and myself. It changed my attitude to others and the way I spoke to them. I saw how my changed attitude began to affect others as well. At this time PARS were working with me to find a place for me to get bailed to. They eventually found me a place in Whanganui and they managed to get bail for me. The PARS worker in Whanganui was Steve Treloar and when I came across to Whanganui he was the person who took me on. Steve asked me what I would like to do during my free time during the day. I replied that the first thing I needed to do was to get involved with a good church. He then invited me to attend the church that he attended. I accepted his invitation and although it was a culture shock for me, I found true acceptance among the folk of the fellowship. When my case came up I was unanimously found to be not guilty and I was free to go. I wanted to go back and see my family but my lawyer advised, “Give them time before you go back”. My advice to anyone who has come to the lowest point in life as I had done, is to pick up the Bible and read it. And be true and open before God. Turn to the One who has taken the penalty for your sin and trust Him as your Lord and Saviour. When you think it’s all over, it’s not! With Jesus Christ you can start out on a completely new life. I want to thank God for bringing me out of the darkness into His marvellous light. I know that Jesus Christ is my Lord and Saviour, that He has saved and delivered me – and that you too can have this assurance.
I GOT DOWN ON MY KNEES AND SAID "I GIVE IN LORD, I SURRENDER TO YOU" 15
MARRIAGE WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
Every culture has its own approach to the subject of marriage. In some cases it is the parents who make the decision as to who their children will marry. How would you like to be told by your parents who you are going to marry and then for them to go ahead and make the arrangements? That is not likely to meet with a favourable response in our society, but this is what happens in many cultures. We are more used to making our own decisions. Of course, this does not mean we should not listen to advice from our elders and those who have had more experience in life. In Maori culture, in former times, marriages were often arranged by families when the boy and the girl were children, and sometimes even before they were born. This custom was called “taumau”. However, in today’s world, it seems that marriage as it has been known for centuries, has become somewhat out16
dated. Many people just live together in de facto relationships. The common thinking is that if there is no serious commitment, it’s easier to separate and go find another partner. Same sex “marriage” has also added to the confusion as to the definition of marriage. But it should always be remembered that marriage was ordained by God and neither the Church nor the State has the right to redefine it. How are we to know just what is right or wrong and does it even matter? But it is very important for the wellbeing of society, for our children following us and for our own happiness, that we not only know what is right but that we do what is right. As mentioned, the Bible teaches that marriage was instituted by God Himself. It was instituted for meaningful companionship, for sexual union between
a man and a woman, and for the formation of families where children could be brought up in a well-balanced atmosphere of love and security. It has been well said that the rules governing marriage are “His to make, and not ours to break”. History has repeatedly shown that where the marriage bond is not honoured or protected, it has resulted in chaos and the ultimate collapse of society. But we never seem to learn the lessons of history. Let us take some time to turn to the Bible and see what God has to say about the subject. In the very first book of the Bible, Genesis, chapter 1, verses 26 and 27, we find that when God created mankind, He made both male and female, and He did so for a special reason. Genesis, chapter 2 tells us about that reason.
THREE ESSENTIAL THINGS This verse shows us what marriage is all about. Here we learn that ONE man is to leave his parents and become united with ONE woman and that together they become ONE flesh (or ONE unit). (See also 1 Corinthians 7:2) From this verse we see that for a marriage to be complete there are three essential things that must be present:
Now we come to verse 24 and this is a very important verse. Think about it carefully: “For this reason a man will LEAVE his father and mother and CLEAVE to (or be united to) his wife, and they will become ONE flesh.”
must LEAVE their parents’ home in order to begin an entirely new family. This does not mean that they should forsake their parents, for the extended family is important. But they can no longer remain under the immediate shelter and control of their parents. They must stand on their own as responsible people, and they should also be given the freedom to run their lives and family as they feel they should. Parents need to co-operate in this area, and see to it that the couple gets both the support and the freedom they need. (A young couple usually has enough to cope with adjusting to each other and married life without the added pressure of unreasonable parental demands or interference).
HOW ARE WE TO KNOW WHATS RIGHT OR WRONG AND DOES IT EVEN MATTER?
Adam the male, was created first, and then in verses 20b to 23 it says “. . . but for Adam no suitable helper was found. So, the Lord caused the man to fall into a deep sleep, and while He was sleeping he took one of the man’s ribs (or part of the man’s side), and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib (or part of the side) that He had taken out of man, and He brought her to the man. The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called woman, for she was taken out of man’.” Notice it says that God made woman as a “helper” for man. The original Hebrew word from which we get the word “helper” means “someone who comes alongside as a companion and co-worker”. In other words, by himself, man was not complete, but together man and woman make a complete unit.
1. Both the man and the woman
2. They must CLEAVE to, or be united to each other. This means that together they must form a strong bond. The original Hebrew text here has the thought of “being glued together” in such a way that they cannot be separated without damage being done to each partner. That which forms this strong bond is true love. This is the love which seeks the good of the other partner before that of self and to fulfill or satisfy his or her needs. Society appears to know little of this type of love. We are usually told especially by secular counseling 17
services that it is only necessary to fulfill and satisfy self. Ultimately this is selfish and destructive and often leads to relationship breakdown. These two steps – LEAVING and CLEAVING – are made official by the marriage ceremony. The ceremony obviously varies according to the wishes of the families involved and its form is often determined by culture. But there needs to be that act whereby it is officially witnessed and recorded that a new unit in society is born, and where the couple concerned have opportunity to make a public, life-long committal of themselves to each other before God. It is at this point that the marriage becomes valid or official.
3. If the first two steps are properly in place, the couple becomes ONE flesh or ONE unit. They are still two people with individual needs, but in God’s sight they become ONE unit. This is expressed by sexual union which needs to be motivated by true love as explained in the second point above. But a relationship that is built solely on sexual attraction is doomed to failure sooner or later. Sexual union is, however, important within marriage and the sex drive is something God has built into us. But the wrong use of it (outside the marriage bond) or the perversion of it is always destructive. The price may not immediately be paid but it will be paid. Much of the brunt of it is paid by unwanted children and aborted human lives, and unhappy relationships. It is a serious sin against humanity and God’s intended purpose for us, and therefore a serious sin against God Himself. Because God instituted marriage in the first place (and Christ endorsed it by His presence at a marriage – see John 2:1-2), He has set down guidelines for it. He has done so not to spoil our fun or to make life dull, but to ensure that we have happy, healthy, satisfying lives and well-adjusted families, all contributing to a healthy society. It is into such families that children can be born and raised in an atmosphere of real love, security and purposefulness. It should also be realized that a marriage is inadequate where God is left out or not given His rightful place, and is a contributing factor in relationship breakdown. Where a couple both know the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour and Lord, and seek to build their relationship around God and obedience to His Word, there is always true happiness, love and fulfillment. Perhaps your marriage is not what it should be, or perhaps you are in a wrong relationship. What should you do? Well, before anything else you need to be right with God. To do so you need to realize that you are sinful and that your sin is against God. You need to repent and be willing to turn from your sin and, if need be, rectify or turn from your wrong relationship. You need to receive God’s answer for your sin – the Lord Jesus Christ, who took the punishment for your sin on the cross at Calvary. It is only when people get right with God that they truly have the capacity to get right with each other. Only as we ask God to forgive and cleanse us from sin, and to put His strength within us, can we really begin to do what is right. Perhaps you are contemplating marriage. In the light of what we have seen from the Bible, we can see how important it is to choose the right partner. God can give you the wisdom to make this choice, and if you give Him His rightful place in your life, He will do this.
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by the late Ralph Wichers
CHILDHOOD IN THE SHADOWS
I AM SURE that all decent citizens are abhorred by the spate of court appearances of adults in various places charged with sexual abuse of children over recent years. There is hardly a week goes by that someone is not charged with such a despicable act, often hidden for a time under a cloak of respectability. The question that arises is from whence comes this explosion of blatant immorality, which is so evident in all echelons of our society? We might have different opinions on this, but I am convinced that the proliferation of objectionable material through the means of the internet, X-rated videos and sexually explicit magazines are part of it. Add to that the flimsy attire with which young women unashamedly appear in public, while other young people are strutting around with the most disgusting logos emblazoned on their T-shirts. The result of all this is that it leaves our society bleeding out of a thousand wounds. It is a fact of life that men especially are getting addicted to this “menu” of perversion, and while feasting on this extravaganza of immorality, go looking for gratification. It is distressing when innocent children become their victims. This makes me somber and angry every time I become aware of it, more so when those atrocities are perpetuated in their own homes, one place where there ought to be security for children. Children, by nature, readily trust someone who says the words they like to hear. Most kids are well adjusted, but many don’t realize how vulnerable they are. My wife and I have been long enough associated with children of all sorts and ages that we know this. With their immature minds they are not always aware that there are perverted individuals around, waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of them and thereby forever cast a shadow over their lives. There is a loyalty with children which can only be experienced, and leaves no room for ill considerations. Too often it is overlooked that children are “tapu” because they are a gift from God, and they are all loved by Him. The greatest crime is to break trust with them, and no one will lay hands on them for evil purposes with impunity. Why not? One may ask. It is because Christ in His days on earth made extra provisions for children. Not only did He welcome and bless them, but at the same time put a protection order in place for all times as well, to make it absolutely clear that there is no future for child abusers (unless they repent), when He uttered that dire warning, “It would be better for them if a millstone were hung around their necks, and cast into the depths of the sea” (Matthew 18:5-6). Since that is the better option, what would be the worst? 19
Adapted from the book “Hero Stories of New Zealand” by James Cowan
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TE MANIHERA'S FAREWELL TE MANIHERA was a chief of the NgatiRuanui tribe, of South Taranaki, who, in his adventurous youth became a convert to Christianity through the missionaries of the Wesleyan Church and later a missionary himself under the church mission society. He was a middle-aged man when he decided to reach out with the Gospel beyond his tribal district in an effort to reconcile old enemies. His tribe had been at war with the NgatiTuwharetoa people of south Taupo. In 1841 three chiefs of Taupo were killed at Patoka, on the Waitotara River, when on a war expedition against the NgatiRuanui in Taranaki. In 1843 the great chief, Te Heuheu Tukino, led a war party to the West Coast to exact revenge, but was persuaded by the missionaries and government officials to return without fighting. The feud slumbered, but it was not dead. It was now the year 1847. Te Heuheu had been overwhelmed with fifty of his tribe in the great landslide at Te Rapa, near Tokaanu, in the previous year. His brother, Iwikau Te Heuheu, of Pukawa, and the chief, Te Herekiekie, of Tokaanu, were the two principal men of the tribe at the time of this story, and there was considerable jealousy between them. The Tokaanu people held bitterly the memory of the war with the NgatiRuanui; they had suffered losses for which they had not been able to obtain utu.
This was the position when Te Manihera resolved to visit his former foes and carry them a message of peace and reconciliation. The Taupo people had already been brought under the influence of Christianity to some extent by the Rev. Richard Taylor, from Whanganui and the Rev. S. M. Spencer, from Rotorua. But the ferocious spirit of the vendetta was ever ready to spring to life, and the old ways and beliefs persisted. Te Manihera traveled by way of the East Coast and thence to the Arawa country, and he left Rotorua early in March of 1847 on his mission to the Ngati-Tuwharetoa. He was accompanied by a friend, Kereopa (the Bible name of Cleophas), who was a fellow disciple of the Gospel. The two missionaries to the Lake tribe took the track along the eastern side of Taupo, passing through the villages of Waipahihi, Rototongaia, Motutere, Te Hatepe and other places, and crossing the mouth of the Tongariro River at the beach. Their coming was heralded by messengers sent to the lake side village of Tokaanu, and there was excitement – and anger too – when it became known that emissaries of the hated Ngati-Ruanui dared to visit a people whose wounds were still open. 21
It happened that at this time the tribe of Tokaanu, headed by Te Herekiekie, had built a new meeting house, a large and beautiful building, adorned with carved figures of gods and heroes, and rich with rafter painting and intricate lattice wall patterns. The house was fifty feet in length and lofty in proportion. It stood in the village near the Tokaanu stream and the hot springs, close to the site of the well-known, more recent carved meeting house called “Puhaorangi”, near the main road where it enters the township.
through the manuka thickets, they were suddenly fired upon from ambush by a small party of men led by the old chief, Te Huiatahi. Kereopa fell mortally wounded. Manihera, too, received a wound, but stood upright, calmly facing his foes who surrounded him. Te Huiatahi struck at him with a tomahawk and inflicted another wound. Summoning up all his vital powers, Te Manihera addressed his assailants. He explained his mission and his desire to end forever the strife and hatred between the tribes. Ringed about with savage faces he expounded the Gospel of the Prince of Peace. It met with no sympathetic response. Those voices and ferocious faces meant death. “You must die with your companion!” Te Manihera was told. “You must die as payment for our dead!”
The tapu pertaining to the house would presently be removed by the priests, with the ancient prayers and charms, and the ceremony of the whai-kawa, or taingakawa-whare. In former times a human sacrifice was often made at such ceremonies to give the ritual added mana and ensure the stability and good luck of the house. The head or heart of a suitable victim was buried at the foot of the principal post supporting the ridgepole, or under the threshold.
Te Manihera, bleeding from his wounds and fast weakening, supported himself with his walking staff. Feeling his strength rapidly leaving him, he made one last request. He asked but one thing; he would sing his own lament, his farewell to his wife and friends far away, to the Ao Marama – the world of light. His captors agreed to this. They stayed their hands until they had heard their victim’s death song.
When the chiefs heard that men from Ngati-Ruanui were approaching, they said, “Let them come – they shall be the sacred offering (patunga-tapu) for our house. Let them come; like flying fish crossing the bows of our canoe they will be caught!” Te Manihera and Kereopa were well aware that danger threatened; Manihera had forebodings of death. But strong in their faith and in the fervent hope of bringing about lasting peace between the tribes, they held on their way. They crossed the swamps of the Tongariro delta and came to Waiariki, which is close to Tokaanu. There a party of young men joined them, to escort them to Tokaanu. But death lay ahead. As they walked along the narrow track 22
Then the dying man chanted his waiata poroporoaki, his farewell and his dirge. The following is a translation from the original obtained from a venerable member of the Arawa tribe. It begins, E hora te marino, horahia I waho ra:
“Spread out afar The calm lake gleams So smooth and fair and bright. The stream flows strongly by, Like Pakihi’s waters far away. My heart throbs high with grief For my beloved one. My doom is fixed – Death’s terrors chill my flesh,
My shrinking skin is stung As by the ongaonga thorns. Would that I could cross those heights, To thee, O Harata, Wife of my fond embrace. My spirit shall return to thee, Return to the tribe I love.” The doomed man’s foes, hemming around, listened with the utmost intentness to his chant. When he had ended the lament, the chief of the Tuwharetoa said, “Sing it again.” So Te Manihera chanted his death song once more while his listeners kept perfect silence. They were memorizing the song so that they too would be able to chant it word for word. Then Te Manihera bowed his head. The fearful tomahawk flashed once, twice, and he fell. There he lay by the side of his friend from whom life had also passed. So was made even the utu account and thus, according to ancient custom, the defeats of the passed were finally avenged. The Rev. Richard Taylor arrived at Tokaanu from Whanganui a few
weeks after the slaughter of the two missionaries, and preached a sermon at the graves at Waiariki. The NgatiTuwharetoa men concerned repented of the deed, when all was made clear to them – all but old Huiatahi, who maintained he was justified in exacting utu. The chief, Herekiekie, who was absent from Tokaanu at the time, disapproved of the killing. It was said that the bones of Te Manihera were later taken home to his people, who were presented by Ngati-Tuwharetoa with a certain treasured and historic weapon -- a greenstone mere. This was a peace offering, a tangible admission of wrong-doing and a tribute of sorrow. The Ngati-Ruanui accepted the gift, and the peace-making was cemented with much eloquence of speech and shedding of tears. That weapon is venerated for the stories of the warrior past which brings it to mind, but most of all for the heroic memory of the fearless comrades who went calmly to a cruel fate in the cause of peace and goodwill among men.
SO TE MANIHERA CHANTED HIS DEATH SONG ONCE MORE WHILE HIS LISTENERS KEPT PERFECT SILENCE.
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