VOL 2 NO 3
JU LY - S EP T EMBER 2010
THE VOICE OF THE HEART
INHERITANCE A BIBLICAL VIEW
COMMUNICATION
MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
A RISKTAKER
MAINLY MUSIC PROGRAMME
CONFRONTING CHILD-ABUSE
STOP THE TRAFFIK CHILDREN’S RESOURCE
action
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF A GUIDE TO HEALTHIER LIVING
WORD OR
TONI GIBBS’S STORY
Eq UIPP I N G
wOME N
FOR
M IN IS TRY
+
M ISSION
MY NEW SONG
WHAT A HOPE!
BORN OF THE SPIRIT
(including accompanying CD) Major Carole Jeanne Bate
Lieut-Colonel Gilbert Ellis
Colonel Ian Southwell
www.amazon.com
www.salvationarmy.org.au
Hope, the second of the trinity of Christian qualities which Paul highlights so powerfully in 1 Corinthians
The Holy Spirit has challenged a family member, friend or colleague to seek to be
13, doesn’t receive the same amount of attention as its fellow virtues of faith and love. In this book
‘born again’ or to grow in that relationship. What can you do? How can you best help?
Gilbert puts hope centre stage. In a series of short,
This book with its practical exercises and
manageable chapters he explores different facets of hope, using illustrations from life in a down-toearth manner. The book has been written in grateful memory of Colonel Rhys Dumbleton.
role plays will help you grasp such Godgiven opportunities. It is also suitable for group study with others who want to help seekers become ‘born of the Spirit’.
TOGETHER IN PRAYER
THE GOD OF OUR DEEPEST LONGINGS
www.use.salvationarmy.org The words, lyrics and poems in this book are all taken from Carole’s prayer journal from the past 12 years and are touched by the hand of God. In this book, which features some of her choice work, we are swept with her from the distant experience of centuries-old biblical events to the deep emotion of the everyday grind and grist to discover the loving presence of the everlasting God with us.
LINCOLN ON LEADERSHIP Executive strategies for tough times Donald T. Phillips www.amazon.com Only 10 days before Abraham Lincoln took the oath of office in 1861, the Confederate States of America seceded from the Union taking all Federal agencies, forts and arsenals. Lincoln, who was elected by a minority of the popular vote, was viewed by his own advisers as nothing more than a second-rate country lawyer with no leadership experience. This is the first book to examine Abraham Lincoln’s diverse leadership abilities and how they can be applied to today’s complex world.
2 Revive
– Coming to God in Community
Andrew R. Wheeler www.amazon.com Andrew organises the prayer ministry for WillowCreek. Together in Prayer helps establish a responsible, meaningful prayer ministry for small groups. It has helpful guidelines and gives common pitfalls of communal prayer and suggestions for spurring your group onward. Comprehensive in its scope, thoughtful in its approach and practical in its insights, Together in Prayer serves as an authoritative guide for your group to embrace and enhance prayer together.
Seven Biblical Meditations Peter van Breemen, SJ www.amazon.com In this exploration of the spiritual journey, Peter van Breeman, SJ, draws on the spirituality of John’s Gospel and Ignatius of Loyola to stress that our deepest desires and God’s will for us coincide when we let go of selfishness; and that God’s deepest longing is to dwell in us, to make a home in our souls. Ideal for anyone interested in Ignatian spirituality.
20 FEATURES 05 Mission impossible MAIN FEATURE
10
20 Open doors
05
SOCIAL ISSUE
REAL LIFE 15 Word or action
J U LY- S E P T E M B E R 2 0 1 0
revive@salvationarmy.org
MY STORY
19 A risk-taker SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
RESOURCES 11 No time for play CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
12 Voice of the heart BIBLE STUDY
14 Smart and dangerous TEEN MINISTRY
COLUMNS
IN EVERY ISSUE
09 Preaching – when obstacles come LEADERSHIP
17 To hate evil more but to
love good less? SPIRITUAL LIFE
04 The Editor’s page 10 News 18 The Prayer House 23 Coming event s / iQuote
23 15
22 Take care of yourself HEALTH
Front cover: Photo of Amira Gibbs by Andrew Morant Back cover: Call to Prayer for Peace and for Victims of Sex Trade Trafficking
A RESOURCE MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN IN MINISTRY AND MISSION Publisher: Commissioner Helen Clifton, World President of Women’s Ministries Editor-in-Chief and Literary Secretary, IHQ: Major Laurie Robertson Editor: Commissioner Helen Clifton Designer: Berni Georges © Shaw Clifton, General of The Salvation Army, 2010 Founders of The Salvation Army: William and Catherine Booth Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd
THE SALVATION ARMY International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH United Kingdom
Articles on any subject of interest to women in ministry are welcomed by the Editor. To send an article, write to revive@salvationarmy.org Subscription details at www.salvationarmy.org/revive
CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: revive@salvationarmy.org
Revive 3
reactivate
real simple! Commissioner Sue Swanson WORLD SECRETARY OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES
G
reetings to the readers of Revive. If you have been Well, this is my time to introduce myself to the readers of Revive keeping up with this column of late you will know that magazine. And I thought, why not give you my list of 10 things mine is yet another face to grace this page. The Editor I love. has asked that I introduce myself to you through this 1 I love the Lord. I found eternal life wonderful magazine aimed to resource women around the world as a young adult and that love has only grown deeper with time for ‘ministry and mission’. . ‘I want to know him’ is my theme. My response is, Real simple. That’s the name of another 2 I love my husband. We have been magazine that I enjoy reading. Real simple’s mission is ‘life made married 35 sweet years. He is my deepest friend. easier’. It’s goal is to simplify and streamline. What’s interesting is that the latest issue takes a whopping 292 pages to accomplish 3 I love my family. We have four adul t children. All are married. the task. Hmm? However, one of We enjoy two granddaughters. I love and respect each one of ‘I HAVE THOUGHT the monthly columns is entitled them ... and I like them too. ABOUT LEARNING Life Lessons. Guest writers and 4 I love my officership. For me it has been a lifelong itine rant experts are invited to weigh in on obedient joy. TO PLAY A UKULELE various issues. Their advice is 5 I love to see women getting saved and growing in their walk AND TRYING MY reduced to a top 10 list that fits on with God. It’s amazing to see the endl ess opportunities and one page. Over the past issues freedom we have to communicate Chri HAND AT POETRY’ they have dealt with topics like 10 st through any culture. 6 I love to hear the story of God’s wor king in people’s lives. It’s ways to be close to your siblings, 10 ways to cope with stress, an honour to hear the living testimon ies of God’s grace. 10 ways to let go of your stuff, 10 questions to ask your mother 7 I love to walk . It’s great to slow the pace and observe now and 10 ways to embrace change. The editors so far have all that is around me. missed some powerful lists of 10 that we in the Christian 8 I love to preach. For me this takes community could offer. There would be so much value in the the form of encouraging and exhorting others toward faith. Ten Commandments, don’t you think? 9 I love to learn new things. Recently this has meant learning about the political system of the Unit ed Kingdom (I may need some more time on this) but I have also thought about learning to play a ukulele and trying my hand at poetry. What do you think? Best for me recently has been learning about the depth of intimacy God wants to bring as I learn more about a prayer walk with him. 10 I love God’s Word. It’s my life brea th. Whatever form this takes it’s exhilarating to study, memorise or meditate. I never want to lose this passionate love. Well, there you have it. And I never mentioned music, puzzles, cross-stitch, languages, mentoring, food from around the world, reading, singing (in a group, not a solo) or tambourines!! Do you have a list for yourself? I wonder how your list would compare. Feel free to send me your list … I would LOVE to learn about you. 4 Revive
missi n imp ssible Mainly Music Programme A
resounding success story throughout the Australia Southern Territory has been the exponential growth evidenced in corps that have introduced the mainly music programme. Families are literally banging on the doors to come in and be involved in this hugely popular programme that caters for children in the 0 to 5 age group and their parents or caregivers. Some corps that have commenced groups have added extra classes to meet the demand and many have waiting lists of families wanting to join. Currently there are 93 groups operating.
Programme
Mainly music is a Christian-based, interactive music programme for parents and caregivers and their young children between the ages of 0 to 5 years. The weekly 30-minute sessions are designed to facilitate a time of fun learning for the children through the use of music, rhythm, rhyme and listening. They also focus on the interaction and bonding between parents and their children when they participate together in the activities. Following the music session, refreshments are served and this gives an opportunity for the children to have a time of unstructured play. It also provides an occasion for the church community to connect with the adults – building relationships, meeting needs and finding opportunities to speak about God. During this time parents can access resource libraries that contain Christian and parenting books, magazines and DVDs.
Revive 5
‘FAMILIES ARE LITERALLY BANGING ON THE CHURCH DOORS TO COME IN’
Opportunities
The mainly music programme has opened wide the doors of possibility in many of our corps and has become the springboard for many successful corps events and ministries. This includes family events such as corps dinners, family fun days and Mother’s and Father’s Day celebrations. One corps, for example, organised a Festive Fun Day prior to Christmas. Following the worship service there were many activities outside the church for the families to engage in, including bouncy castle, interaction with farm animals, a merry-go-round, horse and cart rides plus an abundance of food to enjoy. Mainly music has also provided ministry opportunities for the corps community who have been enlisted to assist the programme. This happens in a variety of ways, like talking to the adults during morning tea, playing with the children, preparing and serving the morning tea, making props and gifts, praying for the programme’s participants, sending cards and providing meals in times of need.
6 Revive
Some corps have employed personnel to specifically oversee the early childhood ministry programme that includes a ministry to the families involved. For example, one corps has 120 children registered in its weekly mainly music programme. So the logistics of organising teams of helpers and ministering to the needs of the families who attend requires time, preparation and planning for a programme of this size to operate successfully. Beyond the mainly music programme, there has been opportunity for corps members to be involved in teaching and training courses such as introduction to Christianity courses, parenting and other discipleship courses. Ultimately the programme is an opportunity for evangelism. ‘God songs’, as they are referred to, are inserted into the weekly sessions and the volunteers are encouraged to build relationships with the parents and develop faith conversations with the adult participants.
Challenges
There have been many challenges associated with the thousands of young families connecting with our corps across the territory each week. Providing adequate and effective links into the church community has been a priority. This has been achieved in a number of creative ways such as parenting courses, special dinners, social events specifically designed for the parents and small group studies. One division produced a ‘Blessing of the Children’ poster inviting parents to have their children blessed in a service of thanksgiving. Corps leaders have also been challenged to develop intentionally their Christian education programme. The imminent need is to provide pathways of discipleship that teach the truths of the gospel and bring people to a place of commitment and also equip them to do life better. Providing ongoing programmes for the children and maintaining links with the families once the children commence school is a further challenge for the corps that have developed a successful mainly music ministry. One division has invested in the SAGALA programme (Salvation Army Guarding and Legion Activities) in an effort to meet this need.
‘CORPS LEADERS HAVE ALSO BEEN CHALLENGED TO INTENTIONALLY DEVELOP THEIR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION PROGRAMME’
Revive 7
‘NEW FAMILIES ARE CONNECTING WITH OUR CORPS – ATTENDING WORSHIP, GETTING SAVED, HEALED AND DELIVERED’
Mission Outcomes
Evolving out of the need to provide more resources and expertise the children and adults, a children’s message and a reflection or for those working in the ministry for children aged 0 to 5 years has devotional message suitable for the adult audience. Refreshments been the introduction of the Territorial Early Childhood Ministry and a time for socialising follow this. An attraction used by one Conference. The conference aims to provide expert and relevant corps is a life-size puppet called ‘Sally the Prayer Bear’. teaching in early childhood education and family ministry and also We thank God for the amazing unprecedented results of the provides an opportunity for leaders to be encouraged and to mainly music ministry in our territory. New families are connecting network with other leaders involved in similar ministries. with our corps – attending worship, getting saved, healed and Following the second conference on early childhood ministry delivered, and being enrolled as members. New groups and held in July 2009, it was assessed that there was an imminent need ministries have commenced. It has become a platform for corps within the territory to provide a Christian-based curriculum for the evangelistic endeavours and a catalyst for mobilising the corps 0 to 5-year-old ministry. This exciting project is now being members into effective ministry opportunities. As one corps officer developed by the Children’s Ministries Department in conjunction comments: ‘Mainly music has been God’s blessing on our church. with a representative from the Women’s Ministries Department. When we began we never envisioned that families would connect The theme-based curriculum will contain a variety of optional with our corps so soon!’ activities that can be easily adapted and used in any 0 to 5-year-old ministry whether that is playgroup, kids church or Sunday school. Another development in the territory has been the introduction of new worshipping congregations specifically www.mainlymusic.org.au targeted at the young families that have been linked to the corps through the mainly music programme. Recently a corps had eight mainly music families among the 60 people attending the inauguration of its Church for Young Families. The Colonel Jenny Walker AUSTRALIA SOUTHERN TERRITORY format for these services consists of singing and movement with
ation her infomrm For furt ic visit s u ly in a m g in rd a g re
8 Revive
preaching when obstacles come
H
ave you noticed that when fallen trees or rocks block of Paul’s writings where he described and addressed a stream, the water uses its own momentum to find its specific situations in a particular culture at a distinct stage own way around them without the need for detour of the Early Church. Sifting through to Paul’s core message signs? Where there’s a will, there’s a way! The same we see that in Christ we are created again, in God’s image, the is true when obstacles seem to prevent women from preaching. way he prescribed and created humankind before sin inverted Let’s face it, obstacles get in the way of anyone preaching. the plan. Women must expect it too! It’s par for the course. If our culture allows women the freedom to ‘Rightly dividing the Word of truth’, ‘breaking the ‘TO SIT STILL AND preach, let’s use that by taking the opportunity ‘Bread of life’, ‘leading people to God through the seriously and preparing ourselves well. COMPLAIN OR foolishness of preaching’ – none of these is easy. Nevertheless, this is still an imperfect world. Let’s take inspiration from others who have gone FIND A WAY TO Many of us live in male-dominated or before us: MOVE FORWARD. patriarchal societies where we need to create our The Red Sea was a barrier to the Hebrews own out working of God’s calling on our lives. escaping from Egypt (Exodus 14). Their exodus IT’S OUR CHOICE’ stopped while they complained to Moses. He had to speak bluntly to pointment to come get them moving again. Women preachers can choose to approach So, don’t wait for the ap Develop what you have! obstacles in the same way – to sit still and complain or find a way to move forward. It’s our choice. Don’t wait for the preaching opportu nity Matthew tells the story of a Canaanite woman who overcame Cre ate it yourself! obstacles to find a way to Jesus (Matthew 15). She argued and challenged what she saw as injustice and prejudice and women gs to be recognised sometimes need to do this. Don’t wait for your giftin yourself! Hildegard lived in Germany in the 12th century when few Nourish and stretch them women wrote and their opinions were not valued. She didn’t let that Under the guidance of God let us make a way for his useful lifestop her serving God. She preached on paper what became major works of theology and wrote musical plays that had a strong spiritual giving water to flow through us to others! influence. Eventually she was consulted by both church and state leaders. Initially John Wesley (founder of the Methodist Church) did not allow women to preach in his new religious movement. Some found NEXT ISSUE, A CLOSER LOOK AT ... an outlet in writing songs. Here they could teach profound doctrinal PACKAGING OUR PREACHING truths in short memorable ways, thereby passing on God’s Word to the next generation. However, Wesley’s understanding gradually developed and Methodist women were given freedom to preach, Columnist for 2010 although they faced opposition in some places. Salvation Army leaders have endeavoured to follow Scripture Major Susan Daly SINGAPORE, MALAYSIA AND on the matter. In particular they have tried to understand the context MYANMAR TERRITORY Revive 9
SELF-HELP GROUPS, INDIA It was my privilege to visit India recently to work with territorial coordinators on the self-help programme run in each of the six territories, writes Howard Dalziel. There are over 1,000 self-help groups, many of them in communities where previously there was no Salvation Army presence. They are a wonderful witness as well as a great tool for empowering marginalised women in difficult settings. I then visited India Northern Territory, where I saw the work of a remarkable officer. Captain Kanak Nayak runs the self-help group in Orissa and through her dedication is enhancing the reputation of The Salvation Army in a state that has seen much unrest and suffered considerable religious and caste discrimination. I also visited India Central Territory, where I worked with Major Mani Kumari who coordinates the self-help group programme and works with divisional youth secretaries’ wives to engage them in the programme. Their enthusiasm and dedication to the communities they are responsible for was an indication of the love they have for their people.
I was inspired by these officers who are enabling the empowerment of so many vulnerable women whilst proclaiming the gospel and enhancing the reputation of The Salvation Army in their communities.
Major Mani Kumari with some of the women who attended the self-help group in the India Central Territory
Commissioner Mungate said: ‘Our faith in God is the success to our ministry. The world is in need of women who have faith like Esther – faith that brings deliverance and genuine change. Like Esther, let us mobilise our women and girls to better themselves for our communities. Together as women, we can make a difference through prayer and the Word.’ Colonel Mirriam Mavundla (TPWM) reports: ‘We were divided into groups and given the names of women in the Bible. We were able to study their character and then created short dramas. In the evening it was a time of laughter, fun and inspiration as we shared in the dramas that had been created. This gave us time to search and understand the Scriptures and to find new meaning and truth from the Bible.’
Some of the women who attended a Bible study
One delegate said she had never read the story of Esther. She knew about her but had not taken the trouble to study this courageous woman. A time of prayer followed, and the women were inspired by this wonderful event.
TANZANIA Two Women’s Bible Conferences were held in Tanzania during August and November 2009. The conferences were under the leadership of Commissioners Hope Mungate and Vinece Chigariro respectively. The theme for the conferences was ‘Arise, Women, Stand and Press On’. Bible studies were based on the Book of Esther, and topics were: ‘Esther Rose and Stood for her Faith’ and ‘Esther Rose and Strengthened the Nation’. The Bible studies and messages brought a lot of encouragement as the two leaders inspired and challenged the women to rise, stand and press on, no matter what comes their way. 10 Revive
Commissioner Vinece Chigariro (TC and TPwM, Zimbabwe) with delegates and their babies
I
CHILDREN
f there are two things in life that really get me going, it would have to be inequality and injustice. I thank God that he raised me up in and called me to The Salvation Army!
This year, to coincide with the anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act (25 March), our small corps in a semi-rural setting of the country’s biggest city had its first family service for the year and what a family service with a difference it was! While adults heard a message based on Genesis 1:26 that centred around the truth that we are created in the image of God and how we live this truth out, the children had a challenge to complete. There were four stations set up around the main auditorium involving mundane, repetitive tasks. The only rules were that the tasks had to be completed to the highest standard (checked by a Task Master) and the children were not allowed to stop until the challenge was over. The goal was simply to complete as many tasks as possible, as many times as possible in order to earn as much money as they could. I’ve never seen children so busy! We had children transporting water by the glassful from one side of the hall to the other, putting raisins into packets with toothpicks, counting matches into boxes and cutting up rags – the church seemed to transform into a factory in just minutes! Meanwhile, the adults learnt about one of the harshest forms of modern day slavery – human trafficking. DVD clips explained the phenomenon, we heard a story from a young boy The Salvation Army has rescued in Malawi and were also encouraged to become active participants to ‘Stop the Traffik’. At the end of the message, the children’s challenge concluded and this saw some rather tired yet strangely excited children gather around. It was pay day! But it was to be a pay day like no other. What awaited them in their payslips was a measly 10 cents. The shock and disgust on some faces was more than evident – I had some explaining to do! So I began to tell them a story of a young girl who had to rise early in the morning to help look after her younger brothers and sisters. She then had to report to a money lender who owned a factory where her task was
PRESENT DAY CHILD SLAVERY
to break bricks down into small rocks all day long with few rest breaks and little food. This young girl had been sold to the money lender in order to help pay off money her parents owed – money they had to borrow to be able to feed their family. The problem was that while she was working, this little girl could not attend school and receive an education. Without an education, she could not get better work where she could be paid more and so the family would most likely never earn enough money to pay back the lender. This young girl had been sold into slavery for life. After the factory day ended there was no time for play, she had to return home and help with the household chores before falling into bed very late into the night. Slowly, the children’s faces reflected how blessed they were. We talked about school and the things they learn, the amount of pocket money they earn and how much time they had to play each day. Needless to say, the 10 cents was long forgotten. In response to the often overwhelming reality of human trafficking, there were prayer stations set up around the auditorium where adults could pray for specific situations of trafficking. For the young people there were pictures of children with prayer topics on the back of each one scattered in front of the mercy seat. These were for the children to choose from and, with their parents/an adult, they were to pray for
the boys and girls and the tough situations they lived in.
After each person’s prayer, whether young or old, a small candle was lit and laid on the mercy seat. At the conclusion of the service, as we were encouraged by the work of The Salvation Army and situations where we have partnered with ‘Stop the Traffik’, we were left with the image of over 100 candles burning silently as we drifted out of the auditorium. There was challenge. There was education. There was encouragement. There was action. God was called upon, sought after and glorified. May we each remember that everyone – man, woman, child, slave or free – each of us is made in the image of God.
Captain Karen Baker NEW ZEALAND, FIJI AND TONGA TERRITORY
Revive 11
COMMUNICATION
The heavenS Declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world,’ says the psalmist in Psalm 19:1-4 (NIV)
M
any Christians would agree with the psalmist, that the heavens, the universe and indeed the whole of creation speak to them, declaring the glory of their creator. Sometimes this is louder and more vivid than spoken words to the heart. The world spins on its axis and dawn and night come at their appointed time. As do the seasons without fail. Silence can be powerful. The disciple Peter got the message when Jesus silently gazed at him in the midst of hundreds of people in that gloomy night at the praetorian. A mere gaze was enough to tell Peter that he had disowned his Master. Sometimes the atmosphere can be dull, calm and even lonely, with no language or voice to be heard. Sunday service with no singing was one thing that made me feel bored and lonely. Sometimes we do not understand each other because of the difference in language. Often we speak the same language but culture and custom come between us. Sometimes we have the same language, culture and customs, but religion comes between us. Yes, sometimes our world can be just too different! Failure in communication and relationship with God for me is mostly because of lack of need. It is the ‘need’ that gives me my best communication with God. Sometimes it is difficult to know what exactly we need, but the heart never mistakes what the very life of a person really needs. Peter Major Lalnunsangi (Manun) may not have realised his mistake when he said whatever came into KATHMANDU, NEPAL, INDIA EASTERN TERRITORY his mind for his safety. But his heart knew when he saw Jesus looking at him. Jesus knew what had happened. That gaze could heart on my behalf. It speaks any language; it uses any nation’s sign have spoken to Peter in many ways. The look could have said, ‘You language, or Braille. It knows the language of all levels of people, are a coward, you disowned me’ or, ‘How could you do this to me, any kind, and one never really has to try very hard to be heard, when Peter?’ or, ‘I have shown you how much I love you, Peter, and this we share the same world. When God communicated to Moses, it is how you respond! But I still love you, Peter.’ That gaze went was divine and godly. The burning bush, the voice and the words he said, even Moses’ look became different. To help us out from the straight to his heart, and Peter realised the enormity of bondage of sin and death, Jesus had to transform himself as man. his denial. He had to incarnate himself in the form of man. It was the only When I minister to the needy and attempt to help them way. The people were with him, touching him, receiving healing understand what I wish to show them, I see myself in them, from him. desperate, wretched, helpless, lonely. I When the General came to the realise that I was like that once. At that ‘THE HEART NEVER MISTAKES International College for Officers to point, I know I am heard and seen there speak, I did not hear properly the first and I know I am shared. This is the kind WHAT THE VERY LIFE OF A part of what he said. All I could think of unspoken communication which PERSON REALLY NEEDS’ was: ‘Wow! The General, look at him; speaks on my behalf and reaches the
voice of the
heart
– COMMUNICATION
12 Revive
COMMUNICATION
look at his uniform. Wow! Listen how he speaks, his voice.’ I was just so ready to say, ‘Yes sir, yes sir’ three bags full.’ I was not really aware of what he would want me or us to hear of him. However after sometime, in the next moment, I met in the General my fellow officer whom God uses. Then the communication became audible to my conscience and heart. I listened to him and heard what he said, eagerly, because I felt his heart in my heart which desires us to fight and to win the same fight that we are all fighting. I remember visiting a village called Shingla with a member of my staff. We were waiting for the vehicle to return home, and as we waited a man in his thirties and some younger boys and girls, looking a little more shabby and untidy, were watching us from around 30 feet away. As we were talking, they remained. I looked into their eyes, with a hearty desire beyond my duty to help them. Their eyes were asking me, ‘Who are you? What do you think of us?’ My heart was telling me as I looked at their eyes, ‘We are here for you.’ I smiled at them, knowing that they would never speak out any of what they felt all through their life. They were born deaf.
Our communication was somehow so real and truthful, and though they did not smile back at me, I could feel they understood my communication. We did not speak to each other, we were at some distance, but somehow I can say a relationship was built because it was straight from the heart. And it was the beginning of their journey with Christ. I used to understand communication as communicating with others by speech or action, saying what we want to tell, and listening to how they respond. When I am with those who are hearing impaired, or are mentally or physically challenged, or even spiritually handicapped people, I understand that the true feeling of the heart is the most important way to communicate. It reaches the heart in a way that speech and action cannot. It reveals the truth and meets the need, winning trust. It is always the heart which discriminates against people and it is always the heart which chooses the kind of mask we wear to conceal our true feeling rather than the one which may show in our expression or speech. A person somehow reads the feeling of the heart of others. Once we took one of our deaf boys who broke his arm to the doctor. Before the doctor touched him, the boy looked into my eyes and in those few moments of eye contact, we communicated how he was not ready to feel the pain and how I was there for him at that moment. God gives the same heart to everyone. Communication for ministry is somehow very special, so deep and must be so real, and it often involves paying a high price. Whoever we communicate with, whether that person be physically or mentally challenged, whatever their social status is, our mission is to win them for Christ so that they might experience fullness of life in him. The most important aspect for us is to be anointed by the Holy Spirit, having the same zeal that our Founder, William Booth, had for all mankind.
Major Lalnunsangi (Manun) Revive 13
TEENS
‘WHILE CHILDREN GO HUNGRY AS THEY DO NOW, I’LL FIGHT’
smart
T
he Army’s Founder, William Booth, spoke those words in his last public sermon. They are often quoted, but do we live them out? Will we really fight for our children? Will we fight to see that they are not left hungry – physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? We are in a battle for the minds and the souls of our children. We need to feed them good spiritual food so that they will be sustained when the world tries to tempt them with its ‘food’.
d n a ngerous
da
moment and reflect on what we are doing with our children.
4
Speaking of battle, 1 Chronicles 10-12 tells of an amazing time in Israel’s history. King Saul had died and a kingdom transition had begun. Mighty warriors were gathering; there was something new in the air. They could feel it but they could not see it. They knew it was time to position themselves for a new era.
1
2
I can only imagine…
Be careful not to imagine that we will obtain the end without using God’s means of achieving it. For it is more important to be faithful than to do ‘what works’.
3
If we are working with children and youth, we must also work with the family. The family remains their primary influence, and is the single most important mission field. We must keep in mind Satan’s three major attack areas: 1. the family and the family unit;
What we save the youth by is what we save them to
When we save the youth by enthusiasm/music/fellowship and much more – when these things disappear, so do they. However, when we present the gospel, and they are saved by it, then they will stay. They want meaning, and the gospel answers their need for meaning. When they look at Jesus, they see what life is all about.
Stop, Listen and Think
A great quote by Tolstoy: ‘In the name of God, stop a moment. Sense your work; look around you.’ It is time to stop and to listen and to think and to evaluate. I know we are an Army that wants to march on with its wonderful programmes – and Hallelujah to that. However, it is time to stop for just a 14 Revive
The Mission Field
2. the church; 3. the Christians’ witness.
5
We have a lot of explaining to do In this day and age, if our young people stand for Christ, very often they stand alone in the world (or sometimes even in the church). They will stand stronger when they are able to explain why and what they believe. They need a biblical education and an understanding of the historical Jesus and how he lived his life in the real world. They also need to see that their leaders are themselves living authentic lives. One of the problems we are facing is that we the adults can’t explain what/why we believe.
6
They are smart and dangerous
Geoff van Kooter says it better than most: ‘Youth have changed. They’re different than us. They are smart and dangerous. Their methods are far beyond our own. Regarding technology – just don’t go there. They are unbelievably adept but in saying all this, they would admit – there has to be more.’
Captain M
ark Hall
So if we in the Army and in the church want to reach them, we must go to a place beyond technology and media. We need to embody Christ. Love them from our core (not for the ‘corps’). Use your words and use your tear ducts.
Conclusion There’s a lot of TBU (true but useless) information out there. Daily we read that, statistically, youth numbers are down. And one of the mega trends of the church is that, as our young people get into higher levels of education, we lose up to 73% of them. By the time they finish university, we have lost 94% of them. However, there is something wonderful happening. Maybe it’s time for a new measuring stick because God is raising up an Army of young people who are sold out for Christ. It is an amazing time! I believe with others that God is releasing upon this emerging generation something that the world hasn’t seen for a long time. There is a shift taking place. Through our youth the Spirit of God is challenging our Army. They do not march to the beat of duty, but march to the passion of their heart, put there by the God who is once again raising up an Army (1 Chronicles 12:22). Give them the gospel, walk alongside them, and be a part of raising up champions for Christ.
Captain Mark Hall TERRITORIAL YOUTH SECRETARY, CANADA AND BERMUDA
Toni with daughter Amira
I
grew up as the daughter of Salvation Army officers. This started out in Salvation Army homeless centres predominantly around the north-east of England. This was a valuable time in my life, watching my parents care for some of the neediest people in and around the towns of the north-east. It was here I saw what love in action was and how much the work of Toni Gibbs TERRITORY WITH THE REPUBLIC The Salvation Army meant to so many UK OF NORTHERN IRELAND people. I watched people come and go, others stay a lifetime, but throughout all of what I most enjoyed doing. I had a keen this, one thing was constant, and that was interest in philosophy and ethics that I had the love and support both physical and studied for A level, learning about other religions, exploring Christianity more and spiritual that was offered in the centres. In 1996, my parents were requested to discussing ethical issues relevant to today’s go to divisional headquarters in Maidstone, society. This led me to apply for a place at Kent, and I started secondary school and Heythrop College, a small specialist college continued to enjoy schooling. I did well in of the University of London, in Kensington, West London. I was exams and was at a point of successful at gaining a deciding what to study at ‘IT WAS HERE I place for the course university. I was at a SAW WHAT LOVE ‘Philosophy, Religion and crossroad and had always chosen my school path by IN ACTION WAS’ Ethics’ for three years. I
word or
action studied Islam, Judaism, Christianity and theological history, as well as different philosophies and ethical modules. It was here that I found the most challenge to my faith. However, I discovered that learning about other people, cultures and beliefs helped me to understand how and why people behave, act and think in the way they do. I think my interest stemmed from watching my parents and others working in the Salvation Army homeless centres, and seeing how many different people they Revive 15
Amira enjoys a time at the playground
‘IN THAT MOMENT I LEARNT A LOT ABOUT TAKING TIME FOR OTHERS’ came to serve in the name of Jesus, regardless of who they were. It was during my time at university that I began to work part-time in Booth House in Whitechapel, a large homeless centre for men. I started as a receptionist but wanted to do more, and so became a part-time project worker, helping the men in the centre. This could involve helping them fill out forms, encouraging them to have respect for themselves and others, helping them with cooking classes or just chatting over a cup of tea. By doing this myself, the truths of The Salvation Army and the New Testament became real for me. We can only act as messengers for the Lord and, whether this is by word or action, we can pray and trust God that he will use us in his best way. The most poignant moment I remember was as I was going out with friends to a nightclub in Central London. I heard someone shouting my name. Looking around for friends, I soon realised that the shout was coming from a shop doorway. It was one of the men from Booth House who had left a couple of weeks before. There was a moment when pride took over. After all, a 16 Revive
lot of my university friends found my parttime work hard to understand, but I went and spoke to the man and I hoped that this meant something to him. My friends were surprised but in that moment I learnt a lot about taking time for others and treating them as I would want to be treated. During my second year at university, I gave birth to our daughter Amira Faith, who has brought so much joy to our lives. Balancing university, part-time work and being a new mum was tough but through the support of family, friends and the church family, God made sure I had enough support to keep going and even pass my degree! I came out of university and started work at Kenward Trust, a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation charity. I started working in administration but then was moved to a Human Resources role. I enjoyed working with people and ensuring that their work life was satisfactory so that they could do what they were called to do: be support workers and counsellors to the many men and women who came through the door trying to find a way out of their addiction.
During that time I saw God perform so many wonderful acts in the lives of; men and women who believed they would not make it, those we believed would not see the programme through. But many did and it was not through their strength alone. I now work for Transport for London as a Human Resources business partner, supporting a business and the people in it to run efficiently and make sure that their ‘people side’ is all correct. Whilst this is a real change from my previous roles in social work, I still have people as the focus of my job. Life is often busy. Amira turned five in May and I am blessed that it is often Amira who reminds me that we should ‘go to the Army, Mummy’ and it is usually these times when I find myself needing a spiritual ‘boost’. The Salvation Army has been a constant throughout my life and I am sure that it has had a large part in bringing me to where I am today. I am glad it has taught me to focus on people and through this I will continue to try and show some of the Christian love I saw right from when I was young.
Major Elsa Oalang THE PHILIPPINES TERRITORY
Columnist for2010
I
was sitting with fellow Christians at a conference on moral and social issues. As I listened, I remembered the words of Martin Luther’s mentor, Johann von Staupitz, from the movie, Luther ‘All my life I have seen a world that hates evil more than it loves good.’ Then I looked again at the long list of issues that should be addressed by Christians, like drug addiction, child abuse, human trafficking, destruction of the environment, and so on. What seemed to be a perpetual list of issues awakened a feeling of hatred in my heart. Johann von Staupitz was right! This world hates evil so much that it spends millions to build prison houses and to combat addiction, HIV/Aids and terrorism. How much do we spend to give incentives for simple, honest and heroic acts? How often do we hear words of encouragement in the workplace, in homes and in schools? Ugly news is splashed across the front pages of newspapers and is sensationalised while good news is often relegated to small print. Has the world become so accustomed to evil that it can no longer appreciate the good? Or has it become so accustomed to evil that it eventually condones it? I sense another angle in the words of Staupitz – another meaning that is far more devastating. It is when people call good, evil. It becomes worse when supposedly good, spiritual and discerning people make the mistake of accusing good as being evil, as in the case of Martin Luther and, of course, our Lord Jesus Christ. Imagine a world that hates evil but does not have sufficient love Jesus was a nuisance to the Pharisees and teachers of the law for good. It would be inconsistent, bizarre and dangerous! This is a because he manifested a perfect balance of hatred for evil and love sad description of an angry world with no clear sense for good. His campaign against evil was never of what is good or evil. It means a callous heart ‘IMAGINE A tainted by any intention to destroy the offender. His hardened by a continual hammering of bitterness; a love for good worked for reconciliation and WORLD THAT mind that is paranoid to anything, even to good wholeness. Hope is offered not only for the victim HATES EVIL BUT but also for the offender. intentions. Hatred has a confusing and blinding effect. As As Christians in an age where evil takes DOES NOT HAVE numerous darkness conquers light after sunset, so hatred and deceiving faces, we should cling to overcomes a person’s ability to see or discern the SUFFICIENT LOVE what is good. We must keep our spiritual eyes clear good. Eventually, that person will destroy himself or from hatred so that we can truly hate evil enough and FOR GOOD’ herself. This is why Paul admonishes us in Romans love good even more. 12:21 to ‘overcome evil with good’. In verse 9 of the same chapter he reminds us that the best way to hate evil is to cling to what is NEXT TIME A CLOSER LOOK AT ... good! The entire chapter shows that Paul was aware that hatred pulls Known and Favoured a person away from seeing the good. Humility, joy, patience and love are sacrificed in the name of revenge. Revive 17
‘ T H E Y A L L J O I N E D T O G E T H E R C O N S TA N T LY I N P R AY E R ’ ( A C T S 1 : 1 4 N I V )
CHILE Following the major earthquake that caused so much damage in Chile on 27 February, whole communities were seriously damaged along the coast by the tsunami that followed. One such community was Santa Clara, near to Concepcion. This small community, described as being in ‘zero zone’, was left with nothing, all property and belongings being washed away. Rosa Shaw, a community leader, indicated that they had nothing left but hope. ‘Material does not matter; the important thing is to keep the family together. Whatever the catastrophe we women will be able to renew our strength and work hard to rebuild.’ They thanked The Salvation Army for all the assistance being given and asked for prayer. The whole community is being relocated by the government although they do not know where to or when.
‘MATERIAL DOES NOT MATTER; THE IMPORTANT THING IS TO KEEP THE FAMILY TOGETHER’
women community leaders of Santa Clara whose fishing village has been destroyed by the tsunami (now being relocated by local government)
women in the East Kalimantan Division praying for faith goals
INDONESIA The East Kalimantan Division of The Salvation Army in Indonesia held a women’s event during which small groups prayed for growth goals. Let us join them in prayer, both for their division and for growth around the world. May more and more women, men, girls and boys come to know the Lord Jesus as their Saviour!
R PRAY FO 1
The Concepcion communities as they continue to recover from the Chilean earthquake after such devastation and destruction
2 3 4 5 6
The new President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, as he begins to lead the country at this difficult time The work with young boys at the ‘El Redil’ Boys Home damaged in the earthquake The work in Talca where the division is trying to establish a Salvation Army presence Communities in Indonesia that continue to experience earthquakes on a regular basis The women involved in spiritual ministry in Indonesia
18 Revive
a cradle crashes Oh be careful little soul where you go With your little hands and feet blue with cold. rock-a-bye baby, whose hand will you hold To lead you out of this darkness untold? Precious baby, your daddy dares take That which was never intended for him to break. rock-a-bye baby with tears in your eyes, Someone is coming who will hear your cries. Major ruth takes you from this terror and pain away from your father’s sin and his shame. rock-a-bye baby, in arms of compassion and love is God’s grace touching your life from above. Colonel Rebecca A. Nüesch
S
a risk-taker
he was cold to the touch, her little feet and hands, as the major questioned the woman holding the baby, ‘Why isn’t Colonel Rebecca A. Nüesch TERRITORIAL SECRETARY FOR WOMEN’S MINISTRIES, USA CENTRAL this child dressed for the cold?’ The woman, attending the nutrition class in San Lorenzo Major Ruth was informed at the hospital spirit knowing that someone loves her; when on how to use soy milk, replied, ‘This child that indeed the child had been sexually she can be a part of a family and know and has no mother. I am only the aunt.’ Major Ruth Paulsen, District Director of abused repeatedly by her father and, also it feel loving arms around her – the touch of Women’s Ministries for Paraguay, took the was discovered, by her 13-year-old brother Christ in her life. child, found warm clothing and dressed the as well. The aunt made the inconceivable baby girl, named Veronica. She was three comment, ‘Well, the father had no wife; PostscriPt: what else was he supposed to do?’ years old. the Women’s Ministries in Paraguay, under The State had nowhere to place the child The following week, on a routine the direction of Major ruth Paulsen, have follow-up, social work visitors from The and the police requested The Salvation united in common effort to be risk-takers in community with christ. in october 2008 a Salvation Army headed to the home of Army to take Veronica for the night. ‘The plan was inaugurated with seminars to night’ turned into five days. Realising the Veronica when a neighbour across the educate women to the problem of sexual tremendous risk to them street signalled the team to come trafficking and abuse. this was followed up in May 2009 with a retreat with an individual personally should the father over. Obviously in a nervous emphasis on ‘What can i do?’ Major discover his daughter’s state, she told them that she Paulsen has met personally with the whereabouts, Majors Ruth occasionally cared for secretary of state for Women and also with and Thore Paulsen took Veronica as the mother the secretary of state for children for Paraguay, who have shown interest in Veronica into their home, had died and there was partnering with the salvation Army in a hiding her under safe only the father and a common effort to combat these evils. keeping until Veronica was brother in the house. When More recently, another child, five years old, whom the major had known for a year, was placed in a State children’s she would bathe the child removed from the family’s home due to institution. The brother, who, the little girl would cry and Major Ruth Paulsen being abused by the father. He, too, is now when questioned, only laughed at complain of pain in the genital imprisoned. his actions, was placed in another State area. She did not want to get involved but facility. she was concerned for the child’s sake. Colonel Rebecca Since then, Major Ruth Paulsen has been The team made their way to the child’s A. Nüesch home, and with the excuse of caring for the called upon to testify in court against the child’s cough asked the aunt to bring the father, who is now in prison. The majors child to the clinic that afternoon for have visited Veronica in the State home and attention. The authorities would be notified have petitioned the court justice for ‘home and the child taken to the hospital for an visits’. These are specific times when this little girl can come and be revived in her examination. Revive 19
O
n Manhattan’s First Avenue, delegates walk purposefully against the brisk March wind. Blue plastic credentials on silver-beaded chains swing around their necks as they make their way to the United Nations’ 54th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW 54). They step through the doors of The Salvation Army’s International Commission for Social Justice (ISJC) building on East 52nd Street for a morning briefing. In the INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL JUSTICE COMMISSION CO-HOSTS U.N. CONFERENCE lobby, Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan, ISJC director, and her staff greet Warren L. Maye the delegates and direct them into a spacious EDITOR, GOOD NEWS! USA EASTERN TERRITORY auditorium. From 27 February-12 March , the ISJC Colonel Geanette Seymour, senior policy ‘They Shall Come from the East’, a popular served as a co-host for the conference, analyst and intern programme coordinator at song written by General John Gowans, marking the first time the Army has opened the ISJC, the opportunity to serve CSW 54 retired international leader of The Salvation its doors for this annual event. When the delegates also made it possible for staff to Army. ‘You saw tears in the eyes of women CSW 54 executive committee expressed a interact with dignitaries from other nations. in the audience as we sang,’ said Lieutneed for meeting space in the area (several For example, on one day Commissioner Colonel Seymour. UN official conference rooms were MacMillan spent two hours with a It seemed fitting that the 13 days of currently under renovation), the Army was parliamentarian from Sweden and Daniel meetings should culminate with a speech quick to offer its accommodation and Alarcon, a research intern from Chile, from United States Secretary of State support. enlightened a senator from Mexico about the Hillary Rodham Clinton. When she was ‘Special thanks to The Salvation Army Army’s work in that country. First Lady of the United States, Clinton’s for their generous contributions of time, Speaking Spanish, Alarcon shared insistence that the violent and dehumanising space, personnel, equipment, and unfailing information about the Army and helped the treatment of women and girls must stop support,’ wrote the committee in its official senator connect with the territorial resulted in the formulation of the ‘Beijing publication CSW 54/Beijing + 15. commander in Mexico via email. Major Platform for Action.’ Women as well as men heard presenters Victoria Edmonds, Salvation Army UN On 12 March , the closing day, as many from every corner of the globe discuss the representative, met informally with Susan as 700 women heard Secretary of State implementation of the ‘Beijing Platform for Rice, the US ambassador to the UN, to Clinton speak passionately about the daily Action’. Twelve criteria had been discuss an ongoing partnership. contributions of women who are overlooked formulated, in essence, as an agenda for Many of the women delegates were but nevertheless essential to maintaining a women’s empowerment. leaders in their own countries. During the stable world economy and quality of life. That agenda addressed the challenges course of the meetings, Seymour says, they She said that women are the providers of brought on by poverty, the need for broadened their perspective on the problems care that they themselves are not privileged education and training, health issues, they face at home. ‘They came to the to receive. violence against women, women in armed realisation that we have the same issues and ‘Women are the majority of the world’s conflict, the economy, power and decision- problems in other parts of the world,’ she farmers, but they don’t own property; they making, institutional mechanisms for says. ‘There is something to be learned by are used as pawns in politics, commerce, advancement, human rights, the media, the how women are managing.’ and war. We stand with the women who environment and the care of the girl child. As a demonstration of The Salvation wage a lonely war for us all!’ The Secretary Among those who presented riveting Army’s global commitment to women in of State said, ‘Human rights are women’s messages of struggle and 120 nations where rights; women’s rights are human rights!’ ‘YOU SAW TEARS some triumph were ISJC delegates it currently ministers, a Secretary of State Clinton challenged: Commissioner Hope IN THE EYES OF representative group of ‘Our progress is measured, not by what is Mungate of Zimbabwe and WOMEN IN THE women officers gathered said at grand venues like this, but by how Major Minel Pierre-Fils of one morning in the chapel well we can change the conditions of AUDIENCE AS Haiti. of the Church Centre of the women around the world.’ According to Lieut- WE SANG’ United Nations and sang
opendoors
20 Revive
inheritance – A BIBLICAL VIEW Warren L. Maye tells commissioner hope Mungate’s story Opposite page, from left: Commissioner Christine MacMillan, ISJC director, addresses the delegates; a group of delegates enjoy a time of fellowship, sharing together; above: United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton gives a challenging speech at the culmination of the conference
D
uring a CSW 54 chapel service at the Church Centre for the United Nations, Commissioner Hope Mungate of Zimbabwe began by quoting Hoglah and her four sisters (Numbers 27:1-11) who, after the death of their father, defied cultural norms and demanded from Moses and Eleazar an inheritance for themselves. Commissioner Mungate vividly remembers the day in 1995 when her family distributed her father’s wealth among its members. Her two brothers sat on one side of the room and she and her three sisters, who were the older siblings, sat on the other side. When all was said and done, her brothers and an uncle walked away with everything. The girls were stunned. ‘We got absolutely nothing,’ Hope remembers, ‘not
even a safety pin or a handkerchief.’ Because her father didn’t leave a will, the traditional law that says, ‘Only men inherit,’ prevailed. This incident was a turning point in Commissioner Mungate’s life. ‘At that point, I spoke up,’ she said. She and several other women began a campaign to encourage women to engage only in civil marriages. In such unions, properties are registered in both spouses’ names. In 1997, Commissioner Mungate, who had become a strong advocate for civil marriage, became the first woman pastor of any denomination in Zimbabwe to become a licensed marriage officer. ‘I took the exam and passed it,’ she says proudly. Her gentle manner of speaking belies the determination and intrepidness that has resulted in her success. The government issued her a certificate to counsel and marry couples in church on a regular basis. As a retired Salvation Army officer, Commissioner Mungate continues to
Top right: Commissioner Hope Mungate shares a personal story at the conference; above: some of the members of the ISJC staff team who assisted in the planning and organisation of the conference
conduct weddings. But invariably, when she stands alone on the podium waiting for the ceremony to start, she hears a familiar question, ‘Where is your husband?’ ‘My husband is not coming today,’ she says. ‘Should we get another marriage officer?’ ‘No,’ is her reply. ‘Let’s see what happens.’ The Commissioner is always amused by the looks she receives from the congregation when the presiding officer announces, ‘Commissioner Hope Mungate will be the marriage officer today.’ Since her appointment as a marriage officer, she has become a role model for other women Salvation Army officers as well as women of other denominations. For example, women in the United Methodist Church of Zimbabwe now serve as licensed clergy. ‘Women are speaking up and their voices are being heard,’ says Commissioner Mungate, who points out that other laws that discriminate against women are being changed in the courts and in public opinion. But she also acknowledges that, even with new laws on the books, it will take time before families accept them over traditional behaviours. ‘We have a long way to go,’ she says, ‘but if we follow Jesus Christ, we will become inheritors of the things of the Kingdom.’
Warren L. Maye Revive 21
take care of
What we really need is a lifestyle change, not a quick fix
Major Kathie Chiu
I
was really tired and the bed looked so inviting. I got in and curled up under the quilt and began to drift off to sleep ... ahhhh ... peace. ‘Mom … mom ... mom!’ ‘What?’ I asked, irritated. ‘Mom, can you help me untangle this?’ asked Evan. My peace abruptly disturbed, I snapped at him. ‘What? Leave me alone! Go ask your dad!’ Taking care of my physical, emotional and spiritual needs is difficult in a large, busy and often chaotic family atmosphere. If it’s not the younger children wanting something, it’s the grown children needing my help. I occasionally have to baby-sit eight grandchildren. My ageing mother sometimes requires extra care and attention. As well, I mustn’t forget my husband, the social ministry of our church, the staff, the volunteers, the community and divisional headquarters. The stress was getting to me, so I arranged to see my doctor. ‘Your body is screaming for rest,’ he said. You’ve had a lot of health issues this year since your surgery. You’re exhausted. You’ve got adrenal fatigue. It’s time to take better care of you.’ ‘You mean take time off work?’ I replied. ‘Yes,’ he said. ‘And take time off from all the other stresses, too!’ In my efforts to look after everyone else, I’d neglected to take care of myself. I was running out of breath. It was time to learn how to put on my oxygen mask before I could help anyone else with theirs. I always thought I wouldn’t have a problem taking time off, but now I wasn’t sure what to do with myself. What would this change look like? I definitely would have to learn to say ‘no’ more often and set some time and space boundaries. I’d have to schedule time for relaxation and fun, but I couldn’t remember what that looked like. Life has a way of piling up. Our routines become so full that we switch to autopilot. We don’t even realise it’s happening until we’re beginning to fall apart. Summer is often a time when life moves a little more slowly – an ideal time to adopt new habits. What we really need is a lifestyle change. God can help us. It may require a more thoughtful and prayerful life. Perhaps we need to take a lesson from Jesus who went off alone to pray (see Luke 4:1-13). He took time to eat with friends and enjoy life. If
22 Revive
we sometimes say ‘no’ to people’s demands, are we afraid that we might be judged as selfish or as not doing our Christian duty? That is not a healthy way to live. Here are some ways to take better care of ourselves:
= Re-establish a consistent
daily devotional time. = Schedule some form of
exercise. = Remember sleep deprivation
lowers our stress tolerance.
= Eat smaller meals more
frequently.
Quiet Time With God Having a daily quiet time with God is essential for deepening our relationship with him and growing in Christlikeness. Choose a time of the day and a regular place when you can focus on God undisturbed. = Aim for 30 minutes, though 10 is better than nothing. = Select a contemporary Bible translation that best speaks to your mind and heart. = Read the Bible reflectively and be open to God’s leading and direction. = Journal your fresh, God-given insights and speak naturally and honestly to God. = Commit to obeying what God has revealed through his Word.
Major Kathie Chiu CANADA AND BERMUDA TERRITORY
15 - 18 JULY 2010
MARCH-APRIL 2011
MARCH 2011
the 55th Un commission on
The status of Women
www.raisedup.org
World Youth Convention 2010
2011
STOCKHOLM SWEDEN 15-18 JULY
11th International Wesleyan/Holiness Women Clergy Conference NEW YORK CITY, USA www.un.org
ST LOUIS MISSOURI, USA www.whwomenclergy.org
Selected by Commissioner Freda Larsson
Cast off all bonds of prejudice and custom, and let the love of Christ, which is in you, have free course to run out in all conceivable schemes and methods of labour for the souls of men.
When you accept rather than fight your circumstances, even though you don’t understand them, you open your heart’s gate to God’s love, peace, joy and contentment. AMY CARMICHAEL
As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible. RUTH GRAHAM BELL
CATHERINE BOOTH
It is still step by step. When Elvis Presley says, ‘You are always on my mind’ that’s one thing, but when God says it that’s really something else! EVA BURROwS
There is no hitch-hiking in the spiritual life, No thumbing a lift with Peter or Paul, No chartering a denominational coach Or booking a seat in an ecclesiastical jumbo jet bound for paradise. FLORA LARSSON
Revive 23