VOL 7 NO 1
JANUARY-MARCH 2015
How can we be SALT AND LIGHT? HOLINESS LIVED OUT
From faith to healing
TARA’S STORY
GUARDING OUR HEARTS
living out
Godly Attitudes E Q U I P P I N G
W O M E N
F O R
M I N I S T R Y
+
M I S S I O N
inside revive@salvationarmy.org
JANUARY-MARCH 2015
20
10 Godly attitudes 04 Holiness lived out 08 God’s attitudes 10 Challenge and change
BIBLE STUDY
14 Sharing and serving MY STORY 16 He kept me MY STORY 18 From faith to healing SOCIAL ISSUES
04
COLUMNS
IN EVERY ISSUE
07 Guarding our hearts LEADERSHIP
03 Editorial
20 Home truths SPIRITUAL LIFE
18 22
21 The Prayer House 22 Book Review 23 Resource
Apology – An apology is expressed to Major Setsuko Ishikawa for the incorrect spelling of her name in the last issue of Revive. Front cover: Major Lynn Armstrong Back cover: Titus 2:12 (NIV) in English and French, illustrated by Berni Georges All Bible quotations throughout this edition of Revive are from the New International Version 2011 unless stated otherwise TM - The Message, GW - God’s Word, NASB - New American Standard Bible, NKJV - New King James Version, KJV - King James Version, GNB - Good News Bible, NLT - New Living Translation, SASB - The Song Book of The Salvation Army
Articles on any subject of interest to women in ministry are welcomed by the editor. To send an article, write to revive@salvationarmy.org
A resource magazine for women in ministry and mission Publisher: Commissioner Silvia Cox, World President of Women’s Ministries Editor: Major Deslea Maxwell Editorial assistance: Paul Mortlock, Kevin Sims Designer: Berni Georges © André Cox, General of The Salvation Army, 2015 Founders of The Salvation Army: William and Catherine Booth Printed in the UK by Lamport Gilbert Printers Ltd
Contact email address: revive@salvationarmy.org 2 Revive
The Salvation Army International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street London EC4V 4EH United Kingdom
Subscription details at: http://sar.my/revsubu (Revive subscription UK) http://sar.my/revsubo (Revive subscription overseas)
from the editor
Under the influence Major Deslea Maxwell EDITOR
R
ecently I came across the story of a teenage Muslim student in Michigan, USA who accepted Christ as her personal Lord and Saviour. She eventually took up the challenge of ‘See You At the Pole’*. She was the only one who showed up out of her 85 per cent Muslim school. She endured a lot of persecution, even from her own sister who went to the same school. However, because of her witness her sister eventually gave her life to Christ, and since then there has been a steady number of students giving their lives to Christ and more and more meeting at the flagpole to pray. Do you sometimes feel that you are the only person standing up for the truth? Let’s face it, others do not always appreciate the person who tries to live a godly life. This issue of Revive resonates with me, because my desire is to be and do all that God requires of me. And so I am grateful for the honesty and the wonderful challenges that the writers have presented within this issue, as well as the inspiring testimonies of lives changed and transformed through the power of God the Holy Spirit. These are truly women who are endeavouring to live godly lives in an ungodly world. But is living a godly life in this world an easy thing to do? What does it require? What does a godly life look like? Are we really impacted by the world around us? In giving some thought to these questions, my mind is drawn
‘What does it mean to be godly – to be salt and light?’
to Matthew 5:13-16 where Jesus reminds us that as his followers, we are to be salt and light within the world. What does it mean to be godly – to be salt and light? Simply it means to have a love for the things of God and to walk in his ways, to be passionate for God and seek to have an intimate relationship with him. To grow more and more into the image of Christ as we hunger and thirst for God’s Word to indwell us and be lived out through us for all to see. It’s realising that we don’t belong to ourselves but to Jesus Christ. And the wonderful thing is that we don’t have to face this world on our own, but our heavenly Father, through his Holy Spirit, has provided everything we need to live a godly life in an ungodly world (2 Peter 1:3). We don’t need a little bit of God goodness, we need to allow him to invade and penetrate the deepest parts of our lives. No, others do not always appreciate it when we endeavour to live a godly life, but God requires it of us. Who knows what kind of influence we will have on others when we choose to live a life pleasing to the Lord.
* ‘See You At the Pole’ is a ministry for Christian students from different churches who join together in united prayer at their school flagpoles to intercede for other students, their families and the nation asking God to bring a moral and spiritual awakening.
Revive 3
feature
Lynn Armstrong
4 Revive
feature
interceding
failures honesty inadequacies holy, holy, holy
I
have to admit right at the start that the theme I’ve been asked to write about – ‘Living a godly life in an ungodly world’ – is not one that I would have chosen. Firstly, I believe theologically and have learned through life experiences that God is omnipresent (everywhere present) and that even in the darkest places – when you look through spiritual eyes – God is there. This has become for me an incarnational awakening. It’s not so much about me being present in an ungodly world as it is about seeing God’s sanctifying presence in an ungodly world and joining him. And the second reason has to do with the consistency of living a godly life. I wish I could say that I have consistently lived a godly life but I’m a wife and mother of four children – need I say more? Rather than godly and ungodly I would prefer to use the language I am more familiar with – holy life. By using holy to describe myself it allows me to be honest, put my failures and inadequacies as a follower of Jesus Christ into perspective and take away the guilt that I used to walk around with. And this has to do with my understanding of living a holy life in an unholy world. As I see it, Isaiah helps to put ‘holy’ into perspective. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians helps me understand that holiness is ongoing and his letter to the Romans informs me that Jesus is
interceding for me and cheering me on. And finally, Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus challenges me to discipline myself to lead a life worthy of my calling.
Putting ‘Holy, holy, holy’ and ‘holy’ into perspective
Isaiah 6:1-5 records Isaiah’s encounter with God. He writes: ‘In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: with two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” At the sound of their voices the doorposts and thresholds shook and the temple was filled with smoke. “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”’ The question before us is can we live a godly or holy life in an ungodly or unholy world? The answer to this question is yes, if we can come to grips with the difference between our holiness (holy) and God’s holiness (holy, holy, holy). Isaiah helps us understand this by comparing God’s holiness to our holiness.
‘The reality is that our privilege of holiness comes from God and our response to that privilege must be to live it out’ Revive 5
feature
sanctified peace privilege
perspective shalomgrace
holy, holy, holy
In the Hebrew language emphasis is brought to a word by repeating it. For example, Isaiah writes in chapter 26 verse 3: ‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace [shalom, shalom] whose mind is stayed on thee’ (KJV). ‘Shalom, shalom’ is not just peace, but ‘perfect peace’. And when the words are repeated three times as in ‘Holy, holy, holy’ [‘Kadosh, kadosh, kadosh’] it takes it to a whole new level and we have no way to translate this except to say that God is absolutely and flawlessly perfect in holiness. In comparison to God’s absolute perfection in holiness, Isaiah writes: ‘I am a man of unclean lips and I dwell among a people of unclean lips.’ Here is where we stand in comparison to God’s holiness. This comparison is helpful and allows us to be in awe of God on the one hand, and have a realistic perspective of ourselves on the other. I am holy only because Christ made me so.
He has made me holy and he calls me to keep on being holy
In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church he writes: ‘To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified [having been made holy] in Christ Jesus and called to be holy [carry on being holy].’ In other words, Paul calls those who identify themselves with him as his holy ones (saints) and he instructs them to keep on being holy. I think if we were ‘holy, holy, holy’ there would be no need to encourage us to live out our holiness. The reality is, however, that our privilege of holiness comes from God and our response to that privilege must be to live it out, even in an ungodly world. The reality is, I am a sinner who has been made holy, sanctified by Christ’s death on the Cross and called to live in response to that, wherever I find myself. Living a godly life in an ungodly world is not about perfection in holiness, it’s about perspective. God is perfect in holiness. God does not strive to be, he just is. He is ‘holy, holy, holy’ – there is no sin found in God. On the other hand, I am a sinner who has been redeemed and sanctified. I am saved, called to live a holy life – a life set apart for his purposes – and by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit living within me, I do my best.
My cheerleader is Christ himself
‘Living a godly life in an ungodly world is not about perfection in holiness, it’s about perspective’
Major Lynn Armstrong DIRECTOR, PASTORAL SERVICE CLINIC, THQ CANADA AND BERMUDA TERRITORY
6 Revive
Sometimes in striving to live a godly life in an ungodly world I mess up, but the writer to the Romans reminds me: ‘Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us’ (Romans 8:34). I have a God who never gives up on me.
It is a privilege to be wholly sanctified – but it’s not always easy
As a wife, daughter, sister, mother, grandmother and a Salvation Army officer, I am called by God to be in the world but not of the world. I hear the words of Scripture echo in my ears: ‘Live a life worthy of the calling you have received’ (Ephesians 4:1), and it is a calling that I rest in as the Holy Spirit continues his work in my life and relationships from day to day. It is my prayer that you, like me, would live by the Spirit with the fruit of ‘love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control’ (Galatians 5:22, 23) being abundantly evident and testifying to the world of the new and transformed life which is possible through Jesus Christ.
leadership
Guarding our hearts
W
e all have bad days. Recently, it seemed the whole world was against me. Instead of approaching my small misfortunes with a godly attitude, I opted for self-pity which, like a potent seed, takes root quickly and grows rapidly. Soon, the detestable fruit – bitterness – is ripe in the heart of the person who swallowed the wicked seed. And that was the case with me. By the end of the day I was dripping with the fruit of bitterness. My long-suffering husband was supportive, but once the kids were in bed, I retreated to the bedroom to sulk. The good news is that I got tired of sulking and decided I should do something to cheer myself up. The bad news is that I wound up lifting my spirits by laughing at the misfortune of others. I went on the Internet and on to a website full of misspelled tattoos. I scrolled through picture after picture, cruelly chuckling at people who had permanently scarred themselves with words spelled incorrectly. But then I ran across a tattoo that stopped me in my tracks. It said: ‘Above all else, gaurd (sic) your heart, for everything you do flows from it.’ This quote from Proverbs 4:23 wasn’t the first Bible verse I saw while scrolling through that ‘Once the heart is website. But, despite its spelling bitter, it is too error, this one convicted me. God led me to this one and full of self I knew it. It is true that God to make room moves in mysterious ways! Who would have thought for anyone or that God would speak to me e’ els anything through that silly website? But that’s where I was, so that’s where God met me. I realised I had not been ‘guarding my heart’. When thoughts of self-pity crept into my head, I did not shoo them away. I nurtured them. I let them grow. I filled my heart with them, and they grew into bitterness.
Once the heart is bitter, it is too full of self to make room for anyone or anything else. Loving words and kind deeds do not come from a bitter heart. On that day, I was short-tempered and quite unpleasant. I was too concerned with the injustices that had befallen me to care about anybody else. It was an unholy, ungodly day, because everything we do flows from our hearts. If your heart is full of ugliness, you’ll act in an ugly way. Living a godly life is not easy. And I believe that the forces of evil take note when we are particularly vulnerable – when we are sick or tired or lonely – and make sure to attack us then. How can we make our hearts impregnable? Our hearts must be vigilantly guarded. We must fill them with what is good and right. We must not grow attached to any thought that would displease Christ, rather we must bring every thought captive to him. We must be women of the Word – ready and equipped to handle what we will encounter both in the world and within our own heads. Not long ago I was in a famous art museum enjoying a gorgeous painting. I was so caught up in it I didn’t realise how close I’d gotten to the painting. A guard came up to me and told me I had to maintain a certain distance from it. The artwork was too precious. If I’d touched it, I might have damaged it, so the guard insisted I step back. Are our hearts not even more precious than a costly painting? Let us take great care that our hearts are not compromised by the world around us. It is our duty to keep all contaminants away. If we keep our hearts pure, what flows from them will honour the Lord. May seeds of righteousness and purity grow within us, and may the fruit we bear be the beautiful fruit of the Spirit.
Columnist for 2015 Major Amy Reardon CORPS OFFICER, SEATTLE TEMPLE USA WESTERN TERRITORY
Revive 7
feature
Olesea Nikolaeva
God’s attitudes
A
writer was visiting a coal mine when he noticed at the entrance to the mine a beautiful white flower. Both the writer and his companions were stunned by the fact that this fragile plant could preserve its purity and whiteness amidst the coal dust that seemingly covered everything else around it. Its remarkable beauty in amongst the dirt and dust had everyone looking attentively at it. Noticing that the flower had everyone’s attention, one of the miners took a handful of coal dust and poured it directly onto the flower. The dust fell right off – not one single black dot of dust remained on the petals. Nothing stuck to its striking whiteness. This example is a great illustration for every Christian. We live in a world of sin, but in spite of the dirt and filth that surrounds us, we are to live godly lives and have godly attitudes. Developing godly attitudes is very important for our Christian life. The apostle Paul writes about this when he says: ‘You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had’ (Philippians 2:5 NLT). Other translations say: ●● ‘Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus’ (NKJV). ●● ‘In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus’ (NCV). ●● ‘Think of yourselves the way Christ Jesus thought of himself ’ (TM). ●● ‘’Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus’ (NIV 1984). ●● ‘The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had’ (GNT).
What is attitude?
According to one dictionary, the word ‘attitude’ means: ‘An internal position or feeling with regard to something else.’ Other words that are often used in place of attitude are: ‘feeling, mood, opinion, sentiment, temper, tone, perspective, frame of mind, outlook, view, or morale.’ Attitude is one’s disposition or state of mind. Being a Christian means having the heart and attitude of Jesus. When I think about godly attitudes, the Bible story recorded in the Book of Genesis about a young man called Joseph always comes to my mind. Joseph was born into a good family and he seemed to have had a happy childhood. Although he lost his mother Rachel at a tender age, his father tried to do what was best for him and his brothers. His relationship with God started when he was a young man and he continued to show godly attitudes throughout his life. ●● After being a free man he became a slave. ●● Potiphar’s wife took notice of Joseph and told lies about him and Joseph was put in prison. ●● He eventually became second-in-command to Pharaoh in Egypt. All his life Joseph lived by his connection to God. He could have died of grief, temptation or trials if he had not taken strength from his source – God. There were a lot of difficulties in his life, but he responded to them with a firm faith. Joseph had a godly attitude and preached a sermon throughout his life. If we look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians we see what it means to have godly attitudes, such as:
‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves’ 8 Revive
feature Obedience ‘I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death’ (3:10 NIV 1984).
Humility ‘Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others’ (2:3, 4 ESV). ‘Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross’ (2:6-8 ESV).
Faithfulness ‘Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world’ (2:14, 15 ESV). ‘Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus’ (4:6, 7 NIV 1984).
Gentleness ‘Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near’ (4:5 NIV). ‘Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.’ (4:8 NIV). Applying godly attitudes in one’s life is not an easy task. The Olympic marathon champion does not just wake up one morning with a gold medal on their chest. Everything starts in their childhood when they take their first steps on this earth. Then as they start to walk, they become steadier on their feet until they learn to run. They begin to compete with their friends and begin their training. And when they stand on the starting line of the most important race of their lives they can’t choose to run in a different direction. They can’t lie down and rest. In order to reach the finish line, they need to run the distance.
It is the same in our Christian life. To become like Christ and to run the distance, we need to take the first step – to accept God’s gift of forgiveness and holiness. Following that, we need to keep focused on the finish line every day and keep running towards it. Our finish line is the day when we come face-to-face with the Lord Jesus Christ. If God is able to preserve the beautiful white flower in amongst the clouds of dust, isn’t he able to help us to have godly attitudes in every area of our life? We live in the world, but the world should not live in us.
Captain Olesea Nikolaeva ASSISTANT TO THE DIVISIONAL COMMANDER, FINANCE OFFICER, RUSSIA DIVISION EASTERN EUROPE TERRITORY
Revive 9
bible study
Rajam Daniel
Scripture Text: Philippians 4:8
A
ttitudes are self-determined reactions to different situations. Our attitudes, influenced by our personalities, can be either positive or negative. Attitudes, good or bad – intertwined with our personalities – can become character traits. We are assessed by our attitudes which originate from the heart. It is very important that we have a good attitude – a godly attitude. In a complex and competitive world the one who possesses great knowledge and an extraordinary ability to excel in any field but is found to be devoid of good attitudes is not appreciated and proves to be detrimental to the situation. In Scripture the apostle Paul is deeply concerned about godliness and he advises a young Timothy of its value. In 1 Timothy chapter 4 verse 2 Paul instructs that godliness is not external, but it is the inner power to live a godly life which we see in Christ Jesus. What is a godly attitude? The greatest discovery in anyone’s life is to know the will of God. If we are moved with compassion when we see someone
in need, our compassionate God is manifested through our reaction. Jesus Christ praying in the garden of Gethsemane desired to fulfil the will of God for his life. He said: ‘Yet not as I will but as you will’ (Matthew 26:39). Then when Paul, who persecuted the Christians prior to his conversion, met Jesus on the dusty Damascus road, God said to him: ‘Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.’ We have similar examples in the Old Testament when Abraham rose early in the morning and followed God’s instructions to sacrifice his son Isaac at Mount Moriah, and he went (Genesis 22:3). The prophet Samuel wanted to obey the Lord when he said: ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’ (1 Samuel 3:10). Today, in The Song Book of The Salvation Army we have the prayer: ‘Master, speak: thy servant heareth, waiting for thy gracious word’ (SASB 614). Sadly, sometimes the attitude of obedience is replaced with an attitude of rebellion. But Christ wants to restore us. How do we develop a godly attitude? By having the same attitude as Christ.
‘Attitudes, good or bad – intertwined with our personalities – can become character traits’ 10 Revive
bible study
One that loves and is humble and selfless. An attitude that freely gives up one’s own ambitions and sacrificially loves and serves others because Jesus is the driving force. Jesus must be the heart from where our attitude springs. I believe it is right to say that godliness is holiness. God reveals his holiness through our lives, and in The Salvation Army we believe in practical holiness – living out our holiness in the everyday. I live in India – a pluralistic country – which has a diverse belief system. One particular aspect common in all religions is to consider a church, temple or mosque as a most holy place where footwear is to be removed prior to entering. When people leave that sacred place they put their shoes back on, indicating that holiness is required only in the sanctuary and not outside. God demands holiness wherever we are. Not just when we are in church on a Sunday. Not just during special celebrations such as Easter and Christmas. And not just during special events such as thanksgiving and anniversaries. I feel there are many things that speak of a godly attitude which sit alongside obedience. Love, forgiveness and service are also basic godly attitudes that radiate Christ to an ungodly world.
Questions for reflection or discussion ●● Do
you agree that godliness is holiness? 1. If so, what is holiness? 2. Does holiness or godliness infiltrate every area of our lives?
●● How
can we display a godly character to those we meet each day?
Revive 11
bible study ‘Mahatma Gandhi said: “ The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”’ Forgiveness
Love Love is the foundation of any godly attitude because forgiveness, service, worship and evangelism are all acts that are carried out because of love. The apostle John clearly says: ‘For the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen’ (1 John 4:20 NASB). A classic example is the parable of the lost or prodigal son (see Luke 15:11-32) who, after squandering his share of the estate, was warmly welcomed back by his father regardless of the son’s damaging decisions and shameful acts. He was repentant and his father accepted him. All that was lost was restored. This is a wonderful picture of the love of God for all his children, despite what we have done. John 3:16 says: ‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’ God has shown his love towards us by giving his dearest and best. Jesus showed his love by being willing to lay down his life.
The second attitude is forgiveness. The world we live in is full of hate, jealousy, enmity and strife. There is wickedness all around us. I am alarmed by the news in my own country of India – a place that has experienced great support and love from missionaries from all over the world who have devoted their lives for the salvation of souls, and who themselves have been devastated by the actions of others. I recall the story of Graham Staines, an Australian missionary in Orissa who, along with his two sons, was burned to death in their vehicle by an angry mob who poured petrol on it and set it alight. His wife, Gladys, said: ‘God in Christ has forgiven me and expects his followers to do the same. The Bible says: “To whomsoever you forgive their sins will be forgiven”. Therefore, in the light of eternity we all need forgiveness of our sins to enter Heaven.’ What a godly attitude! Mahatma Gandhi said: ‘The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.’ Only strong-willed, godly people can forgive others. That is why when Christ was hanging on the cross he was able to utter the words: ‘Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing’ (Luke 23:34).
Hand modelling by Jooles Tostevin
Questions for reflection or discussion
Questions for reflection or discussion
●● Do
●● How
you love Jesus enough to make sacrifices for him?
●● If
so, what have you sacrificed?
●● What
are you doing in order to share the love of God with the world and help reveal his plan of redemption?
12 Revive
do Gladys Staines’s words of forgiveness impact you in the light of injustices that have happened to you or your family?
●● Do
you agree with Mahatma Gandhi’s assessment that only strong-willed people can forgive?
bible study ‘The Early Church believers shared their possessions – they lived for others. They came together in fellowship and dispersed for service’
Service Service is much misunderstood, both by individuals and organisations. Helping or assisting someone in need and expecting similar in return is not service at all. As believers, we are expected to live for others, not for ourselves. Some Christians have a sense of pride when they consider all they possess and claim it to be a ‘blessing’ from God. However, I feel that all I have is a blessing that should be shared. Scripture has some wonderful examples of this. For instance, the Early Church believers shared their possessions – they lived for others. They came together in fellowship and dispersed for service. Christ himself came into the world, lived, performed miracles, died and rose again, not for himself, but for others. Within The Salvation Army’s own history people like Samuel Logan Brengle who, as a cadet, was instructed to undertake the menial task of cleaning 18 pairs of boots for other cadets, comes to mind. However, this shaped Brengle’s thinking and service as it reminded him of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples – those who were to betray, deny and desert him. What a lesson in godliness for every one of us!
It is not uncommon within the world, but in my country, people, politicians and even ministers of the gospel crave power rather than assuming the position of a servant. The desire for power and control over others is real in our world. In some cultures, including my own, husbands take it for granted that they are the ‘boss’ of their wife. Women are submissive to the point of being oppressed. But I thank God that my country is progressing. Women are taking on leadership roles both in the political arena and within the church – but we still have a long way to go. Our world needs God-ordained leaders in governments, churches, homes, workplaces, marriages – all areas of life. The Godhead shows us a wonderful example of submission and authority. God the Son was equal with the Father, yet willingly submitted to his Father’s will, including coming to earth, washing the feet of his disciples and dying on the Cross for our sins. And yet Christ is the Head of the Church – he is our leader. I trust that God will continue to challenge us and change us more into the image and likeness of his Son, that we might radiate his goodness and godliness to an ungodly world.
Questions for reflection or discussion ●● Can
you think of other examples, either in Scripture or everyday life, where people freely give of themselves or their belongings?
●● How
does the church (corps) you attend assist those in need?
Major Rajam Daniel DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES, KANYAKUMARI DIVISION, INDIA SOUTH EASTERN TERRITORY
Revive 13
my story
Sharing & Dinauli Sinaga INDONESIA TERRITORY
I
was born and raised in The Salvation Army. My parents, who are Salvation Army officers, introduced me to Jesus Christ. In 2003, when I completed my undergraduate study in nursing, I commenced my field placement in one of the villages in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. This village was known as a Muslim village with my host family living adjacent to the village mosque. Because I was the only Christian in my group, I felt a little distant from my fellow workers, however I continued to live out my Christian life and show my friends and the villagers the love of Jesus through my life. Things began to change. My host family began to ask me to look after their medical needs. This I did happily as they had become my village family – a new family that God had given me. During the two months I was undertaking my placement, this wonderful family provided all my needs – food and shelter. When my placement came to an end and I was returning home, grandma – the oldest in the home – hugged me and through tears said: ‘Please don’t forget us here, my dear.’ My departure was a bittersweet experience because during my time in the village I had grown to love the people. My heart was sad because we would be separated, but also happy because they experienced something of the love of Christ as I lived among them.
14 Revive
my story
serving It is not easy to live a Christian life when non-Christians mainly surround you. I planned to return to the village, but was informed by a friend who had returned that many terrible things were happening, as the authorities were sweeping the region for Christians. As I was being told about this, I thought: ‘Why should I be afraid? If I have to die because I am a Christian, I am ready.’ As I was trying to purchase a bus ticket in order to return to the village, a passenger informed me that they had witnessed some terrible things during their bus ride and other passengers had to pass out headscarves to those who were non-Muslims for their safety. I still decided to go. However, the Lord had a different plan. When I tried to purchase my ticket, I was informed that the bus could not pass Pare-Pare in South Sulawesi, so I would not be able to get to my destination of Poso in Central Sulawesi. I am thankful for my God who protects. I enjoy sharing the love of Jesus with others. Today I endeavour to show God’s love to all through my work with Compassion in Action (CIA). Assisting others through the People Living with HIV/Aids programme and providing information through a variety of outreach activities such as sports and art, I am able to live out my Christian life among
a people who claim to have no faith in Jesus Christ. This work began by asking friends within my corps (church) to participate and join CIA. People living with HIV/Aids, as well as new clients from a variety of ethnic, religious and educational backgrounds, came to us because they sensed an environment where they were accepted, loved and cared for. They are from different socio-economic circumstances and there are those who have been turned away by their families. We provide them with the physical assistance they need, but we also have the opportunity to pray with them and talk openly about the love of Christ and give them hope through Jesus. I love the Army’s motto ‘Heart to God, hand to man’, because it inspires me to do all I can to help those in need and encourages me to be faithful in serving God through The Salvation Army. I give thanks to the Lord, firstly because I know him as my personal Lord and Saviour, and secondly because I have the opportunity to reach out to others without fear, helping them physically and spiritually.
‘My departure was a bittersweet experience because during my time in the village I had grown to love the people’
Revive 15
my story
He kept me
W
ords are inadequate when I try to describe the impact that the Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) has had on my life. I have been a part of the ARC for more than four years. I am a recovering addict and the ARC has been my home, church and the place to which I have gone for solace and spiritual growth throughout the duration of my recovery. I am quite sure that without it, I would not be where I am today. At the age of 15 when I went to my uncle’s house to babysit he asked me if I wanted to ‘smoke a joint’. That was the beginning. It was fun at first, but I soon found myself getting ‘high’ on marijuana and began to drink alcohol. At the time I found my life fairly manageable – I danced and partied – everything seemed quite innocent, but by my early 20s I had been introduced to cocaine. It was like being in love, I couldn’t get enough of it. The ‘highs’ from alcohol and marijuana were just not there anymore, but I still used them. I constantly wanted to be as ‘high’ as possible. I was an addict, but I didn’t know it. I fancied myself – a young, naïve girl who was enjoying life with no hard or fast rules. The trouble was there were hard and fast rules – I just chose to ignore them. My rule was ‘die young – stay pretty’. I thought I was on a journey to self-discovery and I explored this ‘self-discovery’ by letting men explore me. Confused, I equated sex with the love I so desperately wanted. In 1983, I was introduced to freebasing cocaine (cocaine in its purest form). From my first use, I wanted to use it more and more. At the time I had a job as a waitress, but all my hardearned money went towards drugs. It was at this point in my life reality hit and I began to know better. I knew there was something wrong. It was no longer a social, or part-time thing, I had to get ‘high’. I started having trouble keeping up with my habit. My desire to use drugs had begun to far outweigh my ability to pay for it, or to even get up in the mornings to go to work. My nights of drugging spilt over into my days, and my appearance and performance showed it. On 13 March 1987, I was standing in a poverty-stricken area of Detroit desperately searching for my car. I had loaned it to my drug dealer in order for me to stay in an abandoned building, smoking crack all night. I was tired, scared and alone, yet I still wanted to get ‘high’ – but I knew the party was over. I decided to get clean, but it was me that gave staying clean a chance – not God. I thought I could do it my way. I attended Twelve-Step meetings regularly for 10 years in order to get some help with my addiction. I made coffee, I gave 16 Revive
Lynne A. Williams SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN ARC USA CENTRAL TERRITORY
talks, I had a sponsor for a period of time and I began to get my life back in order. I married, had two daughters, went back to school and began a successful career. I managed to accumulate all kinds of things. But with all this ‘stuff ’, I made no room for God. I thought I could handle life and I did manage clean living for 17 years. Yet, I had no concept of ‘recovery’. I thought I had graduated from the disease of addiction. I was making US$130,000 annually, driving an expensive vehicle, living in a $1.5 million home, travelling extensively, and maintaining an almost perfect grade point average in college. But without God and with very few coping skills, I was lonely and miserable. I was merely staying clean. I abandoned all Twelve-Step meetings. And, after 17 years of living a clean life, all the ‘stuff ’ that I had accumulated conveniently fitted right back into a crack pipe. This time, I fell rapidly. I was scared to stop and reflect on anything I was doing. I was on a self-destruct mission and the cost was exceedingly great. Eventually, the money ran out. I saw the prostitutes walking up and down the streets and decided to give it a go. I added heroin to my drug use. Things I said I’d never do for drugs – turning tricks (prostitution), shooting up (injecting drugs) and letting men beat me – all became a part of my everyday survival. As a prostitute, I was raped numerous times, forced to perform sex acts at gun point and beaten when I tried to get away. One day while I was working the streets, The Salvation Army Bed and Breakfast truck stopped to give me a sandwich. When they handed it to me, they wished me a ‘Merry Christmas’. I was so lost, I didn’t even realise I was ‘working’ on Christmas Day. I relinquished custody of my daughters to my ex-husband. Having never been arrested before, I received six convictions in six months along with several minor offences. I was on and off probation and in and out of jail. In the beginning I was able to pay bail myself, but very soon I did not even have a dollar for snacks. After five years in and out of the legal system, I was homeless. I had become a derelict with only the clothes on my back, and prostitution had become my job. I truly believed that this would be the way I’d die. I didn’t think I had any choice in the matter. But God is merciful. Sometimes, we don’t know we’ve got God until God is all we’ve got!
my story
‘Sometimes, we don’t know we’ve got God until God is all we’ve got!’
In 2010, God rescued me. He literally arrested my addiction and me. I believe he had me court-ordered to the ARC. My boyfriend at the time was battling his own addiction and had been court-ordered to the ARC men’s campus. What a pair we were – both court-ordered to rehabilitation, both beat down and both homeless – but God was at work. God was doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. On Sunday 1 August 2010 I received a ‘pass’ to go to church at the ARC in order to see my boyfriend. When I got there, people were talking about recovery from addiction, singing about a new way of life through Jesus Christ. God brought me home! I began attending church at the centre regularly and I became a Salvation Army soldier (church member) in 2011. God had begun to turn my life around. I returned to my studies at Wayne State University and in May 2013 graduated with a bachelor degree in English honours. Now I work joyfully at the women’s campus at the ARC as a spiritual and addictions counsellor – just part of God’s
perfect will for me, for I am now able to give back what was so freely given to me. And that boyfriend? His name is Johnnie Williams. We were married at the ARC in January 2012. He has been clean and sober ever since he entered the centre. Today, I know that God kept me through the storm of active addiction because he had a plan for me. I was kept on purpose for his purpose. I am redeemed! My addiction intended to harm me, but God has used it for good to accomplish what is now being done – helping to bring lives to him. His plan brought me to the ARC where I could truly learn how to be transformed and not just stay clean – a place that allows me to help others. I thank the Lord and I thank The Salvation Army, for I have more joy, contentment and peace in my life than I ever imagined possible.
Revive 17
social issues
From faith to healing Lalnunsangi Ralte
I
t was winter, but the sun was good and warm. I saw her again – the woman I often saw sitting in the marketplace in Nepal. She looked like she was 50 or 60 years old but pregnant, almost full term. She was enjoying the sun. However, even though she looked pregnant, she was so thin and fragile that she could hardly get up off the ground. When I spoke with her she told me that she was only 28 years old and that she wasn’t pregnant. She was so weak she could hardly breathe. During our conversation I noticed she was holding a Bible, which surprised me because I knew she wasn’t a Christian. 18 Revive
She told me that she had heard about Christians and their Bible so, with the little money she had, she bought herself one and began reading it. She said she had read some of it but could not understand it. That day Jesus began to reveal himself to the one who hoped for him – Tara Kumari Ghatini. Her longing for God and her search for Christ never went unnoticed by the Lord. That day he became her provider, her mighty and living God, her King and her Bread of Life. Tara Kumari Ghatani is from a village in Nepal. She is from a low caste family but is in love with and wants to
marry Kumar Rai, who is from a higher caste family. Because their families would not allow them to marry, they fled to Kathmandu to live in a small rented room. Kumar began to work as a labourer, making just enough money to pay for their food and rent. Sadly, Tara’s health did not improve. Her stomach grew bigger and bigger. Eventually Tara and Kumar went to the hospital where the doctor informed them that she had a tumour on her ovary that required immediate surgery. Because the operation was going to cost 50,000 Rupees (US$820), and since they did not have that much money, they went home,
social issues Tara enjoying the privilege of working at her sewing machine
‘Do you not always preach about faith? Well this is the time to put it into practice. If you do not look after Tara, then how will you ever dare to talk about faith again?’ resolved that Tara would continue to suffer until her death. I visited Tara and Kumar in their small rented room. As I sat on the bed I noticed that the mattress was too small for the bed and there were a lot of empty Sprite bottles on the floor in which they stored their water. They had one cooking pot, a frying pan and three bricks that they used as a fireplace for cooking. I spoke with them about Tara’s medical situation and prayed with them before giving them my telephone number in case she needed to contact me. The next day, while I was in an afterschool care class, Tara called saying she could hardly breathe. I quickly made my way to their tiny room to find Tara in an extremely weak condition. My husband and I, along with one of our corps, members discussed whether we should take Tara to the hospital – we knew in our culture if we did, we would be responsible for paying the medical fee. If anything happened to Tara, her family would accuse us of her death. During our visit with Tara, our daughter called me and I explained what was happening. She told me: ‘Do you not always preach about faith? Well this is the time to put it into practice. If you do not look after Tara, then how will you ever dare to talk about faith again?’ Challenged by our daughter’s compassion and wisdom, we decided to take Tara to the hospital and the following day signed the papers giving permission for the operation to take place. Fellow officers and friends gathered together and prayed for Tara, asking that God might go before her and bring healing through the operation. God really does answer prayer. At the hospital while waiting to be taken
into surgery, a senior doctor, who we had never met before, saw Tara waiting for her surgery with the crowd of other patients. She noticed Tara’s condition and took her straight into the operating theatre. Following a six-hour operation, we were informed that a tumour the size of a man’s fist had been removed. The operation was not cheap, but with a concession given by the hospital and the help of Salvationists from Aizawl Temple Corps and the Central North Divisional Headquarters (India Eastern Territory), we were able to pay for it. On that warm winter’s day when Tara first sought after God, he came to her and began to change her life. Tara is now a Salvation Army soldier (member). She and Kumar have moved to a better home, they have their needs supplied and are living a happy and accepted life. The Lord for whom she searched met her at her point of need and answered her prayers. Jesus Christ our God never ignores those who seek him. God will not despise a broken and contrite heart. I am grateful that God used us not only to help bring physical healing to Tara, but also to lead her to fullness of life in Christ.
Major Lalnunsangi Ralte ASSOCIATE EXTENSION OFFICER, NEPAL INDIA EASTERN TERRITORY
Revive 19
spiritual feature life
Hellen Munde Obimbo EDITOR, THE WAR CRY KENYA WEST TERRITORY
Columnist for 2015
Home truths
I
n her book One Minute of Praise, Darlene McCarty says: ‘Housing the glory of God must begin in our homes. Our home should be the first sanctuary we dedicate to the Lord and the first place we practice walking in his presence. By staying humble, holy and hungry for more of God, we create an atmosphere in our home where the Spirit can reside affecting everyone who lives with us in a positive manner.’ God has so many ways of communicating with his people. In the Old Testament he spoke to Moses, Ezekiel, Job and many other great prophets, but my favourite is David. David was chosen and anointed by God to be the ruler of his people. In all ways David sought to honour God, and God indeed blessed his leadership. Why do I like David? I like David because he and God had an intimate relationship. David longed to build a tabernacle for God’s indwelling, but God said that David’s son Solomon would build it. However God did say that he would set up a royal household for David (2 Samuel 7:11). In giving this some thought, I realised the most amazing thing about this royal house or the establishment of the eternal Kingdom through David, was that it would be built by God himself. The royal house was to be open and surrounded by worship and praise and as the people worshipped – there was God in the centre. How amazing! I wonder what would happen in our homes and places of worship if they were a true reflection of the presence of God. For it is his presence that brings healing, peace, positive attitudes, restoration and blessing in every area of our lives. Remember, David’s passion did not commence when he brought the ark back to Jerusalem it started when he was still a shepherd boy, with a harp in his hand and a song on his heart. He had a passion for God and was always ready to do what 20 Revive
‘Our home should be the first sanctuary we dedicate to the Lord’ the Lord asked of him. David had a humble spirit, he lived a holy life, he was intimate with his God and always hungered after him to the point where he was known as a ‘man after his [God’s] own heart’ (1 Samuel 13:14). God needs people who have no power within themselves, yet are willing to be the temple of his presence. If we want to acquire godly attitudes and be his dwelling place, we must purify ourselves of anything unclean or unholy that might prevent us from spending time with the King. We must call upon the Lord by asking him to remove anything within us that would hinder his visitation and we must believe from within our hearts that we are of great value when we follow him and show godly attitudes.
Evernice Chirandu
I
n being born into a Christian family, educated in a Christian school and then later becoming an officer of The Salvation Army, I have learned to look at the world realistically. I have also come to understand that being a Christian doesn’t mean that I can escape the troubles and temptations of this world. And yet as a Christian I am expected to be godly in an ungodly world. How can one be godly in an ungodly world? From a spiritual standpoint the Christian does not belong to this world. Jesus said: ‘My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it’ (John 17:15, 16).
‘Being a Christian doesn’t mean that I can escape the troubles and temptations of this world’
Jesus declared in the Sermon on the Mount: ‘Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven’ (Matthew 5:16). Out of each circumstance, we make a decision of the will (soul) to be either godly or ungodly. In my home country of Zimbabwe, there are many practices that lead people into ungodliness. Prostitution, drunkenness, witchcraft, witch-hunting, charms, unseen forces and voices that torment people and wage war against individuals, are all cultural things that Zimbabweans have to deal with. But it is up to the believer to know that our heavenly Father has provided all that is needed, through his Holy Spirit, to live free of Satan’s temptation, tactics, lies and snares. It is up to each person to realise that when the aggressive winds and tumbling waves of temptation come, one must not be overwhelmed by them. Being godly in an ungodly world is realising that you belong to the Almighty. The world is full of evil but the ultimate victory is won through Christ. God wants to produce in us the character of Christ and so Paul reminds us to ‘set
your minds on things above, not on earthly things’ (Colossians 3:2). Our behaviour and attitude determines how godly or ungodly we are. Being godly in an ungodly world is to know that God loves us with an unconditional love. Drawing nearer to Christ will help us overcome temptation as the desire to give in to it fades. God’s grace is sufficient for us and it is a gift that cannot be purchased through our good works or understanding behaviour. It is our faith in Jesus Christ that will help us win the battle. And this is achieved through love and devotion to God. God has a plan for each one of us and we must come to understand that no one cares for us as much as Christ. James 1:2-4 reminds us that the circumstances we encounter are designed to perfect us. We must remember that God is sovereign and he is still at work, even in the midst of man’s ungodliness. Major Evernice Chirandu DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES – BRADLEY HIGH SCHOOL ZIMBABWE TERRITORY
Revive 21
review
THE WHOLE
not a fan.
WORLD
Becoming a completely committed follower of Jesus by Kyle Idleman
READING
From the first question: ‘Are you a follower of Jesus?’ Kyle Idleman seeks to unpack what a true follower of Jesus Christ really is. The writer begins by speaking about the crisis point that brought him to the place of revelation about his own life and ministry, and states: ‘Jesus has defined the relationship he wants with you. He is not interested in enthusiastic admirers who practice everything in moderation and don’t get carried away. He wants completely committed followers.’ This book challenges the reader to consider what it truly means to call oneself a Christian. He defines what both a fan and a follower are and then goes on to speak about the invitation to follow, to take up our cross daily, deny self to the point of total surrender, and to follow Jesus wherever he may lead. Idleman informs the reader that trying to follow Jesus part-time or halfheartedly is impossible because the relationship Jesus wants for each of us requires our whole heart. Scattered throughout the pages are testimonies from people who have taken the journey from fan to follower of Christ and who have found an incredible sense of fulfilment and power for their everyday living. Kyle also uses many scriptural passages to highlight Christ’s desire for fully committed disciples, not just ‘fair-weather’ followers or those who have come just for the ‘show’ and a meal.
Not a Fan is an easy but compelling read and I would highly recommend this book to anyone who desires to be an authentic follower of Christ. New York Times bestselling author, Lee Strobel says: ‘Get out your highlighter and let Kyle take you back to the core of Christianity. You may never enjoy being challenged more than by reading this clear, compelling, and winsome book!’ Major Deslea Maxwell EDITOR, REVIVE AND THE SALVATION ARMY YEAR BOOK
Available from: www.amazon.com
subscriptions
UK £8.50
22 Revive
£16
starting in january 2015 In 2015, the year of the Boundless Congress, Salvationists and Christian friends around the world are called to join together to read through the whole of the New Testament within one year – The Whole World Reading! You are invited to journey with us as we reflect on God’s timeless message to his Church.
Will you rise to the challenge?
BOUNDLESS WORLD THE WHOLE
READING
the International Bible Reading Challenge For further resources and commentaries www.salvationarmy.org/biblechallenge
et
eq uil ibr ée
te jus
s
tu
Ti
de
vie
ine
ple
UK )
G ra “ c o N go s rld o e ‘ dl elf ly ” to tea y -c pa u c liv o h es nt ssi ngo es in rolle ons dl us th d , a ine to is , u n ss s a pr pr d es ig to and y en ht liv t a an e ge d .’
IV
(N
sp
ieu
w
rD
ou
tp
ec
un e
12
2:
re
Tite 2:12 La Bible du Semeur (BDS)
Elle nous éduque et nous amène à nous détourner de tout mépris de Dieu et à rejeter les passions des gens de ce monde. Ainsi nous pourrons mener, dans le temps présent, une vie équilibrée, juste et pleine de respect pour Dieu.’