Revive (October 2015)

VOL 7 NO 4

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2015

WONDERFULLY MADE BOUND-LESS WOMEN’S RALLY

WORK IN PROGRESS BIBLE STUDY

THE DISCERNING HEART

MENDING A BROKEN HEART Diane Stark’S STORY

You are God’s masterpiece 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

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M I S S I O N

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You are God’s masterpiece

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04 You are God’s masterpiece 08 Mending a broken heart

My story

OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2015

revive@salvationarmy.org

10 Work in progress BIBLE STUDY 14 A stepping stone SOCIAL ISSUES 18 Boundless bunting!

20 Bound-Less pictorial WOMEN’S RALLY 22 Joyfully his WORLD PRESIDENT OF WOMEN’S MINISTRY

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COLUMNS

IN EVERY ISSUE

07 Thoughts from a mediocre musician LEADERSHIP

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16 A glorious future SPIRITUAL LIFE

23 Book reviews

Editorial

17 The Prayer House

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Front cover: Photo by the Boundless photographic team Back cover: Psalm 139:14 (NLT) in English and Chinese, illustration 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, NKSV - 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 and 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

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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

Wonderfully made Major Deslea Maxwell EDITOR

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n Facebook, I came across a video of a little girl who was terminally ill. Her greatest desire before dying was to marry her nurse. So everyone at the hospital, along with her parents, worked to make her dream come true and give her a make-believe wedding. She walked into the room wearing a beautiful white dress and tiara to be greeted by the male nurse who had been caring for her.

Watching that video took me back many years to a little girl who would put on her mother’s house dress, her high heels, a hat and a little bit of lipstick (if she could find it) and would clip-clop around the house looking all grown-up.

I don’t know when the dream to be beautiful enters into a little girl’s mind but from the time she stretches on her tiptoes to get a look at herself in the mirror, she desires to be beautiful – perhaps like her mummy. I think the dream to be beautiful is at the very centre of who we are as women.

In the first chapter of Genesis we read several times that, at the end of each day’s work, the Creator stepped back, examined what he had created, and saw that it was good. A woman was and is one of God’s most magnificent creations. As a matter of fact, she was his grand finale (Genesis 2:22). After he fashioned Eve, Creation was complete and God rested.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:10 that ‘we are God’s handiwork’. In other words, we are his work of art.

David says: ‘For you created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

My frame was not hidden from you When I was made in the secret place, When I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed body’ (Psalm 139:13-16).

That tells me that I am no accident – I am here by God’s design and so are you. We don’t need to compare ourselves to other ‘works of art’ but thank him for who he has created us to be – he chose to create the masterpiece called … YOU! I am grateful for the women of God he has brought into my life through the years. They have been wonderful role models of what

a woman, a wife, a mother and a Salvation Army officer (minister) look like.

With this issue of Revive, sadly we say goodbye to two wonderful women who have challenged and inspired us through their writings. To Major Amy Reardon and Ms Hellen Obimbo, thank you both for your honesty, humour and messages that have challenged us to be the women God created us to be.

As you read through these pages, may God remind you of how special you are to him. You are indeed his ‘wonderfully made’ work of art – his masterpiece.

‘Thank him for who he has created us to be – he chose to create the masterpiece called …

YOU! Revive 3

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For we are God’s masterpiece.

He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)

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hen we hear the word masterpiece, we readily think of the unparalleled works of great artists and composers such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Beethoven and Mozart. The word evokes a feeling of awe and wonder. A masterpiece stands the test of time and is costly. But most of all, it is a reflection of the genius behind the craft.

Michelangelo said: ‘In every block of marble I see a statue as plain as though it stood before me, shaped and perfect in attitude and action. I have only to hew away the rough walls that imprison the lovely apparition to reveal it to the other eyes as mine see it.’

People see the block of marble – the genius sees the amazing sculpture and wields his or her tools to reveal a mystery that only their eyes can see and hands can craft. Then, with overflowing joy they present their masterpiece for the world to see.

You are Elsa Oalang

Similarly, Paul beautifully laid down his argument to reach that awe-inspiring declaration. Like a block of marble, the believers were nothing but hard pieces of rock. In the past, they were dead spiritually because of their sins and obedience to the devil (Ephesians 2:1) and they were subject to God’s anger (v 3). Yet, they were God’s masterpiece (v 10) because of the ‘incredible wealth of his grace’ (v 7).

The passage from Ephesians 2:1-10 closes with the words ‘so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago’. These words signal a journey that started in the past; a mission that was thwarted; something that was accomplished in order to recover what was lost; and a new beginning to accomplish the plan.

Like the Ephesian believers, let us reflect on our spiritual journey.

We are God’s masterpiece – he created us

When God took the dust of the ground, he saw in it what would be the reflection of himself – a creature that would stand apart from the rest of Creation. When God created us, he stamped his identity and purpose in us. We are his masterpiece, created in his own image (Genesis 1:27).

In Psalm 139, the writer takes the creation of humankind to a more personal level and regards the development of life as an ongoing, focused and purposeful creative act of God. We read how the psalmist marvelled at the truth that God knitted him together in his mother’s womb and formed his inner being (v 13). He was intricately created (v 15). This passage shows that to some degree the psalmist was already aware of the wonder of the human anatomy.

There is something far greater than the human body. It is the breath of God in humankind that connects the Creator and the 4 Revive

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God’s

‘A masterpiece stands the test of time and is costly. But most of all, it is a reflection of the genius behind the craft’

creation. It is that mark of ownership. God will never abandon us despite our unworthiness. He knows our hearts and thoughts (v 2). He watches over us (v 3) and even before we speak he knows what we are going to say (v 4). And most of all, we can never escape his presence (vv 7-12). Amazing!

We are God’s masterpiece – Jesus saved us

There is a well-known story about a boy who made a boat. He took it to the lake and enjoyed watching his toy ripple along on top of the waves. Sadly, he didn’t notice that the boat was moving beyond his reach and cried as his boat floated away. Sometime later, he saw his boat in a shop window. He went to the store manager to claim his boat. ‘That boat is mine. I made it,’ he said. The manager said, ‘That is no longer yours. I purchased it from someone. If you want to have it back, you will have to buy it.’ The boy worked hard to save the money needed to buy back his boat. He returned to the store and bought the treasure that he himself made. Leaving the store the boy exclaimed, ‘You are twice mine! I made you, then I bought you!’

This story illustrates the redeeming love of God through Christ.

God created us, yet we drifted away from him. In his love, Christ redeemed us and ‘created us anew’ (Ephesians 2:10). This is the mystery of the creative act of God! In Christ, the masterpiece regained its beauty and dignity. Ephesians 2:8-9 says: ‘God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.’

There are those who take pride in their good works as if they could buy a ticket to Heaven. That is foolishness! We are saved by grace! On the other hand, there are those who wallow in selfpity and the feeling of wretchedness, as if Hell is their only Revive 5

feature ‘There is something far greater than the human body. It is the breath of God in humankind that connects the Creator and the creation’ Find your identity and completeness in Christ

In the movie Jerry Maguire the title character seeks to persuade his wife that he has become a better man, telling her: ‘You complete me.’ So many relationships break down because people seek their completeness in another person. How can an incomplete person complete another? Or, how can an inanimate object, such as money, fill the vacuum in a person’s life?

‘So you also are complete through your union with Christ’ (Colossians 2:10 NLT). The only one who can complete our inmost being is Christ! We are the children of God and therein is our identity (John 1:12).

Sadly, people allow the world to dictate what they need. Take mass media advertisements as an example. The few seconds of hammering subliminal messages on television, through newspapers or social media, can persuade a person to buy something that he or she does not really need. And further to that, the advertising can create an impression that our self-image is largely determined by the model of ‘gadget’ we buy. Unfortunately, some people chase materialism and ungodly ambitions.

Find your significance in what God has done for you, in you and through you destination. The good news is, none of us should feel utterly hopeless because of our unworthiness. Christ forgave the thief on the cross and blessed Saul the persecutor who became Paul the apostle. None of us is hopeless. In Christ, we are created anew – the masterpiece is restored.

We are God’s masterpiece – the Holy Spirit transforms us

An unknown author told a story about a woman who visited a silversmith. She had read Malachi 3:3: ‘He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.’ She asked the silversmith if he sat while the refining process is ongoing. The man replied: ‘I do sit but I watch intently because if I go beyond the necessary time for refining, the silver would be harmed.’ The lady asked another question: ‘How do you know when the refining process is complete?’ The man smiled and said: ‘When I can see my own image in the silver, then the refining process is complete.’ What an incredible illustration!

With the Triune God living in us, the Holy Spirit transforms us to become like Christ! The refining process may be painful but God is in control. In the midst of the fire of affliction – and during the breaking, melting and moulding – God is intently watching over us. The way we respond to the circumstances of life, gives us the opportunity to grow and reflect more perfectly the image of God! What then? As God’s masterpiece, how should we live and allow this amazing truth to weave into the fabric of our everyday lives?

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Every person in any cultural, social environment or stage of life has to face the all-important question: ‘What is the meaning of my existence?’ While some people live in a context that pursues success and self-development, there are those whose worth is dictated by the stronger and more powerful person.

Discrimination and persecution are realities and Christians (particularly women) may unknowingly become victims of these circumstances.

We live in a success-driven world. But as God’s people we should stop and ask him: ‘What do you want me to do for you today, Lord?’ Only after knowing the purpose of God in our lives can we find the meaning of our existence. We do not need to chase God’s purpose. He gently reveals his plan, takes us by the hand and leads us toward its fulfilment.

Remember this: ‘And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns’ (Philippians 1:6 NLT).

So, let us remind ourselves constantly that God is eternally committed to us – his masterpiece.

Major Elsa Oalang Literature Secretary and Assistant Personnel Secretary The Philippines Territory

a m o r f s t h g u Tho

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didn’t turn out the way I thought I would. My childhood self had visions of my adult self that never did pan out.

I wanted to be an officer and I am – but there was more. I was going to be a world-class euphonium player.

I was going to amaze audiences with my technical prowess, and bring them to tears with my soulful tone. I would give the glory to God, of course – but it was going to be my humble delight to be the chosen one, the super-blessed girl who could minister in this way. However, despite my faithfulness to the rigours of banding and quite a number of hours alone in the practice room, I never became the euphonium player I hoped I’d be.

The problem was that while I had drive and dreams, my talent was limited. My father is one of the most gifted musicians I’ve ever met. His father before him was a professional musician, extraordinarily skilled. But scant amounts of that genetic material made their way into my chemical make-up. I worked hard, but I never came even close to great.

Along the way, I became somebody different from the person I’d envisioned. I found that I have other, more natural inclinations.

They are skills I almost overlooked while chasing so hard after something I’d never do well enough. And I know I’m not alone in

‘They are skills I almost overlooked while chasing so hard after something I’d never do well enough’ nearly missing what God built into me. In the course of regular corps (church) life we become quite familiar with what each other can do, and it is easy to assume someone else’s talent or gift is better than what we’ve got to offer. A person who is skilled with the sound system may long to be the preacher using the microphone rather than the technician adjusting it. The couple which excel at hospitality and share their home with travelling evangelists, may wish they were more like the couple leading the evangelistic campaigns.

If we were more mission-minded and less self-involved, we’d be content with the fact that it is God’s right to choose who should possess which spiritual gifts and human talents. We would realise how blessed we are that we were carefully designed for his glory

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and for his purposes – each of us with his or her own role to play. It is God’s glory and God’s mission that matter, so how he has decided to equip us is his business.

His decisions are perfect. We might also bear in mind that there is no non-essential gift. One person might think that her ability for detailed planning is lacklustre, but what progress could be made if there were no one who excelled in that way? ‘If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?’ (1 Corinthians 12:17).

Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made. That doesn’t simply mean that we should embrace our body type and eye colour, recognising that we are beautiful to God. That is true and important, but there is more to gain from this concept. Each of us was given natural skills and, upon salvation, spiritual gifts that are to be of use in bringing glory to God and winning the world for Jesus. All of us – all of us – are made for mission. Whether you’re a euphonium player whose sensitive playing makes hearts tender to the gospel, or a preacher who follows that musical offering with the gospel story itself.

When I stopped chasing a fruitless dream, I began to understand who God had really created me to be and how he wanted to use me. It’s far less of a struggle, I assure you, to do what you were designed to do. In fact, it is a privilege to be who you are. Remember that you were not haphazardly thrown together by an uninterested creator. Nor are you the product of molecules banging around, suddenly and accidentally forming you. The Lord of the universe had something specific in mind and he executed his plan perfectly when he made you.

So you be you and I’ll be me. Because no one else can do that on our behalf. By embracing who we were meant to be, we honour the creativity of God and we work together better to extend his Kingdom. Let us not insult him or waste valuable time by wishing he would have made us differently than he did. There is a world to be won to Christ; how are you equipped to engage?

Columnist for 2015 Major Amy Reardon CORPS OFFICER, SEATTLE TEMPLE USA WESTERN TERRITORY

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my story

Photos: Courtesy of the Anstey family

Mending Broken Diane Stark

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o much pain and brokenness, Lisa Anstey reflected, as she held the necklaces in her hands. The necklaces were comprised of coloured beads received as part of the Bravery Beads programme at the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto, in which children can collect a different bead for each medical procedure they go through.

They represent each child’s unique journey through treatment. The necklaces in Lisa’s hands belonged to her son, Jacob, who had already been through so much in his short life.

Unbearable Journey

Lisa grew up in The Salvation Army – her parents, Majors Rene and Wanda Loveless, are the pastors at St John’s Temple, Newfoundland. In August 2004, she married Jon Anstey and in January 2009, they became the proud parents of a baby girl named Georgia.

In 2012, the couple discovered they were expecting again. They didn’t anticipate any complications, but a routine ultrasound told a terrifyingly different story.

‘Your baby has a rare heart defect called double inlet left ventricle,’ the specialist at Janeway Children’s Health and Rehabilitation Centre in St John’s said to them.

‘What does that mean?’ the couple asked.

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‘Basically, your son only has half of his heart,’ the specialist replied. ‘He may not survive long enough to be born.’

He went on to describe the odds of long-term survival and the many complicated surgeries their baby would face. ‘Sixty per cent of couples whose babies have this diagnosis choose to terminate the pregnancy,’ the specialist concluded.

Lisa and Jon immediately insisted that termination was not an option.

‘That day is forever etched in my mind as one of the most painful days of my life,’ Lisa says. ‘But I chose to remember that God is in control. I knew that if I lost sight of that, this journey would be too much to bear.’

A few weeks later, Jacob was diagnosed with another condition called complete heart block, which disrupts the signals between the chambers of the heart and prevents the atria from beating in rhythm with the ventricle. ‘With this additional diagnosis, our paediatric cardiologist told us to prepare for the worst-case scenario,’ Lisa says. ‘It was devastating.’

A Little Fighter

Jacob was born on 4 April 2013, via Caesarean section at SickKids in Toronto.

‘He weighed eight pounds five ounces, and he was beautiful,’ smiles Lisa. ‘It made the diagnosis seem that much more unfair and impossible to understand. How can a baby who looks so perfect on the outside be so sick on the inside?’

‘Basically, your son only has half of his heart, he may not survive long enough to be born.’

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a Heart emergency heart surgery was necessary.

This procedure successfully repaired the archway, and a third surgery later implanted a pacemaker into the 20-day-old baby.

Over the next several weeks, Lisa and Jon endured a roller coaster of emotions.

Jacob’s condition would improve and then deteriorate, then improve again.

Throughout, Lisa clung to Psalm 46:1, 7, which says: ‘God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble …

The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.’

Her pastor introduced her to another encouraging verse that also included her son’s name: ‘You are my King and my God, who decrees victories for Jacob’ (Psalm 44:4), a reference to the biblical patriarch.

‘It seems Jacob was a good name for our strong little fighter,’ Lisa says. ‘Despite the setbacks and scary moments, we knew we had prayer support coming from all over the world.’

Mending a Broken Heart

Jacob underwent his first open-heart surgery on 9 April, and there was a 20 per cent chance he wouldn’t survive. ‘Handing Jacob over to the nurses in the operating room was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do,’ Lisa says.

The surgery lasted eight hours and went well, but the next day his reconstructed archway developed a kink, and a second

After spending the first 56 days of his life in hospital in Toronto, Jacob was finally returned home to Paradise, Newfoundland.

While Lisa, Jon and Jacob were in Toronto, four-year-old Georgia stayed with Lisa’s parents. ‘Being away from home, and especially away from my daughter, was incredibly difficult,’ remembers Lisa. ‘I was glad to be home.’

When Jacob was five months old, he and his parents returned to SickKids for a third open-heart surgery, where his pacemaker was replaced with a larger one with a longer battery life.

Lisa’s own heart aches for her little boy’s suffering. ‘Time and again, I have looked to God’s Word for strength,’ she says. Her favourite verse is Psalm 147:3, which says: ‘He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.’ At first, Lisa clung to this verse for the physical message, but now she says, ‘My focus on that verse has shifted from physical healing to thankfulness to God for healing my own

heart, which was broken by the emotional trauma of Jacob’s diagnosis. I’ve come to understand just how God was present in this journey.’

Jacob is now an active and happy toddler, with verbal skills advanced for his age.

Today, when Lisa looks at Jacob’s bravery beads, she doesn’t just remember the pain and suffering they represent. ‘Each bead was a stepping stone to the miracle of God bringing Jacob to this point,’ Lisa says.

‘His broken heart has been patched, and each day is a gift from God.’ Diane Stark Article courtesy OF faith & friends canada and bermuda territory

Church Support At the time of Jacob’s diagnosis, the family was attending The Salvation Army’s St John’s Citadel, Newfoundland, but in September 2013 they transferred to St John’s Temple in order to be closer to their family. ‘The prayer support and spiritual encouragement from both churches has been ongoing since day one,’ Lisa says. ‘Jacob remains on prayer lists all over the world.’

The churches have offered financial support as well. ‘Our church family has held multiple fundraisers to help us through the financial hurdles that travelling for Jacob’s care has presented,’ Lisa goes on to say.

‘Whenever Jacob hits a rough patch, we know that we have a whole community rallying around him and lifting him in prayer.

It makes a world of difference.’

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Work in

progress Lyn Hills

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cripture commences with a beautiful description of creation. In Genesis 1:1 the writer tells us, ‘In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.’ He goes on to explain that he (God) put the sea in its place, and lights in the sky, the sun to shine by day and the moon and stars by night. He made flowers and trees, the birds of the air, the fish of the sea and animals on the land. He had done an amazing work and he saw that it was good. But then began his greatest and most outstanding work.

In verse 26 it states: ‘Let us make man in our image’. So with great care God crafted and breathed life into man (Genesis 2:7).

So, whether you believe it or not, you are the pinnacle of design; the masterpiece of God’s creation! Look in the mirror – do you see it? As you gaze at your reflection and view for yourself ‘God’s masterpiece’, perhaps you wouldn’t be the first person to struggle to accept that description.

Further into Scripture we come to the Psalms. In Psalm 8 the writer marvels at the glory of creation and compares the majesty of the heavens with the status of man. The psalmist writes, ‘When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place’ (v 3). In poetry we read the psalmist express what he saw and his appreciation of the wonder of the heavens. But then 10 Revive

we sense his amazement and disbelief: ‘What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?’ (v 4). Having caught just a glimpse of the vastness and beauty around him the psalmist feels small and insignificant and ponders the question, ‘Who am I?’ Scripture lovingly and clearly answers that question. Woven throughout its pages, God’s Word tells us that we are each a unique and special work of his hand.

In Psalm 139 this theme returns again: ‘You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother’s womb … When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother’s womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there – you saw me before I was born’ (Psalm 139:13, 15-16 GNT).

The prophet Jeremiah echoes that realisation: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you’ (Jeremiah 1:5 NKJV).

There was no accident, and no mistake.

Even before you were born God’s work had started; with great attention to detail, from the colour of your eyes and hair to your personality, gifts and abilities.

Do you ever struggle with the way you look? Have you ever questioned your value or worth? Through the various forms of media and publicity we hear so many opinions about how we should look and of what is valued in society. But above all the

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masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago’ (Ephesians 2:10 NLT).

A new look

noise and opinions of the world around you, you need to hear God speak and hear what he has to say about you.

In his book See Yourself as God Sees You, Josh McDowell concludes each chapter by sharing thoughts from Scripture on what God says about you. Here are some of the thoughts that have helped me: God says … You are loved eternally.

‘I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself ’ (Jeremiah 31:3 NLT).

God says … You are precious. ‘You are precious to me. You are honoured, and I love you’ (Isaiah 43:4 NLT).

God says … You belong to me, you are mine. ‘I have called you by name; you are mine’ (Isaiah 43:1 NLT).

McDowell encourages us to take and personalise this last verse – the God of the universe has called me by name. He says I belong to him.

The New Testament records Pauls’ letter to the believers in Ephesus, where he says: ‘We are God’s

Some years ago my two daughters and I treated ourselves to a photoshoot in London. We have never had our portraits painted, so this was the closest experience to it. We chose our best and most flattering clothes, guided by the studio on what outfits would best compliment the group.

One of the attractions of the package deal was the pre-shoot makeover. Having an expert beautician who matched make-up to our skin tones, hair and eye colour, was a real treat. And it was so relaxing to be pampered and made to look our very best.

After three hours in the make-up and dressing room, we stepped out to greet the photographer, looking like new people. We hardly recognised ourselves, but the new look was wonderful!

This sense of putting off the old and putting on the new is a regular feature of Paul’s letters. Writing to the church in Colossae he reminds them (and us) of the things we need to get rid of and encourages us to put on a new self. ‘But now you must get rid of all these things: anger, passion and hateful feelings. No insults or obscene talk must ever come from your lips. Do not lie to one another, for you have put off the old self with its habits and have put on the new self. This is the new being which God, its Creator, is constantly renewing in his own image, in order to

‘When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place’ Revive 11

bible study ‘None of us is perfect but we all have the opportunity to be created anew in Christ Jesus’

bring you to a full knowledge of himself ’ (Colossians 3:8-10 GNT).

Then in verses 12-14 Paul becomes more specific about those qualities that need to be part of our new wardrobe.

‘You are the people of God; he loved you and chose you for his own. So then, you must clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Be tolerant with one another and forgive one another whenever any of you has a complaint against someone else. You must forgive one another just as the Lord has forgiven you. And to all these qualities add love, which binds all things together in perfect unity.’

None of us is perfect but we all have the opportunity to be created anew in Christ Jesus. To become all that we can be, we need not only physical birth but spiritual birth. We need to know forgiveness of our sins, acceptance into God’s family, and a reassurance that we are children of the King.

A work in progress

If asked to name a famous masterpiece, I am sure many people would immediately think of Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, Mona Lisa.

Leonardo began painting Mona Lisa in 1503. According to the artist’s contemporary, Giorgio Vasari, ‘after he had lingered over it for years, (he) left it unfinished’. Leonardo, later in his life, is said to have regretted ‘never having completed a single work’.

In 1516 Leonardo was invited by King FranÇois I of France to work at the Château du Clos Lucé. It is believed he took Mona Lisa with him and continued to work on it. Art historian Carmen C. Bambach has concluded that Leonardo da Vinci probably continued refining the work right up until 1517.

I wonder how often Leonardo stood back to look at his work before adding the 12 Revive

next brushstroke, the next touch of colour, or the next tiny detail, in a desire to bring the work to completion?

In his book What’s So Amazing About Grace?, Philip Yancey writes: ‘Grace means there is nothing I can do to make God love me more, and nothing I can do to make God love me less.’ What a wonderful truth of reassurance!

We too are a work in progress. Every day is an opportunity for God to add a new brushstroke, a new touch of colour, or the next tiny detail, to bring us to completion in Christ Jesus. ‘ Everything that goes into a life of pleasing God has been miraculously given to us by getting to know, personally and intimately, the One who invited us to God. The best invitation we ever received!

We were also given absolutely terrific promises to pass on to you – your tickets to participation in the life of God after you turned your back on a world corrupted by lust. So don’t lose a minute in building on what you’ve been given, complementing your basic faith with good character,

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spiritual understanding, alert discipline, passionate patience, reverent wonder, warm friendliness, and generous love, each dimension fitting into and developing the others. With these qualities active and growing in your lives, no grass will grow under your feet, no day will pass without its reward as you mature in your experience of our Master Jesus. Without these qualities you can’t see what’s right before you, oblivious that your old sinful life has been wiped off the books’ (2 Peter 1:3-9 MSG).

The work God wants to do in you is different to the work he wants to do in your friend or neighbour. The gifts and skills he has given you are different from the ones he has given to your friend or neighbour.

But each one of us has been given gifts to use to make a difference just where we are: in our home and family, at our place of work, or in our church and community. As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6: ‘There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but they all come from the same Spirit.

There are different ways to serve the same Lord, and we can each do different things.

Yet the same God works in all of us and helps us in everything we do’ (CEV). You have a contribution to make, you are needed! You are a unique masterpiece.

Let us go back to Genesis. ‘God surveyed everything He had made, savoring its beauty and appreciating its goodness. Evening gave way to morning.

That was day six’ (Genesis 1:31 The Voice).

When the voices, the ideas, or the opinions that you hear don’t appreciate your beauty or goodness – it’s time to listen for God’s voice. You are God’s masterpiece in the making, a work in progress. Perfect at the point of creation, yet still to be brought to perfection in Christ Jesus.

Complete at the point of creation yet still to be brought to completion on the day of Christ Jesus.

‘May the God who gives us peace make you holy in every way and keep your whole being – spirit, soul, and body – free from every fault at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you will do it, because he is faithful’ (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 GNT).

Major Lyn Hills regional director of women’s ministries, estonia region, finland and estonia territory

Revive 13

social issues

‘When the women accept themselves and their situations, THE emotional burden is lifted’

14 Revive

social issues Elisabeth Eni Nuryani Sisman

A stepping stone Matahari Terbit Mothers’ and Toddlers’ Home

W

hen I first entered Matahari Terbit Mothers’ and Toddlers’ Home in Surabaya, Indonesia, I began to learn a lot about dealing with young people, birth preparedness, and how to help develop a child spiritually and emotionally for life.

At the home I came to realise that the mothers had to deal with many social issues and were in dire need of our love and support.

A lot of the pregnancies are due to either irresponsible lovers or from the girls being victims of rape. Sadly many of these young women who are still of school age encounter economic pressure and family rejection. Those who come to our home for help are from many different economic and religious backgrounds. This is where The Salvation Army can become involved within the community and give the best possible help to these young women who are in need.

When the girls are admitted to Matahari Terbit they initially receive medical treatment, as many are in poor

physical condition. Also, because a lot of the young women have tried to terminate their pregnancies by taking drugs or attempting suicide, and because of the shame, guilt, disappointment, anger and the hurt they feel, they are also suffering mentally. By receiving our help they gradually recover physically, mentally and spiritually. They begin to accept their condition and this helps us and them to prepare for the birth of their children and to see their future in a more positive light.

We tell them that despite everything that has happened to them, God will provide a way and will comfort them.

We prepare a special room that is arranged, as closely as possible, to resemble a home. They learn to enjoy the life that has been given to them as grace from God and we teach them how to surrender their lives to God and rely on him in every aspect of their living. Spiritual activities, such as morning and evening devotions and prayer meetings are held, and we play and sing hymns and provide spiritual reading material. When the women accept themselves and their situations, the

emotional burden is lifted and the process of childbirth is much easier.

After they have given birth they are still faced with the challenges of continuing their education, neighbours looking down on them, rejection from their families, and lovers who do not want to marry them. As a consequence, many of them leave their babies at Matahari Terbit. This is not easy for these young mums as strong bonds develop between them and their babies during pregnancy. Parting causes hurt. During their healing – physical, emotional and spiritual – we support them and provide advice and try to motivate them to set goals for their future. We want them to live and appreciate life as God’s great gift.

We encourage them to be strong and to know that their present ‘failure’ does not have to be a stumbling block, but can be a stepping stone to success. The basis of this comes from Jeremiah 29:11 - ‘“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”’

What we try to do is give the women guidance and direction, and to teach the young people within our churches about these issues so that they have deeper appreciation of themselves as God’s creation and the value of maintaining healthy lives and relationships.

Major Elisabeth Eni Nuryani Sisman officer in charge, matahari terbit mothers’ and toddlers’ home indonesia territory

Revive 15

spiritual feature life

Hellen Munde Obimbo EDITOR, THE WAR CRY KENYA WEST TERRITORY

Columnist for 2015

A glorious

Future ‘T

hen I saw “a new heaven and a new earth”, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away”’ (Revelation 21:1-4).

This is our hope. I saw that clearly when my grandpa was in his final stages of life. Even as diabetes took over his body, nothing could touch his spirit. As he was losing ground on earth, he was gaining ground in Heaven. During the last week before his death, we as a family took turns in staying with him. One day I was sitting on his bed with him. His head was resting on a cool, wet towel in order to bring his temperature down. He had been restless for many hours, and so my uncle held him like a child until his breathing became easy. We started singing some of his favourite hymns. I sang, ‘Great is thy Faithfulness’, and ‘Abide with Me’ (in Swahili ‘Kaa nami ni usiku tenu’).

‘I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.

Where is death’s sting? Where, grave, thy victory?

I triumph still if thou abide with me.

‘Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!’

(SASB 670, 1986 edition/529, 2015 edition) 16 Revive

‘Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me!’

As I sang this hymn, my uncle squeezed my hand. I looked down at him, and tears were rolling down his cheeks.

‘That’s the promise, Grandpa,’ I said. ‘Jesus will never let you go. You will go from our arms to his.’ Suddenly, my grandpa breathed out his last breath.

It has been my privilege to journey through this year with you as one of the columnists for Revive. As I leave you, my prayer for you is a simple one: I pray that even at this moment you will be filled with a new awareness of the outrageous love that God has for you.

I pray that God will bless you and those you love and fill your heart and home with peace.

I pray that as you face today and all your tomorrows it will be with a renewed sense of Christ’s promised presence and of your glorious future certainty.

Amen

feature

THE

prayer

HOUSE

‘They all joined together constantly in prayer’ (Acts 1:14)

I

Toni Cartmell

was asked to lead a Bible study on prayer and I said, ‘yes’. It was one of those nod and say yes moments that hid the gasp of panic that was really saying: ‘you don’t know anything about prayer.’ It was painfully true – although I was an officer I knew little about prayer and what I did know and had experienced was mind numbing. I assembled a group of fellow pilgrims who were longing to study and experience prayer, and so commenced an incredible journey of spiritual vitality, kingdom fruit and freedom. I was hungry and thirsty and I didn’t know it.

My prayer quest took me down many roads. My understanding of prayer was no longer confined to the ‘ABCs of prayer’.

As our group studied and prayed we were led down pathways of confession, spiritual warfare, intercession and petition. Someone mentioned healing prayer and immediately I booked a prayer appointment with God. To my dismay I found myself in a fully-fledged deliverance session. I would never have chosen to make myself that vulnerable but I found myself having to confess every sin I did, thought about doing or thought I may have done. I prayed, ‘OK Lord, you got me here – I’m yours, so let’s do this!’ My masks were torn off before God, others and myself. I was humbled and at the same time profoundly liberated as I stood before God cleansed and free. The outcome was that I found myself loving more generously and selflessly. This was the life and fruit of a true encounter with God. I was reminded of another time when I shared my confusion and anxiety with another officer. She patiently listened, but offered no judgement or advice. When she finally did speak she asked, ‘Why do you have to decide now?’ In that simple sentence the Spirit revealed to me that taking time to listen was essential if I wanted to do God’s will. I knew that the Lord would unveil his will for me if

‘I found myself loving more generously and selflessly’ I waited on him. I breathed deeply this truth and my equilibrium was restored as I entered into emotional, intellectual and spiritual rest. It was a period of openness.

In the book Discernment: The Art of Choosing Well, Pierre Wolff writes that to ‘choose well’ is grounded in our relationship with God. It is not enough to know about him, we must know him.

Knowing God means that we are in relationship and regular dialogue with him.

On my healing prayer journey I employed the tools of discernment, studying both the Word and teaching on prayer, opening myself up to experiences that would reveal nuances of healing prayer. God was leading me down this path and I was taking hold of it with all I had.

David Benner, in his book Desiring God’s Will, says that following God’s will is less about making a choice and more about the desire to pursue God. When we are truly seeking to do the will of God, it may take us down inconvenient paths and

unpopular ways. It may mean taking a step at his prompting and not knowing where you will land.

Since reading Wolff ’s book, some of the dissonance I felt in my journey was clarified.

At the heart of discernment is the decision to desire and pursue God only and to invite the Spirit to transform our hearts (Psalm 139:23). Only an undivided heart, aligned with the heart of God, is able to hear the still quiet voice of God inviting us to join with him in his Kingdom purpose.

Major Toni Cartmell divisional director of women’s ministries canada and bermuda territory

Revive 17

Boundless BUnTING!

International Congress

Dorita Wainwright

W

hen Major Kerry Coke thought of hanging bunting around a new statue of Catherine Booth in Mile End Road, east London, for its unveiling on Founders’ Day 2015, she could not have imagined what would happen.

Bunting is a colourful festive decoration usually made of fabric, plastic or paper and hung indoors or outdoors at parties and social events.

Sharing her idea with Lieut-Colonel Kathy Hobgood, Assistant International Congress Coordinator, Kerry explained how her passion for sewing turned into a ministry as she worked with women to make bunting at Stepney Corps (church), east London, where she was then the corps officer (minister). It became an opportunity for people to share their stories.

Soon the idea of ‘Boundless Bunting’ began to take shape. As well as being hung around the East End, it was decided 18 Revive

Delegates to the USA Southern Territory Youth Institute standing below bunting prepared for ‘Bound-less’

that it could also be displayed during the international congress at The O2.

An invitation was sent to all territories and commands, asking women to make bunting triangles or flags representing their country or culture. No limit was placed on the number of flags that could be sent to International Headquarters (IHQ). ‘One or more from each division or centre’ was the suggestion, using various coloured fabrics and/or Salvation Army designs.

No one could have foreseen the overwhelming response that would come from all around the Salvation Army world! Parcels of bunting arrived at IHQ through the post, with Salvationists coming to London and IHQ personnel making overseas visits. Very soon the congress office was swamped with bunting of all colours, designs and fabrics, lovingly

created by women, many of whom would not be able to attend the congress event.

As preparations continued, it was learned that any bunting to be hung in The O2 building needed to be fireproofed.

What was to happen, then, with the thousands of bunting flags received?

It was decided that some of the bunting would be fireproofed and displayed in the Boundless Experience section of The O2.

Some would be draped along the Mile End Road and some at the Blind Beggar public house – outside of which was the birthplace of The Salvation Army. In addition, some would be hung in the trees at Vallance Gardens, where William Booth preached the salvation message to the people of the East End. Some was given to Stoke Newington Corps and Booth House social centre for display.

‘All were made out of love to represent their part of the world’

International Congress

Clockwise from below: Women from IHQ sorting and packing bunting; Dorita Wainwright and Irini Pantelidou holding bunting received from Greece; Bunting displayed at the Blind Beggar and in London’s East End

The planning committee for the congress’s Bound-Less women’s gathering decided that each of the 2,500 women expected to attend should be given three bunting flags, a length of binding and a small sewing kit. On arriving back home, they could sew the flags to the binding and perhaps make more flags themselves.

This could be a group activity. Above all, it would remind them to pray for those who had made the bunting and the countries represented.

So what has happened to the bunting remaining after the congress? LieutColonel Hobgood says, ‘A small section of bunting was sent to Major Peggy Mullins (USA Southern Territory), whose contribution to this project was a flag with the photo of her son, Jeremiah, who was promoted to Glory (passed away) after a short illness. Jeremiah had planned to come to London in July, but instead had a great seat in Heaven for Boundless 2015.

Many corps around the UK requested

bunting to display. It is not only beautifully made, but also tells a wonderful story as women from around the world have contributed to this initiative. Many of the flags are sewn with the finest cloth and workmanship. Some may have been a discarded dress or nightshirt or a small child’s blanket, but all were made out of love to represent their part of the world where women come together to worship God at The Salvation Army.’

Bunting was also given to the USA Southern Territory for use at the Territorial Youth Institute.

Earlier this year I was privileged to visit Athens, Greece, where 50 bunting flags were presented to me during a worship meeting. The women’s group made them after they joined in the Boundless, The Whole World Praying initiative. The Greek flag was depicted on each piece. On the

day of the Bound-Less women’s event, I was with Major Kerry Coke as she opened her gift of bunting. She had received a flag from Greece! It was a poignant moment, as Kerry was to be taking part in the meeting along with Major Maria Konti-Galinou, who is pioneering the Army’s work in Athens and had arranged the sewing of the bunting!

The preparation of the Boundless Bunting was a great effort of teamwork that stretched all around the world. Hundreds of people stitched the bunting flags, IHQ staff sewed, sorted and packed them, and staff from the United Kingdom Territory with the Republic of Ireland cut up metres and metres of binding! This was an exciting project, and I believe that God will continue to bless it as a great wave of prayer has been set in motion.

Commissioner Dorita Wainwright zonal secretary for women’s ministries, europe zone INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

Revive 19

International Congress

BOUND-LESS

women’s rally

UNRESTRICTED LIBERATED RELEASED

Above: A panel of women highlighting the work of God in their territories

Above: Commissioner Silvia Cox speaking during the rally Left: Claire Brine (UKI) as Catherine Booth encourages the women to say ‘yes’ to God’s call Below: Bound-Less bags made by ‘Others’ distributed at the rally

20 Revive

International Congress Right and below right: Women exchanging bracelets and praying for each other as a reminder to be bound-less

Below: Women joined together in praise and worship

Left: Major Kerry Coke and Major Maria Konti-Galinou telling the women about the idea behind the bunting Below: Women from around the world join hands, signifying they can be boundless with support of each other

Right: Commissioner Dorita Wainwright receiving bunting from the women during a visit to Greece

Revive 21

Joyfully His

New Year 2016

Women’s Ministries 2016

Dear Sisters in Christ, ‘I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete’.

John 15:11 (NIV)

As we face a new year, it is an opportune time to reflect on the many positive and God glorifying outcomes of the 2015 Women’s Ministries challenge to ‘Go and Tell’ the good news of the gospel. We are also afforded, at this time of year, the opportunity to look forward.

Throughout 2016 we are going to concentrate on being ‘JOYFULLY HIS’ – an experience made available to us as the fruit of the Holy Spirit flourishes within us. This theme aims to communicate the importance of knowing the joy of the Lord in our lives, which is then evident in us and reflected in our service.

The gospels remind us that even when faced with Calvary, Jesus took the time to pray that his disciples might have his joy within them. I find this remarkable! It indicates how high it was on his agenda. He knew that in an unknown future, the joy of the Lord would be their strength (Nehemiah 8:10).

The reality is that life can be hard – troubles abound, difficulties and challenges come our way – but my prayer is that through God’s love, the outpouring of Jesus’ life and the Holy Spirit’s power, we will be strengthened by divine joy and take pleasure in being ‘JOYFULLY HIS’. Such joy will communicate itself to those around us and consequently men, women, boys and girls will be drawn to Jesus.

God bless you.

With my warmest greetings,

Silvia Cox Commissioner World President of Women’s Ministries

OFFICE OF THE WORLD PRESIDENT OF WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

22 Revive

review

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WALKING IN WHITE

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With the author’s eye for the telling detail and memorable anecdote, her account of settling and ministering in an unfamiliar culture together with husband Ken and daughter Jess lingers long in the mind.

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139:14

Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

Your workmanship is marvelous – how well I know it.

Psalm 139:14 NLT