FAITH IN ACTION 01 MAY 2021 | Issue 6766 | $1.50
God Bless the Camp Mums Sign for Freedom from Slavery and Trafficking Korean Peninsula Conflict and The Salvation Army
Looking Back at Easter Camps
04
11
12
20
WAR CRY The Salvation Army
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS Catherine
& William Booth
The Salvation Army’s message is based on the Bible. Our ministry is motivated by love for God. Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need in his name without discrimination. War Cry exists to support and advance The Salvation Army’s message, ministry and mission. EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Holly Morton, Louise Parry, Bethany Slaughter | PROOF READING Major Colleen Marshall | COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Captain Jordan Westrupp OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,
PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT makeready.nz | PAPER Sumo Offset
is an environmentally responsible paper produced using Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) FSC® certified Mixed Source pulp from responsible sources and manufactured under the strict ISO14001 Environmental Management System.
23
Thank you, camp leaders! Easter camps are a rite of ‘spiritual’ passage for many of the young people within The Salvation Army. Those who have attended an Easter camp in their life will understand the value of the investment these few days bring. For young people to be out of the normal routines of life and spend time with their friends, leaders and God has great value. I, too, look back fondly at the Easter camps I attended as a child and the impact these times had on my spiritual walk. I remember the leadership and passion of people such as Ray Whiting, and John and Ken Dawson from my Linwood Corps days. Leaders who committed their free time and talents to ensure campers in their care received a fun weekend but also a challenging and faith-focussed time. In this edition of War Cry, we feature a look back at Easter camps held in both the North and South Islands this year. We also feature the special place the ‘camp mum’ holds, and the dedication and commitment it takes from individuals who tirelessly show up year in and year out to support their youth and children. The inestimable value of sowing into a child or a young person’s life will only be fully realised in Heaven, but a big thank you to all of you who have taken the time to invest in the life of a child, be it as a Sunday school teacher, youth leader, camp mum or camp leader. Thank you also to all mums and mother-figures out there who selflessly show up in our lives and model service to us. God bless you! Vivienne Hill Editor
Member of the Australasian Religious Press Association. All Bible references from the Holy Bible, New International Version, unless otherwise stated. Articles are copyrighted to The Salvation Army, except where indicated, and may be reprinted only with permission. Publishing for 137 years | Issue 6766 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
salvationarmy.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS @SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts
2 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
‘When filled with holy truth the mind rests.’ CH Spurgeon
Jude 1:21 Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. Hūrā 1:21 Me te tiaki anō i a koutou i runga i te aroha o te Atua, me te tatari anō ki te mahi tohu a tō tātou Ariki, a Īhu Karaiti, ā te ora tonu rā anō.
A
s we get older, there are things we notice in our parents that we are eager to avoid inheriting. A large part of that comes down to realising that they are human, and more fallible than they seemed when we were children. But we can also see character traits we would want in our own lives. This time of year, when we are encouraged to thank our mums and mother figures for all they have done in raising us, one thing I hope I have inherited is the desire to make the people around us feel like family. We moved back to New Zealand from Australia when I was two, so we stayed with my grandma in Nelson for a couple of years before my family moved to our own house. My uncle was also living there, as well as a man from our church and his young son. Understandably, I don’t remember much of our time there, but I can still picture the house to some degree—a spiral staircase and a large sunny lounge that is the backdrop of many photos of my sister and me sitting in plastic tubs or reading Fox in Socks on my grandma’s lap. In my memories, the house always felt busy in the best way, with lots of family around. At my grandmother’s funeral a few years ago, the room was full of stories about her baking for church events and taking the other ladies out for coffee. It seemed that everyone there had been given a set of homemade oven mitts or an apron from
my grandma at some point in their lives. There was a quiet consistency in the way she showed up for others which was beautiful to be around. I’ve noticed that my mother is the same. My sister and I grew up with the neighbourhood kids coming around in the afternoons to jump on the trampoline and pick plums from our tree. Our house was always open for our school friends or kids from youth group to pop in, many of whom affectionately called Mum their second mother (and still do now). She invited my flatmate into our last family Christmas when she had nowhere else to go, and currently has one of my sister’s friends staying with her while he completes a six-month course. I see my grandmother and mother’s great capacity to love others and welcome people into their homes, routines and lives, as a direct reflection of who I believe Jesus to be, and what he calls us to imitate. The way that Jesus deliberately interacted with, cared for, and let himself be hosted by others in a way that made them feel seen and set apart is a worthy calling for us as his people. I feel privileged in my opportunity to learn this from the women in my life, and in my opportunity during Mother’s Day to acknowledge and celebrate those qualities. BY HOLLY MORTON
01 MAY 2021 WarCry 3
Please Don’t Pray with Your Mouth Full American Salvationist, Bob Swanson, releases a collection from his longrunning Mustard Seeds cartoon series.
TOPFIVE
If you are planning to give a bouquet of flowers on Mother’s Day this year, why not make it extra significant? Here are five flowers with symbolic meanings, made for the guiding women in our lives. 1. P ink carnations—partly because of a legend that carnations bloomed while Mary cried watching her son Jesus carry the cross, they are associated with motherly love and gratitude. 2. Irises—commonly understood to symbolise wisdom, respect and trust. 3. Lavender—not only do these flowers have calming properties, they represent healing, grace and devotion. 4. Gladiolus—strength of character, faithfulness and integrity! 5. P ink camellias—if you are separated from someone you love this Mother’s Day, send her a pink camellia. They symbolise a longing for somebody you miss. 4 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
The internal culture of The Salvation Army is captured in cartoon form in the book Please Don’t Pray with Your Mouth Full, written by American Salvationist, Bob Swanson. While a few of the cartoons are Americancentric, most are recognisable as uniquely Army and it will resonate with Salvationists and congregants in New Zealand with its banding jokes and songster references. The humour and style are reminiscent of the Charles M. Schulz Peanuts series, and the insider jokes had me laughing out loud many times. We will include some of the cartoons in War Cry over the next few editions, but suggest you purchase your own copy at Amazon for $10USD, or go to mustardseedscomics.com. Ideal for corps newsletters! (Reviewed by Vivienne Hill)
SALLIEOF THEWEEK
Tina Wright (Waihi Corps) Tina has been a soldier at Paeroa, Rotorua and Waihi Corps. She has just retired from 30 years on leadership teams and corps councils. Tina commenced the craft group at Waihi Corps where a number of community ladies join in. She and her husband Keith also have the Gift Box outside their home where people can donate or collect foodstuffs to supplement their food supply. Many Waihians are blessed by this. Major Wendy Sanson says, ‘Tina has a great heart of gold and a great heart for God’.
I want my children to have all the things I couldn’t afford. Then I want to move in with them. Phyllis Diller
Ginger Loaf with Cinnamon Frosting Loaf ¾ cup flour ¾ cup wholemeal flour ¾ cup dark cane sugar
Preheat the oven to 150°C (conventional bake). Grease and line the base of a loaf tin (21cm x 11 cm x 7cm).
1 Tbsp ground ginger
Put wholemeal flour into a mixing bowl. Sift in flour, dark cane sugar, baking soda, baking powder, ground ginger, ground mixed spice and ground cinnamon.
½ tsp ground mixed spice
Gently melt the butter with the golden syrup in a saucepan over a low heat.
¾ tsp baking soda ¾ tsp baking powder
½ tsp ground cinnamon 150g butter ½ cup golden syrup 2 eggs ¾ cup milk 2 Tbsp chopped walnuts Cinnamon frosting 1 cup icing sugar ½ tsp ground cinnamon 2–3 Tbsp orange juice (1 orange)
Whisk the eggs and milk together. Pour the melted butter, golden syrup, eggs and milk into the dry ingredients. Stir to mix. Pour into the prepared tin. Bake for 55–60 minutes. A skewer inserted into the middle of the loaf should come out clean. Leave to cool in the tin for 15 minutes before turning onto a wire rack to cool. Once cold, spread over the cinnamon frosting. Scatter over chopped walnuts. To make the cinnamon frosting: Sift the icing sugar and ground cinnamon into a bowl. Add enough of the juice from the orange to make a spreadable consistency, but runny enough to pour onto the cake. The frosting should be able to run down the sides.
Source: foodinaminute.co.nz
QUIKQUIZ
WARCRY INHISTORY
2 Which famous painting is otherwise known as La Gioconda?
Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Ploughman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission
1 Pb is the symbol on the Periodic Table of Elements for which element?
This news clipping comes from the 18 September 1993 edition of War Cry, from the launch of the territory’s Women’s Suffrage Centennial Year project book Women of Spirit (authored by Barbara Sampson, who writes this edition’s Soul Food!).
3 How many sheets of paper make a ream? 4 What is griffonage? 5 What is the only book in the Bible that does not contain the word ‘God’? Answers on page 22
01 MAY 2021 WarCry 5
Bridget McLay of Ōamaru Corps (left) and Southern Division Youth Secretary Alison Moody (right) at Southern Easter Camp 2021. Photography: Paddy Caffell.
An exciting part of the experience of growing up is the time of the year when young people get to be away from home for a few nights on camp. It’s often a rite of passage, where young people spend the weekend with their friends, participating in adventure activities and encountering God outside of their family circle. BY HOLLY MORTON
A
side from the leaders who are there to support the youth and help the smooth running of the camps, the often-unsung heroes are the camp mums. They are committed to caring for the young people as a parent, offering advice and wisdom and praying with them. Territorial Youth Secretary Captain Mat Badger believes that camp mums (and dads) play a crucial role. ‘Having a camp mum is really important because it provides, kind of, a home-away-from-home experience,’ he says. ‘If there are young people that are missing Mum, or would like to talk about things that they might struggle to talk about with their peers, or who might just even need a hug, that’s what a camp mum can bring. ‘It’s about helping, especially the younger kids who are coming on who might be a little bit overwhelmed by the sheer size of camp.’ Major Alison Moody explains that they also take on the jobs others are less willing to take part in—cleaning up after meals, taking out the rubbish, making sure the young people are showing up on time and going to bed when they should. ‘That’s what a mum does, so, you know, staying up late—with the boy’s tent, there are only a few times I’ve had to get Mrs Moody Grumpy out. But they’ll know when she’s out and they’ll be quiet.’ In Alison’s appointment as divisional youth secretary for Southern Division, she has been involved in an assortment of camps as camp mum since 2014. Her husband David is the divisional children’s secretary and Keeping Children Safe secretary and goes to all of the children’s camps to support the young people, so often Alison would join him for those kids’ camps as well. Getting along to the children’s camps for a number of years meant that Alison was fortunate enough to witness the growth of those young people. ‘Part of being in an appointment so long is seeing some of the children at a kids’ camp now transitioning into a youth camp, then becoming a young adult and going even further—getting married and having babies—and it’s just awesome … [having] an appointment for that long is fantastic.’
Trusting God Aside from the physical growth of her kids over the years, Alison is inspired to see them develop in their faith. ‘It’s just seeing the young people praying for each other. Seeing that they can step up, and it’s not only older people praying for young people, but they can pray for each other and they can minister to each 01 MAY 2021 WarCry 7
other, and that’s a favourite, just seeing them worship God and encountering the Holy Spirit.’ The input that camp parents can have on the youth is also significant, particularly faithful adult figures who are passionate about sharing the love of Jesus. Alison is firm in making it known that she speaks from a place of trusting God in what he wants to share. ‘It feels like you’re puffing yourself up, but I don’t want to do that … many times there have been young people who have come back to me after a few years’ time and said: “Something you said to me really helped me”, and you know that it wasn’t you, but it was just God speaking through you, and you don’t actually remember what you said or what you prayed.
AS MUCH AS CAMP MUMS ARE PRESENT TO SERVE THOSE ATTENDING, THE WAYS THEY HAVE FUN AND ENCOUNTER GOD AT THESE CAMPS MODELS A LIFELONG FAITH AND JOY TO YOUNG PEOPLE. ‘One Easter camp I was praying with this young girl, and she was so confused, and so we were praying into that confusion, saying, “God, just help with this confusion, only you can break through” … and she wouldn’t really open up any more than that. So I said, “Okay God, come on, break through”, and then we had to sort of leave it at that. And then 10 minutes later, she just bowls on up to me—I had my eyes closed and I didn’t actually know who it was—and she gave me the biggest hug and said, “I’ve had some breakthrough”. And so I said to her, “Well that was God, God has brought some breakthrough for you and this is the beginning of the journey”.’ The opportunities for the campers to learn from camp mums like Alison can come in many forms. It’s easy for young people to feel a separation between the things they enjoy and the interests of their leaders, but having people older than them at camp can remind the youth that they have more in common with other generations than they think. 8 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
At this year’s Easter camp, Alison particularly enjoyed getting to join the kids in the mosh pit during worship. ‘You know, I thought, oh what the heck, this year let’s go down. And I was so close to the big bass speakers. Some of the 14-year-olds saw me there and they gave me the look [to say] wow, here she is partying away!’ As much as camp mums are present to serve those attending, the ways they have fun and encounter God at these camps models a lifelong faith and joy to young people.
Generational mentoring Alison has been particularly inspired by her relationship with her own father and the way he mentored her through her spiritual questions as a child. ‘I think it was more camp dad, my own dad. He was very pivotal in my journey.’ Alison’s father was an officer who was ‘of that era where he was up early and was home late’, but always made time for her and her questions. ‘I knew I could talk to him about any experience of the Holy Spirit that I didn’t really understand, because we didn’t have a lot of teaching about that as a young child.’ His willingness to listen and talk through the things she was unsure of had a huge impact on Alison’s spiritual growth, from even as young as eight. ‘I could come to my dad about anything. And so I was pretty gutted when he died when I was about 38. As an officer, it’d be great to be able to call him and say, “So, how would you deal with this situation”—but that’s life.’
Faithful camp mums While Alison has been a camp mum for the south, Mat also highlights Major Julie Cope and Janine Wells for serving in this way for campers up north—the latter for about ten years consecutively. ‘It’s something that they’re hugely committed to behind the scenes—to give up your five-day weekend for ten years in a row, and do it so passionately, and being so committed to the cause is just awesome.’ While Mat is part of the team predominantly responsible for the organisational side of camps, it is comforting to know that these parental figures can be trusted to handle this aspect of relational ministry with the campers. He believes that camp mums are great at providing a listening ear for young people, who, may provide a perspective they do not have back at home. ‘Because they’re very passionate followers of Jesus, they’re probably able to talk at a deeper level with young people, in a
THE INPUT THAT CAMP PARENTS CAN HAVE ON THE YOUTH IS ALSO SIGNIFICANT, PARTICULARLY FAITHFUL ADULT FIGURES WHO ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SHARING THE LOVE OF JESUS. way that they might not be able to with their mum at home,’ he explains. ‘You have kids who come from non-church backgrounds because they’ve been invited by their mates, so [camp mums] are really good at building relationships.’ In most spaces, there aren’t many occasions for young people to have adult role models feeding into their lives outside of their parents or close family members. There have been studies done to show the importance of young people having those external adults around to offer support, encouragement and mentoring. In Alison’s opinion, this is what is so significant about what she gets to do. ‘Growing up I had lots [of people] looking over, it wasn’t just one person. Many writers today say that a young person needs at least five or six people journeying with them and speaking into their lives—not only their parents—and I’m not sure we actually get there today.’
The corps family Alison has seen a divide in the spaces where she works between the youth and those that are older in the church. ‘On a Sunday morning, for instance, young people do feel a disconnect with the older people … because they are so removed, they just don’t really know what it’s like to be a young person, a teenager, these days—because it is so different. Now, if they would just come and see what it’s like to be in the mosh pit, to see what it’s really like! Sunday morning is so different to what a teenager hears at Easter camp or Amplify or Youth Councils. But they have grandchildren, do they not know? And we do Christmas together and we do all those family things together, but we don’t want to do church together with our young people in our church, so this is what I find very frustrating.’ Alison believes that the way to reconnect an intergenerational Army is for parents, grandparents and older mentors to get involved in what the young people in their corps are excited about. The best way to learn this is by joining them in their own spaces—Easter camps, Amplify, Youth Councils; places set aside for youth to learn and grow in their faith and to have fun.
Even though corps will often have youth leaders and others who work or volunteer with young people, Alison wants to encourage people to commit to supporting the youth around them, whether that looks like signing up to be a camp mum or dad, or offering to mentor a younger person in their corps. Alison says, ‘It seems to be left up to youth leaders and that’s it. But it’s the wider circle of The Salvation Army; it’s not just the youth leaders. The youth leaders themselves still need older people around them. It’s up to that wider corps circle, they need those older camp parents, those mums and dads, speaking into their lives. And we need more of them.’ Regardless of age or ability, the input that camp parents have on the youth can have a lasting impact on their lives and the way they live out their faith, and that’s why Alison is so passionate about her role. ‘That’s the heart of a mum, but the heart of an older person as well. You know, I’m 53, so I’m right at that age where I know the kids are so important. I think I’ll probably be like that when I’m 73.’
THERE HAVE BEEN STUDIES DONE TO SHOW THE IMPORTANCE OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAVING THOSE EXTERNAL ADULTS AROUND TO OFFER SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND MENTORING.
01 MAY 2021 WarCry 9
Affirmations for New Parents Taking care of a new bub is tough. Each day it feels like you are thrown into the deep end with a completely different challenge to the day before. Every parent has felt at some point they weren’t good enough. Feared they didn’t have what their child needed. Panicked that the littlest mistake could have catastrophic consequences. At these times, a word of reassurance is needed to rewire those self-judgements. Whether you are a first-time, second-time or long-time parent, here are some important affirmations to remind yourself of the truth. • I cannot meet everyone’s needs, and that is okay. • In caring for myself, I am caring for those around me as well. • One bad day does not make me a bad parent—it means I am human. • I am not going to be sleep deprived forever. • My family appreciates and loves me, even though they might not voice it. • I trust my intuition when it comes to making choices and decisions. • It is okay to want and need a break. • There is no such thing as being ‘just a mum’ or ‘just a dad’. • Being a parent is part of me, but it is not all there is to me. • There is no reason to compare myself with others.
Bible-based Affirmations • I have the power of Christ dwelling in me; when I feel weak, he is strong—‘But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me’ (2 Corinthians 12:9). • Raising my family is part of my ministry—‘For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ
10 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
EVERY PARENT HAS FELT AT SOME POINT THEY WEREN’T GOOD ENOUGH. • I am the exact parent God has placed in my child’s life, for a reason. This year on Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, any day, write these truths out for yourself (or any parent you can think of who needs to hear them) to remember the importance of who you are and the season of life you are in. No parent is perfect, nor do they need to be— find peace in knowing that you are absolutely good enough and equipped for the role.
Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do’ (Ephesians 2:10). • No good deed will go unseen by God—‘Then your father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you’ (Matthew 6:4b). • I have the Holy Spirit within me, providing me with the patience, joy and peace I need—‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law’ (Galatians 5:22–23).
• My hope is found in Jesus, not in a full night’s sleep—‘Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him’ (Psalm 62:5). • I know the One who has all of the answers to my parenting questions—‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you’ (James 1:5). • I don’t have to be afraid because God is on my side—‘I can do all this through him who gives me strength’ (Philippians 4:13).
TESTIFY! This is the testimony of Valerie Richards, a soldier of Palmerston North Corps. Valerie has the wonderful gift of music. As a trained pianist, she has used her music to accompany corps worship, the songsters and divisional and territorial events. Some years ago, she was challenged with total blindness. She had relied on written music, and so she prayed she may continue without it. The Lord answered her prayer and she has continued to use her memory to make music for him. There are many of us who are grateful that we have been blessed and inspired by it. During the Covid-19 lockdown, she phoned many people to play hymns for them, bringing peace and blessing. Valerie has two sons and is proud to have a granddaughter (Natalie) who recently commenced at Booth College of Mission as a cadet. The Lord is Valerie’s constant strength and she gives him all the glory. We believe her witness and testimony, along with faithful service for God and the Army is worthy of recognition—Lt-Colonel Doreen Hamilton (retired).
I needed to have determination, get on my feet and face the world with boldness and prayerful assurance. I find it quite amazing that these words should come into my mind then, when the last time I would have heard them sung was during Salvation Army gatherings when my father was an officer at Paeroa between 1943 to 1945—over 76 years previously!
He writes the pardon on my heart, He writes the pardon on my heart, He writes the pardon on my heart, the moment I believe.’
My paternal grandfather, Wm. Tom Armstrong, attended the Blackburn Salvation Army in England. In 1909, he married a very pretty lass, Ellen Roberts (also known as Nellie). With their first child, Albert—my father— the family of three emigrated to New Zealand in 1911. Approximately ten years after their arrival, Tom and Ellen (now with four sons) were appointed as Salvation Army officers. In 1930, my father Albert Bramwell Armstrong was commissioned as an officer.
In August 2020, the words of the abovementioned refrain came into my mind most unexpectedly during the night. I had been talking to the Lord as I had been in distress. The words of that refrain are of an emphatic nature—‘I can and I will and I do’— said not just once, but three times.
Portions of this refrain were likely sung during his childhood—both my grandparents loved singing together. When appointed to Paeroa in 1943, he must have used those choruses during his leadership of Sunday meetings. As a result, the catchy, repetitive nature of both the words and melody
‘I can and I will and I do believe, I can and I will and I do believe, I can and I will and I do believe, that Jesus died for me. That on the cross He shed His blood, That on the cross He shed His blood, That on the cross He shed His blood, from sin to set me free.
‘I DID NOT NEED TO FRET. HE WAS THERE FOR ME.’ appealed to me in those very early years of my childhood, then lay dormant, stored in my memory. I do believe that the Lord opened up my memory in that moment to assure me that he was there for me. To give me confidence and create in me a positive attitude. I did not need to fret. He was there for me. He died for me and his unfailing love is always there to bless, guide and encourage. Scripture tells us that ‘Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom’ (Isaiah 40:28). He alone knows the end from the beginning, and grace for each time of need he will provide. Those words of life were restored to me from my childhood to bring comfort, encouragement and blessings in my recent time of need. What amazing grace! Praise his name!
01 MAY 2021 WarCry 11
BY SUSIE VEMOA
Over the Easter weekend, we were blessed to journey down to Mystery Creek in the Waikato with some five thousand other young people for Northern Easter Camp. For many young people, this camp is a huge marker on their journey of faith. It’s an extended period of time where they can step away from the pressures of the world and focus on God, surrounded by the love and support of friends. It’s a space of encouragement and learning that often leaves our young people feeling empowered and inspired to keep living for Jesus through the hardships of everyday life. Fittingly, the theme this year was ‘All In’—looking at giving our all, not just shinny-dipping. Through the lens of the Easter story, the speakers showed how Jesus exemplified an ‘all in’ life: a life fully committed to God, to his community and to the broken and lost, even through the suffering of the cross. Something about this year was particularly special. With travel restrictions in place, there were no international speakers. Instead, the camp sought and empowered local speakers, young adults (and some not-so-young adults) who grew up in Aotearoa, who understand our culture and our spirit and who came through Easter camps themselves. It was powerful. For our rangatahi to see people on stage who have similar stories to them, to hear people who grew up down the road talk about their relationships with God, hits different. The way that the Holy Spirit moved through these stories. The haka and the waiata we sang were 12 firezone.co.nz 01 MAY 2021
breathtaking, and eye-opening for many. God is doing a unique and beautiful thing here in Aotearoa. It seems fitting that in the ‘all in’ year, us Northern and Midland youth were joined at camp by the awesome rangatahi from Central Division. It was amazing to see how the young people from across Te Ika-a-Māui came together, loosely connected through The Salvation Army, and connected over their joint passions and love for God. This was nowhere more evident than the acoustic night they put together at The Salvation Army tent one evening (only there were so many acts, it went over two evenings). Rangatahi from corps on opposite sides of the North Island performed together, and everybody supported everybody. It was so cool for long-distance friends who met at territorial events to be able to come together again, and for new long-distance friendships to be made. It’s such a blessing to be able to attend a big camp with the rest of The Salvation Army. It makes our young people feel connected and reminds them that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Leaving camp, I was overwhelmed by the sense that God is doing a new and powerful thing here amongst the rangatahi of Aotearoa, and specifically within the rangatahi of Te Ope Whakaora. God is bringing about beautiful connection, restoration and renewal amongst beautiful young people who aren’t afraid to follow the example of Jesus and live lives that are ‘all in’.
BY ALISON MOODY
EC21 is now done and dusted! What a blast, what a ride, what a time to encounter the Holy Spirit! We had around 70 young people, leaders and youth group parents from the Southern Division gather at Spencer Park for a jungle-themed marquee atmosphere as our hangout space. We had fun in the sun setting up our tents and only had a wee bit of rain on Good Friday, which didn’t dampen our spirits.
‘…I GOT THE COURAGE TO THROW AWAY MY SHAME AND RECOVER MY FAITH JOURNEY WITH GOD.’ The Big Top meeting events were a God-glorifying experience where many young people were touched by the Holy Spirit and had breakthrough moments. The mosh pit—or as it was renamed, the worship pit—was an experience. I did a little fist pumping and head banging, if you please! There were ten first-time decisions made by our young people, so we are grateful to God for them stepping out and accepting Jesus as their personal friend and Saviour. Overall, we had a great time to encounter God, have fun, get to know each other better, not get a lot of sleep, eat Empire chicken and ride the Hurricane. If you want to know more, ask a young person who went. Here are some quotes from the young people that came to Southern Easter Camp: ‘My first time at Easter camp and I loved it. I can’t wait for next year! The nightlife and the music were awesome, I play it all the time at home now!’—Noah ‘This was my first and last Easter Camp as youth and it was a groundbreaking experience. I could really feel God working through me during camp, especially when I was praying for my friends. It felt amazing to be able to do that for them. Big Top was by far my favourite part (other than naps) and being able to bond with our youth group even more. During Big Top we talked a lot about forgiveness, including a workshop that was held on Saturday afternoon. We discussed how to forgive yourself and how to forgive others. This has always been a hard journey for me to embark on, but Easter Camp really opened my eyes on how to even begin to do this.’—Jade ‘Easter Camp was an amazing time, like always, however this year was an extra-special year for me, as I got the courage to throw away my shame and recover my faith journey with God.’—Junho 01 MAY 2021 WarCry 13
BreakFree Through Prayer
The Salvation Army is participating in a year of prayer for the territory. In response Major Bill Millar from Whangārei Corps shares with us the international, non-denominational prayer ministry Victorious Ministry Through Christ, which ministers to people through prayer and is impacting lives in Whangārei. When I was a child growing up in the Army, I saw many people gloriously saved. Sadly, many did not progress to a life of liberty—the quality of life known as the ‘Holy Spirit-filled life’. Somehow they got stuck, figuring that a mediocre life was as good as it was going to get. Many had been deeply hurt in the past. Sinned against. They were wounded and potentially scarred for life, through no fault of their own. Others carried burdens of their own sin, and they needed to be gently walked through a non-judgemental, confidential process to bring healing of the heart and liberty. How can this happen?
BreakFree prayer ministry It can now happen through the BreakFree prayer ministry. This ministry provides an opportunity to spend time dealing with roadblocks to growth, to liberty and effectiveness as a follower of Jesus—in other words, the Holy Spirit-filled life. Here at Whangārei Corps, we are seeing the profound impact of this prayer ministry, which is Bible-based and user-friendly to the doctrines and principles of the Army. Like any other prayer ministry, it is not a ‘one hit wonder’. It says in Philippians 2.12b, ‘Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling’. The ministry helps
people to recognise the unhelpful habit patterns they have and replace them with good habit patterns as part of the work of sanctification. When a person comes to the BreakFree team for prayer, the first session is like taking a car to a motor mechanic for assessment and identification of issues. The underlying question asked is, ‘What are the roadblocks that are causing this lacklustre, or sin-impaired life?’ We then identify the roadblocks to progressing to a life of freedom and encourage participants to leave behind—‘at the foot of the cross’—the sin and grudges relating to those who have sinned against them, and then walk away in liberty. Just as in 1 John 1:9 it says, ‘If we confess our sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness’. We have seen first-hand how God is faithful to carry out this work.
THIS TYPE OF MINISTRY ASKS GOD FOR EMOTIONAL AND AT TIMES PHYSICAL HEALING, BUT GOD IS SOVEREIGN AND SOMETIMES PHYSICAL HEALING HAPPENS AND SOMETIMES IT DOESN’T.
14 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
WHEN A PERSON COMES TO THE BREAKFREE TEAM FOR PRAYER, THE FIRST SESSION IS LIKE TAKING A CAR TO A MOTOR MECHANIC FOR ASSESSMENT AND IDENTIFICATION OF ISSUES. We share the vision and job description of Jesus. At the beginning of his ministry, Jesus aligned himself with the prophecy of Isaiah 61 (also in Luke 4:18), ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has chosen me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind. To set the oppressed free.’ My heart cries out, ‘Me too!’ What a privilege is ours!
Set them free We are called to heal and set free. In Luke 9:1–6, Jesus called the twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to drive out demons and cure diseases. These parts of Scripture make some people feel uncomfortable, but it is evident in prayer ministry that anyone who has been involved in the occult or dabbled in witchcraft needs the freedom that only Christ’s name and the blood of Jesus can bring. ‘And he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick [v2].’ The BreakFree method does just that. BreakFree is a team effort, this brings accountability and safeguards. It says in James 5:14–16, ‘Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.’ After the initial identification of issues and much in-depth prayer to clear blockages, we pray for the infilling of the Holy Spirit so the fruits of the Spirit will be at work in people’s lives.
Physical healing This type of ministry asks God for emotional and, at times, physical healing, but God is sovereign and sometimes physical healing happens and sometimes it doesn’t. The prayer session is undertaken in a careful, orderly and gentle fashion. The person receiving ministry is invited to pray a prayer of openness to the leading of the Holy Spirit. It is simple and non-threatening for the person being ministered to, and there is no charge as each ministry session is free. MORE INFO | For more details, including testimonies, check out the website www.breakfree.org.nz Click on ‘Contact’ to connect with someone from the team who can give you further information.
Prayer Pods Most Tuesdays and Sundays I attend Recovery Church in Auckland; often it is the highlight of my week. People come from a variety of different backgrounds and stages of exploring spirituality for the purpose of connecting with each other and with God. Prayer at Recovery Church isn’t just something we do, prayer is a lifeline. People might not feel comfortable praying in public or they might not have any idea how to pray, so we make it easy for people to express their needs. We have paper and a pen on a table in the auditorium for people to write their prayers and place them in our prayer box. During the service the prayers are read by someone from the congregation. Prayers are typically about recovery, about family, about peers in recovery or for anything else that is going on. Prayers come from the heart: ‘God, please help me get through today’; ‘God, please watch over my children while I am on the programme’; ‘God, help me to do the right thing’; ‘God, thank you for getting me through the night’. At the end of each prayer the congregation says ‘Amen’ to confirm their support. After the prayers have all been read out, someone prays a covering prayer. This is a special, sacred part of Recovery Church. When people are asked what prayer pods mean to them, their replies include: ‘They open doors of hope, curiosity and opportunity for those who haven’t yet experienced a spiritual awakening. God can show miracles and create seeds of belief with these confidential prayer requests.’ ‘Talking to God and asking for forgiveness on a good day and on a bad day praying that your prayers are answered.’ ‘Prayer pods are a beautiful weekly sacred space for “Holding Hope”.’ ‘The chance to speak out loud in prayer … for myself, for my loved ones and even for the soul I have just met!’ ‘I feel the Spirit of God present.’ BY MAJOR BRONWYN ALDERSLEY
01 MAY 2021 WarCry 15
Something Beautiful Ladies’ Retreat On Friday morning of March 19, Captain Michelle Lee, Kat Eden, Colleen Grant and myself set off to Waikanae, full of excitement, to set up our Ladies’ Retreat. We filled goodie bags with beautiful things, with a spray of wrapped flowers from Flowergirl Florist for each person. After lots of attention to detail and setting up, we felt ready to welcome our ladies, who travelled down later in the day. When everyone was settled in and refreshed, we came together for a welcome, worship and supper, accompanied by amazing cakes. Our Palmy worship team blessed us with beautiful music. Saturday morning, we shared breakfast, then had our first session with Major Glenda Bezzant from Hutt City Corps. Wow! This woman of God drew us in with her amazing life story and journey with God—her great stamina and faith in a never-failing God stood out in a way that touched every heart present. Tears were shed and so much prayer was released. Lunch followed, then a free afternoon to explore, chill out, enjoy the massive water slide or check out the walkways. We couldn’t help but notice a togetherness: people reaching out to others, kindness and helpfulness being shown and a uniting of our ladies. After our evening meal, we enjoyed a pamper evening, with nail polish to glam up the fingers and toes, a foot spa and foot massage, while our awesome worship team serenaded us. Britney Lee and her hairdressing colleagues kindly came to share their skills, and delightful styles and braiding emerged! After supper, Michelle suggested we could walk up the hill to the lovely old wooden church—so with torches at the ready, those who chose to, set off. We sang choruses and the Lord’s Prayer, had awesome prayer time and finished with a rousing rendition of ‘I’ve Been Redeemed’, ringing out into the night. Glenda shared with us on Sunday morning, enabling our ladies to set their hearts toward our Lord, to release the past and move on … from broken to beautiful. We took home a new sense of awareness of other people and who they are, and a sense of belonging. BY BETTY THOMPSON
16 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
Indonesia Territory— Rafli’s Story Rafli is one of the children being cared for in The Salvation Army’s children’s homes in Indonesia and has been supported by our Child Sponsorship Programme. Rafli has been in the Army’s care since he was a small child and has no memory of his parents or family. He currently attends a special school for his education, where he excels in sport. He likes to run and he took first place in the 100 metres competition in the region of Jogjakarta (aka Yogyakarta). He then went on to run at the provincial level and achieved third place. The Salvation Army home has a cabinet on display of sports awards achieved by the boys. With the Covid-19 pandemic, all schools have been closed and children are learning at home by studying online. For the home that Rafli lives in, along with other children who attend the special school, the home manager has been working with them patiently to ensure all school assignments are completed. Through sponsorship money, we have been able to ensure the ongoing education of all children in The Salvation Army’s care in Indonesia. If you would like to become a sponsor, please go to salvationarmy.org.nz/help-us/help-overseas/sponsorship to sign up and choose the country you would like to support. You will receive two newsletters each year showing how your sponsorship has assisted many children.
Sign for Freedom Petition The Salvation Army is encouraging all people to add their names to the Sign for Freedom petition and share it amongst their communities. Initiated by World Vision and Trade Aid, this petition calls for New Zealand to pass a Modern Slavery Act, legislation which would require public and private entities to report both the risks of modern slavery within their operations and supply chains and how they are addressing these risks. It is estimated that 40 million people around the globe— including within New Zealand—are trapped in modern slavery. It infiltrates almost every sector, region and industry, and, unlike many countries, New Zealand currently has no accountability legislation to ensure transparency in organisational supply chains.
Palmerston North Men’s Retreat Twenty men from Palmerston North Corps attended the retreat at El Rancho, Waikanae, from 26–28 March. With the theme ‘Now is the Time’, all men were encouraged to participate in activities as they felt comfortable. This was an opportunity to experience genuine Christian fellowship, build strong friendships and grow spiritually. Our guest speaker for the weekend was Major Ivan Bezzant from Hutt City Corps. Major Ivan’s powerful messages focussed on reasons why we may not be growing in the Christian faith as we should. He explained that maybe our mind is holding us back from our heart being hungry for Christ’s presence, and that we should keep turning all our emotions to the Holy Spirit. Testimonies shared were powerful, and we all sensed the presence of the Holy Spirit. The weekend was a great chance to get away with other men, enjoy great food, have fun and walk away with practical ways to live the extraordinary life Christ has called us to as his followers. We all left the retreat with a ‘buzz’ following a very successful weekend. BY ERROL MARKER
‘As consumers, a lot of what we purchase may actually involve slavery in the early stages of production,’ says Captain Sammy Millar, Territorial Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Response contact person. ‘Without the Fair Trade logo, it can be really hard to find the information we need so that we can be sure we are purchasing ethically.’ Businesses have already indicated strong support for implementing a Modern Slavery Act in New Zealand; almost 100 prominent businesses signed their names in an open letter presented to Michael Wood, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, in March. The action of signing this petition aligns perfectly with the ‘Policy’ pillar of The Salvation Army’s International Fight for Freedom strategy framework. ‘This is a way that we can be active in encouraging government to pass legislation and work towards the prevention of modern slavery,’ Sammy explains. ‘The Salvation Army has a moral, theological and historical mandate to respond; we choose to engage by advocating for policy and legislation that will reduce modern slavery and human trafficking and its demand. ‘It’s also in line with our mission statement, which is “Caring for others, transforming lives and reforming society by God’s power”. Signing the petition really does encompass each aspect of that mission statement.’ Territorial Leaders, Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell, are also calling The Salvation Army network to action. ‘From our beginning, The Salvation Army has been active in the fight against slavery and we continue to fight for freedom today. That is why we support the petition initiated by World Vision and Trade Aid asking the government to pass a Modern Slavery Act in Aotearoa,’ Julie states. ‘We believe such legislation will improve the transparency and accountability to due diligence required of businesses in regard to their supply chains. ‘Mark and I will be signing the petition and encourage all Salvationists to please support this by both signing and promoting the petition.’ To add your name and Sign for Freedom, scan the QR code above to sign the petition online, visit www.signforfreedom.nz or ask your corps officers for hard-copy resources. The petition closes online on 17 May 2021. 01 MAY 2021 WarCry 17
‘Walk Till You Die!’ General John Larsson (Retired) shares fascinating glimpses of the early Army. In 1908 William Booth appointed Colonel a larger contingent that comprised and Mrs Robert and Annie Hoggard to some 70 civilians and several hundred open the Army’s work in Korea. What American prisoners of war, many of they began in that year has resulted them wounded. Herbert, aged 61, was in a model Salvation Army today— appointed translator for the group achieved despite staggeringly difficult as he was fluent in Korean, having circumstances. served in that country for most of his When the Second World War ended officership. in 1945, Korea was divided in two at The group was under the command the 38th parallel, with the communists of a North Korean colonel so vicious taking over northern Korea and the USA that he was dubbed ‘the Tiger’. Under taking responsibility for southern Korea. brutal conditions the group headed Most of the Army’s work was located northwards, sometimes by train, in the north. Korean Commissioner sometimes by foot. They often slept on Peter Chang writes: ‘There were 77 corps the ground without shelter. in North Korea. We have no knowledge One day the Tiger announced whatsoever of what may have happened where they were heading, and to these comrades or corps following the said that there would be no more division of the Korean peninsula.’ Commissioner Herbert Lord. transport; they would have to walk Only 41 corps were left in the south, the rest of the way. Herbert Lord realised that their destination and suddenly they too were threatened. On Sunday 25 June was more than 100 miles away. The fierce Korean winter had 1950 the North Korean army swooped down on the south, already set in, daily rations of millet seed and water were scanty, reaching the capital Seoul within three days, with the rest of and many were seriously ill. So he spoke up for the group. the peninsula ‘falling into the hands of the enemy as easily as ‘We cannot walk,’ he declared. autumn leaves falling from the trees’. ‘Why not?’ demanded the Tiger. Lieut-Commissioner Herbert Lord, the territorial commander, ‘Because of the condition of most of the people. There is gave the officers three months’ living allowance and instructed them to lie low. As the invading army fought its way to the a nine-month-old baby and an 82-year-old priest who is sick southern tip of the peninsula, Salvation Army corps melted into and can hardly move. There is a Belgian nun who is blind and the undergrowth. another who is dying of tuberculosis. Many of the American soldiers can hardly put one foot before the other.’ The Tiger lifted his index finger and jabbed it into Herbert’s chest as he snarled: ‘Can you die?’ He replied quietly: ‘Yes’. The Tiger spat out the next words through clenched teeth: ‘Then walk till you die!’ Thus commenced the ‘Tiger Death March’, a shocking instance of man’s inhumanity to man, in which nearly 100 American soldiers and many civilians died. Those who fell exhausted by the wayside were simply shot by the guards, and when soldiers and civilians died during the cold nights, shallow graves were dug for them in the morning. There were many tragedies. Several officers died as martyrs. After reaching the internment camp, Herbert’s stay there The 18 young men who formed the band at the Army’s Seoul lasted for nearly three years. It ended the day an armistice was Boys Home were marched northwards with instruments in hand signed. When he was received at a London airport with six and were never heard of again. fellow internees, there could have been no better choice of hymn Within weeks there were no functioning corps left anywhere for BBC TV to broadcast to the nation than ‘Praise God, from in Korea. Whom All Blessings Flow’. Commissioner and Mrs Lord had taken refuge with other The Salvation Army in South Korea survived its virtual UK citizens in the British embassy compound. They were offered annihilation in 1950 and today has 246 corps. The territory seats on a flight out. Herbert persuaded his wife to accept but longs for the day when The Salvation Army will be able to return insisted on staying with his officers. What awaited him was far to North Korea. worse than he could have imagined. When the American counter-attack began, the North Korean military told the embassy group that for their safety Reprinted with permission from War Cry United Kingdom they would be taken to North Korea. They then became part of with the Republic of Ireland, 6 February 2021.
‘THERE WERE 77 CORPS IN NORTH KOREA. WE HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE WHATSOEVER OF WHAT MAY HAVE HAPPENED TO THESE COMRADES OR CORPS…’
18 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
GAZETTE Bereavement: Lt-Colonel Ron Brinsdon and Lt-Colonel Lorna Hennessey, of their brother Alan Brinsdon, on Tuesday 13 April 2021, from Mosgiel. We ask you to uphold Lt-Colonel Ron Brinsdon, LtColonels Lorna and Don Hennessy, Alan’s wife Mary, and other extended family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss. Promotion to Glory: Anne Millar, the sister of Major Ian Kilgour, from Diana Isac Rest Home, Mairehau, Christchurch on Tuesday 30 March 2021. Anne and Jim Millar were officers for 12 years, serving in India for over 8 years from 1965–1974. We ask you to uphold Majors Ian and Shirley Kilgour, Anne’s husband Jim and extended family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss. Major Alvin Flintoff, on Monday 12 April 2021, from Christchurch, aged 82 years. Alvin Ernest Flintoff was born in Dunedin on 19 April 1938. Alvin married Joan Rogers on 31 August 1963 and together they entered training college in 1965 in the Defenders of the Faith session. Following commissioning, they were appointed to Miramar Corps, followed by Foxton Corps (1968) and New Brighton Corps (1970), then to Wellington Bridge (1971), Addington Men’s Social Service Centre (1972), Rotoroa Island (1976), Mosgiel Corps (1977), managers to Resthaven Eventide Home, Dunedin (1979), Invercargill Social Service Centre (1982) and Mary Bryant Family Care Centre, Hamilton (1986). In 1988, they returned to Addington Social Services Centre, where Alvin was appointed superintendent and coordinator, Emergency Services for Canterbury North West Division (1991). In 1997, Alvin was appointed as divisional secretary to the Canterbury North West Division and in 1999 as assistant director to Epsom Lodge. In 2000, they were appointed to Mercy Jenkins Eventide Home in Eltham, where Alvin had an additional appointment as National Emergency Services coordinator. Alvin and Joan retired to Christchurch on 1 May 2003. In retirement, Alvin gave oversight to Hornby Centre in January 2004. Alvin was an excellent musician and wrote an Easter piece for our Salvation Army bands that was published in The Salvationist, October 1975 edition. Alvin also wrote poetry, some of which was published in War Cry over the years. Please support Joan and their children Ashley, Louise and Timothy, Alvin’s sister Lt-Colonel Ethne Flintoff and extended family members in your prayers at this time of grief and loss. Well done, good and faithful Defender of the Faith!
…WE ARE CALLED TO BE THE PEOPLE OF GOD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES. As I write, I am coming to the end of a weekend of celebration, where I have been blessed by family and friends and the gift of another year. There is much to be thankful for, especially the precious delight of family who take the time to plan and execute appropriate ways to mark my occasion. But I am conscious that on the other side of the world another woman marks a special date in her calendar and plans a celebration of another kind, in remembering the gift of a lifetime companion. Like many others, I stayed up to watch the service in which the Queen and her family acknowledged and grieved the life of a husband, father and grandfather. A very personal occasion, yet one shared with the world. Much has been said by those who watched on as the Queen sat alone in the service, socially distanced from those who love her the most, a somewhat isolated but always dignified figure, leading the mourners in remembrance of her husband and soulmate of 73 years. I was struck by the notion that the Queen has herself experienced the reality of many of her subjects who have said their farewells in similar circumstances over the past year. The tentacles of a global pandemic reach into every sphere of our lives. While a very personal occasion, the funeral of her husband provided a shared experience with many around the world. I call to mind that our God is not a distant God far off and immune to the human experience. He is a God who chose to experience our existence firsthand in the life of Jesus Christ. A God who experienced the emotions associated with the celebrations and the challenges of our existence, and embraces us in his love in all our experiences. For some, a birthday celebration or the passing of a special someone can be an equally lonely experience. As the Church, we are called to be the people of God in all circumstances. To celebrate with those who celebrate and mourn with those who mourn. To live our shared experiences in the knowledge that we have a God who sees, knows and cares. A God who calls us to share what we know and experience of him with all who come within our influence. Our Territorial Strategy calls us to be a great place to belong, work, worship and serve. A place of inclusion for all, whether they are celebrating or sorrowing. Scripture reminds us to care. Like Timothy—as recorded in 1 Timothy 6:20—we are called to guard what has been entrusted to us. Every blessing to you, as you seek to share in the lived experiences of those God has entrusted to your care in coming days. Lt-Colonel Michelle Collins Territorial Secretary for Communications 01 MAY 2021 WarCry 19
The West Coast of New Zealand is a rugged place—wet weather for around 180 days a year, rough coastline, beautiful landscape and hardy people. Those who have lived there for years are known as ‘Coasters’. Just how many years are required before one can claim that title is uncertain. The story is told of an 83-year-old woman who had been brought to the West Coast as a 3-week-old baby. At her funeral, when that detail was given, someone in the congregation was heard to say, ‘I knew she wasn’t a real Coaster’. BY MAJOR BARBARA SAMPSON
Longing for belonging Belonging is something we all long for— to be accepted, welcomed, given the right to be here, wherever ‘here’ is. But it is not always a given. A refugee or immigrant coming to a new country may read a welcome sign at the port of entry, but not on people’s faces or in their responses. ‘Can’t understand you.’ ‘You’re different.’ ‘Why don’t you go back to where you belong?’ The comments can range from unthinking to downright racist. Tight-knit communities can be hard for anyone to break into. At Oban, Stewart Island, the grocery store has a blackboard outside announcing birthdays, births and deaths. For a while, a small note reminded everyone that this service is for ‘locals only’. Everyone seems to know each other. A wave of the hand in greeting is an essential part of the road code. Visitors and tourists are welcome, of course, but they are not settlers. The line between is invisible but real. Even in a church there isn’t always an automatic right of belonging. The traditions, the routines, the accepted ways of doing and being can take quite 20 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
some time to learn. And that includes working out who sits where! Oh the delight of a place that is free enough from its own importance to open its arms and draw strangers in. Oh the gift of hospitality that says, ‘This is our place but we want it to be your place as well’. Some new families have recently started coming to our Sunday services. They don’t yet know the songs we sing. They don’t know much about our church, our code of conduct or our doctrines. One day they will come to know these things that we hold as important. But this they do know. They know when someone remembers their name and the names of their children. They know what acceptance and welcome feel like.
Alienation of the unfamiliar Some years ago on an overseas holiday, my husband and I twice attended a large church of our own denomination. On the first Sunday there were other holidaying Kiwi in attendance. We had an immediate circle of people we knew. There was a bond, a fellowship, a sense of belonging. The following Sunday our holiday-making friends had moved on and we were Kiwi alone. No one spoke to us, apart from a woman sitting alongside who said hello in the ‘meet and greet’ segment of the service. Suddenly we felt like strangers,
BELONGING IS SOMETHING WE ALL LONG FOR— TO BE ACCEPTED, WELCOMED, GIVEN THE RIGHT TO BE HERE, WHEREVER HERE IS. outsiders, visitors without any status or importance—non-belongers. And it was not a comfortable feeling. I know what it is like to be on the outside. I have carried that knowing in my name all my life. The name ‘Barbara’ comes from the Latin barbarus, meaning barbarian, foreigner, stranger, one who does not belong. Mercifully in my teen years I read in Ephesians 2:19, ‘Consequently, [that is, because of what Christ has done] you are no longer foreigners or aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household’.
God’s open arms Scripture records a story about Jesus encountering an ‘outsider’ woman (see Matthew 15:21–28). He ‘withdrew’— maybe in order to find an easier route or maybe because he was tired of the clamouring crowds and needed some quiet time with his disciples—to rest, to teach, to reflect with them on their recent days of ministry together. Whatever the reason, his withdrawing was hijacked by a woman whose
desperation for her sick child was greater than any cultural or social convention that should have kept her at a discreet distance. Did he not know that there is none so persistent as a mother with an unwell child? Did she remind him of his own mother who kept appearing, anxiety written all over her face, worried that he was not looking after himself, not even taking time for crumbs from someone’s table? Whatever his heart said as this needy woman followed after him and his entourage, his resistance melted at her persistence then turned to testing. ‘What rights do you have for my attention and healing, you outsider of the faith?’ ‘Maybe Lord,’ she responded, ‘but even the outsiders get a look in.’ In that moment it was as if they saw each other, saw each other’s alienation, each other’s not-belonging, each other’s
OH THE DELIGHT OF A PLACE THAT IS FREE ENOUGH FROM ITS OWN IMPORTANCE TO OPEN ITS ARMS AND DRAW STRANGERS IN. inexpressible need and longing. And as she gave him her heart he gave her his healing for her daughter. I know from this and other stories in Scripture that I need never be afraid of being ‘on the outside’ as I come to prayer. This Canaanite woman encourages me to pray: ‘Lonely Jesus who understands the isolated, alienated place, be with me when I hunger to belong and can’t even find crumbs of connection’. Poet Edwin Markham wrote: He drew a circle that shut me out— Heretic, rebel, a thing to flout. But love and I had the wit to win: We drew a circle and took him in!
God’s arms are always extended, always welcoming, drawing me in, saying, ‘Come, daughter who once felt excluded, you are mine, you belong and we have things to talk about together’. This is what God does for each of us as we turn our face towards him. He speaks our name, calls us his Beloved and tells us we are welcome. When we belong, we have an outside mooring to prevent us from falling into ourselves. –John O’Donohue
01 MAY 2021 WarCry 21
One space is one hundred dollars. How many women can we embrace?
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 2 May: Visit to Porirua Corps, Central Division 3 May: Visit to Miramar and Tawa Corps, Central Division 4 May: Visit to Kapiti and Johnsonville Corps, Central Division 5 May: Visit to Petone and Hutt City Corps and Central Youth Services, Central Division 14 May: Red Shield collecting at Wellington Airport
PRAY Territorial Business, Commercial, Communications and Finance departments, Family Stores around the territory, The Salvation Army in Mozambique.
INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE? salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy
Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) No official engagements at this time. Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 8 May: Southern Division Regional Women’s Rally
Want to Know More? I would like: to learn about who Jesus is information about The Salvation Army The Salvation Army to contact me prayer for the following needs:
FAMILY WEEKEND
7–9 MAY
WHO Families with kids (aged 6–17 years).
Name
WHAT Discover the true meaning of what it means to work together as a family unit. Create lifetime memories whilst having an amazing adventure!
Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
MORE INFO bluemountainadventure.org.nz
bmac@salvationarmy.org.nz
Quiz Answers: 1 Lead, 2 Mona Lisa, 3 500 (or 516 for a ‘printer’s ream’ or ‘perfect ream’), 4 Messy handwriting, 5 Esther.
22 WarCry 01 MAY 2021
All mums are everyday superheroes … so draw your own mum as as superhero! Make sure to fill in the blanks alongside your drawing to describe what makes her so super!
‘I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him’. 1 SAMUEL 1:27
My mum’s superpower(s) is/are…
She uses them to…
…in the city/town of…
Her superhero alter ego name is…
But her real name is…
When she’s not saving the world, you can find her…
Her go-to snack while on a mission is…
In 1 Samuel 1:11, she promised God, ‘Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life’.
I’m her sidekick called…
Write an acrostic poem for your mum.
…and I help her out by…
List the letters in her name down the length of a piece of paper, and then come up with a word to describe her for each letter. You can pick words such as fun, happy, joyful, wonderful, clever, caring, brave and more.
Here are some ways to say ‘mum’ or ‘mother’ in foreign languages! Portuguese: mãe | Albanian: nënë or mëmë | Danish: mor French: mère or maman | Hawaiian: makuahine Korean: eomma or eomeoni | Vietnamese: me. | Welsh: mam
There was a woman named Hannah who desperately wanted to be a mother, but had been unable to have children. She was so upset that she would cry and couldn’t eat. One day, in her despair, Hannah went to the temple to pray.
Fun Fact: Astronaut Buzz Aldrin’s mother’s maiden name was Moon!
The high priest, Eli, was watching her. Hannah was crying and she was praying in her heart—her lips were moving, but no words were coming out. He didn’t think she was praying sincerely, so he confronted her. When she explained how deeply troubled she was, he blessed her: (v17) ‘Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him’. Soon, Hannah gave birth to a baby and named him Samuel, and as soon as he was old enough, she returned to the temple so that he could serve God there. THINK ABOUT
t What gif e arrives th r day af te Day ? Mother ’s TE s . C h o c oL A
What does Hannah’s story teach us about the power of prayer, and how God listens to ALL of our prayers— even the quietest ones? 01 MAY 2021 WarCry 23
0800 53 00 00 salvationarmy.org.nz/redshield