PlaguesHistoricalandPandemics Coping with Bad News Overload Northern Division Youth Councils PacificNationsIslandandCovid-19Response Jesus’ OffensiveMessage theInvitingLight in FAITH IN ACTION 03 SEPTEMBER 2022 | Issue 6799 | $ 1.50
2 WarCry 03 SEPTEMBER 2022 14 Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.
The question now is are we prepared to face up to the elephants in the room and move through the pain-filled, uncomfortable and self-sacrificial process of change and accountability? This will take a determined and focussed effort by each of us in our four nations, but we must have the courage and energy to find the answers and remedy the unacceptable. We must face inequities and let go of the issues that polarise and cripple our communities.
We are all but done with the global pandemic and eager to transition into a society that can learn from the past and improve the future—well, that’s the premise.
The Elephants in the Room…
Nothing exalts the soul or gives it a sheer sense of buoyancy and victory so much as being used to change the lives of other people.
What the pandemic has done is expose the not-so-lovely side of society— unequal distribution of power and resources; the crisis in our mental health provision; the state of our medical care; racial discrimination; overreach of authority; and the fact that some of our most important workers, such as nurses, teachers, firefighters and caregivers, are the least paid professions.
Editor 12 04 16 11 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, Nicole Gesmundo, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Hope Burmeister, Holly Morton, David Youngmeyer | PROOF READING Major Colleen Marshall OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Email salvationarmy.org.nz/warcrywarcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, 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. 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 138 years | Issue 6799 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry salvationarmy.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS@SalvationArmyNZsalvationarmynzfts
E. Stanley Jones
Ngā Whakatauki 3:27 Kaua e kaiponuhia te pai ki te hunga i tika nei mā rātou, i ngā wā e taea ai e tōu ringa.
In this edition of War Cry there is a reason we have included hints on coping with bad news overload (pg 10). It is a foil against the topics covered in this edition—from suicide (pg 3) to plagues and pandemics (pg 6). Thankfully, interspersed throughout our pages are also the good news stories of self-sacrifice, service and a good cup of tea (pg 19)—after all, ‘there is nothing like an Army cup of tea’. Hill
Vivienne
‘D ad. I can’t face school today; I need to talk to you.’ The call was from one of my teenage sons, struggling with life. After arranging to meet at the railway station, I left work and began the 20-minute walk there. With his admission of suicidal thoughts fresh in my memory, I walked—desperately hoping that he would get on the train, not in front of it. My stomach churned. I wanted to run, but getting there early doesn’t make the train arrive any sooner. I texted, hoping for an answer but knowing not getting a reply didn’t mean anything. He’s a teenage boy, I’m Dad. There are plenty more people ahead in the reply priority line before me. No reply came to comfort my walk. It did give me time to reflect on my own teenage years, though. They were also marked by struggling with constant and overwhelming ideas of suicide. Clearly, I made it through, but it was close. I was fortunate to have found ways to cope with the stress, and to have been surrounded by a loving family and supportive church community. While they didn’t know exactly what I was going through, they painted a picture of hope when I couldn’t visualise it myself. Despite all the good things I had, I still found myself losing the battle to control my thoughts. Despite my faith and service to God, life got harder and darker. I was worried enough to talk to my doctor about whether this was normal and if there was anything that could be done. I began a long walk of my own, through doctors, diagnoses, medication and therapy.
Being There
During my worst times, I clung to a single Bible verse—which was sometimes about all I could handle—‘A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out’ (Isaiah 42:3a). It gave me hope that those at the edge are allowed to be there, because it isn’t the end of the story. God loves restoring; life and health can be found again—even from the very worst places. Arriving at the railway station I searched the crowds disembarking, for that familiar face. There he was, my son—headphones on, head down, but alive. Time slowed down to a stop as we sat and munched our way through McDonald’s burgers, chatting about life and those things close to the surface. Something my own father often did through my tumultuous teenage years—I’m not sure I ever spoke much during those times—but he showed up. He spoke up. And kept painting pictures of a future I could not yet see.
BY MATT GILLON
03 SEPTEMBER 2022 WarCry 3
It is a terrifying thing to see someone you love struggle and to feel powerless to assist. Words seem a limp weapon against the steely foe of mental torment. Was this normal teenage angst or a fullblown mental health crisis for my son? It didn’t matter to me, I wasn’t prepared to roll the dice with his life. I made time to be there, because others made time for me. We do not have to face life alone. Sometimes we need others to protect us from breaking, and breathe life into those faint sparks of life.
Wellington Salvationist Emeritus Professor Tagaloatele Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop has been acknowledged by Wellington City Council for her commitment and contribution to the community.
Biographical Comedy-Drama Phantom of the Open (M) Directed by Craig Roberts The film follows the true story of Maurice Flitcroft, a man who entered the British Open claiming to be a professional golfer but had never played a round before. He earned a record high score, becoming famous for being the ‘world’s worst golfer’. Despite being banned from future British Opens, he disguised himself as other people to enter the tournaments. You may have no golfing experience, but you appreciate the tongue-in-cheek humour and how lovable the characters are as underdogs.
Dip bread slices, one at a time, into banana mixture. Cook for 1 minute each side or until golden. Transfer to a plate; cover to keep warm. Wipe pan clean with a paper towel; repeat with remaining banana, coconut mixture and bread. Serve with coconut yoghurt, fruit, maple syrup, cinnamon sugar or lemon and sugar.
1 very ripe banana
Source: countdown.co.nz 8 slices day-old brioche or bread
Mash the banana in a medium bowl with a fork. Gradually stir in the coconut milk.
Peggy has spent over 50 years championing to improve the lives, education and wellbeing of Pasifika people.
Maurice is a determined, resilient person who decides after watching golf on TV, that he would compete in the British Open. The message is that you don’t have to be good at everything to succeed, which is refreshing. Sometimes enjoying the process and the journey is enough, especially with family cheering for you on from the sidelines. (Reviewed by Hope Burmeister)
A born and bred Wellingtonian, Peggy attended Wellington Technical College and Teachers College, before becoming a university lecturer at the USP School of Agriculture (Alafua, Samoa) and then was appointed as the inaugural director of Va’aomanu Pasifika at Victoria University of Wellington. Later she became the first professor of Pacific Studies at Auckland University of Technology. Pacific excellence and scholarship to improve outcomes for her people have always been at the centre of her work and service. Aside from a distinguished academic career, Peggy remains involved in Kilbirnie, where her parents made their first home when they migrated from Samoa. She is the director of The Salvation Army children’s ministry at Kilbirnie Corps and holds other voluntary leadership roles on the TuTagata PolyFest, Aiga Sa Petaia and the PACIFICA Newtown branch. She also manages the Vinepa Trust which for the past 34 years has delivered a weekly community study hub in Kilbirnie.
Salvationist Honoured for Community Service
Tip: A great way to use up stale bread for breakfast.
Vegan French Toast
Peggy was one of 17 people honoured at the Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian Awards held at Te Papa on 11 August.
400ml coconut milk Optional, to serve: Coconut yoghurt Fruit of your choice Maple LemonCinnamonsyrupsugarandsugar
4 WarCry 03 SEPTEMBER 2022
Photography: Wellington City Council.
1 What blood type is known as the universal donor?
This issue of War Cry, on 2 August 1924, features a creative approach taken by cadets to attract people to a tambourine band performance. The campaign took place in Kilbirnie Wellington, where cadets wore sandwich boards that read, very straight to the point: ‘Listen for the tambourine band; Sunday next; It’s good; Come’. Here’s hoping many turned up to see the band play!
QUIKQUIZ
5. In Spain, Italy and Portugal, Father’s Day is celebrated on the Feast of St Joseph. Since these are predominently Catholic countries, the feast recognises St Joseph as the patron saint of fathers, so also held as its annual Father’s Day.
(L–R): Wellington Deputy Mayor Sarah Free, Tagaloatele Emeritus Professor Peggy Fairbairn-Dunlop, Wellington City Counsillor Tamatha Paul and Wellington Mayor Andy
Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Plowman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission.
5 In the Bible, which disciple, busy at his daily work, was caught naked by Jesus?
Foster.
4. In Thailand, Father’s Day is also the king’s birthday. In the spirit of tradition, everyone is encouraged to do good deeds; many give blood as an example of a good deed on this day.
2 How many t-shirts are sold per year globally?
WARCRY IN HISTORY
3 The Great Barrier Reef is off the coast of which Australian state?
I can changedbe by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. Maya Angelou
1. Ancient Romans honoured fathers who had passed in February. Although Father’s Day has only been a recognised celebration for the last century, people have been honouring fathers for much longer.
3. New Zealand celebrates Father’s Day in September for commercial value. Countries in the commonwealth celebrate in September instead of June for commercial purposes.
Answers on page 22 Weird of the Week: Despite having six cannotdragonflieslegs,walk.
TOPFIVE Father’s Day is a time when we celebrate fathers, grandfathers and honorary fathers. Here are some fun facts about Father’s Day you may not know.
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2. Father’s Day was first established in USA in 1910 by Sonora Smart Dodd, as her father raised his six children by himself after his wife died. June was her dad’s birthday month which is why most countries celebrate the day in June.
4 Amarelle, May Duke and Morello are all types of which fruit?
Christianity, Plagues, Pandemics: Past and Present
Epidemics in history
We catch many glimpses of plagues in biblical accounts, with the plagues inflicted on the Egyptians being one prominent example. Responses to various infectious diseases found their way into the Law of Moses, which in effect acted as an early set of public health policies. Something akin to face masks is mentioned in the Book of Leviticus, among other references, where the Hebrews are given orders about what to do with those with a leprous infection.
‘[H]is clothes shall be rent, his head shall be left bare, and he shall cover over his upper lip; and he shall call out, “Unclean! Unclean!”’ Leviticus 13:45 declares. But beyond those measures—some of which the World Health Organisation
The arrival of Covid-19 to New Zealand caught many of us by surprise. Most of us had not experienced anything like it in our lifetimes. We live in a unique period of history where the advances of medical science have primarily kept the worst kind of infectious diseases at bay. It wasn’t always like this; plagues and epidemics have been part of human history for a long time.
According to historians, the prevalence of epidemics increased as humans moved from hunter-gatherer-type existences to pastoral communities where humans increasingly lived more continuously alongside animals through whom the various diseases were transmitted. The Christmas manger story where Jesus was born in a stable among the animals perhaps gives a glimpse of this. As cities developed and people came to live in densely populated and unsanitary living conditions, the context became the perfect breeding ground for all kinds of diseases. And so it was that at frequent points in history huge swathes of people were cut down by one infectious disease or another. Many of these diseases developed centuries ago in the Northern Hemisphere as early civilisation developed. They were then carried by Europeans, who had over centuries developed a level of immunity, and subsequently passed on with devastating effects to indigenous populations, such as Māori here in New Zealand. Some estimates convey that from the years 1810 to 1840 there were around 120,000 deaths among Māori from illness and other ‘normal’ causes, an average of 4000 a year. In the same period, warfare caused perhaps 700 deaths per year. Here, as elsewhere, germs caused far greater loss of life than wars did.
Pandemics:
BY LT-COLONEL IAN HUTSON C hristianity has been around for two millennia and has wrestled with the understanding of where epidemics or plagues come from and what causes them. Is this God punishing us? Is God involved in the healing response? Do we put our faith in God and his will and resist medical intervention? Or is medical intervention a part of God’s healing response through human hands—something to be embraced?
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In the book Bad Faith: When Religious Belief Undermines Modern Medicine, author Paul A. Offit contrasts the way religious healing was at the very heart of Jesus’ ministry with the absence of this healing emphasis in the Hebrew tradition. He references the 727 verses in the four Gospels that specifically relate to healing. It was a big part of Jesus’ ministry and involved the healing of people who suffered from leprosy, paralysis, dropsy, fever and epilepsy. He caused the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. He cured withered hands and severed ears and much more. In contrast to existing attitudes, Jesus didn’t see sickness as the result of sin but as affecting the just and the unjust alike.
One early response to disease was to attribute it as being the result of the sin of those who were inflicted by it—a judgement of God. The Book of Job with its picture of a righteous man afflicted by disease should have dispelled this in Jewish thought, but it was still very much prevalent in Jesus’ time.
The emphasis on healing in the ministry of Jesus
Stark indicates that among other reasons, the Christian values of love and charity, expressed in norms of social service and community solidarity, made it possible for Christians to cope through the plague and resulted in substantially higher rates of survival. While Christians stayed with and tended to the afflicted—be they Christian or otherwise—the pagans generally fled, leaving their own to die alone. The provision of basic sustenance and care didn’t save everyone, but it did save many. The care of afflicted pagans those who had lost their pagan families in a devastating loss of community, led them to join an inclusive and open Christian family of faith that was desperately needed in such times.
That early Christians sought to emulate Jesus was demonstrated by Polycarp, a second century Church leader, who identified care of the sick as the principal responsibility of church elders. According to Offit, by the third century, no other entity had advanced healing more than Christian monasteries, which utilised medical treatment in ways that ultimately gave birth to the modern hospital. He claims that by the Middle Ages, Christians had created more hospitals than any other religious or secular entity. In addition, later Christian missionaries were often the first to bring modern medicine to the many parts of the world they went to—still a part of overseas mission for Christians today. This emphasis on healing, especially in the context of epidemics, was to be one key aspect of the gospel that made Christianity stand out in the Roman world. In his book, The Rise of Christianity, Rodney Stark outlines how the early Christians response to plagues was one of the key reasons for the exponential growth of Christianity in the first few centuries of its existence. Plagues were common in this period, with a particularly devastating epidemic sweeping through the empire in 165 AD that was estimated to have wiped out the lives of around a quarter to a third of the people living in the Roman Empire in a period of around 15 years. The absolute misery and social dislocation cannot be overstated.
8 WarCry 03 SEPTEMBER 2022 would not advise—is the practice of common courtesy, such as removing oneself from others. ‘Being unclean, he shall dwell apart; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.’
The fifteenth century also witnessed at least four more epidemics. Martin Luther himself lived through three ‘pestilences’ during his lifetime. During one of these, Luther stayed in Wittenburg, where he lived and pastored his congregation, against the direction of civic leaders who advised CHRISTIANITY HAS BEEN AROUND FOR TWO MILLENNIA AND HAS WRESTLED WITH THE UNDERSTANDING OF WHERE EPIDEMICS OR PLAGUES COME FROM AND WHAT CAUSES THEM.
The Middle Ages Medieval Europe was scarred by the Black Death (bubonic plague) in the fourteenth century, when at least 25 percent of its population was lost. The despair of these times is caught so poignantly by Agnolo di Tura del Grasso: ‘There was no one who wept for any death, for all awaited death. And so many died that all believed that it was the end of the world. And no medicine or any other defence availed.’
Healing and early Christianity
As Christians, we can take inspiration from our forebears, many of whom lived through pandemics leading the health responses of their day and laying the foundations of our modern health institutions and public health responses.
The science behind vaccines has been painstakingly developed over time so that now vaccines are highly effective. Yearly flu vaccines are now routinely made available, often before particular flu strains have reached many countries because of the worldwide coordination of medical science and vaccination programmes. We saw this come into play in a massive way with Covid-19. The number of lives saved is incalculable. Our ancestors did not have this kind of protection and in fact misunderstood the cause of pandemics. It is amazing to realise that it was only really in the nineteenth century that germ theory came into being. It was only then that natural disasters, corrupt morality, evil spirits, body fluid imbalances or contaminated air were gradually rejected as the cause of epidemics. The associated responses to disease arising from these theories had included bleedings, leech treatment, special diets or fresh air. Thankfully we have moved on. Covid-19, pandemics and a Christian legacy of healing
Advances in medicine
You ought to think this way: ‘Very well, by God’s decree the enemy has sent us poison and deadly offal. Therefore, I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely, as stated above.’
As I write, the daily Covid-19 death toll average is around 14. If we allow for people who may have died from other causes while having Covid-19 at the time, then the toll is 10. This is a huge cost in lives, bringing grief to many families. A weary nation appears to want to move on and few take much notice of the daily Covid-19 related figures now. Health services are under stress, workers in short-staffed organisations are operating under huge pressure and schools are struggling to fully function. The impacts of Covid-19 seem likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
As followers of Jesus, with his emphasis on the ministry of healing, let us pray that we too in our time can leave such a legacy for our descendants, by fully contributing to the health response to the plagues of our day. him to leave to escape the plague. Instead, he stayed to minister to his people, setting up a temporary hospital in his own house. In the midst of a pandemic his words sound much like that of a modern health expert: God has created medicines and provided us with intelligence to guard and take good care of the body so that we can live in good health. If one makes no use of intelligence or medicine when he could do so without detriment to his neighbor, such a person injures his body and must beware lest he become a suicide in God’s eyes…
RESPONSES TO VARIOUS INFECTIOUS DISEASES FOUND THEIR WAY INTO THE LAW OF MOSES, WHICH IN EFFECT ACTED AS AN EARLY SET OF PUBLIC HEALTH POLICIES.
Joshua S. Loomis notes in Epidemics: The Impact of Germs and Their Power Over Humanity that modern medicine has developed sanitation measures, vaccines, antibiotics and diagnostic tools over the last 100 years which has meant, ‘we have taken more control over our health and reduced the incidence of epidemics’.
Christians have been at the forefront of medical advances and continue to be so. Healing and medicine are characteristics of Christian ministry—arguably a gift to the wider world.
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We live in a culture of digital globalisation, where we are more connected to people and events from around the world than ever before. This can, however, be a double-edged sword: we have access to the best parts of humanity, but we are often unable to avoid the doom-filled news found across the internet. Whether it’s local or international updates about the pandemic, news stories about the Ukraine conflict, or discussions about violence and discrimination on our own doorstep, we can often feel like we are flooded with bad news.
• Seek out positive stories: Try to include hopeful and uplifting stories in your feed, and work to be informed on the things that are going well in the world. Watch some dog videos or whatever makes you laugh.
The term ‘doomscrolling’ is used when people are unable to stop themselves from checking news sites or feeds to find out about the latest tragedies. This can come from our uncertainties and anxieties about what we’re seeing in the world and a desire for some sense of control. It can also come from a negativity bias, where we are drawn to negative information.
While it is helpful to be informed about what is happening in the world, it is also easy to become overwhelmed, and this can affect mental health. ‘Doom-scrolling’ has been shown to result in higher levels of anxiety and depression, disrupt healthy sleep patterns and even increase the risk of stress-related heart issues.
Here are some ways to balance the intake of information for your wellbeing.
• Obtain news in bite-sized chunks, like a podcast or newsletter: This helps control the amount of news you are receiving daily. Listen to your snippet of news while on a walk or during your commute, and then leave it there.
Source: verywellmind.com
• Gauge how you feel before checking the news: Check in with yourself. How do you feel? Do you feel calm and at peace, or panicked, angry and disheartened? Let this guide how much news you consume, if any.
WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE BEST PARTS OF HUMANITY, BUT WE ARE OFTEN UNABLE TO AVOID THE DOOM-FILLED NEWS FOUND ACROSS THE INTERNET.
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Are You Suffering from Bad Overload?News
• Limit your news time each day: Try not to grab your phone first thing in the morning for updates, but limit your news time to 20 minutes both in the morning and the evening, but not in the last 30 minutes before sleep.
• Do something healthy afterwards: Go for a walk or get a coffee with a friend. Move your body. Spend time in nature. Make something. Try to balance out the bad feelings with something good.
• Limit other stressors: If you have a friend or family member who posts a lot about current events on social media, or who always wants to have discussions about controversial topics, set some boundaries with them to protect your own wellbeing.
TESTIFY!
Angela Griffen attends Ōamaru Corps and also works one day a week at the Family Store. She grew up in a care home, but as a young woman decided she wanted to live independently. Doing the Otago Central Rail Trail in her wheelchair was another step towards independence. With many months of planning, my dream to ride part of the Otago Central Rail Trail came true. I had been talking about it for ages with my sister Bridget, her husband John, along with Eric and Pam who drive my van. However, we had to wait for the weather to be just right, and I had to be fit enough to go on the trip. It was a cloudy but reasonably warm day when we headed out. We left on Wednesday 26 April around 11:30am and arrived two hours later with a couple of stops along the way. In the morning, I couldn’t wait to get going but we had to wait and see what the weather was going to do. We didn’t want to be out there in the pouring rain! I thought it was a long way to ride the rail trail; I wasn’t sure what to expect. The only rail trail I had seen in the past was the one that goes through Weston, just next door to Ōamaru. That trail is part of the Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail whereas we rode on the Otago Central Rail Trail this time. My wheelchair lasted for six and a half kilometres without needing a charge, although the battery was fairly flat by the end of that day. The hills along the trail were impressive. We saw horses up close as well as other bikers along our journey. Some of the bikers were worried I wouldn’t make it over the bridges safely, but it all went smoothly for Whenme.we got to the tunnel, I had to turn my wheelchair lights on to see where I was going. As we approached the tunnel, John said I better turn my lights on, and I said, ‘why?’ I quickly found out because of how dark it was in Wethere.went over a narrow bridge where John had to steer my chair because the rails were still in place; it was narrow and slow going. Otherwise, we had a smooth trip and we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. The weather was just perfect, and I’m still talking about the trip months later!
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The excitement of being able to undertake this trip was just as satisfying as being able to show others that it could be done by a person in a wheelchair. I have enjoyed sharing the story of my trip as much as actually going on the journey. It was a very memorable day. Any experience I can have that is normal and helps me to grow is worth it to me as a person, so I never say no. I grew up living mostly in institutions so being independent and doing things like the rail trail are really important to me. This is made possible due to having my own van to be able to go places. I had heard about the rail trail beforehand from family members and because my dad had been on it years earlier. Like most things in life, a series of events came about which made this all possible. My having faith that it would all work out paid off once again, as it usually does. Some things I am too scared to attempt but I always have faith that once I decide to do something, it will work out in the end.
WHEN WE GOT TO THE TUNNEL, I HAD TO TURN MY WHEELCHAIR LIGHTS ON TO SEE WHERE I WAS GOING.
BY CADET ALANA LE PINE, PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUKE ANDREW, FROM WAITAKERE CORPS
The day finished with an epic open mic night. Our MCs were rangitahi from Manukau Central Corps who had us laughing, singing and participating across the whole night. There was juggling, singing, dancing, a highnote challenge, riff-off, and the Poly Club workshop shared their siva Samoa.
People noted how good it was to connect together again, that they had enjoyed getting in the Word, and how much they loved how everyone had got stuck in andWeparticipated.havemany talented and passionate young people and leaders in Te Tai Tokerau and Tāmaki Makaurau. Every part of the day was led by different people and we were so blessed by the contributions.
After a morning of flight delays due to intense fog across Tāmaki Makaurau, Captain Karl Foreman made it across to Albany in time for our afternoon session. He shared a powerful word challenging us to consider where we find our identity and what whakapono (belief) looks like, as we live out truth and faith. The session was beautifully accompanied by talented guest musicians from Hamilton City Corps who led us in worship. Also, Dhuet, from Papakura Corps, shared her testimony. Dhuet talked about how she uses her art projects and assignments as opportunities to connect the topics to God and trusts that God will be speaking to her classmates and teachers through that—so good! The group was then split up to complete a manaaki (hospitality) project; tasks included beach clean ups, packing food parcels and washing cars, practically serving the community around us as a way of living out our faith together.
12 firezone.co.nz 03 SEPTEMBER 2022
The poroaki (farewell) closed off our time together and gave people an opportunity to share a thought or word that summarised what the day had meant for them.
Over 100 people gathered at Albany Corps for Northern Division’s Youth Councils 2022. The key aims for the day were for the rangitahi (youth) to build connections and to come to a greater understanding of what it is to live out faith in their everyday life. Every part of the day was planned with these things in mind. The day started with a whakatau, welcoming everyone to Albany. This was followed by some games to warm everyone up and get them mixing before the rangitahi moved into workshops. Workshops included sport, Māori art, social justice, building, hearing from God, Poly Club and baking. The young people discussed how they could use these areas of interest and passion to live out their faith, while building community gardens, baking delicious scones, creating weaving masterpieces and learning a stunning siva Samoa (Samoan dance).
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‘One of the challenges facing our corps in the Tonga Region during the pandemic period was the lack of access to the Worship at Apia Corps, Samoa. Delivering food in Nasinu area, Fiji. Delivering aid in Tonga after the eruption.
Fiji Division and Tonga and Samoa Regions Respond to Covid-19
Fiji Division
Fiji has had quite restrictive vaccination policies up until recently, where people could only attend meetings after showing their vaccination cards, getting their temperatures taken and having their addresses recorded. Some members of corps chose not to be vaccinated, so the corps officers did their best to connect with those who have been isolated during this time.
Divisional Leader Captain Andrew Moffatt explained that local corps officers have been pretty innovative. ‘We had one corps officer who bought himself a bike so he could get out and meet his people around the town. In Fiji, the main form of communication is still talking face to face. There has been a lot of talking across the fence because people couldn’t get together in person.’Aconcern for corps that has arisen with the Covid-19 restrictions has been the struggle for their people with employment and having enough food. The corps in Fiji have distributed 10,500 food parcels, along with support for primary schools with meals, and supplying fishing nets for people to catch their own fish. Captain Salesi Temo has worked with ADRA (the Seventh-Day Adventist relief agency) to establish 50 gardens around the Lautoka region.
The corps in Fiji Division have been hard at work in these past months caring for their people in the ongoing difficulties of illness and isolation.
Tonga Region Tonga Region was already facing challenges as a result of the pandemic, but met the challenge of maintaining connection and ministry throughout the trauma of a subsequent volcanic eruption and tsunami. Regional Leader Captain Catherine Walker reflected on these challenges, particularly the pandemic.
Andrew expressed that all corps have worked hard to care for their people in the midst of illness and grief. ‘We have had a number of people die. One corps in particular, Nasinu Corps, lost five members of the corps because of Covid-19. One of our staff members also lost a family member. It has been quite hard on some of the officers’ families because they’ve gone through having Covid-19 themselves and needing to recover while helping their people at the same time. But they’re still working hard, getting out there and connecting with their people.’
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The final in a series which looks back over the pandemic period at how our corps and centres coped and connected with their people and communities. In this edition, we check in with the territory’s Pacific Island nations.
of Samoa’s economy prior to 2019. Many resorts and tourist attractions were temporarily closed; people lost their jobs and poverty increased. As the virus entered the community and spread, lockdowns and restrictions also increased.
‘We were able to provide food support, resources for children at home and limited visitation from the gate.’
• Easter packs with devotional material, eggs (not chocolate!), Easter buns and more PPE distributed to corps families and individuals
The Salvation Army in Samoa responded in a variety of ways to support people through these challenging times, including:
internet and social media, which meant that keeping in touch was difficult,’ said Catherine. Corps officers and key leaders took the opportunity to try new and creative ways of keeping in touch. They provided discipleship materials as well as devotional and family prayer aids in an environment of restricted movement and minimal resource availability. Other methods used to keep connection were hand-written messages left at gates, pastoral phone calls or text conversations. For those who had limited internet availability, short messages were recorded to share with people. One corps tried a couple of meetings using Zoom for those who had access to this technology.Catherine said, ‘At Easter time, all our corps usually have an Easter Camp. Instead, corps leadership produced “Easter in a box” (or basket), which were resources for the whole family to enable them to celebrate Easter at home. This included not only the instructions, but all the materials that would be needed to fully participate.’ Most corps also provided some food to support families, particularly fresh eggs, hot cross buns (or bread) and juice. The region also designed Easter activities and devotional material in resource packs for officer families.
Catherine said that even with stringent restrictions in place, many corps officials were able to keep in touch with their local town officers and worked with them to identify needy families and those who could benefit from pastoral support and encouragement.
• online lotu (church services) throughout January to April, including online Sunday school
• PPE packs (masks, hand sanitiser and health information translated into Samoan) distributed to staff, corps and community contacts
Samoa Region is very grateful for the kind sponsorship of masks, hand sanitiser, RAT and other welfare provisions from ASARS New Zealand and the New Zealand High Commission in Samoa.
• RATs (rapid antigen tests) for staff team, corps and community contacts and for our Addiction Services clients—a programme of Covid-19 screening began late July 2022
WE HAD ONE CORPS OFFICER WHO BOUGHT HIMSELF A BIKE SO HE COULD GET OUT AND MEET HIS PEOPLE AROUND THE CORPSTOWN.OFFICERS AND KEY LEADERS TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO TRY NEW AND CREATIVE WAYS OF KEEPING IN TOUCH. Preparing Easter packs in Samoa. 03 SEPTEMBER 2022 WarCry 15
Samoa Region Regional Leader Captain Julie Turner reflected on life in Samoa across the pandemic. They reflect that as the pandemic swept the world in 2020 and 2021, Samoa did not have a case of community transmission of the virus until early 2022. However, the pandemic still impacted Samoan life. Borders were completely closed from March 2020, and only opened again on 1 August 2022. ‘For much of this time,’ says Julie, ‘there was only one repatriation flight from New Zealand to Samoa per month—sometimes less!’ Tourism made up 25 percent
• Sunday school packs with craft activities and teaching materials distributed every week during lockdown and while Covid-19 regulations restricted the presence of children in public places
• pastoral care via phone calls, texts and emails.
• provision of food parcels and other welfare support for those in economic need or who were isolating
On Wednesday 10 August, The Salvation Army Christchurch North Community Ministries was blessed to receive hundreds of cans from a fundraising event held at Te Kura o Matarangi Northcote School, specifically for us to distribute to people in need.
‘When the school visited our Community Ministries,’ said corps officer Lieutenant Grant Pitcher, ‘staff were encouraged by the students’ inquisitiveness, positivity and excitement around what they have achieved, and how it will positively impact the Christchurch North Community.
‘Many local household budgets are feeling the strain caused by rising living costs. The blessing of using these cans in food parcels means we help to reduce the financial pressure on families who are struggling to make ends meet.’
BY CASSIDIE TAUKIRI (YEAR 6) TE KURA O MATARANGI NORTHCOTE SCHOOL
We held a Non-School-Uniform Day, but instead of giving a gold coin donation, everybody had to bring a non-perishable food item to give to The Salvation Army. Hunter, who is one of our whānau leaders of the school, brought 15 cans! We then took the cans and delivered them to the foodbank in Belfast, near TheChristchurch.canswe donated will be used in food parcels for individuals and families in need. The whānau leaders really enjoyed this experience, it made us feel excited, grateful and proud. We hope that all the cans will be used to help people who are less fortunate than ourselves.
16 WarCry 03 SEPTEMBER 2022
On 10 August the whānau (family) leaders from my school went to The Salvation Army to donate cans of food with our Kiwi Can leaders, Callum and Hayley. Each year we run an event where we try to give back to our local community. This year our school whānau leaders decided to collect cans of food for The Salvation Army Christchurch North Foodbank. This community project was a way for us to give back to the community and show appreciation to The Salvation Army for everything that they do for the community and families in need.
A big shout out and thank you to Te Kura o Matarangi Northcote School from The Salvation Army Christchurch North Community Ministries team.
Te Kura o Matarangi Northcote School Gives Back to the Community
‘People with a gambling addiction may feel ashamed and stigmatised, and try to hide their situation,’ says Lisa, ‘but it is important to realise that a gambling addiction is a health issue that can be addressed with counselling and other tools like selfexclusion.’Theposters will be put up in public places, such as bus shelters, in centres around New Zealand where Oasis has offices and will be included in our social media campaign.
Effective 25 August 2022, the Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Auxiliary Captain Amiria Te Whiu. Amiria was warranted as auxiliary captain on 16 August 2020 and appointed as national Māori Ministry development coordinator for Community Ministries. During her service she has been instrumental in progressing the Strategic Plan of Māori Ministry as well as being Tūranga Rangatira—Manukura o Te Runanganui o Te Ope Whakaora (co-chair of The Salvation Army Runanganui). Amiria has also provided much valued Māori cultural supervision and advice throughout The Salvation Army in Aotearoa.
Resignations: Effective Monday 15 August 2022, the Territorial Commander announces with regret the resignation from officership of Captain Naomi Holt. Naomi, with her husband Nathan, entered training as cadets of the ‘Disciples of the Cross’ session in February 2012. Following their commissioning on 7 December 2013, Naomi and Nathan were appointed as corps planting officers, Rolleston Corps Plant. In 2019, Naomi was appointed as divisional youth secretary, Northern Division, with an additional appointment as divisional spiritual life and prayer ministries officer. In 2020 Naomi received a further additional appointment as divisional candidates secretary. This was followed by an appointment as corps mission leader, Whangārei Corps in 2022. Captain Nathan Holt will remain as corps mission team leader, Whangārei Corps, as a single spouse officer.
Additional Appointments: Effective immediately, Captain Faye Molen takes up the additional appointment of Kaihāpai mō te Manatū Māori o Tāmaki Makaurau me Te Tai Tokerau/coordinator and advocate for Māori Ministry Auckland and Northland Areas, for Northern Division Auckland Area and Northland Area Pilot. Effective immediately, Major Linda Bateman takes up the additional appointment of assistant territorial auditor for THQ Strategy, Development and Risk Department (based in Christchurch).
MORE INFO | oasis.salvationarmy.org.nz
First Time Grandparents: Congratulations to Captains Andrew and Rochelle Moffatt on the safe arrival of their first grandchild, Sophia May Moffatt, born on 3 August 2022, weighing 4.1 kgs (9lb 1oz).
The online quiz aims to provide knowledge and awareness about gambling harm in an interactive and engaging way, along with information about Oasis services. and
Oasis and Awareness
Reacceptance: Effective 12 January 2023, the Territorial Commander is pleased to announce the re-acceptance to officership of Bradley and Fleur Carpenter with the rank of captain. Confirmation of their appointment will be included in the General Change 2023 announcement.
Oasis National Operations Manager Lisa Campbell says the posters highlight ‘the hidden addiction’ aspect of gambling, which is often hard to see.
PromotionGAZETTE to Glory: Major Colin O’Donnell on 30 July 2022 from Whakatane, aged 89 years. Colin Roger O’Donnell, born in Blenheim in 1932, entered Training College in 1951 from Lower Hutt Corps in the ‘Ambassadors’ session, then was commissioned in 1952 and appointed as assistant corps officer, Foxton Corps, followed by corps officer-relieving, Stratford Corps (1952); corps officer, Port Chalmers (1952); Kaiapoi Corps (1954). In 1956, he married 1st Lieutenant Jean Barclay and together they were appointed as corps officers, Temuka Corps, followed by assistant officers, Christchurch Addington Men’s Social Service Centre (1958), Dunedin Men’s Eventide Home (1958); Rotoroa Island (1959); manager and matron appointments at Dunedin Eventide Home (1962); Hodderville Boys Home (1965); Addington Men’s Home (1968). Then corps officers, Gore Corps (1969); Upper Hutt Corps (1970); Epsom Lodge (1974); superintendent, Hodderville Farm (1976); superintendent and corps officer, Rotoroa Island (1983) with an additional appointment at Auckland Bridge. Colin received a further additional appointment as regional coordinator, Northern Social Services (1986); superintendent, Auckland Bridge (1987). A move to THQ in 1989, Colin was assistant Social Services secretary, then territorial auditor, Coordinating Council (1991). Colin was appointed as the senior territorial auditor (1994). It is from this appointment that Colin and Jean retired January 1996. Colin held an appointment in retirement as referral officer, Gisborne Independent Living Units. Jean passed away in 2008. In 2010, Colin married Jan Bloor and together they have been actively involved in the Whakatāne Corps, including ministering together at an Eventide Home. Please uphold Colin’s wife Jan, his children Sheryl, John and Glenys and extended family members in prayer at this time of grief and loss.
Auxiliary Captain: Envoy Roslyn Johnson has been warranted and accepted as an auxiliary captain, following the conclusion of her envoy service on 1 September 2022. Effective 2 September, Roslyn has been appointed as assistant corps officer, Nelson Tasman Bays Corps, and director of Nelson Tasman Bays Community Ministries, Southern Division.
The Salvation Army Oasis is marking Gambling Harm Awareness Week (5–11 September) with a range of activities including a poster campaign (illustrated by Stephen Templer from The League of Live Illustrators) and an online quiz about gambling harm.
facebook.com/OasisReducingGamblingHarm 03 SEPTEMBER 2022 WarCry 17
Kingdom Conference was birthed out of a desire to have a space to come together to experience more of what God has in store for us all. We know God’s desire is to see his sons and daughters rise up and usher in his kingdom.
Kingdom Conference is a chance for people to come together as a family and pursue more of God in our lives. We try to hold it on an annual basis, so if you didn’t make it this year, don’t miss out on the next one!
Kingdom Conference 2022 was filled with great worship, great teaching, great food, but most importantly, it was filled with the presence of God. It was held at Tawa Corps in Central Division over the weekend of 15 to 17 July. People came from many different places to ‘seek first the kingdom’ over the weekend, and God moved in power in our midst.
This year’s conference was called ‘A New Day’. We had a ‘Leaders’ Advance’ during the day on Friday, with an opportunity for all leaders to come together and engage with great teaching and to learn from each other. After the past two to three years that we have all experienced, the Kingdom Conference team felt that God was calling us back to what it is really about—his kingdom! As we pursued God’s kingdom, we saw and experienced the kingdom of God in a tangible way. We saw signs and wonders, answers to prayer and people experiencing God for the first time. It is a new day, and we are moving forward for the kingdom’s sake and pursuing more. This year we were able to provide an awesome children’s programme as part of the conference, called ‘Kingdom Kids’. Our children had an amazing time learning about the armour of God. They joined us at the beginning of sessions for corporate worship and this was significant as they got fully involved.
REPORT BY COMMISSIONER TED HORWOOD
18 WarCry 03 SEPTEMBER 2022
General Brian Peddle has confirmed that Guinea will be the 133rd country in which The Salvation Army is officially at work. The country will be part of the Liberia and Sierra Leone Command, under the leadership of Lt-Colonels Mary and Samuel Mkami.
Salvation Army Commences Work in 133rd Country—Guinea
Guinea is a country with a population of more than 13 million people. It is differentiated from Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea by the use of its capital city, Conakry. It achieved independence from France in 1958 and has retained French as its national language. It is a predominantly Muslim country, with a Christian population of less than 10 percent. Preliminary exploration of ministry potential in the West African country took place in 2018. The first expression of interest was received from a Canadian Salvationist working in Guinea. The Liberia and Sierra Leone Command indicated its willingness to explore opening the doors of ministry and by January 2019, in cooperation with the Congo (Brazzaville) Territory, Captains Benarde and Thomas Mbouabani were appointed to initiate the new ministry. Their work led to the official registration of the Army as ‘Armée du Salut’ on 15 November 2021. The work has grown rapidly since those first days, such that today one corps and five outposts are established. In their visit to Liberia in February 2022, the General and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries) noted a contingent of more than 100 people who had come from Guinea to participate in the celebrations and whose expressions of joy to be part of The Salvation Army family were evident.
Commissioner Keith Conrad, International Secretary for the Africa zone at International Headquarters, said, ‘The official confirmation of Guinea as the 133rd country in which The Salvation Army has opened fire is an assurance that God is true to his word, as when Jesus said to Peter, “On this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18 ESV). The Africa zone celebrates this confirmation as the mission of God continues to advance through The Salvation Army in Africa. Hallelujah!’
Speaking about the establishment of work in Guinea, the General said: ‘I am delighted to welcome Guinea into the worldwide Salvation Army fellowship. Africa is a wonderful example of God’s presence. It is fantastic to see God answer prayers made in faith so many years ago in creating this opportunity. God bless The Salvation Army in Guinea.’
Kingdom Conference 2022
BY CAPTAINS NATHAN AND JESS BEZZANT (ON BEHALF OF THE KINGDOM CONFERENCE TEAM)
A special thanks to Major Suzanne Stevenson and Caroline Wardle for making this afternoon a huge success.
Recently I read an online post that highlighted content attributed to Sandra Thurman Caporale. In the article, the writer discussed the meaning of the word YHWH—a word we have come to know in English as YaHWeH. Reference was made to scholars and rabbis who have noted that the letters YHWH represent breathing sounds or aspirated consonants. I noted with interest the thought that when these consonants are sounded without the vowels we apply, they sound like breathing.
In-(YH) and out-(WH), the constant flow of our breath could represent the name of God in all aspects of our daily living.
Lt-Colonel Michelle Collins Territorial Secretary for Communications
BY LIEUTENANT RAE EVANS
Recently at Upper Hutt Corps we hosted a ‘Glitz and Glamour’ High Tea event with guest speaker Major Alison Moody. The emphasis of the afternoon was to get together as a group of women and have food, fun and fellowship. Guests were invited to dress for the occasion and there were spot prizes during the afternoon for those who dressed to look the part.
03 SEPTEMBER 2022 WarCry 19
The article reflects on the many occasions we might breathe the name of God without consciously realising it—a baby’s first cry, a deep sigh, a groan or a gasp that is too heavy for mere words. In sadness we might breathe a heavy sigh, but in joy we might feel like our lungs will burst! Sometimes we hold our breath in fear and have to be encouraged to let out a deep breath to help ease the tension.
Of course a big part of the afternoon was the drinking of tea and eating of fine foods prepared by women of the corps— there was everything from chicken rolls to scones with jam and cream. We had a display of fine teapots and tea towels provided from many sources. The Salvation Army Archives also lent us some items for display, photos depicting The Salvation Army serving tea in times gone by. Caroline Wardle, from the Heritage and Archives Centre, also gave a talk about Hamodava Tea and how this brand originated. There was also a sales table provided by Major Alison Moody to raise funds for Tonga.
INTOINTENTIONALLYBREATHINGLIFESPACES…
Glitz Glamourand at Upper Hutt
My prayer is always to bring life, to breathe life into whatever context. I have found myself thinking more intentionally about breathing life into spaces as I move about and engage with people within my sphere of influence.
I found this an interesting concept to ponder, and it has led me to investigate the theory and its theological validity for my own personal understanding. This also got me thinking about the name of The Salvation Army and its Māori translation: Te Ope Whakaora, the Army that brings life. I was challenged about the ‘life’ I am bringing as part of my commitment to the Army and whether or not I am constantly breathing the name of God while going about my ministry. Am I, in my ‘going about’ focussed on bringing the name of God into every situation I navigate across a day?
There are times for all of us when we are with people who need the name of Jesus breathed into their circumstances, be that joy or distress. This may be for those we love but also those with whom we may in fact have no former connection. As a Christ follower, I am more conscious now of this concept of breathing the name of God than perhaps I was before encountering this idea.
What if this was the case for us all in the coming days? Some of us may take this idea into our personal spaces, others into our ministry in the way we seek to care for people, transform lives and reform society by God’s power—breathing his name and life as we move about.
‘The Army that brings life’ has taken on additional meaning for me this week.
A highlight of the day was when Major Judith Bennett came out singing, ‘Oh there’s nothing like an Army cup of tea’. Through bursts of laughter, the drinking of fine tea and the serving of fine food, we certainly had food, fun and fellowship as women of The Salvation Army here in Upper Hutt.
People today are easily offended. At some point, I’ve been offended. You’ve been offended. We have all been offended. As philosopher Mokokoma Mokhonoana says, ‘you can be hurt, not by what others think of you, but by what you think of what they think, or you think they think of you’.
The revolutionary Christ This means our judgements are informed by our beliefs and values, and they become the measure by which we evaluate others—including people we don’t know very well. Therefore, we might easily take offence at a comment posted on social media or in the news that makes fun of or challenges something that is important to us, such as our identity, our political view, our nationality or our religion, and our place within these belief systems. It was these very belief systems that Jesus challenged in his day—and his content most definitely offended! As the Old Testament era concluded, the hope that God would manifest his rule on Earth and bring peace and happiness continued as a major theme in Jewish eschatology (end times prophecy).
Jesus knew there would be resistance to the wider inclusiveness of his kingdom, yet with very little warning, and for the good of us, he chose to offend anyway.
The Kingdom of InclusivityOffensive
Warning! 20 WarCry 03 SEPTEMBER 2022
In the first part of a new two-part series, Major Mat Badger takes Matthew 13:33, The Parable of the Yeast, and brings us the good news of the inclusiveness of the kingdom of God. Recently, memes have appeared online of protesters holding signs—the original messages altered. Very serious slogans were changed to ‘stop killing ducks to make duct tape’ or ‘stop killing alligators to make Gatorade’.
JESUS’ WORDS HERE BROUGHT EVEN UNCERTAINTYMORE TO AN AHAVELISTENERSTIMEUNCERTAINANDSOMEWOULDHEARDITASDIRECTINSULT.
But what does it mean to take offence? What drives this pervasive phenomenon? Language researcher, Tahmineh Tayebi, writes: The taking of offence—or feeling offended—often involves an experience of negative emotions caused by a word or action which conflicts with what we expect and believe to be the right, appropriate, moral and acceptable behaviour. Feeling offended or describing something as offensive is deeply rooted in those expectations that govern our daily interactions.
Recognising our internal ‘offensive’ mechanism I believe that this parable should cause us to ponder a couple of things. First, Jesus offended his listeners and he did it intentionally. Why? To cause people to stop and think about their beliefs, assumptions and their sense of entitlement—to reflect and evaluate, and maybe even allow their minds to be changed. For those of us who are Gentile Christ followers today—which is all of us who are not Jewish—it’s just as well Jesus’ content was so offensive! I am incredibly grateful that Jesus’ message was so offensive because it led to my inclusion in the kingdom. When Jesus put everything on the line, he had you and me in mind. The challenge for us when it comes to our faith today is to always think about others outside our comfort zones and not fall into the same trap as Jesus’ listeners did. There is also a deeper invitation to consider when someone offends us. What might it cost for us to change our minds? Jesus knew there would be resistance to the wider inclusiveness of his kingdom, yet with very little warning and for the good of us he chose to offend anyway. WAS THESE VERY BELIEF SYSTEMS THAT JESUS CHALLENGED HIS HIS OFFENDED!
Life was hard for the Jews under Roman rule. Their expectation of a prophesied messianic figure who would usher in God’s promised kingdom and throw off the yoke of the Roman Empire endured. Naturally, they were looking for a militant leader to accomplish this and alleviate their suffering—roles would be reversed with Rome becoming subject to them. We now know, of course, that Jesus was a revolutionary! But he wasn’t the type of revolutionary they were expecting at the time. Jesus recognised this tension and that it would eventually pave his way to the cross. Christ’s offensive inclusivity So, one afternoon while a large crowd listened to Jesus, he shared the following parable. ‘The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough’ (Matthew 13:33). It was a calculated move that should have carried the following disclaimer: Warning—some content may offend! Who doesn’t love fresh, fluffy, thick bread a little too much—as a society we love our leavened bread! Our unfamiliarity with unleavened bread means that when we read this parable today, we can miss the point of what Jesus was getting at entirely. However, these words completely challenged the worldview of his audience. The silence in the text following this parable is deafening and you can almost sense the uneasiness amongst the listeners.
CONTENT MOST DEFINITELY
Jesus was hinting that God’s plan of salvation was not just for the Jews, but that people from other nations would also be included in the kingdom of heaven. Gentiles would be brought to the fellowship table, and they would be ‘mixed in’ with the Jews. Both Jews and Gentiles together—one wasn’t replacing the other. This was not the kind of messianic message that the Jews were expecting. It was upsetting—offensive!
Jesus’ words here brought even more uncertainty to an uncertain time and some listeners would have heard it as a direct insult. It was incredibly offensive! But how? We must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus was a Jewish rabbi, a teacher, speaking to the Israelite community around 32–33 AD. His listeners would have understood immediately that yeast, or ‘leaven’ (in the King James Version), is always used as a symbol of sin in the Old Testament. The annual Feast of Passover for the Jews was based around the use of unleavened bread (without yeast). Yeast was forbidden by Moses in everyday cooking as it was symbolic of the original sin—pride. The origin of sin was found in Lucifer’s attitude when he thought that he was like God (Isaiah 14:12–17). So leaven, or yeast, symbolically came to represent the original sin, pride, as it corrupts by puffing up. So, no lovely fluffy thick bread for devout Jews! Pride can be defined as self-sufficiency away from God, which in the Jewish mind was unacceptable. This is the first thing that offended Jesus’ audience.
WHEN JESUS PUT EVERYTHING ON THE LINE, HE HAD YOU AND ME IN MIND. 03 SEPTEMBER 2022 WarCry 21
Jesus clearly wasn’t going to be the one who would rise with violence and throw off the Roman oppressors. At that point in history, he was not going to establish a kingdom where nations would be subject to the Jews as the people of God. The last thing the Jews wanted was to entertain even the possibility that Gentiles, especially the Romans, could become part of God’s redemptive plan. Jesus offended their sense of entitlement so deeply that he left town, as we read at the end of Matthew 13.
DAY—AND
IN
Adding in the yeast
The second, and more offensive point for Jesus’ listeners, was that the only time Moses allowed yeast to be used was during the Feast of Pentecost, as recorded in the Old Testament. It was at this feast that the Holy Spirit fell upon the disciples, paving the way for non-Jewish involvement in the kingdom of heaven (Acts 2). So today, many Christian scholars are agreed that yeast, or leaven, was something that slowly over time became symbolic of the Gentile race, which is anyone who isn’t a Jew. For a devout Jew, yeast represented the combination of Gentiles’ sin, pride and ceremonial uncleanliness. And yet here in this parable, Jesus was talking about yeast being mixed throughout the dough!
IT
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: AddressEmailNamePhoneSendto: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 PRAY We continue to pray for the people affected by war in Ukraine; for the Kingdom of Tonga rebuilding after the eruption; Royal Oak Corps Plant, Territorial Salvation Army Social Housing (SASH) programmes and staff, Salvationist Resources Department, Savusavu Corps, Saweni Corps and The Salvation Army in Finland and Estonia. Quiz Answers: 1 O-, 2 2 billion, 3 Queensland, 4 Cherry, 5 Simon Peter (John 21:7, KJV) . OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 4 Sept: Warranting Auxiliary Captain Ros Johnson, Nelson Tasman Bay Corps 8–11 Sept: Visit to Queenstown and Alexandra, Southern Division Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary) 3–10 Sept: Leaders’ Orientation Conference, Sunbury Court, UK Major Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development) 9–11 Sept: Spiritual Life Development South Island Open Retreat, Living Springs, Christchurch Shop online at salvationarmy.org.nz/shop Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES salvationarmy.org.nz/employment: JOIN THE CELEBRATION AS PUKEKOHE CORPS CELEBRATES Saturday 15 October 10am–2pm Carnival celebration in the carpark with Auckland City Corps Brass Band concert and special guests Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell. Sunday 16 October 9:30am prayer meeting. 10am Sunday meeting, with Commissioners Mark and Julie Campbell. Morning tea to follow. For more information Phone (09) 238 5641 Email pukekohe.corps@salvationarmy.org.nz 1 Tobin Street, Pukekohe, Auckland 2120 YEARS th Glenfield Corps 1973–2023 Anniversary Let’s Celebrate! Prayer, People and God’s Plan With guests Territorial Leaders Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell To register interest, call (09) 411 2554 ex 4 or email Glenfield.Corps@salvationarmy.org.nz 22 WarCry 03 SEPTEMBER 2022
puzzle
Exodus
METHOD…
Sudoku
Father’s
Once you get good at this, use any flavour you like— milkshake flavourings work really well as they’re easy to combine!
RECIPE TIPS…
Talk to your dad or a special man in your life and ask him about his life before you were born. What did he like to do? What stories does he have about when he was your age, or a bit older? What can he tell you about where God has worked in his life?
Instant Ice
I WONDER... Wordoku A Wordoku
THE SCIENCE BIT… Normally, water freezes at 0°C. But adding salt to the ice lowers the temperature to -10°C, meaning the milk can freeze in minutes!
In case they get a hole in one! Why do fathers take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing?
1. Whiskthemilk,sugarand
‘The Lord is my strength and my defence; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.’ 15:2
What dad wouldn’t love some surprise homemade ice cream for Day? Not only is it a fun activity you can do together (you might need a parent or caregiver’s help with all the shaking) but you’ll also get a great icy afterwards!treat is just like a but with letters of numbers. This uses the word letter in the word appears on each row (across), What Father’scrabshermitdodoonDay?
Each
column (up/down) and in the smaller boxes. H A E A F E T F H E T A INGREDIENTS… • 300ml semi-skimmed milk • 1 Tbsp caster sugar • ¼ tsp vanilla extract • 1kg ice • 6 Tbsp rock salt • Hundreds and thousands, to serve YOU WILL NEED… • 2 medium zip-lock bags • 1 large zip-lock bag • Sticky tape Sources:bountyparents.com.au and bbcgoodfood.com shellebrateTheytheirdads.
It’s hard to imagine what our dads were like before we were around—before they made bad jokes, or ran around outside with us or read stories to us. Maybe they had their own interesting lives. Maybe they travelled around the world, or studied at university or ran a business. Maybe they had exciting hobbies, like horse riding or building robots. There are a lot of dads in the Bible who lived long lives and did amazing things before they had children. In the Old Testament, Joseph was sold by his brothers and imprisoned, but eventually helped Pharaoh govern Egypt for 14 years—Most of this before he became a dad. Even Adam had a lot of time in the Garden of Eden—naming animals and working on the land and spending time with God before Cain and Abel were born. This verse talks about how God is the God of our fathers as well. Our mums, dads or caregivers will have stories about how God has looked after them, from before we were born. These stories can help encourage us to know that God loves and cares for us, because he cared for our parents, and their parents too. Where do dads like to dance on Day?Father's
2. You will need to keep the bags moving for 10–15 minutes to freeze the milk. Gently throw the bag from hand to hand or take turns shaking it—it’s a good idea to wear gloves to keep your hands warm! Remove the ice cream bag, open and scoop into bowls. Sprinkle with hundreds and thousands.
vanilla together and place into the doubled-up medium ziplock bags. Close and secure with sticky tape if the seal isn’t strong. Tip the ice and salt into the large bag, then place the smaller bags inside the larger one and seal well.
:tcafnuFB51eraereht.ILLIONfathers in the world! 03 SEPTEMBER 2022 WarCry 23
instead
Cream!
clubs.Golf
Saturday 17 September Auckland Sunday 18 September Hamilton Monday 19 September Taupō Tuesday 20 September Palmerston North Wednesday 21 September Wellington Thursday 22 September Nelson Saturday 24 September Christchurch For more info msbnztour.co.nz or email jim.downey@salvationarmy.org.nz
