Kia Kaha Tonga
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 Holly Morton, Bethany Slaughter, 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 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
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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 6784
ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine
Read online issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry salvationarmy.org.nz
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@SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts
Far from an ordinary day
It was an ordinary day in Tonga when this beautiful archipelago experienced the worst volcanic eruption the world has had for decades. The ordinary day became a national disaster that has devastated thousands of lives.
Tonga has been part of our territory for over 30 years, and we know our people in The Salvation Army in Tonga will have galvanised into action and will use the resources available to them to bring not only aid, but support, comfort and prayer to the people they engage with. They will also bring the Good News of Jesus Christ and his promise that if we build our lives upon the rock (Jesus Christ) then no matter what happens, God’s plans and purposes will enable us to stand firm (Matthew 7).
In this edition of War Cry, Major Barbara Sampson writes about ‘ordinary days’ in Soul Food (page 20). She highlights God’s faithfulness to his people during those ordinary days when disaster waits around the corner.
The Tongan people here in New Zealand who wait for news from loved ones (as of the time of writing) have called for prayer, not only for the Kingdom of Tonga, but for all their people. I know that the churches and villages of Tonga will also be in prayer and they will call on God to move in their nation, protect their people and assist them as they pick up the pieces of their lives.
May the ordinary day that turned into a disaster for Tonga prove to be an extraordinary opportunity for support and ministry for The Salvation Army throughout our territory.
Vivienne Hill Editor
Isaiah 54:10
‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Ihāia 54:10
Ko ngā maunga hoki ka riro kē, ko ngā pukepuke ka nekehia atu; tēnā ko tōku aroha e kore e rerekē i a koe, e kore anō e nekehia kētia te kawenata e mau ai taku rongo; e ai tā Ihowā e atawhai nei i a koe.
Waking to a New Day
Ijust love waking up to a new day and being greeted by the warm sunrays streaming through my windows, hearing the birds chirping in the trees outside and being able to fling open the doors of my whare (home) to take in the fresh smells of pohutukawa, pine and tawa trees that surround me. All my senses are open, and I can contemplate all the wonders that this new day will bring with a dance in my feet, joy in my heart and a song on my lips.
Every morning I open my eyes no matter where I am or what situation I might find myself facing.
The first thing I do is give thanks to God that I am alive, and that he has allowed me to return to the consciousness of being in this world—for this, I am truly grateful.
But in reality, not everyone wakes in such high spirits, do they? There’s another consciousness that sometimes robs us of God’s blessing and joy; that is the ever-present logic of daily responsibilities and commitments of doing life ‘in a nutshell’—a phrase some scholars trace back to William Shakespeare defining infinite space.
Over the many years of being in ministry, I have faced decisions that have nearly torn me apart. But there was one decision I made that enabled me to cope with anything that came my way in a new day. It was the challenge of committing to a time of
solace in prayer and thanksgiving—something I am sure I am not alone in.
We have commitments, both secular and Christian, and finding the right balance can sometimes be difficult. But I realised quite early on that everything I do is connected to serving the whole mission of God. So, I began to prioritise, and forged a godly balance between those competing demands on my life and time. I put ‘God’s work’ first—that is everything I do, whether tapping at my keyboard, sitting in meetings, filing reports, spending time with whānau (family) and friends or simply taking a walk. Everything is connected.
So I commit that ‘everything’ to him at the waking of every new day. ‘Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him’ (Lamentations 3:22–25).
I wake to take in the day and contemplate all the wonders that this new day brings, with a dance in my feet, joy in my heart and a song on my lips. I am truly grateful.
BY AUX CAPTAIN AMIRIA TE WHIU
TOPFIVE
Several songs do their best to reference the culture and technology at the time of writing, but it comes with the danger of aging the music as time goes by. Here are five songs with lyrics that mention outdated technology.
1. ‘Payphone’ by Maroon 5: Okay, you might still see the odd payphone around the place, but they’re rather obsolete when most of us have phones in our pockets.
2. ‘Hip Hop Saved My Life’ by Lupe Fiasco: Sure, in 2008 having 1100 friends on Myspace was all the rage, but nowadays … not so much.
WARCRY IN HISTORY
Never had a timbrel lesson before? No worries, the 17 November 1951 edition of War Cry came with this handy, illustrative guide.
Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Plowman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission.
Weird of the Week: Barcode readers only scan the white lines, not the black ones!
3. ‘Yo Home to Bel-Air’ (aka the theme song of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air) by Will Smith: We don’t see many people putting on their Walkman and saying ‘I might as well kick it’ these days.
4. ‘I Love Rock N Roll’ by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: Not many people are putting another dime in the jukebox either.
5. ‘Crazy in Love’ by Beyoncé: ‘Got me hoping you’ll page me right now’ … now, pagers are sort of the opposite to Beyoncé—that is, nowhere.
Gluten-Free Churros
60ml vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 box of Free From Gluten Pizza Dough Mix
½tsp vanilla essence
2Tbsp caster sugar, plus ¼ cup for cinnamon sugar
½tsp cinnamon, plus 1Tbsp for cinnamon sugar
Spray oil
Preheat oven to 205°C (180°C fanforced). Line two baking trays with baking paper.
Follow the instructions of the Free From Gluten Pizza Dough Mix box, but add in 2Tbsp sugar, ½tsp cinnamon and vanilla essence before mixing.
Put the mix into a piping bag and pipe 10–15cm lengths of dough onto the lined baking trays. Spray piped dough with oil, then place in oven for 10–15 mins or until golden brown. To make the cinnamon sugar, combine the ¼ cup sugar and tablespoon of cinnamon in a small bowl.
Remove from oven and while still warm, coat the churros with cinnamon sugar.
Source: countdown.co.nz
Musical/Drama
West Side Story (M)
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Inspired by Romeo and Juliet and set amidst the conflict between warring gangs The Sharks and The Jets, Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of West Side Story builds on the beloved stage production with new dialogue and lush cinematography that captures Justin Peck’s choreography tearing through the streets. The believability of the love-at-first-sight romance hinges on the film’s leads, and, as Maria, newcomer Rachel Zeglar delivers in spades with divine vocals that hold every scene captive. Mike Faist and Ariana DeBose’s Broadway calibre leaps off the screen in their respective supporting roles as Riff and Anita—however, it’s the music and lyrics from Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim which are the soul of the film, brought to life by the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After leaving the cinema, I wanted to see it again. (Reviewed by Bethany Slaughter)
Executive Team Welcomes Major Liz Gainsford
Major Liz Gainsford has joined the territorial executive leadership team in the role of territorial secretary for spiritual life development.
Previously a part-time position, the role has been expanded into a full-time appointment that is a signifier of ongoing commitment to spiritual development within the territory— and Liz is both challenged and excited by what the opportunity holds.
‘We can get caught up in the business and we can get caught up in processes … but we have to remember that we are actually first and foremost a Christian, spiritual, faith-based organisation,’ Liz says. ‘I think [spiritual life development] should be the glue that actually keeps it together to say, “All right, all these things are important, but how is it enhancing our mission? How is it enhancing our faith? How is it growing people to be more like Jesus?”
‘It’s a really important part of the territory.’
Liz is keen to harness the momentum following the 2021 Year of Prayer and she encourages people to get in contact with her, whether to share experiences that have been helpful to them or about how she can help them within the new role and share stories from around the territory.
To contact Liz, email liz.gainsford@salvationarmy.org.nz
THIS OR THAT
with Major Liz Gainsford Coffee or Tea: Neither! Occasionally a cup of tea, but only if I’m really cold or have got a bad headache. Music or Podcasts: Music.
Phone Call or Text: It depends on who it is. My inclination is probably phone calls, but I’m sending more texts (I’ve got kids—they don’t answer their phones!).
Hamburger or Tacos: Hamburger. Eggs—Fried, Scrambled or Poached? Poached.
Rollercoaster or Waterslide: Waterslide.
SALLIE OF THEWEEK
QUIK
QUIZ
1 What was the first Disney film to be made into a Broadway Musical?
2 ‘Ladin’ is a romance language primarily spoken in which country?
3 How many sides does a snowflake have?
4 What does the French cooking term ‘au beurre’ mean?
5 In the Bible, what king was referred to by Jesus as ‘that fox’?
Answers on page 22
Bob Sharp, Waihi Corps
At ninety-one years of age, Bob Sharp of Waihi Corps has just stopped his War Cry rounds of the Hauraki pubs. Thirtyfive years ago, Bob commenced his visits around Coromandel and Hauraki: Thursday night was Hikutaia, Kerepehi, Kopu and Ngatea; Friday was going to six pubs in Thames; and then Saturday night was Whitianga and Tairua, alternating with Coromandel Town. Over the years, Bob has been anywhere from Matamata over to Waihi Beach, and talked to many people of his great God. More recently, Bob has had a driver take him on his rounds (thank you, Steven!).
‘Every time I put the uniform on … it reminds me of … what Christ went through, so that I could have eternal life,’ Bob says. ‘I would love to see a lot more [people] receive Christ through the work in the hotels.’
Brother Bob Sharp, we salute you for your many years of faithful service to your God. We thank you immensely for your support of Thames, Paeroa and Waihi Corps and the care of so many souls. Well done indeed, good and faithful servant. (By Wendy Sanson)
… and thank you, Bob, from the War Cry team!
With over 40 years in officership, and 25 years of international appointments as a couple, Lt-Colonels Gordon and Susan Daly have experienced their fair share of excitement and adventure within The Salvation Army. After returning to New Zealand from their most recent interim appointment as regional officers in the Middle East, Gordon and Susan look back over their time spanning a range of countries, languages and cultures.
BY HOLLY MORTON
Their adventures began in 1979, when Gordon and Susan heard a sermon from someone within The Salvation Army who had been serving in Chile, and they both felt the call to do the same, despite being new parents. The Dalys were turned down in their request to serve in Chile four times across a number of years, before being appointed to the Caribbean Territory instead. Gordon said that, ‘after all of that, they said, “maybe you could go to Trinidad and Tobago. Because that’s kind of close.” Well, it’s actually not kind of close, but we went to Trinidad and Tobago in 1983. That was an interesting experience, and we went through a bit of culture shock there for about a year and a half.’
Appointed to Chile
In 1985 the Dalys arrived in Santiago, Chile. Over their time in Chile and South America, they were appointed corps officers for Santiago Central Corps, followed by leading the officer training college for the Southern America West Territory. They spent nine years in Chile, before returning to New Zealand for the end of their children’s schooling.
Raising children will always come with its own unique set of challenges. However, raising children during a series of overseas appointments for The Salvation Army is in another category altogether. Gordon and Susan took up their appointment in Trinidad and Tobago in 1983, when their sons were very young: four-and-a-half, and one-year-old. Susan explained that, ‘Our children were quite young when we went overseas the first time, so they were with us outside of New Zealand for about 10 and a half years, and they grew up speaking both Spanish and English. It affected their outlook on life; their lives were enriched by that experience of growing up in a different culture.
‘But like all third culture kids, which is what people describe those who grew up in a different culture and then have to make their own culture, it takes time for them to adjust and just find out where they fit in. So, it was a big, big experience for them as well.’
After living out of New Zealand for over 10 years, it took some adjusting as their boys came back into New Zealand schooling. They returned into high school and intermediate respectively, and Gordon and Susan are thankful that
THE SALVATION ARMY HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN THE MIDDLE EAST SINCE 2008, BEGINNING IN KUWAIT AND THEN SPREADING TO THE
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES…
the transition was mostly smooth. Their eldest son Matthew ‘is now a cardiologist at Christchurch Hospital so he’s managed to get through okay, and our other son Andrew has been studying in university as well,’ says Gordon.
Christmas in Yangon
Gordon and Susan went on to complete further international service in Fiji, Myanmar, Portugal and Spain. They both have fond memories of these appointments, particularly of their work in Myanmar which included times of having to cross rivers on a motorbike to visit towns in the north of the country. Gordon also remembers a particularly notable Christmas at a church in Yangon, where he was moved by the joy and celebration of those around them despite not having much to share.
‘They had a table set up for us, and we sat down at this table, and they put a plate in front of us with a little bit of rice and a little bit of meat. That was about it, that was their Christmas lunch. Most people would say that’s awful, but actually it was very meaningful because the people who were around us were joyful. They were happy with what was on the table in front of them. They were thankful and for them it was great. And they welcomed us so well.’
Middle East ministry
Most recently, the Dalys have held an interim appointment as regional officers for Middle East Ministry, based in Abu Dhabi for three months, which began on 25 March 2021.
The Salvation Army has been involved in the Middle East since 2008, beginning in Kuwait and then spreading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). There are many people in The Salvation Army who live and work in the Gulf countries, so The Salvation Army has quite a strong showing in the Middle East region. There are churches in Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Dubai,
Sharjah, Oman and Bahrain, as well as a couple of shelters for women across the Middle East.
However, Gordon and Susan clarified that although the work that the Army does is well established, it is not recognised as a church in the Middle East. The Salvation Army instead operates under the sponsorship of registered churches, for example, the Anglican church in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Because of this, during their time in the Middle East Region, the Dalys were simply there to assist in the work that was already underway. ‘We went in on a tourist visa, we weren’t responsible for The Salvation Army’s work in those countries. We just went to look after it, really,’ Gordon explained.
The pandemic
Another consideration was the pandemic, and how that affects the Army’s work. When it comes to the response to Covid-19, the UAE actually has the second-highest vaccinated population percentage in the world at 92.8 percent, only surpassed by Gibraltar. At the same time, the UAE has had some difficulties due to fewer travel restrictions for hubs like Dubai Airport, where they are still seeing a lot of Covid-19 cases come through. Between travelling to the UAE and their return to New Zealand three months later, the Dalys believe they took 15 Covid-19 tests each.
With their position in the Middle East, as well as the difficulties that the Covid-19 pandemic added to their work, Gordon and Susan explained that ‘in some sense, there’s not a lot we can say about the work, because we were operating in a house out in the desert … We can’t show you photos of a lovely congregation standing around singing or anything. Having said that, we have had online services. We took part in these, usually on Fridays, because Friday is the holy day. And we tried to keep in touch with the people who are part of The Salvation Army across the UAE.’
There is an estimated one million Christians living in the UAE, and churches have a lot of responsibility when it comes to enabling their people to meet together, particularly in predominantly Islamic countries. While the congregations that they had online services with were receptive and encouraged by meeting virtually, Gordon and Susan understood that they were more limited in their reach as they were unable to work with the locals, based on the country’s religious restrictions.
Gordon noted that the Middle East is a particularly interesting space to work in on behalf of The Salvation Army, as the region has more noticeable expressions of practiced
Gordon
and Susan Daly in Trinidad with then-Divisional Commanders Majors Burrowes and Lieutenant Lucy
Ann William.
religion than our own territory. ‘Abu Dhabi was the first Islamic country that we’d worked in, but the people are very respectful and they’re very religious, of course. The call to prayer goes out five times a day and you hear it, and people respond to that. You have to respect that they believe in what they believe in, and there are some things that we share with them as part of the Abrahamic faiths, so we’re very respectful of the way they conduct their society.’
Expressions of faith
In the unique and exciting experience of working in the Middle East Region, and in their many years of international appointments for The Salvation Army, Gordon and Susan felt inspired by the ways they have seen God moving. There have been times of great dramatic movements of God as they’ve been working, but they have most significantly seen him simply in the lives of people. ‘It’s the same way he works in our lives, for people who are faithful. We’ve met people who have made a mark on our own lives because they are faithful to God. They might be poor or insignificant in terms of the world’s eyes, but in God’s eyes he loves them, and they are fulfilling God’s purposes in their lives.’
They also noted some similarities from their most recent appointment to their time in Europe and Asia, with observations around how different faiths are viewed. ‘It was great to live in Europe, but in Spain and Portugal it’s really difficult for people who aren’t Catholic to exercise their faith, as there is still opposition to the Protestant Church in Catholic Europe.
‘And then in Myanmar, it’s a Buddhist country, so for people to stand up and say that they’re Christians in a Buddhist
ONE OF THE BIGGEST LESSONS THAT GORDON AND SUSAN HAVE LEARNT FROM THEIR WORK IS THAT OFTEN THE BEST PLACE YOU CAN BE TO HELP OTHERS IS JUST STANDING NEXT TO THEM AND LISTENING.
country is not easy. It takes real courage and that often means they lose privileges, or they don’t advance in life as they would if they just went with the flow. The courage in their faith and the commitment of these people is one way that you see God.’
Common threads
Across all of their experiences internationally, Gordon and Susan have reflected on some of the common threads they have found in their time out of New Zealand. Susan explained that the time immersed in other cultures offers a different, broader outlook on life. ‘You have a different lens that you look through during day-to-day life after you’ve lived in another culture, another country, used another language and spent time trying to think back in your own language.’
The ability to view the world differently by living in and understanding different cultures takes time and requires humility to see yourself as having more to learn from others than you have to offer them. ‘In the beginning, we weren’t so good at this. We thought we were going to teach these people something, but actually you’ve got to learn,’ Gordon admitted, ‘you need to learn to listen to people to understand where they’re coming from, and to walk in their shoes, if you like. And in that you learn about the world, and you learn about your place in the world.’
One of the biggest lessons that Gordon and Susan have learnt from their work is that often the best place you can be to help others is just standing next to them and listening. ‘We were with people in great poverty, when they lost loved ones, or in really tough times for people and you can only stand alongside them. That’s important here in New Zealand as well, of course, it’s no different. You can’t necessarily give them everything they need or provide for all their wants or answer all their questions, but you can stand alongside them in the good moments and in the bad moments. That’s the important thing.’
Into the New Workplace
For many people, 2022 will bring with it a new job. It’s a time of great excitement and apprehension, just like the first day of school.
During a pandemic, there’s a chance you’ll need to meet your new coworkers via video call, so you can’t be sure you’ll have the ability to break the ice gradually over morning coffee breaks, or observe office dynamics (and where you fit into them). It could be months before you meet certain members of the team in person—or even set up your desk—so how do you get your bearings and start your job on the right foot?
1. Make sure you understand the technology. Ask all of your questions at the beginning, and don’t try to solve a technical issue blindly on your own. Your team members will be happy to help you get set up (plus it’s an easy topic on which to open communication between you).
2. Set up virtual meet and greets with your important working relationships—even if only for ten minutes. Ask them about what you need to know, and spare some time to get acquainted with them.
3. Be honest if you have any struggles starting out. The team will understand, and they’ll want to help. Likewise, make sure that right from the start, you’re someone who listens to their challenges, too.
4. Allow yourself some respite from Zoom in the early days. Meeting people for the first time over a computer screen day after day is tiring. Ask and explain to your boss if you need to schedule specific time for offline tasks.
…DON’T LET HOME AND WORK BLEND TOGETHER; SET BOUNDARIES TO KEEP YOURSELF FROM BEING OVERWHELMED.
5. Recognise your strengths and work within them. Consider your learning style (e.g., how you prefer to learn new things) and whether you lean towards extroverted or introverted. If feasible, online assessments like StrengthsFinder can help identify your personal strengths. With this information, you can figure out the best way to maximise your abilities, get up to speed and dig into the role.
6. Practise resilience. It’s a crucial tool to have in your pocket for when your job expectations don’t line up with the real experience. Take it in your stride, stay upbeat and remember that every time you bounce back from a setback, you’ll be able to point to it in your yearly performance review!
7. Balance work and home. It’s natural to want to impress the team and put in extra effort, particularly in the beginning. But don’t let home and work blend together; set boundaries to keep yourself from being overwhelmed. You’ll expend more energy than you realise when learning the ropes from afar.
When you can be in the office, try to push past any shyness and get to know your team. With the number of people experiencing the same thing as you, there’s a chance there may be some other recent starters in your organisation (depending on its size) so connect with them if you can. But for as long as you need to work from home, don’t panic. Even if it takes a touch longer, the working bonds will form over time if the workplace is right for you.
The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.
Source: nextavenue.org
Barack Obama
TESTIFY!
Pauline Court of Dannevirke Corps finds great joy in helping others. Her passion is to serve the elderly members of her community.
I was born and bred in New Plymouth, and came to Dannevirke from Wellington in 1974. A friend suggested to me that I should come to The Salvation Army to hear the officers speak. Between shift work, elderly parents and adult kids moving in and out, plus a husband working away, I started to attend the corps. Slowly I took on small tasks, which gradually became bigger. Time went by, officers changed, my work hours changed and my attendance became stronger. I was made a soldier under the ministry of Captains Sharryn and Michael McAuliffe.
One person who has helped me build up my faith is Lynda Ellington, who I worked with for four years at the corps. She led the church when we were without officers, and we worked well together. I assisted in all parts of the church, wherever I was called. I worked on the Red Shield Appeal with Lynda for several years, and then in 2021, I took over as Red Shield Coordinator when she moved to Auckland.
I have been involved in cleaning, pastoral and leadership teams. Some days I do the collection and, since we have a small church, I give out birthday cards. The people are few, but they’re family. If you want to know something, you can call out and ask—you can’t always do that in a big church. You can comment or say ‘amen’ to something— it’s wonderful!
I usually make a weekly visit to Rahiri Rest Home to bring a little cheer. When there, I ask them how they are—have they had a good day and what’s happened this week? A lot of people don’t have visitors, so I go into the lounge and I talk to everybody. My passion is towards the elderly, the ones
MY PASSION IS TOWARDS THE ELDERLY, THE ONES WHO NEED A VISIT OR AN OUTING, FOR COFFEE OR SHOPPING.
I THINK THAT’S WHAT GOD’S GIVEN ME TO DO.
who need a visit or an outing for coffee or shopping. I think that’s what God’s given me to do.
On Mondays I care for my brother who lives alone. On Tuesdays I go and see a widower. On Wednesdays I take a lady out for coffee, I go to Rahiri Rest Home and then have tea with another lady (I also have Bible study and singing at church that day). On Thursday I go out for coffee with another elderly lady, and we do a Bible study. On Fridays I go on a shopping trip with someone. Saturday is housework day, and Sunday is church day. I was at a loss when it came to lockdown. I love going out, seeing
people and taking them somewhere. My days are spent helping people, and they have become like family.
Loving and being loved by Jesus has been a growth process that I would never want to be without.
Over the years I’ve become softer, nicer, more tolerant and learned a little humility. I feel that is loving the Lord. The one verse that comes to mind is Proverbs 29:18 (NASB), ‘Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained’. That is so true. But when you’re a Christian, if the Lord is your vision, it keeps some rule in your life.
Ko te Haerenga Hou Mo Te Manatu Māori—He Rūnanga me Te Ope
Whakaora ā-Motu Pou Kaumātua
A New Journey for Māori Ministry—A Rūnanga (Committee) and National Salvation Army Kaumātua (Elders)
BY AUX CAPTAIN AMIRIA TE WHIU AND LT-COLONEL IAN HUTSON
From 2019 to 2020, a national consultation within The Salvation Army Māori Ministry was carried out—from Mosgiel in the south to Whangārei in the north and places in between. Many people contributed to the conversation for change in Māori Ministry leadership, service delivery, corps ministry, frontline support and communication processes. This resulted in a proposal requesting a restructure of Māori Ministry being presented to the Territorial Governance Board (TGB), which was reflective of the many voices within The Salvation Army.
The TGB approved this proposal in principle, with a first step being the set-up of a Rūnanga to replace the Māori Ministry Council. The proposal called for a Rūnanga that ‘would have a strong bicultural focus comprising a bicultural team able to reflect true partnership efficacy. Representatives would demonstrate respect for each other’s unique qualities, skills and spiritual and cultural diversities.’
The strategic focus of the Rūnanga calls for the members to provide a mix of strategic abilities and Māori cultural expertise according to its skills matrix. The purpose of the Rūnanga is to provide oversight, strategic leadership and support to Māori Ministry. This is to include the development and future implementation of a new plan for Māori Ministry and the wider Salvation Army.
THESE DEVELOPMENTS REPRESENT A REAL STEP FORWARD FOR THE SALVATION ARMY IN ITS COMMITMENT
TOWARDS
Transitions
The first step of the process took place with a moving ceremony in which the Māori Ministry Council was closed; then on 20 November 2020, the bicultural membership of the Rūnanga was announced, with two kaumātua being added as members in early 2021.
The involvement of two kaumātua has had an immediate effect in strengthening the Army’s relationships with Māori nationally and helping to provide a foundation for advice and
THE PURPOSE OF THE RŪNANGA IS TO PROVIDE OVERSIGHT, STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT TO MĀORI MINISTRY.
practice around tikanga (customs). Rangi McLean and Wimutu Te Whiu are widely respected kaumātua whose mana and influence reaches widely across the motu (country) to the many and various hapū and iwi (tribe) within Aotearoa.
With these connections and their cultural expertise, the kaumātua effectively support the Rūnanga to achieve some of its other functions:
• guarding te reo Māori me ona tikanga processes for Te Ope Whakaora
• ensuring that cultural practices are respected and honoured
• advocating for Māori leadership and Māori-led services under a process of te tino rangatiratanga (Māori determination) me te mana motuhake (sovereignty).
Throughout 2021 the Rūnanga executive committee worked together to develop a five-year strategic business case to restructure Māori Ministry. That plan encompasses the mission, goals and values of Te Ohāki: maori.salvationarmy.org.nz/ our-strategic-plan and our national mission strategy He Waka Eke Noa.
Approval and 2022 roll out
In August 2021, a Rūnanga business case was presented to the Territorial Governance Board. How and where the Runanga should fit within the structure of the Army was raised with a focus on an attempt to genuinely reflect a partnership with Māori in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The decision was made that the Rūnanga should connect directly to the TGB at a governance level. Further work is being carried out in developing a terms-of-reference for the Rūnanga incorporating how a partnership of this nature might actually work and how it should at a governance level as well as how it might fit with He Waka Eke Noa. This is a much needed conversation that could fundamentally change how the Army works with and for Māori. It is hoped the strategic plan for Māori Ministry will be continue to be rolled out over 2022. It has been almost three
THE RŪNANGA
AND TGB ARE PLEASED TO BE WORKING TOGETHER TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES OF MĀORI MINISTRY FOR THE SALVATION ARMY.
years since the consultation process began in 2019, and the Rūnanga and TGB are pleased to be working together with the ultimate aim of advancing our mission and ministry with Māori across The Salvation Army in Aotearoa New Zealand. In partnership
It is with great appreciation that the Rūnanga acknowledges TGB for its support, commitment and significant financial
investment in the new Rūnanga structure for Māori Ministry to enhance and support the strategic mission impact of the Army.
These developments represent a real step forward for The Salvation Army in its commitment towards honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We look forward to what God has in store for us as we step out together in our faith journey as an Army here in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Kua Tawhiti kē to haerenga mai
Kia kore haere tonu
He tino nui rawa ou mahi
Kia kore e mahi nui tonu.
We have come too far Not to go further
We have done too much Not to do more.
—Na, Ta Hemi Henare (Ngati Hine)
The members of the Rūnanga (from top left): Aux Captain Amiria Te Whiu (co-chair), Lt-Colonel Ian Hutson (co-chair), Rangi McLean (kaumātua, Tūhoe, Tainui), Wimutu Te Whiu (kaumātua, Ngāpuhi), Captain Peter Koia, Captain Faye Molen, Major Paul Gardner, Jono Bell, Lt-Colonel Lynette Hutson, Major Ian Gainsford (ex officio [by right of office]), Colonel Gerry Walker (ex officio) and Commissioner Mark Campbell (ex officio).
A Year’s Worth of Paddling in the Waka
BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
Salvation Army Territorial President of Women’s Ministries Commissioner Julie Campbell shares the importance of every Sallie embracing the territorial He Waka Eke Noa strategy and taking ownership of their role in propelling The Salvation Army forward.
At the beginning of last year, the territory launched a new strategy: He Waka Eke Noa—One Waka, All Of Us Together. Centralised around the symbol of a waka (or its equivalent seafaring vessels in the Pacific Islands), it encouraged every member of The Salvation Army to envision themselves as paddlers, working together to move the vessel in the right direction.
The strategy zeroes in on three main areas: mission impact, our people and sustainability.
‘Our intent is to be a faith-driven, inclusive and unified Army that is aligned and working together to achieve better mission outcomes, a great place to belong, work, worship and serve, and progressively sustainable,’ says territorial leader, Commissioner Julie Campbell.
‘I see it as vitally important for us as The Salvation Army moving forward that we know who we are, who God called us to be and how we partner with him to transform the world.’
Twelve months after setting this metaphorical waka on the water, territorial leadership wants to ensure that everyone— staff and Salvationists—knows about the strategy, what it means for them and that they have been welcomed into their place in the boat.
Listening to our people
The territorial leaders have endeavoured to visit as many centres around New Zealand as possible within recent pandemic restrictions, and found that people are encouraged to know that they are being listened to.
‘Wherever we are, we ask people “What are you doing?” and, “Tell us what difference it makes knowing that you’re part of a
much bigger movement, rather than just having to work in your own little silo”,’ Julie says.
‘We have different gifts and abilities, different areas of focus, but we are all in this together and we need each other.’
She already sees people from all facets and corners of the Army living out this strategy, who are putting forward their skills to serve, and collaborating with others who can contribute their own strengths.
Recently the territorial leaders spoke to staff members at Reintegration Services. ‘They were telling us that when they work with men and women who are released from jail that they find homes for them, and they are working with the corps to help provide food or other areas of support, and some of the people come through and attend Recovery Church or other support groups—so I see that as all of us working together to have the greatest mission impact,’ Julie says.
Working together
Julie points to the biblical passage of 1 Corinthians 12. ‘The Bible says that in order for a body to work efficiently … every part needs to be healthy and well and working—working together—so that’s what we need to do as a movement.’
While Covid-19 has been a hindrance, creating much fear and uncertainty, she believes it has forced the Army to reassess its priorities and pool resources.
‘When it came to food parcels and supporting people when we were all in lockdown, that was a great example of how we work better together. When Family Stores were closed, so many of the teams came over and helped in the foodbanks and helped Community Ministries.’
‘WE HAVE DIFFERENT GIFTS AND ABILITIES, DIFFERENT AREAS OF FOCUS, BUT WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER AND WE NEED EACH OTHER.’
One year ago, all mission centres, corps, divisional and territorial teams were tasked with creating their own action plan to understand how their team fits into the strategy and to consider their actions in terms of the strategy’s three pillars: mission impact, our people and sustainability.
‘It’s those three areas that really enable us as The Salvation Army to be a stronger force for God and for our community.
‘We can have all the programmes, but are we making a difference? Are we making an impact for God in what we do? Are our people empowered and equipped, and do they feel like this is a great place to belong and worship and work?’ Julie asks. ‘And then sustainability—what do we have to do to make sure that we can achieve all that we want to do with the resources and the people and our buildings? Are we using everything we’ve got? Are we good stewards of all that we’ve got?’
Collective ownership
There is more room to build and grow, especially only 12 months after the strategy’s broad launch across four countries. Territorial leadership is continually investigating how they can make sure that their processes are working most efficiently and effectively.
‘It’s [about] getting it to every area of The Salvation Army, so it’s ensuring that we all understand—no matter where we are
THE STRATEGY
ZEROES
IN ON THREE MAIN
AREAS: MISSION
IMPACT, OUR PEOPLE AND SUSTAINABILITY.
in The Salvation Army—that we all have a part to play,’ she says.
‘There is a danger that some people will think, Oh, it’s just a management area, but I think if people understand that it’s all of us together to fulfil our mission and to achieve our vision, then we all have to do our part in rowing the waka.’
She appreciates how there are so many messages going out every day—not just within The Salvation Army, but from the media, community and the Government—but believes it is key to keep the One Waka message central, to stay focused towards the goal of being the Army that brings life.
‘[If] it’s not part of every mission centre or congregation that we have, then there’s a part missing or there’s a paddler missing, so we can’t be effective and achieve what God wants us to do.
‘I believe without a doubt that God called The Salvation Army. We’re here for a purpose, and we’ve always shown our Christian faith, our faith in Jesus, through what we do,’ she affirms. ‘I believe God really wants us to make an impact. He wants us to fulfil our mission.’
MORE INFO | To learn more about the He Waka Eke Noa strategy, please speak with your corps officer.
Above (from left): The Pacific Island version of the One Waka design; the values of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory.
One Thousand Helping Hands Spreading Christmas Cheer in Whakatāne
Last Christmas, the Business Spread, a collective of Whakatāne businesses which was set up during the first lockdown in 2020, launched its first ‘1000 Helping Hands’ campaign with the goal to donate 1000 items to The Salvation Army in Whakatāne. Thanks to 40 businesses who set up drop-off boxes, they needed five utes and two trailers to deliver the 4563 food items collected.
Event Coordinator Georgia Hedley Hakiaha says the Business Spread chose to support The Salvation Army after hearing through the community grapevine that the foodbank was running low.
‘We had such a nice variety of food donated,’ she says. ‘We could not have done that: one, without our awesome Business Spread team; and two, without our awesome community. It definitely was a massive collective effort.’
Local businesses—like New World Whakatāne, Whakatāne Mill and Moutohoro Olive Oil—made significant donations, while local weekend market stall holders added support. And through an online Givealittle page, over $2000 was raised.
The food was collected in time for The Salvation Army to pack Christmas food parcels, and then stock up the foodbank for the local community in the coming year.
GAZETTE
Bereavement: Major Filikesa Bogi, of her mother Mereseini Qalobula Koroicakau, on 28 December 2021, aged 79 years. We ask you to uphold in prayer Majors Filikesa and Sesenieli, along with other family members, in this time of grief and loss.
Marriages: We congratulate Cadets Rebecca Howan and Nick Moffat on their marriage on 31 December 2021. We pray God’s blessing on Cadets Nick and Rebecca as they begin their future together. We congratulate Lieutenant Emma Buckingham on her marriage to Jaden Frunt on 5 January 2022. Emma will continue her service as an officer under the territorial policy for Single Spouse Officership. We pray God’s blessing on Lieutenant Emma and Jaden as they begin their future together.
Appointments: Effective 13 January 2022, Major Deane Goldsack has received an additional appointment as Territorial Emergency Services Coordinator for the Mission Section at THQ and will be based in Christchurch.
Captain Stewart Lee has received an additional appointment as Divisional Emergency Services Coordinator, Central Division.
Captain Shaun Baker has received an additional appointment as Divisional Emergency Services Coordinator, Central Division.
Major Susan Prattley has received an appointment in retirement as Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers, Southern Division.
Retirements: Effective 31 December 2021, Colonel Heather Rodwell
‘[After] the hard year that our country has had, but also our little town … they’ll be so grateful,’ Georgia says. ‘It takes a little bit of pressure off them financially, needing to stock up their pantry over the summer holidays.’
After Business Spread’s successful first campaign, they look forward to building on ‘1000 Helping Hands’ in years to come.
‘I think that each year we will try and get bigger and better, so watch this space!’
has retired with 31 years, 11 months and 12 days of active officer service. Heather entered The Salvation Army Training College from the Dunedin South Corps in 1988 as a Cadet in the ‘Ambassadors for Christ’ session. Appointments followed in Southern, Central and Northern Divisions and THQ. In 2017, Heather was appointed as Territorial Women’s Ministries Secretary with the continued appointment as Territorial Spiritual Life and Development Secretary and it is from these appointments that Heather retires. Heather will continue with an appointment in retirement as Divisional Secretary for Personnel, Southern Division. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation we honour the ministry of Colonel Heather Rodwell. Effective 31 December 2021, Major Dr Kathy Crombie has retired with 15 years, 1 month of active officer service. Kathy entered the Training College from Springwood Corps, Australian Eastern Territory in 2005 as a Cadet of the ‘Visionaries’ session. Appointments followed internationally. In 2019, Kathy received an appointment to this territory to BCM as Senior Tutor, School for Officer Training, with an additional appointment to the Centre for Leadership Development (CLD) as Project Manager Workforce Development. In 2021, Kathy received an additional appointment as Director, CLD. It is from these appointments that Kathy enters retirement. Kathy will take an appointment in retirement as Project Manager Workforce Development, CLD. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation we honour Major Kathy Crombie for her loyal, sincere, and faithful service to God.
Photo by Andrea Stephens Photography.
Tribute: Major Jocelyn Gordon
Jocelyn Foothead was born in Masterton and gave her heart to Jesus as a teenager through the ministry of Youth for Christ in Wellington. Her life was totally transformed by the grace of God and she became a young woman of passionate conviction, courage and confidence in the Lord. She boldly shared her faith during the Jesus movement of the 1970s, and attended Faith Bible College. Several years, later Jossie became a young, widowed mother of one. Still eager to serve the Lord she became corps cadet guardian at the Wainuiomata Corps and in this service she met and married Ray Gordon. From that time, their hearts were knit together in serving the Lord.
Jossie and Ray and their three children entered Training College from Naenae Corps as Guardians of the Truth in 1984 and were commissioned as officers in 1986. They began their officer ministry at Queenstown Corps, followed by Miramar and Oāmaru Corps. Whether in corps ministry as a couple or in her own appointments in community ministries, as assistant chaplain at Wellington Hospital or as secretary for retired officers in the Central Division, Jossie was very much her own person and carried herself with grace and dignity. She was softly spoken but a woman of strength in her faith and convictions. The Gordons retired to Levin in 2011 where Jossie maintained a keen interest in people, Bible study and prayer.
She courageously battled poor health over many years but her testimony to God’s faithfulness and her love for the Lord never faded. Jossie celebrated her 70th birthday in July with family and friends but from there her strength gradually waned and she was promoted to Glory on 24 November 2021.
Her triumphant funeral service took place at Levin, where family and corps tributes mentioned her deep love for her
Effective 12 January 2022, Envoy Peter McRae has retired, having completed 8 years and 5 days of service. Peter and Marilyn McRae were warranted as Envoys on 8 January 2014 and appointed Corps Officers, Narrogin Corps, Western Australia Division, Australia Southern Territory. In 2017, they transferred to this territory and were appointed as In Charge, Masterton Corps. Appointments followed in the Wairarapa region, from where Marilyn retired in January 2020. Peter received an additional appointment as Chaplain to Carterton Education and Employment Centre. In January 2020 Peter was appointed Corps Officer, Woodville Corps and it is from this appointment that Peter retires. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that we honour Envoy Peter McRae for his loyal and faithful service to God.
Effective 22 January 2022, Major Beverley (Bev) Baxter has retired. On her retirement, Bev completed 27 years, 5 months and 11 days of active officer service. Bev Hay entered the Training College from Sydenham Corps in 1980 as a Cadet in the ‘God’s Soldiers’ session. Appointments followed in Southern Division and THQ. In 1987, Bev married Captain Gavin Baxter and had appointments in New Zealand and South Africa. In 2005, Bev and Gavin resigned until January 2018, when they were reaccepted back into officership with further appointments in New Zealand. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation that we honour Major Bev Baxter for her sincere and faithful service to God through The Salvation Army. We pray God’s blessing on Bev as she supports Gavin in his appointment in Greymouth.
family, her wisdom and perfectionist ways, her character as a woman of God, and some of her personal writings. Daughter Christy’s tribute in song came via video link from Melbourne and reflected a strong, deep relationship and faith. Jossie loved nature, and her heart’s longing to see her Lord face to face has now been fulfilled. She is survived by husband Ray, children Michelle, Christy and Andrew, her six grandchildren and great grandson. Well done, good and faithful Guardian of the Truth.
BY MAJOR COLLEEN MARSHALL
Effective 31 January 2022, Major Pamela (Pam) Waugh has retired. On her retirement Pam has completed 36 years, 14 days of active officer service. Pam and her husband Glenton entered the Training College from Wellington South Corps in 1984 as Cadets in the ‘Guardians of the Truth’ session. Appointments followed in New Zealand. In 2011, Pam was appointed to THQ as Community Ministries Secretary; and Secretary for Community Ministries, Central Division (2019). It is from this appointment that Pam retires from active service. Pam will continue with an appointment in retirement at THQ as Personnel Referral Coordinator. We acknowledge the ministries that Major Pam Waugh has had and thank her for her loyal and faithful service to God through The Salvation Army.
Effective 12 February 2022, Major Mark Ennever is retiring. On his retirement Mark will have completed 27 years, 2 months and 3 days of active officer service. Mark entered the Training College, with his wife Brenda, from Newton Corps in 1993 as Cadets of the ‘Crusaders for Christ’ session. Appointments followed throughout the territory. In 2017, Mark was appointed as Regional Property and Projects Manager, Central Division, and it is from this appointment that Mark enters retirement. It is with sincere thanks and appreciation we honour Major Mark Ennever for his loyal and faithful service to God through The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory.
WHILE WE WAIT … WE PRAY
On 14 January 2022, the underwater volcano Hunga Tonga Hunga-Ha’apai began erupting. Residents of the island nation of Tonga were warned and told to evacuate to higher ground. The following afternoon, on 15 January 2022, the powerful waves began to roll in. Ash covered the land and sky from the eruption, blocking out the sun, damaging crops and making it difficult to breathe. Precious homes and lifetimes of possessions were flooded away. Some islands saw every structure brought down in the waves. Phone lines were washed out and undersea cables affected; as a result, at the time of publication, communications with Tonga are still hard to come by. We do not know the full extent of the damage yet. Currently, three fatalities have been confirmed; multiple people remain missing, with loved ones unable to connect. Of those who have made it to safety, several are injured, while many carry incredible stories of survival, of swimming for hours and clinging to whatever they could reach to stay safe. With so much infrastructure washed away and from the limited communications available, we know that immediate concerns of clean water and shelter are overwhelming Tonga, in addition to the continued health concern of volcanic ash. Beyond concerns of rebuilding and resourcing, the psychological trauma of the event will be significant for those caught up in the disaster.
We acknowledge that this time is incredibly difficult for the many families currently living in New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa whose loved ones live in Tonga, whether contact has been possible or remains elusive. Even once we receive more communication from Tonga, we suspect it will still be hard to know what to say or do from afar. Let us continue to support the Tongan citizens of our territory—residents and expatriates—as their families grapple with significant loss and fear in the face of this natural disaster.
While we are still waiting for further information about the extent of the damage and repairs needed from our people in Tonga, Captain Kenneth Walker has sent out some information from the region so far. We have compiled some prayer points so we can pray as we wait to hear more from Tonga.
We give thanks and praise to God that all our officers, staff and people are safe.
We ask for prayer for those who have lost possessions and experienced damage to property.
We ask for prayers of peace for those experiencing trauma after the initial event, and for those with fears of continued volcanic activity.
We ask for prayer for the ongoing clean up and recovery effort around Tonga.
We ask for prayer for communications to be up and running again: internet, phone lines and general power outages.
We ask for prayer for aid and resources for the people of Tonga, particularly access to clean water and shelter.
We ask for prayer for the Tongan environment, including their fishing and agriculture sectors which are still heavily affected by volcanic ash.
We ask for prayer for those from Tonga who are living elsewhere, including our territory—New Zealand, Fiji and Samoa. We pray for peace for these families as they wait to hear more from their loved ones.
We give thanks for Tongan corps which have experienced less physical damage from the crisis—the Regional Headquarters, Vaini, Fua’amotu, Talasiu—and have been able to host people from other areas. We pray that they can continue to care for themselves and others in need during this time.
We ask for prayer for Tongan Regional Commanders Captains Catherine and Kenneth Walker, as they work to support and hold their community through the ongoing difficulties and rebuild.
We ask for prayer for Kolovai Corps Plant, as their quarters has been majorly affected by the tsunami waters and the area is now considered a ‘red zone’.
We ask for prayers for Majors ‘Ana and Frederick Vaea from Kolovai Corps Plant, who have lost almost everything and are currently staying with the Walkers. Please pray for alternative accommodation to be found.
We ask for prayers for Nuku’alofa Corps, as their hall, kindergarten, compound and car park were inundated with sea water from the tsunami.
We ask for prayers for Vava’u Corps, who are still unreachable as their communication lines are down. Please pray for the community’s wellbeing as we wait to hear news from them.
We ask for prayer for the aid workers.
We ask for prayer against Covid-19 being brought into Tonga through international aid workers, in their attempts to offer support. We pray that they can provide aid in a safe way.
Rūnanga Co-Chairs: Worship At Waitangi 2022 Update
An announcement from the Waitangi National Trust on 1 December said that the events to commemorate Waitangi Day at the Treaty Grounds in February 2022 have been cancelled.
The Waitangi National Trust said that because of Covid-19 it would be practically impossible to safely proceed with events, which normally attract crowds of up to 40,000 people.
Pita Tipene, the trust chairperson, commented that the decision was not taken lightly, and that the health and safety of visitors, staff and the local community was paramount.
The plan is for the trust to work with broadcasters to deliver a virtual Waitangi Day experience.
Kelvin Davis, Minister of Māori Crown Relations, said the Government supported the trust’s decision and expects that members of Parliament, Ministers and the Prime Minister will play a key role in virtual elements on the day, and they will also work with the Waitangi National Trust to see what this looks like.
The Covid-19 Protection Framework assisted the Waitangi National Trust in their decision-making for the cancellation of the Waitangi Day commemorations for 2022.
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said the cancellation also reflected the vaccination rates in Northland.
The Salvation Army supports the trust’s decision to cancel the event, and the hope is that divisional headquarters and corps throughout the country will join in with local celebration events or commemorate Waitangi Day as part of a Sunday 6 February service this year.
GOD IS IN US AS WE BRING COMFORT, GRACE, A KIND SMILE, AN ENCOURAGING WORD, A PRAYER.
This summer has been hot and has provided a much-needed break and distraction for many from the tensions of Covid-19. However, Omicron continues to lurk in the background and seems ready to pounce at any moment.
As a nation, we continue to have a certain level of division between the vaccination compliant and the vaccination averse. Additionally, although Covid-19 has been the narrative that has filled our minds and screens for much of the last year (plus), January has seen volcanic eruptions and the reality and threat of tsunamis become more prevalent, and Tonga remains in our hearts and prayers at this time. Amidst this uncertainty, tension and disaster we can ask the question: ‘Where is God?’ Where is God in the pandemic, the natural disaster and the suffering, tension and conflict that partners these things?
This edition also celebrates Waitangi Day. This is a day that is filled with so much meaning for Aotearoa New Zealand. For many it is simply a national day off. For Māori, and a growing number of other Kiwi, it is a reminder of a covenant that has had a chequered history—much of this has been a narrative of disempowerment, of lost freedoms. And we must each ask ourselves: ‘Where is God in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and how is or isn’t it being honoured in our nation today?’
As we the people of God step into a whole new year, we can do so with the confidence that God is with us (Isaiah 41:10). Secondly, as we ask the question of where God is, we must also remember that as the people of God, he is in us— indeed, ‘Christ in you the hope of glory’ (Colossians 1:27), with the hope of glory being God’s promise to restore us and all creation. This means we have a part to play. God is in us as we bring comfort, grace, a kind smile, an encouraging word, a prayer. At times we need to have the courage to admit being wrong and say ‘I’m sorry’, or perhaps forgive the one who doesn’t deserve it. This is God in action during all seasons of life.
As the Church, as his Army of Salvation, let us navigate this year with love, grace, wisdom, forgiveness and courage—always seeking reconciliation and not sowing seeds of confusion or doubt or conflict. Let us live this way in our own families and friend groups. Let us live this way within our schools and communities. But possibly, more importantly, let us live this way with each other. This is where people most profoundly see hope, and the presence and way of Jesus (John 13:34).
Captain Bryant Richards Territorial Assistant Secretary for Personnel
DAYS ORDINARY FOR PRAYER
The unexpected waits around the corner of every ordinary day, where we can express God’s love and offer practical and spiritual support to those we walk beside. Major Barbara Sampson asks us to consider every day as a gift from God to be uncovered and experienced with gratitude, no matter whether it is an ordinary or extraordinary day.
I came round the corner on my way to work at the Community Ministries Centre to find police officers, police cars and people weeping outside a house where one of our clients lived. Terri, a slender young woman in her midtwenties, coping on her own with four little boys—one-year-old twins and a three- and a four-year-old—often called in for a chat when she was out walking with the children.
Grateful for The Salvation Army identification on my shirt, I stopped and spoke to a police officer.
‘I know Terri,’ I said. ‘Is she okay?’ ‘No,’ he shook his head soberly. I spoke with her mother who was weeping and distraught, put my arms around Terri’s young sister. It seemed she had been found dead just an hour or so earlier. The family had been called. Shock and sadness filled the air. Tears
MAY WE MARCH WITH CONFIDENCE INTO THIS NEW YEAR, TRUSTING THAT EVERY NEW DAY WILL HOLD GOD’S PROTECTION, HIS PROMISES AND HIS PROVISION.
needed tissues and there were none so I went to the centre, told the staff what had happened and took back boxes of tissues. ‘I’ll be back with some scones,’ I said. One of the foodbank volunteers leapt into action.
Half an hour later I took along scones, jam, margarine, ingredients for hot drinks and something for a main meal.
Service in sorrow
Terri’s funeral a few days later drew a large crowd, mostly young adults, many children and great grief. The pictures of Terri showed a beautiful young woman. I’m glad I knew her, glad about the herbs and plants we gave her to grow, glad about the friend who dug over a patch of her garden so she could grow some potatoes. Glad too of the times she called into the centre for a chat.
But was it enough? Obviously not. In spite of her children, in spite of her family, in spite of all the help from various agencies, it was clearly not enough to prevent her from being overwhelmed. Not enough to stop her looking for and— tragically—finding a way out.
A week later I had a call from one of the children’s grandmothers.
‘Are you the lady who brought along the scones?’
‘Yes,’ I said.
[THERE IS] NO SUCH THING AS AN ORDINARY LIFE FOR EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS SEEN AND KNOWN AND LOVED EVEN BEFORE WE ARE BORN…
‘Would you come and bless the house?’ she asked. I gulped and said of course I would.
Later that afternoon we walked through the house and around the whole property, she sprinkling water, me praying and asking God to cleanse and heal and bless not just the house, but Terri herself.
‘Those scones,’ the grandmother said, ‘they were terrific.’
It made me think of David fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel 21). ‘I don’t have any ordinary bread’, the priest Ahimelech told him at Nob when he asked for something to eat. ‘It’s all holy.’ Clearly there is no such thing as ordinary scones either!
Ordinary Time
Just a few weeks ago, at the end of November 2021, the church calendar celebrated the end of a long stretch of 34 weeks of what is called ‘Ordinary Time’. The great festivals of the church year, Easter and Pentecost, had long gone and the grand new season of Advent was about to begin, marking the beginning of the new church year.
Ordinary seems a bland kind of word, colourless, tasteless, bordering on boring, with nothing much to say for itself. But the Bible tells us something different. There is no such thing as an ordinary sparrow, for every one of those hoppity little creatures is noticed by God (Matthew 10:29). No such thing as an ordinary day because every one comes as a gift from God and is a cause for rejoicing (Psalm 118:24). No such thing as an ordinary life for every individual is seen and known and loved even before we are born (Psalm 139:13–16).
Author L R Knost wrote: Life is amazing. And then it’s awful. And then it’s amazing again. And in between the amazing and awful it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during
the ordinary. That’s just living our heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.
The hiding place for the holy
Another writer says that the ordinary is the hiding place for the holy. Moses discovered this out in the desert when, faced with a burning bush and the voice of God that spoke to him out of it, he was told to take off his shoes. It was a gesture of worship, for the ground where he was standing, to all appearances just ordinary desert sand, was holy ground (Exodus 3:5).
This morning, outside I stood
And saw a little red-winged bird
Shining like a burning bush
Singing like a scripture verse It made me want to bow my head I remember when church let out How things have changed since then Everything is holy now It used to be a world half-there Heaven’s second rate hand-me-down
But I walk it with a reverent air
Cause everything is holy now.
Peter Mayer*
In these continuing Covid-19 days when so much seems difficult and disorienting and we long for a new normal and a return to familiar peaceful days, we have the opportunity to look and see with fresh eyes. For all its strangeness, this new ordinary time is made up of holy days, to be received with gratitude and lived with reverence.
‘Who dares despise the day of small things’ (Zechariah 4:10), says the prophet. Small things like sparrows, normal days, ordinary scones, they come packaged as holy gifts that we can easily fail to see if we walk with our eyes downcast. May we march with confidence into this new year, trusting that every new day will hold God’s protection, his promises and his provision.
Normal day, ordinary day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, savour you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow.
Mary Jean Irion
*‘Holy Now’ by Peter Mayer www.petermayer.net
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS
Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries)
14–16 Feb: Navigating Change Hui, Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt
Colonel Gerry Walker (Chief Secretary)
5 Feb: National Youth Band rehearsal and dinner, Silverstream Retreat
14–16 Feb: Navigating Change Hui, Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt
Major Liz Gainsford (Territorial Secretary for Spiritual Life Development)
5 Feb: National Youth Band rehearsal and dinner, Silverstream Retreat
14–16 Feb: Navigating Change Hui, Booth College of Mission, Upper Hutt
From reference books for study and sermon prep to biographies and Christian living, enjoy unlimited access to the EBSCO eBook Religion Collection as part of a Booth College of Mission Library membership. Email library@salvationarmy.org.nz for more info.
PRAY
The Kingdom of Tonga in this time of need, Glenfield Corps, Gore Corps, Grandview Corps, Greymouth Corps, Hamilton City Corps and The Salvation Army in Tanzania.
Counsellor(s) Wanted
FreedomLife Te Nikau is an established Christian-focused residential centre for people with life-controlling problems.
We need a couple, at least one being an experienced counsellor with general or addictions qualifications, for counselling and support roles.
Accommodation and salary provided.
For details, phone Peter Carrington 027 284 7755 or email info@freedomlife.org.nz freedomlife.org.nz
Herod (Luke
Kids’ Riddle Answers: A Kiwi, B Panda, C Horse, D Butterfly, E Zebra.
Animal Names:
Hipi,
Raiona, 3 Ngeru, 4 Makimaki, 5 Tāika, 6 Manu, 7 Poaka, 8 Heihei, 9 Kuri, 10 Nanenane, 11 Rāpeti.
Māori Animal Names
Can you correctly match up the animals with their names in English and in te reo Māori?
(Answers on page 22.)
Maze Can you help this hipohipo (hippopotamus) get back to his friend in the water?
What is an elephant (arewhana)’s favourite vegetable?
Squash!
Animal Riddles!
(Answers on page 22.)
(A) I am a fruit, a bird and a person. What am I?
What do polar bears eat for dinner? Iceberg-ers.
(B) I have black circles around my eyes, even when I'm not tired. What am I?
(C) You say ‘hey’ but I eat it and say ‘neigh’. What am I?
What type of bird joins you for mealtimes? A swallow
(D) My start goes on toast, and my end is how birds move. What am I? Did you know? Tigers have striped skin as well as striped fur.
(E) The alphabet goes from A to Z, but I go from Z to A. What am I?
‘…
but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.’
Isaiah 40:31
Do you enjoy playing online games?
You often can play as a character who is able to leap off buildings and land safely, run for hours without tiring and keep going for as long as there’s stamina stored in the health bar on the side of the screen. Depending on the game’s measures, the health bar shows how much energy your character has left. Certain actions or items can restore your health bar—but if it runs out, you’re out of the game.
Real life isn’t like that. For starters, most of us can’t sprint longer than a minute, and if you repeatedly run into walls you’re going to get hurt. In real life, when it feels like our energy levels are low, there is no hidden item to find and replenish our strength.
However, we can go to God. He assures us that when we lose hope and are at our lowest, while he can’t promise us superpowers, he will restore our energy. In some ways, it’s like watching your health bar dwindle to danger point—and then all of a sudden, it fills up without you doing one thing!
I WONDER...
When you feel low in energy, can you commit to praying and asking God for strength this week?
Rāpeti
KO E SAAME 46:1
God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble.
PSALM 46:1