FAITH IN ACTION  06 APRIL 2019 | Issue 6714 | $1.50
For such ahis time as t
05
06
16
20
WAR CRY The Salvation Army
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Andy & Yvonne Westrupp | GENERAL Brian Peddle | FOUNDERS William
& Catherine 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. MANAGING EDITOR Ingrid Barratt | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Matt Gillon | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Hugh Collins, Major Shar Davis | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford, Vivienne Hill | COVER ‘Amazing Grace’ by Dick Frizzell OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box
6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, Fax (04) 382 0716, Email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz, www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department, Phone
(04) 382 0768, Email mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz, $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT www.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 135 years | Issue 6714 ISSN 0043-0242 (print), ISSN 2537-7442 (online) Please pass on or recycle this magazine Read online www.issuu.com/salvationarmynzftwarcry
www.salvationarmy.org.nz SalvationArmyNZFTS @SalvationArmyNZ salvationarmynzfts
2 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
11
Bring your offering ‘God is Great, I bear witness that there is no god except the One God,’ says the Muslim call to prayer. It echoes the Jewish proclamation: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,’ (Deuteronomy 6:4). As Christians, we bear witness that there is one creator God. Of course, there are differences in our faiths— for us, God is our Father. Jesus is both God, and the path to God. These truths are indelibly written on our hearts, so we need not be threatened by other understandings of God. So I was moved that, as a nation, we turned to God in prayer before our two minutes of silence—it was an opportunity to acknowledge and honour our Atua God, within the darkness of the hour. Like many, I attended my local mosque for the ceremony, and was greeted by hugs from the Islamic women present. It was another moment of beauty, within the ashes.
As I’ve seen relatives of the shooting victims publicly forgiving the killer, and spreading messages of love and unity, I have reflected on how—as a Christian—I have sinfully focused on the differences in our faith, rather than our shared humanity. God’s story is one of drawing all people to him—the Bible is full of outsiders welcomed in as part of God’s family: from Ruth and Rahab, to the Samaritan, slave and tax collector. May we no longer treat people as ‘other’, when God calls us all to himself. In our feature, Tim Harper talked about creating a ‘community of offering’. This is the offering that God requires: to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8). Let this be the kind of offering we each, in our own way, bring to God during these days.
There is not a cry of anguish, not a heartache, not a pang of spiritual pain in all the world that does not reach his ears and heart.
Hebrews 13:16 (BBE) But go on doing good and giving to others, because God is well-pleased with such offerings. Ngā Hiperu 13:16 Kei wareware hoki ki te mahi pai, ki te atawhai: e manakohia ana hoki e te Atua ngā patunga tapu pera.
Samuel Logan Brengle
Ingrid Barratt Editor
‘H
ello Brother … ’ These were the first words the gunman heard when he arrived at the mosque, intent on killing as many people as possible.
‘Hello Brother … ’ These were the last words spoken by the first victim of the terrorist attacks in Christchurch on 15 March 2019. ‘I love him … ’ These were the words spoken by Farid Ahmed, a senior leader at the Deans Avenue mosque— widowed by the actions of a man so full of hatred. ‘I don’t hate him at all … ’ These were the words Farid Ahmed uttered as he reflected about what caused a man to be filled with such hatred towards him and his faith community. ‘Greetings Rabbi … ’ These were the words Judas said to Jesus as he betrayed him with a kiss. ‘Forgive them father … ’ These were the words Jesus uttered as he was dying, crucified on a cross. ‘You are my friends, I will keep watch while you pray … ’ These were the words Andrew Graystone wrote on a sign as he stood outside his local mosque. ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and strength … ’ These were the words Jesus spoke as he was questioned about the Law.
‘Love your neighbour as yourself … ’ These were the words that Jesus continued with as the expert of the Law tested him. ‘Who is my neighbour … ?’ These are the words we must ask ourselves as we live in the Kingdom of God. ‘Love your neighbour as yourself … ’ These were the words Jesus used to illustrate the second greatest commandment. ‘The tongue can bring life or death … ’ These were the words that King Solomon wrote in Proverbs 18:21. In light of the terror attack in Christchurch, we are faced with daily choices … Do we choose to greet strangers with a welcome? Do we choose to love instead of hate? Do we choose to forgive those who betray us? Do we choose to stand with others? Do we choose to speak words of life instead of death? A mirror has been held up to our nation, requiring us to take an honest look at ourselves. Of course we only want to see the best, but how often do we only love the neighbour who looks like us, who believes like us, who speaks like us? How often do we casually laugh at words that are racist or sexist or judgemental at their core? Our way of life has been disturbed … what our future looks like will be determined by the choices we now make, and the things we will tolerate. Let’s speak through words and acts of love. BY SHAR DAVIS
06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 3
Fitness Fans Carry Cans Up and Down Mount Maunganui Chelsea’s Cheeseburgers with Secret Sauce Why ‘secret’ sauce? Because gherkin is the magic ingredient—and even the most passionate antigherkiners won’t be able to deny the deliciousness. Patties 500–700g beef mince
Secret sauce ¾ cup mayonnaise
½ large onion, minced
1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped (or 2 Tbsp onion, minced)
1 clove garlic, crushed 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 slice wholemeal toast bread, crusts removed, soaked in 2 Tbsp milk ¼ cup chives, finely chopped
3 gherkins, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, crushed 1½ tablespoons Dijon mustard
½ cup grated cheese 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce Sliced cheese, for topping Pre-heat the oven to grill. Place all the patty ingredients in a bowl, season and combine. Shape into 4–5 patties, cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Preheat a BBQ or frying pan to a medium heat. Brush the patties with a little oil and cook for a few minutes until crunchy and brown on one side. Turn the patties over, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for another 8–10 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the patties to a roasting dish or oven tray and lay a slice or two of cheese on top of each one. Cook under the grill for a minute or so until the cheese starts to melt over the patties. To make the secret sauce, combine all the ingredients and season as required. Serve burgers with a dollop of sauce on burger buns, with your choice of salad.
4 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
But while most would consider a single climb more than enough, the Mount Madness challenge on 2 March saw fitness enthusiasts aim to climb the 232 metre peak as many times as possible in a 24 hour period. Yet this wasn’t just about exercise—with 3500 cans donated to the challenge by Countdown and Grant Hirzel of Sting Fitness, the ultimate goal was to ensure each can was carried to the summit and back down again.
1 tablespoon tomato paste
¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
Source: chelseawinter.co.nz
If you’ve ever walked up Mount Maunganui, you’ll be well familiar with the sweat required to reach the top.
TOPFIVE
QUIKQUIZ
5 Once Upon A Time In Hollywood —Filmmaking legend Quentin Tarantino’s next movie will feature Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio.
2 How many teeth does an ardvark have?
Upcoming films War Cry staff are most excited about:
4 Aladdin—Everyone’s favourite 90s’ Disney classic is coming to the big screen as a live action adaptation featuring Will Smith. 3 Toy Story 4—June will see us reunited with our favourite toys Buzz, Woody and Jessie. 2 Avengers: Endgame—A year after the release of Infinity War, Endgame will reunite the biggest cast in film history for another round of Marvel’s iconic super group. 1 Star Wars: Episode IX—What will become of Poe, Rey and Kylo? Most of us here at War Cry are pretty fanatical about the Star Wars universe, so naturally we can hardly wait to see what happens in a galaxy far, far away.
1 What colours do you mix to create purple?
3 Which sea creature has three hearts? 4 What is the Italian word for pie? 5 What is the sixth book of the Bible? Answers on page 22
Whatever made it up and down would then be donated to Salvation Army foodbanks. Organiser Nate Gowan made 17 climbs with the rest of the group making between 10 and 18 each. ‘I and 15 others started at 8pm on the Friday and took backpacks of cans right through the night,’ Nate said. ‘The public joined in at 8am with the climbs, so the focus then was not our personal climbs, but in getting the community involved and showing they care through their effort. We got 3500-plus cans up and down and even finished six hours early.’ Nate said the concept was originally a personal challenge he had set himself a year ago—a friend later suggested they turn it into a charity cause. ‘We love what The Salvation Army does, and we wanted to be part of giving back and getting the public to know they can do their part, too.’ ‘We had a great turnout and a lot of good feedback, so I think this would be an awesome annual event for the end of summer.’
Weird of the Week: In 1567, a mayor of a town in Austria died after he tripped on his four and half foot long beard, while running away from a fire. It was said to be the longest beard in the world at the time.
SALLIEOF THEWEEK
Barbara Stewart (Cambridge Corps) Barbara’s first contact with the Army came when her late husband Gordon, an adherent at Cambridge since the 80s, was suffering with cancer. It was in 2017, after completing a soldiership course, that she gave her heart to Christ. The following year she decided God wanted her all and so committed to becoming a Senior Soldier. Barbara is now a valued member of the Community Ministries team in Cambridge and wants to make a difference in people’s lives, with the aim of building a community through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Drama, Musical, Romance Daffodils (M, offensive language) David Stubbs
Daffodils is the charming story of Rose and Eric, a typical Kiwi couple, as told through the eyes of their daughter Maisie. The film paints a picture of what life was like in 1960s–1980s New Zealand, and it’s not always what you think. Daffodils is set to iconic Kiwi songs by artists like Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn, but the songs don’t overwhelm the story—they weave in beautifully and add another layer of emotion to the superb acting by Rose McIver and George Mason. This is an endearing and, at times heartbreaking, film that is well worth seeing. (Reviewed by Julia de Ruiter)
WARCRYINHISTORY
21 April 1917 On this day, War Cry reported that the W.C.T.U (Women’s Christian Temperance Union) received their first Māori delegates at a convention held in Auckland. Originally brought to New Zealand by Mary Clement Leavitt of the United States in 1886, the union was Aotearoa’s first ever national women’s organisation—one which went on to include suffrage as one of its central causes. Source: Booth College of Mission Heritage and Archives Centre
06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 5
An
g n i r e f f O For such a s i h t s a e tim
Dick Frizzell (left) and Dave Dobbyn, in Dick’s studio sharing his work ‘Amazing Grace’. Photography: Glenn Manchester.
I A project that brings together ‘the artists of our time with the music of all time’ is helping our nation love and lament during our darkest days. The Offering project is a collaboration of visual and recording artists, presenting wellloved hymns—with all proceeds going to The Salvation Army. BY INGRID BARRATT
f you have wept at memorial services around the country, or watched the news in shocked silence, you may have been comforted by the powerful presence of the hymn ‘Whakaaria Mai’, sung by well-known Kiwi artists Teeks and Hollie Smith. This was the first single released as part of Offering, an album featuring 15 well-loved New Zealand recording artists, who breathe new life into ancient hymns—including household names like Stan Walker, Dave Dobbyn and Sol3 Mio. Each hymn has also been interpreted by a prominent New Zealand visual artist. ‘Whakaaria Mai’ (‘How Great Thou Art’) was released last week, to provide an instrument of both lamentation and comfort during our darkest days. ‘What we found when we read the lyrics of every hymn in the Offering, was they were written at a time of great adversity by the writer,’ says project creator and head of Thom Productions, Murray Thom. He points to the much-loved hymn ‘It Is Well With My Soul,’ written by Horatio Spafford in 1873, after his four daughters died at sea. ‘We, as humans, can draw on those depths. If the writer in great despair can say, “It Is Well With My Soul” then we can draw on that and be comforted by that,’ reflects Murray. The album has abiding significance for the Army—not only is our musical heritage at the heart of the vision, but all proceeds from both the album and paintings will go directly to fund The Salvation Army and our work with those most in need. It is an unprecedented gift to the Army, says Territorial Commander Commissioner Andy Westrupp. ‘This is such an incredible gift for the Army, and we feel so privileged that Murray and Tim [Harper] have chosen to collaborate with us. We pray that much good will come from it—both as people seek comfort during these times, and for the many New Zealanders who will be helped through the proceeds,’ says Andy.
Songs of the Spirit It is poignant that every artist on the album chose their own hymn, paving the way for very personal—and often spiritual—journeys. The first single, ‘Whakaaria Mai’, was chosen by Teeks as a tribute to his grandfather, who was an archdeacon in the Anglican church, and who Teeks describes as his ‘greatest role model’. Ginny Blackmore chose ‘His Eye is on the Sparrow’, which she sang at her grandmother’s funeral. ‘It was a song that changed my life when I first heard it. When I am in glory in Heaven I will be singing it again,’ says Ginny. Kimbra took her inspiration from the passing of Aretha Franklin, who recorded ‘Precious Lord Take my Hand’—Martin Luther King’s favourite song, which was synonymous with the civil rights movement. One of New Zealand’s best known visual artists, Raymond Ching, has a special connection with The Salvation Army. Although retired from the public eye, he created a painting to honour his Salvationist mother. ‘Her father was 06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 7
an alcoholic and his behaviour was so outrageous that it drove my mother away. She left home at 15 and joined The Salvation Army. That started her lifelong association with the Army,’ recalls Ray. ‘Some of these artists who wouldn’t call themselves “religious” have really opened their arms to this,’ reflects Murray. ‘They have brought tears to my eyes. At the end of the day, everybody’s soul needs watering and when somebody turns the tap on, you want to go and stand under it. ‘God keeps showing that he’s quite a bit bigger than we can ever comprehend and that God is for everyone.’ Offering co-creator Tim Harper, was also struck by how profound the experience was for many of the artists, whose first reaction was ‘I am not worthy’. ‘Once we gave them permission and said, “No, you are worthy”, that became the overarching message. Our artists have felt included and worthy as opposed to unworthy; they’ve felt loved as opposed to unloved, accepted as opposed to rejected. It’s a profound experience, and it has been lifechanging for some,’ says Tim. Then he adds what is both a compliment and challenge: ‘The Salvation Army certainly treats everyone as worthy,’ he says.
Then, 10 years ago, Thom Productions shot to prominence as the creators of The Great New Zealand Songbook—an album of our country’s greatest hits from the last century and new millennium. Since then, Murray and Tim have been behind The Great New Zealand Cookbook, and a raft of other projects around the world. The relationships with Kiwi artists developed through the Songbook, became a key that unlocked the Offering project. But they laugh that the reason it has taken 17 years for the vision to come to fruition is ‘it took us 14-and-a-half-years to realise The Salvation Army were the people we were meant to partner with’.
A great New Zealand vision
An act of kindness
The seed of the Offering project has been watered and nurtured for 17 years, and also proved to be deeply spiritual for both Murray and Tim. ‘I was journalling, and this word “offering” came to me,’ explains Murray. ‘I started to think about the hymns that had sustained the weary for centuries, and I thought “Wouldn’t it be amazing to have the artists of our time perform the songs of all time?” That was the genesis of the idea.’ The next day, a divine appointment brought Tim into the picture. ‘I was 23, about to begin a Masters in Nutrition, and just back from London and happened to go to Murray’s house. He shared his vision with me, and God showed me the vision so clearly—to the point that I changed my career, followed that quiet voice, and held on to it,’ explains Tim. From the very beginning, Murray’s vision was that all funds from the project go back into helping the community. ‘I feel very, very privileged that God gave me a vision and entrusted me with that,’ he says.
‘I always wanted to make this album, and I always wanted proceeds to go and help people, but I didn’t have a clue how that might be,’ explains Murray. All that changed one day during a conversation with his sister Wendy Nixon, who recalled how The Salvation Army nourished their souls during a time of great need. Her husband, Grant, was General Manager of a Christian marketing company called CMC, and worked with two young Salvationists, Bryant and Aiden Richards. Grant had to have a fairly routine hernia operation, but things went horribly wrong leading to weeks of complications, with doctors unable to explain what had gone wrong. ‘I was facing an uncertain Christmas for my young family and very sick husband,’ recalls Wendy. ‘A couple of nights before Christmas we heard loud music outside. Out we went to investigate and were stunned to find Bryant and his Salvation Army youth group on our front lawn. They had come all the way across Auckland to bring
8 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
‘GOD KEEPS SHOWING THAT HE’S QUITE A BIT BIGGER THAN WE CAN EVER COMPREHEND AND THAT GOD IS FOR EVERYONE.’
Christmas to us. In classic Salvation Army brass band style, they proceeded to play a series of wonderful Christmas carols for us. It was a gift from heaven when we needed it the most, and assured us that our Heavenly Father knew our little family was hurting,’ says Wendy. ‘Even now, many years later, it brings tears to my eyes to Teeks & Hollie Smith. think about it. It is one of my life’s highlights, at a time that was definitely a low.’ As Wendy shared her story, ‘it was like the scales fell from An offering for all people my eyes’ recalls Murray. They realised The Salvation Army was At its heart, the project is still about that single God-given the perfect partners for this project—both for our musical word, 17 years ago: an offering. heritage, and as partners in putting funds back into our ‘It’s such an old-fashioned word, and it’s not a word that community, where it is most needed. I would use,’ reflects Murray. ‘But I love the breadth of the ‘I describe it as songs that feed the soul, with proceeds that word. When we think of an offering we think of the plate going feed the poor,’ sums up Murray. around on Sunday morning. But I think the concept of offering In one of the first collaborations for the Offering, almost is much more connected to people’s gifts and what they can two years ago, Dave Dobbyn lent his vocals to ‘Amazing Grace’, offer. So many people have offered themselves to this project. with a haunting and plaintive accompaniment from the Army’s ‘It’s our great delight to be making this for the country Wellington Citadel Band. we live in and we love. The Offering project is our gift, if you Creative Ministries Director Jim Downey conducted the will, to New Zealand. And it’s certainly the artists’ gift to New band for the occasion. ‘Dave talked to the band about how Zealand, as they have freely given their God-given talents.’ emotional it was for him to sing this song. It was clear in This ‘community of offering’ extends to all New Zealanders meeting Dave that he is a really passionate man and Christian, who buy the album—not only do the proceeds go to the Army, who has a real heart for the people of New Zealand,’ recalls Jim. but every album comes with two CDS: one to keep, and one to Much-loved artist Dick Frizzell then painted a scene that give away. reflected Wendy’s story—with an Army band playing outside Offering will be released almost 10 years to the day since The what could be any New Zealand street. It became the album Great New Zealand Songbook. For its creators, it is a ‘full circle’ cover, which will be available from 26 April. moment—at a moment in time when our nation most needs it. This also sparked another idea: ask prominent New Zealand ‘These are songs you listen to when you want some quiet artists to interpret each of the hymns as a painting. These time, at a celebration like a wedding, or in mourning—like a original works, along with 12 limited edition prints of each funeral,’ sums up Tim. ‘God’s timing in this has added new painting, will be available to purchase from 1 May. Again, all depths to the offering.’ proceeds from these prestigious New Zealand works will go to It is an offering we can all take part in, for such a time as this. The Salvation Army. Every single recording and visual artist who participated in the project did so completely free of charge, and have foregone any future loyalties. ‘The fact that the proceeds were going to The Salvation The official launch of You can purchase art Army was a huge, huge part of why everyone came on board. Offering will be 30 April, and limited edition prints Pretty much everybody had a story of The Salvation Army. live on Seven Sharp. from 1 May, by going to Moses McKay from Sol3 Mio, his dad drives a Salvation Army offering.org When you purchase an truck. Kimbra used to go to The Salvation Army in Melbourne album, you receive one All proceeds go to The every Friday night to help out. If The Salvation Army was not free to give away. Salvation Army! involved, this project would not have happened,’ says Murray.
Need to know …
06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 9
How to Speak Your Teen’s Language ‘If only I knew then what I know now!’ Every parent has uttered these words at some point along the journey of child-rearing. While every parent has been a teenager, they haven’t been these teenagers. Elders still carry wisdom, but for the first time in history they do not hold all the knowledge. We may teach our child to use a spoon, but they will teach us to use bluetooth headphones. Every generation comes with unique idosyncracies and challenges. It’s important to remember that these are not of their own making, but have been forged primarily by the generation preceeding them. In other words, like it or not, as parents and grandparents we are largely responsible for creating the world our teens are growing up in. This is sobering when you’re trying to understand an attitude or opinion totally different from your own, and often embraced by an entire generation. ‘You just don’t understand me!’ has been the battle cry of every teenager. Focus on how to communciate with your teenager, rather than what to communicate. How we communicate sets the tone for any encounter, and dramatically increases the chance of it being positive and fruitful. Often what we say is completely negated by how we say it. Conversely, what we have to say is more readily accepted when it’s communicated in a language that our teens understand. Gary Chapman of The Five Love Languages fame, affirms that it is still parents who can influence teens the most, provided parents learn to speak their teen’s love language: words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, acts of service, or gifts. It can be as simple as asking them what makes them feel loved, and committing to showing them love in a way that is meaningful to them (not you). ‘Recently, my family sat around the dinner table trying to guess each others’ love language. The conversation quickly heated up as it became obvious some of us felt more loved than others— we had some serious love language barriers!’ says mum Cheryl. ‘Then a little miracle occured. The nature of our conversation completely changed as we were drawn into the shared discovery of each other’s love language. There were lots of tender exchanges as we listened and asked clarifying questons. Ideas and strategies for “speaking” in a language of love that made sense occupied the remainder of the meal.’ The key to communication for teens—like any child—is essentially knowing they are loved by you.
10 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
FOCUS ON HOW TO COMMUNCIATE WITH YOUR TEENAGER, RATHER THAN WHAT TO COMMUNICATE. Tips for Talking to Your Teen Have a conversation, rather than lecture. Conversation involves both people talking. Don’t attack—if your teens feels accused, they’ll be on the defensive. Show respect for your teen’s opinions. Make it clear you are hearing their point of view. Keep it short and simple. Follow the ‘50 precent rule’: Say 50 percent less than you think you need to—so you don’t frustrate your teen. Be yourself. Be authentic. Seize the moment—such as a spontaneous conversation in the car. Look out for those opportunities to talk.
TESTIFY! When Captain Mat Badger signed up to be a Red Shield collector, he didn’t know it would change his life forever ... The first time I collected for the Red Shield Appeal was back in 1996. I was studying at Laidlaw College in Auckland, when a fellow student— who was a Salvationist—convinced me to sign up. Even though I was raised in a Christian family in Rotorua, I had never had anything to do with The Salvation Army prior to this. My family went to a ‘normal’ church—whereas The Salvation Army had always seemed a bit weird with their uniforms and brass bands. But I was eager to take part because the Booths (Salvation Army founders) were on my reading list for the ‘Church History 101’ course I was taking. I was assigned a fairly short street, and given a red and white cardboard collection box—remember those? This, of course, was back in the streetwalking, dog-avoiding, door-knocking days. But I’d been a parking warden for the Rotorua District Council, so I thought, ‘How hard could collecting money for a good cause be?’ Quite hard apparently. I only collected about seven dollars! But this was because I was so warmly received at the first few homes I visited. I had such great conversations (with a few cups of tea) that I didn’t get very far before it got dark. This warm and positive response to a Christian organisation was a first for me. People wanted to talk to me because I was with the Sallies. I heard people’s stories about help they had received, and interactions their family members had during WWII. It was a real privilege. There were even a few ‘God conversations’ and I felt really in my element. I fell in love with the mission of The Salvation Army that night while collecting!
WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT SAYING ‘YES’ TO COLLECTING FOR THE RED SHIELD APPEAL, WOULD BE THE FORK IN THE ROAD THAT WOULD CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF MY LIFE? I started attending church at Waitakere Central Corps (Faith Factory), got involved in the mission, and was enrolled as a soldier the following year. When I completed my studies, I was employed as the pastoral assistant to the officers, which was so rewarding. I worked for the Army for another seven years (four of those in Gisborne) before surrendering to the call to officership. Who would have thought saying ‘yes’ to collecting for the Red Shield Appeal, would be the fork in the road that would change the direction of my life? Now, I am the Territorial Youth Secretary—a role that is my absolute passion. I love inputting into the next generation and feel it is my ‘calling within the calling’ of officership. Over the years my enthusiam for engaging with people, through the
the Red Shield Appeal, has continued to grow. I still get to listen to people’s stories, talk about the services we provide, and answer questions about how the money collected is used. I’ve even been able to refer people to some of our programmes and services, as well as share my faith. My fundraising skills have vastly improved as well! Last year, one of our team dressed up as Darth Vader, since Star Wars Day on ‘May the fourth’ fell during the Appeal—it was lots of fun! But a friendly smile and warm demeanour are all you really need to be a great collector. Investing an hour or so of your time will not only be a gift to New Zealanders in need, but a gift for you as well. To sign up, see your local Red Shield Street Appeal Coordinator or go to www.salvationarmy.org.nz/collect 06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 11
Wrong Place, Major Christina Tyson provides a very personal reflection on the horrors of the Christchurch massacre, and asks, ‘Was it really a matter of “wrong place, wrong time”?’ The evening of the Christchurch mosque attacks, I checked with Mum, knowing that the events would have triggered strong feelings for her. My brother—her son—John, was killed in 1997, in a mass shooting at Raurimu. I know this because the Christchurch shootings triggered grief spasms for me, and I’m sure for my sister, Heather, too. Mum didn’t talk about John, but she said these people died because they were in the ‘wrong place at the wrong time’. This was something she often used to say about John and how he was killed. So I wasn’t surprised to hear her processing what happened in Christchurch in that way.
THE RIGHT PLACE However, these 50 deaths (at time of print) were not a case of ‘wrong place, wrong time’. Those murdered were in the right place—a sacred place, a place of prayer and worship, the beating heart of their faith community, and a safe place for friends and family to gather. They were there at the right time—a divine appointment kept on Friday lunchtimes each week to strengthen the outworkings of their beliefs in everyday life, and to meet their personal and corporate obligation to honour God. As the Quran says: ‘O believers! When the call to prayer is made on Friday, then proceed diligently to the remembrance of Allah and leave off your business. That is best for you, if only you knew,’ (Surah 62:9, Dr Mustafa Khattab, The Clear Quran). Having a family member shot and killed is a traumatic loss that (like suicide) offers no time for goodbyes. What I have learnt is that there is no right or wrong way to grieve—we will do what we need to do in the way that is right for us. Friends can help, sometimes as much by their silent presence as by their words. However, absence is not usually helpful—so never let the fear of saying the wrong thing tempt you to step back from those you love. In times of loss we need people, even though we may want no one. It is a strange time. 12 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
What I have learnt is it is important to talk about what we’re feeling, perhaps keeping a journal so that we can see that our worst days do not stay ‘worst’ for ever—recovery does happen, a journey that cycles from good days to bad days, but the bad days do eventually become less. I learnt it is important to have structure to the day, to commit to doing those basic necessities of eating, drinking and moving—even though these things have no attraction in themselves anymore. I learnt it is not the time to make major decisions in the midst of trauma. I learnt it is therapeutic to do kind things for yourself. Most of all, I learnt it is helpful to lean into grief and give yourself permission to feel miserable—awful in fact.
Wrong Time? OUR PAIN AND HORROR AT WHAT HAPPENED IN CHRISTCHURCH IS TESTIMONY TO THE INHERENT GOODNESS—GODNESS—OF OUR HUMANITY.
Eventually, I learnt God is able to redeem even the worst human act against another—that empathy and care, love, and even gratitude, grows from wretched souls and scarred lives. And, of course, the measure of a good society is when we learn from tragedy and make positive changes. I am heartened to hear that our gun laws will be strengthened, for instance. Only a broken human being finds trauma easy. Our pain and horror at what happened in Christchurch is testimony to the inherent goodness—Godness—of our humanity. Our screams of ‘No!’ are echoing God’s pain and reminding us who we are all created to be: agents of love and care in our world, people made in God’s image. Everything and everyone that tries to pull us from this is a lie from Evil.
THERE IS ONLY ‘US’ There is no ‘other’, there is only ‘human’. There is only ‘us’. As our Prime Minister has said, ‘This [act] is not who we are.’ Xenophobia is not who we are. Not in Aotearoa New Zealand. And yet … sometimes it is. We are hearing from Muslims who are routinely sinned against by prejudice, racism and bigotry. Other people groups could, sadly, say the same—Māori amongst them. We must all pause and consider the ugly truth that racism, bigotry and prejudice exist in our beautiful land. My hope and prayer is that we will embrace the wake-up invitation to the change that tragedy always presents. Friday, 15 March was a bad day, one of our worst. But I believe we may yet see Christchurch as ‘the right place’—because it has already proven itself to be a place of beauty, love, compassion and resilient strength. And that this time in history may yet become ‘the right time’, as nationally and globally we rally to say ‘enough’. And then take every step that will make that pledge reality. I have learnt through loss that life is bigger and stronger than death. Kia kaha to all who mourn, to all who are afraid, to all who are breathing the hardship of trauma. BY CHRISTINA TYSON
06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 13
Photography: Robin Raymond
Territorial Leaders Commissioners Yvonne and Andy Westrupp, with Divisional Commander Major Earle Ivers, visit the ‘wall of love’ in Christchurch.
Our Hearts Are With You
The Salvation Army responds to the Christchurch terror attack, creating its own ‘wall of love’ across the city. BY ROBIN RAYMOND
As the terrorist attack unfolded 200 metres from their building, Linwood Corps and Family Store staff locked the doors and sat with members of the public, not knowing what was happening. In the days since, it has become clear how close many Salvationists and Army staff were to the attacks, and the 50 people killed at two mosques in Christchurch. Cantabrians at corps and centres have rallied to provide support, while grappling with their own grief. There were around 20 members of the public in the Linwood Corps Family Store and church foyer, when the attack began at Linwood Masjid.
Linwood In lockdown ‘The staff were just amazing at looking after everyone to make sure they were okay and felt safe. Then we offered them tea, coffee and something to eat,’ Corps Officer Major Graham Medland said. They were gradually able to help people home, but the corps was not unscathed. ‘The Family Store manager has told me of at least two families affected who are volunteers or regular customers, so we’re following up with them, and we have a couple here whose neighbour was killed.’ 14 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
The corps is inside the cordon police set up around the mosque, meaning people can only access the area on foot. The next day they set up the community van, which has facilities to provide food and drink for those coming to lay flowers—and they have stayed open as a listening space for people, including some who witnessed the shootings, Graham says. ‘A guy came in who said, “I should have been at prayers on Friday”. He asked if there was someone who could pray with him. I did that and shared some scripture with him.’ The man was also able to give him a phone number for the mosque’s Imam, so Graham could assure him of the love and support of the corps. They were thankful to be allowed to hold their Sunday service as several people came who would not regularly attend church.
Sallies in Christchurch respond Across town, Sydenham Corps Officer Captain Jocelyn Smith says being open and available had been hugely important. The corps had a movie night planned for Friday night. ‘We went ahead, but it ended up being people who were in lockdown and couldn’t get home.’
‘A GUY CAME IN WHO SAID, “I SHOULD HAVE BEEN AT PRAYERS ON FRIDAY”. HE ASKED IF THERE WAS SOMEONE WHO COULD PRAY WITH HIM. I DID THAT AND SHARED SOME SCRIPTURE WITH HIM.’ And this week, more people have been at corps community events or just dropping in, she said. ‘This becomes a cumulative event. People are talking about this and then after a few minutes they’re talking about how their marriage is breaking down or they’re struggling at work, they’re saying, “I can’t cope, I need someone to talk to”.’ Corps members have also been sharing Kit Kats with a message of love and encouragement attached far and wide (see p. 17). At the request of Christchurch International Airport, Army staff were on hand from Sunday to Tuesday (17–19 March), to welcome bereaved family members and support them through customs and security. They also provided chaplaincy support for staff and travellers, Southern Division Divisional Commander Major Earle Ivers said. Salvationists have also been visiting what is being called ‘the wall of love’, where the public have been laying tributes outside the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. On Thursday, the Army received permission to formally set up a contact station to offer food and drink and spend time among the crowds. In Rolleston, half an hour south of Christchurch, The Salvation Army community house and corps plant building sits opposite Rolleston High School. Corps Officer Lieutenant Stu Duxfield said they sat with anxious parents during the three hours that all schools in Christchurch and the surrounding towns were in lockdown. They were working closely with the school counsellor—who already uses a room in the house—to be a listening ear for students, and set up a drop-in for students who would be going home alone in the afternoons. ‘Some parents who heard what we were doing dropped off biscuits, and I brought in my Nintendo Switch so we could play games and chat. The big thing, is the kids who were struggling to feel safe since the earthquakes. The conversation I have been having so far is to reassure them that the reason they were locked down was to help them be safe.’
Addington Manager Glen Dodson told the leaders the attack had brought home how close their links were to the Muslim community. The centre is looking after a Muslim family of four and two single Muslim men; and another Muslim client had left Christchurch that week. ‘We have a staff member who was supposed to be at the mosque, but he was late. He always goes to Pak N Save [supermarket] after Friday prayers, but for some reason he can’t explain, this week he went before. He was getting out of his car when he heard the shooting.’ Some Māori and Pasifika residents were also shaken, he says. ‘Our guys have often been on the receiving end of some of the white supremacist stuff. They have received a lot of extreme views and actions.’ At Christchurch Bridge, managers spoke about how well staff had responded to reassure people. Mission Director Captain Ralph Hargest spoke of the aroha that ‘oozes from this place’, before operations manager Tohi Tohiariki led a moving waiata. At Christchurch City Corps, the commissioners spoke with some of those leaving a Home League meeting as they arrived, before visiting the tribute site. Major Rex Cross, who spent time at the airport and the tribute site, says there was an overwhelmingly positive reaction to having a Salvation Army presence. Sydenham Corps soldier Jillian Breach, who also visited the tribute site, agreed. ‘This woman was there with some others praying. She was just traumatised. I just hugged her.’
Territorial leaders visit Christchurch ‘Our hearts are with you,’ Commissioner Yvonne Westrupp told staff, as the Territorial Leaders visited corps and centres in Christchurch and Rolleston on Wednesday (20 March). The Commissioners, along with Divisional Leaders Majors Earle and Christine Ivers, shared prayers and messages of support at four corps, Divisional Headquarters, Christchurch Bridge and the Addington Accommodation Service. Sharing from Psalm 34:18, Commissioner Andy Westrupp encouraged people that ‘God is close to those who are shattered’. They also listened as people shared their stories of new trauma and old. Among them was Addington Accommodation staff member Venda Maponga, who shared an emotional hug with Yvonne as she told her how she had been trapped under the rubble of a collapsed building during the Canterbury earthquakes.
Part of the ‘wall of love’ in Christchurch. 06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 15
‘We wish to assure you and the Salvationists of New Zealand of our thoughts and prayers for you and your country at this time.’ Colonel Jostein Nielsen, Territorial Commander, Eastern Europe
‘We pray that they will find comfort and solace in coming days, [as you] collectively to bring comfort, healing, reassurance and hope in the midst of this tragedy.’
Sallies at the Christchurch tribute wall.
Commissioner Peter Walker, Indonesia
‘Our two countries and expression of The Salvation Army share so much in history, faith, culture and now human tragedy on such a large scale. May God give you all the grace needed to keep on loving our neighbour as Jesus has commanded us.’
Flat Bush Corps Plant.
Commissioner William Cochrane, Territorial Commander, Norway, Iceland and the Færoes
More photos from the ‘wall of love’.
‘I am travelling at the moment and in Chile today. Salvationists here send their love and prayers.’
New Lynn Corps.
Commissioner Alastair Herring, IHQ International Governance
‘Please be assured of thoughts and prayers for those affected and for Salvation Army personnel.’ Commissioner Gillian Downer, IHQ
‘God bless you and the people of New Zealand!’ Central Division’s floral tribute. 16 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
Commissioner Keith Conrad, Territorial Commander, South Africa
Aranui Corps.
A Sweet Message Touches Lives A message of love written on chocolate has become a movement of support following the Christchurch terror attacks. About 900 Kit Kats carrying the message ‘Love Wins. You are precious, you are loved, you are valued, you are brave, you are appreciated’, have been shared by members of Sydenham Corps to first responders, people affected, and even families of the victims. Sydenham Corps Officer Captain Jocelyn Smith said it was a spur of the moment idea, half an hour before the Sunday service after the attacks. She had put the message in her slides when she remembered the chocolate which had been donated: ‘I printed these out and set some of the guys that were early to stick them on. That was our first 140. It was our final slide and I invited people to take them and go and bless people in your community. People who are responding or have supported you.’ By the end of the next day, Jocelyn received a message from a Salvationist in Wellington detailing the effect the chocolate had on their boss and her son, a policeman in Christchurch. He had written on Facebook about a woman and a young girl who approached him with the chocolate and thanked him for all he was doing. ‘Later, when I got home I cried,’ he wrote.
A Letter from the General Dear Friends, Speak to anyone and mention New Zealand and thoughts immediately go to everything that is opposite to what has occurred in Christchurch this past week. I speak of a land where, it is my view, people are welcoming and have made space for one another, creating a place for many to visit and enjoy. This all exists in the midst of God-blessed beauty. New Zealand will heal, but these days reflect deep pain for many, and even greater loss due to the evil and mistrust that continues to express itself in our world, and now in New Zealand. I write to assure you of our prayers, and remind you that as the International Army meets for worship, New Zealand will be mentioned by many. The world is thinking of you. Thank you for leading in difficult times, with special thanks to those who are stepping up and going the extra mile in Christchurch. May the Lord bless you. GENERAL BRIAN PEDDLE INTERNATIONAL LEADER OF THE SALVATION ARMY
‘I tracked down the girl and her mum, Nikita and Unique. Nikita printed that feedback and took it to Unique’s school. The next thing the principal called a whole school assembly about the importance of small acts of kindness and how they can spread, and Unique got to share her testimony in front of the whole school.’ Other boxes have gone to the hospital, schools and doctors, and the ‘wall of love’ where tributes have been laid. ‘It’s bizarre,
it was never a strategy, or a plan, I just said, “Take them out, give them away, bless people”. We purposely didn’t brand them or anything. So far, everyone we have encountered has had tears in their eyes or said thank you so much. I’m pretty proud of our congregation. You never know where one little bit of chocolate will go,’ says Jocelyn. Sydenham soldier Jillian Smith was among those giving out the chocolates, mainly to ambulance and police officers. ‘I gave one to a police officer and he gave it to a kid who had lost two family members in the mosque.’ On one visit to the St John’s Ambulance offices, around 3pm on Tuesday, she gave a bar to a man who turned out to be the manager for the ambulance service in Canterbury. ‘He said he was so grateful because when they arrived he had been there since 6am, and he hadn’t eaten all day. He devoured it,’ Jocelyn said. ‘When I rang him this morning he said, “We have got the whole team of 120 staff in here today to debrief what happened”. He asked me to come in and speak to the team and I took 140 bars down.’ Jillian also shared the bars with the property managers of the building she lives in, whose offices are close to the Al Noor Mosque. ‘I texted them to see if they were okay and their reply was, “We’re lucky to be alive”, and I thought, “I’ve got to go down there”. The response was overwhelming.’ ‘It just uplifts people, especially the police and ambulance people for what they’ve had to deal with.’ BY ROBIN RAYMOND 06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 17
Corps Around Aotearoa Respond to Christchurch Attacks Across the country, Salvation Army corps responded to the tragic events of 15 March with solidarity and humility. Not only did Salvationists join in many of the public vigils taking place, but many corps held their own services of prayer and reflection. The tragedy was especially close to home for Cambridge Corps in the Waikato. Captain Shaun Baker says one of their senior soldiers, who did not want to be named, has a cousin who lost a son in one of the mosques. ‘There were a few tears and hugs,’ Shaun said. ‘It was all rather sombre on Sunday morning. She operates our PowerPoint on Sunday morning, and everyone supported her.’ Shaun said he dedicated his post-sermon response time to the events. Two white candles were lit to represent the mosques, with the congregation then placing 50 red rose petals around them, one for each life lost. Shaun says the woman affected didn’t want the service to be about her relative as she didn’t want a focus on a single victim.
A section of the artwork created by 7-Up kids at Christchurch City Corps to remember those who lost their lives.
Candle tribute at Alexandra Corps, the 50 small candles in the outer ring respesenting those who died.
Linwood Corps, located only 230 metres from the second mosque attack, opened its office on Monday so people could access any extra support they needed. ‘We are thankful for our team who worked hard today,’ a spokesperson said. ‘We are thankful to the extra corps people who offered their time to come in and listen to people’s stories. We continue to offer a shining light for those who need it. We value your prayer support.’ Northern Division Youth Secretary Nathan Holt spoke of being in contact with a young man he once mentored, who was in lockdown just down the road from the first attack. ‘I’ve been messaging him through the week just to see if he’s doing okay,’ Nathan said. ‘It has been a rollercoaster of emotions and feelings. It’s pretty heartbreaking. ‘He is doing okay. Every day is a different feeling. He’s now used to the sound of helicopters overhead. So many people are affected in so many different ways.’ 18 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
Many Hamilton Salvationists visited the local mosque and delivered food parcels and flowers. Muslims from this community spoke of hearing directly from those that had lost close family members, while also engaging in meaningful conversations about what love looks like. Sunday services around the country, on 17 March, honoured those who lost their lives. At Tauranga Corps, victims were acknowledged, along with a time of open prayer. In Alexandra, candles were lit in a service dedicated to reflect and pray for those impacted. ‘We noticed how the outer flames are all leaning into the centre, larger stronger candles,’ an Alexandra corps spokesperson said. ‘We decided the inner candles represent the trinity, the divine dance of love within the God-head, and two more for the two locations.’ At Flatbush Corps Plant, Psalm 34:18 was quoted: ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who Gathering at the Salvation Army tent are crushed in spirit.’ at the ‘wall of love’ in Christchurch.
‘As I write, the sun hasn’t come up here in Atlanta. It’s still dark … How appropriate as an evil darkness has descended on our ‘home-away-from-home’ country. Paul likens the body of Christ— the church—to the human body. Clearly an apt description. A healthy body feels the pain and hurt of any and every part that becomes wounded. As such, we share something of the pain you currently suffer. We pray that our Lord—no stranger to suffering and hurt— would be an unmistakable comforting presence to all of you. We love you all.’ Commissioners Willis and Barbara Howell, Territorial Leaders, USA Southern.
GAZETTE Bereavement: Major Uraia Dravikula, of his mother Miriama Marama Dravikula, who passed away on Wednesday, 20 March 2019. Please uphold Major Uraia and other family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss. Captain Ralph Hargest, of his father John Hargest, who passed away from Gore hospital on Friday, 8 March 2019. Please uphold John’s wife Gill, Captains Ralph and Nicky Hargest and other family members in prayer at this time of grief and loss. Major Brenda Ennever, of her father Ronald Travers, who passed away from Hamilton on Tuesday, 12 March 2019. Please uphold Ronald’s wife Margaret, Majors Brenda and Mark Ennever and other family members in prayer at this time of grief and loss. Appointment in Retirement: Effective 23 June 2019: Majors David and Judith Bennett, Corps Officers, Wellington South Corps.
‘ … CARINGLY BRINGING THE LIGHT OF JESUS … ’ We write this fresh back from a day spent in Christchurch with our officers and staff—both paid and volunteers—following the massacre of 50 people at the Al Noor Mosque in Deans Avenue and the Linwood Islamic Centre. Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those who were senselessly killed and injured in the shooting attack on 15 March. We are so sorry for your loss and we feel ashamed that this should happen in our country. We are so grateful for the responses of our Army teams in these days, for their compassion and practical support towards the people of Christchurch. They are caringly bringing the light of Jesus into what our Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has labelled ‘New Zealand’s darkest day’. Johnsonville Corps Officer Captain Robert Adams reminded us last Sunday of the promise in Psalm 34:18: ‘The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ Our nation could be crushed under the weight of this huge evil, but as Christians, our message and motivation is founded in the hope of the gospel. We have the responsibility—and the privilege—to speak and act in ways that represent this hope. We have been encouraged by reports of our people offering opportunities for members of the public to talk, reflect and sometimes pray. We noticed how people are attracted to our uniforms and feel safe to share their fears, tears and confusion over the shootings. Even as we stood looking at the thousands of flowers, from elaborate bouquets and wreaths, to bunches of home-grown flowers beside the Botanic Gardens wall, many people acknowledged our presence and spoke with us. One Christchurch officer later shared how he stood at one of the cordons, in order to be available to people coming to contribute flowers and messages at one of the many makeshift memorial sites. He was pleasantly surprised by a Muslim man who came up alongside him, placed his arm around the officer’s shoulders, stood and wept. ‘Actually,’ the officer shared, ‘We wept together.’ How New Zealand goes forward from this tragedy will be shaped by the dominant narrative that emerges from the present pain. We have an opportunity to shape that narrative. Already, we can see and hear those who want to make the future one of retribution, of blame, of anger and division. Let’s resist this with all of our strength. We can contribute—and should do so at every opportunity—to a future where we stand united, show aroha nui, and act with respect and kindness towards all people who live in Aotearoa New Zealand, regardless of ethnicity or religious affiliation. In other words, to be Te Ope Whakaora—the Army that brings Life. Commissioners Andy and Yvonne Westrupp Territorial Leaders 06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 19
How do we pray when our hearts are wounded? Barbara Sampson takes us on a weekly journey, to guide us as we attempt to pray through the grief of our nation, and into hope. Week One: To whom else can we go?
Prayer at the Loose Ends PART 1
Christchurch is in the news again, for all the wrong reasons. Not an earthquake this time, but something on a similar magnitude scale.
at two mosques on Friday, 15 March. That story has been followed by an ever-growing story of sorrow and grief expressed in love that has wrapped itself in headscarves and bunches of flowers laid reverently at a memorial wall.
The news has been flashed around the world. The pictures in the newspaper and on television tell the full horrific story of the sudden violence unleashed by a gunman upon innocent worshippers
I can’t get breath. I feel as though I am suffocating. I can’t find words. It’s like waking up every morning to a nightmare. Tears lie deep beneath the surface but refuse to come up and be released. The
20 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
son of a local dairy owner, just up the road from where we live, was killed. A father of a five-year old, a three-year-old and a one-year-old, he was often in the dairy, although it was his mother whom I usually saw when I called in to buy a Saturday paper. I took her a bunch of Christmas lilies last year when there was an over-abundance in our garden. Now the outside of her shop is lined with flowers of all descriptions, some florist-
bought and some from home gardens, all there to express sympathy and support. Other stories rise to the surface, all distinct and unique but all sounding out the common themes of hope in this person, the investment by family into their life and education, the gentle devotion that saw them praying at the mosque on that particular day. New Zealand Herald journalist Steve Braunias summed up the national response to this horror when he wrote, ‘New Zealand is at half-mast: halfashamed of itself, half-mad with grief.’ So what do we do? Where do we turn in such a time? Like Peter we cry out to the Lord himself, ‘To whom else can we go?’ Where else can com-fort be found, that word that means ‘with-strength’? Comfort to keep moving, to keep breathing, to keep living even in the midst of this horror that has slammed into our lives. Until words return and breathing finds its rhythm again, may we hold fast—to God and to each other, our brothers and sisters, no matter our race or our religion. A reflection: Words fail the page is empty not because the block has chopped again but words fail this time because there are no words big enough to gather round the broken hearts of mothers losing sons of fathers gone in a moment of grandfathers no longer there to speak their wisdom When words fail at such a time help me to find other words bigger than myself to wrap com-fort —with strength— around those who were strangers but now are neighbours and friends weeping together
Week Two: When it’s difficult to pray It is not difficult to pray on the sunshiny days when everything seems sweet and
light. When the dawn chorus wakes us up in the early hours and we sit with a cup of coffee looking out over a garden full of roses in glorious bloom and soft morning dew on the grass. When we consider the great many things we have to be thankful for, and delight in the current season of life with all its gifts and blessings. Sweet hour of prayer indeed. Sweet as! But … and I guess you could hear that coming. But what about the other days when a grey morning outside somehow matches our grey mood inside, as we wake and our prayer seems to rise no further than the curling steam from our coffee? Then, there are the darker times still, when our whole world is shaken. When unspeakable, unfathomable things happen and we can’t see where a loving God could be in the midst of it all. What is prayer like at such times? How do we pray in the ‘but’ moments of life?
UNTIL WORDS RETURN AND BREATHING FINDS ITS RHYTHM AGAIN, MAY WE HOLD FAST—TO GOD AND TO EACH OTHER, OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS, NO MATTER OUR RACE OR OUR RELIGION. Prayer at the loose ends A few years ago, I retired from active Salvation Army officership. As I concluded my final appointment it was easy enough to sort through the filing cabinet, take the posters off the walls, tidy up the computer files. But there were also messy things that could not be brought to such a tidy conclusion—a conflict matter still unresolved, the money still owed from a certain debtor, the appointment
(still to be sorted) of a suitable person to take on a particular task. To my tidy mind, such loose ends were hard to walk away from and leave in someone else’s in-tray. Then God reminded me that it is at the very ends of those loose ends that I need to trust him to bring about his resolution in his time and in his way. The experience made me ponder what prayer looks like at the loose ends. ‘Lord, you tie this one up. I don’t know where to file this matter—in pending, mending or never-ending. Help me take my hands off and leave these loose ends for you to weave together into something beautiful.’ In thinking about the loose ends in my office, I also caught a glimpse of some of the loose ends in my own life— incomplete repentance, unredeemed places of the heart, rooms with doors still closed to God’s entrance. As I sat with these loose ends, asking God to help me hand them over for his attention and care, I realised there are loose ends to pray in many aspects of our lives: in the bleak moments when answers don’t seem to come, in the dark night, in the vulnerable place, in the bruising encounter, in the abandoned place. This brief series on prayer over the next few editions of War Cry will feature some of these random loose ends. You might even find a few loose ends of your own that could do with some prayer! A reflection: Whether it’s last winter’s unfinished knitting thank you letters still waiting to be written forgiveness that yet awaits its moment or a heart still aching for mending God of order and grace will you meet me at the loose ends of my life help me hand them over to you and leave them there for your attention please
06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries): 7 April: Nelson Tasman Bays Corps visit, Nelson 19–21 April: Auckland City Corps visit—Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services, Mt Wellington, Auckland Colonels Suzanne (Chief Secretary) and Melvin Fincham (Secretary for Programme and Communications): 7 April: Blenheim Corps visit, Blenheim 14 April: Flatbush Corps Plant 2nd Anniversary, Auckland 18–21 April: Whanganui Corps visit—Good Friday and Easter Sunday Services, Whanganui Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development): 17 April: Tawa Corps Home League, Wellington
PRAY Continue to keep family and friends of victims from the Christchurch terror attack in your prayers, as well as local corps who are helping those who are grieving. Also … Rangiora Corps, Reintegration Services around New Zealand, retired officers and Rolleston Corps Plant, The Salvation Army in Italy and Greece.
SPIRITUAL RETREAT Open to all Salvationists
Shop online at
8–11 July 2019
salvationarmy.org.nz/shop
Bellbird Heights, Living Springs Camp & Conference Centre, Christchurch Limited to 14 participants $180.00 + travel Expressions of interest now being received: heather.rodwell@salvationarmy.org.nz or 027 481 6421
Subscribe today!
War Cry … DIRECT to your door Annual subscription (including p&p) $75 (within NZ). To subscribe, contact Salvationist Resources, p: (04) 382 0740, e: mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz
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:
Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
$59.95
For more information email: mailorder@salvationarmy.org.nz Quiz Answers: 1 Blue and red, 2 None, 3 Octopus, 4 Pizza, 5 Joshua.
22 WarCry 06 APRIL 2019
Cut around the hearts and doves, and decorate them in hopeful colours. Add other shapes that you like, to make your wreath.
You will need to get some ribbon & cut a circular piece of card to finish it (see pic right).
Some people let hate live in their hearts and they hurt other people. Jesus asks us to love God and others, even when it’s not easy to do. Many people are really sad about what happened in Christchurch, you might be one of them. Do you ever feel like you want to do something to show others you care, but you don’t know what to do? How about making one of these love wreaths and finding a special place to hang it. You could hang it in your window, or at your library or give it to your neighbour. Let’s choose love, not hate—just like Jesus would do.
THINK ABOUT IT …
These resources were supplied by our friends at strandz.org.nz
What are some other ways that you can show love to others? 06 APRIL 2019 WarCry 23
[Those] of every creed and race, Gather here before Thy face, Asking Thee to bless this place, God defend our free land. From dissension, envy, hate, And corruption guard our state, Make our country good and great, God defend New Zealand. New Zealand national anthem, verse two Artwork by Isaac Westerlund (instagram.com/ice_mayn), used with permission.