FAITH IN ACTION  06 OCTOBER 2018 | Issue 6702 | $1.50
Our Women Preach for Suffrage Holy Moly! Youth Councils 2018 Managing Kids' Screen Time
Have Your Say on Army Issues The Butterfly Room: A Journey Through Grief
Get a Job! CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF SALVATION ARMY EDUCATION AND EMPLOYMENT
04
06
19
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, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Hugh Collins, Major Shar Davis, Robin Raymond | PROOF READING Major Jill Gainsford, Vivienne Hill | COVER PHOTO Caleb, who went
through E&E's Youth Guarantee programme. Photo by Rachel Dobbs at Swift and Click 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 6702 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 OCTOBER 2018
11
Reflections Upon Cuddling a Koala We recently had a family holiday in Brisbane, sandwiched between two conferences (my only for the year, I hasten to add!). We visited a sanctuary where we got to cuddle a koala, and get up close and personal with a wallaby and her joey—poking its wee head out of her pouch. I remember when I was expecting our son, our prenatal teacher told us that human parenting is closest to marsupials, or pouch animals. For the first three months of an infant’s life, they need to be wrapped in our constant attention and nurture. We guard them as closely as if they were still in the womb. This sense of guardianship was something I pondered often in Australia, upon hearing the developing custom of ‘Welcome to Country’. This has been used since 1978 at the opening of events to honour the original Aboriginal guardians of the land. It is a simple but powerful acknowledgement. I couldn’t help but feel how humbling it would be for me, as part of the dominant Pākehā culture, to remind myself frequently that the land is not mine. One of the powerful moments at Thought Matters this year was when indigenous speaker Brooke Prentis challenged the colonial assumption that Aboriginal people were ‘uncivilised’. In fact, they sustained and nurtured the land for thousands of years—an achievement our current culture has failed at miserably. There is nothing like cuddling a koala to remind us that we are merely humble guardians, of the earth and of each other. Ingrid Barratt Editor
Country is not just a place you can visit, it’s also something you carry around inside you. Greg Lehman Trawulwuy descendent
Psalm 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Ngā Waiata 24:1 Nō Ihowā te whenua, me ōna tini mea, te ao, me ngā tāngata e noho ana i runga.
W
hen I lived with my grandparents as a child, I loved spending time in their garden. Both my Grampa and Nana were prolific gardeners, creating and maintaining a beautiful rose garden, flowerbeds, fruit trees, orchids and a huge vegetable patch. My brother and I each kept a gardening diary, where we recorded the work we did in our own little sections. I wish I knew what happened to that little diary, I’m sure I could re-learn a thing or two from the wisdom it contained. I don’t know if it’s because I’ve lived in over 20 different houses since then, but I haven’t consistently kept up with the habit of gardening. Once I built a raised garden and planted some vegetables, only to find I was moving out a few weeks later. As a Salvation Army officer, we can receive ‘changes of appointment’, which means we are on the move to a new role—and often a new house. At my current house, using the word ‘garden’ to describe what was there feels a little too generous. A narrow strip and small square of dirt out the front of the house, and a strip down the fence line at the side of the house, were the extent of what I had. I really missed being able to grow something simple like tomatoes, so I talked with my friend Lachie, and got permission for him to build a couple of raised garden beds. It’s been an exciting process over this year as the few existing plants were removed, the new boxes were built, and recently filled in with fresh dirt. I was overseas when the dirt arrived, so it was exciting to come home and see the freshly-filled garden beds ready for planting.
When I got home I went out and bought some seeds and plants, with grand ideas of never needing to buy vegetables again. I planted them on the Saturday and when I woke up on Sunday morning, I eagerly went out to check on them, just to make sure they hadn’t been stolen overnight. I know it was completely unrealistic, but I was secretly hoping to see a change in them. You know, to be able to tell that they were already putting their roots down into the soil and growing. But in order for these seeds and seedlings to produce crops, my job is not done. They will need watering, weeding and a watchful eye. The tomatoes will need to be staked as they grow and the fruit starts to appear. If I want to see a good harvest, I will need to nurture the plants. Life is a bit like my garden. Our lives can flourish or fade depending on the care and attention we give it. The kinds of seeds we sow will determine the crops we reap. Unforgiveness and bitterness will grow in our lives like weeds, choking the good things trying to grow. But if we regularly read the Bible and let its wisdom sink in, it will be like a good seed that will produce good fruit. We can nurture our lives by what we focus on, the people we spend our time with and what we invest in. And our lives will show what kind of seeds we have been planting! It was a pure coincidence that I planted the garden three days after this year’s ‘change of appointments’ came out—and yes I am staying put! So I should get to eat this crop… unless the birds or neighbours get to them first! BY SHAR DAVIS
06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 3
WARCRYINHISTORY In August 1928, The Salvation Army opened a soup kitchen in Wellington. ‘A few words with the men who come for the Soup Kitchen is sufficient to convince one of the need of such work in Wellington,’ said War Cry. One man who visited the soup kitchen and said the meal was the most substantial he’d had in days. The kitchen fed on average 220 people per day, plenty of which were children. The article concluded, ‘Greater than the joy of helping these unfortunate people will be the joy of closing the Kitchen when prosperity has made its continuance unnecessary.’ Source: Booth College of Mission Heritage and Archives Centre
Our Women Preach As part of Suffrage 125 celebrations in New Zealand, women preached across our corps on the two Sundays of 16 and 23 September. ‘This celebration of our women preachers was about continuing The Salvation Army’s long and fruitful tradition of honouring and valuing women,’ says Rosy Keane of Salvation Army Women’s Ministries.
Weird of the Week: New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has the ability to reject baby names it considers too bizarre or offensive. Rejected names have included 4Real, V8, Lucifer and Mafia No Fear.
QUIKQUIZ
Stories poured in from around the territory, as women powerfully shared God’s word. Many chose to highlight female heroes of the Bible—such as the woman at the well, Lydia in Acts and Queen Esther. Others spoke on topics as varied as the Sabbath, sharing meals together and ways to hear from God. Women have been preachers in The Salvation Army since its beginnings, with co-founder Catherine Booth a famous preacher herself. Salvationists continued this tradition throughout the 1800s by partnering with Woman’s Christian Temperance Unions, churches and supporting activists redressing the balance and fight for women’s right to vote around the world. ‘We want to continue to celebrate the whakapapa of fierce grace, loyal love, ceaseless contending and general awesomeness that comes with being a woman,’ says Rosy. ‘We’ll continue to testify 4 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
1 Who is known as the Honey Badger? 2 What country has a Raggiana bird-ofparadise on its flag? 3 How long is the Great Wall of China?
These temporary tattoos celebrated the 'Our Women Preach' Sundays.
to the power of the Son, setting us free and removing every impediment for women to join the ranks of the faithful: to pray, prophesy, preach and proclaim the message of the gospel in power.’
4 Which comic hero is finally getting their own movie in March 2019 after debuting in 1968? 5 What new name did Jesus give to Simon? Answers on page 22
TOPFIVE Hit films that originally had scripts rejected by Hollywood studios: 1 Star Wars: A New Hope—The first in the Star Wars franchise was originally rejected by three major studios as space pilots and galactic empires seemed too far-fetched. 2 Pulp Fiction—TriStar Pictures thought the script was ‘too demented’.
I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else. C.S. Lewis
3 E.T.—Columbia Pictures described the Spielberg classic as a ‘wimpy Walt Disney film’. 4 Back to the Future— Columbia said it wasn’t sexual enough. Yet Disney said it was ‘sexually perverse’! 5 Raiders of the Lost Ark— Director Steven Spielberg was told he was asking for too much money to produce what would become one of the greatest action adventure films of all time.
Lamb Cutlets with Couscous Tabbouleh This is a superb meal for a warm evening in spring. 6–9 lamb cutlets Marinade: 1 tsp chopped or minced garlic 2 tsp lemon juice or 1 tsp balsamic vinegar ¼ tsp crumbled, dried oregano 1½ Tbsp olive oil Couscous Tabbouleh: ¾ cup couscous ½ tsp salt ½ tsp minced chili 1¼ cups boiling water
Drama, Comedy Ladies in Black (PG, coarse language) Bruce Beresford
Set in mid-century Australia, Ladies in Black is much like a 1950s Victoria sponge: sweet, indulgent and light as air. It centres around the ladies who work in aspirational department store, Goodes, as they navigate their lives and loves. But the real love story here is with the dresses (literally, in one storyline a young woman falls in love with a decadently expensive gown)—from the opening scenes in the bustling store, we are invited into a nostalgic, romantic, perfectly-coiffed sensory feast. The film pretends to critique the contemporary issues of gender and ethnic stereotyping—but does so with the lightest touch and doesn’t step outside the lens of the era (something too many period pieces fall into). Yes, it’s a ramped-up version of femininity—and if that’s not for you, that’s okay—but I enjoyed every sweet morsel of it, and that’s okay too. (Reviewed by Ingrid Barratt)
2 Tbsp lemon juice 2 spring onions, chopped 2 cups cubed red tomatoes About ¼ cup chopped mint ¼–½ cup chopped parsley 2 Tbsp olive oil
Put the cutlets between two sheets of plastic (or a large, folded plastic bag) and beat them with a rolling pin until the eye of the meat is twice the size it was originally. Stir the marinade ingredients together on a shallow plate that will hold the flattened cutlets, then turn the cutlets in the mixture. Cover with plastic and leave to stand while you prepare the tabbouleh. Put a large non-stick frypan on to heat. To make the couscous tabbouleh, put the couscous, salt and chilli in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in the boiling water and lemon juice and leave to stand, without stirring, for about six minutes. Meanwhile, finely slice the spring onions, including most of the leaves. Cut the tomatoes into 1cm cubes, and finely chop the mint and parsley. Put the cutlets in the pan and cook about 1½ minutes per side. While the lamb cooks, fork the spring onions, tomatoes, herbs and olive oil through the tabbouleh and pile on plates. Serve cutlets leaning against the tabbouleh as soon as lamb is cooked. Serve with crusty bread.
Reprinted with permission from 100 Favourite 20 Minutes Dishes by Alison and Simon Holst.
06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 5
Get a Job! Stories from Education and Employment
This month, The Salvation Army celebrates 40 years of its Education and Employment programme. But it’s about more than just getting a job, it’s about giving people a ‘sense of somebody-ness’, says National Director Gregory Fortuin. BY INGRID BARRATT
E
veryone who has been part of shaping Education and Employment (E&E) has their favourite story to tell. Something as seemingly simple as getting a driver’s licence can change a person’s life. National Director Gregory Fortuin was recently at a graduation for a drivers’ programme, held in conjunction with local police—who were on stage as part of celebrations. ‘There was a 50-something woman graduating who got up and said, “I’ve driven without a licence all my life”,’ laughs Gregory. ‘Then she turned to the police, and said, “Youse fellas caught me three times and said I either engage with the justice system or the Army. I didn’t really want to go to church, but I didn’t want to go to jail, so I chose the Army. “But, today, I stand here for the first time in my life, with a driver’s licence, and with the mentor who has been amazing—not just in helping me with the driving, but who helped me get out of a violent relationship”. ‘We will never properly be able to measure the impact E&E has on people’s lives,’ reflects Gregory. ‘I get up in the morning because we are transforming lives. Employment is, of course, a fiscal issue—it helps people out of poverty and helps people to put food on the table—but it’s also an emotional and spiritual issue which has to do with people’s sense of self-worth and their sense of somebody-ness.’ Another stand-out memory for Gregory was another graduation—this time of an innovative Dunedin programme for teen parents who had been forced to leave school when they got pregnant. The programme wrapped support around both the babies and their parents. ‘At the graduation, one of the student’s dads came to me and said, “Mr Salvation Army”—as he called me—“we were so disappointed when our daughter got pregnant and we didn’t know what to do. But here she stands today, with all of us being proud of her, because of the Army.” It’s not just about academic achievement, it’s about catering for the whole person, including the baby, the mother and the wider whānau,’ reflects Gregory. The teen parent programme was the brainchild of Irene Wallace, an E&E tutor for almost 30 years—arguably its longest serving employee. She ‘got sick of being forced to turn away young mums’, just because they did not meet the government funding criteria. So, with the help of the Army, she came up with another solution—and the programme became an E&E success story. But her own favourite memory is surprisingly bitter-sweet: ‘There was a young man who I had worked with for over a year. He finally gained employment and 06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 7
I never heard from him until two years later, when he phoned to say he had lost his job. I commiserated with him, but he said, “No, that’s not what I’m ringing about. When I re-enrolled at WINZ they started filling out the forms because it was noted I was illiterate. I wanted to thank you, because I felt so good when I told them that I was capable of filling out my own forms now”.’
In the beginning … In its 40 years, E&E has trained over 80,000 people. Last year alone, ‘we helped transform 2047 lives,’ says Gregory. But the social issue of employment has always been part of The Salvation Army’s DNA. In his seminal work, In Darkest England and The Way Out, William Booth detailed a comprehensive plan to assist the poor, homeless and unemployed. In 1890, The Salvation Army’s first Labour Bureau was set up in the UK. Part of the Army’s employment plan included sending unemployed people to the burgeoning colony of New Zealand to find gainful work. Over here, the Army’s Labour Bureau was set up in 1893. But it was not until 1978 that the programme, now known as E&E, was formally constituted. Its first centre was in Tauranga—which in 1978 had New Zealand’s highest unemployment rate. The Salvation Army partnered with government to provide a wage for unemployed people to help out the ‘elderly, sick and the housebound’ with maintenance work, gardening and other helpful activities. It proved to be a win-win scheme. On its one year anniversary, War Cry reported: ‘One senior citizen expressed the general feeling of all those helped by the workers when she said, “We couldn’t have managed without them”’. The programme quickly spread throughout the country and evolved to provide training as well as work experience. By 1997, the Army had become the largest private training provider in New Zealand. From the beginning, innovation was woven into the fabric of E&E—it was one of the earliest adopters of computers for learning. When Irene began working for E&E in 1986, she travelled with two large ‘poly computers’ used to teach reading and writing. ‘Using computers was a “carrot” to assist learners to develop their literacy skills,’ she recalls—no one could have guessed that computer literacy would become almost as essential as written literacy. Another innovation resulted in a visit from then-Prime Minister Helen Clark. Carpet Court, in Dunedin, was struggling to find suitable employees, even after advertising extensively. 8 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
‘So we developed a programme to recruit suitable young people and offer the required support. Carpet Court would provide four months’ work experience and offer an apprenticeship, if suitable, at the end,’ explains Irene. ‘The manager said he wouldn’t have employed any of them from their initial interview, but was extremely impressed with how they had developed. This demonstrated how many young people need support and to be taught what is expected of them in the workplace.’ In the end, all five trainees were offered apprenticeships. So successful was the scheme that news of it reached the ears of Helen Clark, who asked if she could present the certificates. ‘Helen was delightful, congratulating the boys and chatting away with their proud parents,’ laughs Irene.
‘WE ARE GIVING OUR LEARNERS A CHANCE TO PLAN A FUTURE THEY MAY NOT HAVE THOUGHT POSSIBLE.’ The modern face of E&E Today, E&E continues to help those who have been forgotten by our education system and, as a result, have found themselves outside the workforce—from young people, to refugees, to those leaving prison. Youth programmes help young people with no qualifications gain NCEA and NZQA qualifications. Retail and cookery courses offer on-the-job training at two Salvation Army ‘Booth Cafes’. Training-for-work programmes help people overcome barriers to employment. There are ESOL courses, and practical skills courses—such as bus driving and building. The aim is always to help people get to the place where they can help themselves. E&E has maintained its innovative spirit, constantly finding creative solutions for the complex and diverse needs of our people. One scheme, in Northland, assisted a group of ex-prisoners into employment planting kūmara, but a lack of transport was creating problems. ‘So we provided a lease van. They all chipped in to pay for the van and chose who would be the leader—it’s a system of peer monitoring. The senior worker picks up the first person, and then they pick up the next person, and it’s, “Bro, you’re not going to lay in bed today, we’re all depending on you
getting in this van so we can get on and pick up the next one”. instead of telling them to put their foot on the accelerator and It’s been a tremendous success story,’ says Gregory. change their attitude—which only spins the wheels and digs Yes, at times reality bites—the lease van was once used for the hole deeper.’ criminal activity. But, for people in the process of rehabilitation, That’s why E&E supports people like the ex-prisoners for it was one step back on a long journey forward. a full year after they have found work: ‘Once you’ve got them Another recent innovation, in partnership with The the job, that’s not the end of it. We go to the employer and we Warehouse and Variety, has matched mentors with individual say, “There will be challenges, but don’t fire them until you’ve young people, helping them with all the things a tutor can’t do called us”. in the classroom. ‘The mentors might help the young person ‘And we do say to the person who has just been employed, go to a dentist appointment, or do lunch, or take them to the “Don’t quit until you’ve called us, because there will be issues Family Store to get some clothes—all the stuff that interferes that make you frustrated and angry, but we will walk that with them actually being able to turn up and be a diligent journey with you”.’ student,’ explains Gregory. For Gregory, the mission of E&E can be summed up in the ‘We can’t just put them in a classroom and stop them from words of Jesus, ‘I tell you the truth, [whatever you did for] one drinking in the park, and say we’re making a difference. We of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it actually have to help them progress. There are no silver bullets to me,’ (Matthew 25:40). and sometimes progress takes a long time.’ ‘We know God by knowing the people that need our help— Sometimes the issues are societal—such as the chronically which means the better relationships we have with them, the high unemployment rates in Northland. Again, a creative more we get to know the heart of God.’ solution had to be found: Northland E&E approached Work and Income in Hawke’s Bay, offering to find fruit pickers for the local farmers. E&E provided transport and accommodation, and workers were able to come down during the week to pick fruit, then go home again in the weekend. Irene sums up the ongoing importance of E&E: ‘We are giving our learners a chance to plan a future they may not have thought possible,’ she says.
Changing Society Through Work
More than just a job For The Salvation Army, employment services have always been about more than just getting a job. In 1983, War Cry wrote: ‘Why is The Salvation Army involved in helping the unemployed? That problem is outside of religion! No! A thousand times no! If religion doesn’t relate to people in every phase of need, our religion is worthless. It has always been The Salvation Army’s philosophy that the Lord Jesus Christ came to save the whole person—body, mind and spirit’. Today, this is as true as ever. ‘There is not going to be any solution that doesn’t have a spiritual component. The Army should openly ensure that the people we engage with know that we do what we do because of our faith in God,’ asserts Gregory. ‘With our clients, the first thing we have to do is get into their life situation and see what has caused them to get stuck— and we have to get in the mud with them. We need to take off our suits and get into the mud and push the car out of the mud,
From its earliest times, helping people into employment has been at the heart of The Salvation Army. William Booth, in his famous ‘Horse Cab Charter’, observed that the horses pulling London cabs in the 1800s were provided with food, shelter and work—and he was determined to ensure that these most basic of needs were provided to men and women too. One of the Army’s most famous early enterprises was establishing its own match factory, in order to fight a dangerous and underpaid industry, where workers suffered a horrendous condition known as ‘phossy jaw’ from the toxic fumes. On 11 May 1891, General Booth opened a factory that made matches without the use of phosphorous and paid workers fair wages. These ‘Darkest England’ matches were a hit, and changed the entire industry.
06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 9
The One Thing All Parents Struggle With No matter the age of your kids, there is one thing all parents tear their hair out about: managing our children’s screen time. Our kids live in a virtual candy store of games, online streaming, TV kids’ channels, giant Kinder eggs and YouTubers … as parents, how do we keep it all under control? A recent news report interviewed a 13-year-old boy who was so addicted to gaming that he had missed almost a whole school year. Yet, when the reporter asked the parents the obvious question: Why don’t you just take away the tech? They shrugged hopelessly and said it wasn’t worth the violent tantrums. Screen time is both a parenting problem and a kids’ problem. We can all relate to that feeling of relief when the kids are finally quiet and we get a much-needed break. There is nothing wrong with that. We all need chill time— including our kids. ‘We know that kids who play video games and use technology for an hour a day are actually psychologically healthier than kids who spend three or more hours a day with video games, and also psychologically healthier than kids who don’t spend any time at all,’ says president of LearningWorks for Kids, Dr Randy Kulman. Yet, screen time is deeply addictive. It releases dopamine—our body’s natural reward system, which motivates us to do important things like eat, exercise, give a hug, solve a problem and so on.
… YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT, SMILES, AFFECTION AND APPROVAL. THEY’RE POWERFUL ENOUGH TO MAKE KIDS FEEL BETTER THAN AN XBOX.
Games, in particular, release high levels of this feel-good chemical. Most games are based on rewards: you have a challenge, you achieve it, you go up a level, you feel good! The designs are also made to give us a rush—much like the hyperreality of a casino or shopping mall, made to suck you in so you never want to leave. ‘So set and enforce your limits, but add in some empathy and understanding too,’ advises The Parenting Place. Encourage them and agree limits together. Find alternative healthy sources of dopamine—friendships, outdoor play and sports … But be warned: it won’t work immediately. ‘Don’t expect the natural highs to give the same immediate, intense, addictive rush that a video game can deliver. It would be like someone
10 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
saying, “Leave that donut – you’ll find this salad is much more enjoyable!”’ says The Parenting Place. ‘The best substitute? Your encouragement, smiles, affection and approval. They’re some of the few things powerful enough to make kids feel better than an Xbox.’
… we are not slaves to these devices unless we allow ourselves to become so. To me, the trick is to put yourself in charge of your screens instead of allowing your screens to be in charge of you. Dr. Edward Hallowell
TESTIFY! Congratulations to Semi Ratu and Elizabeth Walker-Ratu who have been accepted as candidates for officer training in 2019. They share their faith journey so far … Semi: I was born into a large Christian family where I was one of seven boys. When I was four years old my parents were accepted into the School for Officer Training in Fiji. After being commissioned as officers, Mum and Dad were appointed to the Lautoka Corps. But, sadly, after two and a half years Dad passed away. Growing up, I was raised by my mum, aunties, uncles and brothers. During this time, I knew who God was but didn’t really have a personal relationship with him. At the age of 16, I accepted Jesus Christ into my heart and became a soldier of The Salvation Army. However, the pressure to try and fit in became part of the worldly things that distracted me from my walk with the Lord. It wasn’t until the death of two of my best friends from church that I realised if I continued on this path, I, too, could end up in a similar situation. I recommitted my life to the Lord and have been purposefully walking with him ever since. Over the years, I have had many people of influence in my life come up to me and say they could see me as an officer. I really didn’t take them seriously as I didn’t see myself being an officer. But I was always reminded of the Bible verse from Proverbs 16:9, ‘We may make our plans but God has the last word’ (GNB). Along with my wife and two boys, I am excited about the next step of our journey and look forward to seeing what God has in store for us. Elizabeth: One of the favourite words in our house at the moment is ‘but’— this word sums up a large amount of my faith journey. Like Semi, I grew up in a Christian household. I attended
‘I KNOW GOD WILL GUIDE THE NEXT STEP FOR MY FAMILY AND ME. TOGETHER WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW CHAPTER.’ Sunday school at Hamilton City Corps and when I was seven became a Junior Soldier. I can remember vividly my preparation classes and was pleased to ask Jesus into my life. Early in my teenage years my parents took on the role of officers at the Queenstown Corps—our home at the time. I really enjoyed spending my time at the church and being a part of the greater family there. During high school, I really struggled with the idea that if God was real how could so many others not see or believe in him? So, while I still believed, I allowed my relationship with him to take a back seat as I looked for what others had. Thankfully, I had a great corps surrounding me with prayer, and some
amazing close mentors who encouraged me. By the time I finished high school, I had a really clear sense that God wanted me to be helping others in some way. This led me to head overseas a couple of times. On both occasions my experiences pushed me closer to God from a place of discomfort. I learned to rely heavily on him when in need. The latest steps on my journey with God have been about trusting him in all areas of my life. This is where the word ‘but’ has been coming for me. Before being accepted into college I said to God ‘but I … ’ too many times. I know God will guide the next step for my family and me. Together we’re looking forward to the new chapter.
06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 11
Photography: Max O’Byrne.
Photography: Gabi Gardner and Georgia Cotter.
2018 Youth Councils
HOLY MOLY!
Our Youth Councils are a fantastic time for our young people to come together from across the country to hang out, worship God and go a little bit crazy. Here’s a few highlights from each of the four divisional events in New Zealand.
NORTHERN This year our theme was ‘Covered’. To be covered by God’s grace is to be protected by the Father and concealed or hidden in his love. We desperately wanted the rangatahi of Tāmaki Makaurau to get the message that they’re ‘covered’ by God’s grace and that he loves them, no matter what! His grace covers your sin and calls you forward into a deeper relationship with him, and into holiness and mission. With over 200 rangatahi attending, the event was appropriately dubbed ‘Mud Councils’ as it was impressively muddy under foot—with gumboots the fashion ‘must have’ of the weekend. We were honoured to be inspired by guest speakers Envoy Stu Irwin, Meredith AkuhataBrown and Major Ian Gainsford. Highlights included hanging with friends around the bonfire and cafe, worship led by Besorah from Westgate Corps, the Church Boiz concert, the Walk of Grace prayer trail, prizes won playing #tag, red shield socks, workshops, Ben Maxwell and much more! BY JULES BADGER
12 firezone.co.nz 06 OCTOBER 2018
CENTRAL Central’s theme for 2018 was ‘Reckless Love’. MC Bevan Sanders hosted a range of food-focused games—including leaders receiving flour from a leaf blower and delegates eating shaving soap disguised as minties! Thankfully, Bevan was punished for the challenges he put people through by being made to suffer in a hot sauce eating comp. Awesome insights were gained from speakers Major Shar Davis and Miramar Corps’ Niven Patel. Chocoholic Shar ended up being the one to find a chocolate block hidden in the venue by Ben! Plenty of delicious milkshakes were enjoyed, along with mosh pits that shook the Wellington CBD. But, most importantly, encounters with Jesus were had which transformed youth and leaders from storytellers to history makers! BY GABI GARDNER
Photography: Paul Gardner.
Photography: Alexia Medland, David Moody & Ken Smith.
MIDLAND Our theme of ‘10:10’ was based on John 10:10: ‘The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ So what does ‘life to the full’ in Jesus look like when you’re a teenager? A variety of speakers showed us the way … Embracing our identity—Majors Rob and Julie Cope helped us look at who we really are in God. He is a good God and our true identity is in who he says we are; not who the world says we are. Embracing the ‘sucks’—Captain Mat Badger helped us look at what to do when life is difficult. Jesus promised that in this world we would know hardship—so how do we find peace in the storm? Embracing our destiny—Captain Hana Seddon shared her story of what God has for her, and that each one of us can embrace our destiny. Other elements of the weekend included a ‘tough questions’ time with a panel of wise beings, laser tag, slack-lining and more. BY ROBERT COPE
SOUTHERN Holy Moly! Youth Councils went off with a kapow, shazam and a bang. Our superheroinspired camp theme ‘Holy Moly’ aimed to explore holiness and what that looks like in our world today—too much of our ‘moly’ can get in the way of God’s holy. Speakers for the weekend included Captain Mat Badger, Young Adult Pastors Amy and Ben Kendrew (from Arise Christchurch) and Major Earle Ivers. The weekend had plenty of games, breakout sessions, an engaging panel, human burritos eating custard, donut fishing and more. But best of all, the weekend had young people meet with Jesus. Please continue to pray for them as they live out their God given potential in their own worlds. BY BEN MAXWELL
06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 13
Having a Say on Army Issues
A new initiative will see Salvation Army soldiers and officers ‘at the coalface’ have a voice within senior leadership. BY INGRID BARRATT
Nominations are currently underway for three new forums that will see Salvation Army soldiers and officers have the opportunity to share ideas, express needs and voice concerns to leadership. ‘These forums will allow information, perspectives from soldiers and officers at a grass roots level to feedback to governance,’ explains Lieutenant-Colonel Stephen Jarvis who is leading the project. ‘Dialogue is absolutely fundamental to moving forward together. The key driver is getting quality information from the coalface to support decision-making going forward,’ he says. ‘We want to understand what context people are serving in, and what response is needed in order to service the mission in light of that.’ The new forums—or advisory boards—are part of the wider accountability movement, which aims for a more democratic leadership style within the Army, where decisions are made in consultation and discussion. ‘We don’t want it to be prescriptive. We want it very much to be an open group where Territorial Executive Leadership (TEC) aren’t determining what the issues are,’ says Stephen. ‘What are our people saying are the main issues?’
Not a talk-fest Two of the new boards will be made up of Salvation Army soldiers from around the territory, and one will be made up of officers. To become part of a board, a soldier must be part of their corps leadership team, and be nominated by the corps. Stephen encourages all Salvationists to share their ideas with their local 14 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
rep: ‘Salvationists can be conversing with their local person, and that person will become the champion for the corps and the voices of their people. ‘We feel it is crucial for good governance to hear the voice of our stakeholders. Whether you’re an officer or Salvationist, you’re a stakeholder in the mission and we feel it’s vital to understand the perspectives that come from the coalface.’ But it won’t just be a talk-fest, assures Stephen—the focus will be coming up with solutions to the issues raised. ‘Not giving people a voice is a greater danger than becoming a talk-fest. We do expect recommendations and we do want people to come up with solutions. This is a we thing—how do we solve things?’ But, can change really happen? ‘We hope that the majority of practical solutions are actioned,’ responds Stephen. ‘There are always other implications, it’s like a piece of the puzzle in the greater picture. But advice from the advisory boards will give us important information so we’re not flying blind.’
The nitty gritty The advisory boards will work at three levels: Divisional/Regional Soldiers’ Advisory Board: Each division or region in our territory will have its own Soldiers’ Advisory Board, made up of leadership from local corps. In addition, the soldiers’ boards will include at least one Māori soldier, one soldier from a Recovery Church and a soldier who is a young adult— ensuring diverse views and concerns are heard. In between meetings, representatives will be expected to canvas other people
‘WE’RE ALL WINNING WHEN WE SENSE THAT THE MISSION OF THE ARMY IS BEING FULFILLED.’ in their ministry area for ‘ideas, needs and concerns’. These conversations will then form the agenda for the meetings. Issues and ideas raised at this board will go to the divisional commander, to action as appropriate. However, some situations may be of territorial importance, which will then go to the next level. Territorial Soldiers’ Advisory Board: The chairperson from each of the regional advisory boards will become part of the territorial board. This board will deal with territory-wide issues or ideas. Territorial Officers’ Advisory Board: A third board will ensure that active officers are also able to ‘share ideas, express needs and voice concerns’ to leadership. Officers will be elected through ballot by fellow officers. The board will include officers working within corps; divisional and territorial headquarters; addictions, supportive accommodation and reintegration services (ASARS); Booth College, and will include at least one Māori officer. No TEC member can be part of the board.
‘WHAT ARE OUR PEOPLE SAYING ARE THE MAIN ISSUES?’ Members represent their fellow officers. They will send out a ‘Recommendation Form’ before each meeting, asking: ‘What are the concerns and issues you’d like us to be raising?’ The answers will then form the basis of their meeting. Recommendations from both the officers’ and soldiers’ territorial boards go to Cabinet, ‘which is tasked with the spiritual wellbeing of the territory,’ explains Stephen. Cabinet decides whether the issue goes to either the Territorial Management Board (TMB) or the Territorial Governance Board (TGB). Andy Westrupp has described the structure as, ‘Governance is the head, Management is the hands, Cabinet is the heart’. Members of all three boards will be appointed for two years, with each board meeting twice a year. The first meetings are expected to be held by Christmas.
It’s about ownership ‘We really do want to be able to hear what the issues are and to have that fed up, through the division and Cabinet,’ sums up Stephen. ‘It’s about ownership, we all have a strong, vested interest in the mission of the Army, and we’re all winning when we sense that the mission of the Army is being fulfilled. Everybody can celebrate that, and whatever we can do to enhance that, is something we very much want to invest in. This is an opportunity to collaborate across the Army to find a better way forward.’
Have your say as a soldier Ask your corps officer who your local Soldiers' Advisory Board member is. Talk to them! Raise your concerns, or come with up ideas. Your rep gives your feedback to the board. Local recommendations go to the divisional commander. Territorial issues go to the Territorial Soldiers’ Advisory Board. Their recommendations go to Cabinet. Operational issues go to TMB.
Policy issues go to TGB.
What action is taken, when, and by whom, will be fed back to the Division or Region.
Have your say as an officer Vote for a fellow soldier to represent you! Before each board meeting, your representative will send a ‘Recommendations Form’. Fill it out expressing concerns, ideas and solutions. Your rep will feed this back at their next meeting. Recommendations will go to Cabinet. Operational issues go to TMB.
Policy issues go to TGB.
What action is taken, when, and by whom, will be fed back to the Officers’ Board chairperson.
06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 15
Historic Marae Visit for Officers A group of 70 Salvation Army leaders were welcomed onto Te Tii marae in Waitangi, during the Northern Officers’ Fellowship on 4 July. It was a historic visit—the first time we have all been welcomed onto the marae in this way. Responding to the karanga, a call of welcome, Leuitenant Faye Molen lead us forward onto the marae—a powerful moment that reminded us of her connection to Ngāpuhi and the legacy of her parents, former Majors Wayne and Harriet Moses. Sitting inside the wharenui (meeting house), my mind went back to a very special time: my first visit to Waitangi was with Captains Joe and Nan Patea back in 2011—a journey I have since repeated every year on Waitangi Day. The warmth of the haukāinga (local people of the marae), the beautiful kai, the fascinating history and the challenge of truth-telling all made this a memorable encounter. Then there were the beautiful Ko Pouerua te maunga songbirds. The haukāinga made a point of saying that, as singing was the way to Ko Waitangi te awa connect with Māori, The Salvation Army’s singing had melted their hearts! Ko Ngātokimatawhaorua te waka After the pōwhiri, one of the kaumātua stood up and told us that he had spent Ko Te Tii te marae the week reading over a book we had given him earlier, Te Ope Whakaora, written by Ko Te Tiriti O Waitangi 1840 te wharenui Harold Hill. Matua Stan could see that we’d accomplished some wonderful work over Ko Te Ngākau Aroha te wharekai the years, but, also, that we had made some real mistakes. He quoted the foreword, Ko Ngāti Rahiri te hapū written by Dame Judith Binney, about our longer-term failure to develop Māori Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi leaders and the need for more visible Māori leadership within The Salvation Army. Tihei wā mauri ora! He added, ‘I hope today will be another date that you can put in your next book!’ We were then graciously challenged with a thoughtprovoking question: ‘Where are Māori in the picture?’ asked Ngāti Kawa Taituha, chairman of Te Tii marae. ‘I was thinking to myself, “Okay, so you’re here now. Lynette Hutson: I was really affected by one of the gentlemen What are we gonna do? I’m still learning about your who welcomed us onto the marae. He expressed their real organisation ... I’m looking at it from a Māori point of and evident pain at the impact of being marginalised on view ... what do you do for Māori?” I hope you don’t mind, their own land. Surprisingly, I think Ian was most impacted by but I’m just trying to get to the crux of it. We want to see being called young and handsome! where we sit in that picture—I’m talking about our marae, our hapū, our tribe of Ngāpuhi.’ Ian Hutson: The clear expression of the pain of colonisation Reverend Amiria Te Whiu, chaplain at Waitangi and as expressed by kaumatua Stan was palpable and impacting. leader in the Māori Presbyterian Te Aka Puaho Synod, The involvement of the missionaries was symbolically shared some of her many pearls of wisdom. Building on demonstrated by the carving of Reverend Henry Williams the learning at the marae, Amiria spent the afternoon inside the meeting house—woven into the history and wairua with us, teaching some of the history of Te Tiriti and of the whare. It was really good to hear stories that confirmed the church. some of our Christian history here in Aotearoa and to know During our visit to Waitangi, there were some very that missionaries were seen to be doing good in relation to Te deep, moving moments along with plenty of warmth and Tiriti o Waitangi. However, there was also a troubling question laughter. Sitting and listening to all the kōrero in the about where the church went to, and why we seemed to ‘birthplace of the nation’ gave us all a greater appreciation disappear after the signing of Te Tiriti. It left us wondering of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and encouragement to be far more what The Salvation Army is able to do now—what actions can intentional in our support of tangata whenua. My hope is we take to partner with Māori? On a lighter note, as Lynette that this visit will be the first of many. indicated, I also feel much younger as a result of this visit! Tihei wā mauri ora!
Personal Reflections …
BY HANA SEDDON (NGĀPUHI/TE RARAWA) 16 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
General’s Official Welcome a Lively Call to Action The official welcome for our new General—watched by more than 10,000 people around the world—set out a challenge for The Salvation Army ‛to be what God needs us to be in this 21st century’. The service on 23 September, attended by around 400 people, included many thought-provoking moments. Perhaps the most moving was when General Brian Peddle and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (World President of Women’s Ministries) made their way from the platform to kneel at the mercy seat. The General encouraged everyone present to join them in committing themselves to God’s service by kneeling at the place of prayer or standing where they were. Quietly, with no fuss or hesitation, the members of the congregation did just that, while the International Staff Songsters (ISS) sang ‘Bow the Knee’. The meeting began in lively fashion, with members of Croydon Citadel Singing Company racing down the aisle, cheering and waving flags. They were followed by International Headquarters flag-bearers and then—to clapping and cheers from the congregation—the Chief of the Staff (Commissioner Lyndon Buckingham) and Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham (World Secretary for Women’s Ministries) marched in. Finally, the General and Commissioner Peddle marched to the front, greeted by prolonged applause. In her prayer, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham spoke about the Day of Prayer for Victims of Human Trafficking that was being marked by the international Salvation Army. Calling God to bring freedom to the millions of people caught up in modern-day slavery, she acknowledged that ‘these are big prayers—but you are an even bigger God’. A time of dedication was led by Commissioner John Matear, who—addressing the General and Commissioner Peddle—assured them of the support of ‘a great crowd of witnesses’. He told the General: ‘We, your people, need you to be led by God before you lead your people.’ Bringing words of welcome on behalf of the officers of the world, Commissioner Devon Haughton (Territorial Commander, Caribbean Territory) said: ‘We are proud to call you our international leaders.’ He encouraged them to remain ‘enthusiastically dedicated’ to the mission and concluded with a reminder in song: ‘Don’t let anyone steal your joy!’ Offering a welcome on behalf of the soldiers, Dr Marjory Kerr (President of The Salvation Army’s Booth University, Canada) recognised that while some soldiers lived and worshipped freely, there were others for whom
‘every day is a challenge’. She called on the General to engage with his soldiers and to ‘be prepared to test everything—with us’. The General began his Bible message by asserting his certainty that God’s blessing is on The Salvation Army. He added to this two beliefs: that the world needs The Salvation Army, and that the world deserves a Spiritfilled Salvation Army. He had nine calls for the worldwide Salvation Army—starting with calls to prayer and holiness, and a call to be battle-ready. ‘The days of mediocrity are over,’ he cried, adding that it was time to ‘take back what the devil has stolen.’ Calling people to serve, he explained: ‘We are not a reserve Army!’ He called people to worship (‘Let’s start inviting people to Jesus!’) and to be confident in the gospel. The final three calls were to take responsibility. The General called the Army to raise and nurture the next generation. ‘Nurtured, not abused,’ he added, before giving the final calls—a call to costly compassion and a call to inclusion. ‘God loves everybody,’ he reaffirmed, ‘God help us and give us wisdom!’ Reaching his conclusion, the General stated: ‘I hear the simple call to “do something”’. But he restated that it wasn’t enough for the General to do this alone. ‘This will take a whole army,’ he said. ‘Imagine that—we have one!’ Many will have left with the General’s concluding words still ringing in their ears: ‘God has yet to do things that we could never imagine could happen!’ FOR THE FULL REPORT | salvationarmy.org/ihq/news. View the Welcome Service on Facebook or YouTube.
06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 17
Iced Animals to print Bibles in China A unique fundraising initiative is using iced animals to get Bibles printed in China. ‘Bake for Bibles’ gets volunteers to bake and ice Noah’s Ark animal cookies and then sell them to friends and family. Each cookie—sold at two dollars—provides the paper to print a Bible in China. Participants are given a free Bake for Bibles pack which contains cookie cutters, a Noah’s Ark presentation box, cookie packets, a booklet (including the recipe), a poster and colouringin sheet. The initiative is being driven by renowned cook and Destitute Gourmet author Sophie Gray, in partnership with Bible Society New Zealand. ‘I think it’s a really fun and accessible way to get the kids involved in a baking project,’ Sophie says. GAZETTE
Retirement: Major Maika Ranamalo Raico—28 December 2018; Major Russell Sawyer—12 January 2019; Major Geraldine Johnson—17 January 2019; Major Lorraine LePine—18 January 2019; Major Kathleen Garbett—31 January 2019; Major Russell Garbett—31 January 2019. New Appointment: Effective 1 October 2018: Major Beverley Baxter, Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers, Southern Division.
ANNUAL GENERAL CHANGE 2018
The following appointments are effective on Thursday 11 January 2018. Territorial exchange appointments: Captains Sarah and Shane Healey—Corps Officers, Adelaide Congress Hall, South Australian/ Northern Territory Division. Territorial Headquarters: THQ—Personnel Section: Major Glenys Fairhurst—Secretary for Officer Resources and Territorial Silver Star Secretary. THQ—Programme Section: Captain Gerald Walker, Assistant Territorial Secretary for Programme; Lieutenant Janet Green, Territorial Planned Giving Secretary; Captain Mathew Badger, Director, Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (continuing appointment as Territorial Youth Secretary); Captain Shaun Baker, Chaplain, Blue Mountain Adventure Centre (continuing appointment as Corps Officer, Cambridge Corps); Captain Julie Badger, Assistant Writer, Communications. Northern Division: Lieutenants Naomi and Nathan Holt, Divisional Youth Secretary and Divisional Spiritual Life and Prayer Ministries Officer; Lieutenant Nathan Holt, Divisional Youth Secretary and Divisional Coordinator for Emergency Services; Captain Karl Saunders, Corps Officer, New Lynn Corps; Majors Heather and Thomas Kopu, Corps Officers, Ōtāhuhu Corps (Appointment in Retirement). Midland Division: Captain Missy Ditchburn, Divisional Children’s Secretary and Assistant Divisional Candidates Secretary; Lieutenant Jordan Westrupp, Divisional Youth Secretary; Majors Janette and Kevin Waugh, Corps Officers, Gisborne Corps and Community Ministries Officers, Gisborne Community Ministries; Captain Kevin Waugh, Chaplain, Gisborne Centre, Education and Employment; Captains Elizabeth and Stephen Campkin, Corps Officers, Hastings Corps and Directors, Hastings Community Ministries; Lieutenant Francis Vemoa and Captain Corryn Vemoa, Corps Officers, Tauranga Corps, and Directors, Tauranga Community Ministries. Central Division: Major Pamela Waugh, Divisional Secretary for Community Ministries; Major Afolau Toluono, Corps Officer, Dannevirke Corps; Majors Glenda and Ivan Bezzant, Corps Officers, Kāpiti Corps and Coast Development and Directors, Kāpiti Coast Community Ministries; Captain Debbie Wilson, Corps Officer, Kilbirnie Corps; Majors Julie and Robert Cope, Corps Officers, Upper Hutt Corps and Directors, Upper Hutt Community Ministries; Envoys Marilyn and Peter McRae, Team Leaders, Wairarapa Region; Envoy Peter McRae, Chaplain, Carterton Centre, Education and Employment; Majors Paul and Susan Jarvis, Corps Officers,
18 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
‘The animal theme is very relatable and Noah’s Ark is a familiar and popular story, whether you’ve grown up in a household of faith or not.’ Sophie, a Christian since primary school, loves the idea of getting Bibles to those who need them. ‘I feel the Bible is almost a symbol of freedom. And the freedom to know God and explore faith isn’t something that’s accessible to everyone in the world.’ ‘So what this project does is put the freedom I have into the hands of others who wouldn’t otherwise have it, by giving them a Bible.’ MORE INFO | bakeforbibles.nz or call Bible Society New Zealand on 0800 424 253.
Whanganui City Corps; Captains Annette and Perry Bray, Corps Officers, Wellington City Corps. Southern Division: Major Christine Ivers, Divisional Secretary for Personnel (continuing appointment as Divisional Director of Women’s Ministries); Major Beverley Baxter, Divisional Assistant with Responsibility for Personnel Administration, Silver Star and Missionary Fellowship (continuing appointment as Divisional Secretary for Retired Officers); Major Wendy Andrews, Divisional Secretary for Community Ministries; Captain Lindsay Andrews, Court Officer Christchurch (continuing appointment as Divisional Emergency Services Coordinator); Captains Logan and Suzanne Bathurst, Corps Officers, Alexandra Corps; Captains Christina and David McEwen, Corps Officers, Dunedin City Corps and Directors, Dunedin City Community Ministries; Captain Christina McEwen, Chaplain, Dunedin Centre, Education and Employment; Captains Murray and Suman McIntosh, Corps Officers, Gore Corps; Major Gill Waugh, Director, Hornby Community Ministries; Lieutenants Gavin and Veronica Rivett, Corps Officers, Invercargill Corps and Directors, Invercargill Community Ministries; Captains Phillipa and Robert van Abs, Corps Officers, Mosgiel Corps; Lieutenants Andrew and Sarah Green, Corps Officers, Ōamaru Corps; Lieutenants Grant and Lynda Pitcher, Corps Officers, Westport Corps. Fiji Division: Lieutenant Ruci Napolioni, Divisional Children’s Secretary (continuing appointment as Court & Corrections Officer/ Chaplain [Women], Suva); Major Louisa Ranamalo Raico, Assistant Officer, Divisional Headquarters and Divisional Secretary for Women’s Ministries; Lieutenant Visa Kaurasi, Corps Officer, Ba Corps; Captains Shiv and Taburerei Ram, Corps Officers, Lomaivuna Corps; Majors Iliesa and Litiana Cola, Corps Planting Officers, Nausori Corps Plan; (Tavua Corps to be advised). Tonga Division: Lieutenant Selalina Prescott, Regional Candidates Secretary (Continuing appointment as Corps Officer, Nuku’alofa Corps). Addictions, Supportive Accommodation and Reintegration Services: Major Bronwyn Aldersley, National Mission Coordinator, National Office Auckland; Major Bruce Aldersley, Assistant, Supportive Accommodation—Epsom Lodge Auckland; Captain Nicola Hargest, Assistant to the Director, Bridge Christchurch; Captain Ralph Hargest, Mission Director, Bridge Christchurch; Major Nicola Rogers, Assistant Officer, Supportive Accommodation— Addington Christchurch. Booth College of Mission: Captain Kylie Tong, Senior Training Officer; Captain Kathie Crombie, Senior Tutor and Project Manager Workforce Development, Centre for Leadership Development (on exchange from Australia Territory); Captain Janet Newman, Mission Training Officer. Officers Concluding Appointments in Retirement: Major Edwina Herring; Major Darrell LePine; Major Campbell Roberts (OF).
As Seen on Facebook
Dunedin City Corps celebrated Father’s Day with a pancake breakfast themed around the movie Cars.
‘WE EACH SIT IN PLACES WHERE WE CAN INFLUENCE CHANGE.’ The International Day of the Girl Child, on 11 October, would have slipped under my radar a year ago. The past 12 months have awakened my awareness that my experience as a girl, growing up in the New Zealand in the 1960s, was privileged indeed. Access to free education was never in question. Opportunities to go onto higher learning and to decide on a career pathway were also taken for granted. I’ve been jolted out of my cosy bubble because of the work of Women’s Ministries in The Salvation Army—which seeks to address the injustices that still impact the status of girls and women around the world. I am seeing how, by empowering and equipping women, radical community transformation can take place. Women have the means to lead their communities and contribute to bring about economic change.
The winners of the Self Denial ‘Stand Up As One’ poster competition were Joshua (3) from Winton Corps, William (9) from Woodville Corps and Jacob (13, part of his poster pictured) from Nuku’Alofa Corps.
To celebrate the opening of New Lynn Corps new building on 10 September, the oldest (Laurie Witheford) and youngest (Joshua Taito) corps members cut the celebratory cakes. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK | SalvationarmyNZFijiTonga
But the work goes further than that. We also need to address the cultural norms and historical attitudes that have allowed women and girls to be disadvantaged in the first place. I am not just talking about distant places in other parts of the world, because this is equally true right where we are. Our territory is made up of four nations, each present a different set of challenges and opportunities. In New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa there are diverse communities with pockets of extreme need that demand our attention. This is the grassroots stuff of ministry where we’re working to bring change. We each sit in places where we can influence change. I am currently situated within Salvation Army Women’s Ministries and my world expands to include the national and international conversation. Your world may sit within business or places of learning; research or service industry. Current political concerns and restlessness in certain sectors simply highlight that we are all participants in achieving the outcomes we want for our world. These are dynamic times for us as The Salvation Army. We’re seeking revival as we pursue New Zeal. We cannot afford to stay in our cosy bubble, living in the safety of what we’re familiar with. There’s a world at our doorstep that’s an open door to where God is calling us. As we engage with the stories of others’ lived experience, we will be pressed to go deeper in understanding and become learners again in regards to the God we thought we knew. We’ll be faced with questions we’d previously not given thought to. We’ll be roused out of our comfort zones to share in the discomfort of the vulnerable and displaced people of our world, as we allow God to make us vulnerable and become ourselves displaced. Let’s make our voices heard in protest and prayer. Colonel Heather Rodwell Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries 06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 19
When Salvationist Carol Jordan suddenly lost her husband of almost 25 years, she found herself thrown onto an entirely different path. This abridged version of her book The Butterfly Room, is a diary of grief, goodbyes and new beginnings. It’s funny isn’t it? The things that we most want to avoid in life end up being part of who we are. Events that we never want to experience seem to unfold before us, while the things we dream of achieving seem to evade us. I can remember as I grew up my mother telling me about how she saw life for me as an adult. She had my future all mapped out for me, with all the basic milestones of life covered. I was horrified that she saw my life unfolding in such a mundane manner. Well, I did get some of the things on her list completed. I did meet a nice young man and settle down. We did eventually 20 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
buy a house, although we never had a family. As a couple we worked hard, and we were thrilled when my Shane was finally working in a vocation he seemed to have the perfect attributes for. He had left his safe but stressful job behind, quitting to begin his studies and become a counsellor. But Easter, in April 2014, our dreams and life as we knew it were shattered to pieces. Never by any stretch of my imagination did I expect that at the age of 49 I would be widowed. How could my beloved husband of 25 years—who seemed healthy and who adored me, and I him— pass away in the night without warning?
All our hopes and happiness were torn away in an instant, never to be recovered. When I found him, just after three in the morning on our lounge floor, he had already gone and it was clear he could not be revived. His heart had simply stopped beating. This process of adjusting to life alone has not been easy. It has been lonely and isolating. It’s hard—the hardest thing I have ever had to encounter. I hate it. I hate every moment of it. For me, this has been a journey of blurred days, absolute pain, anguish and confusion.
A Journey Through Grief One day, in an attempt to give expression to what felt inexpressible, Carol printed out an image of a butterfly and began colouring it in. She started colouring a different butterfly every week, using shades that reflected her feelings—and sharing them on Facebook, along with a simple explanation. As her collection of butterflies grew, they became a diary of sorts, pointing the way towards life and healing. Butterfly #1: Grow—I can learn to grow and find the new me. I am beginning to realise that I am the one who needs to learn how to live in this new life that I have been forced into. I feel resistance towards it because this is not what I had planned for me, for us, at all. I hate that I am now facing life in completely different circumstances. What does a 49-year-old widow look like? She looks like me. I speak to my Lord, ‘My Lord and my God, I don’t want to start this journey.’ The reply comes quiet, loving and assuring, ‘Oh my daughter, but it has already begun.’ Butterfly #2: Transform—this is a process. Trust the process. I don’t think there is any right or wrong way to approach the process of dealing with a dramatic and traumatic change in life. The reality is cruel and harsh. We each need to find our own way of living with this reality. Butterfly #3: Dreams—with courage and encouragement, my dreams can take flight. Outside my window, there are buds forming on the branches of the tree that had been stripped bare from the savage winds of winter. Soon small,
tender green leaves will break through and begin to filter the light that shines through them. I am starting to feel that a new shape is beginning to form in me. I am daring to look at things that excite me and spark an interest in me. I am beginning to accept that this new life that I have been challenged with what could be an opportunity. Butterfly #4: Inspired—I feel inspired by the good advice and encouragement of others. I am now facing the reality of leaving the safety of my job. I know that I can’t continue in that role, despite the safety that comes with the assurance of a salary. I am no longer able to function in the way I once did. I have so many questions and problems to resolve that I cannot take on more challenges in my work situation. I know I am no longer a person who can be resilient in leadership. I am swayed by emotions too much and am easily fatigued.
NEVER BY ANY STRETCH OF MY IMAGINATION DID I EXPECT THAT AT THE AGE OF 49 I WOULD BE WIDOWED.
• I commit to looking after myself and remain healthy.
Butterfly #6: Fragile—Sadness and grief makes me fragile. I celebrated our wedding anniversary without my dearest. We would have been married 25 years. I am so terribly disappointed that he never got to share this date with me. But I still consider myself married. I don’t think I can do anything at all today. I can’t cope with even the most basic of tasks. I feel I have a cold stone sitting heavily in my chest.
Moving-In Day It’s been a year since my dearest passed away and I feel I have turned a corner. I am calling the 12-month mark movingin day. I don’t think we ever move on from a situation such as this, from the loss of a loved one. I think that we instead find ways to cope, for this loss is something that cannot be left behind. My ‘butterfly room’ is now a haven of creativity, reflection, and safety. This is my room of recovery. This is my room where I find the new me, rediscover the old me and put life together again. Welcome to the Butterfly Room.
I don’t want to sit at home and isolate myself. I need to interact with the outside world at a pace and intensity I can cope with. Butterfly #5: Commitment—I am daring to make a commitment to myself. I am daring to commit to honouring the dreams I once had. God will work in his wonderful ways that are beyond my understanding, and all I need to do is turn up. So my commitments are the following:
• I will continue to read God’s word • I will continue to work at my writing • I will work at trying to capture beautiful images with my camera
• I commit to allowing myself to rest my mind
Carol now works part-time in Community Ministries, South Auckland, where she has been able to apply her life experiences to her ministry. The Butterfly Room is available from fishpond.co.nz & bookdepository.com. 06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Andy (Territorial Commander) and Yvonne Westrupp (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 9–11 Oct: Tonga Officers Fellowship, Tonga 12–13 Oct: Tonga Territorial Governance Board visit, Tonga 15–17 Oct: South Pacific Leaders Conference, Tonga 21 Oct: New Zeal Launch, Wellington City Corps, Wellington Colonels Suzanne Fincham (Chief Secretary) and Melvin Fincham (Territorial Secretary for Programme and Communications) 7 October: Visit to Miramar Corps, Wellington 9 October: Reflexivity Presentations, Booth College, Upper Hutt (Suzanne only) 12–14 October: Tonga Governance Board Visit, Tonga 15–17 October: South Pacific Leaders Conference, Tonga 18 October: Rotoroa Island visit 19–20 October: Te Ngākau–Nui Hōu (National Māori Hui), Rangiriiri 21 October: New Zeal Launch, Auckland City Corps
PRAY
Levin Corps, Linwood Corps, Lomaivuna Corps, Manukau Central Corps, Māori Ministry; The Salvation Army in Denmark and Greenland.
Check out our new website salvationarmy.org.nz
Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women's Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) 8–9 October: Reflexivity Presentations, Booth College, Upper Hutt 12–14 October: Tonga Governance Board Visit, Nuku‘alofa 15–17 October: South Pacific Leaders Conference, Tonga 21 October: New Zeal Launch, Linwood Corps, Christchurch
Check out the Red Shield Ride 2019 —Australia Territory
400–600 words with one or two captioned photos. Promotion to Glory tributes are approx 300 words. Email reports and large, high-quality jpeg images to: warcry@nzf. salvationarmy.org
I Might Have Been A Patternmaker Pre-order the re-print edition now Flag Publications has negotiated a reprint of Commissioner Ross Kendrew's book, I Might Have Been A Patternmaker. It is available for pre-order for no more than $25.00 (plus postage and packaging).
salvos.org.au/get-involved/run-ride-trek/red-shield-ride
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:
To register your interest, please email warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz
Buy pre-loved &
spread the love more than just a store
Name Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Quiz Answers: 1 Former Wallabies player Nick Cummins, 2 Papua New Guinea, 3 21,196 kilometres, 4 Captain Marvel, 5 Peter, (John 1:42).
22 WarCry 06 OCTOBER 2018
They all ate and were satisfied. Matthew 14:20 CEV
How can I share? Give a little Help your parents to choose some of your favourite foods to give to The Salvation Army foodbank, which gives food to people who need it. Start a garden This is the perfect time of year to plant vegies. Then you can share your leftovers with friends. #zerohunger The UN wants to eliminate hunger around the world. You can tell others about this with their hashtag #zerohunger.
Jesus was an amazing person—everywhere he went, large crowds followed him. One time something really, truly, crazily, humungously awesome happened. A big crowd was listening to Jesus—even kids listened without getting bored, or wanting Xbox or anything! Suddenly, there was a gurgle. Then there was a grumble. Then a rumble. Then a— whoops—burp! People were getting hungry.
Colour me in! Draw your pizza toppings here
Make your own crazy pizza Choose your sauce: Tomato Chocolate Super spicy Choose your filling: Pepperoni Stinky bananas Marshmallows Choose your topping: Cheese Toe nail clippings Sprinkles
Play 'chubby bunny' Who: Two or more players What you need: A packet of marshmallows How to play: Put a marshmallow in your mouth and say ‘Chubby Bunny’. Add another one and say ‘Chubby Bunny’ … repeat until you can’t say it anymore. The winner is the person who gets the most marshmallows in their mouth. (Make sure you don’t eat them all, or we might get in trouble with your family!)
Just then, a boy walked up to Jesus and said, ‘You can have my lunch’. Well, the disciples laughed so hard they snorted—‘We can't share that!’ they laughed. Jesus gave his friends one of those looks, then started handing it out. Guess what? The boy’s lunch never ran out! There was even enough for seconds, and thirds, and … well, it was probably time to stop. This year, 16 October, is International Food Day. Did you know that around 800 million people around the world go to bed hungry every night? But you can be part of helping stop hunger! Like that little boy in the crowd with Jesus, you just have to share what you have. That's really, truly, crazily, humungously awesome!
Dear God, thank you we have enough food to eat. Help me to share what we have. Amen. 06 OCTOBER 2018 WarCry 23
Launch Service | Sunday 21 October 2018 | 10am For more info visit salvationarmy.org.nz/newzeal