FAITH IN ACTION 07 MARCH 2020 | Issue 6737 | $1.50
Recovery in the
Bahamas Captain Doug Newman reflects on the clean-up after Hurricane Dorian
State of the Nation Report 2020: Mixed Outcomes Ben and Jesse’s Call to Officership Worship at Waitangi
The Beauty of Community Amidst Tragedy To Lent or Not To Lent?
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WAR CRY The Salvation Army
New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory TERRITORIAL LEADERS Commissioners Julie & Mark Campbell | 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. EDITOR Vivienne Hill | GRAPHIC DESIGN Sam Coates, Lauren Millington | STAFF WRITERS Captain Jules Badger, Louise
Parry, Bethany Slaughter OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street,
PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141, Phone (04) 384 5649, 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 136 years | Issue 6737 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
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A Heart for Change
The Salvation Army is a large and far-reaching organisation. This has been highlighted to me over the last few months, as I have seen our dedicated Territorial Emergency Services’ officers and volunteers deployed to a range of crises around the world. In this week’s War Cry, Captain Doug Newman reports on his trip to the Bahamas, answering the call from International Headquarters to assist with the recovery operation of the Category 5-force Hurricane that hit the region in September last year. We also report on the Samoan measles outbreak and the wonderful work of The Salvation Army in Samoa, as they ministered and walked beside families affected by sickness and death. This sense of care for our community and concern for people outside of our own region is part of the ‘normal’ Christian life. We can’t all go to Samoa or the Bahamas, but we can support those who do, in many ways. Not only can we assist communities far away, but it is important we are aware of the needs within our own country. The State of the Nation Report 2020 called for all New Zealanders to become involved in lobbying our current and future governments to prioritise the needs of people who are marginalised, victims of poverty and crime, and their children, who have little hope of a positive future. When we work together as Tangata Whenua, Tangata Tiriti, Huia Tangata Kotahi (People of the Land, People of the Treaty, Bring Everyone Together) then lasting change can and will happen. After all, we are the Army that brings life, and through Christ we can move the immovable. Vivienne Hill Editor
Matthew 25:35–36 (NKJV) …for I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me. Matiu 25:35–36 I hiakai hoki ahau, ā, whāngainga ana e koutou. I matewai ahau, ā, whakainumia ana e koutou: he manene ahau, ā, whakamanuhiritia ana e koutou. I tū tahanga, ā, whakakākahuria ana e koutou: he tūroro, ā, tirotirohia ana ahau e koutou: i te whare herehere ahau, ā, haere mai ana koutou ki ahau.
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he season of Lent has just begun. But what is Lent and should Salvationists observe Lent? Sundays at Petone Salvation Army are a ‘safe place’ to ask questions and express opinions—without judgement. Meetings are centred around discussion, teaching, experiential learning and reflection. Recently, Envoy Stew Irwin posed the question: ‘Are you an expert on Lent—know all about it and practise it seriously every year—or can you barely spell it?’ We were asked to position ourselves somewhere between these two extremes, and this produced interesting results. While gathered in the middle of the room, the group was weighted toward the ‘can barely spell it’ end. Many nearer the middle of the room were clearly curious about Lent and expressed a desire to understand its origins and merits more fully. There were no self-confessed ‘experts’ in attendance. Stew then posed several thought-provoking questions for discussion, before presenting some teaching on Lent. The invitation was then given to be still and participate in a reflection for ‘preparation for Lent’. It was a meaningful time. For the uninitiated, Lent is the period of 40 days prior to Easter in the Christian calendar. While Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus following his death on the cross, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation, which leads into Easter celebrations. The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday—a time of fasting from both food and festivities—where Christians replicate Jesus’ sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. Lent is also about participation in the desert spaces of life, where God is still fully present.
Sometimes as Salvationists it’s easy to ‘throw the baby out with the bathwater’ when it comes to some of the more traditional ‘high church’ practices—and at times with good reason—but is participation in ancient church practices like Lent entirely a bad thing? The opportunity to share the gospel through the re-telling of the Easter story has often been the default position for us, with resurrection celebrations providing the focal point for response. But are we missing something by limiting our Easter experience to the days between Palm Sunday and Resurrection morning? Captain Naomi Holt (Secretary for Spiritual Life Development Northern Division) says, ‘As Salvationists we often see ourselves as the people who get out there and do. But our doing needs to come out of a place of knowing—knowing God deeply (and I don't mean just intellectually). Lent is a great opportunity to deepen our connection with God by dedicating 40 days to a more disciplined approach to our spirituality. Personally, I find giving something up a great way to reset and focus on God. I try to add something in too—acts of generosity or a new approach to prayer. There are heaps of resources out there!’ Our movement is activist by nature, but do we lose some of the more contemplative practices like Lent? So, if you’ve never practiced Lent, why not give it a try this year and see for yourself? BY JULES BADGER
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SALLIE OFTHE WEEK
Dave Blackley (Napier Corps) Dave Blackley of Napier Corps has been a fully committed follower of Jesus for well over a decade. He is passionate about God’s ability to transform anyone—especially addicts. He has a powerful testimony of overcoming a life of crime and addiction. Dave is leading the charge for the new Recovery Church about to kick off in the Hawke’s Bay. Captain Brenton Millar of Napier Corps describes Dave as a man whose ‘mind and heart are on helping people to overcome addiction—he knows the journey and he walks the talk!’. And this is why Dave is our Sallie of the Week.
QUIKQUIZ
1 What is the capital of Switzerland? 2 What is represented by ‘Au’ on the Periodic Table? 3 Who is the 13th Dr Who? 4 What was the inventor of the slinkie trying to make?
WARCRY INHISTORY
This photograph shows the remains of Chief Tamatea’s home in Jerusalem/ Hiruhārama. The building was considered tapu and carefully preserved until the late ’60s, and many Salvation Army meetings were once held in its upper room. This was printed in the 2 March 1991 War Cry (the photograph was taken by David Lord in 1971). Source: The Heritage Centre & Archives at the Ploughman Resource Centre, Booth College of Mission
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5 How many Marys are in the New Testament? Answers on page 22
Captured Moment Takes a Prize The Salvation Army International Women’s Ministries ran a photo competition as part of its Re-imagining Women’s Ministries Launch, in London, on February 12. Gallery 101, at Territorial Headquarters, exhibited 41 photo entries from 23 countries, featuring images of women and girls from all over the world ministering in a wide variety of ways. Taking out the runner-up spot was former War Cry editor, Ingrid Barratt, from The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. Ingrid’s photo captured Captain Faye Molen (Manurewa Corps Plant, Northern Division) sharing a hongi with a whānau member on a New Zealand Land Wars’ mass burial ground. Commissioner Rosalie Peddle, World President of Women’s Ministries, introduced the photo saying: ‘The whole idea that we should be a generational people, that we should be able to pass on to our children our heritage, who we are—we need to be strong, wonderful people of God to do that.’ Rosalie served in New Zealand a decade ago, as the Divisional Secretary of Women’s Ministries, Northern Division, and is well acquainted with the significance of the hongi, whānau, whenua and whakapapa, and was clearly moved when she introduced Ingrid’s photo. ‘Our children need to have that kind of love, that expression, standing on the land, their heritage, and expressing their love to each other, and this is the way the Māori people do that, and I’m grateful for this picture,’ she said. Congratulations Ingrid!
TOPFIVE
If February felt longer this year, it’s because we had an extra-special leap day thrown in. Here are five facts about the day, which only comes around every four years. 5. Some notable people born on February 29— aka ‘leaplings’ or ‘leapers’—include rapper Ja Rule, singer Mark Foster (of the band Foster The People), former League star Clinton Toopi and current Kiwis prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona. 4. A ll leaplings can claim free membership to the ‘Honor Society of Leap Year Day Babies’. This society also campaigns against websites that don’t recognise February 29 as a valid birthdate (creating a nuisance when filling out online forms). 3. A leap year birthday is used as a plot device in the musical Pirates of Penzance; protagonist Frederic is apprenticed to a band of pirates until his twenty-first birthday, and, Weird of the Week: to his disappointment, they Ashrita Furman say this day won’t technically eventuate until he is 88! holds the Guinness
World Record for the Most World Record Titles—including heaviest shoes walked in and most baseballs held in a baseball glove (323 pounds and 26 respectively, if you were wondering).
Kumara Hash Brown with Eggs 800g kumara, grated 1 potato, grated 1 onion, grated
2. Anthony, Texas in the USA is known as the ‘Leap Capital of the World’ and hosts a festival whenever a leap year rolls around.
½ cup parsley, chopped, plus extra to garnish
1. Hattie McDaniel made history at the 1940 Academy Awards, held on February 29, as the first African American to win an Oscar for her role in Gone with the Wind.
¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
2 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves
Salt, to season Pepper, to season 6 eggs 6 bacon rashers
Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fanforced). Line a 20x30cm roasting dish with baking paper. Using a clean tea towel, squeeze the excess liquid from the grated kumara, potato and onion in batches, then set aside. In a large bowl, combine the grated vegetables with the herbs, olive oil and seasoning. Transfer to your prepared roasting dish and pat into an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil and cook for 60 minutes, or until crispy on the top and bottom. Meanwhile, in a large frying pan, cook the eggs and bacon. Remove from pan and keep warm. Serve squares of the hash topped with the eggs and bacon. Season to taste.
Source: countdown.co.nz
Action/Comedy The Legend of Baron To’a (R13, violence & offensive language) Directed by Kiel McNaughton The Legend of Baron To’a is R13 for a reason. Marketed as an action-comedy, it’s more violence than action or comedy. The fight scenes are skillfully choreographed, and the over-the-top feel is somewhat reminiscent of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010). Where it works well is as a social commentary on the effects of urbanisation on Pasifika people. The hero of the story is Fritz (Uli Latukefu), adult son of legendary Tongan wrestler Baron To’a (John Tui). Fritz must decide if he will use his size and strength to control and abuse, like the local gang, or defend and protect the honour of his family name and the people he loves. It’s ground-breaking as the first bi-lingual Tongan/English film and likely to take on iconic, cult film status in some circles. (Reviewed by Jules Badger) 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 5
2020
Below left (from left): Commissioner Mark Campbell, Policy Analyst Paul Barber, Commissioner Julie Campbell & Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Hutson at the Wellington launch of the State of the Nation Report 2020.
Little progress has been made in the past year to lift New Zealanders out of poverty, highlighted in the State of the Nation Report 2020. Delivered this month by The Salvation Army’s Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit (SPPU), the report included statistics under the headings: Our Children, Work and Incomes, Crime and Punishment, Social Hazards, Housing and, for the first time, indicators of inequalities between Māori and non-Māori. The report is the thirteenth of its kind and the first to be authored by three analysts: Ronji Tanielu, Vincent Wijeysingha and Paul Barber. BY LOUISE PARRY
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he report shows a mixed bag of results. Of the 24 social progress indicators used, 11 showed ‘no change’, 7 ‘progress’, and 6 had ‘declined’. What this means for New Zealanders is for many, job prospects and incomes are improving, but those living in the greatest poverty continue to struggle to provide the basics in life. These are the people The Salvation Army works with every day. ‘We’re unashamed about who we advocate for,’ says SPPU analyst Ronji Tanielu.
Hope in Election Year While each year the State of the Nation Report shows how tough it is for those living on the lowest incomes, Ronji said the results show many negatives, but were not a reason to give up hope. ‘In election year, we’ve got to be hopeful. Hope can be a powerful thing in policy. We’re doing well, but for the poorest, times are really tough. Do poorer people make bad decisions? Of course they do, but so do rich New Zealanders. The difference is the poorest don’t have the means to recover from those bad decisions.’ Launched at a series of breakfasts around the country, the report was introduced by new territorial leader, Commissioner Mark Campbell in Wellington, on February 12. He told those gathered that New Zealand is one of the few Salvation Army territories that has a policy unit. ‘As Christians, we identify with our neighbours and try to improve their lives in many significant ways—we want all people to thrive, don’t we?’ Commissioner Campbell said poverty and deprivation are not specific to NZ, and we need to improve outcomes for our fellow human beings through adherence to our partnership with God. State of the Nation co-author Paul Barber said that while the signs of progress inspired hope, continuing challenges ‘need us to work wholeheartedly together’.
People in Deepest Poverty Shocking, but unsurprising, is the rate of those living in poverty—measured at 50 percent of the median household income after household expenses—which remained stubbornly high at 10 percent of all New Zealanders. Especially 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 7
concerning is the number of those living on 40 percent of the median household income after household expenses. Most of the 174,000 children in deepest poverty live in households relying on welfare benefits. Core benefit rates are set so low that they are less than 30 percent of average wages. The income shortfall for basic needs for households with children relying on benefits is estimated as being from $50 to $230 per week, depending on the type of household, in the Welfare Expert Advisory Group Report 2019. ‘Inequality is not reducing. It’s the people in the lowest-income households that really need the help,’ Paul said.
Wellbeing of Children State of the Nation has reported on the wellbeing of the children in this country for over a decade, and a consistent theme is that a significant proportion of children and young people are not experiencing the kind of life that most New Zealanders would expect to be the acceptable minimum. Areas of concern include the many children who are at risk of harm and violence; the educational inequalities, that are not declining fast enough; Early Childhood Education participation rates, which fell slightly during the year; and, the gap in rates between low- and high-income families which has not reduced and is back to levels of half a decade ago. All of these issues greatly impact children.
Violence on the Rise Particularly disturbing is the number of violent offences perpetrated against children. On a day when a news report came to light of a four-year-old boy from Hastings who was severely beaten, the State of the Nation Report illustrated the scale of this type of violence. Violent crime, including sexual assault, does not appear to have declined in any meaningful way. Crime tends to be concentrated in specific regions and socio-economic groups. Māori continue to be more vulnerable to violent crime. Family violence rates, despite being measured largely by proxy, are said to remain stubbornly high, alongside high levels of breaches of protection orders. Youth offending rates had reduced, but within that figure, violent crime rates were not reducing as quickly.
Alternatives to Imprisonment Impetus in the justice system to use alternative sentences could be partly credited with a decrease of the prison muster, 8 WarCry 07 MARCH 2020
VIOLENT CRIME, INCLUDING SEXUAL ASSAULT, DOES NOT APPEAR TO HAVE DECLINED IN ANY MEANINGFUL WAY. following a peak in 2017. Measures such as diversion and supervision and an increase in paroles is ‘a sign of a different approach’ and could explain this. It is estimated that current figures on crime-reporting in general—and family violence in particular—are not representative of the true scale of these problems. While victimisation levels have not reduced, apprehensions, prosecutions and case resolutions are lower. The report also highlighted the need to address socioeconomic wellbeing, because poverty and deprivation play a significant role in generating mental health issues, addictions, family dysfunction and lack of achievement in school, which are all correlated with crime.
Youth Suicide Concern Alarmingly, youth suicide rates are rising, particularly for males aged 15 to 19 years, and the female rate has also increased. Targeted work is needed particularly towards young males and the issues they are facing. It is pleasing to note a commitment from the Government—with significant spending on suicide prevention in the 2019 Wellbeing Budget, along with further spending on wider mental health initiatives. The report found it was vital to engage youth in employment and training. Likewise, with an ageing population, it was important to address the needs of older Kiwi when it came to continuing to contribute to the country’s economic growth.
Food Parcel Distribution The Salvation Army distributed nearly 60,000 food parcels last year, with numbers continuing to reduce. This was likely due to the rise in hardship grants. Paul Barber said the statistics gave a ‘double message’. ‘While the Government’s response in granting emergency payments as a response to desperation was good, it showed benefit rates are simply not enough.’ He added that the structure of welfare needed to be changed to ‘uphold the dignity and mana of all people’.
Policy Analyst Ronji Tanielu addresses the media in Auckland over the report findings.
It was also important to remember that while a decrease in food parcels was a welcome sign, other agencies who supply food parcels have reported record high demand for food assistance this year. There are also many different types of responses to food insecurity, such as food rescue and free-stores. While people were surprised with the State of the Nation’s finding that Auckland now has a housing surplus, SPPU analyst Paul Barber said that it was imperitive that social housing was built in the places of most need and affordability. He said there was also a need for rent-to-buy options for low-income earners, with the Bay of Plenty, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay continuing to experience a notable shortage of houses for low-income earners. Increased housing-related debt was also of concern, particularly the risk associated with these debt levels, and the report stated this must become more of a focus for national policy discussion. Other statistics provided no surprises, sadly, and illustrated that while many New Zealanders are experiencing a lift in living standards, there is a persistant 10 percent of the poorest for whom life has got tougher.
Māori Inequalities Many of the indicators measured show improvements for both Māori and non-Māori, but none of the indicators show equal outcomes, with Māori experiencing significantly worse outcomes overall. There are improvements in educational achievement for young Māori and also a rise in employment; but this is in contrast to Māori tamariki who are four times more likely to be taken into state care.
Social Commitment to Change
while methamphetamine use has risen sharply in the past year, alcohol is a drug that continues to be ‘a serious scurge’. To tackle this, the ‘powerful, vested interests of those involved needed to be challenged’, he said. Dr Fletcher was more hard-hitting about the Government’s failure to achieve some of the goals it set in reducing child poverty and making New Zealand the best place in the world for children to grow up. ‘Should we have expected a greater change? Yes, we should have,’ he said. ‘This is a clarion call for social commitment. The Government has been slow to act in some areas. It continues, quite unjustifiably, to put further change on a three- to fiveyear pathway.’ SPPU Director, Lt-Col Ian Hutson, said it wasn’t only up to politicians to make change happen for those on the margins of society. ‘We do hope that somehow this nation can come together to aid the most vulnerable. We’ve got a once in a lifetime chance to turn that around. Now that we’ve got a surplus, there’s no excuse for not going further. ‘I’m sure that reading this report will make many people keen to push for those required changes and make whatever government we have after September, more courageous. ‘We have been pushing for a raise in benefit levels, and huge investment increase in social housing, shared equity and rentto-own, if we’re to turn this housing crisis around. The rest is up to you.’
Dr Michael Fletcher, from Victoria University, who peer reviewed the report, spoke at its Wellington launch emphasising that
‘DO POORER PEOPLE MAKE BAD DECISIONS? OF COURSE THEY DO, BUT SO DO RICH NEW ZEALANDERS. THE DIFFERENCE IS THE POOREST DON’T HAVE THE MEANS TO RECOVER FROM THOSE BAD DECISIONS.’ 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 9
Getting the Most out of Mentorship Most of us feel like we could do with a bit of guidance ourselves, which is why it can be simultaneously flattering, exciting and scary to be asked to be someone’s mentor. Mentoring is a one-on-one relationship; you can be a peer mentor, career mentor, or a life mentor. Unlike a coach, who teaches, a mentor is an advisor. There is a relationship aspect which enables the mentee to ask questions and grow. Being a mentor is not about being a perfect person, but filling a gap that parents, friends or teachers do not occupy. As a role model, your responsibility is to help your mentee with their journey— educational, professional, spiritual, leadership, sporting, artistic or otherwise. If you are a mentor, or considering becoming one, here are some pointers on how to use your time together to benefit both of you. 1. Begin on Clear Terms. Clarify how the two of you want this mentorship to work, how often you want to meet and what you both want to achieve through it. Spell out goals, responsibilities and boundaries (for example, are you going to look over any of their work or study assignments?) so you are both on the same page.
THERE IS NO BENEFIT IN JUST BEING A CHEERLEADER, OR FOR YOUR CONVERSATIONS TO BE ONE-WAY TRAFFIC. GIVE CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, ASK THE TOUGH QUESTIONS…
2. Make Time For Them. Arrive at your catch-ups on time—whether you meet weekly, monthly or on a casual basis—and show them that you value these sessions. 3. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage. Ask them about their goals and help them take steps to reach these dreams. Share their vision and get excited when they succeed. 4. Listen. Let them tell you what they are struggling with and how you can help or advise them. Ask them questions and let them open up. 5. Be a Role Model. Your mentee has come to you because you have walked the path before them, and they respect your position or experience, so demonstrate what it takes to reach their goals, how you got there, what you would do the same, and what you would do differently. 6. Challenge Them. There is no benefit in just being a cheerleader, or for your conversations to be one-way traffic. Give constructive criticism, ask the tough questions and tell them the truth even if it might not be what they want to hear.
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When they are scared to take the next step, give them a gentle push. Encourage their independence and problem solving. 7. Be Humble. Being a mentor is a privilege, but do not let it go to your head. Be honest, admit when you don’t have the answers and tell them about times when you got things wrong. Mentorship can be an intensely rewarding process, but the results will only come if you approach the relationship thinking about what you can do for them. Your mentee should head out into the world more confident, knowledgeable and/or with a greater sense of who they are as an individual. It is not about moulding them to be a copy of you, it is about helping them to discover who they are.
Source: American Psychological Association (www.apa.org)
TESTIFY! Jason Tereva, or JT as he’s known, turns 50 this year. Having spent most of his life in various institutions, JT is now in his own home—clean and sober, loving life and giving God all the credit! If God didn’t put this church and the people of Wellington South in my life, I don’t think I’d be sitting here now. I was born and raised in Papakura, South Auckland. I went into foster care in my early teens because I was stealing and breaking into cars. Mum and Dad couldn’t handle me coming home in cop cars, but there was a lot of trouble at home too. In the foster home, I felt surrounded by people who cared—not like my parents, who later divorced. I got involved with ACSK (Auckland City Street Kids) and that was when things went off track. I ended up in boys’ homes—first in West Auckland and then Levin. I also spent time in mental health institutions and prison. Then, in 2016, I self-referred to the Bridge Programme. I’d hit rock bottom, and the Bridge gave me an opportunity and the tools that I needed. But then I had a big relapse. I was thinking, JT you’ve done so well, a few beers aren’t going to kill you. You can control your alcohol intake. Before I knew it, I was back into full-blown drinking. One day I threatened a shop-keeper because he wouldn’t give me what I wanted. The cops came, and when I came around, I couldn’t remember what I’d done. So that’s when I got hold of Major Keith Tyson at the Sallies. I told him I’d had a bad relapse and was in jail, and that I’d done something really dumb. I did the Bridge programme again last year and graduated. I’ve been sober for six months now, and I’m in my own place for the first time. Praise God for that! I was playing in the Recovery Church band when I had a spiritual awakening.
YOU CAN’T SERVE GOD AND MONEY, SO YOU CAN’T SERVE GOD AND DRUGS EITHER ... I CHOSE GOD, AND I HAVEN’T LOOKED BACK SINCE. God showed me the Scripture about how you can’t serve two masters. You can’t serve God and money, so you can’t serve God and drugs either. I knew I had to serve one and say good-bye to the other. So, I chose God, and I haven’t looked back since. Even though I’ve had troubles, Jesus is always with me. I love him and I’m serving him, and Jesus has given me a heart to help people and my community. My life used to be all about me and nobody else. I didn’t care about the people I hurt. But God has changed that. I enjoy coming to The Salvation Army centre in Newtown every day to volunteer. It gives me a sense of purpose. I help in the foodbank and
along with three other guys do the gardens and help keep God’s house looking beautiful. We also help with the local community garden and tidy some of the Community Ministries clients’ gardens and homes. And we help people at church, especially those who are older or whose husbands have passed away and need a bit of extra help. I never thought I’d give money to a homeless person or take him in and give him a couch and blanket and wash his clothes, but I have. I just know God wants me to be a servant to the people and share the good news about his son, Jesus Christ. And that’s all I want to do—bring people to God before their time is up. 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 11
On a Mission Ben & Jesse Willis BY BETHANY SLAUGHTER
Je ss e
W il
l is
B en
W il
l is
New cadets Ben and Jesse Willis speak to Firezone about how their experiences growing up and travelling on Teen Missions led them to pursue fulltime ministry.
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After travelling across the globe on Teen Missions trips and developing a shared passion for serving others, the next stop in Ben and Jesse Willis’s ministry journey is Booth College of Mission. Both Ben and Jesse were raised in Christian homes. Jesse initially attended the Napier Corps, until her parents commenced officer training and their family moved to Upper Hutt. Ben, meanwhile, grew up in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia, where his family attended an Open Brethren church. They met when Ben led a Teen Missions trip in Nepal, which Jesse had signed up for as a team member. Following the six-week trip, they kept in contact, started a long-distance relationship and, in 2017, Ben moved across the Tasman to join Jesse at the Upper Hutt Corps. He connected with the ethos of the Army straight away, and soon took on a role as the corps youth coordinator. ‘Seeing these young people grow close to the Lord and seeing a couple of first-time decisions … it just makes it all worth it,’ he says. ‘Being able to journey with people when they go through tough times and then you’re able to comfort them and mourn with them, and when they go through happy times, you’re there to celebrate...’ Meanwhile, Jesse was working as a nurse at Rimutaka Prison, where God often created opportunities for her to gently share her faith with others. ‘It was just seeds that are planted,’ she says. ‘Being able to have a conversation with people who are interested and asking questions, and praying it will eventuate into something else [was a highlight].’ Ben and Jesse were married in 2019, but each felt separately called to ministry during their time on Teen Missions. Together they have now enrolled at Booth College.
CALLED OVERSEAS Jesse’s first Teen Missions trip was to Nepal, where she met Ben. Later the same year, she travelled to Cambodia and Vietnam as a team leader. Ben visited Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar and the Navajo Nation in the United States over four different trips.
‘Going on Teen Missions definitely was a growth there; not just in The Salvation Army, but I think in the whole church life-changer,’ says Ben, ‘just to be put in Ben’s favourite we can really harness the potential situations where God shows up in such Bible verse is of youth and young adults,’ Ben a real, very tangible way.’ Philippians 4:11: ‘I am says. This is an area they are For Jesse, this occurred when not saying this because I am in hoping to have an impact she needed to organise her need, for I have learned to be content in, wherever their team’s accommodation whatever the circumstances.’ journey as cadets and transport into takes them. Vietnam from Cambodia. Because it’s about … ‘Learning to be content, ‘Whenever we ‘We didn’t know no matter what or where you are, how talked about what we where the bus ended, so I stressed or not stressed, or happy would do in the future— was like, “we need to pray that or sad … just a level of like being missionaries, it’s close to our accommodation”, contentedness with who working for Teen Missions or because we were going to a big city— you are in Christ.’ being Salvation Army officers—this Ho Chi Minh—and it could have been was just something that naturally anywhere. I was just praying through the came up in whole trip that we’d be able to safely get from conversation, and where the bus ended, to our accommodation,’ over the past year or Jesse remembers. ‘We pulled up and got off the bus, so, we’ve been talking and our backpackers was like one block away.’ about it a lot more, praying Ben experienced a similar response to prayer during about it and talking to other his trip to Myanmar when their team ran out of cement people,’ Jesse says. ‘If a door with a day’s work remaining on their project. shut, then we’d be like, “Okay, ‘We all gathered together and prayed and asked God not the right way to go”. But to send some cement,’ he says. ‘A couple of hours later, we just felt like everything this little truck comes in and drops off all these bags of lined up really well.’ cement, which was just enough for a day’s work. Ben says, ‘We’re really ‘I looked at my leader at the time and I said, “Where’d excited to see where it takes this come from?” and he just looked at me and shrugged us. ‘We’ve both got a heart for his shoulders … no one ever paid for it, or anything. It mission overseas, so we just trust was a real God moment.’ that with God.’
OPEN DOORS TO MINISTRY
Individually they each bring their own strengths. Ben believes Jesse has an inherent heart for others. ‘[She has] a natural care for people and just wants to see people grow—and she’s also very good at admin,’ he adds. ‘I think Jesse’s that’s a real blessing.’ favourite Bible On the other hand, Jesse calls verse is Ben a natural-born teacher. 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18: ‘He’s very, very good at ‘Rejoice always, pray continually, give explaining things to people thanks in all circumstances; for this at different levels and is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.’ abilities,’ she says. ‘[He] also loves public Because it’s about … ‘Being thankful to speaking—anything up the God for everything I have and praying front he loves and he’s super always, because we sometimes confident.’ miss the power of In addition to their clear passion prayer, I think.’ for serving abroad, Ben and Jesse have invested their time in working with youth programmes. ‘There’s so much potential for 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 13
Damage left in the wake of Hurricane Dorian. Photography: Ryan Love.
Recovery in the Bahamas BY JULES BADGER
Hurricane Dorian hit Grand Bahama Island and the Abaco Islands with Category 5 force in early September 2019. The wind speeds were up to 300 km/h and the storm surge was 5.5 to 7 metres above normal tidal levels, which resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life. Territorial Emergency Services Coordinator, Captain Doug Newman saw the devastation of Great Abaco Island—one of the worst affected—first-hand. ‘It was like walking through a war zone. There were piles of rubble as far as the eye could see, power poles snapped like twigs, and people living under rooves that had been ripped off houses and shifted—and there was the smell of death.’ Doug is a qualified International Emergency Services (IES) respondent and his deployment was coordinated through The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) in London. ‘When emergencies happen around the world and there is a request from that territory for support and assistance, depending on what the needs are, IES personnel who fit the criteria are requested from around the world. I received a request that was considered by territorial leadership, and I flew out just five days later,’ Doug reports. 14 WarCry 07 MARCH 2020
Marginalisation compounded Doug was stationed in the nation’s capital of Nassau—the least impacted by the hurricane—and managed logistics there for three months. A considerable challenge for Doug, not only as a trained humanitarian responder, but also as a Salvationist concerned with the care of the marginalised, was the situation faced by Haitian refugees. ‘People need to understand that there are many Haitian refugees living in The Bahamas. Not just following the 2010 Haiti earthquakes, but from generations long past, with Haitians making up a significant part of the labour force in The Bahamas,’ Doug explains. ‘Over the years, there has been a growing number of illegal immigrants from Haiti. From a humanitarian perspective, we want to help everyone—all people—whoever is in need. The government was somewhat reluctant to assist people who had
‘...GOD WAS ABLE TO USE ME AND A WHEELCHAIR TO SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT ONE MAN’S LIFE.’ no papers and ID. This was difficult, as not only did some simply not have that to begin with, but thousands of others had been evacuated to Nassau with just the wet clothes they had on— they’d literally lost everything.’ While the official death toll stands at 75, sadly, Doug suggests, it is likely to be a lot more. ‘Just behind the port in Abaco was the shanty town known as “The Mud and the Peas”, where many illegal immigrants lived. The storm surge came in over the port, and shipping containers were picked up by the 8- to 12-foot waves (2.4 to 3.6m) and, like bulldozers, they wiped away everything in their path—the shanty town included 9,000 people [who] lived there prior to the hurricane—3,000 were evacuated. No one knows where the rest are, because you can’t be registered as a missing person without ID.’ For Doug, the magnitude of the hurricane’s force and resulting human cost was personally confronting—but also motivating. And while he and his team worked hard to ensure donated goods were distributed appropriately, one special encounter assured Doug that their efforts were making a difference in the lives of people in need.
Not just a coincidence On Doug’s first day in one of the huge warehouses that he was responsible for, his eye fell on a pallet of wheelchairs. His first thought was, ‘well, ok, that’s interesting’. But the next day Doug found himself in a government coordination meeting, where a local woman asked what was being done to support the disabled. The response was not surprising—nothing specific was being done, because everyone was in crisis. But this woman was very concerned about a double amputee whose wheelchair was lost in the evacuation. Doug put two and two together and knew he had to act. A search for the man led to numerous dead ends, but Doug eventually located him through a local church. The Bishop of
‘...BUT THERE’S ALWAYS NEED AND ALWAYS AN EMERGENCY HAPPENING SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD THAT NEEDS A RESPONSE. IT’S BETTER THAT TWO DISASTERS GET $5 EACH, THAN ONE GETS $10 AND THE OTHER NONE.’
the church had been heading off to collect the man that very moment, because the wheelchair he’d managed to acquire was so dilapidated. When the man arrived and saw Doug and his new wheelchair, he broke down and sobbed. ‘He was hopping on his stumps, just to get into it!’ Doug explains. ‘The Bishop grabbed the microphone and got me to explain the story and everyone was shouting “Hallelujah!” This is the memory I’ll keep with me. In everything that was happening—all the chaos that at times was barely manageable, God was able to use me and a wheelchair to significantly impact one man’s life. If that pallet had been just one row back in the warehouse, I wouldn’t have noticed it for weeks. If I hadn’t been in that meeting to hear that woman’s request... God is amazing!’
A lived faith Doug was profoundly impacted by the resilience of the Bahamian people—a product of their strong faith in God. ‘It’s a country of faith, not just religion. There are churches on every street, and day-to-day they put any denominational issues aside and just helped people in need. No one was blaming God for the hurricane, which was so refreshing. And there was rejoicing about the survival rate. For me it was a real example of people living their faith in the face of difficulty. It was beautiful to see.’ Doug also saw how the donations of everyday Kiwi are used. ‘If you gave to that fund it was sent either to The Salvation Army World Service in the US for them to manage in emergency response, or to IHQ to fund specific projects that we identified on the ground. For example, Sweden funded one project I was involved with, and France another.’ Doug explains that while long-term recovery after a disaster is a carefully planned two-phase process, giving financially to support the ‘initial response project’ of aid and relief when emergency strikes, makes a big difference. ‘We’re very aware of donor fatigue, but there’s always need and always an emergency happening somewhere in the world that needs a response. It’s better that two disasters get $5 each, than one gets $10 and the other none.’
Captain Doug Newman (centre), Alastair Bate from USA East Territory and Major Robert Tuftstrom from Sweden and Latvia Territory with the local Bahamian man and his new wheelchair. 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 15
Sacred Moments at Suva Central A combined Eastern Fiji Division service was held at Suva Central Corps, on Sunday 9 February. A variety of significant and sacred moments took place, including a warm welcome to new Territorial Commanders, Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell. Visa issues delayed the arrival of Fiji’s new divisional leaders, Captains Andrew and Rochelle Moffat. But while the arrival of Rochelle and daughter Janaki was further delayed, Captain Andrew Moffat arrived the night before the welcome. Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) reported, ‘Everyone was delighted that Captain Andrew Moffatt had finally made it … he was warmly welcomed by the capacity crowd, who were looking forward to the arrival of the rest of the Moffatt family.’ Major Litiana Cola reported, ‘The new Divisional Commander (Captain Andrew) delivered a powerful message from Colossians 1. God moved in his own special ways, as souls responded during the altar call—at the mercy seat, or prayerfully standing or sitting where they were. To God be the glory!’ The arrival of Captain Dale McFarlane (Senior Training Officer, School for Officer Training, Fiji) was also celebrated, as was the
Inspirational Fiji! ‘Spending time with the officers of Fiji Division is like being among friends who enjoy constant laughter and deep reflection in equal measure,’ reflects Colonel Heather Rodwell, Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries. Heather and other members of executive leadership accompanied Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell to this year’s Fiji Officers’ Councils, which was held in Suva from February 8–10. Captain Vakatoto Wawa (Savusavu Corps) reports that the weekend was a time of ‘coming together as leaders and servants of Jesus Christ’. Vakatoto says she was blessed to hear the stories of her officer colleagues, as well as encouraged by the testimonies of the new territorial leaders. Commissioner Julie echoes Vakatoto, saying, ‘It was humbling to hear the other officers’ stories—who they are, where they come from and their passion’. Julie was
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promotion to Major of Amelia and Jeremaia Naviko, and Sesenieli and Viliame Bogi. Sesenieli was also presented with her certificate of retirement by Commissioner Julie and her years of service celebrated. Litiana also reported, ‘It was a sacred moment to witness the installation and promotion to Captain of Teretuma Varea Rika, Divisional Secretary for Youth and Children’s Ministry. Captain Varea’s humble actions speak volumes of her love for Christ.’
Major Sesenieli Bogi receiving her promotion and retirement certificares. Photography: Captain Vakatoto Wawa.
moved to see so many of the officers responding during worship. ‘They knelt in commitment to the Lord—to see their hearts and deep desire for God was overwhelming— truly humbling.’ Commissioner Mark particularly enjoyed the social evening spent with the officers. ‘The Fijian officers know how to laugh! We had a lot of fun—it was hilarious! They’re a joy—really inspirational—and they’re clearly committed to each other, and to reaching the people of Fiji,’ he said. Vakatoto reports that over the course of the weekend the new ‘We Commit’ statements featured strongly. Day three of councils, ‘was a day of sharing and putting our thoughts and ideas together on “We Commit”,’ she explains. ‘Great ideas were presented, and I just loved hearing from others and forming a clear picture of what we can do on the ground to move The Salvation Army forward. It helped us to consider how we can involve our people in doing mission together, not only in the corps, but also to the community, as well.’
Young Musicians Gather For 2020 Brass Academy Camp Brass students from all over the territory joined the Youth Band of the New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory at the 2020 Brass Academy Camp, held at Silverstream Retreat from 5–9 February. ‘We’re there to work hard … the purpose is to get these kids enthusiastic about playing music, but also having a lot of fun along the way,’ says Director of Creative Ministries Jim Downey. The camp is a chance to connect the Academy and Youth bands—a relationship which will continue to develop throughout the year when the Youth Band visits corps with Academy or Just Brass programmes. ‘You have the older youth and young adults that are along in their brass journey going and encouraging those who are just starting out, so it’s a good connection between the two doing mission together,’ explains Central Division Youth and Children’s Mission Director Kate Geddes. A typical day at camp consisted of rehearsals, where opportunities were given to share devotions and personal stories; pockets of free time and group activities between practices— including a bowling excursion, particularly for the younger Academy students. Across the evenings they held two church services, a quiz night and an end of camp concert, hosted on Sunday afternoon. Musicians came from New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and even Japan. ‘We’ve got a Japanese student staying with us. She doesn’t speak a lot of English, but she plays brass and she came to camp and was playing in the group with everybody else, so that’s really cool,’ Jim says.
As Kate affirms, ‘music is a universal language’. They are excited by the new wave of brass players emerging through the Just Brass programmes, many of whom have also entered their corps and church settings and gone on to join the Youth and Corps bands. ‘We talk about a programme being a vehicle towards the goal. I think brass is cool—like it’s quite novel for community kids to come in and learn a brass instrument, and that’s the vehicle towards them hearing about Jesus,’ Kate says.
Front-line Support for Measles Outbreak A serious outbreak of measles was reported in Samoa in October 2019. The epidemic quickly took hold due to low immunisation rates, and, when it was finally over at the end of January 2020, 83 people had died and more than 5,700 people had contracted the deadly disease. More than 90 percent of the deaths were children under 5 years. Thanks to the generosity of donors who raised $40,000 during the Samoa Measles Epidemic Appeal, The Salvation Army Samoa was able to respond to the Ministry of Health’s call for help by supplying two loads of medical supplies for delivery to the Samoa National Emergency Operations Centre. Our Emergency Response Team began visiting the affected families in December, offering pastoral care, food parcels and financial grants to assist with funeral expenses. We assisted more than 350 people and are offering ongoing support. The Salvation Army staff and volunteers have also distributed four pallets of items from the Auckland Samoan Association Foundation. We are extremely grateful to have received NZD$40,000 through the Samoa Measles Epidemic appeal. FAAFETAI, FAAFETAI TELE LAVA! 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 17
Honoured to Lead Worship at Waitangi An approximately 100-strong contingent represented Te Ope Whakaora at this year’s Waitangi celebrations in early February, including Māori Ministry, Whangārei Corps, Divisional and Territorial Leaders—Te Ope Whakaora whānau, spanning the length and breadth of the country. ‘It’s significant that the most strategic place in Aotearoa wants to include Te Ope Whakaora. We are welcome, recognised and accepted by the wider community. There is a warmth toward us that’s so encouraging,’ reports Captain Hana Seddon, Divisional Secretary for Northern Division/ASARS Māori Ministry. Hana first made the pilgrimage to Waitangi as a new Lieutenant in 2011, and she explains that it has been 10 years in the making to reach this milestone. Māori Ministry paved the way with their community engagement stall, which has been operating for around six years. Alongside Māori Ministry, Divisional and Territorial Leaders have represented Te Ope Whakaora at the various church services. But this year’s honour of hosting and leading ‘Worship at Waitangi’ has increased The Salvation Army’s participation in Waitangi celebrations.
Envoy Anihera Carroll (left), Captain Hana Seddon, Ken Te Tau and the team from Te Ope Whakaora leading 'Worship at Waitangi'. Photography: Roxette Ogotau.
‘Gather the people and tell them that I love them, and to come together and worship in this place,’ were the words God gave Reverend Amiria Te Whiu, fuelling the vision for ‘Worship at Waitangi’. Māori Ministry first participated in ‘Worship at Waitangi’, in 2019. In an interview with Shine TV, Hana reflected that ‘there was something special … as the waiata flowed out of the tent across the whenua. People were gathering together, and the denominational walls fell to the side and the unity of the spirit created an atmosphere that I haven’t experienced anywhere else.’ When Reverend Amiria asked Māori Ministry to be the hosts for ‘Worship at Waitangi 2020’, Hana’s response was an emphatic, Yes! ‘We were really honoured, and we sensed that it was God’s plan for us to be more involved.’ Increasing numbers of Christians have attended Waitangi celebrations over the past five years, and Hana’s noticing a change in the atmosphere. ‘This is a place that has experienced a lot of historic tension, conflict and hurt. So, what can we do? We can worship in a way that brings peace and acknowledges the presence of God,’ she affirms. 18 WarCry 07 MARCH 2020
Members of the Territorial Executive Leadership team at Waitangi, from left: Colonel Melvin Fincham, Commissioner Julie Campbell, Colonel Suzanne Fincham & Commissioner Mark Campbell. Photography: Sandy Galvin.
Hana was thrilled with the engagement of new Territorial Leaders Commissioners Julie and Mark Campbell. ‘There is no better way to enter Aotearoa than to come to the place where Te Tiriti o Waitangi was signed and to acknowledge the relationship between tāngata whenua and tāngata tiriti,’ Hana says. ‘Their willingness to be welcomed on to Te Tii Marae and connect with everyone there was such a powerful witness of what their leadership will look like in the future. Those actions also acknowledged the leaders before them, who set that pattern of willingness.’ But what warmed Hana’s heart was what she calls, ‘the levelling’ she experienced within The Salvation Army at Waitangi. ‘I loved that you wouldn’t have known who had come from Epsom Lodge or Recovery Church, or who was an officer or a volunteer. There was such a range of people from different backgrounds representing Te Ope Whakaora at Waitangi.’ Apotoro Takiwā Kereama Pene, well-respected Ratana Church leader, posted these words of encouragement and endorsement on Facebook after Waitangi: ‘Captain Hana and the Te Ope Whakaora crew—what can I say about the Army of God? Just simply that I admired everything you all did [at Waitangi]. It isn’t an easy job to help an old institution like The Salvation Army break new ground, but you’re on the right track, and if you need any help from the Ratana Church movement in Auckland, please don’t hesitate to ask. You have a new friend in me, and I love your warm Christian hearts.’
Photography: Hana Seddon.
GAZETTE Resignation: Effective 21 March 2020: Major Rebecca Gane. Rebecca was commissioned on 11 December 2004, and was appointed Divisional Youth Secretary, Midland Division. Rebecca received the additional appointment of Divisional Candidates Secretary, Midland Division in 2006. In 2009 she was appointed Territorial Youth Secretary, National Director Youth Missions Training and National Camping Director at Territorial Headquarters. In 2014, Rebecca was appointed Corps Officer, Glenfield Corps, and received an additional appointment as Director, Community Ministries North Shore in January 2016. This was followed by appointments in ASARS National Office as ASARS Service Development Officer in 2018 and Internal Operations Manager in October 2019. We thank Major Rebecca Gane for her 15 years and 3 months of active service and pray God’s blessing on her in the days ahead. Prayer Request: We have been advised that Captains Salesi and Taina Temo and Lieutenants Peniasi and Taviata Torocake were involved in a car accident on the way to Fiji Officers’ Councils, on Friday 7 February 2020. Captain Taina Temo sustained fractures to both legs and was admitted to Sigatoka Hospital for surgery and treatment. Captain Salesi Temo and Lieutenants Peniasi and Taviata Torocake suffered shock and bruising. Please uphold these officers in prayer during their recovery. Bereavement: Captain Varea Rika, of her youngest brother Josefa Falani Rika, aged 32, on Monday 3 February 2020. Please uphold Captain Varea Rika and other family members in your prayers in this time of grief and loss. Birth: Tobias Peter Robertson Buckingham, born Friday 14 February 2020 (3.5kgs), to parents Captains Daniel and Juanita Buckingham of Westgate Corps. Please pray for Captains Daniel and Juanita Buckingham and big brother Israel, as they welcome Tobias into their family. Additional Appointment: Effective immediately: Captain Catherine Walker, Regional Secretary for Personnel, Tonga Region. We pray that God will continue to bless Captain Catherine Walker in the days ahead. Effective 2 March: Major Deborah Clark, Territorial Children’s Mission Secretary. Deborah will be continuing her additional appointments as Territorial Overseas Development Officer and Child Sponsorship Secretary in the interim period. We pray that God will continue to bless Major Deborah Clark in the days ahead.
…THE STORIES I LOVE THE MOST ARE THE … ONES WHICH TELL OF TRANSFORMED LIVES. I am currently sharing with groups of our leaders the story of our finances. I open by revealing the current situation—a picture of deteriorating financial performance—the result of spending more than is coming in. We look deeper to understand why our external financial statements, which report on our result ‘before appropriations’, appear to show a more positive financial performance than our internal reports, which are shown ‘after appropriations’. A reason for this is that income used for asset purchases and improvements is shown, while the spending, or setting aside of this, is not reflected within the surplus/deficit of the external financial statements. Time is then spent looking at the plans unfolding to remedy this, which include sharpening our focus, improving effectiveness and efficiency, and ensuring sustainability. We conclude with Questions and Answers, and prayer. This story is an important one for the territory. But the stories I love the most are the personal ones which tell of transformed lives. The Bible contains many stories that inspire me. Paul is one of them. He was a man who made it his goal to eliminate the church. But then he came to know who Jesus really was and struck up a personal relationship with him. This true story sees a man transformed from persecuting Christians, into a man who went around telling others of the way God changed his life and how God could do this for them. As I have gone around our Officers’ Councils speaking to our leaders, I have heard similar stories. A young person ended up doing time in prison. Upon release, The Salvation Army supported him. He then began a personal relationship with Jesus. Despite his past, Jesus loved him, accepted him and forgave him. He now strives to replicate this same love and acceptance, as a Salvation Army officer. Another person shared of growing up within a loving Christian family. Her parents and grandparents were Salvation Army Officers, her great-grandparents were soldier members of the church. She always knew of God—the fact that he loved her and had a plan for her. One day she asked Jesus to transform her from a person who knew of God, into a person who had a personal relationship with God. Sometime later, God asked her to dedicate her life to share his love and care for others as a Salvation Army officer. She is now one of our respected leaders. Stories are important. They help explain what has led to the present, but they need not define us going forward. So, let’s pray and work together to bring about transformation, not only in lives, but in the opportunities that life brings—and our finances. Major Allan Clark Territorial Secretary for Business Administration 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 19
Beauty of Community Life is a curious thing. On the one hand, we experience the joy of weddings, birthdays, achievements and celebrations. On the other hand, we experience the sorrow of death, sickness, heartbreak and losses. BY REBECCA HOWAN
Life is full of good times and bad, and often it is full of both at once. But I am comforted by one thing that remains constant throughout this—the beauty of community.
Experiencing life with people Call me simplistic, but through all the good and bad, it is people that make this life worth living. We are designed for community, and God himself in the story of creation says that it is not good for us to be alone. But I don’t think that God was just talking 20 WarCry 07 MARCH 2020
CALL ME SIMPLISTIC, BUT THROUGH ALL THE GOOD AND BAD, IT IS PEOPLE THAT MAKE THIS LIFE WORTH LIVING. about having someone else to help us out. This is about having other people to experience life with, to journey through life’s hurdles with someone by our side. All of life’s experiences wouldn’t be nearly as meaningful if they weren’t shared with others. Would the good times bring as much joy to us if not shared with a friend? But also, would the bad times bring as much sorrow? This might seem like an odd thing to say, but the bad times are often only as painful as they are because of the love we have for the people affected. Equally though, the bad times are made all the more bearable because of the love and support of those around us.
Witnessing true community I’ve counted it a real privilege over the past few weeks to have seen first-hand true community in action—in some amazing moments and in some sad moments, but through it all it has been truly wondrous to behold. Just this past week, I witnessed real, raw and authentic community in the midst of a tragic situation, and despite the sorrow, it was beautiful. Truly. Deeply. Honestly. What makes true community so beautiful though is that it is simply just love in action—a real and deep love that we read about in the Bible in Paul’s letter to the Corinthians: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:4–8). If this love in action is what community is all about at its heart, then surely there is nothing more beautiful in the world.
Community in the midst of tragedy Like true joy and true peace, I think that this kind of true community is seen in the midst of mess, of tragedy, of heartbreak and sacrifice. Community can exist on a superficial level for sure, but community at its deepest level really surfaces when times are tough. New Zealanders saw this so clearly following the terrorist attacks in Christchurch, on 15 March 2019. This was an horrific event, one which New Zealand had never faced before and shook all of us to our very core. And yet, out of this came an incredible sense of community throughout our nation, and an outpouring of love to each other.
TRUE COMMUNITY IS PROFOUND. IT IS VISCERAL. IT IS SPIRITUAL.
This wasn’t just a ‘sending thoughts and prayers’ kind of love, but a deep authentic kind of love for our neighbours, where people hugged strangers in the streets and cried with them, where we looked our Muslim brothers and sisters in the eyes and told them that they were seen and valued and loved. It was a terrible event, but the love and community that flowed out of it was beyond anything we’d witness in our day-to-day. This was community at a deeper level.
True community is profound True community is not just something that can be described as ‘lovely’ or ‘nice’ or even ‘good’. Those words can’t, and don’t, do it justice. True community is profound. It is visceral. It is spiritual. True community is the way of the Kingdom of Jesus. It is how Jesus lived on earth, and it is how he continues to teach us to live and love. And if Jesus was the most beautiful man to ever live, then this community that he calls us to be part of must be beautiful too.
How to connect with your community Know your neighbours We live in a country where natural disasters are regular occurrences, knowing your neighbours is invaluable in times of crises, but also important for supporting people who are not as able or as mobile as we might be.
Volunteer Volunteering is a great way to not only meet a need but obtain work experience, or just connect with people you may not ordinarily get to know. Volunteer at your local library, community centre, foodbank, or assist an elderly person with their gardening.
Get involved Most communities in New Zealand have a local hall, church or a place the community gathers for concerts, Anzac Day celebrations or exercise classes. Find out what is going on in your community and connect with the people within your wider neighbourhood.
Share your talents You may have an interest in trains, origami or brickmaking; don’t hesitate to share your knowledge in any area in which you may have expertise. There are always people who would love to learn a new craft or skill.
07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 21
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Mark (Territorial Commander) and Julie Campbell (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 6 March: Officers’ Councils, Tonga 7 March: Corps visits, Tonga 8 March: Installation of Regional Leaders and Welcome to Territorial Leaders, Tonga 13–14 March: Territorial Executive Council (TEC), THQ 15 March: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Installation of Territorial Leaders, Wellington 16–29 March: International Conference of Leaders, Portugal Colonels Suzanne (Chief Secretary) and Melvin Fincham (Territorial Secretary for Mission) 6 March: Officers’ Councils, Tonga 7 March: Corps visits, Tonga 8 March: Installation of Regional Leaders and Welcome to Territorial Leaders, Tonga 13–14 March: Territorial Executive Council (TEC), THQ 15 March: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Installation of Territorial Leaders, Wellington 21 March: Māori Ministry Council Strategy Planning, Auckland Colonel Heather Rodwell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: Ministries and Spiritual Life Development) salvationarmy.org.nz/employment 6 March: Officers’ Councils, Tonga 7 March: Corps visits, Tonga 8 March: Installation of Regional Leaders and Welcome to Territorial Leaders, Tonga 13–14 March: Territorial Executive Council (TEC), THQ 15 March: Territorial Welcome to Cadets, Installation of Territorial Leaders, Wellington
Buy pre-loved &
spread the love more than just a store
PRAY Emergency Services and
Family Stores around the Territory, Family Tracing Service, Far North Corps; The Salvation Army in Angola, Australia, Bangladesh and Brazil.
Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES: salvationarmy.org.nz/ employment
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:
Email Address Phone Send to: warcry@salvationarmy.org.nz or War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141
22 WarCry 07 MARCH 2020
FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL JUSTGIFTS@NZF.SALVATIONARMY.ORG OR GIVE ONLINE AT JUSTGIFTS.ORG.NZ INTERNET BANKING AVAILABLE Quiz Answers: 1 Bern, 2 Gold, 3 Jodie Whittaker, 4 Tension springs for battle ships (Richard Jones), 5 Six (Jesus’ mother, Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, Mary mother of James & Joses, Mary mother of John Mark, and Mary of Rome).
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$30 will provide The Salvation Army in Fiji, Tonga and Samoa with the ability to either purchase disposable sanitary items, or purchase materials to make re-useable, environmentally friendly sanitary pads.
“I myself cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Colour your own Dream Coat!
Joseph wasn’t just known for his dreams, but also for his famous technicolour coat. Colour in your own ‘dream coat’.
Genesis 41:16
t 95% of You forge s from the m your drea fore as soon e b t nigh ake up. as you w
Have you ever had a weird dream? What about one where in it you recognised people you knew? Did it feel real? Our brains are pretty nifty at creating some wonderfully strange dreams.
Spot the difference!
It's a wellknown phrase to count sheep when you're heading off to sleep. Can you count six differences between the two pictures on the left?
Why man did the is bed? und h run aro catch rying to p! t s a w He lee up on s
I had a dream that I was swimming in an ocean of orange soft drink … Turns out it was a Fanta sea.
Shadow match!
On the right is a picture of a goat. Can you find the matching shadow on this page?
In the Bible, God uses dreams too. One of the most wellknown dreamers was a man named Joseph. God gave him the gift of interpreting dreams—both his own, and other people’s. Joseph’s dreams got him into trouble in the beginning. He told his brothers that one day they would all bow to him. They were not too pleased and sold him into slavery (and you thought your siblings were bad!). But, once he arrived in Egypt, it was clear God had placed Joseph in the perfect place to use his gift. When the Pharaoh had a dream none of his advisors were able to interpret, Joseph could. He successfully predicted the seven years of famine which were to come, saved Egypt from starvation, and gave all credit back to God. Because of this, Joseph eventually became the second-most powerful man in Egypt—and his brothers did end up bowing to him, just like he had dreamed. God might not speak to all of us through dreams, but what we can learn from Joseph is that no matter how bad our situation seems, it is important to trust in God’s plan and know we are right where he needs us to be. I WONDER...
Have you ever learned something from one of your dreams? 07 MARCH 2020 WarCry 23
Tangata Whenua, Tangata Tiriti, Huia Tangata Kotahi People of the land, People of the Treaty, Bring Everyone Together Do we have the vision—and the policy imagination—to make our nation a better place to live? Our thirteenth State of the Nation Report, ‘Tangata Whenua, Tangata Tiriti, Huia Tangata Kotahi: People of the Land, People of the Treaty, Bring Everyone Together’ explores this vital question, particularly meaningful as we stop and reflect this election year. We acknowledge some good outcomes over the year, but recognise that more needs to be done to realise the aspirations we have for our most vulnerable citizens. As always, our motivation in producing this report is to highlight the challenges experienced by our brothers and sisters, so that each of us, as citizens, is motivated do what it takes to enable all of us to thrive.
The full report is available for viewing or download from www.salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy
www.salvationarmy.org.nz/SOTN2020
