7 March 2015 NZFT War Cry

FAITH IN ACTION | 07 March 2015 | Issue 6612 | $1.50

Celebrating 150 YEARS Internationally

Blue Mountain Adventure Centre STATE OF THE NATION SPURS NATIONAL CONVERSATION FIREZONE: CRACKING THE CHRISTIANESE CODE DOES RELIGION CAUSE WAR?

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY STORE

SAYING ‘NO’ TO 50 SHADES OF GREY

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Kia ora Speaking Christian WAR CRY

The Salvation Army Te Ope Whakaora New Zealand, Fiji & Tonga Territory FOUNDER William Booth GENERAL André Cox TERRITORIAL COMMANDER Robert Donaldson 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

Major Christina Tyson GRAPHIC DESIGN

Lauren Millington, Amber Wilkinson STAFF WRITERS

Ingrid Barratt, Robin Raymond, Vanessa Singh CONTRIBUTORS

Kris Singh (music reviewer) PROOF READING

Major Jill Gainsford COVER

Photo: Major Joanne Wardle at Blue Mountain Adventure Centre OFFICE Territorial Headquarters, 204 Cuba Street, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wellington 6141 Phone (04) 384 5649 Fax (04) 382 0716 Email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org www.salvationarmy.org.nz/warcry SUBSCRIPTIONS Salvationist Resources Department Phone (04) 382 0768 Email mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org $75 per year within NZ PRINT MANAGEMENT MakeReady | www.makeready.co.nz

I really enjoyed the challenge Vanessa Singh brings to readers in addressing the topic of speaking (or not speaking!) Christianese.

It’s a good reminder that a lot of the lingo we use in church circles doesn’t make much sense to those who haven’t grown up with it.

We all know what it’s like to be confused by language others speak naturally. Over the years, I’ve become fluent in the language of football (you might call this ‘soccer’, or simply ‘The Beautiful Game’). But, I’m totally stumped (get it?!) by most of the words used in cricket. I mean, just what am I supposed to conjure up in my mind when people talk about a ‘googly’, an ‘edge’ or even a ‘crease’ (as someone who does more than her fair share of ironing, you’d think I’d understand that last one).

For homework, my 14-year-old daughter had to ask me this question the other night: Why is language so important? Well, it’s really because language is crucial to understanding and building community. If we can’t speak the same language, we can’t easily communicate. We therefore can’t express our needs or understand others’ needs, and it’s not easy to find a way to resolve conflict or challenges. When we share a common language, we can more easily develop understanding, empathy and kindness—assuming we listen as well as talk, of course.

There are tribal dialects within many languages. I suppose ‘Christianese’ is one of these. I’ve just started reading Speaking Christian by the late Marcus J. Borg. He uses a quote attributed to the news broadcaster CNN that says, ‘Speaking Christian correctly may seem like it’s just a fuss over semantics, but it’s ultimately about something bigger: defining Christianity … When Christians forget what their words mean, they forget what their faith means.’

Borg says the Christian language has become a ‘stumbling block’, seriously misunderstood by Christians and non-Christians alike.

Perhaps you’d like to consider Vanessa’s translated words in this edition, and then think about how you communicate Christian concepts to your friends. It really is time to reclaim the deep and wise meaning of Christianese for the 21st century.

Christina Tyson Editor

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BIBLE VERSE Philippians 4:4

‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!’

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.

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Piripai Waiata 4:4

‘Kia hari tonu i roto i te Ariki: ko tāku kupu anō tēnei, Kia hari!’

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WISE WORDS

When it’s getting dark, you’re miserable and the task at hand seems endless, then this is the time to dig your sense of humour out from the bottom of your pack, wear it on your spirit and lighten your load.

Carolyn Birmingham

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Let’s Talk | 03

BY CHRISTINA TYSON

T

here’s been a phenomenal amount of noise on social media and in some church circles about one particular movie lately. And the book on which it’s based.

I’m referring to Fifty Shades of Grey, E.L. James’s story about the relationship between college graduate Anastasia Steele and billionaire businessman Christian Grey.

This involves sadism and masochism (using pain as a sexual stimulant), and Christian’s attempt to secure a contractual arrangement that Anastasia will unquestionably submit to all of his desires.

Right off the bat, I confess I’m not qualified to review either the movie or the book. I haven’t seen or read either, and have no intention of doing so. Even in the interests of journalistic integrity.

There are two reasons for this. The first, and lesser, of these is I’m a literary snob. I detest wooden writing. By virtually all accounts, the writing in Fifty Shades is woeful, and life is simply too short to be trapped in a bad book.

But my primary objection is that I learnt many years ago the importance of guarding my mind and imagination from so-called ‘soft pornography’ or ‘erotica’ that disguises itself as ‘romantic fiction’. There’s a glut of this stuff out there—it’s easy to get online and discreet to consume on devices like Kindles. No one has to know we read it, that we’re filling our minds with material that allows our sexual expectations and aspirations to become coloured by fantasy.

By continually escaping into this genre, we can start to neglect our real-life relationships, or even worse, to judge the quality of these relationships by some essentially fictional construction.

Christian author and psychiatrist John White described pornography as ‘tickle and tease’, the itch you can never scratch enough. The more we expose ourselves to it, he said, the more our tolerance of it grows, and the more we require for pleasure.

Now, I’m not going to come at you with a list of what is and isn’t appropriate in bed. I’m of the opinion that the

church has nurtured some unhelpfully prudish attitudes to sexual activity. But there has to be mutuality and respect. And the type of consent that is sought frequently, not the sort of ‘submissive agreement-for-all-time-and-for-whatever-I-want’ model that Christian Grey seems to expect of ‘his’ woman.

After all, in real life, long-term intimate relationships (which, at their best, offer the soundest base for trust and fulfilment) travel through a number of seasons. We must negotiate sexual fulfilment together through all of these.

One of the major criticisms of Fifty Shades is that, regardless of the right of people to make their own private choices about what goes on in their bedrooms, no individual has the right to physically, emotionally or sexually abuse another. Not in any relationship. The romanticising of Christian’s domination and control of Anastasia is being roundly criticised as helping to normalise attitudes that women are simply objects to possess and control.

Those in the church need to be on their guard here, recognising that Christians are abused and abusers within the bounds of the marriage relationship. This is not fiction —it is our uncomfortable truth. Dominance and violence are perpetuated even in Christian marriages, supported by those who misuse the Bible by quoting phrases like ‘wives should submit to their husbands in everything’ (Ephesians 5:24). Using biblical texts as a mandate for misogyny ignores their correct context and the broader message of the Bible as a whole. Abuse is sin, and women are not expected to suffer in silence.

What’s my strongest caution to those considering the easy entertainment of Fifty Shades of Grey?

It’s really just the observation that our minds don’t have an erase button, so we need to take care what we put into them in the first place. Because what’s inside them shapes our attitudes and actions—toward others and toward ourselves. As the saying used to go in the early days of computer science: ‘Garbage in, garbage out.’

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Bookshelf Children’s/Natural History The New Zealand Nature Activity Book Dave Gunson Building on the success of his The New Zealand Wildlife Activity Book, illustrator Dave Gunson has created an entertaining collection of indoor and outdoor projects for New Zealand kids to learn about nature. There’s science fun to be had with an amazing pet cloud and a tornado in a jar, tricky word puzzles and nature-themed jokes.

Locate New Zealand landmarks and natural phenomena on the map, and enjoy the colourful push-out masks and mobiles on the fold-out covers. Pick up a copy before the next school holidays so you’re ready when the kids say they’re bored!

(New Holland)

Playlist

Cooking One-dish Dinners Penny Oliver In One-dish Dinners, food writer Penny Oliver shows that cooking fabulous meals doesn’t require complicated recipes and an arsenal of pots and pans. With aromatic spices and fresh herbs, even the simplest meal can deliver a satisfying flavour punch. This compilation includes quick warming soups, zesty summer salads, melt-in-the-mouth casseroles and simple one-tray bakes, organised according to what they’re cooked in. Beautiful photography adds the lip-smacking element so important to a cooking book. Buy this if you’d like to serve up tasty, nutritious dinners, without fuss, at the end of a busy day. (Penguin Books NZ)

Christian Apologetics Finding the Forgotten God Ron Hay Christchurch-based Ron Hay was a teacher before entering Anglican ministry, and is past vicar of the Sumner-Redcliffs Parish. Hay examines the big questions of life and explains the Christian faith in a way sceptical people in the 21st century will understand. Finding the Forgotten God is divided into three parts: exploring reasons for faith, clearing roadblocks to faith, and entering the reality of faith. Hay’s engaging style, peppered with personal stories, illuminating illustrations and challenging questions, offers plenty of encouragement and nudges for Christians and non-Christians alike.

(Buy from www.daystarbooks.org)

Reel News

Rock/Soul Love Stuff Elle King Elle King is a young American song writer who grew up performing in bars and clubs in New York and Los Angeles. Her style is a gritty combination of rock-a-billy and soul that bursts with character and energy, and her debut, Love Stuff, showcases the combination well.

King’s husky rasp articulates each song, channelling Aretha Franklin, Stevie Nicks and Janis Joplin into her own soulful expressive style. ‘Ex’s and Oh’s’ bounces on a spaghetti western groove, while ‘Ain’t Gonna Drown’ builds its minimalistic layers into an impressive and powerful vocal climax. An amazing debut record from an incredibly talented song writer. Well worth checking out.

Folk Shadows in the Night Bob Dylan There are very few artists out there who could possibly get away with covering 10 of Frank Sinatra’s most classic tunes. Bob Dylan doesn’t just cover them in Shadows in the Night; he reinvents them. This is a fine album and a master class in how to cover a song. Dylan’s signature melancholy is infused into each syllable, drawing out the themes of separation, loss and sadness that hallmarked many of Sinatra’s later records. Recorded live in very few takes, Shadows is a tender and intimate record that wears its heart on its sleeve, a beautiful example of simplicity, character and experience. A must listen.

GIVEAWAY To win a copy of The NZ Nature Activity Book, tell us your favourite way to have fun in the great outdoors.

War Cry Giveaway, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org. Entries close 23 March.

Drama The Judge David Dobkin / M (Offensive Language) Recently out on DVD, The Judge is a great rental if you’re looking for a heartwarming (and tear-jerking) take on the distances that can, over time, enter into family relationships.

Defence lawyer Hank Palmer (with Robert Downey Jr. perfect in this role), returns to his small-town home for his mother’s funeral. Hank is a hardnosed defence lawyer. He’s also in the midst of a disintegrating marriage, emotionally distant from his wife and too distracted by work to enjoy a close relationship with his young daughter.

Immediately, Hank’s even more distant relationship with his father, Judge Joseph Palmer (Robert Duvall) is laid bare. Alongside this, Hank’s estrangement from his older brother Glen (Vincent D’Onofrio) and mentallydisabled younger brother Dale (Jeremy Strong) reveals a man who, while successful professionally, has little true richness to celebrate in his life.

Popping by the court house to slyly watch his dad in action, Hank spots signs that ‘the Judge’ (as he’s referred to by the townspeople and his sons), is off his game and surmises his dad may be drinking again. Hank can’t wait to return to the big city, but his plans are put on hold when the Judge is charged with the hit-and-run murder of an ex-con. The Judge chooses an inexperienced local lawyer to represent him, but eventually Hank steps up, determined his father won’t go to jail.

What Hank imagines will be an easy defence becomes complicated as prosecutor Dwight Dickham (Billy Bob Thornton) brings his considerable skills (fuelled by a long-time grudge against Hank) to bear. Past histories are revisited, present challenges confronted, and love and respect rekindled.

To watch such phenomenal character actors at work on such a touching tale is tremendously rewarding. Highly recommended.

Feature | 05

By Robin Raymond

Last year was the busiest year yet for The Salvation Army Blue Mountain Adventure Centre, and the centre is looking forward to expanding again as it celebrates a milestone. This year, the centre is marking 25 years since it opened.

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lue Mountain Adventure Centre (BMAC) staff are on a mission, Manager Melissa Crook says. A mission to use the outdoors to help people discover and live out their God-given potential.

‘We’re not about taking people out there to have fun; we’re about taking them out there to open up their minds to other things. We’re here to use fun and adventure as a tool to resource the person’s development and impact them. We want to push people and to have them experience real feelings: this is hard; this is exciting; this is going to take me just putting one foot in front of the other and I’m going to be okay,’ Mel says.

It’s a method that seems to be working. About 1500 people visited the centre in 2014, ranging from school groups, churches, youth centres, people on addiction recovery and stopping violence programmes, and people attending leadership development courses.

It was the highest number of people who had come on courses at the centre since it opened in 1989.

The centre is based at the edge of the Tongariro National Park, where the terrain covers everything from rivers, to mountains and caves. Activities run by BMAC include a high ropes course, kayaking, white water rafting, mountain biking, mountaineering, rock climbing, caving and gorging. There are seven full-time staff, along with one intern, and groups visiting Blue Mountain can range from a minimum of nine up to 80 people.

Each group works with BMAC staff, suggesting what activities they’d like to do and goals they’d like to achieve while at the centre. The staff then produce an experience tailored to each group, their levels of ability and what activities are available at the time of their visit. (Some activities, such as gorging, are only available at certain times of year.)

Camps vary from those who stay in the centre cabins or spend one night out in the park, to a 14-day wilderness experience living out in tents, tramping and taking part in other activities.

Building trust and relationships Last year saw a mix of new visitors and long-standing groups who return every year, Mel says.

Two of the more memorable programmes of 2014 were the visits of students from Elim Christian College in Auckland.

The college has been sending its students to BMAC since 2009, a year after six students and a staff member from the school died in a flash flood, while gorging the Mangatepopo Gorge in the park. BMAC now organises two programmes for the school every year, a camp for senior leaders and camp for about 40 students from Year 10. The school came to them to help recover, Mel says, and they’ve worked together every year since, building a special relationship.

‘It’s a group we’ve been able to have a significant impact on. We’ve built trust and a relationship with them, working through this tragedy.’

Another highlight, for Mel, was leading activities for a camp run by the Taumaranui Police, helping couples with violence prevention. The camps are run at a neighbouring property, but during each camp, they visit BMAC for an afternoon of adventure-based learning.

‘The impact that has on them from such a short time is a big thing.

It [the camp] is getting bigger and gaining momentum, and we’re working with the locals, which is pretty cool.’

Adventure as a tool The Taumaranui Police’s violence prevention camps are a good example of how BMAC likes to operate: connecting with a community group and working to change lives, Mel says.

Adventure-based learning in the outdoors is one of the best tools

around for helping people understand themselves and grow in a short space of time, because you can simulate life’s challenges in ways you can’t in other places, she says.

‘It’s one of the best ways to discover more about yourself and more about God,’ she says. ‘I have seen it have significant impact in a short space of time. We can put someone up a pole and they can feel the shaking and the fear of not wanting to be there, and they can understand how they deal with challenges in their life. But it’s safe —or safer.’

Each visitor walks away having achieved something, and Mel says some visitors, or their parents, write back, detailing the impact on their lives. Some of the biggest changes can be seen in people who were the most challenging when they arrived. One mother recently wrote to say her daughter had returned home excitedly talking about her experience at the camp despite feeling very unconfident before heading there. She wrote, ‘[My daughter] was not wanting to go to camp and I am so grateful that your leadership and personality has rewarded her courage to go and given her an amazing experience over the five days.’

Adventure-based learning in the outdoors is one of the best tools for helping people understand themselves and grow …

For people of all ages Time people spend at BMAC is only one aspect of bringing change to their lives, which is why, Mel says, the centre aims to work with organisations and be part of a wider effort to impact people. For this reason, the centre prefers working with social services, schools and groups in ministry, rather than corporate groups.

Often, people have the impression that the centre is there for young people, but Mel says they have had people up to the age of 79 taking part in activities and they would like to see more senior groups using the centre. She’d also love to see Salvation Army corps and ministries using the centre more.

Lieutenant Missy Ditchburn visited BMAC last year and in 2013 while based at Hutt City Corps. She describes her visits as lifechanging experiences. ‘There is something very special about having the space to focus solely on yourself and others,’ Missy says. ‘To spend time learning about who you are, how much you are really capable of, and how important other people matter to making you the best person you can be. I’d go back every year.’

The number of visitors each year has been growing steadily and they will eventually reach peak capacity. But they are not there yet, and Mel says they are hoping the numbers will keep growing.

2015 developments Along with growing visitor numbers, 2014 was a year of new building at the centre. Its old barn was replaced with a new building, housing a fresh play area, equipment store, drying room and offices, which will be opened this year. A new climbing wall is also planned for the building and will hopefully be installed next week. The centre is also renovating the Koa Lodge, one of its two accommodation buildings. This project has mostly been funded by a generous sponsor, Mel says.

2015 is looking like being an exciting year, and staff are particularly looking forward to organising adventure experiences for young people on the new Aspire Kiwi Youth Development Programme.

BMAC will be organising an adventure experience for up to 500 Kiwi

Feature | 07

Begin an Adventure Today Scale new heights, thunder through rapids or simply stand in awe of Tongariro’s majestic beauty ... but the real adventure for everyone who attends The Salvation Army Blue Mountain Adventure Centre is discovering what they can achieve.

Go to www bluemountainadventure.org.nz to book your Blue Mountain Adventure Centre adventure.

young people aged 11 to 16, some of whom will have no outdoor experience.

Because the programme is taking place around the country, some adventure programmes will have to be run in the South Island, by a company called Aspects, which BMAC works with. The majority of Aspire youth will still visit BMAC for their adventure experience, though, keeping its staff very busy.

‘It’s a challenge, but I like a challenge,’ Mel says. ‘It’s great, because it’s part of that total package: sending them back to be part of a larger programme. There’s real potential for impact and change.’

Some BMAC staff have also entered as a team in the GODZone adventure this year. The annual South Island based event will see the team cycling, tramping, canoeing and mountaineering through a secret 500 km course near Wanaka from 28 February to 7 March. Previous race courses have run from Kaikoura to Milford Sound.

Taking part in the race is about practicing the messages they teach at BMAC about pushing your body to the limit and discovering more about yourself, your ability and about God, Mel says. While the race week would be tough, it would also be exciting. ‘You’d have to be mad to do it, but equally I think you’d have to be mad not to do it!

‘It’s being extremely hard, pushing yourself to your limits to being out there in some beautiful scenery not many people get to see. It’s getting to the finish line with a bunch of people you have been through a significant challenge with, looking back and saying, ‘I’m not doing that again’, but you can’t wait to do it again.’

The BMAC buzz Daniel Warner, always known as ‘Billy’, is BMAC’s longest serving staff member, having been an instructor there for nine years. With a background in outdoor adventure work, Billy first worked at BMAC for a few months in 1999. ‘I remember working here just getting a real buzz out of the students achieving their goals, pushing themselves, jumping off the leap of faith and just giving them a great experience.

I felt like God said to me, “This is a place you could work at, but it’s not the time yet.” ’ Billy went on to work as a builder overseas, before returning to New Zealand in 2006. When he got back, he heard about an opening at Blue Mountain and was advised to apply. ‘I definitely felt like it was the right place to be at the right time. And I’ve been here ever since.’

Billy is a particular fan of white water rafting and caving. He says the pleasure he gets from being an instructor at BMAC comes from seeing people challenged and achieving things they thought they couldn’t do—seeing the pleasure and confidence they got from squeezing through the tight, claustrophobic caves or taking on the river rapids.

Dan Little was working as a plumber and looking to get back to working with people when he was shoulder tapped and asked to consider applying for a job at Blue Mountain. Dan had previously worked at BMAC while working for Auckland-based Christian outdoor adventure company Adventure Specialties Trust, which supplies staff on contracts to outdoor adventure centres needing extra staff.

A keen mountain biker, Dan says he enjoys taking people out on the trails at the centre, which have been introduced in the past two years. Mountain biking was rapidly growing in popularity around the country and was often popular with young people who visit Blue Mountain.

The chance to make a difference in a person’s life and the challenge of working out what will help them learn the best is what he enjoys most about his job, says Dan. ‘It’s often the hardest ones, the ones that don’t want to do something, when you get them to, they’re the ones that get the most out it. Seeing how they can take that from there into other areas of their lives. You see the lights come on and the excitement from them —that keeps me doing it.’

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HEALTH

LIFESTYLE

Healthy Snack Subs

Fun with boxes

Sub out unhealthy junk food snacks for healthy options that are easy peasy and just as delish.

Lucy AitkenRead gets her whoops on with just a cardboard box.

Gourmet savoury popcorn: It’s really easy and quick to make your own popcorn on the stove top (top tip: use any oil other than olive oil, which is likely to burn). Even with lashings of salt and butter, it’s still a healthy snack. For something a little gourmet, try coriander and lime flavour by melting 2 Tbsp of butter with 1 Tbsp of lime juice, 1 tsp salt and ¼ cup chopped coriander.

Toss through the popcorn. Sub for: Butter ‘flavoured’ microwave popcorn.

Gourmet sweet popcorn: If you’re craving a sweet fix, try this honey-nut popcorn. Melt ½ cup of honey until it boils up about an inch, and then quickly remove from heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of almond or peanut butter. Pour onto pre-made popcorn and stir through with spoon. Sub for: Caramel popcorn, or pretty much any sweet craving.

Spicy roasted chickpeas: This is the kind of snack that you might find yourself stuffing into your mouth uncontrollably.

There’s no judgement here. Heat your oven to 220°C. Drain and dry one can of chickpeas with paper towels. Place baking paper on an oven tray, and add chickpeas in one layer, then mist with olive oil. Mix together ¼ tsp each of salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder, ¼–¾ chilli powder (depending on how spicy you like it), and a dash of cayenne pepper. Toss with the chickpeas, and roast for 25 minutes, turning half way through. Sub for: potato chips.

Frozen chocolate banana: Frozen banana tastes just like a banana-y ice cream. Cut a peeled banana in half, and freeze. Once solid, take out and roll in melted dark chocolate (you’ll only need a few squares). If you want, add some crunchy toppings like nuts or muesli. Re-freeze until chocolate is set. Sub for: chocolate, ice cream or dessert.

Cinnamon toast: Toast a slice of wholegrain bread and top with ½ tsp butter, ¼ tsp sugar, and as much cinnamon as your heart desires! Sub for: scones and scrolls.

Sometimes something comes along that is so basic that I find it hard to figure out why it isn’t more of A Thing, y’know? Picture the scene: A makedo picnic. A whole rabble of kids. A steep hill. One cardboard box. How much time do you think could be spent in these circumstances? Try four hours. Yes, folks, four hours of whoopvilles. Introducing …

Dry hill sliding: Take a firm box. A small, steep hill. Ideally the grass will be sort of long—this adds buoyancy and stems the carnage. Set the box on the hill and sit in it cross-leggedly, bending the bottom of the box over your legs. Lean right back (this stops you going head over feet—eh, Juno? Yeah, the youngest bailed!), and get someone to give you a shove. Wheeee! And there were, like, only three minor injuries! (Just a few tears. No wounds.)

We had so much fun with a cardboard box I asked Maggy of Red Ted Art to give me more ideas: Dolls house: Divide a box into six rooms using a grid made of cardboard.

Decorate with wrapping paper, paint and miniature furniture. I made this for my two-year-old daughter and it is her treasure.

Marble run: Cut a cereal box in half. Now cut pieces of cardboard to fit across the box at angles sloping downwards. Cut a marble-shaped hole at the top, and at the end of each run, so the marble can drop from section to section. The kids will lose their marbles (probably literally, but as long as they don’t swallow them, right?).

Dress ups: Just cut the head and arms out of a box, and paint into a costume—I’ve done Lego by adding round ‘bumps’ and painting it red. I’ve also done robots with some silver paint and techno-looking junk.

Cardboard city: Flatten out some cardboard and draw on roads, roundabouts and everything that makes a city great. Now go to town (see what I did?) with matchbox cars.

Source: www.wonderthrift.com and www.redtedart.com

Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game. Michael Jordan

Quick-smart Ice Cream Penny Oliver found this uncredited recipe in a tattered Country Women’s Institute fund-raising cookbook. She introduced coffee essence and has used it for 30 years | Serves 12 1 x 395g can sweetened condensed milk 600ml cream vanilla or coffee essence to taste raspberries or other fresh fruit to serve

Pour condensed milk, cream and vanilla or coffee essence into an electric mixer bowl, or use a large bowl and electric beaters. Beat for 5 minutes or until stiff peaks form.

Pour into a freeze-proof container and freeze for 4–6 hours until set.

Variations: I sometimes half-freeze the mixture and then stir through mashed fresh seasonal berries such as raspberries or some finely crushed gingernut biscuits. Place in feezer until set.

Try pouring the basic mixture into interestingly shaped moulds. Serve with caramel or chocolate sauce or fruit coulis and raspberries or other fresh fruit.

© Reproduced with permission from One-dish Dinners by Penny Oliver (Penguin Group NZ). RRP $40.

Lifestyle | 09

Q&A How do I teach good values?

If you want to teach values to your children, become the good you want them to see.

There’s a saying, ‘The things we teach our kids the most, are the things we don’t know we’re teaching them.’

Whether we know it or not, we all teach our children values through our attitudes, language, habits and actions. (Even if we don’t have children, we will still have people around us whom we influence).

If you are a Christian, you may want to deliberately teach values by praying and reading the Bible. This is a wonderful thing to do. However, if you read them the story of the Good Samaritan, but yourself have a tendency to be judgemental of others, what will they learn? Even if they know it’s good to show mercy, they are more likely to pick up the habit of being judgemental.

Don’t despair, though, because you have many great values and attitudes that you naturally pass on to your children. If you are struggling with some aspect of yourself that you don’t want to pass on to your children, the good news is that it is never too late to change.

The first thing to do is to admit to yourself that you need to change, and that you are powerless to this by your own strength. Give this issue to God, and share it with your partner or someone close to you. Then, take action. Change doesn’t happen on its own—you need to deliberately make changes.

You will likely need to get help— from a counsellor, pastor, expert, books, or all of these. You may have to re-learn consciously the things that you learnt unconsciously.

This takes work, deliberate decisions, perseverance, and more perseverance.

Consistently show your children by your new habits that you have changed. Over time, this can powerfully repair your relationship.

Say sorry for past wrongs—your apology, and their forgiveness, can be healing for you both.

It’s never too late to become the good you want your children to see, and that you were made to be.

Testify Giving people the opportunity to live with dignity in their homes is a joy, Salvation Army Home Care support worker Vicki Robertson says.

I chose to work for The Salvation Army because my mother and her four siblings grew up in a Salvation home during the 1930s. I joined The Salvation Army HomeCare about nine years ago, as a parttimer. Although I had a brief period away, I still worked in the healthcare industry. Before joining HomeCare I had previously worked with people with mental health issues and people with Alzheimers.

Since returning to The Salvation Army my role involves supporting clients in their own homes, ‘as there is no place like home’.

I help and encourage them as much as possible to maintain their independence. My duties are assisting with showering, general housework and some exercise routines for strengthening muscles, which helps with mobility.

Medication oversight is sometimes required.

I care for clients who have had surgery and come home for rehabilitation, needing extra help and support. Some may have a little dementia and find it hard to interact with other people; however, good communication can improve their quality of life. I also work with some palliative care clients. This can range from short to long term care.

Parts of this job can be hard work and challenging, but they can also be a delight, fun and rewarding. It’s important to be someone clients can trust and rely on; who they know will treat

them gently and work with them.

I particularly enjoy working with the elderly. They’re wonderful people; they have so much knowledge and wisdom. Caring can be a two-way connection with client and caregiver, by having a special rapport and being a good companion, which leads to job satisfaction.

Cooking, craft work, sporting interests and gardening are some of the activities the clients do to give them a sense of achievement.

It is inspirational seeing them carrying on these activities and the joy they get from them. My clients share wonderful stories about their lives, telling of past travel adventures and work experiences.

Some enjoy a chat over a cup of tea and sometimes they say, ‘Vicki, I know it’s housework day, but you whip round with the vacuum cleaner and then we’ll sit down

and have a cup of tea, because I have something I want to talk to you about.’

Ladies get great delight in showing me their latest outfits.

Some talk about their dads who went off to fight in wars, and others talk about their impending death and wishes. Sometimes, if they’re having issues with people and they feel they’re not listening or understanding, you can offer a different view and how they can change that anger and make it a positive thing. It’s about being supportive and listening and being there for them. Often I get to meet their families as well. Death of a client can be sad, like losing a friend.

The Salvation Army gives good training opportunities. Dealing with dementia, first aid, palliative care and grief counselling are some of the courses available.

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Please post to: War Cry, PO Box 6015, Marion Square, Wgtn 6141 or email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

10 | WarCry 07 March 2015

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BY GRACE BRINGANS

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In a soon-to-be-released book detailing the history of The Salvation Army in Myanmar (Burma), Commissioner Grace Bringans writes of the challenges and joys of capturing a ‘living history’.

Across

Down

1 Paper wrapper 5 Orbit 9 The end of NZ’s summer 10 Formed by freezing water 12 Get through to 13 Dormant state 14 Smooched 16 Chic 19 century 21 Genuine 23 Tests for truth 25 Figure out 26 Peers 27 Seasonal month 28 Hightails it 29 Disadvantage

1 Attempt 2 Mobile phone alert 3 Expression of mirth 4 Balanced above 6 Wrong 7 Winter warmer 8 Canine teeth 11 Accomplished 15 Clambered 17 Not busy 18 Sections of a written work 20 ‘Agreed!’

21 Accomplish 22 African equines 24 Cad 25 Move stealthily

QUICK QUIZ 1 2 3 4 5

What is a verruca?

Which is the largest body of water on earth?

Which sports car featured in the movie Back to the Future?

Where is the wettest area of New Zealand?

How many times was Peter freed from prison by an angel?

Find more Cartoons by McKerrow on www.facebook.com/cartoonsbymckerrow

Seeds of Faith The journey really began in 1964, when as a 17-year-old corps cadet attending the Albion Corps in Brisbane, Australia, I won the worldwide 1965 centenary corps cadet competition proposed by General Coutts to write and illustrate the history of The Salvation Army in every country where the Army was working up to 1965.

It was during the months of reading, summarising, writing, illustrating and compiling my hand-printed and illustrated history book that God called me to become a Salvation Army officer. The sacrificial life and work of Salvationists around the world touched my mind and heart. God had planted a love for Army history in my life. It was, for me, the people and their story or testimony that made history come alive.

Winning the competition meant attending the Centenary Congress in London in June 1965, now 50 years ago. In May 1965, I journeyed with over 500 Salvationists from Australia and New Zealand aboard the SS Orcades, for four-and-a-half weeks to London, stopping to see the Army and worship with Salvationists in countries en route. Two places particularly reinforced my calling, then known as Colombo and Bombay, where I saw poverty unimagined and officers and Salvationists from these countries joyfully working and witnessing to their faith in God. My first contact with missionaries from Burma was with Brigadier and Mrs Edwin Robertson, who had just concluded their term as leaders in Burma Command. They joined the ship as passengers in Bombay.

Attending all the meetings of the Centenary Congress was a wonderful experience, because I saw and met Salvationists from all the countries I had written about. My history project came alive! I witnessed a ‘worldwide’ Army of God. General Coutts presented me with the winning certificate for the corps cadet project in the youth meeting in the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Following our marriage in 1968, David and I trained in New Zealand as officers in 1969. The next 20 years were spent in many corps, youth and administrative appointments. Then came our first overseas appointment to Hong Kong in 1991, followed by appointments to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Command from 1996 to 1997.

Our first visit to Myanmar opened our eyes to the poverty there. We soon came to love the Burmese Salvationists and wanted to help them however we could.

Close Up | 11

After just two years, we were appointed back to New Zealand, my appointment being the War Cry editor. Around 16 months later we were asked to lead a team to Vietnam to do humanitarian work, building a platform for future evangelical work in the country. Based in Hanoi for one year, our team of four was reduced to just David and me for 10 of the 12 months, the only Salvationists in the country.

Doing projects for the very poor—street children, the disabled and blind, farmers, rural women, the sick and suffering—reinforced in us a love for this type of assistance and work. But the Army wheels turned again and in 2001 we were appointed to Taiwan, from where, in 2003, we were appointed back to the Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar Command as leaders. God planted in my heart and mind the idea to research and write Myanmar’s Salvation Army history, because I discovered so little history was known by the cadets, officers and Salvationists. This history really needed to be researched. Yet, even from 2003, and before the information received was sorted, put into chronological order and written down, my title was never anything other than Seeds of Faith.

Many times over the next six years, David and I travelled to Myanmar as leaders, making visits of encouragement to the many corps and centres and coming to love even more the humble, gentle and courageous Salvationists, full of love for their Lord and the Army.

We did our very best to help them spiritually and in many practical ways. We were always greatly blessed by the people we met and prayed they would be blessed by our ministry as their leaders.

Contact was made with former missionaries, Salvation Army heritage centres and territories from where missionaries had been appointed to Burma, along with anyone else who might have known something of Burma’s Salvation Army history. From stories, testimonies, reports by leaders and thousands of photos emerged a wonderful story of God’s faithfulness, the tenacity of the Burmese officers and Salvationists, and the courageous missionaries who were prepared to live and work so hard for years in a country not their own, all for love of God and the people.

I have been truly inspired and blessed over the past 10 years of compiling this history. Seeds of Faith is now a reality, my gift to all the officers and Salvationists of Myanmar, to the missionaries still living and all who have supported Myanmar over its 100 years. It is a book of ‘living’ Salvation Army history, the story of God’s relationship with his servants as they planted their ‘seeds of faith’, one at a time.

May God use this book to speak to the hearts of its readers as he did to me. As I say in the last chapter: ‘To plant “Seeds of Faith” is to believe in tomorrow!’

General Recommends ‘Seeds of Faith’

Seeds of Faith launches at the end of March. Limited copies available.

Pre-order from Salvationist Resources: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy. org or (04) 382 0768.

General André Cox (General)

The ‘Golden Land’ of Burma, renamed Myanmar in 1989, is an intriguing and largely unknown Asian country. How then was The Salvation Army planted in this predominantly Buddhist land?

The answers are found in this ‘must read’ historical record that gives wonderful insight into Burma and its people, as well as the valiant Salvationists over almost 100 years, totally dedicated to fulfilling the Founder, General William Booth’s vision to ‘win the world for Jesus’. Salvation Army ‘seeds of faith’ were planted from 1915, trusting in God’s blessing that one day he would give a great harvest of souls.

Despite incredibly hard and testing times, World War II, the Japanese Invasion, the country’s independence, its economic collapse, the ensuing internal struggle for power and the banning of missionaries, this handful of God’s soldiers and the few officers survived—just. From 1965, Burma was closed to the outside world, making international resourcing for this tiny Army virtually impossible. Slowly, the country opened its doors again during the 1980s. It became possible for some support and training from outside and short, private visits only to Rangoon by Army world leaders who were very, very moved, often to tears, by these courageous, faithful Salvationists.

From 1994, Myanmar was attached to the Singapore and Malaysia Command. The very poor, long-suffering Salvationists and their ‘seeds of faith’ planted over so many hard years were nurtured with more training, finance and international support.

Encouraged, Burmese Salvationists responded and flourished.

Soldiers and officers went forth with defiant faith and enthusiasm to begin the Army in new villages and towns, planting, nurturing and reaping the long-awaited harvest of souls.

The Myanmar Salvation Army reaches its centenary in 2015. Now, there are over 2000 committed Salvationists and a growing officer force of over 100 giving oversight to 60 centres of Salvation Army ministry throughout this country where life is still far from easy.

This thriving Salvation Army ensures even more growth into the next century of service.

This book is an amazing testimony to what God can do through those who faithfully love and serve Him with all their heart in difficult circumstances. If you want to be inspired, blessed and challenged, read this book. To God be the glory!

12 | WarCry 07 March 2015

Does Religion Cause War? Ian Hutson explores the Christian response to ‘religious wars’ and to the violence we are witnessing around the world in the name of religion.

With what seems like disturbing regularity, the media reports horrendous acts of violence. Children gunned down, innocent civilians killed by bombs or bullets, and hostages executed publically when demands aren’t met. We hear reports from various commentators attributing this increase in violence around the world to religion.

Religion is irrational, archaic and dangerous—or so they say.

Who’s to blame?

Although in recent years there has been a lot of finger pointing at Islamic extremists, Christians can’t dodge the blame either. Examples include the crusades, sectarian Catholic and Protestant violence in Europe, and support for the Apartheid system in South Africa. We must admit that our own history is a mixed bag, and that violence has been perpetrated in the name of Christianity.

With the regularity that we hear the mantra ‘religion is the cause of all wars’, it would be easy to become disenchanted in our faith. If it’s said often enough it must be true—right?

But, like so much else about the issue of religion’s relationship with war and violence, such generalisations are incredibly simplistic and misleading. Not only do they misrepresent the powerful benefit for good that flows out of the gospel of Jesus Christ, but also much of the positive influence of the family of God throughout history.

At the same time, it could be equally easy to deny the culpability of ‘our’ religion, while accepting uncritically everything that is said about another religion. A better understanding of other people’s faiths, along with the context underlying their belief and behaviour, is part of ‘loving our neighbour’—or doing unto others what we sometimes wish our secular friends would do unto us, when they dismissively judge our Christianity.

Our view of Christianity and its relation to war and violence is a subject worthy of thought, as we seek to shape our faith in a way that reflects the love we have for God and as we seek to honour him.

Religion causes war The accusation that religion causes war is especially simplistic when applied to the pre-modern era. Religion, then, was not thought of as somehow separate from the rest of life and therefore could not be specifically identified as the cause of war. In reality, people groups, states and empires resorted to war for multiple reasons, including economic and social concerns.

Religion has sometimes helped reduce or even stop war—such as here in New Zealand when one common inspirational response made

by Māori to the gospel was to cease applying the rule of utu and to apply the rule of forgiveness instead, setting the captive slaves free in the process! This kind of religiously-motivated outbreak of peace has often been overlooked.

So, too, has the fact that secular states have often been incredibly violent. Think of the French revolution (the birthplace of the secular state), Communist Russia, the regimes of the Shah of Iran and Ataturk in Turkey, not to mention Hitler’s Germany.

Religion has often acted as a corrective to state violence, with variations of the ‘do unto others what you would like others to do unto you’ golden rule, which is not only found in Christianity. Mahatma Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Archbishop Desmond Tutu—and here in New Zealand the Māori prophets Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu Kakahi at Parihaka—are clear examples of religious leaders who did much to avert violence by refusing to use it, even for what they clearly saw as a just cause. This was only possible because of their religious convictions.

Violence vs peace A religion can also be greatly affected by the context that it exists within, so that we sometimes see religions respond to and reflect the anguish and fears of the culture and people it exists within. An essentially peaceful religion can become more violent and aggressive in its thinking when it is imbedded in a people who live in a climate of fear, violence and humiliation. In that context it can be hard to determine whether the religion was intrinsically evil and violent, or was ‘turned’ that way by the extreme context it existed within.

In New Zealand, the peace that first came to Māori through Christianity initially resulted in increasingly peaceful relations between various Iwi. It was a peaceful religion. However, with the land wars, the loss of land, devastating epidemics and the loss of mana, Māori experienced huge disillusionment and despair. This left them open to religious leaders who espoused a more aggressive theology that sometimes emphasised violent Old Testament themes. A religion of violence.

A better understanding of other people’s faiths, along with the context underlying their belief and behaviour, is part of ‘loving our neighbour’.

It would seem that too often the love of God does not work sufficiently in our lives that it reaches to our neighbour and that we do not always meet the call of Jesus to ‘love our enemies’.

A striking example of this is the genocide in Rwanda. In his research on Christian churches and genocide in that country, Timothy Longman notes the extensive criticism faced by that country’s Christian churches, not only for failing to oppose the genocide, but for complicity in the violence. A World Council of Churches team that visited Rwanda in August 1994 reported: ‘In every conversation we had with the government and church people alike, the point was brought home to us that the church itself stands tainted, not by passive indifference, but by errors of commission as well.’

Soul Food | 13

Longman’s research confirms these conclusions. He says church personnel and institutions ‘were actively involved in the programme of resistance to popular pressures for political reform that culminated in the 1994 genocide, and numerous priests, pastors, nuns, brothers, catechists, and Catholic and Protestant lay leaders supported, participated in, or helped to organize the killings.’ Given that both Catholic and Protestant churches in Rwanda were multi-ethnic, this means that ‘in most communities members of a church parish killed their fellow parishioners and even, in a number of cases, their own pastor or priest’.

When the roots of our faith do not reach down fully into the depths of God’s love, fear and terror can follow. And so we stand in a place in time where must we consider our response to the fears of our world.

Praying for peace I participated recently in a time of prayer for peace. It was carried out in response to the recent killings in France. The prayers were held in a Mosque, and leaders of the three great monotheistic faiths were present: Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The Jewish Rabbi prayed that violence would not define us and our religion. All repudiated this kind of violence and referred to the teachings of love and acceptance inherent in their respective faiths. All were concerned that the fear and hate building in much of the world should not spill into New Zealand.

From a Christian point of view, I found this challenging. It could be tempting to score points on Islam in making the most of the obvious evil carried out in its name by some. This could seem a good way of lifting the Christian banner higher. Certainly, there are real issues around the potential risk to innocent people when terrorists carry out their immoral plans. Thought needs to be given on how to respond to this.

In addition, the media’s focus on the most sensational and negative aspects of any issue can raise emotions and lead to the demonising of a whole people. Germans living in New Zealand during World War I and II experienced this. Despite all kinds of efforts they couldn’t seem to do anything to get acceptance as New Zealanders, and experienced rejection and some violence instead.

Although no excuse can be made for the barbaric violence carried out by individuals in the name of Islam, it does arise out of a context with a long tail. British, Russian and American imperialism, oil and forced secularisation have all exacted a terrible price on the people of the Middle East. The religion of Islam was brutally repressed—in Iran by the Shah, Iraq by Saddam Hussein, Turkey by Ataturk, and Eqypt

by Nasser. No wonder, then, that a violent and reactive kind of religion has appealed to some.

Many wars have led to large numbers of people leaving their countries yearning for a better life. Some have found what they were looking for, but others have found isolation and marginalisation in their adopted countries. The racism and ghettoization of Islamic people in France has been identified by many as a likely contextual factor that could lead disaffected young people toward the kind of violence that is

now emerging there. Islamic religious leaders that appear to articulate the reasons for their plight, a way of striking back, a cause to die for, a reason to live, and a people to belong to can be persuasive to young people, who have a palpable sense of being discriminated against.

Breaking down walls I am sure, however, that the winsome love of Jesus is always more powerful than violence in affecting peace, by reaching people with God’s love.

Jesus broke down so many walls. He spoke to and about Samaritans in a positive way, despite the prevailing view of disdain and even hatred for Samaritans at that time. He had as a disciple Simon the Zealot, who belonged to a group that worked to incite violence and rebellion against the Roman Empire (a terrorist). Jesus also chose Matthew, a tax collector—or if you like, a collaborator with the Empire. Wouldn’t it have been interesting to hear Simon and Matthew talk about their view of the Kingdom they were hoping Jesus would initiate?

Maybe the first step in removing a wall is to meet and get to know a person from a cultural group we might be apprehensive about …

What can we, as Christians, bring to the conflict that seems to be affecting many around the world? Will we greet the refugee fleeing from desperate situations of poverty and violence? Or will we seek to exclude the stranger because of a common generalised view our cultural group uncritically dresses up as fact?

We are called to follow Jesus, who has broken down every wall.

Maybe the first step in removing a wall is to meet and get to know a person from a cultural group we might be apprehensive about, perhaps because of the prevailing views of our people group.

My prayer is that, far from contributing to the rather erroneous view that religion causes all wars, Christians would witness to the world that Christ our saviour has broken every wall. And that we, as his followers, are prepared by word and in deed to be a light to the world in a time of darkness.

Lieut-Colonel Ian Hutson is the Divisional Commander of the Central Division in New Zealand.

We may have different religions, different languages, different coloured skin, but we all belong to one human race.

Kofi Annan

14 | WarCry 07 March 2015

Increased Crowds at State of Nation Launch

(from top) Mjr Sue Hay and report author Alan Johnson take questions at the Wellington launch; (l-r) Comms Janine and Robert Donaldson with Mjr Sue Hay; Mjr Campbell Roberts of the Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit speaks at the Auckland launch; some of those at the Auckland breakfast launch.

The Salvation Army’s annual State of the Nation report was launched in six events round the country this month, with larger crowds attending and showing interest in the national assessment.

Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit Director Major Sue Hay said about 500 people attended six launch events in Albany, Manukau, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin on 11 February.

The Christchurch launch, hosted by Tenants Protection Association, had the largest crowd of more than 150, with standing room only at the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church for the event. People even travelled from Invercargill to attend the Dunedin launch.

In Wellington, report author Alan Johnson told the audience of about 120 people—including MPs, representatives of social service organisations and church groups—that the report showed a New Zealand that was changing, often for the better. However, in some areas the country was leaving people behind—particularly in education and housing.

Territorial Commander Commissioner Robert Donaldson opened the event by challenging the crowd with a series of questions prompted by the report. ‘In this land of Aotearoa New Zealand, is it too much to aspire for every child to go to school with a full tummy? Is it too much to aspire for justice for all? Is it too much to aspire for healthy domestic relationships in all households? Is it too much to aspire to having all our teenagers receive and achieve a good level of education? Is it too much for us to aspire for a good level of health for our children?’

Speaking afterwards, he said the growing number of people using the document showed its importance and its strong credibility. ‘The Salvation Army has a privileged opportunity to provide wide-ranging social services and advocate in policy development processes. The State of the Nation reports are a wonderful opportunity to comment on social progress. The year-on-year increase in numbers attending launch events, requesting copies or downloading the report from the website, along with increasing media coverage and feedback, suggest that The Salvation Army is raising matters of concern to New Zealanders.’

Major Hay said more Salvationists were engaging with the report, including attending launches this year. A group in Christchurch also took the opportunity for an evening discussion with report writer Alan Johnson. The unit is offering to host more discussion events for anyone interested, and is encouraging corps to use State of the Nation locally. ‘We’re encouraging people to use the score cards as prayer points in churches, to make it a living document. We don’t want it to be a book that gets put on the shelf,’ Major Hay said.

Speaking at the Wellington launch Alan said the gap between students from high decile and low decile schools achieving in NCEA had grown, along with the gap between Māori and non-Māori students. ‘Your outcomes vary according to your income. When the gap is closing it’s tolerable. When the gap’s not closing we need to challenge that. We don’t think Māori students should fail at nearly three times the rates of non-Māori students,’ he said.

He called the housing situation in Auckland a ‘debacle’ and told the audience it was already leading to homeless people seeking help from The Salvation Army. If something was not done, the problem would only increase. Child abuse figures were unclear and a rise in the number of violent offences against children was worrying, he said.

While child poverty appeared to have fallen slightly, a clear definition of poverty was needed to properly address the problem.

Different departments and organisations used various ways to measure poverty and came up with wildly different numbers. The Prime Minister last year said he considered the number his office would focus on to be between 6000 and 100,000 children, while other estimates put child poverty figures as high as 280,000, Alan said.

It wasn’t all bad news, with many areas of the report showing positive progress. Much of the positive change was driven by a growing economy, Alan said. ‘We’re blessed with an economy that’s functioning and growing and providing opportunities.’

New Zealand was also going through a societal change, with people drinking less, gambling less and fewer teenagers getting pregnant, he said.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/ stateofthenation2015 to download the report.

Our Community | 15

Generous Scholarship Aids Health Students Aspiring doctors, dentists and pharmacists from underprivileged backgrounds will have a new chance to get trained and help break the cycle of poverty thanks to the legacy of a generous donor.

Marie Lynette Fitness left a bequest to The Salvation Army in her will to help underprivileged students study medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. The Army has now set up a scholarship for up to two students per year, aged 21 or younger, to study at Otago or Auckland Universities.

The scholarship provides up to $6000 for up to three years.

The scholarships are run through the universities, who advertise, handle applications and pass on potential students to The Salvation Army’s Booth College of Mission staff, who make a final decision.

Salvation Army Finance secretary Major David Bateman said some students were working two or three jobs to pay for their studies and living costs. The scholarship aimed to get them on a level playing field with other students by helping with living costs.

‘What we know is that there is a group of very bright and talented individuals out there and the living expenses make it prohibitive. You don’t want them starting their medical careers with a huge debt, just because they came from underprivileged backgrounds.’

The first two students have been funded this year, with one studying at Otago University and one at Auckland University, Major

Bateman said. ‘Both come from very poor families, but they’re people with brilliant academic records and they will be able to give back hugely to society. It wouldn’t have been possible if we hadn’t had the bequest.’

Bequests were a valuable way of having a long-lasting positive effect, he said. ‘They’re an important way of leaving a legacy and this is going to be an ongoing impact, making a big difference in terms of relieving poverty, impacting society and helping serve the people of New Zealand.’

New Courses for Centre for Leadership Development The Salvation Army Centre for Leadership Development (CLD) has introduced new courses aimed at helping Salvationists engage with The Salvation Army’s mission in a rapidly changing world.

The CLD team is retaining most of their popular courses and introduced four new ones this year. A new course will be provided for Family Store managers, as well as additional management training to help managers take their skills to the next level. The latter course is a collaboration between CLD and the HR Department at Territorial Headquarters. Organisers hope it will be held regionally, with input from divisions and nationally-managed programmes. This course is in addition to the popular ‘Big Picture’ introductory management course, which is onsite at Booth College of Mission.

A new missional leadership training course aimed at helping people explore leadership and mission in the 21st century is also being introduced. ‘That’s because people are thinking differently around how the church can work in the world today, exploring different ways to lead corps and faith communities,’ said CLD Director Lieutenant Bryant Richards.

Another course that CLD staff are really excited about is a new communications course called ‘C2: Connecting and Communicating’,

which will be facilitated by Rob Harley and Richard Nauck. ‘This course will be looking at much wider ways we can be communicating, including looking at online presence in a social media world,’ Lieutenant Richards said.

CLD regularly assesses its courses and the need for them. Some courses are developed as others reach their natural end. Others, such as the Family Store managers course, come out of conversations with stakeholders around the territory. CLD welcomes feedback on its courses and ideas for future training opportunities to support the Army’s mission, Lieutenant Richards said.

As part of a continual review process, the CLD team has established seven defining values, which it aims to support in all of its courses. These values are: Te Tiriti O Waitangi, collaboration, innovation, theological reflection, research, strategic questioning, and transformation.

Go to www salvationarmy.org.nz/CLD_courses for more on the Centre for Leadership’s upcoming courses. For the latest CLD updates, visit www bcmnz.wordpress.com.

R E G I S T E R T O D AY

www.boundless2015.org For more on Boundless Group Travel from NZ, email NZFTBoundless2015@nzf.salvationarmy.org

16 | WarCry 07 March 2015

Salvation Army Strengthens Accountability Culture

The 46th meeting of the General’s Consultative Council (GCC) was held in London from 19 to 22 January under the chairmanship of the Chief of the Staff, Commissioner William A. Roberts.

The GCC comprises leaders from International Headquarters and the five international Salvation Army zones. It usually meets twice a year to advance priority issues identified by the General. The 46th Council supported General Andre Cox’s desire to foster ‘a culture of accountability’ across The Salvation Army that would ensure transparency, guard against corruption, and improve the Army’s competency and capacity to serve.

The New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory was represented by territorial leaders Commissioners Robert and Janine Donaldson.

Commissioner Robert Donaldson had been asked to plan and coordinate the council meeting in consultation with International Headquarters. ‘Our aim was to develop shared understandings around how The Salvation Army will be accountable to the various people we work for and with around the world. This includes those who worship with us, our staff and volunteers, those we assist through our social services, community development and emergency disaster responses, and partner organisations and funders. We also looked at the most effective ways to measure the impact of what we do.’

In a keynote address (delivered by the Chief of the Staff), the General explained his desire for an ‘accountability movement’ that included four pillars: governance, safeguarding, impact measurement, and finance. ‘A faithful culture of accountability in The Salvation Army results in more quality and integrity in our work and ministry,’ said the General. It was also part of being good stewards of the resources God had entrusted to the Army, which included caring for people and for God’s creation. There was a need to return to some of the foundational principles that motivated early Salvationists, he said, and, of course, to be inspired by the values of the Kingdom of God.

During their time together, delegates considered accountability and impact in four areas: child protection, finance, governance, and measurement. A great deal of work had been done in advance by working parties, said Commissioner Donaldson, which delegates then continued in small groups in response to plenary presentations. Three foundational documents helped shape their thinking: ‘Towards a Salvation Army Theology of Accountability’, and The Salvation Army’s International Positional Statements on Corruption and on the Use of Power.

At the end of the GCC, recommendations were made to the General on a purpose and principles to observe for each of the four areas, along with a broad outline of next steps.

‘Some areas are very well developed,’ said Commissioner Donaldson. ‘For instance, goals and standards for new finance systems have been agreed, and child protection strategies are also well advanced. Measurement tools have been developed and are ready to be piloted at five sites around the world. Work in the area of governance is still in its early stages, so this will be the entire focus of the 47th meeting of the GCC when it meets in September.

‘I felt that good progress was made in all four areas,’ he continued.

‘I am optimistic about the strengthening of accountability standards and mechanisms across the Army. This is an area that many organisations are focusing on, but it is also an area where we, as Christians, should be setting the highest standards, by living with integrity and seeking God’s wisdom.

‘The General challenged us, as senior Salvation Army leaders, to provide leadership in accordance with the spiritual values we proclaim.

He told us that if we cannot model love, unity and respect, we discredit the very gospel that we proclaim. In this, we were reminded of Paul’s words of counsel to Timothy: “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” ’ (2 Timothy 2:15)

Women’s Event Announced for International Congress Women connected with The Salvation Army will have the opportunity to celebrate and worship together during the 150th anniversary congress in July this year. The gathering is titled ‘Bound-less’, a play on the congress name of ‘Boundless’. Women from across the world will consider three themes: ‘Unrestricted’, ‘Liberated’ and ‘Released’.

Held in the congress venue of London’s O2 arena at 2:30 pm on Friday 3 July, Bound-Less will applaud the impact of women’s contributions to The Salvation Army’s worldwide mission. The gathering will include upbeat, enthusiastic singing and musical presentations, and will showcase some of the most effective women’s ministries programmes from around the globe. Speakers will challenge and empower all who join together for the event.

Commissioner Rosalie Peddle (Zonal Secretary for Women’s Ministries, Americas and Caribbean) says, ‘Life for women in the 21st century is busy and challenging, and this event seeks to engage delegates in a celebration of their Christian faith. Through the amazing diversity found throughout The Salvation Army’s 126 countries, we want to encourage women in their spiritual development. Bound-Less aims to

inspire the living of transformed, holy lives—enabling the women of The Salvation Army to be people of compassion, justice and action; winning their families, friends and communities for Christ.’

GAZETTE International Service Appointments The Territorial Commander is pleased to announce the following appointments: Papua New Guinea Territory, effective immediately; appointment in retirement, Mjrs Malcolm and Laurel Herring, Officers in Charge, Solomon Islands; Korea Territory, effective 1 March; Lieut Daniel Dongcheol In, Assistant Commanding Officer, A-Hyun Corps, Seoul Division; Lieut Gabrielle Jeongyune Choi, Assistant Pastoral Care Officer, A-Hyun Corps, Seoul Division.

Birth Congratulations to Lieuts Brad and Fleur Carpenter after the birth of Michael Colin Carpenter in Wellington on 12 February.

Noticeboard | 17

CALENDAR MARCH 7: Safe to Serve Training / Central & Northern Divisions 8: Territorial Welcome to Cadets / Wellington 9: Taranaki Anniversary 9: Youth and Children’s Quality Improvement Working Party / Wellington 9–10: Territorial Executive Conference / Booth College of Mission 11–13: Salvation Army Finance Training / Booth College of Mission 14: Intermediate Boys and Girls Retreat / Northern Division 14: Moral and Social Issues Council / Wellington 16: Officers Councils (West) / Fiji Division 17: Community Ministries Managers Forum / Central Division 18: Divisional Seniors Rally (Hutt City) / Central Division 20–22: Men’s Camp / Southern Division 20–22: National Youth Band Visit to Invercargill / Southern Division 23: Otago Anniversary 25: Divisional Seniors Rally (Palmerston North) / Central Division 28: Junior Soldier’s Big Day Out / Northern Division 29: Palm Sunday 29: Salvation Army International Day of Prayer for Children 29–31: Cabinet Retreat

OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENTS Commissioners Robert (Territorial Commander) and Janine Donaldson (Territorial President of Women’s Ministries) 8 March: Territorial Welcome to Cadets / Wellington 9–10 March: Territorial Executive Conference / Booth College of Mission 11–13 March: International Moral and Social Issues Council (TC) / London 13–15 March: Kilbirnie Corps Camp (TPWM) 20 March: Rotoroa Island Trust AGM (TC) 21–24 March: Blenheim, Nelson Tasman Bays, Westport & Greymouth Corps

International Bible Reading Challenge WEEK 10 Luke 2–6 | WEEK 11 Luke 7–11 Go to www.salvationarmy.org/biblechallenge for daily reading guides and more.

View our Catalogue Online The Booth College of Mission library in Upper Hutt has everything you’ve been looking for to build your knowledge and faith.

Hours: The library is staffed Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:45 pm.

Membership: Officers and staff may join the library without charge. Others may apply to become external borrowers ($50 annually).

Postal charges may apply.

Circulation Policies: Loan period: Six weeks / Renewals: May be made by phone, email or in person. All titles subject to recall / Reference books and assignment books: not available for loan.

Contact: Librarian Beverley McKenzie, p: (04) 528 8628, e: library@nzf. salvationarmy.org, web: salvationarmy.org.nz/boothcollege

Find SALVATION ARMY JOB OPPORTUNITIES online:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/employment

Colonels Willis Howell (Chief Secretary) and Barbara Howell (Territorial Secretary for Women’s Ministries) 8 March: Territorial Welcome to Cadets / Wellington 9–10 March: Territorial Executive Conference / Booth College of Mission 13–14 March: Upper Hutt Corps Family Camp 15–16 March: Palmerston North Corps and Community Ministries 20–24 March: Installation of Majors David and Vyvyenne Noakes / Fiji 29–31 March: Cabinet Retreat

PRAYER FOCUS Please pray for: Manukau Central, Masterton, Matamata, Miramar and Mosgiel Corps, Jeff Farm, The Salvation Army in Uganda.

Crossword Answers: Across: 1 Envelope, 5 Circle, 9 February, 10 Icicle, 12 Reach, 13 Hibernate, 14 Kissed, 16 Elegant, 19 Hundred, 21 Actual, 23 Polygraph, 25 Solve, 26 Equals, 27 December, 28 Speeds, 29 Weakness. Down: 1 Effort, 2 Vibration, 3 Laugh, 4 Perched, 6 Incorrect, 7 Cocoa, 8 Eyeteeth, 11 Able, 15 Struggled, 17 Available, 18 Chapters, 20 Deal, 21 Achieve, 22 Zebras, 24 Louse, 25 Sneak. Quiz Answers: 1 A type of wart, 2 Pacific Ocean, 3 A Delorean, 4 Fiordland, 5 Twice (Acts 5:17–29; 12: 1–17).

INTERESTED IN SOCIAL JUSTICE? For reports, regular newsletters, challenging articles and Salvation Army government submissions:

www salvationarmy.org.nz/socialpolicy

Subscribe today!

War Cry … DIRECT to your door Annual subscription (including p&p) $75 (within NZ).

To subscribe, contact Salvationist Resources, p: (04) 382 0740, e: mailorder@nzf.salvationarmy.org

To advertise your event, email: warcry@nzf.salvationarmy.org

18 | WarCry 07 March 2015

LEADERSHIP LINKS

Above all else, we want to reflect Jesus in all our communication.

I came across some written communication where a missing letter totally changed the meaning. Questions were raised about a financial process. I was amused to read that once the situation was remedied, the person responsible was ‘no longer shot at the end of the day’. I can only hope they meant ‘short’!

Another example used the word ‘solder’ instead of ‘soldier’.

There could be a very painful difference here, since the process of ‘soldering’ involves hot metal. Although perhaps—as soldiers in The Salvation Army—we should be aiming to function similar to the dictionary definition of ‘solder’: ‘a low melting alloy … used for joining less fusible metals’. What a great picture for The Salvation Army: that we might help people become fused to God and all things beneficial for their wellbeing!

None of us want our communication to be misinterpreted, but this can happen so easily. It is always sad when we (usually unintentionally) find ourselves in the midst of a communication process that has been derailed.

Communication is tricky. So many problems emerge from miscommunication or misinterpretation of communication.

We are all responsible for communicating well and in a timely manner, being honest but not brutal, and not assuming our understanding is right when there is ambiguity.

In this age where communication is instant and unrelenting, the potential for miscommunication is vastly increased. As well, the potential to overlook communicating the information to the right people at the right time creates a minefield for everyone. Once, we could take time to formulate what should be communicated and to whom, but today’s messages wing their way around the world in seconds. If we listen to political communication, it is sometimes evident that politicians are only ever one step ahead of disaster in managing their communications. And so new words emerge like ‘misheard’ or ‘mis-said’. I don’t envy those working in such roles.

So, how do we navigate this minefield? I don’t believe there are any easy answers, but the Bible does suggest some communication principles. Psalm 19:14 (NRSV) has an elegant summary: ‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord.’ What emerges from our mouth or our pen (or from our email, Facebook and Twitter accounts) must firstly be acceptable in its tone and content in the Lord’s eyes. James chapter three adds caution by reminding us of the power of the tongue for good or for harm.

We want to be known as people who communicate grace, respect and dignity. Above all else, we want to reflect Jesus in all our communication. But let’s also try to be forgiving and understanding, because all of us are only ever a hair’s breadth away from getting it wrong most days. Let’s ‘solder’ on for Jesus!

Lieut-Colonel Lynette Hutson Territorial Secretary for Business Administration

BY ROBIN RAYMOND

Welcome to the Family Store The Salvation Army runs 125 Family Stores across New Zealand, selling donated second-hand goods.

They are among the most well-known and visible parts of the Army’s work.

While at first glance, Family Stores are a simple second-hand store concept, they serve the Army’s mission in more ways than just helping families on tight budgets get access to good quality, second-hand items for cheaper prices. Family Stores also raise money to help fund other Salvation Army projects, they serve as a public face of the Army as it connects with the community, and even help people get a second chance into employment.

The Salvation Army’s Territorial Secretary for Business Administration, Lieut-Colonel Lynette Hutson, says the fundraising side of Family Stores is a big part of the Army’s work.

In the 2013/14 financial year, Family Stores raised about $11.2 million to support the Army’s mission. But the stores are not ‘for profit’; they’re for mission, Lynette says. This money mostly goes back into Army corps (churches), helping them operate as community centres by funding community outreach programmes such as emergency relief, or children, youth and schools work.

Without Family Stores, many of those programmes would not exist, she says.

In addition to raising money for projects, all stores also make a contribution to covering their operating costs. This includes rent for many stores, insurances, power bills, rates, advertising, vehicle running costs, rubbish removal and paying staff.

The public are extremely kind to Salvation Army Family Stores, Lynette says. ‘We’re generally not short of stock. Without that incredibly valuable support, we simply couldn’t operate.’

But beyond the day-to-day business of sales, Family Stores also have an important social role by providing second chances for people. Many stores take in people doing community service hours and volunteers who have been through Salvation Army programmes such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

Southern Division Family Store consultant Robyn Tsukigawa, who oversees 41 stores across the South Island, says caring for and developing people is one of the most important roles of a Family Store. One store in the South Island can have up to 40

Mission Matters | 19

community service workers on their books, helping fill the roster and making sure work gets done.

People on community service have to go through strict checks to make sure they are low-risk, but they provide a valuable service. ‘One lady could not speak any English, but she was the hardest worker. She polished that store from top to toe,’ says Robyn. ‘Although they’re there as a “punishment”, we value what they do. They come from all walks of life, but they’re special people. Some might be inclined to think they’re low lives, but they’re just people who made a mistake.’

Being able to offer people that second chance is something Family Stores are able to do that other businesses can’t, and it is hugely empowering for people, Lynette says. People get a chance to do most roles in the store and to up-skill. They get the feeling of giving back and putting something positive into their community, and it helps people who have been unemployed get into the structure and rhythm of working again, and gives them trust. ‘When I worked in Auckland, I remember the chaplain of the Auckland addictions programme saying to me he had placed 63 people from the programme into volunteering at the Family Store and then back into employment,’ she says.

Robyn says the Southern and Central Division Family Stores also offer staff retail training and qualifications through Service IQ (formerly the Retail Institute), which handles training for mainstream retail shops across the country. This has helped some volunteers get regular retail jobs.

The stores can also help other sectors of society, with one Family Store manager in the South Island taking on staff with special needs, including one with Down Syndrome, Robyn says. This is something the community has taken to heart, seeing the caring nature of the store, and it’s good to see the development of these people as well, she says.

Caring for and developing staff—including volunteers—is an important task, both to keep shops running well and because of the Army’s underlying Christian ethos. In the South Island alone, there are more than 700 Family Store volunteers. Many come for the social aspect, Robyn says, and keeping a store vibrant, with people feeling appreciated, helps encourage that.

Family Stores are one of the most visible parts of the Army’s work and often someone’s first experience of The Salvation Army, Robyn says. Many people come in to the stores asking about food parcels or looking for other assistance, particularly around Christmas and during winter. They are referred to Community Ministries for specialised help.

In the Southern Division, Family Stores are asked to have a space on the shop counter with information about their nearest corps (church) and the wider Army, including information about services from Mainly Music to food banks, Robyn says. Staff are

also encouraged to wear a uniform with a Red Shield logo to remind customers they represent the Army. ‘A lot of people don’t realise we’re part of the church; they think it’s just a shop,’ says Robyn.

Having material on hand about the wider Salvation Army, along with invitations to corps events, helps customers learn more about the Army and sends a message that they’re welcome to become part of it.

Looking after customers and being part of the community is very important, says Robyn, and so she asks Southern stores to have a space such as a book corner where customers can sit and read, and to offer people tea and coffee. ‘Often, I will go into a shop and see that same person in the book corner who’s there every day—and that’s great.’

Family Stores are often someone’s first experience of The Salvation Army.

Family Stores also help with emergency relief for people in urgent need, including anything from furniture and household supplies to clothes. These clients are referred to the stores by Community Ministries staff. They range from those coming out of addictions or debt situations who have nothing, to people who have lost everything in fires.

Lynette says the donations of goods to Family Stores can be crucial for people in dire need. ‘For some people, the gap between surviving and not surviving is very fine. If someone’s in a seasonal job, their job comes to an end and then the fridge breaks down, suddenly they’re in a crisis.’

Working at a Family Store requires dealing with a variety of roles and challenges. It’s not easy work. One of the biggest challenges for staff is saying no when people want to donate dirty, soiled or damaged goods. Another comes from people dumping rubbish outside stores.

Each year, stores spend an average of almost $5000 each on rubbish removal, including unwanted donations and rubbish dumped outside stores. However, Robyn says this is a challenge all charity shops face.

It can be a tricky balance for stores, between the need to provide budget items and raising money to help the most vulnerable. Higher cost items at stores help raise money, but they can be seen as pricing people out of the market.

Robyn says the many people who donate higher-cost items are doing it to help The Salvation Army, and it is appropriate to sell a few items for what they’re worth as long as everyone is catered for.

While stores still sell the majority of items at a low cost, selling the best, top-quality items for a higher price is fair and good stewardship of what has been donated, Lynette says. ‘We’re very privileged to receive items of value and I think it’s appropriate to sell those at the price they’re worth to generate funds, because the more funds we generate the more work we can do in the community.’

GOD & FAITH

Sometimes Christians can be confusing. We use big words, scary words and downright weird words.

Sometimes it’s like we speak another language. Sometimes it’s like we’re speaking … Christianese.

From Salvation Army talk to Christian jargon, from strange names and terms in the Bible, as a church we sometimes make it easy for people to get lost in translation.

Language works well when everyone is on the same page. When you share the same cultural context and vocabulary with someone, and have similar mental pictures in your head, it’s easy for you to understand each other. For New Zealanders, when we say ‘jandals’ we all understand that the flat, single toe strap

‘shoe’ is being referred to. When you say this to a British person, they may have no idea what you’re on about. (And let’s not even get to talking about Australian ‘thongs’!)

People are from different cultures, backgrounds and stages in life, so what we know and understand maybe isn’t understood or interpreted the same by others. Just like asking an American to use their toilet (supposedly that’s quite crude; it’s called a ‘bathroom’ for them), the language we use can turn people off, make them uncomfortable or confuse them. But there are times when it can also encourage, inspire and sum things up quite nicely.

We’ve got to make sure that how we’re sharing the story of Jesus and

na We just wan ... love on you

Can we lift you up in prayer?

Let’s fellowship together!

talking about it in conversation isn’t putting up a barrier for people. It’s important we still use the correct terms and speak the truths of the Bible, but sometimes we need to translate or explain what we’re saying. It’s not watering down anything or hiding bits and pieces; it’s ensuring people don’t feel stupid, left out or confused.

New churchgoers, people who speak English as a second language, young people moving from kids church to the wider church, or simply people joining a new Bible study group might not have the same understanding of Christianese as us. So, help them crack the code by translating a little, explaining fully and journeying with them.

07 MARCH 2015 | 21

FIREZONE.CO.NZ

Here’s a list of some common Christianese terms below to get you started …

Fellowship: Thank goodness for The Lord of the Rings, because at least people have heard this word! Fellowship simply means good times with friends, hanging out with people with a similar interest and ‘bonding’.

But try not to use it this way: ‘Hey, it would be great to fellowship with you at BK after church on Sunday, eh?’

Testimony: Someone’s story! Simple as.

But more than that, it’s a truthful story (think of someone testifying in a court case). And, in Christian circles, it’s usually about the true story of Jesus at work in our lives. The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

Worship: Giving honour to God. This can confuse people because often we refer to a ‘worship team’ or ‘time of worship’, so people link the word ‘worship’ with music. Sure, music is one way to worship God, but worship is giving honour in any form. Don’t let your worship get stuck in a Sunday singing box!

Sometimes this hurts us, sometimes it hurts others, and sometimes it hurts the world we live in. Sin also causes a gap between God (who is perfect and without sin), and ourselves. And there’s no way we can bridge that gap on our own.

Repentance: Being genuinely sorry for our sin and deciding to turn away from doing that. So, instead of turning our back on God (see ‘sin’), we now turn to face God and say sorry (this closes that gap between us and God). From now on, we want to keep looking in God’s direction, doing our best to obey God’s advice.

Salvation/Saved: Being forgiven for our sins and being given enteral life by God. This involves repentance and ‘happens’ when someone says sorry to God, admits they need Jesus to save them, and puts their faith in him. Jesus then says, ‘Awesome! You are now my friend and part of my family. I forgive you, and I want to hang out with you and help you forever.’ This sort of faith is more than just ‘believing’ some historical stuff about Jesus (that he lived, was an amazing teacher and was crucified by the Romans). It’s about believing we need to be saved from our sin, and that Jesus— as God—has done enough to make that possible. And then acting on that belief.

We sometimes make it easy for people to get lost

in translation.

Pray/Prayer: To talk to God. Just like chatting with a friend. And Jesus said big fancy words or repeating memorised words don’t impress God (see Matthew 6:7–8).

Sin: Going against what God wants. It’s like living our life as if we’ve turned our back on God and are ignoring his instructions.

Christianese: Confusing Phrases Not only do church people seem to like using big or weird words to describe things, we also have whole phrases or sentences that may not be understood without some explaining.

Here are a few to listen out for. Some of these you’ll want to avoid.

Uplift them in prayer: This simply means someone is going to be prayed for (they may have a need/concern, so you want to take that to God, chat about it and ask for his help in the situation). It’s a really nice sentiment, so it’s great if new people understand what this means.

We all know the story of …: Do we?!

Do we really ALL know that Bible story? I don’t

Born Again: Changed or transformed by

Jesus, they are ‘born again’—their life is different and they have been given a fresh start. It’s nothing to do with wombs or babies!

Body of Christ: Again, this could sound creepy if you have no idea what the person is referring to! Without that shared understanding, someone might picture a literal body. But the body of Christ is basically the group of people who follow Jesus all around the world. It’s the family of God!

Response time: It’s all in the name: response. This is a time in church for people to have a think and reflect on a sermon or challenging talk, and decide their ‘response’ to this. Could be ‘reflect’ time, or ‘what is your reaction to this?’ time.

Devotions/Devotional: Time set aside to learn more and reflect on how you’re going with God. This might mean reading the Bible and talking with God on your own. Some people also use other material to guide their thinking. Regular is good!

Grace: This is confusing because there are two types, so it’s all about context … a) If it’s around food or meal times, ‘grace’ means a ‘thank you’ to God for food and other comforts in life. b) If it’s any other time, ‘grace’ refers to God’s totally unearned forgiveness. It’s God saying ‘Don’t worry. Because of what Jesus has done for you by dying on the cross, I forgive your sins. You are cool in my books.’

Jesus. When someone chooses to follow

think so. The meaning of the phrase is selfexplanatory, but the issue with this phrase is that it can be extremely isolating/upsetting for someone who hasn’t heard or read that story. Don’t assume—a quick explanation or letting people know where they could actually read this story makes all the difference.

Love on them/you: This has come about in recent years and sounds a bit weird.

Basically, it’s just about showing people love and that they are cared for. Might be better to just say that?

Turn with me to …: This is the classic segue to a Bible passage. However, by saying ‘turn with me to Samuel’ you’re assuming each person you are talking with has knowledge of the Bible and how it’s set out.

It’s a good transition, but always follow with

some sort of hint that you are referring to the Bible or even where they might find it (‘near the start’, ‘after this book’).

Blood of the lamb/washed in the blood: First of all, blood doesn’t seem like a great cleaner. Secondly, if you heard this without context it sounds strange. These phrases refer to how Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross (the outpouring of his blood so our sins could be forgiven) purifies or ‘makes us right’ with God again.

Chapter? Verse?: Obviously you have to use this phrase for anyone to know where the Bible passage you’re referring to can be found. But make sure if there are new people or people with English as a second language present, that someone shows/explains how the Bible works. Easy as.

EVENTS | 22

Cloud Festival Unashamedly All About Jesus The day started at the fabulous time of 11 am, giving everyone a chance for a sleep in and a caramel latte before they headed out to the show. Inside the gates, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.

Strangers stopped to talk and pray for each other; families chilled together on bean bags with their free Cokes, and artists had the freedom to chat to their audiences on stage however they wanted.

The smaller numbers could have been a downer, but in fact, this is what made it work. All of a sudden, every ticket holder had what felt like a back-stage pass. No huge line to get in to the festival, no massive queues for food, and to top it off, the ability to stand at the very front of main stage without being squashed by tightly packed moshers!

The most exciting thing was the feeling of momentum throughout the day. Each speaker and every artist seemed to build on the one before, and everything culminated in the night service at main stage.

Even with a smaller crowd, these artists gave their all, and there was a real sense of uniting as the Church to celebrate God together.

‘Unashamedly all about Jesus’ was the theme, and the bands and speakers carried this vision with huge passion and freedom to share their hearts and worship God with us.

It was a great experience to be at a festival that knew so clearly what it was about. Parents could let their children wander around without worrying about their safety, strangers felt like family as people were united in their love for God, and speakers and artists—usually so ‘distant’ from those they perform to—felt like friends.

Mix 4000 people with 31 artists, chuck in three speakers, add a whole heap of fun, and bind it together with passionate love for Jesus, and what do ya get? Cloud Festival.

By Lieutenant Missy Ditchburn

Festival One Three Vans. Many Sombreros. Two Tonnes of Meat.

It is hard to describe Festival One—the brand new Christian music event held at Mystery Creek from 23 to 26 January—without drawing comparisons to its predecessor Parachute. While Parachute boasted big international names, a 22-year life span and hey-day attendance figures reaching into the 20,000s, Festival One seemed to tout cultivating Christcentred community through art, culture and music as its main focus.

AMERICAN BEAUTY/AMERICAN PSYCHO Fall Out Boy

Rock/Pop

Festival One challenged each camper to creatively take ownership of their space, so our Upper Hutt contingent armed ourselves with sombreros, multiple cacti and completely random Spanish phrases to claim our soon-to-be Mexican tent site.

The physical layout of Festival One was pared back, allowing more opportunities to see the bands you love. Brady Toops, Halfnoise, Paper Route, Late Eighties, Switchfoot, Sound the Ocean and Paper Cranes had some standout performances. Newworldson was a rocking favourite to finish the final night, and our local Salvation Army fav Logan Anderson nailed it on the stage.

There was a dedicated prayer room, creative arts worship space, and a timetable that stopped all music over lunch and dinner so that campers could eat together. Two tonnes of beef donated by local farmers made a communal feast on the Saturday night.

Festival One wasn’t just a much smaller Parachute. Five thousand or so attendees, fewer shops and a slimmer band timetable didn’t mean a diminished experience. If anything, it was the catalyst in creating a powerful intimacy, where you become a contributing participant in the creation of something special and God-honouring, rather than just another anonymous consumer.

Festival One delivered on its promise. I experienced a community of believers worshipping Christ and expressing his ineffable glory through music, creativity and a whole lot of fun.

Highly recommend. Keep it up, Church!

By Rosy Keane

THIS IS LIVING EP

Hillsong Young & Free

Worship/Pop

Fall Out Boy is back in force with their latest record, American Beauty/American Psycho. It’s an incredibly energetic album packed full of vocal hooks, massive anthemic hip hop beats and gang vocals. There’s a definite pop rock feel running throughout, and the band’s classic pop punk sound is all but gone. Still, the tight production and consistent song writing is evidence of a band confident both in their sound and experimentation with new ideas. If you liked the hip hop/gospel direction the band hinted at in the past and enjoy being musically surprised, this is the record that you’ve been waiting for.

Hillsong Young & Free’s latest release is an EP of five songs, three of which are completely new releases.

This is an excellent taster for their future record, and it also showcases how talented this group is. The trademark electronic grooves, heavy kicks and big synths are all present. The title track and ‘Energy’ will have you singing their hooks for weeks, while ‘Pursuit’ is a surprisingly deep and reflective electronic pop song.

However, the EP’s standouts are the acoustic versions of ‘Sinking Deep’ and ‘This Is Living’, which absolutely soar with passion and excellence.

Definitely one to check out.

MUSIC

MUSIC

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT

LYRICS

GOD CONTENT